Sculpture by the Sea and Other Sydney Art Festivals
April 30, 2012 in Australia by Sachin
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by Sachin
by Sachin
How to Have a Cheaper Trip to the Great Barrier Reef
March 27, 2012 in Australia by Sachin
If you have spent a lot of money to travel to Australia or are looking for a budget family adventure on the Great Barrier Reef then you need to plan ahead. While there are lots of expensive resorts and fancy restaurants around north Queensland, you can also find ways to have an awesome inexpensive getaway. You need to look at the key elements of your trip to see how you can save money:
● How are you getting there?
● Where will you be staying?
● What will you eat?
● What will you do?
Planning all of these areas in advance will give you a defined budget. You may be able to find free activities, as well as cheaper alternatives for travel, accommodation (accommodation in Noosa is plentiful, so you can often get a good deal), and activities.
How Are You Getting There?
If you are not already in Queensland, travelling to the Great Barrier Reef is a long way to drive. If you still want to try and save some money by driving, then you might consider making the road trip part of your vacation. Starting from the southern tip of the reef you can stop at many amazing places along the Queensland coast. Otherwise, fly to your destination on the Great Barrier Reef. This does not have to be that expensive if you fly with one of the budget airlines. It also means you save a lot of time and can arrive on the reef quickly and start swimming!
Where Will You Be Staying?
While a lot of waterside resort-style accommodation can be expensive you can choose other Great Barrier Reef accommodation to save money. If you are travelling with a group or a family there are lots of houses for holiday rental, especially holiday units in the Noosa real estate scene. These are much cheaper than hotel rooms and you have the convenience of a house and all of its facilities. In some areas, it can also be a lot of fun to go camping. While there are sometimes fees for camping, it will definitely be cheaper than other accommodation. It also offers you a chance to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Make sure everyone you are travelling with is comfortable with sleeping in a tent!
What Will You Eat?
While you will want to set aside part of your budget for enjoying some fresh seafood, you can save a lot of money by cooking yourself. If you take the camping option for your accommodation then BBQs are an easy way to save money. You can even do some fishing if you have a licence, and catch your own fresh seafood.
What Will You Do?
The ‘great’ thing about the Great Barrier Reef is that most of it is free to view! While a chartered diving tour might cost a bit, you can still do a bit of snorkelling or simply hang out at one of the national parks. With such large national park areas in Northern Queensland you will find lots of places to explore for free that will be sure to keep you entertained.
by Sachin
Top 8 Spots in Australia To Pop The Question
March 7, 2012 in Australia by Sachin
Listen up all you lovebirds out there! Whether you’re a guy or a girl, if you’re planning on popping the question (you know-THE QUESTION) to your lover anytime soon, we’ve put together the definitive list of the top eight places in Australia to do it. Whether your beloved is the kind of person who likes a Sydney Harbour cruise by candle-light or they’d prefer a secluded beach somewhere on the rugged west Australian coastline, we’ve got you covered.
1. Sydney Harbour, NSW
Widely acknowledged as one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world, Sydney Harbour has been the site of more than a few proposals. Whether you’re sailing on the water or sitting on the shore enjoying the view, it doesn’t get much more impressive than this.
2. Whitsundays, QLD
The Whitsundays is Australia’s favourite honeymoon destination for a reason, and it’s easy to see why. But instead of waiting until after the big day to soak up the romance, why not visit in order to ask the big question? We guarantee it’s pretty hard to say no surrounded by that much natural beauty…
3. Cable Beach, WA
If rugged beauty and seclusion is your cup of tea then nothing will beat proposing at Cable Beach in beautiful Broome, Western Australia. Isolated, remote, tropical and romantic, there is nothing like watching the sunset over the water here.
4. Cradle Mountain, TAS
Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania’s premiere tourist destinations and for good reason! The views from the top are breathtaking and the Tasmanian wilderness is like no other. If your lover is the outdoorsy type, they’ll love a Cradle Mountain proposal.
