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The Top Coolest Caravan Sites to Check Out in Australia

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If you’re looking for a unique Australian getaway, then you’ve come to the right place! Check out this list of the coolest caravan sites to visit in Australia.

Every five minutes of the workday, a caravan or campervan is manufactured in Australia. So it’s no surprise why caravanning has recently surged in popularity. Not only does it boost the economy by AU$8.6 billion, it’s an affordable way to see the beauty Australia has to offer.

According to the Caravan Industry of Australia, “Domestic and International visitors generated 49.7 million nights in caravan parks and camping grounds around Australia.”

Whether you’re exploring Australia for the first time, are planning to visit the Darwin festival, or are mapping out your retirement bucket list trip, we’ve got the perfect list of the top 10 caravan sites to visit.

Top Benefits of Staying at Caravan Sites

There’s nothing more enjoyable than hitting the open road with your loved ones in a caravan.

Traveling this way offers so many conveniences that it’s hard not to want to vacation in a caravan every chance you get! Not only can you bring most of the small luxuries of home along with you, but you are saving money at the same time.

The freedom to select one of many beautiful sites to stay overnight, while parking and resting at your convenience, is a major draw to the caravan life. Not to mention the self-sufficiency, and adventure it offers.

10. Marengo Holiday Park

What’s not to love about Marengo Holiday Park in Apollo Bay? Not only does this site have sweeping ocean views, it’s filled with all sorts of amenities that make for a comfortable stay.

Both family-oriented and pet-friendly, you can cook meals in a communal kitchen and build a campfire under the stars at night. Convenient WIFI access is also a bonus.

9. Kendalls on the Beach Holiday Park

Discover your own personal paradise at Kendalls on the Beach Holiday Park. The beachside location is the ultimate in luxury for caravan sites. Pamper yourself at the day spa, hike through a rainforest, or just relax with your family on the beach. Pets are always welcome to these powered sites.

8. Freycinet National Park

If you’re in search of some of Australia’s most stunning raw beauty, Freycinet National Park in Tasmania is one of the top sites to stay. There’s no shortage of water sports to enjoy while staying here: snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming. Not only does it offer pristine beaches and clear waters, it’s also a birder’s heaven. The pink granite peaks of the Hazards Range are especially breathtaking at sunrise.

7. Barrington Tops National Park

Listed as one of the top World Heritage places in the world, Barrington Tops National Park offers a wide variety of activities for caravanners. Situated in one of Australia’s largest rainforests, the park’s meandering trails and streams offer temporary respite from the stress of city life. Set up bush camp for the night, go fishing for the day, or enjoy an afternoon picnic. Pets are not permitted.

6. Grampians National Park

For those who need a more secluded caravan experience, Grampians National Park in Victoria is the top getaway spot. Not only will you be surrounded by breathtaking mountain range views and waterfalls, but you’ll also be privy to some of the most beautiful wildflowers in the area.

Aborigine art and history are big attractors of this site as well.

5. West MacDonnell National Park

If you’re a huge astronomy geek, or just love stargazing, West MacDonnell National Park is where you’ll want to stay. Rich Aborigine culture is also another reason to explore this area.

Hiking, birdwatching, and cycling are among the more popular activities here. Camping fees are very reasonable and include basic accommodations such as showers, toilets, picnic tables, and cooking facilities.

4. Golden Beach Holiday Park at Caloundra

Family-friendly and close to area attractions, this one-size-fits-all site is a favorite for both tourists and locals. Caravan sites provide power and water, with a few grassy areas to accommodate tents. Just a few minutes from the beach, visitors can take advantage of boating, fishing, and swimming.

3. BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park

The BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park is a little patch of heaven, situated along a beautiful stretch of Apollo Bay. With sweeping views of the ocean and a sprawling property, visitors can go off the grid completely and stay at one of the unpowered caravan sites or indulge in a little luxury and take a swim in the heated pool. Play basketball on the full court, take the kids to the playground, or stock up on ice for your next family gathering.

