Uncovering Tasmania’s Best Kept Winter Secrets

There’s this special quality to the winter in Tasmania that smooths out some if the island’s rougher edges, giving the air an extra dose of crispness that clears the thoughts and sharpens the sights.

Tasmanians feel a “special something” in the air this time of the year, with diverse activities springing up all around the island, celebrating everything from apple cider to winter solstice, while the clear nights call for stargazing underneath an open sky, and there’s solid chances for the Aurora Australis.

Tasmania’s winter attractions are many, and it would be a shame to limit yourself to just a few. We strongly suggest you take a road trip to explore the affluent winter offerings, and you can even find a transfer car or campervan for free to fulfil your quest. Before you start planning, here’s a list of some of our favourite winter events and activities in Tasmania.

Enchanted Walk

The Cradle Mountain National Park is a must-see Tasmanian attraction at any time of the year, but in winter time everything is emphasized and truly brings out the wonder of the ancient rainforest, with frost covered trees showing their best face.

The entirety of the national park is worth exploring, but if you’re looking for a reader’s digest version, we strongly recommend the Enchanted Walk, a brief guided tour that presents the wealth of natural wonders found in the park and is accompanied by an abundance of information about the wildlife and what we can do to preserve it. Nature lovers will wish to make it a whole day affair, though.

Tasmanian Whisky Trail

Tasmanian whisky is steadily growing into one of island’s most popular global exports, and the Tasmanian Whisky Trail places you straight into the epicentre of the recent boom. Sample some of the region’s award-winning blends, learn about the history and the techniques of whisky production, meet the makers of the divine liquid and explore the terrain responsible for the extraordinary product. If you don’t fancy yourself a whisky connoisseur, we believe you will enjoy the trail, and the brown fuel will add some much-needed warmth to the chill of the day.

Port Arthur Ghost Tour

Experience a dark spot of Tasmania’s history on a thrilling, lantern-lit tour through the historic site of Port Arthur, one of the most infamous penal settlements in Australia. Over years, Port Arthur has gained a reputation as a ghost site, and the tour explores the tales of unexplained mysteries and gory fates as you are led through the dark holes of old abandoned buildings. The eerie effect of the tour is particularly strong in the winter, ensuring that this visit will stick with you long after, especially when the lights are off.

Dark MOFO

When a museum is described by its founder and owner as a “subversive adult Disneyland”, its annually held winter festival can be no less intriguing. Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) holds two annual festivals that combine music and art, MONA FOMA and its winter edition, Dark MOFO. It takes place over a span of few weeks, with the distinction of all events taking place at night time.

Aside from a rich and eclectic offer of music performances, the festival includes a variety of events culminating with the annual tradition – the Winter Solstice Nude Swim in the nearby Derwent River. Dark MOFO was first held in 2013 and continues to ignite controversy from year to year. During its premiere edition, the police tried to ban the nude swim, but it was eventually allowed to take place, and even the mayor of Hobart took part! In each subsequent year, the festival was able to stir the spirits of the Tasmanian community, and we believe that’s a good thing!

Try to catch as many events as you can and brave the cold waters of Derwent at the dawn of the year’s shortest day, if you’re feeling adventurous. Whatever you choose, we promise it will be fun, interesting and provocative.

These are just some of the examples of the natural and cultural offerings of Tasmania, with dozens more left unmentioned. Consider these a must-see, but make sure you venture into the unknown and let your senses guide you to new discoveries. Keep in mind, learning how to get a free transfer car can make the trip both affordable and memorable. Tassie awaits!

 

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Heading to Australia in Autumn? This Is What You Must Do!

You might have heard about the great Aussie summer. However, it is autumn that is one of the best times to visit! You don’t have worry about covering yourself head to toe in suncream  or the 35+ degree heat! Find out the best ways to experience autumn in Australia like a local.

Head to The Snowy Mountains

horsesSome people won’t believe it but Australia does it an average snowfall of 3 metres. You need to head south of Sydney to the Snowy Mountain to experience it. It worth a visit in summer as well, there beautiful lakes and hikes to as well as horse riding. You can stroll to the highest point of Australia or head up into the mountains on horseback.

