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Enjoy the Snow at Mt. Buller
Friday, March 09th, 2012 /

June through September are the winter months in Australia. This makes Mt. Buller a great place to visit if you love the snow and are traveling to Australia during the Northern Hemisphere summer season. While Australia may not be the first place you think of when you think of skiing and snowboarding, after you have been to Mt. Buller, you won’t be able to stop thinking about it.

Mt. Buller

The ski season officially begins on the Queen’s Birthday weekend in early June and ends whenever the snow melts, usually in late September. Those who are lucky enough to live in Melbourne can reach Mt. Buller in as little as three hours and many of them take advantage of every opportunity to hit the slopes of Mt. Buller. Sydneysiders aren’t so lucky. It takes 9 hours to traverse the 478 miles (770km) trip on the Hume Highway (the fastest route) to Mt. Buller, but that doesn’t stop thousands of them from making the trip.

Why is it worth going out of your way to drive to Mt. Buller when you have closer snowfields you can go to in New South Wales? One of the reasons is the size of the skiable terrain. There are over 740 acres (300 hectares) of slopes to choose from on Mt. Buller. These range from beginner’s slopes like Burnt Hunt Spur and Bourke Street to black runs for experts only like the back of Summit and Chamois. There’s a half pipe for snowboarders and a challenging ultra cross course and all the slopes are constantly being groomed to ensure they are in good condition.

Mt. Buller

For the children, Mt. Buller has two toboggan parks. One of them is located right in the village and has its own snow making machine. The other is conveniently located at Horse Hill Chairlift. Take the lift to the top and there is more family fun awaiting at the snowtubing park. For a fun and safe thrill, the kids can race down the slopes in an inner tube.

All the activity is going to make you hungry, tired and sore and once in awhile you’re going to have to take a break. You can do it in style at Mt. Buller. There are over 30 restaurants and bars in the resort and for a complete restoration package, you can indulge yourself at Breathtaker on High Spa, the only complete alpine spa in Australia. With steam rooms, a sauna, a lap pool and a number of therapeutic treatments available, Breathtaker’s luxurious ambience will take your breath away.

In the summer months, too, Mt. Buller is a great place to visit and enjoy outdoor sports. Mountain biking is especially popular during the summer season. Ride cross country wherever you like or, for a special thrill, take the chair lift up to the top and then make your way back down. You can choose your route: either straight down a ski run or criss cross the mountain and explore the terrain.

With many family and package deals available, you can afford to stay at a Mt. Buller accommodation and ski to your heart’s content. Further discounts apply in the off season and in some cases, you can even get a "Snow Guarantee" package. Winter or summer, you’ll love the Mt. Buller and the Victorian high country, so put it on your list of places to see in Australia.

For Sydney siders looking of something a little closer to home check the Snowy Mountains accommodation options as an alternative to Mt. Buller

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Amazing Phillip Island
Friday, October 21st, 2011 /

Located only 90 minutes drive from Melbourne, is the extremely  well liked Phillip Island. Found between Bass Strait and Westernport Bay, the island is a popular tourist holiday spot, where there is always plenty to keep the holidaymaker busy. With an excellent range of Phillip Island accommodation, Phillip Island makes a great holiday spot.

The Amaze n things park

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.

koala conservation centre

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.

Phillip Island Grand Prix

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.

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Melbourne: The Cultural Capital of Australia
Tuesday, August 16th, 2011 /

Sydney and Melbourne, Australia’s two most populous cities, have always indulged in a friendly rivalry. Sydney takes first place as Australia’s oldest and largest city and likes to call Melbourne Australia’s "2nd City." Melbourne comes back with the retort that while there are more people in Sydney, Melbourne takes the prize as Australia’s "cultural capital." When you look into it, there is a lot to be said for that claim.

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.

St. Kilda beach

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.

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Relax And Unwind In Beautiful Daylesford in Victoria Australia
Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 /

Daylesford Known as a destination for healing all that ails you, Daylesford and its famous restorative waters are located within a ninety minute drive of Melbourne. The volcanic plains in this region of Australia make up the scenic environment of this picturesque town and its twin Hepburn Springs. People flock to the area to soak in the mineral springs which are found in a higher concentration here than anywhere else on the continent. The minerals leached from the rocks for millions of years are credited for the curative properties attributed to the water.

The first European to visit this part of Australia was John Hepburn who arrived on the scene in 1838. An Irish immigrant named John Egan discovered an alluvial gold mine in 1851 and that triggered the local gold rush that led to permanent settlement. Mining for quartz began during the 1860s when the gold ran out and two decades later, visitors began arriving in large numbers to indulge their senses.

Lead miners were trained at the School of Mines beginning in 1890. Today, the structure still stands and is home to the Daylesford Historical Society Museum. One of the most respected pioneer museums found in Victoria, the exhibits maintained in its halls spotlight the tradition of area gold mining a well as items significant to the saw mill and agriculture industries. Items left behind by the native Aborigines are also housed there.

Proud to be recognized as the well being capital of Australia, nearly every business in the spa town is geared toward pleasing the senses. Quaint boutique accommodations in Hepburn Springs and Daylesford boast gorgeous lake views and offer full service spa treatments designed to relax and revitalize.

The chefs serving the local restaurants combine ingredients grown and raised locally to create delectable seasonal fare that can please even the most discerning palate. Local wines and fresh produce provide the finishing touches.

Wellness centres are big business in Daylesford with spa treatments, various massage techniques and alternative therapies available almost everywhere you look. This is the place to go when life gets to be a little too stressful and it is time to escape. Qualified therapists of all kinds are standing by and ready to assist you at all times.

