MacDonnell Ranges in Alice Springs

Located almost exactly halfway between the east and west coast of Australia you’ll find Alice Springs, the heart of the Outback. Alice Springs is unexpected—it is sandwiched between the Western and Eastern MacDonnell Ranges and is filled with waterholes, palm trees, and wildlife. The climate is pleasant, with warm days and cool nights that span most of the year—perfect for a day dip in the waterholes and a moonlit walk.

Because Alice Springs sits in the middle of an otherwise remote land, the city has come up with unique ways to prosper over the years. For example, Alice Springs is home to the Alice Springs School of the Air—the largest classroom in the world. Established in 1951, the School of the Air was constructed in order to provide a quality education for children living in remote Australia. Visitors can sit in on a class conducted via satellite, and see how the lessons take place.

And yet, Alice Springs really belongs to the adventurer. Tours such as the Kings Creek Station offer excursions that show visitors the real Australian Outback. Set up a tent in the natural bush (or a safari cabin if you prefer) and then head to Kings Canyon, where the views could captivate even the hardest of souls. The canyon is 270 meters high and is lined with beehive rock formations and tropical pools. On your way back to camp, try a camel burger and take a camel ride —opportunities you surely won’t find anywhere else.

If you still want to get your hands dirty after spending a few days in the bush, head to Gemtree where you can dig for your own Australian gems. Tour guides provide all of the equipment and knowledge to help you find these one of a kind stones. After gathering up your haul, Gemtree appraises the gems and then cuts them to your liking. The gems can be mounted into all kinds of jewelry—just be sure to book your dig in advance!

You’re sure to work up an appetite after digging for gems, but you won’t have too look very hard to find a gem of a restaurant. The Overlanders Steakhouse offers a totally Australian dining experience. Try the all you can eat “Drover’s Blowout” which features camel, crocodile, kangaroo, emu and authentic baked damper, the traditional outback bread.

Both families and couples alike will enjoy all that Alice Sprinsg has to offer, just expect to get a little dirty and to have the trip of a lifetime!

For all your Alice Springs accommodation requirements, visit Book it Now with a great range of places to stay.

Hobart Harbour at sunset

Tasmania – The Island of Inspiration.
Located just 240 kilometres (150 miles) south of mainland Australia, yet it could be a whole world away for its differences!

What first springs to mind when you think of Tasmania? For many people it’s the Tasmanian Devil, a marsupial found only in Tasmania; for some it’s the attractive city of Hobart, and for others it’s the beautiful natural scenery. For us, Tasmania was all these things and much more, and well worth the visit from mainland Australia!

About Tasmania
Tasmania was settled as a British penal colony in the early 1800’s at which time many of the English settlers compared it to southern England due to its climate and geography. Of course, the climate hasn’t changed significantly since then, and although the population of Tasmania has grown and there’s been urban development, the islanders have been careful to retain much of the natural beauty – nearly 40% of Tasmania is designated as protected land.

Tasmania is the smallest of Australia’s states, measuring 364 kilometres (226 miles) from north to south and 306 kilometres (190 miles) from east to west, but this doesn’t mean you should spend only a day or two here. There’s far more to do in Tasmania than you might think and you could easily spend several weeks without seeing everything! For this reason, we really don’t suggest you stay in one place, but that you tour around the island so you get to see as much of Tasmania as possible.

Our Tour of Tasmania
You can read all about the tour we took and get lots of information on all the best places to visit in Tasmania then devise your own itinerary, making sure you visit all the places you most want to see. Our tour started in the capital city, Hobart. From here we went up the eastern side of the island to Devonport in the north, then down the western side of the island back to Hobart, but if you don’t have as long to spend in Tasmania as we did, you may like to travel just one leg from Hobart to Devonport, or the other way around. Ferries from the mainland dock at Devonport, or you can fly to either Hobart or Devonport or one of the other larger cities, so it gives you the option to choose which way you want to tour – you can read more about the ferries and airlines below.