2. Bargara Beach Caravan Park

One of the top caravan sites to visit for those who want to explore the Great Barrier Reef or witness sea turtles nesting, Bargara Beach Caravan Park lets you take a walk on the wild side in the privacy of your own caravan. With both powered and unpowered options, the park provides a communal cooking area, WIFI, convenience kiosks, washing machines and dryers, as well as an on-site doctor. The quiet surroundings and beautiful beaches will make you feel instantly relaxed.

1. Ingenia Holidays Lake Conjola

Ingenia Holidays Lake Conjola is considered to be one of the top south coast caravan parks in the area. Not only will you be surrounded by the beauty of nature, but you can take advantage of it with horseback riding, scuba diving, and hiking. Take in breathtaking views of the lake, take the kids to one of the pools or splash parks, or indulge in a winery tour. The sky is the limit with all of the activities you can discover here.

Is Adventure Calling Your Name?

Planning a trip to Australia any time soon? We hope this list of the top 10 caravan sites was helpful to you. If traveling around the world is something you’re deeply passionate about, we invite you to discover more adventures on our site.

We’d also love to hear how our travels have inspired you to branch out and do a little exploring on your own, too. Drop us a line and share your travel plans and tips with us. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Must Visit Places in Australia

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When you hear Australia, the first thing that comes to mind are kangaroos, koalas, and the Outback. It is true that the country is rich in wildlife and the open roads just make it even more tempting to explore. But where do you start?

Must Visit Australian Destinations

Australia is a must visit destination for serious travelers who want to see more than what the world has to offer. And if you’re already planning your trip and booking your flights, remember to also consider getting a reliable car hire service to get around in comfort and style. Once you’ve done all that, it is now time to review where to go on your trip. Here are a few places to choose from:

Mitchell Falls [Western Australia]

If you think that Niagara Falls is the best natural body of water on this planet, then be ready to be blown away by Mitchell Falls. It may not be as big as the aforementioned body of water, but it does have its unique properties. It features a four-tiered waterfall that thunders down from Mitchell Plateau, giving off the most energetic vibe in the area. There is hardly anyone who isn’t blown away just at the mere sight of the falls to this day.

Kakadu National Park [Northern Territory]

Another place that is worth a visit is the Kakadu National Park. Here you can see where culture and nature collide with prolific art sites from people long gone which you can see together with billabongs, waterfalls and gorges among others. It makes for a great nature walk with your friends and older family members, and if you decide to take your children, they can certainly learn a bit more about the wildlife, as the park is teeming with them.

Wilsons Promontory [Victoria]

If you enjoy hanging out at the beach and camping, then the Wilsons Promontory, or the “Prom” as it is more commonly called, is the place for you. Visitors can camp in the wilderness all while staying close to the best beaches in the area. It’s a great way to spend a summer evening, with a bonfire and some barbies to end the perfect day by the beach.

Flinders Ranges [South Australia]

At first glance, Flinders Ranges is nothing more than just a large rock formation. But it is much more than that. From here, you can see the breathtaking Wilpena Pound and the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. The area boasts a timeless landscape that will have you staring into the horizon and just taking in everything within your sights. The best part about visiting Flinders Ranges is how you can see the sun lights up the rocks at different parts of the day. It’s nothing like you’ve ever seen, and that alone makes the visit all the worthwhile.

Freycinet National Park [Tasmania]

Picture this: a perfectly blue sky, the sun is lighting up the pink rocks, and the air is filled with fresh air. That is what it’s like in Freycinet National Park in Tasmania. It is the perfect escape for those who love to be one with nature and explore new places in the process. Other things you can do in Freycinet National Park include kayaking in Coles Bay and hiking.

These are just some of the places you should check out when you come to visit Australia. There is plenty to see and plenty more to do when you arrive, and you might end up planning your next trip back. Alpha Car Hire can help you get to these places in style and comfort, and you will never have to worry about missing a bus schedule for your entire stay.

Fun Things to Do in Cairns, Australia

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Traveling with family and friends is always fun. Sure you see a lot of articles right now telling you to travel alone and experience the world solely through your experiences, but there is nothing quite like exploring the world with companions. And one place where you can all enjoy unknown places or unique destinations is Australia.

