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7 Authentic Experiences Montana Has to Offer in Fall

If you ask Montana locals, many of them will tell you that fall is their favourite time of the year, and for good reason: the weather is more than pleasant, the changing foliage is quite impressive and there are numerous activities that you can pursue. With this in mind, make sure you rent a free car and in the following lines we’ll provide you with the best things to do and see in the Big Sky Country in fall.

Exploring Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is vast wilderness area in Montana’s Rocky Mountains, with lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls, colorful wildflowers and glacier-carved peaks running all the way to the Canadian border. The spectacular scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road is the only one that traverses the park, offering plenty of truly amazing sightseeing opportunities. With over 700 miles of trails, the Park is quite popular with hikers, cyclists, campers and wildlife enthusiasts. The Sun Road is open in its entirety by mid-October, so you can explore the trails along the road with ease. The Hidden Lake Nature Trail is definitely one of the most stunning hikes, with its entire length completely open as you go through the alpine meadows called the Hanging Gardens. You can also embark on a boat tour of Lake McDonald through late September.

Touring the Daly Mansion

Located on 46 acres of lush landscape just outside of Hamilton, the Daly Mansion was once the home of American industrialist Marcus Daly. Today, the place is a hub of local culture, historical interpretation and entertainment, visited by around 10,000 visitors each year, with a team of volunteers dedicated to preserving the house and grounds for the enjoyment of all those who visit. Daily tours are offered on the hour through the first week of October, and the road going towards the Mansion allows you to immerse in the magical fall colors.

Visiting the Blackfeet Nation

Located east of Glacier National Park and bordering the Canadian province of Alberta, the Blackfeet Nation is an Indian reservation and the headquarters of the Siksikaitsitapi people. It is. The reservation spread across about 3,000 square miles, which is twice the size of the Glacier National Park and larger than the whole of Delaware. Browning, its largest community, offers year-round attractions as the Faught’s Blackfeet Trading Post and the Museum of the Plains Indian. Visitors can also find lodging with the reservation and go for the self-guided Blackfeet Trail Tour.

Paddling the Clearwater River Canoe Trail

Early fall is the ideal time to go on this exciting canoe trail, located just several miles north of Seeley Lake, as the Seeley-Swan Valley is a gorgeous destination for marvelling at fall foliage, plus it’s more quiet than in the summertime. The trail passes through a slow-moving, meandering part of the Clearwater River, and it can be canoed at a leisurely pace in a couple of hours. This is actually a dual recreation area, as it forms a loop in conjunction with the adjacent hiking trail. The canoe trail and the return hike offer different wildlife viewing opportunities. You can rent a canoe (or a kayak if that’s your thing) in downtown Seeley Lake.

Getting and Adrenaline Rush at Whitefish Mountain Resort

Whitefish Mountain Resort, located in the Montana’s Rocky Mountains, 15 minutes from downtown Whitefish, provides its visitors with all sorts of on-mountain activities, as Montana’s only alpine slide, the unique walk in the treetops, thrilling zipline tours, lift-accessed downhill mountain biking, scenic lift rides, and an aerial adventure park, through late September. It is also the perfect base camp for visiting the enchanting Flathead Valley. There are lodging options for every pocket and activities to keep the entire family entertained.

Biking the Hiawatha Trail

Located close to the Idaho-Montana state line, the Route of the Hiawatha is a 15-mile mountain bike trail, with 7 sky-high trestles and 10 tunnels, and it’s a real blast to ride during fall, offering spectacular views of the Bitterroot Mountains. It is open daily through the last weekend of September. The best part is that it’s all downhill, with shuttle buses that can take you and your two-wheel ride back to the top. This is a family-friendly trail, meaning that it can be enjoyed by everyone from young children to seniors. If you don’t have your own bike with you, you can rent one at the Lookout Pass Lodge.

Taking a casual drive

Montana is an utterly scenic place, with a great many of its roads being the perfect routes for gazing at stunning fall colors and thrilling wildlife. Highway 200, the Seeley-Swan Valley and the Bitterroot Valley is just some of the most popular drives, but if you want to discover your own favorites, getting a free car or campervan will be of a great help.

Unearthly Spots to Visit in Australia This Summer

Summer is already winking at its imminent arrival, bringing along the scents of new places and the sounds of new adventures on the wind. The wonderfully diverse and ever-surprising geography of Australia ensures that we are never short of options, as there is always another place worth visiting or exploring.

If, by any chance, this summer you’d like a bit of extra spice in your traveling diet, we’d like to recommend a few places so peculiar that thy almost seem made up. Geography has a dramatic sense of aesthetics, and when it gets creative it results in places like the ones we will mention.

