Australia

Discover Tassie: Five Day Tasmania Itinerary

February 20, 2024 / Australia, Travel / 0 comment

Five Day Tasmania Itinerary

Tasmania is an island state of Australia, located approximately 240 km off the coast of the mainland. Home to an abundance of unique wildlife, spectacular scenery and incredible locally-made produce, Tasmania is a tiny island that packs a lot in.

While we recommend spending at least a week or two driving around the island, if you’re short on time and want to see a few highlights, here is the perfect five day Tasmania itinerary for you.

Day 1 – Launceston

Bridestowe Lavender Farm

Start your morning with a drive to Bridestowe Lavender Estate. The fields of lavender run over 260 acres and is the world’s largest privately-owned lavender farm. With an estimated 650,000 plants, the lavender rows stretch for about 200 kilometres in total. The lavender is in peak bloom December to January so plan your visit accordingly if you want to capture photos with endless fields of purple.

Try lavender scones, tea or ice cream in the cafe and browse the gift shop for lavender products made from harvested farm lavender before you leave.

bridestowelavender.com.au

Platypus House – Monotreme Magic

Take the 45 minute tour at Platypus House to see live Tasmanian Platypuses and Echidnas up close. The monotremes are rescued, rehabilitated and released back into the wild where possible at this unique educational facility in the Tamar Valley.

The educational tour is suitable for all ages. Guests can watch the platypus and echidna actively feeding and playing. Book your tour well in advance especially in peak seasons.

platypushouse.com.au

Seahorse World

Seahorse World is located on the same pier as the Platypus House, and it’s easy to book tours at both attractions back-to-back. Seahorse World is a working seahorse farm that breeds these unique marine animals and ships them to aquariums around the world.

A 30 minute educational tour of the farm takes guests on a journey of seahorse life from the very beginning, with baby seahorses only a few hours old, through their first few months of life until they are sent to their new homes.

The tour ends with the opportunity to hold a seahorse in your hand.

seahorseworld.com.au

Low Head Penguin Tour

Self drive or book a tour that includes transfer to Low Head, approximately 50 minutes drive from Launceston, to see the world’s smallest penguins, the Fairy or Little Penguins, return after sunset to their burrows within the Low Head Coastal Reserve.

This reserve has the largest penguin rookery in Tasmania, with penguins returning every night throughout the year. The fully guided tour takes guests down to the beach to watch the penguins swim ashore and preen themselves, before waddling up the beach.

The penguin viewing is fully guided and takes approximately 1 hour. Including transfers to/from Launceston, allow around 3.5 hours. Cameras are welcome (turn flashes off). It gets old at night even in summer, so wear warm clothes.

penguintourstasmania.com.au

Stay: Change Hotel

We stayed at the Change Hotel in Launceston, which was centrally located and had a fantastic two bedroom, two bathroom unit with a full kitchen and dining area. Perfect for a family.

changeovernight.co

Day 2 – Launceston to Cradle Mountain

Stroll Launceston

Wake up earl and take a stroll around Launceston, It’s a beautiful, walkable city on the mouth of the Tamar river, and has beautiful historic buildings and gardens to wander through.

Queen Victoria Museum

The Queen Victorias Museum (QVMAG) includes two sites in Launceston: the Museum at Inveresk and Art Gallery at Royal Park.

The Museum at Inveresk contains a great (albeit somewhat depressing) section on the extinct Thylacine (Tasmania Tiger) and a planetarium.

qvmag.tas.gov.au

Drive to Cradle Mountain

The drive to Cradle Mountain takes about 2 hours.

Devils @ Cradle

Devils @ Cradle is a wildlife conservation facility only a hundred metres or so from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, right in the heart of Cradle Mountain.

Whilst Devils @ Cradle concentrates primarily on the Tasmanian devil, the sanctuary is also home to the closely related Spotted-tail and Eastern quolls – Tasmania’s three largest carnivorous marsupials, which are all now threatened in the wild.

Visitors can wander through the sanctuary at leisure, or join a personalised guided tour which ensures a close up encounter with the animals.

devilsatcradle.com

Cradle Mountain National Park

Cradle Mountain, in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, is a spectacular place to visit in any season. There is abundant wildlife to spot, including Tasmanian devils, quolls, platypus, echidna, wombats and black currawongs.

Cradle Mountain offers walking tracks to suit all visitors, from the non-hikers to the serious walkers. There are a wide variety of walks on offer, from easy boardwalk strolls to the legendary Overland Track.

Start your journey at the Visitors Centre for information and a shuttle bus ticket (no cars allowed in the park during shuttle bus hours). Take the shuttle bus loop from the Visitors Centre to each of the drop off points to discover the various sites inside the park and set off on the designated walks.

parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/cradle-mountain

Stay: Cradle Mountain Lodge

We stayed at Cradle Mountain Lodge, the closest hotel to the Cradle Mountain National Park. Accommodation at Cradle Mountain Lodge consists of cosy cabins spread out around the central hotel building, which has cosy living room and dining areas, perfect for relaxing after a hike in the park.

cradlemountainlodge.com.au

Day 3 – Launceston to Hobart

Drive to Hobart

After a morning walk around Cradle Mountain, drive on to Hobart, which will take approximately 4.5 hours.

