Thematic itineraries
Articles
Five Favourite Melbourne Gardens
Do you need inspiration for your backyard? Or simply a beautiful place for a precious breath of air? Let’s explore five favourite gardens, in Melbourne’s backyard for that magic moment. Melbourne gardens, native and exotic are forever places that are often free to enter. A piece of happiness does not even need to cost the earth. Here is a tour around my favourite places in Melbourne.
Three best walks, top three favourite places in Melbourne
Why have I chosen this walk?
Royal Botanic Gardens.
Perhaps the garden explorer people mover is operating and you can be chilled out and simply be taken around the gardens in an electric vehicle or you can walk the gardens. No map needed as the gardens are clearly marked, dogs on a lease allowed, plenty of space for younger members of your group to jump, kick balls and climb, and over 8,000 plant species to see on your walk.
Five favourite family beaches in Western Australia
What makes a great family beach? And where is the best family beach in Western Australia?
Family beach requirements are clear pristine shallow water, with lifeguards to monitor water safety is a definite plus. Sand castle building is important as the magic of constructing a moat, sticks of driftwood and decorated with shells is very satisfying for all age groups. And then family members get to take a selfie for bragging rights about the best sandcastle ever. Facilities such as toilets, perhaps a cafe within walking distance and shade made for comfort and families can plan an entire day for picnics or a snooze in the afternoon.
Three favourite outback walks
Favourite things, the best walk ever belongs to an neverending list. The catalogue of the best walk, great walks, fabulous walks is endless. Another three favourites are guaranteed. And the current list does favour the Northern Territory as it was my initial introduction to the outback. Keep checking though as Gawler National Park in South Australia is another upcoming favourite. And then there are outback walks in South Australia and Western Australia. The Kimberleys is another hot favourite.
Gardens, favourites to visit in Victoria
Public parks are a pleasure to ponder, wander and relax in. However they are public spaces and not exclusive to the group you are with. Private gardens offer an exclusivity, an opportunity to observe an individual interpretation of a private space. For visitors focused on gardens check out private gardens Open Gardens Victoria: Home for inspiration where to go next weekend.
Favourite places for locals
As a visitor we want to experience something unique, something special or something different than our routine lives. Most of all we want to enjoy ourselves, have fun finding out things. For locals there are places that answer all those holiday questions and you do not need to take an international flight to find these places. Here are few holiday destinations where Australians go to relax, indulge and enjoy their holiday break.
Ten favourite Queensland beaches
Seclusion, privacy and the beach with plenty of space for social distancing. Space to have the world of sand, sun and gentle sea waves to yourself. It is indulgent, romantic and a great way to restore energy when you bonelessly relax into the moment of the beach. Queensland has beaches galore, here is a list of ten favourite hidden beaches. Kangaroos on the beach foraging, picnic tables for families to while away the day or the iconic beach with fish and chips to complete the day.
Quarantine stations Sydney
Have you heard of a quarantine station for infectious diseases? Australia has several heritage sites. It is an exploration of how society managed infectious diseases and the obvious fear of infection from patients. Isolated and alone these quarantine stations are a testament to the past and the present. Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane historic quarantine facilities are open to visitors and everyone should go. A must visit bucket list place for heritage buffs and people wondering if 2020 covid19 is a new event.
Abandoned towns
Who needs a medieval castle to gawp at. The past is fascinating, even if it is a rusting engine parked on a dusty lot in the middle of nowhere. South Australia is a great place for locals and visitors alike to explore the byways of Australia’s past. The past that is invariably wrapped up in a bit of dust. History does not need to be ancient to be interesting, just visit heritage towns in South Australia. A historical journey is at our fingertips and you did not even have to get on a long distance plane. Architectural monuments and railway tracks, for non-existent trains encourage visitors to imagine the train roaring to a halt at the railway station. As a consequence the visitor's imagination becomes part of the adventure. It is a journey wrapped up in Australian dust, and a few flies.
Ten wildlife encounters on the Coral Way
Inspiration for your holiday to the Coral Way is wrapped around the outdoors. Western Australia’s warm waters of the Indian Ocean are home to dolphins who tease visitors with their confidence and kangaroos graze for seed pods on the beach. You stand in crystal clear waters as manta rays glide slowly pass as their large bodies gently undulate in the current. A cruise introduces you to the majestic humpback whales and whale sharks whose massive size belies their majesty. Spend time with the natural world and feel enriched by the experience.
Department of Conservation Volunteer Contributions
Get involved in activities around the country, and find out about volunteering for conservation.
There are hundreds of conservation groups working with DOC, or working independently around the country – from restoring forests, coasts and wildlife to managing huts, tracks and historic places. The Department of Conservation is a premier resource for all visitors enjoying New Zealand outdoors. There are ways to support the conservation movement in New Zealand. The information below is part of the online fact list provided to potential volunteers. Click her for more details, Volunteer: Getting involved.
Four wild reasons to visit the Adelaide Hills with the kids in tow
If the kids are getting restless while you trawl through goodies at the iconic Adelaide Markets, grab an impromptu deli lunch and head for the hills. A classic Aussie wildlife encounter is enough to blow kids holiday blues away. You have several choices from a polished visitor park to a recently reopened wildlife sanctuary to an African safari experience. Or you could simply stay in town and visit one of Australia’s oldest and well regarded zoos in the CBD.