Archive for September, 2015

Australia’s Best Holiday Islands

Wednesday, September 30th, 2015

Hawaii is the first name which comes into mind when planning a holiday on the island. But, if you are looking for something new and something different then Australia has an amazing selection of islands for a perfect and exotic island vacation. We have selected some of the best islands in Australia which are stunningly beautiful and unique. So, take a look to find out that’s right for you.

Kangaroo Island

Located in the south of the country, Kangaroo Island is like a paradise and a must visit place for nature lovers. A ferry ride of 45 minutes will take you the island from Cape Jervis. You can also take a plane from Adelaide to reach the island. Kangaroo Island has many beautiful beaches and plenty of wildlife including kangaroos and koalas. You can many water sports, wonderful nature of the island and its beaches.

kangaroo-island

Rottnest Island

Connected by a short ferry ride, the Rottnest Island is located on the west coast of Australia. The island is a must visit place for those who want to discover an unspoiled nature, amazing flora and fauna, beautiful landscapes and pristine beaches. The island has been declared as a nature reserve since 1917. Rottnest Island is home to a well-preserved wildlife, green parks and some salt lakes and offers numerous interesting places to explore such as coral reefs. It is an ideal place for recreational fishermen and surfers.

Fraser Island

Located in the east, Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world. It is also called a paradise for its exceptional beauty, amazing nature, transparent lakes and endless white sandy beaches. A journey of 40 minutes in a ferry from the coast of Queensland will take you to the Fraser Island. The island offers many walking trails stretched for over 120 kilometers through dense forests, lakes and sandy beaches. In 1992, the Fraser Island was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO for its natural wealth.

Fraser-Island

King Island

The last island on our list is Kings Island which is located in the north of Tasmania. With an area of 1098 sq km, Kings Island provides plenty of attractions and things to do. Surrounded by some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, it is an ideal place for surfing, snorkeling and fishing. The population on the island is about 1600 and its inhabitants are very friendly. Here, you can enjoy one of the best cheeses in Australia and tasty dishes such as beef, lobsters and crayfish. You can reach here by a flight which is available daily from Moorabbin, Tullamarine and Burnie Airports.

Philip Island

It is a place where Grand Prix takes places but, it also the place where every evening little penguins make their famous parade. It is a nature park where you can discover the best of nature, lovely wildlife and beautiful beaches which are perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Other attractions on the island include Koala Conservation center, Seal Rocks Sea Life Centre, art galleries and museums. A trip to Philip Island offers amazing sights and unforgettable experiences. The island is connected by a bridge and you can reach here in your rental car.

Philip-Island

These are some of the best islands in Australia which are distinctive characteristics and offer a variety of recreational activities. Besides the beautiful beaches, amazing wildlife and all other natural advantages, you can also enjoy some of finest Australian cuisines on these islands.

The Great Ocean Road – A Ride through Nature

Thursday, September 17th, 2015

The Great Ocean Road is a famous and scenic route situated between two Victorian cities: Geelong and Portland, along the Southern Ocean. This road was built by the soldiers who survived in the First World War and it is dedicated to the soldiers who were killed during the war. A visit to Melbourne is incomplete without traveling to this mythical route of Great Ocean Road.

Tip: Rent a car (van or caravan) and drive along this spectacular panoramic road which offers many beaches, fishing villages, rivers, cliffs, national parks and rainforests on its way.

Main Highlights of the Great Ocean Road:- 

The Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles are giant rocks towering beautifully over the Southern Ocean. These rocks were formed by the constant erosion of limestone cliffs. Located in Port Campbell National Park, The Twelve Apostles are the biggest tourist attraction on the Great Ocean Road. The views of sunrise and sunset are breathtaking from here. The color of the Twelve Apostles changes from dark to bright depending on the time.

twelve-apostles

Bay of Islands Coastal Park

It is 32 km long coastal park along the Great Ocean Road and offers spectacular views. Located between Warrnambool and Peterborough, this reserve was set up to protect the native flora and endangered species of birds. With beautiful surroundings and natural scenery, it is a great place to sit down and relax for some time.

Bay-of-Islands-Coastal-Park

The Great Otway National Park

Located in the southwest of Melbourne, the Great Otway National Park offers varied landscapes spread over 1000 sq km. Here, you can find hidden waterfalls, giant ferns and amazing birdlife. The Great Ocean Road passes through the heart of this eucalyptus reserve. Many leisure activities can be performed here including hiking, cycling, horse riding and many others. In addition, you can also see the oldest lighthouse in Australia which is still standing.

Bells Beach

Bells Beach, a paradise for surfers, is another attraction located near the town of Torquay on the southern coast of Victoria. Every year on Easter weekend, the best surfers from around the world reach Bells Beach to participate in Rip Curl Pro Surfing Competition. Rip Curl Pro is the oldest and one of the most popular surf competitions in the world. Bells Beach is also worth visiting the rest of the year.

Bells-Beach

These are only a few of the most popular highlights of the Great Ocean Road. There is a lot more to experience on this 243 km trip. It would take minimum of two days to explore most of the attractions, which comes along the journey, before reaching the end.

Typical Australian Foods That You Can Try During Trip to Australia

Thursday, September 10th, 2015

Australian food is the fusion of Asian and Western cuisines. Being a culturally diverse country, it offers a wide variety of dishes that reflects its multicultural history. Today, Australia is one of the most popular destinations for culinary tourism. Now, let’s take a look at Australian gastronomy.

Traditional Breakfast in Australia

Australians take breakfast very seriously. Their breakfast is usually light and consists of cereals with milk, toast with butter and jam, eggs, pancakes and tea. Vegemite, a dark brown paste with salty and bitter taste, is also very popular in the country which is spread over bread. Coffee is generally smooth and brewed in a large bowl with cold milk.

australian-breakfast

Lunch in Australia

The Australian lunch is composed of various conventional foods. They eat meat pie (traditional meat), sandwiches, fried chicken and fish & chips. The Australian sandwiches include various ingredients, almost anything, such as mushroom, beans, fish, sweet corns, eggs, pineapple and whatever. The burgers are very popular in the country.

Afternoon Snacks

The afternoon is the time for tea and it is regarded as a ritual which is due to the influence of former British colonies which were the first to settle down in Australia. Traditionally, tea is accompanied with many sweet things such as cookies, cakes and pies. Some people have changed this tradition by coffee.

australian-snacks

Australian Dinner

The dinner is very important in Australia and usually consists of meat, fresh vegetables, seafood, salads and pickles. The meat dishes include kangaroo, crocodile, lamb and pork. Vegetables include potatoes, pumpkin, mushroom, carrot and onion. Rice consumption is very low, but pasta is highly regarded. The dinner is often followed by dessert such as Pavlova.

Typical Drinks

Australians often drink tea in the morning and afternoon. These days, coffee is also becoming very popular. But, the national drink in Australia is beer. There are many flavors of beer available in the country but ginger, mango and cider are the most common. Australian wines are also very good and cheap.

drink-in-australia

Australia is an extensive country with diverse cultures and that is the reason why there is so much versatility in the Australian cuisines. With such a huge variety of foods, eating in Australia is a pleasure.