Aussie Travel Tips
“You’ll never never know, if you never never go”
G’day!
It’s getting colder down south here in Land Oz which brings to mind the warmer climate of the northern regions. So if you’re in a place that’s just a bit too chilly/freezing/sub-zero/glacial for your liking and want ideas to escape to or just daydream of being somewhere warm today in nature’s paradise, I introduce you to Darwin in the Northern Territory.
Known as the “Adventure Territory”, you can spoil your sense of fun in the tropical capital city of Darwin and its surrounds. If you can’t handle humidity, the ideal time to go is during the ‘dry’ season from May to October when the weather is warm (temperature in the mid-30’s), dry and sunny during the day and cool at night. The rest of the year is high humidity, storms and monsoonal rains.
Having travelled to Darwin on the cusp of ‘wet’ season to ‘dry’, I did get to experience my first Aussie tropical storm and I remember thinking during a downpour one evening “When it rains cats and dogs, it sure does rain cats and dogs here!” The rain drops were the biggest I’d ever seen and the without doubt, the heaviest. I also cannot forget Mother Nature’s spectacular lightning ‘show’ of the storm that lit up the night sky ever so brilliantly! I only wish I had taken photos!
Originally a pioneer outpost, Darwin is the smallest and most northerly of the Australian capital cities with a population of just over 136,000. Its location on the Timor Sea makes it a significant gateway to South East Asian countries such as Indonesia and East Timor. Explore beyond Darwin and your adventure truly begins with the ecological beauty of national parks such as Kakadu (World Heritage listed), Nitmiluk and Litchfield..
So let’s head to Litchfield National Park and revel in its natural beauty. It’s an awesome destination for walks, pockets of rainforest, historic sites, pandanus-lined rock pools and fascinating termite mounds. My favourite though would have to be the waterfalls! BUT what’s better than a waterfall? A waterfall you can swim up to! Litchfield National Park is south of Darwin and takes under two hours drive.
Termite mounds are scattered throughout the landscape at Litchfield National Park
Termite Mounds
These mounds feature prominently in the landscape at Litchfield and there are thousands of them! You’ll see two types, Magnetic (thin in appearance and stands up to 2m high) termite mounds and Cathedral (rounded and stands up to 4m high) termite mounds. They are very cleverly built north to south to only allow the least possible surface area to be exposed to the sun and therefore provide just the right amount of warmth and humidity for the termites, who are major contributors to the environment in this region. By searching for grass underground, the termites create channels that allow the soil to preserve dampness for longer as well as allow moisture into the ground with the first rains of wet season.
This magnificent double waterfall is one of numerous within Litchfield National Park
Florence Falls – A spiritual place
To reach this gorgeous double waterfall, there’s a 160 step staircase to walk down to the swimming hole for a refreshing swim. The viewing platform at the top of the falls provides a panoramic view of the open valley and waterhole below. The location is stunning amidst monsoon forest which contrasts with the dry sandstone plateau. The water is crystal clear and is available for swimming all year round.
One of the most popular waterfalls to swim
Wangi Falls
This is one of Litchfield’s most easily accessible waterfalls and also one of the most popular. This place is most spectacular during wet season when the water levels increase making the falls much heavier. It’s open all year round but swimming isn’t always possible due to the water level. Similar to Florence Falls, Wangi Falls is surrounded by lush monsoon rainforest. There is a kiosk and picnic facilities which is very handy.
Relax in the cascading waterfalls
Buley Rockhole
This one would have to be one of my favourites though it can get very busy. There are numerous rock pools to try out and I just love the low lying cascade of waterfalls where you can find your own spot to soak in and enjoy the cool water roll over your shoulders with a massaging effect. Just take a look at this guy relaxing in the foreground of the picture! It’s such a fun place to explore and the bush surrounds adds to the visual splendour.
Next time though, I’d like to go during wet season when there is a proliferation in animal and plant life. And I won’t forget to take photos of the lightning storms!
The Northern Territory has a fabulous old slogan and pardon my use of the antiquated saying but it’s one that many people remember and is perfectly fitting for this awesome industry we’re in … “You’ll never never know, if you never never go”.
