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Margaret River – Western Australia’s Premier Destination
Monday, August 01st, 2011 /

Visitors to Australia are typically greeted with a g’day mate and a warm smile. Australians are known for their warm and friendly demeanor and legendary hospitality. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Western Australian region of Margaret River.

Margaret River

Margaret River Wines
Margaret River is famous for the outstanding wines produced throughout the region. Today there are more than 200 vineyards and 60 wineries in the area that is known as Willyabrup Valley, one of the finest environments on earth for wine growing. Although only around 40 years old, the Margaret River wine industry has already been recognized as one of the world’s finest, producing award winning Sauvignon, Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz wines and produces the majority of premium wines in Australia.

Margaret River Wines

Culture and Cuisine
Along with its winelands, the Margaret River region also boasts pristine beaches, lush forests and a climate reminiscent of the Mediterranean. The natural beauty of the area is complimented by a thriving arts and cultural scene. The rich culture of the native Aboriginal people is found alongside the cosmopolitan lifestyle of the art community as well as the free-spirited surfing crowd, creating the wonderfully diverse charm that is unique to the Margaret River area.

Connoisseurs of gastronomy will be right at home in Margaret River as well! Even the most discriminating diners will be delighted with the variety of fine dining establishments in the region. Throughout Margaret River are many award winning restaurants featuring some of the finest chefs found down under.

Margaret River culture personifies the personality and charm of the friendly, laid back lifestyle that characterizes Western Australia.

World-Class Surfing
Margaret River is synonymous with some of the best surfing on earth. Each year, thousands from around the globe gather along the beautiful coastline to challenge the outstanding waves and breaks that make this destination a favorite for surfers of all ability levels. There are two world-class surfing events held in the region annually: the Margaret River Masters and the Margaret River Classic. These events showcase the best surfers in the world as they compete in these World Qualifying Series events. Throughout the rest of the year there are several smaller competitions held in the area. You can also decide on a beautiful Margaret River cruise vacation if you’re up for it.

Natural Attractions
Margaret River is home to some truly breathtaking scenery and natural wonders that should not be missed. The Shire of Augusta offers the ideal place to experience Australia’s natural beauty at its finest. Pristine beaches where the Blackwood River meets the ocean offer the perfect location for diving, water sports, fishing or just lounging on the beach. For the more adventurous, the extensive system of underground caves that lie beneath the area offer some spectacular exploration opportunities. Many are closed to the public but near Yallingup and Cape Leeuwin are some excellent caves that are open and waiting to be explored.

One of the jewels of the Margaret River region is the Jarrah-Karri Forest. Located near Pemberton, the Valley of the Giants, as the forest is called, is home to many giant eucalyptus trees that include the karri and the jarrah. Wildflowers carpet the forest floor in the spring time, various shrubs and flowering vines add to the allure. Native marsupials including the Tammar Wallaby, the Numbat and the Quokka along with many colorful bird species make their home in this beautiful location.

Author Bio: Zac is a travel writer working for various Australian travel companies. For a perfect vacation he recommends cruises like Princess Cruises or sailing down Margaret River during sunset.

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Stanley Tasmania: Clean, Green and Amazing
Wednesday, July 27th, 2011 /

The northwest coast of Tasmania is one of the least spoiled areas on earth. The air is so clean there, that its rainwater is said to be the purest in the world and is actually bottled and sold as drinking water because of its purity. If you’re thinking of visiting “the edge of the world,” as this part of Tasmania is called, Stanley will be your “base of operations.”

Stanley

Stanley is a very old town. It was first established in 1825 and by 1845, Stanley had a school and a post office. Fishing has always been a primary industry in Stanley, but today, fishing vies with tourism as its major industry. What’s the attraction of Stanley to tourists? Aside from the many local attractions, Stanley is your jumping off point to the Tarkine Wilderness and the unsurpassed natural beauty of the rugged northwest coast of Tasmania.

