FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: australia travel

  • The Rocks Self-Guided Walking Tour – Discover Sydney’s Historic Heart

    Sydney vacation companies offer plenty of tours designed to introduce you to New South Wales’ capital.

    While these excursions are informative and entertaining, they're also costly. So why not save your dollars in Sydney and enjoy a self-guided tour instead? One of the best places for exploring is The Rocks, a district regarded as the birthplace of modern Australia. Captain Arthur Phillip landed here in 1788, and it's been growing ever since. Happily though, the area celebrates its heritage with historic buildings which remember its past. Circular Quay is an easy place to start your journey. It has bus stops, a train station, and ferry wharf, so it's one of the most accessible places in Sydney. The iconic sights of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge let you know you're in the right spot. Travel north past the Museum of Contemporary Art to the first historic building on our tour, Cadman's Cottage. Cadman's Cottage is one of Australia's oldest surviving buildings. It was originally built in 1816 to house the state governor's coxswain and crew, but today is home to the National Parks and Wildlife Service Information Center. You can visit for free every day except Mondays, Christmas, and Good Friday. Across the road from the Overseas Passenger Terminal you'll see a row of warehouses. Today they're office spaces and restaurants, so it's amazing to think they too were built in colonial times. You'll see some steps which will take you to the main area of The Rocks. Head west on Argyle Street and you'll find The Rocks Center, a great source of information about The Rocks and the rest of Sydney. If you're not sure what to do while you're in the city, this is the place to come. If you continue along Argyle you’ll come to the Argyle Cut, a deep rock cutting through sandstone which offers access to Darling Harbour and Millers Point. It's amazing to think that convicts did the bulk of this work with only chisels and hammers in 1843. Explosives finished the job in 1867. At the turn of the 20th century it was a popular hangout for gangsters and lowlifes, but it’s happily been cleaned up since then! Continue on to The Garrison Church, located at the corner of Argyle Street and Lower Fort Road. It began its life in 1840 as a military church, and plaques hanging on the walls remind us of this history. [caption id="attachment_5280" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Argyle Cut at Night"]Argyle Cut at Night[/caption] After all that walking you're probably tired and a bit thirsty. So why not do as the locals do and enjoy a schooner of beer at the Hero of Waterloo Hotel. The convict-built Irish pub has been one of Sydney's most popular watering holes since 1843. Local drops including Tooheys New, Carlton Draught, and James Squire go down easy, so this hotel is a great place to end your Rocks walking tour!

    [Image Source: Angus Fraser/Flickr]

  • See Art for Free at National Gallery of Victoria

    The National Gallery of Victoria is so full of art, it needed two campuses in Melbourne to house it all.

    The NGV International and its sister site, the Ian Potter Centre, are home to a stunning array of international and Australian pieces. The National Gallery of Victoria on St Kilda Road opened with a modest collection in 1968. Today it's doubled in size and been rechristened NGV International. The new moniker reflects its focus on art from around the globe. There are more than 60, 000 pieces from artists in America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, making NGV International's collection arguably the largest assortment of international art in Australia. Stroll across the Princess Bridge and you'll reach Federation Square and the Ian Potter Center. It was named after the late Sir Ian Potter, a prominent Melbourne businessman and long time supporter of the arts. It's thought that the site is the world's first major gallery exclusively celebrating Australia's contribution to the global art scene. Indigenous art from William Barak and Emily Kngwarreye, colonial pieces from Frederick McCubbin and Tom Roberts, and modern works from Sidney Nolan, Arthur Boyd, and John Perceval are amongst more than 20, 000 Australian artworks housed here. Admission to The National Gallery of Victoria is free, although some additional charges may apply for traveling exhibitions. The campuses open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, although NGV International closes on Mondays, and the Ian Potter Center closes on Tuesdays. Both sites are closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday, and open from 1 pm on Anzac Day.

  • See Sydney on the Cheap – Budget Australia Travel Tips

    After watching Oprah Winfrey and her ultimate viewers climb the Harbour Bridge and take in the Botanic Gardens, travelers around the world are dying to do the same.

