5. South Gippsland to Melbourne

Take an hour to try this one. You’ll drive over lakes and through forests, venture into cities and get a close look at a few local farms. The best part? Even though the drive features in-land views, both starting point and destination are right next to the ocean. You’ll start off your scenic route marathon with a little bit of both worlds so there’s no way to go wrong! One setback though – the highway you take has a few road tolls, so if you decide to go on this particular adventure, be sure to scrounge up the dropped change on the car floor. C’mon, you know it’s there!

4. Launceston to St. Helens

This one is long – 241 kilometres in total. First of all though, isn’t that what taking the scenic route is all about? Secondly, it’s totally worth it. You get water-front views, forests, meadows of flowers, and even a lavender farm. This drive has a little more than just pretty views out of a window too. With countless off-road attractions that are going to be hard to just drive past; you might need to allot an extra day to fit in all the neat add-ins.

3. Coober Pedy

Choose any drive at all around this place – there’s no way to go wrong. But for a more concrete plan, let’s just say you want to start at Port Augusta. That’s a five hour drive of what is said to be condensed awesome. The great thing about this one is that there doesn’t need to be a certain starting point, as long as you are driving around, or to, Coober Pedy, you are going to get to see plenty. These roads are great for native wildlife sightings, unique landscapes and depending on the road you decide to take, various local haunts.

2. Great Ocean Road

Okay. So I lied. Not all these routes are all too unique, but I had to include at least one time-tested classic pleaser. Great Ocean Road is exactly what it sounds like – 240 kilometres of coastal loveliness. Along with the beauty of the ocean outside your car window, you’ll also get to see waterfalls, surf breaks, the 12 Apostles rock formations and much more.

1. Batemans Bay to Pebbly Beach

This one scored the number one spot for a few different reasons. First of all, it’s not all that long. All together, it’s about a 30 minute drive. That means that you don’t need to put aside a whole day to drive it and you can spend some much needed time with your feet in the sand and water, not on the dashboard of your car. Secondly, it has everything from forests to rock formations. What’s not to love?

If a road trip in Australia sounds like your cup of tea, then start to plan your trip well in advance to get the best deals on flights. I took a few minutes to do some research and found many cheap flights to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth available from all the usual suspects – Qantas, British Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, etc. There is on tip I would like to suggest based on my three kangaroo flights from the UK to Sydney. If you can afford an upgrade, do it. If you can also get a decent stop in Singapore so you can take a walk, get showered, fed and watered, it also really helps, especially if you’re Australian trip is a short one.

Surfers Paradise has countless holiday accommodation options available for you and your family to choose from. Whether you are looking for an apartment like a small motel or a five star luxury hotel, you will be spoilt for choice.

So, before setting off on your well-earned holiday you really ought to spend some time looking at the selection of family holiday accommodation currently available. You can do this by going on the Internet in the comfort of your home and perusing some of the websites available.

Below is a selection of some of the best places to stay for the family:

Surfers Century Oceanside Apartments

Surfers Century Oceanside Apartments are situated close to the Main Beach, with easy access to many fine dining restaurants and coffee shops. The quality family apartments are within half an hour’s drive of the famous theme parks littered around the Gold Coast region.

Gold Coast International Hotel

This hotel is located in the heart of the Gold Coast in Surfers Paradise and caters for all types of visitor to the area. It has more than 200 bedrooms that are air-conditioned and have private balconies with fantastic views. There is a spa, gym, sauna, tennis courts and swimming pool to be enjoyed by the whole family.

Watermark Hotel & Spa Gold coast

This is a 4 ½ star hotel situated in the middle of Surfers Paradise, a mere 80m from a white sandy beach and a 5 minute walk from the nightlife, shopping and restaurants. There are two restaurants, a spa, gym, sauna and two pools for your enjoyment.

Marriott Surfers Paradise Resort and Spa

This top quality hotel is located in close proximity to the white sandy beaches that Surfers Paradise has become famous for and to which thousands of tourists flock each year. It is also close to the delightful shopping facilities and provides easy access to the hinterland valleys. It even has a salt-water lagoon where you can enjoy snorkelling with the resident fish. There is a beautiful spa and the hotel has excellent dining facilities. There are close to 300 bedrooms and 30 suites to choose from.

The above are but a small selection of lovely places that you and your family can stay at whilst visiting the world-renowned Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast.

Author By-line:

Katherine Flowers loves travelling and sharing her experiences with holiday accommodation options such as Surfers Paradise apartments.

