Ask the expert
Lauren McLeod, Trailfinders’ Senior Product Manager for Australia, on coastlines, Canberra and kangaroos in vineyards
Who are Trailfinders?
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‘Trailfinders was founded in 1970, and is the expert in tailor-making itineraries worldwide. It has now got 43 travel centres across the UK and Ireland, staffed by some of the most experienced travel consultants in the industry. Its aim is to offer unbeatable value and exceptional service.’
What else sets it apart?
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‘Trailfinders offers an extensive range of flights, tours, hotels, cruises and car and motorhome hire across the globe. It’s the UK’s number-one leisure tour operator to Australia, for example, so it can help p whether you want a scenic c road trip, a luxury rail tour r of the outback or a guided d group journey. Whatever your trip, its team is on hand to assist 24/7, every day.’
What made you specialise in Australia?
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?
‘Because there’s so much there. With beautiful coastlines, tlines cosmopolitan cities, unique wildlife, world-renowned wine regions and a rich cultural history, you can discover something different on every trip.’
Top tip for visitors?
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‘Each state and territory has different landscapes, so I recommend combining a few to create a true Aussie adventure. If you’re visiting Sydney and New South Wales, ask your expert travel consultant to tailor your itinerary to add Canberra to the mix. Australia’s capital is underrated but riveting.’
Why Canberra?
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‘It’s rich in culture and history, with museums and galleries including the National Museum of Australia and the National Gallery of Australia, which houses the largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork in the world. Many of Canberra’s galleries are set around Lake Burley y Griffin, and it’s lovely to hire a bike or walk between
them.’ the
n Any other hidden gems?
‘Lost between mountains and surrounded by bushland, Canberra has stunning st hiking trails. There The are also around 140 vineyards vineya and 40 wineries within a short drive of the city – and you can watch kangaroos cavort among the vines during a tasting. If you are there for events such as the Enlighten Illuminations and Canberra Balloon Spectacular, you’re in for a real treat.’
What’s your favourite holiday?
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‘As well as Australia, it has to be Southern Africa for safaris. There is something magical about being so close to wild animals in their natural habitat. And I love seeing the sun rise over the plains of Africa.’