The best known landmark in Stanley is the Nut. The Nut is a volcanic plug that juts skyward some 143 metres (almost 470 feet) out at the tip of the peninsula around which Stanley was built. There are two ways to get to the top of the Nut: the hard way and the easy way. The hard way is to climb to the top. The easy way is to take the chairlift up. Once there, you are greeted by breathtaking vistas, all the way “to the edge of the world” and beyond.

The Nut

The attractions you will find in Stanley are primarily of the natural variety and primarily aquatic. The most popular tours in town are the platypus, seal and penguin tours and at the Seaquarium, you can get to see and even touch many exotic sea creatures you may never have the opportunity to see elsewhere.

The Tarkine Wilderness emcompasses 350,000 hectares of some of the most breathtaking and often inaccessible landscape you will ever see. Because of its inaccessibility, the Tarkine remains home to many species of wildlife that face extinction elsewhere. Some of them, like the graceful Wedge-tail eagle, you can see soaring in the skies. Others you may be lucky enough to stumble across as you hike on trails in the more accessible regions of the wilderness.

One way you can see a portion of the Tarkine Wilderness that would otherwise be impossible for most of us to see is to go to Dismal Swamp. As uninviting as its name sounds, Dismal Swamp, a natural sinkhole, is anything but a dismal experience. You can get to it on foot on the trail provided for visitors or you can take the safe but thrilling enclosed slide to the base. Once there, you explore the wilderness without doing it any environmental damage as you walk out the cantilevered walkway at the Visitor Center and look down at the magnificent Blackwood trees beneath you.

Dismal Swamp

Back in Stanley, you settle down in your comfortable Stanley accommodation in preparation for your next day’s adventures. These run the gamut from lovely rooms in stately hotels to cozy self-contained cottages. Once you get to Stanley, you will want to stay longer than anticipated, so bear that in mind before you book your accommodation.

Category: North West Coast  Tags: , ,  Leave a Comment
The NSW Coastal Garden of Eden
Monday, July 18th, 2011 /

If somebody told you there was a Garden of Eden on a Sapphire Coast, you would probably either think they were crazy or would ask them how to get there? Hopefully, you would do the latter, because there really is an Eden and it’s on the Sapphire Coast of southern New South Wales. For generations, Eden has been one of the favourite destinations of South Coast holiday makers and for good reason: Eden is simply idyllic.

Eden is the last town before you reach Victoria on the beautiful coastal Pacific Highway. Going in the other direction, it is (obviously!) the first town you reach after crossing the border from Victoria to NSW. It attracts visitors from both of Australia’s largest cities. If you look at a satellite view of Eden, it’s easy to see what the attraction is. For one thing, it is surrounded by National Forest. Most of the Sapphire Coast has that feature in common. What else is special about Eden?

Zoom in on the satellite photo and you will see that Eden is tucked away on the northern edge of Twofold Bay. It’s sheltered location there makes it an ideal place for a holiday. The rugged coast of the Tasman Sea in far south New South Wales can be unsafe for swimming, but when you’re snuggled away in Eden, you are protected from the open sea swells and wind.

In ancient times, Eden was the home of the Thawa indigenous tribe. European settlers didn’t arrive until the early 19th century, when Twofold Bay was discovered and used as a whaling station. This continued for over a century, until the 1930s. Not long before the whaling industry declined, a pod of killer whales came to Twofold Bay and shared it with the whalers. Together, they would herd big whales into the bay.

Today, whales are still a big attraction in Eden, but it is not for the same reasons as it was in the past. Whale watching tours are very popular and the fascinating Killer Whale Museum is one of the town’s feature attractions. Inside the museum, you can get a real taste of what the whalers’ lives were really like. Fishing is still one of the leading industries in town, but today it is the rich stocks of tuna that are sought by fishermen.

Whale watching tours

Eden’s natural beauty and serene atmosphere has attracted artists from all over Australia. Their works are on display in the Eden Community Gallery, "Art on Imlay." A visit to the gallery is a great way for visitors to get an understanding of why Eden locals love their community so much. It is like a serene paradise for those who like to stay close to nature.

