Budget Camps and Stops Australia

Camping Around Tasmania

Cool Camping Australia: East Coast

Camping Around Northern Territory

1000 Great Places Travel with Kids in Australia

Back Roads Australia (DK Eyewitness Travel Back Roads)

Travel Australia

Explore Australia by Caravan and Motorhome

West Coast Australia Footprint Handbook (Footprint Handbooks)

Pet Accommodation on Australia’s East Coast

Explore Australia 2012

To the Top End: Our Trip Across Australia

Complete Caravan Chef

Holiday in South Australia

Holiday in Western Australia: Free and Low-cost Stops

Great Gift Ideas For Anyone Who Loves Camping and Travelling Australia

The Weather

If you like hot weather you will love Sydney – it is generally quite hot there and there are great beaches at Manly and Bondi Beach. Indeed, there are few big cities so well set up for those who like to laze by the seaside. The same cannot be said for Melbourne and though there is a nice beach at St. Kilda’s the weather is less than ideal. The city sees a fair bit of rain, and you may never get the warmth you can expect further north.

Nightlife

Sydney certainly has some great nightlife with many bars and great clubs, yet Melbourne has a more interesting scene with alley-way bars and fun clubs everywhere. Section 8 is a particularly fun place to visit, as this former car park is one of the trendiest spots in town.

The Food

Both Melbourne and Sydney have access to great eateries. Restaurants like Aria in Sydney provide haute cuisine which leads the charge of Australia’s newly gained reputation for culinary greatness. Melbourne has a slightly different feel as many people like to head to China Town to sample cheap and delicious fare.

Travelling On

Of course there is more to see in Australia than these two cities, and it is important to fly into one which is surrounded by things that interest you. If you head to Sydney you can drive north up to the Gold Coast to enjoy the lovely beaches and the serenity of Byron Bay. If you base yourself in Melbourne you will be able to drive on to Adelaide and Kangaroo Island via The Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell National Park.

If you are looking to fly into Sydney and Melbourne you should be able to choose between these two great metropolises. Then again, the best situation would be to take in both cities as they are both truly exciting, in their own unique ways.

Using a campervan is the best way to enjoy your vacation and explore the beautiful island of Tasmania. Don’t think that a campervan will be too big to drive around in. The accessibility it provides is unmatched making the campervan the perfect option for a driving holiday. You can be as flexible as you want, changing your plans as you desire. It is also an affordable option as you can save by preparing meals in the kitchen of your vehicle.

To begin your journey you may want to start at the capital city of Hobart. Here you will want to take in the amazing scenery and take a hike up Mt. Wellington. It is 1270-metre high; with a 360-degree panorama view so beautiful you’ll be glad you made the trek. Spot the city, Derwent River, and Tasman Peninsula from here.

Now that you have seen the river from a high, reward yourself with a cruise down the Derwent River to the Cadbury chocolate factory. This is a great tourist attraction that the whole family can enjoy for less than $20! Stroll around Sullivans Cove to see fishing boats, luxury yachts, and ships come and go to Antarctica. If you’re into art, find your way to Salamanca Markets in Hobart where there are lots of art galleries and working studios. Buy the perfect hand crafted souvenir for a friend back home at the local market.

Travelling using a campervan will give you a sense of freedom you can have no other way. If you are the more adventurous type, park your vehicle at Flenders Island for a diving experience you will never forget. Tasmania’s warm waters are home to lush kelp forests and reefs in a variety of distinctive oceanic habitats.

Taking a romantic getaway? Then try campervan hire in Tasmania. It will give you the privacy you’re looking for, minus other hotel guests or expensive room service bills. Even if you’re taking a family holiday, a campervan will still be suitable as children will absolutely love all that a motorhome has to offer. It provides a place to stay and transportation all in one. Just being close to nature is a great reason in its self to travel through Tasmania this way!

Using a campervan gives you the same freedom with using a car. But you might want to book your arrangements before coming down to Tasmania. Campervan hire companies in Australia are easy to find on the internet. Have a good journey!