5. Byron Bay, NSW
Relaxed, alternative and oh so peaceful, Byron Bay is another great spot for a proposal. There are so many great locations in and around Byron, from the waterfalls just a short drive up into the hinterland and the pristine beaches that line the area. Making your way up to the lighthouse (the most easterly point in Australia) and proposing at the lookout is a very romantic option indeed!
6. Glenelg Beach, SA
Not only is Glenelg a palindrome (something to tickle all you word nerds out there) but it is also one of the best places in the country to watch the sunset over the sea. Pack a picnic with some flowers and champagne and make an evening of it!
7. Kakadu National Park, NT
When it comes to wild and beautiful, it doesn’t get much better than Kakadu National Park, in the Northern Territory. Spend the day cruising the rivers with crocs and watching the incredible birdlife before dining out under the stars and popping the question.
8. Barossa Valley, SA
If your spouse-to-be is into food and wine, there’s no better location than the glorious Barossa Valley in South Australia. The number one wine growing region in the country, this is definitely the place to indulge and boost the romance factor!
Australia is a land packed full of beautiful locations. Why not make the most of one of our suggestions and plan your perfect romantic proposal? Good luck!
Thanks to Mundoo for the photo from Flickr!
by Guestblogger
Things to do in Australia for Free!
February 29, 2012 in Australia by Guestblogger
Which do you want first – the good news or the bad news?
The bad news: going on a trip to another country is expensive. Going on a trip to Australia can be really expensive. Doing things when you’re in Australia, well… You get the idea.
But here’s the good news: if you’re going to Australia, there are plenty of great things to do that won’t cost you a single Australian dollar! Here are some really enjoyable things to do throughout Australia – and best of all, they’re all free!
Sydney
One free attraction that comes highly recommended is the Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk. (Note: before you do anything, get a map that can show you access points while you’re on the walk). You can start at the Sydney Royal Botanical Gardens (another free attraction; try to catch it while you’re there), the Circular Quay, Milsons Point or The Rocks. The bridge contains six million hand-driven rivets and a surface area equivalent to sixty sports fields. Bring your camera and take pictures of the Sydney Opera House and the spectacular views along the way.
Australia has not been credited with its art sense, which is a pity. If you are interested in art, visit the Gallery of New South Wales and/or the Museum of Contemporary Art, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. There are exhibits and events you can attend, and they’re all free.
Melbourne
The City Circle Tram takes you to places like the Parliament House, Federation Square, the Princess Theater and many other sightseeing attractions. Any time you pass something significant historically, culturally, etc., there will be a commentary explaining what you are seeing. You hop on to the tram, hop off at the place you want to see and hop back on if you want to… Absolutely free.
If you like international art, the National Gallery of Victoria has the largest international art collection in the country. Home to more than 60,000 works of art, entry to the gallery is free.
Gold Coast
Australia has over 10,000 beaches – the most in the world. And Gold Coast has thirty-five of the best of them that are all free. Whether you want to body surf or just jump waves, you can find the perfect beach in Gold Coast. Always swim between the flags (the permitted swimming area of the beach), and put on tons of sunblock.
If you have kids, the Broadwater Parklands is a place you might want to check out. This park has tons of water activities, a bike track and a pedal-powered monorail. There is a pool and barbecue areas, and the kids love the playground. Admission is free.
Tropical North
There is a huge saltwater lagoon in Tropical North that would be great to try called The Lagoon. It is in the center of the Cairns Esplanade and the Foreshore Promenade. The Lagoon has sandy beaches and is patrolled by lifeguards all year. It overlooks Trinity Inlet, has landscaped gardens and lots of shade, and swimming in The Lagoon is free.
Adelaide
How much do you like chocolate? In Adelaide, Haigh’s Chocolates (only five minutes from the center of town) has a free 20-minute tour that takes you through the factory. You get to learn the history of Haigh’s, see what goes on in a chocolate factory and enjoy some complimentary treats.
