Archive for the Category »Victoria «

Cowes on Phillip Island is home of the Australian MotoGP

main Street Cowes You can take your pick: luxury, economy, or a combination of the two. You might feel spoiled simply because of the view you get each day from your Cowes accommodation. Being so close to the water in Cowes, no hotel or bed and breakfast will place you far from sandy beaches and marine wildlife. Native animals live or wander close, even if you do not see them.

Victoria in Australia is known for its great tourist destinations. Cowes, located on Phillip Island in Victoria, is one of these magnificent places. There are so many things for young and old people to do all day long. There are mixtures of adrenaline rush activities and activities that take it slow and let you enjoy a relaxing time on the island.

There are several restaurants planted all over the small island of Phillips. Many of them are premier seafood restaurants that offer up the best shrimp and fish in the Pacific. Enjoying classical Australian dishes or trying new tasty dishes has never been easier with so many restaurants nearby.

Boat rides are also a growing attraction on this island. These boats can cruise around in the bay, offering a great view of the city and a relaxing getaway from urban life. You can also choose to do sailing on the ocean. The warm ocean air and beautiful scenery will take that stress right off your shoulders.

There are also a variety of nature parks located on the island. Many of these parks are almost like botanical zoos. There are a wide variety of tropical and subtropical plants for people to enjoy. There are also many animals, some actually native to the island, for people to watch and to feed.

MotorGp Grand prix racing, believe it or not, is on of the islands most popular events. These races take place during certain times of the year and take place on the grand prix race track on the island. There is also a racing museum and tourist place where people can go to explore and learn about the drivers of the past.

Many charters on the ocean also offer boat rides that aim on seeing spectacular and some rare sea life while sailing. These nature trips go out in aims of finding whales and sometimes even dolphins. Some of the boats in these fleets are glass bottomed, offering a view that is rivaled by even the best underwater goggles.

Many of the institutions on the island are there to specifically relieve pain and stress, as well as attempting to make the body and mind mesh into one force. There are a lot of herbal living centers and spa treatment places all over the island. The spa treatments aim to get you relaxed and to get all of the crud of yesterday off of your body and mind. These places often help a lot with stress.

Phillip Island is a great holiday destination

visionsofvictoria1030403-302Visited by some 3.5 million tourists every year, Phillip Island in Australia is a great holiday destination. The island is 140 km from the city of Melbourne, in Victoria. There’s no problem when it comes to Phillip Island accommodation as there are numerous types of excellent facilities. These include B&Bs, resorts, hotels, apartments, holiday parks, camp sites, cottages, or caravan parks.

The island is about 10,000 hectares in size. At its widest point it is 9 km, while its length is 26 km. Phillip Island has 97 km of beautiful coastline. It is one of the most attractive places in Australia with its natural beauty, clean beaches, peaceful wetlands, and an abundance of wildlife.

visionsofvictoria919890-302The Penguin Parade is a late afternoon experience not to be missed. As the sun begins to set, you can see the procession of penguins hurriedly waddling to the safety of their homes in the dunes. From boardwalks and viewing stands you can watch the penguins in their natural habitat. The Penguin Parade center also has some interesting educational and interactive displays.

Take a day tour on a catamaran and see the biggest fur seal colony in the southern hemisphere. Or visit Australia’s latest marine attraction, Nobbies Center. Here you can discover amazing facts about sharks, dolphins, and seals. There are camera-like devices that you can operate yourself so that you can zoom up close on these amazing creatures.

Of course no visit to Australia would be complete without seeing Koala bears. Phillip Island is home to the Koala Conservation Center in the Oswin Roberts Reserve. The center provides a safe and secure home to the islands population of Koalas. You can watch them from tree-top viewing areas.

To see these delightful creatures face-to-face you can take a walk through the woodlands. If you are lucky you might spot some young joeys. To see these babies venturing out of their mothers’ pouches for the very first time is a unique experience. Although Koalas are commonly called ‘bears’, they are actually marsupials.

One of the sweetest attractions on Phillip Island is the chocolate factory. You can watch delicious, creamy chocolates being handmade. During your visit you’ll be given a frozen banana dipped in chocolate. There are some awesome displays that include an amazing ‘chocolate fall’ made of 400 liters of running chocolate.

