Articles

Amazing Golf Courses on the Great Ocean Road

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:11:00 GMT

It makes sense that one of Australia’s most spectacular stretches of coastline has a decent golf course or two along its route, with the courses along the Great Ocean Road sure to satisfy. If you have a golfer in your crew of people heading to explore the Great Ocean Road this year, make a note of these great courses, just in case anyone needs a bit of a golf fix.

Torquay Golf Club

A challenging par 66, this course is a tough go when the wind is blowing, making it a challenge for even the most skilled links players. Consisting of well-maintained, wide-open fairways, and with the backdrop of famous Jan Juc and Torquay beaches, for $20 a round, this is another stop well worth making on your Great Ocean Road adventure. Equipped with a bar and restaurant, this pretty little course is a guaranteed great day away from the crowds on the coast.

Anglesea Golf Club

One of the best golf courses in the area, for more experienced golfers this is sure to be just what you’re looking for. A long par 73 course that makes the most of the natural beauty of the area, expect to be joined on any early morning or late afternoon hit by a mob of kangaroos. Well equipped with multiple practice facilities including greens, fairways, chipping areas and nets, a round at Anglesea will be just the thing to scratch that golfing itch before you head back to the Great Ocean Road. Green fees are around $50 per adult for 18 holes.

Pepper The Sands Resort

Designed by champion Australian golfer Stuart Appleby, this championship-style course is beautifully set into the natural Surf Coast landscape, forming part of the gorgeous, modern and sleek Pepper The Sands Resort. There are a host of practice facilities including a driving range and elaborate practice putting greens, and with 110 bunkers located around this challenging circuit, you’d better practice your bunker shots before you head out too. With ‘stay and play’ package deals available through the resort, and being located an easy day trip from Melbourne, this is the perfect gift for any golf-mad loved one.

Thirteenth Beach

Another reason to stop in Lorne, Thirteenth Beach consists of two magnificent courses set on the fabulous Bellarine Peninsula; the Beach Course voted one of Australia’s top 25 golf courses in 2009. While both the Beach Course and Creek Course are both challenging and beautiful layouts, if you like more water challenges, try the Beach option first. Green fees are usually $79 for an adult weekend round and $59 for 18 holes during the week.

Even bad golf can be fun if you play the right courses, as it’s hard to get too frustrated with your game when you’re in a paradise setting. Whether you’re a talented golfer or just like the occasional hit, make sure you check out the courses along this coast, as they are likely some of the best you’ll play anywhere in Australia. So when you’re choosing your Great Ocean Road day tour, consider one that includes at least nine holes of golf.

Festivals for Food and Flowers in the Blue Mountains

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:05:00 GMT

The Blue Mountains is well known for many reasons, though increasingly it has become known as a place for fine food and fantastic flowers. Each year offers a number of awesome opportunities to check out the best that the ‘Blueys’ has to offer, so make sure you’re there to get a taste for yourself. The following festivals are some of the food and flower highlights.

Leura Gardens Festival

Consisting of 12 gardens, including the famous National Trust ‘Everglades’ garden, this fantastic festival runs from September 29 until October 7, and is a tremendous showcase of delicate and dazzling beauty. The gardens are mostly privately owned, making this a rare opportunity to see some of the Blue Mountains’ hidden gems. For $20 you can get a multiple entry pass for all of the gardens and are sure to come home inspired to get a bit fancy with your own home’s garden.

Blackheath Wine Fair

This early April annual festival showcases some of the best gourmet food and wine in the area and is a great opportunity to check out some of the local art and live music while you’re at it. This event is based in and around the New Ivanhoe Hotel in Blackheath and is a highlight of the annual mountain festival calendar.

Winter Magic

Celebrated around Winter Solstice each year, this fun festival really draws out the crowds, making this one of the highlights of the year in Katoomba. You’ll find delicious food, locally grown plants and flowers, live entertainment, and much more, making this one mountain festival that you just shouldn’t miss. One of the highlights of the festival is the massively fun parade that wanders through the town on the Saturday.

Blackheath Flower and Craft Show

This beautiful celebration also includes competitions for many local plant and flower varieties, including the Blue Mountains Dahlia Championship. You will find flowers, plants, floral art, gourmet food and cooking demonstrations, locally made crafts, live music and so on. While this is a great all-round festival, it’s a must for those serious about their plants and flowers.

