Archive for 2008
Today we say goodbye to Hobart, and start heading east on our tour around Tasmania. There are many great places which we’d like to visit, but time might not allow us to see everything! For the next few days we’re going to be following what’s called the ‘Convict Trail’, heading south from Richmond down onto [...]
Tags: richmond, richmond bridge, richmond gaol, richmond village
While it seems that Mt. Gambier in South Australia may be situated atop a mountain as the name suggests, the city is actually known for it’s craters, caves, sinkholes, and lakes! It is the perfect destination for those who want to explore nature’s wonders and enjoy spending time in the great outdoors. And, since Mt. [...]
Tags: blue lake, mount gambier, mt gambier, the lady nelson discovery center
When you stay in Hobart you can’t help but notice the large mountains dominating the backdrop to the city, and if you, like us, enjoy seeing a city from up high you’re going to want to take a trip up Mount Wellington!
We had intended to spend a few hours away from Hobart, travelling up Mount [...]
Tags: mount wellington, wellington park
Because so many great cities dot the Australian landscape, it can be overwhelming for even the savviest Aussie to decide where to explore. For your next trip, try visiting Darwin in the Northern Territory. Located on the northern coast of Australia, Darwin boasts breathtaking views, a bustling nightlife, and a multitude of cultural experiences.
For those [...]
Tags: australian outback, darwin, litchfield national park
As a city, Adelaide offers exceptional opportunities for nightlife. The combination of great restaurants, lively pubs, and booming nightclubs is guaranteed to make for an exciting night no matter where you end up. Here’s the info you need to get started on your way towards a great time in this South Australian gem.
Once dinnertime rolls [...]
Tags: nightclub, pubs, restaurant, skycity adelaide
We discovered that there’s more to Mount Wellington and the Mount Wellington Park than great views of Hobart, so we’ll be covering all the fun things you can do in Mount Wellington Park in our next entry. In the meantime, our stay in Hobart continues and we’ve enjoyed a cruise, a visit to a chocolate [...]
Tags: cadbury chocolate factory visitor centre, hobart cruises, wrest point
Just a few hours north of Brisbane lies the whale watching capital of the world—Hervey Bay. Whether you are just looking to get away for a few days or to take the whole family for a month long vacation, Hervey Bay is the ideal location. With a mild climate and little rainfall, there is no [...]
Tags: fishing, four-wheel drive excursion, scuba diving, whale watching
Though Sydney might get the majority of international attention, most Australians know that Melbourne has its own share of great attractions. While a stay in Melbourne warrants at least a week of your vacation time, we’ve boiled down the top five things you have to do when you visit. Here they are, listed in no [...]
Tags: federation square, melbourne zoo, national gallery of victoria, queen victoria market, southbank, yarra river
Adelaide is the perfect place to spend some quality time with nature’s finest creatures. With almost 10 zoos and wildlife sanctuaries within an hour’s drive of the city center, you’ll be sure to see a broader range of animals than you could have believed possible. Here’s a guide to help you make the most out [...]
Tags: adelaide zoo, baird bay ocean eco experience, cleland wildlife park, parndana wildlife park, seahorse farm
The coastal resort of The Entrance makes for a fantastic weekend getaway from the nearby cities of Sydney and Newcastle, offering a more laid back and relaxed destination away from the bustle of the city!
Tourists have been coming to The Entrance since as far back as 1885 when the first guest house was opened. It’s [...]
Tags: pelican feeding, the entrance, the entrance heritage walk, the entrance mardi gras, vera's water garden
Melbourne is a great place to bring your family, and a large part of that is due to the quality of its museums. It’s truly a pleasure to watch kids learn while they’re having fun, and the museums here do a wonderful job of providing that combination. Likewise, most museums have exhibits that appeal to [...]
Tags: melbourne imax, melbourne museum, national sports museum, scienceworks
Our tour of Tasmania starts in the state’s capital city, Hobart, in the south east. This coastal city is situated on the estuary of the Derwent River and set against the picturesque backdrop of Mount Wellington.
Hobart is a beautiful little city, the second oldest in Australia, and was founded in 1804 when it grew as [...]
Tags: hobart historic tours, maritime museum of tasamania, royal tasmanian botanical gardens, salamanca market, salamanca place, tasmanian museum and art gallery
Nestled within a stunning landscape of trickling springs and lush trees lies the small town of Daylesford, Victoria. Located just a short drive from Melbourne, Daylesford is the ideal vacation spot for those who need a little rest and relaxation. With a number of spas specializing in all kinds of bodywork, Daylesford will give you [...]
Tags: country retreat, day spa, daylesford, markets, romantic hideaway, wombat hill botanic gardens
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 [...]
Tags: alice springs, australian outback, gemtree, kings canyon, kings creek station, restaurant, school of air
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 [...]
Tags: ferry, flights to tasmania, spirit of tasmania
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 [...]
Tags: albany, bluff knoll, museum, restaurant, stirling range national park, whale tour, whale world
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 [...]