Australia is known for beaches and adrenaline pumping activities, but it is also one of the most beautiful places to visit. Cairns is one of these places, it has a very tropical and laid back vibe, and with Cairns cruises, it will make you and your travel companions forget about the stresses you left back home. It is a city where the modern and urban has fused well with the lush greenery of nature and the turquoise waters of the sea. It is so beautiful here that there are sites that have been given the UNESCO World Heritage status.

So while you are packing and getting your travel insurance for Australia, go through this article for places you must visit during your trip to Cairns.

Cairns Highlands

Australia is not just about that island heat, there are places where cooler climate is supreme. Get yourself to the Cairns Highlands and enjoy the cool wafts of the mountain breeze with a breathtaking view to boot. The highlands sits at 3280 metres above sea level and offers a very delightful afternoon experience for people planning to go up. Here you will see an 800-year old curtain fig tree, a 10-mile waterfall circuit, and the Tarzali Lakes platypus parks.

The Great Barrier Reef

Probably one of the most popular destinations in Cairns, and it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef and is made up of almost 3000 individual reefs which span 133,000 square miles of area. You can even see it from outer space! You can choose to go on a boat trip to the reef and snorkel or take a dive to see the marine life. However, you have to be careful when going near the reef since it is fragile at the moment. If diving is not for you, a helicopter ride can be a good option to give you an amazing top view of the Outer Barrier Reef.

Daintree Rainforest

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Daintree Rainforest. It is the largest continuous area of tropical rainforest and is the oldest lowland rainforest in the world. It dates back its existence to 135 million years There is a diverse range of creatures living in the area like tree-dwelling kangaroos and endangered species like the cassowary. You can choose to have a Daintree River cruise for a more laid-back setting. If you want to rough it up, you can trek the rainforest and enjoy Cape Tribulation.

Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park

You can take learn more about the culture and history of Australia by visiting Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. You can experience lively performances showcasing indigenous music, dance, and storytelling. You can also find the oldest living culture in the world when you visit the cultural park.

Cairns, without exaggeration, has painted a picture of what paradise may look like if it were here on Earth. Go and get a slice of that heaven by visiting Cairns with travel companions who you know would enjoy a trip like this.

3 Cities You Cannot Miss On a Trip to Australia

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If you are heading to Australia this year then you will probably already have figured out that making an itinerary isn’t the easiest thing in the World. This is not because it is tough to find things to do, on the contrary, it is because there is simply so much damn stuff to do in this incredible country. Having visited Oz on more than one occasion I can honestly say that my favorite part of visiting the country is hitting its many cities, renting a car from Budget and driving through the cities, down the coast and to another one. Depending on which coast you are visiting this year, here are my favorite cities in Oz that I think you simply have to factor in to your vacation.

Sydney

King of the pile, Sydney is not only Australia’s most famous city with iconic landmarks such as the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, both set in that incredible harbour. Sydney also offers tourists beautiful beaches, bouncing nightlife and a real California-style feel to it with trendy streets, great food and a real tapestry of different cultures making up the social landscape.

Melbourne

Melbourne is regularly voted by magazines around the World as the most lively and ‘happening’ of all the Australian cities and it is difficult to disagree with them, Melbourne is easily the food capital of Australia, here you will find fine dining, street food and plenty of bustling markets selling almost every type of fresh food under the sun. The sport scene is alive in Melbourne with regular cricket, Aussie Rules, rugby and soccer games going on and the sports stadiums double up as music venues of an evening attracting some of the biggest entertainment acts on the planet. Sydney is a perfect for the outdoorsy types but if you prefer to roam around bars, restaurants, museums and entertainment venues then cool-melbourne is for you.

Perth

Perth is one of Australia’s most isolated cities, it sits on the west coast and is over 1,000 miles away from its nearest city. This isolation is doubtless what gives the city its laid back attitude and the locals here mimic the same mood. Here in Perth you will find beautiful parks, fresh and relaxing beaches that contrast starkly with the bustling tourist beaches of Sydney as well as beautiful landscapes across the water as the Swan River meets the sea. Perth appeals much more to nature lovers and there is plenty to do in the great outdoors here from walking tours to camping out under the stars.

