If there is one thing that can transform a good vacation into an exceptional journey, it is the care of an experienced Tour Manager. We had a chance to gain insight from Great Rail Journeys Tour Manager Angie Eccles, who has led multiple tours across Australia.
Each escorted vacation to Australia, including our Ultimate Australia tour, starts with the premise of carefree travel, which means that all of the details, from train tickets to hotels, excursions to top landmarks and some meals, are organized by us. All our guests have to do is show up when and where they are supposed to for the adventure of a lifetime.
"A guest once told me, 'Angie, you have a fabulous job - you help make people's dreams come true.'"
It's a comment that has stayed with Angie throughout her years as a Tour Manager and continues to inspire each journey she leads. With this in mind, there is no better person to shed a new light on a truly diverse travel destination - the Land Down Under.
What makes Australia a bucket list-worthy location?
From the vivid colors of the Great Barrier Reef in the tropical north to the lush vineyards of the Barossa Valley in Southern Australia and the vast Red Center, home to expansive desert plains and craggy rock formations, each section of Australia offers something new to admire. Sprinkled between the remarkable landscapes and lush eucalyptus forests are modern cities brimming with world-famous attractions.
Even better, many of Australia's top cities are connected by rail. This means travelers can discover the Treasures of Australia while connecting Perth, Sydney and Melbourne on the grand Indian Pacific train, or they can see Alice Springs and Adelaide while enjoying the luxury of the Ghan.
Traveling by coach, too, reveals memorable scenery and beautiful destinations. Whether you're craving art and history, sun-drenched beaches, or natural wonders, there is always something exciting within reach. Though it's nearly impossible to condense Australia into its highlights, there are a few locations that stand out to Angie.
Cairns: A must-see city
Perhaps the most well-known attraction in Cairns is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. "As most people know, the Great Barrier Reef is disappearing somewhat, so if you get the opportunity to go, it's just absolutely fabulous." Seeing the beautiful colors of the water with a dazzling rainbow of fish and marine life weaving through the impressive coral formations is not something easily forgotten.
According to Angie, another must-do in the Cairns region is the Kuranda Scenic Railroad, which goes up into the mountains of Din Din (Barron Gorge) National Park. "It's a heritage railway with restored carriages, and the scenery is just amazing - the waterfalls you pass are superb."
But even beyond its attractions, Cairns itself is a fantastic city with something for everyone. There's a great array of restaurants, lovely walkways framing the coast and the harbor, and beautiful botanical gardens filled with native and exotic plants.
Uluru: A landmark of Australia's Red Center
Previously called Ayers Rock and now known by its Aboriginal name, Uluru is the spiritual heart of the Outback, located in the expansive Red Center of the Northern Territory. This iconic rock is the world's largest monolith, an incredible sight to behold as it rises 1,142 feet above the surrounding flat desert floor and sits in the middle of nowhere, framed by a breathtaking mountain range. The whole picture really highlights the vastness of Australia. But back to Uluru itself, its colors, the red - all these different sequences of red - are absolutely stunning.
"Uluru, particularly at sunset with the changing of the colors as the oranges and reds deepen, is just breathtaking," Angie says. "We give each guest a glass of champagne, and it's quite surreal because everybody goes quiet and just watches as the sun goes slowly, slowly down. It's magical."
Blue Mountains: Beauty in the heart of nature
Many visitors to Australia spend time in Sydney, taking in sights like the Sydney Opera House and iconic harbor, filled with boats of all sizes, but fewer take the short train ride into the Blue Mountains. Just 30 miles outside Sydney, this jaw-dropping UNESCO World Heritage-listed area is named for its dense eucalyptus forests.
According to Angie: "It's just a short train ride out of Sydney, but suddenly you find yourself surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Named for the blue haze that is often seen over the top of the forests, it's very scenic and a lovely train ride. Once you get up there, it's incredible. The mountains are stunning."
One of the most famous points of interest in this area is the Three Sisters at Echo Point overlooking the Jamison Valley. "This is where the visitor center is, but it surprises you when you get up there because you think 'oh, I didn't expect this to be up here!'"
Experience Australia alongside the experts
"As a Tour Manager, it's important for me to help people experience a destination or a landmark that's been on their bucket list for years," says Angie. "It's very rewarding. We make dreams come true and that is what it's all about."
With a range of independent and escorted tours that showcase the many sides of this vast and captivating country, Great Rail Journeys and our escorted Tour Managers, including Angie, are here to show you Australia in a way you will never forget. Each itinerary is seamless, with all the details taken care of, and includes highlights - like those mentioned above - and lesser-known gems that bring Australia to life. Find your ideal journey today.