Rockhampton
Within the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens lies the Rockhampton Zoo. The zoo is a beautiful preserve that is home to over fifty species of Australian native and exotic animals. In the Australian Walkabout Zone, you’ll spot grey kangaroos and wallabies. The Rockhampton Zoo is surrounded by five acres of lush gardens, and you can experience it all for free.
Perth
Australia is home to 516 national parks, and the John Forrest National Park in Perth is one of the most beautiful. Take a bicycle ride through the Swan View Tunnel, which is a feature on the John Forrest Heritage Trail, or pack a picnic and head to the Rocky Pool area, set among wandoo and paperbark trees. After the winter rains, you can sit and watch the waters of Jane Brook as they tumble into the pool. Woodland birds of the park include the New Holland honeyeater, western spinebills, rufous and golden whistlers and a variety of parrots. Experience all of this and more for free.
Going to Australia doesn’t have to break the bank. Plan it right, and you’ll have the time of your life – for a lot less cash than you thought.
This guest post article was written and provided by Erica Gustafson who is an avid Australia traveler, freelance writer and digital media consultant for Expedia. When traveling to Australia she enjoys staying at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne hotel.
Thanks to DasFreak for the photo from Flickr!
The Best Places in Australia to Watch the Sunrise
February 7, 2012 in Australia by TravelReflex Team
Australia is a country of incredible wildlife and breathtaking beauty, so it’s no surprise that there are more than a couple of decent spots to watch the sunrise. With the majority of Australians living on the east coast almost everyone has a favourite spot to head to if they want to see a good sunrise, and all of them will be worth visiting. Though if you want to check out some guaranteed incredible sunrises, head to the following places, get there early, sit back and enjoy!
The Twelve Apostles
For the classic sunrise experience, it’s hard to beat the 12 Apostles. Get on one of the Great Ocean Road tours, check in to some sweet Port Campbell accommodation, and you will be perfectly positioned to see one of your most memorable sunrises ever. Most people go to the 12 Apostles at sunset, though if you want to see these amazing rock formations when they aren’t cast in shadow, you are going to have to set your alarm and get here early. Port Campbell is only a 20-minute drive from the 12 Apostles, get there for sunrise, you’ll be glad you did.
Bay of Fires
Tasmania has some incredible places, though for a spot that looks eerily like most people’s mental picture of heaven, the Bay of Fires at sunrise is sure to impress. This stunning place of white sandy beaches and crystal clear water is a magnificent spot to watch the sun break the horizon, and with free camping all along this area, it’ll be easy to make sure you are up to see the show.
Culburra
This beautiful little beach town about three and a half hours south of Sydney is home to a great little beach and arguably the best place in Australia to watch the sunrise. If you walk to the southern most end of Culburra beach you get to a series of rock pools; keep walking around until you get to a large rock shelf that faces exactly due east. This rock shelf is where you want to be when the sun comes up, as the sunrise here will often treat you to blood red skies of other worldly beauty. Not many people know about Culburra so you are a good chance at having the place to yourself, making it a perfect location for an early morning date.
Wanda
Sydney is full of great options for sunrise watching; but, a sure fire awesome spot is Wanda beach. Situated in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, this east-facing beach is part of a string of beaches stretching both north and south from here, and offers a very wide view of the sunrise. Parking is plentiful and, because the beach is so long, you will easily be able to find a spot to kick back, sip your coffee and take in this spectacular display. It is also a really good swimming beach so why not go for an early morning swim or surf while you are at it.
These places are sure to put on an amazing show for you at sunrise each day, so check them out and keep your ears open for more tips from locals wherever you go. Only locals or people who have spent a lot of time in the area know the absolute best spots.
Thanks to urban don for the photo from Flickr!
by Guestblogger
Beyond Surfing and Soccer: Experiencing Australia’s Native Culture
February 4, 2012 in Australia by Guestblogger
While visiting the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach are must-dos on any Australian vacation, you should also take some time to explore the “real” Australia and experience Aboriginal culture. The term “Aborigine” means native to Australia, and some of these cultures have been present in Australia for thousands of years, well before European explorers “discovered” the continent.
