Travel to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, Africa and beyond
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Down Under Endeavours - Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti - Travel Experts

Bungy Jumping in New Zealand

Hi everyone, it's Emily!  The world’s first organised commercial bungee jumping began in New Zealand. So what better place to take your very own first bungy jump?! Sound a little crazy or too adventurous for you? I thought so too… until I had the opportunity to do it myself last month in New Zealand. As I learned from Regan Pearce from A J Hackett Bungy New Zealand, “bungy jumping is from the neck up.” Which basically means, it’s all psychological. I tried to remember this when I was ...

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Rotarians are traveling down under

Rotary International is a service organization that started in 1905 and now has 1.2 million members worldwide.    Their mission is “commitment to service above self,” with over 34,000 clubs Rotary International is doing a great service to help better our world.  The Rotary focuses on service in the community, in the workplace, and around the globe.         

The 2014 Rotary International Convention is going down under.  The 105th annual convention will be held at the Sydney Olympic Park from 1-4 of June. ...

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Must Sees and Hidden Gems in New Zealand

Hello everyone, it’s Shannon here. I just returned from an amazing 16 day trip to New Zealand. Yes, I drove myself on the wrong side of the road. It was a bit of a challenge the first day, but after that, no worries. You have to laugh at yourself the 5th time you hit the windshield wipers instead of the blinkers. J

 

So I wanted to share with you some the “must sees” of New Zealand and a ...

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Should I fly Business or Premium Economy from the US to Australia and New Zealand?

Hi folks, Rachel again here.  You might remember me from previous posts, especially the one on why you would upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy on flights to Australia.  That post is here.

The bottom line is that if you can afford Business Class (or even First Class) then Do It. This post is for those of you who want Business Class but feel like it’s too expensive.  What sort of experience do you get on Premium Economy versus Business Class?  What are the differences?

I’ve flown in Economy, ...
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Train Travel in the South Pacific

Hi everyone, it's Candice.  Train travel can be a fantastic way to see the countryside at a leisurely pace.  While most people are familiar with train travel throughout Europe, the South Pacific also offers some fantastic opportunities to see the sights by rail.  

Australia:
The Ghan - This is a luxury train that travels the return route of Adelaide - Alice Springs - Darwin.  You can either take the train all the way to the opposite end for a two night journey, or do just one night and jump off in Alice ...
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When is the best time to travel to Australia?


G'day, this is Emily!  Growing up in Australia I spent a lot of time traveling and exploring the country. People often ask me when is the best time to go to Australia. Unfortunately, there is no straight answer. Australia is about as big as continental United States, so weather and high/ low season varies across the country.

Being from Melbourne, my favourite time of year in Melbourne is the summertime (December - March). During this time of year Melbournians love spending time outdoors, ...
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Where to go on your honeymoon: Fiji or Tahiti?

Hi, everyone, it’s Shannon.  I get the opportunity to work with a lot of honeymoon couples at Down Under Endeavours.  And so many couples have a hard time deciding between Fiji and French Polynesia (Tahiti).  Both are wonderful honeymoon destinations, however, they are very different experiences.  So here is my quick overview of both.



Fiji
This country is made up of two major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.  A good majority of the desirable ...
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Lizard Island Vs. Qualia

Deciding between an amazing island resort in Australia can be difficult. And here at Down Under Endeavours, we feel your pain!  Below is some information that outlines the differences between two of Australia's premiere luxury lodges; Lizard Island and Qualia. While both provide an amazing experience, impeccable service, and access to the reef, they are quite different in experiences. So read through, and decide which one is the best fit for you!<< MORE >>

What is the difference between Economy and Premium Economy on Qantas? Is Premium Economy worth the cost?

Qantas is the only airline that offers Premium Economy between the US and Australia. But what is Premium Economy? Well, I’ve flown in Economy, Premium Economy and Business on Qantas so here’s the low-down. The details change all the time, so here’s the latest. I’m only talking here about the flights between Los Angeles and Australia, or Dallas and Australia -- those long haul biggies where the class really matters. << MORE >>

Why Fraser Island is worth a stop!

Have you heard of Fraser Island Australia?
It isn't on most people's itineraries but it might be because no one has clued you in? Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island at over 80 miles long and 15 miles wide. It is a unique environment that is a combination of long white sand beaches, over 100 freshwater lakes, and ancient rainforests. The island is home to many species of birds and animals, including turtles, shorebirds, brumbies (wild horses) and the infamous dingo (wild dog).

Fraser Island Australia

The best way to experience Fraser Island is to rent a four wheel drive vehicle and set off on your own adventure. The interior of the island is made up of a network of sand tracks and you can also drive on the vast beaches. Make your way to the champagne pools on the northern end of the island, check out the shipwreck washed up on the sand at 75 Mile Beach, or slide down the dunes into one of the lakes. 

Fraser Island is located 160 miles north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast. The closest airport it Hervey Bay. From there, you can helicopter or ferry to Fraser Island. We recommend spending a minimum of one night on Fraser Island. Accommodation is somewhat limited, but your best option is the Kingfisher Bay Resort.  A great itinerary would include a few nights in the lovely beach community of nearby Noosa only a 2.5 drive from Fraser Island. Though we don't recommend just visiting for the day since you would need more time to get the full Fraser experience, day tours can be arranged from Noosa. 

If you are interested in learning more about Fraser Island and how it incorporate it into your fabulous Australia itinerary, give us me a ring at 312-951-8517 or jschmidt@downunderendeavours.com.