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Romantic Summer Getaways in South Australia

With summer finally here, couples across Aussie Land are setting the plans for their summer season escapades in motion. And so should you, if you want to rekindle the flame with your significant other and score some much-needed points in the game of long-term love and happiness.

Fortunately for you, Australia is second to none when it comes to romantic sightseeing and lodging opportunities, so all it takes is your soul mate and a free transfer car to make your journey a breeze. Let’s dive in!

Wallaroo and the Yorke Peninsula

Just a two-hour drive north from beautiful Adelaide, the small coastal town of Wallaroo and the iconic Yorke Peninsula await your adoration. And rightfully so. The quaint little workers’ town is home to numerous wonderful lodgings, restaurants and cafes, but where this place truly shines is its nearby beaches and two caravan parks with beachside cabins.

You can stay at the Beachhouse at Wallaroo overlooking the picture perfect view of the Spencer Gulf, from where you can explore the town or spend your days lounging about at the famous North Beach. Be sure to venture deeper into the Yorke Peninsula as well, as there will be numerous unique sightseeing opportunities waiting for you.

Port Elliot and the Fleurieu

This time an hour’s drive south from Adelaide, Port Elliot is one of those small towns that has managed to preserve its historic charm, and is just perfect for romantic getaways. You’ll have everything you need to make your intimate escapade a success: the quaint bookshops and cafes, the roiling waves crashing up against the golden beaches and, of course, the magnificent views.

Be sure to walk along the picturesque scenery of Horseshoe Bay, stopping by for a romantic nightcap at the Flying Fish Restaurant & Café overlooking the ocean. While at Port Elliot, don’t forget to take your car to some of the romantic nature getaways across the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Waikerie and the Murray

All right, this location is nowhere near the coast, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not a wonderful place to spend your summer escapade. In fact, its breathtaking riverside scenery overlooking the Murray River might just be the perfect place for lovers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.

The Waikerie Hotel Motel is the place to stay if stellar service and beautiful accommodation is what you’re after. During your stay, you can visit the Hart, Ross, and Maize Island lagoons. Sailing up and down the Murray River is a must, as well.

Coffin Bay and the Eyre Peninsula

The Eyre Peninsula is home to many natural wonders and of course, Coffin Bay, a small town renowned for its fishing opportunities, but also for its neighbouring National Park that awaits your exploration and inevitable adoration. The national park is home to magnificent natural sceneries, entailing surf beaches, soaring cliffs, and coastal bushland. Coffin Bay town is famous for its oysters, so be sure to try out this famous aphrodisiac during your stay.

Semaphore in Adelaide

Adelaide is a beautiful, thriving city with no shortage of excitement awaiting in the urban jungle. However, there is a place where you can go on a true summer getaway – the suburb of Semaphore. Located just twenty minutes from the heart of the city, the previously working class suburb has seen quite a few changes in recent years, with the scenery portraying a more cosmopolitan vibe imbued with life and vigour at every corner.

There are plenty of fine dining restaurants around, with beautiful lodgings at the Semaphore Blue Apartments overlooking St Vincent Gulf.

Robe and the Southeast

Finally, Robe is a small town located in the Limestone Coast, not a four-hour drive south from Adelaide. Robe has managed to preserve its charm, yet with a sophisticated, upscale twist. This is the place where people go to pamper their loved ones and spend unforgettable moments staring at the sunset from the Harbour View Motel. The town itself is jam-packed with activities, from restaurants and cafes, to live shows and movie theatres.

As you can see, South Australia has a lot to offer during the summer season, especially if you’re looking to find your own peaceful place under the stars. Have you started packing yet?

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Exploring the Wonders of the Great Tropical Drive

Springtime is finally upon us and the time is better than ever to plan your very own escapade into the rich natural wonders of Australia. Fortunately, you are not left to dwell in the realm of uncertainty, as we’ll be taking you through some of the most magnificent drives, routes and destinations on this adventure.

Here are the wonders of the Great Tropical Drive you must work into your itinerary this season. Mind you, Queensland is a vast country, so you’ll need reliable transportation, as a free transfer car, to move around like we did. Let’s get down to it.

Great Barrier Reef Drive

Your journey begins at Cairns and takes you up north along the bath of the coastal drive all the way to Port Douglas and the famous Great Barrier Reef. You’ll pass through some amazing places and gems of mother nature such as Trinity Beach, Palm Cove and the breathtaking Ellis Beach, with wonderful diving opportunities waiting for you at the Reef itself from Port Douglas.

Palm Cove to Port Douglas

Be sure to make a stop at Palm Cove on your exploration route to Port Douglas, and even spend the night in a charming, quaint environment overlooking the breathtaking golden beachside scenery and the Double Island. The Town is perfect for a romantic getaway and staying at the Palm Cove Tropic Apartments imposes itself as a logical choice to this end.

