I was WAY too young to remember much detail from my first Aussie road trip.

I’m a road-tripper from WAY back!

But the photo of me and my sister on the Mt Kosciuszko summit in the good old days when you could actually drive almost to the top of the highest point in OZ is a dead giveaway.

That trail-blazing family adventure holiday was the first of many Aussie Adventures on many thousands of kilometres on roads covering much of Australia I’ve had since then.

SO … that gives me some serious road-tripper cred, right? RIGHT???

Well, not quite.

Because although I’ve been on lots of different variations of the great Aussie road-trip, there’s one version missing from my repertoire. That’s the great Aussie sea-trek – and it’s all about cruising in Australia.

What makes a good road trip?

Australia’s vast distances make turning your holiday into an Aussie Adventure easy.  It’s absolutely the best way to a) see a LOT of Australia up close; b) see a LOT of your travelling companion/s up close; c) see a range of attractions from the ridiculous to the sublime as you trek from A to B; and d) make unforgettable memories – all in one (sometimes life-changing) (and mostly BIG fun) journey.

IMHO.

Changing the top three trip variables – Transport, Accommodation, Budget – will majorly determine the type of journey you have. The secondary trip variables – Distance, Stopovers, Travelling Companions – will determine just how life-changing and fun it really is!

Of course I don’t know how far you want to travel, how many stopovers you’ll take, and with whom you’ll choose to travel – that’s all up to you. But take a quick squiz at this snapshot of five Aussie Adventure trip variations – all with different choices of transport, accommodation and budget.

Yep, they’re all several kinds of fun, but only YOU will be able to tell which would be the MOST fun for you and your travelling companions.

#1 – The Relationship-Tester

Self-drive, take your own accommodation – tent, camper, caravan – and save money by staying in no- or low-budget camp-grounds for a ‘no frills’ Aussie Odyssey. Long days on the road, then setting up camp with limited facilities and planning meals each night means you and your fellow travellers will be together 24/7.

Lower costs make this option good for a longer trip, or even a Big Lap (right around OZ, geddit?) but it won’t take much to turn ‘Relationship-tester’ into ‘Relationship-breaker’ if your travel buddies aren’t as committed to pitching in and helping out as you are!

#2 – The Cop-Out

Self-drive, but when you’re done driving for the day, stay in a motel, cabin, cottage, B&B, farmstay, guesthouse – or go glamping! Staying in smaller towns will help keep costs down AND you can contribute to the local economy by eating out at the local pub, cafe or bakery. Or all three. You’re still spending 24/7 with your travel companions, but there’s not so much post-driving work to be done at the end of each day.

Try this option for trips with more accommodation choices in towns along the way such as Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, especially if you don’t like booking ahead.

Actually, this one’s only called the ‘Cop Out’ by people who’ve survived #1. That’s because they want YOU to suffer by roughing it as much as they did.

#3 – The Half-and-Half

Yep, this is exactly what it sounds like. Fly/train/bus there, then hire a car and drive back. Or vice versa. You can even use your own car if you drive across the Nullarbor then put it (and yourself!) on the Indian Pacific to get back home. Or fly to Darwin, hire a car and drive home.

This one’s best if time is limited, because although it’s more expensive, you can fit a LOT more sightseeing into your adventure because you’ve got a LOT more time on the road!

This option is also sometimes called the ‘Cop Out’ by people who’ve survived #1 or #2.

#4 – The Outsource

When your own vehicle isn’t up to the road standard of your proposed adventure route, there’s no shame in saving it (and costly repairs) by outsourcing the transport and booking an all-inclusive tour in a suitable or sometimes purpose-built vehicle. This one’s best for treks like the Gibb River Road – 600 km of tyre-shredding rocky road surfaces, rugged river crossings and endless bull dust – impassable in a standard car.

It’ll cost more, but you won’t have to do any planning as meals and accommodation are provided. Sure, you can’t choose your travelling companions, but you won’t be with them 24/7 unless you’re sleeping in a dormitory!

This option is also known as a ‘Major Cop Out’ by people who’ve survived #1, #2 or #3.

#5 – The Sea-Trek

Switch your transport from car to ship, your tent for a stateroom and the dodgy highway for the sea when your Aussie Adventure is an Australian cruise.

You’ll still travel thousands of kilometres and have sightseeing stopovers in interesting places along the way.

BUT …

your transport is an all-purpose eating, entertainment and exercise area, purpose built for recreation while you’re on the road at sea!

If, like me, you know very little about cruising, take a look at Celebrity Cruises 13 day/12 night Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Sydney to Cairns and return as an example of what to expect.

With stopovers in Newcastle, Airlie Beach, Cairns, Port Douglas, Willis Island and Brisbane, the cruise covers a good cross-section of the east coast and offers a range of shore excursions.

What’s the Difference?

In comparison, spend the same 13 days driving the 2400 km (1500 miles) each way from Sydney to Cairns, and at 400-500 km per day you’d spend 9-10 of those days in the car.

Afraid you’ll max out the budget?

Compare the total costs for fuel, accommodation, food, entertainment, vehicle wear and tear and sightseeing you’d have on a 12-night road trip with the one-off up-front cruise cost covering everything (except on-shore excursions) and you’ll find the gap isn’t as large as you think.

There’s only one way to find out if the Sea-Trek really IS the new road trip – so next time you’re aboard, look out. That redhead languishing in the lounge, champagne cocktail in hand, just might be me!

Disclosure: This post was prepared in partnership with Celebrity Cruises and contains a sponsored link. All cruise photos are courtesy of Celebrity Cruises.

The post Road Trips, Sea Treks and your next Aussie Adventure! appeared first on Australia by Red Nomad OZ.

I’ve been a BIG fan of maps since forever.  So when Hema Maps wanted to collaborate on a post about Australia’s hidden hot spots, I agreed straight away!  Below is the Hema Maps selection of 7 AMAZING almost-secret Aussie Hot Spots – even I haven’t been to some of them – then take the link at the end of the post to find MY 7 secrets on their website!

Take it away, Hema Maps!!

Every Australian state has popular hotspots which grab all the plaudits, but to the side or within these places are hidden gems that manage to fly under the radar of most off-road travellers.

1.  Jacksons Crossing, High Country Victoria

High Country Victoria is known for its heights – ridge-riding 4WD tracks and expansive mountain vistas are the norm – but you need to look down low to find one of the region’s most memorable spots.

Jacksons Crossing is a bush camp off Varneys Track, northeast of Buchan, which is situated next to the iconic Snowy River. The trip in is a classic High Country drive, and the reward for your efforts is a campsite that ticks all possible boxes with minimal fuss. A beach unexpectedly appears out of nowhere in amongst this alpine setting, next to a campsite that’s nestled between rising alpine ranges on either side. Offering plenty of room in picturesque natural surrounds, Jacksons Crossing combines classic High Country themes in a family-friendly environment. Keep in mind that private property is nearby, so be sure not to stray into areas you shouldn’t.

2. Organ Pipes – Gawler Ranges National Park, SA

The Flinders may be the most famous ranges in South Australia, but the Gawler Ranges rolling Outback hills are home to something uniquely spectacular. Called Organ Pipes (and named so for obvious reasons), these fascinating columns were pushed upwards from beneath the earth over 1500 million years ago due to volcanic activity, creating eerily consistent formations that make the Gawler Ranges a must-visit Outback destination. The park is also renowned for its rich red tracks and rolling hills, which make for a sensational backdrop as you drive through this unique region.

3. Old Glen Innes Road, NSW

This charming drive through rural New South Wales takes you back in time as you roll through ghost towns slowly being absorbed by verdant hinterland. A town called Dalmorton sprung up in the 1860s after gold fever took over the region, which supported a population of 5,000 in the surrounding area during its peak.

