Water ski, canoe and kayak along the rivers and lakes around Bright. These include the Ovens and Buckland rivers where instructors will guide you as to how one safely navigates the waters. Fish for trout in Lake Buffalo. Bring your own boat or go with a guide.

Keep your feet on terra firma if you prefer. Gold fever may be over, but there is still gold in them hills. You could find some for yourself by panning, though only a little. Tours take prospectors through popular panning areas while local museums tell how the gold rush affected the area and its people.

If you came with your own bike, all you might want is a map of cycle trails and the name of a good place for accessories and service. Visitors can also rent bikes suitable for all ages. There will be one for your independent rider, child tandems plus infant trailers to attach to an adult bike. Choose something for mountain or road then consult the map for the best route to take for your ability and how far you want to go.

In the sky overhead you may see them: thrill seekers, risk takers. If their bravery inspires awe, then follow their example. Head for the skies in a microlight, hang glider or paraglider. Mystic Hill marks a popular starting point for flights. You could even see the sky full of men and women on the wing during a competition, unless you are among their number.

Thrills are one thing, but sometimes small wonders are enough. Parks and forests like Buckland Valley State Forest, Mount Buffalo National Park and Alpine National Park offer opportunities to get close to Australian soil at your own pace. Then again, Mount Buffalo also boasts its share of adrenaline junkies. Abseiling and climbing are often enjoyed and even taught here. Join a class or just watch one if getting close to nature is a bit slow for your liking.

With so much activity on your holiday list of things to do, Bright accommodation and food will be a priority. Satisfy your hunger at one of many restaurants serving Asian, Iberia, Australian and other cuisines. Poplars makes a popular choice for fine dining. Stop in at Edelweiss Bakery for a quick cup of java, a sandwich or something sweet.

Food plus sport equals fatigue, so think about booking a room at one of the many facilities in and around Bright. Stay in a self-catering to make your own schedule and enjoy privacy, or to find space for a large crew of fellow travellers. Caravan parks, bed and breakfast plus hotels and motels wait to offer varying degrees of comfort and luxury. Try Ovens Valley Motor Inn if for nothing else than to see how an environmentally friendly Inn is run. Curiosity satisfied, you will likely want to stay for the perks like pool, spa and sauna.

The beach is one of the biggest draws for tourists and much of the recent development around Torquay sets the beach apart from the older, more historic part of town. Besides the beach this is a world renowned area for surfing. Bells beach and Juan Juc are 2 world renowned surfing beaches near the town. Each year the Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music festival is held at Torquay as long as conditions are suitable for surfing.

The town is separated into several sections or districts. The Ocean Views area of town is on the southern side. This area is now residential but originally started out as grazing land for sheep and cattle. Other districts of Torquay include Zeally Bay, Church Estate, Wombah Park and Illawong estate.

Besides surfing there are beautiful coastal walks that will take you through the different types of nature and scenery in this area of Victoria. In particular the surf coast walk brings you to spots on high cliffs, the ability to view native birds, walking through the dense forests and enjoying the stunning ocean views.

This area of Australia is home to many endangered and rare animals. While the entire surf coast walk stretches for 35 kms different sections can easily be done as day hikes. In particular the walks around Bells beach and Point Addis are popular.

Some other popular walks in the area allow you to explore an old jarosite mine on the Jarosite track, which is 5 kms. If you are interested in the native plants and how they are used medicinally then follow the Koori walk. A short spur of the surf coast track is the ironbark track that passes through the dense forests and eventually leads to some great lookouts of Point Addis.

There are also many limestone reefs off the coast and an area for some excellent snorkelling is at the Point Danger marine sanctuary. The snorkelling and scuba diving is a great way to view the native ocean life up close and personal. Besides water activity the marine sanctuary has many walks that detail the history of the area.

Of course if you are in Torquay then you should not miss one of the world’s great motoring or touring routes. This runs from Melbourne to Adelaide and contains Mount Gambier’s Blue Lakes, Bells Beach, the Coonawarra wine region, the twelve apostles, the surf coast and the Otways rainforest. It is possible to rent kayaks, bikes and surfing equipment to stop off for some relaxation or adventure during the drive. In particular the Southern Exposure Company offers many activities and equipment.