If you’re looking for a casual walk, why not climb to the highest point of Australia? First you catch a ski lift up 1900m. For there it is just an easy 45 minutes stroll to the top, where you won’t even break a sweat. At the top you can see for miles at the top and makes for some beautiful pictures.

In the valleys of the Snowy Mountains, are many places where wild horses or otherwise known “brumbies” are cared for. During the colonisation of Australia, the brumbies were used to help settlers claim land. There are many opportunities to jump in the saddle and see these rare creatures.

Go Cliffside for A Few Kms

With perfect weather until late May, you don’t have worry about grabbing a jumper for a cliffside walk. The coastal track from Coogee to Bondi is a picturesque pleasure. Not only will it the 6km track help you burn off the excessive beers, lattes & seafood it is packed with so much to do. There are plenty of rock pools, hidden beaches, parks & picnic stops to stop. Finish off our walk with a true Aussie lunch, fish and chips on the beach, just don’t forget the tomato sauce!

Have A Weekend Barbie on A Grassy Knoll with Some Locals

No matter time of the year or temperature locals always flock to Bondi Beach. The locals complain it full riffraff and overpriced coffees but it doesn’t stop them heading down.

There are only a few remaining spots too set up a true Aussie BBQ. If you head down the northern end of the beach there is a grassy knoll, where you can fire up a coin operated gas barbecues.

You will find a huge congregation of locals here every Saturday and Sunday and well pretty most other sunsets to eat, drink and mingle. It’s a good chance to integrate yourself with a cheery local and get some insider knowledge. It might find that it does get turn into a pretty heavy drinking session. Taking this into account makes sure you always have your wits about when lighting up a natural gas smoker in the park. Follow some gas safety or you may be jumping on that plane home a little bit earlier.

Grab a Beer and Head for Barefoot Bowls.

You may have heard that Australians love their sport. This one isn’t physically demanding it more of a get together for a laugh and a beer. Bowls clubs were originally just reserved for the senior citizens however in recent years barefoot bowls has become the summer activity of choice.

You will find that most bowls clubs will have designated times that you and some friends just drop by for some barefoot bowls. You just slip off your shoes, grab a drink (at prices from the 1970s) and try to not let the alcohol affect your game.

Head to The Park for A Movie

4469084486_affc71db81_b (1)In summer there nothing like heading to open-air movies. All the cities around Australia offer it however it variety of the locations is what makes it special. In Melbourne you have the option of sitting back on the grass of the Royal Botanic Gardens or taking in the sunset whilst at the rooftop cinemas.

We recommend a BYO beanbag or picnic rug to get comfy. Drop by the local supermarket and pick up some movie snacks and a bottle of wine, otherwise you can also grab something for the food trucks surrounding it.

No matter where you are in Australia during autumn the weather is still extremely mild. You can still swim in northern beaches, get around in shorts & enjoy a BBQ on the beach.

Brittnay is an Aussie and one half of the The Travelling House Sitters. She lived in London for the past two years before making the move to back to Melbourne. She managed to squeeze in 21 trips to Europe & Africa in that time (including lots of cheese, wine & beaches).  Find out where will Jay & Britt will end up next by following them at The Travelling House Sitters or on Instagram @thetravellinghousesitters.

 

 

5 Top Hidden Beaches Around the Great Ocean Road

They are some world-famous beaches around the Great Ocean Road that shouldn’t be missed. Not only that there are some other beauties you must experience, such as the Twelve Apostles, the Otway Rainforest, and the beautiful beachside town of Lorne.

However, sometimes you want the chance to explore something a little bit different or unknown. We have put together some of our favourite hidden gems along the Great Ocean Road, that only the locals know about.

Milanesia Beach

Milanesia beach is a can be a little bit  difficult to reach, but it certainly worth the effort.  You need to walk 14 kilometres (8.6 miles) to reach this beautiful beach. Along the way, you pass through stunning farmlands and rugged cliffs that lead to the breath-taking views of this area. Our first time here we learnt that several dinosaur footprints were found in this area.