Lavandula Lavender Farm is located twelve minutes outside Daylesford and is a must see destination with its flowery fields of crop art. The Farm made headlines in March 2010 when 263 masseuses performed the world’s largest simultaneous massage and were collectively awarded the official world record for their efforts.

Sitting atop a nearby extinct volcano is the Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens. Established in 1863, the Victorian Heritage Register formally recognized the site in 2009 for its aesthetic, scientific and historic relevance. Nestled on the grounds are shady picnic areas, various walking trails, extensive lawns and a fernery. Climb to the top of the Pioneers Lookout Tower for striking views of the city spread out below. The begonia display in the Conservatory during autumn is always a favourite with visitors.

A heritage train is operated by the Daylesford Spa Country Railway and offers scenic rides from the train station to Wombat State Forest. There is also a diesel train that runs early evening tours and includes finger foods and cocktails. The train station also hosts the weekly market each Sunday.

Daylesford is the perfect place to choose the next time you want to get away from it all. Now is the time to treat yourself to that relaxing massage or rejuvenating spa treatment that you have been longing for. Then sit back and relax in your luxury Daylesford accommodation.

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Beechworth offers something more
Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 /

Beechworth-smallWhile most vacation spots offer scenic destinations and stunning landscapes, Beechworth offers something more.  Sure, laying on the beach all day and soaking up rays is very relaxing, but in some ways it is not as fulfilling as, let’s say, reliving the old legends, the old tales that helped transform Australia into what it is today.  Nowhere else in that great country is it possible to walk down corridors of the past and experience history as it is in Beechworth. In fact, the National Trust considers 32 edifices, including many Beechworth accommodation options, to be historically and culturally significant.

Originally named Mayday Hills – a small grazing community – the area was soon renamed Beechworth once the gold rush commenced in 1852.  Within 14 years, the town saw not only the full force of the rush, easily seen with the four million ounces of extracted gold from its mines, but also saw a good amount of unique characters walk down its streets, characters whose stories would become legends.

Such tales include the life of Ned Kelly, notorious Bush Ranger, who spent a good amount of his life in Beechworth, in and out of prison.  On more than one occasion, Kelly, along with his outlaw gang (and mother at one point), stood trial at the town’s historic courthouse for a wide variety of crimes including attempted murder. The town commemorates the life of the recognized bandit with the Ned Kelly festival, held annually over a weekend around August.

Another well-known fable is the 1855 legend of the Golden Horseshoes, where Daniel Cameron rode a horse equipped with golden shoes during the first election campaign in Beechworth.  According to folklore, the golden horseshoes weighed one ounce less once removed, even though the animal wore them for only a one-mile stretch.  Similar to the tradition of Ned Kelly, Beechworth holds an annual Golden Horseshoes Festival every Easter Weekend.

Although many mining towns during the gold rush went bankrupt and were abandoned by its residents, Beechworth managed to invest many of the gold rush revenue into hospitals and other public services to fortify the economy.  Because of this, Beechworth was able to maintain their presence on the map as well as preserve the rich history that made the town what it is today.  So, for the more fulfilling adventure into the heart of Australia, there is really no better place than Beechworth.

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Goulburn for a relaxed holiday
Thursday, February 04th, 2010 /

To get to Gouldburn, just veer a little off the highway. This hidden gem is well worth the diversion. A number of different activities await in this quaint little district.

Goulburn was the first inland city in all of Australia. A stay at Goulburn is sure to be filled with rousing stories of the country’s first pioneers and adventurers. The area is quite proud of its history as evidenced by the still-standing architecture and bush settlements.
GoulburnGoulburn is also a great location to take a siesta from the business of life and immerse oneself in the fresh air and tranquility of country life.

In addition to the laid-back lifestyle of Goulburn, this area also hosts many festivals. The festivals reflect the seasons, whether it’s a celebration of spring or winter or a jazz and blues festival. Any way you slice it, the event is sure to please.

The wilderness around Goulburn simply cannot be missed. Bungonia and Shaolhayen offer a certain roughness, while Mulwaree Shire boasts more relaxed, rolling hills. Gunning Shire also hosts amazing bushrangers paths. Perhaps most stunning of all are the impressive caverns of Wombeyan. Don’t forget a jacket, as the temperature underground can often be quite cool,

At the top of the tablelands you can find tranquil gardens and pristine air in Crookwell. This area will agree with people who are looking to relax and enjoy a calm holiday as well as immerse themselves in action.

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Protected by cliffs and Norfolk pines, Port Campbell awaits your arrival.
Sunday, December 27th, 2009 /
Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road

Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road

Follow the Great Ocean Road to its’ western summit to find the village of Port Campbell, astride some of Victoria’s most dynamic coastal scenery, not to mention the Port Campbell National Park and the Twelve Apostles. Protected by cliffs and Norfolk pines, Port Campbell awaits your arrival.

A buoyant seaside village, Port Campbell offers a range of restaurants and cafés along the beach, as well as galleries, bustling shops and bakeries selling traditional sweets. Discover something fun on every corner!

You’ll love the natural wonders that begin with the famed Twelve Apostles, incredible rock towers set along the coast. Sign on for a boat tour or take a helicopter ride and be awed by their immensity. Using Port Campbell as your base you’ll also be able to explore more breathtaking coastal attractions featuring the Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps and the Bay of Islands.

Looking for big-wave breaks? Two Mile Bay is renowned by surfers for having some of the best breaks that Australia has to offer. You can escape from the surface by traveling to the bottom of the sea on a dive tour to experience the cavernous canyons and gorges first hand. Numerous waterways and the harbour have great fishing opportunities for any angler.

Less than 300 kilometres south-west of Melbourne, take the stunning Great Ocean Road to an unforgettable destination.

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