Australia
Posted December 7, 2010 by BookingBuddy
Adelaide tends to be bypassed by visitors in favour of other Australian cities, but there’s ample reason to treat yourself to a break here. The South Australian capital sits in the midst of lush vegetation, and enjoys sunny days throughout the year. Enjoy day trips to the vineyards just outside the city limits, or spend a few hours soaking up the sun at the beaches. The North Terrace houses the Art Gallery of South Australia, as well as a number of other museums and public sculptures. Need a break? Grab an outdoor table in a cafe and feast on Adelaide icons like frog cakes and pie floaters while watching the city.
Stay
Rockford Adelaide – Located in Adelaide’s vibrant West End, the Rockford Adelaide is great for those who want to discover the city’s cultural attractions. It’s not far from the famous Rundle Mall, so you won’t have far to go when your arms are loaded with shopping bags. Enjoy panoramic views while cooling off in the rooftop pool. The rooms have large windows that let in lots of sunlight, as well as comfortable beds and neutral tones that help you relax after a tiring day. Room rates start from about £85.
Eat
Jolley’s Boathouse Restaurant – Set in a wooden boathouse looking out onto the River Torrens, Jolley’s is the place to be for an elegant but casual meal. The dishes are influenced by Adelaide’s multicultural population, and feature fresh, seasonal ingredients. The current Christmas menu offers up caramelised pork belly with a tangy green mango salad, and San Daniele prosciutto served with grilled peaches and mascarpone.
See
Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary – Come face to face with indigenous Australian animals in their native habitats at this wildlife sanctuary. Feral-proof fencing allows animals such as platypus, koalas and possums to thrive while keeping out feral cats and other animals. Enjoy the sanctuary at your own pace with a self-guided tour, or arrive later for a memorable nocturnal tour led by guides.
Check here for cheap flights to Adelaide.
(Photos: hello-aussie.com.au)
Posted November 10, 2010 by BookingBuddy
Discover sunny Queensland when you take a break in Cairns. This little city in Northern Queensland is the perfect jumping off point for those who want to explore the beautiful Great Barrier Reef, and Daintree National Park. While there are no beaches in Cairns itself, the main promenade does have a very popular artificial lagoon where you can have a swim, or simply catch some sun. Bring some food along and enjoy a barbecue on the promenade at the same time. Catch a bird’s eye view of Cairns on a balloon trip around the region. You can indulge in a champagne breakfast in mid-air, while taking in the spectacular scenery.
See
Cairns Wildlife Dome – Haven’t got time to get out to the rainforest while you’re here? Then let the rainforest come to you! The colourful flora and fauna of the rainforest can be seen in this enclosed 20-metre glass dome, perched on top of the Reef Hotel Casino. Walk through the dome while lorikeets and cockatoos fly about. You’ll also be able to come (almost) face-to-face with crocodiles, pythons and turtles.
Eat
North Food and Wine – Located at the Shangri-La Hotel, North Food and Wine offers beautiful harbour views to accompany the dishes on its menu. Traditional favourites have been given an Australian twist here. Tantalise you tastebuds with some crispy salt and pepper squid on a coriander salad, or experiment with a crocodile and pork spring roll. Salads range from the traditional Greek and Caesar offerings, to a spiced duck salad with blood orange and tamarinds.
Stay
The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa – Enjoy a relaxing holiday at this family-friendly resort, surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Guests stay in roomy apartments equipped with cooking facilities and balconies. The resort is close to the Cairns Flecker Botanical Gardens and Centennial Lakes, and is only three kilometres away from the centre of Cairns. The resort itself has everything you need for a comfortable stay if you don’t fancy going out to town – a restaurant, resort shop, playgrounds and swimming pools. Room rates start from £75.
Check here for cheap flights to Cairns.