Daffodils at Rydal

Famous for its daffodils, this gorgeous heritage village is located west of Lithgow and hosts a daffodil spectacular every September. Named after a daffodil-growing town back in England, this area has kept the tradition going in the mountains by growing thousands of daffodils each year, which make quite the sight come September. Along with yard dog trials and gourmet food displays, ‘Daffodils at Rydal’ is a great way to spend the day in a magical part of the Blue Mountains area.

The Blue Mountains really is a special part of New South Wales, and there’s nothing like seeing it during festival time, as these sleepy mountain communities really do come out in force and bring in a lot of cities folk was well. With the heart of the Blueys an easy day tour out of Sydney, treat yourself to a relaxing weekend and head there for the flowers, food and festivals. Whether you guide yourself or take a Blue Mountains tour, you’re sure to love every minute.

Visiting the Barossa Valley Wine Region

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:51:00 GMT

Visiting the Barossa Valley is a real treat for anyone who loves wine, and it provides a magical setting to relax and enjoy what are undoubtedly some of the world’s best varieties. Located just 60km from Adelaide, the Barossa Valley includes four main communities of Angaston, Lyndoch, Nuriootpa and Tanunda, and has the feel of a hamlet hidden far from the rest of the world. The following are some of the main things to know if you are thinking about visiting the Barossa Valley.

History

The Barossa Valley was settled in 1842 by English and German immigrants, many of whom were fleeing religious persecution. The first settlement was set up in Bethany and a variety of mixed farms were soon established. In 1847, the first vineyards were planted and, within a few short years, vineyards were popping up across the area, starting what has been over 150 years of quality wine making. Some of the early wine producers to succeed included Seppelt, Jacobs, Gramps and Penfolds, all of whom are still thriving today.

Varieties

The Barossa Valley is most famous for its Shiraz, winning numerous international awards for its extremely high quality product, though there are also quite a few other varieties on offer in this special region. Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Mataro and Merlot are all produced here too, along with some great Riesling, Semillon and Chardonnay. Barossa Valley winemakers have also recently expanded into some newer varieties of wine such as Viognier, Tempranillo, Zinfandel and Marsanne.

When to Visit

Autumn is the best time to visit the Barossa Valley, as the harvest will have been recently done and there is no better way to enjoy this awesome region than by attending the Barossa Vintage Festival. This incredible festival goes for nine days and consists of dozens of events, so you can not only sample some great wines, but also enjoy great local food and music while you are at it. If you only go to the Barossa Valley once, come for this great autumn festival.

How to Best See it

It is really quite easy to navigate your own way around the Barossa Valley and see the highlights, though if you don’t want to have to deal with any of the planning, jump on one of the Barossa Valley day tours and you are sure to see everything and learn a lot. Day tours are an easy way to make sure you don’t miss a thing, and plus, you are better off not driving if you are going to want to enjoy a glass or two of great wine while you are here.

Accommodation

The best way to see this fantastic region is to spend a few days checking it out properly, so why not check into one of the great local hotels or B&B’s and take your time? There is quite a lot of accommodation on offer in the area, though if you are coming during the summer or for a big event, be sure to book early to ensure you secure a place.

Walking Adventures Around the Blue Mountains, NSW

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:48:00 GMT

The Blue Mountains is one of the best places in New South Wales to do some bushwalking and it is less than two hours drive from Sydney. There are all kinds of walks and hikes on offer, so whether you are looking for a gentle walk or a more serious hike, you’ll have exactly what you are looking for right here. If you don’t want to go solo, you can take the easy way and jump on a Blue Mountains tour. The following are some of the great options you have for hitting the trails in the Blue Mountains.

The Giant Staircase to The Scenic Railway

Located right next to the iconic Three Sisters rock formation is one of the regions most spectacular walks. Descending over 1000 feet and approximately 860 steps, this is quite a difficult walk as it is very steep and quite narrow in places, so allow lots of time to get it done. It takes around an hour and a half to make it to the railway where, thankfully, there is a train going back up. The last train leaves at 4:50pm, so make sure you don’t miss it. From the bottom of the stairs to the railway it is flat and easy as you meander along the Federal Pass track, which takes you through beautiful temperate rainforest and then through some gorgeous eucalyptus forest. This is a very popular track, especially during summer, and is part of a lot of local day tours. If you want to shake the crowds, skip the train and take the Furber Steps back up.

