Travel Australia - by Craig Hill

VIC non metro - Travel Australia

Ballarat

August 28th 2008 23:39

Ballarat, in the state of Victoria, is one of the largest inland cities in Australia with a population of over 88,000 within the municipality. Originally called "Balla" "Arat" - Aboriginal dialect for resting or camping place - gold was discovered in the area in the early 1850s. This prompted a huge influx of diggers to Ballarat which was proclaimed a town in 1852, a municipality in 1855, a borough by 1863 and a city in 1870.

The city is situated in the Central Highlands Region of Victoria, approximately 110km north-west - or around 75 minutes by car - from the state capital of Melbourne. Ballarat proudly displays its golden past through stunning architecture, wide streets and magnificent statuary collections. It is this rich history that makes Ballarat the big tourist attraction it is today.

Due to its elevation at 450 metres above sea level, Ballarat experiences a climate of four distinct seasons with mean monthly temperatures averaging 2-3 degrees below those for Melbourne. The mean daily maximum temperature for January and July - its hottest and coldest month respectively - is 25 and 10 degrees Celsius respectively.

There's lot to see and do in a city steeped in such rich history and if you happen to see nothing else but The Eureka Centre, then you will have already visited the site of what is considered to be one of the most significant events in the evolution of Australian democracy - the Eureka Rebellion. Opened in March 1998, the $4 million centre is one of Victoria's most popular tourist destinations and commemorates the passionately held ideals and the sacrifices of those who lived and worked on Ballarat's goldfields. The centre is open every day of the year except on Christmas Day so anytime is a good time to visit this state-of-the-art building.

The Gold Museum is an impressive and valuable collection of gold nuggets, alluvial deposits, priceless gold artefacts and gold coins. There is also a major exhibition presenting the story of Ballarat from its earliest days through to European settlement and the amazing impact of the gold rushes.

The Ballarat Observatory, situated at Mount Pleasant, is a city landmark and best for observing the night sky through its many powerful telescopes.

Ballarat Aviation Museum on Sunraysia Highway boasts a truly unique collection of flying aircraft, engines, wartime relics and equipment from the 1920's to the present day.

You can find out more about Ballarat here.

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Posted By: Arnold - Category: VIC non metro

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Geelong

August 26th 2008 07:30

Situated on Corio Bay is the city of Geelong, Victoria's second largest city, famous for its picturesque waterfront, parks, gardens, beaches, fantastic dining and plenty of shopping. Located just 75km south west from Melbourne, the state's capital city, Geelong is Australia's largest regional municipality with a population of approximately 234,000 residents.

The name Geelong, like so many other Australian cities, is derived from 'Jillong' - the Aboriginal word for bay - and its meaning translates to 'a place of the sea bird over the white cliffs'. Framed by water from the vibrant Corio Bay to the rugged ocean coastline, Geelong residents enjoy a lifestyle that encompasses cosmopolitan city, semi-rural and diverse urban communities and kilometres of pristine beaches. The region is also the major gateway to some of the world's best surf beaches and the drama of the Great Ocean Road.

The city boasts a burgeoning tourism industry which attracts many national and international visitors every year while It's close proximity to Melbourne makes it the ideal destination for Melburnians to escape the daily grind.

There's lot to see and do in Geelong but like any other city, there's a list of 'must-see' destinations and this starts off with The National Wool Museum, Australia's only comprehensive museum of wool. Established in 1988, the museum showcases wool and the immense role it's played in the growth of Australia as a nation. Housed in an historic 1872 bluestone wool store near the port of Geelong, the museum is the best place to explore Australia's wool industry and plenty of specialty shopping including Australian-made wool and woollen goods, gifts, art and craft, plus quality rugs woven at the Museum.

Geelong's historic (over 150 years old) and beautiful Botanic Gardens are centrally located within Eastern Park, a short walk from the CBD, and boasts a collection of rare and old trees and a diverse collection of exotic plants of which many appear on the National Trust register.

Waterfront Geelong is one of Australia's best waterfront redevelopments and a premier entertainment venue featuring excellent restaurants, beautiful landscaped gardens, walking, cycling and skating paths, attractions and public art.

