FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Australia

  • Australia’s Best Nightspots – Places to Party in Oz

    Oz is known for fun in the sun, whether it’s Australia’s great beaches, getting your adrenalin pumping at an Australia theme park, or exploring the Outback.


    But don't think this country stops after five. When night falls, the country's best hot spots kick into high gear. Most tourists want to visit the Opera House, but it can be expensive to see a show or join a tour. A more affordable alternative is drinks at the nearby Opera Bar. Soak up the great views of the iconic sails while you take in a jazz or funk band and sip on a cocktail. The atmosphere is always lively, and the vista of the Sydney skyline can't be beat. The Fremantle Artillery Drill Hall seems like an unlikely spot for a night out, but it actually houses the Fly by Night. This club inside a National Trust building is regarded as one of the hottest live music venues in Western Australia, with local and international stars taking the stage almost every night of the week.Australia globe Melbourne has more than its fair share of clubs, but if you'd prefer something a bit hipper than the average look to Platform One. These vaults alongside Flinders St train station were originally used to store bananas. They became the scenes of some of the hottest underground raves in the 80s, and while things aren't as hush-hush today Platform One retains the same street cred. Thumping bass beats pump every Friday, while gears switch up for Derailed on Saturdays. Canberra might be famous for its politicians and civil servants, but Australia’s capital shows it knows how to have fun at Hippo Bar. The eastern decorated interior sets the scene for a fairly chilled out evening, with live jazz and award-winning cocktails. Adelaide's Boho Bar is a nightspot which delivers just what its name suggests; bohemian vibes and good times. The commitment to bohemia is impressive, with jugglers and burlesque dancers giving visitors entertainment that veers delightfully left of center. Those Aussies even know how to party in the Top End. Darwin might be miles from anywhere, but it's worth making the trek to chill out at Tzar's Vodka Bar. This nightspot in the city's Ducks Nuts complex celebrates Russia’s favorite beverage. Resident DJs bust out chill out tunes, the perfect soundtrack for a quiet martini with friends. So make sure you don't tire yourself out exploring the great outdoors in Australia. You'll want to save some energy for when the sun goes down!

  • A Taste of India at Adelaide’s Bombay Bicycle Club

    Australian diners need not travel far to experience all the opulence of Indian dining. Adelaide’s ethnic restaurants are some of the best in Oz, but if you’ve got a taste for spicy curries and pappadams look to The Bombay Bicycle Club. This quirky pub in the Adelaide suburb of Ovingham celebrates all the extravagance and culinary flair of the Far East.

    spices
    Traditional Indian curry spices

    The Bombay Bicycle Club is a pub which takes its vision seriously. Every inch of the hotel is decorated with a Raj Indian theme, from the enormous wooden elephant standing in the Rikki Tikki Tavi Bar to the Indian trinkets adorning the walls. It’s not very authentic, but it is a lot of fun.

    The Rikki Tikki Tavi Bar is the ideal place for a few drinks after work or a casual get-together. There’s a fully operational keg room and nine different beers on tap. You can shoot some pool, spin some tunes on the video jukebox, or tuck into classic bar dishes.

    If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, stop in to Gungadins Restaurant. The menu features European favorites alongside Indian fare, with playful names like Mad Duck Madras, Bengal Cheesy, and Sa-moo-sas.

    Meals are reasonably priced with entrees starting from $6.90 and mains from $12.90. The Bombay Bicycle Club is open daily from noon until late, with last service for meals at 10 pm.

  • Relax in the Riverland Region – Regional South Australia at its Best

    In the rush-rush modern world, there’s something special about retreating to a place of natural beauty and old fashioned values.


