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admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:44:05 +0000

Welcome to southerncross.co.uk Australia and New Zealand Blog.

Little known Lancelin is a windsurfers delight

Alan — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:35:57 +0000

Just to the north of Perth in Western Australia is the small town of Lancelin. Situated right on the sea it is renowned for windsurfing, fishing and its fantastic sand dunes. Lancelin Island, a big island just out to sea, blocks most of the wind and so the sea is relatively calm, making it ideal for windsurfing and kite surfing.

The beaches are lovely and absolutely safe for swimming and there is even some good surf for surfers. Every year there are competitions for surfing and windsurfing held here. The town is also well known for rock lobster fishing but there is also plenty of good fishing to be had here whatever you are after.

At Lancelin Jetty you can watch the crayfish boats come in and unload their catch before stocking up again on bait and heading back out to sea. The Jetty is a good place to fish from as well so you can try your luck there and cast out a line or two if that is your fancy.

If you can get hold of a boat then you will launch it next to the jetty. There’s no boat ramp so boats are just launched from the sand which is rock hard. With a boat you can see the amazing reef formations and maybe dive on some of the 14 shipwrecks in the area. And, of course, you can also try some fishing from the boat.

Lancelin is a small town and only has a small shopping complex but there are some nice places to eat. There is always plenty to do here and you will never be bored. So whether it is just for a day trip or for an actual holiday, take a look at Lancelin. You will not be disappointed.

There’s food, drink and beauty galore in the Yarra Valley

Alan — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:32:19 +0000

The Yarra Valley region in the state of Victoria, Australia is an area of outstanding beauty as well as boasting some of the best food and wine to be found in the world. Add to this all the other activities available here and it is easy to see why this is a popular tourist destination. It is easily accessible from Melbourne being only about an hour’s drive away.

Possibly the best way to appreciate the sheer beauty of the area is by taking a hot air balloon ride over the region. Yarra valley has ideal conditions for hot air-ballooning all year round and you can observe from up there the spectacular bush and acres of vineyards. An early morning flight is a great idea and when you land you can enjoy a champagne breakfast at one of the vintner’s places.

If you really want to get up close to some of Australia’s wildlife, then take a look around the Healesville Sanctuary. This place was originally an atomic research establishment but is now home to many of the native species of Australia such as kangaroos, wallabies, duck-billed platypuses and of course the lovable koala bear. There are also about 200 species of birds here.

Situated in the Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve the Sanctuary has many attractions including Animals of the Night, the Woodland Aviary, the Platypusary and Lyrebird Forest. If you want to get really close to the wildlife try the Wild Encounters or Magic Moments. You can even become a keeper or vet for a few hours and learn how to care for and feed the animals.

If experiencing the real Australian bush is what takes your fancy, then try the Adventure into Coranderrk and see the outback firsthand. And all this within an hour of Melbourne. The Yarra Valley is definitely the experience of a lifetime for even the most seasoned traveller.

Travelling down Victoria’s Great Ocean Road

Alan — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:54:31 +0000

The Great Ocean Road is probably one of the most iconic attractions in Australia and if you’re coming to this part of Victoria, then it would be a good idea to visit Apollo Bay. This destination lies right on the coast by the road and it can be found just three hours from the city of Melbourne. Here you will find stunning scenery along the coastline, as well as equally beautiful sites as you head inland and find rolling hills covered with green grass.

This part of the country is very popular with tourists and for that reason there are plenty of accommodation options in the area. Surfing and swimming in the ocean are very popular activities here and you will find many accommodation options right next to the coast. Many tourists enjoy simply relaxing on the beach in getting a suntan, while some others prefer more active activities such as golf or fishing.

There are also numerous markets and restaurants to enjoy in the nearby town and there are plenty of shops to pick up some gifts to take home. For the very adventurous, there are hang gliding activities as well as horse riding opportunities which are particularly popular with children.

If you are looking for a great place to explore all of the attractions along the Great Ocean Road, then Apollo Bay is really the best place to come to. Accommodation here ranges from holiday houses to Bed & Breakfasts and if you are on a budget there are also caravan parks. The region is deservedly popular for its nature, but also its excellent attractions, and of course it’s weather. Whatever reason you decide to come to Apollo Bay for, you are going to find activities that will keep you busy for your entire trip.