Here are a few of the many great attractions that you can visit and explore while in New South Wales.

Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge
Visiting the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are ‘must see’ attractions. They are the centre piece of Sydney and are very ‘Awesome’. Take a cruise to really appreciate their beauty.
www.sydney.com/Sydney_Opera_House

Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains is one of Australia’s natural wonders. Stretching for over one million hectares, it is an inspiring mix of rainforest, canyons, tall forests and heathland.
www.visitbluemountains.com.au

Bondi Beach In Sydney

Scenic World – Katoomba
Scenic World sits on the edge of the escarpment overlooking the Jamison Valley. The scenic rides and experiences include the world’s steepest railway, a spectacular cableway, a glass floored skyway and a boardwalk through an ancient rainforest.
www.scenicworld.com.au

Taronga Zoo – Sydney
Taronga Zoo offers an unforgettable day out. It is just 12 minutes from the city by ferry. You can enjoy breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and free shows and keeper talks throughout the day. Taronga Zoo is one of the many major tourist attractions in Sydney.
www.taronga.org.au

Royal Flying Doctor Service – Broken Hill
Going to a RFDS Visitors Centre will help you understand how amazing and unique this service is.
www.flyingdoctor.org.au

Western Plains Zoo – Dubbo
This Zoo has over 3 square kilometres of wild and wonderful bushland with 700 animals, which offers a safari adventure right in the heart of NSW.
www.taronga.org.au/taronga-western-plains-zoo

Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk
The Illawarra Fly is a unique 500 metre walk in the treetop canopy, 20 to 30 metres above the ground.
www.illawarrafly.com

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Australian Opal Centre – Lightning Ridge
The Australian Opal Centre is an extraordinary national museum in Lightning Ridge. That was created to preserve, display and research the greatest ever public collection of Australian opals.
www.australianopalcentre.com

Timbertown – Wauchope near Port Macquarie
Timbertown is considered by many to be one of Australia’s finest Heritage Parks. Which has been created to demonstrate the struggles and achievements of our pioneers.
www.timbertown.com.au

Check Out More interesting Sydney and New South Wales Attractions

 Australia’s favourite holiday park provider, BIG4 Holiday Parks, is adding a sweetener for those planning a spring getaway by offering a ‘Stay 4, Pay 3’ promotion during the months of September, October AND November.

 Holiday-makers can extend their long weekend by an extra day for free, at more than 40 participating BIG4 Parks located at some of Australia’s top tourist spots. Families and individuals may choose to follow the sun to warm Airlie Beach in Queensland, take in the breathtaking views of the Flinders Ranges at Port Augusta in South Australia, or enjoy a quiet weekend in quaint Queenscliff in Victoria – the options are endless.

 BIG4 Holiday Parks participating in the ‘Stay 4, Pay 3’ promotion include:

