FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Australia

  • Villa Donati, Melbourne’s Affordable Boutique Hotel

    The exclusivity of a boutique hotel means you often need to pay through the nose to stay in one.


    But it is possible to enjoy this privacy and pampering on a budget if you know where to look. Villa Donati, in the Melbourne suburb of Richmond, is one of the area's best kept secrets. There are just four rooms in this beautiful B&B, which once served as an archbishop's residence, and later a massage parlor. Today it's a welcoming but stylish hotel, with stunning furniture and artworks making it feel like a home away from home. Each bedroom is luxuriously appointed, with a queen-sized bed, flat-screen television, and combination video/DVD player. The breakfast room has the air of a European café, making it the perfect place to enjoy the seasonal hot dishes the owners cook up each morning to complement fruits and cereals. It's worth noting that this isn't the place for a family vacation. The comfort of all guests is paramount, so travelers are advised to leave any children under 15 at home. That might seem like a harsh rule, but when you’re luxuriating in the peace and quiet it’s a rule easy to appreciate.hotel photo Some travelers may be reluctant to stay a mile from Melbourne's central business district, but there's also something refreshing about removing yourself from the thick of the urban hub-bub. Trams, trains, and buses regularly make the pilgrimage from Richmond into the city center, and there are many restaurants within walking distance from the hotel. Double rooms start from $235 a night, including breakfast and the very Australian touch of complementary beer. That tariff is nothing to sneeze at, but far less than you'd expect to pay for such an exclusive boutique hotel in Melbourne, or anywhere else for that matter!

  • Stay and Party at Limes Hotel in Fortitude Valley, Queensland

    Most visitors to Australia’s Sunshine State, Queensland, flock to the well known tourist areas. There’s the beach strip known as the Gold Coast, the idyllic resorts of the Top End, and of course the capital city of Brisbane.


    For all of the convenience of Brisbane without the crowds and expense, consider bunkering down at Limes Hotel in Fortitude Valley. This is a hip, contemporary boutique hotel with a great youthful energy. The rooftop champagne and cocktail bar is an ideal place for socializing with the other residents, and there are even alfresco movies. Thanks to Queensland's balmy climate these outdoor activities can be enjoyed all year round. With so much going on you probably won’t want to spend too much time in your room, but these are still worth mentioning. They've got a futuristic modern feel, but still include all the important creature comforts including luxurious king-sized beds, convenient kitchenettes and, in some cases, private courtyards with hammocks! For the technologically inclined, all rooms also have complimentary WiFi broadband access, flat-screen television sets with Foxtel, CD players, and even an iPod dock. Fortitude Valley is a buzzing neighborhood that's home to the state's hottest pubs and clubs, exotic restaurants and cafes, and trendy boutique stores. No traveler would want to miss Brisbane's popular tourist attractions, but as The Valley is only a mile from the city these highlights are still quite accessible. Regular buses and trains can take you where you want to go in no time. This isn't the place for a family holiday though. Limes Hotel attracts young singles and couples, the kind of freewheeling folks that don't want their style cramped by crying babies or demanding toddlers. Conversely the rooftop party isn't going to wind down because your little ones are trying to sleep. Because of this, management respectfully asks that you leave your rug rats at home. Double rooms start from $219 a night including breakfast each morning, which is a whole lot less than you'd pay for comparable accommodation in Brisbane!

  • Save Money with Australian iVenture Experiences Discount Cards

    Whether you’re planning a visit to the busy streets of Sydney or the serene landscapes of Tasmania, iVenture Experiences can help you see it for less with its discount travel cards.

    There are four different cards in all, allowing you to soak up all that Sydney, Melbourne, Tasmania, and Queensland’s Sunshine Way have to offer.


    The initial outlay, which starts from between $89 and $179, can seem expensive at first. But the card pays for itself once you get busy with sightseeing. Each card offers free entry to between 35 and 50 popular tourist attractions, including Melbourne Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife World, XXX Ale House, and the historic Port Arthur site. The card also offers discounts on dining and tours, and a free reference guide with maps for getting around the local area. Cards are available for periods of two, three, and seven days. You'll get 12 months from the date of purchase to activate the card, and you can then use it as many times as you like until the allotted time period expires. The iVenture Experiences cards are a great way to save cash, and discover all of the fun that your favorite Australian vacation destination has to offer.

  • New Year’s Eve Celebrations Around the World

    Where will you ring in 2011? From fireworks at the Eiffel Tower to watching the ball drop in Times Square, the opportunities for revelry are endless (admittedly, most involve champagne and fireworks).

