Australia | The Adventure Travel Site

Exploring the Enigmatic Threads of Melbourne’s Captivating Past

Melbourne is a city that wears its history on its sleeve. From the grand Victorian architecture lining its streets to the hidden laneways whispering tales of a bygone era, Melbourne’s past is as captivating as it is complex. Delve into some of the enigmatic threads that weave together the story of this vibrant metropolis.

Gold Rush Glory

In the mid-19th century, Melbourne boomed as a result of the Victorian gold rush. Grand buildings like the Parliament House and the Royal Exhibition Building were constructed during this period, reflecting the city’s newfound wealth and ambition. This era also saw a surge in immigration, with people flocking from all over the world to seek their fortune. The city’s population exploded, and the need for accommodation grew rapidly. This led to the development of boarding houses and shared living arrangements, which in a way, can be seen as a precursor to the modern concept of coliving in Melbourne. Today, coliving spaces offered by properties such as lyf Collingwood Melbourne offer a vibrant and social living option for young professionals and newcomers to the city, echoing the collaborative spirit of those early gold rush days.

From Humble Beginnings

Step into the cobbled bluestone lanes of Melbourne and you’ll be transported back in time. These laneways were once bustling with horse-drawn carts and overflowing with goods from all corners of the globe. Today, they offer a haven for trendy cafes, art galleries, and hidden bars, each with its own unique story to tell.

Aboriginal Heritage

Melbourne’s story extends far beyond European settlement. The city is situated on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people, whose rich culture and connection to the land are slowly being unveiled. Explore the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens for a glimpse into Aboriginal plant use, or visit the Koorie Heritage Trust to learn more about the city’s indigenous history.

A City of Many Stories

Melbourne – Photo by Mitchell Luo on Unsplash

Melbourne’s multicultural character is a defining feature. From the vibrant cafes of Lygon Street’s Italian precinct to the bustling Chinatown, Melbourne’s neighbourhoods offer a chance to explore the cultures that call this city home.

Exploring Hobart’s Enchanting Waterfront

Nestled in the southeastern corner of Australia awaits the charming city of Hobart, the historic capital of Tasmania. With its roots dating back to 1804, Hobart is a city steeped in captivating history and architectural splendour. From its elegant Georgian buildings to the bustling waterfront, Hobart offers a delightful blend of old-world charm and contemporary allure. Join us as we embark on a journey to uncover the treasures of Hobart’s enchanting waterfront.

Rediscovering Hobart’s Rich Heritage

Hobart and its neighbouring regions are a treasure trove of colonial history. Visitors can lose themselves in iconic sites such as Clarendon, a stately colonial mansion, and Runnymede, a captivating whaling family home from the 19th century. A visit to the Penitentiary Chapel Historic Site in central Hobart offers a poignant glimpse into Australia’s convict past. The city showcases a delightful mix of architectural styles, including Edwardian, Victorian, and Regency, with the honour of hosting the country’s oldest theatre.

The annual National Heritage Festival provides a unique opportunity to explore usually closed National Trust houses. The waterfront area, especially Salamanca Place, boasts beautifully preserved warehouses from the 1830s whaling era. Battery Point, with its quaint streets, offers a glimpse into the original seamen’s quarters, while Macquarie and Davey Streets boast over 60 classified historic structures.

Immersing Yourself in Historic Hobart

For architecture enthusiasts exploring Hobart, convenience is key. Car rental services like Hertz with GPS navigation ensure visitors can traverse the city and its environs like seasoned locals. With a car at hand, touring Hobart becomes a seamless experience, allowing for maximum exploration and discovery.

Strolling Along Hobart’s Waterfront

The Hobart waterfront beckons with its picturesque allure and vibrant ambience. Begin your day at Salamanca Market, nestled within charming sandstone buildings housing galleries and boutiques. Dive into Tasmania’s whisky heritage at Lark Distillery before indulging in bakery delights at Battery Point’s Jackman & McRoss. Savour fresh fish and chips from a floating punt while soaking in the waterfront’s scenic vistas. Venture north to North Hobart, where the State Cinema awaits with its eclectic film selection. Pair a movie with a glass of local wine for a quintessential Tasmanian evening.

Embracing Hobart’s Timeless Charms

In Hobart, history whispers through cobblestone streets, and the waterfront dances with the echoes of a bygone era. Somerset on the Pier Hobart offers unparalleled Hobart waterfront accommodation, providing a gateway to Tasmania’s captivating past and vibrant present. Whether you’re captivated by heritage architecture, local artistry, or culinary delights, Hobart promises an unforgettable experience. Let the enchantment of the waterfront wash over you. Book your stay today and unlock the magic of Hobart.

How Co-living Spaces Are Redefining the Concept of Home

In today’s fast-paced world, co-living spaces are becoming a popular choice for individuals seeking more than just a place to live. These innovative spaces offer a unique blend of privacy, social interaction, and convenience, creating a new paradigm for the concept of a home. From fostering a sense of community to providing shared amenities and flexible living arrangements, co-living spaces are redefining the way people live and connect with others.