Getting to Tasmania
Obviously being an island there are just two ways to get to Tasmania – by ferry or by plane.

Ferries to Tasmania – Ferries depart usually daily for the crossing between Melbourne and Devonport and the journey takes around 10 hours with Spirit of Tasmania ferries. Most crossings are overnight, though during peak periods there are additional daytime crossings as well.

For a night-time crossing you’re able to reserve a cabin where you can relax and have a good night’s sleep. This is especially a good idea if you’re travelling with children as you’ll arrive fresh and ready to start touring Tasmania the nest morning!

Spirit of Tasmania ferries can also take vehicles, bicycles and pets so you can bring your own wheels to get you around the island, and the cost of bringing your car would no doubt be less than having to pay to rent a car once you get here.

Planes to Tasmania – The main benefit with taking a plane to Tasmania is the reduced travel time and there are several airlines to choose from offering routes from mainland Australia to Tasmania. Budget airlines include Jetstar and Virgin Blue as well as low-cost carrier Tiger Airways and Regional Express, and of course there’s the more up-market Qantas too.

The downside with flying is that you can’t bring your own transport and are limited with the amount of luggage you can bring. Once you arrive, we wouldn’t advise you to rely on getting around Tasmania by bus as the services are infrequent, so you’re best bet would be to rent a car.

Starting out in Hobart, you will need a place to stay so why not look on our website and see the great variety of great accommodation in Hobart and all around Tasmania.

“Touring Tasmania - An Introduction” by Claire Bolgil

Natural Bridge in Albany

If you are looking for a new and exciting place to bring the family for the holidays, try Albany in Western Australia. Located on the beautiful King George III Sound and surrounded by mountains, Albany has something for both the beach goers and the mountain lovers.

It is difficult to even know where to begin! Albany has tons of things to do, but probably the most unique aspect of Albany is its history in the whaling industry. Albany is home to Australia’s last working whaling station, and though the last whale was caught on November 21, 1978, visitors are now able to visit the station. Now known as Whale World, tourists can tour an actual whaling ship with reenactments of whaling days. The on-site museum is full of marine art and marine skeletons, including the largest Pygmy Blue Whale in the state!

Of course, you’ll want to see these magnificent creatures in action as well. There are many tour groups dedicated to whale watching that provide the boat and the experience so you can marvel at the whales. Keep your eyes peeled for the acrobatic Humpback Whales, which love to leap out of the sea! Also look for the rare Southern Right Whale, as there are only 3000 left in the world. But, you’ll have to look carefully because they have no dorsal fin and can evade your gaze if you’re not watching for them!

If you prefer an experience on dry land, why not head just one hour north of Albany and experience the beauty of the Stirling Range National Park. Hikers and bushwhackers of all experience levels will enjoy the area, but it is particularly ideal for those who don’t mind a bit of a challenge. Try climbing Bluff Knoll, which sits 1095 meters above sea level and takes just about four hours to climb. The view is absolutely worth the trip, especially during wildflower season (October to December) when the 1500 species bloom as if painting the hills.

After a long day of hiking, you will surely want to sit for a while and enjoy a good meal. Luckily, Albany boasts some of the best restaurants in Western Australia. Whether you are looking for fresh seafood caught just that morning or a more adventurous Asian-inspired meal, dining in Albany cannot disappoint. Try Al Fornetto Restaurante & Pizzeria for French, Italian, and Australian tastes, or try the Cobblestones Seafood Café and feel your taste buds tingle with the flavor of the sea.

Both kids and parents alike will love their trip to Albany. Between the gorgeous beaches, the rolling mountains, and the unique history, you’ll never forget your time in Albany, Western Australia.

And for the perfect place to suit your needs in Albany accommodation, visit Book it Now.

The Timber Museum in Daintree

Daintree Rainforest, in Far North Queensland, is the largest rainforest in Australia and one of the most important rainforests in the world. It’s also a magical destination for visitors who love the great outdoors as there’s nowhere else quite like it in the whole country!

