Oceania Archives - Travel Destination Bucket List

Fantastic Ways To Explore Sydney When Travelling As A Couple

June 9, 2020 By Admin Leave a Comment

Sydney is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, and there is plenty to see and do when you explore this fantastic destination as a couple. From romantic interludes to spectacular scenery and natural beauty, there are plenty of sights that will take your breath away when you visit this iconic city.

Below are some of the best excursions you can choose as a couple to explore Sydney and ensure that you have a trip that you will remember forever.

Explore Sydney On The Saddle

There has been a significant increase in sightseeing bike tours in Sydney that offers visitors a different perspective of the city. These guided tours are an excellent way to get orientated in the city and can take in iconic landmarks such as the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can go as part of a larger group or pay a little extra and have a personal guide all to yourself, and these tours are suitable for all levels of fitness and ability.

Cruise Around The Harbour

Another excellent way to take in the beauty of Sydney is to see the cityscape from the harbour. There are dinner cruises where you can experience the sunset while enjoying a romantic meal for two or you can also charter a yacht so you can enjoy the experience alone. There are many options open to visitors, but if you do not have experience at sailing, it is best to use the services of an experienced captain. A significant benefit to this is that they will be able to take you to the best spots using their local knowledge.

Floating In The Sky

If you want a truly magical experience when you visit Sydney, you may wish to experience a hot air balloon ride at dawn, and take in the majestic vistas as the sun rises. You will need to travel to the outskirts of Sydney for your balloon ride, and with various companies offering these services, there are plenty of choices available. TripAdvisor also has plenty of excellent recommendations on reputable tour companies offering hot air balloon rides.

A Bird’s Eye View Of The City

Another excellent way to explore Sydney and take in some of the sights that are available from a different perspective is to enjoy a helicopter ride. You can take a tour of scenic Sydney, or go further afield to somewhere like the Blue Mountains, and one thing that you will be guaranteed is spectacular views no matter where you go. There are many helicopter charter companies that you can choose from and make sure you bring along a good camera to capture some of the moments as you enjoy flying around Sydney.

A Picnic On A Deserted Beach

If you are looking to spend some alone time together and want nothing more than having the beach to yourself, you are in luck. There is plenty of choices with so much coastline offering beautiful beaches that all you need to do is hire a car and drive until you find a beautiful spot. Pack yourself a nice picnic and enjoy a day at the beach with your loved one before you head back to your hotel for dinner. However, do be careful if going in the water and check the local conditions first as there may be rip tides and strong currents you cannot see which can be dangerous.

Visiting Australia’s Northern Territory for Gap Year Adventures

July 18, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

Image via Storyblocks

Road Trips

Anyone who has bumped into a group of gap year students travelling around Australia will be more than aware of just how much they love to have fun. And as many of these youngsters are on a tight budget, getting temporary work to help fund their travels tends to be one of their goals. Apart from picking fruit and working at a carwash, there are many other solutions for trippers in Australia travelling on a shoestring. By scouring the net for websites with information on planning a road trip around Australia, tourists planning to make their way up to Alice Springs should be able to have a great trip. There are indeed some fantastic sites that provide the traveller with the sort of information that can be used to plan a successful trip around Australia. Of course, young travellers hoping to pick up some work as they make their way up to the Northern Territory in a beat-up campervan will need to look for details on the best ways to secure temporary employment on the route they plan to take.

Fun Jobs

Most people will not disagree with the notion that the best jobs are the ones where we can have a laugh at least once in a while. Fortunately, for gap year students in Australia looking to get some work that has a lot of fun on offer, there are plenty of jobs around Australia suitable for young people who are keen to be entertained at work. As well as working in bars and clubs, youthful travellers could try promotional work where they spend all day chatting to people. Finding Alice Springs accommodation after talking to someone promoting this popular part of the Northern Territory could turn out to be the beginning of a great idea for young travellers that had no real plan on where to go next in Australia. By taking into consideration how we will make it up to Alice Springs from the south of Australia, we may be able to get to our destination in good time. Young visitors to Alice Springs and surrounding areas such as Darwin will usually want to find out about the nightlife in this part of the Northern Territory. Luckily for party animals touring Australia, there are heaps of venues to enjoy boozy nights in Darwin such as the ones listed below:

