Australian Wineries Worth a Glass

There are more than 60 different wine regions in Australia and each one has its own distinct flavours. The wines are as diverse and interesting as the scenery and cultures of each area. Taking a wine tour in Australia is a great way to explore the history and vintages of the country. This post by cheapflights.com.au looks at some of the most interesting wine making regions and wineries in Australia:

Barossa Valley, South Australia

Barossa Valley in South Australia is home to two different wine regions. The Eden Valley is best-known for its Riesling, while the core of Barossa Valley is home to an exceptional Shiraz. The nearby heritage towns of McLaren Vale and the Clare Valley also have strong wine heritages. Take some time to explore this area to get an idea of the diversity of Australian wine. The local wine festivals and celebrations provide visitors with an opportunity to taste locally produced wines.

Margaret Rivers, Perth

Margaret River is just a few hours drive from Perth and is a must-visit for any wine lover. There are more than 60 wineries in the area and there are some great fine dining opportunities too. If you want to sample local cuisine and good wine, then this is one of the best areas to visit.

YarraBalley, Melborne

Yarra Valley is located less than one hour away from Melbourne. The valley was the birthplace of Victoria's wine industry and there are still more than 50 wineries operating in the area. From large-scale operations to family-owned-and-run vineyards, Yarra Valley has it all. The cool-climate wines produced in the valley include a great Shiraz and a lovely Pinot Noir.

Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

The Mornington Peninsula in Victoria has a gentle Mediterranean climate which differs dramatically from some of the neighbouring regions and gives the wines produced in the area a unique flavour. The grapes may be the same, but the way they are grown means that they have their own unique taste. Mornington Peninsula is home to some unique wines and the best way to enjoy them is to visit the region during one of the many food and wine festivals.

Australian Capital Territory

There are 33 wineries and 140 vineyards in the capital territory, ranging from family-run ventures to more industrial operations. Located just outside of Canberra, the region is a great place for anyone who enjoys local produce, fine wine and great Australian cuisine. Canberra wines are unique in their richness and diversity.

The range of wines available in the southern hemisphere is staggering. If you are interested in taking a wine tour, be sure to visit several different regions to get a full idea of how rich and interesting Australian wines can be. From microclimate wines in Canberra, to the cool-climate wines near Perth, there is something to suit all palates and all kinds of cuisine. Next time you pay a visit to this amazing country, be sure to explore what the vineyards to offer.

Tasmania's Top Fishing Spots

Tasmania is known for its spectacular scenery and unique forms of wildlife. This renowned island state just off the southern coast of mainland Australia is also an ideal place to go fishing. Visitors arranging a car hire in Tasmania can drive to some of the island’s best fishing spots. Here are a few of the most popular places to catch fish in Tasmania:

Tyenna River

This notable river has one of the largest fish populations in Tasmania. Fly fishers, in particular, find this spot to be especially attractive. This river is also a great place to find a large number of rainbow trout. The dry days of summer when the river waters are lower is generally the best time of year to go fishing at this spot.

Great Oyster Bay

Several ideal fishing spots can be found around this bay. Many sections of clear water around the bay make it easier to see the fish. Freycinet National Park, which features a section of Great Oyster Bay known as Coles Bay, is the perfect place to find fish species such as Australian salmon, barracuda and cod. Plenty of flathead and flounder fish species can be found at the section known as Nine Mile Beach.

Saint Helens

Located on the shores of Georges Bay, this small town is a great place to fish for bluefish tuna as well as other types of fish species commonly found in estuaries. The frequently mild climate conditions make just about any time during the year a great time to go fishing at this location.

Derwent Estuary

This estuary located near the major city of Hobart is known for its clear water. Many recreational fishermen come to this spot to catch warehou, bream, mackerel and other types of fish species. People who come to this location often use the numerous jetties and wharves around the estuary as fishing bases.

Great Lake

Some of the best freshwater fish species swim in this peaceful lake situated near the picturesque mountain range known as the Great Western Tiers. This lake is the perfect place to enjoy a boat ride while fishing for brown and rainbow trout.

Tamar River

Known for its rushing waters and remarkable tidal flows, this river is particularly suitable for more adventurous fishermen. Several flathead and salmon species commonly swim in the river. Large numbers of yellowtail kingfish can be found during the summer months.

Mersey River

The section of this river located in the city of Davenport is one of the best spots in Tasmania to catch Australian salmon and silver trevally. Blue warehou are also known to swim in this river on occasion.

Four Springs Lake

A short drive just outside of the town of Launcenton can take visitors to this popular lake. Several large types of fish can be caught at this location. The lake is also known for its large brown and rainbow trout population.

