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Most Australian cruises take off from its eastern coast, right where the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and the vast wilderness area known as the Outback are located. You can enjoy exciting pit stops in Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns, and Hobart (Tasmania) to name a few. Often Australian cruises are packaged to include stops in nearby New Zealand as well, so you'll enjoy a wide-ranging experience within the southernmost island countries on the globe.
The Australian cruise shore excursions will definitely give you something to write home about--from scuba dives and high-speed catamaran rides in the largest coral reef to city tours with top-notch shopping and views of the Sydney Opera House. Or take a wine tour in the world-class Hunter Valley wine country and swirl a glass of Australia's feisty, spice-full Shiraz or sip on a fine oaky Chardonnay. You can even hit the wilderness and cross paths with kangaroos, koala bears, wombats, and platypus--amazing creatures hard to find anywhere else in the world.
An Australian cruise is the choice way to tour this region. You will be able to cover a vast amount of territory and see unimaginable landscapes and views. Your cruise ship's luxury accommodations go with you everywhere you travel, so no matter how far you go into the wonders down under, you can always come "home" to your very own comfy stateroom at the end of each day.
At first glace it seems that Palm Springs is a place for mature audiences to find much-needed rest and relaxation and that there is not much for the younger crowd to enjoy. But, on closer inspection, one will find that Palm Springs is extremely family friendly and a great place to take your family on your next vacation.
What once has been known as a Mecca for the retired, the rich and golf enthusiasts, Palm Springs is beginning to show its inner child. From museums and amusement parks to miniature golf and arcades, there is no end to the family-friendly attractions to be found in Palm Springs.
Here are just a few of the many possibilities to be found in Palm Springs that the whole family will be sure to enjoy:
Camelot Park. Located on East Palm Canyon, Camelot Park boasts of activities and entertainment to keep the whole family occupied for hours. At the center of this whimsical attraction is a fantastical castle surrounded by video games, miniature golf, go-carts, bumper boats and much, much more.
Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert. Located on Gerald Ford Drive in Rancho Mirage, this museum offers hands-on interactive play. Here kids can shop for their own groceries, prepare their own food, and even withdraw money from an ATM. The museum also features a dress up and make believe section on the second floor.
The Living Desert Wildlife and Botanical Park. Located on Portola Avenue, the Living Desert is full of amazing wildlife and creatures that will be sure to amuse the adults and children alike. Featuring species such as coyotes, the endangered bighorn sheep, cheetahs and meerkats, the Living Desert is a must-see attraction in the Palm Springs area. The park also boats of a discovery center where children can watch demonstrations and have hands-on interactions with small creatures such as snakes, turtles and tarantulas.
Oasis Waterpark. Located on Gene Autry Trail, the Oasis Waterpark can help take the heat out of a sweltering Palm Springs afternoon. Featuring 13 waterslides, a beach and a family-oriented atmosphere, the Waterpark is geared to accommodate guests of all ages.
Jeep Eco Tours. A jeep tour of the surrounding desert can be a great way to get the family out to explore the landscape without having to make the little ones walk too far. On these tours you can visit a natural palm oasis, Indian village or old mining camps. In order to tour, many companies require that children be at least six years of age.
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