These are just my favorite cities and if you are looking for cities where you can spend a great bit of time inside them and exploring them, then these are my recommendations. If you are looking as a city as a jumping off point for something else then other considerations should be places like Cairns and Hobart or even Canberra which is a massively underrated city. Wherever you choose in Australia, you can guarantee that you will have an awesome time down under.

The best beaches in the Southwest

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When the sun is shining and the air is still and warm, where do you dream of being? Me, well I dream of being at a beautiful beach, soaking in the sun on the sand, getting that sun kissed tan that so many people crave to have then cooling off in the ocean. Fishermen may dream of casting a line and getting a personal best catch off the beach, a mighty big pink snapper or several whiting perhaps. When the conditions are right surfers may want to rush off from their daily grind and catch a few waves or perhaps you’re not interested in getting wet and simply just want to enjoy the views and hope to catch a glimpse of some marine life thriving and living wild and free.

No matter what your hopes and anticipations are, here in Australia’s Southwest you will find there is more than 1000km of awe-inspiring coastline with a significant number of bays and beaches that will help you make your beach dreams come true. Here’s my list of some of the best beaches in the Southwest.

Fishery Beach, Orcas Bremer Bay

This one is for the wildlife enthusiasts, have you ever heard about the Bremer Bay Killer Whales? Let me tell you a bit about them. Killer Whales otherwise known as Orca congregate 20 nautical miles offshore from Bremer Bay. You can join a tour from January – April with Naturaliste Charters who are the founders of what is called the Bremer Canyon Killer Whale (Orca) Expeditions. The expeditions are 8 hours long and depart from the Bremer Bay Boat Harbour, which is located at Fishery Beach, Bremer Bay. Not only is Fishery Beach a good location to join a tour but you can find some people fishing off the wharf and swimming in the beach. Fishery Beach is a 10–15-minute drive from the Bremer Bay town centre.

Busselton Foreshore, Busselton

Busselton Foreshore is an amazing hub for all, it is just a small stroll from the Busselton town centre and is home to Busselton’s newest brewery Shelter Brewing Co. The foreshore also hosts a great restaurant The Equinox, or if you are after some fish and chips to enjoy on a picnic table or one of the many great grassed areas then the Beach Shack also has a great menu. However amazing eats is not what this place is known for, it is the view of the world-famous Busselton Jetty, the white sand, turquoise water and a swimming zone with shark nets in place that helps make this place as phenomenal as it is. You will find families enjoying the chill atmosphere down on the foreshore, as well as professional athletes training, it is a destination for all and worth the visit.

Elephant Rocks and Green Pools

Elephant rocks and Green Pools are located within a few hundred metres of each other down on the Denmark coast. Elephant rocks are just like the name suggests, it’s a cove full of rocks that look just like elephants! Not only can you enjoy the view from above, but you can also make your way down the staircase into the cove itself, here you will find a nice stretch of sand to lay your towel out and head into the water for a refreshing swim!

Once you have finished admiring the Elephant rocks it’s time to make your way over to Green Pools which is just a ten-minute walk away. Green Pools is a must-see destination and is one of Western Australia’s most iconic beaches. It is famous for its turquoise green water, white sand and the large granite boulders that surround it. These boulders are ideal, it protects the bay from some of the harsh conditions that the Southern Ocean can provide making it an enjoyable destination for swimming for everyone including families. There are many varieties of fish here at Green pools including zebrafish, leather jackets and sea stars making it an ideal location for snorkelling. Both Elephant Rocks and Green Pools are easy to access, you only need a 2wd.