Throb Night Club
The Lost Arc
Monsoons
Darwin Railway Club
HP Underground Nightclub

Place to Crash

Although lots of youngsters who use a campervan to travel around Australia will choose to get their head down in the vehicle when they cannot cruise the roads anymore, there will always be times when road trip travellers will crave for a bit more comfort. By taking the time to search online, gap year students heading towards Alice Springs will be able to book some suitable accommodation ready for when they finally arrive after a long drive in their trusty campervan. And as there are lots of providers of cosy and reasonably priced places to crash in the Northern Territory of Australia, it will not be long before these intrepid travellers have got the perfect pad for the Alice Springs leg of their journey. Of course, party people staying in Alice Springs should check out Darwin for a night if they want to let their hair down after a day visiting magnificent sights of this Northern Territory region. Impulsive travellers in Australia hoping to combine visiting tourist attractions in the Northern Territory with lots of late nights can easily have their cake and eat it.

Experience Dunedin – What to See & Do

March 13, 2017 By anthony Leave a Comment

Situated in the South Island of New Zealand, Dunedin is a city with strong links to Scottish heritage and is often known as the ‘Edinburgh’ of New Zealand. The city is well-preserved in its Victorian and Edwardian structures and features a picturesque harbour, a great nightlife, amazing restaurants, lots of wildlife including the world’s rarest penguin colonies and plenty of natural attractions.

Otago Peninsula

With volcanic origins, Otago Peninsula forms the easternmost part of Dunedin and and is home to a large number of wildlife species, especially seabirds, penguins and seals. Make sure to head to Taiaroa Head. because it serves as the only mainland breeding site of any species of albatross in the world! At Otago Peninsula, you can hop on small off-road group tours to go and see wildlife in the area. If you are after flexibility adn want to wander off at your own pace you can also get car rental services around Christchurch. Venture around Otago Harbour and explore local attractions such as Larnach Castle, Macandrew Bay and Broad Bay.

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Larnach Castle & Gardens

Located on the Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle offers an excellent castle experience, award winning gardens, functions and events, dining and accommodation with exceptional quality. Construction of Larnach Castle was completed in 1874 and the castle has been through many changes of ownership and use but nowadays is a popular tourist destination offering tours to the public.

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Penguin Place

A private conservation reserve with the purpose of aiding in the survival of the endangered yellow eyed penguin, Penguin Palace provides guided tours which funds the project’s habitat restoration, predator control, animal rehab and research for penguins. Tours will take you around the reserve through trench systems and viewing hides where you can see the penguins at a close distance but without disturbing them.

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Tunnel Beach

South of St Clair, Tunnel Beach features sandstone cliffs, rock arches and caves. Where it gets its name from is the naturally but dimly-lit tunnel that goes down to the beach. The tunnel was actually hand carved in the 1870s so that people could access the secluded Tunnel Beach!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/tahini/4421283425

Toitu Otago Settlers Museum

The most extensive history museum of New Zealand, the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum is a regional history museum that explores the history of settlement in New Zealand from the Waitaki River south. You’ll learn about how life in New Zealand has changed, from the lives of indigenous Maori, early Chinese settlers and other migrant groups, introduction of new technologies, culture, fashion and art.

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Dunedin Railway Station

This railway station was designed by architect George Troup. It opened in 1906 and is located at Anzac Square, Dunedin. Built in a Renaissance Revival architectural style, Dunedin Railway Station is a fine specimen of the city’s most prosperous years. Every Saturday morning there’s a farmers market in Anzac Square right outside the station. Also, tourist trains often run from the station and are a great opportunity for sightseeing up the coast of the South Island. These sightseeing trains are the only trains that are currently operating at the station!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/volvob12b/23151333804

A city of picturesque views, wildlife and nature. What are you waiting for? Start your search for cheap flights to Dunedin and have a blast in the New Zealand’s ‘Edinburgh’

5 Things To Do Stepping Out Of The Airport

December 8, 2016 By anthony Leave a Comment

Touching down at the airport after a long flight is a relief. There are several important things to do after going through passport control and receiving baggage.

Firstly, check that all important documents and luggage are in place. People can lose passports as they are moving through the airport, and sometimes bags are forgotten about.

