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Orange Australia is a great choice for a sort break away
Wednesday, July 07th, 2010 /

The glorious extinct volcano Mt. Canobolas is the setting for the city of Orange. The name Canobolas means twin shoulders or twin heads in native aboriginal language. The city has spectacular views and wonderful ambiance that one can greatly enjoy.

A rush of people found gold in this place and it grew the town as people tried to found their fortune. This occurred in early eighteen hundreds and after the gold the region became growers of pears, peaches, cherries, apricots, plums and lots of apples. While the name of the city implies that a specific fruit was grown here, in fact, the name came from people paying tribute to Prince Orange of Denmark.

With the amazing production of their fruit this region became so prolific that it produced ten percent of all the apples in Australia. The fruit still grows here and is used locally. The European nod its settlers has left a mark on the town itself as it has a certain European flavor and design to it. The town is like strolling down a cobblestone street in Europe.

There is nothing more enjoyable than watching seasons change. From the gorgeous leaves of the fall to the warmth of a summer day, this city has been called a colour city. Anytime of the year you can experience the beauty of the region and the love Mother Nature has shown here. Why not head here for a winter break and snuggle with your loved one while sipping hot chocolate. Or sit beside a lake and dangle your feet in cooling water as the sun beats down in the summer.

orange Because the proximity to Sydney is close it is a wonderful quick getaway spot. There are different festivals to enjoy especially the Food Festival that takes place in April. The Australia National Field Days is held here in October. This is an old agricultural fair that lets you see the history and wonder of products grown for food. This is one reason why the region has the distinction of being the Fruit Basket of Australia.

The town has a long history behind it that allows you to visit and learn while you enjoy a holiday. There is a place to pan for gold just like the settler did ages ago. Maybe you will find your fortune and can stay on a permanent vacation. Or you can simply walk the streets of the town and feel the ambiance that it offers.

Or spend some time breathing in cool, crisp, fresh air at the top of Mt. Canobolas. The hike there is gorgeous and exhilarating. Once atop the mountain take the scenery that lies below you. The man made Lake Canobolas gives you the opportunity to swim, camp, or simply lounge atop the water under a tranquil sky. With this region beauty abounds and you can find something to bring a smile to your lips.

The fruit growing is evident in over fifty vineyards growing around the area. Bringing the grapes in this fertile and agriculturally rich area is bringing a whole new type of attention to the town of Orange. There are so many tasting rooms that you can try every variety of wine available.

There are some good Orange hotels nsw options available so whether you have a long vacation or a short getaway the town of Orange will afford you all that you desire. Be active by hiking and swimming or simply wander through historic buildings and take in delicious food and wine. Whatever your choice a visit to Orange should be on your agenda.

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Discover what Mudgee in Australia has to offer
Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 /

Church in Mudgee Mudgee has the air of a quiet hamlet waiting to welcome you when you arrive. The name means nest in the hills in the aboriginal language. Nestled right up in the foothills it offers a pastoral and relaxing ambiance of warmth and agricultural. Take a seat and enjoy a glass of wine while the town shows you her beauty.

The wine culture of Australia is fast becoming important not only in New South Wales but in the world. That means that this little hamlet has a front row seat to some amazing new varieties of wine from the over forty wineries that make their home here. Where you have wine you have food. Mudgee delivers on that front too. The restaurants are filled with local agriculture more than just in your glass. All this is set in a town that boasts four National Trust of Australia buildings. Take a historic walk through the town before or after you enjoy your lovely meal.

With wine and agriculture brings new types of delicious goodies. The honey from this area is special and delicious. It is a great gift to bring back after your vacation away. Try also the olives and the olive oil that is a budding industry for this region.

The proximity to Sydney makes this the perfect spot for a weekend vacation. Go to the beauty of this area and unwind from the hustle and bustle of your world in one of the many Mudgee accommodation nsw options available. Enjoy a glass of wine and a delicious meal while you settle into the relaxing day in front of you.

