With nearly 8 million square kilometres of wonders to explore, Australia is like no other holidaymaking destination in the world. From the rugged outback and the pristine waters along the Great Barrier Reef to the sophistication of Sydney, this country is like none other. If you intend to visit and explore, one of the best ways to take as much in as possible is by touring via a campervan.
Whilst it’s true campervan exploration doesn’t necessarily offer the 5-star treatment of a luxury hotel, what it does offer is 5-star opportunity to really take in the splendors of Australia at your own pace. It is nearly impossible to really “see” Australia from a hotel room and during the course of a few taxi rides. Campervans simply open up a world of possibilities.
Holidaymakers who choose to take the laidback, scenic route to Australian touring often cite five main reasons for doing so. These are:
1 ? Australia’s Incredible Geography And Scenery With landscapes that include everything from mountain peaks and deserts to rainforests and mangroves, Australia has it all. Each distinct region in the country offers its own unique draws as far as scenery and wildlife are concerned. Whether you’re planning to tour just a portion of the country or you intend cross-territory treks, it is impossible to miss the incredible landscapes as you drive the terrain yourself.
2 ? Access To Landmarks It is simply much easier to ensure the time and ability to see some of the biggest landmarks and attractions within Australia if you’re in charge of the itinerary. From Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef to Wave Rock and the Sydney Opera House, when you base your holidaymaking out of a campervan, you can see it all on your time.
3 ? Ease And Economics Whether your intent is to follow wanderlust without regard to a schedule or you have a set travel plan in mind, campervans provide a lot of comfort and flexibility. There is no need to worry about set hotel check-in or checkout times and you can even extend your holiday by simply picking up a phone. Your accommodations travel with you. When not wasting a single second on worrying about bookings and arriving at destinations at set times is to your liking, campervan travel delivers. Plus, as you tour all Australia has to offer, you are very likely to find campervan travel puts more money in your souvenir budget. With no exorbitant hotel fees to pay and meal expenses sliced down to grocery purchases that can be cooked in the galley, your holiday money goes a lot farther.
4 ? Campervans Provide A Fun Alternative To Regular Travel There is just something incredibly liberating about taking a holiday in a campervan. The freedom to go and do as you please is hard to compete with. If it’s raining in one destination, you can turn around and head to the next without regard to tour limitations, taxi expenses or the transportation schedules of planes, trains or buses.
5 ? Ability To Go Off The Beaten Path Many say this is the most outstanding feature of campervan travel in Australia. Since itineraries don’t have to be rigid, you are free to stop and see whatever you want. You can also take the long, scenic route, rather than the shortcut. If you see a beautiful spot for a picnic or for spending the night, you can stop.
Australia is a land of wonder that offers unique holidaymaking opportunities around every corner. When seeing as much as possible is your goal, campervan travel makes this possible.
South Australia isn’t just heaps good. SA is awesome. SA is the best. SA rocks. And for the teenagers out there SA is “sick as”, fo shizzle! SA has the best people, the sexiest women, the number one sporting venue, the newest airport, the coolest arts festival, the most relaxed beaches, the number one flavoured milk, the tastiest treats, the most delicious beer and Australia’s premiere wine districts just there (imagine I am pointing to the Barossa Valley and Mclaren Vale).
Imagine my surprise after two years of living in Sydney when I return to SA, walk into a local deli to buy a tasty Farmer’s Union Iced Coffee packet of Fruchocs combo, and the guy behind the counter says to me: “Hi mate, how are ya?” You having a good day?”
What the hell does this guy want? I call on all my street smart- I duck down low and quickly scout the store for the deli man’s accomplice. He must be trying to distract me. What have they got planned for me? A simple mugging? A bashing with a mugging thrown in? or maybe worse…
…or maybe, just maybe the deli man said “hello” because he was being friendly, because he actually cared, because he wanted a chat, because he wanted to know how was my day.
Welcome to South Australia, a place where people care about you and are interested in you no matter who you are. Unlike many parts of this country where people will offer only disdain unless you boast a billion dollar bank account or four Academy Awards or a failed celebrity relationship or an Olympic gold medal (but that only has relevance within four weeks of the closing ceremony of the games in question). This explains our reputation as a heaps friendly state.