Port Douglas to Daintree Village

Next stop on your adventure: the amazing Daintree Village. Here you’ll get the chance to learn about aboriginal culture of the Kuku Yalanji tribe who have preserved their history and identity to this very day. When heading to the Daintree National Park, be sure to stop at the freshwater swimming holes at Mossman Gorge.

Daintree Village to Cape Tribulation

Just a one-and-a-half hour drive to the north lies your next stop, Cape Tribulation, a remote coastal area within Daintree National Park. There are numerous activities waiting for you here, from boat tours to the Great Barrier Reef to trekking trails to Mount Sorrow. For those of you in need of a little adrenaline boost, be sure to head out to one of the numerous zip lining spots in the area.

Cooktown

Heading further up north, you will find the quaint, stunning countryside surrounding the ever-charming Cooktown. From here, you can venture back through time into the colonial days and the ancient aboriginal cultures of the region, as well. Explore the town by visiting the statue of Captain James Cook, as well as the numerous historic buildings and museums where tales of different indigenous cultures await.

Tully to Mission Beach

The next part of the adventure will take you south to a small town of Tully, situated in the Cassowary Coast Region. Here you will have the chance to unpack for a while at Beds on Bryant, as you will be exploring the Mount Mackay National Park to the east, and the Tully National Park to the west, before heading out to greet the small town of Mission Beach and its magnificent beaches and lookouts.

Paluma

Further down south lies the Paluma Range National Park, from where you will be able to visit the city of Townsville, and even spend a couple of days exploring the urban area. While at Paluma, be sure to visit the breathtaking sceneries of Jourama Falls, Crystal Creek and Lake Paluma itself.

Kirrama Range Road

Your last, and probably one of the most impressive destinations on this adventure, is the Blencoe Falls located in the Girrngun National Park, accessed via Kirrama Range Road. This is truly a unique wildlife experience, as you will be staying at the Blencoe Falls Camping Area, from where you can trek your way to the famous Blencoe Fall Lookout. Don’t forget your camera and your camping equipment (or even rent a free campervan, for that matter).

Springtime is the time to be travelling and exploring the vastness of the Great Tropical Drive. We have listed some of the spots on this immense route, but you are bound to make many other exciting discoveries along the way.

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Visiting Northern Territory in Late 2017: A Family-friendly Guide

There is no shortage of adventure in the Land of Oz, and the Northern Territory is the perfect place to be during the winter months. In case you didn’t’ know, winter is the driest season up North, making it the perfect time to visit what this amazing, scarcely populated wonderland has to offer.

And boy, does it have it all. It is the perfect place to take your entire family on a prolonged vacation, or even a weekend picnic, although one short trip is not enough to live out its wonders. Let me show you how to create lifetime memories in the vast regions of Australia’s Northern Territory.

Exploring Arnhem Land

Imbued with timeless Aboriginal culture and spanning over 97,000 square kilometres, Arnhem Land borders the famous Kakadu National Park in the northern region of NT. The untouched natural areas will allow you to spend the entire day trekking and exploring the magnificent wildlife regions, and even settle down in breathtaking wilderness lodges in the area. Although scarce, you can find accommodation if you book in advance, and then head out to popular fishing spots at Port Essington where you will be able to enjoy stunning sunsets and dine on freshly caught seafood.

Aboriginal Rock Art at Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is home to untouched aboriginal art, where you will not only be able to learn about the vast cultural heritage of these native ancestors, but also explore the park’s breathtaking scenery portrayed by wetlands and high waterfalls.

Take a guided tour around the most notable aboriginal areas, learn about the natives’ art and cultural heritage, and don’t forget to visit the famous Gunwarddehwardde lookout, which provides impressive views of both Kakadu’s escarpment and Nourlangie Rock.

The Crocosaurus Cove

Get up close and personal with some of Australia’s most dangerous and magnificent reptiles at Crcosaurus Cove, in the heart of Darwin. When visiting the Top End and Darwin, there is no missing the thrill and adventure of swimming with crocodiles, taking pictures with baby reptiles and taking a tour of the reptile house among numerous other croc shows and displays. A true family treat.

For those feeling especially brave, you will have the opportunity to test your courage in the Cage of Death, Australia’s only crocodile dive, available for your kids as well, so make sure you bring your camera in order to create some hilarious family videos!

The Islands of Smiles

The Tiwi Islands offer a unique opportunity to venture off the coast of Australia to experience true Aboriginal artisanship at work and witness the rituals of the islands’ totem pole burial ceremonies. There is no better place to learn about the language and history of the island’s indigenous people, and the only way to get there is by taking a tour with Sealink Northern Territory or the Tiwi Design.

The two islands, Bathurst and Melville that make the Tiwi Islands, also known as Islands of Smiles, present the best opportunity to not only inspire a sense of appreciation for the Aboriginal art in your kids, but to also ravel in the majestic and almost fairy-tale like scenery of the region.

