Archive for August, 2008

Launceston A Dynamic Holiday Destination

Launceston: A Dynamic Holiday Destination

Launceston is truly a lovely city that is filled with sophisticated Georgian and Victorian architecture. Launceston is also considered as among the most beautiful cities in the whole of Australia and it home to several historic attractions, delightful parks and splendid churches. It is also the entrance to the famous wineries of the Tamar Valley and the city possesses a distinct and enthralling ambiance that can only be found here. Several sites that you should place on top of your itinerary when you have a Launceston holiday are:

Cataract Gorge

This is an unbelievably stunning park that offers fantastic nature walks throughout the surrounding shrubs, exceptional landscapes plus a variety of facilities such as a restaurant and a swimming pool. You would also get the chance to have an enjoyable stroll across a suspension bridge in addition to a vast range of flora such as the Bull Oak, South Esk Pine, and some ancient cypress and lime trees. This is actually the city’s most well-loved destination particularly for family picnics.

Penny Royal World

This tourist attraction is actually based on the first Penny Royal Windmill that was built back in 1840. Some of its attractions include the windmill that measures 16.5 meters, a gunpowder mill, a fort, a paddlesteamer as well as a cannon foundry. This is essentially a theme park that presents travelers an opportunity to observe various 19th century mills and other activities. An added attraction here is the historic Launceston tram that functions every ten minutes or so between the windmill and the watermill.

Franklin House and Franklin Village

The Franklin House is undoubtedly a major historic attraction in Launceston. It is an impressive Georgian house that was constructed by convicts back in 1838 for Britton Jones, who was a Launceston brewer. At present, the grand house is now under the name of the National Trust, which initially opened the structure to the public during 1961. This elegant house has been thoroughly furnished. Some remarkable pieces here are comprised of an organ, an 18th century mahogany clock, a French musical box, a Tasmanian cedar piano, an assortment of notable portraits as well as the broad use of cedar for windows, doors, and skirting boards.

The Old Umbrella Shop

This unique and interesting shop was put up back in the 1860s. It is the ultimate authentic period store in all of Tasmania and it has also been run by the same family ever since the turn of the 20th century. The umbrellas that extend over the last one hundred years are placed on display but there are also modern umbrellas and other souvenirs are up for sale.

The Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery

This museum and art gallery was opened back in 1891 in celebration of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. The museum is home to a huge collection of stuffed wildlife that includes the already extinct Tasmanian tiger. You might also get to see some short-term exhibits as well as various historical items that are on display.

Launceston Accommodation

You would need to get a good Launceston accommodation in order for you to rest in between your sightseeing and to fully enjoy your Launceston holiday. There is no need to worry about your Launceston accommodation for there are several resorts, cozy retreats, hotels, bed and breakfasts, motels, holiday apartments, as well as some caravan parks. Camping is also a popular option in many areas. But then, if you are planning on camping, ensure that you do have a reliable map as well as suitable provisions so that you could fully enjoy your Launceston holiday.

The author writes for the online travel website Cheap Holiday Accommodation that presents some travel advice, articles, and other data about Launceston accommodation & Launceston holiday found in Tasmania, Australia.

Launceston: A Dynamic Holiday Destination / Author: Bei Maniago

The Wonders of Staying at Hunter Valley

The Wonders of Staying at Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley is known for the booming wine industry in the area. It is home to many wine-producing establishments as well as abundant wildlife and natural attractions. Located two hours away from the capital city of Australia, Hunter Valley is perfect for people seeking to unwind from the hurly burly of city life and the stress associated with it.

What can one enjoy in Hunter Valley? For the wine enthusiast, you can go about the 80 wineries in the area and sample their offerings. You could also educate yourself on the production of wine and tour their manufacturing facilities. You can also go around the Hunter Valley area if you are the exploring type, however, you need to have a car because the wine country is about 12,000 square kilometers in area. At dawn, you can also choose to ride a hot-air balloon and get a bird’s eye view of the valley.

Aside from the wineries, nearby Pokolbin town offers resorts and guesthouses, as well as restaurant and cafes. It is only about 6 kilometers from Cessnock in southern Hunter Valley. Near Pokolbin is Barrington Tops, which is known for its rainforests and its natural attractions like birds and other animals.

Of course, staying at Hunter Valley is no problem you have a wide choice of Inns and hotels at your disposal. To help you in your search, here are two of them:

Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill

If you are looking for an inn that is near to the centre of the Hunter Valley region, then you can try the Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill. Leisure Inn has an offering of luxurious studio-type units, as well as single and double-bedroom apartments. These rooms have their own spa bath in their bathrooms. All apartments have a fully-equipped kitchen, and are equipped with Internet access as well as voicemail facilities.