Other island attractions include an illusion room called ‘A Maze’N Things‘, tenpin bowling, Grumpy’s Mini Golf, and the Phillip Island Fun Shed. You can also take a helicopter ride to view the island’s scenery, or charter a boat and fish at the Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm.

The National Vietnam Veterans Museum recently moved to brand new premises near the airport. There are 6,000 displays and artifacts on view. The museum was created to preserve the aircraft, vehicles, memorabilia and photographs in remembrance of the Australian soldiers who were involved in the Vietnam War.

With regards to Phillip Island accommodation, the best way to select your preferred facility is to go online and look at photos and read up about the many options. After you have compared prices and made a choice you can book online. You can also book tickets for any activities, tours or attractions.

Laneways and arcades in Melbourne

For the best of shopping and architecture during your visit to Melbourne, you’ve got to explore the city’s numerous acclaimed laneways and arcades. If you only have a couple of days in town, focus your efforts on exploring a few of the city’s favorite spots, where a dazzling dinner and ideal shopping can both be found in ambiance you might not be expecting.

Degraves St
For a quick cup of coffee and some excellent conversation while people-watching, there’s no better street in the entire city than Degraves St, where a variety of different shops share the skinny and compact street with delightfully cosmopolitan cafes and a couple of restaurants. Incredibly old-fashioned, right down to the cobblestones, Degraves St recently experienced a sort of revival among the young and the chic in Melbourne, with loft space here the chosen upwardly mobile hipster form of Melbourne Accommodation lately. It’s definitely a romantic and bustling part of town, and just a few feet away from the crowded and vibrant business district.

Another delightful outdoor experience, Centre Place combines the atmosphere of one of the city’s regal arcades with another lively street scene, where travelers and locals mix in the street, each on their way to their own exciting next stop. The narrow streets of Centre Place are dotted with popular pubs, delicious restaurants, and some of the city’s most bustling bars. Expect to see everyone from bankers after-work to college students just starting out the night. It’s definitely one of the best mixes of people in the city.

Block Arcade
If you weren’t planning on doing much shopping but wanted to see the best in art and architecture that Melbourne has to offer, then get immediately to the arcades. Preserved with love and a delicate touch, both Block Arcade and Royal Arcade are a testament to the city’s affair with Victorian architecture and dazzling, Italian inspired spaces. Whether you’re interested in window shopping or simply seeing some of the most beautiful ironwork in the entire city, Royal Arcade and Block Arcade are definitely worth visiting. While Block Arcade tends to focus more on a mixture of different merchants, Royal Arcade is well known throughout the city for its vast array of clothing shops. And of course, there’s no shortage of visitors who spend their time in the common spaces, rather than in the stores, taking photographs of the immaculate glass and beautiful design. That alone is worth checking out one of the arcades while visiting Melbourne.

Find more about laneways and arcades in Melbourne on Hubpages.

Australia’s Deadliest

People are just plain scared of certain animals, and rightly so in Australia! Use extra caution around these most dangerous Australian animals.

Irukandiji Jellyfish
This tiny but deadly jellyfish reaches only about 2.5 centimeters in diameter, but still causes various deaths each year. Symptoms of a sting can be delayed up to 24 hours, thereby increasing the danger.

Box Jellyfish
box_jellyfishThe toxin-covered tentacles of the Box Jellyfish can stop human cardio-respiratory function in about three minutes. Found around the Great Barrier Reef, jellyfish cause more deaths in Australia than snakes, sharks and salt water crocodiles.

Saltwater Crocodile
The ‘world’s largest reptile’ the Saltwater Crocodile can reach up to 7 meters in length. This protected species is difficult to see when its swimming, adding to the danger of a sneak attack.

Blue Ring Octopus
BlueRingFound in the shallow waters of Australia’s reefs, the Blue Ring Octopus has a golf-ball sized body, and venom that can cause motor paralysis leading to cardiac arrest and death for which there is no known antidote. The Blue Ring Octopus, so-called for its blue ring markings, is both beautiful and deadly.

Stonefish
StonefishLurking in the shallow waters of coastal Australia is the brownish-colored Stonefish, which appears to be a rock when in the water. Its thirteen sharp dorsal spines inject venom causing shock, paralysis, and even death.