Both tourists and backpackers will love Perth

Alan — Thu, 10 May 2012 06:54:55 +0000

The beautiful city of Perth, in Western Australia, is a popular destination for both backpacker and conventional tourist. It is the capital city of Western Australia and has a lot to offer visitors in terms of visual attractions and lively social activities. There are regular flights to Perth from the UK and indeed it is very popular with visitors from the ‘Mother Country’.

As the first sight you will see if you are flying in, Perth Airport is impressive. It is one of the busiest airports in Australia and as such has top notch facilities and amenities. Accommodation is greatly varied in the city from backpacker hostels to first class hotels, so depending on your mode of travel, you’re guaranteed to find what you require.

Perth has a lively nightlife and there are plenty of bars and restaurants to suit every taste. The city is gaining a reputation as the cultural centre of Australia. The SciTech Discovery Centre is well worth a visit. It has a planetarium and the SciTech Animation Festival, popular with children and also for adults who have often wondered how animation really works.

If you time your visit to coincide with the Kings Park Festival then you are in for a treat. The park is located in the West of the city and is given over to grassland, natural bush and the botanical gardens. There are more than 300 types of plant here and over 80 different species of bird. The park is also home to the State War Memorial and the Royal Kings Park Tennis Club.

The Festival is on for a month and there are exhibitions, live music, family entertainment and some fantastic floral displays. The botanical gardens cover 18 hectares of the park and here can be found nearly 2000 different types of Australian plants. Plant conservation is taken very seriously here.

Moonlight cruise in Kakadu gets you close to nature

Alan — Sat, 05 May 2012 15:24:58 +0000

Starting in June people are going to be able to take a cruise during the night on the famous wetland in Kakadu, the Yellow Water Billabong. This experience is going to be remarkable as the only thing people will be able to hear in this isolated places the sound of animals and nature.

There is also going to be a very limited number of passengers on each cruise so that people get as much nature as possible without the distraction of other people around.

The tour will be run by an aboriginal guide who will be able to share with you the stories that his people have about the constellations in the night sky. If you are looking to learn about fascinating stories that this culture believe to live in the stars, then you’re in for a treat.

Operating year round and priced from £43 (AU$68) per person, the two hour tour includes a three course a la carte dinner pre or post cruise at the Gagudju Lodge Cooinda.www.gagudju-dreaming.com.

Revitalising the Rock

Northern Territory’s Ayers Rock Resort is undergoing a £24.5m (AU$38m) complete makeover scheduled for completion in May 2012. At the centre of this refresh is the flagship five star Sails in the Desert Hotel. Visitors will soon be able to enjoy revamped rooms, refreshed art galleries and new restaurants and bars.

As part of their new partnership with Accor, the resort has also invested in an indigenous training programme where they will be recruiting 200 indigenous people each year in tourism and hospitality, enabling the resort to offer a more authentic indigenous experience.

The resort is now offering visitors the chance to enjoy an intimate outback dining experience with the launch of Tali Wiru (‘a beautiful dune’ in the Anangu language) last month. Accommodating a maximum of 20 guests the experience will be priced from £185 (AU$295) per person and departs daily (except Tuesdays and Thursdays).www.ayersrockresort.com.au

Red Centre’s Top Resort Renovation

The Lasseters Hotel Casino in Alice Springs is currently undergoing a AU$ 35 million makeover. The hotel will be increasing its capacity to a total of 205 rooms with the addition of 66 new rooms which are due to be completed in June this year. All rooms will feature artwork by local artist Mari Napurrula and will be designed with ecologically sustainable building practices in mind.

Other enhancements for 2012/13 include the transformation of the Samphire restaurant to a new 240 seat dining space, a new VIP gaming room, spa, massage treatment and gym. To top it off the hotel lobby will also have a fresh new look.

