Travel Guest Post: Wedding Venues in Melbourne

The wedding is one of the most significant days in the life of any person. Given the importance of this day in the life of a man or a woman, everything must go perfectly according to the plan. This will help the day to become an enjoyable and memorable one. There are many vital aspects of a wedding that needs to be planned and arranged carefully so that everything pans out well on this day. The venue of the wedding is one of the most crucial aspects of any wedding. The venue of the wedding as well as the reception need to be perfect so that the guests of the wedding couple are able to have a fabulous time among themselves, enjoying the event to the fullest.

Melbourne has some lovely wedding venues that can take the breathe away from  the guests who will be coming to bear witness to the happy marriage. The bride and the groom can decide upon their wedding venue according to their own imaginations. This is because the couple will be able to get the venue exactly as per their wishes. There are a large number of wedding venues in Melbourne to choose from and all of these venues can offer the best site for a beautiful wedding for the couple. If the couple has the desire to have their wedding ceremony in a botanical garden or on a private yacht over a beautiful lake, it is certainly possible that they can have their wish fulfilled. Even a castle can make an excellent venue for a lavish wedding ceremony and a grand reception. The beautiful locations and the breathtaking scenery of the many wedding venues will also help a lot in the photographs. Photographs are one of the most essential aspects of any wedding. Photographers always seek beautiful surroundings to click the best photos. If the photos capture the wedding along with the beauty of the wedding venues in Melbourne, it will help the couple to keep the beautiful moments of their wedding for a long time in their minds.

Some of the other options for a beautiful venue for the wedding can be Golf Clubs (this is slowly gaining in popularity as a beautiful wedding venue), a wonderful beach with the lovely white sand and the deep blue sea accompanied by the clear blue sky (this can indeed make an excellent place for a wedding), a typical rainforest or a mountain and a range of other locations. These are some of the most beautiful wedding venues where one can expect to have a dream wedding. It is necessary to remember that the venue is a tremendously significant aspect that plays on the mind of every guest. The view of the surrounding area has a positive psychological impact on the minds of the guest and makes them enjoy the event better.

Author: Alexis has been writing articles on the beautiful venues for wedding and reception purposes. These venues can not only make the event more memorable for a long period of time, but also provide great delight and happiness to the couple. Log in to http://www.brightonsavoy.com.au/ for more information on the topic.

Travel Guest Post: Top 5 Tandem Skydive Destinations

Hurling yourself out of a plane (strapped to an instructor who knows what they’re doing) from a great height is going to be thrilling anywhere you do it. But there are some places that are just, well, better.

Here are 5 of the greatest tandem skydiving destinations in the world.

Wollongong, Sydney, Australia

If the quality of a tandem skydive destination lies in the scenery, Wollongong has it in spades.

Taking in both the Australian coastline and Sydney itself, this 14,000ft drop lets you see some of the most beautiful scenery in the world – complete with whales and dolphins, as well as one of the greatest modern cities in the world. Plus there are student discounts.

Victoria Falls, Zambia

Victoria Falls is the highest waterfall on Earth and is often called one of the seven natural wonders of the world. A tandem skydive here gives you a beautiful aerial view of the falls as well as the Zambezi River and all the local wildlife. If you’ve ever wanted to see the Victoria Falls and its surroundings, skydiving is the way to see it all at once.

 

Lincoln, England

 The Lincolnshire countryside may not be as glamorous as other places on this list, but being British we can’t help getting a little misty-eyed at the thought of seeing so much English countryside all at once. And besides, at 15,000ft (the highest tandem skydive in the UK) the scenery may not be as exotic, but your time in the sky is longer than most skydives.

 

Interlaken, Swiss Alps

If you want to see the snow-capped mountains from up high before global warming gets them, but you don’t fancy yourself as much of a mountain climber, then this skydive over Interlaken is the way to go. After a 12-15 minute flight that lets you take in one of the most famous mountain ranges in the world from the safety of the plane, you’ll drop over two crystal clear lakes past some of the snowiest peaks planet Earth has left to offer.

 

Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia

 For real adrenaline junkies only, skydiving in the Kamchatka Peninsula was made famous by Valery Rozov’s stunt for Red Bull (google ‘Russian skydives into active volcano’). You won’t skydive into the volcano, but it may be steaming while you go past it.