The area is a plethora of not only wonders for the taste buds but sights for the eyes and spirit as well. For the adventurous there are many natural places to roam. The Coolah Tops National Park is the view to show the land below you and admire the beauty of the region. Or enjoy meandering the Goulbum River in a canoe and stop on the shore to enjoy a picnic lunch. There are four National Parks here so there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Mudgee Observatory is open to see more than just the landscape but peruse the skies above. The vistas are huge and the astronomers can fill you in on all the stunning stars, planets, and galaxies you can see.

Take a helicopter ride to survey the region, vines, and all the beauty of the land below you. Rent bikes and take a tour through the vines and stop to taste wine along the way. Maybe you want to sit back and relax and let someone guide you to wonderful wines. Pack a picnic basket with goodies like local honey and olives and enjoy a blissful day of delicious tastes.

Planning your getaway around the various festivals that occur here is another way to see the town of Mudgee shining. Savour the new and exciting varieties of wine at the Wine Festival that occurs in September. Or find your inner movie star at the Short Film Festival that happens in March. The Music Festival is in December to bring your year to a musical close.

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Visit Katoomba to see the natural beauty and splendor of the Blue Mountains
Monday, June 28th, 2010 /

This area has been drawing adventure seekers and nature lovers alike for over 150 years. No visit to New South Wales would be complete without seeing Katoomba, the home of the legendary Three Sister and Echo Point resting atop a 170 meter steep cliff.

When visiting the beautiful Blue Mountains, this is the perfect place to stay. With exceptional dining, shopping, lodging, and attractions everyone is bound to discover something in this area they enjoy. One popular choice for lodging is the relaxing Bed and Breakfast.

Katoomba Three sisters Bed and Breakfasts can be found from the cliffs of Echo Point, overlooking the exquisite Three Sisters, to the tree lined avenues of the city itself. This quaint little town is excellent for taking a relaxing stroll, shopping for antiques, or just enjoying the local bistros and wine.

During your stay at Blue Mountains there many good Katoomba cottage options available to the traveller for lodging. Some might enjoy getting closer to the outdoors by either camping or RVing. While others still might wish for a relaxing spa like retreat as a way to unwind. Wherever your taste fall on the comfort scale Blue Mountain has just the right room for you.

If you desire a unique way of seeing all Blue Mountain has to offer farm stays or cave renting are something you may want to check out. Farm stays offer a real life snapshot of life in New South Wales. As you stay at a local area farm and see firsthand the joy of simple farm life. During a farm stay you will have excellent accommodations but also gain an appreciation for a farmer’s way of life. There is also a cave, Hatters Hideaway, which can be rented the same as a hotel or resort room.

If it is history you seek, this region is rich in history. At the numerous assorted local antique and book shops. From Bygone Beauties in Leura to Mr. Pickwicks Fine Old Books in the heart of town; your imagination can soar to the mountain peaks as you are whisked back to the old days of this charming mountain village.

Blue Mountain has a great many modes of transportation available to its many visitors including trolleys, city rail, chartered buses, and local taxis. Chartered buses are the best way to see the sites for larger groups. Trolleys offer and excellent and relaxing way to take in the sites. One of the favorite off the beaten path ways to see a different view of the city are the ghost tours. This area is rich in mysteries and secrets many will be shared on the Blue Mountain Ghost Tour. Along with secrets this tour offers many of the less popular but very beautiful sites such as the rain forest and waterfalls. Sure to please any traveller, try your hand at the evening Ghost Tours available.

Whether your interests involve horseback riding, bush walking, rock climbing, or just spending time with nature, Katoomba has something for you. With interesting and friendly local people just waiting to accommodate you, your visit to scenic New South Wales Australia and gorgeous Blue Mountains will be the best trip you ever take to anywhere.

