Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Esperance, Australia

If you are looking for unpolluted beaches, a quite place to bunk with the stars above your head, then Esperance will provide you the perfect holiday.

Esperance is a nine hour drive down from Perth. Or fly over within an hour and a half. The town lies on the shorelines of Esperance Bay. There are a few hundreds of islands along the coast forming the Recherche Archipelago. There are plenty of accommodation types to choose from including bed and breakfast or farm stays.

The best way to look around Esperance is to drive around. You’ll love it if you are fond of the beach. This place is so peaceful that you find kangaroos sun bathing on the beach too. Become one with nature at the four National Parks. Admire the lovely seasonal wild flowers, granite cliffs, rocky scenes along the coast and vistas of the islands of Recherche Archipelago.

Have fun fishing at Tanker Jetty in Esperance. Indulge in bush walking and camping; catch a ferry to Woody Island. Lucky Bay has barbecues, camp kitchens, solar hot showers and a whole lot of bush walks with the best views of the coast. And if you need even more activities in your holiday, choose from safari drives, helicopter tours, coach tours, fishing, mini golf, steam train and island cruises. If you are of the adventurous type, then try abseiling, canoeing, sand boarding or skate boarding.

Visit the museum, art galleries, arts centre as well as the boutique aquarium which has a touch pool for kids. The best place to swim is Esperance while you may surf at Observatory Beach, West Beach and Fourth Beach. It is best to snorkel at the lagoon on the eastern side of West Beach and you could choose from Twilight Cove and Haven Beach too.

Your dream holiday to Esperance is just a mouse click away!

Exmouth, Australia

Do you dream of swimming underwater among brilliantly coloured fish and exciting coral in the clearest of turquoise water? Then Exmouth is the holiday place for you.

You can drive down to Exmouth from Perth; it takes two days. Or opt for a two and a half hour flight. Go visit the Cape Range National Park; a half hour’s drive south. And take in the impressive canyons, gorges, wild flowers and wildlife. Enrol in a drive tour for more fun. Stroll into the waters of any of the local beaches and you are on the Ningaloo Reef.

For the greatest thrill, sign up for a tour to swim with the whale shark, the world’s largest fish. It frequents this place to feed on krill from April to June every year. If you don’t like the water, then opt for the glass bottom boat tour.

To make your holiday in Exmouth even more memorable, go for a tour in the wild or an eco safari. Or opt for first-rate fishing from the reef or beach. Most commonly caught are the red emperor and the northwest snapper. And you can choose from fill or half day trips on charter boats. Mud crabbing is another activity you can try your hand at.

Choose from plenty of restaurants, cafes and pubs to satisfy your palate. For accommodation in Exmouth, there are a lot of plush resorts, lodges, chalets and campsites to suit every pocket.

The Exmouth Marina is an activity hub making for the prefect holiday. Make your travel arrangements now!

Broome, Australia

If your idea of a perfect holiday is swimming in clear waters and watching magnificent sunsets at the close of the day, visit Broome. Partake of the beautiful surroundings and become one with nature.

Located at the extreme north of the state, Broome can be reached by flight from Perth in two and a half hours. It is an amalgamation of vibrant colours from the red orange cliffs to the turquoise blue waters. Choose from several plush resorts and resorts located here. The budget traveller can tale a pick of hostels.

Visit Broome's Cable Beach, a stretch of sun-kissed sand and clear waters. Watch the sun set from here on a pleasantly humid night. Listen to how the town’s diversity came about when pearl divers came in from Malay, Japan and the Phillipines in search of good fortune. Or go to Gantheaume Point and see the dinosaur footprints there said to be over 130 million years old.

Broome has become a home to a lot of writers, musicians and artists as it brings out the best in them. Personally observe the culture of Broome pearls at local pearl farms. South Sea pearls are very much in demand the world over. Take home one or two pearls as a remembrance of your holiday there. You will find many pearl showrooms in Chinatown besides cafes, galleries and shops.

Don’t forget to see the Staircase to the Moon, another of Broome's natural assets. During the months of March to October, for three days subsequent to the full moon, reflections over shimmering mudflats produce a striking semblance of a silver staircase.