Try to incorporate some of these sites and experiences into your next Australian vacation.
Ayers Rock
While arguably one of the most famous sites in Australia, Ayers Rock is remarkably uncrowded, probably due to the difficulty in getting there. To get to Ayers Rock, travel to Alice Springs and venture through Kings Canyon and the Olgas. Kings Canyon is located on sacred Aboriginal lands, so you’re limited to walking the paths, and while it’s possible to climb Ayers Rock, it’s considered disrespectful to do so. Once you arrive at the rock, expect to be awed by the giant sandstone formation and the way it changes color throughout the day. You’ll need several days to fully explore the area, and accommodations are limited, but it’s a once in a lifetime experience.
Aboriginal Art and Culture Centre
Near Ayers Rock in the Northern Territory, the Aboriginal Art and Culture Centre offers half-day tours to give visitors a taste of all things Aborigine. You can try Bush food, learn to throw boomerangs and spears, watch a traditional dance and even get a lesson in playing the didgeridoo.
National Parks
Several of Australia’s national parks offer unspoiled natural beauty and the chance to see rock art and experience Aboriginal culture. Kakadu National Park, near Darwin, teems with wildlife (including crocodiles) and offers several organized tours, including one led by an Aboriginal guide. Mungo National Park, several hours from both Adelaide and Melbourne, is off the beaten path but gives you the chance to see the 60,000-year-old Walls of China Dunes and the home of Mungo Man, the oldest body ever found. Wilsons Promontory Park in Victoria is an oceanside park where you can trace trading routes used nearly 20,000 years ago and see Aboriginal people making baskets, canoes, spears and more using traditional methods.
While many people associate Australia with the arid Outback region, the country is also home to a rainforest. The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest in the world and home to thousands of species of plants, birds and wildlife. The rainforest is the traditional home of the Wujal Wujal people, and they serve as guides and teachers to visitors.
For vast, unspoiled and uncrowded wilderness, head to Kimberley in Western Australia. In this sparsely populated region, you can see cave and rock paintings, ride a camel over the dunes or on the beach and view several ancient gorges.
Educational Experiences
If you want to experience the true Australian Bush life, sign up for a Bush camp like Angatja Bush College, where you’ll be paired with an Anungu Bush guide and learn to hunt, dance, eat and live like an Aborigine. Or consider a weeklong Jackaroo Camp, where you’ll learn to drive cattle and sheep and crack a whip like a pro, all while enjoying the unspoiled beauty of the Australian Bush.
Local Interaction
Get to know the Mangarrayi people of the Northern Territory on a tour to Elsey Station, a ranch near the town of Katherine. On this tour, you’ll get to meet and interact with native children, learn about Bush food and medicine and swim in the waters of the Roper River, believed to be healing. Also near Katherine, the Manyallaluk (The Dreaming Place) community welcomes visitors and teaches them about daily Aboriginal life – including boomerang throwing. You can also learn to throw boomerangs and spears and get an in-depth look at Aboriginal culture and sacred lands at the Umbarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre in New South Wales.
If you can’t get to the more remote areas of Australia, or you don’t quite have the stomach to be a Bush Tucker, you can learn about Aboriginal culture at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park near Cairns in Queensland. The center highlights the Tjapukai’s Dreamtime Creation history and has one of the best native arts and crafts shops in Australia.
City Experiences
While seeing the “real” Australia generally requires getting out of the city and into the Outback, if you have limited time, you can get a taste of Australia’s Aboriginal culture in Sydney. Take in a performance of native dance by the Bangarra Dance Company at the Sydney Opera House, or take one of several native culture tours offered in the city. Take a cruise around Sydney Harbour with an Aboriginal guide, and explore Clark Island to view rock carvings and a traditional Aboriginal settlement.
Australia has much more to offer visitors than surfing and snorkeling. Even if you have only a few days to explore this diverse country, take some time to experience the native Aboriginal culture and appreciate Australia’s rich history.