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Port Arthur is must see when touring Tasmania
Wednesday, June 09th, 2010 /

Port Arthur Located in Tasmania, Port Arthur is an extremely well-preserved convict settlement. For much of the 1800′s, criminals from Britain and Ireland were sent to Port Arthur. The location had been used as a timber mill but throughout the 1800′s became known chiefly as a prison. Port Arthur was ideally placed because it was surrounded by water with only a tiny, heavily guarded strip of land linking it to the mainland.

The prisoners at Port Arthur produced many of the basics that they needed. They made shoes and leather goods, clothing and wooden tools. In this way, the prison population was largely self-sufficient. However, this was no idyllic community. The prisoners worked in chain gangs and beatings were not uncommon. Port Arthur came to be known as ‘hell on Earth’. Port Arthur accommodation, thankfully, would not be described this way!

Port Arthur1 The tourist industry at Port Arthur began to take hold as early as the 1920′s. After the prison closed, the name of Port Arthur was changed to Carnavon in an effort to shake off its dark history. However, tourists were very interested in the original convict settlement. Therefore, it was renamed Port Arthur in the 1920′s. Since then, it has been a tourist destination for Australians and visitors from around the world.

Today, visitors can take guided tours of the many original prison buildings at Port Arthur. You can also visit the island which is home to the graves of prisoners, known as the Island of the Dead. The suffering and death which occurred at Port Arthur has led to many ghost tales. The night ghost tour is devoted to the ghost stories surrounding the settlement.

In contrast to the dark history of Port Arthur, the area is recognized for its natural beauty. Hiking, caving and boating are some of the activities which tourists enjoy while visiting the area.

It is wise to book your accommodation well in advance because Port Arthur is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. The inns, Bed and Breakfasts and hotels tend to fill up quickly, particularly in the summer. Because Port Arthur is located on an island, there are not as many accommodation options as there are in sprawling cities.

There are a number of small independently run accommodation options in Port Arthur. These include pubs with accommodation, bed and breakfasts, and boutique hotels. You can also find self-catering lodges and cabins which include a kitchen. Many are positioned with views of the Port Arthur bay. Other options include motor home resorts. An RV can be one of the cheapest choices for accommodation in Port Arthur. Hotels and motels are another possibility. They usually have a large number of rooms, which can be especially helpful when travelling in a large group.

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Burleigh Heads is a great spot for your next holiday on the Gold Coast
Saturday, June 05th, 2010 /

Burleigh Heads The suburb of Burleigh Heads is found on Australia’s popular Gold Coast in the state of Queensland. It has a population of around 8,000 residents. Perfectly positioned in the middle of 2 resort towns, Coolangatta and Surfers Paradise, it provides the ideal holiday destination for those who want warmth, sea and sunshine.

The climate is ideal all year long. Temperatures during summer days average at 28 degrees (Celsius). Temperatures during winter days average at 22 degrees (Celsius). The temperature of the sea water during summer averages 22 degrees (Celsius), and during winter the average water temperature is 17 degrees (Celsius).

The area is a perfect alternative from other towns on the Gold Coast which swarm with tourists. Burleigh Heads provides a more peaceful setting. James Street is situated in the centre of the suburb and has a village-like atmosphere. Here you can find an assortment of delis, cafes, shops, pharmacies, hairdressers and restaurants. There a number a different accommodation option available. Choice from motels to luxury Burleigh Heads Apartments.

Gorgeous lines of pandanus trees and pine trees flank the main shopping center. Industry booms in the western part of Burleigh Heads with a variety of international manufacturing and exporting companies. This is where the Billabong brand has its headquarters.

The locals refer to the headland as ‘The Point’. During weekends it is a popular site for cricket matches, surfing and barbecues. Every Sunday afternoon, crowds gather to enjoy a ‘dance and jam’ session with music provided by local musicians. Burleigh Heads has a very religious community, and the main beliefs are Hare Krishna, Christianity, and Buddhism.

The local residents have a great sense of humour and are laid back, friendly and helpful. This makes visitors feel relaxed and welcome. The area is very child friendly which is the reason why so many families come to this part of the world for holidays. There are lots of fun activities for children.