In the tried and tested Aussie tradition, to truly experience these places to the fullest, we suggest a lengthy road trip. The most fascinating surprises often lie just outside of the beaten path, and there’s few joys of traveling greater than the discoveries you make on your own. A little tip to get the most mileage out of your trip – try and find a free transfer car or a camper van for your chosen destination and save a significant penny to further fund your explorations. You’ll thank us later.

Without further ado, here’s a brief selection of the most out-of-this-world places Australia has to offer.

Remarkable Rocks

While we would prefer a name that’s a little less “on the nose”, there is no denying that Remarkable Rocks live up to their billing. Found on South Australia’s Kangaroo Island, these granite boulders were shaped by millions upon millions of years of sea and wind working together to create some of the strangest and most mesmerising rock formations you will ever encounter. To top it off, the whole of Kangaroo Island is a sort of a “best of” compilation of what Australia has to offer, complete with stunning beaches, opulent wildlife, native bushland and countless opportunities for outdoor activities.

Getting there: Take a 90-minute drive from Adelaide to Cape Jervis, and then catch a ferry to Kangaroo Island.

Heart Reef

A site so idyllically romantic that seems almost too perfect for a natural formation, the heart-shaped coral reef at the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef is the stuff of sugar coated dreams come true. Generally considered an upscale destination, the islands also provide a few opportunities for camping and hiking for travelers on a budget, with the coastal tourist hub of Airlie Beach offering the greatest variety of accommodations for any budget. It is a great base for further explorations, including excellent local scenic drives.

Getting there: Brisbane is a 12-hour drive away from Airlie Beach and ideal for a multi-day trip, while driving from Cairns takes a more relaxed 7-8 hours, with various access points to different islands in the region.

The Twelve Apostles

Victoria’s Great Ocean Road in itself is an absolute must for any self-respecting aficionado of premium driving experiences, but the delightful little twist of incredulity and brilliance that puts it over the top is the glorious sight of the Twelve Apostles – imposing golden yellow limestone pillars that go as high up as 45 metres and seem to defy physics as they continue to stand strong against the sea.

Getting there: The Twelve Apostles are a 4-hour south-east drive away from Melbourne, but make sure you take the time and savor all of the Great Ocean Road.

Lake Eyre

Set in the middle of the South Australian outback, Lake Eyre has two faces, both equally captivating and imposing. Whether as a sprawling, seemingly endless salt-bitten desert when it’s dry or the largest lake in all of Australia when filled, it is always a sight to behold. Feel free to treat yourself to the magnificent aerial view of the lake, since the popular outback routes provide more than enough budget options, or you can even camp out at the lake.

Getting there: Lake Eyre is some 700 km north of Adelaide, and we suggest the excellent Oodnadatta Track, not just for Lake Eyre but beyond into the outback.

Kata Tjuta

Resting in the immense shade of the popular Uluru in the heart of Northern Territory’s Red Centre, only, 35 km west of it lies another ancient rock formation many consider even more imposing. The cluster of ancient red rock boulders broader and taller than Uluru, Kata Tjuta is far more sheltered than its famous neighbor, as it is a protected Aboriginal sacred ground. While you cannot stay or camp at the Kata Tjuta, there are several day hikes, as well as options ranging from campsites to upscale hotels in the park’s immediate surroundings.

Getting there: Kata Tjuta is about a 4-hour drive away from Alice Springs, with the regional junction approximately a 16-hour drive away from both Darwin and Adelaide.

Regardless of your preference for coastal leisure or outback wilderness, make the most of the coming summer by venturing into some of these precious gems of Australia’s stunning nature.

The Ultimate Surfer’s Guide to Auckland

The outdoor season is almost upon us, and we’re sure that many of you are already mentally waxing your surfboards. And if surfing is your forte, there’s hardly a place better suited for a base for your wave chasing than Auckland. The city’s two-coastal geography makes it a bonafide surfer’s Mecca.

The city’s surroundings, both on the East and the West Coast, are dotted with beaches suited for all types of surfer, from beginner to pro. Over the following lines we will provide an overview of our favorite surfing spots around Auckland and their main features, but we urge you to explore for ourselves and find your own perfect slice of wave. There is no road trip like a surfing road trip, and Auckland has plenty to offer even for the pickiest traveler.

Before packing up your board, consider money saving options such as renting a campervan for free in order to get the most out of your Auckland trip. From the East Coast to the West Coast, here are the top surfing spots surrounding Auckland.