    The Riverland region in South Australia is such a place. The region located 250 kays north-east of the state's capital city, Adelaide, is so named for the Murray River that runs through it. The river is Australia's longest, stretching from New South Wales to the South Australian coast where the state meets the Southern Ocean. There may be some 2530 kilometers of the Murray to explore, but the Riverland locals insist that their region is the best place to play in the waterway. Its calm waters are ideal for water-skiing and wakeboarding, or paddling a kayak. The river is teeming with callop, catfish, redfin, European carp, and the famous Murray cod, so make sure you drop a line while you're in town. If you want to explore you could hop aboard one of the historic paddle boats or opt for a more affordable dinghy tour. The coast is dotted with accommodation options, from five-star luxury retreats to inexpensive holiday parks for camping and caravanning. However if you just can't bear to get out of the water, you could also hire a houseboat. The Riverland boasts more houseboats than anywhere else in Australia, so why not try this floating style of accommodation while you're there? They're easy to operate, totally private, and you can stay in a different part of the region each night. [caption id="attachment_4544" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A speedboat on the Murray River"]A speedboat on the Murray River[/caption] Most hire companies offer their boats for a minimum of three days, which is just enough time to chill out. If you want one of those floating hotel rooms look to Riverfun Houseboats in Renmark or Quality Houseboats in Morgan. While the Murray has always been the Riverland region's most popular attraction, the area is fast earning a reputation as a gourmet destination. While it's not as famous as the Barossa Valley wine region, the Riverland actually produces more than half of South Australia's wine. Look for Italian varietals like petit verdot, petit manseng, vermentino, and tempranillo at Banrock Station, 919 Wines, and Burk Salter Wines. If you prefer a cleansing ale, stop by Wilkadene Brewery to sample its award winning beers in the converted shearing shed. The region's wines are perfectly paired with its fresh produce. The Riverland is famous for its citrus fruits, olives, almonds, and chocolate. Try them and other local goodies at the Riverland Farmer's Markets at the Berri Senior Citizen's Hall every Saturday morning. For something more substantial you can't beat some local pub grub. Overland Corner Hotel and Renmark Hotel offer some of the Riverland region's best.

    [Image Source: Allshots Imaging/Flickr]

  • Sky High Drinks at Lilo – Rooftop Bar in Cairns, Australia

    Rooftop bars first became popular in Miami, Florida, but these days they’re popping up all over the world. Now Australia has gotten in on the act with the launch of Lilo at the top of the Rydges Plaza in Cairns, north Queensland.

    Lilo makes the most of the warm weather that Queensland’s top end is famous for.


    Sun streams into the indoor lounge and dining areas, and shines on the folks lounging in the cabanas or by the pool outdoors. Once the sun sets the music starts pumping and candlelight bathes the bar in a romantic glow. Breakfast is served daily from 6 am, but the main draw cards are the burgers served for lunch and dinner. If you've got an appetite, prepare to take on the challenge of the Big Ass Burgers. Each one has more than 2.7 kg of beef with salad, cheese, and mayo, so prepare to share them around amongst your friends! If your palate is a bit more delicate you could order a tiny burger known as a slider, or a serve of delicious asparagus fries. The wet bar opens in the afternoon at 4 pm. The dress code is relaxed, with people enjoying drinks in their swimsuits as the sun sets. For all the cool of Miami with a distinctly Australian flavor, make sure you find time to enjoy a couple of drinks at Lilo on your next Aussie vacation.

  • Affordable South Australian Wine Tours – See Best Wineries with Alfie

    There are many tours designed to introduce tourists to South Australia’s wine regions, but few have the relaxed, personalized service of Alfie’s Wine Tours.


    Alfie leads tours to the state's premiere wine regions: the Clare and Barossa Valleys, Adelaide Hills, and the McLaren Vale. The latter tour sets off every Thursday, whether there's only one keen wine taster or a bus full. My husband and I were lucky enough to enjoy one of those private tours on a recent Adelaide vacation. There was no missing Alfie's bright yellow bus parked outside our hotel bright and early. The 45-minute drive to the McLaren Vale passed quickly as Alfie told us all about himself and encouraged us to do the same. Alfie is a debt collector by trade, but runs the wine tours as a hobby. Clearly he loves his work, meeting people from all over the country and the world and sharing his passion for a good drop. [caption id="attachment_3860" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A Barossa Valley vineyard"][/caption] His tour takes in some of the smaller wineries in the McLaren Vale, which gives wine enthusiasts the chance to taste vintages not available in their local liquor store. Penny's Hill Wines was our first stop, a friendly winery with an extensive range of whites, reds, and dessert wines. After a little early morning tasting some tucker was in order, and Alfie obliged with an antipasto platter. After some cheese and European sausages we were ready to take on Woodstock, a small family owned winery with beautiful leafy grounds and knowledgeable, bubbly staff. We couldn’t resist taking home a bottle of their very pricey, but delicious Stocks Shiraz, along with a few other drops. Australian Boutique Premium Wines was the next stop along the tour. The name sounds fancy, but this is a back-to-basics operation set inside a rustic metal shed. Owner Bob Harrison looks to support the little guy by gathering the best boutique wines from around the country to add to his range.  The simple surrounds mattered not as we treated ourselves to bubbles, stunning whites and red, and some interesting varietals. So much wine quickly took its toll, so it was great to see lunch was next on the agenda. While we busied ourselves with more tasting at Parri Estate, Alfie cooked up a two-course lunch in the winery's parklands. With bellies full it was off to Oxenberry Farm and dessert. There was the liquid kind available, including the beautiful Right Nut Liqueur Muscat, and a fruit platter and chocolate fondue served by Alfie. Needless to say, after all that indulgence we couldn't help but doze on the way back to our hotel! There are many luxury wine tours offering private experiences and limousine travel, but if you simply want to see South Australia's wineries a trip with Alfie is much more economical, and every bit as fun. Tours start from $70 per person, including lunch.

