Australia
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A walk through the Salamanca Markets
Take a walk through the Salamanca Market and you will enjoy the sights,tastes and sounds of a bustling market in Hobart. Run by the Hobart city council, the Salamanca markets spreads itself right along Salamanca place with some 300 stalls. Stall holders bring to you products from all over Tasmania, so expect to be able to buy fresh food, cheese, art & craft, local wines and other quality local made products. Whilst you take a walk around you will be entertained by the various buskers throughout the market, which creates that feel good fun atmosphere. Once you have walked the length of the market, purchased some goods and listened to…
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What to see and do in Hobart
Visiting Hobart is like taking a step back to another time, a time when Australia was a penal colony. In fact Hobart is Australia’s second oldest city after Sydney, having been founded in 1804. Built around the harbour of Sullivan’s cove, you will find that many of the original buildings lining the harbour are still standing from that era. If you admire old architecture and a feel of an old world charm or have an interest in convict history, then Hobart is a fabulous place to explore. So what to see and do in Hobart you ask? Well, if you are here for an extended weekend as I was, then all…
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The best little cafes in Hobart
Looking for the best little cafes in Hobart? Then look no further as I have found three of the best. It’s always that old familiar scene when visiting a city for the first time – wondering around aimlessly – looking to find a great breakfast, a decent coffee and good lunch place. Unless you are in the know (as a local) or have been given a recommendation it may be a little challenge to find that little gem of a cafe. So wonder no more as here are my top picks – Daci & Daci, Next Door and Jackman & McRoss, put them on your list if you are in…
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MONA – Prepare for a full assault on the senses
I’m putting this right out there now, if you are in Hobart and you don’t visit MONA then you have rocks in your head. When someone says to you (in that higher wisdom voice) “oh you simply have to go to see MONA” with the mere mention of Hobart, then you must obey them! When I visited MONA in Tasmania, I really didn’t know what to expect. MONA stands for Museum of Old and New Art by the way, in case you may have been wondering (don’t worry I wondered that too). I do enjoy art galleries and museums and I have seen a few, some are just awesome and…
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The quirky Gala Estate Winery
Whilst driving through the countryside on the east coast of Tasmania, you could be forgiven for thinking you are driving through the English country side, with the familiar rolling green hills, rivers and the vineyards. In particular, the drive from Hobart to the Freycinet National Park is something I could term as quite the ‘joy ride’, as the scenery along the way is just picture perfect. Then as you start nearing the national park, the mountains appear as a stunning backdrop to the many wineries throughout this route. The east coast is home to a boutique wine region, producing cool climate wines. What I found interesting is that many of…
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Climbing Mount Amos to view Wineglass Bay
One of the most truly spectacular things to do in Tasmania is to explore the Freycinet National Park. Driving through the region is incredibly picturesque with the mountains, sea inlets and vineyards stealing the limelight at every turn. The area is also home to Tasmania’s east coast wine route (okay I’m sold) and the stunning Wineglass Bay. I recently visited Tasmania and spent four days exploring in and around Hobart. I had quite a few things I wanted to see in Tasmania and on top of the list was the spectacular Wineglass Bay, with it’s white sandy beach and turquoise water. It is also on the Lonely Planet’s list of…
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Go on Safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo
You don’t have to go all the way to Africa to experience the thrill of a real wildlife safari. Australia has it’s own Open range zoo, which is also one of the largest in the southern hemisphere. If you are an Australian resident or happen to be visiting Australia then you must not miss the chance to go on safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo. The Werribee Open Range Zoo is set over 200 hectares of land where visitors can get the unique opportunity to see animals roaming free in an open environment, similar to that of their own native habitat. There are also three great walking trails that take…
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Bombay Sapphire Project Botanicals
Bombay Sapphire Project Botanicals is quite the unique experience that pops up in Melbourne for just three weeks and was a sell out in 2014 & 2015. The concept has Bombay Sapphire drawing on their ten signature botanicals as inspiration for pairing gin cocktails with ten exotic dishes. The food is the brainchild of renowned chef Gary Mehigan who has worked with the Project Botanicals team on creating each unique dish. My Project Botanicals experience (2014) I first found out about Project Botanicals through a blogger friend of mine and after reading her review I had decided that (with me being quite the gin connoisseur) I should go and check…
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SkyPoint Seventy7 Cafe and Bar
A must visit on the Gold Coast is the Skypoint Observation Deck located at the Q1 Tower right in the middle of the tourist area of Surfers Paradise. Not only is it an observation deck but it doubles as a venue, where the aptly named SkyPoint Seventy7 cafe and bar can be found on the 77th floor. A great spot to enjoy some late afternoon cocktails before heading out for the evening. To get there make your way down Surfers Paradise Boulevard to the SkyPoint Observation entrance and once your entrance fee is paid you will be directed to the elevator. The elevator takes you up to the 77th floor…
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Crown Towers Hotel Melbourne: Luxury at it’s best
Crown Towers Hotel Melbourne is without a doubt Australia’s most luxurious Hotel. Having reaffirmed it’s standing by being awarded the best Australian Hotel in 2014 by Luxury Magazines gold list – it’s hard to argue if there are any other hotels that can topple Crown’s – well “crown”. I recently stayed at this hotel after deciding that I should treat myself to a night of luxury before I fly out to Bangkok the next day. Living just an hour away, I don’t often stay in the city itself as it’s just as easy to catch a train home after a day’s shopping, dining or visiting friends. So having a little…
