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Tag: island travel

  • Party in Queensland’s Whitsundays Region on Koala Adventure Island

    If you’re young and a little strapped for cash, forget the luxury Australian islands of Hayman and Hamilton.

    The Whitsundays destination for you is Koala Adventure Island, the only location in the region which caters exclusively for backpackers and other tourists aged between 18 and 35. Originally called South Molle, Koala Adventure Island is far north Queensland's party capital. The fun starts at dinner time, which follows a new theme every night. Travelers eat at communal tables, which helps to break the ice before the night's entertainment. That includes a resident DJ, live music, games, and dancing until dawn. Things are a bit quiet during the daytime, perhaps as most visitors are recovering from the night before. But there is plenty to keep you occupied if you want to do more than lazing on the beach. You could get out on the water with a sailing trip to the reef, scuba dive or snorkel, or try your hand at windsurfing or paddle skiing. There's plenty to do on land too, as the resort has tennis courts, a nine-hole golf course, archery range, and a fully equipped gym.see koala bears photo There are a variety of rooms to cater for all budgets and traveling groups. Groups of up to six can bunker down in the dormitory-style rainforest rooms, which are surrounded by lush tropical gardens. For a more intimate luxury getaway, consider the beachfront bungalows. They're right on the shore, and have private balconies for enjoying the gorgeous ocean views. No matter what room you choose, you’ll enjoy your own bathroom, a television and small refrigerator, and air-conditioning. Three-night packages are available for $157 per person for the dorm share rooms and $217 per person for the beachfront rooms. This price includes transfers from Abel Point Marina and access to the island's facilities and many activities. To get to the marina, fly to Proserpine Airport and catch the complimentary coach.

  • 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]

  • Tropical Tourist Heaven at Vinpearl Land, Vietnam

    Vietnam attracts visitors drawn to its rich history and magnificent natural vistas. But there’s a different side to the Asian nation, a tropical paradise just off Vietnam’s south-east coastline.

    Vinpearl Land on Hon Tre Island is thought to be one of Asia's best keep secrets, a coastal tourism complex which makes the most of stunning Nha Trang Bay. This is not a holiday destination for budget travelers, with few high end resorts. It was designed for guests who want to have all their needs met on site. The hotel has several restaurants and bars, a sprawling pool and spa for relaxing, and a gymnasium for working up a sweat. Later this year a six-star hotel is scheduled to open, giving luxury lovers even more choice. It will have 125 six-star suites, which pale in comparison to the two presidential villas. The opulent hotel's facilities will include two tennis courts and massive 3500 meter squared swimming pool. While lazing by the pool and snorkeling in the bay are attractive, families will love Vinpearl Land's amusement park. It has a variety of indoor and outdoor rides, including a swinging carousel, jet elephant, and merry-go-round. The 500-seat amphitheater hosts concerts and stage shows, while the musical fountain entertains visitors each night with its laser spectacular. The region's weather conditions are perfect for soaking up all that Vinpearl Land has to offer. It enjoys around 300 days of sunshine each year, with comfortable average temperatures of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The most popular way to reach Vinpearl Land is by cable car, which leaves from the mainland hourly between 9 am to 10 pm each day. At 3320 meters, it is the longest cable car in Vietnam. Between 1000 and 1500 can enjoy the views of Nha Trang Bay as they take the 12-minute journey. High-speed boats, taxi canoes, and ferries also travel from Phu Quy to Vinpearl Land each day. While luxury hire cars are available, most travelers choose to explore the island spot by tuktuk car. These vehicles transport visitors from the boat pier to their hotel or the amusement park.

  • Affordable Luxury at Western Australia’s Rottnest Island

    Rottnest Island is a small isle located 30 minutes from the Western Australian city of Fremantle. The beachside spot is steeped in history and rich in wildlife.

    The native Aboriginal tribe, the Noongar people, call it Wadjemup, meaning “place across the water.”


    When they settled more than 30,000 years ago, the spot was connected to the mainland. However, around 7000 years ago the raging seas saw the island break away.

    It took until 1696 for European explorers to discover this Australian paradise. Dutchman Willem de Vlamingh named the island after the rat-like quokkas he found there. Around 10,000 of the rabbit-sized marsupials live on Rottnest Island today. They are nocturnal, but you are likely to spot them as night falls. Quokkas are curious creatures and show no fear of humans. However, it is illegal for tourists to handle them in any way. The penalty is generally a $100 on-the-spot fine, although offenders may face fines of up to $1000.

    Rottnest island is relatively small, measuring just 11 kilometers long and four-and-a-half kilometres wide. That means most tourists stay for just a day, although it’s possible to book accommodation and see the surrounds at a slower pace. The island boasts around 300 self-catered holiday homes, including cottages, bungalows, and cabins. However, Rottnest island is so popular that a ballot system is used during the peak summer season. It opens on the first working day of each month for the corresponding month next year.

    rottnestislandIf you do snare accommodation, a stay on Rottnest is an experience to be savored. While the rooms aren’t luxurious, the peaceful way of life is a great drawcard. There are no cars, and only a few buses. Most locals and visitors walk or cycle to the island’s attractions, including beaches, golf courses, and tennis courses. Snorkeling, fishing, and diving for crayfish are all popular coastal pursuits. Volunteer guides also take tourists to some of the island’s historical sites.

    Ferries run daily from Fremantle, Perth, and Hillarys. Air taxis also operate daily between Jandakot and Rottnest Island Airport.