Ride the Uluru Camel Tour

Located near the south border of the Northern Territory lies the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a small sanctuary and a truly spiritual place made easily accessible by carparks and roads that lead to the summit. The best experience comes on camelback though, as you can take a guided tour around the park riding friendly camels and learning about these magnificent creatures and the history of the national park itself along the way.

The Northern Territory is vast and although you could organize alternative forms of transportation, getting a free car or campervan is by far the cheapest way to navigate the region with ease. Be sure to hit up the region during the winter months to experience it in all of its glory and create lifelong memories imbued with the true spirit of Australia.

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South-Western Australia: Spring Campervan Explorations

Taking a road trip to Western Australia is a grand feat on its own, and it’s best to take tackle it one region at a time, as you wouldn’t want to quit your job to spend a year or two constantly on the road. Yes, WA is too vast to be challenged all at once, but luckily there are more than plenty of adventures waiting for you in the southwest region. In fact, the region is so vast and intricate, it’s best to get a free campervan in order to navigate the destinations quickly and with ease. Here are the most breathtaking places to explore in south-western Australia this spring.

Fitzgerald River National Park

The oncoming spring makes the perfect setting to get away from the hectic nature of the big cities and imbue your mind, body and soul with the wonders of nature. And your first stop is the Fitzgerald River National Park.

This national park is one of the most significant natural reserves in Australia, a home to nearly 20% of Western Australia’s flora species, many of which thrive only within its boundaries. It is one the largest and most botanically significant national parks in Australia.

Proceed down to Albany

Albany is a small coastal town located to the west of Fitzgerald River Park and is the cultural, natural and gourmet centre of the region. While springtime is best spent exploring the great outdoors, you shouldn’t skip a trip to this vibrant city, where you will be able to take a breather, visit its landmarks and enjoy its art scene, taking a tour at the Albany Entertainment Centre and a stroll down its charming Boatshed Markets.

Be sure to stay at the Albany Camping and Fishing grounds to maintain your connection with the great outdoors, right at the city’s doorstep. Before continuing you road trip adventure, you can dine out at some of the most charming restaurants in the city.

Go up to Lake Magenta

Located no more than three hours to the north lies a little piece of heaven called Lake Magenta Nature Reserve. The nature reserve is a wildlife sanctuary worth visiting on your tour down South Australia, and you can take the Chester Pass Rd from Albany to the outskirts of the reserve where you can camp at Lake Magenta and explore its unique beauty on foot.

Follow the path to Frank Hann

After you’ve revelled in its beauty for a while, it’s time to get back on the road towards Frank Hann National Park. You can take the Newdegate Ravensthorpe Rd through the magnificent Lake King Nature Reserve and then continue down the road bearing the King’s name towards the national park.

Once there, you can lower your anchor and spend a few days exploring its natural wonders, although keep in mind that the entire region is untouched Aussie nature, and if you want to spend more than a day there, you will need to bring the necessary amenities with you. Be sure to bring plenty of water, solar chargers and fuel so as not end up stranded.

Make Cape le Grand your Final Stop

You want to end your road trip with a bang, and what better way to finish an adventure down under than by exploring a heavenly beach devoid of human life forms and filled with breathtaking nature and marine life.

Bear in mind, although you will be able to find a secluded piece of heaven just for you, Cape le Grand is a popular destination, and you will also have the opportunity to enjoy beach sports, organized camping and surfing, and hiking up to Frenchman Peak. Once there, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the park and islands in the Recherche Archipelago.

Taking a campervan road trip in the southwest of Australia will give you a chance to properly explore all of its natural wonders and cherish the experience for years to come. You should see this roadmap as an inspiration, as I’m sure you’ll discover plenty of other hidden treasures along the way.

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Fitzgerald River

Albany

Recherche Archipelago

Frenchman Peak

Cape le Grand

Victoria: Roads Less Travelled

One day a few years back, I was visiting a friend up in Canberra. He told me he was going to take me out on a whole-day adventure. I assumed we were going to explore the town, eat out, you know, the regular stuff. Next thing I knew, we were miles away from the city, headed God knows where. Long story short, it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life.

The outback bewildered me and the small towns made me fall in love with their charm. I decided I was going to discover all the beautiful gems that my own state had hidden from me all of those years – so I rented a free car and devoted the whole month exploring the Victoria’s hidden gems. Here’s what I discovered.

Kilcunda

Just a 25 to 30 minute drive from Cowes on Philip Island lies a beautiful town of Kilcunda. Actually, “town” is a strong word, better a road with a beautiful beach, several houses, shops and motels, and a sunset view to die for. This is a perfect place for a daily picnic and stroll down the beach, even spending the night, like me, at the delightful Kilcunda Cottage before you head out to another destination in the morning.