Remnants of this forgotten past is evidenced by old mine shafts that dot the hills along the journey, in addition to dilapidated buildings and a lonely tennis court in the middle of nowhere. Along the drive is a tunnel – supposedly built using civilian labour in the 1880s – that bores through the side of the mountain on which the road climbs. Like a self-driving museum in natural surrounds, the Old Glen Innes Road is an enthralling journey in time and space.

4. Gnylmarung Retreat, WA

Newcomers to Cape Leveque in Western Australia’s Kimberley region can be forgiven for going with the masses to Kooljaman in the north, but for a more secluded coastal camping experience, it’s hard to go past Gnylmarung Retreat. Situated on the western side of the cape above Beagle Bay, everything about Gnylmarung is spacious and blissfully basic, with other campers only spotted occasionally as they make their way to the outdoor shower or down to the beach to watch the sun set.

If you can resist the pull of the more recognised camping areas around Cape Leveque, you’re guaranteed to find tranquillity to go with your Kimberley coastline at Gnylmarung – sans backpackers and other crowd contributors.

5. Redbank Gorge, NT

Central Australia is a hotbed of stunning natural beauty of jaw-dropping proportions, much of which is well-known to any Outback traveller worth their salt. Amongst iconic places like Uluru and Palm Valley, Redbank Gorge quietly amazes visitors who venture to the western end of the West MacDonnell Ranges, its unassuming appearance upon entry giving way to something much more impressive.

The camping around Redbank Gorge offers basic facilities, with everything appearing to be business as usual until you walk behind the campsite to find a view to rival any lookout. You can then head deeper into the ranges to get to Redbank Gorge itself, or to take on Section 12 of the Larapinta Trail to experience central Australia’s most spectacular walking trail. While it may be on the fringes of the West Macs, Redbank Gorge is front and centre as one of the Red Centre’s best hidden gems.

6. Bruny Island, TAS

Australian mainlanders may struggle to see the sense in going to an island to reach yet another island, but once you reach Bruny, any wondering will end. Aside from the artisanal cheese, chocolate, seafood and wine on offer, Bruny offers a wilder side for travellers to experience.

The 100km-long island is fringed by beaches and cliffs, with multiple camping areas available in the south, including the 4WD-only Cloudy Bay Corner Beach Camping Area. There are plenty of walks available all over the island, which are often the best way to see wildlife – 13 of Tassie’s 14 endemic birds can be found on Bruny – such as the fairy penguins which nest near The Neck, a skinny strip of beach which links North and South Bruny Island.

7. Conondale National Park, QLD

South East Queensland’s Scenic Rim is a volcanic remnant that is home to lush rainforest and a multitude of national parks for campers, hikers and four-wheel drivers to explore. While many travellers are drawn to the Scenic Rim’s southwest icons – Main Range and Lamington national parks – higher north is the Scenic Rim’s quiet achiever: Conondale National Park.

Close to the refreshingly quaint towns of Kenilworth and Maleny, Conondale National Park presides over an abundance of attractions and 4WD tracks in a relatively small area. Entry to the park begins with a creek crossing, after which the track cuts into rainforest with occasional steep gradients and excellent views from breaks in the tree line.

Within the park itself are four camping areas with access to stunning Booloumba Creek, as well as entry to the Queensland government’s Conondale Range Great Walk – a 56km hike through cloistered rainforest and open scrubland that takes four days to complete. A short drive from the camping areas is a lookout, while also along the loop drive is a lookout and a handful of rest areas at which you can relax.

Well, that’s 7 secret travel spots provided by Hema Maps. You were promised 14! Now view MY 7 top secret Australian travel spots hosted at Hema Maps.

Hema Maps are adventure and navigation experts who produce a range of navigation solutions that will help you to find your own secret spots!

PS Having trouble finding these secret hot spots? Why not check out the Hema Maps Hema HX1 Navigator!  How good is it?  Then check out the Red’s Australia HX1 Navigator Review?!

*  Photos and text courtesy of Hema Maps

The post 14 TOP Secret Aussie Hot Spots appeared first on Australia by Red Nomad OZ.

In a weird twist to the RedzAustralia/Rescue Swag competition, I actually know all the finalists!  So I left the final decision to Rescue Swag who didn’t know any of them!!

Congratulations to Carlo Manno – you’ll soon be the pround owner of The Original Rescue Swag AND a copy of “Aussie Loos with Views!”.  I’ll let YOU decide which of those will be the most useful on your round-Australia odyssey!!

Find us ALL on Facebook (yes, even me!):

• RedzAustralia
• The Original Rescue Swag
• Our Family 4×4 Adventures (Carlo Manno)
• 50 Shades of Age (Kathy)

It’s a World Exclusive!

That’s what Rescue Swag and RedzAustralia are calling their NEW joint competition where YOU could win an early Christmas present with a selfie of YOUR Aussie Adventure!

What’s NOT to love about the Rescue Swag? It’s a mega-useful complete first-aid solution to help you deal with emergencies from snake bite to major trauma all rolled up into one handy travel-sized swag you can throw in the car when you hit the road.

And what’s NOT to love about Aussie Loos With Views!? See Australia’s most awesome Aussie attractions from over 60 of it’s most scenic loos in this unique AND fun Australian travel guidebook that’ll make the perfect gift for (almost) anyone, anytime!

So if you’re up for a chance to win this fantastic combo of two RED HOT All-Australian products just in time for Christmas, READ ON!

Here’s how to enter (see competition terms and conditions at the bottom of this post):

1. Get a photo – new or old – of yourself on an Aussie Adventure*!

2. Share the pic to the Rescue Swag Face Book page at https://www.facebook.com/RescueSwag – tell us where it is, and a little bit about it.  Use hashtag #SwagLooSelfie

3. Spread the word and share Share SHARE your entry, the RedzAustralia Competition Blog post and the Rescue Swag Face Book page!

You can even enter a NEW photo every day of the competition!

* Please NOTE: This competition is limited to entrants with an Australian postal address.

You’ve got until midnight, Wednesday 16^th December 2015. Rescue Swag and RedzAustralia will choose the winning photo and announce the winner right here on RedzAustralia.

And look out for your photo in our entrants photo collage (see terms & conditions)!

We just know you’ll LOVE these two amazing Aussie products.  They’ll solve a lot of your large and small Christmas gift emergencies as well!

So of course you’ll want to know where to get them AND a little bit more about them, right?

MORE about Rescue Swag:

Rescue Swag was founded to enable independence for adventurers. We believe in living with mindfulness, passion and the spirit of exploration. We live it with our families, our mates and our loved ones. Above all else we believe in being safe wherever you are, whatever you do. That’s why we developed Rescue Swag – designed to keep you safe on life’s grandest adventures.

Here’s our Website: http://www.rescueswag.com.au/

MORE about RedzAustralia:

RedzAustralia is the go-to blog for Aussie travel inspiration and adventure! Aussie author and blogger Red Nomad OZ shows you HOT places to go, COOL sights to see and AWESOME things to do all around Australia. If you like your holidays full of natural attractions, off-beat experiences, intriguing destinations and wonderful wildlife, then you’ll LOVE RedzAustralia!

You’re on the RedzAustralia Website at www.redzaustralia.com RIGHT NOW!

Get Aussie Loos with Views! (RRP $AUD19.95) from the Explore Australia Bookshop – Click HERE!

RedzAustralia and Rescue Swag can’t wait to see YOUR photos so start sharing NOW!

Good luck!

