The Barossa Valley is one of Australia's most significant wine regions. Its thriving community retains strong links to its rich European heritage, now combined with the down-to-earth Australian spirit to create a rich and diverse lifestyle in a relaxed, rural setting close to Adelaide. European farmers (German in particular) and English migrants settled the Barossa Valley from the 1850s, and their rich cultural legacy is evident today in superb Barossa specialty foods and historic architecture. Historic churches, stone buildings and cottages abound, while walking trails, reserves and forests offer easily access to breathtaking landscapes and scenery.
The Barossa Valley is home to the world-famous Barossa Shiraz and Eden Valley Riesling plus other premium wines, a large range of unique regional produce, and acclaimed restaurants. The Barossa's vineyards are tended by around 500 grape growing families, many sixth-generation. There are may small boutique wineries where eexquisite wines are sold out within weeks of their launch, along with larger enterprises associated with household names such as Peter Lehmann, Henschke, Seppelt, Yaldara and Yalumba.
The Barossa is located only 70 kilometres North East of Adelaide and is easily accessible by road in just over hour from the capital. From Adelaide take Main North Road (A20) to Sturt Highway and enter via Gawler and the Barossa Valley Way. Or, from Adelaide take Lower North East Road (A10) out of Adelaide and travel through Chain of Ponds in the beautiful Adelaide Hills to Williamstown in the southern Barossa. Adelaide is well serviced by domestic and international flights, and car hire is readily available at the airport. Self-drive tours to the Barossa Valley are popular. Road conditions are generally good and distances between the region's towns are small.
Spring brings a refreshing vitality to the Barossa Valley, days are sunny with a crispness in the air and wildflowers abound. Summer brings an abundance of sunshine and warm days. The average temperature around 29 degrees celcius, but temperatures as high as 35 degrees are common. Autumn brings mild days, chilly evenings, and autumn leaves on the grape vines which are a sight to behold. Winter brings chilly days and cold nights when warm Barossa hospitality can be enjoyed around a cosy log fire.
The Barossa Valley was named in 1837 by South Australia's first Surveyor general, Colonel William Light, after Barrosa in Spain. It was first settled in 1842 by English and German settlers, the Germans having fled religious persecution in their homeland. Before long the Barossa developed its own unique culture and life style which has continued until today. Early gentlemen winemakers established the first Barossa Valley vineyards, but wealthier families with greater financial resources soon took over and developed the wine making industry we see today. Among the first was the Seppelt Family. Joseph Seppelt turned to wine making on a large scale when earlier attempts at tobacco growing failed. Other successful attempts were made by the Jacobs, Salters, Gramps, Penfolds and Tolleys, who soon dominated the industry while smaller growers supplied grapes grown on family holdings. In this way, the Barossa Valley's agricultural production slowly changed from wheat growing to grape growing.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Kangaroo Island - An Australian Island Paradise
Kangaroo Island has been described as one of earth's last unspoilt island refuges, and with very good reason. This idyllic island located off the coast of South Australian is an idyllic tour destination for those seeking sun, surf, and everything that goes with them, including swimming, fishing, sailing and scuba-diving. Islands are almost always special places ... isolation, solitude, the ocean ... just think of places like the West Indies, Hawaii, the Maldives, all of which have unique characteristics and special natural environments that have evolved through thousands of years of isolation. Australia 's Kangaroo Island is no exception.
Kangaroo Island is about seven times the size of Singapore and around 155 kilometres in length, with the town of Kingscote being the island's capital and main settlement. Wildlife is abundant on the island, where koalas laze in the gum trees and seals laze on the beach. In addition, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, platypi and goannas all thrive on the island.
A wide range of tours are available on Kangaroo Island, enabling you to relax while someone else does the driving. In addition, guides can provide a great deal of information about Kangaroo Island on the way. Both coach tours and four-wheel drive tours are available, with most tours collecting passengers from their accommodation, the airport or the ferry terminal. Bike riding and hiking are also possible for those with the energy, but beware that Kangaroo Island is large and the necessary level of fitness is required for these options.
Large luxury vehicle and passenger ferries operate between Cape Jervis on the South Australian coast and Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island (travelling time 45 minutes). There are four departures daily, with extra services at peak times. Bus connections are available to/from Adelaide to Cape Jervis, and to/from Penneshaw to American River and Kingscote on the island. Regional Express operates a 30-minute air service from Adelaide to Kingscote Airport, located 13km from Kingscote.
Because of its relative isolation, Kangaroo Island has experienced much less impact from European settlement than than the South Australian mainland. Half the bushland on Kangaroo Island remains untouched since the time of British navigator Matthew Flinders named the island in 1802, and more than a third of the Island has National Park or Conservation Park status. This pristine bushland supports a rich wildlife population of wildlife and makes Kangaroo Island on of the best places in Australia to see wildlife in its natural environment.
