Australia Destinations
Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery
Here’s a post for you seasonal job seekers, science, and ecotourism lovers. Kangaroo Island is an extremely special place as many of my other posts have pointed out, but another one of the outstanding examples of why it is special is Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery. Run by Larry and Bev Turner, Emu Ridge, is the only commercial Eucalyptus Distillery in South Australia. More than just that, the business is completely self-sufficient, operating on solar, steam and wind- power with all by-products and most building materials being recycled. In fact…an integral part of the distilling process involves old beer kegs. You’ve got to see it to believe it. The best news for many of you- they are willing to take on dedicated seasonal workers. Please contact them first.
Date: January 15th, 2007 | 1 comment
Adelaide, Wine Bar and Tapas, The Apothecary
Major find! Tapas, Wine bar, and a super posh yet not expensive restaurant upstairs. I originally just stopped in for a glass of wine and was planning to go elsewhere for dinner. That plan went all wonderfully pear shaped (Aussie for “did not come to fruition” ). Thank goodness for that I might have missed some of the most amazing flavours I have ever encountered. The staff was extremely helpful in answering questions about food allergy friendly options.
Located in an old shop front, the owner has lovingly and painstakingly restored an antique apothecary service into a beautiful dark wood bar. The front has wrought iron furniture and little tables that make you think of an old time soda fountain. The center piece of the room, is of course, the bar itself which hosts the splendid array of fresh tapas.
Down the stairs is a cigar-room-feeling lounge that any inner city socialite would be proud to be found frequenting. Leather chairs and sofas, brick industrial walls and just the right mood lighting. I can only imagine a few romantic interludes must occur there nightly. It is perfect for looking deep into their eyes….
Date: January 8th, 2007 | 2 comments
Australian Wine Review- Tim Smith, Barossa Valley
Tim Smith Grenache Mataro Shiraz 05′, Barossa Valley.
Omigosh! Let me say that again. Omigosh! I realize that is not proper wine speak and I don’t claim to be a wine expert, however, it sums up the initial feeling that the wine created. Spicy, it completely coats the tongue with pepper and cinnamon. Make sure you get that nose in the glass! It has a lush heady nose that leaves you breathless wanting more (cheesy I know but true none the less). The finish leaves you with …
Date: January 3rd, 2007 | No Comments
What's On Sydney in January 07
January in Sydney, and indeed all of Australia, is the July of the Northern Hemisphere. We all know what that means… SUMMER! Most Capital cities have scores of things to do, but some of the most fun, based in Sydney, surround the Sydney Festival and the Outdoor Theaters.
The Sydney Festival is an Arts Extravaganza featuring everything from outdoor techno dance parties harbour side, to touring theatrical groups, to hot air balloon symphony.
The Outdoor Movie Theaters are an institution. Bring out the picnic rugs, a chilled bottle of white, and sit back to watch current release movies. EVERYONE will be there! Some of the links below will take you to a home page that includes schedules for other capital cities.
Date: January 2nd, 2007 | No Comments
Sydney: Gourmet Food Safari Tours
Living in Sydney, it is difficult not to, (at the very minimum) be a closet foodie. There are just so many phenominal places to eat and so many types of food available that you would almost have to live under a bridge not to notice. (actually some of the best places to eat on the north shore are right under the bridge….) Well one enterprising group has decided to cater for those foodies who have come out of the closet and for those just dabbling at starting to make this delicious lifestyle choice.
Gourmet Safaris is an organization that has created such favorites as World in a Day or Italy in a Day. The tours are aimed at people that are interested in experiencing Sydney’s food culture, but want to let someone else do the driving, parking, and picking. Honestly- the variety of fabulous eating options can be overwhelming for a first time visitor. This is one way you can just sit back relax and eat.