Competition Terms and Conditions:

1. Competition will run from when this post is published on RedzAustralia until 12:00 pm midnight AEDST Wednesday, 16^th December, 2015

2. Entrants can submit up to one photo per day for the period of competition. Photos will show the entrant/s on an Australian Adventure to the Rescue Swag Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RescueSwag using hashtag #SwagLooSelfie

3. Photos may be used by RedzAustralia and Rescue Swag on their websites and and their Social Media accounts solely to publicise the competition and its outcome. Other than for the use above and in point 7 below, photos submitted to the competition remain the property of the entrant.

4. To be a valid entry, the entrant must have an Australian postal address to which the prize may be sent. This may include an Australian Post Office.

5. RedzAustralia and Rescue Swag will jointly select a winner based on the photo they like the best. This subjective decision will be final, and no explanation will be offered or correspondence entered into with entrants, their representatives or anyone else who does not agree with the outcome.

6. The winner will be contacted by email (if available) or her/his social media page. The winner must supply her/his Australian postal address to Rescue Swag within 2 days of being contacted. Failure to do so will mean the prize is withdrawn and will be offered to the runner up with the same conditions. This will continue until the prize is awarded.

7. Any or all entrant photos may be used in a collage which may be displayed on RedzAustralia and/or Rescue Swag websites and/or their Social Media Accounts. Use of photos is discretionary and will be decided by RedzAustralia and/or Rescue Swag.

8. The winner will receive one original Rescue Swag and one copy of “Aussie Loos with Views!” to be sent by Rescue Swag once a valid Australian Postal address has been received.

The post Winner Announced: Rescue Swag and RedzAustralia Competition! appeared first on Australia by Red Nomad OZ.

I’ve been to a lot of great camping destinations off the beaten track. They’re usually part of a lengthy road-trip with no schedules, tight time frames or deadlines.

But where do you go if you haven’t got time for a long road trip?

Where do you go if you want a less challenging trip?

And where do you go to get away from it all in a great place with an awesome array of things to do that doesn’t take forever to get to?

How DO you get started?

No camper? No problem! Start by checking out out the camper vans here on Gumtree!

Then choose one of my TOP 10 favourites – I’m calling them the best camping spots in Australia – and get your show on the road!

South West Rocks, New South Wales

Overlooking the exquisite beauty of Horseshoe Bay, down the road from historic Trial Bay Gaol and up the road from stunning Smoky Cape Lighthouse, the Horseshoe Bay Caravan Park is in one of Australia’s premier coastal locations.

The surrounding region is such a wonderland of rivers, rainforest, rocks and beaches it’s hardly surprising it once was (and still may be) former TV personality Ray Martin’s holiday destination of choice! But the fun doesn’t stop there – hit the main street and you’ll find one of Australia’s best bakeries!!

Broken Hill, New South Wales

For a taste of the outback without the LOOOOOONG distances, dirt roads and bull dust, check into the Broken Hill Tourist Park – the slag heap in the middle of town is a dead giveaway to what makes this place tick.

But its also home to a colony of artists whose work is full of outback light, colours and landscapes – you’ll find it hard NOT to bring home a souvenir!

Further afield there’s Silverton, where many movies have been set, and Menindee Lakes where the sunsets go on forever.

Lake Moogerah, Queensland

Who knew that a couple of days in the amazing Scenic Rim Region would turn into more than a week? Being surrounded by a superb array of stunning natural attractions, atmospheric small towns and fantastic fresh produce is enough of an incentive WITHOUT the added attractions of magnificent Lake Moogerah!

With one of the most scenic campgrounds in OZ, the Lake Moogerah Caravan Park is the perfect base from which to spend a day exploring – and then to return for the amazing sunsets over the lake!

Millaa Millaa, Queensland

I’d be able to pick Millaa Milla Falls (see first photo) on Queensland’s Atherton Tableland out of any waterfall line-up! And the Millaa Millaa Tourist Park on the outskirts of Millaa Millaa with Mt Bartle Frere, Queensland’s highest mountain, in the background is a stunningly scenic base from which to explore the southern Tablelands – a tropical paradise full of rainforest, waterfalls, townships and fantastic produce. Don’t leave without trying EVERYTHING!

Ormiston Gorge, Northern Territory

A stay at the Ormiston Gorge campground puts you in the box seat for superb sunrises; dingo sightings; short walks around the gorge; wonderful Outback colours and landscapes; and the ~7 km Ormiston Gorge and Pound walk – one of Australia’s BEST short (ish) hikes.

In my humble opinion!

Factor in day trips to Glen Helen Gorge, the Ochre Pits, other West MacDonnell Range gorges and Tylers Lookout, and you’ve got a destination worth visiting even without the stunning Mt Sonder (see first photo)!

Kununurra, Western Australia

Theres a lot to see and do in and around Kununurra, but we didn’t need to move from our Kununurra Lakeside Resort campsite on the shores of Lily Lagoon to see crocodiles, birds and some of the best sunsets in the Kimberley. But the Ord River produce is worth heading out for, and smart travellers will time their visit to coincide with the Kununurra Agricultural Show – who could resist the lure of the Melon Olympics and Cane Toad Races?! That makes the long trek to get there from almost anywhere SO worth it!

Kalbarri, Western Australia

If you’re visiting in spring, don’t let the stunning array of Western Australian wildflowers stop you from seeing the rest of Kalbarri’s attractions! Stay a few days at the Kalbarri Tudor Holiday Park and explore the plunging sandstone cliffs, unusual rock formations, deep gorges, magnificent beaches and the wild Murchison river – but watch out! Those wildflowers will probably distract you there too!!

Angorichina, South Australia

Fewer people make it to Angorichina in the northern Flinders Ranges – they’re too busy doing Wilpena Pound further south. But take a drive on the wild side of the ranges and you’ll discover wonderful walks; four wheel drive treks through spectacular scenery; self-drive and guided tours of historic mine sites; and stunning rock formations – all within cooee of Angorichina Village, an ex-tuberculosis sanatorium, now campground with one of the most scenic settings in OZ!

Bright, Victoria

You CAN see autumn colours in Australia AND camp among them too at the Bright Holiday Park!

Bright, in the shadow of Mt Hotham, is a great introduction to Victoria’s High Country. The Autumn Leaves Festival and Wandiligong Nut Festival are full of regional delights, and nearby Mount Buffalo’s natural attractions are worth trekking up to its 1723 metre summit – The Horn – for!

Then there’s the blackberry pies at the Edelweiss Bakery in Bright’s main street …

Port Fairy, Victoria

Get three top towns for the price of one when you stay in Port Fairy’s Gardens by East Beach caravan park alongside the Moyne River – day trips north to Warrnambool and south to Portland mean there’ll never be a dull moment in this coastal paradise!

If stunning coastal scenery, beautiful gardens, offshore islands, lighthouses, wild beaches, interesting rock formations and birdlife leave you cold, then just kick back in Cobb’s bakery and watch the world go by!

Of course you don’t have to stay in the same campgrounds and caravan parks that I did. Half the fun of travelling is finding your own favourite places and making your own memories. Just do me a favour and tell me about them here!

Ready to hit the road and discover the best camping spots in Australia? See you out there!

Like these great camping destinations?  You’ll ALSO like my TOP 10 Budget Travel Tips to make your Road Trip ROCK!

Disclosure: This post was prepared in conjunction with Gumtree

The post Australia’s 10 BEST Camping HOT Spots! appeared first on Australia by Red Nomad OZ.

It’s EASY to calculate a daily expense rate for a road-trip holiday by dividing the money in your budget by the number of days you plan to be away. That’ll give you a daily expenses estimate from which you can calculate expenditure for fuel, accommodation, food and entertainment – and emergencies.

Then comes the HARD part – sticking to it!