This hidden beach has a plethora of wildlife and wild plants to take in. It’s located near Blanket Bay, be sure to take the time to walk to Parker Inlet which is near Blanket Bay Road.

To find Milanesia Beach,  head southwest out  Lavers Hill Township. Keep an eye out for a sign indicating Milanesia beach, from the car pack you will find lots of signage all the way to the beach. Simply follow it too and discover this hidden beauty.

Parker Inlet

Parker Inlet is a unique little spot. It is where a freshwater river and a stunning bay meet. The inlet is sheltered in a hidden cove in-between Blanket Bay and Cape Otway light station. However, it can be quite a walk to it with some 300 steps.

Whenever we visited we found that it was only ever a few families and a new fly fisher there. This means you can swim in peace as well as explore the inlet. In spring you will find the entire inlet covered in wildflowers in bloom, which are a magnificent array of colours.

Parker River is often just a shallow and easily crossed stream. However, do be careful we have seen it run high and fast following heavy rains and high tides. So make sure check the weather forecast before you head out to this beach.

Rivernook Beach

If you want to head some quiet on the Great Ocean Road then this is our top pick. It has some of the best views of the coast. This beach is also famous for fishing. So you if you enjoy throwing in a line, head to the local shop, they have a huge array of bait. We also managed to catch some for dinner at Rivernook.

If you want to head to Rivernook Beach, head east on the Old Coach Road coming from Princeton. On this road, you will an find a path the veers off of the Great Ocean Walk that will take you to this spectacular secluded beach.
Station Beach

Although the locals are certainly well aware of Station Beach, only a few travellers have what it takes to reach this beautiful beach. To get there, you’ll need to go west from Cape Otway, you will hit a marked trail that will take you there. It’s about a 90-minute walk to this secluded beach, so make sure you take some snacks with you.

When you arrive at Station Beach, you’ll be able to see Rainbow Falls and explore the many rock ledges that can be found here. You can also search for hidden treasures and simply enjoy your time away from the busier beaches along the Great Ocean Road.

If you’ve got the time for the 90-minute walk it takes to get to this hidden gem. This beautiful beach is perfect for explorers and adventurers. Here, you will find Rainbow Falls, which features incredible rock ledges. Or, you can fossick for treasures that can be discovered in this scenic location.
Urquats Bluff Beach

This is another amazing hidden set of beaches around the Great Ocean Road. It’s so off the beaten path, in fact, that you’ll want to make sure you pack a lunch as they no vendors in this area.

Halfway arriving from Fairhaven, you’ll find the picturesque Urquhart Bluff. It sits on a stretch of coastline riddled with rugged reefs, eroding bluffs and limestone cliffs. You will see the bluffs rise 20m to 50m. There is a collection of 12 inviting beaches that have a wild vibe with their impressive headlands.

The first five beaches stretch out in an endless stretch of golden sands and turquoise waters.  It can be difficult to reach however there a car park at the bluff, or you can enter via the beach access tracks at the Point Road Knight end of the shoreline.
If you plan on heading to the Great Ocean Road (which you must) you will notice how busy it gets. Now you have some local knowledge on the hidden gems you have to seek out. Some are a little more difficult than others, but trust us, it worth the effort.

Brittnay is an Aussie and one half of the The Travelling House Sitters. She lived in London for the past two years before making the move to back to Melbourne. She managed to squeeze in 21 trips to Europe & Africa in that time (including lots of cheese, wine & beaches).  Find out where will Jay & Britt will end up next by following them at The Travelling House Sitters or on Instagram @thetravellinghousesitters.

6 Coastal Towns You Need to Visit in New Zealand

New Zealand is lucky enough to boast an impressive 15,000 kilometers of coastline. That makes it the 9th longest coastline in the world! This means there is no shortage of coastal towns just waiting to be explored.  