Eden’s entire population is only about 3000, but it is a relatively large town compared to others in the vicinity. While you’re there, take the time to visit the some of the inland villages. Nimmitabel, for example rests at an altitude of around 2500 feet above sea level and is located between Eden and the Snowy Mountains. This tiny village’s population numbers only 300 and has a magical and even mystical feel about it.

You won’t find a flashy Eden accommodation, but what you will find is a cosy and hospitable place to stay. You will instantly fall into the relaxed atmosphere of this beautiful "Garden of Eden" and after a few days, will find it hard to tear yourself away from it. That’s okay, though. You’re welcome to stay in Eden for as long as you like.

Category: South Coast  Tags: , ,  Leave a Comment
South West Rocks: Unpretentious Name, Great Getaway
Monday, July 11th, 2011 /

South West Rocks is not the kind of name that makes you want to go out of your way to visit a place. That’s probably just as those lucky travellers who have discovered this small, unpretentious community 52 miles (84 kilometres) north of busy Port Macquarie like it. Southwest Rocks is the kind of place you go to when you want to escape the crowds and just sit back and relax.

South West Rocks

Before you start to think that South West Rocks is just a geographical location southwest of someplace else, you should know that it is actually the name of a thriving coastal community of over 4000. The town was first settled as a place to house low-security prisoners in the late 1800s. Their first job was to build a breakwater around the bay beneath the rocky cliffs on the southern end of the settlement. That may be how the town got its name.

The breakwater project was abandoned when the prison was closed in 1903 and it wasn’t until the First World War that the prison was repopulated with German and Austrian immigrants, many of whom were 2nd and 3rd generation Australians. Life was not hard for these detainees, who were never considered a real threat and they were among the first to take advantage of the beach at South West Rocks when they were allowed exercise and relaxation breaks during the day before being incarcerated at night.

Trial Bay Gaol still stands and is one of South West Rocks biggest tourist attractions. Today, it is a museum that houses photographs and memorabilia from those early years. An attractive structure built of pink and grey granite; it stands at the edge of a cliff and commands a wonderful ocean view. Except for the imposing walls that surround it, it is hard to imagine that it was a gaol.

Trial Bay Gaol

One of South West Rocks’ most famous attractions lies about a mile offshore. Hailed as one of Australia’s top 10 diving spots and well-known to divers throughout the world, Fish Rock Cave is an incredible 125 metre (about a hundred yards) long cave that extends all the way through the middle of Green Island. It is an important habitat for grey nurse sharks and is also inhabited by an amazing variety of other sea life.

Back on land, you will be delighted by the relaxed atmosphere in “downtown” South West Rocks. As soon as you arrive in town, you begin to relax and unwind as you drive down its wide, tree-lined streets. No doubt, the first thing you will do is stop in for an alfresco lunch and cappuccino in one of the many cafes that line the main road.

Even if you thought you were just going to spend the day at South West Rocks, you will end up wanting to stay longer. The Tourist Park is one of the more popular South West Rocks accommodation options, but if you want something more private or luxurious, there are many great places you can stay. If you’re traveling during the height of the tourist season, be sure and book ahead, because South West Rocks is an increasingly popular holiday destination.

Category: North Coast NSW  Tags:  One Comment
Eyre Peninsula: A Coastal Holiday With a Big Difference
Friday, July 01st, 2011 /

When you think of a coastal holiday, you usually think of relaxing in the sun and swimming in the sea. When it’s time to leave the beach, you stroll up to town and suddenly everything changes. You have to wait in line for your fish and chips and feel like you’re risking your life every time you cross the street. On South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, you can relax at the beach if you want to, but your trip won’t be ruined by crowds and hassles.

Port Lincoln

The Eyre Peninsula is relaxing, but not laid back. It is too awesome for that. This peninsula is home to the incredible Nullarbor Plain. You may have heard of the Nullarbor before, but until you have experienced it, you just don’t know what you’ve been missing. The word nullarbor is derived from two Latin words, nullus (or nothing) and arbor (trees). Together, they mean, “no trees.” This doesn’t sound like a very attractive place to visit until you see it up close.

