King Valley Victoria: Australia’s Newest Wine Lover’s Haven
Friday, May 18th, 2012 /

There’s nothing really new about Australia’s newest wine lover’s destination in the Victorian highlands. In fact, King Valley vintners have been established there for generations and their wines are amongst Australia’s most popular and highly acclaimed. What is new is the concerted effort the wine makers have made to put their wineries on the map. Move over Barossa Valley and the Hunter Valley: there’s a new contender for best wine touring region in Australia.


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In 2000, King Valley vintner Otto Dal Zotto, inspired by nostalgic memories of his youth spent in the beautiful Valdobbiadene wine growing area of northern Italy, decided to plant the vines that put his home on the map. The climate and soil in King Valley were ideal for prosecco and Zotto’s neighbors soon added prosecco to their already extensive list of fine wines.

Australian prosecco became an immediate hit in Australia and so the winemakers got together and created the King Valley Prosecco Road in 2011. Some 385 miles from Sydney and only a little over 150 miles from Melbourne, that doesn’t stop equal numbers of wine lovers from pouring in to explore the wineries of King Valley and its magnificent surrounding countryside.

The Hume Highway is the main artery between Sydney and Melbourne. The small town of Wangaratta (pop. 17,000) is the regional centre of the rich surrounding agricultural regions and marks the turn-off point for the Prosecco Road. It’s not as if this area was off the tourist radar before the recent establishment of the Prosecco Road, though. As the gateway to some of the best ski country in Australia and home of the popular Wangaratta Jazz Festival, Wangaratta is well-known to Australian travelers.

Roughly 8 miles south of Wangaratta, your tour of the Prosecco Road may begin at the Brown Bros. winery in Milawa. You can do this casually or make a real occasion of it by joining in on a helicopter ride to Brown Bros. Banksdale winery, where you will sample prosecco infused canapés and, of course, a glass or two of prosecco.

From Milawa, you can move on to the Sam Miranda vineyard in Oxley and from there to Dal Zotto’s vineyard in Whitfield for a game of bocce and, of course, another wine tasting. So far, you’ve only had a taste (or two) of what’s on offer in King Valley, so it’s probably time to retire to your Wangaratta or King Valley accommodation and rest up for another hard day of sightseeing, eating and wine tasting.

The next day, you may want to visit the Chrismont Winery and go for a tour of the vineyards and facilities with the resident winemaker or go to the Ciccone Estate and have a chauffeur driven tour. Then again, you may want to give wine tasting a break for awhile and rent a mountain bike and take one of the many wonderful bike routes that crisscross King Valley.

If you’ve ever longed to visit northern Italy or wish you could make a return visit, do as Italian migrants did in the 19th century and go to the vineyards of King Valley. Everyone comments on how remarkably similar the areas are and some of the locals still speak their native language. For that matter, visit King Valley for its own sake: it’s a beautiful part of the world and the gateway to even more wonderful Australian scenic attractions in the Victorian Alps.

Bed and Breakfasts are amongst the most popular type of accommodation available in the wine touring regions of Australia. If you live around the Sydney area there is some great Hunter Valley Bed and Breakfast options to choose from for a romantic weekend away.

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Visitors Guide to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Tuesday, April 17th, 2012 /

There are few places in the world that have the natural beauty and rural charm as the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. If you are looking for some artistic inspiration or simply trying to get away from the hectic life of the city, then this is the place where you need to land up. There are national parks with loads of natural beauty right alongside small townships with the elegance and personality that only such small towns can possess.

From stores to eating joints and art galleries to wine estates, the Hinterland is a part of the state that can help you restart your life with renewed energy.

Maleny

High above the Blackall Ranges, lies the beautiful town of Maleny, seeped in history and culture with an abundance of that “time stands still” factor. The town is home to a large number of artists and art galleries and is known for the crafts that come out of the cedar, beech and hoop pine forests in the area. The region is host to the Maleny Wood Expo each year and is a magical place for art lovers or tourists at any time of the year.

