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

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

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 StephensPort 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

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.

Nuwara Eliya’s Top Attractions

Little England is the name given to Nuwara Eliya. You will at once see why when you visit this town because the buildings you see in this area, the climate, and everything else is very much similar to an English setup.

Image credit-Unsplash,Egle Sidaraviciute,CC0

Nuwara Eliya Water Falls

Nuwara Eliya is an area blessed with beautiful waterfalls. Glen Falls, Lovers Leap, and Ramboda Falls are just some of them. To witness the beauty of some, you will have to hike a little, but the views are astonishing!

Tea Bluefield Tea Factory

This region has a lot of tea estates, from where the world-famous tea brand ‘Ceylon Tea’ was originated from. During your tour, head to the Bluefield Tea Factory and enjoy an impressive cup of tea after a detailed factory visit.

Horton Plains National Park

Although this National Park is located 30km away from the city, it is worth a visit. You will find the World’s End here at the Horton Plains. It’s a bit of a long hike, but you are sure to enjoy it!

Where to stay in Nuwara Eliya?

Since it’s a very touristy area, you don’t need to worry about options for accommodation in Nuwara Eliya. Hotels such as Galway Heights are available with world-class services to welcome you for a blissful holiday.

Victoria Falls Devils Pool and Livingstone Island

Located adjacent to hotels in Livingstone Zambia offered by popular chains such as Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, Livingstone Island is a perfect place for a day out; however, only a maximum of 24 people are allowed on the island at a time.

Victoria Falls

A waterfall that is formed by the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls is hailed as one of the largest waterfalls in the world due to its humongous width. It provides a flourishing habitat to its many species of animals and plants.

Image Credit: Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas

Livingstone Island

If you’re planning on a tour to this scenic island, you should know that they are seasonal and the island can only be reached when the Zambezi River’s water level is low enough to provide safe access to the island. The best time to visit this island would be from late June to early March.

Story behind Name

David Livingstone first revealed the whereabouts of this island in November 1855; hence the name of the island. It is said that he lowered a length of cotton cloth with a bullet attached to it in order to measure the depth of the pool.

Devils Pool

As the name suggests, the water level has to be pretty low for someone to even consider swimming at the Devils Pool.

Exciting Things to do in the Maldives

Have you ever daydreamed about what you’d do when you’re surrounded by exquisite stretches of white sand beaches and turquoise waters?! When you make reservations at one of the many Maldives resorts, you will experience the excitement and exhilaration that adventure seekers do.

Parasailing

If you’re looking for a thrilling experience in the Maldives, then Parasailing is a must-experience activity. You’ll feel exhilarated when you feel the ocean breeze on your face while drinking in the views of the azure waters of the Arabian Sea.

Fun Tubing

One of the most exciting things to do in these paradisiacal islands, fun tubing is an excellent activity if you love feeling that insane adrenaline rush through your veins. During your stay at the Maldives at properties such as Baros Maldives, you can try out this fun activity with your loved ones.

Scuba Diving

A different experience from the ones above the water surface, scuba diving provides an ethereal experience for those who brave the deep waters. Swimming alongside manta rays and whale sharks will enhance the sense of adventure.

Water Skiing

One of the most enjoyable water sports is water skiing although you must avoid the months from June through September as the rainy season brings harsh weather conditions. However, one should definitely experience this exciting sport where they get pulled around the ocean behind a boat.

A Travel Guide to Khon Kaen

Located in north-eastern Thailand, Khon Kaen is a key city in Isan and is a captivating destination for work, rest and play. Check out these insights which will help those planning a trip here.

Accommodation

Before getting into sightseeing find a suitable hotel Khon Kaen has to offer. Ideally, choose a property within easy reach of city centre attractions as well as the main airport and train station. Added features to look for would be onsite conference and function venues, free Wi-Fi, a spa, gym and dining options too.

Image Credit: Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre

Local Attractions

Those looking to learn more on the region’s heritage can visit the National Museum located within easy reach of Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre. Family fun awaits at the Dino Water Park, while Wat Thung Setthi, Ban Khok Sanga King Cobra Village and the day and night markets are worth visits too.

Escape to Nature

Offering both relaxation and recreation, Bueng Kaen Nakhon is a picturesque lake area home to idyllic parks and temples, while being popular for riding bikes and fishing. For more nature-based excursions in Khon Kaen, one can explore the Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham and Phu Wiang national parks, the latter known for its dinosaur graveyard!

When to Visit

Generally, November to April is the best time to visit Khon Kaen; it’s also an ideal place to witness the water-filled New Year festival of Songkran (in April). From May to October the monsoon brings with it rains, though do keep in mind the rates and crowds at these times will be less too!

Phang Nga Bay Island Cruise

The spectacular Phang Nga Bay has an exquisite element that makes its appeal increase as a tourist destination; the magnificent limestone karsts that are jutting out over the turquoise waters would surely make your jaw drop due to its unbelievable splendour.

Cruising the Bay

Phang Nga Bay is a perfect destination to go on a boating trip. It offers many safe places to anchor while you admire its scenic views.

James Bond Island

A landmark in the region, James Bond Island gained its popularity due to its starring role in The Man with the Golden Gun, a famous James Bond movie. When you cruise around the island, you will be mesmerised by the sheer number of majestic limestone karsts that are peppered around the region.

James_Bond_Island
© Vyacheslav Argenberg / http://www.vascoplanet.com/Ko Tapu (James Bond) Island in Phang Nga Bay, ThailandCC BY 4.0

Koh Panyee Island

Another famous spot of the Phang Nga Bay, Koh Panyee Island is a great place to enjoy the breathtaking scenery on the bay, as you’d only have brief encounters with tourists. You can arrange a cruise around this picturesque bay during your stay at a pool villa in Phuket offered by popular chains such as Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas.

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint

Located just a 30-minute drive away from Phuket, Samet Nangshe Viewpoint offers the most bewitching views of the limestones of the Phang Nga Bay. This location has got extraordinary photographic potential that would absolutely delight your senses.

Dambulla in One Day

Located in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, the town of Dambulla is an ideal destination to visit or be based at. If you have just one day here, these are some of the things you can do.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Get off to an early start by heading to the top of the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site within easy reach of Aliya Resort & Spa. You will pass rock frescoes, the Mirror Wall and the remains of huge lion paws leading up to the summit where palace ruins and inspiring vistas await.

Golden Temple of Dambulla

With a history that dates to the 1st century BC, another key local attraction is the Golden Temple of Dambulla. Hotels that are close by are ideal since you can plan a visit to this site where you will find Buddha statues and historical paintings within a stunning cave temple complex.

Minneriya National Park

In the second half of the day, you can plan a wildlife safari to the Minneriya National Park home to diverse animal and bird life; if you visit between June to September you are in for a treat since you can witness “The Gathering” where hundreds of elephants can be seen.

Ayurvedic Spa Bliss

Look to stay at a hotel that has an Ayurveda spa so you can enjoy some relaxing and rejuvenating treatments after all your adventures. Such spas offer traditional and holistic rituals with everything from herbal oil body therapies to herbal steam baths and more.