Arranging a car hire while in Tasmania is the best way to travel to these notable fishing spots. The numerous waterways and variety of fish species make Tasmania the perfect destination to go fishing. 

About the author:

This was a guest post from Skedaddle Car Hire, who can assist with cheap car hires when in Tasmania. They have a great destination guide on their site for Tassie, as well as many other Australian destinations.

Girls on Holiday

Booking holidays online has become one of the perks of the internet. Sitting at home with your friends browsing through thousands of potential holiday destinations is almost as fun as spending the day shoe shopping with the girls.

Decide when you want to travel, pop in your travel dates and see what comes up. Do you want to travel to Europe and flop on the beach for a week or are you looking for a far flung adventure? Deciding on the destination is often dictated more by cost and time restraints than desire, so sensible thinking is required at this point. Once the country has been chosen then the fun really starts.

The search results will bring up a whole host of resorts that match your dates in the destination you want to visit, so if you narrow it down by the price you can sensibly afford, then you can whittle down the options until you find something that fits your requirements.

Do you want to go for a five star hotel with an all inclusive board basis or are you planning on more of a self catering apartment? This again will be determined by your type of holiday. For instance, if you want to go out clubbing every night and only need somewhere to lay your head for a few hours then expensive hotels will be a waste of money. However if you are planning a more glam getaway and intend to make the most of the hotel facilities then choose the best that you can afford, as paying the extra will definitely pay off once you are there.

If you want to pay for something special but still get a bit of a bargain then look at last minute holidays from Thomas Cook or other similar agents. If you leave it until a few weeks before your flight date, you will often find some really good bargains. Which means you can spend the savings on shoes...

 

Unforgettable Australia

Over and over again, my mind keeps going back to Australia, the wonderful Land Down Under. It is one beautiful country that has captured my heart.  Almost a decade ago, hubby and I had the chance to see some of the country's famous landmarks.  Through the generosity of my SIL and MIL, we were able to travel around different places in the exciting cities of Sydney and Canberra.  Good thing, there are cheap flights to Australia!  The saved flight discounts were added to our tour of the city.

One thing made me sad though.  The activity that I would want to experience but wasn't able to carry out. It is to catch the panoramic view of the Sydney Harbour sunset via the Sydney Harbour View Bridge climb..  I blame the intense acrophobia I had every time.  Anyhow, our trip to the different tourist attractions like the Oz icon Sydney Opera House, the 309 meter high Sydney Tower, the relaxing Sydney Aquarium, the  fun  and educational Taronga Zoo, the enigmatic Blue Mountain, the unique architecture of Australian Parliament House in Canberra, the colorful flowers of Canberra Spring Festival had more than compensated for the one unaccomplished desire. Not to mention the happiness I felt from the trip to other alluring places around the city like the Bondi Beach and Manly Beach which utterly captured my beach-a-holic mind and spirit.

Well, apart from those interesting places of Australia I have mentioned, would you care for some Interesting Facts You Didn't Know About Australia?  I bet, you haven’t heard about them yet or have you?

Here are some:

•  The British Empire colonized Australia and used it as a place of imprisonment for thousands of convicts and political prisoners. Approximately 160,000 convicts were sent there.

•   Australia is the world’s largest inhabited island and the smallest continent.

• · The longest fence in the world is in Australia, and it runs for over 5,600 kilometers (about 3,400 miles). It was built to keep the dingoes (wild dogs) away from the sheep.

• · The world’s longest piece of straight railroad track stretches 478 kilometers (267 miles) across South Australia’s Nullarbor Plain.

• · Australia also has the world’s longest stretch of straight roadway; the straight section is 148 km long (91 miles).

• ·  The Great Barrier Reef has the world’s largest oyster, which weighs close to 3 kilograms (almost   7  pounds).       

I hope you liked these trivia.  Have a terrific day, everyone!

                                                                                                                                          

Australia Holiday

Years ago, we were being encouraged by Sis-in-law to migrate to Australia and join them. But Hubby wasn’t interested to the idea so they invited us to visit them. The purpose was for us to witness first hand the advance economic situation of Australia then eventually convince Hubby to agree to the idea of migration.

I was truly impressed with their surroundings especially in their neighborhood. The streets are wide and front yards are without fences. Colorful flowering plants sprawled the front lawn and address signs stood visible near the sidewalk. I noticed other homes without address signs have wall address plaques. I was glad I took notice of their own address plaque coz if not, I might have lost my way back. I really felt so relaxed just strolling down the quiet roads to the village park. People were so friendly, saying “hello” to every person they meet on the street.

The vacation had convinced me all right but not Hubby. He still prefers to stay here. We are not rich but enjoying the kind of life we have here is I think, enough for him. And wherever he’s happy, I’m there to support him.