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Enjoy Canyoning In Queenstown, one of the best things to do

If you’re a thrill seeker that’s looking for the best adventures that Queenstown has to offer, don’t pass up on some canyoning! Here’s a look at some of the best options available in the region.

Why Canyoning

What makes canyoning in Queenstown so enjoyable is the amazing scenery and landscapes you’ll encounter and explore as you do so. There’re plenty of canyoning tour operators to choose from here as well, with helpful guides that will show you the ropes if you’re new to this.

Lake Wakatipu

Lake Wakapitu is one of Queenstown’s premier attractions and an excellent location to go canyoning in. Canyoning is the best way to take in all the beauty and serenity that’s present by the lake. If you’re staying at one of the lakefront apartments Queenstown has to offer – like the Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort – don’t pass up on this opportunity.

Gibbston Valley

Canyoning is Gibbston Valley can be challenging, but the reward is equally worth it. Here you’ll be treated the quiet beauty of a pristine valley – one which seems to stretch on forever.

South Island

If extreme adventure is what you seek, it doesn’t get any better than a canyoning trip to South Island. Explore cascading waterfalls, streaming rivers and so much more in this wild corner of the earth.

New Things You Should Do and Try in Pattaya

Thailand is one of the most popular places to visit in South East Asia, and if you’re ever in the country, be sure to make a trip to the city of Pattaya. Known for its attractions and nightlife, there’s much to see and do here – so, here’s a look at some of the best options available to you.

Visit the Frost Magical

An arctic wonderland might not be what you’d expect to see in a tropical paradise like Pattaya, but it’s exactly what you’ll get in the Frost Magical. Enjoy your cool surroundings, take a gander at the ice sculptures, and enjoy a refreshing beverage.

Explore Coral Island

Coral Island is a more traditional tropical island excursion – and a great one at that. The beaches here are pristine and relatively uncrowded. Then of course there are the titular corals, so be sure to bring your snorkelling gear along!

Hike Up to Pattaya Viewpoint

If you’re staying at a centrally located Pattaya beach resort – say, for example, one of the Avani Hotels & Resorts – be sure to hike up to Pattaya Viewpoint in order to get an unparalleled view of the city – especially at night.

Shop at Terminal 21

For all you shopaholics out there, Terminal 21 is the place to visit in Pattaya. This is an airport-themed mall that is brimming with a variety of vendors and shops selling all kinds of products.

Weekend in Pattaya

Since Pattaya is such a short distance away from Bangkok, this makes it easier for both local and foreign travellers to reach for a short stay. There is so much to see and do here that a weekend might not cut it. But here’s how to get the best of the city.

Day 1

Arrive at your Pattaya beach resort and settle down. Once you are comfortable, visit Jomtien Beach which is arguably better than Pattaya Beach. Have some watery fun and leave the evening free for Tiffany’s show, the famous ladyboy cabaret.

Day 2

Start with exploring Nong Nooch Tropical Garden which is a whopping 600 acres of green to observe! Have lunch at the restaurant here and set off to discover Buddhist temples, Prasat Satchatham and other cultural hotspots.

Day 3

Take a 45-minute ferry ride from Pattaya to Koh Larn or Coral Island which is a 4 km long island surrounded by crystal clear waters. There are several beaches to explore, renting a bike to do so is the easiest way to get about.

Places to stay

There are a number of places to stay in Pattaya from hotels like Avani Pattaya Resort and other budget-friendly options. If you want to go for a luxurious stay, this is possible too.

The Phra Nang Princess Cave in Krabi

Many travellers simply visit the Phra Nang Beach to soak up the stunning Krabi scenery; however, some locals visit with the intention of making offerings to Phra Nang herself. Located close to many a hotel Ao Nang Krabi has to offer such as Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort, this cave is a must-visit attraction in the region.

History

The legend states that Phra Nang was a princess that was killed during a shipwreck. Another story states that she was the wife of a fisherman who got stranded on this island and whiled her time away awaiting her husband’s return.

Getting There

From Ao Nang Beach, you can board a longtail boat that will directly take you to Phra Nang Beach. It would cost around 200 Baht per person to complete the trip. A long-tail boat would usually wait until there are at least 8 passengers before departing to Phra Nang Beach.

