TORONTO — With travel agents increasingly booking more global journeys, Australia is spreading the word that they can start re-selling authentic experiences ‘Down Under.’
From the cosmopolitan cities of Sydney and Melbourne, to the wine country, scenic beaches, incredible wildlife and territories rich with Aboriginal experiences, Australia offers a vast range of offerings to suit every type of traveller.
Spectacular Natural Beauty: Natural beauty both above and below the surface unfold in abundance in Australia. The Great Barrier Reef, at 1,430 miles, is the largest coral reef system in the world, offering unparalleled swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and sailing. Off the coast of Perth, car-free and tranquil Rottnest Island features 63 beaches and 20 bays, great diving and whale watching.
A scenic coastal drive along Great Ocean Road on the southwest coast of Victoria brings into view rugged cliffs, soaring bluffs, epic surf and native wildlife. Red, ancient rock formations at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park remain deeply sacred to the local Anangu people, who have inhabited this land for over 22,000 years. Referred to as a “zoo without fences,” Kangaroo Island, just eight miles off the coast of South Australia, is home to Seal Bay Conservation Park and Flinders Chase National Park, vast untouched bushland with koalas, kangaroos and wallabies.
World-class Wine & Food Scene: Australia is home to a powerhouse of wine and food experiences that can be the focus of a client’s trip, or an enhancement to other activities while exploring the country. One hour from Melbourne is the Yarra Valley, Victoria’s oldest wine region where there are more than 70 wineries producing cool-climate chardonnay, pinot noir, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. At the family-owned Freycinet Marine Farm on Tasmania, visitors can sample fresh oysters and mussels and view an oyster-shucking demonstration.
Wildlife Wonders: Wildlife experiences with creatures in their natural habitat are available in every region of Australia. Crocodiles can be observed in one of Darwin’s wildlife parks, such as Crocodylus Park or Kakadu National Park. Truly one of a kind, endangered Tasmanian devils are spectacular tree climbers and the largest carnivorous marsupials in the world. They can be seen at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Wings Wildlife Park, among other spots.
Immersive Aboriginal Experiences: First Nations experiences leave travellers enriched and inspired. Whether by guided walks or participating in immersive indigenous experiences, these opportunities provide extraordinary cultural discovery. A visit to the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, affords opportunities to encounter the environment and culture of the Kuku Yalanji people, from hikes and spa treatments inspired by ancient traditions, to learning how to traditionally hunt and gather for food. Bundyi Cultural Tours allows visitors to delve into the Aboriginal communities from the Wagga Wagga region by observing ancient shell middens and sacred sites.
Aussie Specialist Program: With Australia’s borders now open, there’s no better time for travel agents to participate in the Aussie Specialist Program. Those who qualify as an Aussie Specialist sell 35% higher value bookings to Australia. The program takes 90 minutes to complete and allows agents to better sell the destination to their clients. Click here to sign up.