1. The decision.
The moment I decided to move to Australia was a big one. It was slightly less exhilarating, because I had studied abroad in the country before. However, deciding to move down with the kangaroos for a year to work after graduating from college was a monumental decision for me, my family and my finances. This step of the process involved communication with family and close acquaintances and family, as the choice to move away affected them as well. My advice for this first step would be to do your research and check finances. I would not move past this step without the plan to have $4,000 in a cash account after flight purchase. That’s a minimum. This will ensure you can survive for a month or two if you have bad luck with jobs or housing.

2. The visa.
The visa I was eligible for was the Class 462 Working Holiday visa. There are various guidelines for the visa, but nothing too strict. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30, with a high school degree. I had to have a US passport, proof of funds and pass a health check.
It was so easy to get that it almost didn’t seem legitimate. I applied and heard back less than three days later that I had been accepted. With the visa, I was able to stay in Australia for a year after entering the country through customs. I had been accepted, and couldn’t have been more excited. For this step, my advice would be to make sure you have everything in line before you start the application. Doing so will ensure that it goes as quickly and as smoothly as it did for me. Give yourself roughly 6-8 months before desired departure date to take care of everything.

3. The flight.
The flight is a major component of the move. If you can save money on the flight, nothing is better than the feeling of getting a deal on a 14-hour luxury air taxi. My strong advice after being to Australia four different times, and I mean strong advice, is to consider moving there in May or September. These bridge months between major seasons will save you money on the flight, as well as housing when you get there. Just as people travel during the popular months, people tend to stay put in houses during those months.
There are a few search engines that provide seemingly better flight deals. Here are a few:
-Kayak
-Student Universe
-STA Travel
-Qantas (Australia’s major airline)

I have had most success with kayak.com. The range for a one-way ticket to Australia, usually departing San Francisco (SFO) or Los Angeles (LAX), can be anywhere from $450 to $1,200. It depends on time of year, stopovers, airline and time of booking in relation to departure. If you plan to move there in September or October, consider booking in May or June for the best results. If the flights are too expensive, doing little things like taking your jewelry to a cash for gold vendor can help the cause.

4. The move.
After the thrill of flying across the Pacific Ocean, I arrived back in Australia. Because I had studied abroad there, I basically had a job aligned by the time I landed. I lived in Wollongong, about two hours south of Sydney, and worked for YMCA Sydney and also a local seafood restaurant called The Lagoon. Both were great opportunities, but let’s focus on you.
My advice would be to send outreach emails to potential employment places in the location you want to live. There are very few work restrictions, other than the fact that you cannot work for the same employer for more than six months. Restaurants are a good option, as they pay much better than they do in America and meeting people is commonplace. Minimum pay is $16 per hour in restaurants, and there are much higher as well. If you’ve been to college, consider reaching out to places where you could do something with your degree. The potential cash involved with a job in your degree would be a huge surprise to you.
You will also need to find a place to live. I would recommend looking on www.gumtree.com for rentals. Rent tends to be pretty expensive, and very comparable to expensive U.S. cities, especially if you live in a place like Melbourne or Sydney. Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to$1,700 per month for your own room, with the latter being an extremely nice place in Sydney proper.

Choosing to study abroad in Australia was a great decision, and moving back to work there was a better one. I would highly recommend plunging down under to make some cash if you are having trouble finding a job in America. The people, beaches and wages are awesome for anyone looking to kick back and have a good time. I saved a solid chunk of money during my year in Australia, and had a great time while doing it.

Alex Watson is a freelance writer who enjoys researching and writing about personal finance and does his best to take his own advice. When he’s not writing, he enjoys reading the classics and keeping his box turtle, Sparky, company. He currently writes for the respected cash for gold buyer GoldMax USA.com

Skiing in Victoria

Currently, the state of Victoria holds the distinction of having the most number of ski resorts in the country. One of them is Mt. Buller ski resort, with its ski field of 263 hectares and a summit height of 1,790 meters. Just 234 km away from Melbourne, it is the closest ski resort to any major city, making it the most popular choice among weekend skiers and several annual snow sporting events. In fact, it has even hosted a couple of international World Cup competitions in the past, aside from being the host location for the Victorian Snowsports Championships.

This ski resort is also known for having the highest seating capacity in the region when it comes to its lifts. With 22 lifts can actually carry more than 40,000 people per hour. Other activities that can be done in Mt. Buller include cross country skiing, night skiing, snow shoeing, snow tubing and tobogganing. Prepare yourself with the proper ski equipment by using backcountry redemption code and enjoy the ski slopes of this magnificent mountain. The Australian backcountry will definitely thrill you.