New Zealand’s small coastal towns are some of the most inviting, laid-back and surprising places in the world. Every little town boasts its own special little something that the locals are proud of.

We could create an endless list of towns that you need to visit in New Zealand, however, this list is of my favorite 6 coastal towns in New Zealand. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!  

1: Raglan

Raglan is one of my personal favorite coastal towns in New Zealand. There are a couple of main reasons why.

The first is the Raglan Fish fish and chip shop. Anyone will (or should) tell you that New Zealand is home to the world’s best fish and chips. Raglan Fish is on Focus Fishing’s top list of fish n chip shops and in my opinion, is the best in New Zealand.

Grab a crumbed Snapper, a serving of fresh hand cut chips, a bottle of L&P, Watties sauce, crumbed mussels, scallops & oysters and you are in for one perfect classic kiwi dinner! Now all that’s left is to head down to Manu Bay to eat, check out the surf & watch the sun go down.

The second reason Raglan is so loved,  is due to  all the amazing cafes, boutiques & galleries that litter this little town. 

2: Kaikoura

Kaikoura

A list of the best coastal towns in New Zealand would not be complete without Kaikoura. Kaikoura is a laid back, trendy, and inviting town with lots of cool little surprises. Not to mention home to some of the warmest and welcoming people you will ever meet!

For those of you who like your sealife, you will be pleasantly surprised when arriving in Kaikoura. You will be welcomed by the local seals, penguins, dolphins and if you are lucky enough, maybe even a pod of whales passing by. Kaikoura is New Zealand’s home of whale watching. The season generally runs from November to March.

Kaikoura is also home to Point Kean, one of the awe inspiring lookouts. On a sunny day in winter or fall, you get the stunning view of the snow-capped mountains, the lush green farmland, Kaikoura town and the South Pacific Ocean, it’s really is magical.

3: New Plymouth

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New Plymouth is a playground for those who love a healthy and active lifestyle. Situated on the North Island’s wild West Coast, New Plymouth is set right at the foot of the glorious Mt Taranaki and wedged up next to the Tasman Sea. w Plymouth is famous for several things; the incredible 12.7km coastal walkway, the abundance of cafes, coffee shops & restaurants and the 105km state or ‘Surf’ Highway 45 coastal road. Surf Highway 45 heads south and boasts over 100 surf spots and endless options of beaches, coves and sand dunes.

If camping is your thing, New Plymouth has some amazing campgrounds and free camping options. Most of which with a stunning beach and mountain view. Sitting back with a glass of wine at your beachside campsite watching the sun go down is very hard to beat!   

4: Bluff

BluffBluff is pretty much as far south as you can get on the mainland of New Zealand. Bluff is mainly famous for one thing. Oysters. The oysters from Bluff are world famous and are a must for anyone that visits New Zealand.

The best spot to get some fresh Bluff oysters is Fowler Oysters. This little shop is amazing. The friendliest service you will ever receive, swiftly followed by the freshest & tastiest oysters you have ever set your eyes on, and at only $24 NZD a dozen for A grade you really can’t go wrong.

Bluff is also home to Stirling Point, the southernmost point in New Zealand. Here you will find a great lookout and the classic signpost depicting distances to major cities all over the world. There is also 2 awesome scenic walks, the Foveaux Walk & the Glory Track. Both worth checking out if you have the time.

5: Coromandel

Coromandel is one of the most beautiful coastal towns on the North Island. Situated on the eastern tip of the North Island, Coromandel is surrounded by lots of beautiful beaches, coves and remote destinations. <
My favorite spot is Ruffins Bay. Ruffins Bay is a beautiful private bay only accessible by boat or if you have a key to the private road. There are several small holiday rentals that are perfect for a little getaway. Make sure you bring your fishing rod, the fishing is always on at Ruffins!

The other cool attraction of Coromandel is the Driving Creek Railway. A narrow gauge train ride through the mountains and forests that surround the area. The railway 3 short tunnels, 2 spirals, and several viaducts. After winding up the hill you end up at the top with awesome views of the Island packed Hauraki Gulf.A really cool experience for any nature lover.