Mark Fischer, Phra Nang Beach, CC BY-SA 2.0

Offerings to Phra Nang

Nowadays, one can witness the local fishers making offerings such as flowers and incense asking for safe travel on the sea.

Cave of Fertility

Over the years, Phra Nang Princess Cave became associated with fertility and virility. Locals place wood carvings of phallic symbols that can be seen at the entrance of the cave.

Unforgettable Snorkelling in Queensland

Ever swum amongst vibrant reef fish or majestic mantas? It is an experience that you won’t forget and one that you can enjoy when snorkelling in Queensland.

Lady Elliot Island
At the Great Barrier Reef’s southern tip, off the Bundaberg coast is Lady Elliot Island, one of the best spots to encounter manta rays especially during the winter season. It’s a popular family snorkelling destination with many underwater marvels to witness close to shore, while in deeper waters you can see turtles and dolphins too.

Keswick Island
Keswick Island, part of the Whitsunday Islands, can be easily reached by boat from Mackay Hotels close to the marina such as Oaks Mackay Rivermarque Hotel are ideal for those planning excursions to this island where you can snorkel above teeming coral reefs and tropical fish; highlights include spotting hawksbill and green turtles and manta rays.

Moreton Island

Those snorkelling around Moreton Island will come across an artificial harbour with old ships that have been intentionally sunk here. Amidst crystal clear waters, they create unique backdrops to spot all manner of marine life be it lionfish, yellowtails, stingrays, kingfish, turtles, dolphins and even wobbegong sharks.

Ribbon Reefs
For snorkelling enthusiasts, one of the best things to do in Queensland is to also explore the Ribbon Reefs which can be reached from Port Douglas. This site is in fact, made up of 10 reefs home to marine species like parrotfish, potato cod and unicornfish. In June and July, you may even get the chance to encounter dwarf minke whales!

5 Days in Trincomalee

Trincomalee is one of the best locations to visit in Sri Lanka, renowned for its pristine beaches, natural beauty, and charming atmosphere. So, if you find yourself in this fascinating region on holiday, here’s how you should spend the next five days of your vacation.

A Day at the Beach

The beaches are by far Trincomalee’s star attraction, so why not get your tour of the region started there. Uppuveli is one of the best choices available to you in this regard, here the sands are white and pristine while the waters are nice and calm.

Go for a Dive

Most resorts Trincomalee has on offer – such as the Trinco Blu by Cinnamon – will include scuba diving in their itinerary. So, on your second day, why not take them up on this. There are a number of great diving spots to choose from in the region, all of which are home to a fascinating array of marine life.

Touring the City

On your third day, consider going inland to see all the wonderful sites that Trincomalee town has to offer. A good starting point would be the famous Koneswaram Temple – a relic from the ancient Chola period. Along the coast, you’ll also discover Fort Frederick, an ode to Sri Lanka’s colonial past.

Going Snorkelling

As day four arrives, it’s time to head back into the water. Specifically, consider a day’s snorkelling session at the reefs bordering the famed pigeon island. Well away from the hustle and bustle of the main city, this is the chance to relax and spend some alone time with yourself.

Try Some Seafood

With your time in Trincomalee slowly drawing to a close, it’s time to end things on a high note – flavourful high note that is. All along Trincomalee’s coastline, you’ll find a number of great seafood restaurants. You should definitely consider stopping by these and enjoying some signature Sri Lankan dishes.

Wellington Travel Guide

Wellington is one of the most popular regions you can visit in New Zealand. From scenic views to fantastic attractions, there’s a lot to see and experience here. So, here’s a quick travel guide you can go through, if you’re planning a visit here soon.

When to Visit

So, to start off with, when exactly should you visit Wellington? The winter months that last from June to August are ideal if you want to avoid crowds but be weary of constant rainfall and strong winds. The summer season will bring tourists with them but pleasant weather as well. So, the choice is up to you.

Where to Stay

There’s a wide selection of accommodation options here in Wellington, ones that are suited for varying budgets. You can pick out a budget-friendly boutique hotel or opt for one of the best hotels in Wellington such as the Oaks Wellington Hotel.