Broome pledges to give you a holiday experience unlike any other. So, book ahead, especially in winter!

Margaret River, Australia

If you are looking for the absolute escape from the hurly-burly of everyday life, Margaret River is the perfect holiday destination for you. Visit top-notch breweries and wineries. Or whet your appetite at restaurants with a view of surf breaking or of vineyards.

Your trip to Western Australia cannot be complete without stopping at Margaret River. It is situated to the south of Perth and the drive takes just about three and a half hours. You can also fly down or take a bus there. For accommodation, there are plenty of hotels for every budget.

Margaret River makes fifteen percent of the country’s best wines. Choose from more than 60 wineries for the perfect one for you. Gorge on the best of food whether it is superb cheese, condiments, jams, olives or fresh water crayfish. And don’t forget to visit the fudge, ice-cream and chocolate factories for free samples.

Shed the extra holiday calories by walking along pristine beaches at the edge of turquoise blue water, around the underground caves or into soaring forests. Or perhaps you might like to look at the locals taking on breathtaking waves while surfing. Engage in rock climbing canoeing, abseiling and whale watching. Or throw in a line; you just might get lucky.

Art thrives in Margaret River so you can visit a craft gallery at almost every corner. Absorb some West Australian customs and take home some souvenirs.

Escape from it all. Plan your holiday to Margaret River now!

Perth, Australia

Is your idea of a holiday enjoying the beaches, making the most of sunshine and taking in the goodness of natural parks? Then Perth would be the perfect place for you.

Perth, the capital of Western Australia is one of the world’s most stunning cities. It is located along the shores of the Swan River. A very picturesque setting! Visit there for perfectly unbelievable climate, pristine beaches which are from crowded.

Catch a bus for free to go round the CBD and visit several attractions. Among them are the Art Gallery of WA, Swan Bells Tower and Perth Mint. Or take a bus or train. You will find the stations in the middle of Perth. If its accommodation you are looking for, there is a range of hostels and inns to choose from.

If you want to shop some in Perth, make a trip to high-class King Street. Crammed with art galleries, cafes, boutiques and lovely people, this is one place you must not miss. If you are looking for fashion chain or quality department stores, then head over to the malls at Hay Street and Murray Street.

Have a lethargic lunch at a restaurant by the beach or the river. To add spice to your holiday, try the bustling nightlife at Mount Lawley, Northbridge, Subiaco and Leederville. For something a little subdued, go to Scarborough or Cottesloe.

The vast stretch of Perth’s coastline makes it an ideal place for surfing and swimming. Amble through the Kings Park botanical gardens. Or opt for the treetop walk which gives you an exceptional view of the city. Try out the complimentary barbecue services and choose from several picnic places around the gum trees.

If you enjoy sports, watch a game of rugby or cricket at one of the many stadiums. Catch a ferry to South Perth to bring back the well-known picture of Perth’s skyline. And it is even better at night as you watch its reflection in the Swan River.

So book that ticket for a Perth holiday now!

Goldfields, Australia

Are you on the lookout for a dream holiday destination where the landscape reverberates with the desires of the gold rush period? Then Goldfields is the ideal place for you.

The unearthing of gold in the middle of Victoria a century and a half back has left a prosperous and permanent inheritance in nearly every region of Goldfields. Visit the imposing Victorian places of Ballarat and Bendigo with their majestic hotels and community buildings. Or walk around the old-fashioned shops and cottages of miners. You can choose from Dunolly, Castlemaine and Maldon.

Visit the Eureka Centre, the Central Deborah Gold Mine or Sovereign Hill. Get an enthralling knowledge about what life was like in the middle of the nineteenth century. Get every mesmerising detail from the outdoor museum of Sovereign Hill which sits atop a past gold mining location. Or talk to the local miners and shopkeepers of Goldfield.

Take time out from visiting the goldfields at a chic restaurant or cafe. Tuck into apples and olives coming directly from the farms. Or sip at some wine samples from the local cellars. Spend time in the stupendous gardens and galleries of Goldfield. If you want to loosen up and rest while on holiday, visit the graceful parks and botanical gardens. Go to the Bendigo and Ballarat Art Galleries to view magnificent assortment of European paintings besides local ones.

