Tag Archives: Oceania

Hiking & Camping, Beaches, Nature Travel, National Parks

Top 6 Sunshine Coast Attractions for Nature Lovers

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The Sunshine Coast, Queensland is one of the top destinations in Australia, attracting over 3 million visitors a year. Beautiful coastal walks, beaches, tourist attractions, magnificent nature, adrenaline-filled excitement, and great food and beer are just the beginning of all the fun things to do in the Sunshine Coast.

If you’re a nature lover, you’re in luck in your visit to the Sunshine Coast, with all the animals and plant life to see in this amazing holiday destination.

Google maps

The Sunshine Coast is located approximately 100 km (62 mi) north of Brisbane. In this blog, we will share with you our Top 6 attractions for nature lovers.

Noosa National Park

Noosa National Park is situated near Noosa Heads between the Pacific Ocean and the Sunshine Coasts’s northern area, past Lake Weyba to Coolum.  The Headlands Section of the park contains pockets of rainforest where hoop and kauri pines dominate.

There are also areas of open eucalypt forest, wallum heaths, pandanus palms and grasslands. The Peregian Section is known for its wildflowers which blossom in spring, particularly the rare swamp orchid and Christmas bells.

A population of koalas is found in the park, as are mammal species such as the short-nosed bandicoot, common ringtail possum, brushtail possum.

Birds such as the eastern ground parrot, glossy black cockatoo, eastern yellow robin, rufous fantail, satin bowerbird and crimson rosella are all found in the park’s forests.

Headlands in the park are a popular place to watch migrating humpback whales (pictured above).

Noosa Everglades

There are only two everglades in the world, and one of them is right on the sunshine coast along the Noosa River. Float along the serene water that so perfectly reflects the plant life that borders it on either side.

Join an organized cruise so you can just enjoy the feeling of being on the water or hire a kayak and paddle along the water yourself. View the natural plants and animals—the Noosa Everglades are home to over 40% of Australia’s bird species.

Photo by Nadine van Dyk CCBY3.0

Whether you’re a local or an international visitor, there’s something to see on the everglades.

Maleny Botanic Gardens

Wandering through the botanic gardens is a treat for avid botanists, nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys escaping from city life for a little while.

Walk along over 6km of pathways through the gardens (or jump into a golf cart to make getting around the gardens a little easier). Enjoy a picnic in a gazebo or among the scenic grounds. Young ones can run wild through the fairy gardens while you relax.

Rainbow Lorikeet

The botanic gardens also feature Bird World—a place where you can get hands-on with live birds and get a photo with them for an experience you’ll never forget.

Australia Zoo

The Australia Zoo, affectionally subtitles the Home of the Crocodile Hunter, is the Zoo that Steve Irwin and now his family have always strived to make the biggest, best wildlife conservation facility in the world. The zoo has won a whole host of awards for the work it does to help animals and to educate visitors.

Steve Irwin (2005)/ Photo by Richard Giles CCSA3.0

When you arrive at the zoo you might find yourself overwhelmed with all there is to see and do! Throughout the day there are several animal shows you can watch to learn more about the residents of the zoo.

Not to mention the up close and personal animal encounters you can have. You can even adopt an animal and pay to keep it happy and safe throughout its life.

Glass House Mountains

The Glass House Mountains are a cluster of 13 hills that rise abruptly from the coastal plain on the Sunshine Coast. The highest hill is Mount Beerwah at 556 metres above sea level, but the most identifiable of all the hills is Mount Tibrogargan which from certain angles bears a resemblance to a face staring east towards the ocean.

Photo by Bidgee CCBY3.0

The Glass House Mountains are located in the traditional lands of the Jinibara and Gubbi Gubbi people. Local Natives have an elaborate legend about the mountains.

Sea Life Aquarium

When you haven’t had enough of amazing animals after your trip to the zoo, you can head into the SeaLife Aquarium. Walk through the aquarium and take a look at the underwater life from a perspective you won’t get anywhere else.

Lionfish

See the penguins, seals, sharks, smaller fish, and many more exotics aquatic species!

Coral Reef

Walk through the ocean tunnel and look around as sharks, rays, reef fish, and more swim above and next to you. The Tidal Touchpool gives visitors of all ages the opportunity to get their hands wet and touch some real sea stars, sea cucumbers, and more.

A Manatee

There’s plenty of fun things to do in the Sunshine Coast if you’re an animal lover. from getting up close and personal with animals to wandering through scenic nature.

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Nightlife & Party, Cities, Beaches, International Travel, Travel FAQ

3 Tips for Making the Most of Your Stay in Sydney

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Sydney is one of the top destinations for world wanderers. What makes it so incredible is that there are hundreds of places to see and things to do. While the fun is guaranteed, you need to ensure you don’t waste your time in vain. That’s why you need to plan your stay thoroughly.

Note: If you are planning to visit Melbourne, know that Sydney is pretty close to Melbourne and if you have a few extra days, you can also check out Sydney. It’s especially worth your time and money if you are already planning a trip for some great events and the numerous festivals that Melbourne is famous for.

Plan Your Trip in Advance

In order to help you out, here are 3 tips for making the most of your stay in this marvelous city.

