Australia Archives - Top Spot Travel

December 16, 2016 by Jeremy

The Pros and Cons of Traveling with a Camper Trailer in Australia

One of the classic ways of traveling around Australia is with a camper trailer.

Towed behind your vehicle of choice, the camper trailer is the quintessential make-shift home for your time in the great Australian outback, or along Australia’s pristine coastlines.

There are definitely many things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to use a camper trailer for your road trip. We look at some of the pros and cons to make the decision a little bit easier for you.

The Pros

The first big pro of choosing a camper trailer for your Aussie road trip is the price point. Camper trailers are generally more affordable to buy or rent than their counterparts – a caravan or campervan.

If you’re going on a road trip with a budget, this will be a big selling point for you. Be sure to shop around for the best price point before you make your final decision.

Camper trailers are much lighter to tow behind a car than other options. This means that you won’t have to drive a larger or heavier type of vehicle to tow it.

This helps increase the fuel efficiency of your car and your budget!

Compact camper with storage. Image: Gumtree Camper Trailers

Safety is another pro when it comes to camper trailers. With caravans or camper vans, you have a less visibility on the road and in your rearview mirror.

This can get pretty annoying and even dangerous if you’re not used to driving with larger vehicles towed behind you. Camper trailers take this out of the equation because of their smaller size and ability to be compacted.

One of the biggest pros of a camper trailer is that it gives you more access to off-road areas that you wouldn’t normally be able to access with a caravan or campervan.

Again the smaller size of the camper trailer comes into play here. Because of its smaller size, you can easily maneuver to those tight and tricky spots (maybe a classic Australian Gumtree!) that other vehicles can’t get to.

The Cons

One of the cons you have to consider with a camper trailer is that it takes much more time and effort to set up and take down than other options. If you’re crunched for time, then this could really put a dent into your planned agenda.

Camper trailers are also slightly less convenient than larger living spaces, like you get with a caravan.

They are smaller, which means there is less storage space and less options for amenities, that you get in larger options.

Sportliner ‘Avan’ Australian made camper trailer. Image: Gumtree

Because of the canvas sidings and roof, there’s a big lack of privacy with camper trailers. If you’re someone who likes your peace and quiet at night, a camper trailer will provide less of that to you.

Camper trailers are one of the most popular ways to get around during an Aussie road trip.

Many people love them because of the many pros. However, there are also some cons that you should consider before hopping onboard and buying or renting one.

November 9, 2016 by Jeremy

The Most Interesting Things to See in Perth

Photo by CC user Richard Giles on Flickr.

Thinking about planning a trip to Perth, Australia? Then you’re not alone! With tourism growing more each and every year, Perth showcases itself as a great vacation destination with beautiful coastlines, good food and a plentiful amount of fun activities alongside great cultural experiences. With so much to do and see, you might find yourself tight on time. An easy way to make sure you have enough time to explore as much as possible during your trip is to hire a car in Perth. This way you’ll be able to zip around without having to try to figure out how to get from street A to street B.

During your planning process you’ll find lots of different activities and things to both see and do, but which ones should you pick? To help you out, here’s a list of some of the most interesting things to see while in Perth.

St Mary’s Cathedral

A beautiful cathedral church, St Mary’s Cathedral is both awe inspiring and picture perfect. A visit here will allow you to get up close and personal as you take in both the design and the history of the church. As you learn about its importance, you’ll also learn of how it was constructed in three different phases, with the last phase being completed in the 2000s.

Indigenous Heritage Tour In Kings Park

If you’re interested in a little culture and history mixed together, you’ll find the Indigenous Heritage Tour in Kings Park to be a great choice. This tour lasts about 90 minutes or so and is lead by an Aboriginal guide. During the tour you’ll learn about the Wadjuk people and the use of local plants for both food and medicine.

Perth Royal Show

Only available as an attraction during the end of September, the Perth Royal Show is a great choice if you love animals, free things to do and lots of different shows. If you’re interested in agricultural experiences, you’ll find lots of them here, all of which are fun for all members of your family or group. You’ll also find lots of different food options each and every day of the show, making it a great experience all around. Wondering how you’ll get to the show? That’s easy as you’ll find both buses and trains making regular stops at the showgrounds during the duration of the show.

SciTech

With over 200 interactive exhibits to view, you’ll find yourself both educated and inspired at the same time. SciTech is also a great stop for those traveling with children as they’ll find lots to do and see that are both fun and age appropriate. The main themes that you’ll find here are technology, mathematics and engineering. If you’ve got a family member who is thinking about entertaining one of those three fields, make sure to take them here!

