FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Australia

  • Queensland’s Cane Toad Races Strike Back Against Environmental Pests

    If you’re traveling around Australia and end up in the far north Queensland region, chances are that you’ll happen upon one of the area’s infamous cane toad races.

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    These wacky events are a crowd-pleasing way to deal with the infestation of these pesky amphibians.

    The grotesque cane toads were originally introduced into Queensland to combat the beetles which destroyed the state’s sugarcane crops. Sadly the cane toads left the beetles alone, but began to decimate the rest of the landscape. They feasted upon small wildlife, while larger creatures that saw the toads as a meal succumbed to their poisonous glands. They also bred rapidly, and spread from Queensland to other Australian states.

    Cane toad races are a way for the locals to strike back against this scourge. Race organizers collect a bucket of cane toads before the race. The toads are assigned numbers and humans who can win prizes if their toad comes out on top. It’s tradition for participants to kiss their toad for luck, although one wonders whether this makes the beasts hop any faster!

    The cane toads are covered by a bucket placed in the middle of a central area, such as a dance floor. Once the bucket is lifted the crowds go wild, encouraging their toad to leave the area first.

    cane toad
    A hated cane toad

    Once the race ends the toads are disposed of in a humane manner. Some suggest the practice is cruel, but one must remember that the cane toad is regarded as Australia’s biggest animal pest. Every toad killed helps to save the country’s native wildlife, so the races serve as a kind of community service.

    You can watch a cane toad race nightly at Port Douglas’ Iron Bar Saloon, every Sunday at Mount Tamborine’s Bearded Dragon Tavern, and on Wednesdays at the Island Tavern on Magnetic Island.

    [Image Source: Sam Fraser-Smith/Flickr]

  • Crazy Beer Can Boats at Darwin’s Beer Can Regatta

    We all know Australians enjoy a beer, but what do they do with all those empty cans? Many of them make their way to The Outback for Darwin’s annual Beer Can Regatta.

    This madcap event sees its participants making boats from empty beer cans.

    All boats must pass tests for seaworthiness before setting sail in July or August. But this is no ordinary race. Once the crews are on the water they attempt to do away with the competition in mock battles. Some of the largest boats resemble Viking ships with their fire hoses and weapons, which are always kept under wraps until the big day. While the beer boats are an adults-only affair, children are invited to take part in their own soft drink can vessels. Since the first event in 1974, the Beer Can Regatta has grown to quite a spectacle with musical performances, market stalls, tug-of-war competitions, a thong-throwing contest (that’s the footwear, not the under garments), and the Henley-on-Mindil race all part of the fun. The latter sees competitors running bottomless boats around like the cars in The Flintstones! The 2010 event will be held on August 8, so get yourself to Darwin's Mindil Beach and enjoy the craziness! Or perhaps you could get creative and enter your own beer can boat. All funds raised benefit Darwin-based charities.

  • Ride The Simpson Desert Bike Challenge in Australia, If You Dare

    Australia has a reputation as one of the toughest places on Earth, and the toughest Aussies mix it up on the sporting field. Their football players don’t wear padding, their iron men swim in waters that may or may not contain sharks, and their cyclists head to the desert. If you think you’re made of the right stuff, consider signing up for this year’s Simpson Desert Bike Challenge.

    This is not a bike race for the faint-hearted.

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    The annual race covers some 580 kilometers in the Australian Outback, with riders traveling from Purnie Bore in South Australia to Birdsville in Queensland over five days. It’s raced from the end of September through to early October, but don’t expect pleasant springtime weather. Temperatures regularly reach 30 degrees Celsius, although it can seem even hotter with the desert sun beating down. It doesn’t often rain at this time of year, although when you’re riding you might pray for it. I wouldn’t pray too hard though, as you’ll then have bogs to contend with.

    The weather conditions aren’t the only factors which make this remote race challenging. The ground of the outback isn’t like any European race course. It’s rough and rugged, almost like riding over corrugated iron. No wonder the locals call the track Satan’s Velodrome!

    If you think you’ve got the stomach for it, you can enter the Simpson Desert Bike Challenge using the online entry form. It costs a several hundred dollars to take part, but monies raised benefit the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

  • Australia Wants You to Come Work, Study, and Play

    Thousands of young people are lured to Australia’s surf beaches and cosmopolitan capital cities each year, but few take advantage of all this vast country has to offer.

    The land is so large, that most tourists only manage to scrape the surface before they go home.

    Tourism Australia has put together Australia.com, a vital resource for travelers looking to spend time Down Under. The website details discount flights, and vacation packages which pair flights with accommodation and experiences to help visitors enjoy further savings. While Australia.com caters for leisure tourists, it reminds international travelers of options for extended Australian stays.