West Coast

Wild and untamed, with powerful waves crashing against the craggy coastline, Auckland West has some of the most enticing beaches for experienced surfers. The unspoiled nature is not for the most casual of surfers (or swimmers, for that matter), but the waves can reach epic proportions, enticing swarms of experienced surfers looking for an extra degree of challenge and adrenaline rush.

Piha: Probably the best known beach in the Auckland Area (after all, it has its own TV show), Piha is very popular among experienced surfers. More casual surfers could give it a go on a quieter day, but when it gets big it’s probably best left to the pros. The beach also has all the necessary accompanying facilities, complete with equipment hire, lifeguards, and surfing lessons, as well as cafes, eateries and stores.
Maori Bay: Another challenging beach with a strong hollow beach break and point breaks both on left and right, Maori Bay is a popular choice among surfing veterans, with several peaks to choose from. The beach is short on any type of facilities, but you can stop by the nearby Muriwai if you need to rent gear, get lessons or grab a drink.
Muriwai: The beach tends to get a bit crowded during the season months, but the waves are well worth it. Depending on the day, the waves can be quite challenging, and unpredictable currents are a constant, and it’s probably better to stay off the board on a big day. The beach has lifeguards and a surfing school during summer months, as well as a few cafes and restaurants.

East Coast

Auckland East is far less popular among seasoned surfers, due to the fact that it can go flat for extended periods of the summer and generally has less consistent waves, but this also makes it an ideal option for beginners and more casual surfers.

Tawharanui: Also known as Anchor Bay, this sandy beach break is very popular with casual and mid-level surfers, due to its strong, yet not insanely challenging left-hand and right-hand points. It is part of a gorgeous nature sanctuary, and the beauty makes up for the complete lack of infrastructure.
Te Arai: A popular spot with several breaks along the beach and occasionally powerful hollow waves. The beach is well suited for all levels of surfers, and you can also rent gear and grab lessons during the summer months.
Daniels Reef: A bit of challenge on the otherwise fairly tranquil east Coast, Daniels Reef is a rocky beach break frequented by experienced surfers. A strong and hollow wave is the beach’s calling card, with both left-hand and right-hand points. Due to its lack of appeal for casual surfers, the beach has no facilities.
Forestry: A left-hand point beach break with waves suitable for all levels of surfers, Forestry is a popular surfing spot located just south of Te Arai. While there are no facilities at the beach itself, you can take care of equipment rental and take lessons at Te Arai.

If your summer plans involve a surfboard, there’s no better place to go than Auckland. The city surroundings offer plenty of choices for all types of surfer, and there’s plenty of other things to see and do when the waters are flat.

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The Ultimate Kid-Friendly Guide to Rockhampton

Former adventure addicts and hiking aficionados might have a rough time when organising a family trip with small kids. Camping off the grid and sleeping under the stars might not seem so practical when you know there is no chance of packing up all the kids’ stuff in a backpack. But, there are still ways to feed your urge for adventure and take a road trip with your kids that will leave you with a few fun stories to tell later while not eating your whole budget.

Queensland’s Rockhampton region is surely the right pick for this kind of trip. And if you find a free transfercar or campervan suitable for the whole family, no attractions will be out of reach and you might enjoy the best trip of your life.

Recreate a scene from The Goonies in the depth of the famous Capricorn Caves

The longest operating tourist attraction in the region will surely take your breath away, especially if you try running around those tunnels with a bunch of kids. Luckily, there is great staff to help you make your path through the underground labyrinth, and once you get there you won’t be disappointed. Set just 14 miles north of Rockhampton, these limestone caves were discovered at the very end of the 19th century and now play host to a geo-discovery centre which is used for several school education programs. There you can pick a tour most suitable for you and your kids, depending on what type of adventure you want to take up.

Wander around Yeppoon

The coastal town of Yeppoon is a popular tourist destination, famous for its beaches, islands and wonderful weather. If you decide to visit this place in the early spring there is a good chance you will miss the mid-seasonal crowd, so be sure to take this opportunity to explore the place with your family. One of the favorite spots there is the lovely Yeppoon Beachfront where your kids are bound to have fun running around the park. We also recommend a night-stay at the Big 4 Capricorn Palms caravan park because it is beautifully designed with kids in mind. Besides numerous pools and slides, it also has an outdoor cinema with family-friendly nightly repertoire and its restaurant provides good service.