(Photo: cairns.fm)
Posted October 13, 2010 by BookingBuddy
Discover a different side to Australia when you take a break in Launceston. This city in Tasmania has a fairly relaxed, village-like atmosphere. Visitors from the UK may be surprised to spot several UK-style pubs around Launceston. However, you haven’t come all this way to spend your time hiding in a pub, so get out there and explore the natural beauty surrounding Launceston! Cataract Gorge isn’t far from the city centre, and is a perfect spot for a family day out. Hike along the trails in Tamar Island and observe the wildlife in these wetlands, go for a leisurely cruise down the Tamar River, or sample some Tasmanian wines in the Tamar Valley.
See
Cataract Gorge – Head out to Cataract Gorge for a fun day out. The gorge is spanned by the Alexandra Suspension Bridge, as well as the longest single span chairlift in the world. Explore the walking tracks around the foot of the gorge, or have a picnic with the peacocks in the gardens. You can also have a dip in the chilly waters of the gorge, or use the swimming pool there if you can’t bare the cold.
Eat
Stillwater – Make your way to this former flour mill on the bank of the Tamar River to sample some of what is said to be the best food in Launceston. The menus display a mix of influences and showcase fresh, local produce. Start off with plump Moulting Bay oysters, or some sweet-fleshed Spring Bay scallops. Other dishes include beef fillet, with potatoes and parsnips, a rack of lamb with a rather unusual ginseng marinate, as well as a luxurious confit of duck served with black truffle shavings.
Stay
Hotel Charles – The brand new Hotel Charles (opened in mid-2010) offers guests a luxurious stay amid beautiful surroundings. The Art Deco style building has been decorated in a futuristic palette of red, white and black in the interior. Some rooms come with wonderful views over the lush Tamar Valley. The hotel has its own restaurant – Esca – which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Room rates start from about £90.
Check here for Launceston travel information.
Posted October 6, 2010 by BookingBuddy
Make your way to Darwin to heed the call of the wild. This city in Australia’s Northern Territory has a laidback vibe, great tropical weather and beautiful beaches – all important ingredients for a perfect holiday. You won’t need to go far to enjoy the city’s natural attractions. Come face to face with massive crocodiles at the Territory Wildlife Park, or enjoy a sedate picnic in the shade at the Casuarina Coastal Reserve. Crocodylus Park is great for a family outing – there are over a thousand crocodiles here, as well as a multitude of winged and furry creatures. Visit the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets to rub shoulders with the locals and enjoy a varied range of food – satay sticks, churros, falafels and more can be found here.
Stay
Skycity Darwin – Enjoy Darwin’s tropical climate with a memorable stay at this beachside hotel. The popular Mindil Beach Markets and Botanic Gardens are both only a short stroll away. Skycity also has its own outdoor pool and sauna, as well as a casino on its grounds. Book into a Deluxe Ocean View room to enjoy beautiful sunsets every evening. Stay in a Superior Spa Room if you want to enjoy your own private terrace, as well as soak in a spa tub in your own room. Rates start from £125.
See
Berry Springs Nature Park – Bask in the Northern Territory’s natural beauty with a trip to this nature reserve. Explore the rainforest by following the various trails, or join a ranger guided walk. Cool off with a dip in one of the clear pools here, and see if you can spot any fish swimming beside you. There is also a picnic area where you can have a meal or enjoy a barbeque.
Eat
Essence Restaurant – The menu at the Essence Restaurant is a reflection of Darwin’s multi-cultural identity. Sample some fresh oysters, served with a wakame salad and smoked trout, or a chunky seafood bouillabaisse. Meat dishes include a Sichuan-style duck, and ravioli stuffed with oxtail. Complete your meal with an unusual black rice trifle, or a crème brule flavoured with espresso and liquorice.
Check here for Darwin travel information.
(Photo: australiaadventures.com)
Posted May 25, 2010 by BookingBuddy
This summer, turn your world upside-down with a trip to Melbourne. The Antipodean city is said to be the most ‘European’ of Australian cities, with its trundling trams and quaint cafes. It lacks the stunning beaches of some other Australian cities, but Melbourne’s thriving cultural scene and great shopping destinations more than make up for it. It is a fairly compact city, and the neatly-grided streets make it easy to navigate around the city centre.