Sydney Opera House

Planning is the mother of both successful time-management and stress-management. Once, you book your airline tickets and set on your travel dates, next you must find a price-worthy hotel at a great location which gives you the most value for your money. We recommend Hotel in the Rocks as one such place with great views and great location.

Next, you should write down the top places you would like to visit and the things you would like to do. Since that also depends on your budget, you should take it into consideration your budget and how much time you have.

If you have no idea how to do this, you can simply google the top tourist attractions in Sydney. When the results pop up, you will find information on the price per each site or activity.

For example, if you want to take a guided tour inside the Sydney Opera house, you can search for “Sydney Opera House tour price” and you will easily find it. It’s the era of the internet and technology, so make the most of it.

Below is our suggestion of the top 7 attractions in Sydney.

Top 7 Must Visit Places in Sydney

To help you out with this, we have compiled a list of the top places every person should visit in Sydney. Let’s check it out.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

  • Sydney Harbour Bridge – You not only can visit it by standing next to it but you can also climb it. It’s a little pricey but the experience is enthralling. There are great guided tours that allow you to experience the enchanting view over the Sydney Harbour and Sydney Opera House.
  • Sydney Opera House – The best way to visit the Opera House is by taking a tour inside of it. But, you can also watch a show. You can choose which one you like more.

Bondi Beach, Sydney

  • Bondi Beach – If you are going on a summer holiday, you have to spend part of it on the beach. Although there are hundreds of beautiful beaches within the city boundaries, Bondi Beach is the most popular of all, so you mustn’t miss it.

Darling Harbour, Sydney

  • Darling Harbour – Being made of large pedestrian and recreational areas, Sydney Harbour is a great place to spend some quality time. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes where you can find great food and drinks and enjoy the view.

A Koala at the Taronga Zoo

  • Taronga Zoo – If you want to see some local and exotic animals, you have to visit the famous Taronga Zoo. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon, especially if you are traveling with kids since there are a cafe and a food market.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney

  • The Royal Botanic Gardens – When looking for a peaceful place within the city, you should look no further because the Royal Botanic Gardens offer exactly that. Located near the Sydney CBD, this place offers a wonderful nature with incredible flora and the peacefulness you are looking for.
  • The Rocks – Being one of the oldest neighborhoods in Sydney, the Rocks are an inevitable tourist spot. There are plenty of hotels, historic pubs, and cafes where you can experience part of the history of Australia.

Explore the City

Panoramic view of Sydney at night

While visiting the top tourist attractions and places in Sydney is a great way to explore the city, it’s actually just one part of the whole experience. In order to make the most of your stay in the city, you should explore it from end to end. You can do that in two ways.

Take a hop-on hop-off bus tour – Bus tours are a great way to see the city, its buildings, streets, public areas, parks, and sites without spending much of your time. Taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour saves you from the trouble to look for public transport lines and tickets.

Take a cruise – Apart from exploring the city from the ground, you can also explore it from the water. There are plenty of cruises including, dinner, lunch, and wine tasting cruises, you can take in order to enjoy your time while exploring.

You can also ride on a ferry to Manly Beach. This ride is affordable, yet will offer you the chance to see the harbor, the Harbour Bridge, and the Opera House.

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Trip Ideas, Nature Travel, Top 10 List, Road Trip

7 of the Most Unique Places to Visit in Australia

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Australia is full of exciting things! It’s true, there is nowhere else quite like Australia, the only country that has a whole continent to itself. This amazing country has it all, vibrant cosmopolitan cities, stunning scenery, the crazy outback and more.

But what if you’ve done the traditional stuff and you’re looking for something a little off the wall?

Well, Australia has plenty of that too. Check out one or more of these awesome, unusual, and unique destinations for something
a little different and adventurous! After all, you are in Oz, the Down Under!

1. Coober Pedy

If it’s weird you’re looking for the town of Coober Pedy; don’t worry, it is right up your street. This remote town is located roughly 6-8 hours drive from Port Augusta with almost nothing in between. making it one of the most remote towns in Australia.

Coober Pedy was originally built as a settlement for miners working in the local opal mine. But today it is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. Blisteringly hot during the day, most of the houses are built underground to shelter from the intense heat.

This gives the town an almost futuristic feel as though you’ve just been transported onto the set of the latest Star Wars movie.

If that’s not enough, there is also a golf course, although it’s not like any golf course you’ve seen before. There is no grass and it can only be played at night when it’s cool enough.

Fun Fact: There are other weird things to see here too. As you enter the town you’ll pass a soul tree made from scrap metal, there’s a house in town decorated in women’s underwear and the world’s only underground gaming room is also located here.

The land surrounding the settlement is also pretty unique.

An hour’s drive away is the dystopian landscape of Moon Plains which was used in the films Mad Max 3 and Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

2. Devils Marbles

The Devils Marbles are certainly one of the strangest things to see in the Northern Territories. Essentially they are just a pile of rocks stacked on top of each other in the desert. But they are not man-made, they were formed by millions of years of wind erosion to form a unique piece of natural sculpture.

