Australian’s like to get going. A country of travellers as inquisitive as they are adventurous, as bold as they are numerous. Exploring is natural to us, its expected. Your mates have been to places you have never heard of. Your neighbour is away again. We find it hard to stay put. We love to get on the road. The road most famous is the golden road north, the Pacific Highway, the getaway of the Boomers, they love to go North. Some spots they like to spend time in span many miles. Everyone stops in on their way north to magnificent Brisbane Waters at Woy Woy to get aboard a fantastic cruise on this fabulous waterway.
Cruises are a booming part of the travel industry. Australians love a cruise & we are most partial to a nice day cruise. Blessed as we are with bays, rivers, harbours & ports, there is always somewhere to cruise. People of all ages are regulars on the popular Starship Cruises socialising on-board while taking the magnificent scenery around the Brisbane Waters & 4 Islands, just north of Sydney. These easy to get to cruises will surprise, excite & delight you.
The popular MV Lady Kendal, cruises the Brisbane Waters, leaving Gosford Public Wharf at 10.15am or Woy Woy at 10.40am every Saturday to Wednesday. This relaxing trip is a favourite amongst our loyal readers, many returning for this popular luncheon cruise. Starship Cruises run this & their 4 Island Cruise which takes in Broken Bay, Lion Island, Barrenjoey Head Land & sails through Pittwater to the Lower Hawkesbury River, Brooklyn & Dangar Island; a 6.5 hour journey of Scenic Wonderlands with morning teas, buffet lunches & is fully licensed www.starshipcruises.com.au
North to Mid North Coast
The Mid North Coast is a pleasure of a drive. Breaking up the trip even more so, nothing beats freshly shucked Oysters from this region. Don’t forget to grab a bottle of wine and pick up some freshly shucked oysters from the pristine Wallis Lake at Graham Barclay Oysters in Forster, a great stop in the migration of nomads where our readers enjoy fishing, swimming and the beach.
Further up the Mid North Coast lies the historical town of South West Rocks with its Jail and heritage by the sea, it is one of the most picturesque beach settings on the whole east coast and a favourite spot to stop.
The Horseshoe Bay Markets are a special attraction here with lots of original stalls selling fresh local produce, all sorts of local art, home décor, sweets, smoothies, original and vintage clothing, music and craft, scented candles and much more in the relaxed atmosphere of Horseshoe Bay in the park, every second Saturday.
Macksville is a central location from which to explore the hinterland, the surf at Scotts Head, the forests and small villages and the mighty Nambucca River on which the town sits. It’s the halfway mark from Sydney to Brisbane and is a peaceful country town with friendly locals.
Beautiful parks to picnic in or walk around, historic country pubs with cold beer and great food, shops with local art and handicrafts all can be found here.
The river offers travellers sailing, water-skiing, fishing, rowing and jet skiing. A hub of the region, Macksville is the perfect place for a stopover.
Just a short drive away is Nambucca Heads, a popular spot for retirees with everything on hand. This thriving centre on the mind north coast has plenty of pretty beaches for swimming or walking, great shopping and places to relax by the surf or the river, an art and food community producing great local products and top spots for a drink. A great meeting place for all our nomadic travellers for a meal with a fantastic view is the Nambucca RSL Club where fun people mingle, have a drink and watch all the latest sport and racing-go to http://nambuccarsl.com.au
To stay in Nambucca, you won’t find a better deal than at the Destiny Motor Inn an award winning NRMA AAA rated motel in a landscaped garden setting. They have a 6-day, 5 night package including all admissions & lunches, chef prepared meals, clean & spacious rooms with FoxTV, DVD player, all located on the ground floor + first class coach with meals included as well! On 5 acres of tropical paradise in Nambucca Heads, go to http://destinymotorinn.com.au/
Also located in the beautiful Nambucca Valley, the Midcoast Motor Inn is the perfect place to stay for those looking for a quiet getaway or those just passing through. Offering clean, comfortable rooms close to all facilities, beaches, bush and tourist attractions.
Although to fully appreciate all that Nambucca Valley has to offer, you really need to stay here for a while; whether your interest is fishing (ocean, rock, river), boating, walking, swimming, golf, 4WD driving or simply soaking up the relaxed lifestyle of a coastal community, Midcoast Motor Inn will find something to keep you busy. http://www.midcoastmotorinn.com.au/
Victoria
Another favourite of those who love Australian tours is the Great Australian Goldrush Region and surrounding areas, filled with history and beauty, Lakes and Valleys of green and Gold.
Tallangatta Motor Inn can take you through the North East of Victoria like nobody else. Experts in the region they have a Best of the Region Tour for only $795, White Christmas in July for $795 & Great Ocean Road, Lakes Entrance, Melbourne Experience each tour $875. They do tours to Canberra, the Great Ocean Road, Lakes Entrance & Melbourne. All tours include a cooked breakfast, morning & afternoon teas, evening meals and free pickups from Albury Station. Email them at tallangattamotorinn@gmail.com or call 1800 816 746.
