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 Thursday, 11 March 2010
Australasia

Stories from this wide brown land of ours.



Cool New Auckland PDF Print E-mail
Written by Roderick Eime   
Friday, 24 April 2009


By Roderick Eime


Tamaki-Makau-Rau - ‘the maiden with a hundred lovers’ – may not sound like the most flattering of descriptions, but the Maori have a definite fondness for the region that provides a bounty of seafood in a setting of lush, rolling hills and a temperate climate.

Last Updated ( Friday, 08 May 2009 )
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Summer Rocks : Music Festivals in Australia PDF Print E-mail
Written by Administrator   
Monday, 20 April 2009
As the thermometer starts to rise Australians turn their thoughts to the beach, BBQs, summer holidays and music festivals. The amount of music festivals that are held in the summer months in Oz seem to increase every year. The increase is fine with me. I like nothing better than spending a day with my friends listening to fantastic music meeting new people and experiencing the best of summer.

The festivals now cover all sorts of music from folk to funk, dance to heavy rock so everyone is catered for. Here are of some of the best.

Summer kicks of with “Homebake” in Sydney. A celebration of Australian music whose tickets are as rare as hens teeth but it’s a brilliant day. Music of all genres and tastes are represented here by Australia’s best.

The Falls festivals are held simultaneously in Lorne in Victoria and Marion Bay in Tasmania. The 3-day festival helps send the old year out with a bang and welcome the new year with a visceral howl. Featuring international and local rock acts that perform at both venues. This is one for the rock fans. Flying into Avalon Airport or Hobart Airport and hiring a car is the easiest way to get to Lorne or Marion Bay. This also guarantees a place for you to stay at both venues (that’s if you get kicked out of your tent for snoring).

In Brisbane as the world wakes up to a brand new year BBQ Breaks shakes the River Stage. No time for rest as some of the finest dance music in Australia is on offer. A lazy afternoon, by the river, reflecting on the year that’s past.

My personal favorite is the Big Day Out. This is a touring festival that takes in all capital cities except for Darwin and Canberra and even crosses the pond to Auckland, New Zealand. With new acts, legends and the hottest bands in the world, covering rock hip-hop, dance, folk and metal this is truly a big day. Friends of mine have even done the Big Road Trip and followed the festival around the country.

Festival survival guide - Some things that will help you have a great day.
  • Water- really this is the top priority above all else. Its easy to dehydrate when your having so much fun.
  • A Meeting Place- Very important as you can get lost very easily. This place also needs to be easily found by everyone.
  • A small tip: Don’t expect your mobile to always work. Technology is a wonderful thing but when 40,000 people are all texting and calling at the same time the networks get backed up. Most text messages arrive hours if not days later so have a back up plan.
  • Transport – Be it a hire car or your own wheels. For festivals that go overnight or a couple of days it provides a safe lock up for your things and also a great meeting place.
  • A rain poncho- Keeps you dry this is obvious.
  • Sunscreen and hat – Keeps you from turning in to lobster and ruining your day. Many venues are without much shade so this can be very important.
  • Anti-bacterial Hand Gel – ‘Porta-Loo’ need I say more
  • Re-sealable plastic bags- Great for storing mobile phones and cameras
  • Cash – Not too many ATMs and they run out of money easily.
I try not to be to regimented in who I want to see play now at festivals as you can uncover some amazing music if you just go with the flow. Years ago I was lucky to watch a new band by the name of Coldplay who played early and to relatively small numbers. They now fill stadiums.

So grab a couple of friends secure your tickets early and get ready to celebrate summer and great music.

Last Updated ( Monday, 20 April 2009 )
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Gold Coast Chill PDF Print E-mail
Written by Administrator   
Monday, 20 April 2009

Every year as the winter chill grips the southern states of Australia a migration takes place to the warmer climes and fun times of the Gold Coast in South East Queensland. The Gold Coast is many things to many people for families it’s a chance to relax take some time together and visit the theme parks, for couples a romantic getaway and for singles a chance to play.

During spring and summer on the coast it becomes a home for events like the Magic Millions, Super GP, Big Day Out and the infamous Schoolies. In winter the area has a more intimate feel with the large, concentrated numbers of summer having dispersed into smaller groups. For me this is the coast at its best. It may not be as warm but the beach is less crowded, the days are beautiful and the area is more relaxed.

