The youngest Aussie state capital

Lush botanical gardens, alfresco dining, and amazing sunsets are enough to make any place your favourite destination. Darwin, although is on the edge of Australian Outback is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines with so many things to do. If you’re someone who enjoys the great outdoors, Darwin is the place to be.

Sunset Dinner Cruise
Sunsets and great fresh seafood dinner; what’s not to love? If you’re near Stokes Hill Wharf, you need to go on a sunset dinner cruise. Bring your cameras and a very big appetite because not only do you get some amazing food on this cruise, you can capture some beautiful images of the city while you sail along with the sunset. Each cruise lasts around 2 hours and 30 mins.

Darwin Wharf Precinct AKA Stokes Hill Wharf
This is a working wharf with many restaurants, shops and fun activities. The Darwin Wharf is also a major tourist attraction because it’s only 5mins away from downtown. If you’re staying at one of the many serviced apartments in Darwin such as the likes of Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel come by here and enjoy a nice alfresco seafood meal with your family and friends.

Defence of Darwin Experience
This experience is a part of the Darwin Military Museum and commemorates the Darwin bombing of 1942. You can witness first-hand experiences and many presentations depicting the destruction and horrific aftermath of WWII. If you’re a history buff, please visit this exhibit and the neighbouring Darwin Military Museum.

Tiwi Islands
If you want a fun day out in the sun with your family, plan a day trip to Tiwi Islands. The island, also known as the island of smiles, is located 2hours and 30mins north of Darwin by ferry. As the island is inhabited by Aboriginal groups, the best way to visit is through an organized tour under an indigenous guide.

Experience Brisbane

Are you bored and tired of the same old tours and holiday itineraries? You’re in luck as this blog outlines some of the most unique and quintessentially Brisbane things you can do that are out of the box but will make you feel like a local.

Have a cup of java
It is as simple as a cup of coffee. What makes this cup so exceptional is the unique café that brews it. If you’re staying at one of the River View apartments, Brisbane please drag your partner and cycle down to the Goodwill Bridge. You will arrive at the tiny café on top of the bridge where you will be served a nice cup of joe with a hearty serving of the splendid city skyline.

Spring Hill Reservoir
The Spring Hill Reservoir is a unique place for performances and entertainment. The underground space was earlier used as a reservoir to house the city’s water supply; however, it has remained dormant since it was decommissioned in 1960. The Underground Opera Company opened the space for the public by hosting carols and operas.

Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
If you want something different on a Friday night, head down to Brisbane City Council’s Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. There are so many attractions for you and your little ones and it’s only around 15mins away from the city’s popular apartment suites such as the Oaks Brisbane on Felix Suites. You can enjoy 14 amazing shows on the Cosmic Skydome with your kids and enjoy some fun activities too!

Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers
If you’re having an evening stroll on Paddington’s Given Terrace, please pop by Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers. This is Australia’s first restaurant dedicated to authentic, handmade Italian gnocchi that will surely transport you to that Italian grandma’s kitchen we’ve seen on Food Network. There are many delectable sauces, appetizers and desserts to choose from plus a private dining space upstairs that looks exactly like Nonna’s kitchen.

Brisbane Riverwalk
This attraction is by far the most unique you’ll come across here in Brisbane. This floating Riverwalk allows you to walk ‘on’ the river instead of the sidewalk. The Riverwalk is 870m long and has dedicated bike and pedestrian lanes, so you can peacefully enjoy your walk or bike ride! Pro tip – there aren’t many shaded areas or benches along the walkway, so you may want to carry an umbrella and plenty of water.

 

A day trip to Magnetic Island

If you’re in Queensland Australia, Magnetic Island is surely not to be missed. The fascinating history and the lively vibe of this island attract so many visitors who look for a change of scene during their visit to Townsville. Here are some things you should know when you’re getting here.

Getting to Townsville

It is fairly easy to get to Townsville either by driving or by coach. You can also get there by Greyhound or Premier Bus. Once you get there, you can pick up your boat tickets to Magnetic Island. If you get here early, you can book a hotel or Townsville Australia suites such as the likes of Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites and return to Townsville after your activities in Magnetic Island.

Getting to Magnetic Island from Townsville

Get on the earlies ferry possible so that you have the entire day to enjoy. It is wise to board the ferry 20 minutes before departure too. Your tickets will cost you a pretty penny, but it is so worth it! Make sure you book your return ferry tickets and bus passes all at once; it may seem like a chunk of cash, but it is better to purchase all of it at once.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef | Image by Great Barrier Reef Encounter via Wikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0

Now that you’re here at Magnetic Island, there are plenty of things for you to do. At the top of this list is snorkeling at Nelly Bay and Geoffrey Bay. Aside from the gorgeous viewpoints and invigorating hikes, Magnetic island is one of the best places in Australia to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef.