Hobart Waterfront & Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery

After arriving in Hobart, take a walk along the historic waterfront and step inside the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery (TMAG), which is open daily 10am-4pm and has free entry.

The TMAG is the second oldest museum in Australia and has its origins in the collections of the country’s oldest scientific society, the Royal Society of Tasmania, which was established in 1843.

tmag.tas.gov.au

Stay: Movenpick Hotel

We stayed at the Movenpick Hotel, which is extremely centrally located and has large, comfortable, modern rooms.

The hotel also features daily “chocolate hour” with free chocolate pastries available in the lobby for guests to enjoy.

Movenpick Hotel Hobart

Day 4 – Hobart

Bruny Island

The perfect day trip from Hobart, Bruny Island is a 30 min drive (33km) to the ferry terminal in Kettering. followed by a 20 min ride on the car ferry. You will need your own car to drive around Bruny Island. If you do not have a car, you can take join a tour group departing Hobart.

Bruny Island is known for its natural produce, with local businesses specialising in oysters, cheese, honey, whisky and chocolate.

The businesses are well marked on the map, and we recommend driving to the southernmost point and working your way back and stopping off at each to sample the produce.

We tried and loved Bruny Island Raspberry Farm, Bruny Island Honey, Bruny Island Cheese Co. and Bruny Island Chocolate.

Bruny Island also has spectacular landscapes (take the short but steep walk up The Neck for the most famous view) and wildlife such as the white wallaby.

brunyisland.org.au

Day 5 – Hobart

MONA

The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is a remarkable art museum carved into a headland at Berriedale, 13km north of Hobart’s CBD. MONA opened in 2011 and has divided critics with its fresh, whimsical and at times confronting approach to art.

The MONA is, at heart, a place to immerse yourself in ideas and challenge your notion of what art can and should be. IMONA is fun, shocking, silly, irreverent and a truly great day out for the whole family.

Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful view from the grassed rooftop.

The best way to visit MONA is by ferry. Catch the MONA Roma ferry from Brooke Street Pier.

mona.net.au

Salamanca Place

Salamanca Place is the historic docks area of Hobart, lined with a long row of 1830s Georgian sandstone warehouses.

Salamanca is also home to a majority of the best restaurants, bars and nightclubs in Tasmania, and Salamanca’s Weekly Market (Saturdays).

salamanca.com.au

Battery Point

From Salamanca Place, climb the colonial era Kelly’s steps and wander up up through the quaint streets of historic Battery Point

Stroll down Hampden Road, the main strip of Battery Point, which houses cafes, art and gift shops and an artisan bakery.

Additional Hobart Ideas

Maria Island

It’s a bit of a hike to get there, with a 1.5 hour drive from Hobart plus ferry, however Maria Island is home to some of the most visible and plentiful wildlife in Australia. Wombats, Forester kangaroos, Cape Barren geese and one of the healthiest populations of Tasmanian devils all call Maria Island home.

Walking and cycling are the only ways to get about on car-free Maria Island.

discovertasmania.com.au/regions/east-coast/maria-island-national-park/

Cascades Female Factory

The World Heritage-listed Cascades Female Factory Historic Site is the most significant site associated with female convicts in Australia. The Factory tells the story of the displacement, mistreatment and forced migration of convict women and girls, and their contribution to colonisation throughout the history of colonial Australia to the present day.

femalefactory.org.au

Cascades Brewery

home to the oldest operating brewery in Australia, Cascade Brewing Co. Book a table at the bar or a tour and tasting at the Mill.

cascadebrewerybar.com.au

Find more things to add to a five day Tasmania itinerary here. discovertasmania.com.au

Met Art World – Metal Art Gallery In Melbourne Australia

November 8, 2023 / Melbourne, Travel, Victoria / 0 comment

Met Art World – Metal Art Gallery In Melbourne Australia

Met Art World is the biggest metal art gallery in Australia showcasing unique artworks, interactive installations and creative workshops for all ages.

Met Art World, located in Port Melbourne, Victoria, is a unique art gallery with stunning metal art statues handmade from scrap metal and recycled materials. The statues are interactive (feel free to touch, hold, sit, drive them and take pictures!) and represent many favourite characters from themes including anime, movies, animals, the military, cars, motorcycles, and princesses.

The second floor is home to an incredible starry night exhibition that uses advanced technology throughout the 12 exhibitions which include a 360° immersive experience tunnel, and a bright 5D starry sky.

Met Art World also hosts over 30 artmaking courses including various handicrafts from button painting to paper 3D puzzles, plus drawing, painting, installation, collage, and sewing, all included with the price of entry

There are also over 60 DIY workshops for all ages for an additional fee including the Turkish mosaic series, whipped cream decoration series, plaster doll painting series, sculpture painting collection, fluid bear pouring DIY, miniature box theatre, jewellery beading, shell painting, embroidery, and etc.