Your Taste Buds Will Love the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival (27 FEB to 15 MAR)
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Melbourne, VIC Immersery: Festival Kitchen, Bar and Raingarden
Copyright: Tourism Australia
Photographer: Ellenor Argyropoulos
It all started quite humbly 22 years ago (with a program of only a dozen events) as the brainchild of advertising veteran, Peter Clemenger, who had recognised that Melbourne was in dire need of reinvigoration. Fast forward and those events have grown exponentially in festival history to over 200 annually.
The well regarded and much anticipated Melbourne Food and Wine Festival draws in thousands of enthusiasts eager to partake and indulge in hosted experiences throughout the city and sprawling out into regional Victoria. One-off events is the mainstay of the program and offers diversity making the festival unique and extremely appealing. It’s a joyful celebration and festival go-ers are encouraged to be adventurous in their palate and spirit.
Bank of Melbourne World’s Longest Lunch, Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Melbourne, VIC
Copyright: Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
Photographer: Daniel Mahon
Bank of Melbourne ‘World’s Longest Lunch’ will launch the celebration on 27 February at Fitzroy Gardens. Last year the festival set a record in its history with this event hosting 1,504 diners on a 530m long table situated along the banks of the scenic Yarra River. What a sight it was!
What we love about this festival is the genius creativity born from the collaboration of world renowned international chefs with our very own leading local chefs. The festival has been fortunate to have hosted the who’s who of the culinary world such as Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson, Heston Blumenthall and Anthony Bourdain.
A bonus is that not all events require you to purchase a ticket. There’s at least a dozen celebrations that are hosted complimentary … so why not check out the Festival Artisan Bakery & Bar, Open Kitchen and Crown’s Alfresco Kitchen at Southbank or Fed Square Harvest at Federation Square and Grazing by the River held at South Wharf. Paid events range in price to cater for those on a tight budget to those who can afford a little more depending on the experience and exclusivity of the event. Whatever your budget, there will be a hosted food and wine experience waiting for you!
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Melbourne, VIC Immersery: Festival Kitchen, Bar and Raingarden with Dan Wilson
Copyright: Tourism Australia
Photographer: Ellenor Argyropoulos
If you’re a local, the festival is a premier event to attend, offering gastronomic delights that you’ll not be able to experience any other time of year. And if you’re an international visitor, the festival is guaranteed to heighten the fun factor of your Melbourne stay.
There’s only a couple of weeks til the festival kicks off. Don’t miss this exceptionally enjoyable culinary exploration for your taste buds and get amongst it … there’s 316 events for you to choose from, explore and experience!
Explore Mornington Peninsula
Traditional and colourful bathing boxes are an icon of the region.
Mornington Peninsula is a favourite among locals and it’s easy to understand why. With such diversity in offerings such as pristine beaches, picturesque wineries, boutique shopping, coastal walks, health and wellness pampering, gourmet eateries, intimate galleries, marine activities, history and heritage, family activities and fantastic variety of tours.
It’s such a lovely region to visit year round but of course being on a peninsula, it is especially busy during the warmer months. There are numerous beaches to check out from the calm waters of the front beach in Sorrento to the wave crashing, great surf conditions of Rye Ocean Beach.
Picturesque vineyard of T’Gallant Winery on the Mornington Peninsula.
When it comes to nature trails, two spots come to mind worth doing … Millionaire’s Walk in Sorrento. An easy 1.5km return cliff top walk with stunning ocean vistas, you’ll walk past some of the most magnificent properties of which many have their own private jetties with gorgeously built boat houses! Located at the very tip of the peninsula, Point Nepean National Park is most significant for its role in shaping the early settlement, quarantine and defence of the state of Victoria. Here you can explore historic Quarantine Station, military forts and tunnels or just enjoy the spectacular coastal environment.
Peninsula Hot Springs – first natural hot springs and day spa centre in Victoria.
For some luxe pampering, a favourite place is Peninsula Hot Springs. This was the first natural hot springs and day spa centre in the state. There are two bathing facilities to cater for everyone, Bath House and Spa Dreaming Centre. The Bath House has over 20 bathing experiences from cold plunge pools, reflexology walk, massaging thermal mineral showers and Turkish steam bath to name a few. The Spa Dreaming Centre is more exclusive for guests 16 years and older. The emphasis here is on tranquil spaces, private pools and spa treatments to revitalise body, mind and spirit.
