Newcastle is a great town on the New South Wales about an hour north of the state capital, Sydney.

It’s also a hidden gem that is rarely visited by tourists or visitors yet is a fantastic place to explore by rental car. While there is public transport available, the convenience of hiring a car is well appreciated by most visitors to this area.

The town of Newcastle itself has a lot of different restaurants and cafes and is well served by accommodation for most budgets. The real secret of Newcastle though is its 13 pristine beaches in the east of the city.

For anyone who loves swimming, surfing, fishing or just running along unspoilt beaches, Newcastle is a dream come true. The best part about the beaches is that they are relatively unknown and most certainly under-utilised so you are likely to have a huge area of beach all to yourself. Just remember that swimming on any beaches in Australia can be dangerous so if you want to swim, remember to find a patrolled beach and to swim between the flags.

If you want to go further afield by hire car, then Sydney is just down the road about an hour. The really popular place to go though is the Hunter Valley wine region to the west and north-west of Newcastle.  It is here that you will find many of Australia’s famous vineyards and wineries and it is a popular area for a day trip for visitors from Newcastle and Sydney.

Just remember that Australia has very strict drink-driving laws so if you are going to go on a wine tasting tour, remember to do it with friends and have a designated driver who doesn’t drink.

No visit to Sydney is complete without a visit to Darling Harbour. Not only does it offer a grand range of facilities for shopping, dining and things for the kids to do, it’s also the place to go to truly experience Sydney’s aquatic heritage.

Darling Harbour is conveniently located southeast of Circular Quay. You can get there on foot or by monorail but for the full experience, you should arrive by boat. After all, you’re here to explore Sydney’s seafaring past. You can choose a number of ferries and water taxis which dock at its piers and jetties.

First, head for the Australian National Maritime Museum at the northern edge of the Darling Harbour waterfront. The museum includes both in- and outdoor attractions including a wonderful replica of James Cook’s HMB Endeavour. You can clamber aboard the destroyer HMAS Vampire and the submarine HMAS Onslow to get a real feel for maritime life. You can also explore traditional Aboriginal craft and examine the world’s fastest boat – the Spirit of Australia.

Other highlights include a Vietnamese refugee boat that survived the voyage to Australia and a pearling lugger from the north-western pearling town of Broome.

Among the display are ships’ logs, hands-on exhibits, a cinema and computer games. Daily free guided tours are provided in the galleries.

The museum also features the Yots Cafe Bar offering food and local wines and a store hawking maritime books, souvenirs, games and toys.

For your next insight into aquatic Sydney, visit Sydney Aquarium. It’s one of the world’s largest aquariums with over 5000 varieties of local fish exhibited in their natural environments. Altogether, the aquarium houses 11000 water-related creatures including reptiles and mammals including penguins and crocodiles from Australia’s seas and inland waterways.

One unique experience here is the “walk on the ocean floor”. This features underwater tunnels allowing a close up view of giant rays, gray nurse sharks and seals.

There’s also a section devoted to the Great Barrier Reef with countless fish swarming around coral outcrops.

Sydney Aquarium is open 9.30am-9pm daily. The weekend can get very crowded.

Next, it’s pleasant to walk along the foreshore of Cockle Bay which was the original name given to Darling Harbour by the early settlers owing to the fertile shellfish found there. It was later the port of arrival for fresh produce and timber from Parramatta and the north coast. The area later became an industrial zone with port and railway yard. After decades of prosperity, Darling Harbour declined and was revamped for the Sydney Bicentennial celebrations in 1988.

Stop for refreshments at the Cockle Wharf restaurant and cafe complex and perhaps round off your day at Darling Harbour with an evening cruise. You may see the great container shops nosing their way into port.

A visit to Darling Harbour is convenient and fun. A day out here offers wonderful glimpse of Sydney’s maritime past and how important the harbour is to this city. If you’re tempted to stay, you’ll find a wide array of Darling Harbour hotels and guests houses to suit every mood and pocket.

Port Douglas Carnivale began in 1993 and initially was designed to celebrate the opening of the tourist season and market Port Douglas as a holiday destination to both domestic and international visitors.