Met Art World – Metal Art Gallery
155 Boundary St,
Port Melbourne VIC 3207
metartworld.com.au

Find more things to do in Melbourne with and without kids here.

3-Day Family Kangaroo Island Itinerary

July 27, 2023 / Australia, South Australia, Travel / 0 comment

3-Day Family Kangaroo Island Itinerary

See abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery with this Kangaroo Island Itinerary.

Kangaroo Island sits off the coast of South Australia and is Australia’s third-largest Island.

Best known as home to wildlife such as Kangaroos, Sea lions, Koalas, Echidnas, Wallabies, Goannas, marine mammals and many species of birdlife, the island is teeming with wildlife as well as breathtaking beaches and the famous jaw-dropping scenery inside the Flinders Chase National Park.

It is possible to spend as little as one day on the island to to see the highlights, or a few days like we did to see a lot more. Visitors wanting to really relax and soak in the island ambiance stay a week or longer.

How to get there

The Kangaroo Island Ferry from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island is the most common way to get to the island. Cape Jervis is an 1 hr 45 min drive from Adelaide. The Kangaroo Island Ferry takes 45 minutes to make the journey. There are multiple departures daily, however they do book up in advance so make your ferry booking as soon as you know you are going.

Kangaroo Island Sealink also operate daily coach transfer from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island. Island Transfers connections are available to/from Penneshaw to American River and Kingscote.

Another option is to take a 30 minute flight from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island Airport.

Getting around

Kangaroo Island is huge! You will need a car or to book bus tours to get around the island.

If you are flying into Adelaide like we did, you can hire a car from Adelaide airport and take it on the ferry with you. Generally a 4WD is not needed, however if there is rain forecast I highly suggest getting the 4WD as roads flood on the island making it difficult to get around unless you have a 4WD.

You can also hire a car once you get onto the island or take a Kangaroo Island Tour.

Where to stay

We stayed in Kingscote, the largest town on the island. We chose the location for its variety of cafes and grocery store, plus we wanted accommodation that was self catering for our own comfort.

While it has also been recommended to stay at various locations on the island as there is a lot of driving involved, we had a lot of rain during our stay and had to pivot our plans frequently, so we were glad in the end that we chose the one fairly-central accommodation as a result.

Aurora Ozone Hotel

We stayed four nights at the Aurora Ozone Hotel in Kingscote. The hotel is ideally located directly opposite the beach and has a range of standard rooms and self-contained 1 and 2-bedroom apartments. We stayed in the penthouse which had tow bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen and living room. The hotel included a full breakfast and was only a few steps away from the grocery store, shops and restaurants.

3-Day Family Kangaroo Island Itinerary

Day 1

Take the Kangaroo Island Ferry, then drive to Kingscote for lunch. There are several cute cafe options, and we really enjoyed the friendly ambiance of the Lighthouse Cafe and their delicious burgers and all-day breakfast.

Emu Bay

Next drive to Emu Bay. The beach in this little town is one of the most popular on the island due to its clear waters, long shoreline, and the fact it is one of the few Kangaroo Island beaches with direct vehicle access.

Drop by the Emu Bay Lavender Farm on your way back to your accommodation, trying some of their famous giant scones and picking up locally-made products.

Day 2

Seal Bay

Drive to Seal Bay to take the 10am Guided Tour. Arrive with plenty of time before the tour so you can take the self-guided walk along the boardwalks beforehand.

Book your tour in advance to make sure your spot on the tour is guaranteed.

The Seal Bay Guided tour takes visitors into the heart of the endangered Australian sea lion colony that live on Kangaroo Island.

The 45 minute tour is a remarkable opportunity to learn about these endangered animals while they swim, rest and play only a few metres away.

Tour times: 9:15am, 10:00am, 10.45am, 11.30am, 12.15pm, 1:15pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm

Book your tour here.

Raptor Domain

Next, hope back in the car to take the short drive to the Raptor Domain, to make their 11:30am Free-Flight Birds of Prey Presentation.

Raptor Domain rescues many orphaned, injured and sick birds each year. Unfortunately not all birds are able to go back to the wild so many remain at Raptor Domain where they are ambassadors to help create awareness and appreciation for their species and their habitats.

The free-flight Birds of Prey presentation is an incredible way to learn about some of australia’s most remarkable birds up close, including barn owls, kookaburras, wedge-tailed eagles, cockatoos, black kites and more.

No need to pre-book tickets. You can get your tickets on arrival. The only pre-bookings that are essential are our private sessions. Please arrive 15-20 mins before the start of the show to guarantee your spot. If you can’t make the 11:30 show, it runs again at 2:30pm.

Get more information on the Raptor Domain.

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park

Next, head to nearby Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park for a light lunch at their kiosk, before looking around the park and meeting some of the resident animals.