• BIG4 Narooma Easts Holiday Park, Narooma NSW
• BIG4 Moruya Heads Easts Dolphin Beach Holiday Park, Moruya Heads NSW
• BIG4 South Durras Holiday Park, South Durras NSW
• BIG4 Nambucca Beach Holiday Park, Nambucca NSW
• BIG4 Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park, Bathurst NSW
• BIG4 Valley Vineyard Tourist Park, Cessnock NSW
• Twofold Bay Beach Resort, Eden NSW
• BIG4 Lake Macquarie Monterey Tourist Park, Lake Macquarie NSW
• BIG4 Lakeside Holiday Park, Mulwala NSW
• BIG4 Saltwater @ Yamba Holiday Park, Yamba NSW
• BIG4 Beachfront Holiday Resort, Tuncurry NSW
• BIG4 Bungalow Park, Burrill Lake NSW
• Easts Beach Holiday Park Kiama, Kiama NSW
• BIG4 Broulee Beach Holiday Park, Broulee
• BIG4 Point Vernon Holiday Park, Hervey Bay QLD
• BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park, Tweed Heads QLD
• BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Airlie Beach QLD
• BIG4 Beachcomber Coconut Caravan Village, Mission Beach QLD
• BIG4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park, Port Douglas QLD
• BIG4 Brisbane Gateway Resort, Brisbane QLD
• Discovery Holiday Parks – Robe, Robe SA
• Port Augusta BIG4 Holiday Park, Port Augusta SA
• BIG4 Porepunkah Holiday Park, Porepunkah VIC
• BIG4 Parkgate Resort, Halls Gap VIC
• BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park, Castlemaine VIC
• BIG4 Beacon Resort, Queenscliff VIC
• BIG4 Port Fairy, Port Fairy VIC
• BIG4 Badger Creek Holiday Park, Healesville VIC
• BIG4 Swan Hill, Swan Hill VIC
• BIG4 Riverside Swan Hill VIC
• BIG4 Whiters Holiday Village, Lakes Entrance VIC
• A Shady River Holiday Park, Echuca-Moama VIC
• Ashley Gardens BIG4 Holiday Village, Braybrook VIC
• Geelong Riverview Tourist Park, Geelong VIC
• Golden River Holiday Park, Mildura VIC
• Boathaven Holiday Park, Wodonga VIC
• BIG4 Inverloch Holiday Park, Inverloch VIC
• BIG4 Waters Edge Holiday Park, Lakes Entrance VIC
• BIG4 Wye River Holiday Park, Wye River VIC
• BIG4 Phillip Island Caravan Park, Phillip Island VIC
• BIG4 Plantation Caravan Park, Carnarvon WA
• BIG4 Albany Gardens Holiday Resort, Albany WA
• Woodman Point Holiday Park, Fremantle WA
• Perth Vineyards Holiday Park, Swan Valley WA

BIG4 Holiday Parks’ General Manager of Marketing, Kari Hunter, says the promotion falls at a perfect time, giving people the opportunity to take a well deserved short break before their summer holidays come around in the lead up to the warmer months.

“The extra night allows another whole day of quality time together seeing the local sights and attractions, adding more value to a weekend away from home. The added incentive is a great motivation for everyone to treat themselves to a longer break than usual, something the average Australian doesn’t seem to do enough of,” Kari says.

 BIG4 Holiday Parks offers an impressive range of accommodation styles and facilities that are perfect for all groups. Those travelling light or in bigger groups can relax in luxury style cabins with private decks and spacious bedrooms. For caravanners or campers pitching tents, a spacious grassy powered site or convenient ensuite site will ensure a great night sleep is guaranteed under the stars.

For more information about BIG4 Holiday Parks around Australia, please visit BIG4.com.au

The Plaque nearby has this information for visitors to read.

‘Kadimakara’ was constructed by a world reknown Japanese sculptor,  Mr Mitsuaki Tanabe to draw attention to the the need to conserv the last remaining areas of wild rice in the world.

It is situated in the Mareeba Tropical Savannah and Wetland  Reserve, one of the  only small number of areas in the world which supports pure wild rice, which predates and is uncontaminated by commercial rice.

The sculpture has been kindly donated by the artist to Ausralia and its people.

The sculpture is made of stainless steel, is approximately19 metres long, 11.36 metres wide and over 2 metres high at the head.  It weighs in eccess of 10 tonne.

Mr Tanabe was supported in this project by the Rotary Club of Shizuoka in Japan in District 2620. The five sections of the sculpture were transported from Japan in two large comtainers and the Rotary Club of Mareeba of District 9550, under the guidance of Mt Tanabe, reassembled the lizard in its new home at the Mareeba Wetlands Reserve. It was officially unveiled on Saturday 17th June 2006 by its creator and by the Hon. Warren Entsch, Federal member for Leichhardt.

The Rotaty Club of Mereeba is proud to be involved in placing this sculpture in our district highlighting the vital importance of biodiversity and the conservation of genetic diversity.