Daintree Rainforest is situated just 3 hours north of Cairns, or a few hours north of Port Douglas, which means that Daintree Rainforest and Village are certainly accessible, and if you’ve gone as far as Cairns the onward trip here is highly recommended. Buses run from Cairns and Port Douglas, and once here, an excellent way of getting around and seeing the scenery is by bicycle or if you have a car, you may prefer to use this to explore a greater area.

There is a great deal to see and do in Daintree Rainforest. Here are some suggestions for things you won’t want to miss:

Flora and Fauna
Daintree Rainforest is home to thousands of different species of plants, birds and animal life, many of which are rare or threatened with extinction. It’s amazing to think that in such a small area, compared to Australia as a whole, Daintree Rainforest contains the majority of the country’s butterfly and bat species, as well as a great many species of birds, marsupials, frogs and reptiles. Keep a look out to see how many species you can spot out of the 430 different bird species!

Ultimate Outdoor Experience
The best way to experience Daintree Rainforest is to wander through it. This is simply an amazing place for hiking and there are many trails, from short ones to long ones, for you to explore. Some trails are on raised boardwalks and this has the advantage of being easy to walk on whilst minimising the damage to the rainforest ecosystem.

You really need more than a day to fully appreciate Daintree Rainforest so we advise that you stay in the area. For the ultimate outdoor experience, camping is a great idea and a lot of fun for both adults and children but if this isn’t your thing there’s a variety of other accommodation in Daintree available here too!

Daintree Rainforest Tours
We discovered that a great way to see the Daintree was as part of an organized tour because you get to find out so much more than you would under your own steam! A variety of local companies offer tours, ranging from boat tours on the river to wilderness hiking tours which are all very informative.

Daintree Beaches
Once you’ve finished touring, enjoy Daintree’s beaches, which are said to be amongst the most spectacular in the world! Golden sand and beautiful surroundings are the main appeal, and although you can swim this isn’t advisable during the summer because of the large number of jellyfish.

Ancient Tropical Rainforest
It’s hard to believe that Daintree Rainforest is the oldest of its kind in the world, and is said to be more than 135 million years old! This makes it a very important place ecologically and biologically and whilst visitors are very welcome here there is a debate going on as to how much development should take place – so come to Daintree Rainforest now whilst you still have the opportunity to do so!

‘Experience Daintree Rainfroest’ by Claire Bolgil

Sydney Monorail

In most tourist spots, visitors think about transport as a hassle rather than as a positive, worthwhile experience. Thankfully, Sydney is quite the exception to the rule. Whether you’re walking, riding the bus or train, or taking a ferry, getting around the city is always rather pleasant. That’s quite an accomplishment considering that Sydney also has the largest public transportation system in all of Australia.

Buses are perhaps the most popular way to get around Sydney. A considerable network of private companies serves the population, all coming under the jurisdiction of the State Transit Authority of New South Wales. Most stations have an attendant working throughout the day who can answer your questions regarding bus transportation.

Metro Light Rail offers service connecting the Central Railway Station with Chinatown, Darling Harbour, and the Star City Casino (and all points in between). The main form of transportation both within the city and to the suburbs remains by heavy train and bus, however.

Some of Sydney’s key attractions lie a considerable distance outside of the city center, and are accessed primarily by train. Perhaps the most prominent of these destinations are the Blue Mountains, served by the gateway town of Lithgow. Frequent commuter trains operate throughout the day, making the trip a quick jaunt. From 12 AM to 5 AM, the NightRide buses run similar routes, though the service is rather limited compared to the trains that run during the day.

