Archive for » August, 2010 «

Discover Hervey Bay on the Queensland coast of Australia
Wednesday, August 25th, 2010 /

European settlers first came to Hervey Bay in the early nineteenth century, raising cattle and planting sugar at different times. These days, a diverse array of people call the city home. In fact, numbers continue to grow here so that the town you see today may look quite different a year or two from now. A visit to this coastal city provides the chance for golfing under the sun, sky diving, or just relaxing on the beach.

Hervey Bay humpback whales One thing that will stay the same is amazing scenery. Find a great shoreline outpost or board a dedicated cruise boat in search of humpback whales. These sea visitors make a regular appearance, wowing the patient viewer who has his binoculars trained out to the watery horizon.

For a different kind of cruise, get on board a four wheel drive vehicle for a tour of Fraser Island. Hervey Bay provides an launching pad for those desirous of a look at this World Heritage site. Features of note include sites of significance to the Aborigines who first populated the island plus over two hundred species of birds. Be very patient and quiet: you could see a dingo.

Tour operators like to make things as easy as possible for out of town guests. Most will pick visitors up from their city centre hotel. The horseback riding guides are among these, taking clients out to meet their equine rides for a two and a half hour tour plus refreshments. There are so many ways to meet new friends on the road.

Kids and parents with a competitive streak take heed: Golf n Game activity complex offers the chance to engage in some serious mini-golf competition. While father and son tee off, mom and daughter can enjoy a refreshing splash at the water slides. A free and fairly new water attraction has also opened up in Hervey Bay. Here there are interactive water games for kids under five and over five to take part in respectively. One can also walk the boardwalk, enjoy a drink at the coffee shop, and marvel at the use of recycled rainwater which supplies the park.

A different kind of competition pits man against fish: in this case, varieties of perch, trout, cod, snapper and more. Best your aquatic nemesis from one of many locations on land or out at sea. Other popular sports include diving and sailing.

Backpackers rejoice: Hervey Bay knew you were coming. There are several locations for you to stop and sleep, saving money for adventure instead of spending it on silk sheets. Select from a homestead or hostel style location where a common room, pool and other amenities await your enjoyment. If you brought the family in your RV, maintain a tight holiday budget by choosing a caravan park.

Not everyone has to choose between well-appointed room and enjoyable activities. Start with a Hervey Bay motel offering single or family rooms and just a bit of luxury. Move on to resorts and apartments with spas and self-catering amenities. Even look into a time share arrangement.

Category: Fraser Coast & Hervey Bay  Tags: ,  Leave a Comment
Discover what Bundaberg in Queensland Australia has to offer
Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 /

Bundaberg Port Marina Found on the Burnett River, Bundaberg City has got a lot in store for locals and tourists alike. Situated around 229 miles from Brisbane, and found in Queensland, the city actually offers a lot of waters and beaches to the people. Locally known as ‘Bundy, ‘ the city itself is well-known for its exquisite beaches and other oceanfront sights.

Aside from the ocean, there is definitely a lot to see in this town. The Bundaberg Rum Distillery, as well as the Mon Repos Turtle Rookery are some of those tourist spots. Head on over to the Bundaberg Barrel, as well, or take a dip in the stinger-free beaches. Of course, who can forget about the Great Barrier Reef? If you love driving, on the other hand, grab a 4WD and drive around the National Parks, or you can also fish in the parks without the crowds as that of typical cities.

Bundy is found at the centre of the Wide Bay-Burnett. The name of the city, as said to be an artificial combination, came from the Kabi Aboriginal word ‘important mean, ‘ plus the German suffix for ‘mountain.’ It is also called as the "Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef" because the city is situated near the southern part of the reef. It is also quite near the Islands of Lady Musgrave Islands and Lady Elliot.

Don’t be surprised if you see flying foxes around the city all throughout the day. They live around the Burnett River’s northern part, just between the Don Talon bridge and the Burnett bridge. They leave their habitat during dusk, and then go around the city to find food.

The Mystery Craters are also found in South Kolan, where holes are mysteriously filled up with water. However, beaches are very popular in this city, as well. The Moore Park itself has golden sandy beach of over 20 kilometres. Aside from the Moore Park, there are numerous beaches around the south Burnett River. However, the Kellys Beach is the most popular for families during the summer months.

Bundaberg City has a subtropical climate, with rather mild winters but hot summers. The average rainfall every year is around 1141 millimetres. Typically, its temperature is very pleasurable to tourists and locals who love water sports and sunbathing.

