In these ‘Travels with Phil’ stories, I usually write about the trips I’ve taken. The whole idea of the series is to give you a more personal insight into what happens on our tours, from my perspective. 

But this week, I’m doing something a bit different.

As you may already know, we have a new tour taking place next year, one we are very excited about. 

It’s our Great Australian Loop Tour, which will take you through Central, Northern and Western Australia.

It will be a great outback adventure, where you will experience this country’s magnificent scenery, history and communities - all enjoyed from the comfort of our coach.

I wanted to write this article, so that you can understand why we have chosen these places, and why we think this is one for the bucket list.

Imagine spending Christmas, surrounded by family and friends, in a tropical paradise.

Where Santa is handing out gifts, while you sip on pina coladas and listen to festive music.

All the logistics are taken care of. No slaving away, cooking christmas dinner or worrying about organising seating arrangements and transport.

The Christmas feast is all prepared for you - and it’s delicious.

Everyone is relaxed, lying by the pool, reading a book, or taking leisurely strolls through the beautiful pine trees.

No, it’s not a fantasy land.

It’s Christmas in Norfolk Island!

We all know the saying ‘it’s not the destination that matters, it’s the journey.’

Now before you roll your eyes and say ‘what a cliche!’ - there’s just no other way to describe the Great Ocean Road.

Often with our tours, we hop on the bus - and while we definitely take the time to make stops along the way to appreciate what each town has to offer - the focus is on the destination.

The Great Ocean Road and Silo Art Tour is one long appreciation of beauty, culture, history and community.

From start to finish, your destination is constantly changing - and you are constantly being amazed.

There’s nothing quite like grabbing a friend, getting all dressed up and going to a show.

You head to the theatre a little early and grab a cocktail, while everyone stands waiting excitedly, in anticipation of a fantastic evening.

The bell sounds, everyone heads to their seats. The lights dim - the signal to quiet down and wait for the actors to get in their positions.

The curtain comes up, the music starts - and it’s SHOWTIME!

Do you know what I love most about food?

(If you know me, you know there’s a lot - but there is one reason that stands out.)

You could go out for dinner and order spaghetti bolognaise every single night, for five nights, at five different restaurants - and you’ll have a different experience, every time.

Because eating food, while your travelling away from home, is not just about the ingredients you’re being served.

It’s about the way it ties in with the culture of the place you’re visiting. It’s about the scenery you’re looking at while you dine. It’s about the language the waiter who serves you is speaking. And it’s about the new friends you’ve made over dinner.

Food is what brings all the things I love about travelling together, into one beautiful package.

Our tours are like our children - we put our heart and soul into them and they mean the world to us.

And so, of course, we don’t have favourites.

But if we did have a favourite… I’m not saying we do… but if we did…

It would be Tasmania.

It just has so much to offer - a fascinating history, absolutely stunning scenery and mouth watering food.

Fair warning, I’d say the average weight gain for the Tassie trip is about four kilos.

It’s such a beautiful place, this country we live in. 

Our Outback Tours are so unique and are some of my favourites (as you may have read about in my previous blog post.) 

I spend a fair bit of my time encouraging people to get out there and experience the rich culture and history of Australia.

But that doesn’t mean it’s not important to cross the sea.

Each year, when we are looking to take a holiday, I ask the kids (who are all grown up now) - ‘where do you want to go this year?’

Their answer, each time, is ‘NORFOLK!’

The place is a one-of-a-kind paradise. It’s a land where cows have right of way, there is little phone reception and a speed limit of 50km per hour.

It is the perfect combination between a tropical, relaxing holiday and an action packed adventure. 

The Australian landscape is daunting.

You’re in the middle of a vast space that is so much bigger than you. It feels limitless.

But that’s what makes it magic.

It’s also the towns in between, the communities of fantastic people.

I have spent much of my life jumping between the Queensland and New South Wales border.

This is why our Outback Tours hold a special place in my heart.