The Barossa Valley was originally settled by German immigrants in the first half of the 19th century. Originally, the settlers were Lutherans who were being persecuted at the time in their native country. When the news got out that the Barossa Valley was blessed with the perfect climate and soil for vine growing, more Germans migrated to the area and have a strong cultural influence in the Barossa even today.

Those first settlers didn’t have it easy. They slept in tents and their first enterprise was back breaking labor in the limestone quarries. The first permanent buildings in the Barossa Valley were made out of those stones and their early building efforts are a testament to the skill, faith and labor of the early settlers. The spires of the many old Lutheran churches in the valley, set against the green vines in the vineyards, is a lovely sight.

Many of the vines you see in the Barossa Valley have their origins in Europe, since the settlers brought their roots with them from Germany. In fact, some of the oldest Shiraz vineyards in the world are in the Barossa Valley, their European counterparts having been destroyed by disease not long after they were brought to Australia in the mid-nineteenth century. Other varieties that can be found in the region include both reds and whites, including Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon and Grenache. The red varieties grow best in the Barossa Valley itself, while the whites thrive best in the Eden Valley and Menglers Hill areas.

It goes without saying that a region that has such a proud wine growing heritage is goint to celebrate its heritage from time to time. The longest running celebration in the Barossa Valley is the biennial Barossa Vintage Festival. Every other year, this extravaganza is held over the Easter holiday season. Featuring music, grand balls, sumptuous dinners and a world renowned wine auction, it has been going strong for over sixty years.

While it is true that the main attraction of the Barossa Valley is the wine, it is also true that visitors to the region are delighted to find many other attractions in the region as well. With its growing popularity as a tourist destination came a variety of wonderful galleries, shops and, restaurants and cafes. Proud of its heritage, the Barossa Valley also has fascinating museums that chronicle its history. The locations of some of these are as interesting as the museums are. For instance, the Barossa Historical Museum is housed in a charming old post office that was built in 1865, while the Herbig Family Tree is located inside of an old, hollow gum tree.

You won’t want to miss the Herbig Family tree. While you may choose to stay in a more comfortable Barossa Valley accommodation, you will love visiting this unique historical site. The tree itself, a red gum, is estimated to be as old as 500 years. Friedrich Herbig moved into the inside of the tree in 1855. In 1858, he brought his bride there to live with him and 2 of their 18 children were born in their tree home. While Herbig, his wife and children eventually moved to a more comfortable home, the tree remains, alive and well.

There are more than one of each category of beach, too. For example, four different Caloundra beaches are classified as family-friendly beaches. They are all different, but they all are protected from the brunt of the waves that pound the surf beaches in the area. Bulcock Beach, for example, is a small beach not far from the Caloundra town centre. Families love to go there for picnics and to stroll out onto the boardwalk. The other three family beaches, Golden (the largest), Currimundi and Dicky Beach, are all equally family-friendly.

Moffat Beach is another kettle of fish altogether. Surfers from all over Australia know that when they are on the Sunshine Coast, they will head straight for Moffat Beach in Caloundra. Moffat isn’t just for surfer’s though. The coastal walk out to Moffat Headland is something everyone will enjoy and the wonderful alfresco cafes in Moffat cater to everyone’s appetite.

South of Moffatt is a long stretch of isolated beaches and tidal pools known as Shelly Beach. Romantic couples stroll hand-in-hand out to the more isolated parts of the beach to enjoy being together in a marvelously tranquil natural environment. The currents are very strong on this exposed part of the headland, so it’s not recommended for children, but it does have a wonderful undeveloped wilderness feel to it.

Also classified as a "romantic beach," but really enjoyed by everyone is the long stretch of beach known as Kawana Beach. You can stroll for miles on Kawana Beach, keeping your feet cool by walking on the hard-packed low tide sand. If you prefer, rent a bicycle in town and take the wonderful coastal bike path, stopping off for a dip in the sea when the spirit moves you.