The vast, treeless Nullarbor Plain is, like the Australian outback, a place of primeval beauty. Unlike other outback locations, though, it is unique in that it is on the coast. The sheer cliffs that plunge into the sea are thought to have originally raised from beneath the surface of the ocean some 25 million years ago and have remained largely unchanged since then.

Nullarbor Plain

Seeing the Nullarbor from the air is amazing, but exploring it from the ground is nothing short of awe inspiring. On land, the Nullarbor is teeming with wildlife, including emus, wombats and, of course, kangaroos. Beneath the sea, if you dare, you can actually come face to face with Great White sharks from the relative safety of a shark cage, get to know a sea lion at Baird Bay or go whale watching at Head of Bight.

For the truly adventurous, caving expeditions in the Nullarbor are available. Because of the extreme depth of the caves and the genuine dangers associated with them, most of these can only be explored under the supervision of National Parks and Wildlife Officers. A few of them, though, including Murrawijinie Caves (not far from the Nullarbor Roadhouse) and Koonalda Cave are viewable without prior permission.

As amazing as the Nullarbor is, it is not the only attraction on the Eyre Peninsula. There are plenty of more civilised things to do and see there, as well. Port Lincoln is one of the world’s largest natural protected harbours and is renowned for its seafood. You can buy it straight off the boat or enjoy having it cooked for you in a Port Lincoln seafood eatery.

Just 15 minutes away from Port Lincoln is the Glen-Forest Tourist Park. A perfect place for the whole family, it has many attractions for the kids, including a 70 acre animal park. The parents will appreciate the 60 acres of vineyards on the property and the opportunity to sample the local wines.

You can sleep under the stars on the Nullarbor or sleep in a comfortable Port Lincoln accommodation at the water’s edge. Then there are all the other accommodations that are available in the towns and villages that dot the peninsula landscape. For a coastal holiday like no other, visit the Eyre Peninsula.

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Lennox Head and Ballina on the NSW Far North Coast
Thursday, June 23rd, 2011 /

Nestled in tropical New South Wales, Lennox Head and Ballina are home to some of Australia’s most stunning stretches of coastland and the country’s most gorgeous beaches.  About 200 kilometres down the coast from Brisbane, sitting on Australia’s most easterly point, Ballina has long been a magnet for surfers, with its natural beauty and ideal rolling waves.  Today, it is attracting visitors because of its rich fishing, its incredible number of unspoiled soft sand beaches, great whale watching and a distinctive fresh local approach to cuisine.  There’s so much more to Ballina than just the nearby Big Prawn traveller attraction!

Lennox Head

Just north of Ballina is Lennox Headland with the village of Lennox head just a little north of the Headland situated at the southern end of Seven Mile Beach. It has a small but growing rapidly population. With tourism being the main source of income.

For thousands of years, the Aboriginal people hunted and fished the rich waters along these shorelines.  The 1st English settlers came into the region for the beautiful cedar forests, making a fortune selling the raw material back to Victorian England.  They made their homes in what’s now East Ballina, attracted from the region’s many oysters, fertile land and its many fresh water lakes and rivers.

These days, that love of fresh seafood remains a big part of living in Lennox Head and Ballina, which explains why the Big Prawn was built in Ballina in 1989, attracting notice and tourism for one of the best areas of being in this coastal community.  Vacationers who love to fish can choose from deep-sea fishing excursions and brilliant freshwater choices. Everyone who loves to eat can take pleasure in a few of the freshest and most wonderful seafood dishes, prepared in the region’s world class dinning establishments.

The Big Prawn

Aside from the seafood, visitors flock to the area because of its stunning headlands, hours of sunshine, fresh ocean breezes, and rugged waves.  It’s easily accessible, just 200 kilometres south of Brisbane, and sitting right on Australia’s Pacific Highway.

Regardless of whether you’re intending to surf, swim or just sit and relax, there are all kinds of great Ballina and Lennox head accommodation options available all across the region.  You can camp in the countryside, or select a caravan park right near the beach.  You can find a delightful bed and breakfast, as well as many holiday homes in the area.  From families to friends, from surfers to seniors, there are lots of options in this area of the far north coast of New South Wales for all kinds of holidays you can dream up.