Arriving at Coolangatta Airport it's sensible to collect a hire car as most of the attractions and accommodations are spread out over a fairly large distance. The public transport system is good but it is more convenient to have your own set of wheels.

Accommodation can be found all along the coast with some very good accommodation available inland. Another bonus to travelling at this time of the year is that accommodation can be a bit cheaper.

Families will love the resort style accommodations that are offered away from Surfers Paradise. Diamond Beach Resort is in Broadbeach and is a great place for families. Just 100m from the beach, close to Pacific Fair and Broadbeach shopping and dining precincts. Diamond Beach will make everyone in the family happy and relaxed.

For the romantic, an escape to one of the 5-star hotels is in order. Staying at the Marriott or Versace Hotel will help create some perfect memories. With day spas and fantastic restaurants you don’t have to go far to feel pampered.

For a mates holiday take a house on the beach or one of the canals. Make this your base to explore the coast. Plenty of large houses are available all year round. If travelling with a large group don’t forget to “book your Tarago” early to help move the group around.

Once you have your hire car you are free to explore some of the hidden gems the “Goldie” has to offer. Mt Tambourine is a stunning area with breathtaking views of the coast. Markets happen in the village on the weekend and you can find some yummy treats.

Springbrook is also inland and is a place for those who like to hike. Located on the rim of a dormant volcano is “Best of all Lookout”. The short hike to the platform is stunning and takes you through some rainforest that looks like something out of prehistoric times.

Coolangatta / Tweed Heads is a great day out. Fish and chips on Kira Beach are a must. Travel a little further north to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and go wild with the animals. Finish with dinner at Burleigh Heads at one of the many restaurants.

Then there are the theme parks, the world class gold courses, dining and entertainment, casino, boutique shopping and the happy locals. With all the offers, specials and discounts that are around your holiday has the ability to be jam-packed with unique experiences without breaking the bank. The Gold Coast is yours to discover so don’t wait till spring, shake the winter blues save some money and head north.

Last Updated ( Saturday, 09 May 2009 )
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AUSTRALIA’S MEDITERRANEAN PDF Print E-mail
Written by Administrator   
Monday, 30 March 2009

Whitsunday Coast Airport

This small airport is located just outside Proserpine a small rural town which is about 25km from the centre of Airlie Beach and about an hour to Bowen . The roads are well signed and the trip is through the beautiful country side dotted with sugar cane fields. Hire your car online with www.VroomVroomVroom.com.au to have your vehicle waiting for your arrival. From there the wonder of the Whitsunday Coast is waiting for you to explore and discover.

Airlie Beach

A personal recommendation is to spend a night or two in Airlie Beach and experience the hospitality of this coastal town.

Airlie Beach is the gateway to your Whitsunday adventure and is a great town to relax and unwind in without the hustle and bustle of larger coastal towns.

Lots of activities are on offer during peak holiday times in Airlie Beach and are designed for all ages. Street parades, fireworks displays, open air cinema and street markets are just some of the ways Airlie Beach celebrates.

Diamonds & Pearls

A personal recommendation is to visit the stunning Blue Pearl Bay which is located on Hayman Island. The bay is one of the most fantastic places to snorkel in the Whitsundays. The beach is made up of smooth pieces of coral that tinkle as the waves roll in. Under the water a thriving city of fish dance around the coral and even come up to inspect the people visiting thier world for a closer look.

Sleep with the Fishes……without the concrete boots

Operating for more than 20 years within Australia’s Mediterranean, Fantasea Adventure Cruising is your key to seeing the beautiful Whitsunday Islands and Magic Great Barrier Reef.

Fantasea’s Reef World has been a Queensland institution for many years with many Tourism Awards won. A unique part of this attraction is that it is the only Reef Pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef to offer Accommodation. Offering a new experience for those who had thought that they had done it all, a night of serenity, on one of the wonders of the world. With exclusive use of the pontoon after the day boat leaves it’s your chance to explore the reef at your leisure with all equipment provided. Take your first scuba dive, swim with Wally a famous and colorful member of the Fantasea family or relax and have a massage on the Sundeck. This is the perfect place to create a special memory and is popular for those romantics who are popping the question With accommodation for only six people per night it is wise to book well in advance to avoid missing out. This is a truly amazing night and must be high on all Aussie’s things to do list.