See
Pin Oak Court – Why would you want to go all the way out to the suburbs of Melbourne? Well, if you grew up watching the well loved soap Neighbours, you may recognise many of the houses from the long-running series here. When it isn’t doubling as the fictional ‘Ramsay Street’, Pin Oak court is actually a quiet suburban street, and those houses actually have real families living in them. You can join the official Neighbours tour, which takes you around the street and points out trivia connected to the series, or simply print out a map and make your own way there.
Stay
Hotel Lindrum – Hotel Lindrum is right in the heart of Melbourne’s busy city centre, but its old-world charm helps impart a sense of peace and tranquillity. The hotel has a sense of luxury and comfort, with all 59 rooms filled with rich, dark wood furniture, and lush carpets that help keep the noise to a low level. To relax in the evenings, pay a visit to the Billiard Room and sink a few balls, or simply enjoy a few drinks at the elegant Back Bar. Room rates start from £125.
Eat
Vue de Monde – This elegant restaurant in the city centre serves up equally elegant food to match its surroundings. The food is based on classically inspired French cuisine, with a few twists to incorporate the cosmopolitan ingredients available in this bustling city. Lunchtime features prettily plated classics like Lobster Thermidor and poached chicken, and more modern dishes such as Wagyu beef with crunchy nashi pears and rich macadamia nuts. There is also an extensive degustation menu available, and lucky customers may be able to secure seats at the chefs’ table, to watch the chefs themselves at work.
Check here for cheap flights to Melbourne.
(Photo: bugbog.com)
Posted February 25, 2010 by BookingBuddy
The beautiful harbour city of Sydney is famous for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but step away from the beaches and you will discover many other attractions. It is a bustling, cosmopolitan city, with a thriving cultural scene and great shopping. With a huge percentage of immigrants living in the Harbour City, it also boast some of the best cuisine around – you’ll find gorgeously fresh seafood at a fraction of the price, and eat well at little-known restaurants that are easily on par with Michelin-starred establishments in Europe.
Shop
Rozelle Markets – Make your way to this weekend market in the unassuming suburb of Rozelle to net yourself some truly unique bargains. Each Saturday and Sunday, this school parking lot gets transformed into a lively venue with up to 100 stalls selling all sorts of new and used bric-a-brac. You may also find students from the art school nearby selling their artworks – spend some time browsing, and you may pick up a piece by the next Picasso, for less than £5! You’ll find a rotating line-up of musicians to provide a soundtrack to your shopping, and when you’re hungry, pick up a snack from the food stalls dotted around. You’ll find all sorts of tantalising items – Japanese pizza, Turkish pancakes, satay chicken rolls, and more.
Play
Freshwater Beach – Bondi Beach may be the glamourous sister, but this quiet little stretch of beach is far more enjoyable, and much less crowded with lobster-red tourists. Freshwater Beach - or ‘Freshie’ – is almost hidden away on at the Northern end of Manly Beach, but those who take the time to get there will be rewarded with almost the whole beach to themselves. It’s known as the place where Olympic surfer Duke Kahanamoku demonstrated his skills to spectators – the event is commemorated with a life-sized bronze statue of ‘The Duke’ on his board. Swimmers can choose to take a dip in the ocean (as long as they stay between the flags!) or splash around in the rock pool at one end of the beach.
Stay
Intercontinental Sydney – This branch of the Intercontinental has a wonderful location beside Sydney Harbour, mere minutes from the city centre. The huge windows in the rooms let in plenty of natural light, and provide guests with wonderful panoramic views of the city’s iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Visit the Café Opera on the first level to taste some of the fresh dishes available, or step out and eat at any of the multitude of restaurants on the hotel’s doorstep.
Check here for cheap flights to Sydney.
(Photo: teflinternational.org.uk)
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