Located three kilometres past Parndana in the centre of Kangaroo Island, the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park is set over 50 acres and home to over 500 animals. It’s a lovely, laid back place to spend time with some of Australia’s unique wildlife such as kangaroos (including the Kangaroo Island Kangaroo), wallabies, koalas, penguins wombats, cassowaries, dingoes, reptiles, birds, echidnas, and much more.

The Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park has been rescuing and raising injured and orphaned wildlife for many years with a lot of the animals that call the park home having been raised from joeys, orphaned after car accidents, dog attacks and extreme weather.

In January 2020 the Kangaroo Island Koala and Wildlife Rescue Centre was established in response to the devastating bushfires that ravaged Kangaroo Island.

During the following months over 600 koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, goannas, birds and possums come through the rescue centre in need of critical care for burns, dehydration and starvation.

Animals that were able to be saved were treated and released back to the wild. Some of the joeys that were orphaned during those months were unable to be released and remained at the park.

Get more information on visiting the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park.

Penneshaw Penguin Centre

After dark, head over to Penneshaw Penguin Centre to take the Kangaroo Island Little-Penguin Tour.

Join the friendly penguin guides on this 60 minute evening walk to search for the world’s smallest penguins and other wildlife using wildlife-friendly torches.

There are approximately 15 breeding pairs of little penguins living in Penneshaw and the sightings vary on each tour. We were lucky and saw plenty of baby and adult penguins on our tour.

Find out more about the Penneshaw Penguin Centre.

Day 3

Flinders Chase National Park and Ravine Des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area

Leave your accommodation early to make the long drive to Flinders Chase National Park. The park fee to enter is $13 pp.

The park has limited toilets, there is no food or drink available for purchase throughout the park.

Vivonne Bay General Store is the closest supplier of food, drinks and fuel and the Western KI Caravan Park sells basic food, drinks and ice cream. We chose to enter the park as soon as it opened and to leave around lunch time and head to the Vivonne Bay General Store for lunch.

Flinders Chase National Park is a must-visit in any Kangaroo Island itinerary to see the iconic Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and a long-nosed fur seal colony.

Recently re-opened after the devastating bushfires of 2019/2020 burnt 96 per cent of the park (the park was closed while the boardwalks were rebuilt) the park shows the resilience of nature, as well as the destruction the fires left behind them.

Goannas, koalas, eagles, kangaroos and echidnas are regularly spotted in the park (sadly we saw none but also visited on an extremely cold, wet winters day.

Remarkable Rocks

Sitting high on ancient rocky platforms above the sea, the surreal shapes and extraordinary colours of the Remarkable Rocks provide extraordinary photo opportunities as well as being fun to climb.

Admirals Arch at Cape du Couedic

Admirals Arch at Cape du Couedic is an impressive rock arch, as well as home to a massive colony of long-nosed fur seals.

Get more information on Flinders Chase National Park.

Vivonne Bay General Store

We stopped at the Vivonne Bay General Store for lunch on our way out of the Flinders Ranges National Park. The store has a decent range of quick food and is the easiest place to stop on the drive back across the island.

Island Beehive

The Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co (formerly known as the Island Beehive) is a family owned and operated business based in Kingscote on Kangaroo Island.

Kangaroo Island is the oldest bee sanctuary in the world. Ligurian bees were bought to the island from Italy in 1881, and was declared a sanctuary in 1885. The bees were selected because of their mild temperament, gentleness and productivity. Due to their geographic isolation, they have been protected from disease and breeding with other races of honey bee, as a consequence the Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee is the purest strain of Ligurian bee remaining in the world.

Take a factory tour to learn about hives and honey, or take a look in the shop and see some of the bees in action and buy some local produce and gifts to take home. The honey ice cream is incredible!

Get more info on the Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co.

Get more info on visiting Kangaroo Island

The Langham, Melbourne: Hotel Review

October 18, 2022 / Australia, Melbourne, Travel, Victoria / 0 comment

The Langham, Melbourne: Hotel Review

The Langham, Melbourne is a five star hotel located on the banks of the Yarra River. It’s ideally located within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions, and has many amenities that make a stay here a stand-out.

The rooms at The Langham, Melbourne, come with either one king or two twin beds. Families can request a rollaway bed for an additional nightly fee. Warning – the bed is pretty hard!

We love the comfortable king bed at The Langham, and the general decor and ambiance of the hotel. Some points for improvement however would be built-in charging stations or additional wall sockets for device chargers closer to the beds.

Room amenities:

Refrigerated private bar
MP3 dock to play music in room and bathroom
Wardrobes, iron, and ironing board
Media hub to connect your laptop with the TV
Tea and coffee making facilities
42-inch LCD TV with Digital IPTV system
Langham Blissful Bed
Soft Langham bathrobes, slippers, and toiletries
Large marble bathroom, with separate shower and bath
Complimentary nightly turn down service including The Langham bottled water
Free WiFi

The Langham, Melbourne features Melba Restaurant, home to an award-winning buffet (open 6:30am – 11pm, daily) and Aria Bar & Lounge (10am – 11pm, daily), which is where their famed high tea service takes place.

You can read about our high tea experience at The Langham Melbourne, here.