Now_coworking_Rouen — Now coworking, Now coworking Rouen, CC BY-SA 4.0

Community Building

Co-living spaces such as lyf Collingwood Melbourne prioritise community engagement and foster meaningful connections among residents. Shared common areas, communal activities, and events create an inclusive environment where individuals can forge friendships and support networks.

Shared Amenities

One of the key advantages of co-living spaces is the abundance of shared amenities. From fully-equipped kitchens and coworking spaces to fitness centres and recreational areas, residents can enjoy access to facilities that enhance their daily lives.

Flexible Living Arrangements

Collingwood serviced apartments and other co-living spaces offer flexible living arrangements to cater to different needs. Whether it’s private bedrooms with shared living spaces or studios with self-contained facilities, residents can choose the setup that suits their preferences and budget.

Convenience and Cost-Effectiveness

Co-living spaces simplify the process of finding accommodation by providing fully furnished units and all-inclusive rent that covers utilities and services. This convenience, coupled with cost-effectiveness compared to traditional renting, makes co-living an attractive option for many.

Your Ultimate Bucket List Items To Do in Gold Coast – Not just a surfer’s paradise

Situated on the East Coast of Australia, Gold Coast is celebrated around the world as a tourist destination for the amazing variety of experiences it has to offer.

The beaches

Hotels in Gold Coast Qld are only minutes away from some of the city’s best beach attractions. Properties including the Oaks Gold Coast Hotel are near some of the most beautiful beaches in the area. Whether it is a thrilling time at Surfer’s Paradise or a quiet stroll along a sandy quiet beach, you are sure to get a great tan and some fresh air.

The natural world

Gold Coast boasts of a range of nature experiences including a visit to the Springbrook National Park, Tambourine Mountain, the Sea World, or an exploration of the dolphins in the ocean. These can be done as individual day trips where you spend an entire day doing one activity or couple together for a full day of diverse experiences.

Martin7d2, Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park, August 2015, CC BY 2.0

Shop and dine

The shopping and dining scene in Gold Coast is vibrant and exciting. The Pacific Fair Shopping Centre is one of the central destinations in the area.

The adrenaline rush

Another exciting thing to do in Gold Coast is to visit a theme park. If you want a day full of thrilling adventures, this is a must-do. The Warner Bros. Movie World is a much sought-after destination for adventure lovers.

The Ultimate Bucket List to Do in Sunshine Coast, Queensland

For those who are lucky enough to have a bit of extra time at hand, Sunshine Coast is nothing short of splendid and dreamy things to do. It’s an absolutely fantastic destination to explore while enjoying unbelievable Sunshine Coast hotel deals.

Climbing Mount Ngungun

Located approximately within a 36-minute driving distance from Oaks Seaforth Resort via M1 are the Glasshouse Mountains. Also known as Mount Ngungun, this site boasts ten volcanic plugs that are scattered across Hinterland’s landscape, adding a bit of adventure for your visit here.

Explore Eumundi Markets

These markets have got everything that you’d ever need. Held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, one can look forward to purchasing jewellery, fresh local produce, artwork, plants, and so much more!

Surf at Alex Heads

A spectacular spot for surfing on Sunshine Coast is down at Alexandra Headlands. It is often bustling with people from all walks of life as the place offers surfing opportunities for all levels including complete amateurs.

Watch the Sunset at Maroochydore River

Sit along the stretch of quaint fishing houses that fringe the Maroochydore River and watch as the sun goes down its horizon. It’s a surprisingly tranquil setting and the sundown will have you immersed in a completely surreal atmosphere.

The Ultimate Weekend Trip to Port Stephens

Port Stephens is a fantastic pit stop on the way to the Pacific Coast or Sydney and is a place you should spend the day and make the most of it. Here’s how.

1. Set Your Alarm to See Dolphins

Set your alarm for the morning and leave your Port Stephens accommodation and head out to sea to catch a glimpse of the dolphins. If you can take a kayaking tour you can get even closer to the dolphins in the harbour.

2. Grab some Breakfast

Head back into Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort for a hearty breakfast. You can look over fantastic views of the beach in the morning light from your restaurant while you enjoy a delicious meal and some Australian coffee.

3. Hit the Road

Hire a car drive off into the desert at Worimi National Park to see the spectacular dunes. You can try some quad biking or sandboarding if you’re feeling adventurous.

4. Try Some Walking

In the afternoon, once you’ve had lunch and a little nap, head out to Tomaree National Park for some trekking with spectacular views of the dramatic Australian landscape as your reward.

5. Sunset Dinner

Finish off your day at Port Stephens with a sunset dinner of freshly caught seafood and a nice draft of cool beer.

Weekend Escape Series Hervey Bay!

Spend some time over the weekend in Hervey Bay with your children. It’s the best little holiday you can have as a family and let us tell you how to go about it.

Where is Hervey Bay?