Island in the Sun

Hamilton Island has been a favorite place for me to visit over the years. In that time the Island has grown in sophistication without losing its charm. A perfect place for well earned family getaway, a week off with the girls or a weekend of pure indulgence. This island caters for every taste and provides a range of experiences.

This island provides a selection of accommodation from the elegant 6-star luxury of qualia to the ease and casual set up of the Palm Bungalows which are located in the lush rainforest gardens of the resort.

The resort has many eateries and restaurants, cafes bars and lounges, with the swim up pool bar in the main area of the resort being a personal favorite. On public holidays and weekends this area also provides live entertainment which makes it hot property to secure a sun lounge or a seat at the bar.

Food is fantastic on the island. Mariners and the Beach Club are just two of the fine selections on offer with again all tastes and budgets catered for.

Hamilton Island also has a range of on island activities and the kids are well catered for with the “Clownfish Club”. If you are looking for more relaxation and less adrenalin a visit to the day spa or an art class may be more to your liking, while those with a need for speed will love the Jet Skis or learning to sail a catamaran on Cats Eye Bay. Most activities do require that you book but it’s worth it so that you don’t miss out.

Finally do not miss out on the sunset cocktails at One Tree Hill and bring a camera.

Last Updated ( Sunday, 17 May 2009 )
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Australia's Big Things PDF Print E-mail
Written by Administrator   
Monday, 30 March 2009
Big Things

My dad was a big believer in driving holidays when I was a kid. Each Christmas he would bundle us into the car and head off on a drive. The drive felt like it took an eternity to some location that was far removed from our little farm. The alternative was to drive to the airport, fly to a different state, rent a car and then drive for a couple of more hours.

During these travels we got to see some amazing parts of Australia and some things that truly make this country and its people unique. My favorite things to see where the “big things”. Dotted all over this great brown land are monuments to the achievements, produce and things that make that town great or at least a little quirky. Celebrations of the triumph that tower over the land welcoming all and usually providing some sort of morning tea or tourist information.

With everything from the Big Trout to the Big Pair of Glasses, there are now over 140 big things in the country, some of my personal favorites include.

The Big Merino Goulburn NSW

Located at the southern end of the city it is well worth stopping to visit this 15m Merino Monster. Built as a dedication to the wool that is produced in the area “Rambo” as he is affectionately known has stood proudly in Goulburn for many years. He is the home to a gift shop and provides a home for the “history of Wool in Australia” exhibit. For me he symbolises cold mornings on school excursions to Sydney and the excitement felt at escaping to the big city.

The Big Cherries Young NSW

For years this monument has meant one thing to me. HOME. I was very young the first time I saw the cherries from the back seat of my dad's Falcon. My sister and I were dazzled by the big fruit while hoping to stop so that we could get some huge cherries. Obviously at that age the “big thing” concept was wasted on us. Over the years they still give me the feeling of home and are certainly worth the trip during the cherry season. Young is the cherry capital and the fruit that comes out of the region is truly the best in the country. Stop in and pick up a case of the fruit or stay overnight and take part in the annual Cherry Festival.

The Big Gumboot Tully QLD

This monument could have been built in Innisfail, Babinda or Tully. The Boot is in recognition of the huge rainfall experienced by North Queensland with the aforementioned towns laying claim to the highest rainfall. Tully recorded a rainfall amount of 7.98 metres in a single year. With a spiral staircase inside the 8m boot you can make your way to the top to overlook the town and get a fantastic view of the Big Green Tree Frog. With a small gift shop to buy trinkets this is as good one to get your photo taken with.

The Big Wine Cask Buronga NSW

Standing at 11m tall the Big Wine Cask has been standing tall at the Stanley Winery in NSW since 1983. Unlike the carefully planned big things that I have previously mentioned this one was all about beautification and imagination. The cask was originally just an ordinary if not ugly plant shed that received a make over. It was even given a tap made by the manufacturer of the inner bags. If the cask were to actually hold wine it would hold a massive 400,000 litres of wine. Now to build the “Big Asprin”

So get out, jump in a car and see this great country and its big things.

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