Make friends with some amazing creatures

Rockhampton Zoo is set in the famous Botanical Garden which provides a variety of educational events for kids. This is a lovely place and people there take good care of animals, which is why you should definitely consider bringing your kids to this spot. Not only is it fun and pleasant, but a trip to this Zoo can also be a heart-warming educational experience for the whole family. Besides, if you make a visit during the feeding time (most animals are being fed around 3pm), the young ones will have an absolute blast. Nothing cuter than a koala eating right from your hand.

Take a tour of the wild side

If you can’t make it to the Zoo during feeding time, don’t worry. There is one more place at Rockhampton where you can hang out with koalas, and that is Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary. Located only 15 minutes from Yeppoon, this place is a must-see for all animal lovers. Where else could you safely pet a snake or a crocodile, and hand feed a kangaroo?! Yet, if your kids, for some weird reason, prefer reptiles over koalas, be sure to take them to the Kookana Crocodile Farm. With over 3,500 animals of all ages and sizes, Kookana is a great place to learn a lot about crocodile life and the advantages people take of their… well, afterlife. The all-day tour includes lunch, and kids under 3 have a free pass.

Have a blast while searching for thundereggs

Yes, you heard us right… One of the most exciting experiences you could get in Rockhampton includes treasure hunting within the remnants of an ancient volcano at Mount Hay. The wonderful hippie couple that organizes the tour is passionate about their job and the whole volcano-esque experience. To be fair, this is not an easy trip, so get ready to get your hands and feet dirty, but the look of pride and triumph on your kids’ faces when they discover the rocky treasures at the end of the hard day will be worth it. You can get there via Capricorn Highway (A4) if you drive west from Rockhampton. When you get close, start looking for tiny signs saying “Mount Hay thundereggs”, but be careful – they are easy to miss.

These are just a few suggestions that will make your visit to Rockhampton more fun for the whole family, but let your spirit guide you to the next discovery. And don’t be afraid to explore some family-friendly tourist hacks like getting a free campervan and organising your visits around free hours. This will not only save your family money while traveling, but also nurture your adventurous spirit. Because nothing says “adventure” like being a responsible parent on a wild family road trip!

Fishing in New Zealand: A Comprehensive Guide

With the whole of New Zealand fished out of the sea, according to a Maori legend, it is no wonder that the Pacific island country represents one of the finest fishing destination in all of the world. New Zealand is filthy rich with inland rivers and lakes loaded with fish, as well as over 15.000 kilometres of oceanic coastline, providing prime fishing opportunities both for beginners and seasoned angling veterans.

Fishing is practically the part of the national culture, and you will have no problems finding excellent fishing spots in any part of the country with a water surface nearby. Fantastic locations are abundant, giving you a perfect excuse for a road trip disguised as a fishing excursion.

Before you go, there’s two things to keep in mind. The first is that you must respect the fishing laws, because they are put in place for a reason. The second is a bit of “trip smarts” – always try and find a free transfer car to save a few pennies for a proper fishing extravaganza. Now that you’re set to go, let’s see what kind of water awaits in the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Freshwater feast

The freshwater offering of New Zealand primarily consists of trout, with a bit more trout thrown in for a good measure. In fact, trout is such a dominant New Zealand fish that not one, but two different towns claim to be the trout capital of the world. And while we would love to see the towns of Turangi and Gore battle it out in a winner-takes-all match for the title of Trout Fishing Capital, it’s probably better to simply enjoy them both for the fishing opulence they promise. Still, if you’d like a bit of diversity in your fishing diet, South Island also offers a number of spots where you can also catch salmon.

Obviously, the list of best freshwater fishing spots has to start with the two above mentioned “capitals”. The town of Gore and its Mataura River are world-renowned among anglers, with the prime fishing season lasting between October and April. Turangi’s Tongariro River has an enormous population of rainbow and brown trouts, while the nearby Lake Taupo also offers some fine trout angling. Among countless other locations, we’d also highlight the city of Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty region for the year-round trout population in the Ngongotaha River, while the less experienced, more casual fishers will surely enjoy the Motueka River in Nelson/Tasman, with its high population of small-size trout.

Saltwater smorgasbord

Aside from the gorgeous coastline spanning thousands upon thousands of miles, the greatest thing about saltwater fishing in New Zealand is its all-year-round nature. Yup, there are no seasonal restrictions, and aside from a few restricted areas, you can swing the line almost anywhere and have a good chance of making a catch.

New Zealand’s surrounding waters are rich with a wide variety of species, ranging from marlin and broadbill to tuna, various sharks and beyond. If you still can’t decide between shore and boat fishing, Gisborne, Eastland and Coromandel, Waikato have both options on offer. For some prime boat fishing and a chance to catch some mighty fine snapper, marlin fish or kingfish, visit Bay of Islands, Northland or Auckland’s Inner Hauraki Gulf. A more quaint fishing experience of sheltered waters can be found in places such as Dunedin, Otago and the Marlborough Sounds.