Carnivale is an award winning event and it is a week long party often described as the most exciting event of the year in Port Douglas.

A unique affair Port Douglas Carnivale is a celebration that attracts and inspires an enormous amount of participation from the local residents, businesses and industry. Almost the entire community actively takes part: be it in an event or as a spectator. As a result, the turnout grows from year to year and many tourists make a point of returning each year to be involved in the celebration of culture, wine and cuisine.

This year the theme is “Stars under the stars” and will include the introduction of new events such as the “Over The Fence” Comedy Film Festival which will be held at the Karnak Playhouse, Port Douglas Outdoor Cinema and a “Captive of the Headhunters’ Exhibit in Cow Bay.

Please see table below for a comprehensive event guide.

The launch of the Port Douglas Carnivale is the Carnivale Masquerade Cocktail Party is with this years theme of “Art of Masquerade”. Held at the historical old Sugar Wharf.

All time favourite events including the street fiesta which will see the main street of Port Douglas (Macrossan Street) blocked off to vehicles and turned into a mammoth street party. All night alfresco dining from over 80 restaurants and food stalls, fine wine, live music, street theatre, fireworks and the highlight that is the float and parade ensures that the Port Douglas Carnivale is always spectacular.

On Saturday evening among the swaying palms “Food, Wine & A Taste of Port” serves up an exciting taste sensation as the full moon rises over the coral sea and you can experience the reason why Port Douglas is renowned for being amongst the best dining in Australia.

Many other events not to be missed include the Blessing of the fleet, the Marina Mirage longest lunch, the Four Mile Beach family fun day, the Marina Mirage Seafood Extravaganza, not to mention the Port Douglas golf challenge, regatta, fishing competition and twilight sail.

Port Douglas Carnivale has something for everyone and is a tropical celebration of tropical life.

EVENT CALENDAR

PORT DOUGLAS VILLAGE CARNIVALE

20-29 May 2005

20 May Sea Temple Masquerade Cocktail Party

20-29 May Sea Temple Carnivale Art Exhibition

20-29 May Kuku Yalanji Art Exhibition

20-29 May Carnivale @ Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

20-29 May Carnivale in the Daintree & Cape Tribulation

20-29 May “Captive of the Head Hunters” Art & Artefacts Exhibition

21 May Inaugural Carnivale Tennis Cup

21 May Reef ‘n’ Rainforest Race Day

21 & 22 May Over the Fence Comedy Film Festival

21 & 22 May Port Douglas Yacht Club Fishing Competition

21 & 28 May Soccer Time at Carnivale

22 May Trinity Cycle Works Criterium

23-29 May Port Douglas Outdoor Cinema & Family Entertainment

24 & 25 May The 2005 Port Douglas Golf Challenge

24-29 May Sea Temple Carnivale Corporate Mask Competition

25 May WAGLS Twilight Sail

28, 28, 29 May Hogs Breath Clipper Cup Series Regatta

27 May Blessing of the Fleet

27 May Marina Mirage Longest Lunch

27 May Lotsa Printing Carnivale on Macrossan Street Fiesta

27 May Court House Hotel Fireworks Spectacular

28 May ANZ Bank Four Mile Beach Family Fun Day

28 May Food & Wine & A Taste of Port

29 May Marina Mirage Seafood Extravaganza

Port Douglas Carnivale 2006 – next year’s carnivale dates have not yet been finalised. Watch this space for more information.

More than any other state in Australia, Tasmania enjoys four distinct seasons, each with its their own special characteristics. Both local Tasmanians and visitors enjoy the state’s temperate maritime climate. Summer is a festive season when the Launceston Festivale and the Hobart Summer Festival are held. Autumn is a mellow season with calm, sunny days when the native deciduous beech trees and European trees blaze with a riot of red, orange and gold colours. Winter days are crisp and clear with a dusting of snow on mountain peaks. Spring is cool and refreshing, with gardens bursting back to life as Tasmania celebrates the Blooming Tasmania festival.

