Australia Archives - Short Holiday Breaks

Enjoy Darwin At Low to No Cost

July 18, 2018 by admin

Image by Watty via Flickr

Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory and well worth visiting. With a population of just over 100,000 people, Darwin is smaller than all other Australian State Capitals, but there is still plenty to see and do. The good news is that many of them are free, or can be achieved with a very low budget.

Before venturing off to other places in the Top End, it is worth spending a few days visiting Darwin. There’s plenty of options for accommodation in Darwin and places to eat, and then you can head off to some other attractions such as Katherine Gorge. So, take a look at some of our suggestions of free or low cost things to do in Darwin before when planning your next visit.

1. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

Here, you can learn all about the history of the NT, and you might just be amazed at some of the artefacts on display. Some of the fossils discovered around the Top End are the oldest known to man, and you can learn about natural history and evolution of the earth at the museum.

The art gallery houses some Aboriginal art from the region, as well as some special exhibits, including the Cyclone Tracy exhibition. You can also view a five-metre crocodile that was captured in 1979 after it had attached several fishing boats. The gallery is also placed at the harbour and is a wonderful place to watch the sunset in the evening.

The Museum and Art Gallery are both free to enter. There are also several other art galleries in the area including the Mason, Mbantua, and Aboriginal Fine Arts Galleries.

2. Watch the Sun Go Down

This might seem like a cliché, but Darwin is perfectly poised to watch a tropical sunset, with several waterfront venues facing west. Cullen Bay, East Point, and Mindil Beach are three of many places to watch the spectacular colour-cocktail of the sky as the sun disappears into the ocean and day turns into night. You could also indulge in a ‘sundowner’ drink – an Aussie tradition – to accompany the sunset, for a small price.

3. Spot Wildlife and Enjoy Nature at East Point Reserve and George Brown Botanic Gardens

East Point Reserve is a 200-hectare area that is a popular spot amongst the Darwin locals. You can walk, ride, or drive through the park; if you go at dusk, there is a good chance to spot some wallabies. The George Brown Botanic Gardens feature monsoon forests, mangroves, and woodlands, where you can spot endemic birds and discover traditional uses of local plants on a self-guided walk. There is also an orchid house and café onsite, and the Gardens are very easy to reach from the city centre.

Other Things to Do for Free in and Around Darwin

Those are our top three favourite free things to do in Darwin, but there’s still plenty more you can do in the area for low or no cost. Litchfield National Park is only a couple of hours away and certainly worth a visit if you enjoy bushwalking or swimming at the cascading waterfalls. Berry Springs Nature Park is also only a 40-minute drive from Darwin and a great place to swim in the pristine waters.

Whatever you choose to do in Darwin, we’re sure that you’ll enjoy your experience there at the Top End. Best of all is that many of the attractions are free or very low cost, so all the more reason to come and enjoy the Northern Territory’s capital city.

Perfect Plan for Summer Camping in Australia

May 7, 2018 by admin

In summer you always plan to escape the scorching heat. For this, it would be smart to go for camping in a cold place when living in Australia. This will keep you cool and make you feel comfortable when the temperature is rising. For the same, you can take the help of the Itinerary planner and try to arrange things at the best. Summertime is just about camping in Australia. You can spend the warm days by the river or along the beach and feel refreshed. It feels great to relax near the fire and feasting on marsh mellows. This is the perfect time when you would want to get away for relaxation with your friends and family.

Need for Water when out for Camping

When out for summer camping in Australia you should arrange for water and hydration. You should have two liters of water each day when out for camping. In case you have planned for more activities like hiking or rafting you need drinking more water. You even need to take extra water for cooking and washing.

Having the Right Food when Camping

When camping you should have provision for food. This is when you can feed on fresh bear damper every day at the meal time. At the camping time, you should have the right store of biscuits, chips and the rest. You can even have meals with full packed nutrients. This is when you should abstain from junk foods. Your focus should be on having wholesome meals.

Right Shade and Shelter

When camping you have proper provisions for shade and shelter. You can arrange for tents and this will help you have security at the time of sleeping. It is not possible, however, to sleep in the wilderness. Tent helps in giving a sense of perfect home. If you are not ready to go for tenting you can even make provisions for shade dome or gazebo. These are spacious and they give proper protection from the sun.

Choosing the Right Clothes to Wear

When you plan for camping you should consult the Itinerary planner for the choice in clothes. In fact, you should be particular regarding what to wear in summer when you are out for camping. When you are at the campsite you should wear something cool and soothing. The attire that you wear should be lightweight and breathable. The clothes should be enough to protect you from the strong rays of the sun. The material should be such to wick away sweat from the body.

First Aid Kit for Summer Camping

When you are out for summer camping in Australia you should carry a usable first aid kit. It is important to have an anti-venom kit. A perfect first aid kit can save a life in time. With the kit in possession, you can treat the person on the first-hand basis. If someone is seriously ill or injured one can make the most of the kit and try to do the needful.

Pack a bag and enjoy your trip.

Accommodation Options When Staying in Melbourne

February 7, 2018 by admin

There are many different types of accommodation available for people planning to stay in Melbourne, and each type can influence the kind of trip you have. Different travellers require different things from their accommodation and will also use their accommodation differently.