Don’t let those unexpected costs blow YOUR budget – try my TOP 10 Budget Travel Tips to keep your daily expense rate down AND still have a good time!

1 Stay longer!

Ask about weekly, mid-week or multi-day rates. 7 nights for the price of 6 is a massive 14.2% discount. In the off-peak, a mid-week deal of 4 nights for the price of 3 is an even bigger 25% discount off an already lower price! Some towns offer a free night or nights after a couple of paid nights to encourage a longer stay – take the offer and score an even bigger discount!

BONUS: more time OFF the road also means lower fuel costs which reduces the daily expense rate even if you use the car for day trips.

2 Join the Club!

Check your expected route for club member caravan parks (eg Top Tourist, Family Parks, OZ Parks etc). If you’re likely to stay at a few parks from the same chain, save by becoming a member. For example, $30 for a 2 year Top Tourist Parks standard membership gives 10% off (up to $30) per stay. 10 nights on a powered site @ $30 per night and you’ve recouped the membership fee.

BONUS: Join up at the Caravan and Camping Show and you might get a show special membership discount. Use your discount card for next year’s holiday too!

3 Shop Around!

Premium destinations don’t have to mean premium rates if saving money is more of a priority than staying on site. Look for cheaper alternatives nearby and compare costs, including additional travel costs.

For example, you’ll pay $35 for an unpowered campsite at Victoria’s Wyperfeld National Park. But you can save over 85% by staying at Hopetoun’s Mallee Bush Retreat on a FREE unpowered site (gold coin donation for showers); or 42.8% for a powered site @ $20! The 80km round trip to Wyperfeld costs much less than you save. Nearby towns Rainbow and Yaapeet also have cheaper campsites.

BONUS: Two destinations for less than the price of one!

4 Alternative Destinations

Want to see Uluru, but can’t afford the fuel and accommodation costs? Save on both with a visit to Australia and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest inselberg – Bald Rock near Tenterfield, NSW instead! From Melbourne, it’s 2320 km to Uluru @ $48 per night per powered site (2 people), but only 1460 km to Tenterfield @ $29 per night!

Want another example? If a drive across the country to Western Australia’s Coral Coast is too expensive, save by visiting South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula instead – it’s a smaller version but with many similar features.

BONUS: You’ll have seen a lot MORE of Australia when you finally CAN afford to visit the big ticket items!

5 Go Off-Peak

Save on site or accommodation costs during the off-season, when tours and activities are also more likely to be discounted. Research likely weather conditions, and availability of services and attractions outside peak times to select the best combination for your trip.

BONUS: Fewer people!

6 Travel Light

Based on this road test (source) using the same tow vehicle on the same route, expect to use around 30% more petrol towing an 800 kg camper trailer, and 78% more towing a 1950 kg caravan.

If you can’t change the weight of your trailer, reduce its load and save – each 50 kg of extra weight reduces fuel efficiency by around 2%. As a guide, that’s 50 litres of water (or other liquid); 2 large suitcases; a portable fridge full of food or a large dog!

Add a roof rack, and expect to lose another 5% in fuel economy.

7 Get what you pay for!

If you’ve paid for a powered site, save your gas and cook with electricity you’ve already paid for – an electric frypan or skillet will cook almost anything. Camp kitchen facilities can also extend the life of your gas bottle – especially if there are hotplates, a BBQ, microwave and hot water.

And do you REALLY want to use expensive on-board bathroom cleaning products when there’s a perfectly good amenities block – that SOMEONE ELSE cleans??

Take advantage of free entertainment or events offered by many parks to guests during peak periods like winter up north, or the school holidays – you’ve already paid for it, so why not use it?

And have a look at the informal book and magazine exchange you’ll find in many caravan park laundromats – buy a book or magazine at the start of your trip and exchange it for FREE when you’re done!

8 Balancing Act

Blown the budget? Balance high-cost with low-cost days to get it back on track.

Bring the daily expense rate down by free-camping for a couple of nights; take a hike or spend the day on the beach for a car-free day to save on fuel costs; use the local library or community centre to catch up on emails; or take advantage of the town’s free attractions – a heritage or nature walk, check out the main street, discover local art galleries and museums, and a visit to the Visitor Information Centre don’t cost a thing!

BONUS: Discover some unexpected attractions you might not otherwise have seen!

9 Let’s do Lunch!

Save by eating out at lunchtime – it often costs less than dinner. Having your main meal at lunchtime means you save on premium dinner prices AND save on ingredients for a smaller evening meal. No budget for eating out? Pack a picnic and find somewhere scenic to enjoy it!

BONUS: Turn lunch into the main event by having your meal with a view

10 Make a Date with a Sunset … and switch on the Outback Telly!

Watching a killer sunset and sharing stories, jokes, stew and damper around the camp fire (aka ‘Outback Telly’) afterwards is a great way to make that holiday more memorable.

And it doesn’t cost a thing!

My 10 TOP Budget Travel Tips is my entry in a competition run by the Heritage Bank – the Savvy Saver Blog Awards! If you liked it, PLEASE go there and vote for me!

Previous Post: Aussie ABC: T is for Towns Part 2

NEXT Post: Climb Bald Rock – Australia’s BIGGEST Granite Monolith!

The post 10 TOP Budget Travel Tips to make your Road-Trip ROCK! appeared first on Australia by Red Nomad OZ.

Welcome to the first ever RED HOT RedzAustralia selection of 16 Go-To Australian Travel Bloggers for All-Australian Travel Inspiration!

Because Australia’s wonderful destinations have so much variety and so many fantastic attractions, sometimes tracking down the perfect Australian HOT Spot for your next vacation, weekend or day off can be tricky.

It’s SO much easier when you’ve got a bit of help from some inspiring Australian Travel Bloggers and their blogs about travel in AUSTRALIA!

So how does a blog get on the RedzAustralia Inspiring Australian Travel Bloggers list?

• Most content in last 3 months is about travel destinations in Australia
• Content is original, detailed and informative about Australian destinations and attractions
• Content is recent, regular and ongoing over last 3 months
• Blog has specialty area or niche that sets it apart

I read (and enjoy!) a lot of lifestyle blogs with some travel content, photo blogs, travel blogs with mostly overseas travel content and blogs with lots of how-to and product review content all written by Australians – but they’re not where I go for Aussie Travel Inspiration. That’s why they’re not on this list.

For Aussie Travel Inspiration I visit the 16 Go-To Blogs presented below in random order (I drew them out of a hat)!

1 4WDAus (Twitter: @steve4wdaus)

Steve and Alison Kruger show off parts of Australia I’ve yet to see as they hit the less-travelled roads in their Amesz Camper!! But it takes them places we’re unlikely to get to in our Subaru Forester/1983 Jayco Dove camper combo.

Illustrated with their own superb photography, 4WDAus is an intriguing journey to places in OZ most of us don’t even know exist!

Specialty: Aussie destinations well off the beaten track
Sample Post: Aeroprakt A22LS Foxbat (Alison flies over Nambung National Park) 

2 Hiking Fiasco (Twitter:  @HikingFiasco)

Not all of beardless hiker Greg’s posts are about hiking, and not all his hikes are fiascos – but don’t let this blatantly false advertising put you off!

Greg’s epic hiking stories in some of Australia’s more remote and wild (mainly) southern areas are required reading for serious hikers; those who like awesome photography; and people who want a good laugh!

Other than climing Mt Kosciuszko, there aren’t many hikes we’ve both done – unless you count the short 2km hike up Mt William in the Grampians. For me, descending 2 km back the same way I ascended was the day’s main hike. For Greg? Well … it was just a warm up!