Other amenities include a swimming pool, a tennis court, and a restaurant. You can also enjoy grilled barbecue in the hotel’s vicinities with your family or friends.

Cypress Lakes Resort

With a slightly larger facility than Leisure Inn—the resort is located in a 340-acre, hilly area—Cypress Lakes Resort offers you another choice within the center of Hunter Valley.

Cypress Lakes’ villa-type apartments are perfect for spending a quiet holiday with family, friends, and even lovers. If you are into golf, indulge yourself in Cypress Lakes’ exclusive golf club. Aside from the golf club, relax and unwind yourself from the stress of city life by getting yourself a massage at the resort’s spa and massage center.

If you’re in for a drink, the resort has three bars. The lobby bar (located in the resort center), the icons bar (located in the golf course) and the lagoon bar, in which you can enjoy a drink and snack by the poolside. Cypress Lakes’ signature diner also offers you a superb view of the valley while enjoying a sumptuous meal, while the Mulligan’s Brasserie is perfect for breakfast, lunch and snacks near the pool or golf course.

The author is a traveler and writer working for Cheap Holiday Accommodation. The author offers tips on where to look for the most ideal Hunter Valley accommodation during your Hunter holiday.

The Wonders of Staying at Hunter Valley / Author: Bei Maniago

Hobart An Enchanting Destination for Your Holiday

Hobart: An Enchanting Destination for Your Holiday

Hobart is definitely one of the old-fashioned yet charming cities in the whole of Australia. It is widely acknowledged that Hobart is among the country’s loveliest cities. It has a distinct old world charm all on its own that poets have frequently written about its beauty in the most radiant terms. A few of the best places that you should remember to visit on your Hobart holiday are:

Cadbury’s Chocolate Factory

You definitely should make time to tour this renowned Chocolate Factory and you would find it a rewarding experience. You would be able to observe as the mouthwatering chocolates are being created and as with any tour, you would get to enjoy some yummy (and free!) samples. The Factory Tour would allow you to enter the Visitor’s Center. You would be able to have a chance to see fascinating insights regarding the Cadbury Claremont’s history. On this tour, aside from seeing how the Cadbury products are made, you would also discover the secret about the excellent Cadbury taste. Aside from its modern facility, the Cadbury Claremont Factory also possesses 18 heritage-listed structures. The remarkable Conching Machines were actually installed roughly 60 years ago and they are still fully operational.

Cascade Brewery

Another pride of Hobart is the Cascade Brewery. It is the oldest brewery in Australia and it is also the most beautiful one. It dates back from 1824 and thereby making it the oldest manufacturing enterprise in the country. You should come and visit Hobart’s Cascade Brewery for tour of the brewery or you could also have a soothing drink and have something to eat in its Cascade Visitor Center. The tours last for one and a half hours and these are conducted by brewery guides a few times every single day. When you join one of these tours, you would have the opportunity to observe some of the country’s well-loved premium beers being brewed and you could also stroll through the renowned Woodstock gardens. Half an hour before your tour ends, you would get to enjoy for a tasting of the drinks, which are already incorporated in the tour fee.

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

These gardens are a popular tourist attraction in Hobart. They are the home of several significant plant collections and historic trees. Aside from admiring the unique flora, you could also grab a bite to eat the onsite restaurant or if you feel like it, you could have a picnic in the grounds. When you are in the Botanical Discovery Center, you would be able to see interactive exhibits that give out information concerning the varied Tasmanian flora.

Mount Wellington

This lofty mountain rises 1,270 meters or roughly 4,000 feet above Hobart’s harbor and the vast Derwent River. Mount Wellington offers an exciting wilderness experience and it is greatly loved by locals. The interpretation center found at the pinnacle shields you from the impetuous winds and there is a platform on the western section of the car park that presents a view of the southern World Heritage Area. There are bushwalking trails that you could try and when you get tired, there are picnic and barbecue facilities available. Other mountain activities that you could do here also include rappelling and cycling.

Hobart Accommodation

To have a good rest during your Hobart holiday, it is very important that you would have a great Hobart accommodation. There are plenty of hotels, apartments, motels, and cottages that you could choose from. Generally, any Hobart accommodation would provide warm and professional service to their guests. All the service personnel are encouraged to make an effort to help you have a grand Hobart holiday.

 The author provides her tips and other information at Cheap Holiday Accommodation. Learn more about the different types of Hobart accommodation and how to spend your Hobart holiday the most excellent way.

Hobart: An Enchanting Destination for Your Holiday / Author: Bei Maniago