Phillip Island in Victoria is a short drive from Melbourne, but a million miles away from its chaos. Famous for its Motorbike Races and Surf, Phillip Island is also home to natural attractions on land and Phillip Island Chocolate factory is a must for any visitor to this Island, Groups, Retirees, families and singles are invited to see unique chocolates only made here, White Truffles. You can order, and they will find what you need while you enjoy a coffee in this delicious funhouse. Watch Chocolatier’s work their scrumptious creations. Eat Choc while you learn. School groups and private showings. Take home a gift for a loved one – at Phillip Island road-go to https://phillipislandchocolatefactory.com.au/ for more info.
Phillip Island has everything including Penguins and Fur Seals, Wild Ocean Boats can take you to see them in adventurous speed. Sleek high-speed boats wiz you to one of Australia’s largest colonies of Fur Seals. Watch these fun-loving inquisitive mammals interact up close on a 90-minute boat ridealong Phillip Islands magnificent coastline. Explore nooks and coves hidden on this exciting tour of the wave region, go to www.penguins.org.au
View of the Coastline at Nobbies Centre in Phillip Island
If you are in Phillip Island it would be silly not to head into Melbourne; with a combination of world-class dining, art galleries, homegrown fashion and a packed sports calendar, it’s no surprise Victoria’s capital is regarded the world’s most liveable city.
The centre of Melbourne is threaded with cobbled laneways, which have become a mecca for coffee shops, cafés and unique shopping boutiques. Start at Flinders Street Station, wander down Degraves Street, and explore the city’s beautiful arcades and street art around every corner – including from England-based graffiti artist Banksy. Head down Collins Street to visit the exquisite Block Arcade then get your caffeine hit at pocket-sized Brother Baba Budan or Patricia, both on Little Bourke Street.
Melbourne Laneways
Laneways aren’t limited to the CBD, just 4km’s north of the city in Brunswick is the fabulous Barkly Square which has created a Visual Musical Arts Precinct. ‘The Laneway’ is a dedicated zone of cultural activity for the community to enjoy. Sample delicious foods, see local artists from street and conceptual artists display their talents, to local bands and buskers who fill the area with movement and sound. The Laneway will embrace all Brunswick has to offer and add a rich layer to the vibrant quarter, well worth a visit http://barklysquare.com.au/
Osborne Helitours Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula
Tasmania is a superb holiday destination, a separate identity with great food, wines and whiskey distilleries. It is one of the top ten must-do destinations in the world, with the cleanest air, the purest sea and forests of grandeur. The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens should be on every visitor to Tasmania list.200 years in the making, the Gardens feature heritage buildings, Historic plant collections and Structures. Herb gardens, ponds, Chinese gardens and community food gardens are among some of the many displayed in lush acres of abundant flora. The Gardens are the perfect place for a break, a picnic, a function, or a prayer. So much beauty in one place. http://gardens.rtbg.tas.gov.au/
Railway Adventures by Scott Mc Gregor from Tv fame, are fully escorted, small group rail travel tours See Australia from Tasmania to Queensland, Europe on their modern and quirky feature trains. Stay in first-class Hotels. They cover all of Asia, Sri; Lanka scenic railway and the British Isles all by Unique trains. go to www.railwayadventures.com
Aldinga Tours are the Special Interest Experts. Their group tours are diverse, unusual and extensive. From a 11 day Sri Lanka Beach and Wildlife Encounter to an 8 day the Cook Islands relax and chill. Tasmania, Norfolk, A Celtic Festival in Glenn Innes, their variety is outstanding, go to www.aldingatours.com.au.
The Solomon Islands are one of our closest Neighbours. The peace and tranquillity of these Islands are amazing. Nowhere on earth could you find more pristine Islands full of history, especially in regard to the Second World War, Honiara, the capital of the Solomon’s, where every visitor arrives and spends some time before visiting the paradises in the provinces, for business or for pleasure, the Solomon’s is a great place to see.
Most visiting businessmen, or overnight visitors heading to the islands & officials stay at The Heritage Park Hotel. A prestige hotel in a waterfront location, The Heritage Park is a prime spot to unwind by the pool after exploring the historical sites of Honiara.
All rooms are luxuriously appointed & large suites are available for the longer stay or business visit. The spa swimming pool & cocktail bar are a perfect spot for looking over the water at point Cruz.
People meet, do deals over lunch, have meetings, hold conferences all in beautifully appointed surroundings. The Terrace Restaurant is well deserving of its reputation for superb food. Try the Sollie’s style marinated Snapper in Coconut milk or a mouth-watering fish curry.
With 47 outstanding rooms & 28 apartments, nothing is left out whatever your needs may be. Relax & enjoy your secure & comfortable stay at the Heritage Park Hotel, go to www.heritageparkhotel.com.sb for bookings.
With their motto being Fly –Cruise –Tour, it sums up the concept of the complete tour. Nothing has been overlooked in Nexus designer tours. Covering enticing destinations around the globe from your own choice of cruise ship on a 16day Rockies, USA and Alaska Cruise to a Japan and Hokkaido Cruise on the best international Ship in Japan, the magic of the giant Quantum of the Seas, a China and Japan Cruise or 20 days cruising the Western Mediterranean. Deals include airfares, taxes, onland guided tours, accommodation, minitours go to www.nexusholidays.com.au
The world is waiting for you to move once more, explore beyond, go and see whether by Land or by Sea.