    “The ability to go to Australia for up to 12 months, get a job and experience our unique and diverse adventures is very appealing to many young Americans. And what could be a more enjoyable way of adding to one’s resume?” said Tourism Australia Vice President Americas Daryl Hudson.

    There are two main options for young tourists: Study and Work and Holiday visas.

    The Work and Holiday visa is the ideal solution for travelers hoping to experience the true Australia. This visa allows young people to stay in Australia for up to a year, which is ample time to soak up the country’s culture and attractions while gaining extra cash and valuable life experience.

    Organizing such a vacation can be a daunting process, but Australia.com has all the information you need to know, including information about short-term visas and their criteria.

    While it’s possible to organize your visas, flights, accommodation, and activities alone, companies like STA Travel make the process much simpler. Look to them for cheap flights to Australia. Billing itself as “the youth travel expert,” STA Travel spokesperson Patrick Evans says his firm tailors “experiences filled with adventure, discovery and personal growth” for its young clientele.

    “Not only can we usually provide the cheapest price on airfare to Australia,” explained Mr. Evans, “we also have the travel experts with the experience necessary to help you plan your trip.”

    While STA Travel is happy to organize a simple sightseeing trip, it can also help those young people hoping to work Down Under, whether their dream is “working as a bartender in Sydney to getting certified as a surfing instructor.”

    The company can organize your Work and Holiday visa, help you make job connections, and offer discounts on flights, accommodation, and attractions.

    Ever heard of a ‘gap’ year in Australia?

    Hit the road on a Work and Holiday Visa, fund your travels as you go. Live like a local and be a bartender, lifeguard, ranch hand then roadtrip in the Outback or dive into the Great Barrier Reef. Learn more at Tourism Australia’s site, Australia.com/workandplay

    While STA stands for Student Travel Association, its services are not restricted to high school and college students. Teachers and anyone aged under 26 can enjoy STA Travel’s services.

    There are many reasons young globetrotters should consider Australia as a destination, whether for leisure or a working vacation.

    visit Australia
    visit Australia

    “Australians speak English, so it is often easier for Americans and Brits to integrate with the locals and you don’t have to carry around a language book,” Evans explained. He also says that Australia’s work and holiday visa program is one of the best you’ll find.

    “Their Work and Holiday Visa allows you to work in the country for an entire year. It is the perfect gap year after graduating from high school or college and by working while you are traveling, you can help defray the costs.”

    While getting an internship at home may be easier you will get a lot of great life experience by extending yourself and working abroad. Plus, the experience will really stand out on your resume.

    One great way for young people to find cheap airfares to Australia, and accommodation for their stay, is to check STA Travel’s website often. The company offers exclusive discounts on flights and accommodation around the world, including Australia. American travelers might also consult Australia.com, as the website posts the latest specials from its partner, V Australia. These flights from Los Angeles to major Australian capitals and tourist centers can then be booked at the same discounted rate through STA Travel.

    Visit the Outback in Australia
    Visit the Outback in Australia

    There are many accommodation options in Australia, and your reason for visiting will determine the best selection for you. Hostels are the ideal choice for a short getaway, and Australia’s are some of the world’s best.

    “Australia has some of the nicest hostels in the world,” Evans enthused. “The Nomads Byron Bay Backpackers Hostel and the Base Hostel in Sydney are some of the nicest hostels you will find anywhere.”

    He advises travelers working in a region to look for longer-term accommodation in their location, such as apartments or share houses.

    Australia is a vast land, so Mr. Evans advises tourists spending only a week or two to focus on traveling around one specific area, such as Western Australia’s Outback, or cities like Melbourne or Sydney. Visitors on the Work and Holiday visa program with more time to explore may like to try one of STA Travel’s Oz Experience passes. Visitors on the Work and Holiday visa program with more time to explore may like to try one of STA Travel’s Oz Experience passes.

    “On the Oz Experience bus, you can hop on and hop off when you want and where you want. You can choose from a pass for a specific area like the East Coast or get a pass that you can use to tour the entire continent,” Mr. Evans explained.

    Australia offers plenty of landmarks for travelers to see and places to explore, but Mr. Evans suggests adding the following to your travel itinerary.

    “Bondi Beach and Byron Bay are a must see for those who enjoy the water. If you’re into hiking, head to the Northern Territory and check out Uluru and Kata Tjuta. But don’t forget about the Great Barrier Reef when you visit Queensland.”