Kangaroo Island was separated from mainland Australia about 10,000 years ago. In that time, some species have evolved differently from their mainland counterparts. This is evident for example in the Kangaroo Island Kangaroo (a subspecies of the Western Grey Kangaroo common in south-eastern Australia) which is today smaller, darker and has longer fur than its mainland counterpart. The now endangered Glossy Black Cockatoo is also a unique Kangaroo Island sub-species, as is the small marsupial carnivore the Sooty Dunnart.
Similarly, King Island's plants have evolved in isolation to the point where at least 45 species are endemic (found only on Kangaroo Island) including several eucalypts. The total absence of feral creatures such as foxes and rabbits helps ensures the integrity Kangaroo Island's bushland ecosystems.
In recognition of Kangaroo Island's unique plant and wildlife species (some of which are either threatened or unique to the island), National and Conservation parks were declared across the island very early in the history of its European settlement. Kangaroo Island's National Parks provide access to spectacular coastline scenery, unique geological formations, fascinating history and abundant wildlife. There are four major parks: Flinders Chase National Park (walking trails and spectacular rock formations), Kelly Hill Conservation Park (limestone caves and hiking), Seal Bay Conservation Park (Australia's largest accessible colony of sea lions) and Cape Willoughby Conservation Park (first lighthouse in South Australia).
Kangaroo Island is about seven times the size of Singapore and around 155 kilometres in length, with the town of Kingscote being the island's capital and main settlement. Wildlife is abundant on the island, where koalas laze in the gum trees and seals laze on the beach. In addition, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, platypi and goannas all thrive on the island.
A wide range of tours are available on Kangaroo Island, enabling you to relax while someone else does the driving. In addition, guides can provide a great deal of information about Kangaroo Island on the way. Both coach tours and four-wheel drive tours are available, with most tours collecting passengers from their accommodation, the airport or the ferry terminal. Bike riding and hiking are also possible for those with the energy, but beware that Kangaroo Island is large and the necessary level of fitness is required for these options.
Large luxury vehicle and passenger ferries operate between Cape Jervis on the South Australian coast and Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island (travelling time 45 minutes). There are four departures daily, with extra services at peak times. Bus connections are available to/from Adelaide to Cape Jervis, and to/from Penneshaw to American River and Kingscote on the island. Regional Express operates a 30-minute air service from Adelaide to Kingscote Airport, located 13km from Kingscote.
Because of its relative isolation, Kangaroo Island has experienced much less impact from European settlement than than the South Australian mainland. Half the bushland on Kangaroo Island remains untouched since the time of British navigator Matthew Flinders named the island in 1802, and more than a third of the Island has National Park or Conservation Park status. This pristine bushland supports a rich wildlife population of wildlife and makes Kangaroo Island on of the best places in Australia to see wildlife in its natural environment.
Kangaroo Island was separated from mainland Australia about 10,000 years ago. In that time, some species have evolved differently from their mainland counterparts. This is evident for example in the Kangaroo Island Kangaroo (a subspecies of the Western Grey Kangaroo common in south-eastern Australia) which is today smaller, darker and has longer fur than its mainland counterpart. The now endangered Glossy Black Cockatoo is also a unique Kangaroo Island sub-species, as is the small marsupial carnivore the Sooty Dunnart.
Similarly, King Island's plants have evolved in isolation to the point where at least 45 species are endemic (found only on Kangaroo Island) including several eucalypts. The total absence of feral creatures such as foxes and rabbits helps ensures the integrity Kangaroo Island's bushland ecosystems.
In recognition of Kangaroo Island's unique plant and wildlife species (some of which are either threatened or unique to the island), National and Conservation parks were declared across the island very early in the history of its European settlement. Kangaroo Island's National Parks provide access to spectacular coastline scenery, unique geological formations, fascinating history and abundant wildlife. There are four major parks: Flinders Chase National Park (walking trails and spectacular rock formations), Kelly Hill Conservation Park (limestone caves and hiking), Seal Bay Conservation Park (Australia's largest accessible colony of sea lions) and Cape Willoughby Conservation Park (first lighthouse in South Australia).
Monday, August 10, 2009
Golden Australia
Australia, The Commonwealth of Australia, is a country located in the Southern Hemisphere. Australia comprises the world's smallest continent as well as a number of islands in the Southern, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Neighboring Countries to Australia include: Indonesia, The Solomon Islands, East Timor, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and New Zealand.