If you’re looking for the ultimate combination of tourism and transportation, look no further than Sydney’s ferries, described as “the heart of Sydney and its transportation system”. Indeed, a large part of this claim to fame is Sydney’s identification as a harbor city. After all, for most visitors, the first image that comes to mind is an iconic vista across the water. Ships leave from Circular Quay, centrally located in downtown Sydney, and ferries operate to the beach hamlet of Manly, as well as the Eastern Suburbs and Inner Harbour. Another popular ferry trip for tourists is the Taronga Zoo.

If you’ll be doing a lot of traveling within Sydney and out to the suburbs, consider purchasing the SydneyPass, available as a three, five, or seven day pass. This card allows travel on all of Sydney’s trains, buses, and ferries, while also offering discounts to many of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Similarly, the DayTripper pass provides the same opportunities on a day-to-day basis. These passes are available on city busses, as well as many travel agents and city rail stations.

Getting around Sydney is just part of the experience of visiting the city. Unlike other metropolises, however, you won’t mind the time that you spend on the buses, trains, and ferries. In Sydney, it’s part of the fun!

Book it Now has a fantastic range of accommodation in and around Sydney from quaint bed and breakfasts to 5 star luxury waterfront hotels.

Koala in Wildlife Park

You wouldn’t think it just from wandering through the streets, but Melbourne is teeming with wildlife. If you know where to look, you’ll find more animals than you could possibly imagine. That’s why we’ve prepared this treasure map to help you discover Melbourne’s wildlife.

The first stop has to be the Melbourne Zoo, Australia’s oldest. Built in 1862 and formally called the Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens, the grounds hold over 350 different species sure to delight. Interestingly, the Zoo’s original mission wasn’t to serve the public; instead, it was meant as a place for imported domestic animals to rest after the long voyage from Europe or Africa. By 1870, however, the Zoo was opened to the public as exotic animals were brought in from across the world. Like its contemporaries throughout Australia, one of the more engaging ways to experience the Melbourne Zoo is through the Roar and Snore program. Visitors sleep in specially prepared tents and shelters, and wake to the morning sounds of wildlife just beginning their day. The Zoo is accessible by train and tram. Alternatively, you could take a pleasant 4 kilometre ride up the Capital City Bike Trail.

Once you’ve had your fill of land lubbers, it’s time to check out the Melbourne Aquarium, located on the bank of the Yarra. The Aquarium is a recent addition to the city’s wildlife offerings, built in 1998. That said, there is already an addition in the works. Once it’s completed in the latter part of 2008, it will hold a substantial number of penguins from Antarctica in an exhibit complete with snow and ice. Don’t worry, jackets and hats are provided!

For an experience with a bit more substance, the Healesville Sanctuary is well worth your time. Though technically a zoo, the Sanctuary isn’t split into different exhibits like the Melbourne Zoo. Instead, visitors can roam through over 78 acres of natural bushland. Walking trails navigate through this beautiful landscape, allowing personal interaction with a number of different animals. The Sanctuary (sometimes referred to as the Sir Colin MacKenzie Fauna Park) also provides scheduled tours throughout the day.

Melbourne is a veritable bonanza of wildlife, with opportunities for exploration at every corner. Indeed, just wandering through Federal Square, you’re bound to see flocks of birds settling down for their afternoon meal. Each of these animals adds a little something to the fabric of Melbourne, and the city wouldn’t quite be complete without them.

For great Melbourne Accommodation while taking in all the sights of Melbourne, look no further than our accommodation website.

View of the Sydney Opera House and Botanic Gardens

As a world-class city, Sydney offers weeks and weeks worth of activities to suit every pallet. If you’re looking for the cream of the crop, however, here’s a list of the top five things to see and do if your time is limited. By no means is this an exhaustive list; instead, it’s meant to jumpstart your visit.

Sydney Tower- Alternatively known as AMP tower, Centrepoint Tower, or the Sydney Tower, this is Sydney’s highest point. At 305 meters, the Tower soars above the city, offering fantastic views from its observation deck. When it opened in 1981, Sydney Tower was the 4th tallest building in the world, though it has since fallen in the rankings. If you’re looking for a workout, consider the Sydney Tower Run-up, a race to the top from ground level: Paul Crake holds the world record at 6 minutes and 52 seconds.