Tasmania’s capital Hobart is an intriguing blend of the old and the new, a city defined by the river and sea. Hobart’s maritime focus can be appreciated with a harbour cruise or drive to the top of Mt Nelson or Mt Wellington – suburbs line the Derwent River, city buildings are clustered around the historic docks and the Derwent estuary broadens into Storm Bay. Only twenty-five kilometres from Hobart is the historic town of Richmond, home to the old Richmond Gaol and part of Tasmania’s early convict origins. The nearby vineyards and wineries of the Coal River Valley are home to many of Tasmania’s superb cool-climate wines. Hobart is an ideal base from which to explore southern and eastern Tasmania.

Hobart has more summer daylight hours than any other Australian capital city. Tasmania is the southernmost of the eight Australian states and territories, and enjoys over 15 hours of daylight on the summer solstice (22 December). This is 2.5 more hours of daylight than Darwin (Northern Territory) receives and 1 hour more than Sydney (New South Wales) receives on the same day. Experts at the Launceston Planetarium claim that the day is even longer if twilight periods at dawn and dusk are taken into account. On the other hand, Tasmania receives less daylight than mainland Australian states and territories in winter. Hobart has around 9 hours daylight in winter, 1 hour less than Sydney and about 2.5 hours less than Darwin.

Rainfall in Tasmania varies dramatically from region to region. Hobart is Australia’s second-driest capital city after Adelaide, while on the West Coast an annual average of 2400 millimetres ensures that temperate rainforests thrive. Minimal artificial light makes Tasmania’s night sky an exceptional location for stargazing, including the wonder of the magnificent Aurora Australis.

Devonport is a diverse and interesting region, home to charming historic towns, beautiful beaches and forests, fine foods and the magnificent craggy peaks of Cradle Mountain. Cradle Mountain is a dramatic mountain peak in the northern section of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, a World Heritage Area. The mountain is one of the most popular features in the park, and is surrounded by stands of native deciduous beech trees, rainforest and alpine heathlands. Icy streams cascade down the mountainsides, and ancient pines are reflected in the still glacial lakes. The walk to the top of the mountain (1,545 metres) takes eights return. Lake St Clair is the deepest in Australia (190 metres), having been excavated by glaciers about 10,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. Towering cliffs rise sheer from the waters of the lake, in which fishing and boating are allowed.

The east coast of Tasmania is a region of agreeable contrasts – sunshine and sea, wine and wildlife, rugged cliffs and glorious beaches. A centre of fine food and wine, the area is famous for its fresh, natural produce. It is also home to a series of excellent national parks, including Douglas-Apsley National Park with majestic rivers, eucalypts and Oyster Bay pines, Freycinet National Park which is renowned as a bushwalkers’ and sea kayakers’ paradise, and Maria Island National Park rich in history, scenic walks and fauna. The east coast’s history is told by its place names. Schouten Island and Maria Island were mapped by Dutch navigator Abel Tasman, while the Freycinet Peninsula was charted by Frenchman Nicolas Baudin. Welsh settlers named the town of Swansea, while Triabunna and Wielangta recall thousands of years of Aboriginal presence in Tasmania.

Here are some Christmas Holidays from around the world. If you haven’t decided what to do for this Holiday Season you might find some inspiration here.

Visiting a major City at Christmas can be a very exciting holiday for a couple or a family. There will be plenty to do and sights to see. Two favourite destinations at Christmas are New York City or on the other side of the Atlantic is London, England.

London is of course a world famous city to start with. There are an amazing number of sights to see even before you start looking at all the special events for Christmas. After the regular sightseeing, Buckingham Palace, Changing of the Guard, Tower of London, Kensington Palace, Hyde Park, The Crown Jewels, The London Eye, etc you can settle down and plan which festive sights to see in the run up to Christmas itself.

No visit to London is complete without a visit to the West End to enjoy a show at one of its famous Theatres. While there you might even try a visit to a Pantomime which is a traditional British Christmas event.

Shopping is a major event in all cities at Christmas time and London is no exception. The lights and window displays in Regent Street and Oxford Street are worth a visit in themselves add all the wonderful stores and restaurants and you have a great day out.

There are Christmas Trees to see, Christmas Markets and Fairs, museums, galleries, attractions, restaurants, palaces and castles, parks and zoos and so much more. London would be a fabulous city in which to spend Christmas.