Word of caution

Before you settle on a location or two, make sure you familiarize yourself with local regulations for any potential restrictions. Certain areas may limit the type, size and amount of fish you can keep, while certain areas are off limits to fishers. Disrespecting these restrictions may result in serious fines and even prosecution, and it is in everyone’s best interest to stay out of trouble.

New Zealand provides an abundance of prime fishing options for all levels of fisherman. Choosing only a few among many is a bit of a mission impossible, and you will want to experience as much locations as possible. Explore the locations beforehand, mind the rules, educate yourself on the importance of sustainability and protecting the ecosystem, and don’t forget our tip about finding a free transfer car or a campervan! Happy fishing, anglers!

Australian Gourmet Festivals You Don’t Want to Miss in Spring

Australian spring brings about one of the greatest hidden joys Down Under – the food festival season! From September to November, gourmet festivals abound all across the country, bringing a broad spectrum of tastes and smells to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

If you’re planning an Ozzie road trip this spring, why not make it a foodie trip? Sticking to a single festival will limit your taste palate to just one dimension, and you’ll miss out on a feast of sensations. We suggest you break out your maps, do some research and come up with an itinerary fit for a king. Better yet, try and rent a transfer car or a campervan for free to save your money on the delicacies waiting ahead. Here’s a few of our suggestions…

Sample Food Festival, Byron Bay, NSW

Started in 2011, Sample Food Festival has grown to become one of North South Wales finest foodie festivities. The festival takes place in the lovely town of Byron Bay, gathering local chefs, farmers, and producers showing off the finest Northern NSW has to offer. Taking place on the first Saturday of September (this year it is September 1st), Sample Food festival routinely gathers tens of thousands of visitors eager to indulge in the east coast culinary delights.

Oysterfest, Ceduna, SA

Now entering its 27th iteration, the annual Ceduna Oysterfest is a bona fide institution of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula. As its name suggests, the festival celebrates the region’s oyster industry and represents every type of oyster dish you can possibly imagine. The three-day event is accompanied by live music performances, cooking demonstrations, competitions, activities for children, a carnival and more, guaranteeing fund and pleasure for the whole family.

Australian Camp Oven Festival, Millmerran, QLD

Taking place once every two years, the Australian Camp Oven festival is a celebration of outback traditions and rural heritage. Located in the regional township of Millmerran, one of Queensland’s prominent rural production areas, the festival not only offers a fine selection of traditional camp oven dishes, but provides an insight into the outback way of life, with displays of crafts, shearing and damper throwing competitions, and bush poetry. Round it off with music performances and cooking competitions open for visitors, and it is clear that you’re in for a weekend of wild old-timey fun.

Swiss & Italian Festa, Hepburn Springs, VIC

OK, the Swiss & Italian Festa is not strictly a food festival, but a general celebration of the tradition of the Swiss and Italian settlers in the region. It encompasses everything from parades, history walks, arts and crafts displays down to traditional music, language courses and, of course, food and wine. This spring, immerse yourself in the gastronomic traditions of Italy and Switzerland through food and wine tastings, thematic dinners accompanied by music and other performances, and even cooking classes.

Margaret River Gourmet Escape, Margaret River, WA

It’s time to bring out the big guns. Margaret River Gourmet Escape is a four-day festival set in the heart of the world-renowned wine region and gathering some of the most famous cooking and wine experts from Australia and abroad. Basically, this is some of the finest dining Australia has to offer, all compressed into four days of pure hedonism set in some of the most idyllic dining locations anywhere. All types of cuisine at all times of day, all made at the highest level of creativity, care, and passion for culinary pleasures. Skip it at your own responsibility.

Bicheno Food and Wine Festival, Bicheno, TAS

Set on the waterfront of the gorgeous little resort town of Bicheno, the festival gathers the finest that Tasmania’s east coast has to offer in food, wine, beer, and other produce. Each year, local producers compete to satisfy the tastes of the visiting public, making for a three-day long seaside fiesta accompanied by music performances, kids activities, fashion shows, and – of all things – surfboard exhibitions.

Most people don’t think of Australia as one of prime gourmet destinations, but just take a drive around it in springtime and you will find numerous pleasant surprises. What’s more, making the effort to find a free transfer car will allow you to experience the finest of Aussie cuisine on any budget. Bon appetit!

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