  • Eat Your Way Around Adelaide – South Australia’s Best Restaurants

    The Australian city of Adelaide is a paradise for food lovers, boasting a variety of delicious options to tempt all tastes and budgets.

    Smells from all over the globe will tease you as you walk down bustling Gouger Street.


    From traditional options like Chinese, Indian, and Greek to unusual fare from Argentina, Korea, and Vietnam, if you love to eat more than your standard meat and three veg Gouger Street has you covered. The Chinese is particularly good at Star House, which boasts the largest live tanks in all of Adelaide. There’s something a little unsettling about watching your dinner ripped from its home, but once it's brought to your table steaming it’s easy to recover. It's also worth making the trek to the far end of Gouger Street to sample the authentic Japanese delicacies of Matsuri. You can eat at tables as with any Western restaurant, or sit at the low Japanese tables in the back. Just remember to remove your shoes! The sushi boats are legendary, and it's hard to go past the tempura prawns.australia map There are also some hidden gems in Adelaide's entertainment venues. North is tucked away in the bottom of the casino, but you'd never guess you were so close to the slot machines. The service is friendly, the atmosphere vibrant, and the food flawless. Crisp pork belly, succulent kingfish croquettes, and the garlic and mascarpone-stuffed chicken breast all feel very luxurious indeed. Regatta's Bistro in the bottom of the Convention Center is another low-key dining destination that delivers. The views of the Torrens River go perfectly with a good glass of wine, delicate quail, and old fashioned fish and chips. The menu is so diverse that whether you're after an old favorite or a culinary challenge you should be impressed. But why stick to the CBD? Adelaide also has a host of great restaurants on the city's outskirts. A regular bus service can take you to Hahndorf, a German styled town nestled in the Adelaide Hills. Most restaurants embrace this European nation, particularly the German Arms Hotel in the center of town. Regular Aussie pub grub is served up alongside Bavarian fare like the German Wurst trio, the Rindsrouladen, and the massive kransky hot dog. If you'd rather head to the beach, catch the tram to Glenelg. A strip of restaurants along this bustling tourist town serves up fine fare with views to match. The tasting plates at Zucca Greek Mezze are a great idea if you can't decide just what you feel like, or you want to try a little bit of everything! I returned home from a recent trip to Adelaide with an emptier wallet, a very full belly, and lots of memories of amazing meals. I can't wait to return to taste all the other restaurants I haven't tried!

  • Surf, Snack, and De-Stress at Samudra Retreat in Western Australia

    If you want to detox, de-stress, and recharge your batteries a vacation to Samudra Retreat in Western Australia’s Margaret River may be just what the doctor ordered.

    The retreat is three hours drive from Western Australia’s capital city, Perth, but it feels a world away from the big smoke. It helps to center its guests with three key things: surfing, yoga, and food.


    Don't feel daunted if you’ve never tried any of the physical activities before; there are classes for beginners as well as seasoned surfers and yogis. Samudra founder Sheridan Hammond leads the Astanga yoga classes, passing on all he learned while practicing in India. He runs hour-long classes twice a day for guests to calm their minds and flex their body. Women's surfing champion Lisa Archer leads the surf classes at the local Smiths, Yallingup, and Indijup beach breaks. Surfing may seem very different from yoga, but Archer insists there's a natural synergy between them. She spends time teaching beginners the techniques they need on the sand before hitting the waves.surfer Once you've worked up an appetite head to Samudra's café, helmed by head chef Danny Angove. He dishes up vegetarian dishes which are much more luxurious than rabbit food. All meals are made on site using organic and biodynamic ingredients grown in Samudra's own garden. This is food that's good for your taste buds and your body. Samudra's guests stay in beach shacks at Smiths Beach Resort. Despite their rustic names, these shacks are quite luxurious. Each has outdoor barbecue and dining areas, and stunning views of the Indian Ocean. A six-night yoga and surfing retreat at Samudra starts from $2245 per person. It might sound expensive at first, but that price includes twin-share accommodation, all food, activities, and local transport. It's rare to take a vacation without all those sneaky extra expenses after all!

  • Dine in Style at Melbourne’s Colonial Tramcar Restaurant

    Melbourne’s trams are the backbone of the Victorian capital, a unique public transport system which ferries locals and travelers to the main streets and tourist sites in Melbourne’s inner city and the suburbs. But these cable cars don’t just move people about; they also provide an unusual dining opportunity at the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant.