Photos and Infomation supplied by a reader – Thanks

Visiting the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders in the world, was a dream come through for me. This magnificent attraction, along the Queensland coastline in Australia, was awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO as a unique place for protecting some endangered species of wildlife.

My adventure to the Great Barrier Reef included learning about this one-of-a-kind tourist attraction. As the largest reef system worldwide, the Marine Park extends over 1,800 miles and it can be seen from outer space. It comprises of over 3,000 individual reefs and coral cays and more than 1,500 species of fish and a wide range of marine animals and wildlife.

No vacation to Australia is complete without a visit to the famous Great Barrier Reef. For my trip from the USA to Australia I left nothing to chance, therefore, I got travel insurance cover for the non-refundable portion. My journey included traveling from Sydney to the northeastern beach town of Cairns, which is about miles 45 kilometers from the Outer Reef.

The day tour was from 9:00 am to 5 pm and I spent 5 hours at the Marine World on the Outer Reef. The 90-minute trip on the fast, stable, spacious and air conditioned motor catamaran was comfortable. The tour package offered many options for swimmers and non-swimmers to experience and learn about the Great Barrier Reef at an affordable price. It included snorkeling equipment, presentation by On Board Marine Biologist, glass bottom boat and semi-submersible tours and refreshments and lunch.

As a newbie to water sports, one of the best ways to see the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef was by snorkeling. After getting some useful tips on how to use the snorkeling equipment, I was fitted with a mask, fins and snorkel. I was then ready to begin the guided tour and experience the amazing underwater life at the Outer Reef. By using the stairs provided, it was extremely easy getting into the water from the snorkel platform at the sheltered coral lagoon. The water clarity was of the highest quality, which made for excellent visibility and I was able to look at the bottom of the lagoon to see the breathtaking view. It included different colours, shapes, textures and movements of the array of corals and marine life.

One of the highlights of the snorkeling trip was swimming alongside Wally the Giant Maori Wrasse and taking pictures with my underwater camera. It was also good to have floating rest stations that were strategically placed at points so that I could take a break from my snorkeling activities.

On the 30 minute semi-submersible tour, while sitting about 1 meter underwater, I was able to see the colorful coral gardens as well as schools of fish, including reef fish, red bass, angel fish and Jump Headed Parrot fish. I even saw Minke whales and friendly reef sharks. Another way I was able to experience the colors and beauty of marine life in the Outer Reef was by taking the 30 minute glass bottom boat tour.

My adventurous trip to the Great Barrier Reef was an amazing one filled with fun, excitement, information and wonderful close-up views of a diverse range of coral reefs and marine wildlife. Overall, I would recommend this once-in-a life-time experience to everyone.

About the author: Dominic Godwinson, global finance and travel insurance expert and travel enthusiast. Dominic writes about various topics related to finances.

 BIG4 Holiday Parks across Queensland are offering travellers a ‘Pay 4, Stay 6’ accommodation incentive to visit the beautiful sunshine-state for their next holiday.

 Visit any of the 23 participating BIG4 Queensland Parks listed below, between 14 March and 10 June 2011, for a great break that won’t be forgotten.

 Choose from a diverse range of BIG4 Holiday Parks designed to suit every travelling style whether it is a family holiday, a road trip with a group of friends or a romantic weekend away with someone special. And with destinations from the Gold and Sunshine Coasts right up to Rockhampton and Cooktown, there’s a holiday to suit everyone.

 Each unique Park is located close to tourist hotspots and all showcase a wide range of accommodation options including modern ‘city-style’ cabins big enough for the whole family as well as grassy ensuite sites where you can pitch a tent for the ultimate outdoor holiday.

 The Park facilities on offer also ensure the kids are kept well entertained and parents relaxed. From adventure playgrounds and giant jumping pillows to outdoor entertainment areas and spa pools, BIG4 Holiday Parks offer a unique holiday experience that suits both the modern and the traditional traveller.

 To take up this offer, simply browse the participating parks at big4.com.au, choose an accommodation or site option that best suits your needs, enter the promotional code ‘QLDONSALE’ and enjoy your Queensland adventure.