Australia the continent has been inhabited for an estimated 500 years by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. After several random visitations by European expeditionists and merchants from the 17th century onwards, the British claimed the eastern half of the country in 1770. Britain officially settled as the penal colony of New South Wales in January of 1788. Population grew quickly in Australia as new areas were explored. As a result another five self-governing Crown Colonies were established in succession during the 19th century.
In January of 1901 the six colonies federated to form the Commonwealth of Australia. Currently Australia has a population of around 20 million, concentrated heavily in the Eastern coastal cities of Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth.
Feel free to reprint this article as long as you keep the following caption and author biography in tact with all hyperlinks.
Australia the continent has been inhabited for an estimated 500 years by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. After several random visitations by European expeditionists and merchants from the 17th century onwards, the British claimed the eastern half of the country in 1770. Britain officially settled as the penal colony of New South Wales in January of 1788. Population grew quickly in Australia as new areas were explored. As a result another five self-governing Crown Colonies were established in succession during the 19th century.
In January of 1901 the six colonies federated to form the Commonwealth of Australia. Currently Australia has a population of around 20 million, concentrated heavily in the Eastern coastal cities of Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth.
Feel free to reprint this article as long as you keep the following caption and author biography in tact with all hyperlinks.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Experience Australia east to west coast: Sydney, Gold Coast, Perth
Sydney offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle, the Gold Coast is surfers paradise and Perth has a modern city surrounded by natural countryside. As you travel from east to west, experience the unique feeling of each state.
Sydney: the stunning city on water
Sydney has so much to offer from the breathtaking Blue Mountains to popular hang out Bondi Beach. Sydney city centre is cosmopolitan and has many attractions including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. This is one of the most attractive cities in the world.
Transport: how to get there and around:
There are direct flights to Sydney from many international destinations. Sydney airport is serviced by 40 airlines including British Airways, Qantas and Virgin.
Once in the city you can enjoy getting around on the easy to navigate bus and rail system. If you prefer to drive, it is cost effective to hire a car, the roads are clearly signed.
Weather: the seasons of Sydney
The climate in Sydney is mild throughout the year. The seasons are: Summer December to February, Autumn March to May, Winter June to August and Spring March to May.
The seasons are opposite to the northern hemisphere making Sydney a great get away from the cold weather.
Accommodation: : Luxury to budget stays
The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of Sydney accommodation.
Attractions & Events: best attractions in Sydney
• The Annual Road Bash from the Variety Club starts on the 5 August 2007 from Garden Island.
• Lyric Theatre at Darling Harbour is showing the iconic Musical Priscilla the Queen of the Desert
• Winter season begins at The Sydney Opera House see www.sydneyoperahouse.com for more information.
• For equestrian lovers, there is an amazing show at the Horseworld Stadium every weekend called El Caballo Blanco, with choreographed horses.
Gold coast: laidback surfers paradise
The Gold Coast welcomes visitors looking for a relaxing family holiday and groups of friends looking for more action and adventure.
To get to the Gold Coast, the nearest international airport is Brisbane which is 80kms to the north, this airport has daily international flights from around the world. If you are travelling within Australia there is a domestic airport at the Gold Coast itself. From here you can hop on a train, bus taxi or hire a car.
Known as Australia’s playground the Gold Coast has more to offer than stunning beaches. The tropical rainforests nearby offers an alternative view of the area as well as the city skyline. Not forgetting the action packed days that can be spent visiting the theme parks including Wet ‘N’ Wild, Dreamworld, Steve Irwin’s Zoo, Sea World and more.
For sports fans, you shouldn’t miss the Gold Coast Indy which takes over the city streets for 4 days during October.
Hotels in Gold Coast vary in style and price, there is always plenty available to chose from for all tastes. With guaranteed sunshine 300 days a year, you can’t afford not to visit.
Perth: the west at its best
Perth has the best of both worlds – the city is centre is a hive of activity and attractions, with beaches and countryside all around. Perth centre has rivers and parks which make the city and attractive place to visit.
The whole West Coast of Australia is served by Perth’s International Airport. Domestic flights are recommended from the east to west coast due to the vast distance between the 2 sides of this continent. The airport and city can be navigated by shuttle bus, taxi and hire car. The reliable train system can also take you to nearby cities like Fremantle. If you would like a guided tour, there are plenty of Tour Buses to show the attractions of the area. Hotels in Perth cater for the luxury high end visitor as well as the low budget backpacker.
The region offers miles of surfing coastline and secluded beaches to explore. The water provides more attractions with regular sightings of Dolphins and Whales and some fabulous reef snorkelling. If you are partial to a drop of wine, you must take a trip to the Margaret River region with over 60 wineries.
The mild climate makes Perth an attractive destination all year round. During the summer the temperature is 29 to 32 Celsius, great for the beach and surf. The winter is around 18 Celsius suitable for an outdoor BBQ.