A 25m heated swimming pool and spa has recently been completed and is ready to entice guests looking to cool down. The Lasseters Hotel Casino is attached to the Alice Springs Convention Centre and framed by the magnificent MacDonnell Ranges. www.lhc.com.au

Snap up a new croc feeding experience in the heart of Darwin

Visitors to Crocosaurus Cove can now take part in feeding the Saltwater Crocs as part of the Big Croc Feed Experience. The new one-hour tour with experienced reptile handlers also gives visitors the opportunity to: look down the jaws of the crocodiles and hold them. In addition to the crocs visitors will also be able to help feed the: whiprays , archerfish and barramundi. Tours depart daily at: 10:30am, 1:30pm and 3pm and are priced at: £50 (AU$79)per adult and £30 (AU$ 48) per child (Age: 4 – 15) . Price includes full day entry.http://www.crocosauruscove.com/attractions/big-croc-feed/

Discover the real stories of Alice Springs

Visitors to Alice Springs can now enjoy a themed progressive dinner with entertainment based on the history and characters of the town thanks to SEIT Outback Australia. Running twice a week, the shows will include the ‘Infamous Miss Pink’ on Thursdays and ‘Scandalous Crimes’ on Saturdays.

At “Infamous Miss Pink”, guests can listen to the story of the indomitable Olive Pink, the unconventional anthropologist, botanist and champion of Aboriginal rights, who thwarted authority and left a colourful mark on Central Australia. While at “Scandalous Crimes” guests will witness the story of the notorious Stuart Gaol and the tales of its inhabitants. With both shows being fully interactive, guests are sure to feel a part of the story.

Priced from £76 (AU$ 120) per person, the package includes transportation (departing every Thursday and Saturday at 18:15 from the Tourism Central Australia Building ) to the Old Jail , canapés, a two-course dinner, and beverages. http://www.seitoutbackaustralia.com.au/Home/Tours/EVENINGS-IN-ALICE

Explore the Australian Bush with SEIT’s New Tour

Visitors to Uluru can now enjoy a new two hour Bush Tucker tour with SEIT. During the tour visitors will learn about desert life and bush foods from their experienced Aboriginal host. They will also have the opportunity to sample the native seeds and foods, which have been enjoyed by the Aboriginal people for many years. The tour departs daily from Ayers Rock and is priced from £56 (AU$85) per adult and £51 (AU$77) for children and can be enjoyed as a stand-alone tour or in conjunction with the three-hour SEIT Uluru highlights.www.seitoutbackaustralia.com.au .

New flights to Darwin with SilkAir

Launched on the 26th March 2012, SilkAir now flies between Singapore and Darwin. There are now four flights a week allowing 600 people each week to fly directly into Darwin. The flights are operated by Airbus A319 and A320 offering both business and economy cabins.

Darwin, as capital of the Northern Territory and Australia’s most Northern city make it the natural gateway to country and the Outback. Located just four hours flight from Singapore, it is considered to be Australia’s most culturally diverse city. The cosmopolitan city boasts a vibrant lifestyle centred around the outdoors, from al fresco dining and fine sunsets to beachside markets and sailing. For further information on SilkAir and to book flights visit: www.silkair.com or www.singaporeair.com .

Great holidays to be had on the coast of Victoria

Alan — Sat, 05 May 2012 09:37:27 +0000

If you’re looking to visit a great coastal city in Australia then you should consider heading to the area of Victoria where you will find the coastal city of Lorne. The city is located on a popular tourist route, the Great Ocean Road. This is a road that stretches for over 200 kilometres between Warrnambool and Torquay. This is a great road to drive down for tourists and it will take you to many great coastal cities and attractions.

Lorne itself as a very small place with a population of less than 1000 people. This makes it a great destination for people who are looking to escape the busyness of Australia’s enormous cities. The amount of nature in this area is also spectacular and for tourists who are interested in seeing rural Australia, this is the place to come.

One of the best activities you can take part in this packing up a picnic and taking it out to one of these beautiful natural locations. Some of the best include the Otways National Park and the Erskine Falls.

Other than nature, the town has a lot of focus on its beachside. There are many cafes along the side of the beach which are perfect for people who are looking to get some relaxation in. There is also an art gallery here and a spa that people can put themselves into. If you are staying in accommodation that has a kitchen, then you would be well recommended to visit the fish market where you will find something great to cook up for dinner.