Hamelin Bay – Margaret River Region

Ok so Hamelin Bay ticks a few boxes, wildlife, fishing and swimming. Hamelin Bay has become quite famous for…. Sting Rays! Something you wouldn’t quite expect but it is a spectacle to experience at least once in your life. During the summer months when the Indian Ocean is calm, the seaweed has been cleared and you can expect to find many Sting Rays close to shore, generally between 9-10 in the morning, or later in the afternoon as the fishing boats arrive back in. The Hamelin Bay Sting Rays have a reputation of being friendly and curious and it is nice to be able to get a closer look at them by heading in the water, but it is always best to proceed with caution and please remember they are a protected species so please treat them with respect.

Some great fishing can be had in Hamelin Bay, you can either head out on your boat or cast a line from the shore. When fishing from shore the usual catch normally consists of herring, whiting and skippy, when fishing from your boat a bit further offshore you may be able to land yourself a dhu fish, pink snapper, queen snapper, kingfish and more! Just be sure to check out the local fishing regulations and don’t take more than your legal limit.

Which slice of paradise will you choose?

Australia’s Southwest is the region to visit for your dreamy beach day and how amazing that unless you are joining a tour you can experience all these slices of paradise for FREE! Whether you are in Bremer Bay Whale Watching, looking at Sting Rays with amazement, making out shapes of elephants out of rocks, or enjoying a locally brewed beer on the Busselton Foreshore just be sure to indulge in the fact that you are at one of the best beaches in the mesmerising Southwest.

5 Best Places to Travel in November 2018

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There are plenty of reasons to travel in the month of November- cool and pleasant weather, joys of festivities and events, an ideal condition for beach hopping and hiking, and many more. Someone said, “November is the month to remind us to be thankful for the many positive things happening in our life.” And, the best way to fill November with unlimited positivity is to travel to some of the most beautiful lands on earth. So, when the month of November is about to transform the world into a snowy wonderland, it’s time to check the best vacation planner and explore new horizons! So, here’s the list of 5 best places to travel in November 2018 for you!

Cuba

Cuba tops the list of best places to visit in November 2018. From the sultry streets of Havana to the glittering beaches of Playa Ancon, the Cuban landscapes look straight out of a picture postcard in the month of November. November is comparatively a calmer month in Cuba. Whether you want to walk through the Spanish colonial buildings of Cuba, learn the history of legendary Cuban cigars, or attend the musical cabaret shows at Tropicana, create a Cuba itinerary with TripHobo and explore its scenic beauty.

Australia

September to November is the spring season in Australia. The weather is pleasant, wildflowers bloom, and the Australian landscapes transform into a paradise. This will be the best time to wander through the harbor city of Sidney, jump off the Great Barrier Reef, or enjoy a gorgeous ride on the Great Ocean Road. The sun-kissed beaches of the Gold Coast are the best destinations for your Australian vacations in November. In addition to this, it is also a good time to explore the gardens of Canberra and party in Melbourne.

Patagonia

Patagonia might be a secret gem for many, but the natural beauty of this South American region is incomparable. With Andes Mountains at the border, the region of Patagonia is shared by both Argentina and Chile. The month of November witnesses large colorful blooms in Patagonia, hence making it one of the best destinations in the world for November. While on the Argentine side, you will find desert and grassland, the Chile side of Patagonia features rainforests, glaciers, and majestic fjords.

India

November marks the time of festivities in India. This is when Diwali- the festival of light is celebrated throughout the country. Therefore, this is when you can experience the cultural wealth of India most joyfully. Besides, the clear skies and cooler winds over the Indian terrain make sure that you are comfortable wherever you go. Whether you are partying in Goa, cheering over a wine on the romantic Mussoorie evening, or staying on a houseboat in Kerala, you will find everything blissful and beautiful in India.

Morocco

Morocco, the North African country with a Mediterranean atmosphere is another wonderful place to visit in November. Morocco is the fifth largest Arabian country with a great diversity. The temperature in Morocco fairly drops to make the weather wet and mild. This is a perfect time for activities like hiking along the Atlantic coast, wandering through the markets laden with lanterns, ceramic works, and jewelry. The forts of Morocco look majestic with the backdrop of clear blue skies in November.

Australia or Morocco, whichever place you plan to visit in November, you are sure to have an unforgettable trip.