Maleny

Montville

In 1887, when the first set of settlers came to Montville, they created a beautiful town with small streets and adorable stores. Today, that magic and charm lingers on as chocolate shops and cafes line this beautiful town with their elegance and persona. Then there are some brilliant boutiques with exceptional offerings, ensuring that you never go back empty handed from a trip to Montville. The moment you start looking beyond the town, you hit a new world that has wineries, cheese factories and art galleries for people with all sorts of tastes. The cafes are quaint, the restaurants are delightful and the entire Montville experience is, by and large, something that you will not forget easily.

Montville

The Wine Trail

If you could spend the entire day in pristine countryside with a glass of wine in hand and nothing but the Sun shimmering down over the vineyards, then you wouldn’t be in heaven, just on the Hinterland wine trail. The Hinterland has the ideal conditions to set up a winery with its weather, landscape and more contributing to the brilliant soil and grapes. From the Ocean View Estates Winery to the Settlers Rise Winery, there are a number of places that you can land up in and go in for a tasting session. The Moonshine Valley Winery, the Eumundi Winery and Vineyard as well as the Kenilworth Bluff Wines are just some of the fantastic examples of ways to spend your day getting drunk.

Flaxton

When it comes to a village that has all the qualities of traditional Queensland, nothing beats Flaxton. There are churches and cottages that are reminiscent of the olden days while inns and Queenslanders dot the beautiful landscape. The Flaxton Barn is a great place to pick up some locally made products such as old wares or even food items. There is beautiful Marklin HQ Gauge modern railway display while tea at the Flaxton Gardens is something to help you sum up the day.

Sometimes, you need to look for ways and means to make your holidays more enjoyable. In the Hinterland, there is hardly any need for any effort because everything falls into your laps. The entire place is known for its brilliant views, the fantastic coastline and the host of charming towns and villages that give you the opportunity to taste local life. So the next time you are looking for a holiday that gives you everything you could ever dream of, then head down to the dreamy settings of Queensland’s Hinterland.

GEORGE GRAYSON – author

In the world of design and art, the name of George Grayson is quickly rising up the ladders of prominence. After starting off in the world of logo design, in Brisbane, George taught himself the art of effective advertising and went on to create numerous masterpieces that got him numerous small-time accolades. Over time, this travel and bike aficionado has managed to create a name for himself in an industry where thousands join and fall out every single day.

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The Awe-Inspiring Flinders Ranges
Saturday, March 17th, 2012 /

To say the Flinders Ranges of South Australia are awe-inspiring is an understatement. While they have the advantage of being accessible, all you have to do is put on your hiking boots and take a few steps away from the road and you are suddenly in a land beyond time – in the aboriginal Dreamtime. As harsh and rugged as the landscape is, it is also mesmerisingly beautiful. Go there and you, too, will fall in love with the Flinders Ranges.

Flinders Ranges

Just entering the Flinders Ranges is like being transported into a dimension outside of time. While today, our modern roads and amenities make it perfectly safe to explore this part of Australia’s outback, in the Appealinna Ruins and abandoned mines you will see how harsh life was for the early settlers. If you want to get a real taste of an old opal mine, then visit Coober Pedy’s world famous Old Timers opal mine. While you’re there, you will see how opal was mined in the old days and even be given a chance to try your hand at opal mining yourself.

Step back further in time and visit the many wonderful aboriginal sites in the Flinders Ranges. These ranges are of special spiritual significance to indigenous Australians. For thousands of years, local cultures knew how to survive here with nothing but their ancient wisdom to rely on.  Over five thousand years ago, they left a lasting legacy of their presence here in the form of wonderful rock and cave art that can be found throughout the region. Some of these sites are now under management while others you will discover by accident in a rocky outcrop at the side of a rugged trail.

aboriginal art

As ancient as the aboriginal culture is in this region, the rocks will reveal evidence of far more ancient inhabitants. Take the 12 mile (20 km) Brachina Gorge Geological Trail and you will learn about its 130 million year history. Don’t worry, though: you don’t need to be a geologist to appreciate what you are seeing. You will come across signposts along the trail that will explain everything about geological history of this, one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges.