Of course, no matter how much you love the beach, you will want to get away from it from time to time and see what else Caloundra has to offer. You may be surprised to discover that there are over a dozen great art and craft galleries in Caloundra and its neighbouring towns. The Sunshine Coast attracts creative types and the galleries feature the works of many local artists and craftspeople, as well as national and international artists.

Caloundra was officially recognised as the tidiest town in Queensland in 2008. The pride the Caloundra locals take in their community is evident everywhere, including Caloundra accommodation options. Whether you stay at a campground, a backpackers lodge, a family motel or a fully appointed 4 1/2 Star Caloundra resort, you will be taken care of in style and comfort. If you’re looking for a great Sunshine Coast getaway, stay in Caloundra – the city of beaches.

Kiama is likely to be your first stop on the South Coast. This delightful seaside town is the perfect place to call your base of operations. Not only does Kiama have many wonderful attractions in its own right, its central location means that you can easily reach many other popular destinations without spending half your day driving.

From Kiama, a short drive inland will take you to Berry. Berry is a rural village steeped in heritage and charm. It will enchant you even before you arrive in the city centre as you pass through the rolling hills of the surrounding dairy lands. Don’t expect a sprawling metropolis in Berry. The total population of the city is around 2000, but the town centre is accustomed to catering to the needs of visitors and you’ll love all the restored buildings and wonderful shops.

A little further inland and you come to Kangaroo Valley. Like Berry, it is a small town, but it has a unique character all its own. Many people say Kangaroo Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in the world. As you cross the historic Hampden Bridge, you will likely agree and when you look down on Kangaroo Valley from a distance, your thoughts will echo the words of explorer George Evans, who described the valley as something "no painter could beautify" any further.

Just twenty minutes drive back towards the coast and you arrive in Nowra, the regional centre of the south coast and its largest town. Situated on the Shoalhaven River, Nowra has an abundance of natural attractions. For a fascinating look at Nowra through an artist’s eyes, visit Bundanon, the rural property Australia’s great artist, Arthur Boyd bequeathed to the state as an artist’s retreat. It is only open to the public on the first Sunday of each month, but is well worth planning a south coast holiday around.

Whenever you happen to be in Nowra, you can take a Shoalhaven River cruise. As you make your way slowly up the river, the scenery will always be changing. One minute you will overlook a long, flat landscape and the next you will be passing by sheer sandstone cliffs.

You can return to your Kiama accommodation or choose Nowra for your South Coast accommodation. For that matter, you might be intrigued by one of the other famous landmarks south of Nowra. Mollymook and Bateman’s Bay are just a couple of the coastal towns that will enchant you before the south coast turns into the Sapphire Coast and you continue on the Pacific Hwy south as far as you like. Be careful, though: you may become so enchanted by the south coast you will decide never to leave.

The Amaze n things park has a huge number of activities with something suitable for every family member. The crazy golf course, known as the maxi-mini has ever changing layout, it is constructed over artificial turf and is bound to be a hit with children and adults alike. The other attractions within the park are the twisting maze passageways and the illusion rooms that will make you feel confused as you watch water running uphill and the walls in the rooms shrinking. There are also caravans in the park that are equipped to help you to enjoy your stay.

If you like animals then there’s a koala conservation centre where you are able to come face to face with the koalas by taking to the elevated treetop boardwalks. In the centre you will learn about the breeding of koalas as well as seeing them in their natural surroundings. You will get the chance to walk through the bush and experience the fascinating Australian wildlife. Take a look in the gift shop when you are there, you may find some souvenirs.

A number of the many other nature attractions are the Nobbies centre, where you can see many species of marine animals such as sharks, dolphins and seals. The penguin parade, the most popular attraction in Australia and also the largest colony in the world is to be found here. As the sunsets each day, countless little blue penguins come from the water to make their way to their sand dune burrows by parading over the beach.

For chocolate addicts, there’s the wonderful attraction of the chocolate factory, called Pannys, this is every chocolate addicts dream, with free samples of secret recipe sweets available on arrival, and machines try out while you find out more about chocolate. You will even get a chance to make your own chocolate, who could resist the temptation? There is also a cafe in the factory where guests can have many chocolate goodies along with a coffee.