New York is one of the most exciting places in the world. Christmas in New York must rank highly as a favourite destination. First class hotels and restaurants. Fabulous shopping. An abundance of attractions from the Empire State Building, The Statue of Liberty to museums, galleries, historic sites,Ellis Island, Wall Street, Central Park and so much more. There are fine restaurants, theaters, clubs and bars all dressed up for Christmas and ready to give you the time of your life.

Niagara Falls, Canada is another fabulous place for a Christmas Holiday. The Festival of Light is held during the Christmas Season. Niagara Falls and the surrounding area is transformed into an illuminated winter wonderland to the delight of the expected 1.3 million visitors. In addition to the illuminated Falls, there are 125 animated lighting displays and 3 million tree and ground lights along the 5Km of the Niagara Parkway. These imaginative displays include the world’s largest Canadian Flag, Disney Classics and “Twas the Night before Christmas,” an audio-visual spectacular. There are also the firework displays over the mighty falls. This is in addition to the already beautiful and exciting Falls themselves and the other Niagara Falls attractions. The “Maid of the Mist” boat trip, the Daredevil Museum, the Skylon Tower, the Cirque Niagara, Aquarium, Museums, shops, restaurants, bars, clubs and family attractions. This is a year round favourite holiday destination for honeymooners, couples and families but Christmas in Niagara Falls is an extra special experience.

Europe has some marvelous places in which to spend Christmas. Paris for a romantic Christmas. Lapland for an exciting children’s Christmas visiting Santa Claus. Sweden and its Ice Hotel for a very adventurous Christmas. The ski resorts of Austria for a traditional white Christmas, with skiing, snowboarding, log fires, mulled wine and delicious food.

Or you could chose a very untraditional Christmas and head for the sun. Australia has Christmas during its summer. All the festivities and sunshine, sandy beaches and a barbeque thrown in.

Finally right down to the bottom of the world. How about Antarctica for a Christmas adventure. Stay aboard an ice breaker and learn all about Antarctica and its wildlife. This would be a truly different way to spend Christmas, watching penguins at play and possibly seals and whales too, seeing magnificent icebergs and the awe inspiring scenery of the Antarctic.

From shopping for Christmas presents in a busy city to watching the sun set over the snow and ice there are so many wonderful and exciting places to visit around the world this Christmas.

If you are looking for a great holiday destination with beautiful places and lots to do you could try Margaret River. It is suitable for families, couples or groups of friends. Although it is a tranquil, relaxing place there is a lot to see and do. The weather is lovely all year so you can take a beach holidays when it suits you. There is also a lot of Margaret River accommodation in a range of prices and styles.

There are two major attractions in the area which draw in lots of people. The surf is excellent all year round and attracts keen surfers from all over the world. There is over a hundred kilometers of coast with places to practice the sport. The largest and most powerful waves occur in spring and winter when there is an annual competition. The other activity which brings enthusiasts from all over the globe is art. Margaret River has become a focal point for artists. This year the Cowparade art competition will be held in the town. In previous years it has been held in large cities such as Tokyo and Paris. This reflects the sheer number of photographers, painters, sculptors, jewelers and crafts people in Margaret River. If you like art you will be able to find plenty of galleries to while away a few hours.

The area is also being increasingly recognized as a place for gourmets. There are lots of wineries in the area producing award winning wines. To compliment these, the area also has some great local produce and some renowned chefs taking advantage of them. Restaurants possibilities range from home cooked rustic food to innovative modern fare. Throughout Australia the Margaret River restaurants are known for their tasty local food and their skill in matching the local wines to your meal. There are many wine and food tours available so you can experience the gastronomic delights of the region.

Many of the best places to visit are the natural assets of the area. There are many kilometers of wild and beautiful beaches, sheltered coves, walking trails, caves and lots of opportunities for encounters with wildlife. The most spectacular of these comes in the whale watching season. Southern Right Whales and Humpbacks both raise their young offshore providing a unique chance to see the two species interact. The area also draws bird watchers due to the numbers of species.

Fishing is popular in the area in the sea and inland waterways. There are many sports facilities. Family attractions are numerous and include; a reptile park, working farms, a forest maze where visitors are taught about plants, a chocolate factory, and museums of local history. There is also a trendy boardwalk area where the parents can relax in a cosmopolitan setting while the kids play on the beach.