As desolate as the area may appear, it is teeming with wildlife. Of particular interest is the Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby. While these fascinating animals were once near extinction, they are now a protected species and it looks like their future is secure. They are only one of dozens of species of animals that call the Flinders Ranges home. You will no doubt see many red kangaroos and grey kangaroos as well, not to mention the reptiles and birds.

Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby

Mention hasn’t even been made yet of one of the Flinders Ranges greatest attractions. Wilpena Pound has to be on your "must see" list of attractions while you’re there. Thankfully, there is no shortage of safe and comfortable Flinders Ranges accommodations, so you can stay as long as you like. Many visitors like to spend much of their time as close to nature as possible in a camping ground and then find a more luxurious hotel or eco retreat to stay in to recharge their batteries. The best way to really appreciate the Flinders Ranges is to give yourself as much time as possible to explore them and immerse yourself in their timeless majesty.

Before embarking on your journey into the Flinders Ranges choose an accommodation Adelaide option and spend a few days exploring Adelaide. 

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Much More than Just the Big Oyster in Taree
Friday, March 09th, 2012 /

If you feel like it’s time for a break, but want to avoid the big tourist centres, a Taree might be just what you’re looking for. Located between its more developed Mid-North Coast neighbours of Forster and Port Macquarie, Taree has all of the attractions of these popular tourist destinations, minus the crowds.

Big Oyster

The biggest landmark in Taree is the "Big Oyster." It is an appropriate one, too, because the Manning River, which skirts the town, produces over 2 1/2 million oysters per year. In Taree, oysters are a big part of the local economy, as are the many crops that grow in the fertile Manning Valley.

Taree was originally developed as a private town in 1854, when Henry Flett set aside 100 acres for its development. The town grew into the administrative centre of the Manning Valley region after the railway line was connected to Taree instead of Wingham in 1913. It remained a fairly small town, unfrequently visited by tourists until the Martin Bridge was built in the 1930s. After that, the town really began to flourish.

Willie the whale

The city of Taree is about 10 miles (17kms) inland from the mouth of the Manning River and the Tasman Sea. When summer comes and the Taree locals want to go to the beach, they head for the charming coastal community of Old Bar. Old Bar is many a surfer’s "secret spot." When no place else is breaking, a surfer can always find a great sandbank wave somewhere along the beach in front of the village.

Another renowned surfing spot in the Taree region is Saltwater Point. It’s only a few miles up the beach from Old Bar, but the drive is a little more circuitous. It’s always an exciting experience to drive to the parking lot at Saltwater and get your first glimpse of the waves from the cliff top. Many visiting surfers stay in the simple but beautiful campground just behind the parking area and during the summer months, this campground is very popular with those who are lucky enough to know about it.

The campground at Saltwater Point is not unusual in the Taree region. There are many such little places tucked away in the area, both near the beach and in and around the many reserves and National Forests that make up so much of the landscape there.

Taree

Not to be left out are the quaint villages that dot the Taree region. Towns like Manning Point and Cundletown are not big tourist centres, but are fascinating places to visit that give you a unique look at the Australian lifestyle and landscape.

You can get to Taree by rail, road or air, but the best way to get there is by car. Taree attractions are spread out over a wide area, so having your own transportation is the best way to see it all. Don’t make the mistake of just stopping off in Taree for lunch on your way to someplace else. Stay awhile. You’ll find that in Taree, home of the Big Oyster, the world is your oyster.

Planning your next vacation, take a look at our extensive list of North Coast accommodation options in towns like Taree on the NSW North Coast. 

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Getting Back to Nature in Perth
Wednesday, March 07th, 2012 /

The words ‘city’ and ‘nature’ don’t often go hand-in-hand but in this case they certainly do – Perth is truly a city for nature lovers. Visitors enjoy all the draws of the city whilst being able to lie on a beach, hike in native bush, snorkel over coral reefs, fish in the Indian Ocean and spot whales all within half an hour from their hotel rooms. We’ve picked our top getting-back-to-nature experiences which are all a hop, skip and a jump from Perth’s CBD.