When you’re looking to dine in the area, there are a variety of wonderful restaurants serving all types of international cuisine. Many of them are located on the Esplanade. For families, many of the restaurants have child facilities. There are several good online resources related to Phillip Island available to help plan your stay on the Island.

There are several sporting activities that you may either watch or participate in, these include the Phillip Island Grand Prix is host to motorbike and racing car championships. Participate in water sports from Woolamai beach, whether you would like to learn or are an experienced surfer, there are a number of places suitable for either level of skill and local experienced surfers can be found for lessons.

If you favor to remain on dry land you could tour the island on foot or cycle. There are routes and paths to suit every level of fitness, soak up the sun while observing the local wildlife and flora, experience local farmers markets and enjoy the views of the coast.

Throughout this article, we’ll provide you with some little short-cuts to help make ends meet so you can still get to experience this must-see world famous, and largest Aussie city.

Food/Drink
Vegemite sandwiches and 2 minute noodles will suffice for a few days, at best. However you’re going to need real food that sustains your hunger. In and around the city hotspots such as Kings Cross, China Town the CBD and Circular Quay, keep your eye out for bakeries and food kiosks. Many offer cheap yet nourishing breakfast options such as coffee/muffin or coffee/toasty or ham & cheese croissants/coffee for under $5.00. Tip: Some offer discounts if you eat out rather than require table service. 

And for lunch or dinner, there’s plenty of specials being offered in exchange for your travelling dollar. For under $10.00 The Bodega Cafe in Surry Hills offers a great menu with loads of specials for between $5.00 – $10.00 per main meal – Make sure you try their famous wagyu burger and Chorizo roll with chimichurri. Other super-cheap eat-outs for chomping around town include the 60 + Asian restaurants in China Town. Take your pick from these cuisines on every corner: Korean, Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese. Entrees start at just $2.00 as well as yum cha for under $6.00 per person. If you like it spicy, Flying Fajita Sistas in Glebe offers authentic Mexican Tacos and tequila shots for $3.00.       

Sightseeing and Culture
Getting from A to B isn’t a problem, and there’s no shortage of free or low-cost places to go and see, and the mono-rail can get you to any of the central locations around the city. If the $200 price tag attached to the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb isn’t an option, for under $10.00, head to Pylon Lookout for the same vantage point.

Hyde Park hosts the historical Anzac Memorial. Hyde Park is akin to New York’s Central Park, offering magnificent beauty and nature walks overlooking the water, and provides hundreds of tall trees that inhabit sleeping bats scattered throughout the park, perfect for a picnic or even as a cheap yet romantic dating idea with your boyfriend or girlfriend. An ideal location to ‘pop the question’ if you have romance and dating in mind with your sweetheart. For an afternoon of more famous Sydney treats, jump on the bus (grab a 3 day travel pass for $12.00) and head 10 minutes East to Bondi Beach, and chances are, you’ll spot a celebrity or two!

The Art Gallery of NSW and the Contemporary Art Museum offer free entry for those with an appreciation for world class art exhibits. Other famous museums and galleries include the Powerhouse Museum, as well as various other galleries scattered throughout the Rocks, which showcase some of the finest Aboriginal paintings in the country.

Accommodation
Your best bet for cheap accommodation will be a hostel, starting from $25.00 for a shared dorm. And if you require some privacy for both yourself and the person you might be dating or your boyfriend/girlfriend, expect to shell out around $50 per night. Check out the deals offered by the YHA which has several central locations around Sydney. YHA accommodation typically has clean facilities and friendly staff with an NRMA rating of 3 stars.

