The first time I was in Sydney Australia my son was too young to climb the harbor bridge and on subsequent trips to Australia there wasn’t enough time in Sydney.   So when we had the opportunity this year we jumped at the chance and made it to the top on the Ultimate Sydney Bridge climb.  A fantastic experience and memory that will last forever!

For those a bit fearful of heights (and that would include me) I’ll begin by saying the safety procedures were truly impressive. In fact the first 45 minutes or so of your “climb” will be associated with preparation and safety including a breathalyzer test for alcohol which may not be consumed before a bridge climb.

Assuming one is sober, the next step is to gear up!  Everything is provided from a fashionable gray and blue jumpsuit, snazzy wrist band with attached handkerchief, a lanyard for sunglasses and waist belt with metal carabiner to attach one’s body to the bridge.

Absolutely nothing loose is allowed which means no purses, backpacks or cameras on the bridge and all personal items must be secured in a locker.  Even hairclips can be a problem and several ladies in our group were given hair bands in their place.

This suiting up is done with great efficiency and humor as cheeky young Aussies explain how each safety procedure was developed to overcome objections raised by conservative (and undoubtedly older) legislators before the bridge climb became a reality.  A process that apparently took years.

When preparations are complete, each group of 10-14 is led out through a stone passageway onto the bridge struts and the climb begins in earnest!

There are hundreds of metal steps and several vertical ladders to ascend/descend so participants must be in reasonable physical condition, but kids as young as 10 are allowed and our group included seniors, so pretty much anyone physically fit can do it.  Another factor to consider is the weather because the Sydney Bridge Climb takes place 365 days a year whether the day is cold, hot, windy or rainy and it’s a very popular activity so many people plan ahead.

The Ultimate Sydney Bridge Climb takes about 3 ½ hours in total and includes prep time, stops for photos (available for sale as no cameras are allowed… ) and changing back into civilian clothes. The cost starts around $180 per person with premium rates for twilight and night climbs.  Kids and groups are discounted.

We were fortunate and had moderate temperatures, clear blue skies and sunshine for our climb and we enjoyed eye popping views of the entire city, the Opera House and Sydney Harbor from the top.  All in all it was a thrill to climb the bridge and stand 440 feet above it all.  I’d do it again in a heartbeat and suggest you include this and other unique adventures in your Australia plans!

Please call or email linda@totemtravel.com for assistance planning a vacation in Australia.  I can help with independent travel, escorted tours to Australia, cruises and activities.  See you Down Under!

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I finally made it to Australia’s Outback on a camping safari with Adventure Tours!  This type of travel isn’t for everyone but I had a fantastic time and it’s a great option for exploring Australia and New Zealand if you are a young adult or physically fit and looking for an active. affordable, adventure packed vacation.

In Australia there are a wide range of itineraries ranging from surfing and sailing on the Gold Coast and Great Barrier Reef to exploring Kangaroo Island, the cities and wineries to camping and hiking in the Northern Territories.  And there are more options for New Zealand. 

All itineraries are rated from 1-3 boots (depicting the level of physical activity),  and use hostels or campsites for accommodations.  Transportation is usually by van or 4WD.

There are three types of camping safaris – primitive, basic and deluxe.  Deluxe camps offer spacious twin share tents erected on wooden platforms.  Tents are equipped with a light, fan and “proper beds” with mattress, sheets, blankets and pillow.  Meals are prepared by a hostess and served family style at picnic tables set inside a screened enclosure.  Tea, coffee, juice and snacks are offered throughout the day and wine is included with dinner. 

The basic camps use a similar tent, but beds are replaced with wooden platforms and campers must bring or rent a sleeping bag, pillow and flashlight.  Menus and ingredients are provided, but campers prepare meals and clean up after.  Tea, coffee and juice is included but no vino!

Shared bathrooms with flush toilets, sinks and showers are provided for basic and deluxe campers. Primitive camps have no tents, bathrooms or kitchen facilities so are appropriate only for experienced back country campers.

On my 3 day Deluxe Safari we had 15 campers from all over the world with ages ranging from 16 to mid 60’s.  Our itinerary focused on the Red Centre including Alice Springs, the Olgas, Ayers Rock and Kings Canyon. 

Our adventure began at 6a in a 4WD vehicle headed from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock.  Along the way there were stops to ride a camel, visit a working Outback cattle farm and buy an ice cream cone or beer.  By mid day we reached  Yalara, the town and resort complex nearest Ayers Rock and our campsite for the night. 

After lunch we were off to Kata Tjuta, the aboriginal name for the Olgas, intent upon a 3 hour hike into the Valley of the Winds. Unfortunately in temperatures over 95 degrees the National Park closes that particular hike and we were forced to substitute a shorter hike instead.  Probably a good idea given the lack of shade and amount of climbing involved…

By early evening we were off to see the sunset over Uluru (Ayers Rock) with a glass of sparkling wine and snacks as refreshment.  Dinner was a traditional Aussie BBQ with beef and kangaroo steaks, camel sausage (delicious), veggies, a hot potato salad and wine for those that wished.  I did and slept very well after all the activity!

Another early start was required to see the sunrise at Ayers Rock followed by a visit to the cultural center and  choice of hikes.  The 6 mile walk around the base of Ayers Rock is highly recommended, however there is a shorter walk and still more may have scaled the rock but weather again eliminated that option. 

For planning purposes, climbing Uluru is always discouraged by the aboriginal owners for whom the site is sacred.  But regardless o cultural sensitivities the climb is prohibited about ¾ of the year due to extreme heat, rain or thunderstorms. 