The town has many events that occur throughout the year, including a marathon which is run along the Great Ocean Road, the famous Surf Run, and many golfing competitions. It would also be a good idea to check out all of the town’s historic buildings.

Warrnambool is an exciting place for a holiday in Australia

Alan — Fri, 04 May 2012 09:26:32 +0000

For those who are unsure about where to take a holiday this year, they should consider going to Australia and visiting the town of Warrnambool. This is a town in the Victoria area of Australia and you will find that there is plenty to do here to keep you entertained during your holiday.

There are plenty of sightseeing opportunities here and one of the best can be to drive your car up Cannon Hill. From this location you will be able to enjoy spectacular views over the Lake Pertobe and Lady Bay. There is also a rotunda here and a place to cook up a barbecue lunch.

In the town are also some spectacular botanical Gardens which were opened in the late 19th century. Here you will find a huge collection of beautiful trees, winding paths and ducks. This can be a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon walking, or just lounging around the gardens.

A trip to this part of Australia would not be complete if you don’t take part in some whale watching. This area is particularly known for its high whale population and you will probably be able to see some while exploring the areas near the coast.

If you prefer sports that are a bit more adventurous then you should consider scuba-diving in the area. There are plenty of opportunities for this along the coast and the area is known for having many shipwrecks on the seabed.

Fishing is also a popular activity and there are numerous opportunities for saltwater or freshwater fishing. Most of the fishing in this area doesn’t allow you to keep the fish, but there are certain areas which do. A visit to this town in Australia is going to be a great opportunity for people of any age

Discovering Western Australia

Alan — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 11:42:04 +0000

Wherever your travels take you to in Australia you are sure to find something interesting, and this is no more true than in Western Australia where there are a huge number of attractions that will appeal to all visitors.

Located right in the north-west of Australia is Kimberley. This area is particularly known for its waterfalls and there are two that are particularly worth visiting. The first is the King George Falls which is a wonderful waterfall which runs over sandstone cliffs and down into the sea below.

This is an incredible experience and while you are here you should also make the time to visit the Diamond Coast which has a huge number of lagoons, sand dunes, cliffs and gorges.

The second waterfall that you should make time to visit in the area is the Mitchell Falls. This area is known for its incredible wildlife and plant life and the waterfalls are surrounded by an enormous amount of green foliage. The waterfall flows down onto several levels and it is a truly remarkable site that you will be unable to forget from your trip to Australia.

If you are looking for a more educational experience then you should consider heading to Perth Zoo. This is one of the major attractions in the city and this can be found just a short drive from the centre. Here you will find an enormous collection of animals from over 200 species.

The zoo is known for recreating the animals natural habitats incredibly well so that visitors have as authentic experience as possible. It can also be a great idea to just explore the gardens here which are very well-kept and an ideal place for a walk. There are plenty of picnic tables here and Perth generally has great weather so consider taking a packed lunch.

See a vast array of treasures when visiting the Perth Mint

Alan — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:39:58 +0000

If you are visiting Perth, one of the major attractions to see will be the Perth Mint. This is an establishment which was first set up in 1899 and it is one of the most historic buildings in Australia.

It was initially established as part of the British Empire under the Royal British Mint Company. If you decide to visit this location you are going to be able to see a wide variety of treasures that have been collected in the building over the past century. It is also a fascinating insight into the gold prospectors who came to Australia in the 19th century.

Another great destination to visit in Western Australia is Karijini National Park. If you have become tired of the busy city during your stay then heading to the outback can be a great way to escape this and relax. This national park can be found in the Hammersley Mountain Range and there are many waterfalls, gorges, and landscapes here to enjoy.

The visitors centre here will provide you a fascinating insight into the history of the area. It will also tell you about some of the plants that are growing in the park and gives advice about what the best things are to see. The visitor centre will probably guide you towards another fantastic waterfall can be found at Fortescue and Joffre.

If you’re travelling with your family and looking for a great way to entertain them then you should head to the Caversham Wildlife Park and Zoo. This is one of the most impressive collections of animals in the whole of Western Australia. Not only this, but it is a very interactive zoo and it is possible to feed the animals and even help to shear a sheep. There are great picnic areas so bring a lunch.