Golf enthusiasts are well catered for with numerous world class courses to tee off. Here are a few to look into; Moonah Links Golf Course, Eagle Ridge Golf Course, Dunes Golf Course and St Andrews Beach Golf Club.
The easiest way to get to the peninsula from Melbourne CBD is to self-drive (suggest the scenic way along the bay) or join an organised day tour (so you won’t have to worry about navigating the roads). Whichever you choose, you’ll not be disappointed spending the day in this stunning region.
Have you visited Mornington Peninsula? If so, what were the highlights for you?
Top 10 Alternative City Things to do in Australia
It’s all too easy to come to one of Australia’s many great cities and tick off the sights from the travel agent brochure or use a ‘bible’ such as a Lonely Planet Guide to steer you way to the ‘must see’ spots. Yes, there are some iconic sights and attractions that first time visitors shouldn’t miss but you’re looking for something a little different or you’re lucky enough to come back for a second or third visit what then?
Thankfully there are some great alternatives to the major city sights where you’ll get an alternative view of things or get to rub shoulders with locals and get a feel for what it’s like to live in one of our great cities rather than just being a visitor in one. So if you’ve seen the big landmarks and paid to enter the main attractions we’d like to suggest some alternatives for you to try on your next trip!
Hop, Skip, Jump from Melbourne CBD: Get to know our “inner side”!
G’day!
Take a little break from what you’re doing right now and join me in getting to know some of Melbourne’s funky inner suburbs.
These inner city suburbs I’m about to introduce you to are a stone’s throw from Melbourne CBD making it so easy to access by public transport, on foot, by bicycle and of course, by car if you have it available to you.
Let’s head north and make our way clockwise around Melbourne town …
Fitzroy: A taste of the alternative
Fitzroy: Alternative culture, night life and plethora of eateries
Fitzroy (2kms NE Melbourne CBD) exudes all things hip and kooky. Wander along Brunswick Street, Fitzroy’s main drag, and you will instantly feel the alternative vibe with its numerous vintage clothing stores, second-hand bookshops and bountiful cafes, restaurants and pubs. If you’re lucky, you may catch ‘celebrity’ black Elvis rock-n-rolling away on the street … always entertaining to see. Dare to step out of your culinary comfort zone? Vegie Bar is a long standing institution much loved both by the health conscious and the hungry for its satisfying comfort food. On weekends, enjoy Rose St. Artists’ Market, the most exciting and unique place for you to find all kinds of handmade treasures.
Richmond: Top-to-Toe shopping experience
Richmond: Shopping, sports bars and live band venues
3kms SE of Melbourne CBD is Richmond and I have to admit that I did once shopped til I dropped (I guess I may now have also given away my gender!) along the infamous Bridge Road shopping strip … a top-to-toe fashion experience! With major sports stadiums and arenas nearby, there are also a handful of bars and pubs that are a draw card for sports fans (we do love our sports in Melbourne!) and for those who love to see live bands, legendary rock venue the Corner Hotel always has a fabulous line up.
Albert Park: The lake is home to Australia’s F1 GP
Albert Park: Albert Park Lake, Australian F1 GP, terrace homes, parks and gardens
Head south 3kms from Melbourne CBD to picturesque and leafy Albert Park, one of Melbourne’s oldest suburbs. I just love walking around this area and admiring the charming heritage homes and delightful Victorian shopfronts of Bridport Street and Victoria Avenue with its collection of upmarket retailers and cafes. Perfectly suited for an active outdoors lifestyle, enjoy the beachfront, parks and gardens, an inland lake that is home to Australian F1 Grand Prix, Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC), a golf course, soccer stadium, sailing clubs and several sporting ovals. Before we leave Albert Park, allow me introduce you to a legend … Andrew’s Hamburgers, burgers made old-fashioned home-style that is big and fresh and many agree, is absolutely worth the journey from even across town to try. The chips are just as amazing too! Let me know how you liked it … bon appetit!