One of the biggest draws in the area would be the surfing, but there has been lots of growth of other water sports and activities within the region.  Fisherman flock to Richmond River, and youngsters love heading out on boat tours to observe the humpback whales frolic and dolphins play.  Nonetheless the largest draw in Ballina and Lennox Head are the beaches, the endless powder soft sand that keeps going and going.  The beachfront stretches more than 30 kilometres along the coast from Ballina to Lennox Head.  You will discover dunes, sheltered coves, striking reefs, and views that seem to go on without end.

Not all of regions charms are on the coast. Probably the most interesting places near Ballina is Lake Ainsworth, which is nicknamed the Coca-Cola Lake because the nearby tea trees has given the water a brownish hue.  Locals say the water helps heal cuts and abrasions, and might help relieve the pain of sunburn.

Visitors who have an interest in the history of this region can go to see the Ballina Naval and Maritimes Museum, or if you’re interested in the legacy of local plant life, you’ll be able to stop at the Thursday Tea Tree Plantation, and the Macadamia Castle in nearby Knockrow.

You can spend a day on a new beach in thei sreagion on every single day of your holiday, surfing, swimming, snorkelling, splashing or even snoozing.  It doesn’t matter what you plan to do for your perfect tropical holiday, you’ll find precisely what you need on the Ballina and Lennox Head Coast coast.

Category: Far North Coast NSW  Tags: , , , ,  Leave a Comment
Albany: Western Australia’s Coastal Getaway Spot
Tuesday, June 21st, 2011 /

Albany is a Western Australian coastal town 259 miles (418km) from the Perth. A port city formerly frequented by whaling ships, Albany, first discovered in 1791 by Captain Vancouver and settled in 1827, is the oldest settlement in West Australia. It was originally a convict camp and military outpost, serving as protection from the perceived threat of the French, who had ambitions to colonize Western Australia in the early 19th century.

Albany

Today, Albany’s primary industry is tourism. The city’s rich and colourful history remains on display in its architecture and historical sites. This, combined with the area’s natural beauty makes Albany one of Western Australia’s premier tourist destinations.

One of the best ways to see many of the best of the more than 50 historical sites in Albany is to take the Amity Trail. It is an easy 30 minute self-guided tour and is a great introduction to this fascinating city. Also not to be missed is the replica of the Brig Amity, the ship that brought the first settlers and convicts into Albany.

While the whaling industry shut down in 1979, the whale watching industry is in full swing. You can often easily spot whales from the shore, but for a more exciting and close-up view of magnificent Southern Right and Humpback whales, you will want to take a whale watching cruise. While you’re at it, you will want to visit Whale World, a fascinating exhibit located at the site of Australia’s last whaling station.

Albany’s rugged coastline and sheltered white sand beaches make it a favourite with holiday makers in landlocked Perth. The Gap, a narrow, rectangular inlet flanked by 20 foot cliffs is a dizzying experience, especially when big waves sweep in and crash against the rocks. The nearby Natural Bridge is also an amazing sight. Another coastal attraction you won’t want to miss is the ruins of the Old Forts Lighthouse on King Point.

One of the more popular scenic walks in Albany is the Middleton Beach Boardwalk. Only about 2 miles or 3 kilometres long, it offers spectacular scenery and a chance to clear your lungs with the fresh ocean air. More adventurous explorers head for the rugged coastline in Torndirrup National Park.

"Salmon Holes" in Torndirrup National Park

The original aboriginal name for the Albany region was Kinjarling, meaning “place of water.” It was an apt name, because rainfall is high during the winter months between June and September. During the summer, gentle rains keep the air fresh and the landscape green on an average of one out of four days. The climate in Albany is best described as Mediterranean.

Now that tourism has become Albany’s major industry, there is no shortage of Albany accommodation options to choose from. They run the gamut from comfortable budget accommodations to luxurious resorts. With a population of under 30,000 spread out over a wide area, Albany is a great place to stay. Everything is at your fingertips, but the city has a wide-open, spacious feel. To get the most out of your vacation in Albany, plan on staying awhile. There is just too much you will want to see to try to cram it all in in a day or two.

