Category Archives: Australia

A Glimpse to Scintillating City Centre of Melbourne

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Beside the north bank of the Yarra River sits the amazing city centre of Melbourne. This is where the city’s heart and soul resides; shopping takes on a new meaning and culinary experience gets all the more beguiling. No wonder, almost every traveller who takes Melbourne flights makes way for the amazing city centre and wallow in its quintessential flavours.

Feast Your Eyes with Marvels of Melbourne

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Tourists spending on Melbourne flights will find plenty of attractions in the Central Business District. These sightseeing gems define abundance and diversity. The best bet remains the Docklands precinct or the lynchpin of city’s unique design. Incorporating residential, commercial and entertainment district, this is where the true Melbournian spirit lives. Another spectacular attraction is Block Arcade, an ancient shopping arcade which was constructed in 1891. Southern Star, Victoria Police Museum, Melbourne Aquarium, Immigration Museum and ANZ Banking Museum are other marvels to behold in CBD.

Indulge in Retail Therapy

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Melbourne’s consumerist culture is very much apparent on the streets of CBD. It follows you from every pillar to post and makes it irresistible to escape from the wonders of shopping. There is an eclectic mix of high-end fashion and swish boutiques brimming with enticing labels, products and outlets. Hussy, Fat Shop and Aesop QV are among the prominent stamping grounds that rank high on the itinerary of shoppers who take Melbourne flights and visit the bewitching CBD.

Eat to Your Heart’s Content

The culinary experience in Melbourne’s CBD is as rewarding as retail therapy. Epicureans will find an amazing motley of eateries and restaurants that serve up the eclectic collection of Australian as well as international cuisines. Make way for Secret Recipe and relish the ultimate of Malaysian flavours or hit Crossways for relishing the Indian vegetarian dishes. Camy Shanghai Dumplings, White Lotus and Medallion are some other great eating joint to savour the wide-ranging cuisines. All in all, a visit to the centre would do a world of good to travellers taking Melbourne flights.

Board Flights to Perth for a Historical Experience!

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Perth is one of the leading holiday destinations in Western Australia and visited by millions of travellers every year from all over the world. With its countless ancient charmers, this historic city entices tourists to board flights to Perth. Let’s explore some of them!

The Perth Mint

Perth Mint is the perfect place for discovering the striking facts about transformation of Australia’s currency over the centuries. Featuring a unique display of world’s largest gold bar, ancient coins with heritage value, largest gold nugget collection and gold pouring machines, the mint compels tourists having a penchant for the history of Perth, to take a tour here. Moreover, Perth Mint offers once in a lifetime opportunity to carve your name on gold medallions before you board flights back home.

Minnawarra

Located near the city centre, Minnawarra is one of the popular tourist hotspots that entice locals as well as foreign travellers landing on flights at Perth. Surrounded by lush green parkland, this historic district of Armadale boasts several museums and chapels. Holidaymakers with an interest in Perth’s history can head to the History House, while people interested in archetypal gears are found at Nert Tyler Vintage Machinery Museum. On the other hand, the Minnawarra Chapel is a compelling stop for those who love to admire beautiful architectures.

State War Memorial

The State War Memorial is located in the midst of the beautiful Kings Park and Botanic Garden overlooking the awe-inspiring Swan River. Built to offer a tribute to the soldiers died in various battles, this memorial was constructed during mid of twentieth century. Holidaymakers disembarking flights at Perth often visit this iconic place to show their respect to the martyrs. Besides, visitors can relish a picture perfect view of the city of Perth and the Swan River that give flights to their fancies.

Perth Bell Tower

Located near the picturesque Swan River, Perth Bell Tower is another popular historical lure that draws attention of most tourists holidaying here. Commonly known as Swan Bells, the 600 year-old belfry features a set of 18 huge bells. Travellers arriving on flights to Perth can enjoy the breathtaking view of the city and listen to the soothing sound of the bells.

Shopping is always Fun on Sydney Holidays

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A shopping spree in Sydney extends far from world-beating centres to colourful markets. The experience of trendy shopping in a boutique drastically segues into the fun event of haggling at beach side shops. Not surprisingly, a good number of travellers who take Sydney bound flights and make a point of indulging in an orgy of retail therapy. Here is a rundown to some of the top stamping grounds that rank high on their itinerary.

Pitt Street Mall and the Strand

Pitt Street, in the city centre, offers an amazing collection of outlets and shopping boulevards including the Strand, Centrepoint, the Skygarden and the Glasshouse with the Strand being the star of the lot. The arcade was rebuilt in its original designs with elaborate wrought iron lace balconies and the Victorian age arcades. It is packed with plenty of shopping dealing in clothing, ornaments and accessories in addition to food speciality shops. On the other hand, Skygarden and the Glasshouse boast a vast range of high-class shops. With all this and much more, the place is frequented by good lot of international tourists who take Sydney flights.