Red Back Spider
RedBackFound across Australia, the Red Back Spider hides in common insect spots. Only about 1 centimeter long and recognizable by a red stripe down her back, the female Red Back’s venomous bite causes acute pain, but fortunately deaths by Red Spider bite are rare.

Brown Snake
BrownSnakeThe Brown Snake, found mainly in Eastern Australia, is famous for its deadly venom. Seeking treatment quickly is vital to survival after a Brown Snake bite.

Tiger Snake
The Tiger Snake’s venom when left untreated can result in death, but today deaths are rare because of widely available anti-venom. This non-aggressive snake is found in southern regions of Australia.

Taipan
The fast moving Taipan lives throughout Australia, and is famous for its extremely toxic venom, which could kill up to 100 adult humans with a single bite. A Taipan will attack aggressively when threatened.

Great White Shark
Along all Australian coasts watch out for the 3 Great White Shark and its 2,800 teeth. Great Whites attack by wounding their prey, then tracking the scent of the blood. The majority of human victims only suffer ‘test bites,’ not ‘full attacks’ …although they still hurt!

Australian and Animal Related Related
Australias Most Dangerous Animals on Hubpages
Australias Most Dangerous Animals on Squidoo

Mallacoota is the perfect combination of landscape and history

MallacootaFor any family vacation, it is important to offer the best of both worlds: relaxation and history. Every hard Sydney or Melbourne city worker deserves a week or two every year to rest and unwind, release the built up stress from the 9 to 5 work week, but the kids need to be entertained as well. Luckily, the small fishing town of Mallacoota offers something for everyone, a combination of historical aspects surrounded by panoramic landscape.

For a trip to the past, look no further than a 16km boat ride to Gabo Island. Surrounded by shallow waters and a history of shipwrecks, including the dreadful Monumental City wreck of 1853, where 30 people lost their lives off the shores of Tullaberga Island, the island is home to Australia’s second tallest lighthouse. Tours of the ancient structure, which was fabricated initially out of wood before local pink granite was used to complete it in 1862, are available as well as optional lodging in the assistant light keeper’s residence – accommodations can only hold 8 individuals at a time.

Besides tours, families can have a mellow day exploring the island and having a picnic while the more adventurous can satisfy their cravings either by fishing, swimming or snorkeling. Whale, dolphin and seal spotting are usually common, not to mention that the island is home to one of the largest small penguin populations in the world.

With regards to the scenery factor, Mallacoota is surrounded by the Croajingolong National Park. Consisting of over 87,500 hectares of temperate rainforests and coastal woodlands, the park is home to a wide variety of animal species as well as a slew of activities for all members of the family, from hiking and walking to canoeing and swimming. Fishing is even allowed within the park, provided that a permit is purchased ahead of time. For the camper at heart, the park offers many great campgrounds; for the bed and breakfast or hotel lover, the Mallacoota accommodation options will satisfy every desire.

So, with the surrounding forests, historical aspects and relaxing atmosphere, the small fishing village off the Princess Highway, practically located in between Sydney and Melbourne, is the perfect place for the family to get in touch with Mother Nature for a weekend or week long retreat.

It’s not just yuppies who enjoy Daylesford

Daylesford1Daylesford, Victoria has a long list of accolades associated with it. Home of the oldest Italian building in all of Australia, this popular vacation town is nestled in the foothills of Australia’s Great Dividing Range, right next to over half of Australia’s supply of mineral water. In the 1800s, mineral water was definitely not what brought people to town, though; instead, it was the gold rush, which managed to build Daylesford into the quiet town that it is today. But where other bustling villages became ghost towns, Daylesford’s mineral water and ideal location allowed it to survive and continue prospering well into today.

A hugely popular vacation spot from its inception, travelers from all over Australia have been taking their holidays in Daylesford for quite sometime. For those foreigners who are expecting a sleepy town of around 3,000 inhabitants to be lacking in the high-class options, think again. Daylesford accommodation options are hugely varied, from luxury spas on the lakefront to bed & breakfasts ran by serious foodies who whip up gourmet meals while offering tours of the different mineral water varieties available in town.