    Celebrating the beginning of another year in another country is an experience you will never forget. Here are some top global New Year’s Eve celebrations to consider (as well as the expressions you’ll need to really get into the spirit!): Brazil Head to Copacabana Beach for one of the most impressive New Year’s Eve fireworks displays in the world. Dress in white (as is the Brazilian custom) and get to the beach early to enjoy the crowded revelry (and to find a place to watch the fireworks from).  (“Happy New Year” in Portuguese is “Feliz Ano Novo.”) China Solana Blue Harbor Shopping Park in Beijing hosts rock concerts and fireworks display on New Year’s Eve. Be ready for massive crowds.  (“Happy New Year” in Chinese is “Xin Nian Hao.”) Denmark Copenhagen City Hall is definitely where you should be when the clock strikes midnight. Celebrate with the Danes while watching an impressive fireworks display. (“Happy New Year” in Danish is “Godt Nytår.”) France Parisians pack into the Champs-de-Mars (the large grassy area across from the Eiffel Tower) to witness a remarkable fireworks show (timed to music) when the clock strikes twelve. Bundle up or have some champagne to help you stay warm.  (“Happy New Year” in French is “Bonne Année.”) Scotland Edinburgh’s Princes street is the place to be on New Year’s Eve. Have a drink (or several) in one of the many pubs and eateries in this area and then stumble out onto the street before midnight to witness the celebratory cannon shot followed by a fireworks display. Portugal Funchal Harbor on the island of Madeira (just off the coast of Portugal) hosts one of the world’s largest fireworks displays (it’s mentioned in the Guinness Book of World Records). (“Happy New Year” in Portuguese is “Feliz Ano Novo.”) Indonesia Head to the Statue of Welcome fountain to watch fireworks during New Year celebrations in Jakarta. (“Happy New Year” in Indonesian is “Selamat Tahun Baru.”) [caption id="attachment_4781" align="alignright" width="300" caption="New Year's Even Fireworks over the Sydney Opera House (Australia)"][/caption] Germany The famous Brandenburg Gate is where you should go to see the most impressive fireworks display in Germany. (“Happy New Year” in German is “Ein Gutes Neues Jahr.”) Taiwan Have you ever seen fireworks explode off the top of a skyscraper? This is what you can expect to experience on New Year’s Even in Taipei City. They set off fireworks from the world's tallest completed skyscraper, Taipei 101. (“Happy New Year” in Chinese is “Xin Nian Hao.”) Singapore Head to Singapore’s financial district to watch fireworks and welcome the New Year in style.  (You’ll be understood with “Happy New Year” in Singapore, but if you want to give it a whirl in Malay, it’s “Selamat Tahun Baru.”) Australia Fireworks explode each New Year’s at midnight over the Sydney Harbor Bridge and Opera House. A spectacular sight. Don’t have the funds to jet off to an exotic locale for New Year’s Eve? Not to worry. You can still have an international experience (and shout the new expressions you learned) from the comfort of your own home. CNN and several other cable channels cover New Year’s celebrations from around the world. Happy 2011!

  • Rock and Roll Party at Parkes’ Elvis Festival

    It’s a long way from Graceland, but during the second week of January the small Australian town of Parkes honors the King of Rock and Roll at the Elvis Festival.

    You’ll find Parkes in the heart of New South Wales, 365 kilometers from the state’s capital city, Sydney.

    Around 11, 000 people live there, but during the five-day Elvis Festival the town literally doubles in size. Highlights of the event include the Elvis Gospel Church Service, the crowning of Miss Priscilla, the Elvis Street Parade, and of course the performances of hundreds of Elvis impersonators. Couples renew their wedding vows in a public ceremony presided over by the King himself, and aspiring singers cover classic rock and roll tunes in the Elvis Idol competition. Given the festival's popularity, it's unsurprising that Parkes' hotels, motels, and caravan parks quickly reach their capacity. It's advisable to book your accommodation early to avoid missing out. Alternatively you might like to stay in one of the neighboring towns, rough it in Tent City, or bunker down with a local. Houses in the Festival Home Hosting program are all inspected for cleanliness and privacy, and participating is a great way to make new friends. [caption id="attachment_4776" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Elvis Presley"]Elvis Presley[/caption] The best way to get to the festival is to take the CountryLink Elvis Express from Sydney. This is no ordinary train. Elvis impersonators entertain the passengers as they make their way to the festival. A ticket on the train also includes a shuttle bus pass, which allows you to get around Parkes during your stay. If you'd prefer a quicker trip, catch the Rex Airlines' Priscilla Plane.