Market Street

Market Street is another famous haunt among shoppers. The retail therapy at Grace Brothers as well as David Jones (Market and Castlereagh Streets) provides ample opportunities to get hands on finest products from Australia and around the world. All in all, the experience lives up to every penny invested on Sydney bound flights and holidays.

Darling Harbour – Harbour side

It is one of the reasons that make shopping, a must-do activity in Sydney. Much more than a shopping destination, it is the hunting ground where tourist can take pleasure in the best of entertainment and food. With dozens of shopping outlets, eateries and entertainment options, it leaves you gloating over the decision of taking flights landing at Sydney.

The Rocks Market

Located in the Rocks Historical District, The Rocks Market is a paradise for those seeking a vast collection of antiques, art, fashion and mementos in addition to indigenous crafts. Visitors can also find wide choices of bookstores to suit every taste and budget

Pictorial Perth – the Australian Adventure on My Round the World Trip

From the glory of Balinese beaches to the radiance of Perth panorama – yes, it has been a long journey for me but the prospect of exploring something new every second makes it incredibly exciting and terms like tiredness and exhaustion seem almost alien! Perth is the capital of Western Australia and is among the most populous cities in the country. This was my first visit to an Australian city and I have to admit I fell in love with it at the first sight!! Being a Briton and with such rich cricketing history between England and Australia, I have always been engrossed by this tough “enemy” country! Perth was my first stopover and here is a little overview of the same.

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Perth is surprisingly isolated. Not many major urban centres can be found around the city, so it is up to Perth in this part of the country to take care of all your needs, be it cosmopolitan desires or sightseeing wishes. To its credit, the city does it perfectly and never ever disappoints. There are a whole lot of activities and attractions for people to enjoy here. Perth Zoo, King Park, Museum of Western Australia and Fremantle Prison are among the various attractions that I included in my travel schedule for the city. These are the biggest eye-catchers in the city and are usually the part of every itinerary that hopes to play it safe. But Perth is much more than just a place to make you feel safe! It is, on the contrary, a place to take risks and undertake challenges.

For someone like me who really loves her outdoor sports, Perth comes right out of a fairytale. The city has a fantastic climate for most parts of the year, and this allows people to keep on engaging themselves with a string of exciting adventures. Water sports are the biggest hits with cruising, whale watching, jet boating and sailing being the front-running pursuits. As for myself, I tried surfing lessons at the Trigg Beach. While I wasn’t much of a success, I am pretty sure you will all do much better!

Golfing is another activity that is quite popular with tourists who jump aboard flights to Perth, regularly. There are several golf courses around the city and true blue golfers wouldn’t really find it such a stretch to locate a world-class golf park. I am not a golfing person myself and would rather prefer lounging on beaches or riding waves than teeing off with stick in a hand!!!

All in all, Perth has been a fantastic start to my Australian adventure. It is beautiful city with myriad distractions, great food and excellent weather. The rest of Australia waits…let’s see what it has in store for me!

A Pretty Pair of Luxury Hotels in the Beautiful Brisbane!

Brisbane is a fantastic opportunity for people on Australian holidays to get away from the hectic “rivalry” between Melbourne and Sydney! Brisbane is a beautiful city that has come to attract holiday makers with its quaint looks complemented by modern-day allures! Apart from other facilities on offer for tourists here, the availability of lavish resorts and hotels is perhaps most agreeable to vacationers. Let us take a look at the two most luxurious properties in the city; the ones that attract all sybarites who are investing on Brisbane bound flights!

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Stamford Plaza Brisbane

Ideally located on the banks of the Brisbane River, the hotel is amongst the most lavish ones in the city. It is located very close to the Botanic Gardens and even the city center. This places the Stamford Plaza as one of the most perfectly positioned hotel as guests are just minutes away from shopping, theater district, restaurants and city night life. Further, for the sporting kinds who are boarding flights to Brisbane, the hotel offers easy access to city’s leading sporting venues including The Gabba, Eagle Farm Racing Track and The Royal Queensland Golf Club.

Just like the location of the hotel, the hotel itself is perfect too! There are more than 250 rooms in this hotel and people have a wide range of options to choose from. Holiday makers who expect nothing but the very best when they book flights to this Australian city have further reasons to stay at this hotel. The restaurants here are multiple and highly diversified. They include the Brasserie on the River; Japanese Teppanyaki and a la carte at Kabuki; or The Pav Bar and Courtyard. Guests who are paying money to stay at this 5-star hotel can also enjoy a whole assortment of other facilities and amenities like outdoor heated pool, spa and sauna, sundeck and fitness center.

