Australia New South Wales
Bathurst Driving Circuit, Mount Panorama
Do you feel the need for speed? Easter Weekend sees lovely Bathurst turn into a motor revving, testosterone fuelled metropolis when the Bathurst International Motor Festival rolls into town. The oldest inland settlement, Bathurst, on the far side of the Blue Mountains, is always a picturesque little town. It also happens to be home to the very famous Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit which is is 6.213 kilometres in length, 874 metres above sea level and has grades of up to 1 in 6.13.
The track is a …
Date: March 20th, 2007 |
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Kangaroo Valley NSW, Come Canoe With Us.
The hustle and bustle of Sydney can become overwhelming to even the most hardened of city dwellers at times. If you feel like you’ve been abused by the city, your boss, or chewed up and spit out- maybe it is time to get out of town and see a bit more of this great land down under. I had one of those weekends this past one.
Just 2 hours south of Sydney is Kangaroo Valley, one of only 7 fully enclosed valleys in the world, or so they claim. Regardless of claims, it was gorgeous, calm, clean, and just what the doctor ordered. A bit of physical exercise and falling asleep to the sound of wombats thundering by can work magic on one’s outlook and help recharge those batteries.
Kangaroo Valley Safari’s is one of a couple of outfitters in the area. They provided efficient and organized service. Their equipment was in excellent shape, and were timely in their pick up. That is especially fantastic after you have been sans shower and toilet for two days.
Date: March 12th, 2007 |
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Australian Wineries, Pieter Van Gent
The heady scents of damp earth and wine enter you senses the second you open the huge barn like doors to the Pieter Van Gent Winery. More than just a cellar door, this is a small independent family winery built beside Pipeclay Creek in Mudgee. Mudgee is an established, yet lesser known wine region in Australia. Mudgee the town is a cheeky 8000 people strong and boasts around 100 cellar doors.
Pieter Van Gent is one of the more unique wineries to visit. They actually grow, make and …
Date: February 18th, 2007 |
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Treking Australia, The Hume and Hovell Walking Track
Got your ticket to to Oz in your hot little hands and looking for a really unique Aussie adventure? Wanting to experience some fair dinkum Aussie grass lands, mountains and national parks?? I guarantee- none or very few of your friends would have done this Trek! The Hume and Hovell Walking Trak follows the famous footsteps of Hamilton Hume and William Hovell on their expedition to Port Phillip in 1824. Going through some of the most scenic parts of NSW, the well marked and well organized walking track runs over 440 K between Yass and Albury NSW. The track has campgrounds complete with grilling and bathroom facilities conveniently spaced 1 days walk all along the way.
For the less adventurous of heart, the time constrained, or even those just looking for a bit of camping, the three major track heads offer excellent car based camping and great day hikes. You can do all or even parts of the walk depending on your schedule- allow for 24 days to complete the entire hike, but there are plenty of 1, 2, and 3 day itineraries to keep the weekend warrior happy.
How to get there: You can of course drive yourself to a track head and do an out and back, however, there is public transport available to Yass, Tumut, Tumbarumbra and Albury from most major cities. There are plenty of Hostel and budget accommodation available in each of those cities. For further information call 02 6937 2700 or email warwick.hull@lands.nsw.gov.au.
Date: January 3rd, 2007 |
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Byron Bay Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit: Sept ‘06 to Jan ‘07
Each year from mid September through January the Thursday Plantation hosts the East Coast Sculpture Show. This year for the 11th year running…around 70 recent works are displayed in a unique outdoor exhibition. The Exhibit is open 7 days a week 9-5. this is touted as “an exciting award winning exhibition of fine Australian contemporary sculpture set amongst a botanical and rainforest garden”. There are permanent installations and works on loan from regional artists.
Thursday Plantation is the worlds first Tea Tree Plantation and laboratory. …
Date: November 1st, 2006 |
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NSW South Coast Accomodation, Culburra Hideaway
Looking for an affordable surfie get away? Want to see some real wild and untamed ocean? About 2.5 hours south of Sydney, the Culburra Hide Away, located on Culburra beach near Jervis Bay, is sooooo chillaxed.