The sea provides excellent surf breaks, making conditions ideal for swimming, body boarding and surfing. The beaches are bordered with pretty parklands that have barbecue and picnic sites, and showers. There are a number of first class restaurants close to the beach. Enjoy a meal and then browse through the wares at the arts and crafts markets.

During your stay, you could book an overnight tour to the waterfalls and rainforest. After enjoying a guided walk, tuck into a gastronomic picnic near the waterfall. In the evening you will be served a three-course candle-lit dinner in a garden. Overnight accommodation is provided by a guest lodge.

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Caloundra is a great beachside vacation spot to take the family
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010 /

Bulcock beach This beautiful little seaside town is located on Australia’s Sunshine Coast in the state of East Queensland. The town is just an hour from the cosmopolitan city of Brisbane, and less than an hour from Brisbane Airport. There are many Caloundra accommodation  beachfront options around .

The residents were very proud and excited in 2008 when Caloundra was declared ‘Queensland’s Tidiest Town’. If you are coming to this part of the world to enjoy the sun and the sea, you will discover beaches that are irresistible. The majority of them are patrolled and safe.

Golden Beach provides ideal swimming conditions for children because it is protected by the Bribie Island. It is also a popular venue for fishing, boating, kite surfing and wind surfing. When the tide is low, you can almost walk to the island.

Bulcock Beach is also perfect for swimming with many piers and boardwalks. This beach also has protection from Bribie Island. A specially made walking path offers visitors an hour’s walk along the glorious coastline to Moffat Beach.

Moffat Beach is not a patrolled beach but there’s nothing to stop you enjoying a quick dip. This venue is a surfing paradise with its huge, rolling breakers. Residential homes, parks and apartments surround the beach. After you have spent some time here, you can continue your stroll to Dicky Beach.

Kings Beach is considered to be the main beach in Caloundra. Patrolled 365 days a year, it has lovely picnic areas and designated children’s playgrounds. There are no less than 4,000 holiday apartments available for rental at Kings Beach. There is a large swimming pool near the ocean which is fed by sea water. This is very popular with visitors of all ages.

Unless you are a competent swimmer, you should not swim unsupervised at Shelly Beach. However, it is most definitely worthy of a visit. The sights and sounds of giant wild waves pounding onto the huge rocks are quite dramatic. During low tide you will find a host of fascinating rock pools. Dogs are permitted to run freely on this beach.

Ettamogah Pub Ettamogah Pub is a great tourist attraction. This quirky shaped and amusing decorated building looks like it has jumped out a comic book. It was established in honor of Ken Maynard who was the cartoonist for the bygone Australian Post Magazine. The pub in Caloundra was such a hit that a chain of them have been established at many places in Australia.

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Launceston has a combination of outdoor adventure and history
Saturday, May 15th, 2010 /

Launceston This Australian city is the second biggest in Tasmania, and has plus/minus 105,000 residents. It is one of the country’s oldest cities, as can be seen by the many majestic 19th Century buildings. In recent years, Launceston has become a tourist Mecca with more than 400,000 visitors annually.

It was established by European settlers in 1806. Like a lot of Australian places, it was named after a British town – Launceston in Cornwall. The city boasts a number of ‘firsts’. It was the first place in the southern hemisphere to use anesthetic. It was also the first Australian city to install underground sewers, and the first Australian city to use hydroelectricity.

Launceston enjoys a temperate climate and the four seasons are distinctive. During mid-summer in February, 24C is the average temperature. During mid-winter in July, 12.5C is the average temperature. This beautiful cool weather allows visitors and residents to enjoy the outdoor life.

A three-hour city tour is the perfect way to get to know this city. A professional, friendly and informative guide will tell you about each attraction. You will find that the ambiance in Launceston is unmistakably Victorian and very hospitable. The wonderful architecture is immaculately maintained. The Cataract Gorge is a major attraction.