If you are planning your next vacation, find Great Ocean Road accommodation, attractions and other travel related information about the Great Ocean Road. Or find out more about other local towns like Port Campbell on our hub.

There is a long history of seafaring, dating back to the old whalers and sealers who frequented the safe harbour offered from the frequent boisterous storms. The town is blessed with a safe deep-water harbour.

There is a fascinating maritime centre in the town, which offers tourists terrific displays of historical artefacts. You will discover the skeletal remains of sperm whales shipwreck exhibits and even a shark showcase. There is a variety of intriguing exhibits, including the original Portland lifeboat dating from the eighteen fifties. Many of the displays are interactive too, making then ideal for kids of every age! All tourism enquiries, Portland accommodation requirements and transit jaunts etc. Are dealt with at the centre.

The waterfront is a hive of activity; early morning fishing fleets bringing in the fresh catches, and vessels from all around the world loading on tons of locally produced produce. Many times local citizens and visitors alike can be seen exploring the foreshore, hoping (at least in the winter months) to catch a glimpse of the giant whales that often pay a visit. Yes, busy is the word!

The entire region offers an enormous array of facilities to its lucky visitors. A very popular draw is the Great South West Walk. It starts and ends in the town. The pathways reach out into the interior for more than 150 miles. There are long and short hiking trails, and plenty of camping facilities on the way. You will encounter verdant woodland, winding rivers, mountains and shorelines. Local artists and galleries sponsor one unusual walk.

Portland has an excellent cable tram service, and there is a rail terminal at the corner of Henty Park by the Depot Museum. There is a very scenic trip you can take all around the metropolis and area, taking in arboretums and world war two lookout towers near the Nautical Centre.

The local arts centre has a gallery and theatre boasting frequent visiting and local productions. The cultural diversity of this region is immense. Musicians, Quilters, Painters, Potters, are all to be seen trading their wares here. No problem deciding on a gift for a loved one then!

The Arts Company is located on Julia Street in newly renovated offices. You will be able to visit the artisans at work in adjacent workshops if you wish. The aforesaid Maritime Centre, incidentally, can help you prepare your travel itinerary to visit all the areas must see attractions; cruising the harbour, fishing, canoeing, mountain-biking and horse riding, to name but a few.

There is a captivating European Immigration-settlements display at the centre, showing in great detail the routes our ancestors took from all over Europe to settle in Oz.Portland is a reminder of the regions heritage and rich past, a heritage that continues into this present day. Should you be contemplating settling or buying a vacation home in this lovely place, you will find excellent properties here.

Because of many well known attractions this quaint little fishing village is just the place to visit. A famous site that everyone will want to see is the Twelve Apostles. These limestone stacks rising from the sea have sustained some damage from erosion over time and now there are only eight left. Regardless these are a must see when visiting.

From the high rocky cliffs to the beauty of the white sandy shores the coastline surrounding this small town offers all the beauty you could imagine. A visit to London Bridge or to the Loch Ard Gorge will be a unforgettable trip. Gibson Steps is another site you will not want to miss. The Bay of Islands will enchant you with its stunning beauty so make sure you have time for some time spent there.

At the centre of town is Lord Street. Lord Street embodies the uniqueness of this area and is the home to the many cafes and restaurants. One and all can find a menu that will please them in price and cuisine. The bakeries are to die for with an abundance of baked goods and scrumptious desserts. The local artisans and craftsman offer their goods and creations at the local shops. Take a walk among the galleries and see all of the art displayed be sure there will be something there you will want. During the summer months you will want to check out the local markets the fresh goods sold there will truly be enjoyable.

Fishing of course is a big deal here. The fishing fleets always offer fresh fish for the local markets and businesses. All of you fishermen that visit can enjoy surf fishing or fishing from the local pier. If your heart so desires and you would like to go for the big catch there are charter boats that will be glad to cater to your needs.

Do not worry about a place to stay. Your choice of Port Campbell accommodation options range from the expensive luxury places to the quaint understated for the budget minded. Motels, cabins and bed and breakfasts offer the charm of the village. Farm stays are fun and loved by the budget watchers. For those who want luxury there are fantastic apartments that won’t disappoint.