Taronga Zoo- The Taronga Zoo showcases over 2,600 animals, making it a must during your time in Sydney, especially if you’re traveling with children. A new marine division called Great Southern Oceans opened in early 2008, and has quickly become one of the most popular parts of the park. For most visitors, the preferred transport to the zoo is by ferry from the Circular Quay wharf.

Sydney Opera House- One of the most recognizable architectural masterpieces in the world, the Sydney Opera House is first on many visitors’ lists. But don’t take our word for it. According to famed architect Louis Kahn’s: “The sun did not know how beautiful its light was until it was reflected off this building”. The best views of the opera house are found from ferries running across Sydney Harbor, and incidentally, this is also a really inexpensive way to spend a few hours. If you would like to see the inside of the Opera House, tours are available. There are also performances by Opera Australia and the Sydney Symphony throughout the year.

Royal Botanic Garden- Just east of the Opera House, the Royal Botanic Garden is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon. The Gardens are actually on the site of the first farm laid out on the Continent. Admission is free, and the park is open daily throughout the year.

The Rocks- For a taste of “Old Sydney”, your best bet is a visit to the Rocks. This area was one of the first to be developed after colonization, and much of the original architecture remains. There are two pubs here that claim to be the oldest in all of Australia-it’s up to you to decide which legitimately holds the honor.

For a fantastic selection of Sydney Hotels and Apartments, visit our accommodation website.

Adelaide City, South Australia

Perhaps a bit overlooked in the shadow of Melbourne and Sydney, Adelaide is a wonderful smaller city that definitely deserves attention in any tour of Australia. At 1.1 million people, Adelaide is the largest city in South Australia, and a great place to spend a week on vacation. Between culture, sport, and outdoor activities, you’ll have a busy stay regardless of where your interests lie. So where should you start your Adelaide vacation? You’ll be rearing to go after checking into your accommodation, so here are some ideas for creating a unique Adelaide stay that you won’t soon forget.

One of Adelaide’s most appealing features is its compact nature. Virtually everything you want to see in the city is within walking distance; if not, it’s probably just a short bus ride away. All of this makes Adelaide eminently strollable, a great quality for any tourist destination. Indeed, there are attractions right in the heart of the city that you would never expect to find! A perfect example is the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Spread over 30 hectares, the Botanic Garden presents a number of unique plants in a gorgeous rainforest environment. The extra greenery cools down the entire space, making this a great place to spend a hot Adelaide afternoon. There is also an impressive display of Aboriginal artifacts, with helpful and interesting information provided as well.

The Garden probably isn’t the best option for a rainy day, so if the weather heads south, amble on over to the South Australian Museum. Over 3000 items are displayed on six floors, which translates to a full afternoon of fun and learning. A sampling of the permanent exhibitions include Adelaide astronaut Andy Thomas’ space suit, pieces from ancient Egypt, and an impressive collection of prehistoric fossils. Best of all, admission to the museum is free, so you won’t feel guilty spending as much (or as little) time as you want wandering through the halls.

The best time to visit the city is during one of the many festivals that occur throughout the year. The most famous example is the Adelaide Festival of the Arts. Though it is only put on once every two years, it’s still regarded as one of the pre-eminent art festivals in all of Australia. It’s usually held in late February or early March, and is well worth the wait if you’re a serious art fan.

While Adelaide proper certainly has its fair share of attractions, many visitors head outside of the city to check out the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Just outside of the city, the Murray River offers any number of activities, from a gentle day of fishing to an exhilarating ride in a bouncing jetboat.

Adelaide (and the rest of South Australia!) makes for a great vacation spot for the whole family. A little quieter and without all the tourists of larger cities like Melbourne and Sydney, Adelaide offers a bit of a slower pace- perfect for spending quality time with those you care about the most in some fantastic Adelaide accommodation.