Govett’s Leap to Bridal Veil Falls

This is a great little loop that takes you to some awesome vantage points. Starting at the parking lot at Govett’s Leap, where the view is truly spectacular, this hike continues along the top of the cliffs before dropping just over a hundred metres down a series of steps. The steps bring you to the top of Bridal Falls and a magnificent view back across the valley. This is easily one of the more impressive views in the entire Blue Mountains region, so don’t forget your camera! From here, you retrace your steps back up to Govett’s Leap. The entire hike is just over two and a half kilometres and takes most people around an hour.

Govett’s Leap to Perry’s Lookout

Another great hike starting off at Govett’s Leap, this 21km jaunt is for the slightly more committed hikers and is best done over two days. From Govett’s Leap, the trail heads off to your left and drops quite steeply down into the Grose Valley. As you descend into the valley, be sure to keep an eye out, as you'll have a really good chance of seeing some of the elusive black cockatoos here. From the valley floor you will continue along the banks of a river and into the magical Blue Gum Forest where you can set up camp for the night. The next morning, the trail leads you steeply out of the valley and straight up to Perry’s Lookout. This part of the hike is quite difficult and takes approximately three hours, and when you finally drag yourself up to the lookout you will be treated to some absolutely breathtaking views, making it all worthwhile.

How To Meet People When You Are On Holiday In Australia

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:39:00 GMT

One of the best things about any holiday adventure is the people who you meet along the way. Some places can seem like a bit of a struggle to meet people though you shouldn’t have any such troubles in Australia, as if nothing else Aussies are definitely always up for meeting someone new. If you want to be guaranteed to meet people on your trip to Australia, the following are sure-fire ways to do it.

Take A Tour

The best possible way to make a few new friends is to check out the sights on one of the many tours on offer. You are sure to see everything there is to see if you go on a tour and you will have a group of people to get to know and to share the experience with. Regardless of whether you are on a Blue Mountains tour, Kakadu tour or a Phillip Island tour, you are sure to find at least a few like-minded people who you may even end up going for a beer with after the tour is over.

Get Into Sports

If you aren’t a big sports fan and you want to be meeting people on your holiday in Australia, the best thing you can do is start to learn about sports. Australians are crazy about sports and there is constantly a must see game going on, so eye up a friendly looking person and get them to explain the rules of some of these unusual games to you. Once you get into it, Australian sports are a fun and social thing, so find out what it’s all about and you’ll be making friends in no time.

Work In The Orchards

For those people who are in Australia on Working Holiday visas, you are definitely going to meet loads of people while you are here. Your best bet is to get on at one of the many orchards around the country and do a few weeks of picking work. There is no better way to get to know people than by living and working with them, and you’ll also have the bonus of earning some spending money at the same time.

Go To The Pub

It’s no secret the Australians like their grog, making the local pub one of the social centres of Australian society. If you are staying in a particular area the best way to make friends is to become a regular at your local pub, where you will find that there is much more than just drinking going on. Lots of pubs host dance classes, trivia nights, table tennis competitions as well as other creative excuses to get together, so don’t be shy, head down to the pub and say g’day to the locals!

It really isn’t going to be hard for you to make friends in Australia. Whether you are at the grocery store, the pub or on the street, all it takes to meet people here is just being friendly. Australians seem to have this idea that everyone is o.k. until they prove otherwise, so be friendly and get involved and you’ll have more friends here than you’ve got back home!

Essential Stops For Photographers Visiting Australia

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:34:00 GMT

If you are someone who takes their photography pretty seriously there is nothing better than having some cool things to photograph, so if you find yourself in Australia you are going to be absolutely in heaven. Whether you like taking pictures of plants, animals, people or sunsets, you will love it down here and may find yourself not wanting to go back home. The following are some great spots to make sure you get to if you want to get some photos of something amazing.

