Extraordinarily Beautiful: Discover Australia's Gems From the Reef to 'Roos'

Visitors enjoy a complete experience with Downunder Travel's new South Australia and Great Barrier Reef Adventure

VANCOUVER, May 11, 2012 /CNW/ - The quintessential Aussie experiences found in South Australia and Queensland's Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region offer travellers an opportunity to easily enjoy Australia's world-class beaches, abundant wildlife, sophisticated dining and awe-inspiring natural wonders.

Air New Zealand, Tourism Australia, South Australian Tourism Commission, Tourism Queensland and Tourism Tropical North Queensland have partnered with Downunder Travel Ltd to offer Canadian travellers specially-priced packages to spectacular Australian destinations including iconic Kangaroo Island — known as the "Galapagos of Australia" — the famed Barossa wine region of South Australia and to Queensland's World Heritage Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

For detailed itineraries or to book these incredible vacations visit Downunder Travel's website at http://www.downunder-travel.com/airnzaust/ or call 1855-293-6464.

Packages, which include airfare, accommodation, tours and transfers, can be booked from May 1 through June 16, 2012 for travel departing from July 21 to September 21, 2012.

"We are very excited to offer these one-of-a-kind Australian adventures with Downunder Travel Ltd. Australia is a destination for people who want to feel connected with the culture and nature around them, and these itineraries promise to invigorate and recharge anyone lucky enough to experience them," said Daryl Hudson, Vice President, the Americas from Tourism Australia.

South Australia offers visitors an abundance of scenic beauty, world-class food and wine, as well as epic natural landscapes that far belie its size. Adelaide, its charming capital city nestled between the hills and the sea, provides the perfect base for exploring the region. A short 20-minute flight from Adelaide, Kangaroo Island is home to abundant native wildlife and spectacular natural beauty. The Island's prolific wildlife includes kangaroos, koalas, seals and sea lions, echidnas and rare birds. South Australia's renowned wine regions — the Barossa Valley, Clare Valley and Coonawarra — are a haven for wine buffs and very accessible from Adelaide. Discover the rugged Flinders Ranges and enchanting Gawler Ranges and experience Aboriginal culture, wildlife and expansive Outback landscapes.

Travelling from South Australia, visitors can continue their iconic Australian vacation in Queensland and explore Cairns and Great Barrier Reef. Whether they are underwater on the Great Barrier Reef or exploring the Daintree Rainforest, visitors to Cairns and Palm Cove are guaranteed sensational beaches, world-class luxury retreats and a climate that is second to none. Internationally recognised as the world's largest and healthiest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef offers visitors world-class scuba-diving and snorkelling, sailing and expedition cruising. The Daintree Rainforest is an easy 2-hour drive north of Cairns along one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Australia. Explore the lush ecosystem with a local guide, take a boat trip up the Daintree River or go horseback riding along pristine beaches.

Sample Itineraries

Australia…Naturally Yours Package 
19 days total, save up to $500 per couple
CAD$4172* per person (double occupancy)

• Flights on Air New Zealand round trip
• FREE FLIGHT from Adelaide to Cairns
• All Taxes & Fuel Surcharges
• 4 Nights Adelaide Accommodation (3 Star)
• 2 Night / 3 Day Kangaroo Island Sealink Tour (3 Star)
• FREE FLIGHT Adelaide to Cairns
• 3 Nights Cape Tribulation Rainforest Accommodation (3 Star)
• 3 Nights Cairns Accommodation (3 Star)
• Discover the real under water world at The Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Day Tour
• Sydney Accommodation 5 Nights
• Cuddle a Koala on tour to Featherdale Wildlife Park
• Visit Australia's friendly reptiles at Sydney Wildlife Experience

Discover Australia with Someone Special
19 days total save up to $1600 per couple
CAD$7495* per person (double occupancy)

• Flights on Air New Zealand round trip
• FREE FLIGHT from Cairns to Adelaide - Save up to $500 per couple -
• All Taxes & Fuel Surcharges
• 4 Nights Lizard Island Opulence Including FREE FLIGHTS from Cairns Return -Save $1100 per couple
• 2 Nights Port Douglas (4 Star)
• 3 Nights Adelaide (4 Star)
• Barossa Valley Small Group Wine Tour
• Kangaroo Island 2 Night Kangaroo Island Sealink Tour (4 Star)
• 1 Night Adelaide (4 Star)
• Sydney 5 Nights Accommodation (4 Star)
• Romantic Dinner Cruise Sydney Harbour with Captain Cook
• Romantic Dinner at Centre Point Tower

*Terms and Conditions apply. Visit http://www.downunder-travel.com/airnzaust/ for details.

About Air New Zealand to Australia
Air New Zealand offers a comprehensive service from its North American gateways - Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu and Vancouver - to Australia via New Zealand.

With over 140 flights per week to key destinations including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Cairns and Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast, international services are scheduled with onward flights across the Tasman, giving passengers superior connectivity and flexibility.

For more information about Air New Zealand's Australian flight services visit www.airnewzealand.ca

About Tourism Australia
Tourism Australia is the Australian Government agency responsible for promoting Australia to the world as a destination for business and leisure travel.

For more information visit www.australia.com  

About South Australian Tourism Commission
For more information about Kangaroo Island and South Australia, visit us.southaustralia.com

About Tourism Tropical North Queensland
For more information about the Cairns & Great Barrier Reef region in Queensland, visit www.cairnsgreatbarrierreef.org.au

Brooke George
Air New Zealand
Communications Manager, the Americas
[phone]
[email protected]