Sydney: the stunning city on water
Sydney has so much to offer from the breathtaking Blue Mountains to popular hang out Bondi Beach. Sydney city centre is cosmopolitan and has many attractions including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. This is one of the most attractive cities in the world.
Transport: how to get there and around:
There are direct flights to Sydney from many international destinations. Sydney airport is serviced by 40 airlines including British Airways, Qantas and Virgin.
Once in the city you can enjoy getting around on the easy to navigate bus and rail system. If you prefer to drive, it is cost effective to hire a car, the roads are clearly signed.
Weather: the seasons of Sydney
The climate in Sydney is mild throughout the year. The seasons are: Summer December to February, Autumn March to May, Winter June to August and Spring March to May.
The seasons are opposite to the northern hemisphere making Sydney a great get away from the cold weather.
Accommodation: : Luxury to budget stays
The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of Sydney accommodation.
Attractions & Events: best attractions in Sydney
• The Annual Road Bash from the Variety Club starts on the 5 August 2007 from Garden Island.
• Lyric Theatre at Darling Harbour is showing the iconic Musical Priscilla the Queen of the Desert
• Winter season begins at The Sydney Opera House see www.sydneyoperahouse.com for more information.
• For equestrian lovers, there is an amazing show at the Horseworld Stadium every weekend called El Caballo Blanco, with choreographed horses.
Gold coast: laidback surfers paradise
The Gold Coast welcomes visitors looking for a relaxing family holiday and groups of friends looking for more action and adventure.
To get to the Gold Coast, the nearest international airport is Brisbane which is 80kms to the north, this airport has daily international flights from around the world. If you are travelling within Australia there is a domestic airport at the Gold Coast itself. From here you can hop on a train, bus taxi or hire a car.
Known as Australia’s playground the Gold Coast has more to offer than stunning beaches. The tropical rainforests nearby offers an alternative view of the area as well as the city skyline. Not forgetting the action packed days that can be spent visiting the theme parks including Wet ‘N’ Wild, Dreamworld, Steve Irwin’s Zoo, Sea World and more.
For sports fans, you shouldn’t miss the Gold Coast Indy which takes over the city streets for 4 days during October.
Hotels in Gold Coast vary in style and price, there is always plenty available to chose from for all tastes. With guaranteed sunshine 300 days a year, you can’t afford not to visit.
Perth: the west at its best
Perth has the best of both worlds – the city is centre is a hive of activity and attractions, with beaches and countryside all around. Perth centre has rivers and parks which make the city and attractive place to visit.
The whole West Coast of Australia is served by Perth’s International Airport. Domestic flights are recommended from the east to west coast due to the vast distance between the 2 sides of this continent. The airport and city can be navigated by shuttle bus, taxi and hire car. The reliable train system can also take you to nearby cities like Fremantle. If you would like a guided tour, there are plenty of Tour Buses to show the attractions of the area. Hotels in Perth cater for the luxury high end visitor as well as the low budget backpacker.
The region offers miles of surfing coastline and secluded beaches to explore. The water provides more attractions with regular sightings of Dolphins and Whales and some fabulous reef snorkelling. If you are partial to a drop of wine, you must take a trip to the Margaret River region with over 60 wineries.
The mild climate makes Perth an attractive destination all year round. During the summer the temperature is 29 to 32 Celsius, great for the beach and surf. The winter is around 18 Celsius suitable for an outdoor BBQ.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Coober Pedy - The Opal Capital Of Australia
Coober Pedy is without a doubt one of the most unique outback destinations in Australia. Set in a stark arid landscape often compared to Mars, this outback mining town where many people live underground is the source of most of the world's precious opal production.
Coober Pedy is located about 850 kilometres north of Adelaide in remote outback Australia. The name Coober Pedy comes from a local indigenous language, Kupa meaning 'white man' and Piti meaning 'hole', and translates as 'white fellas hole in the ground', reflecting the fact that Coober Pedy is the Opal Capital of Australia and the world. It also reflects the fact many residents live in homes excavated underground due to the extreme climatic conditions of the area.
Opal mining commenced in Coober Pedy in 1915 and continues today. In that time the outback town has evolved in to one of the most unique places in Australia and perhaps the world. A cosmopolitan town of 3,500 inhabitants from over 45 different nationalities, it is today a relaxed and friendly town characterised by cultural tolerance, diversity and acceptance.
Apart from opal production, Coober Pedy is known for its unique style of underground living. Visitors can find a range of underground accommodation in addition to above ground accommodation for those who prefer it. There are many often luxurious underground homes to explore in addition to underground shops, museums, art galleries and mines.
