Tahiti is a heaven on earth located in the South Pacific and it is the largest island of 118 others that make up French Polynesia. Tahiti and the islands in its vicinity are referred to as the Society Islands which include Tahiti, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Huahine and Moorea. French Polynesia also goes by the name of Tahiti and its black and white sand beaches are the closest you will ever be to paradise, at least in this life. Apart from the pure enjoment of the nature and culture of the archipelago, the Society Islands offer a number of activities you can take part in.

Tahiti

The capital of Tahiti is Papeete and it is surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful beaches. The main beach in Papeete is the Bain Lot Beach. The waves of this area are an interesting phenomenon, as they break in both directions due to steep shores and underwater currents. This is why it is also called the ‘ins and outs’ beach. Here you can enjoy golfing right next to the shoreline and a variety of water sports too, such as swimming, sail boarding, snorkeling and more.

Bora Bora

The island of Bora Bora is located 230 miles northwest of Papeete and is famous for its incredibly wonderful white sand beaches. One of them is Matira Beach, which is about 1.5 miles long and it is the best public beach in Bora Bora. It is excellent for swimming or just enjoying the vivid colors of your surroundings. Some of the other heavenly beaches on the island are locations for luxurious Bora Bora resorts, which offer glorious holiday experiences such as staying in magical overwater bungalows.

Huanine Nui and Huahine Iti

These islands may have the most beautiful beaches and beach resorts in all of Tahiti. They are connected by a small bridge and surrounded by a coral reef. Avea Beach is one of the most extraordinary resort beaches in Huanine. Imagine yourself swimming in a lagoon with trees hanging above you as you float carelessly all day long. It is suitable for swimming at any tide and stretches to the coral reef which is a perfectly safe location for snorkeling.

Raiatea

The name of this island literally translates into bright sky. Its beach resorts and spas are also worthy of a visit, especially if you want to vacation in style. There are not many long stretches of sand on Raiatea, but you could explore its nature and find perfect little spots under the bright sky for yourself and your loved ones. Raitea is also believed to be the birthplace of Polynesia, which can be seen by the remains of many temples and holy places. You can explore its jungles or its shoreline and one thing is certain, you will not be disappointed.

Moorea

Moorea is located 11 miles northwest of Tahiti and  that is why it is very convenient to visit it from Papeete. It is considered to be the most beautiful island in the whole world and an attractive destination for young newlywed couples as well. Its stunning nature and the fact that it is shaped like a heart are pretty strong reasons to spend your honeymoon on Moorea, wouldn’t you agree? One of its lovely beaches is called Temae Plage Publique and it is a continuous stretch of white sand with a stunning view overlooking Tahiti and the lagoon. Other than swimming, you can also enjoy various other activities such as surfing, diving or snorkeling. If you don’t enjoy water sports, you can always go hiking or horseback riding.

Tahiti is definitely a paradise on earth and it is waiting for you to discover and experience its amazing scenery, beaches and people. See you in heaven!

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.

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!

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.

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

For More Information

• Wikipedia
• Official Point Nepean National Park

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.

Map

TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Karumba

Karumba, Australian Travel Video Guide

For More Information

• Wikipedia
• Carpentaria Shire Council

Travel Photo of the Week: Mykonos Windmills, Greece

I have had the pleasure (read ‘jealous pleasure’) of spying some amazing photos in my Facebook newsfeed recently from many of my friends who have escaped a Melbourne winter to travel to such destinations as Thailand, Cambodia, far north Queensland, America and of course Europe. One friend in particular had a few weeks away visiting Crete and some of the Greek Islands. I couldn’t help but share one here of the Mykonos windmills which are an iconic feature of the Greek island, Mykonos. 

Photo courtesy of Travel Tips Plus reader Harry.