The Devils Marbles are conveniently located close to Darwin, making them the perfect stopping off point if you are heading from Alice Springs to Darwin or Adelaide to Darwin.

The best time to visit is sunset when you’ll capture some truly breathtaking photos as the stones change color in the setting sun.

3. Great Ocean Road

Well, not really a hidden gem (since it’s popular all over the world) but is it unique? Definitely so.

The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s great scenic drives. Not just that, it’s a major coastal highway in the South West Coast region of Victoria, Australia.

Note that none of the other states of Australia do not have their coastal roads as well situated as this one – with either the views, the access, or the length and variety of environments.

To travel from Melbourne along this route is an experience that has a lasting impact on most travelers.

4. Squeaky Beach

Located in Victoria, Wilson’s Promontory National Park is home to Squeaky Beach. As its name would suggest, is a sandy beach which squeaks underfoot. Think about that! Or better yet, close your eyes and imagine!

The unique sound is created by rounded grains of quartz in the sand which makes a squeaking sound when they rub together. Walking on the beach is a truly unique experience and one you won’t be able to recreate anywhere else.

Squeaky Beach is located in Victoria around 3 hrs drive from Melbourne.

It is best to visit by car because there are no direct train or bus services. However, you could take the train from Melbourne to Morwell and then grab a taxi to Squeaky Beach. The journey should take no more than 3.5 hrs.

5. Uluru and Kata Tjuta

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a park in the southern portion of the Northern Territory of Australia, part of the so-called Red Centre of the continent. The National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage area. It is best known for Uluru, a single massive rock formation, and also for Kata Tjuta (“the Olgas”), a range of rock domes.

Note: Visitors should note that the National Park contains both the Uluru Rock and Kata Tjuta. The park closes at night has few services and no accommodation or camping. Yulara is the resort town that contains all the services for the area.

Uluru and Kata Tjuta are considered sacred places by the Aboriginies. The land is owned by the Anangu, leased by the government, and jointly managed by the Anangu tribe and the Australian parks and management services.

Visitors will notice efforts throughout the area to include and encourage respect for the Anangu perspective on the land.

Much of Kata Tjuta is off-limits, for example, and climbing Uluru is strongly discouraged by sign-posts. Also, please note that climbing Uluru will be no longer allowed from October 2019.

6. Hahndorf

Hahndorf is a little piece of Germany in the Adelaide Hills. Founded by German immigrants in 1839 the town looks and feels like a traditional German settlement transplanted from Bavaria.

There are German cafes serving traditional German food, the main street is lined with German-themed shops and you can even sample some locally produced Riesling.

Hahndorf is pretty unique and not all that well known, so you will surely have some stories to tell when you get back home. The town is located just a short distance from Adelaide along the Metro 864 bus route.

The local light rail system also passes through the town so unlike the other attractions on this list, it’s pretty easy to get to.

7. The Pinnacles

Located in the Nambung National Park; the Pinnacles were virtually unknown until 1967 but are one of Western Australia’s most visited attractions today. Formed by the fragments of seashells millions of years ago, there is still some debate about how these natural rock creations came to be located here.

Getting to the Pinnacles is pretty easy, they are located approximately 2.5 hrs drive from Perth along the beautiful Indian Ocean Drive. The nearest town is Cervantes which is famous for its delicious lobster and seafood dishes making it the perfect place to stop for lunch.

The best time to visit is between July and October when you’ll get to enjoy the local landscape filled with the blooms of spring.

Pro-Tip

So if you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, these can be few of the unique places to visit (other than the Sydney region and the Great Barrier Reef), which everyone goes to (and you should too).

What we are trying to say is Australia has no shortage of unique and other-worldly spots. But a quick word of warning, venturing into the bush is not for the fainthearted, so it is wise to ensure you have an adequate travel insurance policy in place before you set off.

A good travel insurance will not only provide cover if one of your party becomes sick or injured but it will also cover your rental vehicle excess. When traveling internationally, having travel insurance will allow you to enjoy your holiday without having to worry about any unforeseen bills.

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Hiking & Camping, Summer Travel

5 Best Dream Camping Destinations in Australia

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Australia is famous for its rugged and natural beauty. The beaches are beautiful, there are places where you can stargaze, the deserts are spectacular and the list goes on. 

It is home to the most incredible forests, beaches, and rugged landscapes and no camper will ever go away disappointed. It is the dream travel destination choice for many and people especially go there for their vacations.

Best Camping Destinations in Australia

An experienced camper can go for a three-day hike across the rugged countryside or pitch his tent on the plenty of beach camping spots that are available. Even an amateur camper can find plenty of places to spend the night and a person who’s suited to luxury travel can avail the glamping opportunities it offers.

Read: 10 Fun Facts About Australia

Here are the top 5 dream camping destinations in Australia which you will remember for the rest of your life.

1. Whitehaven Beach, Queensland

If you are a beach person, you’ll love the beach campsite at Whitehaven. Gorgeous, pure white sand and water like the bluest crystals, the sun shining down in all its majesty, this is a spot which you must visit once in a lifetime.