Coober Pedy enjoys a typical semi-desert climate. Between April and October the weather is pleasant, with mild daytime temperatures of 16 to 20 C but cold desert nights. From November to March, summer temperatures are hot and range from 35 to 45 C, and occasionally reach as high as 50 C. No wonder the locals prefer to live in the relative comfort of underground homes! Annual rainfall is unpredictable and minimal at an average of around 175 millimetres.
Opal was first found on the surface at Coober Pedy in 1915, while the New Colorado Prospecting Syndicate consisting of Jim Hutchison, his son William Hutchison, P Winch and M McKenzie were searching unsuccessfully for gold south in the area. This was on the 1st of February 1915, and the first opal claim was pegged eight days later. Originally known as the Stuart Range Opal Field (after early explorer John McDouall Stuart, the first European explorer to traverse the area in 1858), this name was changed to Coober Pedy in 1920.
Opal prices fell dramatically and production almost came to a standstill during the Great Depression of the 1930's. As has been typical of Coober Pedy's history of cyclic boom and bust periods over the decades, an Aboriginal woman named Tottie Bryant made a sensational opal find in 1946 which initiated a new rush to the Coober Pedy opal fields. Mining activity grew rapidly during the 1960s as many new European migrants arrived seeking their fortunes. Since then, opal mining has develop into a multi million dollar industry and Coober Pedy has grown into a modern outback mining town.
Opal is a type of silica similar to quartz, but it contains water within its mineral structure. Precious opal typically contains 6% to 10% water. Opal occurs in many varieties, including precious opal and potch. In precious opal, brilliant colours are created by the diffraction of white light by silica spheres and voids within the opal structure, similar to a prism effect. The colour range of a precious opal is determined by the size and spacing of the silica spheres. Smaller spheres produce blue opal only, while larger spheres produce red opal. Red opal can also display the entire spectrum of colours. Opal colour is influenced by the angle of the light falling on it, and can change or disappear as the stone is rotated. Potch opal has silica spheres which are too small and irregular to produce colour.
If you are interested in purchasing precious opal, be aware that to date attempts to establish guidelines for setting opal values have been largely unsuccessful. This is because of the infinite variation in colour pattern found in opals. The most important factors determining the price of opal are the background colour (black opal being more valuable than clear or crystal opal, which in turn is more valuable than white or milky opal), the dominant fire colour (red-fire opal being more valuable than a green opal, which in turn is more valuable than blue opal), and the colour pattern (harlequin opal with patches of colour is more valuable than pinfire opal with speckled colour). Be aware also that there is a significant difference between the value of uncut opal and that of a cut and polished stone.
Coober Pedy is located about 850 kilometres north of Adelaide in remote outback Australia. The name Coober Pedy comes from a local indigenous language, Kupa meaning 'white man' and Piti meaning 'hole', and translates as 'white fellas hole in the ground', reflecting the fact that Coober Pedy is the Opal Capital of Australia and the world. It also reflects the fact many residents live in homes excavated underground due to the extreme climatic conditions of the area.
Opal mining commenced in Coober Pedy in 1915 and continues today. In that time the outback town has evolved in to one of the most unique places in Australia and perhaps the world. A cosmopolitan town of 3,500 inhabitants from over 45 different nationalities, it is today a relaxed and friendly town characterised by cultural tolerance, diversity and acceptance.
Apart from opal production, Coober Pedy is known for its unique style of underground living. Visitors can find a range of underground accommodation in addition to above ground accommodation for those who prefer it. There are many often luxurious underground homes to explore in addition to underground shops, museums, art galleries and mines.
Coober Pedy enjoys a typical semi-desert climate. Between April and October the weather is pleasant, with mild daytime temperatures of 16 to 20 C but cold desert nights. From November to March, summer temperatures are hot and range from 35 to 45 C, and occasionally reach as high as 50 C. No wonder the locals prefer to live in the relative comfort of underground homes! Annual rainfall is unpredictable and minimal at an average of around 175 millimetres.
Opal was first found on the surface at Coober Pedy in 1915, while the New Colorado Prospecting Syndicate consisting of Jim Hutchison, his son William Hutchison, P Winch and M McKenzie were searching unsuccessfully for gold south in the area. This was on the 1st of February 1915, and the first opal claim was pegged eight days later. Originally known as the Stuart Range Opal Field (after early explorer John McDouall Stuart, the first European explorer to traverse the area in 1858), this name was changed to Coober Pedy in 1920.
Opal prices fell dramatically and production almost came to a standstill during the Great Depression of the 1930's. As has been typical of Coober Pedy's history of cyclic boom and bust periods over the decades, an Aboriginal woman named Tottie Bryant made a sensational opal find in 1946 which initiated a new rush to the Coober Pedy opal fields. Mining activity grew rapidly during the 1960s as many new European migrants arrived seeking their fortunes. Since then, opal mining has develop into a multi million dollar industry and Coober Pedy has grown into a modern outback mining town.