Phillip Island

This great natural area is the perfect place to see not only the awesome penguin parade but if you are lucky maybe even some huge manta rays! Taking a Phillip Island tour is the best way to see all the highlights so have your picture-taking finger loose and ready, as you are sure to get some amazing shots here.

Strahan

Nestled on the west coast of Tasmania is a relatively undiscovered treat, being Ocean Beach at Strahan. Just outside of the town is a beautiful long beach that faces due west and is definitely one of the best places in Australia to watch the sun set. Locals and tourists alike gather at the beach each afternoon to get a look at what is a truly spectacular display, so if you fancy yourself a bit of a photo taking expert, here is your time to shine.

The Blue Mountains

If you have never seen a blue mountain range before then get your camera ready to rock and roll. Not only does this beautiful area appear blue as you look at it across the valleys, but it is home to some of the more picturesque parts of New South Wales. Any Blue Mountains tour will have you at stunning spots like Echo Point, the Three Sisters and maybe even Govett’s Leap, and don’t be surprised if you take a few hundred pictures throughout the day. To see something truly incredible, head past Katoomba to the Jenolan Caves and take a tour through one of Australia’s most impressive cave networks.

The Grampians

For those who like to photograph flora as well as fauna, make sure you are in the Grampians in the spring to see one of the most spectacular display of wildflowers of anywhere in the world. There are literally hundreds of types of wildflowers that only grow here so don’t miss out on the dazzling colours and smells of the Grampians in full bloom. Apart from the wildflowers, the Grampians is also home to huge populations of kangaroos, emus and birds, as well as fantastic Aboriginal rock art that is estimated at over 30,000 years old! There are truly endless amounts to photograph here!

Melbourne

Some people like to photograph more urban landscapes, so if that is more your style, be sure to spend a bit of time in Melbourne. Between the dazzling array of graffiti art, the thriving markets and the innovative and experimental architecture, you will love Melbourne and may end up basing yourself here for quite a bit of your trip.

How and Where To See Unique Australian Animals

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:30:00 GMT

Australia is home to a vast array of amazing animals that are often only found down under, so if you like animals and want to see something new and different, you are going to love it here. No matter which part of this great country you find yourself in, you can find strange and unusual insects and animals, the trick to seeing them is to know where to look and when. The following are some great places to see unique Australian animals and the best ways to give yourself a good chance of seeing them.

The Blue Mountains

This spectacular part of western New South Wales is home to a huge variety of plants and animals, though one little creature in particular is a highlight of this region, the Blue Mountains Tree Frog. These beautifully coloured frogs grow to about 5 centimetres in length and are usually best found around rocks in creeks and streams in the valleys of the mountains. These little guys are one of the highlights of this magnificent area so if you go on a Blue Mountains tour, make sure you bring your camera as you might get lucky and see one.

Phillip Island

This special area a couple of hours east of Melbourne is where you will find one of Australia’s cutest animals, the Little Penguin and they really are quite easy to see. If you join a Phillip Island tour you can get a great look at these little darlings as they march up the beach each evening to their burrows in the sand. For cute value alone, you should make a point of checking out the Little Penguins of Phillip Island, they really are something else!

Mount Remarkable

This spectacular part of South Australia is considered the gateway to the outback and is home to one of Australia’s most iconic animals, the emu. While emus live in most parts of Australia, this is one of the best places to see them and you won’t have to go to much effort either. Go out on a hike on any of the awesome trails in this area and you are sure to come across at least one or two emus, and if you go in the spring you may even get a look at some of the newborn emus waddling around behind their parents. Don’t get too close to them though as they can be quite aggressive if they feel threatened.

Tasman Peninsula

One of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in Australia, the Tasman Peninsula is home to one of the world’s deadliest snakes, the Tiger snake. A bite from a Tiger snake has one of the highest mortality rates of any venomous snake, so be very careful if you are in this area during the summer when they are most active. If you wear gaiters and decent footwear and look where you are stepping you should be fine, and if you sit still in any open area for long enough you are a good chance of having one come out of a nearby bush to check you out. If you do see one, don’t get too close, as they will bite you if they feel they need to protect themselves.

