Australia

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.

Boongaree Nature Play Park, Berry Playground

February 4, 2022 / Australia, Berry, NSW, South Coast, Travel / 0 comment

Boongaree Nature Play Park, Berry Playground

Boongaree Nature Play Park is located in the town of Berry on the NSW south coast. The first stage of the playground opened in January 2022.

On the outskirts of the beautiful country town of Berry lies a fantastic new regional playground, Boongaree Nature Play Park.

The Nature Play Park has seperate play areas for younger and older kids. Equipment includes a dual, accessible flying fox, sensory play area, swings, slides, climbing nets and exercise equipment.

The giant hamster wheel was a huge hit with kids of all ages.

There is a large grassed area for picnics, BBQs, covered picnic tables and amenities with lift and change facilities.

An accessible play area is located at the front of the Berry playground, including a ground-level carousel and accessible swings.

There is also a water and sand play area with pumps located at the front of the Berry playground.

Bring bikes and scooters to try the new skate paths with traffic signs.

A skate bowl is located towards the back of the playground, which looks to be scheduled for replacement with a newer skate park in the next phase of the playground, due to start 2022 quarter two. A fenced dog park is also planned.

Find more things to do in Berry.

More things to do in Sydney

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More things to do on the Central Coast.

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Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

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The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

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Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park, Katherine, NT

November 30, 2021 / Australia, Northern Territory / 0 comment

Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park, Katherine, NT

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

To see the Cutta Cutta Caves requires joining a guided tour. The tours run hourly from May to October – 9am, 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm.

Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park is home to five species of bats, including the rare Ghost and Horseshoe bats. Bats are frequently seen during the cave tours, as are spiders and even snakes.

The tour of Cutta Cutta Caves runs for approximately one hour and goes 15 metres below the surface into the heart of the cave systems. There are some tight spots and the air gets stale and humid. I suggest bringing water.