Top Travel Ideas If You’re Flying Solo

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Are you a singleton looking for a great adventure without necessarily having to recruit friends or family to tag along? Or maybe you really want to get away but can’t find anyone to go with. If you’re like most people who are single and travel, you probably have noticed by now that when you try to get a group of friends or family together, inevitably people begin to drop out one by one until it’s only you still left standing, heading out on the road solo anyway. Maybe you’re through with all that and you’re ready to hit the highway on a cool singles trip to meet new friends along the way. Check out these hot holiday ideas for solo travellers like yourself.

Backpacking

There’s nothing like heading out on an extended trip backpacking while solo. It’s no secret that you meet far more travellers and people when you’re travelling on your own than with a friend or a group. Backpacking holidays are likewise a great idea if you don’t have a timescale or a really solid plan. Many people choose several countries that are near to each other by land and just take off for anywhere from three to six months. Popular areas include South East Asia, South America and often working holidays in the likes of Canada, Australia, New Zealand or working for NGOs in Africa.

Ski Holidays

Do you love the powder, the rush, the adrenaline of shooting down the slopes at speed while the icy cool wind blows across your face? Well, a singles ski holiday might just be what you’re looking for. You can book a singles ski holiday to many different resorts through Europe, a great option if you’re planning to travel solo as there is often no single supplement when you book a singles specific holiday. That means you can spend more on going out and meeting other solo travellers, or going on excursions, taking on activities and more.

Cruises

Cruises are a great idea for solo travellers, especially shy and unsure travellers as the cruise company takes care of almost literally everything. All you have to do is show up on time to things like meals, excursions, shows and other events. Everything you could possibly need and more is found on board the ship and so you can rest easy knowing everything is being taken care of for you so you can spend more time on the top deck relaxing in the sun or enjoying the scenery as it passes by.

Beach Fun

Solo beach holidays sound like they could be boring, but nothing is further from the truth. When you book a singles beach holiday you will be in the same area as other solo travellers, meaning you can meet new, great people to hit the sand with. What could be better than hanging out with new friends, sharing a picnic on the sand and going on new and wonderful excursions together, creating memories to last a lifetime?

So there you have a couple of fantastic suggestions and ideas for great holidays that you can enjoy solo. Who ever said you must definitely have friends along for the ride when you can just meet the friends as you go? Sometimes it’s better that way anyway! So what are you waiting for? Get those bags packed and hit the open road.

Darwin turns the heat up: The festival season has started

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You may not think it, but the best time to visit or be in Darwin is during winter (May-October) as this is dry season, with fine days and pleasant temperatures. As such, this is also the time of year when the Northern Territory starts buzzing with events and festivals. It is now a great time to book Darwin accommodation and enjoy these upcoming events and festivals.

Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/en/sunset-nature-sky-darwin-2919957/

The Australian Bee Gees Show

14 April

Head down memory lane and enjoy a night with the Bee Gees on their 2018 ‘Direct from Vegas’ World Tour. This successful Bee Gees tribute band are celebrating seven years with more than 2000 shows headlining on the Las Vegas strip and now they are bringing it to Darwin for one night only. The Bee Gees tribute have performed on the world stage for over 21 years in more than 60 countries. They will perform all their hits in this multimedia concert event.

Green Day’s American Idiot

3-6 May

Winner of two Tony Awards and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album, Green Day are bringing their Broadway hit, American Idiot, to the Northern Territory! The story of three boyhood friends and their search for hope, this show touches on subjects such as love, drugs, sex and rock and roll. All of Greenday’s hits will be performed, as well as more recent songs. The show boasts an all-Australian cast, starring Phil Jamieson from Grinspoon and Sarah McLeod from The Superjesus.

Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival

5-20 May

The Seabreeze Festival is held along 1.6 kilometres of the Nightcliff Foreshore over two weeks. The festival encompasses local arts, culture, food and nature. It is a great festival for up-coming local artists to showcase their talents. The ‘lead-up activities’ start on the 5th May onwards, leading to the extravaganza along the foreshore on the 12th. After that, ‘Festival Week’ commences which is all about celebrating local groups, clubs and businesses.

Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/NightcliffSeabreezeFestival/

Fred’s Pass Rural Show

12 May

Get your cowboy boots on and come and check out this very ‘Darwin-style’ event. The Freds Pass Rural Show is on the outskirts of Darwin and has country music, an equestrian contest, livestock displays, polocrosse, arts and craft, the traditional Grand Parade and more. In the evening, watch the sky come alive with a spectacular display of fireworks.

People’s Choice BASSINTHEGRASS Music Festival

19 May

Enjoy 12 hours of music from some of Australia’s best-known bands, as well as new artists emerging from the Northern Territory. This year, the chilled music festival boasts a fantastic line-up, including artists like; Illy, Paul Kelly, Confidence Man, Vera Blue and many more. People’s Choice BASSINTHEGRASS Music Festival is an event for all ages and is proudly supported by the Northern Territory Government.

Photo credit: @officialbassinthegrass

Why Not Dance

2 June

Join the crowd and head to George Brown Botanical Gardens for Why Not Dance, a boutique house and disco music festival. Dance to some sweet tunes while sipping on a summer cocktail and take in the warm vibes of the garden. The line-up will be announced soon!

Darwin Triple Crown V8 Supercars

15-17 June

Rev heads and all car lovers – get ready! This year, the V8 Supercars are flocking to Hidden Valley Raceway for the race of their lives. As a spectator, you can expect to be entertained on and off the track thanks to Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.

Territory Day

1 July

One of the most spectacular events coming up this year to mark the Northern Territory’s anniversary of self-governance is Territory Day. This is the one day of the year that fireworks are allowed, so the NT puts on an amazing show! You can watch the fireworks light up over Timor Sea from Mindil Beach and enjoy the markets and delicious food.

Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta

22 July

 

The Darwin Lions Beer Regatta is an annual favourite event with locals, as the town gathers on Mindil beach and cheer on home-made boats of cans, plastic soft drink bottles and cartons, as they sink into the water. You may think this sounds bad for the environment, but the first Beer Can Regatta was actually born from an attempt to clean up the beer cans in and around Darwin. The first beer can race was held in 1974 and since then, it has become a big event, with people getting creative and entering in boats of up to 12 metres long – some even with some secret tricks!

Photo credit: @darwinbeercanregatta

Darwin Cup Carnival

6 August

It is officially horse racing season! The Darwin Cup Carnival is spread out over a month and is one of the busiest months in Darwin. The actual cup is held on the 6th August at Fannie Bay Racecourse. The crowd of 20,000 are enthusiastic and the day itself is broadcast to more than 40 nations.

Darwin Festival

9-26 August

The Darwin Festival is an 18-day festival to celebrate everything wonderful about… Darwin! There are free outdoor events, dance, comedy, amazing food and weather. There are Australian and international performances and exhibitions, concerts, art, theatre and the impressive Festival Lounge has mouth-watering food stalls and pop-up bars. Darwin Festival has been running for nearly 50 years and festival-goers can be seen at the long communal tables, having a beer, a laugh and celebrating the beauty of Darwin.

Photo credit: @darwinfestival

Swap your winter around this year for summer in Darwin. Lots to do and see, the Northern Territory is an absolute gem, filled with rich culture, delicious fresh produce and decadent scenery.

Perfect the Art of Travelling

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Travelling around the world these days is very common, be it related to work or for holidays. However, it can be tiring and costly too. So, it is always good to plan your trip well in advance, so that you do not encounter any difficulties afterwards. You can begin by booking your ticket over the counter or online. However, there are other things to consider to make a trip a pleasant and successful one.

Research

It is important to do some research on the place you are going to visit. It is always good to know a bit about the great places you can go to. But it is also essential to know about the dangers you might face in some areas, just to be on the safe side. This is to avoid unnecessary worries which could transform your trip into an unpleasant one.

Funds

Make sure as you plan a trip, that you have sufficient funds to make it possible. Travelling and discovering new places is certainly a lot of fun, but it can be expensive too. Depending on the type of currencies you would use, it is good to know about the exchange rates for that country, to avoid additional expenses. You can also take a travel loan which will help cover your expenses during your trip.