Great Australian Wilderness Tours

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:26:00 GMT

If you enjoy getting out into the great outdoors, Australia is the country for you, with a huge variety of places to go and an endless amount to see. Whether you want to see mountains, bushland, desert or ocean, you can see it all in Australia and the best way to see it is by getting yourself on a tour. If you want to make sure you get to all those great spots and see everything there is to see, the following are some of the best places to go for great wilderness touring in Australia.

Blue Mountains Tour

This is one of Australia’s most beautiful places and yes the mountains do look blue from a distance due to a type of haze given off by the eucalyptus trees. A tour through the Blue Mountains will have you checking out the spectacular Three Sisters, gazing across the beautiful Megalong Valley and you are guaranteed to have some good up close looks at the unique plants and animals. For a tour that has it all and is still very close to Sydney, get yourself on a Blue Mountains tour.

Phillip Island Tour

If your favourite part about being out in nature is seeing the animals, Phillip Island will be a big treat for you. Home of the famous Little Penguins there is nothing like the show put on by the nightly penguin parade when all of the colony come back up to their homes on the beach. This is a tour that takes in a different kind of wilderness and is sure to leave you thrilled at having seen one of nature’s great spectacles.

Kakadu National Park Tours

For a wilderness tour that will have you out in the middle of nowhere with some of Australia’s most fearsome creatures, you really can’t go past a tour up in Kakadu. A special place for its landscape, animals, plants, culture and overall breathtaking natural beauty, Kakadu is a place like no other and being up here will truly feel like you have slipped into not only a different place but also a different time. If you want to see some incredible wilderness and of course see some crocodiles too, this is a tour you should have at the top of your list.

Great Barrier Reef Tours

No trip to Australia is complete without a good look at one of the world’s natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef. The world’s largest reef with an incredible array of coral and marine life, these wilderness tours will provide you with an unforgettable and magical experience. You don’t need to go scuba diving or even snorkelling to get a good look at it, though if you are feeling game you will definitely have an opportunity to dive in and have an even closer look at it all. Whatever you do, don’t leave Australia til you have seen the reef!

For wilderness touring, there is no place on earth like Australia so make the most of it while you are here, it is the stuff that dreams are made of.

4 Birthday Ideas For the Young Explorer

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:11:00 GMT

Does your child spend more time in the backyard looking at bugs and going exploring than they spend playing inside? It’s clear, you have a little explorer on your hands. But what do you do for their birthday when it comes around and you’re fresh out of ideas? We’ve got some great suggestions to get you started. From a Blue Mountains Tour to a camping trip, we’ve got a list that could have just what you’re looking for:

Organise a Treasure Hunt

Kids love treasure hunts, especially if they consider themselves to be the explorer type. Set up an elaborate number of clues and hints for the kids to find and a treasure trove to be found at the end of the hunt. Divide the kids into teams, give them names and a bag each with tools, like magnifying glasses for example. They’ll love the challenge and the race to the end!

Go on a camping trip

Camping is always loads of fun and if your child loves the great outdoors, they’ll love the idea of camping with you and some of their friends for a few days. Camp somewhere near a river where you can fish, or go hiking up the side of a mountain. Of course, depending on how old you child is, you may want to enjoy activities that are a little less strenuous. Either way, going camping is a great way to spend a weekend celebrating your child’s birthday with them.

A day tour

Taking a tour could be just the thing for celebrating your child’s special day. Take a friend or two of theirs with you and book in a Phillip Island tour where you can spend the day exploring the island, bike riding and doing other fun activities before enjoying the penguin parade. A tour of Phillip Island is a great idea if you are near Melbourne. For Sydey-siders, why not take a Blue Mountains tour and go bush walking and learn about the Three Sisters?

Gift Ideas

Once you’ve got the right idea for a party, you may want to consider some of these ideas for their gift:

An ant farm
An explorers kit- including everything from binoculars to a torch
Camping gear- so they can camp out in the backyard
Books about different animals and insects
Containers and gear for catching bugs
A scrapbook you can start with them, collecting all of the leaves, rocks and other things they find on their explorations
If they love dinosaurs, a book with facts or a dinosaur toy would make a great gift

It’s so important to encourage and nurture our children’s creativity. If your child loves exploring, even if it’s just in your own backyard, you will want to consider some of the birthday party ideas and gifts suggested above. I hope we’ve provided you with some useful inspiration for hosting a wonderful party for your little explorer, the next time their birthday comes around.