As you can see above, there are lots of great attractions in Perth that you’ll want to make sure you add to your itinerary. If you’re staying for longer than a week, you’ll find a lot of other great activities to add to your list, making each and every day of your visit full of excitement.

October 8, 2014 by jfalbelda

The most adventurous things to do in Australia!

What’s life without a little adventure every now and then? To escape from the routine of life, you sometimes need to break through the chains that bind and restrict, confront the things that you fear, and allow yourself to experience something new, even if the thought of doing this scares you to death. There are two quotes that express this sentiment perfectly:

‘Ultimately we know deeply that the other side of every fear is freedom.”

Mary Ferguson

“Fear isn’t an excuse to come to a standstill. It’s the impetus to step up and strike.”

Arthur Ashe

If you’re in Australia, I would recommend you take the opportunity to explore your adventurous side, with myriad of activities to choose from, a few of which are outlined below:

Fly in a Tiger Moth biplane

Used by the British Royal Air Force during World War II, The Tiger Moth promises a truly unforgettable adventure. I felt as though I’d stepped back in time as I donned my leather helmet and goggles, and felt the wind beating on my face in the open-air cockpit.

The fact that the cockpit is open injects quite a dose of adrenalin into your veins, as at any moment, you may feel that you could fall out. However, the flight is completely safe and definitely a worthwhile experience.

Swim with dolphins

Swimming with dolphins is possibly the best way to transcend your everyday awareness, and to connect with something in an almost spiritual way. There are no words to describe the feeling I had whilst in close proximity to these beautiful creatures, and a feeling of serenity completely encompassed me as I was surrounded by the vast and deep ocean. There are few other things that compare to the sight of the dolphins jumping out of the water playfully, and hearing the sounds they use to communicate.

Go white water rafting

I visited the Franklin River, located in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, and had an incredible white river rafting experience. I recommend that you immerse yourself in the surging rapids, and float down the still waters as you take in the surrounding beauty of nature. There is a lush rainforest to entice the eyeballs, with wildlife that includes platypus, wallabies and sea eagles.

Go surfing

Australia has a great selection of beautiful beaches, and if you’re keen on taking your beach experience to the next level, grab a surfboard and take to the waves. Beaches like Agnes Water, Bells Beach and Bondi Beach are my particular favourites.

Bondi Beach is Australia’s most famous beach, and is packed with tourists and surfers. Byron Bay is also a pretty popular surf spot, and of course, the aptly named Surfers Point, which is the perfect beach to ride waves, with some waves reaching up to 500 meters.

Go skydiving

There are few things that compare to the feeling I got while free-falling through open air with the world beneath me and the wind beating against my entire body. For some people, skydiving is a terrifying experience, while for others, it’s the most exhilarating activity imaginable. There are tons of skydiving packages available in Australia and a variety of locations to choose from, all at reasonable prices.

Snorkel along the Great Barrier Reef

One of the most famous spots in Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is an absolute must-see. The biggest coral reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef consists of 2,900 individual reefs over 900 islands. Home to multiple endangered species, the reef is also home to whales, dolphins, porpoises, thousands of fish species and saltwater crocodiles.
My experience of Australia was unlike any other, and I left with a completely new perspective and appreciation for life. It’s like discovering a new aspect to life, kind of like discovering Euro Palace Mobile Casino and finding out that you can game on the go, whilst all this time you’ve been confining yourself to fixed locations in land-based casinos. You never know what you’re missing until you take the plunge.

July 30, 2014 by jfalbelda

The Top Five Most Scenic Australian Road Trips

Australia is a country that lends itself extremely well to a road trip. Whether you have a day to kill or are ready for an epic month-long adventure, you’ll be bound to find some unforgettable scenery and exotic wildlife along the way. From painted deserts to tropical rainforests, Australia is nothing if not diverse. Soak in the sun and keep your eyes open for majestic views on the following famous journeys.

1. The Yarra Valley

Are you short on time but interested in getting out into the countryside? Australia’s wine industry has become world-famous for its delectable vintages. Try hopping in the car on a day trip to some of the top wine-producing regions, like the Yarra Valley. Suitable for a day trip from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is a lush, pastoral region dotted with charming villages, rolling hills, and verdant vineyards. You can sample wine at the numerous cellar doors or focus your taste buds on the local produce.

2. Great Ocean Road

If a more leisurely journey down the coast is more your speed, don’t miss a drive down the iconic Great Ocean Road. This stretch of coastal highway hugs the southern curves of Victoria, with the panoramic ocean views broken up by dense eucalyptus forests and laid-back surfing towns. Stop and try your hand at surfing and gaze at the massive rock formations of the 12 Apostles, a highlight of any trip to Australia.

