Fraser Island
By Lauren Looft

The Outback, the Opera House, and Bondi Beach: all iconic images associated with Australia.  And although they are fabulous sights to be seen, after studying abroad in Australia for four months I’ve come to realize there is more to Australia than what we may think.

One of my most memorable excursions was to FRASER ISLAND, an island found along the southern coast of Queensland, Australia.  Most notably, it is the largest sand island in the world, and the only place where an ancient yet thriving rainforest can be found growing on sand dunes at elevations of over 200 meters.

Getting around the island is difficult–four-wheel drive vehicles are the primary means of transportation to navigate the sandy dunes, but the harsh trails are a piece of cake for the expert tour guides.  We signed up for the COOL DINGO tour, where our guide Peter kept us on the edge of our seats, literally, as he twisted around the tall trees and dangerous dunes.

After an exciting 4 wheel drive adventure, we walked through the forest to reach BASIN LAKE, an eight meter black water perched lake.  The water was warm and perfect for a quick dip before taking off on a 2.5 hour nature walk.  Another area of interest is CENTRAL STATION, which used to be the island’s center of forestry operations in the 1960s.

After hiking in the rainforest for most of the day, our next stop was LAKE MC KENZI.  Also a perched lake, Lake Mc Kenzi is situated atop a sand dune 100 meters above sea level.  The lake was absolutely picturesque, something from a travel brochure.  Crystal clear waters, with pure white sand.  The sand is so fine that travelers can use it to clean old jewelry with.

We spent the night in a shockingly nice hostel.  The lodges were cute and clean and spacious.  Only a few minutes away is a lookout point that is perfect to watch the sun set.  Dinner was served at the DINGO BAR, where entertainment was provided afterwards; or you could spend a quiet night with friends having a few drinks and playing pool.

The next day we found ourselves taking a drive along what is known as 75-MILE BEACH, an endless stretch of crashing waves and the occasional brave fisherman standing in the surf.  Our guide took us to the MAHENO SHIPWRECK, a ship that crashed on Fraser Island during a cyclone.  At this point tourists were offered a chance to take a plane ride that takes off from the beach, flying above the island for approximately fifteen minutes, allowing visitors the chance to see sights not easily reachable from the ground.  The most impressive was BUTTERFLY LAKE, a lake formed in the shape of a butterfly.

The most stunning place on Fraser Island is the CHAMPAGNE POOLS, which are natural rock formations in the ocean that create a sort of lagoon on the coast.  With the rocks protecting us from the many breeds of sharks swimming along the coast of Fraser Island, we could still experience the feeling of being in the ocean, and enjoy the moment when the waves crashed over the rocks, spilling into the pools.

Next we climbed to INDIAN HEAD ROCK, a rock supposedly named by Captain James Cook when he sailed to Fraser Island in 1770 and saw the native aboriginals watching his ships approach. The rock, which juts out over the ocean, allows for an excellent view of marine life below.  Shadows of sharks are easily discernible from above.  But don’t get too close! There are no fences or gates, just the open ocean below.  I was content to just sit and appreciate the power of the ocean.

As we made our way to our final destination, we came across a wild dingo roaming along the beach.  Our guide stopped the bus and allowed us to crowd around outside to observe.  The dingo came surprisingly close to us, probably used to the presence of tourists on the beach.  After taking some pictures, we boarded the bus and drove to ELI CREEK, a continuously flowing fresh water creek that opens into the ocean.  We walked to the top and ended our trip with a beautiful and relaxing float down the creek.

Getting to Fraser Island is simple, with several flights leaving Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane each day.  After arriving at Hervey Bay, take a ferry ride to Fraser Island, and enjoy a part of Australia that few know about!

For more information on Fraser Island and possible tours visit:

http://www.fraserisland.net/

Fiji
By Lauren Looft

There are two ways to experience FIJI: as a resort-goer, and a backpacker.  As a college kid, my adventures in Fiji were most assuredly of the backpacking type.  So if you’re looking for beautiful scenery, interesting natives, and A LOT OF SUN, while also saving some money, join a FIJI ADVENTURE TOUR of the Yasawa Islands!

My travel partner and I stayed in SMUGGLER’S COVE the very first night in Fiji, which had some great evening entertainment.  It’s also a great place to meet people who may be on your tour the next morning!  Our particular tour package of the YASAWA ISLANDS was called A LAZY THREESOME, as we relaxed on three different islands over the course of six days!

The four hour catamaran ride took us on an excellent tour of the Yasawas, the lush volcanic islands that make up the Western part of Fiji.  We arrived to our first island destination, CORAL VIEW ISLAND, where we were greeted by the natives with fresh orange juice and welcoming songs.  The rest of the day was a relaxing mix of exploring the small paradise and reading in one of the many hammocks strewn about the island.