Other features located inside the waterfront precinct includes the Steampacket Quay and Steampacket Gardens, and an antique carousel beside the quay. The area is also a major events venue, with its sweeping lawns and views providing backdrops for markets, sporting events and festivals.

The National Wool Museum
26 Moorabool Street,
Geelong,
Victoria, Australia.
Phone: (03) 5227 0701

Geelong Botanic Gardens
Eastern Park Circuit,
Eastern Park, Geelong
Victoria, Australia.
Phone: (03) 5227 0387

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Posted By: Arnold - Category: VIC non metro

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Do horrific accidents change the way we travel?

June 6th 2007 08:08

I ask the above question in response to the terrible train and truck collision in Kerang, Victoria yesterday. It got me thinking, do things like that make us think about going by train, or whatever mode it may be.

In respect to aeroplanes, I think one crash probably doesn't stop most of us flying, but it may make us think twice about a certain airline. I blogged about Qantas last week, passing on results from Choice showing it wasn't especially a well liked airline, but safety counted for a lot, and Qantas' safety record is very good.

In terms of the trains though, I don't think it will change too much. Country trains tend to attract a sort of passenger, who doesn't have the option of choosing a different type of travel. This is my theory - people who travel on country trains either like the train trip, receive so many trips per year as part of their pension or health care card status or don't have air services. For example if you are living in a country town, the train may stop, but if you don't want to catch a train and can't drive, you can't get the plane instead. Whereas in a city, flying is quicker and just about as cheap.

So when an accident like this happens, you don't have people changing across to air travel, because it isn't a viable option. You might have people not travelling as much on the train, but that is because they aren't travelling, not because of another option, at least in most cases.

There may be those that disagree...?

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Posted By: Glen - Category: VIC non metro

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Snow hits Victoria

May 23rd 2007 05:24

Considering the snow season in Australia is strongest around August and September, a May snow fall in the alpine areas of Victoria suggests the season this year could be a lot better than last year. If you remember back to last year, it was quite disappointing season, with lot of lifts closed across both Victorian and NSW ski fields.

Last year's poor seasons brought cries of global warming definitely hitting, but early signs this year are good for snow goers. Personally, I don't get along to the snow fields. I have enjoyed my times there, but the expense of skiing cannot be overlooked. Of course early snow does not mean the globe isn't warming, but a good snow season is good for those who rely on the season for their income and it is good for the snowy hyrdo scheme as well.

It is of course good for tourists as well. One cannot assume a good early fall will translate into a great season, but it has provided optimism for those with a vested interest. We shall wait and see how it proceeds.

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Posted By: Glen - Category: VIC non metro

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Long live the Orange-bellied parrots

August 29th 2006 11:55

Those wind farms are killers. Don't be roped in by those environmentalits who think coal is the slow killer. Surely a slow death is better than a quick one by a windmill! Of course it is not humans that face death by the old wind farm, but rather the Orange Bellied Parrot.

Gippland, the beautiful area in Victoria, was due to get a windfarm, an alternative energy source that uses renewable resources. Only thing is, locals don't really dig the old windfarm as the I suppose it doesn't suit their view of the landscape and the humming affects their property prices. So the Government jumped in and said, "hang on, the endangered little Orange Bellied Parrot lives around there and they love to fly right into wind mill blades - like a mouse to cheese.

So not only is the windmill not going ahead, but the Government are putting 3.2 million bucks towards preserving this species, more money than they have for any other species of fauna.

So get along to Gippsland or down to Tassie where they fly to breed to see a rather beautiful bird, safe from the dangers of attacking windmills.

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Posted By: Glen - Category: VIC non metro

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Phillip Island

July 27th 2006 09:48

Phillip Island is an Island south of Melbourne, Victoria and is a hugely popular destination for tourists. There is a bridge to the island, making it easy for those seeking the wildlife and motor racing the island offers.

The biggest wildlife drawcard are the fairy penguins. Phillip Island is big penguin territory. The Penguin Parade is a well viewed experience, where penguins at sunset return on mass from a day of fishing in the ocean. It is so popular there is a tour, a viewing platform, tiered seating and viewing tower. See penguins in style.

