Road, plane or train...boat maybe!!!

Leaving Darwin always involves travel – car, boat or plane, and one thing is sure, it will not be quick.  Closest destination for a holiday is still probably Bali. 

Many locals drive out of Darwin…down the track. The Stuart Highway connects Darwin and Adelaide and for many people the road-trip is something to look forward too.  For people like me – the impatient type, then not so much, in fact I’d go as far as to say I’m allergic to road trips.  My husband on the other hand really enjoys getting in a well packed car and turning towards the great unknown.  You see the problem.   

We have lived in Darwin for a long time and have travelled most of the roads between Darwin and all points South.  So except from the Daintree: north of Port Douglas, to the top of North Queensland and the small piece of road between Adelaide and the 12 Apostles (hurry if you want to see them there are only a few left) I’ve been all the way around Australia including Tasmanian and I even been all around New Zealand by road but I really still fail to see the attraction of road travel…just give me a plane ticket and immediately my face lights up.  I can be on the other side of the world surrounded by unfamiliar sounds, accent's, smells, and amazing sights in about the same amount of time it takes to drive to Alice Springs!  Except for the small matter of cost give me plane travel every time.

We have just returned from Mauritius, what a delight.  It took less time to get there than it would take to drive to Adelaide, so I’m happy.  When you step off the plane you know you’re somewhere different.  We stayed at the Constance Belle Mare Plage Hotel which was lovely, the complex includes two Golf Courses and there are gorgeous views in all directions.

Grand Baie - Mauritius August 2013

This pretty little  island sits in the Indian ocean, closer to Africa than Australia.  It is made up of 80% sugar plantations and dotted around the edge on land that was once used to farm sugar are the luxury resorts.  Everywhere you go you are surrounded by blue, blue oceans, lovely people, great food and amazing scenery.  The absolute highlight of our week was an opportunity to walk with the lions - I kid you not.  One of only three places in the world where you can have this experience - totally surreal.