The Attractions

Wellington Zoo Image by Spawn Man via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

The list of attractions you can visit in Wellington is virtually endless. Some highlights include the Wellington Zoo, the National Archives and Weta Workshop. You can always consult your accommodation provider for recommendations on where to go.

A Few Tips

You should consider visiting the free museums of Wellington, these are great to tour through and cost you nothing. When it comes to dining, visit Chinatown for the best flavours and unmatched prices.

Weekend Road Trip to Toowoomba

Toowoomba is one of the most underrated locations to visit and explore in Australia. In fact, it’s a great choice for a weekend road trip – here’s a quick look at what such an excursion has in store for you.

The Way There

If you’re driving from Melbourne, there are plenty of roads you can take to reach Toowoomba. Along the way, there are a number of pitstops you can make to stock up and stay refreshed. There’s plenty of accommodation options to choose from in Toowoomba itself, once you arrive. For instance, you can go with one of the serviced apartments Toowoomba has on offer like the Oaks Toowoomba Hotels.

Toowoomba’s Street Art

Image by Ian Cochrane via flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Once you’re in Toowoomba, it’s time to tour the streets and get lost in the local culture. One of the best ways to do this is to follow the trail of street art found in the city. Here, there a numerous colourful mural that was completed by renowned local artists.

Eat Out

A road trip to Toowoomba is nothing without tasting some authentic Australian flavours. There’s plenty of great dining options to choose from in the city. Establishments like the Firefly Café and the Finch Café strike the perfect balance between authenticity and atmosphere.

Take a Moment to Relax

All of this travelling is sure to make you at least a bit tired. Fortunately, there’s plenty of great locations you can visit in Toowoomba to relax and take things easy. Locations like Queen’s Park and the Ju Raku Japanese gardens are great places to start with.

Guide to planning a winter weekend in Port Stephens

If you think it’s just the summers that are amazing in Port Stephens, you are probably wrong. It’s also a great winter escape with its many beaches and hills.

Staying in Port Stephens

Image by ZebethBrowse via Pixabay

Thinking about options for Port Stephens accommodation? As long as there are properties the likes of Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort, you don’t need to worry about it. They will offer you every luxury and comfort.

Explore the Tomaree Mountain

Get ready to explore one of the best lookouts in New South Wales- Tomaree Mountain. For the complete hike, it won’t take even 2 hours, but the views from the summit are totally worth it

Explore the beaches

Zenith Beach is not the only beach to head to during your winter getaway. Don’t forget about the Anna bay, One Mile Beach, and Fingal Bay Beach that is also can also be visited to bring you warmth, joy, and relief.

Head to Gan Gan Hill

For someone who loves views, the Tomaree Mountain is not the only option. Hike to the Gan Gan lookout without much effort and enjoy all the views of the Port Stephens, Hawks Nest, and many more.

Discover Middlemount

Like many other mining towns in Queensland, Middlemount came into existence in the early 1980s. It has many facilities such as a shopping centre, swimming pool, banks, parks, a golf course, and many Middlemount service apartments.

Bundoora Dam

A perfect spot for activities such as water skiing, Bundoora Dam can hold up to 10,000 megalitres of water when full. Located close to properties such as Oaks Middlemount Suites, it is also a great place for fishing as well.

Blue Mountain Park

Blue Mountain Park Image by Aneesh Yellishetty Via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

A picturesque setting in Middlemount, the Blue Mount Park is a great place to enjoy a barbeque while drinking in the scenic vistas of its surroundings. One can even look forward to seeing fascinating animal life such as blue mountain parrots, kookaburras, and wallabies.

Emerald Botanic Gardens

Located within a driving distance from Middlemount is Emerald Botanic Gardens – an oasis-like destination that can be found on the banks of the Nogoa River. It is an ideal location for a relaxing stroll during the day. These gardens house many plant species that are native to the region and can be observed in twelve different plant communities.

Norwich Park Coal Mine

Another attraction that lies just outside Middlemount is the Norwich Park Coal Mine. This mine, situated 25 kilometres Southeast of Dysart, has been closed due to economical reasons.