Make reservations for your holiday to Goldfields now! Try panning for gold and leave a wee bit richer.

The Great Ocean Road, Australia

For the most impressive coastal drives in Australia, take a trip to The Great Ocean Road. You have a variety of recreational activities like golfing, fishing, surfing and diving making it a great holiday destination.

The Great Ocean Road area lies on the south-west coast of Victoria. Begin your trip from Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula and encounter the most amazing beaches, excellent restaurants and mesmerising heritage. Absorb the vibrant and energetic atmosphere of bayside Geelong which happens to be Victoria’s largest city next to one. Or you may pay a visit to old-world Queenscliff to see its opulent naval history, first-rate eateries and heritage resorts.

Down the length of The Great Ocean Road, holiday by the sea at seaside resorts in the towns of Apollo and Lorne. Have fun at the striking beaches and enjoy the water sports. And the most beautiful rainforest landscapes at Otway Ranges close by are worth the visit.

Go see Port Campbell; one of the most frequented regions of The Great Ocean Road. Pounded by vicious winds and untamed seas, the coastline near Port Campbell has been carved over thousands of years resulting in a sequence of unusual rock piles that emerge from the Southern Ocean. Also referred to as the Twelve Apostles, they are one of Victoria’s most marvellous natural attractions.

The Great Ocean Road lets you have a superb holiday. Enjoy ocean-going life in the village with the fishing jetties, wonderfully conserved majestic structures and nautical museums telling stories of ships that lost their way along the jagged shipwreck coast. Make your reservations now!

Phillip Island, Australia

For the most well-liked wildlife encounters, take a holiday to Phillip Island. Take pleasure in seeing a few hundred penguins coming back to their burrows at the renowned Penguin Parade. Watch koalas as they look at you drowsily from the treetops at the Koala Conservation Centre. Or take a cruise to see the fur seals at Sea Rocks.

When the climate is warmer in Phillip Island, check out the water at protected bay beaches in the north or violent surf beaches in the south. San Remo which is an entrance to the island is a significant fishing port. Pick up a choicest lobster at the local fishing co-op, throw fish at the pelicans or hire a fishing boat and try your hand at fishing.

The first village you encounter here is Newhaven where you can fish from the pier or surf at one of Victoria’s finest surf beaches. Or perhaps stroll along the stunning Cape Woolamai or visit the momentous Churchill Island close by. Towards the south-east of Phillip Island is Rhyll, a peaceful village. Watch the koala bears at a close distance at the Koala Conservation Centre or view a wide variety of birds as you wind your way through the Rhyll Inlet wetlands.

Phillip Island’s chief business centre is Cowes which has a gold mine of delightful restaurants and cafes to travellers to enjoy. It is a great holiday place especially for water sports buffs. You can for a catamaran cruise, surf on the beach or go kayaking about Rhyll Inlet as you watch the waterbirds.

Fishing is another popular activity on the island. Dangle a line from a jetty at Newhaven, San Remo or Cowes, or taking a fishing charter out into the Western Port – there are plenty of opportunities to make a catch.

Hang down your fishing line from a jetty at Cowes, San Remo or Newhaven. Or just hire a bike and explore Philip Island. Book your unforgettable holiday now!

Daylesford, Australia

Daylesford is Australia's leading centre for spa and rejuvenation. Go there on holiday for the most luxurious beauty and health treatments. Or enjoy the picturesque gardens and sceneries, flourishing arts and crafts and unbeatable cuisine and wine.

The Daylesford village is in the centre of Victoria's spa country and just about an hour’s drive to the north-west of Melbourne. Even in the Victorian era, people flocked there to take water from the mineral spas and springs. It acquired an European aura after Swiss-Italian immigrants established themselves there at the time of the gold rush. This can be seen in the beautiful architecture and equally amazing gardens.