 Participating parks include:

 BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Airlie Beach

BIG4 Airlie Cove Resort and Van Park, Airlie Beach

BIG4 Atherton Woodlands Tourist Park, Atherton

BIG4 Brisbane Northside Caravan Village, Brisbane

Brisbane Gateway Resort, Brisbane

BIG4 Cane Village Holiday Park, Bundaberg

BIG4 Cairns Crystal Cascades Holiday Park, Cairns

Aussie Outback Oasis Cabin and Van Village, Charters Towers

Cooktown Holiday Park, Cooktown

Ashmore Palms Holiday Village, Gold Coast

NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Park, Gold Coast

BIG4 Point Vernon Holiday Park, Hervey Bay

Fraser Lodge Holiday Park, Hervey Bay

BIG4 Innisfail Mango Tree Holiday Park, Innisfail

BIG4 Kingaroy Holiday Park, Kingaroy

BIG4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park, Port Douglas

Discovery Holiday Parks – Rockhampton, Rockhampton

BIG4 Forest Glen Resort, Sunshine Coast

BIG4 Maroochy Palms Holiday Village, Sunshine Coast

BIG4 Toowoomba Garden City, Toowoomba

BIG4 Townsville Woodlands Holiday Park, Townsville

Kahler’s Oasis Caravan Park, Warwick

BIG4 Capricorn Palms Holiday Village, Yeppoon

 The offer is available on selected types of accommodation and sites and is subject to availability at each park (availability and options will differ from park to park).

About BIG4 Holiday Parks

BIG4 Holiday Parks is a Franchise Group comprising more than 180 holiday parks across Australia. The group provides a range of high-quality accommodation options from powered ensuite sites for caravan and motorhomes to luxury cabins. With a consistently high standard across all its parks, BIG4 has also set the standard within local holiday park experiences and is the recognised industry leader. BIG4 Holiday Parks’ BIG4 Club has over 170,000 members who enjoy significant discounts on accommodation bookings as well as ongoing benefits and discounts with BIG4’s partner organisations. Being a BIG4 Member means you’ll not only get savings on BIG4 accommodation, but also access a whole host of other holiday benefits thanks to BIG4’s Local Member Benefits program. BIG4 Holiday Parks recently signed a master licensing agreement with North America’s Kampgrounds of America (the leading campground operator in Nth America and Canada) for the Australian, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and East Timor markets. BIG4 is a proud supporter of The Humour Foundation’s Clown Doctors™, a philanthropic organisation committed to bringing a little cheer to children and their families’ undergoing treatment in Australian hospitals.

For more information on BIG4 Holiday Parks visit big4.com.au

Last time we were there we met up with friends who live in Sydney and whom we met at Ayers Rock Resort about 10 years ago. They took us on several drives along the coast and inland mainly in southern Sydney. We also drove through the Royal National Park which is the first recognised National Park in the world.

Things To Do In Sydney

There are many things to do in Sydney, everyone that visits should see the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. There are also plenty more things to do in Sydney like the walking around the ‘Rocks’, go on a harbour cruise, visit Taronga Zoo and Luna Park.

Sydney Tower Skywalk

If you want the best view of Sydney try the Skywalk on top of Sydney Tower only 260 metres above ground level. Of course you will be wearing Skysuits and harnesses for your own safety. What A View!!

Star City Casino Sydney

The Star City Entertainment Centre has everything you need, accommodation, dining, beautiful views, casino, nightlife, special events and theatre shows.

Star City is on one of the world’s most beautiful harbours, great for a night out with friends or a date. Also you can enjoy the high stakes action, Star City’s gaming rooms are as spectacular as their location. If you want to play casino poker online visit  pokersites.com the best online casino poker review www.pokersites.com/country/australia

 Sightseeing and Adventuring in Sydney

Sydney Sightseeing and AdventuresIf you are visiting Sydney and looking for more adventure how about an amazing full throttle jet boat ride in the harbour. See the unique harbour views while going flat out sliding and aplashing in all directions. Many cruises on the harbour can be enjoyed as well as sea plane flights over the sydney Australia beaches and other locations, aerobatic flights, sky diving, rock climbing in the Blue Mountains, drive a racing car around Eastern Creek race track, Harley rides, hot air ballooning and so much more. Enjoy your Sydney experience, make your trip to Sydney one to remember.

