October 26th, 2006

A Sweet Stop on the Pacific Highway- Brisbane to Sydney

Doing the drive Sydney to Brisbane? There are several fun things worth seeing. One thing is Fredo Pies and ice creams. Home of the famous crocodile pies. Located in In Frederickton NSW, they are on the west side of the Pacific Highway. While the Aussies are famous for their savory/meat pies, Fredo had sweet ones too. We sampled the caramel one. Yum! In addition to the food offerings…a life size replica of our lady Marylin Monroe is just waiting for you to stop and take her picture! www.fredopies.com.au 02 6566 8226.

October 26th, 2006

New England Region- Central North NSW

Glen Innes- disappointing- a decent mid size country town and the home of the Celtic Standing Stone Monument. Worth a stop but - drive the extra hour and stay in Tenterfield or Inverell.

Inverell- very cute- fossicking (essentially panning for gold or semi precious stones) and natural attractions dominate the tourist scene here. I spoke to lots of people and they all said it is an extremely vibrant place with lots of festivals, events, and plenty to do. I stayed at the Inverell Motel- right in the heart of town. Convenient and adequate accommodation- budget rooms were $56. Grocery stores, pubs, boutique shops, and a really cute book store/café kind of dominated the CBD. A good place to stock up and refresh before moving further afield.

Emmaville- a very small village. Scenic- a secluded community but the drive was nice, some dirt roads, a couple of pubs, a general store and a few other things to see. Definitely an off the beaten path country town. Read the rest of this entry »

October 26th, 2006

Doctor’s Nose Winery, Tenterfield, NSW

What a beautiful spot. Totally quiet and picturesque- this hill top winery in the New England country side of NSW is a definite must do if you are in the region.

The property is a family legacy. Generations of the Reid family have lived on the land and added their mark to the house renovations. The tasting room is now in what was known as the nanny’s room. The wines- like the land are a living family tree. The white wines are named in honor of the historical matriarchs of the family, and reds after the literal forefathers.

Cool climate wines, they do tend to be a bit on the sweet side- but are completely enjoyable. The whites are absolutely perfect for the hot Aussie summers. I bought nearly a mixed case and took them to some unsuspecting friends of mine at a gathering in Byron. The Doctors Nose wines were all extremely well received. Read the rest of this entry »

October 25th, 2006

I am sorry Ma’am- I’m going to have to check those Peaches! Domestic Quarantine!

If you are travelling between Australian States- believe it or not- there are still yet more Quarantine laws! Domestic Quarantine Laws are designed to prevent the spread of disease, insects, and invading plant species. They are mostly aimed at fruit and food products. You should be aware that they do apply, fines can be given, and there are stations at interstate borders and airports to check that prize tray of Mango’s you have just purchased. To avoid getting indigestion from trying to consume 8 kilo’s of gorgeous fresh oranges- here are a few guidelines: Read the rest of this entry »

October 25th, 2006

Attention all Sci Fi Buffs!

Hey all of you Sci Fi buffs in Sydney- or Hey to those of you who have ever wondered what a Sci Fi gathering is all about! The SCIFI Extreme Convention 8-10 December is your chance! The Avillion Hotel on Pitt St (heart of the CBD) is featuring Star Trek the Next Generation’s William Riker. Voyager’s Harry Kim will also be putting in an appearance. For more information see www.scifiextreme.com 02 9639 1343

Live long and prosper. Na noo Na noo!

October 25th, 2006

NSW- Yamba and Maclean

Byron Bay is great. But honestly- if you want a real Aussie north coast experience I would suggest the following.

Start in Byron for a day or two for the crazy backpacker party scene. Byron is a party mecca without being too plastic. You can take surf lessons and have your chakras worked on, eat organic food and buy designer frocks. Then- to unwind head 14 K’s south to Lennox Head. Barely more than a strip of houses and café’s- it is scenic and relaxed. The surf beach is great and the whales and dolphins are visible from land.

After a day or so in Lennox Head- for a real true country/coastal town experience- head to Maclean (on the mouth of the Clarence Valley River) and coastal Yamba.

Read the rest of this entry »

October 24th, 2006

Surfing the ColdStream! Yamba Fringe Festival

Surfing the ColdStream The best festival I think I have ever been to! The bad news- It is over for this year- but if you are looking to come to OZ next year in October- put this on your itinerary.

No flashing lights or carnival rides in sight- this was almost all locally sourced produce, handicrafts, food booths, and pure entertainment! At one point I kept hearing a marching band in the distance. Expecting to see a military type band come through- I was agape with smile. Instead of polyester clad teens- I saw a rowdy bunch of local town people playing in unison with unified movements but in no particular formation or uniform. It was awesome! These were people really putting on a parade in the truest sense! Irreverently they marched through the middle of the local cricket ground that was the backdrop for the festival. Read the rest of this entry »

October 24th, 2006

Spray me Baby! Instant Tan for Byron Bay

Going to Byron Bay and didn’t have time to work on your tan before you left? Did you walk out of the hostel and realize that you don’t look like anyone else on the street and that is because you can’t see the line between your gleaming white socks and your legs? Do you blind people when they walk by? Do people need uv protection to look your way during conversation? Read the rest of this entry »

October 24th, 2006

Attractive and Cheeky! Check out Wallpaper’s Guide to Sydney.

Pocket Sydney- Finally a guide that concentrates on the important stuff- food booze, and shops! AND! all within a package that is attractive and doesn’t scream tourist. British design magazine “Wallpaper” has produced a set of around 20 city guides (soon to be 40) pitched at the design conscious traveller.

Sydney has recently been added to that list. The Wallpaper guides are said to be easy to use with sections like: landmarks, hotels, 24 hours, urban life, and sports and spas. As well as the guide being well thought out, it is also supposed to be excellently politically incorrect. It’s cost of living section includes “packet of cigarettes, and bottle of champagne”. Read the rest of this entry »

October 23rd, 2006

Daily Dose! America is at War with Vegemite!

“In Australia the slogan is that Vegemite puts a rose in every cheek; but today America has slapped the cheek of every Australian.”

Weekend reports from Australian and New Zealand media said some people had been searched or asked by US Customs and Border Protection agents if they were carrying Vegemite

The bizarre crackdown was prompted because Vegemite has been deemed illegal under US food laws.

The great Aussie icon - faithfully carried around the world by travellers from downunder - contains folate, which under a technicality, America allows to be added only to breads and cereals. Read the rest of this entry »