Hervey Bay is located about 290 km away from Brisbane and is a natural harbour that rests between Queensland and Fraser Island. The seas are sheltered thanks to the island and are shallow and flat making the beaches ideal for small children.

Hervey_Bay_beach — The original uploader was PDH at English Wikipedia., Hervey Bay beach, CC BY 2.0

How to Get There

If you are driving in from Brisbane it’s about 3.5 hours and from the Sunshine Coast, it’s about 2.5 hours. You can also fly into the regional airport as there are flights from Sydney and Brisbane daily.

Places to Stay

There are many a great Hervey Bay hotel that you can stay in, like Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa that is great for the whole family. There are also plenty of Airbnbs and camping spots you can stay at.

What to See and Do

There’s so much to see and do in Hervey Bay from whale watching to fishing, tours of Fraser Island, visiting marketplaces and learning all about the history spanning as far back as the mid-1800s. you can also take the children out to the water parks and aquariums as well as the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary.

Springbrook and Tambourine Rainforest Tour in Brisbane

Submerge into the lush greenery and to a multifarious fauna that is hidden on the outskirts of Brisbane. Visitors in Brisbane are often spoilt by the variety of outdoor activities available for them to enjoy.

Info

Springbrook is a world heritage listed, a national park located on a 23-million-year-old volcanic plateau whilst adjoining Tamborine is also a mountain plateau and rainforest with a 360 view of Queensland from the Surfer’s paradise to the Rim Mountain Range. With waterfalls, caves, brooks and even nature’s own bridges, these rainforests are an ecosystem of those.

Winery

If you are joining one of the rainforest tours expect to stop at the winery for a hearty lunch. To enter the Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery in Mount Tamborine you would have to go through the estate’s purpose-built glow worm cave.

Location

Located near the Queensland & NSW border, the rainforest is over an hour’s drive south from Brisbane CBD. Hotels in the business district also host a wide variety of long stay accommodations like the Oaks Lexicon Apartments which would be ideal for you if you are hoping to stay in CBD to explore Queensland.

spectacular view of Brisbane city skyline at night from Oaks Lexicon Apartments hotel balcony — Image Credit: Oaks Lexicon Apartments

Additional facilities

End the day in Tamborine by taking a gallery walk browsing the arts and craft stores. Grab an ice-cream on your way out or simply get a coffee at The Tree House café which on Long Road and sharpens your senses for your journey home.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Drifting down the Yarra River

Melbourne’s Yarra River provides a scenic backdrop to the busy city. although far from crystal clear, head up the river where the water is much cleaner and take a dip during the summer months.

Ride the river like an Aussie

Most locals opt to kayak or drift down the river on inflatable tires and rafts. This is a laid-back way of experiencing the river, but it can take you far from roads, so make sure you get to know the route well.

The best time to enjoy the river

The river is at its best between December to March, but if you’re staying at a hotel like Oaks On Lonsdale, for instance, a Melbourne hotel apartment, you can always check with them for the best times and locations along the river to visit. Locals usually avoid swimming after heavy rains, which tends to wash debris into the river.

Stay safe and covered

Protect yourself against the harsh sun with sunscreen and wear long sleeves if you plan on being in the water for more than an hour or two. Also, try to wear surf or river shoes since most of the river bed is made up of sharp stones.

Explore the riverside

There are several spots along the river you can experience, from shallow beds and streams to the deeper parts of the river. Depending on how much time you have, try and check them out.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Explore the Great Barrier Reef; the 25 million year old gentle giant

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Img.Credit:[Szopen]

The Great Barrier Reef is the known largest living reef habitat in the world. It is made up more than 2900 separate reefs and well above 900 islands. These islands span for more than 2600 kilometres or 1600 miles in size. The area that the reef covers can be estimated as above roughly 344,400 square kilometres. This beautiful aquatic landscape is without a doubt the most exquisitely diversified ecosystem on the planet. The Great Barrier Reef that is aged at over 25 million of years is a beautiful home to more than 600 different species of aquatic organisms. In this there has been estimated to be, more than 1500 different varieties of fish, over 4000 types of molluscs and more than 360 different varieties of corals.
Once you go underwater you will be stunned by the brilliance of the colour differentiation that exists as well as the various textures and shapes. The hundreds upon hundreds of fish that live in the eco-system create complicated yet incredibly simple patterns with their graceful movements as they swim around the place that they call home. The many silent dwellers of the Great Barrier Reef include sea cucumbers, turtles, giant clams, starfish, snails, shells, anemones, eels, sponges, rays and much more.
Port Douglas is the nearest city and the leaving point to the reef and each day over 12 tours leave the port. It is a complete diving and snorkeling haven and the nature of the area is such that even a beginner could enjoy a fun and safe snorkeling session. There are many Port Douglas hotels such as the Oaks Lagoons among multiple others that cater to the accommodation requirements of the many travellers that travel to the area from across the globe in seek of a glimpse of this age old gentle giant.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+