Daily buffet breakfast takes place in the Melba Restaurant, and is a highlight for our family of our stay. The buffet includes cooking stations and a chocolate fountain.

A stay at the Langham, Melbourne, wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Chuan Spa (6am – 9pm, Monday to Friday; treatments available by appointment only at various hours). We enjoyed a delightful massage during our stay.

The Langham, Melbourne, also has a fitness studio with cardio machines (open 24/7) and a 15-metre long indoor swimming pool (6am – 9pm, Monday to Friday, 8am – 9pm, Saturday and Sunday, 8am – 9pm, Public Holidays).

THE LANGHAM, MELBOURNE
1 Southgate Avenue, Southbank, Melbourne, Victoria 3006, Australia
T:61 (3) 8696 8888
E:tlmel.info@langhamhotels.com
langhamhotels.com

Find more things to do in Melbourne here.

Top things to do in the “Top End” Northern Territory

June 7, 2022 / Australia, Northern Territory, Travel / 0 comment

Top things to do in the “Top End” Northern Territory

The “Top End” Northern Territory is where the tropics meets the outback. Visit the Northern Territory’s capitol city Darwin, World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, the Katherine region and remote Arnhem Land.

Darwin and Surrounds

We visited the Top End during the pandemic and while we had a great run through the surrounding area, unfortunately the pandemic caught up with us and we spent our scheduled time in Darwin mostly in lockdown. Darwin is a beautiful, coastal city, with stunning street art, fantastic cafes we were thankfully able to try prior to lockdown, and plenty of activities to do in the city and surrounds. There are so many things to do in the Top End Northern Territory, allow a good 10 days or so to see as much as you can.

Mindil Beach Sunset & Markets

Sunsets at the Top End must be experienced over the beach – there are few so famous for their sunsets than Mindil Beach. During the dry season (May-Oct) the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are the place to be on Thursdays and Sundays. Try food from 60 stalls and eat on the beach while watching the sun go down.

Crocosauraus Cove

See crocs up close at Crocosaurus Cove, right in the heart of Darwin. watch crocs being fed, wander through the reptile enclosure, hold a baby croc and other reptiles and, if you’re feeling brave, “swim” with a croc in the “Cage of Death”.

crocosauruscove.com

Darwin Waterfront Precinct

Stroll around the waterfront through the lush parklands overlooking the ocean and Darwin’s most popular attraction, the Wave Lagoon.

The Wave Lagoon at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct includes a huge pool with an artificial swell for riding boogie boards on and shallow water play areas for littlies, too.

The free, patrolled Recreation Lagoon in the same area has a sandy beach and safe swimming in salt water.

Kids can also hand feed fish at Doctors Gully where, at high tide, hundreds of mullet, stingrays, barramundi and plate-shaped moonfish swim in to let tourists feed them bread from their hands.

There are also playgrounds dotted around the water front area that kids will love.

Darwin Street Art

Darwin features a stunning collection of vibrant street art. International, national and local artists have contributed to this open-air gallery adorning the city’s walls.

Download the Darwin Street Art Festival app for insight into the artists and their works and bring the murals to life using augmented reality.

activatedarwin.nt.gov.au/local-favourites/guide-darwins-street-art

Where to stay in Darwin

In Darwin we stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton. I couldn’t fault the hotel, even when the entire city was placed on lockdown. The included breakfast we experienced prior to lockdown was fantastic.

Kakadu and Surrounds

Spot wildlife, swim in waterfalls and see ancient Aboriginal rock art. There are so many incredible things to do in Kakadu National Park. Three hours’ drive from Darwin, Kakadu is Australia’s biggest national park. Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu National Park is World Heritage listed for both its cultural and natural values.

Read more about things to see and do in Kakadu National Park.

No trip to the Top End is complete without seeing crocodiles. A highlight of our trip was the Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River, an hour out of Darwin, between Darwin and Kakadu.

Read more about taking a Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River.

Katherine and Surrounds

Plan to spend several days at the remarkable Katherine, a big country town located three hours drive south of Darwin on the Katherine River.

Swim in waterfalls, get an authentic Aboriginal experience, relax in hot springs and go underground at Cutta Cutta Caves.

Read about about the best five things to do in Katherine.

Litchfield National Park

Located just 90 minutes from Darwin, Litchfield National Park is the perfect Top End day trip with waterfalls, swimming holes, walking trails and termite mounds to see.

Read more about things to see and do in Litchfield National Park.

Arnhem Land

When we visited the Top End during the pandemic, Arnhem Land was closed to the public. It has since re-opened, and is a place to immerse yourself in an ancient landscape stretching over 97,000 square kilometres, filled with Aboriginal culture, stunning scenery and rare wildlife.

Read more about things to do in Arnhem Land.

Read about more things to do in the Top End.

Read more about visiting Litchfield National Park.

Take a dip in Katherine Hot Springs.

Visit Cutta Cutta Caves.

Get information on visiting Maguk Falls.

Visit Jim Jim Falls.

See the Spectacular Jumping Crocodiles.