Mt. Buller ski resort, also has its own Alpine Museum and a 180-seat cinema – the highest in Australia. You can take their indoor rock climbing sessions, or you can enjoy the view of Mt. Buller and Mt. Stirling by taking one of the helicopter flights they offer.

Skiing in New South Wales

The Snowy Mountains of New South Wales may not be as high or as cold as other popular mountains for skiing, however, its strategic location with respect to winter winds and precipitation, make it perfect for prolonged snowfall.

Here you’ll find Australia’s largest ski resort, the Perisher Ski Resort, formerly known as Perisher Blue. With ski fields spanning 1,245 hectares, this resort easily contains five terrain parks. Skiers and non-skiers flock to this resort because of the wide variety of activities for all age and skill levels. It is also known for having the most lifts among Australian ski resorts with a total of 47 lifts. Its three levels of difficulty grades provide a lot of room for skiers of different skill levels. In fact, beginners take up 22% of the runs, while intermediate skiers take up 60%. The remaining 18% is for those engaged in advanced skiing. Get your needed outdoor gear with the usage of rock creek promotional code and enjoy a day in the Perisher Blue. The Australian countryside is full of surprises, from incredible ski slopes to lovely hiking trails.

While you are in the Perisher Valley, you might want to go for snow tubing in Tube Town, or join the Groomer Tours, where you can take a ride on one of the resort’s night skiing. Snow shoeing and cross country skiing are also available.

The Kiandra Snow Shoe Club

New South Wales has another claim to fame. It is here where you will find The Kiandra Snow Shoe Club, the first and longest surviving ski club in the world. Formed in 1861 in the town of Kiandra – the birthplace of skiing in Australia – the oldest sporting ski club in the world still operates to this day and is currently known as the Kiandra Pioneer Ski Club. Its center of operations is in Perisher Valley in New South Wales.

Ski Holidays in Australia

The states of New South Wales and Victoria are practically dotted with so many amazing ski resorts and destinations that you will probably have a difficult time making up your mind which one to choose. Rest assured, however, that whichever resort you choose, you will definitely have fun skiing in the south of Australia.

The fairy-tale of Flinders Island

The island was first identified by Europeans when Tobias Furneaux, the commander of Captain Cook’s support ship, became separated from the endeavor in fog and discovered the Furneaux group of islands on 19 March 1773.

It’s an island with a rich heritage, both sad and boisterous. The first Europeans were rough and ready sealers who hunted fur seals to near extinction. And the island’s rocky shores and hidden reefs caused many a ship to flounder and sink.

At Wybalenna, 160 Aboriginal people, relocated from mainland Tasmania in 1833, longed for their homeland. By 1847 the settlement was abandoned and the 45 remaining people were returned to a settlement at Oyster Cove, south of Hobart.

Here you will be in the nature’s lap amidst pristine settings. For the beach lovers there are glittering beaches and for those who love can escape to an inspiring world of sparkling beaches, rugged ranges, abundant wildlife and flora, and clear sapphire waters. With a pleasant climate throughout the year and activities from boating, climbing, fishing, to exploring our history and culture

Take time to explore our region. Sawyersbayshacks will help you to find out more about our island home and help you to plan your own visit to Tasmania’s best kept secret.

How to get there

Tasmania is not as far as some tend to believe. You can take a flight to Flinders Island from Launceston or directly from Moorabbin Airport Victoria.  Sharp Airlines and Airlines of Tasmania have a decent network of daily flights from Launceston and Melbourne. For more information dial 1300 55 66 94.

What concerns travel Australia enthusiasts ranking Australian cities at Travbuddy.com, Sydney, Melbourne and Gold Coast are the most popular choices. What makes these three cities so appealing to travellers?

1. Sydney

Sydney might not be the capital of Australia but it’s nominated as “the capital of glamour” by lots of U.K. tourists. It is also the richest city having 19 of the country’s most expensive 25 suburbs. From the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House to its breathtaking coastal scenery and harbour to open-air cinemas, Sydney has plenty of irresistible charms.

Tip: Visit Sydney during the holiday season to enjoy traditional fireworks and barbeques in a Santa costume.

2. Melbourne

The city is considered the Australian fashion, music and sport capital and an important cultural centre. Sport fans love visiting the Melbourne Cricket Ground to watch some world-class games, while families with children appreciate the city’s exceptional animal attractions such as the zoo and the aquarium.

Tip: Go downtown and visit any of Melbourne’s music bars to see what’s on trend in the world of music.