Specialty: Hiking in remote and wilderness areas
Sample Post: Major Mitchell Plateau, Grampians, Victoria 

3 Rocky Travel (Twitter: @rockytravel)

Hitting the Aussie road is a bit more complicated for Rocky Travel’s Michela than it is for me. She specialises in solo travel AND she’s based in Italy, but that hasn’t stopped her from seeing more of Australia than many Aussies.

Michela’s e-book Your Australia Itinerary (The Ultimate Guide for Female Solo Travellers) and her blog details her journeys in OZ with invaluable information for independent solo travellers in OZ – actually, make that ANY travellers.

And to date, she’s the ONLY travel blogger I’ve actually met! Twice!!

Specialty: Solo Travel throughout Australia
Sample Post: Road-tripping the South East Coast, Australia 

4 Life Images by Jill

What’s NOT to love about the cool Aussie travel adventures, excellent blog posts and fantastic photography that make up Jill’s awesome blog? And I’m not the only one who thinks so – Jill’s work regularly appears in Australian travel and photography related publications.

I interview Jill about her travels, her blog and her photography HERE: Red Alert #12 – RED is for LIFE!

Specialty: Road trips to remote destinations with great photos
Sample Post: Mount Augustus Walk Trails, Pilbara, Western Australia

5 Travel Outback Australia (Twitter:  @TravelOutbackOz)

Gary and Amanda live, work and play in the Outback so it’s hardly surprising their website is required reading for travellers who want to see it for themselves. The travel tips, product reviews, road-trip itineraries, destination information and inspiring photography on their blog make it a superbly readable one-stop-shop – I dare you to visit the blog and NOT be tempted to click on at least one of the posts you’ll see there!

And yes, there IS an Outback destination somewhere in a state or territory near you!

Specialty: Outback Travel
Sample Post: 25 Secret Outback National Parks

6 Pretraveller  (Twitter:  @Pretraveller)

Anne  takes a lot of the guesswork out of travelling for her readers by supplying up to date information and how-to’s about a range of Australian (and overseas) destinations, itineraries and road-trips.  She’s just released a Travel Planning Template Package on her website.

Read RED Alert #11 – InspiRED by Pretraveller! (my interview with Anne) for more information!

Specialty: Up to date travel information, planning guides and advice
Sample Post: 12 Rocking 2WD Road Trip Routes to Escape Sydney These Spring School Holidays

7 ytravelblog (Twitter:  @yTravelBlog)

Think of almost anywhere in Australia – and the chances are Caz and Craig have been there AND written about it during their recent 18 month Aussie road-trip! ytravel also does a nice line in motivation and practical advice for people who dream of travelling but aren’t quite sure how to make it happen!

Specialty: Prolific posting with great photos
Sample Post: 7 Ways to Relax and Be Romantic in the Barossa Valley 

8 Our Naked Australia (Twitter:   @OurNakedAus)

Juz and Dave left Melbourne behind nearly 1000 days ago for life on the road in Australia in their modified Troopie and they’re STILL going strong! In between then and now they’ve been to a staggering number of places all around Australia and made some awesome discoveries.

If you want to get up close to nature right off the tourist trail, Juz and Dave show you how it’s done!

Specialty: Camping and exploring Australia’s more obscure corners
Sample Post: Camping and 4WDing: Blackdown Tableland 

9 Bushwalking Blog  (Twitter:  @BushwalkingBlog)

Who says hiking can’t positively impact every aspect of your life? Not Neil Fahey – he turned his love of hiking into one of the most romantic proposals EVER! He’s also turned it into an awesome blog full of great Aussie hiking hotspots and he’s generous in sharing his personal experience. The blog has also branched out into complementary activities – like geo-caching – so there’s no excuse NOT to get active!

Specialty: Aussie Bushwalking & Hiking
Sample Post: Shepparton: A Weekend of Walking, Eating and Geo-caching 

10 Explore Australia Blog (Twitter:  @ExploreAus)

Explore Australia’s blog’s posts about natural attractions, activities and destinations all around Australia AND its list of Aussie Travel blogs make it a no brainer for researching Aussie holidays. This publishing company has its finger on the pulse with a great range of complementary books about Camping, National Parks and Walks.

Oh, and Scenic Loos! Yes, they published MY BOOK ‘Aussie Loos with Views’, one of Australia’s all time great travel titles But I digress!

Specialty: Information about a wide range of Aussie travel destinations with emphasis on camping
Sample Post: The Best Free Campsites in New South Wales 

11 Kath Swinbourne  (Twitter:  @KathSwinbourne)

Photographer, writer and traveller Kath has a good life, and isn’t afraid to admit it! Her stunning photography and excellent stories of her road trips and other travel adventures in Australia make a great starting point for those looking for places to go and things to see in Australia, but aren’t quite sure where to get started.

Specialty: Road-trips into country Australia
Sample Post: Kakadu Dreaming 

12 Wild Western Australia (Twitter:  @WAtravellers)

Bonny’s detailed insider knowledge about Western Australia make this well-illustrated blog the place to go for travellers to WA who want to explore in a little more depth than usual. The neat search tool in the side-bar makes finding information about any WA destination easy.

Specialty: Things to do in Western Australian travel destinations
Sample Post: Walking Yallingup’s Quenda Trail 

13 Travelling Australia with Kids (TAWK) Blog (Twitter: @TravAusWithKids)

Even for someone like me who doesn’t have kids – and has NEVER travelled with kids – this blog is full of interesting places to go and things to do! There’s even an on-line TAWK community and products to assist your Aussie adventures – whether you’ve got kids or not!

Specialty: Travelling Australia with Kids
Sample Post: Shark Bay Australia 

14 Adventures All Around  (Twitter:  @TheAmandaWoods)

Amanda’s adventures ARE from all around – but there’s just enough Aussie content to keep her on my list! She’s made it super easy to find her Australian content with a nifty category selector in the menu bar!

Tragically, I don’t get to listen to her regular travel segment on Sydney Radio 2UE – but that’s what the blog’s for, right?!

Specialty: Travel hot spots and traveller tips
Sample Post: Antarctic Cruise on the Akademik Ioffe with One Ocean Expeditions 

15 Travelling Type (Twitter:  @travelling_type)

The moment I discovered Andy’s awesome Aussie travel blog, he posted about moving overseas! But there’s still enough Australian content to keep him on my list (click HERE) 

Andy explores the culture and history of a destination as well as its natural attractions so visitors to his blog can be assured of reading about things they won’t necessarily find elsewhere!

Specialty: Finding hidden secrets and oddities off the tourist trail
Sample Post: Egyptians amongst the Eucalypts? The Gosford Hieroglyphs 

16 RedzAustralia  (Twitter: @RedNomadOZ)

Red Nomad OZ (yes, that’s ME – Marion Halliday!) is a loud and proud advocate of exploring Australia’s awesome natural attractions, cool country towns, hiking trails and bakeries. Oh – and Scenic Loos – I’ve even written a book about them!! My travels are a series of Amazing Australian Adventures and discoveries of the best of OZ.

Join me for travel inspiration via stories, information and photos from all around Australia!

Specialty: Discovering the adventures to be had in Australian holiday destinations, and Aussie Loos with Views
Sample Post: 5 Amazing Angorichina Adventures! Northern Flinders Ranges

I’m planning the NEXT Edition of Australian Travel Bloggers in time for the summer holidays- so if I’ve missed YOUR favourite Go-To Blog for Aussie travel inspiration, let me know in the comments below!

All Photos from RedzAustalia – hope you found them inspiring too

AND … once you’ve been inspired, find the best flights and start planning YOUR awesome Australian holiday!

