Australian Escapes

Our holiday package for Darwin and Kununurra was very good. The tours that we went on were well organised and the guides did a great job. It was good to have a few free days so we were able to see a lot of things on our own. Our accommodation in… Read more ·  2

Darwin was very nice and was in a very quiet area. Also walking distance to town and waterfront. Accommodation in Kununurra was beautiful and also very quiet. Having a hire car was very handy to get around. August was a great time to go because the weather was perfect. Highly recommended.

Trip to the UK with stopover in Hong Kong Last October Armi arranged flights for my trip to the UK and as I was travelling alone she organised private airport transfers for my stopover in Hong Kong. The drivers were excellent for both trips, they messaged me the day before so I would know who I was looking for, it made everything easy at a busy… Read more ·  1

Hong Kong airport. I had a 2 night stay at a great 5 star hotel in Hong Kong and a late checkout was organised for the 3rd day as my flight to the UK wasn't until late. Flights were all good no problems. I had my own arrangements in the UK as I was visiting family. On the return I had a 1 night stop over in a different part of Hong Kong at another good hotel which had it's own airport transport. Armi did a good job of listening to my needs for this trip and everything that was booked for me was great. The trip was very enjoyable and I didn't have to worry about anything as it was all taken care of, which was much appreciated as I was travelling alone.

Absolutely terrific was Sandy Loiz. Car hire was the only company open. Ezi Car Rental stays open until after last plane and before the first plane in the morning. He helped us to have a connected phone and connect apple maps to car. Brilliant. So pleasant and cheerful. All Accommodation was outstanding, we loved the front desk to enquire where to… Read more ·  1

eat or local knowledge, but if it was 24hr check in, passwords were emailed and fine. Walked around Christchurch, we were always close to restaurants, ate at Mexicana, short walk away. Castle hill Limestone Boulders unbelievable, we wondered around for more than an hr, they are all so different. Awatuna accom so welcoming, meal and breakfast plentiful and all home prepared, we found lots of local knowledge. Hokitika and pounamu shop, "Sticks and stones", and many possum and merino clothing shops. Otira Gorge Lookout and the Viaduct in its beauty and magestic features. Frans Josef excellent Backstage Wildlife tour, then "Alice May " for dinner. Maybe a third night if you like walking. Beginning of walks and all so varied but adored, here and Fox Glacier. Knights Point and Ship Creek a must. No time for Haast. Arrived Wanaka in time to collect keys (no problem they are open till 9} but to get some tea at the local Tavern, 4 min walk. Everyone eating there we had met on some of the walks, and most tables were taken. Cruise to Ruby Island, and visit to bonsai tree that grew from a fence post. Guided tour and walk of Ruby. 9am the next day we took a 3 hr cruise to Mou Waho Island. Just incredible thanks Sandy. On ward bound to Queenstown up Crown Range Road, Highest main road. Lookout was incredible, to look down into Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu and the journey down was great fun. Sudima motel amazing, friendly front desk open 24/7. We walked around restaurants and ate Thai at Bronze Elephant. This trip was amazing every bend of the road a postcard. We stopped everywhere and couldn't believe the journey we were on. Milford Sound our next destination, we gave ourselves 5 hours, stopped so many times as we came closer. Just couldn't believe the height and scope of the mountains we were winding through. Check in was great and we traveled on "The Mariner" All staff so knowledgable on their qualification. We were taken out to Anita Bay, they had not been able to travel that far for over 3 months due to bad weather, were treated to a closer look around on tender boats or a paddle on kyacks. mouring back in a bay, we were all up early to have another trip out to Anita Bay, actually so calm a large cruise liner came in also. Many waterfalls and purest water. Our trip back to Queenstown had just as many stops for photos. At the Quest, the views of we were to learn Cecil Peak and Walter Peak. We sat on our balcony and just watched the sun change the colors of the mountain. While we were here we had an evening meal at the restaurant at the top of the Gondola, we had the most generous waiter who had to fill us in. We knew absolutely nothing about NZ. The top here provided a Zip line, a Luge, bike tracks, gravity fueled thriller activities and walking tracks, several bars and coffee shops. Also we did a fast cat ride to Walter Peak Farm, but the underwater observatory though short was very informative, though they forgot to mention the large bird that became extinct which in turn made the large eagle become extinct as it had no food source. oh the trip was just draw dropping. We loved Dunedin and its parks and very old tree's. The Olverston house and guide outstanding. Lincoln was closer to Russley school where the ballroom dance is held on newly updated basketball floors, great night. Sat night we danced the night away at Hornby Sports club again made most welcome. To fill in the last morning we went to the Quaker Centre. Silence as everyone walks through reading. Very sobering and emotional. To the rest of the world we probably watched for 2 min each evening but Christchurch though repaired or replaced much has still along way to go in paying for mother natures fault lines................. Can't thank Australia Escapes, Sandy Loiz enough for such an eye opening glorious 16 days we had.