    But it's worth pausing before booking your flight to Sydney. Australia is a long way from anywhere, so getting there isn't cheap. The New South Wales capital is also one of the most expensive for tourists in the world. But don't let that deter you from your dream vacation Down Under. With a little insider knowledge, it's possible to have a great time without spending a small fortune. You can save a bit on those airfares and accommodation with some careful planning. While the idea of spending summer days on Bondi Beach sounds glamorous, many tourists don't realize how hot and humid the weather gets between November and February. These months are Sydney's peak travel season, so visit outside these times and you'll enjoy discounts and a more pleasant climate. Sydney caters for all kinds of travelers, with accommodation options from backpacker hostels to plush five-star hotels. The well-kept hostels are ideal for anyone satisfied with a clean place to sleep and little else. Serviced apartments with laundries and kitchens are also a great option for travelers looking to cut costs while enjoying a little more luxury. Sydney's restaurants are pricier than you’ll find in New South Wales' country towns, but they're more affordable than those in Paris or New York. Avoid the big restaurants on Sundays and public holidays, as they'll often tack on a 10% service charge. For cheap eats, enjoy Sydney's multicultural influences in Chinatown, Cabramatta, and Leichardt. The city's best seafood can be found at the Sydney Fish Market, where it's served up straight from the boat at a number of casual and affordable cafes. While hopping cabs can be pricy, Sydney's public transport system is cheap and easy to navigate. Multi-fare passes can be used on the city's trains, buses, and ferries to help you save. Australia piggy bankAnd if you're staying in the CBD, you can just hop on the free city shuttle! It's possible to see much of Sydney with the family without paying a cent. Most of the city's museums and national parks offer free entry, and there's usually a free festival celebrating something on weekends. While it's pricy to climb the Harbour Bridge as Oprah did, it's free to stroll the pedestrian walkway across it. The views aren't quite as spectacular, but your wallet will feel a lot fuller. Once the sun sets you can head to bars like The Sandringham, The Lansdowne, and The Beach Road to enjoy some free live music. Just be prepared to pay for the beers!

  • See Sydney’s Historic Buildings for Less with Travel Through Time Pass

    Sydney is one of Australia’s oldest cities, so it’s no surprise to learn it’s home to some of the country’s most historic buildings.

    //

    You can see these sites for less with the Historic Houses Trust Ticket Through Time.

    This discounted admission pass allows travelers to visit all 12 museums overseen by the trust. These include the Hyde Park Barracks, Governor’s House, and the Museum of Sydney. You won’t need to rush through them either, as the pass gives tourists three months to appreciate the ancient architecture, stroll about the meticulous gardens, and discover the stories of these prominent sites.

    The passes cost $30 for adults, $15 for children and concession card holders, and $60 for families visiting Sydney. With most buildings charging between $8 and $10 for individual adult admissions, those savings can add up quickly.

    Sydney's Government House
    Sydney's Government House

    But it’s worth visiting the Historic Houses Trust website and planning your visit first. The Mint and Government House are both free to visit, so if you don’t want to see much more than these you’ll come out ahead by buying individual passes.

    The package is a great idea for history buffs though, or anyone wanting to learn more about what makes Sydney the city it is today. Buy your Ticket Through Time from any Historic Houses Trust building except Government House.

    [Image Source: Neal Jennings/Flickr]

  • Travel Around Melbourne for Free on the City Circle Tram

    The Victorian city of Melbourne is home to the largest tram network in the world, and these electric cable cars are a wonderful way to get about the capital.

      Visitors are spoiled with free travel to many major sights on the City Circle Tram. The tram follows a rectangular circuit which passes Melbourne Aquarium, Federation Square, Etihad Sports Stadium, Parliament House, and other key Melbourne tourist attractions. On board commentary informs travelers of points of interest ahead, and you can hop off at any stop for a closer look. Once you're done it's never too long until the distinctive maroon-brown colored tram comes to collect you. It arrives roughly every 12 minutes between 10 am and 6 pm most days and until 9 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. However it does not run on Christmas Day, or Good Friday. The Melbourne City Circle tram is similar to Sydney's Explorer bus, but it has the advantage of being completely free!

    [Image Source: Adityo Saputra/Flickr]

    [caption id="attachment_5131" align="aligncenter" width="150"]Melbourne City Circle Tram Melbourne City Circle Tram[/caption]

  • Glamping in Australia – Luxury Alternative to Camping

    If you love the idea of saving money on a camping vacation but just can’t bear the thought of losing all your luxuries, then a new holiday movement may be for you.