Previous Post: 10 Places You MUST Visit in Australia

NEXT Post: Red’s 10 BEST Travel Experiences in South Australia!

The post 16 RED HOT Go-To Blogs for Australian Travel Inspiration! appeared first on Australia by Red Nomad OZ.

Sooner or later, most travellers in Australia will reach the great cross-roads at the head of Spencer Gulf that is Port Augusta.

North is the Stuart Highway to the Northern Territory. West is the Eyre Highway across the Nullarbor to West OZ. East is the Barrier Highway to Broken Hill and New South Wales. And South is to Adelaide and beyond.

Many travellers stop overnight either going to or coming from their main destination.

But discerning visitors who stay an extra day (or two or three) will be rewarded by discovering some of the FAAAAABULOUS things to do in Port Augusta.

Like what? Like THESE! Here’s TEN of my favorites!

1 Time Tunnel Travel at Wadlata

Wadlata Outback Centre isn’t just about tourist information. There’s the excellent gift shop – try a Journey Jottings map or a piece of Indigenous artwork! There’s a cool cafe – try the quandong cheesecake or the quandong slice!

And then there’s the time tunnel!

Walk into the jaws of the giant ripper lizard and be transported into the prehistoric world of life before man on Gondwanaland. This ancient history lesson is never dull as it moves through aeons (via interactive displays, dreamtime stories and intriguing facts) from the beginning of time to the present day in Port Augusta NOW!

While THIS time travel won’t take millions of years, don’t underestimate the time you’ll need – it’s easy to spend several hours there, especially with breaks for lunch and/or morning and/or afternoon tea. Just watching ‘Back of Beyond’, a movie about Outback legend mailman Tom Kruse takes an hour!

The good news is if you run out of time on this visit, just pick up a pass-out from the Wadlata staff and come back to finish it off other time!

2 The Full 360º at the Water Tower Lookout

It’s a long way to the top if you want a shocking fall – and the see-through metal mesh staircase doesn’t help either.

Luckily for us acrophobics, the Water Tower Lookout’s horribly exposed four flights of stairs ends in a fully enclosed viewing platform complete with wire mesh criss-crossing the view in four directions.

Except for a thoughtfully placed hole in the middle just right for a camera lens.

A camera lens like MINE, that is. If size DOES matter; and you’ve brought a giant lens along for a big day out, you might be in trouble

But cameras aren’t required to enjoy the superb view of boats, bridges and birds on Spencer Gulf; the iconic silhouette of the power station; and the general landscape filled with parklands and houses that make up this town, named for Augusta Sophia Marryat, wife of South Australia’s first civilian Governor.

Is late afternoon leading up to sunset the best time to check it out? I haven’t been there at any other time, so I don’t know – but it sure worked for me!

3 Matthew Flinders Lookout and RED Cliff Walk

Even if you’re more immune to the promise of RED Cliffs, the Matthew Flinders Lookout – a short walk from the car park – is worth a visit for its staggering vista of Spencer Gulf against the magnificent backdrop of the Flinders Ranges.

A landscape so fine that even standing atop a high and crumbling cliff face to view it becomes a pleasure. Well … almost

But throw in a killer sunset and even a coward like me can forget the perils of standing on the edge!

For more than double the fun, take the 4.5 km RED Cliff Circuit Walk from the Arid Lands Botanic Gardens to the Matthew Flinders lookout via a bird hide, a bluebush plain and the railway bridge with fine views from the edge of Spencer Gulf over the RED Cliffs, claypans and mangroves! Follow the loop trail back through the gardens.

4 Arid Lands Botanic Gardens

If you’ve got lemons, make lemonade.

And if you’ve got a climate with extreme temperatures, lengthy periods of drought and low rainfall, showcase the plants that LOVE arid conditions in your garden!

That’s exactly what the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden, established in 1993 as an initiative of the Port Augusta Council, has achieved with its arid zone plant habitats – like dunes, desert and saltbush plains – spread over 250 hectares.

But demonstrating water-wise gardening techniques isn’t the only attraction!

When you’re tired of the walks, bird hides (and over 100 bird species recorded), a nationally significant Eremophila garden, art works, lookouts and plant nursery outside, there’s the Bluebush Café and Gift Shop inside.

Entry to the gardens is free, and they’re open all year round (other than Christmas and New Years Day, and Good Friday).

5 Pichi Richi Railway

Take a trip on a small section of the old Great Northern Railway from Adelaide to Alice Springs, once dubbed the Afghan Express and now affectionately known as the Ghan, through the rocky Pichi Richi pass in fully restored heritage carriages.

The Ghan hasn’t passed this way since 1956, but from April to November, experience the magic of steam and take a return trip on the restored Afghan Express from Port Augusta to nearby Quorn (41 km to the north-east); or the Pichi Richi Explorer from Quorn through the pass to Woolshed Flat.

With railway memorabilia at both Port Augusta and Quorn, the railway is a great way to experience the magic of train travel.

6 Trainspotting

Railway enthusiasts need not fear having to adopt alternative pursuits like sightseeing, birding and wildflower watching when the Pichi Richi Railway isn’t operating.

SO … if your preferred lullaby is the soothing sounds of shunting, then find somewhere to stay within sight and sound of the railway because all passenger and freight trains heading north, south, east and west pass through Port Augusta.

Even Railway ambivalents may find a multi-coloured goods train tracking north along the eastern side of the gulf with the Flinders Ranges a resplendent backdrop an awesome sight.

I know I did!

7 Quorn and the Quandong Café

Even without the enticement of a Pichi Richi train ride, the short drive to Quorn is well worth it. And top of MY list of Quorn must-do’s is a visit (or two) to the Quandong Café.

Actually, it’s not the cafe. It’s the scones. AWESOME scones. They even beat my own faithfully copied secret recipe pumpkin scones AND give the discerning epicure the opportunity to experience the delights of the Quandong, Australia’s own arid land fruit at its best when turned into a marvellously piquant jam, the perfect accompaniment to THOSE SCONES!

When you’re done with that, explore the town’s Galleries, historic buildings, cafés, pubs, an Agricultural Museum and the Powell Gardens botanic garden.

If the Quorn scenery looks familiar, it MAY be because scenes from a number of films were shot in the area. Most recently, the region AND the Pichi Richi steam train featured in The Water Diviner with Russell Crowe! Other notable films include Wolf Creek 1 and 2 (2005 and 2013), Tracks (2013), The Shiralee (1986) and Gallipoli (also featuring the Pichi Richi in 1981).

I’m not sure if the Quandong Café featured in any of the films – but it should have!

8 The Flinders Ranges

If you want to explore the folds and peaks of the ragged range that makes such an awesome town backdrop, Port Augusta is an easy day trip from some of the Flinders Ranges hot spots.

Near Quorn there’s the Dutchmans Stern, Devils Peak and Warren Gorge. A little further north there’s Kanyaka Historic Site, Death Rock and the Jeff Morgan Gallery at Hawker, 107 km north-east. 67 km south is Melrose, gateway to the Mount Remarkable National Park.

Exploring the Flinders Ranges will take a LOT longer than a weekend – but a Port Augusta day trip makes a good teaser!

9 Wildflower Wonderland

Just in case you didn’t quite catch the beauty of the arid land vegetation, here’s a little taste of what you’re missing!

10 Blanche Harbour

Past the Port Augusta city limits heading south along the western side of Spencer Gulf, the sparsely vegetated dry hills of the outback to the right contrast nicely with the brilliant blue of the sea on the left, and the intriguing skyline of the Flinders Ranges beyond.

With a landscape like this, it’s no wonder the gulf is lined with holiday shacks.

