7 Tips on Traveling Safely Around Australia
Australia, as a travel destination, has everything that a tourist can ask for in a holiday spot. Every year, millions of visitors, from America, Europe and other parts of the world make a beeline to experience this vast country’s unique landscapes, pristine ocean beaches, food and wine.
It may look small on the map, but Australia is pretty massive and equally diverse. However, with a low crime rate, combined with a political system which is very stable, makes the country rather safe and easy to travel about in.
In case you happen to be one of the chosen few, intending to head to this fascinating continent, here are some tips pertaining to travel safety which will ensure that your holiday is not only enjoyable but safe as well.
read more5 Reasons to Visit the Whitsundays
Made up of 74 island wonders in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays are the most beautiful part of Queensland’s tropical coast. Four of the islands have resorts but most are uninhabited, characterized by dense rainforest, hiking trails, and secluded white sand beaches which offer back-to-nature beach camping for the adventurous.
There are plenty of reasons to visit the Whitsundays, though this is one of those destinations where you don’t really need one; a true paradise, and the ultimate in adventure and relaxation, with great cocktails and incredible local seafood!
read moreDiscovery Parks Devonport Hotel Review – Tasmania Accommodation
A busy coastal city that hosts the Spirit of Tasmania ferry on its voyage to and from Melbourne, Devonport is Tasmania’s gateway to the North West. But after after disembarking the Spirit, most passengers scatter to other destinations on the island and Devonport slips back into obscurity.
Which is a shame for a town with such a stunning location; one with river, ocean and mountain views, and beautiful beaches which form a coastal trail that most tourists miss; a central base in terms of access to some of Tasmania’s best natural places, including Cradle Mountain and Narawntapu National Park – a place where the world is still wild, and a region that’s home to awe inspiring scenery, and the world’s cleanest air.
So upon disembarking the Spirit we weren’t in a rush to drive south as most do. We were ready for wineries, walking and wilderness; ready to dive into food trails, classic coastal drives and beautiful nature reserves. Instead of following the procession of cars bound for Hobart, we drove off the ferry and turned left.
We drove a minute up the road, and checked into Discovery Parks Devonport – a fully furnished cabin style apartment with ocean views would be our base for discovering Tasmania’s incredible North West.
read moreA Journey From Mainland Australia Aboard Spirit of Tasmania
Tasmania lies roughly 400 km from mainland Australia however it seems like a world away; a magical destination where you can escape the crowds of Australia’s main cities, and access vast wilderness and astounding natural wonders like no-where else in the world.
There’s a relaxing pureness about this small island State, and its towns transport you back to simpler times where modern stresses cease to exist. It definitely offers all the modern conveniences you could hope for, but has somehow managed to maintain its unique culture and charm. Managed to preserve it’s World Heritage Areas, wildlife, beautiful landforms, natural and cultural history, and brought them into modern times.
But it’s difficult to really experience all Tasmania has to offer without a car, so there was no question about how we would get to the Island of the Devil; we would journey overnight from the mainland on Spirit of Tasmania. By transporting ourselves along with our personal vehicle and all our gear we were assured of getting the most rewarding experience Tassie could offer.
read moreCrowne Plaza Canberra Hotel Review
When you stay in the center of a city there are certain things you come to accept. Sacrifices you make for the luxury of staying in the most central location. Like the idea that you’ll likely wake up in the morning to the sound of an urban landscape. And potentially land a room with a carpark view.
But when we saw photos of Crowne Plaza Canberra, it painted a completely different picture of what we had come to expect. Like falling asleep in the heart of the CBD but waking up to breathtaking parkland views. And cracking your window to welcome the morning song of King parrots and Sulphur crested cockatoos.
And while Australia’s capital largely caters to politicians and business travel, leisure travel in Canberra is on the verge of a supersonic boom.
read moreBook Review: Visitors Guide to the Best Walks of the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is considered to be one of the most scenic drives in the world, and is certainly a jewel in the crown of Australian tourism. Its stunning coastal road hangs precariously on soaring sea cliffs and winds between pretty towns and beaches, all set against the backdrop of the Great Otaway National Park, the site of Australia’s few temperate rainforests.
Though for one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, most visitors to the area sadly see very little, and most of that through a coach window. But you won’t see the best sights from your car.
Much more than a scenic highway, this region is home to a myriad of coastal tracks, rainforest trails, and hikes which connect historic seaside villages, taking in ocean views and dramatic waterfalls. If there’s one thing for certain, the best way to discover the Great Ocean Road is to walk.
read moreVisiting Australia’s Snowy Mountains + Discovery Parks Jindabyne Accommodation Review
It was a welcome retreat returning to our cabin at Discovery Parks after an exhaustive day of activities. We had traveled for a relaxing break by the lake, however found ourselves seduced by the Snowy Mountains and its wealth of outdoor recreation.
We flicked on the TV and collapsed into the couch – the weather would be sunny tomorrow too. There was the choice of bushwalking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, horse riding, visiting the National Park, or water-sports on the lake.
Personally though, I was keen to dedicate a day to something people don’t often travel to do – searching for relics from the old town of Jindabyne; an alpine town at the bottom of a lake.
Swallowed by flood water in the 1960s when the Snowy River was dammed as part of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, the town was abandoned and rebuilt on higher ground. The ruins have been submerged for over 50 years, though occasionally when lake levels are low, out from the depths comes the remnants of the old Catholic Church. Unbelievable to imagine the remains of a whole town beneath your water skis!
read moreThe Best BBQ Spots in Sydney
The great Aussie Barbeque is world famous, and as far as cultural experiences go, nothing says “Australia” like sizzling a snag (sausage) on a barbie.
Much of the challenge is finding the perfect spot and knowing what to serve, but as far as Sydney is concerned, we’ve got the locations covered for you. From beaches to coves, national parks to foreshores, Sydney knows the value of a public BBQ, and this is a great way to enjoy time with family and friends while getting outside and experiencing the city’s local attractions and beautiful parklands.
So the next time you’re in Sydney, pack a picnic and check out some of these fabulous BYO BBQ’s!
read more9 Things To Do On Victoria’s Surf Coast
The Surf Coast of Victoria and its world famous beaches, makes it an incredible destination for an escape from the bustling heart of Melbourne. Just over an hour west of the CBD, The Surf Coast stretches along the Great Ocean Road, so you’ll be at no shortage of breathtaking ocean views from atop the rugged cliff faces.
Whether you make the trip in summer to soak up the sunshine from the sand, or choose to explore the region on a cooler day, there’s so much to see and do!
read moreEvents You Shouldn’t Miss in Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia’s style setter; an arty city, both scenic and cosmopolitan, with diverse, dynamic inhabitants that proudly claim their title as Australia’s sporting and cultural capital.
It’s progressive, multicultural, gritty-chic, food-obsessed, and has a non stop events calendar which is always packed with arts festivals, live music, exhibitions, blockbuster theater shows, sport and activities for kids.
From the Australian Open in January to the Comedy Festival in March and April, why not travel for one of the following major annual events?
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