Brisbane Marriott Hotel

For those who love to stay in style, there isn’t a better option that the Brisbane Marriott Hotel. The architectural designs are elegant and the hospitality is truly of the first order. Guestrooms and suites offer stunning views of the city skyline and/or the Brisbane River. The keen vacationers, who have money to spare even after spending on return flights to the city, can surely opt to check-in at the hotel that has marble bathrooms, wireless Internet connectivity and luxury bedding.

Moreover, the guests can relax at the pool or at the award-winning Dome Spa Retreat. For the foodies, nothing is better than the in-house restaurant to judge the viability of place, and the hotel’s Motion Bar & Grill is truly the place that propels the reputation of the property in the eyes of food lovers! It is a casual eatery with open-kitchen.

New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise Add to the Charisma of Melbourne

Looking forward for New Year celebrations away from the chilling winters? Make way for Melbourne, the cultural city of Australia that comes alive with warm weather during this time. Most notable way to bid adieu to 2013 is to be a part of in Melbourne’s New Year Eve Dinner Cruise that offers the glorious opportunity to admire the city’s glittering skyline with an enthralling show of fireworks in the backdrop. While cruising through YarraRiver, the midnight extravaganza gives flights to the fancies of travellers with lavish hospitality and amusing entertainment.

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Anyone over the age of 18 can be a part of this cruise which starts from Federation Wharf on 31st December at about 8:30 pm. The trip operates using two separate vessels and passengers are segregated on the basis of age group. One vessel is reserved for travelers between 18 and 35 whereas other is well versed in entertaining people over 35. This trip takes halts at the most prominent vantage point from where passengers are sure to be enthralled with spectacular midnight fireworks show. The party comprises of electrifying music played by on-board DJ.  Due to the limited seats, tourists planning a visit are advised to buy tickets online.

Talk about food menu! Epicureans are sure to be amazed with an impressive selection of international as well as local fares in addition to scrumptious seafood buffet. Few must-have items are char-grilled tandoori chicken breast with cucumber mint yoghurt; grilled pork rib eye and char-grilled eye fillet with butter asparagus. Foodies booking flights to see the transformation of calendars from 2013 to 2014 in Melbourne can choose from an array of mini desserts and cheese tasting platter. An extensive wine list is another highlight of this excursion on Yarra River. While going through the list one would come across premium white and red wines in addition to variety of beers and local spirits.

Melbourne is one of the most preferred destinations in Australia for those craving to welcome 2014 while cruising along the scintillating waters. Spirit of Melbourne Cruise is also quite popular among holiday makers boarding flights to Melbourne.

A Guide to Various Transfer Options Available at Melbourne Airport

Melbourne is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Australia. With its balmy weather, magnificent natural splendors, man-made wonders, electrifying nightlife, mouth watering cuisines as well as endless events and concerts, Melbourne entices millions of tourists to reserve flights to take a visit here. Melbourne International Airport is the key international gateway to the city serving this bustling metropolis and the nearby area.

Melbourne Airport handles scheduled services on flights with several leading airlines such as Etihad Airways, China Southern, Thai Airways, Air France, Cathay Pacific, KLM Royal Dutch, Air India, Virgin Australia and Singapore Airlines. Britons flying to the cultural capital of Australia often board flights with the destination carrier Qantas Airways or UK’s national carrier British Airways. Travelers who disembark flights get plenty of options to reach the city and following are the top choices.

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Taxis

Travelers can hire a taxi from the designated taxi stand outside the terminals. This is an easy and convenient way to travel from/to the place. There is an option for pre-booking cabs. Do not forget to collect your electronic receipt from the driver before getting off at your destination. Passengers landing at the airport on flights can also book pre-paid taxis.

SkyBus

Another popular mode of transportation to get to Melbourne city from the airport is the SkyBus. They operate frequent bus services throughout the day including public holidays. Holidaymakers arriving on flights to Melbourne can also purchase tickets after arrival or book the tickets online to avail the facility. SkyBus also offers a complimentary hotel transfer at specific hours of the day except Christmas day.

Rental Cars

Every year millions of tourists arrive on flights at the cultural capital of Australia for work or seeking a gratifying holiday experience. To commute to the main city and surrounding areas, people often prefer to avail rent-a-car services. From the information desk of the domestic terminal, you can rent cars or directly contact the cab hiring companies online to avail these cars.

Unique yet Free Lures that Set Perth Apart

Perth is visited by numerous globetrotters every year and remains one of the most popular holiday destinations in Western Australia. Featuring verdant land, heritage and cultural sites, breathtaking sceneries of waterfront and Swan Valley as well as many other irresistible lures, the largest metropolis of Western Australia is sure to flabbergast every holidaymaker who boards flights for landing here. Nevertheless, Perth offers a platter of attractions and activities to the budget travelers as well. Exotic climate, mesmerizing natural attractions and the unique aroma of world beating wineries in Perth are sure to tickle your senses without burning a hole in the pocket. Here’s how!

