Trip Review: Luxury Australia Vacation, Port Douglas, Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Great Barrier Reef Sailing, Wine & Brewery Tour

Oh gosh, so many memories. We have very warm feelings for Port Douglas, it being an exotic paradise of sorts with its laid back attitude and friendly people. We had not done much research on our own, instead wanting to be surprised at what we'd encounter, so we were quite pleasantly surprised to land in such a gorgeous tropical climate. 

We enjoyed a lovely day with our private Aborigine guide who took us to the rain forest, and also to his family home. He shared some wonderful stories/lore of his people and family, their traditions and beliefs. It was all very fascinating and enlightening. Definitely a high point.

We also quite loved our time in the Melbourne area, from learning the finer points of this large, bustling, and historic city. We had a private guide for a thorough tour of some of the lesser traveled or widely known areas of the city, so when we were on our own we had some idea of what to do with ourselves. He even took us to a brewery when we questioned the beer atmosphere in Australia. He tried to convince us they could compete with Michigan, but he failed :)  though the beer was better than some we'd found on our own. 

We thoroughly enjoyed our time with our guide for our Great Ocean Road adventures. She was just outstanding in her knowledge of the area, and we can't say enough good things about the tours she led.

Our wine guide, was also a great person and we enjoyed the best food we'd ever sampled while with him at one of the wineries. 

Our overnight sailing trip to the Great Barrier Reef was absolutely breathtakingly amazing! Thankfully I did not suffer any seasickness and was able to enjoy all aspects of this adventure. Snorkeling the reef, and diving the reef (husband tried) was something we will never ever forget. It was like swimming in a giant aquarium, the water unimaginably blue, clear and warm. 

We were always fed quite well during all of our tours where meals were included, too! We also did quite well when left to find places on our own because we were able to get great suggestions and were equipped w/ a list of places to try.