Swim with dolphins

Just off the coast of Rockingham (around 30 minutes north of Perth’s CBD) lies the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, which teems with marine life including seals, penguins and dolphins. Rockingham Wild Encounters offers the chance to swim with the dolphins in their natural habitat. The dolphins aren’t trained as this is a totally wild experience (which makes it all the more special and thrilling), but luckily dolphins are extremely gentle and playful creatures and your guide will ensure both you and the animals stay safe.

Island life on Rottnest

Just a 20 minute boat ride from Fremantle, Rottnest Island (or ‘Rotto’ as it’s locally called) is the city’s playground. An A-class nature reserve it enjoys a protected status which has allowed it to remain wonderfully unspoilt, offering the visitor turquoise waters, coral reefs, pristine beaches and an abundance of native Western Australian flora and fauna, including a thriving colony of quokkas.


Photo by Abeeer

Have a whale of a time

If you’re lucky enough to be in the city between September and December, hopping on a boat to search for whales is a must. As part of their annual migration along the Western Australian coastline, humpback and southern right whales can be spotted in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and seeing one of these giants of the sea up close is unforgettably thrilling.


Photo by Dave Lonsdale

Parklife

As the largest inner-city park in the world, King’s Park is Perth’s lung. Lounge on the well-manicured lawns with a picnic and enjoy great views over the city skyline and the Swan River snaking its way up from the port of Fremantle. Feeling more active than that? The park’s 1,000 acres of land, including parkland, botanic gardens and native bush, should more than satisfy you.

Life’s a beach

Perth arguably has the best, most numerous, and most varied beaches in close proximity out of any city in Australia. Possibly the best for nature lovers is Trigg Beach which, although popular with surfers, features a lovely area at the northern end called Mettams Pool. Backed by vegetated bluffs which are home to a number of sea birds, it has great bird-watching opportunities and its wide reef is excellent for snorkelling. If you’d rather stay on land, bottle nosed dolphins are often spotted in the calm waters off northern end of the beach and the Trigg Bushland Coastal Nature Reserve provides great opportunities to hike through native coastal bush.

Emily Buckley is a travel writer who has in the past been lucky enough to call Perth home. After a day in the great outdoors, there’s nothing like a slap-up meal, a chilled glass of a Margaret River white and a spot of entertainment, and you’ll find it all at the Burswood Entertainment Complex.

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Perth Events: 5 Good Reasons to Visit Western Australia
Monday, February 27th, 2012 /

Did you know that Perth, Western Australia, is one of the world’s most remote major metropolitan cities? Its distance from the other major cities in Australia is both one of its advantages and disadvantages. As a relatively isolated city, it has the advantage of having created a unique culture with every conceivable modern convenience, but it has the disadvantage of being so far away, relatively few overseas visitors to Australia make the effort to travel to Perth and discover the wonders of Western Australia. In an effort to redress this imbalance, major Perth events have been organized to entice more Australian and overseas visitors to discover Perth.

The Perth Cup

The Perth Cup is one of Australia’s premier horse racing events. True, it is not quite the extravaganza of the Melbourne Cup, but aficionados say it is a tougher race and those who are willing to travel to Melbourne for its yearly event also make the trek to Perth for this much anticipated race. The Perth Cup is held every January at Royal Ascot Raceway.

Perth Festival

Also called the Festival of Perth and the Perth Festival of the Arts, the Perth Festival runs for several weeks in February and March every year. The reason why it has so many names is partly because, as Australia’s oldest festival and one that is held throughout Western Australia, it covers a lot of ground. The Perth Festival has a global reputation for being one of the most diverse and innovative festivals of its kind. Whether you’re interested in the classical arts, circus, contemporary music, theatre, film, writing or anything else that’s creative and exciting, you will find it at the Perth Festival.

