From Safford to the Seventh Continent: A Journey Through Australia, New Zealand & Fiji

The Travel Diaries is a series of inspirational blogs written by Avoya travelers and Independent Agents in the Avoya Network, sharing their expert tips and real-life experiences in the world of travel.

This blog was written by Brando Quinn, owner of Brando’s Fun N’ Sun Travel & Cruise, an Independent Agency in the Avoya Travel Network.

In April 2025, I fulfilled a lifelong dream: visiting my seventh and final continent during an unforgettable 24-day journey across Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji with Collette Tours. With 65 countries, 49 U.S. states, and over 55 cruises under my belt, this bucket-list adventure was one for the books. I was joined by my wife, Janet, and together we explored iconic cities, natural wonders, and rich cultural traditions across the South Pacific.

We started our adventure by flying from Safford, AZ to Phoenix via Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines, then onward to Sydney, Australia aboard American Airlines. Accumulated points earned us business class seats with lay-flat beds, so we landed in Sydney feeling rested and ready.

Our first day in the city was a powerful one. Unintentionally, we arrived during ANZAC Day, Australia and New Zealand’s National Day of Remembrance. From our hotel, the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, we heard bagpipes and soon found ourselves watching thousands of veterans proudly march in honor of their fallen comrades. As a U.S. Marine veteran who served alongside Australian and British forces in Desert Storm, I found it especially moving.

Over the next few days, we dove into Sydney’s highlights. We explored the historic Rocks District with an Aboriginal guide, visited the Sydney Opera House, took in panoramic views from the Botanic Gardens, and cruised around Sydney Harbour by night. On our free day, Janet and I visited Taronga Zoo, home to koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, platypuses, and many other uniquely Australian animals.

Next, we flew to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Boarding a high-speed catamaran, we cruised out to the reef for a day of snorkeling and underwater exploration. I had the incredible opportunity to ride a Scooba Doo, a motorized underwater scooter with a helmet that lets you breathe freely. Gliding past vibrant coral and schools of tropical fish felt like a scene out of Finding Nemo. (No sharks spotted by me, but others weren’t so lucky!)

We also visited Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, where we witnessed jaw-dropping croc shows and cruised through crocodile-inhabited wetlands. Later, a Skyrail cable car gave us aerial views above the rainforest canopy.

From coastal Queensland, we headed inland to Alice Springs in the heart of the Outback. There, we took a sunrise hot air balloon ride, enjoyed a cultural “bush dinner” under the stars, and learned about Aboriginal astronomy.

A highlight was our visit to Uluru (Ayers Rock), a sacred site for Aboriginal Australians. We rode camels through the “Red Centre,” watched the sandstone monolith shift colors at sunset, and admired the rugged beauty of Kata Tjuta, nearby dome formations shaped by time and wind.

Flying into Queenstown, New Zealand felt like stepping into a postcard. Surrounded by the Southern Alps, we cruised through Milford Sound aboard a vintage steamship, one of the most scenic places I’ve ever seen.

Driving through the rugged terrain along the Kawarau River and Lindis Pass, we arrived at Mt. Cook National Park, where legendary explorer Sir Edmund Hillary once trained. In Christchurch, we visited Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, spotting New Zealand’s “Big 5”: the Kiwi, Kea, Tuatara, Kaka, and Takahe.

A traditional waka canoe ride along the Avon River, followed by a warm home-hosted dinner, gave us a deeper connection to M?ori culture. We also witnessed a sheep-shearing and herding demonstration, impressive and lightning fast.

Our final destination was Fiji, where we were greeted with “Bula!”– the friendly Fijian welcome. After a relaxing day by the beach, we toured the island with our local guide, Joe, learning about Fijian culture and history.

The highlight was a day trip to Tivua Island, where we lounged in hammocks, snorkeled along the reef, and enjoyed a traditional Fijian BBQ. It was the perfect way to unwind after an action-packed journey.