Definitely not one for beginners, more something to aim for if you catch the skydiving bug.

Author: Rebecca Hall is resident copywriter and tandem skydive enthusiast at Exelement.

Travel Guest Post: 10 Best Luxury Vacation Experiences in New Zealand & Australia

Australia and New Zealand make ideal vacation destinations for anyone that is looking for a bit of luxurious living and excitement. High-quality sporting activities are on offer in most locations, and especially in those that are situated on the coast. Whether you are into aquatic sports, land-based activities, walking, hiking, fine dining or a vibrant nightlife, Australia and New Zealand have it all.

1. In the southern part of Australia the opportunities for excitement and for experiencing something really special abound. This area is most famous for its amazing aquatic life and the colorful and fascinating Great Barrier Reef. Here you can snorkel or scuba dive; swim right along sea lions, shoals of tuna and groups of dolphins.
2. The immense Australian Outback is ideal for trekking and the Heysen Trail is especially popular. A 1200-kilometer trail, this is one of the longest on the continent and affords trekkers the opportunity of visiting some stunning landscapes.  Book an experienced guide for safety reasons and as a ready source of information.
3. In Rotorua, on New Zealand’s North Island, you can wine, dine and recline like royalty in one of the ten luxurious lodge complexes. The most respected luxury travel companies run these complexes, and the accommodations are first-class.
4. Try caving in one of the many cavern complexes scattered throughout New Zealand. Specialist companies that give all the equipment, give training and supply qualified guides, run these adventure expeditions to a very high standard.
5. New Zealand is justly famous for its high-quality wines. You can enroll on a wine country tour that takes in all the major vineyards and receive lessons from the experts.  Accommodation is provided at luxury hotels and lodges overnight.
6. Heli-skiing must be the ultimate in a New Zealand adventure holiday experience. This expensive and relatively new sport combines a helicopter ride over the mountains with boarding or skiing in areas of unpacked snow that are not accessible by any other means.
7. Hire a luxury yacht to explore the extensive New Zealand coastline, which has changed hardly at all since the voyages of Captain Cook.  You can also see the landscape featured in The Lord of the Rings trilogy from the comfort of a very well-appointed boat.
8. Hot-air balloon trips are a favorite in both Australia and New Zealand, providing visitors with a bird’s eye view of the terrain.
9. Game and sports fishing using chartered boats with all the necessary equipment supplied, are perfect for the angling enthusiast.
10. Bungee jumping is great fun; there are so many breathtaking bridges spanning sheer chasms in these two countries that it is an immensely popular sport for those with the nerve to take the plunge.

The big cities, such as Sydney, as you would perhaps expect, have a particularly wide range of luxury places at which to stay. For some self-indulgence whilst on vacation, why not hire an expensive luxury private yacht from Sydney harbor for a cruise, or book a self-drive motor launch for the weekend to explore along the coastline? There are even special wedding cruises to get marriages off to a good start.

The Sydney Harbor Marriott Hotel is famous for its up-market rooms and suites, with unparalleled service and facilities. At Cairns in Queensland the Shangri-La Hotel has spacious luxury rooms and top-quality service.

In New Zealand, luxury hotels such as the Huka Lodge in Taupo and the George Hotel in Christchurch offer equally splendid facilities and provide fine dining for visitors.

Travel Guest Post: Top 5 Sabbatical Destinations

If you work for a company that allows sabbaticals, it’s well worth taking advantage of this perk to expand your horizons and simply take a break from the daily grind for a while.

Many people use sabbaticals to sightsee, but there’s also the attractive opportunity to give something back to society by joining a volunteer project. Whatever kind of adventure you hope to have, there are several destinations you should consider – here’s our pick of five of the best.

Australia

Research suggests Australia is the most popular destination for those taking a break from work. Given its reputation as a mecca for students on a gap year, it might surprise you to learn that it’s also a big draw for over-50s looking to escape the UK for a few months. So it’s perhaps safe to say that the destination really is for all ages!

The sheer size of the country means you’ll have a different experience wherever you go on your sabbatical, from the cosmopolitan vibe of cities like Sydney and Melbourne to the impressive Great Barrier Reef, the remote outback and the heady tropical rainforests. Specific activities you can enjoy in Australia include working on a ranch and learning the finer points of wine tasting.