Perth Royal Show

The Perth Royal Show has been an annual event for over a hundred years. Organized by the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia, its original purpose was to promote the WA agricultural industry. While this is still a big part of the show, agriculture alone is not what draws over a half a million people per year to the Claremont Showgrounds for this Perth event. A family event, the Perth Royal Show includes a number of agricultural competitions, a fairground, rides, inexpensive "show bags" for children and many other attractions. The Perth Royal Show is held during the spring school holidays in the last week of September or first week of October.

Fairbridge Festival

The full name of what’s come to be known simply as the Fairbridge Festival says it all. The Fairbridge Festival of World and Folk Music is a celebration of music and culture from around the world. Held in the village of Fairbridge, about 50 miles outside of Perth, it is a family oriented festival. Since the village itself has few accommodations, elaborate camping facilities are constructed to accommodate the thousands of visitors who attend this event, which is held annually in the month of April. 2012 marks the 20th anniversary of the Fairbridge Festival and it is slated to be the biggest and best yet.

Telstra Drug Aware Pro

Along with the Bells Beach Pro, the Margaret River Pro is one of Australia’s premier international surfing competitions. As at Bells Beach in Victoria, the Margaret River has changed its name a few times over the years as event sponsors have changed, but regardless of the name, it remains a classic surf contest at a classic big wave surfing location that attracts the attention of the entire surfing world. Now called the Telstra Drug Aware Pro, it is held for a full week during the prime surfing month of March and includes both men’s and women’s events. Over the years, the contest has expanded into a full-fledged festival, with music, arts, crafts and food stalls included in the program lineup.

Australia’s oldest and largest multi-arts festival and the only statewide multi-arts festival in Australia. The Perth International Arts Festival has an enviable world reputation in the arts for its innovative development, presentation of new works and provision of quality arts.

Come and see many of the great things to see and do in Perth all year round. There are numerous great Perth accommodation options to choose from to suite any budget.

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Three Reasons To Head To Sydney
Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 /


Wherever you are in the world, from the Americas to Africa and from Europe to Asia, you haven’t really lived life to the full if you haven’t visited Australia yet. The country is perhaps the most unique nation on earth, and continues to be a magnet for tourists from all over the globe. The largest city, Sydney, is the major draw, and here are three good reasons why.

Never a bridge too far

If you are fortunate enough to have no fear of heights, the city of Sydney offers the ultimate thrill in the form of the Bridge Climb. The world famous Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, and these days visitors can take part in an organised climb that offers the finest views across the city.

Bridge Climb

It really is an unforgettable experience, and something that all visitors to Sydney should undergo. Even if you’re just visiting the city for a long weekend, you need to set aside enough time to do this. And be ready to take your camera with you as well, because the photos you create will be among the most spectacular you will ever take.

Take to the beach on two wheels

The city of Sydney and the surrounding area is home to some of the world’s finest beaches, but there is a unique way to really enjoy them. Hiring a bike provides the perfect way to explore the local vicinity, and to discover secluded coves and plenty of stunning views. You’ll be amazed at just how much unspoilt landscape there is to see from the saddle.

Bondi Beach

And if you’re in the mood to be shown around instead, why not take a guided bike tour? A local expert will be able to show you all the undiscovered secrets of this stunning part of the world, and to hear fascinating stories that will give you an insight into why Sydneysiders are so proud of the beautiful neighbourhood of Manly.

Soak up a little culture

Every major city of the world has a quirky bohemian district, and Sydney is no different. The Rocks is popular with tourists and locals, and offers visitors a wonderful selection of restaurants and bars, as well as plenty of shopping opportunities for those who like to indulge in a little retail therapy on their travels. Its location on the south shore of Sydney Harbour makes it easily accessible for everyone.

Every weekend, the area hosts a bustling market with stalls selling everything from tourist souvenirs to fresh fruit. There are also several museums and art galleries close by, including the city’s famous Museum of Contemporary Art, a must-visit for culture lovers from all over the globe. If you’re in the mood for a gentle stroll, there are walking routes in the area which give the visitor a unique chance to soak up the heritage of this wonderful location.