3. Gold Coast

Being the sixth most populated city in Australia, Gold Coast is the third most popular destination with tourists. Those in the know name Gold Coast an “all round sporting heaven” with such sports as motor racing, golf, surfing and others well represented in the city that features two international standard annual surfing competitions.

The attractions of the city appeal to visitors of all ages. From exhilarating waterslides to theme parks to galleries and historical sites, the full spectrum of entertainment is available in Gold Coast.

Tip: Go on a boat trip to explore the city’s natural wonders including waterfalls and empty golden stretches among over 70 kilometres of sand.

There are a lot of things to see and do in Australia and it’s impossible to try everything the first time around. Visit at least one of the top three cities to make the most of your trip to Australia.

Adelaide Zoo

You may have a well-heeled “been there, done that” attitude when it comes to visiting any metropolitan area’s zoo, but don’t let that stop you from taking a chance on the wildlife in Adelaide. Best left for the older children in your party, the sheer size of the Adelaide Zoo can easily run smaller children ragged, but if you’re feeling saucy, go ahead and bring along the entire brood. A strictly non-profit establishment, the Adelaide Zoo is the second oldest in Australia and features over 300 exotic and native species of fauna; including over 1,800 animals. If your time is limited, make it a point to visit Wang Wang and Funi, the only Giant Pandas residing in the Southern Hemisphere.

Wacky Warehouse

If your interest lies purely in zapping the kids of their abundant energy, look no further than the Wacky Warehouse. Located on Gorge Road, The Wacky Warehouse is a safe, modern environment ideal for children of all ages. The indoor play park is divided by age, a major plus for parents with children five and under in tow. Watch your older children play on the “Ocean” frame while your little ones explore the softplay animal zone. For the adults, the Wacky Warehouse offers a variety of treats at the café and a strong, caffeine-infused cup of hot coffee.

Pichi Richi Railway

Located a few miles outside of Adelaide in the Flinders Range is a unique opportunity for children to live out a long-held aspiration, or at least, learn more about the country’s rich railway history. The Pichi Richi Railway houses an operating museum and offers journeys along the oldest section of the Ghan railway. The Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society also offers a more behind-the-scenes look at how the station operates. These tours are available by appointment only, but it’s well worth the phone call to see how the locomotives are preserved and restored. The tour also allows visitors to see many pieces in the museum’s collection that aren’t available to the general public.

Adelaide Aquatic Centre

January and February temperatures in Adelaide are notorious for climbing well above the 40 degree Celsius mark, so if your family is begging for an entertaining way to beat the heat, look no further than the Adelaide Aquatic Centre. Located in the city’s northern section, the Aquatic Centre features pools based on different activities and interests. For instance, the Main Pool is a heated, 50-metre lap pool intended for adults and casual swimmers. When you’re ready to (literally) take the plunge, head to the Diving Pool. The Leisure Pools’ graded depths are the best bet for the youngest members of your traveling party.

Beerenberg Strawberry Farm

In this age of modern conveniences, smartphones and Wi-Fi ready restaurants, it can be difficult for parents to find wholesome, outdoor activities the whole family can enjoy. Luckily for you, the Berrenberg Strawberry Farm is still a fun, safe place for your entire brood to partake in the beautiful spring weather while you sneak a few strawberries from the patch. The property features a mid-19th century barn, a massive pick-your-own berry patch and a farm shop complete with jars of homemade strawberry preserves and quaint souvenirs. The older kids might complain, but this is an issue quickly remedied by shutting off their smartphones and shoving a few ripe strawberries in their mouths.

Now that you’ve explored all of Adelaide’s best kid-friendly destinations, don’t hesitate to hire a babysitter and explore downtown after dark. Adelaide is still that fun place you remember from your single days, just remember that you can’t stay out too late, because the kids are sure to wake you up bright and early the next morning.

Joe White is a guest blogger and makes frequent trips to Adelaide. Joe is currently based in Sydney, but plans to make the move to Adelaide in the near future, with his family in tow. 

 Sydney: each year, millions of tourists visit Sydney, making it the top tourist destination of Australia. Sydney is located on the south-east coast of the Tasman Sea and is the largest city in Australia.

While there are several famous places in Sydney, the Sydney Opera House is the most popular of them all. In fact the Sydney Opera House has become a landmark for Sydney as it is visited by tourists who are not so interested in the opera. Cultural and fun are at the helm of Sydney. While on the one hand, there are umpteen historical buildings depicting the culture and heritage of Australia, on the other hand there are pristine beaches, theme parks and other sources of entertainment.