After lunch we broke camp and headed for Kings Canyon.  En route, our intrepid and outstanding guide Sean went in search of “bush tucker”.  For those uninitiated, bush tucker can be anything from an edible plant to a snared rabbit or kangaroo.  But Sean was looking for a special treat, a big fat protein laden critter called the Witichi Grub. 

Now it obviously takes skill to know where within miles and miles of desert to find the proper plant and which root to dig up and slice open to find the prize inside.  But for Sean, a true Aussie bushman, that was no obstacle and he quickly found a juicy grub to grill.  The rest of dinner was a delicious chicken satay served with rice, veggies and chocolate cake and Claire is a great cook, but I must admit Sean’s appetizer was a scene stealer!

Another highlight of the tour was the opportunity to sleep out under the stars in swags.  A swag is an Aussie icon, mentioned in the famous song “Waltzing Matilda” and consists of canvas covering a mattress into which one stuffs oneself and all worldly possessions when sleeping in the bush.  There is a flap to pull over your head if it rains (it did, but just a little) and this true Outback experience turned out to be comfortable and completely memorable.  

Our final day included a spectacular but challenging ½ day hike into Kings Canyon.  The first section has a 70 degree climb up Heart Attack Hill (really, that’s the name).  So in theory, if you get that far you are good for the rest of the hike which includes a series of ladders and plenty of rocks to clamber up and down.  The views at the top and along the way are stunning and there is a permanent waterhole called the Garden of Eden where you can swim or relax and cool off in the shade. 

Which brings me to some planning issues.  My trip was in April and more comfortable than it would have been from December through February when temperatures soar and hikes are closed do to high tempeartures.  June through August brings warm afternoons but the potential for cold, frosty nights.  So for many the best time to explore the Red Center is spring or fall when highs are in the 80’s and 90’s, lows are in the 60‘s and 70’s and rain is infrequent.

If this type of outback adventure appeals, some preparation is in order.  Physical fitness and appropriate footwear are absolute necessities and you must carry enough drinking water for any hike.  Bottled water is readily available and can be refilled at camp and rest stops. 

Camping gear is not essential although a flashlight and day pack is recommended.  A sleeping bag can be rented for $15 for the duration of the tour and optional items like fly nets can be purchased locally.

For reservations and questions on adventure travel in Australia please contact Linda@totemtravel.com .  Please check back for upcoming posts on my overnight scuba and snorkeling cruise on the Reef Encounter, a rainforest hike near Thala Lodge, the Sydney Bridge climb and an outstanding harbour cruise. 

You can also click for information on traditional hotels, view photos of the very comfortable Crowne Plaza Alice Springs (an excellent place to clean up after a hiking adventure, or check the latest specials to Australia and New Zealand. 

Thanks and have a G’Day!

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Where can you rub noses with a Maori tribesman, enjoy spectacular scenery from an alpine train, cruise through scenes from Lord of the Rings, bungee jump from a bridge (or a tower) and hike on a glacier?  Why New Zealand of course!  Add to that bubbling geysers, world class sailing, four wheel drive excursions, hot air ballooning, kayaking in Abel Tasman and The Milford Trek and you’ll have an idea of some of the adventures available in this part of the world.

But it’s not just adventure travelers that are happy in New Zealand.  You’ll also find luxury lodges with glorious views, miles of pristine beach, wineries, open countryside with more sheep than people, charming villages and modern cities.  Accommodations are equally diverse with everything from camper vans to farmhouse stays and simple motels to elegant lodges and hotels.  Plus you can explore by car, train, helicopter, boat or bus and be free as the wind or TLC’d by a guide… There is truly something for everyone in New Zealand!

On one recent trip, we spent most of our vacation time on the South Island starting in Christchurch with a visit to the Antarctic Center and punting on the Avon River.  The next day was the TranzAlpine train through the Canterbury Plains and over spectacular Arthurs Pass and the mountains known as the Southern Alps.  This is a train trip everyone should include in their itinerary.

In Greymouth, we picked up a car and made the scenic drive to Franz Josef where we spent the night.  In the morning, after discussions of strenuous climbs and leaps over crevasses, we chose to hike the slighlty less daunting Fox Glacier.  This proved just the right challenge for our mixed age group.  No specialized gear was required and climbing boots were provided along with a personable and knowledgeble guide.  There were a few tricky spots but overall it was a great experience and the views at the top, with pictures to commemorate the accomplishment, were well worthwhile! 

The next day’s drive took us along the coastline and over the mountains to Wanaka, which is a lovely little town.  We would have enjoyed a day to simply relax, but we had a date with a Queen… or Queenstown that is… The highlight of our New Zealand vacation! 

Queenstown is surrounded by dramatic mountains and sits on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu.  The town itself is charming with lots of shops and open air restaurants, a Kiwi Museum, bicycle and walking paths around the lake and a gondola ride to the top of the mountain.  There you can visit the museum, snap some gorgeous pictures or be a bit more adventurous and literally jump off the edge of the mountain top in a tandem paraglider!  Those that prefer to remain earthbound can head for the luge track, with wheeled cars for fair weather fun, or the view restaurant where you can sip and sup.

Near Queenstown you’ll find many other adventures including a 4 wheel drive excursion into Skippers Canyon where early New Zealanders mined for gold, the Dart River Safari which takes you up river into spectacular Lord of the Rings scenery, a working sheep station at the far end of the lake, and for thrill seekers, bungee jumping and the shotover jet.  Yet another “must do” near Queenstown is Milford Sound with its dramatic fjords and waterfalls.  A day excursion by bus or plane is easily arranged or you can consider a night on the lake or in Te Anau for a more leisurely experience.

Depending on vacation time and budget, you can complete your South Island vacation with a side trip to Dunedin, known as the most Scottiish city outside of Scotland or a stop near Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo before heading on to the North Island of New Zealand or, sadly, home.  More to see another day!