Travel guide for Wine Appreciation

More than just a wine region, it’s the depth of produce that’s giving Orange the green light as a foodie haven to rival Mudgee. Tom Barclay travels just three hours west of Sydney to bring you AT’s selection for the perfect foodie/romantic weekend. Apples on the Mount A winery, orchard, restaurant and now even cottages. The scenery at Borrodell on the Mt makes the trip up a steep hill worthwhile. One of the highest vineyards in Australia with magnificent vistas across the countryside. Aside from wines, there’s also a range of ciders to try. However, the piece de resistance is the apples. Track down Borrodell’s owner (Borry) to guide you through his heritage apples. He has more than 170 different species, which he can rattle off at breakneck speed, includin... Read more

We’ve made planning your accessible day trips easy. We have highlighted a variety of wonderful day trips with specific information about the many accessible options that can assist in making touring easier for people with disabilities. Whether it is marvelling at the landscape, visiting the vibrant cities, trying the local produce, or meeting the characters and experiencing the unique Australian way of life en route – these trips will leave you feeling inspired. And no matter whether you pack up a car, board a plane, jump on a train or float on a boat, the stories you’ll bring back will stay with you forever. The Hunter Valley The town of Cessnock is gateway to the wine-growing region of the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest commercial wine-growing district, with ... Read more

We’ve made planning your accessible day trips easy. We have highlighted a variety of wonderful day trips with specific information about the many accessible options that can assist in making touring easier for people with disabilities. Whether it is marvelling at the landscape, visiting the vibrant cities, trying the local produce, or meeting the characters and experiencing the unique Australian way of life en route – these trips will leave you feeling inspired. And no matter whether you pack up a car, board a plane, jump on a train or float on a boat, the stories you’ll bring back will stay with you forever. Clare Valley Set amongst eucalypt hills, Clare Valley is another of South Australia’s beautiful wine regions and is famous for its Riesling. The region&rsquo... Read more

To the south of Adelaide is a beautiful peninsula with dozens of towns scattered along hills, coasts, and vineyards. Stretching from Aldinga to Delamere, and all the way across to Strathalbyn and Goolwa – Fleurieu covers a massive area and has plenty of holiday options for everyone. Whether you are after a quiet retreat to get away by yourself, or want an action-packed holiday with friends, you’ll be sure to find the perfect break. Wine and dine The region is famous for its excellent produce, world-class wines, and gourmet restaurants. With more than 75 different vineyards, there are many boutique wines and emerging vineyards to sample – you may find a new favourite. Tours are available, or you can drive to the different vineyards for tastings on your own. Getting back... 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

If you want to see Tasmanian wilderness, but see it in comfort, then the West Coast is the place.  Strahan, tucked inside Macquarie Harbour, is in many ways the tourist capital of Tasmania, and with good reason.  Your first stop there should be the Tourist Information Centre on the harbour-front which has plenty of useful information and there is a theatrical play ‘The Ship That Never Was’, on there every day.  The Ship that Never Was tells the amazing story of the last convicts on Sarah Island who escaped on the ship they built, sailing it out “Hell’s Gates” and all the way to Chile.  If you’re disabled however, you might find the rustic planks surrounding the centre rather hard to negotiate.  The entrance isn’t that e... Read more

Have you ever watched a movie – probably a period romance or nostalgic film – and thought to yourself, “Places like this don’t really exist!”? You know – where everything seems utterly perfect…lovely rolling hills, calm waters, flowers and trees everywhere, and a sense that the locals are truly content. It’s not possible, right? A place where there is no hustle or bustle, where people take the time to laugh together, to savour good food and wine, and locals practise fly fishing, not caring too much if the fish choose to bite. The good news is – such a place really does still exist, and it’s in the southern part of Tasmania.   When you arrive in the region, which is home to the Huon Valley and the famous d’Entrecast... Read more

As you drive the winding roads away from Adelaide, you may find yourself in a paradise of sweeping hills, forests, stone cottages, and historic towns. Look closely and you might encounter a koala peacefully munching a leaf. In contrast, you might wonder if you’ve been transported into 19th century Germany, as you wander through the picturesque and historic town of Hahndorf.    The Adelaide Hills are perfect for romantic retreats. Couples who want to connect can share excellent food and wine, gentle strolls around towns that are rich in character, or go for a quiet trek through the native bush. Friends and families will have a blast at the many festivals and celebrations held each year. In addition to the many historic towns, and fun attractions of the Adelaide Hills,... 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

It can seem like a contradiction in terms – a holiday destination that is perfect for families in search of fun yet also perfect for couples looking for a quiet, romantic break. However South Australia’s Riverland is just that – a place where couples can connect and relax, enjoying fine wine and food, strolls along the river bank, candlelight picnics and a quiet federation-style floating cottage built for two. Families, in contrast, can have fun at an adventure park, zip about in watercraft, try their luck at fishing, rent a paddle steamer, and frolic along the river in a manner normally reserved for nostalgic American movies. Riverland, the stretch of the Murray River between Renmark and Waikerie, is beautiful… with limestone cliffs, vineyards, art galleries, ... Read more