The major tourist attractions in Sydney include the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Tower, Historic Fort, Bridge Climb,  Watsons Bay, Museum of Sydney, Darling Harbour, Taronga Zoo, Sydney Wildlife World, Sydney Aquarium and the pristine beaches including Manly Beach and Bondi Beach.

Brisbane: located in Queensland, Brisbane is amongst the top cities of Australia. Brisbane is known for its hospitality, cleanliness and security. The city has well established facilities for tourists and you can find accommodation right from the budget hotels to the five-star category of hotels. Brisbane in a short duration has shot up as a tourist destination and is visited by several tourists all year round. Having blissfully comfortable weather throughout the year, Brisbane caters to the several tourists coming here from different countries. Catering to these tourists are the numerous restaurants, cafes, eateries and hotels serving multi-cuisines.

 The major attractions of Brisbane include historical structures and museums. The South Bank Parklands is also a popular tourist spot in Brisbane.

 Cairns: located in North Queensland is a tourists’ paradise. Having being bestowed with nature’s best, Cairns boasts the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef, which stretches along the Queensland coast for almost 35 million hectares, is the largest coral reef in the world. Tourists can enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving or just strolling around.

 The Daintree Rainforests is a world heritage site and is more than 135 million years old. Other attractions here include Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Cape Tribulation, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, and Rainforestation National Park.

Melbourne: the capital of the state of Victoria, is amongst the liveliest of the cities in Australia. This is a city, which is a very good amalgamation of cultural mix. While on the one side there are modern looks and amenities, on the other side there are buildings built in the ancient Victorian style and culture.

There are numerous tourist attractions in Melbourne. These include the Sovereign Hill at Ballarat, The Royal Botanic Gardens, Swanston Street, which has buildings from the Victorian era, and the various shopping and eating points situated at the quay and Federation Square. Although the weather in Melbourne is slightly unpredictable, the people of Melbourne enjoy outdoor activities.

Among the activities and attractions to see in Australia’s top cities, there are also a number of other great locations and attractions to see outside of Australia’s main cities.

Working as a Travel Manager, I love to explore new places and have keen interest in blogging about different travelling places and my experiences. Find more about me here : Harrison Healy

Blue Mountains

Nothing says romance like dazzling mountain scenery. Whether you’re a couple who like exploring the great outdoors, are just looking for some seclusion or want to enjoy some of the country’s best local produce, the Blue Mountains can be whatever you want it to be.

Picture yourselves relaxing in front of an open fire or spending the evening in your own private spa – with a glass of champagne in hand of course. Or perhaps you want to enjoy the beautiful mountain views on horseback. For the adventurous couple, you could find yourselves squeezing and crawling through the world’s oldest caves – Jenolan Caves.

 A popular activity for couples in the Blue Mountains is to hire mountain bikes and go exploring the sights and sounds of the region. There are a range of bike trails varying in difficulty, and maps are available from more bike hire stores.

 You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation options. Choose from large resorts with everything you need at your doorstep or enjoy personalised attention at one of the locally-owned bed and breakfasts. Most places cater for couples so ask about special packages that can include champagne and roses on arrival.

 Whatever you’re into – you’ll leave with memories to last a lifetime.

 Hunter Valley

There’s a reason why the French are considered to be the most romantic nation in the world – and I think it’s their love of fine wine and delicious food. Channel your inner Parisian romantic  side with a weekend away at New South Wales wine region – the Hunter Valley.

Hire a car and drive around the beautiful countryside and enjoy free wine tastings at the large and smaller boutique wineries that you’ll find around every corner. The wineries are also some of the best places to experience the Hunter Valley’s famous culinary delights while taking in spectacular views of the vineyards.

 Indulge in some divine chocolates at the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company then pamper yourselves with a couples massage at a day spa.

Hawkesbury River

Just over an hours drive from Sydney is the charming region of Hawkesbury River. Enjoy a romantic stroll along the tranquil waterfront, perhaps stopping for a picnic along the way. Serenade your sweetheart on a private boat trip or hire a kayak if you’re feeling more adventurous.

The majority of accommodation in Hawkesbury is situated absolute waterfront, and often boat-access only – so you’re pretty much guaranteed a beautiful view wherever you stay. For ultimate seclusion and romance, why not stay on a houseboat for the weekend?

Popular towns in the region include Wiseman’s Ferry, Brooklyn and St Albans.

You just need to rent a car in Sydney  and go on one of those beautiful trips. Enjoy!:)