Escape - Spring 2008

onshore nests. (Visitors who want to increase their chances of seeing this unforgettable parade can sign up for an organized penguin tour.)

Throughout the route, curious visitors should keep an eye (and ear) open for the island’s most famous residents: Tasmanian devils. No, they don’t spin around like miniature tornadoes, as they do in cartoons. Their main hobby is speedily devouring roadkill and other carrion, and many people hear their inimitable screeches long before they spot them. These marsupials—known locally simply as “devils”— look a bit like a cross between a big rat and a small dog. Cautious travelers give them a wide berth.

The drive from Hobart to Bicheno is just 110 miles, but it takes a few days to thoroughly explore this region’s natural charms. And this route covers just one corner of

Tassie, as Australians call the island. Most people reserve at least a week to explore this exotic state.

Together, Sydney and Tasmania show visitors the cosmopolitan and wild sides of Australian life, but neither is all one or the other. Surrounding Sydney, the state of New South Wales offers national parks, beautiful wine country and excellent beaches. And Hobart, though much smaller than Sydney, entices urbanites with its share of great restaurants and luxury hotels. Visitors who see both New South Wales and Tasmania have the chance to enjoy it all. n

Top Left: The Overland Track and Cradle Mountain, Tasmania. Top Right: Swimming pools at Bondi Beach in Sydney.

geTTing There: AuSTrAliA & TASMAniA

The following are just a few of the many special wine tasting, including morning tea, a tasting Australia offers available to Cardmembers. at the world-famous Lindemans winery, wine Contact your American Express Travel professional appreciation instruction and lunch. Prices from to take advantage of exclusive benefits, including $5,295 per person, including land and all intra-a Cardmember Annual Travel Benefit³ and double tour flights. Itinerary includes Melbourne, Alice Membership Rewards points¹. Springs, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Cairns, Sydney and

Tasmania. Multiple departures 4/8/08 through 7/29/08 and 10/14/08 through 12/23/08.

Holland America Line Book the 11/7/08 Sydney-to-Auckland sailing aboard the ms Volendam and take advantage of exclusive American Express Mariner Club benefits⁶. Prices for this 14-day Australia and New Zealand cruise start at $1,999 per guest, category K. Itinerary includes Sydney, Melbourne, Burnie (Tasmania), Milford Sound, Fjordland National Park cruising, Dunedin, Christchurch, Picton, Queen Charlotte Sound, Captain Cook Ship Cove, Wellington, Napier, Tauranga and Auckland.

Regent Seven Seas Book the 13-night,

11/19/08 sailing from Sydney to Auckland aboard the Seven Seas Mariner and

Abercrombie & Kent Book any 13-day Australia Family Holiday package by 4/30/08, for departures on 6/14, 6/28, 7/26 or 12/16/08, and receive a complimentary dinner for the family on Program Day 6 in Adelaide at the Hyatt Regency. Prices from $ 8,350 per adult guest; price for child under 12 sharing with 2 adults, starting from $7,130 excluding airfare. Itinerary includes Sydney, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Alice Springs, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Cairns, Port Douglas, the Great Barrier Reef and Mossman. A four-day Tasmania extension—including Hobart and Freycinet National Park is also available, call for details.

Brendan Worldwide Vacations Book the 17-day Australian Escapade plus Tasmania package by 6/30/08, for departures through 12/31/08, and receive a free Hunter Valley

receive up to a $200-per-suite shipboard credit. From $8,695 per guest. Itinerary includes Sydney, Hobart, Milford Sound, Port Chalmers/ Dunedin, Lyttelton/Christchurch, Picton, Wellington, Napier, Tauranga and Auckland.

Silversea Cruises Between 5/5/08 and

7/5/08, book passage on the Silver Whisper’s 15-day sailing from Sydney

to Auckland on 12/20/08 and receive a $200-per-suite onboard spending credit. From $9,036 per guest in a Vista Suite. Itinerary includes Sydney, Melbourne, Burnie, Hobart, Milford Sound, Stewart Island, Port Chalmers/ Dunedin, Lyttelton/Christchurch, Wellington, Napier, Tauranga, Bay of Islands and Auckland.