6: Ahipara

AhiparaRight at the southern end of the world famous 90 mile beach in New Zealand’s Northland Lays the sleepy little town of Ahipara.

Ahipara is a town full of rich history also home to one of the best sunsets anywhere in the world. You will be pleasantly surprised at the suns beautiful glow glistening over 90 mile beach.

Shipwreck Bay is a situated to the left of the township and at low tide, you will see the various shipwrecks. A beautiful bay to get some alone time and soak up some of that beautiful New Zealand sun.

This is a small snippet of beautiful coastal towns you could explore. Hopefully this list inspires you to get out there and check out the beautiful coastline of New Zealand and discover your own favourite ‘must visit’ spots.  

About the Author

Jay is a New Zealander who discovered the joys of food, travel and exploring in 2010, after deciding a traditional office job just wasn’t quite working out. Fast forward 7 years and 28 odd countries later, Jay finds himself living a nomadic lifestyle with his partner Brittnay. Currently living in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Together they travel around the world house & Pet sitting. They love to document their house sitting adventures, travels and favourite cheese & wine discoveries on their website The Travelling House Sitters and Instagram account.

A Step-by- Step Guide to Writing an Unforgettable Road Trip Plan

Road trips are easier one of the best ways to spend a holiday and always guarantee to be an adventure from the start! Not only do you get to move around a country, or several countries, to everything it has to offer, who knows what people you’ll meet, what places you’ll stay at and what amazing memories you’ll make.

However, to make the most of your trip, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve got a rough plan laid out. Of course, there’s room for twisting and turning what you do, but with a foundation of a plan, you can make sure you don’t miss out anything that you definitely want to see and might later on regret.

To help you get started with making this road trip plan, here’s a complete step by step guide!

Choose Point A and B

The first thing you want to choose is the starting and finishing destination for your road trip. Most commonly, this will be the city you land in, to the city that you’re going home from. For example, you might like to carry out a North American road trip where you start in New York and drive across country to Los Angeles.

Deciding the Fundamentals

Now that you’ve decided your two points, you want to start filling in the basics of your trip. First, how long is your road trip going to be? If this is based on the point above, this will be the dates of your flight, so it’s completely up to you.

“As you know the distance between both points, work out how long the basic drive will take and then how long you want to explore places on the way, making sure to add several days so your day can remain flexible” – explains Jonathon Ellis, a Travel Writer at Oxessays and Huffingtonpost contributor.

Choosing the Route

Now that you know exactly how much time you’ve got to work with, you can decide on what places you want to visit during your trip. Of course, if this is something you’ve been getting excited about for some time, the chances are that you’ll already know. Be sure to invest in guidebooks!

Looking for Amazing Places

Now that you’ve decided the foundation of your route, be sure to check online, in books or asking people for things that you simply won’t want to miss in those areas along your route. You might find out there’s an amazing theme park along the way, meaning that you’ll want to add another day to your trip.

Figure Out Accommodation

If you’re hiring a campervan, you’ll need to make sure you know roughly where you’re going to park and where you’re going to sleep. If you’re driving in a car, you’ll need to make sure that know roughly where you’ll be at the end of each day since getting lost in the dark can be incredibly stressful.

Know the Rules

Daniel Jones, a Travel adviser and a blog writer at UK Top Writers says: “Since you’ll be driving, possibly even across country borders, it’s important to know the rules and regulations of that country. Learn about speed limits, seatbelt rules, the side of the road you’re supposed to drive on and drink and drug rules. If you’re already afflicted with the latter, there are plenty of drug treatment centers you can seek help from.”

Packing Smart

When it comes to road trips, many people are under the impression that things are a lot easier because you can simply drive around in your vehicle and won’t have to worry about luggage. However, this kind of thinking will only get you into pickle further down the line.

Just like most holidays, be smart with your packing and only pack what you think you’ll need.

Set It in Stone

Once everything is complete, feel free to book your flights, book your rental car or sort out transport, book your hotel for the first couple of nights and get ready to sit back, relax and enjoy the road trip of a lifetime!