Secondly, consult an online map to find the quickest route to the final destination. This will ensure that the place where people are staying can be found and that no-one will get lost. Thirdly, it is a good idea to ring ahead to the final destination (whether that is a hotel or a friend’s house) to let them know that arrival is imminent. Next, if travelling with young children it can be a good idea to find a shop nearby and buy food and water for the little ones because they could be hungry or thirsty after the flight.

Last but not least, people need to be able to quickly and conveniently get hold of a hire car so they can get to their destination. It is important for people to look for ways to save time and money when they rent a car in Perth. Read about how to make this final step incredibly easy.

Book Well In Advance

Flying from one side of the country to the other in order to visit relatively can be an extremely draining experience. People want maximum convenience when they arrive at the airport, so make sure to book Perth airport car hire at www.acerent.com.au well in advance of the trip. This will save people the stress of having to sort out transport when they are at the airport.

Not booking a car can waste lots of time and money when people would much rather be safely at their relative’s house with their feet up.

Booking in advance can also be useful if changes need to be made to the itinerary. For example, someone may fall ill before a trip is due to take place. If this happens, ringing up the car hire company to change or cancel a booking is incredibly simple and won’t take up much time.

Use Cost Comparison Websites

When searching for the best deal on car hire, people shouldn’t just pick the first company they come across. Instead, it is a better idea to use price comparison websites in order to find the perfect deal. The websites will give a full breakdown of the type of rental which is offered. Using these sites is a good way for people to save money for when they are going on holiday – the money can then be spent on other things like delicious food or exciting entertainment options.

Look For Special Offers

Some rental companies will offer special deals, which will potentially save people a large amount of money. These offers will usually appear around the time of special occasions such as Christmas and Easter.

There are lots of websites dedicated to displaying coupons and special offers. Use these websites in order to track down the latest deals and discounts on car hire. Ultimately, the money saved on car hire with these discounts could be spent on presents for relatives.

Hopefully, this guide has given people a good idea of what to do after arriving at the airport.

5 Australian Music Festivals You Must Visit Before You Die

November 22, 2016 By anthony Leave a Comment

If you want to know which are the best music festivals in Australia then have no fear, we archer to help. During our time in Australia a couple of years ago we committed ourselves very much to the ‘fun’ lifestyle, something that is incredibly easy to do as there is always, and we mean always, something going on for you to take part in including epic music festivals. With the sun always shining, Australia is a perfect country to pass a day, night or weekend sinking some drinks, dancing with friends and enjoying some of the World’s best live music draped in summer clothing and your Oakley sunglasses. If you in Australia or are planning to visit soon and want to party then here are 5 Aussie music festivals that you simply cannot die without visiting.

Rainbow Serpent

This open-air trance event in Lexton Victoria is on the verge of celebrating it’s 20th anniversary of heart-pounding, bass-pumping festivals. The festival celebrates all things electronic, from dance,, garage, drum and bass to trap, trip-hop and trance and is the only place that you should go in Australia to experience a crazy dance music weekend. The festival takes place on the weekend of Australia Day which gives the festival an even greater cause to celebrate.

Burning Seed

Burning Seed takes place between Sept 26 and Oct 3rd in a week long festival that mimics the famous Burning Man festival which takes place in San Francisco. The festival is more than just a music festival, it is an effort to create togetherness to inspire creativity and to promote spirituality. The music is phenomenal, the art is incredible, the vibe is unbelievable and the people are magical. Burning Seed is a festival that you will not find anywhere else in Oz and you should most certainly experience it before you perish.

The Town

The Town festival was created by a group of people who decided that the World was simply too boring. To counter such boredom they decided to create a fully functioning village dedicated to all things musical and theatrical. The ‘town’ exists around 2 hours outside Melbourne in the midst of an enchanting forest and within it’s walls it offers live music shows, drama tents, live plays and a whole host of other wild and crazy dramatics throughout the town. You may not see famous musicians here but nor will you see the face of boredom.

Splendour in the Grass

This annual music festival takes place in late July in Byron Bay, NSW and is arguably the biggest music fest in Australia. The festival dates back to 2001 and in the last 15 years has grown tremendously. The festival focusses primarily on rock and indie music but isn’t afraid of sprinkling in a rapper or an EDM act or two to keep things interesting. The event takes place across 3 days and is the best place to celebrate a Winter music festival.

