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Tag: self-guided tours

  • Self-Drive Adventure From Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation

    Tour operators ferry travelers between Queensland’s Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation each day, but their services are expensive. The round trip along the famous Daintree Rainforest tends to cost between $150 and $200, including admission to the various attractions along the way, and it passes in the blink of an eye. If you prefer a more leisurely journey that’s kinder on your wallet, why not take the wheel and drive yourself? An Aussie road trip is a wonderful way to discover this part of Queensland.

    Start your journey with a hearty breakfast at one of Port Douglas’ popular cafes. The eateries in the dining strip of Macrossen Street, including Cafe Fresq, Cafe Ecco, and Underwraps, all open early enough to serve up your favorite nosh before you set off.

    After half an hour in the car you’ll be ready to stretch your legs, and Mossman Gorge provides an ideal opportunity. Parking is free, and a free shuttle bus will take you from there to the national park’s entrance. It’ll take around an hour to explore the park’s hiking trails, and a little longer if you fancy a swim in the river.

    From Mossman Gorge, head north towards the Daintree River. The car ferry crosses the river every 15 minutes, and can handle 40 vehicles at a time. Expect to pay around $20 for the return journey. This is the most expensive part of your journey, but it pales in comparison to the prices the tour companies would charge you!

    Cape Tribulation, Queensland
    Cape Tribulation, Queensland

    From there it’s another 30 kilometers to Cape Tribulation, although the winding roads will make it feel much longer. It will take the average driver around three-quarters of an hour to reach the sand, but this beautiful beach is worth the wait. Remember to pack your sunscreen and swimsuit to really take advantage of this unspoiled Queensland paradise!

    [Image Source: Tamsin Slater/Flickr]

  • Walk from Bondi to Bronte – Beautiful Beach Trail in Sydney, Australia

    As the weather cools, and the ocean too, tourists are beginning to steer clear of Sydney’s beautiful beaches. However, you don’t have to take a dip or catch a few waves to appreciate this natural resource. The coastal walk from Bondi to Bronte is a frugal way to spend time in Sydney, and one of the best jogging trails in Australia.

    A walkway takes you four kilometers from Ben Buckler Point to Waverly Cemetery. If that distance sounds daunting you can walk the two and a half kays in the middle between iconic Bondi Beach and the lesser known breaks at Bronte. Either way it’s not a particularly challenging walk, with paved paths guiding your journey. You should allow an hour for the shorter walk, and twice the time if you’re taking the extended journey.

    No matter what the season, the ocean views are picture perfect. Along the way you’ll see rock structures and cliffs shaped by the waters and winds over thousands of years, and the famous Bondi Icebergs ocean pool. You can drop in to the Bondi Icebergs club for a schooner of cleansing ale, or take a dip if the cold water doesn’t faze you.

    Girl jogging near Bondi Beach
    Girl jogging near Bondi Beach

    Sydney’s temperature rarely drops to the point of unpleasant, so while the sea breeze can be brisk you shouldn’t be uncomfortable on the walk. However, don’t let the chilly weather make you complacent. Australia’s UV rays are more powerful than you may think, so you should wear sunscreen and a hat on your walk. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must. While the paved path makes it an easy journey, it’ll seem like a much longer adventure if you’re wearing heels. And finally, don’t forget to pack your camera. No doubt you’ll want to snap a few shots of the Sydney landscape to show your friends back home!

    [Image Source: Ernst Moeksis/Flickr]

  • 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]