Travel guide for Hot air ballooning

Best Aussie Adventures Where do you think is the best adventure holiday destination in Australia? The 2009 votes are still being counted to find the best place to take yourself and your friends, partner or family on an adventure holiday. Where are the best places to go, things to do and things to see? TakeABreak.com.au, Australia’s only independent holiday rental website, has initiated a first time ‘Best Places to Stay’ award for Australian destinations, which recognises towns and cities that have outstanding facilities in specialist segment categories. Winners will be voted on by the public with 8 categories presenting finalists across each state. Just some of the TakeABreak Adventure Destination finalists… Freycinet P... Read more

2510/668 Bourke Street Melbourne VIC Close to all that Melbourne has to offer, this studio apartment has everything you need for a stay in this wonderful city. Overall rating?    Excellent What makes City Point Suite different? The central location, facilities and access to all of the delights of Melbourne, while enjoying the stylish fit-out of the apartment makes this the perfect place for you to stay on a visit to one of the world’s most liveable cities. Accommodation overview Being a studio apartment this is small but beautifully formed.  There is a queen-size bed, as well as a convertible sofa, so the apartment can sleep up to four, but is perfect for one or two people. Facilities overview There is a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilit... Read more

Cypress Lakes Resort Cnr McDonald & Thompsons Roads Pokolbin Hunter Valley NSW This self-contained apartment is within the Cypress Lakes resort, but has a feeling of privacy and solitude, thanks to the elevated outlook and the leafy surrounds. Overall rating?      Excellent What makes Villa Merlot different? It is wonderful to be so close to all the facilities that a world-class resort offers, and yet feel separate and private. The upstairs location, coupled with the beautifully tended grounds and bushy outlook, means that you feel quite apart from the bustle of the resort – yet with access all the facilities you could want. Accommodation overview Villa Merlot has one spacious bedroom with a king-size bed and fine quality linen.  There is a d... Read more

Lot 301, Bethany Road Tanunda, Barossa Valley South Australia The cottages are in a beautiful setting overlooking vineyards, looking towards the hills in the distance … and with all the little indulgences to make you feel really special. Overall rating?    Excellent What makes Eve’s Cottages different? You are only a few steps from the vines, and the thoughtful touches such as real coffee, hot chocolate, rocky road and chocolates and fresh milk mean that you relax as soon as you step through the door. Accommodation overview There is one bedroom with a queen-size bed and a large adjoining bathroom with a deep claw-foot bath … the perfect place to unwind with a glass of local wine!  The open plan lounge/dining and kitchen area is very spaciou... Read more

This gorgeous bed & breakfast, located in the heart of the Barossa Valley, is so welcoming that as you walk down the hallway towards the warmth and light you have the sense of returning home. Overall rating?           Outstanding   What makes Barossa Bluestone B&B different? The place is so welcoming when you arrive with the lights on in the bedrooms and warmth just radiating from the house. It is perfect for a couple wanting a weekend away, for families or even for business people looking to stay somewhere with soul.   Barossa Bluestone is only a short walk from the main street although you wouldn’t know it as it’s so quiet and relaxing. In the morning it was lovely just to take a walk down t... Read more

Those of us who live in Australia grow up understanding the joys, dangers and safety rules that make it such a great place.  However, many visitors to our country find Australia an alien, but starkly beautiful country, and they have little or no understanding of the best way to stay safe and enjoy their time here. A few very simple rules can help to make a visit to Australia a safe and pleasurable experience, and Tourism Australia has a brochure available for download that lists safety tips in a variety of languages. Driving tips One of the first things to remember is that speed limits are strictly enforced in Australia, more so than in many countries overseas.  Generally, when driving in urban and suburban areas, the speed limit is between 50 and 60 kilometres per hour. When ... Read more

We know that our teenage children can be delightful, exasperating, funny, sullen, adventurous, shy, talkative, slothful and manic – and sometimes that is just in the space of an hour!  All these moods are magnified when it comes to travelling, be it in Australia or overseas, as teens and parents are forced into one another’s company without a ‘get out of jail free’ card, such as time with friends. Travelling overseas with teenagers tends to be a better experience for a number of reasons, such as the brilliant entertainment systems now available on most flights, menus that let them eat things they like, resorts that have activities that cater for most age groups and the “wow” factor.  So let’s concentrate on surviving travelling in Austra... Read more

Imagine beginning a dinner party conversation with, “Back when I found myself in The Jaws of Death…” You’ll certainly get everyone’s attention. If the mere thought leaves you quaking however, fear not! The Grampians’ remarkable cliffs overlooking the picturesque Lake Wartook and Victoria Valley are easily accessible and nowhere near as scary as they look. In fact, just a short walk can lead you to a view you’ll never forget, as well as the opportunity to snap photos that will impress your friends, without risking your life. (Note: These cliffs have been renamed “The Balconies”, which doesn’t sound nearly as dangerous, but don’t worry – we won’t tell your mates.) The 400 million-year-old series of four distinct ... Read more

  To many throughout the world, it must seem unfair that – in addition to having beautiful beaches and scenery, a warm hospitable climate and adorable fuzzy animals with pouches, Australia also has the best wines. In any country where reds or whites are appreciated, you are bound to encounter Aussie wines proudly adorning the shelves of the best shops, or prominently listed on the menus in fine restaurants. The reason – our wines are truly special. And many of the best Australian wines call The Barossa Valley home. The Barossa Valley is made up of several small towns, villages, and hamlets, each with their own unique character and historical significance. A short drive from Adelaide, the region is approximately 40km long by 40km wide and consists of such historic towns ... Read more

The beautiful Southern Highlands region lies to the southwest of Sydney on top of the escarpment overlooking the South Coast.  The region enjoys four distinct seasons and stunning scenery ranging from native wilderness to cool misty pastures reminiscent of England, to hidden valleys with remarkable waterfalls.  All this and only 2 hours away from Sydney! There are many reasons why you should visit the Southern Highlands aside from its rolling green farmscapes and rugged natural beauty.  There are historic villages, superb gardens (and special events like the Tulip Festival held in late September when many gardens are open for display). There’s a wide range of accommodation - everything from farmstays to motels, and antique and book shops that entice you in - with enou... Read more