This guest post article was written and provided by Erica Gustafson who is an avid Australia traveler, freelance writer and digital media consultant for Expedia. When traveling to Australia she enjoys staying at the Park Hyatt Sydney hotel.
Thanks to paulafunnell for the photo from Flickr!
Get Close to Wildlife at the Sydney Zoo
February 3, 2012 in Australia by TravelReflex Team
If you’re an animal lover then a trip to Taronga Zoo is an absolute must – it’s one of the best-known zoos in the world. It’s very centrally located so it’s a definite day trip to add to your destination list whilst you’re in Sydney. In fact, you can reach the zoo from the centre of the city in just over ten minutes, and that’s by ferry. There can’t be many other zoos in the world that you reach by taking a trip on the water and it adds to the excitement.
With breathtaking views over Sydney Harbour and across much of the city, people don’t just visit Taronga Zoo for the animals. It’s a magical location and the zoo itself is a wonderful place to see so many gorgeous animals close up. If you check out daily deals Sydney, you might even find discounts to the zoo, or other nearby attractions, saving you money on your holiday budget. In fact, you’ll find discounts for cities all over Australia, with daily deals Melbourne and daily deals Darwin offering constantly updated vouchers and discount codes for many attractions.
If you do plan to visit Taronga Zoo then make sure you give yourself plenty of time to see everything. If you book out a day from your schedule then you should be able to cram everything in and it’s a good idea to look at a map before you go, or when you arrive at the zoo, so you can make sure you see all the animals and enclosures that you’re most interested in. From tigers to koalas, orang-utans to zebras, there really is a great variety of animals to discover at the zoo. The keepers also run regular talks and tours, allowing you to find out more about the upkeep and welfare of the animals and the zoo, feeding times and behind the scenes information.
There are plenty of options for food at the zoo, with a chicken restaurant; a gourmet burger café and a central food market just some of the options available to visitors. So, when it’s time to give your feet a rest and sit down for a bite to eat, there’s something for everyone.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a full day to dedicate to the zoo – it shouldn’t put you off visiting. Whilst ideally you’d want to spend about four hours or more here to fully appreciate everything that’s on offer, you can make a shorter trip and still see a lot. You will need to plan your trip more carefully, as you won’t be able to see all the animals in just an hour or so, so pick out the animals that you’d most like to visit and head straight to their enclosures. That way, if you happen to be left with some extra time, you can take in more of the zoo. This really is a great family day out, with spectacular views thrown in for free and the chance to see a huge variety of animals all in one day.
Thanks to LKEM for the photo from Flickr!
by Guestblogger
Outdoors in the Outback
February 2, 2012 in Australia by Guestblogger
Australia is a place like no other, brimming with magic and mystery for travelers seeking outdoor adventure. The seasons in the southern hemisphere are the opposite of those in the northern hemisphere, making Australia the perfect escape any time of year. No matter what kinds of activities you enjoy, Australia offers plenty of year-round outdoor fun for the entire family.
Summer
Summer in Australia runs from December through February. Hot, sunny weather makes summer the ideal time to hit the beach and enjoy all the Australian coast has to offer.
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Surfing. Whether you’re a seasoned pro in search of world-class waves or a beginner looking to learn, one of Australia’s half dozen surfing regions has just what you need. The many surfing beaches of Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Western and Southern Australia and Tasmania offer surfers a unique experience to be found nowhere else on the planet.
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Tour marine life in Queensland. Summer is the time to witness newly hatched sea turtles make their way across Mon Repos beach and to see coral mass spawning in riotous color across the Great Barrier Reef. These incredible natural phenomena can be seen either from a tour on a glass-bottomed boat or in the water itself during a guided night dive.
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Bondi to Bronte Walk. This famous coastal trail includes three beaches, truly spectacular views of the coast and stunning sandstone cliffs. Begin at Bondi where swimming, surfing and sunning is the order of the day. Next, enjoy those breathtaking coastal views as you head to Tamarama for the perfect spot for a picnic and a game of volleyball. Finally, arrive at Bronte for a soccer game in a tree-lined park after an ocean swim in Bronte Baths.