Thailand

Thailand’s breathtaking coastline and islands, exotic culture, low living costs and fantastic food make it a hit among Brits looking to really get away from it all on their sabbatical.

You can wander through the streets of cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai to immerse yourself in local history, relax on golden beaches, check out iconic sights like the bridge over the River Kwai or help out on volunteering schemes that assist local children in learning new skills. Thailand really does have something for everyone!

India

Another relatively cheap sabbatical destination, vibrant India has plenty to offer the work-weary traveller. You can choose from a host of experiences here, from relaxing on the golden beaches of Goa to exploring the Rajasthan desert and helping teach children high up in the Himalayas.

Despite being a technologically advanced country, India is home to many poor communities in desperate need of help – in terms of both money and human labour. So, if you want to do your bit as you travel through the nation, it’s well worth signing up to a volunteer project that lets you do just that.

South Africa

As the land of safaris, wine, spectacular scenery and a diverse culture, South Africa ticks all the boxes for a perfect sabbatical if you want to simply relax and enjoy yourself.

In terms of volunteering, you can spend time in small communities helping children learn to read, assist in the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned monkeys or take care of disadvantaged children in the more rural parts of the country.

Everywhere

Okay, so this might be cheating, but if you can’t decide where to go on your sabbatical, you could consider a round the world trip – especially if you have a few months off work. Think about the countries and activities that interest you and go from there, taking into account your budget and the time of year you wish to travel.

Just imagine flying to the USA and spending a few days there before travelling on to the likes of Costa Rica, Africa, China, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand. Of course, this is just one potential itinerary; there are countless combinations to choose from for a sabbatical that is tailor-made for you!

What do you think? Are there any other destinations you think are ideal for a sabbatical, based either on experience or your own wish list? Let us know in the comments!

Travel Guest Post: Exploring Fraser Island

Fraser Island, a World Heritage spot since 1992, is a unique island off the south coast of Queensland, Australia. Recognized as being the world‘s largest sand island, it also is designated the Queensland biggest island and the largest on Australia’s east coast.Its sand has amassed on volcanic rock layers for over 750,000 years, and the island has diversity in its natural environment- with tropical forests, woods of eucalyptus and mangrove, swamps of wallum and peat, dunes of sand and moors on the coast.

It is home to an assortment of plant and animal life- mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Dingoes are an endangered animal on the island but are also placed in the dangerous category. Visitors can view 300+ varieties of birds as well as 25 kinds of mammals and see Humpback whales on special tours that sail from Hervey Bay.

Fraser Island is a well-liked holiday destination and can be accessed by ferry or by chartered flights. The ferry can be taken from Urangan Boar Harbor to various points on the island or by a charter plane from Maroochydore Airport.

A visitor must use a four-wheel drive for traversing the island and must have a permit for the vehicle which is attained at DERM and at Rainbow Beach. Several companies have vehicles for hire to rent. Tourists may also board tour buses on the island.

Driving is the most pleasurable approach to view Fraser Island. Most visitors should plan on three days to see most of the sites. So select a campervan hire or plan to check into island hotels.

Several companies rent out 4WD with jeeps that seat from two to 8 people, There are budget tours, self-directing sightseeing, or guided trips.

Driving becomes more challenging in the dry period because the sand roads are difficult to maneuver. The easiest time to drive is after it has rained because the sand becomes more solidified. So with that in mind, the better option might be to go on a tour. And if the tour is longer, the tour group is usually smaller.

Fraser Island gained its World Heritage designation because of its native traditions. Known for its outstanding splendor of white beaches and colorful crags of sand, many fresh water ponds and lakes all surrounded by beaches.

Primeval tropical forests flourish in sand beside creeks and in heights of 200 meters, the highest in the world. The wallum moors are sources of growth and environmental importance and are known for the wildflowers growing there in the spring and summer months.

The huge sand dunes and cliffs of many colors of sand are the most extensive and show the greatest development of time in shoreline dunes. And they are still changing, showing the changes in climate and sea level over thousands of years.