During the tour, you will see most of the other popular attractions. These include St John’s Anglican Church, the Princess Theater, Princes Square, City Park and The Mall. See the famous Albert Hall which now serves as a convention center, the Australian Maritime College, and the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery.

Penny Royal World A definite highlight of the city tour is a stop-over at Penny Royal World. Here you will step back in time to the 19th Century in this functional ‘little town’. This area tells the story about an early pioneer, Andrew Gatenby, and his family. There are attractive apartments here for rental, close to the Cataract Gorge.

You can sample some fine Tasmanian wine in the Tamar Valley. This region is known throughout the world for its classical ‘cool climate’ vines. If beer is more to your liking, pop into Boags Brewery and enjoy a glass of cold James Boag’s Premium.

Take a stroll on one of the city’s attractive heritage walks and stop at Macquarie House. This is home to the prized Tasmanian Wood Design Collection. Walk on to the gift and craft shops on George Street, or spend some time at the National Automobile Museum. Take the George Walkway to the beautiful city park which is situated above the First Basin. The basin is a wide swimming hole that has a suspension bridge and a chairlift that is apparently the longest in the world.

To ensure the best Tasmanian experience, book your Launceston accommodation early.

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The Sunshine Coast in Queensland has some great holiday locations
Thursday, May 13th, 2010 /

Mooloolaba Beach The Sunshine Coast is situated an hour north of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia. The spot is blessed with year round sunshine and has a warm climate that allows for outdoors activities and swimming throughout the year. There is a great range of Sunshine Coast accommodation available to meet all budgets and preferences.

Both the Sunshine Coast to the north of Brisbane and the Gold Coast to the south of Brisbane are two of the top vacation spots in Australia, but their vibe is totally different. The Gold Coast has a lot of razzle dazzle with casinos and clubs and the Sunshine Coast’s forte is the stunning natural beauty and a more relaxed and family centered feel.

There is a lot to do on the Sunshine Coast, and a lot of it revolves around the incredible natural beauty of the coast and hinterland. You can enjoy a lot of water sports and opportunities to discover stunning coastal rainforests. When your vacation on the coast finishes you will be relaxed and ready to take on the challenges of everyday life once again.

One of the most popular attractions on the coast is Australia Zoo. This is the crocodile hunter Steve Irwin’s zoo and it is now run by his widow Terri and his children Bindi and Bob. There is much to see at the zoo and you can easily pass the whole day feeding the kangaroos, tickling the koalas, seeing the crocodiles, Tasmanian devils, wombats and other native animals at the zoo as well as international residents like the Asian elephants. Located at Beerwah, the iconic Glasshouse Mountains are right nearby where you can undertake a number of nature walks.

Further north of the zoo is Noosa, which is also well known internationally for its exceptionally beautiful beaches, river and rainforest. Noosa Main Beach is very protected and safe place for people of any age to go swimming. Right nearby is Noosa National Park, where you can often see wild koalas in the gum trees and enjoy a relaxing bush walk through coastal rainforest and past little beaches that have very few people on them.

Mooloolaba is another very popular beach on the coast, where there are wonderful swimming spots, barbecues and parks, cafes, restaurants and shopping. This is also one of the centers of nightlife on the Sunshine Coast and you will find a number of night clubs along The Esplanade. For something a little quieter, Cotton Tree is a great place to stay being nestled between Maroochydore beach and the Maroochy River.

Close to Maroochydore and Mooloolaba is a small mountain called Buderim and there you will find a lovely waterfall park. You can stroll through lush, dense jungle to a small waterfall where you can swim and then bathe in the creek. The walk is easy and can be done by anyone, even small children.

While staying at Sunshine Coast accommodation you should also visit the hinterland towns of Maleny and Montville. There are plenty of quaint shops in Montville and the area is also famous for its produce particularly cheese. The hinterland also has several waterfalls such as Gardener’s Falls, which are great for swimming in.

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