It isn’t by any means all about penguins though. Check out the large fur seal population or the koalas (there’s even a conservation centre for these little critters. Not bears remember!). You can also see pelicans being fed and witness wetland animals doing their thing.

From the tranquil to the deafening. Phillip Island is home to the Australian Motorcycle GP, this year being held from September 15th to 17th. It is a pilgrimage for many motorcycle riders in Australia, with the bikes the punters bring as impressive as the racing itself.

Phillip Island also offers some decent surfing beaches. The nature of the island means that no matter what the wind direction, you can find good waves whenever. The island is only 26 by 7 kms (or thereabouts) so head to any beach you want.

Staying on the Island is no hassle either as there are options for every budget. Book plenty of time ahead though, particularly on the race weekend.

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Posted By: Glen - Category: VIC non metro

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Mt Hotham

July 24th 2006 10:03

I am not really a skier. I have been to the slopes twice and they were both NSW resorts – Thredbo and Perisher. Though I have enjoyed it I have just never been back for whatever reason. I know many follow the snow falls religiously and perhaps they are aware of the number of resorts in Australia, which I wasn’t.

I was familiar with Mt Buller in Victoria, but less so with Mt Hotham. Mt Hotham is about 4.5 hours drive north east of Melbourne. Conveniently, there is an airport located there, which is the easiest way of getting there though I wonder how regularly bad winter hinters getting there? Perhaps someone else knows.

One thing I’ve always found is a negative of the old snowfield is the price they charge for a lift pass. I suppose unless you want to walk up the hill, you have little choice. An adult for a day lift pass as Mt Hotham is $87 for an adult or $45 for a child. Prices reduce ever so slightly the more days you buy.

Looking at the current lift status it seems quite grim. Only six of the thirteen lifts are open though I believe we aren’t yet into the best part of the Aussie snow season. They must be making snow at the present time because the forecast is at 0 cm for 7 days.

Like the other resorts, Hotham has a whole bunch of facilities. To be honest, it comes down what resort you find the most convenient or if you are a seasoned snowboarder or skier from you may want to get some of advice from an Aussie who is also into it to find what is the most challenging. Of course, most resorts, Hotham included, offer a variety of trails for all levels of experience.

http://www.mthotham.com.au/

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Posted By: Glen - Category: VIC non metro

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Casterton Kelpie Muster

July 17th 2006 09:36

I love how country and regional towns in Australia have something unique about them for whatever reason then run with it and make it what they are widely known for. In the case of Casterton, Victoria it is Kelpies. Yes the Australian working dog is the town’s focus, the Australian home of the Kelpie where each year they host a muster based on the dog.

Held recently in June and held every year, the festival saw 4000 people visit the town over a weekend – tourists and kelpie enthusiasts alike.

The Saturday of the Kelpie festival starts with a breakfast then street parade. It doesn’t take long before the dogs are into the event however and the kelpie high jump is a good place to start. Dogs compete against one another to get over a wooden fence that grows in height as the competition goes on. What a sight it is to see these dogs clamber over these huge heights – the winning dog making it over such a height you wonder how they keep the dogs fenced in their own properties! For me this would be the highlight.

For dog owners though perhaps the most competitive part of the day is the sheep dog trials, where kelpie’s show their worth on the farm. They seem to be splendid dogs – intelligent and eager to work. This competition really highlights the importance dogs play on the Australian farm.

As does the Auction held on the Sunday. This year a kelpie pup sold for $5400! That is some dog, the new owners would hope. 70 dogs go up for sale on the Sunday during the auction very similar to your stock auctions. Quite an interesting part of Aussie life.

A caravan park is adjacent to the working dog site, but there is also a range of other accommodation option for visitors to Casterton.

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Posted By: Glen - Category: VIC non metro

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Torquay - Surf in Australia

June 21st 2006 10:32

Torquay Victoria

Torquay in Victoria is Australia’s unofficial surfing capital. It has a rich surfing history, but also remains a significant town in Australia current surfing culture. It is at one end of the fantastic Great Ocean Road and is 21 kms south of Geelong or short of 100 kms south west from Melbourne.