There is accommodation to suit all budgets in Margaret River. They range from luxurious five star resorts, to beach houses, motels and hostels. You can choose to be self catering and explore the culinary delights of the area. It is also possible to rent house boats on the Blackwood River. That way you can explore all the area has to offer while relaxing and enjoying the scenery.

It is easy to book accommodations in the area with the internet. There is also lots of tourist information available.

There is accommodation in Margaret River to fit all budgets and tastes. There are also so many options with places to go and activities that you can plan your perfect holiday.

Brisbane, Queensland, is a vibrant and attractive city with a unique selection of budget and exclusive accommodation with many things to do for the visitor such as attractions and tours.
Brisbane has always been a tourist destination in Australia due to its unique characteristics and gateway to outstanding natural scenery.

With many great accommodation specials and interesting tours, visitors get to enjoy the eclectic mix of modern and historical sites around the CBD whilst sampling the great selection of dining and bars.

Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. Although more of Brisbane’s population live outside the city compared to other capital cities, it is still vibrant and economically and culturally alive.

Brisbane has a major international airport is a popular gateway city to tourist locations such as Fraser Island, Stradbroke Island, The Sunshine Coast ans the Great Barrier Reef. To the south of Brisbane is the Gold Coast where busy tourist hotspots include Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta and Tweed Heads.

There are tree-shaded walks to be found and picnics in the manicured gardens are a popular choice on hot afternoons. With a lot to see and do, and an atmosphere of lazy sunny days, a good way to tour Brisbane is by public transport.

A highlight not far from the CBD is the

The City Sights Bus Tour takes in modern and historical sites around the CBD, while stopping at 19 strategic locations. The ticket is valid all day and gives unlimited access to river ferries and Brisbane Transport’s commuter bus fleet.

The City Nights Tour includes floodlit landmarks, the illuminated cliff faces of Kangaroo Point, and breathtaking night views over the city from Mount Coot-tha Lookout in the Brisbane Botanical Gardens. These riverside and city botanical gardens are the original gardens only 10 minutes from the CBD.

The gardens cover 20 hectares and visitors can enjoy a wonderful stroll along the riverbank. There are some spectacular mansions to be seen across on the South Bank. The gardens have been flooded many times by the river which unfortunately washed away many plants during this occurrence.

Activities close to accommodation in Brisbane include learning about the history of the area in the local museum or enjoying some of the local wine and cuisine in one of the many bistros or cafes.

Fortitude Valley is the most thriving and popular entertainment suburb of Brisbane with many clothes shops, dining, late night bars and cafes.

Popular growing suburbs are Spring Hill and New Farm. These areas are quickly becoming the exclusive must-live areas of Brisbane due to their close distance from the ‘happening’ Fortitude Valley and CBD.

Due to its proximity to the airport and good public transport, visitors to Brisbane can enjoy both long stays and weekends in this cultural and enjoyable city.

Background
By giving anyone the opportunity to write about their town or experiences, the planbooktravel website is quickly becoming recognised as the trusted ‘home’ of user-generated content on Australian destination information.

In a recent backpacking excursion throughout Europe, I found myself in an ongoing dialogue with innumerable Australian itinerants. For many years, I considered Australia nearly devoid of culture, music, and history, being that it’s such an infant nation. (And besides, how often do Australian bands make it to the States?) However, as my 6-month sojourn would soon elucidate, there is much in the way of the Outback-or so the Aussies convinced me-especially when it comes to the natural elements.

I was first struck by the Blue Mountains in a vivid anecdote, recounted by an animated chap in Munich, Germany. His vernacular, infused with that distinct Australian panache, transfixed me, as images of expansive Blue Mountains careened through my fervent mind. Little did I know that the Blue Mountains, named for the incandescent blue hue which pervades the region, is not only a mecca for nature lovers, but also for leisure seekers and cultural buffs as well.