    A trip to Australia takes a lot of planning, whether it’s for work or leisure purposes, but the staff at STA Travel and the information provided through Australia.com can help make it easier. There are STA Travel offices in major cities and regional centers around the world, so consult their website to find one near you.

  • Swim With Dolphins in Port Stephens, Australia

    Port Stephens, on the New South Wales north coast, is known as the dolphin capital of Australia.

    Pods of these intelligent marine creatures swim close to the coastal region's 26 beaches. You might spot one as you’re catching a wave, but for a more personal experience consider joining a Dolphin Swim Australia tour. While some zoos and marine parks allow guests to swim with their dolphins, this tour is the only one in Australia which lets you swim with Pacific Common dolphins in their natural habitat. A catamaran takes you through the Port Stephens heads to an area known as the Gravel Patch, just off Broughton Island. Guests on the tour are all eager to be the first to spot a dolphin, and tour organizers suggest the dolphins are just as excited to see the boat.swim with a dolphin It's not unusual to swim with around 20 dolphins swarming about you. They have no fear of humans, and seem delighted to have new playmates to share the waters with. You might have read about dolphins in textbooks or watched them at the zoo, but an experience like this is the best way to really learn about these fascinating creatures. Note - our partner site JobMonkey includes an animal jobs eBook full of interesting facts about working with animals. Dolphin Swim Australia tours are open to anyone aged 12 years and over. They cost $229 per swimmer for a four-hour tour and use of a wetsuit, mask, and fins. Observers can also board the boat for $60. Tours run most weekends, and during weekdays on demand. They do leave early at 6 am, but this time is perfect for enjoying dolphins at their most active.

  • Australia Hostels Provide Lodging for Budget Travelers

    Tourism Australia’s website Australia.com offers comprehensive advice to travelers looking to enjoy the sun, surf, and sand of the land Down Under. The site helps tourists save money on flights, through deals with budget carrier V Australia.

    The website also provides affordable deals on vacation packages, which combine flights, accommodation, and activities to help tourists save cash.

    These travel packages are ideal for travelers who want to enjoy some of Australia’s most popular activities. However, those who want to linger in one place a little longer, or stray from the well worn tourist path, should consider the affordable accommodation that Australia’s hostels can provide.

    While many are called youth hostels, these inexpensive accommodation options welcome travelers of any age and background. Similarly, many hostels in Australia are known as “backpackers.” However, guests do not need to carry their belongings in a backpack to stay there. In Australia, the term “backpacker” can simply be thought of as “budget traveler.”

    Hostel accommodation tends to be basic, but it is typically clean, secure, and conveniently located close to major attractions and public transport. The cheapest rooms are shared, with guests sleeping on bunk beds in dormitory style. However, guests can pay more for the privacy of individual rooms if they prefer. These rooms often have en suite bathrooms too, although this is dependent on the hostel.

    Whichever room configuration you opt for, there will be few in-room luxuries although most hostels provide access to television and high-speed Internet in common areas. They also typically have a common kitchen where guests can save cash by preparing their own meals. Perfect if you’re in town on a work or holiday visa for several months.

    The most expensive hostels are located in the center of major cities, including Sydney and Melbourne. Many travelers feel it’s worth spending more for the convenience of walking to major attractions and stumbling back after a night of bar hopping. However, you can save some cash by bedding down in the city’s suburban outskirts. You will need to negotiate public transport to see the sights, but many travelers enjoy staying in these quieter neighborhoods. Both options have their advantages, so consider your tastes and budget when making your decision.

    Australia Hostels for Budget Travelers
    Australia Hostels for Budget Travelers

    What hostels lack in luxuries they make up for in fun. Some suggest that the “s” in hostel actually stands for social! Most hostels organize regular activities designed to help guests meet fellow travelers from around the world and immerse themselves in local culture. Common activities include barbeques, pub crawls, and even crab races!

    If you’re looking for things to do during the day, most Australian hostels can organize that too. Many run their own day tours or have agreements with reputable touring groups. These allow guests to see all the local area has to offer at a reduced rate.

    Gone are the days of hostel curfews. Most modern hostels are open 24 hours, and those that aren’t typically allow guests to enter the building after hours using an electronic key. This gives tourists the opportunity the chance to experience Australia’s famous pub culture without worrying about being locked out of their accommodation.

    While hostels primarily cater to young tourists and students, they have also become increasingly popular with elderly travelers, known in Australia as “gray nomads,” and families. Children are generally permitted to stay when supervised by a responsible adult, although parents should confirm this with the hostel before checking in.