23 km later, the gulf widens as the outback sweeps down to the sea at Blanche Harbour in a magnificent sweep of coastline. Atop a low hill above the car park, there’s a marvellous vantage point inside a picnic shelter that tells the story of this place while showing off its natural attractions.

But it didn’t always look this good. The ‘before’ photos show what the area looked like 15 years ago, when a group of concerned ‘shackies’ banded together to reverse the ravages of rubbish dumping and off-road vehicle driving.

Now, with revegetation well under way and stunning scenery, Blanche Harbour is a place of beauty and peace.

So take a look at my TOP TEN – and start planning YOUR stop-over – or weekend getaway – now! And if you can fit all TEN of my favourite things to do in Port Augusta into just ONE weekend, you’re doing well!

Want MORE?

• Port Augusta
• MORE Photos of Port Augusta on FLICKR!

PS  Did I mention the Scenic Public Loos??  Here’s a triple-toilet-teaser – see if you can find them all when YOU go to Port Augusta!

The post 10 TOP Things to Do in Port Augusta appeared first on Australia by Red Nomad OZ.

For an isolated city, rebuilt twice after being bombed (WWII) destroyed by a tropical cyclone (1974); regularly washed by massive 7 metre tides and monsoonal floods; and hosting a high proportion of dangerous and deadly wildlife; Darwin’s looking mighty fine these days.

At least to a fair-weather traveller like me – my visit was during the more activity-friendly dry season, when the average daily maximum temperature is only around 30º C! But there’s no shame in taking the easy way out, is there?

Whether you’ve road-tripped from Adelaide to Darwin, taken the train, or flown in, you’ll be ready for some tropical Darwin R&R! Here’s a teaser of 10 TOP things to do in Darwin – just to get you started!

1 Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve

OK, Ok, ok. So you DON’T see the attraction of a crocodile, snake and mosquito-infested swamp? How about if I call it a wetland, teeming with wildlife?

Fogg Dam was so intriguing we visited twice. Once during the day for a walk across the dam wall, watching thousands of birds feed among the waterlilies. Climbing up into the vantage point on the dam’s far side gave an even better perspective – and the chance to cool down before returning across the wall.

And then we did the night walk. That’s when the crocs, snakes and mosquitoes made their appearance!

MORE about Fogg Dam

2 Territory Wildlife Park

I’ll always remember the Territory Wildlife Park, around 60 km south of Darwin, as the place where I caught my first barra. Barramundi, that is, and the prize craved by all true Aussie Fishermen. And women.

But if you think something’s wrong with this picture, you’re right … and you can get one just like it in exactly the same spot!

For a great day out and a chance to see the REAL creatures of the Territory in their natural (albeit well-constructed) habitats – like the Billabong, Nocturnal House and Aviaries – study the park’s schedule of activities – wild birds, croc feeding and the like – carefully. Then check the park’s bus timetables to get from venue to venue because this park is HUGE!

MORE about the Territory Wildlife Park

3 Australian Aviation Heritage Centre

I didn’t think I’d spend more than half an hour or so at the Aviation Museum – we were really only going in memory of Pilchard’s late father who’d been there a few years before and sung its praises. But 5 hours – and many intriguing facts – later, I was still going strong.

This is Australian aviation history at its best with a matching array of 19 aircraft (including one of only two B52 Bombers outside of the US); regular screenings of aviation videos; displays of historic aviation memorabilia; and information stations – I’d heard of Amelia Earhart and Amy Johnson, but who’d ever heard of Jessie Maude ‘Chubbie’ Miller? Not me!  Now THERE’S a story waiting to be told …

I went in to the musuem not caring one way or another about planes. But I came out a newly-minted aviation nerd (well … almost!).

MORE about the Darwin Aviation Museum

4 Howard Springs and Berry Springs Nature Parks

The quest for shade and a place to go swimming is hardly surprising in a city that’s hot all year round. But factoring in the Top End’s natural swimming hazards – ie nasties like Crocodiles – shrinks the number of safe swimming spots considerably.

That’s why the shallow rock pools of Howard Springs Nature Park, 35 km south of the City; and the deeper pools of the Berry Springs Nature Park, ~60 km south, are so popular, especially with the added attractions of walks and picnic facilities.

MORE about Berry Springs Nature Park and Howard Springs Nature Park

5 George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

Although there are regular sightings of Rufous Owl in the 130 year old Darwin Botanic Gardens, we had to make do with its other attractions as the owls remained elusive during our visit.

Luckily, there’s a lot more to see in this well-planned and varied 42 hectare park stretching from the sea to a small escarpment, one of the few in the world with naturally occurring marine and estuarine plants.

A network of walking trails winds through habitats like Rainforest Gully, the Baobab Collection, the exotic flora of the Plant Display House, a former church, and a boardwalk through the Mangroves.

But for MY money, don’t miss the Desert Rose display! Awesome!!

MORE about the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

6 Aquascene and Doctor’s Gully

Spotting AND hand-feeding a frenzy of local fish (yes, that’s a new collective noun) in historic Doctor’s Gully at high tide is a sure thing. A tradition of hand-feeding for over 60 years old (Woo Hoo! WAAAY older than me!) means the fish continue turn up in ever increasing numbers – AND numbers of species – to forage for bread.

It’s not that hard with multiple tourists lining the shores at high tide. The fish ALMOST overshadow the sensational views across the harbour!

Doctor’s Gully, the site of Peel’s Well – Darwin’s first fresh water supply – and Chinese market gardens, is worth exploring too. And if you’re a sucker for kitsch like me, you’ll grab an Aquascene pen with a travelling fish inside it on the way out!

MORE about Aquascene

7 Mindil Beach Sunset Markets

As much a community event as a market, groups of picnicking locals set up their tables and chairs on the beach, eating, drinking and watching the the sun sink into the gulf.

The markets were in full swing behind me as I watched Pearl Lugger turned cruise boat cross the setting sun – the only object visible on the water. After the free presentation at the caravan park I’d thought a swim at the beach was one of the Darwin things to do.

But despite the warm evening no one was actually in the water.

‘Does anyone go swimming here?’ I asked, like the naïve tourist I was. ‘Nah, love. Too many crocs,’ came the reply. ‘And it’s too cold,’ another local commented.

Well, that left me with only one course of action to take. A shopping frenzy from the market stalls followed by a total pig-out at the food stalls. The swim could wait for another time! And place

MORE about Darwin’s Markets

8 Jumping Crocodiles

Our Jumping Crocodile Cruise wasn’t just memorable for the crocs. 75 minutes drive east of Darwin and we had a few minutes to kill while waiting for our Adelaide River cruise boat. What better way to pass the time than to check out our fellow passengers??

Sadly, little guidance exists for those unsure about what to wear to a crocodile viewing – we’d chosen the safe option of shorts and T-shirts. Not so the young woman in an outfit that combined the best (or worst) of Heidi and Morticia Addams! Even more sadly, I failed to capture it on film.

But even these dubious charms weren’t enough to distract us once the crocodiles started jumping!

Experience a prehistoric predator much closer to Darwin – try the Cage of Death at Crocosaurus Cove or hold a croc at Crocodylus Park and Zoo!

MORE about our Jumping Crocodiles adventure (and Heidi/Morticia)

9 Litchfield National Park

Not everyone visits the magnificent tropical Litchfield National Park for the termite mounds. Some people actually travel the 112 km south of Darwin to experience the wonderful array of waterfalls, inviting selection of swimming holes and network of short walks to most of the major attractions.

But I’ll bet everyone’s got a photo like THIS!

MORE about Litchfield National Park

10 Mandorah

On our last day in Darwin, we tossed up between a Harbour Cruise or a 15 minute ferry ride across the harbour to Mandorah. I’m sure I would have been happy with the harbour cruise, but boy, am I glad we chose magnificent Mandorah!