Museum of Contemporary Art

David Rice is based in the UK but plans to visit Australia soon. He plans to get around on a budget by looking for the best cheap car hire Sydney can offer.

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Devonport Tasmania: Australia’s Market Garden
Monday, February 06th, 2012 /

Devonport, on the northwest coast of Tasmania, is often called "Australia’s market garden." Situated on the banks of the Mersey River in a fertile valley, this one area provides 40% of Tasmania’s fruits and vegetables and provides the Australian mainland with much of its produce as well. The rich bounty from Devonport’s soil has made the city one of Tasmania’s most prosperous. Easily accessed by air or by sea, it is a popular tourist destination.

Devonport

While Devonport has an airport with regular flights to and from Melbourne, it is better known for its iconic passenger and vehicle ferries, the Spirit of Tasmania I and II. As they wind their way slowly up the Mersey River, making a sharp turn into port, they skirt the city so closely, many onlookers remark that it seems like they are "driving" up the main street in town. Devonport’s permanent population is only just over 20,000, so the arrival of the big passenger ships swells the population appreciably when they arrive.

Mainland Australians know Devonport as an ideal place to begin a Tasmanian vacation. It is blessed with beautiful countryside and the town itself has a relaxing, welcoming feel to it. Not surprisingly, the restaurants in Devonport are heralded as some of Tasmania’s finest. Local restaurant owners take their pick of the best seafood that comes into port each day and have Australia’s freshest produce practically at their doorstep.

The Don River Railway

Aside from dining, there are plenty of other activities for visitors in and around Devonport. The Don River Railway is one of the most popular family attractions in the vicinity. Owned and managed entirely by volunteers, attractions include a fascinating railway museum and a half hour ride on a genuine restored steam train. For the artistically inclined, there is the Devonport Regional Gallery, which displays primarily contemporary art by Tasmanian artists. Another popular Devonport attraction is the fascinating maritime museum and its wonderful collection of model boats, chronicling the history of sailing from the age of the great sailing vessels to current times.

Many visitors to Devonport use the town as a base from which to explore Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair. The Cradle Mountain-Lake St Claire National Park owes a debt of gratitude to Gustav Weindorfer, a migrant from Austria who fell in love with the pristine wilderness and made it his goal to have the area declared a National Park. Weidorfer began his efforts in 1912 and within his lifetime saw his dream come true. Today, the park is a World Heritage listed site.

St Clair National Park

There is something for every nature lover at Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Those who are looking for a challenge find it in the 40 mile (65km), six day Overland Trail hike from Cradle Mountain to the north shore of Lake St. Clair. If you’re only in the area for a short time or don’t wish to do serious hiking, yet want to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, you can go on the twenty minute "Enchanted Walk."  Of course, most visitors take much longer than 20 minutes to complete the walk, stopping to soak in the sights along the way.

You will love everything about your visit to Devonport and Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Take your cue from the thousands of visitors who preceded you and make your Devonport accommodation your "base of operations." This way, you can enjoy all the region has to offer in comfort and style.

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Day Trips from Beautiful Brisbane
Sunday, February 05th, 2012 /

The city of Brisbane, Australia is the capital of the state of Queensland and a vibrant and creative community, with a youthful atmosphere, a great arts scene, friendly locals, and lots of fun attractions for tourists to explore. It is also an ideal base for explorations into the rest of Queensland. There are many excellent destinations that can be easily reached within a short drive from the city, and it’s easy to rent a car and get out on the road! If you are staying in Brisbane, here are a few ideas for excellent day trips that you can take around the nearby area:

Glass House Mountains National Park 

This area of outstanding natural beauty is located approximately an hour north of Brisbane, and is an area of flat plains studded with the cores of ancient volcanoes which formed 25 million years ago. The mountains got their name from Captain Cook, who thought that they resembled glass houses as he sailed past them in 1770. The drive through the mountains is incredibly scenic, and there are many cute roadside shops which sell locally made jam and macadamia nuts. This is a great place to go hiking, and you will have many choices of trekking paths from easy 30 minute walks to intense four-hour journeys.