Located in the heavily populated state of New South Wales, 48 kilometers west of Sydney, Australia, the Blue Mountains boast an enchanting landscape, one painted with dramatic cliffs, expansive valleys, and glassy, azure lakes. Spanning an impressive 1 million hectares, a large part of which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Blue Mountains broadcast an array of spectacular attractions: numerous national parks, including the Wollebi National Park with its aboriginal sites; The Three Sisters, a famous rock formation that, at a staggering 900 meters, literally mounts the sky; the sweeping Jamison Valley, densely-forested and laden with iridescent waterfalls; the remarkable orifices of The Jenolan Caves, some of the oldest open caverns in the world; and the breathtaking Grose Valley, whose massive gorge astounded even Charles Darwin in 1836.

There is, however, much more to The Blue Mountains than meets the eye; the region is also a cultural enclave, its setting a capacious stage for some of Australia’s most scintillating venues, activities, and cultural events. Far from a cultural vacuum, the bountiful list below illuminates Australia’s captivating pulse-a pulse that puts this presumptuous writer humbly in her place.

Festivals and Events-The Blue Mountains host a bevy of music festivals, including the highly acclaimed Blue Mountain Festival of Folk, Blues, and Roots, a three day festival held in March that showcases innumerable folk, blues, and roots artists. A symphony of guitars, mandolins, fiddles, flutes, pipes, banjos and drums pervades Blue Mountains’ hazy atmosphere as music lovers unite under sky and stars at this incendiary festival. The Blue Mountains also features trail running events like North Face 100; wine sampling at the famed Wines of the West Festival; and several markets and arts and crafts exhibitions throughout the year.

Galleries-The natural world has always inspired art; Walt Whitman, Gary Snyder, and John Muir would surely vouch for that. Contemporary artists in the Blue Mountains similarly follow suit, their idylls expressing unbridled emotion toward the idyllic landscape surrounding them. Thus, disseminated throughout the Blue Mountains is an assemblage of art galleries exhibiting local artists’ works, including Falls Gallery, Jewel Blue Mountains Gallery, and Waragil Studios. Sculptors, photographers, potters, and landscape artists abound in this diverse landscape, making the Blue Mountains a hub for creative spirits and visionaries alike.

Dining-Like the galleries, food and wine similarly abound in this breathtaking setting, constituting an integral element of the Blue Mountains. Boasting an international cuisine amid cinematic panoramas, visitors will titillate their senses at Blue Mountain’s world-class dining facilities. Decadent restaurants include The Rooster, which serves French influenced cuisine overlooking the sweeping Jamison Valley; Echoes Restaurant, an award winning eatery poised along the edge of Blue Mountains National Park; and Solitary, named one of Australia’s top 5 eating destinations by Lonely Planet.

Compounding this comprehensive list is a myriad of sports activities, bushwalking tours and trails, boutiques, and even day spas, making The Blue Mountains a nucleus for adventure, leisure, culture, entertainment and, of course, ethereal beauty.

12. Great Ocean Road

This is without doubt one of Australia’s most scenic drives which takes close to four hours to complete. Stretching from Torquay through to Warrnambool, you will see cliff faces, ocean rock formations, rainforests and stretches of coast that can not be described. The road close to the Port Campbell National Park offers incredible scenery, and there are plenty of camping spots and accommodation offered along the way if you want to spend more time here. With waterfalls and walking trails inland and the best drives in the world along the coast, you need to experience this incredible Victorian hot spot on your vacation.

13. Philip Island

Known for its penguins and incredible sunsets, the remoteness and natural beauty of this island captures the heart of everyone who visits. Located south of Melbourne, the main town is Cowes which also has great beaches. There are plenty of walking tracks, and wildlife to see. The Philip Island Wildlife Park has to be seen, as well as the Koala Conservation Centre. The Penguin parade is by far the drawcard to this island, the best time being dusk as they return from a day out fishing.

14. Yarra Valley

Known for its wines, the Yarra Valley has a country appeal and also a great place to bushwalk, cycle and drive. One of the prettiest towns is Marysville, with amazing waterfalls and walks nearby. This area is perfect for a getaway day trip or overnight stay, with plenty of camping spots and accommodation to choose from. There are a number of national parks in the Valley, including the King Lake and Yarra Ranges National Parks. You will leave feeling relaxed and invigorated after your stay here.