3. The Savannah Way

For those with plenty of time on their hands and a strong sense of adventure, the Savannah Way is an intriguing road trip through rugged, exciting territory. It spans over 3500 kilometres across the northern region of Australia, linking Broome in Western Australia with tropical Cairns in the north of Queensland. Along the way you’ll pass tropical savannahs, deserted mining towns, and an abundance of wildlife. Cap off your journey with a trip to the Great Barrier Reef.

4. The Nullarbor

You can drive for hours in Australia without seeing a soul. Get out into the heart of Australia with a trip across the Nullarbor Plain, which links Perth and Adelaide. Dramatic rock formations and jagged cliffs provide a stunning backdrop for this road trip, which takes over a week to complete.

5. The Fleurieu Peninsula

Adelaide is nestled in close proximity to the Indian Ocean, with a warm climate and dazzling scenery. A particularly thrilling drive in this region is along the Fleurieu Peninsula, with its emerald cliffs and dark blue water.

Whether you choose to tackle the mountains or the vast stretches of the Outback, it’s important to prepare carefully for rugged terrain. Pack plenty of extra food and water and plan to dress in layers. Be sure to have your car serviced before you depart for more remote regions, and get new tyres if necessary. You can find details here about some popular tyre options for road trippers. It’s also worth checking in advance to find out where the fuel stops will be on your journey. On road trips like the Nullarbor, it may be hundreds of miles before you get another chance! With a bit of planning, you’ll be ready to sit back and really enjoy the ride.

Do you have any more suggestions for Australian road trips worth the drive? Share them in the comments below!

June 13, 2014 by jfalbelda

Five Amazing Day Trips from Melbourne

It’s highly unlikely that visitors to Melbourne will run out of things to do within the city, with its charming cafes and chic art galleries. You can easily spend a full day in the National Gallery of Victoria alone! Yet if you have more time on your hands, it’s well worth getting out of town to explore the city’s picturesque surroundings. Wine tasting, surfing, and mountain hiking are just a few activities to enjoy outside of town, yet you’ll still be back in Melbourne by sundown to enjoy its buzzing nightlife.

Phillip Island

Have you already gone to see the koalas at the Melbourne Zoo? Venture out to Phillip Island for more animal adventures. This destination draws over 3 million visitors per year, with the highlight for most being the famous penguin parade. There’s a charming boardwalk path called the Nobbies which takes you around the Phillip Island Nature Park, where you can spot a wide variety of sea birds and natural gardens. There’s also a koala conservation centre and a botanic gardens, along with spectacular sea views.

Flinders

The Mornington Peninsula is known for its outstanding natural beauty and pristine beaches. Flinders is a historic town located 86 kilometres away from Melbourne, making it a prime day trip option to explore this scenic nook of Australia’s coast. Stroll down the main drag and admire the heritage architecture, sample the local pinot noir, and watch the fishermen hard at work on the Flinders pier. You can go surfing at Point Leo or drive up to the fragrant Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens, which is home to the oldest hedge maze in Australia.

Mount Dandenong

Only a brief half-hour drive outside of Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges offer a wide range of outdoor adventure and splendid views. Take a ride on the historic Puffing Billy stream train, enjoy a picnic in the lush National Rhododendron Gardens, or take a nature walk through the mountain forests. Breathe in the scent of eucalyptus as you visit the William Ricketts Sanctuary, with its fanciful ceramic sculptures built into the natural landscape. The highlight is the summit of Mount Dandenong, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Melbourne below.

Lorne

There’s nothing better than a scenic drive down the coastline, and it’s hard to top the views of the Great Ocean Road. Use local sites like motoring.com.au to read car reviews and find a stylish vehicle to go cruising in on your day trip to Lorne, which is small in size but big in personality. Take a walk along the cliffs, laze on the beach, or taste the catch of the day in a seaside restaurant.

The Yarra Valley

Australia now ranks up there as one of the world’s primary wine producers. Although you can sample the local products in any of Melbourne’s restaurants, it’s fun to go straight to the source with a visit to the Yarra Valley. Quaint Healesville is a popular destination for visitors to this region, home to the Healesville Sanctuary with its curious Australian wildlife. You can also take a journey on the historic Yarra Valley Tourist Railway, or pair your wine with some hand-made cheese at the Yarra Valley Dairy. Pick up some goodies for a sunset picnic back in Melbourne.

There’s a wide variety of options to choose from if you’re itching to get out of town, from coast to mountains and the valleys in between, if you have any other great suggestions for day trips from Melbourne, please share them in the comments below!