It is a relatively small spot, with a total of seven camping sites so you must make an early reservation if you want to visit. The camping sites with the bathrooms and other amenities are close to the beach so you don’t have to worry about personal comforts.

One of the best experiences of a lifetime is sleeping and waking up to the sound and the crash of the waves. This is one destination which will stun you in all its gorgeousness and beauty.

2. Millaa Millaa, Queensland

There is a waterfall known as the Milla Milla Falls on the Queensland Atherton Tableland. It is a place of such beauty that people have been struck dumb for a few moments.

Milla Milla also boasts of a Tourist Park on its outskirts which has Queensland’s tallest mountain set in the backdrop. This stunningly beautiful place will blow you away.

You will also find tropical rainforests, waterfalls and fresh produce. The gorgeous waterfall cascades from a crevice far above, amidst a backdrop of greenery and is a sight that you will find hard to look away from.

3. Conto Field Campground, Leeuwin-Naturaliste NP

 

Just 20 km south of the Margaret River lies a coastland which has pristine white sand, yellow limestone, and the bluest waters. The bonus is that the site is reasonable.

For just 7 dollars a night, you can avail full camping facilities and personal comforts. The site offers the best fishing experience. Campers can catch the freshest salmon and cook it right away.

You can stay for a night but the cheap prices and the beauty around may entice you to stay for a full weekend or even more.

4. Kununurra, Western Australia

On the shores of Lily Lagoon, the Kununurra resort lake campsite exhibits the best sunsets in the world. There are various activities to do around there and the adventurous person can see plenty of crocodiles and exotic birds on the campsite.

If you can go around the time the Kununurra agricultural show takes place, your visit will be worth the hassle of traveling the long distance. Trust me, you won’t regret the decision to visit this place.

The fair boasts of Melon Olympics and Cane Toad races which is an experience that must be seen in a lifetime.

5. Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour

Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour is one of the most different and unique places where you can pitch your tents. It is an island which was a colonial jail, naval dockyard and school long ago where the people have preserved most of their history.

So, you can still visit these buildings and be awed at the former life they represent. You can explore all around this island, rough it out in a tent and stay for a day or two.

For people who like their luxuries, this island also has better opportunities in terms of resorts where the creature comforts are provided. The campsite has its own kitchens where you can cook and also personal hygiene facilities including toilets and a hot bath.

Conclusion

Australia is one of the best places you can go on a camping trip. It does not simply have the usual run-of-the-mill beach resorts but has every type of camping experience to offer.

From beautiful beaches to stargazing sites where you can stare at the sky in awe, to tropical paradises where the exotic birds visit in droves and you can see the crocodiles basking, Australia has it all. The waterfalls where you can see some of the best sunsets in the world.

So what are you waiting for? I’ve packed my Canvas Tents for the next fun trip to Australia for sure. The temptation is irresistible and I would recommend you to do the same.

Author Bio

Judy Robinson is a passionate blogger who loves to write on home lifestyle and travel-related topics. Currently, she is associated with White Duck Outdoors, an Idaho based online camping shop. Follow @JudyRobinson on Twitter for more updates.

Trip Ideas, Travel Inspiration, Travel FAQ, Did You Know

Top 40 Travel and Tourism Niches: Which One Are You?

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Not too long ago, travel and adventure meant going out of your small town (be it even to the nearby woods). You left the comfort and safety behind and took significant risks, especially if you traveled solo.

Today, numerous travel niches have become popular, each with its own tourism appeal and unique perspective that it offers.

In this post, I will list the major types of travels that I consider to be broad enough to deserve a mention as a travel niche. These tourism niches have big enough market demand to sustain as an independent category on their own.

Travel Niches & Trends

  • Adventure Travel – Adventure tourism is the fastest growing and biggest travel niche today
  • Nature and Wildlife Tourism (aka Ecotourism) – another trend which will continue to grow
  • Cultural Tourism – traveling for the purpose of exploring various culture, and cultural & world heritage sites 
  • Medical, Dental, & Fertility Tourism – traveling for medical purposes
  • Wellness Tourism – traveling to seek tranquility, healing, meditation, and nature retreats
  • Music (and Music Festivals) Tourism – popular with young adults
  • Culinary Tourism – traveling for food, to eat well is to live well
  • Wine, Cheese, & Beer Tourism – traveling to taste different wines from different regions
  • Nightlife and Party Tourism – traveling to various party destinations 
  • Roadtripping – traveling by car with a group of friends 
  • Extreme Sports Tourism – traveling to mountains
  • Highpointing – Hiking, climbing, or driving to the highest elevation point of a state, country or continent
  • Sports Tourism (Golf, etc.) – either to play or watch
  • Shopping Tourism – traveling exclusively for shopping purposes
  • Religious Pilgrimages – walking, biking, or traveling to religious & spiritual sites