See some of the world’s oldest rock art at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock.

Stay at the Mercure Crocodile Kakadu Hotel.

Spot wildlife on a Yellow Water Billabong Cruise.

Find things to do in Kakadu National Park.

Take a dip at Edith Falls.

Experience a tranquil Katherine Gorge Cruise Tour.

Check out things to do in one day at Litchfield National Park.

Find the 5 best things to do in Katherine.

The Five Best Things To Do In Katherine, Northern Territory

May 30, 2022 / Australia, Northern Territory, Travel / 0 comment

The Five Best Things To Do In Katherine, Northern Territory

Plan to spend several days at the remarkable Katherine, a big country town located three hours drive south of Darwin on the Katherine River.

1. Explore the mighty Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge

Experience the wonder of Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park with a Katherine Gorge Cruise Tour.

The tranquil Katherine Gorge Cruise Tours are the perfect way to experience the highlights of Nitmiluk National Park, particularly if you are time pressed or aren’t into long hikes or kayaking. They are especially suitable for families with kids whose legs aren’t up for long walks.

2. Enjoy an authentic cultural experience

Enjoy an authentic Aboriginal experience at Top Didj & Art Gallery in Katherine, NT, including storytelling, spear throwing, fire-lighting and traditional Aboriginal rarrk painting.

The Top Didj Cultural Experience was a highlight of our Top End NT trip. The cultural experience is led by Manuel Pamkal, a traditional indigenous man who grew up in the Top End. Manual very generously shares his experience as a child living On Country and surviving in the bush, giving visitors like us a deeper understanding of Australia’s indigenous communities.

Read more about visiting Top Didj & Art Gallery in Katherine.

3. Go underground at the Cutta Cutta Caves

Discover natural limestone caves at Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park in Katherine, Northern Territory.

The caves, located 27km south of Katherine, were formed millions of years ago. They are easily reached by the Stuart Highway, with the caves themselves a short walk along a dirt path from the visitors centre.

Read more about visiting Cutta Cutta Caves.

4. Relax in the Katherine Hot Springs

Take a dip in the refreshing Katherine Hot Springs, natural thermal springs on the banks of the Katherine River. The spring water is the perfect swimming temperature year-round, a balmy 32 degrees.

Read more about visiting Katherine Hot Springs.

5. Leliyn (Edith Falls)

Swim underneath a picturesque waterfall at Leliyn (Edith Falls) Nitmiluk National Park.

Leliyn (Edith Falls) is located on the western side of Nitmiluk National Park, a 60km drive north of Katherine along the Stuart Highway. It is easiest to access when driving between Kakadu National Park and the town of Katherine as a stop over.

Read more about visiting Leliyn (Edith Falls).

Where to stay

We stayed at Pine Tree Motel, which was reasonably priced and included a hot and cold breakfast. The motel was clean, conveniently located and the staff were friendly and helpful. Facilities at the Pine Tree Motel included a swimming and laundry.

Read more about things to do in Katherine.

Read more about visiting Litchfield National Park.

Take a dip in Katherine Hot Springs.

Visit Cutta Cutta Caves.

Get information on visiting Maguk Falls.

Visit Jim Jim Falls.

See the Spectacular Jumping Crocodiles.

See some of the world’s oldest rock art at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock.

Stay at the Mercure Crocodile Kakadu Hotel.

Spot wildlife on a Yellow Water Billabong Cruise.

Find things to do in Kakadu National Park.

Take a dip at Edith Falls.

Experience a tranquil Katherine Gorge Cruise Tour.

Check out things to do in one day at Litchfield National Park.

Find the 5 best things to do in Katherine.

Top things to do in one day at Litchfield National Park

May 25, 2022 / Australia, Northern Territory, Travel / 0 comment

Top things to do in one day at Litchfield National Park

Located just 90 minutes from Darwin, Litchfield National Park is the perfect Top End day trip with waterfalls, swimming holes, walking trails and termite mounds to see.

While you could easily spend days slowly enjoying the area, if you’re tight on time it is possible to hit up many of the highlights in one day.

Download a full-size version of the map and fact sheet here.

Tips for visiting Litchfield National Park

Ensure your car is full of petrol. There are no petrol stations in the park.

Bring food and water. There are very limited places to buy anything to eat or drink (just one small kiosk)

Bring sunscreen, hats and sunglasses. Even in winter the park is blazing hot.

Magnetic termite mounds

The magnetic termite mounds of Litchfield National Park are up to 100 years old and two metres high.

Wangi Falls

The iconic Wangi Falls feature picturesque walking tracks of varying and stunning waterfalls. Camping is permitted at the falls – facilities include a kiosk, hot showers and barbecues.

Florence Falls

Visit a secluded plunge pool in the middle of a monsoon rainforest at Florence Falls.There are a number of walks around the falls, and Florence Falls is open for swimming for most of the year.

Buley Rockhole

A popular spot with locals and tourists alike, the Buley Rockhole is a series of cascading small swimming holes fed by waterfalls in the middle of a rainforest. Buley Rockhole can get quite busy. Picnic and barbecue facilities are available.