The Forts Walk

This excursion captures the essence of Magnetic Island all into one; koala bears, World War II history and the beautiful lookouts. You will get a thorough education about the importance of the Magnetic Battery in the 1940s and the significance of the island during the war with sweeping views and adorable koala sightings.

Horseshoe Bay

For a refreshing and much-needed lunch break, drop by Horseshoe Bay. This is the quintessential beach town with amazing food and the friendliest locals. You can have a nice meal, make a few new friends, relax and rest up and if you’re too hot you can even take a dip in the beach. There are safe-to-swim areas in this town with stinger nets.

An Informative Guide to Visiting and Exploring Hervey Bay, Queensland – The perfect holiday getaway

Located only around a 45-min flight away from Brisbane, Hervey Bay is a great holiday destination for family holidaymakers and even solo travellers.

The speciality

Did you know that the largest man-made reef that Australia has is at Hervey Bay? This area is also blessed with an uncommon variety of marine life.

Do not miss out!

Do you know what should never be missed out on when at Hervey Bay? Whale Watching! This spot can also be called the whale watching capital of the world.

Staying at Hervey Bay

Every Hervey Bay hotel the likes of Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa is great for you to stay in. They offer great dining options and rejuvenation opportunities too.

Image via Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa

Things to do

This destination has everything you need to enjoy your holiday moments. Cinemas, cafes, and clubs are all there, and you find different sorts of entertainment events everywhere.

The demographical facts

Did you know that there are almost 55,000 residents in Hervey Bay Area? The population is growing at an incredibly rapid pace- thanks to the infrastructural and lifestyle upgrades that this destination faces.

5 Incredibly Unique Things You Can Do in Brisbane – Top 5 Unique Activities Tourists Can Experience in Brisbane

Home to some of Australia’s top highlights, Brisbane is hardly a daredevil’s playground according to most tourists. But here are 5 unusual activities that may change your mind about the city.

Kayaking After Dark

Exploring the wrecks that lie just off the coast of Moreton Island in the dead of night is not for everyone but it is one of the most engaging travel experiences available in Brisbane. Not only do fish and turtles come out to say hello but kayakers can also enjoy an overnight tour of the island thanks to tour operators such as Australian Sunset Safaris.

Catch a Show

When it comes to Brisbane’s underground music scene, one cannot get more literal than the shows staged by The Underground Opera Company. Hosting theatre and musical production in locations deep beneath the city, the acoustics of these live shows are simply unparalleled. Those based at Oaks Brisbane Festival Suites or any other hotel accommodation in Brisbane CBD will have easy access to these performances.

Diving With Mantas

Head down to the Manta Bommie site in the summertime to enjoy a diving experience with countless manta rays that flock to this part of the coast during this time of year. In addition to the mantas, divers will also spot leopard sharks, bamboo sharks and guitar sharks occupying these waters.

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Walk to Paradise

Forget about boats, you can simply walk to a tropical paradise off the coast of Brisbane named King Island by simply treading over the sandbank which appears just off the Wellington Point bay.

Bar Hopping on a Helicopter

A pub crawl in Brisbane with a difference, those who sign up with Pterodactyl Helicopters can travel in style from one legendary bar to another.

Stunning Tangalle Beach: A useful guide – Explore a wonderful beach!

With white sands, shades of palm trees, and turquoise waters, Tangalle Beach stands special among other Sri Lankan beaches.

Tangalle, Sri Lanka

Tangalle is a coastal town located in the southern part of Sri Lanka. It’s a tourist destination today with many great resorts such as Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort. All the tourist hotels in Tangalle offer world-class hospitality services.

Heading to Tangalle

You can always choose to travel using public transportation to reach Tangalle. You may use a train or bus to have a local experience. If you want a comfortable tour, you may also hire a taxi.

Best time to visit the beach

Visit the beach during November and April. From May to October, you won’t meet a huge crowd because that’s the off-season.

Things to on the beach

In addition to resting and relaxing, you may also engage in several water sports here on this beach. It’s also great for swimming and snorkelling too.

Image via Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort

Other attractions nearby

You may explore Silent Beach, Medaketiya Beach, and Mulkirigala Rock temples during the same tour. Don’t forget to meet the fishing community here and have a good chat. Let them share their interesting stories with you.

A Phuket Guide for Solo Female Travellers – Staying Safe and Having Fun

With Phuket in Thailand offering fully vaccinated tourists quarantine-free entry, it’s a great place for solo female travellers and here are some insights that will help.

Image via Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas

Accommodation

Have the basics covered before you land in Phuket; resorts that are SHA+ certified and follow strict health protocols like Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas offer safe accommodation right by the beach. Such properties also feature dining options, spas and excursions which will add to the convenience and trustworthiness factor.