Now let’s get back to that Iced Coffee and those Fruchocs. Sent direct from heaven, these delicious treats are formulated from a recipe book that must have been dropped in the Garden of Eden. I challenge anyone anywhere in the world to present me with a tastier non-alcoholic drink than Farmers union Iced Coffee and a tastier treat than Fruchocs.
Now step aside the rest of Australia because if you even try to challenge SA on the booze front you will only embarrass yourself and you know it.
Coopers has rightly earned its mantle as the tastiest beer in the land – making every other beer look and taste like tap water.
It has been scientifically proven that people who drink Coopers have more fun, are more attractive, become funnier and make better lovers (a survey sample of one was used by the author during a drinking session but he is pretty sure oodles of corroborative evidence is available. Just check your wedding and 21st videos).
“Adelaide Oval without a doubt” – that quote is from every cricketer who has ever played at the Adelaide Oval when asked the question, “What is your favourite ground in the world?”
It is also the most common answer given when asked any of the following questions:
WHERE is the best hill in the world?
WHICH is better out of MCG, the SCG and the Adelaide Oval?
LES Burdett is the curator at which city’s sporting venue?
WHAT famous landmark is heaps good?
South Australia embraces an event like no other state. If you put on a Fringe or a Festival just watch Adelaide’s focus shift to that event as the population becomes hypnotised by the beat ot the party. This case whether it’s the Fringe, the Arts Festival, the Cabaret Festival, Womad, the Clipsal 500 or the Adelaide Cup.
Remember the Grand Prix? Remember how the city closed down for four days and turned into a cranking non-stop party?
Remember how much fun it was even if you didn’t attend the race? Remember waking up Sunday morning and not being sure if it was Friday ,Saturday or Sunday morning?
In Melbourne you wouldn’t even know the race is on if you weren’t on the track!
Sadly our murderers and those inclined to incest are also the best in the world. They have simply misdirected their innate SA desire to be the best. Being the overall number will always come at a cost!
If I have not yet convinced you how about our beaches, our beautiful woman, Andy Thomas, Cold Chisel, The Hilltop Hoods, the meeting place of Bon Scott and Angus Young, the bloke in the mall ( you know the one), Merrick Watts, The Crows, The Power, Johnny, the Yorke Penisula, Wolf Blass, Mel Gibson, Haighs, the Riverland, Fritz, Stobie poles, Rupert Murdoch, the guy that plays the Casio organ in Rundle Mall, Don Bradman, no convicts, Vilis pies and heaps of other stuff.
Not only is SA heaps good, it’s heaps amazing, it’s heaps great, heaps friendly, heaps fun, heaps shizzlin’, and heaps cool- and if you say a bad word about it, I’ll heap it on ya!
North Terrace… Adelaide
Railway Station… Adelaide
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I have just returned from a brief sojourn in Adelaide – and have no hesitation in recommending this manageably small South Australian city as the ideal holiday destination for 2009.
The reasons are simple. The city centre is a 15-minute tram ride from the seaside suburb of Glenelg, it is an hour’s drive from the Barossa Valley, one of the prettiest wine-producing areas in the country, and it enjoys mild winters and dry heat in summer, which by my reckoning makes it the perfect climate in this globally warmed 21st century.
In contrast to stressed-out urban life in Britain, Adelaide is city life as it should be -without the overwhelming crowds, the constantly failing public transport systems and the surging crime rates.
Here is a cultured, conservative-with-a-small-c city that is within striking distance of significant natural attractions (the Flinders Ranges, Coorong National Park, Kangaroo Island) and is also cool enough in terms of fashion icons (everyone in Hollywood is wearing RM Williams) and restaurants (the Magill in the city and the Appellation in the Barossa) that it could well be described as the Barcelona of the southern hemisphere.
Check out Mclaren Vale also close to Adelaide and a great wine centre
Get it wrong, and you could be left with only huge bills and a headache to show for your efforts. Perhaps the most difficult obstacle is finding out what you will actually have to pay for. You might have calculated your application fees and plane tickets, but what about medical examinations? Police checks? Shipping costs? The potential expenses can be daunting.