5 Educational Holiday Activities the Kids Will Love

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:04:00 GMT

School holidays are a great time for relaxing with the family. It’s also a good time to organise some fun activities for your kids which are not only exciting, but educational too for your little ones. From taking a Blue Mountains tour to explore and find out more about the Three Sisters, to visiting the Aquarium and learning about aquatic life, there are plenty of great activities you can enjoy with your kids that are not only fun, but educational too:

An afternoon of craft outdoors

A great way to spend an afternoon during the school holidays with your kids is outside with some fun craft activities. Browse online for some great ideas for making all sorts of things from bird feeders to jewellery boxes. It could even be an ongoing project you can work on together.

Make your own veggie patch

Getting dirty in the backyard is something kids love to do, and making a vegie patch is not only fun, but it’s also educational and practical. Find out what vegetables are good for planting during this time of year and have fun watching them grow and teaching your child some of the basics of agriculture.

Visit the museum

Find something your child is interested in. Some kids love everything to do with bugs and insects while others love everything to do with dinosaurs. Look for relevant shows at local museums that you can take your child to one afternoon. They’ll love it.

Under the sea

If your child loves everything to do with marine life, you can’t go past a trip to the aquarium. The touch pool is always a favourite with the little ones and gives them a chance to feel the different textures of coral and even different starfish. Many aquariums even have special school holiday activities so your child can enjoy craft making and colouring in, while they’re there.

Go on a tour

Depending on where you are, there will be plenty of different tour options you can look into. Sydney-siders can enjoy a tour to the Blue Mountains, bush walking and learning about the area. If in Melbourne, you will want to take your kids on a Phillip Island tour, to explore beautiful surrounds and see the penguin parade the island is famous for. Tours are great because it means that nothing is left out and you get to sit back and relax and enjoy the ride as well!

There are so many wonderful holiday activities that are not only fun for your kids, but educational too. It’s just a matter of knowing what your child is most interested in and what’s most suitable for them not only it terms of interest, but also for their age. Then you just have to do some research to find some fun activities perfect for them to enjoy during their school break!

6 Ideas for Keeping the Kids Busy During the Christmas Break

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:59:00 GMT

The school holidays can drag on for kids when they don’t have enough to keep them occupied. That’s why it’s great to plan a few activities that your kids can look forward to over the Christmas break. From taking them on a Phillip Island tour, to arranging a number of play dates, there’s heaps of activities you can organise to keep your kids happy all Summer long!

Christmas gifts that go the distance

One key to a great Christmas break for any kid, is the gifts they receive on Christmas. Getting your child a gift that will keep them active, will ensure they have plenty to do when at home. A new bike for instance or a scooter, both make great Christmas gift ideas. If your child loves puzzles, why not get them something Sudoku related? Or a series of books they like?

Organising play dates

Arranging for a number of play dates during the school holidays is a good idea. Not only does it help your child to see their friends during the long break from school, but it also means that you can have some time to yourself to do some things you need to attend to for a few hours while your child is visiting their friend.

Start a sport or hobby

Sometimes it’s a good idea to help your child develop a hobby or start a sport. Perhaps they enjoying swimming and want to go training with a squad a few times a week during the break. Or they may want to take up rock climbing or even painting or drawing. Whatever your child is interested in, this break away from school is the perfect opportunity to let them explore extracurricular pursuits.

Camps for kids

If your child loves to be outdoors, then perhaps sending them on a camp for a few days is a good idea. It gives them the chance to learn new skills, meet other children and enjoy activities such as kayaking, canoeing and so much more.

Go away for a break

Why not take this time to have a little break yourself, and pack the whole family in the car and spend a few days road tripping along the coast? This is a great way to unwind and spend some quality time with everyone together. Just make sure you book your accommodation ahead of time to ensure you don’t miss out.

Go sight-seeing

Spending quality time with your child during the school holidays is the perfect opportunity for the two of you to bond. Go on a Blue Mountains Tour, spend a day in the city, or at the beach. Pack your lunch and make a day of it. Both of you will have a great time, guaranteed.

Keeping your kids busy during the school holidays comes down to planning ahead, and communicating with your child about what they would like to be doing during their break from school. I hope our list of tips has given you some useful suggestions for how to keep your kids occupied and having fun, all Summer long.