Opal is a type of silica similar to quartz, but it contains water within its mineral structure. Precious opal typically contains 6% to 10% water. Opal occurs in many varieties, including precious opal and potch. In precious opal, brilliant colours are created by the diffraction of white light by silica spheres and voids within the opal structure, similar to a prism effect. The colour range of a precious opal is determined by the size and spacing of the silica spheres. Smaller spheres produce blue opal only, while larger spheres produce red opal. Red opal can also display the entire spectrum of colours. Opal colour is influenced by the angle of the light falling on it, and can change or disappear as the stone is rotated. Potch opal has silica spheres which are too small and irregular to produce colour.
If you are interested in purchasing precious opal, be aware that to date attempts to establish guidelines for setting opal values have been largely unsuccessful. This is because of the infinite variation in colour pattern found in opals. The most important factors determining the price of opal are the background colour (black opal being more valuable than clear or crystal opal, which in turn is more valuable than white or milky opal), the dominant fire colour (red-fire opal being more valuable than a green opal, which in turn is more valuable than blue opal), and the colour pattern (harlequin opal with patches of colour is more valuable than pinfire opal with speckled colour). Be aware also that there is a significant difference between the value of uncut opal and that of a cut and polished stone.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Honeymoon destination in Australia
Honeymooning Down Under with a Honeymoon destination in Australia
It’s the only continent in the world that also happens to be a country. They’re known for the kangaroo and rugged men with their heavy Australian accents. For an exotic experience during your honeymoon, why not try exploring the Australian wilderness and bask in the Australian sun?
There’s a varied range of spa treatments, horse drawn carriage rides, hot air balloon rides and rafting and scuba diving in this part of the world. The Australian wilderness, with the kangaroos and the koalas and the various species of birds are perfect for the couple who’d like to explore the outdoors and get in touch with the rugged side of nature.
A world class city, there’s Sydney to explore – the restaurants for wining and dining and the stores for shopping – if you ever get tired of the Australian wild. If you want adventure, there’s the Sydney Harbor Bridgeclimb to take you on top of the world.
And if you want to feel the seaside breeze and the cool mountain air, there’s the city of Melbourne. Explore their offerings of parks, gardens, and pure, Australian entertainment. There’s also the Yarra Valley, with its 30 wineries, to visit.
There’s Brisbane with its tropical weather and amazing beaches. Go swimming at the Gold and Sunshine Coasts or explore the islands of Moreton Bay and the Scenic Rim. Farther north, there’s an amazing rainforest you can explore.
South of the country, there’s Adelaide, a stylish and vibrant city. With its hills and beaches, Adelaide offers the best in entertainment. Visit its bookshops, galleries, cafes and pubs, antique stores and fashion houses. Twenty-minutes away from Adelaide, there are the Adelaide Hills, a break from the city life. It offers an excellent taste of country life – great food, great wine, great country scenery. Drive around the area and explore the vineyard and market gardens, Australian bushlands and pasture land.
Forty minutes farther from Adelaide, honeymooners can go exploring the coastline of the Fleurieu Peninsula. If you’re looking for some private swimming, this is the place to go. The beaches are protected by cliffs and bushlands that tips fown rolling hills.
And of course, don’t ever dare miss the Kangaroo Island when you go exploring Down South. A nature lover’s haven, Kangaroo Island is the third largest island off the coast of Australia. Isolated from the rest of the country, it offers wildlife yet to be explored – clean air, clean water, unspoiled scenery and an exotic mix of flora and fauna.
Here are other ideal places to explore on your Australian honeymoon:
Barossa. Go wine-tasting at one or more of its 60 cellar doors. Experience the soothing taste of this regions products and get to be one of those that have had this wondrous delight.
Limestone Coast. There’s white sand beaches, lush pasture lands, seaside towns and yes, vineyards and wineries to explore. Coonawarra is one of the most famous wine regions and the experience is as exhilarating as the wine you get to taste.
Whether its’ the wilderness, the beaches, the rolling hills and the lush pastures, the food and the fine wine you’re after, Australian is the place. It offers you a colorful blend of entertainment, good scenery, good food and a memorable honeymoon experience. Going south may be the best honeymoon idea yet.
It’s the only continent in the world that also happens to be a country. They’re known for the kangaroo and rugged men with their heavy Australian accents. For an exotic experience during your honeymoon, why not try exploring the Australian wilderness and bask in the Australian sun?
There’s a varied range of spa treatments, horse drawn carriage rides, hot air balloon rides and rafting and scuba diving in this part of the world. The Australian wilderness, with the kangaroos and the koalas and the various species of birds are perfect for the couple who’d like to explore the outdoors and get in touch with the rugged side of nature.
