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Tag: australia travel

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Swim with Sea Lions in South Australia

    We’ve all heard of swimming with dolphins, and even swimming with whales.


    But one South Australian company allows you to swim with a furrier marine creature on their swim with sea lions tours. Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience is located in Baird Bay, a tiny coastal town on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula. Just 8 people lived here at last count, including Eco Experience owners Alan and Patricia Payne. They regard the wild sea lions like their children, and just like any proud parents love to arrange play dates with interested guests. The Australian sea lion is a species indigenous to the land Down Under, although it shares many similarities with other sea lions around the world. Unlike other sea lion species though they have no set breeding season, so keep your eyes peeled for pups while you're swimming with these beautiful animals! Sea lions are naturally curious and love to play in the shallow tide pool which protects them, and their human guests, from sharks. Pups may be shy at first, but before too long they'll happily nuzzle your hands and enjoy a good stroke! [caption id="attachment_4296" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A pair of Australian sea lions"]A pair of Australian sea lions[/caption] An hour can seem like a moment when you're spending time with these friendly sea creatures, and before too long it’ll be time to return to dry land, filled with the memories of the special experience you’ve shared. Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience swim tours run daily from September 1 until May 31 each year. It costs $140 for swimming adults, and $70 for children 15 years and under. Non swimming adults can watch from the boat for $100. The tour price includes the hire of wetsuits and snorkeling gear. While tickets can be purchased from the Marine Mammal Information Center before departure, it’s advisable to book your place during peak times to avoid disappointment.

  • Sydney for Kids on a Budget – Free Family Friendly Attractions in New South Wales

    Australia’s school holidays are looming, which is enough to fill any parent with dread. The kids will want to be entertained, but it needn’t cost you a fortune.

    Sydney residents can enjoy a staycation and soak up all the free activities in their own backyard. Museums are always a great option for families looking to save cash, with many offering free entry and enough exhibitions to keep folks entertained all day. For a journey back in time, look to The Rocks Discovery Museum tucked away in Kendall Lane, just off Argyle Street. Archival film and archaeological artifacts bring historic Sydney back to life in a way that's engaging for kids and adults. For a day out with a more nautical theme, head to the Australian National Maritime Museum. This free museum always runs school holiday programs especially designed to entertain its youngest visitors. This time around little ones can learn all about the travels of Sindbad the Sailor through, arts, crafts, and music workshops. If arts are their thing, take the children to the Art Gallery of NSW. Entry is also free, and a tour of the museum will seem much more exciting when led by one of the gallery’s fun characters. The holiday period also brings storytelling and special children's performances.Australia piggy bank Forget greasy fast food lunches; a picnic is a much more economical, and healthier option. Centennial Park is a bit of an inner-city oasis with its duck ponds and grassy hills. Take your blades or bikes along and you can enjoy the dedicated cycle and rollerblading tracks, or have a game on the tennis courts or sporting fields. Way out west you can enjoy the wetlands at Sydney Olympic Park. There are 40 hectares of parkland here, with picnic areas and barbecues for families who want a hot lunch. Playgrounds and cycleways should keep the kids entertained while mom and dad relax. So why spend a fortune on the school holidays? Sydney has plenty of fun activities that won't cost you a cent.

  • Scoopon Travel Deals Website Helps you Enjoy Australian Cities for Less

    You can scoop up some great deals on dining, attractions and services around Australia with new travel deals website Scoopon.

    Just sign up for a free Scoopon membership to start enjoying the saving.

    These savings are pretty outstanding; recently the site has offered a five-course banquet at Melbourne's award-winning Cupido Restaurant for $20, a jetboat ride around Sydney Harbour for $29, and a five-hour deep sea fishing charter excursion on the Australia Gold Coast for $49. The site generally offers discounts of more than 50% on a range of products and services, and more deals are added daily. So how does it work? New offers are posted at noon, with the understanding that a minimum number will be snapped up. If you're interested in what's on offer, just click on the “Buy” button. Once the minimum number of respondents is reached, your credit card is billed and details of your purchase e-mailed to you. If the numbers aren’t reached, there are no charges at all. save on australia travel photo The biggest appeal of these deals, besides of course the money you save, is that you're given plenty of time to use them. You might start looking for offers before taking a getaway, or collect them in readiness for the next school vacation. Currently Scoopon only offers deals in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast, but it's early days. If this takes off hopefully we’ll see specials available in all of Australia's major travel spots.

  • Stay Somewhere Unique in the Hunter Valley – Eco Friendly Accommodation in New South Wales

    We all want to stay somewhere unique, so why not Somewhere Unique in the heart of Hunter Valley wine country?

    This originally named eco-resort is just two hours away from Sydney, Australia, but it feels like it's a world away from the big smoke. Somewhere Unique is the perfect place for a romantic getaway, as there are only two private retreats set on 20 acres of bushland. Each is fully self contained, so you need never leave your room, but if you do want to venture out the township of Wollombi is only a few minutes' drive away. The villas have been cleverly designed with four distinct areas. There's the pleasure zone, with its plush king-sized bed, valley views, and reverse-cycle air conditioning and ceiling fan for comfort. Few things calm you like a good night's sleep, but the relaxation zone ensures you stay chilled when you're out of bed. The large bath is perfect for soaking with that special someone. The private bushland views mean you'll be in no rush to leave the tub, but when you do the thick cotton towels and plush bathrobes will be waiting.earth plant The entertainment area is state of the art, with a stereo system, LCD TV, DVD player, and iPod dock. The comfy lounge and gas log fireplace are perfect for enjoying the selection of DVDs and CDs provided. The villas are lovely, but don't forget to step outside and enjoy the private deck and courtyard. Each retreat has its own gas barbeque for cooking up a feast, or you could hop on one of the bicycles provided and enjoy dinner at one of Wollombi's famous cafes. A stay at Somewhere Unique is reasonably priced for such private pampering, with rates starting at $220 per night. This rate includes a complimentary bottle of local wine, chocolates, a breakfast hamper, and use of bicycles, picnic gear, and entertainment provisions.