    Glamping is putting the glamor into camping! Australia is one of the best places to glamp, with many holiday spots embracing this upscale alternative to roughing it. A glamping holiday in Australia celebrates the rugged beauty of the great outdoors without sacrificing style. You'll enjoy flushing toilets, piping hot showers, and comfortable bedding. Those creature comforts make glamping more expensive than traditional camping, but it can also be more affordable than a resort stay. Australia has several accommodation spots paving the way for this new vacation trend. In the Northern Territory, glampers flock to Longitude 131. The air-conditioned tents, complete with mini bars and sound systems, are a wonderful refuge from that infamous Outback heat. The elevated tents keep snakes and other nasties at bay, and the view of Uluru can't be beaten. [caption id="attachment_5068" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Tents at Longitude 131"]Tents at Longitude 131[/caption] The Great Barrier Reef is another natural wonder made for glampers. The six tents of Wilson Island all offer reef and ocean views. You'll pay a bit more for that level of exclusivity, but where else can a group of friends rent out an entire island? While it's a small cay, it doesn’t skimp on features. Each tent has its own king-sized bed, a private shower, and solar power to keep the water hot. If that level of exclusivity is appealing, you may also like to visit Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. Many locals actually regard Ningaloo's coral reef as a smaller, but no less impressive, alternative to the Great Barrier Reef. Its glamping spot is just as impressive too, with five wilderness tents set just a stone's throw from the water. Each one is kitted out with en-suite bathrooms, plush towels, and solar power. There aren’t any televisions or telephones, but there is cell phone coverage if you insist on staying connected. Personally though, I'd just soak up that beach-side location. New South Wales has Paperback Camp, a bush retreat nestled in Jervis Bay. It's just two hours from Sydney, but you'll feel a world away from the big smoke when you're enjoying dinner by candlelight and a massage in your tent! You can hike through the mangrove forests and canoe down the river by day, then retreat to your solar powered tent for a steaming hot shower! When you set off for your glamping adventure, make sure you remember your own luxuries. A bottle of champagne or two and some gourmet camping recipes will ensure you're really holidaying in style!

  • Old Fashioned Amusements at Sydney’s Luna Park

    It may not have the theme parks of the Gold Coast, but Sydney holds its own with Luna Park, a historic amusement center originally opened in 1935.

    Walk through the eerily smiling entrance to try the mix of old fashioned rides and more contemporary attractions. The 40-meter ferris wheel offers amazing views of Sydney Harbour, while the Power Surge should get your heart pumping. But I wouldn't try the spinning rotor or flipping Moon Ranger after lunch if I were you! Tamer tastes are satisfied at Maloney's Corner, the kids section featuring a Magic Castle, Whirly Wheel, and U-Drive cars. [caption id="attachment_5039" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The entrance to Sydney"]The entrance to Sydney's Luna Park[/caption] Entry to the park is free, so you can spend as much or as little as you like. That's great for parents simply accompanying their ride-mad kids, or anyone with a low threshold for adrenalin. The park is on the small side though, and there are none of the mascots we see in larger parks. But if you just want rides without the frills, Luna Park makes for a great day out. Ride enthusiasts are best served with an unlimited rides pass, as those single tickets quickly add up. You can also save money by visiting during the off-peak periods. While the park doesn't open as late, and you'll miss out on a few traveling rides, the extra cash in your wallet should make those sacrifices worthwhile.

    [Image Source: Neal Jennings/Flickr]

  • Australian Vacation Alternatives – Take the Tourist Trail Less Traveled

    Just like any other country, Australia has its well-worn tourist paths. These locations contain all the attractions that brochures insist you must see, and their facilities are set up ready to fleece the gullible tourists.