  • Off-the-Grid Travel – traveling to and living off the grid in a minimalistic way
  • Scenic Train Travel – touristy scenic train rides with focus on dining & wining
  • Space Tourism – exploring the outer atmosphere, earth from above, and outer space
  • Bookstores & Literary Tourism – visiting cool bookstores and fictional or real sites related to books and authors
  • Tolkien Tourism – exploration of Tolkien’s middle earth and LOTR related sites
  • Volunteer Travel – traveling & volunteering to work on non-profit charity projects
  • Film & TV Tourism – traveling to various film and TV series filming sites (eg. Game of Thrones)
  • Archaeology & History Tourism – traveling to ancient ruins, archeological sites, and historical places
  • Ghost, UFO, & Haunted Tourism – traveling to haunted places and UFO siting sites
  • Genealogy Tourism – tracing or returning to your roots
  • Jungle Tourism – traveling and camping in the deep and remote jungles 
  • Underwater Tourism – exploring the marine life and ocean through Scuba, Snuba, Snorkeling
  • Shark Tourism – seeking underwater thrills & shark encounters across the globe
  • Rural and Village Tourism – countryside relaxation 
  • Astronomy Tourism – visiting sites that provides excellent views of the stars and night sky
  • Inner city Tourism – exploring your own town or city in great details 
  • Weekend Tourism – traveling every weekend (mostly nearby attractions)
  • Ghetto Tourism – traveling & exploring the living conditions in slums and ghetto

Deviant & Sad Trends

A beautiful ruin 

I was debating at first whether to lost the following sad trends or not? Listing them will give them more exposure, so at first, I thought I will leave them out. But then I thought, these trends are actually growing (financially speaking) so closing my eyes to these problems will not help solve these issues.

The best thing I can do is to use this platform and bring public awareness about these. Some of these may sound harmless or even exciting (drugs and sex for example), but please understand that both drugs and sex causes overall more damage, deaths, and harm to innocent lives (including children).

The best way you can help is first by not participating in them and therefore cutting off the financial incentive. Second, you can be aware that these problems exist and thus help to spread the word. (Fact: Even in Prague or Amsterdam, most of the girls working in the red light district are there against their will via deception, bribery, and manipulation.)

  • Drug Tourism – mostly illegal and unsafe, please use common sense
  • Sex Tourism (Male, Female, Trans) – again, please use common sense. Do not do anything that hurts other humans
  • Dark Voyegeristic Tourism (Underground shady fights, deaths, & stuff) – please do not support or fund this industry by partaking in it. Anyone can be the next innocent victim of it
  • War & Disaster Tourism – visiting sites with tragic past for pleasure (War, disaster, & genocidal sites, Nazi camps, etc.)
  • Suicide Tourism (Important: if you are feeling suicidal, know that you’re not alone and confidential help is available for free. Please seek help. US Helpline | HelpGuide | Resource Center)
  • Hunting Tourism (The Big 5 Games) – traveling to mainly Africa (South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya,
    Zimbabwe, Botswana, etc.) to hunt rare and endangered species such as Elephants, Lions, Rhinos among others. *Hunting* is very common in North America and Europe.

*Hunting is a personal choice. It’s a complex issue and would need an entire blog to discuss the various impacts and issues surrounding it. If you are not a hunter, please do not partake and support this industry.

As a starting point, please follow the first rule of life, do not kill life unless it is for your own or your family’s survival and safety. Also, the above category is about hunting the big animals (man of them endangered and at the point of extinction).

Cities, Food & Cuisines, Top 10 List

5 Best Craft Beer in Sydney

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Sydney is one of the most liveable cities in the world and one of the best three cities in Australia. Why is that? Is it because of its extensive craft beer-making culture?  Yes, it probably is, among many other things.

The culture imbues every after-work activity and Friday night with passion, laughter, and romance. 

The state of New South Wales (NSW) is home to a vibrant and exotic culture. Visitors from around the world come to experience its vast natural beauties.

NSW has the divine architectural landscape of a city that never sleeps. Plus, it is imbued with people that are as colorful and vibrant as the graffiti-rich buildings they occupy.

There are thousands of breathtaking experiences you can enjoy in Sydney. Here are the best places to indulge in the world’s finest craft beers in a setting that will steal your heart.

The Noble Hops

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Bordering the beautiful Moore Park in central Sydney, The Noble Hops Pub is located in the heart of Redfern district. Noble Hops has an authentic and friendly ambiance. The vibe has made it the locals’ favorite choice for enjoying a refreshing craft beer. 

Featuring ten beer taps, eight of which are supplied by local craft breweries and two international beer companies, The Noble Hops is a beautiful place to be on a Sunday afternoon. In case you and your mates get hungry, you can have food delivered to the pub by numerous local restaurants.

SoCal

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There are few places in Sydney as vivid and vibrant as the SoCal Neutral Bay. Offering a wide range of drinks, a creative food menu and plenty of entertainment possibilities, SoCal is the perfect place for large groups and intimate gatherings alike.

The famous pub boasts a colorful range of craft beers, ciders, numerous choices of notable quality wine and creative cocktail mixes that will dazzle the finest of senses. When it comes to food, this amazing place has something for everyone. Their menu ranges from salads and Mexican food to fish and their signature BBQ dishes.

Harts Pub

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In the heart of the city, near the Sydney Harbour Bridge, lies one of the first pubs in modern Aussie history to pioneer the popularization of craft beer – Harts Pub.