6 Tips for Travelling During the Christmas School Holidays

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:54:00 GMT

Travelling during the Christmas School Holidays can be a little hectic. People are leaving to go away, every one’s in Christmas rush mode, and the hot weather can often try one’s patience. But whether you are going up or down the coast, or wanting to take the kids to Melbourne and go on a Phillip island Tour, we’ve got some great tips for travelling during the busiest time of year:

Have your car serviced

One important thing to do before hitting the road is to have your car serviced. This is really important. Firstly, it means that you won’t have any hiccups or delays on the way, and it will also ensure a safe ride for everyone.

Take it easy when driving

unfortunately road death tolls climb during peak periods because of so many motorists being on the roads. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination so you can take your time, and have regular rests along the way.

Pack all the essentials in the front of the car

It’s always when you are in an area where it’s difficult to stop that one of your littlest passengers needs a drink or something to snack on. That’s why it’s always a good idea that the front passenger has a bag of snacks and drinks at their feet in a bag at the front of the car.

Plenty of entertainment for the kids

As long as they’re occupied, the kids will be fine in the back playing electronic games, watching a DVD or listening to music. But the minute they get bored, things can go pear-shaped. Ensure that you have everything in the car to keep them busy for as long as the car trip there and back. Remember it’s better to pack too many DVDs than not enough.

Leave as early as possible

Beat the Christmas rush if possible by travelling on a day that is just before the kids break up from school. A day or two can make all the difference if you can organise to get the kids off early, and time off work.

Plan your activities ahead

Just say you are heading to Sydney for the holidays. Before you get there, book in a number of activities for the family to enjoy together. During busy periods, things that you could normally buy tickets for on the spot, can sell out. For instance if you want to take everyone on a Blue Mountains Tour, you’ll want to pre-book this if possible to ensure there’s room for everyone on the day you want to go.

Travelling with the whole family during peak periods can be a little daunting. But as long as you take your time and are well prepared, your Christmas holidays will be one to remember, for the entire family.

Holiday Planning Tips

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 07:43:00 GMT

Whether you are planning a Blue Mountains Tour or are jet setting off to an island paradise for a week, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your escape. Here, we list our top tips for ensuring your next holiday goes off without a hitch:

Stick to your budget- It's easier said than done I know, but there's no point in going on a luxurious escape if all you will be worrying about the entire time is your finances. Figure out how much you can spend and stick to it. If you think you will be tempted to charge things to your credit card that you can't afford while you're away, leave it at home. A holiday is meant to help you relax, not create more stress for when you get back.

Do your research

Find out about the major attractions and places to see where you are going. This way you can make sure you don't miss out on seeing anything. Also find out any cultural rules or social etiquette that is observed in the area you plan to visit.

Create an itinerary

So now you know how much you can spend and the places you want to go while you are away. Now it's time to plan your holiday by creating an itinerary. This is a great way to map out how you will fit everything in and have all tours and activities booked before you arrive.

Tips for booking your accommodation

Booking the right accommodation can make or break your holiday. Here we've got a list of tips to ensure you are staying at the right place for you:

Look at their facilities- Do you want to have access to a gym, pool or spa? Find out what facilities they have on offer.
Child-friendly- Do you need the accommodation to be child-friendly? There are plenty of resorts that offer activities and child minding services. If you have kids you may want to stay at a place that can offer this.
Location- Consider the location of the places you are looking at. Do you want to be in the heart of it all so you can walk everywhere? Or are you happy to be staying a bus ride from all major attractions? These are all important things you need to consider.
Discounts and other services- Some hotels are bound to have special deals on day tours and other tourist activities which you will be taken to from where you are staying. Find out if the hotel you are looking at can offer you discounts on guided tours and other activities.

Above all, you should be looking online for reviews from past patrons of hotels and other forms of accommodation in the area you will be going. Finding out first hand from people who have stayed at these venues is the best way to discover what the facilities are really like.

The key to an excellent holiday really is careful planning. I hope our tips on how to go about making sure you have the best holiday will help you ensure that your next trip is your best yet.