Tolmer Falls

Tolmer Falls is one of the most spectacular falls in Litchfield National Park, cascading over two high escarpments into one deep plunge pool. A short walk from the car park leads to two viewing platforms at the top of the gorge. The 1.6 kilometre Tolmer Falls loop walk takes you to two viewing platforms at the top of the gorge. It’s an easy walk (that is rocky in parts), taking about 45 minutes. Swimming is not permitted.

Sandy Creek Falls (Tjaynera)

Access to Sandy Creek Falls/Tjaynera is limited to 4WD access only, plus a 1.4km trek through the rainforest. Sandy Creek camping ground is available for those wishing to stay the night. Swim only in the areas marked safe to do so.

Lost City

Visit the unique rock formations that make up the Lost City of Litchfield National Park. A 4WD is essential to access the Lost City.

Read more about visiting Litchfield National Park.

Take a dip in Katherine Hot Springs.

Visit Cutta Cutta Caves.

Get information on visiting Maguk Falls.

Visit Jim Jim Falls.

See the Spectacular Jumping Crocodiles.

See some of the world’s oldest rock art at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock.

Stay at the Mercure Crocodile Kakadu Hotel.

Spot wildlife on a Yellow Water Billabong Cruise.

Find things to do in Kakadu National Park.

Take a dip at Edith Falls.

Experience a tranquil Katherine Gorge Cruise Tour.

Top Didj Cultural Experience & Art Gallery

March 16, 2022 / Australia, Northern Territory, Travel / 0 comment

Top Didj Cultural Experience & Art Gallery

Enjoy an authentic Aboriginal experience at Top Didj & Art Gallery in Katherine, NT, including storytelling, spear throwing, fire-lighting and traditional Aboriginal rarrk painting.

There are plenty of hands-on activities to enjoy as part of the cultural experience, making it a fantastic place to bring kids to learn about Aboriginal culture.

After listening to Manuel play a tune on his didgeridoo and telling stories of growing up in the bush the traditional way, he taught us to paint our own aboriginal rarrk painting using a special reed brush called a Jalk, as well as demonstrating and showing volunteers how to light a fire using two sticks and how to throw a spear using a woomera.

We also enjoyed meeting a wallaby who was living at the wildlife rescue located on site, and bought some stunning artwork created by local indigenous artists.

Top Didj Cultural Experience sessions run twice daily, seven days a week, from May to October. The tour lasts for 2.5 hours and is located a very short drive out of the centre of Katherine.

Get more information on Top Didji Cultural Experience and Art Gallery here and here.

Take a dip in Katherine Hot Springs.

Visit Cutta Cutta Caves.

Get information on visiting Maguk Falls.

Visit Jim Jim Falls.

See the Spectacular Jumping Crocodiles.

See some of the world’s oldest rock art at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock.

Stay at the Mercure Crocodile Kakadu Hotel.

Spot wildlife on a Yellow Water Billabong Cruise.

Find things to do in Kakadu National Park.

Take a dip at Edith Falls.

Experience a tranquil Katherine Gorge Cruise Tour.

Katherine Gorge Cruise Tours Nitmiluk National Park

March 16, 2022 / Australia, Northern Territory / 0 comment

Katherine Gorge Cruise Tours Nitmiluk National Park

Experience the wonder of Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park with a Katherine Gorge Cruise Tour.

Nitmiluk National Park is located 30 kilometres north-east of Katherine. It includes 13 impressive gorges carved from ancient sandstone. Viewing the gorge from the Katherine Gorge Cruise Tours is a spectacular way to view the dramatic cliffs and also to learn about the history of the Park and local indigenous people from the knowledgeable tour guides.

Half-day, full-day, overnight and sunset trips are available, however the most popular tour is the NitNit Dreaming Two Gorge Tour, which run for two hours multiple times a day, year-round.

The tour comprises of two boat tours with a walking transfer in between the gorges. The walk between the first and second gorge is a man made uneven path approximately 400m in length. There are about 70 stairs on the path in total and those sections all have handrails. Closed in non-slip shoes are recommended.

The first two gorges are the longest ones in the 13 gorge system. Our fantastic guide shared information about plants, animals, dreamtime stories and culture throughout the tour.

We took the Katherine Gorge Cruise Tour in July, and even in winter it was extremely hot. We highly recommend doing doing an early or late tour to avoid the heat, and taking a hat, sunscreen, protective clothing, insect repellent and plenty of snacks with you.

There is drinking water and toilets located on board the boats.

After finishing the tour, I highly recommend the short but extremely steep Baruwei Lookout
Walk. The views from the lookout of Katherine Gorge and 17 Mile Valley are spectacular.

The walk is 1.8 km return from the visitors centre, however the jetty for the Katherine Gorge Cruise Tours is located along the path, so the distance from the jetty to the lookout is shorter. Allow around 1 hour to complete the walk, which is graded 3 – moderate.

