Best travel destinations for seniors in Oceania
Best travel destinations for seniors in Oceania
Oceania asks older travelers to commit to a long flight, but many find the comfortable infrastructure on the other end makes it worthwhile.
Australia and New Zealand both offer accessible cities, reliable healthcare and well organized tours that take care of most of the planning. Cruises around the Pacific islands have grown in popularity too, offering a relaxed way to see several destinations without repeated flights or long transfers. Traveling outside the busiest summer months often means smaller crowds and more comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. The long journey itself is worth planning around, with a stopover sometimes making the trip considerably easier. Many tour operators in the region now build extra rest days directly into longer itineraries, which also helps with the jet lag that comes with the distance.
The destinations on our list for Oceania reflect that same mix of accessible cities and relaxed, cruise based island travel.
Lists by region
Island in Australia
Tasmania
Wilderness, Wildlife and Wild Coasts
The island state is slightly larger than Sri Lanka but has only about 570,000 residents. About 42 percent of the land is protected in reserves. Cradle Mountain is a dolerite peak that once rose above glacial ice. Wineglass Bay, in Freycinet National Park, is a well known east coast landmark.
Outer Territory in Australia
Norfolk Island
Untouched Paradise with Rich History
Bounty Day on 8 June is the island's most important local holiday. It marks the 1856 arrival of 194 people from Pitcairn Island. About half of today's islanders trace their roots there. Some speak Norf'k, a creole of 18th century English and Tahitian. Kingston's historic area is a World Heritage site.
City in Australia
Hobart
Coastal charm meets historic streets
Sandstone warehouses frame Salamanca Place, where over 350 stalls fill the street every Saturday. The market started in 1972. A road leads up kunanyi, also called Mount Wellington, to a summit at 1,271 metres. Port Arthur, the convict site, is about 97 kilometres southeast of Hobart.
Bay in New Zealand
Bay of Islands
Sunlit coves echo with ancient legends
The Treaty Grounds at Waitangi mark the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. The bay has 144 islands. Boat trips run several times a day to Hole in the Rock. Kerikeri's Stone Store, begun in 1832, is the oldest stone building in New Zealand. Paihia is the bay's second largest town.
City in New Zealand
Napier
Art Deco, Wine & Seaside Charm
February brings the Art Deco Weekend, held every year since 1988. The city centre was rebuilt in the Art Deco style after the earthquake of 3 February 1931. Marine Parade is a tree lined boulevard beside the ocean with fountains and gardens. Hawke's Bay is New Zealand's second largest wine region.
Landmark in Australia
Uluru
Majestic sandstone monolith under endless skies
The red monolith rises 348 metres above the desert plain. Its base is about 9.4 kilometres around. Climbing has been banned since October 2019. Viewing areas with parking were built for sunrise and sunset, when the rock glows red. The park has been a World Heritage site since 1987.
City in Australia
Cairns
Gateway to Reef and Rainforest Wonders
Passengers first rode the Kuranda Scenic Railway on 25 June 1891. It climbs 37 kilometres from Cairns to Kuranda through 15 handmade tunnels. The trip takes about two hours. Skyrail, a 7.5 kilometre cableway, glides over the Wet Tropics rainforest World Heritage area. Both routes pass Barron Falls.
Fjord in New Zealand
Milford Sound
Breathtaking fiord of towering peaks
The fiord runs about 15 kilometres inland from the Tasman Sea. Mitre Peak rises 1,692 metres above the water. Boat cruises last one to two hours and leave from the visitor centre. Heavy rain adds many temporary waterfalls. The road from Te Anau runs 121 kilometres and passes through the 1.2 kilometre Homer Tunnel.
Landmark in Australia
Great Ocean Road
Coastal cliffs and turquoise waves
About 3,000 returned servicemen built the road mostly by hand from 1919 to 1932. It honours those killed in World War I. The route runs 240 kilometres from Torquay to Allansford. It passes Lorne and Apollo Bay. The road also passes through Otway rainforest. The Twelve Apostles limestone stacks are near Port Campbell.
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