Yarraville: Restored art deco Sun Theatre on Ballarat St
Yarraville: Endearing village life and architecture
Our next destination is a little further and completes our circuit. Yarraville is 8kms west of Melbourne CBD and is a hidden gem even for many Melburnians. The west has always had a reputation for being a tad on the rough side but Yarraville has transformed into having a wonderful community spirit. Yarraville Village has a charming village atmosphere where you will find the beautifully restored, iconic art deco cinema Sun Theatre and adjacent Sun Bookshop. Coming here, you can’t help but slow the pace down, enjoy its quality village life and notable examples of Edwardian and Victorian architecture of which many house the neighbourhood’s epicurean cafes and restaurants, eclectic bookstores and boutique shops.
Aerial view of Melbourne with Albert Park Lake in the foreground
Going out and exploring just beyond the Melbourne CBD to these wonderful inner city suburbs will not only enhance your experience and knowledge of our eclectic and absolutely fabulous city but also complement some of the day tours we have on offer.
Which part of Melbourne has been memorable for you? Got any ‘secrets’ to share? We would love to hear your comments and suggestions!
A Quick Guide to Great Holiday Savings
‘Tis the season to be jolly, to show peace and love towards your fellow man and, of course, to join the holiday rush and work to get that special present for that special someone. Don’t allow high expenses to dampen your holiday spirit.
WA Today provided some tips to help you save this holiday season.
Tips for Travelling by Bus
Buses are a cheap method of transport. They are also an opportunity to meet new people and make friends, but you need to keep your wits about you, too, according to DrifterAlley.com. Not everyone is trustworthy so keep a firm hand on your belongings – even when you’re sleeping – or at least store them where you can see them at all times.
Look into the journey before you set off. Find out if there will be adequate toilet stops and what kind of bus you will be traveling on – some are more comfortable or have more amenities than others which can make a difference to your enjoyment of the trip.
5 Top Coffee Spots in Port Douglas
Port Douglas is a hot holiday destination for Australians. But while a change of scenery can be welcome, a deviation from the daily ritual of coffee drinking may not be.According to One Step 4ward, these five best places to get a caffeine hit in Port Douglas:
- The Lure Restaurant and Bar at Port Douglas Marina is open every day and offers exotic coffee options such as cappuccino martini as well as the more traditional varieties.
- For a spectacular view with your brew, visit eco-friendly Ospreys Restaurant at Thala Beach Lodge.
- Origin Espresso is a micro-roaster in the centre of the town that specialises in the freshest single origin coffee.
- Otz Food in Four Mile Village combines Grinders Coffee with baked goods and picnic foods.
- Book lovers will appreciate the opportunity to combine a spot of browsing with their caffeine at this combined bookshop and café on Macrossan Street.
Road Trip Tips for Families
Take a family road trip and you’ll avoid the stresses of the airport, says Travel + Leisure. But to avoid the stresses that you might expect from hours in the car with your loved ones, follow author Jamie Jensen’s top tips for travelling with children:
- Look for suitable destinations together so that they feel part of the trip from the beginning. Include points of interest for them related to their favourite activities – maybe a local baseball ground or picturesque swimming spot.
- Make the car a nicer place to be by removing the usual clutter and adding blankets and pillows for the journey.
- Have a break at least once every couple of hours; Jensen says it helps driver and passengers to stay alert and pain-free during long trips.
- Keep a look out for spots en route that may involve deviating from the itinerary but that will make the experience even more enjoyable and memorable for everyone.
Safety Tips for Australian Beaches
Every year, millions of people come from all over the world to enjoy the beautiful beaches in Australia. While the beaches look amazing and very inviting, they are also known to have a few hidden dangers that every visitor should be aware of. Whether you are taking a Sydney tour, a Gold Coast tour or you’re simply checking out the beaches at your own pace, the following helpful advice will ensure you have an enjoyable and safe beach experience.
Swim at Patrolled Beaches
Throughout the day, many of the more popular and centralised beaches in Australia are patrolled by lifeguards. These lifeguards are there to ensure that you have a fun and safe time swimming, keeping you safe from dangerous things like large waves, rip currents and shifting sandbars. When swimming at these beaches, you can feel more secure knowing that there is always someone to help you if you get in trouble. It’s very important that you always listen to the lifeguards, like when they ask you to come closer to the shore.