Glass House Mountains

Fraser Island

If you are looking for some of the most pristine and unspoiled camping in Australia, you will find it here on beautiful Fraser Island. This World Heritage Site offers wild forests, dunes and lakes just 200 miles north of Brisbane. Its white beaches, freshwater lakes, ancient rainforests, and wildflowers are officially protected so that they can be enjoyed by many generations of visitors. While you are here, check out the shipwreck of the Maheno, a 1935 passenger steamer buried deep in the sand north of Eli Creek. Access to Fraser Island is by ferry, which you can take from River Heads or Inskip Point near Rainbow Beach.

Redcliffe

Redcliffe is located just 45 minutes north of Brisbane, and this historic city is known for its excellent beaches, friendly locals, great shopping, beautiful weather and delicious food. There are many things to do on a day trip to Redcliffe, such as checking out the history of the area at the Redcliffe Historical Society Museum. You can also stroll along Redcliffe’s seaside, which has been a popular tourist destination for almost 185 years. Why not sit back and enjoy a picnic on the beach with some savoury, crispy fish and chips from a local shop? While you are in Brisbane, there are many reasons to get out of the city and explore the surrounding region. These are just a few of the great day trips which can be easily reached from Brisbane.

Elena Price is a freelance writer who researches far-flung places for Etihad Airways. For more details about flights to Brisbane, see the destination information page.

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Exploring the Kimberley Region: More Than Your Average Walkabout
Friday, January 20th, 2012 /

The Australian outback covers many miles of wide open spaces and is the perfect place to get away from it all. But don’t expect too much relaxation. The outback is a paradise for those who like adventure, but can be a dangerous place if you don’t know what you’re doing. The best way to explore these stunningly beautiful areas is to take a guided tour given by experts. Best of the Kimberly offers an exciting variety of tours. They plan all the details so you can be assured a never-to-be-forgotten trip. The following is a list of tours available, along with highlights. All tours are small group, guided, four-wheel drive tours and last from 8 to 12 days. Tours are available at various times from April to October.

Australian outback

The Outback Tour
This tour begins in Perth and ends in Alice Springs. It includes the goldfields of Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie, along with some fascinating ghost towns. You will travel the Gunbarrel highway to Giles Weather station. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park offers a cultural experience you will never forget. Other sights along the way include Kings Canyon, Palm Valley, the Finke River and the amazing MacDonnell mountain ranges.

Birdsville & Corner Country Tracks
Departing from Adelaide, this challenging tour is appropriate for those who are physically fit and can tolerate the extreme conditions of the outback. It offers opportunities to relive the adventure of the pioneers and see their historic homesteads. Highlights include the Ridgetop tour at the rugged Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, which displays the wonder of Flinders mountain ranges. The Tibooburra region gives you glimpses into the past with the Dig Tree, the most famous tree in Australia; and ancient aboriginal culture can be explored at Mungo National Park.

Port Lincoln & Flinders Ranges
For a fascinating tour that also departs from Adelaide, but travels along the coast of South Australia, you are sure to be delighted with sightings of sea lions, dolphins and tuna fish as well as the beautiful scenery of Clare Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region. Other highlights include Coffin Bay and a Beard Bay Cruise. At the conclusion of your journey you will stay at the gorgeous Wilpena Pound in Flinder’s ranges.

Flinders Ranges

Cape York 4WD Wilderness
For those who appreciate history as well as diverse scenery, this tour will take you from the vivacious city of Cairns to the wilderness of Cape York through lush rainforests, on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and a cruise across Endeavor Strait. You will experience the history of Thursday Island, which played a significant role in World War II. As an added bonus, you will travel back to Cairns by air, to give you a whole different perspective of this breathtaking region.

Visiting Australia? For a unique experience consider Australian Outback Tours. Best of the Kimberley offer a range of tours across the Kimberley region, including walking tours, driving tours, wilderness retreats, guided tours and even Kimberley cruises.

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