Australia - The Outback and Melbourne, a dynamic duo

I've been down under more times than you have had hot dinners so you can trust my recommendations. As an Premier Aussie Specialist, one of only 100 in the world, winning the award for best itinerary of the year nine times out of ten, I have done more than my share of adventure trips. This is a big country and impossible to see on one trip. I recommend doing it in sections, like Sydney, New South Wales and Queensland, and the Great Barrier Reef, or the Outback, Northern Territory and Melbourne, Victoria. This way you are seeing a little sophisticated lively city with outstanding architecture, great restaurants, history, museums and smashing shopping. Then you have the total unbelievable wilderness of the outback which has few paved roads, and until a few years ago people got around on camels. It's called a territory since it doesn't have enough residents to call it a state.

Victoria is a marvelous wine growing region. I always recommend going in a few days ahead of the tour departing so you can see something which perhaps isn't included in the tour. Phillip Island is famous for its penguin parade at dusk every night. The Great Ocean Road is a breathtaking scenic drive along the coast. The Mornington Peninsula has a couple of excellent golf courses and very good hiking areas.

A tour which caught my attention recently is the 14 nights - Urban to Outback Adventure with an excellent company, Swain Destinations. You will see Melbourne, then take the Ghan train which takes you through the Northern Territory. Overnight to Alice Springs, then overnight to Darwin at the top end of the land. Offer No. 1290705 is exclusive to our company. You will experience Litchfield National Park and take a day tour to Wildman Wilderness lodge with a billabong cruise.

There is another outstanding trip - Experience Victoria and the northern Territory - 12 nights, also with Swain, Offer No. 1294944. You will see wineries in the Yarra Valley, see the wildlife along the Great Ocean Road, and enjoy a walking tour in the outback. This tour has a lot to offer, including a Sydney harbor lunch cruise.

I always recommend you take a few extra days before or after the tour. We can take your Aussie holiday to the next level. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that you will get the most out of your valuable time and money as we thoughtfully plan your adventure from start to finish. This is not a country you explore on your own, take my advice.

Go on our website - www.allhorizonstvl.com and find your dream holiday.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Avenue

Menlo Park, CA 94025

650-961-2340 direct