    YHA Australia is the largest hostel network in the country. It boasts hostels in all capital cities and popular regional tourist destinations. If you intend to stay in several YHA hostels, it’s worth becoming a YHA member. Membership starts from $32 a year, and entitles the holder to discounts on YHA accommodation worldwide, international travel insurance, transport, attractions, and more.

    BASE has backpacker hostels located down the Australian East Coast. The chain is committed to delivering high-quality accommodation which exceeds backpackers’ expectations of safety and cleanliness. Their clean rooms and fully made-up beds are paired with legendary bars and comfortable common areas.

    The affordable prices hostels offer mean they get very busy during peak periods. To avoid disappointment ensure you book your rooms well in advance. Most major hostels are happy to take booking several months before your intended date of arrival in Australia.

    Australia.com has many suggestions of tourist activities in Australia, from rocking out in music festivals to catching the big waves at the country’s surf beaches. No matter where your heart, or sense of adventure, takes you there’s bound to be a hostel nearby.

  • Visit Serene Bruny Island, Tasmania’s Best Kept Secret

    Bruny Island, located off the coast of Tasmania, may be one of Australia’s best kept secrets.

    The island measures about 72 square kilometers, roughly the same size as Singapore. But while the Asian nation is a hive of activity, life travels much more slowly on Bruny Island. And that’s just how the 650-odd locals like it.

    Sunset on Bruny Island
    Sunset on Bruny Island

    The accommodation is strictly self-contained, which should suit the kind of travelers attracted to this laidback location. Guests are left to their own devices, free to enjoy their vacation at their own pace.

    There are few stores on Bruny Island, so if you hope to make use of your accommodation’s kitchen you’ll need to bring your own supplies. These can be supplemented with the area’s local produce. Get your fresh oysters from Get Shucked, whose mobile van is open daily during summer and on Mondays and Thursdays in winter. These oysters are prized by restaurants on the mainland, and you’ll enjoy them at their freshest. There are also several wineries and cheese makers on the island.

    If you’d prefer to let someone else do the work, consider visiting the Hothouse Café. This charming eatery is located within a nursery greenhouse, so it’s a joy to visit on chilly winter days. Owner Fiona Morrison’s herb damper is legendary around these parts. The Bruny Island Pie Parlour and Gallery is another local institution. More than your average meat pie, the parlor serves up gourmet pastries made from scallops, venison, rabbit, emu, camel, and smoked salmon! They can satisfy your sweet tooth too with their famous apple and blackberry pies.

    Wander about Hilba Gardens, ten hectares of English-styled parklands featuring the rhododendron walk and tranquil lake. Once you’ve walked up an appetite make sure you visit the Bruny Chocolate and Fudge Factory for some sweet treats.

    Tasmania isn’t often thought of as a surfing destination, but the waves crashing in from the Southern Ocean make for some pretty spectacular swell. Cloudy Bay Beach, located within the South Bruny National Park, has the area’s best breaks.

    While on Bruny Island make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the white Bennett’s wallabies, a cute critter not found anywhere else in the world. These painted wallabies look like albinos, but their dark eyes dispel that myth. With no natural predators, they’ve simply got no need for a camouflaged coat!

    The Bruny Island Ferry leaves Kettering daily at 7 am. The journey takes 15 minutes and costs $28 for a return fare.

    [Image Source: Neil’s Photography/Flickr]

  • Romance in Australia – Down Under Destinations for Love

    Australia may not have the romantic reputation of France or Italy, but that doesn’t mean they don’t know a thing or two about love Down Under.

    If you want to spend some quality time with a special someone, or even pop the question, here are some Aussie destinations worth considering. Wineglass Bay in Tasmania has arguably the best vista in Australia. The curved coastline and clear water are the stuff romance is made off. It will take an hour to reach the look-out on foot, but think of it as more time to spend with the object of your affection! A hike up Mount Kosciusko in the New South Wales Snowy Mountains puts you on top of Australia, literally. The country's highest peak may not hold a candle to the tall summits in other nations, but that only makes it easier for the average person to climb. And if you've never scaled any of the great mountains of the world, you'll still be impressed by the view!romantic spots in australia Oak Beach in Port Douglas is a bit of a local secret, but that makes it perfect for an intimate picnic lunch. It's likely that you'll have the place to yourself, so pack a gourmet hamper and a bottle of bubbly and enjoy the serenity. The thermal waters and waterfalls of Poppy's Pools are the stuff that romance is made of. This beautiful secluded spot is nestled in the bushland of the Northern Territory’s Cape Crawford. For the ultimate in luxury, contact the Cape Crawford Tourism. They'll fly you in by helicopter and ensure you can enjoy the pools in absolute privacy. A list about romance in Australia would not be complete without mentioning Heart Reef in the Whitsundays. It's almost clichéd, but flying over the heart-shaped island is likely to make even the most hardened cynic melt.