Try out the rejuvenating mineral waters, put up in luxury hotels, visit antique and craft shops, take a boat ride on the lake or perhaps sip some wine and partake of fine food. Having the largest number if natural mineral springs, Hepburn Springs and Daylesford are said to be the best places for unwinding, good health and fitness; get pampered to make your holiday even better. Of special mention are the fine galleries, antique shops and the best of eateries.

Imposing manors, prominent landscapes and some of the best gardens of Victoria together make for the ancient atmosphere of the Macedon Ranges close by. Visit the traditional gardens of Mount Macedon, check out Kyneton and Woodend with its antique and craft shops and galleries or go to the well-known Hanging Rock which you might have read of or seen in the film Hanging Rock.

The Macedon Ranges is also known to make cool-climate wine like chardonnay and pinot noir. Go there to sample from over forty wineries; Sunbury also produces the best of cabernet and shiraz. Or sink your teeth into over-abundant local produce like delicious meats, crunchy apples, juicy berries or wild mushrooms. Book your holiday now!

Launceston, Australia

A rural Launceston holiday can provide you extremely enjoyable activities like picking grapes and other fruit or shearing sheep. The place has characterised itself as an enriching centre with the best of museums, parks and coffee shops.

Launceston is situated at the point where the South and North Esk rivers meet. The Bass Strait is about fifty seven kilometres away and to the north of which is the Tamar River valley. With a temperate weather, this tiny city is not difficult to travel around. You may stroll along the ancient parks near the renovated areas like the Launceston Seaport and partake in sumptuous fare at the restaurants along the river. The seaport is connected by a boardwalk to Inveresk which is home to the Queen Victoria Museum said to be one of the best Australian galleries.

The boardwalk from Launceston Seaport also leads to the Home Point rowing course while going past Ritchies Mill with its choicest eateries and galleries. Go further along the jagged path to get to Cataract Gorge, a location of magical splendour. Rock climbers are often drawn to its almost vertical, rocky cliffs and wild places. Others can make the most of their holiday by enjoying the scenic beauty from a chairlift.

While in Launceston, you may also go to Narawntapu, one of the national parks fa,ous for spotting wildlife. Or choose from notable villages like Longford and Evandale with their manors and farms like Brickendon, Clarendon, Panshangar and Woolmers.

Besides, Launceston provides you with alpine adventure about fifty-five kilometres drive from the centre of the city. The rough mountain area of the Ben Lomond National Park is a sanctuary for mountain climbers, skiers and bushwalkers.

Launceston is the perfect place to take a trip to the Tamar Valley vineyards. Try out some of Tasmania’s best cool-climate wines as you go along the Tamar Valley Wine Route. Or have an unforgettable holiday as you find your way around the Tamar River and the wetland.

Devonport, Australia

Devonport is one of Australia’s favourite holiday destinations. The Spirit of Tasmania ships which ferry both vehicles and people make for an exhilarating experience as they negotiate the hairpin bends along the river Mersey.

Devenport which is one of Tasmania’s biggest cities is situated at the banks of the river Mersey. In the early nineteenth century there were the towns of Torquay and Formby which were merged towards the end of the century to form Devenport so called after its namesake in England. It provides Tasmania with more than forty percent of its vegetables grown on its lush, productive soil. The coastline of Devenport might be explored by cycling or strolling down to the Bluff along Victoria Parade.

The Tiagarra Aboriginal Centre in Devenport tells you about the history of the Aborigines and explains the carvings you find on the rocks. Statues along the riverside include that of Joseph Lyons, the one and only Tasmanian to have held the post of Australian Prime Minister and Dame Enid Lyons, his wife and Federal parliamentarian. A trip to the Maritime Museum will enlighten you on the maritime history of the place.

If one goes to the Don River Railway one can catch a steam train to get to Coles Beach. To add practical activities into your holiday, the Imaginarium in Devenport is your best bet. This is Tasmania’s sole science discovery centre. You can view some outstanding work of local artists at the Devonport Regional Gallery which was once a church.

Currently the region to the east of river Mersey which was originally Torquay is known as East Devonport. Hurry there to see all that it has to offer and have a superb holiday!