Conclusion

As you can see, although organising a road trip might seem like a lot of work, it’s all about working smart and getting into the right mindset. With the right amount of care and flexibility, you can ensure your road trip will be one you’ll never forget.

Gloria Kopp is a travel adviser and writer at Boomessays. She is a regular contributor at The Tab and Paper Fellows. Gloria is an author if Studydemic educational and writing blog full of guides and samples for students.

How to Take A College Cross-Country Road Trip on a Budget

Many students feel as though they just can’t take a road trip during their downtime. When they’re on such a tight budget, how on earth can they afford to travel? It’s easier than you’d think. With a little planning and a good budget, you can do it. Here’s the best tips to help you take that road trip without breaking the bank.

Pick Cheaper Places to Stay

Picking good places to stay on your trip can save you a huge bundle in cash. The best and cheapest options are camp sites, when you find them on your way. They can usually offer you a spot to sleep for about $20-30, where a hotel may cost you around $150 a night. That’s a big saving. If there’s no camp sites, you can still save some cash on your sleeping arrangements. Look for hotels that offer a free breakfast with your room. That can save you a decent amount of money on food. You could go for specialized sleeping bags for girls which have storage space, as they can keep their essential requirements in the sleeping bags storage space for emergencies.

Pool Your Money

On a road trip, you’re going to be paying mostly for gas, accommodation, and food. The best way to deal with these expenses is to pool all your money for these things together with your friends. “This means you have the cash ready when you need it, and that no one will be paying out more than anyone else. It also means you have the money ready and waiting for you before you even set off on the road trip, so you’re safe in the knowledge you’ve got it at the ready” – says Mary Montgomery, a Travel Writer at Big Assignments.

Avoid Buying Souvenirs

Everyone wants souvenirs, it’s understandable. On a road trip though, you’re just not going to have the room for them. As well as this, they can get expensive, quickly. Make a decision not to buy anything while you’re on your trip, to save cash. If you must have something, items like fridge magnets and postcards can be cheap, and you can store a lot of them in a care easily. As well as this, you could pick items from the areas you visit, such as rocks and seashells, for free.

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Take Pictures Everywhere

You may not be able to pick up souvenirs, but you can take pictures for free. With almost everyone having a smartphone these days, you’ll already have a camera in your back pocket. Use the camera to take pictures wherever you go, and capture the memories. It’ll cost you nothing, but you’ll be glad you did.

Load Up On In Car Entertainment

Mercedes Rivera, a Traveler and a blogger at Assignment help explains: “In this digital age, you can find plenty of in car entertainment to keep everyone happy. Before you go, look into downloading as many songs, podcasts, and audiobooks as you can.” These can all keep you entertained on those long stretches of road where nothing seems to happen. If your passengers can watch a screen without feeling ill, an iPad with movies loaded onto it can also be a lifesaver. A lot of this can be free, so take advantage of it.

Travel Light

Travelling by car means that you’ll be sharing a very small space for quite a long period of time. This means that you really should pack light. Some seasoned road trippers recommend allowing each passenger a school sized backpack, a pillow, and a blanket each. This saves you a lot of space in your car. As your car will be lighter, it also means that you’ll use less gas. Keep the room in your car for the people, not the stuff they’re bringing along.

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Take Advantage of Free Activities

Take a look at what’s happening on your route as you drive along. There’s always free activities happening, so make it a point to stop and check it out. “There’s no better feeling than catching a free or cheap show, and it means that you’ll be seeing stuff off the tourist track. Start looking online now before you go, and create a plan for your route so you all know what you want to see” – comments William McPhail, a Travel journalist at Best Australian Writers.

These tips will help you save a ton of cash on your trip, so take advantage of them on your journey. You’ll be amazed at how cheaply you can take a road trip!

“Gloria Kopp is a travel writer and editor at Essayroo. She is a column writer at Huffingtonpost and Australian Help blogs. Gloria is an author of Revieweal reviews writing blog for students.”