Australia Attractions
Hunter Valley Tours, a few options
Hello all of you out there in TV land! Only about 2 hours from Sydney, the Hunter Valley is one of the most publicized wine regions in Australia. As far as wine goes, the Hunter generally produces quite enjoyable and popular varieties. Wine aside, most importantly to many people, it provides a great romantic get away. I know loads of people with bourgeoning relationships that have had their first weekend away there. Nothing like a few hills and some vino to create a little romance…
Not just for love birds, many tourists who are visiting Sydney often go tour the Hunter as well. Perfect for those who only have a few days such as business travellers, it provides a chance to see a bit of the country, try some of the famous Aussie wines, and then land safely back in your Sydney hotel rooms that evening just in time to try one of the fabulous restaurants. Long day- but hey you can sleep on the plane tomorrow!
For any of the wine regions in Australia, I HIGHLY recommend going with a tour group of some sort. The drink driving laws in Australia are extremely strict and there are random breath test (RBT) stops all over the place- especially around the wine regions. Besides, then you can sit back, let someone else do the driving and enjoy your newly purchased plonk (Aussie slang for wine or spirits)!
I’ve come across a few tours on offer. I have not personally tried them, but they at least give you an idea of what’s out there.
Date: June 26th, 2007 |
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Royal National Park, Ferry Service
Are you in Sydney and need to get out of the paved jungle? If you head just a little south- you’ll feel like you are on another planet entirely. Instead of pavement…you’ll be surrounded by nature! The Royal National Park established in 1879, it is now about 16,000 hectares of National Parkland- and just stones throw from Sydney! Can you imagine! Secluded beaches, sand dunes, dramatic cliffs, spreading heaths and cool rainforests can all be found just across the Port Hacking River, south of Cronulla. …
Date: May 29th, 2007 |
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The Kimberley, Visit the Bungle Bungles
OK, The individual who pointed out it is a LOOONG way between electrical power points in the Kimberley is absolutely right. Durning my last couple of weeks up there, I have to admit, I was forced to drink a few marginally Kimberley cold beers from my cooler at the end of the day. Any hooo, the real story here today:
The Bungle Bungles in Purnululu National Park are a World Heritage listed natural attraction. They are soooo cool. A freaky natural process has caused red and dark stripes to surround the gigantic beehive like structures in a totally unique rock formation. A bit like having to go see the Grand Canyon, takes awhile to get there, but worth it.
Slingair and East Kimberley Tours are an excellent option to the huge international conglomeration of APT. The staff at APT were incredibly unhelpful and downright rude when I was trying to book a tour with them. They kept me on hold for 35 minutes! They were going to require FULL payment up front BUT they would not tell me if they could even get me on a tour UNTIL I paid in full. After I gave them my money- then they MIGHT have a tour for me to go on- if not- regardless that my vacation plans had been ruined- would then issue a REFUND. DODGY!
I called the Kununurra YHA. Even though I wasn’t staying there, their friendly staff had me booked onto a tour within about 5 minutes and only required a standard deposit. They booked me onto Slingair and East Kimberley Tours who are the original tour operators in the area.
A family run business their staff and facilities were all very clean, professional, efficient and helpful. Some of the highlights of their service:
Date: May 14th, 2007 |
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Momentary Time Out
Hi Guys! Just a quick note that I will be off the blog for a couple of days for a reshuffle at work. Fear not, I will be back on with gusto with loads of fun information about the Australian Outback on my trip to Lightning Ridge, Bourke, and Cobar to hopefully see The Big Beer Can in my never ending quest to see all of the Big Australian Attractions.
See you again verrrry soon my pretties!
FYI: The Big Beer Can at Cobar in western NSW, in 1991 was recognized by the Guinness Book Of Records …
Date: April 2nd, 2007 |
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Northern Territory Safari’s, Pungalina- check out 4 new caves
If your are headed to the Northern Territory, the operators og Pungalina Safari’s have discovered 4 new caves. The new caves have been discovered on the Pungalina Station which is in the Northern Trritories gulf country. In total, 19 caves have been discovered on the 202,000 hectare cattle property. Four, however, are now accesible to visitors. One of the caves features a crystal clear swimming hole. Brrrr! Click here to check out their other activites at the wildeness safari camp. or phone 03 9882 4236 …
Date: March 27th, 2007 |
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Australian Snow fields- Opening Weekend!
Well folks it is finally here- marked by a cold rainy day in Sydney, the opening weekend of the Australian snow fields has arrived! And appropriate it is, that they are called snow fields instead of the snow mountains. ahem….
For all my good natured scoffing, there is plenty of fun to be had at the snow here. If you are here during winter and you love snow sport- you must…no… you are obliged- dare I say it- to go and give it a whirl just to say you …
Date: June 7th, 2007 |
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The Kimberley, Cool things to see: The Hoochery
He He He. Get thee to The Hoochery I tell you! An absolute delight! The family owned distillery and is the oldest legal Still in WA. 15k north of Kununurra on a farming property, they distill 100 bottles of spirit per week. Tours and tastings available. The tasting room is a really warm and welcoming antique space with tasting bar, gift shop and café style nibbles to get you through the extensive tasting list. Watch out!
A few of the fine liquors on offer: Cane Royal Liquor, …
Date: May 20th, 2007 |
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Australian Lifesaving, an Exhibit in Darling Harbour
Come on Come on, Come on Come on… you know you’ve got a thing for those Aussie LifeSavers! You see them on the beaches-cute little yellow and red swim caps, authoritative swagger and all. For over a 100 years before Australia’s newest Reality TV show Bondi Beach Patrol (or something like that), The Aussie Lifesavers have been not only an icon to the world, they’ve actually helped save lives and create the beach culture in Australia.
The National Museum of Australia Canberra is hosting an exhibit entitled Between the Flags- …
Date: April 16th, 2007 |
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Lightning Ridge, NSW Easter Weekend, Wheelie Bin Races and Goats?
This is a picture of Amigo’s Castle in Lightning Ridge. Quirky and independent, Lightning Ridge has long been known as a… ahem…shall we say…unique place? I’ve been told by one long time resident of Wellington that Byron Bay used to be considered drop out country but now it was just a big tourist spot. He went on to say that Lightning Ridge is the current “Drop out country- the place you go to avoid the sheriff and alimony.” Another man from Wellington told me that …
Date: March 28th, 2007 |
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Melbourne, See it all at the new Eureka Skydeck
Are you going to be in Melbourne anytime after April? If so do you like to walk on the trippy side? The new Eureka Skydeck is scheduled to open next month. Yeah Yeah, you’ve done the skydeck thing before, what makes this one trippy and worth a look? Well first you’ll be in the world’s tallest residential building and you’ll have 360 degree views of Melbourne through it’s floor to ceiling glass windows.
But…and here comes the fun part…to access the deck visitors must ride the fastest lifts in the …
Date: March 27th, 2007 |
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