Close to Torquay is Australia’s most famous surfing beach, Bells Beach, which once a year plays host tot Australia’s most famous surfing contest, The Ripcurl Pro. This is an important point because it suggests why many of the big surfing companies call Torquay home. In fact Rip Curl (among other I suppose) started in the area.

Torquay is also home to the Surf World Museum, which is home to the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame. The Museum also has over 130 boards dating from 1915, many of which are significant in Australia’s surfing history. There is also a wave room explaining and visually demonstrating the formation of waves. The museum is found within Torquay’s humungous Surf City Complex and is the biggest of its kind in the world.

To take in the areas beaches you may want to head on the Surf Coast Walk which is 27 kms long, but allows you to choose from a number of shorter yet no less picturesque options. Very much a seaside resort likes its English namesake, it is a popular town. It provides for those seeking relaxation just as much as those seeking surf.

Image is from Wikipedia. License allows distribution.

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Posted By: Glen - Category: VIC non metro

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Mildura

May 11th 2006 10:48

Mildura in Victoria North West is on the banks of the sensational Murray/Darling River. You can get there by plane, train or automobile. My suggestion, if you have the time, would be to travel along the river stopping at some of the great towns along the Murray.

Mildura has become quite the place to visit of late due to the exposure TV chef from A Gondola on the River, Stefano de Pieri has given the town. The man owns arguably the best restaurant in the town, Stefano’s and some would say the best restaurant further a field. People flock to it and rightly so if the critics are to be believed. You could believe Stefano owns half the town as he also runs/is involved with a café, a produce store, a brewery and a gallery in the town too.

There is a reason Stefano chose Mildura to settle in. The town has a rich history in produce particularly citrus, where its oranges are the best you can get. This history has really set the tone of the town, with a focus on good eating and good wine. Though Stefano is a local celeb, there are also plenty of other dining options he doesn’t have a part in!

Being on the river, you don’t really want to ignore it. You’ve got to go on a paddle steamer. The Rothbury steamer will even take you on a wine tour. Every Thursday the boat goes on a 5 hour cruise that takes you to Trentham Estate Winery and includes a lunch, tour and tastings.

Mildura has a range of other activities from some great golfing on the range of beautiful courses to hot air ballooning. The town also puts a strong emphasis on the arts so if you plan your trip right and refer to the right websites or tourism centres, you’ll be able to go to Mildura during the musical festival or writers festival.

For more info on Mildura head to Visit Mildura

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Posted By: Glen - Category: VIC non metro

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Mt Buller

May 2nd 2006 08:03

As the weather gets colder, it’s time to start planning your skiing and snowboarding trips. For NSW residents you’re likely to head to Thredbo or Perisher, but Mt Buller is an excellent option for everyone as a way of escaping the norm or to return year after year.

Mt Buller is 250 km north east of Melbourne in Victoria, making it a relatively short journey (in Australian terms) from Melbourne or even Sydney. The mountain has 25 lifts with a range of runs for skiers and snowboarders at the beginner level through to the advanced. Lift tickets are $169 for an adult for two days or $88 for a child for two days. This seems to be quite typical of lift ticket prices at ski resorts in Australia. You can also hire all the necessary gear such as skis, snowboards and clothing at the resort.

Like any good snow resort, Mt Buller doesn’t just stick to offering skiing. Many travellers will want the whole experience including accommodation right near the mountain, night life, dining options, shopping and entertainment. Mt Buller has it all gives you options to boot. Of course if resort style travel is not your thing, you can stay in Mansfield, which is only 45 minutes drive away. There are a range of accommodation options here including a range of caravan parks in the vicinity. It really depends on what sort of holiday you are after and what your budget is where you choose to stay. Both at the resort and in the surrounding areas have their benefits.

The snow season at Mt Buller begins on June 10 so it’s not that far away. Given that fake snow is often created prior to this official opening, snow options are open to you even sooner. If watching experts is more your thing, you may want to leave it September to head to the resort, as The World Ski Aerials is held their on September 2nd.

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Posted By: Glen - Category: VIC non metro

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