Australia &      
New Zealand       

South Pacific Islands

Asia

Africa

     India

Over the years we have often been asked, “What would you recommend?” whether it is in reference to a deluxe hotel in Auckland, an off-the-beaten track tour of Australia’s Daintree Rainforest, or one of the indulgent lodges of New Zealand. So, in this section, we have hand-selected various hotels, day tours, extended tours and even cruises that we call Swain Preferred Experiences; these recommendations come with a guarantee that Swain Tours has thorough knowledge, and has had numerous hands-on encounters with, all of these services to ensure a flawless travel experience for you.

Many of these properties and tours have added comments by Ian Swain – our founder – and provide insider knowledge that ultimately translates into reassurance of these products and services being of an impeccable standard. Click Here to explore our Swain Preferred Experiences

New South Wales

Australia’s most visited state; New South Wales partly owes its popularity with tourists to the glamorous city of Sydney.  With its harbor beaches and intoxicating blend of bushland and bustling city, Sydney is a perfect snapshot of Australia.  Beyond the glow of Sydney, New South Wales becomes a sweeping landscape of quaint, beachside hamlets, inland opal-mining towns, and alpine hideaways.

Although Canberra is Australia’s capital, power and politics do not permeate every inch of the city.  National monuments and lush parks proudly stand along the carefully planned streets, and the locals are more likely to argue about sports than statesmen.  Furthermore, a large proportion of Canberra’s population is comprised of university students, guaranteeing a lively nightlife.   

Canberra is blessed with a wealth of cultural treasures including the impressive National Gallery of Australia and the sobering Australian War Memorial.  Parliament House is quintessentially Australian with its grassed roof, allowing Aussies to walk over the heads of their representatives and perhaps bump into kangaroos – they’ve been spotted grazing on the grounds.  Only in Canberra does politics get this wild!

Queensland

When thinking of Australia, most people picture lazy days on white sand beaches. Nowhere is this image of Australia more of a reality than in Queensland.  Justifiably known as the “sunshine state,” Queenslanders enjoy a lifestyle that makes other Australians green with envy.  Along with its perfect climate and sleepy seaside towns, Queensland is also home to a 110-million-year-old rainforest, and one of the natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef.

Great Barrier Reef Islands

One of Australia’s most popular attractions, this aquatic playground is teeming with colorful fish, rare birds and alluring islands.  The crown jewel of the Great Barrier Reef is the chain of 74 islands making up the Whitsunday Islands.  Uninhabited and stunningly beautiful, the Whitsunday’s are a paradise for kayaking, snorkeling, diving, fishing, hiking and sailing.  After a day of playing Robinson Crusoe, retreat to a luxurious resort where paradise and pampering blend seamlessly.      

Northern Territory

Australia’s red center, the Northern Territory, is the spiritual heart of the nation.  Most famous for the ancient monolith Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock, the Northern Territory is rich with heritage and wildlife.  Awaken your senses with an ever changing landscape ranging from the red plains of Alice Springs to the outback rainforests of Kakadu.

Western Australia

Enjoy the best of both worlds in this unique corner of the globe where golden fields of wheat and vast desert give way to lush, green terrain bordered by azure seas.  The largest of all Australian states, Western Australia has a wealth of unique experiences for you to enjoy.  Swim with the gentle giant of the sea, the whale shark, at Australia’s second Great Barrier Reef, Nigaloo Marine Park.  Explore Margaret River’s acclaimed wineries on horseback or unwind on one of Perth’s picture-perfect beaches and enjoy the plentiful Western Australian sun.

Victoria

Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city, is the capital of Australia’s “Garden State.”  Equally as cosmopolitan as its northern neighbor Sydney, Melbourne is a surprising blend of European elegance and new-world style.  The state’s comprehensive road network makes seeing Victoria’s diverse sights a breeze.  Recently voted one of the world’s most beautiful drives, a favorite stretch of blacktop is the famed Great Ocean Road, which winds its way for 106km, hugging Victoria’s dramatic coastline.

Tasmania

Roughly the size of West Virginia, Tasmania is a perfect example of good things coming in small packages.  Known as the “Apple Isle,” Tasmania is small enough to traverse in a few days, but to truly appreciate the island’s abundant natural beauty it is best to do as the locals do and go at a relaxed pace.  Replete with gorgeous coastline, pristine alpine wilderness, and quaint historic villages, it is no wonder why Charles Darwin observed “If I was obliged to emigrate, I certainly should prefer this place.”

South Australia

A wine connoisseur’s delight, the fertile lands of South Australia have produced some of the world’s finest blends.  When you have drunk your fill of the bountiful Barossa Valley, spend some time in charming Adelaide and see why it is known as the “City of Churches.”  If you prefer koalas to grapes, travel to Kangaroo Island and meet Australia’s cutest residents.  With its flourishing farmlands and exotic desert plains, nature has been kind to South Australia and South Australia will in turn be kind to you.

New Zealand

Before you have even left New Zealand, you’ll want to come back.  With its rare volcanic beauty, sophisticated cities and friendly people, the “Land of the Long White Cloud” has come a long way from being a Bed and Breakfast nation.  Though still a good source of gorgeous B & B’s, New Zealand has looked beyond the garden gate and set its sights on adventure.  Because of its compact size, visitors are able to enjoy the abundance of outdoor activities without having to spend a lot of time or money getting there. 

Hike through the magical wilderness of ‘Lord of the Rings’ country, or test your wits by rafting down fast-flowing rivers - the choice is endless.  For those who prefer smooth reds to white knuckles, savor a glass of New Zealand’s award-winning wine, or enjoy a picnic on a deserted beach.   

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea’s wild beauty draws visitors from all over the world who seek adventure in its dramatic terrain.  Hike dense mountain ranges and visit rural villages untouched by tourism; get up close and personal with breathe-taking Queen Alexandra Birdwing butterflies, or dive Papua New Guinea’s bountiful coral reefs.  A diamond in the rough, Papua New Guinea has the golden beaches and sparkling coral of other islands in the South Pacific without the polished facade. 

Cruising

Small ship cruising allows you explore some of the most remote parts of Australia in the Top End as well as the Great Barrier Reef of Queensland. There are 3 ships that offer an array of cruises from 3 nights to 14 day expeditions. All have great accommodations and maintained impeccably and in the most part have trained marine guides to explain each and every area you visit.