Tag: Oceania

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.

How to Find Affordable Melbourne Accommodation

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If you’re about to embark on an exciting trip to Melbourne, the question of where you should stay has probably crossed your mind. Unfortunately, accommodation can quickly get expensive, especially if it’s left to the last minute – and without careful research, you can end up in accommodation that you hate.

To avoid spending more than you need to or ending up disappointed with your chosen accommodation, here’s how to conduct the smartest and most effective accommodation search possible.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled

Hotel deals and accommodation packages are forever coming up, so make sure you look out for them and get on to them early. As certain seasons will offer more deals than others, take note of the dates when you see deals come about. If you have a particular accommodation type on your mind, be sure to keep your eye on it in case the price drops. You might also be able to score a better deal by simply calling the provider and seeing what they can offer you directly. For example, some hotels will offer you a complimentary breakfast, while serviced apartments in Melbourne may drop the price for longer visits.

 

Compare Top Contenders

When searching through the variety of accommodation types that Melbourne has available, it’s recommended that you note down some of the ones that catch your eye in terms of convenience and price. This will give you the opportunity to compare the best types. Consider the pros and cons of hotels, private rooms, bed and breakfasts and serviced apartments in Melbourne. Having their features laid out in front of you is the perfect way to ensure you’re choosing the best accommodation that matches what you need and what you want to pay.

Identify What You Need

Even though cheap accommodation is tempting, it makes sense to choose an accommodation type that suits the nature of your visit. Every type of accommodation provides something different. If you’re looking for a more comfortable and equipped stay, consider serviced apartments in Melbourne. For something simple and quick, a bed and breakfast or a hostel is a good way to go. It really comes down to what you need from your accommodation and how fussy you are about where you stay. Some people need comfort, while others just need a bed. Identify the nature and length of your trip so that you can carefully consider this throughout your search for accommodation.

Consider Serviced Apartments

People often don’t realise how inexpensive serviced apartments in Melbourne can be. However, a quick look into this type of accommodation will prove that it definitely offers value for money. When you opt for serviced apartments, you’ll be paying for comfort and a luxurious stay. With kitchen and laundry facilities, fully furnished rooms, serviced cleans and more, it’s no wonder why serviced apartments in Melbourne continue to be a popular choice. As they’re scattered all over Melbourne’s city, finding one in a central location won’t be difficult. They also tend to go down in price the longer you stay. Simply call the provider and ask what they can do for you.

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.