Top 10 Over 50's Vacations - South Pacific

Become a grey nomad in Australia and tour with the caravan set, or go on a rail journey through the outback, enjoy the spring flowers in Canberra or go all out on an expedition cruise to Antarctica. There's adventure, relaxation, nature appreciation and plenty of fun for seniors in this part of the world.

1. Grey Nomads, Australia

   Join the increasing number of older Australians that take to the road each year and putter around the nation pulling caravans. Many leave behind an empty nest or are newly retired and loving the opportunity to explore their own country for the first time. There are plenty of routes to take, some of the most popular include the Mathilda Highway from Barringun on the New South Wales border to Normanton in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

2. Rail the outback, Australia

   Australian seniors receive a free train ride each year. Take advantage of the opportunity, or if you're not Australian, you'll still love some of the outback trains that shunt passengers in relative comfort through some of the most rugged terrain on the planet.

3. Spring Flowers, Canberra Floriade

   This free, month-long festival is held every spring in Canberra's Commonwealth Park. The annual blooms and bulbs transform the park into a tapestry of colors. There's plenty of entertainment for kids, wine bibbers, food lovers, shoppers and green thumbs

4. Blue Mountains by Mercedes, Australia

   Set out behind the wheel of your Mercedes and weave through the spectacular gorges of the mist-shrouded Blue Mountains.

5. Sailing, French Polynesia

   Fill your days with adventure journeying to the Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands. Hike to ancient archaeological sites, watch local artisans at work and step ashore to visit charming villages. There are plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel and scuba dive.

6. Lord Howe Island, Australia

   An island getaway like no other, largely because it's regarded widely as the most beautiful island in the Pacific. It's also less than two hours flying from either Sydney or Brisbane. The pace is definitely relaxed here for seniors although there's a wide choice of activities should you wish to do more than enjoy the unspoiled, uncrowded beaches.

7. Antarctic Cruises

   Join an expedition cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula. Forget the theme nights and fancy frocks; these are adventure vacations. You can zip off in a zodiac to access hidden bays and rocky inlets full of drifting icebergs, whales and leopard seals and go ashore to walk amongst the penguins.

8. Fly vintage aircraft, Australia

   Fly vintage aircraft along the Eastern Coast of Australia in Melbourne, Sydney, the Gold Coast and Hunter Valley. There are tiger moths, a WWII fighter ace, an open-cockpit bi-plane and a Trojan Fighter Bomber. Get a simulated combat mission and an adrenalin rush.

9. Wine, Hunter Valley, Australia

   Sip wine from the barrel of a famous estate in Hunter Valley. There are jazz and flower festivals, driving tours and biking vacations to be done here too.

10. The Maria Island Walk, Tasmania

    This gentle four-day walk takes you over the deserted beaches and spectacular coastal scenery of Maria Island. Even National Geographic Traveler rates this walk where the most traffic could be a line of fairy penguins.