Photographers and sightseers alike will be enthralled with the beauty of this area. There are two beautiful parks to explore while you are on your stay. Port Campbell National Park and Bay of Islands National Park will give you the sights you will not want to miss and the photo opportunities that will be priceless.

It is said that the the place to surf is Two Mile Bay which touts the best big wave breaks in all of Australia. The dive tours here are a must if scuba diving is your thing. The canyons and gorges that form on the ocean floor is where you will want to go on your dive tour. This is a dive that you will not forget. If diving is too much for you then snorkelling is the next best thing. But if all of this is just too much action then just talk a walk along the beach and swim in the bay and don’t forget to enjoy those sunsets at Port Campbell.

About three hundred kilometres east of Melbourne, Paynesville is a captivating settlement, surrounded by lakes among Australia’s famous Gippsland waterways. The unique placement between Lake Victoria, Lake King and Lake Wellington affords visitors access to both fresh water and salt water activities in the area’s immense network of rivers, coastal waterways and lakes.

Paynesville is surely the area’s central location for boating. There are countless marinas for docking, launching or renting a boat. The comprehensive canal systems make it simple to travel around the whole of East Gippsland. Boaters can sail their own or charter vessels for dining, fishing or sightseeing.

Also, there are numerous chances for tubing, kayaking and canoeing in the Mitchell River area. This is a wonderful place for experiencing the wildlife areas, wilderness landscapes and magnificent scenery. A truly interesting natural feature to be seen here is called the Silt Jetties. These are 8 kilometre long deltas formed at the mouth of the river and are the second biggest of their type in the world.

As well as all the aquatic recreational activities, Paynesville also is noted for being the place to study plant varieties, geological formations and native wildlife species. In addition to the lakes and waterways, the local environments include woods, grasslands and marshlands. Nature fanciers assemble here to watch a vast variety of animals which are teeming in their native habitats.

Among the most popular magnets for nature buffs would be the bird observatory at Rotamah Island, located on the shores of Lake Victoria. This facility is operated by the Royal Australian Ornithologists’ Union and is internationally known as a field study centre. It also operates as a museum which boasts photography, art and artefacts. Visitors here will find a large number of enthralling exhibits linked to plant life, local ecology and animal behaviour.

Birdwatchers can see literally hundreds of species of native birds, fish and mammals in the famed Lakes National Park, including rare varieties of pelicans, ducks and swans. This area is considered as having one of the most significant populations of wading birds in Australia. Guided tours also enable tourists to spot koalas, emus and kangaroos in the wild.

Of course, the lake system is heavily used for commercial and recreational fishing and almost all of the lakes are accessible by boat. The waters here have diverse varieties of fish species for fishermen, but certainly the most plentiful and popular are the black bream and the mullet. Fishing trips and assorted boating tours are available for all the lakes and rivers from most marinas around Paynesville. Many avid windsurfers, divers and water skiers regularly visit the waters here.

You can also find restaurants, shopping and first-rate Paynesville accommodation. Also, there are regular market events, yacht races and festivals. Without doubt, Paynesville is Australia’s premier location for natural and nautical vacationing.

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.

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.

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?

To find some great Snowy Mountains Accommodation and other ski accommodation on Book it Now.

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.

Shepparton is the perfect destination for families.  Kids will love the SPC Ardmona KidsTown Adventure Playground with its giant slides, cozy tree houses, miniature railway, mazes, flying fox, monkey bars and swings.  Take the whole family on a picnic at Victoria Park Lake, located in the heart of the city. Or explore the Aquamoves complex featuring state of the art aquatics—pools, spas, sauna, and a waterslide.

The ceramics collection at the Shepparton Art Gallery is top notch. For a hands-on experience try milking a cow at the Emerald Bank Heritage Farm.  Take note of the various life size fiber glass cow sculptures which have been slipped into odd places all around town as part of the MooovingArt project. At Bangerang Keeping Place you’ll be steeped in Aboriginal culture and history.  Get all your shopping done at local factory sale outlets for the best bargains.

There are a number of noteworthy local events happening throughout the year; in January there’s International Dairy Week while in March you’ve got the SheppARTon Festival and in November, the World Cup Show Jumping.

To get to Shepparton, which  is 179 km north of Melbourne, by car, take the Goulburn Valley Highway. Daily rail and coach services departing from Melbourne are also available.