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Bondi: An Iconic Australian Beach
Tuesday, June 07th, 2011 /

Bondi Beach is as symbolic of Australia as the kangaroo. When you see a photograph of a kangaroo, you automatically think of Australia. When you see a picture of Bondi, you know exactly where it is: no caption is needed. Bondi represents the true "Aussie Spirit": beach loving, sports crazy, but serious and responsible at the same time.

Bondi Beach

It is not just since it was discovered by Sydney’s early settlers that "Bondi" and "surf" have been synonymous. The name of the suburb comes from an aboriginal word meaning "the noise of waves crashing on rocks." That’s exactly what the waves do, too, on the rocks on the headlands to the north and south of the famous beach.

While the ancient aborigines spent their time on the rocks harvesting the bounty of the sea, the beach at Bondi is where it is all happening today. Smack dab in the middle of Bondi’s wide, crescent shaped beach is the oldest surf life saving club in the world, the Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, established 1907. From the beginning, the club has been dedicated to the pursuit of saving lives at Australia’s most famous beach. On Black Sunday, the 6th of February, 1937, members of this club made an astounding 300 rescues when big waves swept beachgoers out to sea on a hot summer day. Five lives were lost on that day, but had it not been for their heroic efforts, dozens of lives would have been lost.

The tram to Bondi used to be almost as famous as the beach itself. Since the last tram ran in 1961, it has been replaced by buses. The beach is so popular, even though a bus from nearby Bondi Junction runs every ten minutes, during the summer months, every bus is packed. A large parking area at the beach accommodates thousands of cars, but on a hot weekend in the summer, Bondi has to accommodate up to 40,000 beachgoers. Somehow, it manages to do so in style. Even on the most crowded days, the atmosphere is festive and everyone gets catered to by the local businesses along Campbell Parade and on Curlewis Street, the two main roads.

While Bondi attracts the greatest crowds on hot days, it is a popular destination 365 days a year. In the middle of winter, surfers brave the cold winter waters to ride the waves and the world famous "Bondi Icebergs" jump into the icy waters of their salt water pool. Visitors who wisely decide to stay warm get their exercise by walking or jogging along the lovely coastal walking track that runs along the side of the cliff on the southern headland.

Bondi is equally popular at night, when the pubs, entertainment venues, restaurants and other nightspots come to life. Bondi’s nightlife reflects its diverse community and tastes. Along the same stretch of road, you can find a bohemian bookshop/cafe featuring a poetry reading or folk singer, a pub showcasing the talents of a local band and a sophisticated restaurant/cabaret.

Bondi’s fame has spread throughout the world and almost everyone who visits Sydney also visits Bondi at least once before they go back home. Many of them choose to stay in Bondi. That is easily done, since there is a Bondi accommodation for every lifestyle and budget. The Bondi backpacker accommodations are some of the most popular in Australia. At the other end of the scale, you can choose a 5 star resort with spectacular views. Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it in Bondi.

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American River: A Town in South Australia
Tuesday, May 31st, 2011 /

American River, a tiny village on the magnificently unspoiled Kangaroo Island, just 3 hours by road and ferry from South Australia’s bustling capital, Adelaide, is in a magical natural world of its own. Although the local population of the entire island is comprised mainly of its abundant wildlife, we humans are catered to in grand style in the many American River accommodation options and other Kangaroo Island accommodation that dot the island. These range from simple campgrounds to luxurious eco resorts.

How did American River get its strange name? The town of American River rests against an estuary, not a river. Its name is derived from its first visitors, American sealers who camped out there for 4 months in 1803 and built a schooner, the Independence, from lumber they milled from local trees. These first arrivals are now memorialized by a plaque. What they may have called the "American River" is actually Eastern Cove and not a river at all.

The first officially recognized settler in American River was Frank Potts, who settled there in 1842. Later Potts moved back to the mainland and established a vineyard in Langhorne Creek. Just two years after Potts’ arrival, a boat builder by the name of John Buick built the first house in American River. In the late 1890s, a fish cannery was built, but it didn’t last long. Other industries attempted on Kangaroo Island included gypsum mining, but the island has always remained relatively unexploited.