It’s not just yuppies who enjoy Daylesford and its healing springs. The New Age community has been falling in love with the town for ages, and with a new nearby yoga ashram built and all of the healing powers of Hepburn Springs just a half-hour drive away, Daylesford is more popular than ever with the crystal-toting crowd. Whether it’s acupuncture, tarot card readings, aura cleansing, or any other variety of services, Daylesford definitely knows how to provide different outlets for those interested in their spirituality.

Less than three hours from Melbourne by car, Daylesford also makes for an excellent day trip, especially for those who are interested in a relaxing afternoon strolling through art galleries and checking out buildings that have managed to survive since gold was king. Mom and pop boutiques are another huge asset to the town’s appeal with visitors, and it’s definitely possible to explore Daylesford for the afternoon and be impressed with the amount of shopping that there is to get done.

A longtime favorite retreat for Aussies and foreigners alike, Daylesford has gone from gold rush capital of Victoria to one of the country’s fanciest spa retreats. With the excitement of today’s rush of spirituality and a healthy contingent of old-timers who have been vacationing here for years, it’s safe to say that the old and the new are managing to coexist just fine in this sleepy little town a couple of hours away from one of Australia’s biggest cities.

Mallacoota is the perfect escape for the city dweller

MallacootaIf the daily 9 to 5 grind in Sydney or Melbourne is starting to take its toll, then it might be time to head out on the Princess Highway to Mallacoota, an isolated paradise, and not just for golfers.

With tons of surrounding forests and wildlife, the small fishing town of Mallacoota is the perfect escape for any city dweller to trade in their stress-filled life for either relaxation or exploration. Not to mention that with Croajingolong National Park surrounding the town, over 87,500 hectares of coastal woodland and temperate rainforests offer the adventurer a wide array of activities, from hiking, walking, canoeing, swimming and even fishing, although a license is required. Additionally, anyone can camp out at one of the many campgrounds within the park to really vast in all that is Mother Nature’s glory.

A visit to Mallacoota without a trip to Gabo Island, however, is basically just a waste of time. Located only 16km from the town, Gabo Island houses one of the largest populations of small penguins, as well as the second tallest lighthouse in the country, fabricated out of locally cut pink granite. The ancient and aesthetically pleasing structure was completed in 1862, originally constructed out of wood and was designed to prevent many of the shipwrecks that had occurred in the shallow waters between the island and the mainland. One particular wreck was the Monumental City shipwreck, were 30 people died in 1853 near Tullaberga Island.

Besides lighthouse touring, individuals can go fishing, swimming and even snorkeling off of the island’s coast at Santa Barbara Bay. Not to mention that for the lucky, dolphin, whale and seal spotting can sometimes occur. Of course, the island is also a great place for a great walk or a picnic lunch with the family.

Although the only lodging facilities on the island are the 8 person accommodations at the residence of the assistant light keeper, the quick boat ride back to the small coastal town offers a wide variety of places to stay. In fact, the large selection of Mallacoota accommodation options range from beachfront apartments to cozy bed and breakfasts. Moreover, with the ocean breezes and mellow climate, Mallacoota is the perfect place for a week long vacation at almost any time during the year.

Revisit the Gold Rush in Beechworth

BeechworthStepping foot in Beechworth should immediately give the indication that one has somehow left the modern era and traveled back in time. As one of Victoria’s most historic and best-preserved gold mining towns, Beechworth enables visitors to really get a sense of what life was like back in the 1850s and 1860s. Besides, with over 32 buildings listed by the National Trust as both historical and cultural, the town continues to shine and illuminate from its rich, rich background.

Originally starting in 1852, the Australian gold rush arrived to the small grazing area in full force, changing not only the town’s name from Mayday Hills to Beechworth but also transforming the landscape. Soon after its discovery and with gold on people’s minds, the mining craze brought in a massive amount of people to the remote, isolated area, founding the town.

Going hand in hand with the rush, of course, were the crazy characters and gold-tinted legends that only could have occurred in Beechworth. One particular example is the Golden Horseshoes legend of 1855, where during the first election campaign, candidate Daniel Cameron rode into town on a horse with gold horseshoes. Although he the horse only walked a mile in the solid gold shoes, legend has it that the shoes weighed one ounce less once they were removed. Needless to say, Cameron won the election and the story is still commemorated in Beechworth during the Golden Horseshoes Festival on Easter weekend.