Map of Sydney
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 Join thousands of other happy campers around Australia as BIG4 Holiday Parks prepares for its biggest night of the year, opening up their Holiday Parks for one night only of FREE camping under the stars. 

The unique national campaign, Come Camp with BIG4, will be held at a wide range of BIG4 Holiday Parks nationally in 2010. The event was a huge success last year, hosting approximately 10,000 outdoor enthusiasts.

The 5^th of November is sure to impress experienced campers, families and even welcome newbie’s to the world of adventure and fun that the BIG4 Holiday experience provides.

This year, Come Camp with BIG4 will again support their charity partner, The Humour Foundation’s Clown Doctors^TM. Participating parks will be holding fundraising activities and all parks will donate a percentage of money raised from the sale of BIG4 memberships sold over the entire weekend to the charity.

The renowned BIG4 park facilities range from resort style pools to giant jumping pillows so the activities on offer are sure to delight guests of all ages. Activities will vary between parks from pancake breakfasts, to face painting and even mysterious treasure hunts – these are just a few of the exciting activities guests can enjoy.

James Shearer, acting CEO of BIG4 Holiday Parks, says Come Camp with BIG4 allows families and friends to enjoy a night together, and is a nice introduction for people that wouldn’t normally camp.

“Come Camp with BIG4 gives couples, friends and families the opportunity to enjoy a free night of camping. It’s the perfect excuse for a night away.

“Everyone is welcome – we want to encourage people to come along that would normally shy away from camping. Come Camp with BIG4 will no doubt be an event marked in all Australian’s diaries, as it was last year,” added Mr Shearer.

Keep Friday 5 November FREE and reserve your FREE powered or unpowered camping site at

big4.com.au/comecamp

Come Camp with BIG4

Where: BIG4 Holiday Parks across Australia

Date:     Friday 5 November 2010

Cost:     FREE

              Booking: big4.com.au/comecamp

For further information, images or to arrange an interview please contact:

Lauren Burl

P: 03 8416 6771

M: 0419 325 447

E: lauren.burl@che.com.au

Fleur Williamson

P: 03 8416 6728

M: 0416 659 162

E: fleur.williamson@che.com.au

About BIG4 Holiday Parks

BIG4 Holiday Parks is a Franchise Group comprising more than 180 holiday parks across Australia, including recent National Tourism Award winner BIG4 Beacon Resort and State Award Winners BIG4 Deniliquin Paringa Holiday Park, BIG4 Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park, BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park, BIG4 MacDonnell Range Holiday Park and BIG4 Beachlands Holiday Park. The group provides a range of high-quality accommodation options from powered ensuite sites for caravan and motorhomes to luxury cabins. With a consistently high standard across all its parks, BIG4 has also set the standard within local holiday park experiences and is the recognised industry leader. BIG4 Holiday Parks’ BIG4 Club has over 170,000 members who enjoy significant discounts on accommodation bookings as well as ongoing benefits and discounts with BIG4’s partner organisations. Being a BIG4 Member means you’ll not only get savings on BIG4 accommodation, but also access a whole host of other holiday benefits thanks to BIG4’s Local Member Benefits program. BIG4 Holiday Parks recently signed a master licensing agreement with North America’s Kampgrounds of America (the leading campground operator in Nth America and Canada) for the Australian, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and East Timor markets. BIG4 is a proud supporter of The Humour Foundation’s Clown Doctors™, a philanthropic organisation committed to bringing a little cheer to children and their families’ undergoing treatment in Australian hospitals. For more information on BIG4 Holiday Parks visit big4.com.au

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Plan your own exciting holiday

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