Day two of the adventure offered different excursions such as snorkeling or cave diving.  We personally decided to visit the SAWAILAU CAVES, a beautiful cave system just waiting to be explored.

On days three and four, we traveled to KOROVOU ISLAND, where we ran into a group of people we had met in Smuggler’s Cove.  You never know who you might run into in Fiji!  Korovou is a gorgeous island that offers snorkeling, fishing, and even kayaking.  We were greeted by a big “BULA” welcome ceremony and good food.  Sleep in, chill by the pool, and enjoy the fire dancing at night!

On day five we arrived at SOUTH SEA ISLAND, a small but absolutely stunning piece of land.  And by small, I mean small.  You can see the other side of the island from the shore, and it takes a grand total of three minutes to walk around it.  Really one of the most interesting places I’ve ever been!  Not to mention the hospitality was excellent, as well as the crab racing and limbo games! Also, if you are craving a massage after a few days of traveling, South Sea is the place to get it!

For visitors who upgraded to the FULL MONTY package, they can enjoy a thrilling SEASPRAY SAILING ADVENTURE on day six.  On this full-day excursion, passengers enjoy even more beautiful scenery, as well as snorkeling on the island where Tom Hanks’ “Castaway” was filmed, and participating in a KAVA CEREMONY with the natives during a village visit.  Before departing the village, make sure to stop by the SHELL MARKET where people in the community make original pieces of jewelry and art.  Finish the sailing day with some refreshments and a nap in the sun.

For more information about Fiji and other Adventure Tours, please visit:

http://www.adventuretravel.com.au/

The Blue Mountains
By Lauren Looft

While studying abroad in AUSTRALIA, my literature class took a weekend trip to the BLUE MOUNTAINS. Our goal was to not only experience the majestic mountains, but to also explore a landscape that is described so vividly by Sumner Locke Elliot, a famous Australian writer whose novel EDENS LOST takes place in the Blue Mountains.

We departed from Sydney by train and arrived in KATOOMBA in the early evening.  Our class was set up at the METROPOLE GUEST HOUSE, a quaint lodge settled in the main town of Katoomba.

The next morning we took the EXPLORER BUS to SCENIC WORLD, where we were able to ride the world’s steepest cable car down a mountain. It’s good to mention that after purchasing an Explorer Bus ticket, you can use it to hop on and off the bus at different locations for the rest of the day.

We traveled to ECHO POINT to get a closer look at THE THREE SISTERS, a famous rock formation in Australia.  Their names are Meehni, Wimlah, and Gunnedoo.  One of our main goals was to find the “emu” shaped shadow that appears on a cliffside within the valley; the emu legend is explained in Edens Lost by Sumner Locke Elliot.  We were unsuccessful in finding it, however our professor who has been to the mountains a dozen times proclaims she has seen the infamous shadow.

Following a trail near Echo Point leads visitors to THE GIANT STAIRWAY, which descends down to the valley floor.  Those who continue along THE FEDERAL PASS will find themselves reaching KATOOMBA FALLS.

In the late afternoon we explored Katoomba and the neighboring town of LEURA.  In Katoomba, RENE’S PIZZA is worth taking a look at.  The log-fired pizzas don’t start coming out of this shop until 5PM, but are definitely worth the wait!  If you’re looking for some dessert, try BAKEHOUSE ON WENTWORTH and ask for a slice of flowerless chocolate cake, it’s pure decadence!

THE EDGE CINEMA located in Katoomba, not far from the Metropole Guest House, shows a gorgeous documentary on the Blue Mountains, which explains the history and legends of the mountains.  It is definitely worth sitting through if you want to experience the mountains in every way possible.  The theater also screens current releases throughout the week.

If you’re the adventurous type, you may want to check out THE BLUE MOUNTAINS ADVENTURE CO., who specialize in rock climbing, mountain biking, and canyoning.  The JENOLAN CAVES system offers various tours at different times of day; take a bus from Katoomba to get there. Several companies run horse rides in the area and most will pick you up in Katoomba; check them out at www.centennialglenstables.com, www.australianbluehorserides.com.au, and www.megalong.cc.

Finally, seeing some wildlife is definitely a must when visiting Australia. So stop over in DOONSIDE on your way back from the mountains and check out the FEATHERDALE WILDLIFE PARK.  The park features all types of Australian animals, such as Kangaroos, Koalas, and Emus.  The best part? Since it’s a wildlife park, the animals are free to roam around, so you can see, feel, and take photos with the animals up close and personal.

Let’s Travel is taking a trip to the movies! Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky makes for a great [visual] trip to Paris. And did anyone else notice those delicious meals???

Love it!

Happy Bastille Day!