A true 1960’s beach pad, it has modern amenities, but beachy charm. Capable of sleeping up to 7, it has an eclectic decor, and not posh, but comfortable and homey furnishings. Bring your friends, own linens, food, and sporting equipment. There is a BBQ, DVD, TV and radio available if you plan to spend anytime indoors. With so much to do and see in the area, that is a major challenge.
Perfect for a weekend getaway or a week long total relax session, the house itself is opposite the surf beach, main beachfront and about 200M from the local surflifesaving club. Access is via a walkway. Penguin Point at the end of the street is breathtaking at high tide. There is a beautiful reserve lake 200 metres away at the end of the road with forest around it. The famous Jervis Bay town of Huskisson is a short drive away where you can snorkel, dive, most times see dolphins, and grab a beer and a meal at the Husky.
Date: March 12th, 2007 |
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Kangaroo Valley NSW, Canoes, Clydesdales, and Adventure
Touted as one of only 7 totally enclosed Valley’s in the entire world, Kangaroo Valley is a perfect quick weekend away from Sydney. Only a 2 hours drive, it has been described as having a view that no painter could beautify I’ve been all around the region and can vouch that it is gorgeous. However, the tales I’ve heard from fellow travellers and locals alike about Kangaroo Valley specifically, assure me, that with rainforest clinging to the escarpment and the splendour of the river as it weaves its way through the countryside, it is downright stunning.
Situated between the white sands of New South Wales’s Shoalhaven/Jervis Bay area and the Southern Highlands, it is Mainland Australia’s first plastic bag free city, pet friendly, family friendly, adventure and budget traveller friendly, and most importantly- it has plenty to do and see. Here are just a few cool things to check out while you are in the region.
Date: February 25th, 2007 |
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Eden, Australia, The Crown and Anchor
Yes, there is actually a place called Eden, and for the people of Australia there is no surprise that it is a coastal town on this fabulous continent. Located in the region known as the Sapphire Coast of New south Wales, it is a half way point between Sydney and Melbourne. A small coastal town, it has a views to take your breath away, shops and a town center oozing with charm, interesting walks, a hilariously sinister history, and a gory-bloody-killer legend that keeps all factions happy (for those that don’t like charming little kitschy towns). The Killer by the way a whale….
BUT!!!! the literal crown jewel of the town is the The Crown and Anchor historic Bed and Breakfast. A renovated hotel from 1840, it is one of the original buildings and is lush! Not on a backpacker budget, but also not as expensive as you would think. That said, it was EXCELLENT value for the money spent. In fact- one of the few places I’ve ever stayed in my life that I would say- absolutely worth every cent.
The owners have lovingly remodeled the property with period pieces but have thoughtfully included nice modern bathrooms and a kitchen to compliment the 1840’s grace. Plush four poster beds and champagne await you on arrival. Hot tea, cocoa and an assortment of Ports are available for your late night enjoyment. Unlike some B&B’s which creep me out, you have your own bathroom, and most importantly, plenty of privacy from your fellow boarders.
Date: January 11th, 2007 |
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Byron Bay! Learn to be an Artist!
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life”
Always wondered if you could be an artist? Travelling to Byron Bay? Here is your chance!
Byron Bay Art Work Shop is offering many different 3 day workshops running for the next 6 months or so. They state All Levels of experience welcomed Art tuition with renowned artists and TAFE teachers Contemporary, Traditional, Technical and PLAYFUL “If you can pick up a brush you can paint !” The classes run 9-4 daily. For a bit of flexibility- several of the workshops can be attended for only one day.
Date: November 2nd, 2006 |
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A Sweet Stop on the Pacific Highway- Brisbane to Sydney
Doing the drive Sydney to Brisbane? There are several fun things worth seeing. One thing is Fredo Pies and ice creams. Home of the famous crocodile pies. Located in In Frederickton NSW, they are on the west side of the Pacific Highway. While the Aussies are famous for their savory/meat pies, Fredo had sweet ones too. We sampled the caramel one. Yum! In addition to the food offerings…a life size replica of our lady Marylin Monroe is just waiting for you to stop and take her picture! …
Date: October 26th, 2006 |
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