Get more information on Nitmiluk National Park and Katherine Gorge Cruise Tours.

Take a dip in Katherine Hot Springs.

Visit Cutta Cutta Caves.

Get information on visiting Maguk Falls.

Visit Jim Jim Falls.

See the Spectacular Jumping Crocodiles.

See some of the world’s oldest rock art at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock.

Stay at the Mercure Crocodile Kakadu Hotel.

Spot wildlife on a Yellow Water Billabong Cruise.

Find things to do in Kakadu National Park.

Take a dip at Edith Falls.

Hotel Review: Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa

February 8, 2022 / Australia, Blue Mountains, Katoomba, NSW, Travel / 0 comment

Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa

Escape to the luxurious Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa for a weekend of pampering, delicious food and relaxation.

Just 90 minutes’ drive from Sydney CBD, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa the perfect place to unwind and relax, in the heart of the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains National Park.

Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa offers 89 spacious guestrooms and suites, each room featuring elegant décor with Wedgwood wallpaper themed in pink, green or lilac, high speed Wi-Fi access and LCD TV and DVD player.

We chose a deluxe twin room which include two queen size beds. Each deluxe twin room also features a spacious marbled bathroom with full sized bath and separate walk-in shower, individually controlled air conditioning, iPod docking unit, ergonomic work space, laptop-sized safe, mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, 24 hour room service, ironing facilities, hairdryer, APPELLES bathroom amenities and dry cleaning service.

Check in time is from 3pm and check-out time is 11am.

We ordered room service. The door came quickly and was fresh and hot.

Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa has fantastic facilities available to guests, including a spa, tennis court, reading room, games, room, 13m outdoor infinity pool and 10m indoor pool. Both pools are heated year ’round. There is also complimentary mountain bike hire available.

The gardens are also stunning.

There are several dining options at the hotel: the award-winning hatted Darley’s restaurant, a more casual lunch and menu and high tea service in The Lounge, and Orangery Restaurant, which is where daily breakfast is served.

You can read about our previous high tea experience here. Lilianfel’s has one of the best high teas we have ever experienced.

The Lounge is beautiful, bright space filled with comfortable lounge chairs.

Our package included a delicious breakfast at Orangery Restaurant. Choose from a continental buffet of cereals, pastries, breads, fruit and yoghurt, plus a selection from the hot menu.

Complimentary parking is available onsite located opposite the front of the main hotel building or Darley’s Restaurant. There is also undercover parking available underneath the main building.

Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa
5/19 Lilianfels Ave
Katoomba, NSW
lilianfels.com.au

Find things to do in the Blue Mountains here.

Australia

Five Day Tasmania Itinerary

Day 1 – Launceston

Bridestowe Lavender Farm

Platypus House – Monotreme Magic

Seahorse World

Low Head Penguin Tour

Stay: Change Hotel

Day 2 – Launceston to Cradle Mountain

Stroll Launceston

Queen Victoria Museum

Drive to Cradle Mountain

Devils @ Cradle

Cradle Mountain National Park

Stay: Cradle Mountain Lodge

Day 3 – Launceston to Hobart

Drive to Hobart

Hobart Waterfront & Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery

Stay: Movenpick Hotel

Day 4 – Hobart

Bruny Island

Day 5 – Hobart

MONA

Salamanca Place

Battery Point

Additional Hobart Ideas

Maria Island

Cascades Female Factory

Cascades Brewery

Met Art World – Metal Art Gallery In Melbourne Australia

3-Day Family Kangaroo Island Itinerary

How to get there

Getting around

Where to stay

Aurora Ozone Hotel

3-Day Family Kangaroo Island Itinerary

Day 1

Emu Bay

Day 2

Seal Bay

Raptor Domain

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park

Penneshaw Penguin Centre

Day 3

Flinders Chase National Park and Ravine Des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area

Remarkable Rocks

Admi­rals Arch at Cape du Couedic

Vivonne Bay Gen­er­al Store

Island Beehive

The Langham, Melbourne: Hotel Review

Top things to do in the “Top End” Northern Territory

Darwin and Surrounds

Mindil Beach Sunset & Markets

Crocosauraus Cove

Darwin Waterfront Precinct

Darwin Street Art

Where to stay in Darwin

Kakadu and Surrounds

Katherine and Surrounds

Litchfield National Park

Arnhem Land

The Five Best Things To Do In Katherine, Northern Territory

1. Explore the mighty Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge

2. Enjoy an authentic cultural experience

3. Go underground at the Cutta Cutta Caves

4. Relax in the Katherine Hot Springs

5. Leliyn (Edith Falls)

Where to stay

Top things to do in one day at Litchfield National Park

Tips for visiting Litchfield National Park

Magnetic termite mounds

Wangi Falls

Florence Falls

Buley Rockhole

Tolmer Falls

Sandy Creek Falls (Tjaynera)

Lost City

Top Didj Cultural Experience & Art Gallery

Katherine Gorge Cruise Tours Nitmiluk National Park

Admirals Arch at Cape du Couedic

Vivonne Bay General Store