Autumn
From March through May, autumn comes to Australia, bringing with it golden leaves and golden opportunities for new adventures.
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The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive. Spend five weeks living the life of a cattle drover following the Oodnadatta Track in South Australia. Drive 500 head of cattle 14 kilometers a day through dunes, plains and tableland while learning all about the “boss drovers” and their continuing legacy. At night refuel with a delicious meal before getting a good night’s sleep in a luxury tent.
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Kayaking. Autumn is the perfect time to take a kayak down the Brisbane River in Queensland. Take a tour during the day and view the parks and historic buildings from water level. Kayak at dusk to see the Story Bridge and the city skyline glitter against a backdrop of deepening night.
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Camping. Family friendly camping awaits at the Murrumbidgee Corridor located in Australian Capital Territory. There is plenty to do with easy walking trails, hiking routes of varying difficulty, bird watching, swimming, fishing, canoeing and more. This area is ideal for both outdoor activities and outdoor relaxation.
Winter
June through August might be the hot months in the Northern Hemisphere, but in Australia, winter is in full swing with a variety of outdoor wonders to explore.
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Whale watching. Between May and November, humpback whales and right whales undertake their annual migrations. From Queensland to Western Australia, there are many tours and locations from which these majestic creatures can be viewed and admired at close range.
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Skiing. Winter in Australia means skiing one of the hundreds of ski runs in Victoria. Cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and snowboarding are all available, as well as sled rides and tobogganing. Lake Mountain offers ski school for beginners, and the 21-meter viewing tower at Mt. Donna Buang offers panoramic views of the winter countryside.
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Wildflowers. Flowers in winter? You bet! From June until September in Western Australia, over 12,000 wildflower species come to life in a vivid spectacle all across the state. Not only can an intrepid traveler admire the blooms, but one can also snorkel with tropical fish and swim with whale sharks in Ningaloo Reef.
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Four wheeling in the desert. Cooler temperatures make exploring the Australian Outback possible. Explore South Australia from west to east for the best experience. Be sure to plan ahead and pack well for your four-wheel adventure.
Spring
Spring into Australia from September through November and see nature come to life in all its infinite variety. In the Northern Territory, October through December is the pre-monsoonal season known to locals as “build-up.”
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Fishing. Build-up is the prime time to fish for barramundi. Several fishing tournaments take place including the Humminbird Corroboree Park Challenge, the Saltwater Fly Fishing Challenge and Arnhem Land’s Gove Game Classic.
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Explore the rainforest. There’s no better season than spring in which to experience the Daintree Rainforest. A World Heritage listed site, the Daintree Rainforest is the world’s oldest tropical rainforest. Take a guided tour with the Kuku Yalanji people to learn about their way of life in the rainforest.
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Wildlife viewing. Kangaroo Island is the place to view an astounding variety of wildlife, ranging from dolphins and platypuses to Cape Barren geese and New Zealand fur seals. Wildflowers take center stage as well, with 40 varieties unique to Kangaroo Island.
No matter what time of year you visit, Australia has something to offer outdoor adventurers of all ages. All you have to do is pick your favorite season.
This guest post article was written and provided by Erica Gustafson who is an avid Australia traveler, freelance writer and digital media consultant for Expedia. She helps others to find cheap hotels around the world.
Thanks to Mshai for the photo from Flickr!
My stay in Melbourne
February 1, 2012 in Australia by TravelReflex Team
One of my favorite vacations that I have taken was in Melbourne Australia, it was beautifully, had so many attractions to see from the ocean to more historic sites, my only regret about that vacation was that I was not able to stay longer. I had always wanted to visit Australia but just kept putting it off until last year (2010) I decided to go for my birthday. I figured what could be a better birthday present to myself than going to Australia.