Since 2009 this pub has been featuring Australian craft beers. It proudly boasts 12 rotating taps in a beautiful mid-century historic setting that will make you forget about all of the life’s troubles.

A visit to Hart’s Pub means unwinding and relaxing with a beer in one hand and a delicious chicken wing in the other.

Beer DeLuxe

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The well-known Beer Deluxe Pub is located in Barangaroo, one of Sydney’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Beer Deluxe is a veteran pub venue that hosts many taps to satisfy your every craft beer need. Along with plenty of beer options, you can choose from several ciders, bourbons, a decent selection of wines and a classic pub food menu.

This is an old-school place with a truly authentic feel. Beer Deluxe is perfect for a leisure night out with friends.

Bitter Phew

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Finally, Bitter Phew is a local pub frequented by visitors from all around the city. It is in central Darlinghurst neighborhood and offers a wide range of craft beers. The selection includes twelve taps as well as a hundred bottled options.

Located in an old attic overlooking Oxford Street, the pub is small and intimate, just right for a romantic night out.

The pub offers a bottle share option, allowing you and your friends to taste several different beers. This is a great option for those who are new to the craft beer scene and want to discover and develop their own palate.

With such a vibrant craft scene individuals can imbue locals and travelers alike with their own passion and express themselves through their trades.

Sydney truly is a paradise for all authentic beer lovers. Be sure to visit these places and soak in the breathtaking culture and positivity of this New South Wales’ gem.

Author’s Bio

Peter is a travel writer at Voice Boks magazine, living between London and Brisbane, Australia. Besides writing he worked as a travel reporter for publications around UK & AU. Follow Peter on Twitter for more tips.

 

 

 

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5 Best Ways To Have Fun In Sydney

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Unlike many other slow-paced corners of the world, Sydney does not lack versatile options for having fun, especially for couples. Whether it is a new watersports competition, an art exhibition or a road-trip, this city always has some new event on the horizon.

Depending on your preferences, you can fill your days with long relaxing strolls along the beach, or daring adventures both in the wild and in the city.

As a pair of adventure enthusiasts, and lovers of this iconic city, we’ve compiled a list of our absolute favorites when it comes to organizing your fun time. Let’s take you through our top fun choices in Sydney, and prepare you for the time of your life!

Visit the Royal National Park

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An endless source of Zen, healing energy, as well as adventure activities, the Royal National Park is just a ride away from Sydney’s CBD (central business district), and perfect for nature enthusiasts. You can start with a picnic, surrounded by the tranquil greenery. Next, hike over the coastal path, which is a staggering 26 km long. You can opt for just a single section or have an occasional break.

The entry fee is only $12 per day per vehicle, and you can stop by any of the barbecue-friendly spots, sunbathe on the beach, take a bike ride, or even organize a weekend stay with your better half in the Reids Flat Cottage.

Climb the Harbor Bridge

If you are interested in a fantastic view of the city as well as the ocean and wish to experience an incredible thrill, then a Harbor Bridge climb suits you best. You can choose from a variety of daytimes, climbing angles and depending on the weather you will have a completely unique experience and a mesmerizing view.

The climbs are organized in small groups, so make sure to book your spot in advance. Each climb takes a while unless you want the express version. There is a wide range of prices, including some that go over $300, so save up and take the climb!

Awaken Your Inner Child

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Has it been a long time since you’ve carelessly jumped and goofed around like a kid? No matter your age, a perfect way to have fun and spend your day laughing and getting surprisingly tired is to visit a grown-up-friendly trampoline park in Sydney where you can unleash all that positive energy.

Purchase an all-day pass for $35. Just spend an hour or two jumping around, flipping, and bouncing. You will most likely end up wanting to book your next visit as soon as possible. Just so you know, every 10th visit is free! Why not use this perfect chance to remember that invaluable feeling of being a kid, with not a single care in the world, because that is precisely what you will get when you spend a few hours monkeying around.

Go to Luna Park

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Another way to inspire your childlike energy is to visit Sydney’s famous amusement park, Luna Park, with its retro sections and modern rides. For just $52, you can get an all-day pass and enjoy those rides that are suitable for your height and age.

Once you get past the creepy clown entrance, you’ll be immersed into a timeless world of rides such as the old-fashioned carousel. The crazy rotor and the devil’s drop are just a few of the exciting rides that await. Come get lost in the mirror maze and travel in a space shuttle. Finally, you can wrap up your visit by having a nice refreshing drink and a meal in some of the cafes.

Ride a Hot-Air Balloon

You’ve seen the videos, and you’ve read the stories, but you’ve probably never tried this old, romantic visit to the skies. Fortunately for all couples in love, Sydney offers hot-air balloon rides perfectly designed for you and your soulmate to spend a few hours exchanging those sappy glances and enjoy a dazzling view of one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

The Hawkesbury Valley flight on a weekday costs $259 per person and includes a bus ride to the balloon, souvenir photos, a certificate, insurance and about an hour of flying above the city and enjoying a spectacular view.

These are just a few among many of our favorite things to experience in this majestic city that will bring a lasting smile to your face, give you invaluable moments of memory and make your fall head over heels in love with Sydney!

