The lust for travel and adventure is alive and well at Amber by Living Gems where many homeowners are making up for lost time when it comes to seeing some of Australia’s, and the world’s, most captivating places.
Experienced travellers Lisa and Rob Newton and Mark and Jeanne Montagnani shared some of their favourite destinations, what makes them so special and why they recommend others pay them a visit on their travels.
For Lisa and Rob, retirement has given them more freedom to do what they love most and that is to travel Australia.
“We’ve got the time now and are making the most of it,” said Lisa with a smile.
She says one of the best trips they have had was last Easter when they were driving down to Adelaide for the big AFL Gather Round which brings together all AFL teams for the ultimate festival of footy. On the way down they visited many country towns including Lightning Ridge and Burke, which were absolute highlights.
“We couldn’t believe just how much there was to do and see in Lightning Ridge,” they said.
Lisa and Rob did everything they could possibly do in the few days they were there.
“We went to the huge cactus nursery where some of the cacti are 100 years old, visited the big Opal Centre and the artesian bore bath/springs. My skin was so soft and beautiful when we came out of the water,” said Lisa.
In addition, the couple visited the Chambers of the Black Hand which they said is a `must see’.
“Originally a working opal mine, it is now an underground sculpture gallery created by opal miner and artist Ron Canlin. There are over 800 sculptures and carvings made into the sandstone wall. Visitors can explore all 26 chambers and learn about geology and opal formation. We loved it!”
After reluctantly leaving Lightning Ridge saying `there was so much more to see’, Lisa and Rob headed for the remote town of Bourke and were so glad they did.
“So much was happening there over the Easter long weekend when we visited. We really didn’t expect to find much to do, but everything was so interesting,” said Lisa, a history enthusiast.
“Even in the midst of this remote town was a caravan park with lush green lawns. It was like an oasis in the desert.”
Married for 48 years, the couple was captivated with the many attractions and sights on offer in Bourke.
“You can visit the Gundabooka National Park and ride on the Jandra paddle boat on the Darling River (when there is enough water in it). There was a cafe near the river and a pier, and we took part in an outback run for charity as well as a long table dinner event by the river. It was fabulous.”
Lisa said there was also a wool bale rolling competition, live music, markets and the popular picnic races.
Mark and Jeanne Montagnani are another well-travelled couple who love nothing better than heading off on trips, mostly internationally, having recently returned from three months in Scotland where they visited their daughter.
“We also love to travel along Queensland’s east coast as far as Cairns,” said the couple, who are originally from Melbourne.
Among their favourite destinations is Hamilton Island.
“If you haven’t been, you should definitely go. We love the many different accommodation styles for families or singles. You can get a place by a pool or stay in a bungalow or spoil yourself in a five-star hotel. There are also lots of activities – we went go-kart racing and enjoyed dining out – there’s so many places to choose from,” said Jeanne.
With beautiful sunshine almost a way of life on Hamilton Island, the couple experienced quite the opposite on their United Kingdom trip.
“Oh, it was cold alright, but we still loved every moment of it,” she said.
“We loved the sense of history and marvellous architecture that is at your fingertips. One of our favourite places was York where we visited the York Cathedral. At the entrance stands a beautiful statue of Queen Elizabeth II. It’s stunning.”
Mark and Jeanne also recommended visitors try a delightful and tasty English high tea.
“Absolutely delicious!”