  • Asian Indulgence at Victoria’s Japanese Mountain Retreat

    It’s a long way from the Land of the Rising Sun, but you can enjoy all of the charms of the Orient Down Under at the Japanese Mountain Retreat.

    This resort is nestled in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, a 45-minute drive from Victoria’s capital city, Melbourne.

    The luxurious rooms are kitted out with tatami mats and Japanese hot tubs, known as ofuro. Step outside and you can relax in the five acres of manicured zen gardens, or take a dip in the hot spring pool, called an onsen.
    It offers all of the creature comforts you’d expect from a five-star resort, but with a delightful Asian twist. australia travel map The friendly staff will serve you up a six-course Japanese banquet, or for something lighter you could participate in an authentic tea ceremony. The banquets are served in your room, so they make for a great romantic night in. Miso soup, sushi, and sashimi are dished up alongside Asian potato croquettes, gyoza dumplings and chicken kara age, a succulently tender chicken dish marinated in ginger and sake. Make sure you save room for dessert though, as the red bean and green tea ice-creams are a delicious taste of the east. And of course there is the spa, which specializes in the rejuvenating treatments of the Orient including hot stone therapy and lomi lomi massage. Rooms at the Japanese Mountain Retreat start from $395, although if you plan to indulge in spa treatments and the banquet it may be worthwhile buying one of the many accommodation packages. While these are pricy, they're more affordable than using the services separately.

  • Steve Irwin Lives On at Australia Zoo – Crocodile Hunter’s Queensland Wildlife Park

    Steve Irwin may be gone but his legacy lives on at Australia Zoo, a wildlife sanctuary at Beerwah on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

    The zoo is home to Irwin’s family – wife Terri and two children Bindi and Robert – and hundreds of happy animals.


    As its name suggests the emphasis here is on Australian animals, but tourists will also find elephants, cheetahs, lemurs, otters, and a host of other precious creatures. It's the Aussie animals that will really excite foreign travelers though. International zoos have the odd kangaroo or koala, but none have the exhaustive collection you'll find at this local wildlife park. Most other zoos around the world don't allow guests to interact with these unusual creatures either. Visitors can walk through areas like Roo Heaven, an open-range enclosure with red and gray kangaroos, and the Kids Zoo with baby farm animals. There are additional opportunities to meet the critters with the daily animal encounters; you could walk with a wombat, get photographed with a koala, or feed an echidna. [caption id="attachment_786" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Australian Koala"]Australia zoo koala photo[/caption] The enclosures are luxuriously large, allowing the animals to roam freely about areas resembling their natural habitats. This seems so much more humane than the cages many older zoos use, but considering the Irwin family's conservation work this is no great surprise. While visiting make sure you plan to see a few shows. The Wildlife Warriors show in the Crocoseum is legendary, with appearances by giant snakes, trained birds, and of course those enormous crocodiles. With entry costing $49 for adults and $29 for children, a day out at Australia Zoo is a bit expensive. But with zoo admissions helping to fund the on-site wildlife hospital and preserve endangered species, at least you know your money is heading in the right direction.

  • Stay in Luxury Accommodation in the Australian Outback

    Thousands of tourists are lured by the wide open spaces and rugged terrain of an Australian Outback vacation each year.


    But a visit to this unforgiving part of the world doesn't have to mean roughing it. There are several luxurious accommodation options in the heart of Australia's deserts. The Northern Territory is the heart of the Outback thanks to Ayers Rock, or Uluru as the locals call it. You’ll find the Voyages Ayers Rock Resort a mere stone's throw away from this natural wonder. There are actually five different hotels in this complex and a camping ground for anyone wanting to get a bit closer to nature. If it's opulence you’re after I suggest a stay at Sails in the Desert. This premium resort features several restaurants, luxurious rooms, and a swimming pool. Just seven people live in the tiny South Australian town of Parachilna, but it's worth stopping by on your Outback travels. The historic Prairie Hotel offers award-winning accommodation, including some rooms with romantic double spas and views of the nearby Flinders Ranges. If you're feeling adventurous a meal in the pub is in order. It specializes in what it calls "Flinders Feral Food" made from local delicacies like kangaroo, emu, native limes, and bush tomatoes. [caption id="attachment_3299" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Uluru at sunset"]Uluru at sunset[/caption] The art deco Royal Exchange Hotel is located in the heart of New South Wales mining country, Broken Hill. This historic hotel has been fully restored to feature all of the conveniences of the modern world, including en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and data ports for internet access. The hotel's friendly staff will help you make the most of your stay in Broken Hill by suggesting popular bush walking trails and signing you up for a mine tour. Staying in tented cabins doesn't sound very luxurious, but the cabins at Emma Gorge Resort are something pretty special. Their raised roofs allow the sounds and scents of the great outdoors to lull you to sleep. Private en suite bathrooms and crisp, fresh linen sheets help you feel more connected to civilization than the breathtaking mountain views out your window would suggest. The resort is located in the El Questro Wilderness Park in Western Australia's Kimberley region. It's a beautiful part of the world, with hiking trails ripe for exploring and thermal springs for soaking. So why would you slum it just because you're in the middle of nowhere? If you know where to look, even the Australian Outback has some very special accommodation options.