Cost of living
Estimate the cost of living AustraliaWhat will transport cost? What will renting cost you? Or perhaps you intend on buying a house? Also, consider if you want to sell your home in your current country. Keep in mind that you may need finance once you’ve immigrated. Yes, you’ll be starting from scratch but you needn’t leave from hand to mouth. You could sell your house before your savings runs out. Well. Weigh up your options but as much as you need the money to migrate to Australia, you’ll need to live comfortably in your adoptive country.
Research, Research and Research some more!
Your best defence against disappointment and bankruptcy is to research! Use your sources such as relevant websites, talk to expats from Australia or visit the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA). You should find a section on the DIMA website that refers to the potential costs in Australia once you’ve immigrated.
List the Stages
A good idea is to list the stages that you will go through. Jot down each stage form start to finish. This will probably include having to applying for your visa, searching and securing a job offer, your housing and living costs for approximately six months or more. You’ll have to consider the following too; what will it cost to ship your valuables? Would you need to buy new furniture or other valuables? All these factors need to be taken into consideration – they all cost and they are all imperative! By considering these factors, you’ll have an idea of what it’ll cost to immigrate. So, budget accordingly and plan to immigrate successfully. Of course, its makes complete sense to factor in a bit more into your budget. Set money aide for rainy days.
You could establish the cost of your visa before entering into any contract. Consider that some agents will charge an extra fee which could be due to the amount of effort and time spent to ensure that your application is successful. Watch out for any hidden fees. Ensure that your Immigration Consultant informs you about all costs – don’t leave any loose ends as it could bite you in the back at a later stage, when you don’t need it at all.
Also ensure that you receive a written contract that clearly indicates the fees your are expected to pay for the eservices provided. You’ll thank your lucky stars.
For a free professional assessment of your circumstances, fill out our free assessment form or call 0845 2 606030. Want to know more about emigrating to Australia, Canada and New Zealand? Visit our website: immigrationunit.com
If you want to experience another facet of Australia, head for Broome, an exotic oasis in the heart of the country’s last great wilderness area.
Broome is an exotic blend of seaside resort and frontier town with and colourful mix of architectural styles. Add in a delightful beach and a rich and unusual history all in a tropical climate, and you’ve got the recipe for a great vacation.
Broome’s exotic nature stems from its history. Its location on the Indian Ocean made it a perfect spot for pearling and it attracted people from all over the world, especially Japan.
Today’s Broome is a chic modern town with art galleries and jewellery shops chic cafes with a wide range of attractions. You can see the pearling luggers at the wharf and in the bays, and buy pearls in Chinatown. For a taste of history, there’s a Japanese cemetery, the last resting place of over 900 pearl divers.
Other than the city, the big attraction is the famous Cable Beach, a 14-mile stretch of pristine sand washed by a limpid blue sea. To truly appreciate the magic of Cable Beach, take a camel ride at sunset. The swimming is good too. Roebuck Bay on the eastern side of the town is also popular.
Broome is also a delight for ornithologists as flocks of shorebirds land at Roebuck Bay on their annual migration from north Asia. Summer is the peak time to view them but fledglings often remain there for the first two years of their lives.
Transport: getting there and getting around
Broome International Airport provides transport to several regional and domestic towns and cities.
Public transport in Broome is minimal but there’s an hourly bus service to Cable Beach. The flat terrain makes it fine for cycling and rental bikes are readily available.
Climate:
Broome has a tropical climate with basically two seasons – dry and wet. During the dry season from May to November, temperatures peak at around 30 C. Most days are clear and sunny. In the wet season, temperatures get up to around 35 C. Humidity is high and heavy downpours are sporadic. The area can get hit by cyclones and summer storms.
Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts
Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Hotels in Broome
Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Broome hotels
*Broome’s flagship event is known as ‘Staircase to the Moon’. It occurs when a full moon reflects off mudflats in Roebuck Bay during low tide. The effect is like a glorious set of stairs reaching up to the moon. Occurs March through to October.
*In September, the importance of the pearl industry is captured in Shinju Matsuri, which started in 1970. The name means ‘festival of the pearl’ in Japanese and the event is an extravaganza which includes an opening ball, carnival and float parade, mardi gras, together with many cultural activities.