Author’s Bio

Gabriella Diesendorf is a freelance writer from Australia and a devoted mother of two kids, two cats, and one large dog. She loves badgering about pets, green lifestyle choices, and parenting techniques, and if you mention attachment parenting, she will bore you to death.

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Winter Travel, Trip Ideas, Cultures & Customs, Travel Inspiration, Top 10 List

10 Summer Destination Ideas for a Christmas Vacation

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If you are tired of spending Christmas the same way every year, bored with the view of snow and ice and eager for new experiences, try choosing a summer destination for your Christmas vacation this time.

Celebrating Christmas among sandy beaches, warm waters and palm trees, instead of snowstorms, ice sculptures, and traditional ornaments.

Isn’t it a wonderful idea? Here are our top ten summer destinations for your Christmas vacation:

Australia

During Christmas time, Australians enjoy sun baths, diving and drinking cocktails on the beach, as the holiday season falls during the summer in this part of the world.

What could be better than spending Christmas diving with colorful fish in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef? Cairns, for that matter, has become one of the most popular Christmas destinations in recent decades.

Barbecues on the beach, tours to the wine lands of the Yarra Valley and road trips along the Great Ocean Road are also popular Christmas activities in Australia. And you can build a sandman, instead of a snowman, if you want.

Fiji

If you really want to escape from it all and have a week or two just relaxing on a sandy beach with a refreshing cocktail in your hand, Fiji is the perfect choice for you!

A stunning archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, surrounded by crystal waters, coral reefs, and rich marine life, is probably the closest you can find to heaven on Earth. It is populated with the friendliest folk on the planet and offers numerous activities for travelers. No wonder, Fiji is one of the most popular summer destinations in the world!

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka usually experiences monsoon season from October until January. However, the southern part of the island is generally dry from October until April, which makes December a perfect month to visit.

The island offers much more than just the sun and the beach. You’ll also find a fascinating culture, ancient cities, rich history and prosperous wildlife. Visit the Nala National Park and watch leopards, colorful birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and elephants.

Or explore the jungle while sitting on the back of an elephant. Or watch the magnificent sunset on the coast of the Indian Ocean.

Your Christmas in Sri Lanka will be unforgettable!

Thailand

If your idea of a perfect Christmas includes white sandy beaches, unique culture, and delicious food, then Thailand is a perfect destination for you. The “land of smiles” offers its visitors a warm welcome and a warm climate, diverse wildlife, and cultural heritage, various entertainments and Buddhist temples to explore.

Thailand is really the best value for your money!

Indonesia

The Indonesian island of Bali is a wonderful travel destination all-year-round. There’s no way it will disappoint you during the Christmas vacation. Like Thailand, it offers great value for money and both day and night entertainment features.

During the day, Bali offers surfing, lying on the beach under the shadow of a palm tree or exploring the island. While during the night, you can enjoy the vivid club life with great music, dance, and low-priced drinks. Thousands of people go to Bali every year to celebrate Christmas and New Year in the tropical climate and pleasant, friendly atmosphere!

Mexico

Mexico offers numerous destinations for a warm sunny Christmas vacation. Swim in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, explore the Mayan sites in Cancun or enjoy the taste of Mexican delights in Puebla. 

This includes mole, a chocolate sauce with chili peppers, cinnamon, and fruit. In Puebla, you can also take part in the Christmas night procession, which represents the biblical story of Mary and Joseph looking for shelter. It starts downtown and walks throughout the neighborhoods of the city.

By the way, its proximity to the United States of America makes Mexico one of the most popular Christmas destinations among American citizens.

South Africa

South Africa is another fantastic place, which receives plenty of sunshine in December and January.

Enjoy a hot air balloon ride in the bright blue sky on an aerial safari as you look for elephants, giraffes, and zebras. Visit Ukutula Lion Park or a penguin colony on Boulder Beach, near Cape Town. Or spend Christmas day diving with Great White Sharks.

Christmas in South Africa will surely be an experience you’ll never forget!

Caribbean Islands

The Caribbean region is a perfect destination for visitors from the USA. Its geographical proximity, favorable climate, and the regular air connections make it one of the favorite places for Christmas vacation among travelers from the USA. Of course, island such as the Bahamas, for example, are dream destinations all-year-round.

But who could refuse to spend Christmas time among deserted sandy beaches, clear warm waters and out-of-this-world views?

Christmas celebrations in the Caribbean follow many American traditions nowadays. However, they are complemented with an abundance of traditional local festivals, carnivals, and other festivities. In the Cayman Islands, you can even meet their very own Caribbean Santa.

Holidays are also the great time to visit Barbados, with its endless blue sea, soft sand, and unique traditions. No matter, what island you choose for your Christmas vacation, the Caribbean will not disappoint you!

Spain

If you would prefer to spend your Christmas vacation in the Old World, but still want to bathe in the rays of a warm sun, then Spain should be your main choice. The Canary Islands are not as hot as Africa, but winters here are warm enough for a pleasant vacation.

Also, if you feel adventurous, you can explore the island’s soaring volcanoes or sail in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

United Arab Emirates

When you’re looking for Christmas vacation opportunities in a summer climate, you can’t leave Dubai, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, out, of course.