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Immerse into the Lap of Nature

Holidaymakers who board Perth flights for a gratifying holiday and seeking natural pursuits often head to the Kings-Park. The park is located at the outskirts of the main city and perched high on Mount-Eliza. A large section of this green area is home to a wide range of flora and fauna including around eighty species of birds and more than three hundred kinds of plants.  Besides, visitors get an opportunity to enjoy the spectacular sight of the surrounding area, the tranquility of River Swan and the stunning sculptures. Vacationers planning to board flights during spring i.e. between the months of September and December are privileged to be the part of grand Kings Park Festival, famous for wildflower exhibition.

Sample Some Free Wine at Swan Valley

After a tour to the largest park in Perth, it’s time to savour some best quality Australian wine! If you have a secret desire to taste the world’s best wine while relishing the picture perfect view of setting sun, Swan Valley, perhaps, is the most ideal destination for you. Here one can taste some classic wine and that is for free! Located very near to the business center of Perth, the place is easily accessible by Swan River Cruise or by road. However, if you wish to travel in style, you can take a chauffeur driven vintage car or a horse-drawn farm cart ride and immerse in the beauty of the scenic vineyards to arrive in the valley. Before boarding flights back home, exploring the culinary scene of Perth in this place is highly recommended.  The area is one of the oldest wineries in the western part of Australia where visitors can also sample some of the best local cuisines.

Kangaroo Island – Walk the Wild Side of Australia!

Kangaroo Island (KI), a gem of Australia, is an apt place to find the Australia’s unofficial national symbol in its authentic wilderness. The rich wildlife and breathtaking natural scenery of the island is surrounded by the Southern Ocean which is full of underwater treasures perfect for wreck-divers. Its culinary retreat allures foodies with its uniquely prepared delectable dishes and best of the wines. Luxurious accommodation along with cheap lodging options defines the region’s tourist-centric persona. No wonder, most visitors to this island in Australia believe that it offers plethora of options to cater to discerning interests and tastes ensuring holidays of lifetime.

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Reaching here is not at all a daunting process. KangarooIsland SeaLink connects this natural area to CapeJervis and is the most notable way to reach here. If you prefer not to spend two hours in ferry, board flights to Adelaide from where connecting flights to Kingscote KI Airport, the main township of this area, are available every 30 minutes.

Apart from kangaroos, the native bushlands of KI also provide habitat to numerous animals indigenous to Australia such as Koalas, Echidnas, Heath Goannas, Bush and Swamp Rat, Little Pygmy Possum and Black Tiger Snake. Thrill seekers booking flights to take a look at exotic marine species only found in Australia must consider diving into the pristine waters of coastal areas to take a look at vivid world that resides underwater. While excursing through the waters, adventurous souls would come across seals, sea lions and various fish species. Besides surfing, the ocean waters also offer favourable conditions to indulge in fishing, surfing and sailing.

Bird watching is another activity that keeps people hunting for tickets on flights to Australia. Top birding hotspots include Duck Lagoon, Pelican Lagoon and Murray Lagoon in Kangaroo Island that are considered as the most prolific areas to admire Emu, Pelicans, Glossy Black Cockatoo, Australian Wood Duck and Black Swan. If you want to know more about the cute penguins, do well to include Penneshaw Penguin Centre on your travel itinerary and ensure an up close encounter with these cuddly creatures.

Top Australian Food and Wine Festivals

Australia is huge country and huger holiday destination. Millions of tourists visit the country each year to enjoy the cosmos of sightseeing attractions and take in the mesmeric aura of the place. Apart from the fantastic modern, cultural and historical emblems, the country holds a range of food and wine festivals. Take a sneak peek into the country’s most renowned fetes that are sure to impress those boarding Australia flights.

Top Australian Food & Wine Festivals

The Tasting Australia Festival is a biannual gala that’s organised in Adelaide. It is hugely popular with travellers who get hold of tickets on flights to the city during the autumn. Some of the world’s most influential chefs board flights to the country for the event.

Another fantastic extravaganza that awaits tourists in Australia is the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. The festival takes place during the month of March and attracts hordes of travellers, every year, who visit the place to sample the region’s culinary bounty. A host of food experts can also be found at this event.

A trip to Sydney finds its absolute magnificence if the city’s Good Food and Wine Show is incorporated in the itinerary. The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre holds the event where wines from all regions and master dishes are attractions on offer. A number of travellers concoct their travel packages keeping in mind this massive crowd puller.

Another fascinating culinary gala that is sure to impress tourists is the Tastes of the Gold Coast. Those in the area during September can participate in the festival and enjoy the various segments and attractions for all tastes. Food, wine and entertainment are some of the aspects that people can enjoy after making sure they become a part of it.

The Hunter Valley Harvest Festival takes place during March and April. It is popular with tourists who love regional wines, great food and entertainment.