Recently updated on November 24th, 2023 at 06:17 pm
The Land Down Under is famed for its warm and friendly people… And you’ll get to meet some of the most incredible locals when you travel Australia and New Zealand with Trafalgar. From family-run farms to unique Indigenous experiences, here are just a few of the people you’ll support on our responsible travel experiences in Australia and New Zealand with Trafalgar.
The Falzon family, Alice Springs, Australia
Journey to the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, where you’ll meet Be My Guest hosts, the Falzon family – brothers Tom, Ben and Danny Falzon and their father Joe. Together, they run the Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre, the first 100% carbon neutral venue in Central Australia.
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Located 15 minutes outside Alice Springs and set on 100 acres of stunning desert landscapes, this family-run business has fast become a leader in sustainable tourism in Australia. You’ll sit down to a classic Aussie barbecue dinner with the Falzon family and hear stories about life in the Outback, all while gazing at the beautiful starry night sky.
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Angie & Stan, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
You’re in for a treat when you visit Angie and Stan Taylor at their sheep farm for afternoon tea. Not only will you get to taste a slice (or two!) of Angie’s famous pavlova, New Zealand’s national dessert, but you’ll also enjoy it all surrounded by the breathtaking shores of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps.
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Angie and Stan will show you around their home and share stories about life in rural New Zealand. Explore the beautiful gardens and the sheep-shearing shed, and you might even get to watch a traditional sheep shearing demonstration.
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Anna and Tom, Tasmania, Australia
This family-run bush retreat may be a luxury glamping experience, but owners Anna and Tom are totally down-to-earth. You’ll kick off your shoes as soon as you arrive at the gorgeous glamping site in the Bay of Fires, just minutes from the sandy beaches and iconic red rocks.
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As evening falls, you’ll gather around the camp kitchen, while renowned chef Tom serves up a mouthwatering dinner using fresh local food and wine. Feeling satisfied, you’ll then relax around the campfire and hear stories about Anna and Tom’s life in Tasmania, before heading to your lavish Bell Tent for a dreamy night under the stars.
Tim and Isabelle, Christchurch, New Zealand
After seeing the famous sights of Christchurch, you’ll meet the locals when you travel New Zealand with Trafalgar. You’ll be invited into Britten Stables, the home of Tim and Isabelle Weston, and stunning luxury accommodation with a rich history. Isabelle grew up here, and the home was originally built by Isabelle’s late father and famous inventor John Britton.
After the Canterbury earthquakes in 2011, Tim and Isabelle began the huge task of rebuilding the historic home. Today it’s an exquisite property that even featured on the TV show Grand Designs. You’ll sit down to a Be My Guest morning tea with the Westons and learn all about the home’s fascinating past. You’ll even hear the story of the world-record-setting Britten V1000 motorcycle, designed and built by Isabelle’s father in the garage at Britten Stables.
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Josh, Western Australia, Australia
This soul-stirring experience in Cape Naturaliste is sure to be one of the highlights of your Australia trip with Trafalgar. You’ll explore the area with local indigenous guide, Josh from Koomal Dreaming, and hear stories about the Wadandi people of the Cape region. Witness a traditional ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony, and discover the deep spiritual connection the Wadandi people share with their land.
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Listen to a moving didgeridoo performance, hear stories of the Dreaming Spirits, and observe a traditional fire lighting. You’ll even discover how to make bush medicine from native plants, and taste the traditional native foods of the land.
Laura, Queenstown, New Zealand
We’ll take you to a rural sheep farm near Queenstown where you’ll meet a real ‘Southern Girl’, Laura Douglas. She was born and raised on a sheep farm here and grew up fishing, horse riding and working on the family farm. Laura will share stories about what it was like to grow up on a farm, and also share how she returned to her beloved southern land after nearly a decade working in the corporate world.
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She started running the Real Country farm and now loves to show ‘the real New Zealand’ to Trafalgar guests. Meet and feed the farm animals, try your hand at sheep mustering and whip cracking, and learn about New Zealand’s farming heritage. Not only will you support responsible travel in New Zealand, but you’ll also leave feeling all warm and fuzzy after getting a dose of that famous Southern hospitality.
Greg and Sue, Victoria, Australia
When you travel to Australia and New Zealand with Trafalgar, we’ll take you to some of the best local farms. In Victoria, you’ll journey to the Mornington Peninsula to meet Greg, Sue and their family at their Green Olive farm. It’s a gorgeous place where cows, sheep, horses, chickens, ducks and dogs roam around. You’ll love meeting their two Kelpies, Rasa and India.
Greg and Sue have worked hard over the past 20 years to build their farm, and you’ll explore vineyards, olive groves, and herb and vegetable gardens. Surrounded by stunning bushland and lush green paddocks, you’ll love hearing Greg and Sue’s stories about farm life in Australia.
Have you travelled to Australia and New Zealand with Trafalgar? What’s at the top of your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!