In this metropolitan city, you can ice skate, watch a fountain show or visit the famous Dubai Aquarium. The shopping enthusiasts will be excited to hit the huge Dubai Mall. This is the world’s largest shopping mall by area, which hosts over thousand different stores.

However, if Dubai is too much for you, and all you want is some peace and quietness, head towards the nearby island of Abu Dhabi, where you can relax and kayak in the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf.

 

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Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Bucket List, Adventure Travel

Scuba diving at Great Barrier Reef: An Experience of Lifetime

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When you visit ‘the land down under’, i.e. “Australia“, definitely explore the Great Barrier Reef, a World Heritage Site, that stretches for more than 1,243 miles along the Queensland coastline.

It is the only “living thing” on earth visible from space. Yes, corals are a living organism. And, snorkeling and scuba diving cannot get any better than at Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. 

The Great Barrier Reef is home to more than 1,500 species of fish, 411 types of hard coral, one-third of the world’s soft corals, 134 species of sharks and rays, 6 of the world’s seven species of threatened marine turtles, and more than 30 species of marine mammals.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of Earth’s most important marine environmental system. Due to ecological and environmental changes, the Great Barrier Reef is in high threat of coral bleaching and loss of biodiversity.

Scuba diving in Cairns, Queensland was my first ever underwater water experience. I was very nervous but the first breath underwater is just so amazing.

There are many companies that have great day package for scuba and snorkeling at great barrier reef. I also got my first certificate from PADI.

The Great Barrier Reef is Australia’s as well as world’s most remarkable natural gifts with the breathtaking beauty of the world’s largest coral reef and abundance of marine life. An experience of a lifetime and definitely a must add bucket list.

The beautiful corals and biodiversity put me in awe. Some fishes came near and said “hello”. The corals were breathtakingly beautiful. In that moment I could connect so much with the sea, and the underwater life and habitat.

A living clam, corals, colorful fishes and turtles — all nearby, everywhere! I am glad that I did this!

The Great Barrier Reef as seen from above.

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International Travel, Did You Know

10 Fun Facts About Australia

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Australia is the only nation which is a whole continent in itself. Many a times, we just think Australia as cricket loving, opera loving, land of kangaroos and deadly critters! But there is so much more to it.

Here are 10 interesting and fun facts about Australia. They will excite you for your trip to the Oz, the land that’s Down Under.

16 WORLD HERITAGE SITES

You would not regret visiting Australia. It has 16 world heritage sites. Whoa! That is wonderful. You can’t just miss them. And before you ask, yes, the Great Barrier Reef is in the list and so is the Sydney Opera House.

DIVERSE CULTURE

We all know that Australia is full of diverse culture. But this would come as a surprise. Did you know, there are over 200 languages spoken in Australia?

After English, the most popular language is Greek. That is understandable as Melbourne has the highest Greek population next to Athens.

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

The beautiful architectural marvel Sydney Opera House was designed by Danish architect, John Utzon. Because of the difference of opinion with the government, he later resigned from this project. It was built and later inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II.

The sad thing is John never got to see how his design became such a wonder. He died in 2008. John never came back to Sydney.

THE NULLABAR PLAINS

The Nullabar plains have both the longest section of straight railway track as well as the longest straight road. Traveling on both of these would be interesting.

The railway section is 478 km long, whereas the road is 146 km long. Go on for the once-in-lifetime ride of the Nullabar plains.

Runway on the Nullarbor Plain by Firstac5 CC BY-SA 4.0

LOTS OF SPACE

Australia is heaven for all the people who want space. The population density here is very less. In U.K it is 248.25 persons/square kilometer.

But here it is just three persons per square kilometer. Those who hate crowds can have fun here. Or maybe even think of migrating to Australia if you like empty spaces.

KANGAROOS

Australians love kangaroos. So one day they decided they will use them as a symbol in their coat of arms. One interesting thing is both Emu and Kangaroo cannot walk backward.

So it was a symbol of moving forward for the Australian Government. It means Kadima (Forward in Hebrew).

UNSOLVED MYSTERIES

There are a lot of mysteries in Australia. It is an intriguing fact that Prime Minister Harold Holt disappeared. You read that right.

In 1967 he went for a swim on Cheviot beach. He has been missing since then. Nobody knows what happened to him.

BEAUTIFUL BEACHES

If you want to uncover the mystery, go to the beach. Australia has around 9900 beaches.

If you say it in a fancy way, it will take you 27 years to visit each beach in Australia. That sounds time-consuming. But we hope you are going to opt for the best.

POKER

Do you love playing poker? If you do Aussies can teach you few things. Because up to 80% of the adult population are engaged in gambling. Twenty percent of world’s poker machines are in Australia.

New South Wales has the highest number of pokers in Australia. Hope you win much in beginner’s luck, though you should not make gambling your passion.

SPORTS CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

Lastly, Australia is known as the sports capital of the world.

But surprisingly, it is also one of the most obese countries according to a 2012 study. Approximately 63% of the population is overweight. They are not as healthy being a sports-loving nation, eh?

 

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