Entertainment
The singles and dating scene is one of the most vibrant and diverse in the world. Whether you’re in town as a solo traveller looking for love, lust, casual dating or just any type of companionship, the scene is electric, and you’ll simply never want to leave. Happy hour venues are always a good option, and these are aplenty in Sydney. We’ve also tracked down some other cool entertainment venues with a very reasonable price tag. The Mars Lounge offers $10.00 cocktails until midnight. The Sanctuary Hotel at Darling Harbour offers $3.00 drinks before 9PM, the venue is also a hotspot for backpackers. While you’re at Darling Harbour, check out some other trendy venues like Tokio Hotel and Home Bar – but only stop by these bars if money is no object.

This Sydney travel piece was written by Matt Fuller. Matt also writes about other related topics including singles dating travel, online dating sites advice, Sydney entertainment reviews and free dating websites tips for single people.

Bondi has been synonymous with surf since the aboriginals named it thousands of years ago. Originally pronounced "Boondi", the word means "the sound of waves crashing against the rocks." It is a perfect name, since the waves do crash against the rocks on the two headlands that border sandy Bondi Beach.

Today, all the action at Bondi takes place on the beach between the two headlands. Directly in the middle of the beach is Bondi’s iconic Surf Lifesaving Club. First established in 1907, the Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club is the oldest club of its kind in the world. The club’s primary objective throughout its history has been to live up to its name and save lives. Many of the surf life saving techniques used by this club have been adopted throughout the world, especially since Sunday, February 6, 1937. On that day, club members made over 300 rescues in a single day. Although five lives were lost, the club received international acclaim for saving hundreds of lives.

In its early years, most of the beach goers to Bondi got there from Bondi Junction via the old Sydney tram line. The last tram to Bondi ran in 1961. Since then, buses have largely replaced trams and a large parking area has been created behind and around the surf club. On a busy Sunday in the summer, Bondi lifesavers have to keep track of as many as 20,000 beachgoers, while the local restaurants and cafes are kept busy keeping them fed. Fortunately, there are enough surf lifesavers and businesses to cater to everyone. Mishaps in the ocean are rare, thanks to the lifesavers and no one goes without sunblock, a beach hat or a hearty meal thanks to the dozens of shops and restaurants lining Campbell Parade, the main traffic thoroughfare.

While Bondi attracts the greatest crowds on hot days, it is a popular destination 365 days a year. In the middle of winter, surfers brave the cold winter waters to ride the waves and the world famous "Bondi Icebergs" jump into the icy waters of their salt water pool. Those who prefer to stay warm and dry exercise by jogging or walking on the scenic coastal walking trail that starts on the southern end of Bondi and goes around the headland to beaches further south.

Bondi is equally popular at night, when the pubs, entertainment venues, restaurants and other nightspots come to life. Bondi’s nightlife reflects its diverse community and tastes. As you wander down the street, you may hear the strumming of an acoustic guitar coming from inside a cafe/bookshop, the sound of electric guitars inside a local pub or the tinkling of piano keys from inside a lavishly appointed gourmet restaurant.

Bondi’s fame has spread throughout the world and almost everyone who visits Sydney also visits Bondi at least once before they go back home. Many of them choose to stay in Bondi. That is easily done, since there is a Bondi accommodation for every lifestyle and budget. The Bondi backpacker accommodations are some of the most popular in Australia. At the other end of the scale, you can choose a 5 star resort with spectacular views. Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it in Bondi.

Lieutenant John Shortland stumbled across the Hunter River in 1797 while looking for escaped convicts. While he did not find the convicts he was looking for, he did find a verdant valley rich in natural resources. Shortland spread the word about the Hunter Valley and as soon as land access to the region was established, settlers started planting vines: by 1823, over twenty acres were already planted.

George Wyndham, William Kelman and James King were a few of the early Hunter Valley wine producers, but an amateur viticulturist, James Busby, is credited with having a big influence on the Hunter Valley’s future. After two study tours in Europe, Busby returned with over 500 vine cuttings. Many experts credit Busby as the man most responsible for turning the Hunter Valley into a major wine growing region.