Diverse Adventures

Solo female travel is a chance to step out of your comfort zone and enjoy new experiences. These can include zip-lining amidst verdant jungle terrains at Flying Hanuman, traversing off-road trails on a bicycle or ATV or diving in the Andaman Sea; you can also embark on boat excursions to Phang Nga Bay and the Similan Islands.

Fun Things to Do

There’s never a dull moment in Phuket no matter what your interests may be from learning Thai culinary secrets at a cooking class to Muay Thai martial arts training! Animal lovers can visit the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary while culture enthusiasts can attend the Siam Niramit Phuket show. For a night of partying, Bangla Road in Patong is the place to go.

Spa Pampering

Taking a trip alone to Phuket is a great time to enjoy rejuvenating spa rituals and find your inner bliss. Resort spas are ideal for this and provide plenty of holistic healing with a variety of options; these can include bespoke massages (try a Thai warrior massage!), chakra crystal balancing, Ayurveda therapies, beach yoga and more.

Travel tips for first-time visitors to Pattaya – The party capital of South Asia

Once a notorious party spot, Pattaya has evolved into a destination that offers everything. The nightlife is still very much vibrant, and the town also boasts of a diverse range of tourist attractions that appeals to every calibre of traveller. First-time visitors are in for a dizzying load of fun, but they need to heed a few tips.

Book your accommodation in advance

Don’t wait until the last minute to book your accommodation. Pattaya is a year-round destination. As a result, Pattaya resorts are almost always packed with tourists, so it’s best to make your reservation at a hotel of your choosing as soon as you can. Don’t worry about options though; the list of choices is extensive with the likes of Avani Pattaya Resort.

Image via Avani Pattaya Resort

Best time to visit

November to May is the best time to visit, which is the high season resulting in high-accommodation rates. The off-season is just as good, save for the occasional downpour, and the accommodation rates are at their lowest during this time.

Getting around

Hire a motorbike taxi to get to your destination as fast as possible, but make sure you wear a helmet and lather your skin with plenty of sun lotion. The alternative option is to get around by bus.

Safety

Pattaya is relatively safe, but you should be wary of pickpockets. Also, travellers are advised not to accept food and drinks from strangers.

Amazing Waterfalls around the Kalutara District – Discover Them Now!

The Kalutara district, which is just shy of Colombo is a sunny district with many hidden waterfalls, waiting to be explored and uncovered! Read on to find out more about the waterfalls which await you in this district.

Image via maxpixel

Hotels in Kalutara

The beauty of Kalutara is that while you might be based in a Kalutara beach resort such as the Avani Kalutara Resort, you’re never too far from some waterfalls. Especially if you’re visiting during the rainy season, you can expect to explore some gorgeous cascades replete with gushing water.

Makeli Ela Falls

This 10-meter-high waterfall is by far one of the more popular waterfalls in Kalutara. The backdrop of which are some rugged granite boulders. The contrast of the silvery cascade against this rustic backdrop makes this stunning location to photograph as well.

Ahas Boku Ella

This waterfall is at the end of a demanding albeit rewarding trek through the thicket. It’s a 30-meter fall which is named after the illusion of the water gushing in and through the sky, making it a must-see on the waterfall circuit of Kalutara.

Maha and Bala Ella

These falls are referred to as the sibling of waterfalls, due to their difference in size and their proximity to each other. Hike up the riverbank amidst the untamed yet pristine forest cover to reach these two falls. Bathing in the rock pools is safe as well but it’s always best to stay close to the banks.

Ao Nang Solo Travel Guide – Have an awesome time!

If you are still wondering as to what Krabi area would be the best for your next vacation, Ao Nang is surely the perfect option for you. It’s a destination that has every pleasure!

Travelling in Ao Nang

Since Ao Nang is safe, there’s nothing for you to worry about as a solo traveller. Get to Ao Nang by plane, bus, or ferry and once you are there, get used to tuk-tuks or scooters.

Best time for your solo tour

Head to Ao Nang when it’s sunny and warm. So, plan your visit between December and March. This is also the peak season; you can’t avoid the crowd, therefore.

Staying in Ao Nang

Choose to stay at any of the Ao Nang beach hotels on your holiday. There are many good options such as Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort for you to consider.

Image via Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort

Explore the beach

If you love romantic sunsets, you’ll love the Ao Nang beach more! Although it’s not as impressive as the other beaches in the area, it’s an easy option for sure.

Go island hopping

The best way to go island hopping when you are here is by trying out a 4-island tour. You can cover the islands- Koh Gai, Koh Tup, Koh Mor, and Koh Poda.