Travel guide for Winter Holiday

Australia’s favourite winter getaways. Where’s your favourite destination in winter? Heading for the cool of the highlands or north for the heat? Vote now on your favourite winter holiday destination. 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 Winter Destination Finalists: Goldfields, VIC 0.70% Darwin, NT 2.82% ... Read more

With sandy beaches, sparkling blue waters, and abundant fresh seafood, Merimbula is a paradise for anyone who appreciates the ocean. Nestled into the Sapphire Coast along the southeast of Australia, this town boasts more than its fair share of attractions. There are calm beaches to suit families with young children, and faster waves for surfers intent on a thrill ride. There are boat tours to take you whale watching and fishing, as well as a fabulous wharf where you can throw your line in deep without going out on the sea. Sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, Wake boarding / water skiing and canoeing are all fun pastimes of the region. But while Merimbula has something for every person who visits, it isn’t just people who enjoy the area. You may also encounter penguins, seals, and dolphi... 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

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

Byron is one of those places that appeals to almost everyone – because it offers something for everyone.  Once nothing more than a sleepy little surfing village, it has enjoyed a special place in the tourism world for some time now, as it manages to be a hippy haven, upmarket holiday retreat, shopping mecca, dining delight and more. These days Byron seems to be edging more towards the visitor with money to spend than the backpackers, but there is no doubt that all the market segments are catered for when it comes to accommodation and activities. As the eastern-most point on the Australian mainland, Byron commands magnificent views and also boasts a very rare north-facing beach at Watego’s.  Main Beach is a glorious stretch of sand, as is Tallow Beach, Broken H... Read more

Perth, while a long way from anywhere, is a fabulous place for shopping, going out and enjoying amazing weather! Perth is ‘BIG ON BREAKFASTS’! So make sure you get up early, go for a run along the beach and then have breakfast at either John St Café at Cottesloe, or Beaches on Marine Pde, Cottesloe. Most shopping areas have great spots for lunch/ eating out. Fremantle has a fabulous connoisseur ice-cream shop with a great ‘cookies and cream’ and King St is lined with lots of great coffee shops, so you can keep your caffeine levels up for some productive shopping! Some other great spots to stop by for coffee/lunch/shopping are Bay View Tce, Claremont and Napoleon St, Cottesloe. The shopping and fashion in Perth is fantastic!  We have the best select... 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

When foreigners visit Australia, they tend to flock to the major tourist havens. Let’s face it – Australia has some amazing places, so we can’t blame the people of the world for wanting to see them. But where can Aussies go when they want to get away from it all? You know, get back to the basics – enjoy some rugged yet beautiful terrain, see where the dinosaurs roamed and laze by a billabong? You won’t find the Queensland outback in many international tourism brochures, but this is a good thing. Australians can relax on a private verandah in Longreach enjoying the tranquillity and character of the town, or can head to a true outback pub in Winton for a yarn and beer with the locals. While you’re in Winton, be sure to have a good look around. Does anyth... Read more

BRISBANE BRISVEGAS FASHION AND BEAUTY Brisbanites love to look good and there are many places to give that plastic card some exercise. FORTITUDE VALLEY This is the 'Fashion Hub' of Brisbane and is filled with high-end boutiques. If you love the finer things in life, then this is the place to visit for everything from a wide range of home-oriented retailers to fashion specialty stores for females. ‘The Valley’ stocks the likes of international labels such as, Collette Dinnigan & Collette Dinnigan Enfant, Citizens of Humanity Denim and Christian Louboutin shoes. There are also great male and children ranges thrown into the mix. • Faves are Ultra Suite and Blonde Venus for up-to-the-minute style. • Also, Jean Brown at Emporium, Ann St. A fantastic boutique... Read more