Soon as I landed in Melbourne I knew it was the place for me, I could not wait to see all the different sites. However, as everyone knows the first thing you must do is go and check into your hotel. Usually this is the most dreaded part of the trip because it is usually a hassle and time consuming, more times than not I have had hotels that lost my reservation which is always fun. However, this time was different, I stayed at Punthill Williamstown which was probably the best decision of my trip. Soon as I got there they treated me like royalty, I checked in rather quickly, and went to my room, which was absolutely beautiful, had all the amenities of home and more. I figured if my room was this spectacular I wanted to explore the rest of the building, I went up to the roof where I found a pool and sun deck where you could look out on the wonderful city.
Finally, I decided to venture out and explore the city some, thankfully because of where my hotel was located it only took me a few minutes to reach some amazing sites. I am a history buff so I loved just walking the city and seeing the awesome historic building, and going into all the cute shops. Later on the week I was able to go and see some wildlife, because I knew I could not leave Australia without seeing a kangaroo.
I loved my stay in Melbourne, it was such a relaxing and beautiful vacation. I could not have imagined a better stay. I always say that where you choose to stay is one of the most important decisions in making vacation plans. You can choose to stay outside of the town but you will miss so much. My hotel in Melbourne really made my trip the best one yet. Hotels Melbourne, wherever you stay will not disappoint you, they have some amazing accommodations, the only hard part will be leaving your hotel.
Thanks to dushky for the photo from Flickr!
Travel Tips for the Gold Coast
January 25, 2012 in Australia by TravelReflex Team
There are few areas in Australia more popular with tourists (both international and domestic) than the stunning Gold Coast region in Southern Queensland. Blessed with an enviable climate, gorgeous beaches, rolling hills, sleepy surf villages and the Mecca of all things glitz and glam—Surfer’s Paradise. Whether you’re into shopping, surfing, swimming or spa-ing, the Gold Coast has you covered, which is why so many people keep coming back every year. If you’re planning a Gold Coast holiday, we’ve got a few tips to help your travels go as smoothly as possible, from booking your Gold Coast accommodation to common issues and annoyances. Enjoy!
Accommodation
The Gold Coast has a range of accommodation that is as diverse as the region itself, so whether you’re looking for a cute and charming B&B, a luxurious five star hotel, a family holiday home or a party hostel, the Gold Coast can definitely deliver. Something to remember, however, is that during certain times of year (especially school holidays, Christmas/New Year and Schoolie’s Week) it can book out completely, so if you are planning a trip during these times, remember to book ahead to avoid disappointment and ensure you get the place you want.
Crowds
During the times we mentioned, crowds can be an issue in the more populated areas of the coast, especially in Surfer’s Paradise. If what you’re looking for is a quiet, relaxing holiday then it is best not to go to Surfer’s in peak season, or to visit one of the more peaceful areas of the Gold Coast, such as Burleigh Heads. The Gold Coast has several pockets of tranquility if you know where to find them, and if the thought of hundreds of people crowding out your spot on the beach (or worse, your waves) makes you shudder, then make sure to avoid times and places where crowds will be an issue.
Schoolies
We’ve mentioned Schoolie’s Week before, and for those who are unaware, it is a period of time (called Schoolie’s ‘week’ but really more like a few weeks over the end of November/Early December) where school-leavers from around the country congregate in Surfer’s Paradise and the surrounding areas to party and celebrate graduating. Unless you’re a school-leaver yourself, you’re going to want to steer clear. Thousands of teens in a fog of cheap cologne and hormones descend on the area to drink and squeal, and even the most patient and indulgent among us find this—well, a little tedious. To avoid the ruckus, plan your visit outside of Schoolie’s Week—trust us, you’ll be thankful.
Apart from these considerations, always take precautions when travelling to protect your belongings (don’t leave cash or credit cards on the beach unattended) and make sure you have travel insurance just in case anything is stolen. The Gold Coast is a truly beautiful place for a holiday, and by following the travel tips above, you’ll make it a memorable one for all the right reasons.
Thanks to feffreyl for the photo from Flickr!
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