Australia History
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
Kangaroo Island, South Australia, How to see a Platypus
One of the Highlights of visiting Kangaroo Island is the amazing amount of protected wildlife that can be seen in such a small place. The Star of the show, without a doubt, is the Platypus. These little guys are absolutely adorable, quite rare, shy, and their numbers are dwindling. If you would like to see one in its natural habitat, There is a platypus walk located in Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island.
The best times to see the furry little guys are day break and dusk. The main visitor center did not open until 9:00 am leaving us stranded for a little bit waiting to pay for our park fee and acquire the much coveted morning coffee. The café is quite good and the visitor center is informative and well maintained.
The path begins just behind the main visitors center and is a flat easy 4.5 k return trip. There are look outs, and viewing platforms to ensure you have the best view possible. Please remember they are very shy and any noise will frighten them away. When approaching a platform please whisper to avoid scaring them.
Date: January 2nd, 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
Kangaroo Island, South Australia. General Overview
2 hours south of Adelaide, Kangaroo Island is a venerable ecological utopia. The third largest island in Australia, 12 K from the mainland, it has managed to have an ecologically independent growth from even the mainland of OZ. As witnessed by many of the indigenous animals, most species have evolved just a little differently. This is a trully magical place that should be cherished.
The island, since European in habitation, has been used for sheep farming, Eucalyptus Oil distilling, and ecological conservation. New industries have popped up as sheep farming has become more and more unsustainable. Lavender farming, honey production, new wineries, and ecotourism are some of the major ones. The ferry or airplane ride over is fairly expensive, but it keeps crowds small which protects this truly unique place. It is probably the best place to see a large number of the Australian animals in natural and efficient way.
Date: December 18th, 2006 | 2 comments
Kangaroo Island Accomodation, Flinders Chase Farm
Flinders Chase farm is a charming and comfortable place to crash for the night or a week. It is on the west side of Kangaroo Island almost at the entrance to the National Park. No matter your budget, Flinders Chase Farm has an ideal place to lay your weary head. Originally, and still, a working sheep station, Steven and Kerryn Childs keep busy running the accommodation part of their property as well as their sheep. My only regret is that I didn’t have longer to stay and enjoy all that the Farm and Island had to offer.
There is a Hostel style bunk house in what was their original farm house. Several rooms are available sleeping 2-10. A main lounge room with Television, shared bathrooms, and a Huge outdoor communal kitchen and bbq area are all attached. Around $20/night pp.
Date: December 17th, 2006 | No Comments
Treking Australia, The Hume and Hovell Walking Track
Got your ticket to to Oz in your hot little hands and looking for a really unique Aussie adventure? Wanting to experience some fair dinkum Aussie grass lands, mountains and national parks?? I guarantee- none or very few of your friends would have done this Trek! The Hume and Hovell Walking Trak follows the famous footsteps of Hamilton Hume and William Hovell on their expedition to Port Phillip in 1824. Going through some of the most scenic parts of NSW, the well marked and well organized walking track runs over 440 K between Yass and Albury NSW. The track has campgrounds complete with grilling and bathroom facilities conveniently spaced 1 days walk all along the way.
For the less adventurous of heart, the time constrained, or even those just looking for a bit of camping, the three major track heads offer excellent car based camping and great day hikes. You can do all or even parts of the walk depending on your schedule- allow for 24 days to complete the entire hike, but there are plenty of 1, 2, and 3 day itineraries to keep the weekend warrior happy.
How to get there: You can of course drive yourself to a track head and do an out and back, however, there is public transport available to Yass, Tumut, Tumbarumbra and Albury from most major cities. There are plenty of Hostel and budget accommodation available in each of those cities. For further information call 02 6937 2700 or email warwick.hull@lands.nsw.gov.au.
Date: January 3rd, 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: 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
Australian Slang. Translation Guide #3
One of the fun things of Travel is learning the local lingo. Australia has so many terms that are completely unique to their part of the World. This is the third in a series to come. It is designed to help Aussies headed overseas and travellers coming to OZ alike. Feel free to add a few of your own in the comments section.
Australian = North American Translation
Sunnies = Sunglasses! A necessity for life and fashion! The bigger the better at the moment.
Combi Van = Volkswagen type van. Think hippies. Little vans that have flat fronts and turn into a camper by night.
Mozzie = Mosquito. Grrr awful things that like to bite at 5:00 am right on your knuckle.
Loo Roll = Ha Ha Ha! Gotta love toilet humour! Seriously though, Toilet Paper Roll is the right answer. The thing that Men, regardless of the continent they live on, don’t know how to change.
Flippies = Flip Flops, Thongs (he he he that still makes me giggle)
Date: December 14th, 2006 | 1 comment