4 Great Family Holiday Destinations

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 07:36:00 GMT

Australia has plenty of great family holiday destinations, no matter what city you call home. Here, we've listed our top pick of the best 4 family holiday destinations we recommend, some of which are often overlooked. From taking a Blue Mountains Tour to spending a few days at the best theme parks in the country, we've got a great list of family-friendly holiday ideas you don't want to miss:

The Gold Coast theme park holiday

The Gold Coast is home to Australia's best theme parks. Spend a few days exploring each of the parks and take the kids on rides, see live shows and performances and learn about amazing marine animals all in a few days. Movie World, Dream World, Wet n Wild and Sea World are great places to take your kids as they are built with kids in mind. In other words, you'll never have to worry about boredom setting in and will most likely have a peaceful drive back the hotel as your kids will be tired from an exhausting but fun day.

A Blue Mountains Escape

Why not take the kids on a Blue Mountains holiday to explore the amazing bush land of the region? The Blue Mountains has so much to offer in the way of family activities too. Spend a day at the Jenolan Caves, exploring the underwater rivers and rock formations. Take in the Three Sisters before embarking on tour of the surrounding bush land. Then retire for the evening at a cottage overlooking the rugged terrain.

Phillip Island Holiday

Phillip Island has been a favourite destination for many Melbournites and is becoming increasingly popular with people from all over the country wanting to visit this island paradise. Take the kids swimming at one of the calmer beaches or go surfing on the other side of the island and face the massive waves. The island has a number of great bike tracks which you can take right through the island to experience the beautiful surrounds of untouched landscapes. The island itself is actually home to one of the largest Little Penguin colonies in the world. At sunset, the penguins come ashore to their burrows on the sand. Known as the penguin parade, no Phillip Island tour is complete without witnessing this amazing spectacle.

A visit to our Nation's Capital

A trip to Canberra is a great idea for a family holiday. Canberra has a number of great places to take the kids and has activities and sights to interest the whole family. Visit the Mint, the National Gallery and the AIS. Take the kids to Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre to experience a range of hands on exhibitions and interactive displays. Often overlooked as a holiday destination, Canberra really does have heaps to offer those going on a family holiday.

Family holidays are all about making lasting memories with your kids. I hope our pick of the top 4 family holiday destinations has given you some useful ideas for where to take your family on your next vacation.

Tips for Taking your Kids on Road Trips

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 07:33:00 GMT

Depending on your child's age, the length of the drive and how used to the car they are, a road trip can either be a non-event or a complete nightmare. Whether you are planning a Blue Mountains tour or a trip up the coast to see family, we've got some great road trip tips no parent should miss:

Buy them a new toy- A great way to keep them occupied is to buy them a new toy and only give it to them as soon as you are all in the car and ready to go. This will definately keep them amused for some time. Make sure that if you need batteries for the toy you have them already in place or on hand.
Leave early in the morning- Try to leave as early as possible, way before breakfast. Hopefully, you should be able to put them in the car so they can continue sleeping for a few hours before you have to start thinking about stopping for breakfast.
Bring lots of snacks and drinks in the car- Your child is likely to want snacks and drinks between pit stops. Making sure you have these close at hand will mean you don't have to stop every time to get something out of the boot.
Stop regularly-Stopping regularly not only helps the driver, but it will also help the kids with the long journey. Getting out, stretching the legs and using the bathroom really helps to break up the trip.
Bring lots of pillows and blankets- The more comfortable your kids are, the more likely they are to rest and sleep.
Bring a portable DVD player- Keeping the kids occupied for a few hours with a movie or two is a great way to get some good driving time in with little to no distractions.
Play games- There are heaps of fun games you can enjoy playing with your kids while driving. I-Spy is an old classic and still a good one!
Book accommodation on the way-If you plan to make stops along the way, make sure you book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are travelling during peak times. The last thing you want is for the kids to be upset and your unable to stop for the night.
Have your car checked- Before you embark on any road trip, it's so important that you have your car serviced and checked over for any issues.
Make sure your boot has a number of essential items- These include things like a torch, antibacterial wipes, bottles of water and of course a spare tire.

From short day tours to long road trips down the coast, travelling with small children can be a challenge. If you implement at least some of the above tips however, you are guaranteed to have a smoother, much more enjoyable family holiday, Scout's honour.