Our thanks go to Australian Escapes for arranging our recent holiday to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, a friendly and relaxing destination. Our package included air fares, accommodation, car hire, a half day Island Discovery Tour, and Muri Lagoon BBQ Lunch Cruise including snorkeling. We highly recommend staying at Sunset Palms Rarotonga beach… Read more ·  1

houses for anyone wanting self-contained accommodation for a couple or a family.

The Island Discovery Tour proved to be a very personal tour, just the two of us with the tour guide. It was a great opportunity to see how the local people go about their everyday activities, and to learn about their connection to the land.

The Muri Lagoon BBQ Lunch Cruise was very entertaining, with constant singing of traditional and contemporary songs while peacefully cruising around the lagoon in the glass-bottom boat. Following the BBQ which took place on a small island in the lagoon, the boat's crew members entertained us with more aspects of their culture, presented in a light-hearted and entertaining way.

"Island Night" at the Islander Hotel was spectacular, featuring the Akirata Dance Troupe, in vibrant costumes, performing traditional dances and singing to the beat of traditional drums. The buffet meal presented a wide variety of traditional dishes.

We also took the opportunity to participate in a progressive dinner, visiting three local families over a three course meal. It was an opportunity to hear their family stories and to experience home-cooked traditional meals.

There are a number of museums on Rarotonga, helping to preserve their culture and heritage. We also went on a 4WD Tour into the interior of the island. There are walking trails through the interior for the more adventurous tourists.

Be aware, that on Sunday almost all businesses on the island close, so that is a good day to experience a Cook Island church service or go site-seeing. Most businesses on Rarotonga accept credit cards but cash is required at family food stalls along the roadside and at the markets which are held on various days of the week.

The locals are friendly, courteous, respectful and are keen to share their culture and way of life with visitors.

Such an pleasurable and relaxing trip to Norfolk Island. Everything was organised for us, we didn't have to do a thing. Airfares, accommodation, car hire, and dinners organised. Show details ·  1

My tour to Vietnam and Cambodia was thoroughly enjoyable. The tour guide was available 24/7 if I ever had any questions. The pick up and drop off for each daily tour was always punctual. My only negative is: I went solo and I was hoping to be with other people in the same tour; but I was the only one. I did meet people each day on the individual tours. The itinerary was excellent and it was good value for money. Thank you very much. Show details ·  1

Australian escapes provided a very helpful service, organising and booking everything we needed for our trip to Singapore. They suggested activities / tours, great choices of accommodation with a focus on location, comfort, accessibility to public transport and amenities. An amazing itinerary was created within our budget and the trip with… Read more ·  1

transfers included went smoothly. At our accommodation we received great service, that was quick and efficient. A comfortable room with everything needed. Close to several attractions, many eating choices with lots of shopping on the door step. Terrific Trip overall.

More than a bit disappointing – I'm trying to be objective..... but who knew that after paying for years and with 12,700 dollars worth of voucher/points/ or money to spend on the next trip. You only get 300 dollars if its a cruise. No-one told us! This does not meet our expectation Show details

Attentive Travel Agent – For all the free points I had, I was disappointed I had to pay so much in the total cost of our holiday. My daughter in Melbourne could have got cheaper airfares and car hire than we actually paid with the discounts. Show details

Scammers – I have asked to cancel my membership as I no longer wish to proceed. Asked to refund what I have paid for and they outrighly refused. They are good in talking you into buying their membership but they are only after your money. Very hard to contact them. Show details