The city has an airport which services flights to the Lady Elliot Island and to Brisbane. Besides flights, you may also reach the city by bus which travel to other parts of the country, as well. The airport sits beside the Central Queensland University, whose main campus is found in North Rockhampton also in Queensland.

Bundaberg is sister cities with Settsu City found in Japan, and Nanning in China. Its industry is mostly composed of sugar cane and sugar, as refineries and mills for sugar cane. They also export sugar to other countries, as well. Vegetables and fruits are also some famous industries in the country, with tomatoes, watermelons, legumes and others as some popular crops. The local beverage producer, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, is also found in the city.

Bundaberg Resources

Find a a range of Bundaberg Accommodation options to suite your needs.

Find information about tours, attractions and events happening in and around Bundaberg

Category: Fraser Coast & Hervey Bay  Tags:  Leave a Comment
A Travellers guide to historic Rockhampton in Queensland Australia
Monday, August 16th, 2010 /

Head north from the Tropic of Capricorn and you will find the quaint and lovely Queensland city of Rockhampton. Resting along the Fitzroy River banks, these were once lands occupied by the Darumbal Aborigines in ancient times. European settlement touched this area of Australia in 1854 when two brothers named William and Charles Archer found it while conducting a search for suitable grazing land.

The grazing industry dominates the economy of the city even in modern times. The city embraces its reputation as the Beef Capital of Queensland and proudly displays statues of the bull breeds that figure into the local economy in prominent locations about town.

The highest concentration of office buildings, both government and corporate, is situated in the central business district. Tree lined streets separate buildings designed and built during pioneer days using the colonial architecture that was so prevalent at the time. More than two dozen buildings of historical significance including the Supreme Court, the Customs House and Heritage Tavern can be seen on the walking tour that meanders through town.

The subtropical climate beckons to those who enjoy spending time outdoors. With more than three hundred days of sunshine every year there is plenty of time to explore the surrounding areas. Native animals and plants can be found at nearby Mount Archer National Park and the panoramic city view is worth the hike to the summit.

Opened in 1988, the Cliff Kershaw Gardens sits on the former location for the city rubbish yard. A massive make over brought in flora native to the central region of Queensland. A man made waterfall sits alongside the highway and is dramatically lit after dark.

Capricorn Caves The privately owned Olsens Capricorn Caves has been open to public viewing since 1884. The amazing limestone caverns were discovered by John Olsen, a Norwegian immigrant, in 1882 and they represent Queensland’s oldest tourist attraction.

For a trip back in time, visit Rockhampton Heritage Village where you will experience pioneer life dating back in time from the era that spanned 1850 to 1950. Tours are led by guides dressed in period costume and include stops at various shops demonstrating the ancient trades like blacksmithing and woodcutting. Guests are even invited to stop by the village schoolhouse and attend a class.

The Darambal Aborigines originally occupied the land now used by the Dreamtime Cultural Centre. Along the northern creek bank, the outdoor areas feature a large waterfall and native plants along with the main building. Guided tours through the Torres Strait Islander’s Complex focuses on the lifestyle and ancient beliefs shared by native people. Boomerang lessons, dance demonstrations and didgeridoo performances highlight the various activities found at the Centre. Stop by the Aboriginal Traditional area to view replica rock art and gunyahs along with burial and ceremonial sites. A native plant exhibit and sandstone cave recreations are set up as self guided tours to allow you to explore at your own pace.

From historic sites to relaxing outdoor gardens tours, take advantage of all that that the gateway to the Capricorn Coast has to offer in sunny Rockhampton. If planning a trip to this area visit our website to find some great Rockhampton accommodation options.

Category: Capricorn Coast  Tags: , ,  Leave a Comment
Pokolbin Hunter Valley is a great choice for a sort break away
Thursday, August 12th, 2010 /

Hunter Valley Gardens Pokolbin is located in the Lower Hunter Valley wine region in New South Wales Australia, an area famed for its vintners. Pokolbin is not a town but a rural area found between the towns of Cessnock and Branxton. Because of its famed wineries and vineyards, it is a popular destination for wine lovers. It attracts other holiday makers with its day spas, resorts and local art.

Wine tourism is the Hunter Valley’s mainstay and this brings numbers of people the area. Based here are the large multinational wine companies, small home vintners and everything in between. The countryside is primarily used for the growing of grapevines. Shiraz and Semillion predominate but one will also find Chardonay, Cabernet, Sauvignon and even a little Pinot Noir.

Vintage Hunter Wine and Visitor Centre is the nerve centre of the area’s wine tourism. It can be found at 455 Wine Country drive and one finds directions here to restaurants, Pokolbin hotels, resorts and public events. Of course, one can also find a directory and maps to the wineries and cellars. Some of those located in the Valley are Vinden Estate Wines, Thalgora Estate, Blueberry Hill Vineyard, Tyrrell’s Wines and Morgan Family Wine Growers.