Today, the two main industries on Kangaroo Island are oyster farming and tourism. It remains remarkably pristine, which is its primary attraction for tourists. If you choose to stay in American River, you don’t have to go past your doorstep to immerse yourself in nature. A bird lover’s paradise, there is an abundance of bird life on the estuary and further afield, dozens of species of wildlife, some of which can be found nowhere else on earth.

Is there nightlife in American River? If you love nature, the "nightlife" is fantastic and organized tours are available that make it possible for you to see the best of it. One of the more popular night time attractions in American River is to view the little penguins at Penneshaw.

Daytime attractions, too, are largely natural. Some of the bird species found on the island include the endangered Glossy Black Cockatoo, Black Swans, pelicans, Cape Barren Geese and others that make Kangaroo Island a world renowned bird watcher’s destination.

Many of the estimated 56 species of water birds inside Eastern Cove use the cove’s many small islands as their breeding grounds. The waters of the cove, too, abound with wildlife. They are now protected waters, thus ensuring their survival into the future.

If you’re looking for highrises and discothèques, you’ll have to look elsewhere. American River is for lovers of the great outdoors. Don’t worry, though, you won’t be left out in the cold. You can enjoy everything Kangaroo Island has to offer in comfort. Next time you’re in South Australia, put American River on your list of "must see" destinations.

Category: Kangaroo Island  Tags:  Leave a Comment
Mt. Buller: Victoria’s Winter Wonderland
Monday, May 23rd, 2011 /

If you’re an avid skier or snowboarder and are travelling to Australia during the Northern Hemisphere summer months, do yourself a favour and visit Mt. Buller, Victoria’s Winter Wonderland. While Australia is not famous for its ski slopes, you will be surprised by the quality of snow and numbers of world class runs Mt. Buller has to offer.

The ski season officially begins on the Queen’s Birthday weekend in early June and ends whenever the snow melts, usually in late September. Since residents of Melbourne can get to Mt. Buller in around 3 hours, that gives lucky Melburnians plenty of opportunities to get on the snow for 3 months out of the year. Sydneysiders aren’t so lucky. It takes 9 hours to traverse the 478 miles (770km) trip on the Hume Highway (the fastest route) to Mt. Buller, but that doesn’t stop thousands of them from making the trip.

Why is it worth going out of your way to drive to Mt. Buller when you have closer snowfields you can go to in New South Wales? One of the reasons is the size of the skiable terrain. There are over 740 acres (300 hectares) of slopes to choose from on Mt. Buller. These range from beginner’s slopes like Burnt Hunt Spur and Bourke Street to black runs for experts only like the back of Summit and Chamois. There’s a half pipe for snowboarders and a challenging ultra cross course and all the slopes are constantly being groomed to ensure they are in good condition.

For the children, Mt. Buller has two toboggan parks. One of them is located right in the village and has its own snow making machine. The other is conveniently located at Horse Hill Chairlift. Take the lift to the top and there is more family fun awaiting at the snowtubing park. For a fun and safe thrill, the kids can race down the slopes in an inner tube.

You don’t have to worry about where you will recharge your batteries at Mount Buller. There are over thirty restaurants, cafes and bars scattered throughout the village and on the slopes. Then there is the Breathtaker on High Alpine Spa, the first of its kind in Australia. With a range of treatments available to sooth sore muscles or sooth the spirit, Breathtaker takes the spa experience to new heights.

A very popular summer activity on Mt. Buller is mountain biking. There are two ways you can do this. You can simply head out from the base and explore the area or you can take a lift and get the thrill of a downhill ride without the agony of the uphill climb.

Mt. Buller is an affordable resort, with many discounts available for families and Mt. Buller accommodation and lift pass packages. Further discounts apply in the off season and in some cases, you can even get a "Snow Guarantee" package. Winter or summer, you’ll love the Mt. Buller and the Victorian high country, so put it on your list of places to see in Australia.

Category: Wine High country  Tags: , , ,  Leave a Comment
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