Category: Miscellaneous Adventures

 

 

The state capital of the island state of Tasmania, Hobart is the second oldest capital city of Australia. Hobart is Tasmania’s financial and administrative centre while it is also the home port for the French and Australian operations in the Antarctic. The city is located in the Derwent river estuary while its skyline is almost completely dominated by the awesome, 1271 metre high Mount Wellington. Almost the entire city is built on the foothills of the Mount Wellington and is simply referred to as ‘the Mountain’ by most Hobart residents. In actual fact, Mount Wellington is to Hobart what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris and what the Statue of Liberty is to New York.

The mountain was earlier known as the Table Mountain until it was named in honour of the Duke of Wellington in 1832. Mount Wellington is covered in snow throughout most months of the year with its lower slope areas being covered by dense forests. There are quite a few walking trails across the mountain while a narrow roadway also leads visitors to the top to witness the spectacular scenery.

For most of the last century, the Mount Wellington was one of the most popular picnic and day resort areas for Hobart residents and many picnic huts and chalets were built here. These huts were completely destroyed during the great bushfires of 1967 and only a few modern huts are available and open to the public at present. This includes the Springs, the Pinnacle and the Chalet.

Offering the ideal Hobart holiday accommodation option to business and leisure travellers alike, the Somerset on the Pier is located on the Hobart waterfront with stunning views of the River Derwent and the Sullivan’s Cove. The property’s Hobart serviced apartments are spacious, elegantly furnished and feature thoughtful amenities that will ensure that guests have perfectly relaxed and enjoyable stay here.

A camel safari is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and memorable activities to be experienced in the environs of Abu Dhabi. In a past era when there were no motor vehicles or the conveniences we take for granted, the invaluable ‘ship of the desert’ was the only way to traverse the vast empty expanses of the Arabian desert. The forefathers of today’s Emiratis would travel long distances with no assistance apart from the prized camels which served their Arab masters faithfully.

Climbing and descending vast sand dunes and crossing expanses of picturesque desert on camelback is a truly magical experience reminiscent of the famed Arabian Nights. Providing a genuine taste of the nomadic lifestyle of ancient Arabia, a camel safari is always a memorable experience. The visitor may choose a safari trip of the desired duration, from an hour’s ride to an overnight expedition complete with a serene night in the desert in a Bedouin tent.

Alternatively the visitor may choose to traverse the desert in the comfort of a four-wheel drive vehicle, which takes the guest on a thrilling rollercoaster ride over sand dunes and desert valleys. The loftiest sand dunes provide a spectacular view over the Arabian desert; the desert sunset is a particularly memorable sight. The journey proceeds to a Bedouin campsite where the traveller can enjoy refreshments and have their hands and feet decorated with henna designs. Often a belly-dancer performs to traditional music, after which a delicious barbeque dinner will be served to the visitor.

The ancient art of falconry, a cherished Arab tradition can also be experienced in the desert. The falconer’s skill in handling the birds of prey always impresses the beholder.

‘Wadi bashing’ has gained great popularity in recent times. In this exciting adventure sport, a four-wheel drive vehicle is piloted at considerable speed over a wadi, the term used for a dry rocky riverbed, of which many are found in the environs of Abu Dhabi. However, it is customary to receive expert instructions before trying your hand at this activity.

With all these exciting options on offer, a visit to Abu Dhabi will never be dull. When selecting amongst Abu Dhabi resort hotels an excellent choice is the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. This fine Abu Dhabi resort provides luxurious accommodation and gracious service satisfying every expectation of its guests.