A world class city, there’s Sydney to explore – the restaurants for wining and dining and the stores for shopping – if you ever get tired of the Australian wild. If you want adventure, there’s the Sydney Harbor Bridgeclimb to take you on top of the world.
And if you want to feel the seaside breeze and the cool mountain air, there’s the city of Melbourne. Explore their offerings of parks, gardens, and pure, Australian entertainment. There’s also the Yarra Valley, with its 30 wineries, to visit.
There’s Brisbane with its tropical weather and amazing beaches. Go swimming at the Gold and Sunshine Coasts or explore the islands of Moreton Bay and the Scenic Rim. Farther north, there’s an amazing rainforest you can explore.
South of the country, there’s Adelaide, a stylish and vibrant city. With its hills and beaches, Adelaide offers the best in entertainment. Visit its bookshops, galleries, cafes and pubs, antique stores and fashion houses. Twenty-minutes away from Adelaide, there are the Adelaide Hills, a break from the city life. It offers an excellent taste of country life – great food, great wine, great country scenery. Drive around the area and explore the vineyard and market gardens, Australian bushlands and pasture land.
Forty minutes farther from Adelaide, honeymooners can go exploring the coastline of the Fleurieu Peninsula. If you’re looking for some private swimming, this is the place to go. The beaches are protected by cliffs and bushlands that tips fown rolling hills.
And of course, don’t ever dare miss the Kangaroo Island when you go exploring Down South. A nature lover’s haven, Kangaroo Island is the third largest island off the coast of Australia. Isolated from the rest of the country, it offers wildlife yet to be explored – clean air, clean water, unspoiled scenery and an exotic mix of flora and fauna.
Here are other ideal places to explore on your Australian honeymoon:
Barossa. Go wine-tasting at one or more of its 60 cellar doors. Experience the soothing taste of this regions products and get to be one of those that have had this wondrous delight.
Limestone Coast. There’s white sand beaches, lush pasture lands, seaside towns and yes, vineyards and wineries to explore. Coonawarra is one of the most famous wine regions and the experience is as exhilarating as the wine you get to taste.
Whether its’ the wilderness, the beaches, the rolling hills and the lush pastures, the food and the fine wine you’re after, Australian is the place. It offers you a colorful blend of entertainment, good scenery, good food and a memorable honeymoon experience. Going south may be the best honeymoon idea yet.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Holidaying in Southern Australia: Melbourne And Adelaide
Southern Australia is an vast area of great contrasts with the land ranges from desert to plains to fertile wine-growing areas set amid rolling hills.
Melbourne
Capital of Victoria and Australia's second-largest city, Melbourne is often voted the most livable city in the world. For one thing, it's sited on the Yarra River and scenic Port Philip Bay. Plus, it's Australia's vanguard city for sport, fashion, shopping, cuisines, music and nightlife, and is home to a host of museums, galleries and theaters, and large parks and gardens.
Transport:getting there and getting away
Melbourne's centre for domestic and international flights is Tullamarine Airport. It's located 14 miles northwest of the city center and accessible by skybus.
Spencer Street Railway Station is served by interstate trains. The Sydney-Melbourne XPT runs between Australia's two largest cities daily. The trip takes 10 1/2 hours. The Overland connects with Adelaide daily. The trip time is 12 hours.
Bus services connect Melbourne with other major cities and regional areas of Victoria.
Melbourne’s public transport system, known as Metlink offers a wide range of options for getting around the city. These include trams, trains, and buses. Melbourne has the world's oldest tram network which now runs over 200 miles of track. Trams are the most popular with tourists and locals alike for travel around the city and inner suburbs. Taxis are plentiful and Melbourne has an excellent network of bike paths.
Climate:
Melbourne has a capricious climate. It ranges from rainy to gusty and it often oscillates between warm and chilly in the space of one day. However it seldom gets really too hot or too cold. Winter temperatures range between 6ฐC and 13ฐC. In summer, it rarely gets above 35ฐC.
Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts
Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of hotels in Melbourne
Melbourne accommodation is varied and good value.
Events:what's on and what's hot
Melbourne's social calendar is comprises equally of sporting and cultural events.
*The year kicks of with Midsumma Melbourne, an annual pride event in January. It's a three-week bash featuring a music, cabaret, and drag acts.
*Australian Football League Grand Final in September is the annual showcase of Aussie Rules Football.
*Melbourne Fringe held annually in September and October is the city's exuberant art fest.
*LIVID Festival held in October is one of the country's largest rock festivals.