Bendigo

The Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival does exactly what it says on the tin, a celebration of the birth of music through it’s truest and most original styles. The festival takes place on the first weekend of November and attracts some of the World’s finest musicians from genres such as folk, blues, bluegrass, reggae and jazz. If this type of music is your scene then you will have an awesome time here, if it isn’t then I would still recommend you to go and enjoy some truly beautiful music in a truly beautiful setting. No grand light shows or dancers here, just great music and great fun.

Fun Things to Do in Auckland when the Sun Goes Down

September 16, 2016 By anthony Leave a Comment

Auckland has a lot more to offer than just a bustling nightlife. You can take a car rental from Auckland and explore the unique charm of the city when the sun goes down. From popular pubs to night markets, local events to international concerts, and moonlight movies to night canyoning, you’ll never run out of options to enjoy Auckland at night. We bring you some interesting things to experience when on a late night drive in Auckland.

1. Go on a Night Safari

If you’re traveling with kids or if you are the kind that enjoys wildlife, one of the most adventurous things to do is to visit the animals during the dark. The Auckland zoo organises many Safari Nights much to the sheer delight of a nature lover.

2. Soak in the View

Go to the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand to witness one of the most breath-taking views of city lights. Dine at the only 360-degree revolving restaurant in Auckland or simply enjoy the views from the observation platforms. Sunset time is the best time to visit this wonder of a city.

3. Head to the Night Markets

One of the best ways to discover the real charm of Auckland is to visit the local vibrant night markets. You will find indulgent delicacies from around the world along with exquisite art and craft, jewellery and a lot other kitsch. There are nearly 200 stalls, live entertainment and limitless fun in store at the markets. They are held in 8 different locations on different nights, so you can visit them as per your convenience.

4. Sail Along the Waters

An after-dark tour on the Hauraki Gulf will show you a different side altogether of the Auckland harbours. You can opt for a guided sunset kayak tour that takes you to Rangitoto island, watch the sunset from Auckland’s youngest volcano, or opt for a dinner cruise along the Waite Mata harbour.

5. Catch Up on Movie Time

Movie buffs will love watching all-time classics and new releases on the side of a big silo by the water. You can grab your food from the Silo market, get cosy on a bean bag and watch a movie at Auckland’s only open-air cinema. This is operational only in the summers, so make sure you don’t miss it if you’re visiting during summer time.

6. Get Nerdy

For those science lovers, the Auckland’s Stardome Observatory and Planetarium is a must visit. The interactive space gallery gives you a chance to see the stars of Southern Hemisphere and other galaxies at the luxury of reclined seats in the theatre.

The night is always young and vibrant in Auckland, waiting to be explored. Hire a car rental Auckland and set on a journey of fun with your family or friends!

Fun and Exciting Activities to Try When You Visit New Zealand

June 21, 2016 By Admin Leave a Comment

Lake_Wanaka,_New_Zealand_(5)

New Zealand is a beautiful country that offers different exciting, extreme and fun activities that you could try in your life. Visiting this country, 1,500 kilometres east of Australia, is perfect for those who are looking for time to unwind and have a blast.

Sometimes, going out of your comfort zone is the best way to unwind. So in this post, we will discuss different activities that you could try when you visit New Zealand that will surely get your adrenaline rushing and heart pumping.

First of all, we advise that you book your flights, accommodations and reservations ahead of time. It is also best to book a car hire from Auckland airport to your hotel to avoid hassle. It will be a lot faster and convenient to have a rental car going from one place to another during your trip.