Frazer has a diversity of sites for the visitors both natural and man made.
Lake MacKenzie, with its clear blue water and white sands, is the premier lake to visit and one of the most well-liked sites. Lake Wabby has green colored water and is about 30 minutes from the beach. The walk out from the lake will lead hikers to the rainforest. Visitors sometimes body board into the lake. The only available restrooms are found at the beginning of the walk.

Indian Heads is the rocky projection at the north side of the primary beach. After climbing to the pinnacle, view sharks, turtles, rays, and dolphins in the ocean.

Eli Creek is a freshwater stream located in the middle of the beach. Swimmers can glide or stroll down the water. The depth of the water fluctuates but usually only gets about waist high. A board walk skirts the edge of the creek.
Champagne Pools, located north of Indian Heads, are a safe place in which to immerse in sea water. They take their name from the foam that remains when the sea water enters the pools.

Maheno Shipwreck dates from 1935 when a decommissioned ship, the Maheno, was pushed onshore by a storm.

The Great Sandy Strait, which divides the island from the Australian continent ranks in significance of Wetlands as it includes uncommon ferns, mangroves, sea grass and supports thousands of shore birds and rare turtles and butterflies.

Fraser Island is a fishing paradise. One of the most frequent fish wanted is the tailor found on both the island and along the coast of Queensland as well as jewfish, golden trevally and silver bream. On the calmer western waters, anglers go for whiting, flathead and bream. The choices of baits include pilchards, bloodworms, yabbies, pipi, and sandwords. One word of warning, Fishing is forbidden in the creeks and lakes on the island.

Trekking is another option for the outdoors-minded person. One favorite hiking trail is the well-maintained Fraser Island Great Walk which is 90 km in length. Shorter walk example is to start in Kingfisher Bay where the ferry drops off passengers and walk to Lake McKenzie, camp for the night and then return.
Fraser Island visitors have two choices of accommodations– resort hotels or camping.

The island has three resorts. Eurong Beach Resort, with a variety of room costs, is located on the south part of the main beach on the eastern part of the island. Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village, on the west side of the island, is more upscale, thought is has less expensive huts, plus dining and pubs. Sailfish on Fraser, situated at Happy Valley, provides two bedroom apartments.

Fraser Island has campgrounds which differ in features and accessibility. The primary organized camping areas are Dundubara Campground, Waddy Point, Central Point Tents, and Cornwells Break which allow large group camping. Campers must have permits for camping and vehicles.

Have fun exploring Fraser Island and share your impressions in the comments!

Natasha Tasha is a travel blogger from Australia. Her favorite form of travel is camping trips, and she writes travel reviews for Discovery Campervan Rental. She also writes travel journals and guides for several travel blogs.

Travel: Win a Trip to Australia!

Tourism Australia and Quiksilver announced today they have launched a Facebook contest, “Surf, Sun and Social Networking in Australia,” that will send one lucky winner to Australia to be the official blogger for the 2012 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast.

Beginning March 14 and ending April 8 contestants will have the opportunity to upload their best adventure photo to either Facebook.com/AustraliaWorkandPlay or Facebook.com/Quiksilver and describe in 100 words or less what they think is the best adventure Down Under. Whether it’s hiking in search of wildlife, on a quest for the perfect break, or discovering a new world underwater, Australia’s got it all. And for those who aren’t familiar with Aussie adventures, they can get inspired by visiting Australia.com or Quiksilver.com. The winner will be determined by who has the most “likes” at the end of the contest period.

“There’s nothing like an Australian adventure,” said Daryl Hudson, vice president, the Americas for Tourism Australia. “From our iconic beaches, to our world-class cities and of course our native wildlife, the winning blogger will be on the front lines of some amazing experiences.”

The winner will receive a two-week trip to Australia including round-trip international economy airfare from Los Angeles, Dallas, San Francisco, or New York to Australia; one week in Queensland attending and blogging from the 2012 Quiksilver Pro, and vacation and blogging for one week in another Australian state of their choice.

“The Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast is the premier surf event in all of Australia and the kick-off to the world tour every year” said Eddie Anaya, Marketing Director of Quiksilver. “It’s exciting to partner with Tourism Australia to offer one of our fans a behind the scenes experience where they get to blog and rub elbows with the best surfers in the world at one of Australia’s legendary surf breaks – Snapper Rocks.”