Copy My Trip: A week in Australia's dramatic Top End

It’s hard to believe now, but Perth was dubbed ‘Dullsville’ back in 2000. The city has spent the last two decades flipping the script.

This month, ballet fans will have the rare opportunity to see the acclaimed Australian Ballet in London. As part of the company’s 60th anniversary celebrations, performances by The Australian Ballet at London’s Royal Opera House will be the only performances outside of Australia. The 2023 London Tour will be the first international tour for The Australian Ballet under the leadership of Artistic Director David Hallberg. It will be the company’s first return to the Royal Opera House after an absence of 35 years.

I've had the luxury of sitting underneath glass-dome windows as my Rocky Mountaineer train barreled between Colorado's mountains.

It’s no longer something to keep hidden.

Following is our regular summary of the latest travel news and best frequent traveler promotions reviewed during the past week.

Headed Down Under? Delta has announced a new bonus-mile promotion for Australia flights. But it’s not the only option.

Following is our regular summary of the latest travel news and best frequent traveler promotions reviewed during the past week.

Although the proliferation of revenue-based programs and dynamic award pricing is changing the game in fundamental ways, the availability of award seats remains one of the key factors in determining the real-world value of any airline loyalty program. It would seem, then, that a definitive comparison of award-seat availability among the various airline programs would be a natural. The best program is the most rewarding program, no?

When the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list was issued in June, a new entry was sitting on top at #1: Central in Lima Peru, rising from #2 the previous year, replacing perennial favorites in Denmark, Spain and Japan. But for those who admire Peruvian cuisine, this restaurant, which is described as a culinary introductory course through 15 Peruvian ecosystems categorized by altitude, the choice was no surprise, just as Peruvian cuisine itself topping the list was no surprise, given its complexity, diversity of influences and simply luscious flavors. For those in New York, another introductory course of a kind will take place on July 28th at the Lower East Side restaurant POPULAR as several chefs get together to create a special dinner to celebrate Independence Day in Peru.

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most iconic tourist routes, stretching along the south-eastern coast of Victoria from Torquay to Allansford. Stretching for 151 miles, it offers spectacular ocean views and some breathtaking scenery. Along the way, visitors can explore a range of attractions including beaches, surfing spots, wildlife viewing areas, and stunning rainforest walks. There are also numerous great restaurants and cafes, galleries and museums to discover in the small towns along the route.

Australia enacted some of the most strict lockdown restrictions in 2020, which kept any and all tourists out. Then, in February, the country once again opened back up to Americans — just in time for the more comfortable Australian winter temperatures.

Western Australia is the largest state in Australia, a vast area of over 976,000 square miles facing the Indian Ocean to the west and north and the Southern Ocean along its southern border. The state’s population is about 2.6 million, with 92 percent living in the southwestern corner where the capital of Perth sits. North of Perth, the state is sparsely populated, isolated, and perfect for those with an adventurous spirit who are looking for an epic road trip. Here, you can swim with whale sharks and visit Australia’s Coral Coast. Here’s how to make it happen, beginning in Perth.