    This quirky restaurant delivers a moving meal in more ways than one. It departs several times daily from the #125 tramstop on Normandy Road and travels around the city and suburbs as diners enjoy their meals. From $77 diners can enjoy between three and five courses, depending on the time of day they travel, and beverages from the restaurant’s fully stocked bar.

    A set menu of local gourmet cuisine is offered on each journey, including Tasmanian ocean trout, seared kangaroo loin, and Victorian farmed beef fillets. The delicious food, all-inclusive drinks package, and unique atmosphere help to justify the high costs of an evening on the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. It’s certainly not an everyday dining option, but it would be a great way for tourists to see the city, or locals to celebrate a special event.

    A meal on the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant is a fun way to experience Melbourne’s public transport history while enjoying fine contemporary cuisine.

  • Dirty Weekends Around Australia – Aussie Accommodation for Romantic Vacations

    There’s nothing like a night away with your lover to reignite that spark. When you take a trip to Australia it’s good to know the best accommodation options for the time-honored tradition of a dirty weekend.

    Sydney’s Hilton Hotel sounds like a fairly standard choice for a romantic tryst, but it offers so much more with its Provocateur package.

    This deal lives up to its sexy name, with everything you need to get your motor running. Local celebrity chef Luke Mangan offers more than oysters on his aphrodisiac-inspired degustation platter. Stripper Madam Lash knows all about the art of seduction, and she's left some tricks of the trade in your hotel room. I'm sure you can use your imagination and put the champagne, candles, feather ticklers, blindfolds, and rose petals to good use. Something tells me guests might require that late 1 pm check-out! Conrad Jupiters on the Gold Coast proudly bears the cheeky slogan "What will you get up to?" And what indeed? A stay in a casino always feels rich and sinful, whether you're mixing it with the high rollers or sharing champers and chocolate covered strawberries in your luxury suite. If love is on your mind I suggest lashing out with the romance package, which includes that bubbly and strawberries on arrival, valet parking, a full buffet breakfast for two, and a much-need late check-out.Hands making a heart The notion of sleeping out under the stars is a romantic one, until you're dealing with a thin sleeping bag, wintery chill, and curious wildlife. Longitude 131 near Uluru in the Northern Territory makes camping much more luxurious than those old family vacations. The luxuriously large eco-sensitive tents have king-sized beds with crisp white sheets. There are just 30 guests staying at any one time, so you'll almost feel like you're alone in The Outback. And you've never seen a more beautiful or romantic sight than the Northern Territory sunrise. Your lady love will feel like a fairytale princess when you whisk her away to Thorngrove Manor Hotel in Adelaide. This unique hotel feels like the stuff of fantasy with its tall towers and turrets. Each room continues the old-world theme with four-poster beds, porcelain baths, and stained glass windows. And without televisions or other high tech gadgets, you can really believe that you've stepped back to an era when we all had more time for fair maidens and matters of the heart! A stay in one of these luxurious places might be just the thing to kick-start your relationship. If only you didn't have to return to the real world!

  • Sleep At Sydney’s Taronga Zoo – Roar and Snore Experience for the Whole Family

    We’ve all spent time staring into an animal enclosure at the zoo, desperately trying to catch a glimpse of the creature the sign assures us is inside.


    But the sad truth is, many of these exotic animals are only active once the zoo closes its gates. If you want to see these critters at their best, why not pack your sleeping bags and enjoy a sleepover with a difference at Sydney's Taronga Zoo? The zoo's Roar and Snore evenings are led by fun and informative zoo keepers, who settle you into comfortable three-person tent accommodation before introducing you to the zoo's residents. You won't need to gaze at these animals from afar. The staff will let you get up close and personal with friendly animals including lizards, tortoises, wombats, and Australia's cute, cuddly koalas. They'll then lead you by torchlight on a zoo safari, where you'll see the rest of the zoo's inhabitants going about their business without the daytime crowds. Once you've worked up an appetite you will enjoy the tasty roast buffet dinner. [caption id="attachment_2951" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Australia's cutest resident, the koala"]a koala in australia[/caption] There's no better alarm clock than the squeaks, growls, and roars of hungry zoo animals keen to have breakfast. You'll watch them being fed, and meet a few more creatures before the day's visitors arrive. You're free to explore the zoo at your leisure then until the zoo closes for another day. Roar and Snore sleepovers run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night. Tickets start from $240 for adults and $185 for children, depending on the season. While this is expensive, the memories you'll make on this intimate zoo experience may be worth the splurge.