    While there's no doubt these spots give travelers a good time, they’re also crowded and expensive. In this article we offer some alternatives that are just as much fun, without the crowds and high overheads. The Gold Coast of Australia is Queensland's tourist center, but you'll find much the same thing at a more relaxed pace at Coffs Harbour. The beaches are first rate, and once the sun goes down the nightlife is just as satisfying. Coffs is missing the Gold Coast's big theme parks, but the kids won't be bored. Just as they could at Seaworld, they can meet dolphins and seals at the Pet Porpoise Pool. And the waterslides and toboggan rides at the Big Banana are a suitable substitute for a day at Wet 'n' Wild. The Great Barrier Reef is truly awesome, but it can get crowded, particularly during the school holidays. Ningaloo Reef on the other side of the country is smaller, but every bit as beautiful. And as it’s a bit of a local secret, it's never as busy as Queensland's natural wonder. It offers all the same leisure activities too, from amazing Australia snorkeling and diving to relaxed boat cruises. Uluru is Australia's most famous rock, but most tourists don't realize it's not Australia's biggest. If you want to see that, head west to Burringurah at Mount Augustus. I won’t pretend it’s as beautiful, but its sheer size of 730 meters is impressive. And unlike Uluru, the indigenous people don't mind if you climb it! The rock is located 320 kilometers from the nearest town of Carnavon, but it's not like Uluru is exactly accessible, is it?Australia globe photo Byron Bay was once Australia’s hippie capital, but these days it's teeming with backpackers and city slickers keen to commune with nature for a weekend or two. The stores selling overpriced incense are another real turnoff for anyone who wants to take it easy. While Byron may have sold out, Denmark in Western Australia still embodies the spirit of free love. There are quirky stores to browse, artistic types to talk to, and some excellent beaches within an easy drive. Thousands of tourists travel to Phillip Island in Victoria to see Australia's largest colony of fairy penguins parade up the beach at dusk. When I visited as a child this was an intimate encounter with some of nature's cutest birds, but these days it’s a bit of a circus. Thankfully we can still enjoy the old-fashioned penguin parades of my youth at Montague Island. A small boatload of guests witnesses the country's second largest fairy penguin colony make their way to their nests each night. I'm sure these tiny birds appreciate the extra privacy they receive here! So why not take the road less traveled? You'll come home with personal stories unlike other tourists, and a few extra dollars in your wallet!

  • Save on Australian & New Zealand Vacations with Entertainment Book

    Many families own the Entertainment Book for their home town. It’s a great way to save money on your neighborhood restaurants and local attractions.

    But why stop at just one? Purchasing an Entertainment Book for your upcoming Australian or New Zealand getaway is a great way to save cash while you're on holidays. The Entertainment Book is essentially a collection of coupons for local businesses. You'll find two-for-one meals, passes for tourist attractions, half-price hotels, and so much more. There are editions for tourist centers around Australia and New Zealand, including the bright lights of Sydney, the beaches of Brisbane and South East Queensland, the idyllic Waikato and the Bay of Plenty, and cosmopolitan Auckland. You can expect to pay around $50 per Entertainment Book, depending on the city you're visiting. It might seem like a significant investment, but ordinary travelers can easily make the cost of the book back in a day just through eating out.Australia travel photo The book's appeal goes beyond the obvious financial perks though. It's a great way to discover your holiday destination, with details about tourist attractions and sample menus for the best restaurant. You'll likely learn about a few places you never would have seen otherwise. If you already own an Entertainment Book, you'll save money on getting another edition. If you're new to the Entertainment Book phenomenon, you can buy one through the Australia and New Zealand Entertainment Book website.

  • The Great Australian Road Trip – See Real Oz by Campervan or Motorhome

    A trip to the land Down Under can be pricy, but you can cut costs while you’re there by combining your transport and accommodation.

    Renting a campervan or motorhome gives your vacation all the freedom of the open road, with more luxury than you might expect. As the name suggests, motorhomes are luxuriously large and quite plush. They feature kitchen facilities, comfortable beds for sleeping, and in many cases, even bathrooms. However, they typically only have two-wheel drive. This makes them inappropriate for off-road driving, so consider your route carefully before booking your vehicle. They're ideal for an easy trip down The Great Ocean Road, but they won't allow you to explore the rugged beauty of the Australian Outback. For that you'll need a campervan, with either four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). 4WDs are the most powerful option, but they're also the most expensive to hire. You can take an AWD vehicle to most places a 4WD will go, so unless you're tackling some really challenging terrain they'll likely suit your purposes. Both kinds of vehicles will come equipped with beds and a kitchenette, so you can pull off the road to make lunch or stop for a nap. [caption id="attachment_2842" align="alignright" width="150" caption="See Australia's Outback by road"]Australian Road Trip[/caption] Traveling off road is very different to ordinary driving, so it's smart to take a few safety precautions. If you've never driven off-road before, completing a driving course before you leave can help you learn what to expect, and how to handle all kinds of conditions. Where possible, travel with friends in a convoy. Roads in many parts of Australia can be lonely, so it's comforting to know you can jump into another vehicle to travel to the next town if yours breaks down. Your campervan should also be fully stocked with safety equipment including a snatch strap and shovel for vehicle recovery, an emergency beacon, and a satellite phone. And remember to always check the weather and conditions of the road ahead before you set off. Road trips don't offer the same level of luxury as a resort stay, but they're a great way to cut vacation costs while seeing the real Australia.