North Queensland holiday. Cairns to Cooktown. Every thing went as per itinerary. Fight was good. Left on time. The $15 for breakfast was lovely. I rang a Brisbane no. for shuttle to hire car depot. They sorted that for me. Car was larger than I usually drive but didn't take long to get used to it. Hotels were all good. Visited lagoon, … Read more ·  1

aquarium, Tombs of the Pharaohs exhibition night market etc ln Cairns. Lots of walking. Lovely meal at Ochre. Drive to Yungaburra was lovely even with rain. Visited waterfalls, Herberton twice. Train ride and billy tea. Lots of walking etc. Lovely Drive to Pt Douglas. Beach walk, bus trip to Kuranda for the day. Lovely meal at Salsa and Grill. Again Lots of walking. Up to the tablelands Again and long drive to Cooktown. Started getting wet and windy due to being on the edge of a cyclone. River cruise was cancelled. Enjoyed steak night at the hotel. Needed more time to explore the town and surrounds. Back to Cairns. Wet and windy. Only hotel we paid for parking. Returned the car, to airport and home. We felt we needed more time in the Mareeba area to explore. Spent a lot of time driving. Road works from Pt Douglas to Cairns and Kuranda to Cairns. The Kuranda trip would have been easier from Cairns. Would have liked to spend more time around Mareeba area. Another day in Cooktown to explore more would be nice. That's my review. Hope it helps. Cheers, Patricia and Phil.

Recent trip to Tasmania was more than expected. Even though I had been there previously I saw sights that were new to me. All bookings for tours were taken care of as well as accomodation. Our accomadation was varied from B & B to motel types. It was an enjoyable holiday. Show details ·  1

I went with a friend to Melbourne to see Nick Cave. The booking consultants were very helpful, sending me several choice based on my accommodation preferences. I was very happy with the service. Show details ·  1

Our accommodation ended up being in a very good location. The only thing I would do differently next time, would be to advise of our budget. I would have had my options found earlier. There was going to be an additional charge if we wanted to check in earlier, I did not find that very pleasant. So we didn't. Show details ·  1

Enjoyed the business class flight Syd to Norfolk. The accomodation staff were great. Really responsive and the activities were also great. Loved them all especially the delicious Fish Fry and fun ghost tour. Was happy to have the car. You wouldn’t be able to do anything otherwise and found the folder of information sent prior to our trip really useful. Thank you Show details ·  1

After being given a very short time frame to arrange flights and accommodation for our itinerary in Tasmania, Alvin provided us with a holiday that exceeded our expectations. The Tours that were included were spectacular, especially the Gordon River Cruise and Cradle Mountain. The itinerary information provided for every step of the way was… Read more ·  1

extremely helpful.

Our only challenge was the Budget Hire Car in Hobart, which resulted in fees paid unnecessarily for items covered under Travel Insurance. Their customer service was not great at explaining and providing clarity. Australian Escapes responded to my call for assistance almost immediately and have pursued the matter to a satisfactory resolution.

The accommodation chosen for us was conveniently located and mostly well appointed for us to self cater where possible and of a high standard.

Amazing holiday had by the four of us. Thanks so much Alvin.

Thoroughly enjoyed our holiday from start to finish. Cairns accommodation was excellent and in a perfect location. Car hire pick-up and return was straight forward .Port Douglas accommodation was fine and in an easy location to walk to the town centre. We did have a problem when our flight time to Cairns was brought forward by nearly 2 hours and we weren't advised and nearly missed the book in window. Show details ·  1

Self drive trip in Tasmania Had a seemless trip, from the car hire to all the accommodation. We were able to follow a suggested route and see all the sights that were suggested. The accommodation chosen was of a very good standard. We received good and prompt service from Alvin while planning our trip. Everything went to plan and we had a most enjoyable trip. Show details ·  1

We were very happy with our accommodation, in the centre of Canberra, very comfortable rooms, staff were friendly and helpful. The breakfast in the dining room was really nice. And we were able to walk to a lot of the things we wanted to do. No unexpected fees at all. Did not need to change anything, actually it was better than I imagined it would be Thank you Show details ·  1

We cannot thank you enough for your prompt, professional and very personal service. It has made the process of cancelling our much anticipated trip to Tasmania very simple and less stressful especially when also dealing with an unexpected illness. We would personally like to thank Alvin and his team for their support and information. We look forward to booking another trip with you , hopefully in the near future. Show details ·  1

My consultant was very helpful and gave me 3 options to choose from. I knew exactly what I was getting and everything went smoothly. The accommodation and breakfast were wonderful, better than expected. Show details ·  1

Everything was great. Experiences were more than expected. Only downside was the large one way hire car fee we had to pay when we picked up car. Thanks to Alvin for such an awesome job in organizing our first ever trip to New Zealand Show details ·  1

Our experience with Australian Escapes was great, Armi was very easy to deal with and listened to my requests and delivered. We had a trouble free holiday with interconnecting flights and all went smoothly. Thank you Armi and team. Show details ·  1