James Busby had a sister named Catherine. She fell in love with and married William Kelman. Many of Kelman’s first vines were some of those brought over by Busby. Others followed suit and by 1840, there were over 500 acres of vines in the Hunter Valley. Before the turn of the century, many of the most famous names in Hunter Valley wines were already established, including Dr. Henry Lindeman and the Tyrell, Wilkenson and Drayton families.

The first half of the 20th century, plagued by wars and depression, saw no further growth in the Hunter Valley, but in the prosperous 1960s, the region began another growth spurt. In that era of increased prosperity, the dry table wines that the Hunter Valley produced became popular. The sixties were also a period of expansion in the Hunter. After over a century of domination by a handful of growers, Dr. Max Lake set the stage for the future when he started Lake’s Folly in 1963. His success led to the establishment of dozens of other boutique wineries. Today, there are over 120 wine producers in the Hunter Valley.

Before the 1960s, wine was shipped out of the Hunter Valley, but very few consumers travelled to the Hunter Valley. That changed with the road improvements between Sydney and the Hunter Valley. After it became so quick and easy to get to the Hunter Valley from Sydney, the area became a popular weekend destination for Sydneysiders. In an effort to compete for tourist dollars and attract more visitors, the wineries began offering entertainment, food and wine festivals and family attractions.

It goes without saying that there are now plenty of Hunter Valley accommodation options to choose from. From basic family campgrounds to luxurious spa resorts, the Hunter Valley has everything for every budget and lifestyle. The Hunter Valley is easily reached by car, coach or air, so there is nothing stopping you from visiting this world-class wine growing region.

Back in 1804, when Lieutenant Governor Collins started the first settlement in what is now Hobart, his vision for the island was not a glorious one. Britain and Ireland saw the island as a perfect place to house their criminal populations and the bulk of the first settlers arrived in Hobart in chains. But many of these were what we would call political prisoners today. They were idealistic young Irishmen who were stirring up trouble calling for an independent Ireland. It wasn’t long, though, before the island’s natural resources and the city’s deep water harbor were discovered and exploited by the free settlers who followed the convicts, looking for a new life. These free settlers began the first export trade on the island, with wool and timber being two of the main exports.

Originally called Van Diemen’s Land but was then changed to Tasmania in 1856. The name change was largely an attempt to put its penal colony past behind it. By then, the major construction in Hobart centered around the wharf and the Derwent River and many of the original buildings around the Wharf Docks remain standing. Although Sydney is older than Hobart, the Wharf Docks retain their old world atmosphere more than their Sydney equivalent. While there are plenty of wonderful "gentrified" restaurants and cafes to relax in, it is still a busy wharf, with fishing boats entering and leaving the wharf throughout the week.

Near the Wharf Docks, you’ll find Salamander Place. Here the warehouses and other buildings have been converted into souvenir shops, art galleries, restaurants and cafes.

Tasmania’s convict history remains evident everywhere both in and around Hobart and in fact has become one of Hobart’s tourist attractions. Regular tours of infamous prisons such as the Port Arthur Historic Site can be found within a short drive or bus tour from the center of the city. Others, like the chilling Female Factory, where hundreds of women and children endured almost unimaginable hardship from 1828 to 1877, are within the city limits themselves.

The penal colony era, though, is in Tasmania’s past. Nowadays, people come to Hobart from all around the world voluntarily to enjoy its unspoiled natural beauty. From here, it takes no time at all to be surrounded by nature at its finest. The best time of the year to visit is during the warmest summer months of December and January. This is the time of year when the world famous Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is held, so make your Hobart accommodation bookings early. The city is alive with excitement during this time of year.

Darling Harbour didn’t always have so much to boast about. Over the 19th century and much of the 20th century, the Pyrmont-Darling Harbour area was a huge manufacturing center. Slowly, though, the area lost its attraction to manufacturers and they moved elsewhere, leaving neglected warehouses and factories behind. By the 1970s, Darling Harbour was a virtual ghost town.