*Opera Under The Stars is held in Broom and Kimberly in August.
Perth, Western Australia, is a vibrant and attractive city with a unique selection of budget and exclusive accommodation with many things to do for the visitor such as attractions and tours. Perth has always been a tourist destination in Australia due to its unique characteristics and gateway to outstanding natural scenery. With many great accommodation specials and interesting tours, visitors get to enjoy the eclectic mix of modern and historical sites around the CBD whilst sampling the great selection of dining and bars.
Exploring Perth’s CBD is an easy task. The city is compact and well planned, even though its location on a broad stretch of the Swan River gives it a spacious feeling.
There are tree-shaded walks to be found and picnics in the manicured gardens are a popular choice on hot afternoons. With a lot to see and do, and an atmosphere of lazy sunny days, a good way to tour Perth is by public transport.
Activities close to accommodation in Perth include learning about the history of the area in the local museum or enjoying some of the local wine and cuisine in one of the many bistros or cafes.
Perhaps the best place to start is the western edge of the CBD, in Kings Park and the Botanic Gardens.
Other interesting attractions of the CBD area include the Fire Safety Education Centre and Museum in the original Perth City Fire Station; Francis Burt Law Education Centre and Museum near the Supreme Court Gardens.
On the banks of the Swan River, Barrack Square was originally built as a military parade facility. Today it is an attractively manicured garden square surrounding the unique Bell Tower , with a surrounding jetty of cafes, shops and a busy ferry terminal. The Swan Bells in the Tower include 12 original bells from St Martin-in-the-Fields Church in London, celebrated in the old nursery rhyme Oranges and Lemons.
Jump on a ferry across the Swan River to the South Perth Esplanade where the renowned Perth Zoo is located a few minutes away. It has one of Australia’s best collections of native and exotic animals, which are in enclosures resembling their natural habitats. Wandering back along the Swan the length of the Sir James Mitchell Park , take a look at Heirisson Island, access is via the bicycle path from the City of Perth Causeway Carpark. The island contains a memorial to Yagan, an Aboriginal leader killed in 1833.
Returning to East Perth after visiting Heirisson Island, wander by Trinity College and the WACA Oval.
Due to its proximity to the airport and good public transport, visitors to Perth can enjoy both long stays and weekends in this cultural and enjoyable city.
More on Perth CBD, Maps, Accommodation and Tours: http://www.planbooktravel.com.au/regions/australia/wa/perth-and-fremantle
Background By giving anyone the opportunity to write about their town or experiences, the planbooktravel website is quickly becoming recognised as the trusted ‘home’ of user-generated content on Australian destination information.
Adelaide, South Australia, is a vibrant and attractive city with a unique selection of budget and exclusive accommodation with many things to do for the visitor such as attractions and tours. Adelaide has always been a tourist destination in Australia due to its unique characteristics and gateway to outstanding natural scenery.
With many great accommodation specials and interesting tours, visitors get to enjoy the eclectic mix of modern and historical sites around the CBD whilst sampling the great selection of dining and bars.
There are tree-shaded walks to be found and picnics in the manicured gardens are a popular choice on hot afternoons. With a lot to see and do, and an atmosphere of lazy sunny days, a good way to tour Adelaide is by public transport.
Activities close to accommodation in Adelaide include learning about the history of the area in the local museum or enjoying some of the local wine and cuisine in one of the many bistros or cafes.
Begin at North Terrace, the city’s most attractive boulevard, and wander along the street and find the casino at Skycity Adelaide, Government House, Parliament House(with its award-winning museum of state history), the State Library of South Australia and the Mortlock Library. Further along North Tce, are the Botanic Gardens.
Behind Parliament House off King William St is the South Australian Theatre Museum.
A shopper’s paradise, Rundle Mall is located adjacent to North Tce.
Located above North Tce to the west is the Old Adelaide Gaol; definitely worth a visit. Other attractions of the city include Edmund Wright House, where the History Trust of South Australia promotes the state’s history; the Lion Arts Centre, containing 9 different arts organisations; and Tandanya, the National Aboriginal Cultural Institute.