From the seasoned backpacker who only cares that they have a mattress to sleep on through to those who enjoy luxury fully furnished apartments, Melbourne is sure to have the accommodation you want for your particular trip. Here are your options.

Serviced Apartments in Melbourne

Serviced apartments in Melbourne are such a highly popular accommodation type because they combine the convenience of a hotel with the intimacy of an apartment. This is a perfect option for travellers who want to feel completely comfortable and also have a kitchen and laundry included in their accommodation.

Serviced apartments in Melbourne can be used by just about anyone. Whether you’re on a business trip or celebrating an anniversary, serviced apartments in Melbourne provide you with a place to stay for both short trips as well as longer ones. Apartments are often chosen because they offer a level of privacy and flexibility that other accommodation types lack. The main benefits of serviced apartments include more space, a place to host guests, routine housekeeping services, kitchen and laundry facilities, and an inexpensive cost.

Bed & Breakfasts in Melbourne

If a serviced apartment is too luxurious for you and you’re after somewhere easy and convenient, a bed and breakfast might be the answer. This kind of accommodation is recommended for shorter visits, as you typically only get a room. Similar to a hotel, a bed and breakfast is often less centrally located and is usually provided through guest houses or hotels.

Hotels and serviced apartments in Melbourne largely differ from bed and breakfasts due to the many benefits and features they provide. Staying in a bed and breakfast is a popular choice for backpackers, young travellers, couples on weekend getaways, or anyone stopping in for a short amount of time.

Private Rooms in Melbourne

Thanks to new websites that connect people offering accommodation with people who are looking for accommodation, you can opt for a private room in somebody else’s home during your Melbourne stay. This isn’t the ideal choice for everybody, as many travellers desire privacy during their stay and renting a private room means you’ll be living in somebody else’s home.

This type of accommodation can be particularly convenient in the sense that most private homes listed are centrally located, meaning you can quickly walk or catch public transport down to all the sights and locations you want to see. Private rooms will typically provide you with a bathroom, laundry and kitchen and are a suitable type of accommodation if you don’t mind interacting with a stranger.

Hotels in Melbourne

Hotels, as well as serviced apartments in Melbourne, are typically the most popular kind of accommodation while visiting the city. The convenience that comes with staying in a hotel is obviously their biggest perk. However, hotels can be smaller and more limited in terms of facilities and space when compared to serviced apartments.

Hotels are a good option for short stays, but they can quickly become quite cluttered and aren’t an ideal space to host guests. One benefit is that hotel deals or packages often come with breakfast included, which is a useful feature to look into. Having your breakfast provided during your travels will help you spend less money and will give you the energy you need for a big day of sightseeing.

How Much Will It Cost To Stay In Sydney?

November 15, 2016 by admin

Sydney is Australia’s largest and most visited city, and for good reason! Other than the unique Sydney hotels, food trips, and pub crawls; it offers one of the most unique destinations in the world. Sydney is a cosmopolitan city that is surrounded by shopping centres, breathtaking beaches, and world heritage sites. It has become one of the most sought after places, allowing tourists to indulge in a vacation experience unique to Sydney.

Here we will talk about basic information you need to know before going to Sydney, like what accommodation, food, and transportation usually costs. If this is your first time to visit Sydney, this list will definitely help.

Accommodation costs

If you are on a backpacking trip, you probably would be staying in a hostel. In Sydney, hostel price can range from 20-20 AUD for dorm type rooms, while private rooms cost 80-120 AUD.

The prices for hotels vary depending on where in the city you are staying. A budget hotel that is not too near the city centre can cost up to 90-150 AUD, also depending if it is a single accommodation or double. As you get nearer the centre, it can go up until 200 AUD or more.

First time visitors usually go for hotels just so they can focus more on touring the city and get cosy under tons of duvets once they are in the hotel. Some who have been there multiple times would opt for private hostels, the adventurous would often choose dorm type rooms.

However, AirBnB is also an option. It is when locals put up their houses or apartments for rent to tourists who would like affordable accommodation within the local neighbourhood.

Food costs

The good news is Sydney is crawling with awesome hole-in-the-wall restaurants and cafes that offer delectable food without breaking the budget too much.

Affordable food like burgers and sandwiches usually cost up to 14 AUD and you can spend 20-28 AUD at restaurants. The food places near the harbour are usually more expensive because of the view, and some of those are usually high end. Fast food can cost you up to 15 AUD, but the ethnic restaurants offer satisfying meals at 10 AUD.

Transportation costs

There are a lot of options when it comes to transportation. The ferry shows you around the harbour and that usually costs between 5-10 AUD depending on which way it passes. Buses are one of the most commonly used forms of transportation in Sydney, and costs start at 4 AUD for adults. Note that bus fares also have surges, depending on the time of day. As it is always in other parts of the globe, cabs are usually quite expensive. But if you really want to ride a cab, UberX is 40% cheaper.

You can also use the train, a commuter’s favourite, just like the bus. But if your destinations are near each other, you can opt to walk there instead. It allows for more time spent indulging in the sights of the city and getting the chance to walk among the locals.

There are lot of ways you can save just knowing these things about Sydney. So while you are packing your bags and fixing your itinerary, keep these things in mind to help you decide which will give you the most amazing Sydney vacation.