Bemm River

This one is a bit ways away but trust me, it’ll be worth it. I arrived early in the morning because I’ve read online about the wonders that surrounded the Bemm river – but nothing could have prepared me for the natural beauties that were waiting for me there. The resort had beautiful accommodation and I stayed for a whole week at one of bungalows at the Cosy Nook Flats. The place even had a caravan park, so I had a place to leave my ride.

I spent the week exploring my surroundings, always losing my way and stumbling upon little secluded oasis where I could just stay for hours on end, inhaling the ocean, listening to the nature. The river itself is mostly surrounded by meadows perfect if you have a dog to play with all day.

Snobs Creek Falls

The rushing waters of Snob Creek Falls are definitely going to mesmerize you as much as they are bound to frighten you. When you step onto the viewing platform, you are left at the the mercy of the water, which can be quite cathartic to a degree. This was a brief, but an unforgettable visit.

Kooyoora State Park

I went briefly to the Kooyoora State Park to try and see its numerous sites and natural wonders, such as the Melville Caves at Brenanah. You should definitely drive through the park at sunset, just before the full moon, when the animals start coming out and the path starts to get lit up by the surrounding nature.

Marlo

Just a 50 minute car ride from the Bemm River lies the beautiful town of Marlo. I actually had no idea what I was about to stumble upon, it could have been just a house and a dog for all I knew, but I decided I had to find that out for myself. Now, Marlo is something truly different. It does have a lot to offer despite its size, and once you see the beauties that lie ahead when approaching the town, you’ll know it will take several days to explore it properly, so you better book yourself a budget accommodation in time.

These are the places I visited on my autumn adventure, with plenty more to be discovered soon. And I can’t wait! With all of the amazing sightseeing opportunities and accommodations that Victoria has to offer, why not grab yourself a free rental car as well and start your autumn adventure of a lifetime?

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How to Plan a Relaxing Weekend in Melbourne

Although the first association that comes to mind when you think of Melbourne probably isn’t relaxation, this glorious city hides a whole range of Zen-boosting events and experiences for any avid traveller as well as its charming residents. Then again, even if you’re a local whose hectic life rarely allows you to rest and recuperate, perhaps a chilled weekend is exactly what you need.

Here’s a foolproof weekend itinerary for every Melbourne lover out there, to make the most of your brief chunk of time dedicated only to blissful unwinding and pampering Aussies are famous for.

The nature buzz

Located in the appropriately named Birdwood Avenue in Melbourne, the Royal Botanical Gardens are a perfect soothing oasis that will keep you far from the concrete rush and sweltering heat. If you’re a true foodie, then you can set up a picnic and spend an entire afternoon in the shade of a tree or next to the Ornamental Lake, surrounded by your favourite munchies and refreshments.

An outdoors yoga or Tai-chi session, a stroll around the park or just a few hours of reading in the presence of cheerful bird chirps and the friendly Aussies mingling and giggling, and your depleted energy will be replenished as if you spent a whole month in an exotic retreat.

Float your worries away

Ever heard of the gravity-free flotation method? Well, it’s high time you gave it a go! Once you step inside the floating pod and immerse yourself into the healing Epsom salts, the weightless state of silence and serenity will cleanse your entire being.

The Gravity Floatation Centre offers a unique relaxing experience of sensory deprivation that helps distance yourself from the constant overload of input from the outside world. All the noises, tactile sensations and the feeling of weight will dissolve as you spend some time in the restorative essential minerals that will help your body and your mind restore their natural balance.

The wonders of a massage

You need a pampering, healing session, but you simply have no energy to get out of your home or your hotel? Create a perfect little indoor Eden with the help of soothing fragrances, dimmed lights and comfortable clothes. To top everything off, scheduling a home massage in Melbourne is just a few clicks away.

This way, you can stay in the comfort of your own home and bring the luxurious pampering treatment to your doorstep – from Swedish relaxation methods, deep tissue massage, and all the way to pregnancy-friendly techniques, feel free to take your pick. They are all designed to keep you relaxed, stress-free and happy, as if you had a week-long spa vacation in Bali.

A culture boost

annie-spratt-253796 After you’ve had your dosage of pampering and relaxing, you can continue your slow-paced weekend by visiting the Centre for Contemporary Photography in George Street, and spend a few hours in quiet contemplation while admiring its versatile exhibition.

The four galleries will give you a history lesson, fun facts on the art of photography, some interesting photography courses, and a unique insight into the contemporary Australian as well as international works of art that have found their place in the Centre. The fifth gallery, the Night Projection Window, is dedicated to evening viewing of both new and established photographers’ works.

Make the most of your limited weekend time to recover from your weekly rush and sneak a peek into some of Melbourne’s most Zen corners that will completely restore your energy and help you prepare for the next round of challenges!