Australia celebrated its Bicentennial in 1988, but planning for the big event began many years before. As part of the Bicentennial preparations, then Premier of NSW Neville Wran initiated an ambitious Darling Harbour development plan. The project was finished on time and Darling Harbour was back on the map. It got another, even bigger boost in development when private and public funding spent another one and a half billion dollars on it in preparation for the 2000 Olympics.

You don’t need a reason to enjoy Darling Harbour. On a warm spring day, there’s nothing more enjoyable than taking a stroll over Pyrmont Bridge and then across the long promenade that stretches along the waterside in front of the development. If you’re feeling hungry, you will find dozens of cafes, restaurants and take-out stalls to select from. It’s a great place to bring the entire family. The kids love to take the small train tour and, for a big outing, there’s the Sydney Aquarium, one of the world’s biggest, the IMAX theatre and the fascinating National Maritime and Powerhouse Museums.

These are only a few of the things you are able to do in Darling Harbour and even these cannot be done in just one day. Just when you think you’ve seen everything, you hear about Sydney Wildlife World’s six thousand examples of Australian animals. Then you can get a babysitter for the kids and enjoy an evening of entertainment at Star Theatre or the Lyric Theatre at Star City Casino.

If you do not feel like walking, why not get to Darling Harbour via the Sydney Monorail and see the city from a whole new point of view? If you are looking to explore the city by water, it is possible to catch a Sydney Harbour cruise from Darling Harbour. If you would like nothing more than a quiet afternoon in a lovely setting, a stroll through the immaculate gardens of the Chinese Garden of Friendship will be sure to restore your spirits.

Now can you see why Sydneysiders call Darling Harbour their best Sydney attraction? An excellent way to spend your vacation in Sydney is to make a Darling Harbour accommodation your base. Just try and find at least a bit of time to tear yourself away from Darling Harbour and explore the rest of the city!

Sydney and Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) both were established before Melbourne was. In fact, Melbourne’s first settlers came via Van Diemen’s Land in 1837. That was almost half a century after Australia’s first settlers landed. There wasn’t much going on in Victoria at all then, so Melbourne quickly became the new state’s largest and most important city and was made the capital of Victoria in 1851.

Things really took off in Melbourne and Victoria in the late 1850s when gold was discovered. Melbourne blossomed then and rapidly developed into one of the richest cities in the world. Melbourne’s historical architecture reflects this era of extreme prosperity and some of its heritage buildings are among the most stunning examples of Victorian architecture in Australia.

Melbourne’s claim to being Australia’s cultural capital began in the late 19th century. It is not just an empty boast, either. For example, the world’s first full length feature movie, the 70 minute long Story of the Kelly Gang was made in 1906 in Melbourne, long before Hollywood began making movies. Later, Melbourne became known throughout the art world as the home of the Australian impressionist movement. It is the home of more than one world renowned dance styles, including the Melbourne shuffle. Today, many of Australia’s top musicians, writers, actors and other performers either come from Melbourne or call Melbourne home.

Melbourne has many other claims to fame, as well. It has been selected as one of the top 3 most livable cities in the world, one of the top 10 University cities in the world and in 2006, was dubbed a world "City of Literature" by UNESCO. No wonder Melburnians brag that they live in the Cultural Capital of Australia!

For all of the praise Melbourne receives, it remains a quintessential Australian town. There is little or no distinction between "high culture" and "popular culture" in Melbourne. For instance, the St. Kilda district, once the wealthiest suburb in Melbourne, is now a Bohemian district and one of the most popular backpacker destinations in Australia. You can go to the Palais Theatre in St Kilda and see some of the world’s greatest international stars or you can go down the street to a pub and see a local band play.

Sydney remains Australia’s largest city and the one where the majority of overseas visitors usually land upon arrival. To get the most out of your holiday in Australia, don’t miss out on Melbourne. The Sydney locals might jokingly tell you how much better their city is, but the fact is, all Australians love Melbourne as much as they love the rest of their country. Put some time aside to stay in a Melbourne accommodation and see for yourself why Melbourne is the Cultural Capital of the Land Down Under.