Packing

Packing for a trip can be a bit confusing if you are travelling for the first time. You might want to carry simply everything in your bags. However, the best way to go about it is to consider the duration of your journey and the destination where you are headed to. Packing in a smart way means to make smart choices, that is to pack the things which you would really need first. Since you would be tempted to do some shopping afterwards, it is best not to overstuff your bags with things which you would not really need. Plus, excess luggage means paying more at the airport.

Airline

It is important to carefully choose the airline by which you would be travelling. It is a good idea to know about the different facilities and services they offer. Or if they may have some interesting packages that you would not want to miss. You might want to go for cheap flights, but these include unnecessary transits which can stress you out. It’s best to be relaxed during your journey. Some of the top airlines are: Singapore Airlines, Virgin Australia, Virgin Atlantic and Cathay Pacific. Aim high with The Sky’s the Limit slot at one of UK’s best casino destination – Magical Vegas. This game will certainly inspire you while you are carefully planning your holiday, with its amazing graphics, its background of an airport and its different features.

Travel Relaxed and Happy

To be able to make your journey a safe, fun and successful one, careful planning is very important.  One of the steps in your plan would be to sort out your carry-on luggage. It is perfect to limit it to not more than 4 or 5 things that you would really need, so that you would be allowed to carry it with you on the plane and not pay extra charges in some airlines.

Remember to stay relaxed, positive and courteous during your trip. Respecting the environment of your destination and being nice to people are good things to do, especially if you are in a less developed country.  If you consider the above steps, travelling is surely fun and enriching.

Travel Tips for Beginners

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These tips will ensure that your first international travelling adventure is going to be an enjoyable one!

Start Off with Somewhere Easy

Certain places are easier to travel to than others are. If you are on your first trip outside of your own country, make sure your destination makes for easy enjoyment and there are plenty of recreational activities for yu to indulge in. You can save the harder-to-reach places for when you have a better idea of what to expect.

Make Sure You Have a Smartphone

There are not many things that offer travellers more freedom than a good smartphone. If yours is unlocked, you can probably get a local SIM card that will allow you to make use of cheap data and Wifi wherever you go. Additionally, this will allow you to stay in touch as and when you need to, as well as relax every now and then thanks to great options like the Australian betting sites so widely available for mobile users these days.

Pack the Right Bags

Buy a bag smaller than what you think you will need. A travel backpack is highly recommended, as you will be saved from having to lug hundreds of pieces of luggage around with you wherever you go, and can enjoy more freedom of movement as a result.

Take the Right Gear with You

If possible, leave your fancy laptop at home and take a cheaper one that is the right size for your luggage specifications instead. A USB battery pack is invaluable as well, and noise cancelling headphones may well save your life by allowing you to get a little shut-eye in less-than-ideal conditions. 

Pack as Lightly as Possible

This is the hardest part of travelling for many people. There are very few urges that are more difficult to overcome than overpacking. Trying to make sure you have everything you could possibly need will not only never work, it will cost you money for extra weight as well.

Aim for around 30 pounds/13 kilograms for everything, and, if you are not taking a lot of electronics with you, that limit can decrease to 25 pounds/11 kilograms. You don’t need more than one week’s worth of clothing, for example, as you can do laundry cheaply and easily from anywhere.

Keep it all Safe with Cloud Data Backups

You hear horror stories of people losing cameras, or getting them stolen, and losing weeks worth of photographs -avoid this by simply making use of cloud backups. They are cheap, easy to use, and you are in no danger of seeing all your memories disappear. 

Apply Yourself to Applications to Ease the Stress

Google Translate is a must for any traveller, and, if you download languages over Wifi you don’t even need a data connection to use it. Google Maps comes in at a close second, and it also allows you to download a map over a Wifi connection and then access it even if you are offline.

Hooking your family and friends up with apps is a great idea too, as they will allow you to keep in touch while you are exploring the world. Whatsapp, Instagram, Skype, and Messenger are all great ways to keep everyone connected!