Archive for the “Australasia” Category

When you are reading various traveling blogs and stories, there is one thing that you can notice and that is the absence, or at least a very small percentage of advice and tips for single people, either women or men. Somehow it is always about what couples can do, what families can do, what newlyweds can do.

Well, this little guide to Sydney is going to be a bit different as it will be mostly aimed at single guys who visit Sydney for whatever the reason – you might be visiting family or friends or you might be on a business trip. Or you might just be a single guy who wanted to see one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in the world. So, what to see? What to do?

Sydney1

In the morning

Morning is perhaps the best time to start exploring any city, Sydney included. The crowds are much smaller, the cafes are much emptier and in Sydney at least, the sun is always shining. Morning hours are the perfect time to really go exploring the city.

The first step should always be the Sydney Harbour which is famed as one of the most beautiful in the world with the focal point definitely being the Sydney Opera. Yes, you have seen it innumerable times on TV and in photos but the real thing still leaves quite an impression. Also, since we are doing this for the single guys; you are also likely to find plenty of tourist ladies in the harbor.

You can also climb the Sydney Tower in the morning; check out the entire city sprawled beneath you. It is an amazing view and you will definitely get to know the city a bit more by seeing it from above.

In the afternoon

The best way to start off the afternoon is by finding a nice spot in one of numerous restaurants in Sydney. The choice for outdoor seating is simply endless and before you know it, you will find that perfect spot with the perfect food and why not a drink? A good idea would be to inform yourself in advance, ask local people because you can truly find some amazing restaurants in Sydney.

After a delicious meal, nothing is better than a nice walk and the Bondi beach is the perfect place to do it. It is one of the most famed beaches in the world and even though it does not captivate with its breath-taking beauty in the more strict ‘beachy’ sense; it is still clean, with clear water and it is always packed with young crowds. If you happen to surf, you will feel right at home there. If not, pick a spot in any of the innumerable bars there and relax.

Sydney2

In the evening

The nightlife in Sydney is world-famous and once you experience it, you will understand why this is the case. Sydney is a relatively young city in terms of the population age and all of the clubs and bars are packed full all night long. The list of the best nightlife places in Sydney is an extensive one and with a bit of research, you will find your personal favourite in no time. Keep in mind that the drinks in Sydney do not come cheap.

The next morning

The next morning, we recommend visiting the Sydney Aquarium. There is something about aquariums that goes well with a hangover; something almost medicinal. After the visit, you can rent out a car and take a drive outside of Sydney to the Hunter Valley where you will find the best winemakers in all of Australia, as well as some amazing restaurants. If you are not sure about your left lane driving skills, perhaps take a safer driving course, let them know you are used to driving on the right.

With a city as huge as Sydney, this is just scratching the surface and we are certain that you will be coming back to this amazing city, its people and its places. Perhaps next time you will not be a single guy? Not that there is anything wrong with being one.

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Where is Point Nepean?

Point Nepean marks the southern point of the beautiful Mornington Peninsula and the eastern entrance to Port Phillip Bay. It has a rich history and played an important role in shaping the early settlement, quarantine and defence of Victoria.

My family and I had a recent power-break weekend away where we stayed at the very comfortable Oceanic Apartments in Sorrento and spent the Sunday exploring Point Nepean. We were extremely fortunate with the weather given it is still winter but the sun did shine and only a gentle breeze meant it was very pleasant walking weather.

Point Nepean, Mornington Peninsula

We parked the car near Gunners Cottage and walked from Point Nepean Cemetery, Observation Point, Cheviot Hill Stop to Fort Pearce where we boarded the bus to the Fort Nepean. (Our feet had had enough walking!). We passed pristine beaches (above) and reminders of the war history of the area (below). The sign on the gate is a warning for unexploded bombs beyond!

War history reminders at Point Nepean

We spent a good hour at Fort Nepean exploring the military forts and tunnels and the photo below is showing the very tip of the peninsula, the heads (opening to Port Phillip Bay) out to Point Lonsdale in the distance.

The Heads at Point Nepean

Lonely Planet East Coast Australia (Travel Guide)

Map

TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Point Nepean

One Great Reason to Visit Point Nepean

One great reason to visit this travel destination is for the stunning views across the bay to Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale and the heads.

Point Nepean by Cycle Atlas

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Where is Karumba?

Karumba is a small community 70km north from Normanton, Queensland and lies on the Gulf of Carpentaria at the mangrove-fringed mouth of the Norman River. It’s main attraction is fishing for barramundi, prawns and crab-fishing. The Barramundi Discovery Centre is well worth a visit. It breeds barramundi fingerlings through each wet season which are then released to restock Gulf waterways and rivers which is critical if we are to have ‘Fish for a fishing Future’. With fishing tourism being the main attraction there are plenty of opportunities to hire your own boat (boat licence required) or catch a fishing charter.

Karumba is also known for its spectacular sunsets which can be viewed from boat or Karumba Point Beach. These photos below were taken from Travel Tips Plus reader Jane. Jane and her husband are currently on a great adventure trooping around Australia with their gorgeous dog Mac.

Sunset at Karumba

 

Karumba sunset

Map

TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Karumba

Karumba, Australian Travel Video Guide

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We have been enjoying a very mild, balmy spell in Melbourne given the time of year it is. The past 4-5 days have all been above 20C, well above the May average and so we decided we really had to make the most of this! So yesterday we jumped in the car and headed to the Yarra Valley. The first stop was the historic homestead and museum of Mont de Lancey in Wandin North. Funny enough my grandparents once lived around the corner on a rhubarb farm but I don’t ever recall visiting this place while they were there. With plenty to see around the property, the gorgeous ‘Savoia’ cafe to enjoy afternoon tea (which we did!) and gaze out to distant mountains of the Great Dividing Range, it really was a tranquil Autumn afternoon. We finished up at St Huberts winery drinking a nice glass of Chardonnay among the Autumn leaves. :)

Mont de Lancey cottage

Mont de Lancey shed

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