  • Australia’s Best Jogging Trails – Work Up a Sweat in Oz

    When spending time in Australia’s big cities, it can be tempting to enjoy boozy nights out at the pubs and clubs, and spend the next day nursing the hangover.


    If you'd prefer to sweat out the alcohol though, there are some wonderful jogging paths just waiting for you to explore. When you're in Sydney, head to the beach. A jogging trail stretches for eight kilometers from the famous Bondi Beach to Coogee. Along the way it takes in the picturesque breaks of Tamarama, Bronte, and Clovelly. The hills will test novices, but it's worth the work to gaze out to the headlands and Tasman Sea. If you want to stretch your workout, you can always peel off the path and take a dip in the ocean! Albert Park may be more famous as a world-class Formula One venue than a running track, but plenty of Melbourne residents make use of the circuit once the cars are gone. The gardens and trees make the parklands a really pretty spot to burn a few calories. [caption id="attachment_4637" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Girl jogging near Bondi Beach"]Girl jogging near Bondi Beach[/caption] Brisbane River is the heart of Queensland's capital, home to some of the city's best restaurants, musical performances, and festivals. It's also got a great jogging and cycling circuit, which winds its way from one side of the river to the other, past the botanic gardens and South Bank parklands. The path is marked with distances so you know exactly how far you've traveled. It does get a bit busy in the evenings, as businessmen try to burn a few kilojoules after work, so arrive early to avoid the crowds. In Canberra runners are spoiled for choice, with several tracks around Lake Burley Griffin. This majestic lake is too large to circle, so instead run until you get tired around the parklands on the south side, or the Commonwealth Avenue and Kings Avenue bridges. These routes are popular with the locals, so if you'd rather enjoy a little quiet time look to Sterling Park. The exercise circuit here is surprisingly peaceful considering it’s lush, leafy surrounds. Kings Park is an obvious choice while you're visiting Perth. This beautiful park has many tracks which cross over each other, so you can mix up your path each day. For a longer workout follow the famous Swan River. Runners are best served traveling via the northern bank as navigating this track is easier for anyone on the go. There are so many parks around Adelaide that it's easy to find a place to stretch your legs. The pick of them is the track around the River Torrens, a pretty six-kilometer route from Adelaide to the city's north. The track will take you to the Botanic Gardens, which are another picturesque spot for working up a sweat. Hobart’s Botanic Gardens are also ideal for a morning jog. Along with the Queen's Domain, this leafy part of Tasmania offers six kilometers of running trail. The picturesque path takes in the Derwent River, the historic cenotaph, and the TCA cricket ground. So don't let your Australian vacation stall your fitness regime. The country's jogging paths are a great way to see its major cities on foot.

    [Image Source: Ernst Moeksis/Flickr]

  • Heal a Broken Heart at Sydney’s Hilton Hotel

    Any woman who’s ever sat at home gorging herself on ice-cream and crying over a broken heart has probably wished they were a guy. After all, men seem to need little more than a boozy night with their mates and some strippers to stop the waterworks.


    Shutting yourself away from the world is a bit pathetic though, so the Hilton Sydney has launched a break-up package. He might not want to pamper you anymore, but the staff at this Sydney hotel will. The package includes a night's accommodation, so you needn't stare at the dent he made in the couch or the items he left in your apartment. On your hotel bed you'll find an iPod fully programmed with the kind of life-affirming tunes you need to feel strong again. Then there's the 24-hour movie package, which comes complete with a steady stream of popcorn and ice-cream. If that's not enough decadence, prepare to take on the Hilton's custom designed one-kilogram chocolate tower. Once your tummy is full, light the aromatherapy oil burner. It's filled with specially chosen rejuvenating scents so you should get the best sleep you've had in weeks. Once you awake feeling refreshed, an indulgent breakfast in bed awaits. Before you go, remember to stop by Bunda Fine Jewels. Your package includes a consultation with the staff who'll suggest how they can melt down that engagement ring or other love trinket and turn it into something brand new! The Hilton's Break-Up package starts from $314. That makes it pretty expensive, but can you really afford to sit about moping?