Scrapbook for Australia
& New Zealand Tour

Australia/New Zealand Tour, October 22 - November 16, 2004
(with Fiji extension - November 16-18) is now complete. Enjoy
the picture journey and the WOW experience of tour members.

GREAT BARRIER REEF - AUSTRALIA

A great start to this amazing tour "downunder". Traveling north to the state of Queensland -- the rainforest, aboriginal culture, barrier reef.

A comfortable train ride into the rainforest, also a land and boat ride.

Our first views of "downunder" animals...

Our first views of aboriginal culture and practice...

Our first views of the spectacular Great Barrier Reef...

underwater by submarine and snorkeling.

SOUTHEAST AUSTRALIA

Beginning our land tour in Sydney area,

a view of Sydney from our
harbor cruise, also a tour through the famous Opera House...

a stop at Bondi, one of
Sydney's beautiful beaches--
our driver, Robert, knows
all the good places.

Sunday evening worship with Mark and Mary Hurst, Anabaptist Network coordinators (also friends
friends of Dick and Wanda Good).

Our tour family with the Sydney Opera House and Bridge behind us.

Outside Sydney and into the countryside --

The "Three Sisters" formation in the Blue Mountains.

Feeding the pelicans along
the coast at "The Entrance".

October is springtime "downunder", and beautiful flowers were in full bloom.

Enjoying a picnic on the edge of the outback, while the Emu family walks by and the Kangaroo watch from a short distance.

Through farming country escorted by Elmore on his (and sons) 12,500 acre farm -- an irrigated farm, mostly beef cattle and sheep.

the shearing shed...

sorting/grading wool...

packing and baling.

The cattle sale is almost over
at the Dubbo stockyards.

A history lesson at the old gold mining town of Sovereign Hill and the evening sound and light show "The Blood on the Southern Cross." More flower gardens and then views of "The Twelve Apostles" rocky coastline along the Tasmin Sea, traveling the Great Ocean Road.

Time for a proper roadside Aussie Tea break...
Billy Tea (the "Billy" is a small steel kettle). First, add a hand full of tea leaves -- amount is approximate, dirty hands, no problem...

pour in hot water

"swing the Billy"
(to settle the tea leaves to the bottom)

"it tastes so much better out here in the open countryside"

We return to the culture and educational center of Melbourne, the largest port city on the south coast, with its interesting and clean Queen Victoria Market.

South of Melbourne at Phillip Island we spent a fascinating evening viewing the Fairy Penguin Parade.

Through the country town of Beechworth and a surprise visit with storyteller, folk singer "Lazy Harry".

A short visit to Canberra, the national capital and a tour through Parliament House.

Engine trouble enroute to church on Sunday morning. Coach Captain, Robert, turns mechanic.

What a treat to meet Robert and some of his family -- true living Aussies!

Farewell to Australia and Welcome to NEW ZEALAND

Kiwi country, land of lush green pastures and luscious springtime flowers.

Beautiful, high and full running waterfalls and a calm cruise on sunny Milford Sound, on the SOUTH ISLAND.

At the Walter Peak Sheep Station (farm) a scrumptious buffet dinner, then a sheep shearing and sheepdog demonstration.

On New Zealand's NORTH ISLAND an introduction to the native Maori culture, a Maori Hangi Dinner and Concert.

Some of our tour members become Maori for a moment.

Saying Good Bye at journey's end, at Auckland, "The City of Sails".

A few of the Tour group members extended the tour by visiting the beautiful Pacific islands of FIJI.

An enthusiastic "Bula" and welcome to these islands and the people of gracious hospitality.

Still a land of small villages and unhurried lifestyle.

Time to play and dance, time to be with children, time to make local crafts and pottery, time to drink Kava - the national hot drink, and time to view beautiful sunsets at day's end.

TOUR MEMBERS SAID...

"A trip to Australia and New Zealand was on our wish list for many years and our experience exceeded our expectations. Appreciated the opportunities for first-hand contact with persons from host countries. Timing was ideal with pleasant temperatures, green landscapes and beautiful flowers."
Laurence and Evie, VA

"We have traveled extensively prior to this trip, but this was our first guided tour. This tour was relaxing and enjoyable."
John and Betty, IL

"Great Barrier Reef - Snorkeling was something I never did before and I really enjoyed it. I learned so much about Australia and New Zealand -- the people and their customs. It was an awesome experience."
Doris, CA

"The trip to Walter Peak Station by steamer, the dinner, the sheep shearing and sheep dog event in New Zealand was a highlight. (As a naturalist and bird watcher) ... seeing 6 - 8 crested penguins was really special ... seeing Kea birds was also a most unexpected pleasure."
Don and Alta, PA

"We chose to join this tour for several reasons: one was the Christian atmosphere and companionship, another was the well structured and well planned itinerary ... we were not disappointed."
Ralph and Mary Ellen, MD

"Didn't expect such good accommodations - rooms were clean and adequate. Once we got outside the city, I thought we were really seeing Australia. The views we had of New Zealand have also been good. I really think it was done right."
Ollie and Pat, OH

Scrapbook for Australia & New Zealand Tour

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Scrapbook for Australia
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