So are you ready to have a once in a lifetime adventure in New Zealand? Here are some activities that you could include in your itinerary:

Skydiving – is skydiving included in your bucket list? Well, New Zealand is a perfect venue to cross this out from your list. Skydiving is one of the most popular activities in NZ that you could try on your visit. The magnificent landscapes that you will see from 12,000 feet high will surely leave you in awe. Some of the places to skydive include Queenstown, Auckland or in Lake Wanaka. Lake Taupo has the largest commercial skydiving zone with stunning views of volcanoes, forests and of course, the lake itself. You will feel like a new person after this experience. And let’s admit it, having been able to skydive will give you bragging rights that you will probably discuss among friends and new acquaintances for a long period of time.
Bungee jumping – NZ is also home for modern bungee jumping. You can find different commercial bungee jumping zones all over the country. You can do this from bridges, rail viaducts, platforms on the edge of cliff, stadium roofs and others. Of course, this activity is supervised by professionals to ensure your safety. This activity will definitely make your heart thumps wildly.
Off-road driving – you could also try off-road driving that will give you a new kind of high. You can try four-wheel driving in Waikato or visit Canterbury and experience an adventure in the foothills of Southern Alps. This will allow you to feel closer to nature.
Boat rafting – another activity to try is boat rafting. This is perfect activity to do with your group of friends or family. You can go from a quiet drift through forest wilderness to a more adventurous trip down turbulent rapids. This is indeed a fun activity to try on your visit.
Caving – there are numerous caving sites in New Zealand that will surely amaze you, and among the top and most popular is Waitamo. Caving experiences can range from a simple and easy drift through a beautiful grotto to a more action-packed subterranean adventure. You can find your preferred style in different places in NZ and if you book a car hire in Auckland airport at the start of your trip, it will be convenient for you to visit these caves,

It feels great to go out of your comfort zone once in a while. Travelling to New Zealand is a good opportunity to try something new and make sure to include those activities that we discussed here when you visit.

Eating in Perth – An Unforgettable Experience

August 22, 2015 By Admin Leave a Comment

At first, visiting Perth did not feel like an ideal holiday for me – but oh, I was so wrong about it! Perth literally has everything you need, regardless of what you are searching for as a traveller and regardless of how much money you can afford spending there. Eating in Perth was, for me, a great experience. I honestly cannot remember anything that disappointed me – not from the low-priced meals and definitely not from the more luxurious eating places either. Following, I have gathered some of the places in Perth where eating out really felt like a celebration to me.

Perth at Night (Creative Commons)

The Classroom – Low Price, High Quality

I never thought a place with such a name could bring such enjoyment – but here I was in Perth, eating one of the most delicious, healthy and satisfying inexperienced meals I had ever eaten. The Classroom organizes so-called “School Dinners” where, for the low price of $15 you get a tasty, flavorful and amazing meal. Honestly, I could not ask for anything more considering the price!

Ace Pizza – High-Average Prices, Amazing Food

Pizza is universal and you’ll find it wherever in the world you go. However surprising that may feel to you, Perth’s got real value when it comes to its Pizza – and Ace Pizza is the place to be when it comes to dough and tomato sauce. I went there twice. First time, I had a delicious pizza and a carafe of stunning Sicilian red wine. The second time, I decided to spoil my taste buds with a fine…sandwich. They play along with the ingredients and the menu changes a lot, but one thing stays the same: the meaty, delicious and comforting taste of the Italian cuisine brought to a state of art.

Perth from Kings Park (Flickr Creative Commons)

Bistro Guillame – French Cuisine at Its Very Best

A French restaurant in Perth? Yes, and one of the best I have ever tried. In fact, of all the places I ate at while in Perth, this one is definitely something I would like to “take home” with me. Wonderful, magnificent, full of aroma and finesse French cuisine in Australia! Now, that’s something I did not believe to be actually possible. Bistro Guillame is located right in the heart of the Crown Casino complex. Given the fact that I spent quite some time there due to the high quality entertainment options they offer, it came as natural that I went to Bistro Guillame more often than anywhere else. And with all honesty, I really cannot regret having made this choice because every single item I tried from their menu felt like a celebration of beauty, high class and amazing taste!

For example, I had an onion soup that felt exactly like the one I had in Paris. The King Salmon tartare, cucumber gazpacho and smoked oyster cream were madly delicious too. But la crème de la crème of all of my meals there was their amazing Chocolate soufflé with cherry ripple ice cream. Whoever came up with that idea must be a culinary genius indeed! Whether you’re on a budget or looking to spoil your taste buds, Perth’s cuisine is definitely worth exploring! I found Perth to be one of the most pleasantly surprising cities I’ve visited in the past few years and I would go back any time. Actually, let me check the flights!