Pokolbin Village is the heart of the Valley and serves as a starting point from which to explore the wine country. It is at the centre of Pokolbin and is located so that the area wineries can be reached by foot. Pokolbin Village is a resort designed like a rustic town, and has spacious grounds amidst which suites, villas and even a homestead provide lodging for extended stays. The staff will aid visitors in the arrangement of winery visits and can inform them of area events and festivals.

One may also visit or stay at the Hunter Valley Gardens. This is the creation of award-winning landscapers Bill and Imelda Roche. Twelve themed gardens lie upon over 25 hectares of land. Vacationers may stay at the Mercure Resort and participate in the varied events that are offered besides the daily garden tours.

Here can be visited the Rose Garden, a corkscrew patterned garden of over 8,000 roses of more than 150 kinds. Also the Sunken Garden, made to appear like a sunken grotto beneath a large waterfall and shaped around a pond the size of five Olympic swimming pools and planted with a variety of evergreen and deciduous trees. The Chinese Garden and the Oriental Garden feature Chinese, Korean and Japanese motifs such as moss covered rocks, bamboo stands, gardens of raked gravel, pagodas amidst gingko trees and lily covered lakes stocked with Asian fish.

Both a State Forest and a National Park, Barrington Tops allows visitors to partake of nature pursuits. Huge cliffs, rain forest and fishing streams proliferate. This World Heritage site rests atop a twenty-five kilometre plateau and is home to a great variety of flora and fauna, some of it very rare. Here one can engage in canoeing, kayaking, cycling and hiking on trails and mountains, bushwalking and camping.

Category: Hunter Valley  Tags: , ,  Leave a Comment
Step back in history in Newcastle Australia
Tuesday, August 03rd, 2010 /

In New South Wales, Australia, one city remembers its links to early European settlements and the important role convicts played in its construction. Newcastle embraces connections to the past as well as its ongoing relationship with the sea that lashes its shores. Today, visitors come to be wowed by past and present attractions.

The Lock Up The Lock-Up presents a bleak view of past penal life with its tiny cells. Tourists may come away feeling saddened for the people imprisoned here, knowing that many suffered simply for the courage to voice an opinion. Tour museum relics and displays with your family or as part of a school group. Take the time to view art by many locals whose work is presented in bright contrast to their sad surroundings.

Christ Church Cathedral has shown its resilience against war and an earthquake, standing tall today for visitors to admire its grace and beauty. Many tall stained glass windows were designed and created by famous Pre-Raphaelite painters from England. This sacred building maintains a bright aspect, along with exquisite marble flooring. Materials came from Australia and Italy, the latter in particular when earthquake repairs were required.

No one knows where the Nobbys gets its name, but this oddly-dubbed island performs a serious role. While welcoming vessels into Newcastle Harbour, it also offers the protection of a lighthouse. Many ships have been wrecked along this coast and numerous lives lost. The most recent wreck of merely a few years ago ended well with the ship re-floating and no lives lost. Guides will show the curious resting places of many unfortunate vessels.

At Lee Wharf on Hunter River enjoy active displays run by the Maritime Centre. Gain a better understanding of important sea-based industry to the people of Newcastle since the city first became official around 150 years ago. Bogey Hole marks the spot of an odd, sometimes dangerous pass time. Residents like to jump into this busy bathing hole from the cliffs above, or risk the waves which rush in during a storm, holding onto chains or getting washed out to sea. During good weather, safely soak up some sun without getting sand in your bathing suit.

Fort Scratchley displays relics from its 1870s origins and action during the Second World War. Guns fired here to defend the city over sixty years ago remain for the perusal of interested visitors. Guide yourself throughout the museum or join a tour, but make sure you go up top. A wide view over the harbour and sea may afford a glimpse of whales or dolphins passing through.

Enjoy all kinds of snacks and cuisine during a wander along the city streets. Precincts combine art galleries, pubs, cafes and restaurants serving Greek, Italian and more. The pubs get pretty busy along here, so if you hope to meet other tourists like yourself, this could be the place to do it.

Stay on a severe budget with backpacker accommodation or bring your young family to a resort. Newcastle Hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts will locate tourists in the city or suburbs. All kinds of lodgings wait for your booking. Rent an apartment with friends helping to cover the cost. Visit a spa for some self-care. Opt for the tranquility of a vineyard retreat.

Category: Central Coast  Tags: ,  Leave a Comment