15. Dandenong Ranges National Park

The Dandenong Ranges are made up of forest parks and beautiful gardens. A popular way to see the ranges is from the Puffing Billy steam train that takes you through scenic areas you normally would never see. Ferntree Gully National Park is a must with plenty of walking tracks and superb scenery. Located under an hour from Melbourne, it is a great day trip alternative with plenty to see and do. The Sherwood Forest and Thousand Steps are some of the natural attractions that draw plenty of locals and tourists to this incredible part of the world. The view from the Mount Dandenong Observatory also well worth the viist.

16. Apollo Bay

Located at the base of the Otway Ranges, and one of the most well known towns of the Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay is the perfect place to relax and enjoy incredible ocean views. It is the ideal base to enjoy all this area has to offer, and you can do as much or little as you like. The harbour is a great place to picnic and watch the fishing fleets, or you can take a day trip to one of the waterfalls in the hinterland. You won’t want to leave.

17. Bairnsdale

This is an ideal base to visit the lakes and wilderness area of East Gippsland, and is very pretty with the Mitchell River close by. It has everything you would expect in a city yet it is more a country town, and there is such unique wilderness on its doorstep that it can’t be missed. There are a number of fascinating museums in town, but the best attractions are further out, with Raymond Island, Fairy Dell, Colquhoun Forest and Lakes Entrance all less than an hour away.

18. Mount Beauty

The name says it all. With scenic beauty in every direction, and easily accessible at the foot of the highest mountain in Victoria (Mount Bogong), Mount Beauty boasts incredible views and is close to plenty of amazing attractions. The popular Falls Creek is not far away and skiers often use this town as a base, as well as in the summer months to visit the Bogong plains. The drive here can be steep in some areas, but there are a number of picturesque lookouts, such as View Point, which will make the drive worthwhile.

19. Mornington Peninsula

This is one of the most ever changing scenic destinations in Victoria. With natural bushland, rugged coast lines, vineyards, orchards and farms dotting the countryside, the Mornington Peninsula is a relaxing and inspiring place to visit. Known for its superb wines, especially the Pinot Noir and Cardonnay, there are plenty of vineyards to stop in to wine and dine. With bed and breakfasts and a number of good camping grounds it is great to visit for a day trip or overnight stay.

20. Milawa

This is a very pretty little town set in the King Valley wine producing region, located in Victoria’s high country. It is a great base for touring the area to visit the local produce including cheese, nuts, berries, honey, olives and of course, wine. Known for the famous Brown Brothers label, your palate will be satisfied as you enjoy a day trip to this hidden but incredibly picturesque region. Visit the Milawa Cheese Café and the Old Emu Inn. The Alpine National Park and Wabonga Plateau feature many walking trails with some sensational lookouts. There are plenty of festivals throughout the year, and the entire region is a top place to visit.

21. Halls Gap

Located in the Grampians National Park, just over 250 kilometres north west from Melbourne, Halls Gap can be found at the foot of the Mount William ranges and is the perfect base to visit the Grampians. There are plenty of bushwalking tracks, lookouts and waterfalls which will take more than a few days to explore. Abseiling, fishing and canoeing are popular, but for the less adventurous the Wildlife park and Zoo feature plenty of Australian wildlife. Some of the best inland fishing can also be found here. For all types of travellers, this is a une and relaxi

Anyone travelling to Adelaide or touring South Australia should definitely consider a day trip to the magnificent Barossa Valley, just a short but scenic hour’s drive from Adelaide through the beautiful Adelaide Hills. The Barossa Valley is home to the world-famous wines such as the Barossa Shiraz and Eden Valley Riesling, in addition to a veritable cornucopia of unique regional produce, and of course many acclaimed restaurants.

The Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s most significant wine regions. The Barossa’s vineyards are tended by around 500 grape growing families, many sixth-generation. There are may small boutique wineries where exquisite 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 Valley’s 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.

Located only 70 kilometres North East of Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is just over hour’s drive from the South Australian 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 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 very 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.

For a comfortable day tour in a picturesque region of Australia steeped in history, fine wines, good food and great restaurants, South Australia’s Barossa Valley is hard to beat!