Adelaide
Much of Adelaide's charm comes from its location. It sits on the narrow Adelaide Plains between Gulf St Vincent on the Southern Ocean and the eucalyptus-covered hills of the Mount Lofty ranges. Today's Adelaide is famous for its festivals, arts, sports events and wine from nearby vineyards.
Transport:getting there and getting away
Adelaide's spanking new airport offers international connections to Auckland, Hongkong, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. On the domestic front, it's just an hour's hop to Melbourne and less than three hours to Sydney, Brisbane, or Canberra. There are also buses and interstate trains.
Getting around the city is easy via train, tram and bus services that use the Metroticket unified ticketing system. The compact city center is fine for walking and there are two free bus services for the footsore. There's also a tram that runs from Victoria Square to the seaside suburb of Glenelg.
Climate:
In a word, Mediterranean. Summer in Adelaide is scorching with temperatures leaping to 40ฐC and above. Winters are damp and miserable but never really cold. Spring and Autumn are the most pleasant seasons, balmy and temperate.
Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts
Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Adelaide hotels.
Events:what's on and what's hot
*Womadelaide, an outdoor festival of world music and dance, is held every February to March.
*The jewel in Adelaide's social crowd is the Adelaide Arts Festival held at the beginning of March in even-numbered years. It features drama, dance and music, along with a writers' week, poetry readings and art exhibitions. The Fringe Festival runs at the same time.
*Adelaide International Guitar Festival is in November.
Melbourne
Capital of Victoria and Australia's second-largest city, Melbourne is often voted the most livable city in the world. For one thing, it's sited on the Yarra River and scenic Port Philip Bay. Plus, it's Australia's vanguard city for sport, fashion, shopping, cuisines, music and nightlife, and is home to a host of museums, galleries and theaters, and large parks and gardens.
Transport:getting there and getting away
Melbourne's centre for domestic and international flights is Tullamarine Airport. It's located 14 miles northwest of the city center and accessible by skybus.
Spencer Street Railway Station is served by interstate trains. The Sydney-Melbourne XPT runs between Australia's two largest cities daily. The trip takes 10 1/2 hours. The Overland connects with Adelaide daily. The trip time is 12 hours.
Bus services connect Melbourne with other major cities and regional areas of Victoria.
Melbourne’s public transport system, known as Metlink offers a wide range of options for getting around the city. These include trams, trains, and buses. Melbourne has the world's oldest tram network which now runs over 200 miles of track. Trams are the most popular with tourists and locals alike for travel around the city and inner suburbs. Taxis are plentiful and Melbourne has an excellent network of bike paths.
Climate:
Melbourne has a capricious climate. It ranges from rainy to gusty and it often oscillates between warm and chilly in the space of one day. However it seldom gets really too hot or too cold. Winter temperatures range between 6ฐC and 13ฐC. In summer, it rarely gets above 35ฐC.
Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts
Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of hotels in Melbourne
Melbourne accommodation is varied and good value.
Events:what's on and what's hot
Melbourne's social calendar is comprises equally of sporting and cultural events.
*The year kicks of with Midsumma Melbourne, an annual pride event in January. It's a three-week bash featuring a music, cabaret, and drag acts.
*Australian Football League Grand Final in September is the annual showcase of Aussie Rules Football.
*Melbourne Fringe held annually in September and October is the city's exuberant art fest.
*LIVID Festival held in October is one of the country's largest rock festivals.
Adelaide
Much of Adelaide's charm comes from its location. It sits on the narrow Adelaide Plains between Gulf St Vincent on the Southern Ocean and the eucalyptus-covered hills of the Mount Lofty ranges. Today's Adelaide is famous for its festivals, arts, sports events and wine from nearby vineyards.
Transport:getting there and getting away
Adelaide's spanking new airport offers international connections to Auckland, Hongkong, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. On the domestic front, it's just an hour's hop to Melbourne and less than three hours to Sydney, Brisbane, or Canberra. There are also buses and interstate trains.
Getting around the city is easy via train, tram and bus services that use the Metroticket unified ticketing system. The compact city center is fine for walking and there are two free bus services for the footsore. There's also a tram that runs from Victoria Square to the seaside suburb of Glenelg.
Climate:
In a word, Mediterranean. Summer in Adelaide is scorching with temperatures leaping to 40ฐC and above. Winters are damp and miserable but never really cold. Spring and Autumn are the most pleasant seasons, balmy and temperate.
Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts
Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Adelaide hotels.
Events:what's on and what's hot
*Womadelaide, an outdoor festival of world music and dance, is held every February to March.
*The jewel in Adelaide's social crowd is the Adelaide Arts Festival held at the beginning of March in even-numbered years. It features drama, dance and music, along with a writers' week, poetry readings and art exhibitions. The Fringe Festival runs at the same time.
*Adelaide International Guitar Festival is in November.
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