Two kilometres north of the CBD, North Adelaide is lined with grand Victorian and Edwardian homes made of bluestone and sandstone. There is an abundance of hotels, motels and B&Bs in this suburb, with exotic restaurants, cafes and welcoming pubs all within walking distance.
Around 20-30min from the CBD, Adelaide’s beaches are popular seaside escapes. Well-known areas include Henley Beach, West Beach and Brighton.
The site of the first mainland settlement in South Australia in 1836, Glenelg is a seaside suburb with a 5-star hotel, beachfront apartments, shops and restaurants on the shoreline. Jetty Road is a hive of activity as the main precinct for shopping and alfresco dining. Rodney Fox’s Shark Museum is located in the Town Hall. For the adventurous, attractions include helicopter rides and parasailing, with other outdoor activities like beach volleyball available.
The area around Adelaide is world famous for its award-winning wines. The Barossa Valley, South Australia is renowned for its Shiraz amongst others.
Whilst the Adelaide Hills region in South Australia, South of Adelaide is the states oldest wine region dating back to the first vintage in 1841. There are now 35 wine labels in the picturesque setting of Mount Lofty Ranges.
The Clare Valley is just an hour and a half north of Adelaide. With a rich cultural tapestry dating back 160 years and more than 35 cellar doors, and is famous for its Reisling.
Due to its proximity to the airport and good public transport, visitors to Adelaide can enjoy both long stays and weekends in this cultural and enjoyable city.
Adelaide Rosella, Hahndorf, Adelaide Hills Region – Image South Australia Tourism Commission
Background By giving anyone the opportunity to write about their town or experiences, the planbooktravel website is quickly becoming recognised as the trusted ‘home’ of user-generated content on Australian destination information.
Have you decided to make the decision and leave the UK for a better life in Australia? So many young couples and families are packing up there lives here in the UK and heading over to Australia for better weather, more money and better living conditions for all the family. You may be worried about moving all your furniture and belongings to Australia, you may think it will be less hassle just leaving it here in the UK and buying new furniture in Australia, but why should you.
An experienced Removal Company who have a good reputation and have the experience in shipping furniture and belongings to Australia from the UK will not only offer the help of shipping your possessions to Australia but will give you peace of mind.
They should offer you the following if you require them:
Full liability cover – from the start to the finish of the move your goods and personal belongings are covered.
Collection, Packaging, Preparation and Detailed Inventory – you can have your belongings prepared, packed safely and collected in Over’s packaging to save you the hassle.
Packaging, Preparation, Unpacking and Delivery – working from your detailed inventory the team will unpack your belongings at your chosen property, set them up and remove any debris.
Freight Handling
Crating service – this is for high risk and or fragile items.
Whatever you’re transporting and shipping a good removal company will be able to help you make in smooth and hassle free.
Transporting your belongings to Australia by sea and air can be used not only for families and couples moving to Australia but also for businesses and commercial use.
Many of the removal companies will be able to help you fill out the paperwork required for your shipment and also help make the shipment run smoothly, via contacting the shipping lines making sure there are no problems etc.
Usually shipments from the UK to Australia run on a daily basis and can take over a week from leaving the UK to reach Australia. If there is a reason why you need your shipment even quicker there are other options available that removal companies offer which of course will cost more.
If you’re moving to Australia and want some of your belongings stored in the UK and some shipped to your new property in Australia, ask your removal company if they offer both services. If they do you can usually save a bit of money so why not inquire, you may save yourself some money too.
One point to look for when choosing your removal company for your move from the UK to Australia is the British Standards ISO. This means that the service and products they offer are registered on their Quality Management System. It just gives you peace of mind that the company has thought about implementing the system and are trying to give their customers a better service.
So whatever your move to Australia involves, contact a reputable, experienced and trustworthy Removal Company so they can help take the stress away from your move from the UK to Australia.
Jene Pedder is the Webmaster of OVER’S International who specialize in removals and shipping from the UK to Australia.
Emotional blackmail South Australia style. What a lame poem. South Australia don’t seem to do any shock tactic adverts like in the rest of Australia’s states. Lord knows what they’d think of the TAC stuff.