Here are the details of a few of their offerings:
Date: December 18th, 2006 | No Comments
What's on in Perth, Little Creatures Brewery
I realize that a large number of my posts center around the amazing social life of Sydney, so in an act of good will and opportunity to acknowledge that there are other cities with a nightlife out there, I am reaching out to our brothers on the west coast.
From a friend of mine, here is some insider information on what’s cool in Perth… Now I do trust his Judgement 100%, because not only is he a fair dinkum Aussie, but I know he takes his Social Responsibility (and his beer) very seriously.
From the book of Nathan: In the beginning God created the hops, the barley and the yeast. And the stein was without form, and void; and thirst was on the face of the travellers… (from Heather- oh dear here we go…)
Okay, it’s debatable that one shouldn’t parody religious texts, but let’s at least debate it over a beer. Where better to enjoy a cold bevvy (Aussie slang for beer) than Fremantle in Western Australia. ‘Freo’ as it is known to the locals, is located only 20 minutes south of the Perth CBD. It offers some of W.A.’s finest restaurants and cafes, and some of the states best preserved late 1800’s streetscapes… but enough about that, let’s get back to the beer.
My personal pick of the Freo ‘watering holes’ is the popular Little Creatures Brewery in the Fishing Boat Harbour precinct.
Date: January 14th, 2007 | No Comments
Sydney Festival, The Hottest thing on this summer.
Sydney Festival is the hottest thing going this summer in the self proclaimed Emerald City. There are so many wonderful events that appeal to the entire spectrum of ages and interest types from children’s events to the Violent Femmes. Sydney, a city known for erecting free large screen TV’s so people can gather and watch major sporting events for free in public spaces, has also arranged some great logistical bonuses to accompany the entertainment.
Discount parking in the CBD!
Discount tickets to the events!
For EVERY event during Sydney Festival, a limited number of tickets will be available on the day of the performance for only $25*.
And for your culinary pleasure,
Places to Eat with Fast Festival Feasts that include a beer or wine.
Date: January 4th, 2007 | No Comments
Adelaide, The Central Markets
The Central Markets of Adelaide….OH a foodies dream! People call Adelaide the City of Churches But it is soooo much more than that. Adelaide is right in the middle of a major agricultural area and 3 wine regions! The Central Market, located in the heart of town on Gouger Street, have sumptuous fresh local produce, cheeses, “glaced fruit” and baked goods, all lovingly arranged. The markets are in most guide books, but- on personal experience- They are fantastic! The quality of the produce, I have not been able to match anywhere else in the country.
If you are thinking of a trip out to the Mountains, wine regions or Kangaroo Island might I suggest picking up ALL of your picnic needs at the markets before moving on in your vacation plans. I made the mistake of thinking we might see roadside farmers market booths along the way. I was dead wrong and ended up eating a tin of canned beans on my second day in Kangaroo Island. (it was accompanied by a lovely omelet I whipped up… but you get my meaning)
Date: January 2nd, 2007 | No Comments
Kangaroo Island, South Australia. How to Get There
If you are going to fly all the way to Australia, do try and make some time to see Kangaroo Island. It may not be on the main tourist path but it is well worth your hard earned Travel time and dollars. Everyone I know that has gone there completely agrees. The island is an amazing piece of the Australian wilderness, with over a third of the landmass reserved as conservation purposes. But How to get there?
By Air- REX- Regional Express, operated by Qantas, operates from Adelaide to Kingscote Airport (KGC) 13 17 13 or 08 8553 2938.
Date: December 21st, 2006 | No Comments
Sydney: Popular Swimming Pool
Though the days have been a bit blustery of late, it is most definitely summer in Sydney. while the Nightlife is HOT, most Sydneysiders need a place to cool down and chill out during the day. There are several favoured watering holes around the city, however, The Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton pool is perched in a prime location right on the fringe of the Royal Botanic Gardens. On the shores of Wooloomooloo Bay, it is a favorite for its fantastic panoramic views of the harbour and first class facilities. …
Date: December 18th, 2006 | No Comments