  • Vegemite, Kangaroo, and Other Far Out Australian Foods

    The thought of chowing down on Vegemite, and kangaroo might turn your stomach, but when visiting Australia consider sampling these local delicacies and many more.

    At nearly 90 years old, Vegemite is an Australian institution.

    22 million jars of the thick brown spread are sold in Australia each year, but it’s often feared by foreign tourists. The key to enjoying Vegemite is to use it sparingly. Its intense, salty flavor can be overwhelming, but a thin layer on toast or crackers can taste delicious. Some restaurants also use the spread in their marinades and sauces. It complements most meats well, so don’t be scared to try some! Meat pies are another icon which has been eaten in Australia since the 1800s. They’re perfect for warming you up during a football match in winter, or for a quick meal on the run. A meat pie is made from a mix of beef mince and gravy enclosed in a flaky pastry casing. They’re traditionally served smothered in ketchup, or tomato sauce as the locals call it. Harry’s Café de Wheels has made the humble meat pie big business, but you will be able to find a meat pie at any Aussie bakery or gas station.australia travel highlight Australia is one of the few countries in the world that happily munches upon its iconic animals. Kangaroo, emu, and crocodile, commonly make their way on to restaurant menus around the country. Kangaroo is particularly popular as it's so high in protein and low in fat. With just one calorie per gram, it’s a great option for diet-conscious tourists! As it's so lean, kangaroo is best served rare as you would venison. Its flavor is somewhat like beef, although it’s a bit earthier. Surprisingly emu has a similar, beefy taste to kangaroo. It's also a nutritious choice with plenty of protein and few calories. Crocodile tastes somewhere between chicken and turkey. This white meat is similar in texture to pork, and when cooked right will be very tender. It’s also low in cholesterol, so great for those watching their weight. Australia has all of the dining options you'd find in any Western country, but where's the fun in that? Make sure you dare to be different and sample some of these unique foods during your stay Down Under.

  • Australia’s Best Beaches You’ve Never Heard Of

    Australia is famous for many things including its cuddly wildlife, its friendly locals, and its white sandy beaches. Whether you want to catch some waves or perfect your tan, chances are you’ll spend some part of your getaway Down Under enjoying the sun, surf, and sand. Bondi Beach and the coastline of Surfers Paradise grab all the headlines, but the best beaches in Australia are much lower key. If you want to beat the crowds and hang with the locals, here are a few breaks to consider.

    Whitehaven Beach in Queensland
    Whitehaven Beach in Queensland

    Whitehaven Beach is one of the most isolated, and most breathtaking, beaches in Queensland. You’ll need to hop a 15-minute flight to Airlie Beach to reach this picturesque spot located on the eastern side of Whitsunday Island. But the journey is worth it for the miles of pristine white sand which stretch before you. This is a special location in the popular Whitsundays tourist stretch, a place clear of resorts and foot traffic.

    Three hours from Sydney’s tourist track you’ll find Hyams Beach, a Jervis Bay beach that is every bit as beautiful as is innercity counterparts. In fact, the Guinness Book of Records says the sand at Hyams Beach is the whitest in the world. Less than 100 people live in the seaside village, which is a big reason behind its appeal. Without the crowds of these more popular spots, Hyams is teeming with wildlife. If you’re after more sun and sand, visit Chinaman’s Beach to the north and Seaman’s Beach to the south.

    Bells Beach is the most well known of the beaches on this list, but it deserves its place. Many say that the beach has the most perfect waves in the world, and the surfers who participate in the annual Rip Curl Pro competition probably wouldn’t disagree.


    There's a reason why Patrick Swayze's character in Point Break made a pilgrimage to this Australian locale! When it comes to beaches, the East Coast tends to get all of the attention, but that simply means that the locals are free to enjoy the beauty of Western Australia's Cable Beach uninterrupted. Drive 10 minutes from Broome and you'll stumble across this tropical seaside haven. If you want to linger a little longer make sure you check out the beachside bungalows and deluxe suites of Cable Beach Club Resort. Tasmania is a state more famous for its chilly weather and lush mountain landscapes than its beaches, but it's also home to Wineglass Bay. While it sounds like a place to sample Tasmania's iconic pinot noir, Wineglass Beach has some of the clearest waters and whitest sands in the country. It's ideal for children, as they can spot easily shells in the transparent sheltered waters. There's nothing wrong with visiting the most popular tourist beaches, but if you want to relax by the ocean consider taking the path less traveled.