Tags: beaches, daintree, daintree rainforest, hiking, wilderness hikes
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 [...]
Tags: daytripper, metro light rail, sydney bus, sydney ferries, sydney train, sydneypass
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 [...]
Tags: accommodation, healesville sanctuary, melbourne aquarium, melbourne zoo
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 [...]
Tags: royal botanic gardens, sydney opera house, sydney tower, taronga zoo, the rocks
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 [...]
Tags: adelaide botanic garden, adelaide festival of arts, adelaide museum, south australian museum
Broome, in Western Australia, is a small historical town which is fast becoming a popular tourist destination with Australians and is also beginning to attract international visitors too. The main appeal with Broome is its coastal location, the beautiful beaches, and the pleasant weather.
Above all else, Broome is a place where visitors can come to [...]
Tags: beaches, broome, broome bird observatory, cable beach, camel ride, malcolm douglas broome crocodile park, malcolm douglas wilderness park, Western Australia, willie creek pearl farm
Melbourne really shines at night, as restaurants and bars fill up with locals and tourists looking to enjoy everything the city has to offer. Regardless of whether you’re looking for a quiet drink or a crazy night on the dance floor, rest assured Melbourne has your party. Different districts and neighborhoods are known for their [...]
Tags: chapel street, melbourne nightlife, nightclubs, st kilda
Situated 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) from the coast of South Australia is Kangaroo Island, and although you’ll find development here, Kangaroo Island remains an unspoilt oasis full of wildlife and woodlands with a very welcoming feel!
The first thing you’ll need to know about Kangaroo Island (or KI as it’s often known!) is how to get [...]
Tags: Adelaide & Surrounds, ki marine centre, kingscote, parndana wildlife park, seal bay conservation park, vineyard
Although Canberra is the nation’s capital, the city often plays second fiddle to Sydney in terms of visitor numbers though this really needn’t be the case. Canberra is a lovely city and the perfect place to bring the children for a short break.
There are many interesting attractions in Canberra which we found were suitable for [...]
Tags: australian institute of sport, australian war memorial, canberra, canberra museum, canberra show, hotels, national gallery of australia, national museum of australia, old parliment house, questacon, royal australian mint, telstra tower
Keeping to its reputation as a great place to bring your family, Sydney has a range of educational, fun museums that will keep your kids occupied for hours. Indeed, most of the museums within Sydney offer options that will appeal to young, old, and in between. Below we’ve listed some of our favorites for kids [...]
Tags: australian museum, daytripper, justice and police museum, powerhouse museum, sydney observatory
Around the world there are many famous and scenic highways which are ideal for touring holidays, and Australia is no exception with its Great Ocean Road! Here you’ll find some fantastic scenery, many famous Australian landmarks, and a number of great little towns to stop in and explore.
Where is the Great Ocean Road?
The Great Ocean [...]
Tags: aireys inlet, apollo bay, elephant rock, erskine falls, great otway national park, grotto, london arch, lorne, torquay, twelve apostles, warrnambool
Sydney has some of the best beaches in the world, and millions of tourists come here each year to soak up the sun. There’s a beach in Sydney to suit every taste, whether you’re after surfing, people watching, or just a calm day at the shore. The following list is by no means inclusive of [...]
Tags: bondi, dee why, manly, northern beaches
Australia’s most famous wine producing area, the Barossa Valley, is also an ideal place for a short holiday or a weekend break for those who enjoy great wine, great food and the great outdoors!
Situated in southern Australia, Barossa Valley, which is also often simply called the Barossa, is just 60km (37.5 miles) north east of [...]
Tags: barossa vintage festival, pro cylcing tour down under, wine, winery
Although the whole of Sydney has its share of great entertainment, there isn’t anywhere else quite like Darling Harbour if you’re looking for both day and evening attractions in a very convenient location. Darling Harbour is just outside Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD) and is easily accessible by train, monorail or light rail, or for [...]
Tags: australian national maritme museum, darling harbour, entertainment centre, harbour cruise, hotels, powerhouse museum, star city casino, sydney aquarium, sydney imax cinema, sydney museum, sydney wildlife world
Surf and Sun destinations tend to get most of the press when it comes to Australian vacationing. That’s a shame, because there are plenty of places that offer more variety. One of the finest examples is the small town of Bright, located about 300 miles northeast of Melbourne. There’s enough here to keep you busy [...]
Tags: autumn festival, bright, museum, poplars restaurant
If your family has been searching for a vacation that will mix facts with fun, look no further than Victor Harbor, South Australia. Located approximately 80 KMs south of Adelaide, this oceanic oasis offers an environment so interesting and engaging that your children won’t even realize they’re learning! Of course, when they finally figure it [...]
Tags: granite island, greenhills adventure park, south australia whale centre
If you’re looking for a great place to take the whole family, consider Margaret River for your next vacation. You could easily spend weeks taking advantage of everything the area has to offer. Best of all, there’s something for everyone, young and old. The town itself is only 280 kilometers south of Perth, so it’s [...]