Although the rush successfully thrived for only 14 years, before it began to wither away in 1856, Beechworth continued to see its fare share of interesting characters, not to mention the extraction of over four million ounces of gold during the rush’s heyday. One notable individual is none other than infamous Bush Ranger Ned Kelly, who was tried on a few occasions in the town’s courthouse – along with his mother in one instance – for attempted murder as well as other minor crimes. In fact, the Ned Kelly weekend festival occurs every year around August.

Luckily, the town was smart enough to invest a lot gold rush money into important city infrastructure such as hospitals and buildings, allowing the continued progress of the town’s economy. Because of this, the town’s historic and cultural precincts are unmatched, with amazing 1800s architecture and beautiful parks and gardens. Not to mention that a lot of Beechworth accommodation, such as hotels and bed and breakfasts, are located in many of these ancient buildings. So, every aspect and experience during a trip to Beechworth is literally like a blast from the past.

Where are the Best Place to Ski in Australia?
Charlotte Pass

Image by flyingpurplemonkeys - flickr.com

When most people hear the word Australia they will often think of the Outback or the large cities such as Melbourne. However, Australia is known for something so much more that makes it truly unique, great skiing. As there are numerous resorts and runs that the beginner to the most advanced skier will find challenging. As a result, there are numerous places to ski that can provide you with that sense of rigid beauty that Australia is known for with the traditional winter feel.

Charlotte Pass

Located in the Snowy Mountains this ski area the resort is in the town of Charlotte Pass Village. The area is completely snowed in during the winter which means that over snow transport is necessary to go in and out of Charlotte’s Pass. However, once at the resort it is clear that the entire town has become virtual ski area as you can literally ski from your front door to the lifts. This provides visitors from all walks of life that winter experience which is difficult to find in many areas of the world as large interests have commercialized the sport. At Charlotte Pass, you can see what it felt like to skiing 50 years ago when many areas were known to be inaccessible during the winter.

Dinner Plain

This ski area is located a little over 5.5 hours from Melbourne. However, the skiing is well worth the trip with the resort catering to mainly beginners as evidence by all of the runs at such skill levels. The resort is nestled in the high Victorian Alps and can provide everyone with that overall unique feel of classic Australian architecture with the wondrous beauty of Victoria.

Clearly, Australia has outstanding skiing for skiers of all skill levels. During the winter the various snow reports indicate snow fall amounts similar to what is experienced at the popular areas in the Northern hemisphere. This along with the one of a kind feel is what makes Australian skiing the well kept secret that only continues to build a vast grass roots following.

Arman Pascal is a journalist and winter sports enthusiast from New Zealand. He is often writing about ski resorts, ski tracks, snow reports, skiing destination, popular mountains and similar popular topics.

Article Source: Where are the Best Place to Ski in Australia?

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Visit some of the most beautiful gardens in Olinda Australia

The beauty of each season can be experienced in Olinda, one of the highest villages in the Dandenong Ranges.  The colors during autumn and spring are brilliant.  The summers are crisp and a layer of snow occasionally blankets the town.  The many antique, handicraft and art galleries are worth visiting. On a cold day, be sure not to miss a sample of scrumptious Devonshire tea.

National Rhododendron Gardens

National Rhododendron Gardens

Olinda also offers some of the most beautiful gardens in Australia.  One should see the National Rhododendron Gardens in addition to strolling through the mystical sculptures concealed in the William Ricketts Sanctuary.  The Dandenong Ranges National Park is the perfect place to meander through ferns, looking for lyrebirds, while RJ Hamer Arboreturn offers a brilliant forest hike to Olinda Falls.

Scattered along the Olinda’s roads are stalls that sell garden produce, flowers, eggs, chestnuts, home-made preserves and a variety of plants.  Unique Australian fauna, including emus, wombats, possums, echidnas and lyrebirds can all be seen walking around Olinda.

Each village in Mt Dandenong and Sassafras has antique galleries and shops that sell locally made jewellery, glass, pottery, leather, and ceramics.

Olinda can be found about 44 kilometres, or an hour’s drive, east of Melbourne.

Visit our accommodation website to find Olinda Accommodation options.