Lunch at the Mandorah pub was all Barramundi Burgers, refreshing cider and Bob Marley in the background. If we’d ordered up our own vision of tropical paradise, it wouldn’t have been much different to this!

MORE about Mandorah

There’s a lot more things to do in Darwin than this teaser TOP Ten!

If you’ve got the time (and energy!) try the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory for the chilling Cyclone Tracy simulation; East Point Military Museum for insight into the bombing of Darwin in WWII; and a short drive south to the Adelaide River War Memorial.

Enjoy the water by hanging out at the Waterfront or the Wave Pool, or take a Harbour Cruise for harbour highlights or a Sunset cruise for drinks – or romance. And for a REAL taste of the Territory, be in Darwin for the annual Beer Can Regatta – 12^th July in 2015!

Then there’s the festivals … but wait! You’ll have to discover it all for yourself!!  These best flights will get you there!

* Pics by Pilchard

Want MORE?

• Darwin
• Top End
• Northern Territory

The post 10 TOP Things to Do in Darwin, Top End appeared first on Australia by Red Nomad OZ.

As if to make up for being half an hour late, our baggage emerged almost immediately after we disembarked at Sydney’s domestic terminal.

I’d been SO looking forward to this long layover because nothing does it for me quite like sitting in a large airport with nothing particular to do, nowhere particular to go and no chance of transferring to an earlier flight.

But my fantasies of spending the 4½ hours between flights sampling the delights of the airport terminal were about to be cruelly dashed.

‘Why don’t we catch the Airport Link train to Circular Quay?’ Pilchard asked.

What? Was he seriously suggesting we leave the exhilarating architecture, stimulating entertainment, complexion-friendly air-conditioning and gourmet treats of the airport terminal behind for the – gulp – unknowns of the REAL world??

The bonus of flying the 2nd leg of our journey with Qantas meant we could check in our baggage up to 6 hours before the flight. So faster than you could say ‘bag drop’, we were buying tickets at the Airport Link railway terminal 2 levels below.

5 minutes waiting for the train, then 6 stations and around 20 minutes later we emerged from the railway tunnels into a warm, sticky and unmistakably Sydney day at Circular Quay. Correctly referred to by pedants as Semi-Circular Quay, its original name and a far more accurate description!

But if we’d had ANY doubt about where we were, THIS gave it away.

So, instead of the thrill of watching airline passengers scrabbling for luggage at the carousels and their pointless rush to be first to board the plane we instead watched a line of thrill seekers, small as ants getting up close and personal with the Coathanger as they crawled up the massive span of THAT bridge bi-secting the harbour far, FAR – actually 141 metres – below!

Pilchard vowed to join them one day. I vowed that on that same day I’d be his official photographer.

From below.

From our vantage point under the shade of Jørn Utzon’s world-famous shells (or sails, depending on your point of view), the light reflecting from the 1,000,000+ Swedish glazed white granite tiles with which they’re covered, we watched the endless stream of boats, yachts and ferries miraculously avoiding collisions as they criss-crossed Farm Cove and the harbour beyond, before sailing under the bridge or into the quay.

Colour, life and movement flowed in all directions – the bright RED of the Royal Botanic Gardens tourist train skirting the green lawns sweeping down to the blue-green waters of the harbour; the mirrored windows of skyscrapers behind the Quay reflecting the scenes below; the massive bulk of a cruise ship against the stonework of the buildings behind; the constant stream of what would be 150,000 vehicles crossing the bridge that day below the climbers above the gray steel struts supporting the bridge’s 503 metre (1650 feet) long arch; the multicoloured ferries coming and going at the Quay; and the multitude of people – sightseers, school students, workers, joggers, backpackers, staff – thronging about the attractions.

Making do with lunch – platter of fresh fruit (chocolate dipping sauce on the side) and glass of bubbles for me; toasted sandwich and REAL chocolate milkshake for Pilchard – from harbourside eatery the Guylian Cafe, we sat overlooking the fabulousness of Sydney Harbour.

A billion dollar view that cost us only $55 (1 x Adult Return Fare @ $34; 1 x Senior Return Fare @ $21) + lunch.

And although our wait time at the airport included a sighting of the rare Lavatory Truck (above and below), somehow its attractions just couldn’t compete with that AMAZING harbour. Our micro-tour of Sydney was SO cool, we’d actually consider planning an even longer layover next time!

But for now, we had a plane to catch!

We spent about 2½ hours travelling to and from the airport to Circular Quay, walking around the Harbour Precinct, dining harbour-side at the Guylian Cafe and admiring the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

It beat the hell out of hanging around the airport for that same length of time!

Like the idea, but want to try something different?

• For Parks and Gardens, alight at Museum or St James stations for Hyde Park and the Domain; or Circular Quay for the Royal Botanic Gardens
• For Museums and Art Galleries, alight at Circular Quay for the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Rocks Discovery Museum; or Museum station for the Australian Museum;
• For Shopping, alight at Town Hall for the Queen Victoria Building, the Strand Arcade and Sydney Central Plaza;
• For other attractions (and a longer trip) alight at Circular Quay and take a ferry to Taronga Park Zoo, Manly or Darling Harbour
• For Sydney Harbour up close, take some extra time and Hire a Boat – or even a luxury yacht – and explore the harbour at your own pace!

There are MANY other attractions – see below – and if your layover isn’t long enough to see them all, why not consider extending your stay?!

Get started by checking out some cheap flights – but don’t make that layover too short!

Fast Facts:

• Airport Link connects Sydney’s International and Domestic Airport Terminals with the rest of the city via rail.
• Airport Link trains leave every few minutes at most times.  Check Timetables HERE
• Most Central City locations can be reached in under 30 minutes. Check Trip Times HERE
• A return rail ticket to Circular Quay costs $34.00 (adult) or $21.00 (senior) and includes an airport access fee (as at 11 March 2015 when we travelled). Check Fares HERE
• Harbour Cruises and Ferries to various waterfront destinations depart from Circular Quay. Check Ferry Details HERE and Harbour Cruises HERE

The post See Sydney in 4 hours between flights! appeared first on Australia by Red Nomad OZ.

Don’t panic!  As far as I’m aware, there are NO giant squid plaguing Australia’s northern beaches – despite the graphic on this sign!!

But no giant squid doesn’t mean there’s no danger.  What IS prevalent during October – May in Australia’s Far North is the Irukandji (carukia barnesi), one of the most virulent jellyfish in the world. Its sting (ie marine ‘Stinger’) brings on symptoms collectively called Irukandji syndrome and has caused death – although virtually invisible in the water.

And the vinegar below the sign?  No, it’s not a repellent – or an emergency condiment supply!!  If you’re stung – no, it’s not an ATTACK, jellyfish have no brain – vinegar MAY help alleviate the intense pain.

So how to enjoy the tropics without threat?

Lycra ‘stinger suits’ can stop stings , and many northern beaches erect ‘stinger nets’ to form a stinger-free swimming enclosure.

The nets may have kept out the stingers many years ago in Cairns when Pilchard, along with some locals waiting for a swim, observed the nets being set up at the beginning of the wet season. But the enclosure was finished, they saw a dark shape in the water inside the enclosure – clearly (!) not a jellyfish! What could it be? Yes, you guessed it – a crocodile!

Maybe you’re just better off in the pool …

Stay safe!!

PS  Yes, I’ve allowed myself the indulgence of a double negative (above).  But it IS nearly Xmas, so I know you’ll humour me!

The post Signs #8 – On the Beach appeared first on Australia by Red Nomad OZ.