Tags: caves, surfing, wine
As a destination for a peaceful weekend, the Dandenongs really can’t be beat. Only about an hour outside of Melbourne and easily accessible by bus and train, there’s nothing stopping you from coming out here on a whim. Indeed, the only thing you might have to worry about is securing accommodation: the small, roadside cottages [...]
Tags: puffing billy, sky high mount dandenong
Being situated so close to Sydney, and easily accessible by both car and train, the Blue Mountains present the ideal opportunity for a romantic weekend getaway. And, as they’re so easy to get to it’s no surprise that the Blue Mountains are popular with both Sydneysiders and visitors to Sydney who want to get out [...]
Tags: edge imax cinema, jenolan caves, Katoomba, scenic railway, scenic skyway, scenic world, zig zag railway
Melbourne, Australia’s second largest city, is often said to have ‘four seasons in one day’, and whilst this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get real extremes of weather you do need to be prepared for a change in weather conditions. After all, there’s nothing worse than having to put up with rain and not knowing where [...]
Tags: aquarium, crown casino, museum, Victoria
If you’re visiting New South Wales, your trip won’t be complete without a stop in Dubbo. In fact, you’re unlikely to miss it! Dubbo is widely considered to be the crossroads of NSW. The town lies in the middle of the major centers of population. From here, you can drive north to Brisbane, east to [...]
Tags: dubbo, nsw, western plains zoo
Coolangatta is situated right above the border between Queensland and New South Wales. Visitors can go and take photos at the state’s border between Coolangatta and Tweed Heads (NSW). Warning: time differences will change if you decide to stay at a Tweed Heads restaurant/motel for a while in between your visit to the Gold Coast [...]
Tags: coolangatta, Queensland
Mermaid Beach is a quieter alternative to Surfers Paradise of even Broadbeach (though technically ‘next door’). There are some developments in the area, however, and the buzz is that it is soon to see a boom in high-rises.
The reputable Pacific Fair Shopping Centre is right on Hooker Boulevard in the neighbouring Broadbeach area. Here you [...]
Tags: mermaid beach, Queensland
Burleigh Heads is home to the Billabong surf company, and though company tours are not available, there is a nearby factory outlet with plenty of bargains.
The beach itself in the Burleigh area is host to some of Australia’s most exciting surfing competitions such as the Quicksilver Surf Pro Tournament. Waves are high and winds may [...]
Tags: burleigh heads, Queensland
Main Beach is located north of Surfers Paradise and many attractions may be easily reached via bus or car. Home to Gold Coast’s Palazzo Versace, as well as Sea World Nara Resort, Sheraton hotel, Marina Mirage, Australia Fair Shopping Centre and many more attractions, here’s a list of the top 5 things you must do [...]
Tags: main beach, Queensland
The Sunshine Coast is situated 100 kilometres north of Brisbane city in Queensland. It has a populous of almost 3 million locals and 50,000 visitors each year. It is made up of three major areas, Noosa, Maroochy and Caloundra.
The most famous of the Sunshine Coast’s natural wonders is the Glass House Mountains, first sighted by [...]
Tags: australia zoo, caloundra, noosa, Queensland, underwater world
Gold Coast is the second most populous city in Queensland, and is one of the major tourist destinations in Australia (both locally and internationally).
Home to Warner Brothers’ Movie World and movie studios, Wet ‘n’ Wild water park, Sea World, Dreamworld, White Water World, Q1 (the world’s tallest residential tower) and many more attractions, Gold Coast [...]
Tags: broadbeach, dreamworld, main beach, outback spectacular, Queensland, sea world, surfers paradise, wet 'n wild, white water world
Phillip Island is situated about 140 kilometres south-east of Melbourne city in Victoria (about 90 minutes drive by car). The island was first discovered by George Bass in 1798, although the land had been occupied by the Bunurong people for thousands of years prior.
Places of interest
The main attraction of Phillip Island these days is [...]
Tags: accommodation, cowes, Victoria
Usually the day doesn’t actually start until noon. I don’t know what tourists are up to, maybe joining a tour on the Aqua Bus which is shaped like a duck or hiring some kayaks to paddle through. Surfing lessons are often a good idea in the mornings; otherwise it gets really crowded by the afternoon.
Meeting [...]
Tags: Queensland, surfers paradise
Broadbeach, Gold Coast, is the host to Conrad Jupiters Casino, the Gold Coast Exhibition Centre, Raptis Plaza, Oasis Shopping Centre and many modern shopfronts by the beach. Locals and tourists alike enjoy the energy and stylish atmosphere of the area. Whether with a champagne cocktail or a bowl of Thai Laksa. There’s something for everyone. [...]
Tags: broadbeach, Queensland, restaurant
Brisbane is a rapidly developing city in Australia, opening up its landscape to tourists and commercial investors alike. With the great Brisbane River spiralling through the city’s suburbs, Brisbane locals and visitors can enjoy frequent ferry rides on the Citycat, along with trains and buses all on the one Translink Pass.
Situated 931 kilometres North from [...]
Tags: Brisbane, Queensland, travel