Melbourne Tourism
March 1, 2010 by Jamie Horne · Leave a Comment
Melbourne tourism is one of the most cherished vacation destinations among tourists and globe-trotters. Before visiting the world famous tourist spot, you should know something about the enchanting city of Melbourne. Melbourne is the second largest city by population in Australia, with about 4 million people living in this city. A citizen of Melbourne is called a \’Melburnian\’. Melbourne is the capital city of the State of Victoria in Australia.
The city of Melbourne lies at the estuary of the river Yarra, which ends in a large natural bay called Port Phillip. The Melbourne city centre is known as the CBD but the greater Melbourne metropolitan area includes another 30 municipalities, which are known as \’shires\’ and \’cities\’.
After several failed attempts to settle Melbourne, the earliest being in 1803, Melbourne was finally established in 1835. From that date forward there was no turning back and when gold was discovered in various locations throughout the State in the 1850\’s the Victoria Gold Rush took off. Within months stories of significant gold finds spread around the world and soon prospectors from around the world began to arrive. For a short time Geelong, located west of Melbourne, looked like it may overtake Melbourne in size as many of the prospectors first landed there, but this soon stopped. With all the new arrivals and gold be discovered Melbourne soon grew into Australia\’s largest city with large infrastructure projects being completed through to the 1880\’s. Melbourne was temporarily named the National Capital for the Commonwealth of Australia after the countries federation in 1901. It remained the Capital of Australia through to 1927 when Canberra was purposely constructed as the Australian Capital.
Well known for its cultural significance, Melbourne was home to Australia\’s impressionist art movement at the Heidelberg School. Today there are many museums and galleries in Melbourne as well as other Arts based interests. For this reason Melbourne is well regarded as the cultural capital of Australia. It is also considered the sporting capital of Australia and each year hosts a number of international sporting events. Melbourne was also host to the 1956 Olympic Games and the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
There are also international schools in the Melbourne CBD which has attracted a large number of student visitors keen to enjoy the sights and sounds of Melbourne tourism. Cafes, restaurants, bars and contemporary entertainment have also helped in the voting which has sees Melbourne amongst the five most liveable cities in the world. Melbourne is mild for most of the year but is renown for its inclement behaviours delivering a and often mixed bag of weather in an given day. Melbourne\’s most unique tourism attraction is the classic trams that now form an integral part of the cities transport network through to the outer suburbs.
The City of Melbourne is located approximately 23 km\’s from the Melbourne international Airport at Tullamarine which is well serviced by taxi\’s and bus services. Melbourne tourism and tourist information is available from the airport but Melbourne accommodation should always be booked in advance. Tourism in Melbourne is huge and there are plenty of things to do in Melbourne. The central Melbourne area is home to huge parks, beaches, sculpture, art exhibitions, theatre shows, sporting events and many other attractions.
Looking to find the best Melbourne Visitor Information and advice on Tours in Melbourne then visit Jasmine Zahara\’s Melbourne website.
Gold Coast Resorts; Look Forward To A Luxurious And Active Holiday
February 27, 2010 by Jamie Horne · Leave a Comment
Gold Coast is located in Queensland, Australia and is the sixth most populated city in the country. It is a perfect vacation spot because if its proximity to the ocean. Many Gold Coast Resorts have made their homes here in Gold Coast and offer luxurious accommodations, casinos, and most important of all; beaches where you can surf and sun all day long. At night the area offers a fun atmosphere that will keep you up most of the evening.
There are many different resorts in Gold Coast and you may be hard pressed to decide which one you wish to visit. Some are close to well known surfing areas, some are known for the wild and wonderful atmosphere while others are quiet yet make you feel like you are one of the rich and famous with great service. There is such a variety in accommodations you are sure to find something that will fit your personality and desires.
Crown Towers is a high rise resort right near a major surfing break. They offer suites with one to three bedrooms and some containing gourmet kitchens. There is a bar and several restaurants within the confines of the resort. They offer a tropical themed lagoon on site with its own sandy beach and pirate ship. There is also an indoor pool and other facilities including a gym that all visitors can enjoy. Rooms run USD $300 per night for a one bedroom to about $600 for a three bedroom.
If you are traveling with children the best resort to go to is the Sea World Nara Resort that is found near the surf beaches and Broadwater. All rooms have mini bar with refrigerator, coffee makers, TV with pay per view movies and PlayStation and internet access. They all have one or more balconies. It is situated inside the Sea World theme park were kids will enjoy the shows and rides. In the resort there are all kinds of opportunities to have some fun. There are playgrounds for the kids, a lagoon shaped swimming pool, game zone, exercise room, water sports and all kinds of other activities. If you wish to go surfing there is a shuttle bus to the popular beaches. Neither you are the children will get bored staying here. A room for 3 will run about USD $200 while a family room can run upwards to $450.
A good resort for the surfer is Beachcombers Surfer Resort in a place designated as \”Surfers Paradise\” and most of the rooms have a great view of the ocean. There are many different options for rooms at this resort. You can get a small studio with a Queen bed and apartments containing a queen bed and sofa bed. Other apartments include 2 queens and a sofa bed where you can accomodate a family. Each of the apartments contain a kitchen. The facility has both outdoor and indoor pool, spa, an exercise area, and offers baby sitting. A room here will cost at the least USD $190 and at the most $260 but make sure to make your reservations long before you go because it is often full.
Paradise Island Resort is near everything on Gold Coast. You can easily get to the large shopping centers, wonderful restaurants, casinos and beaches. They offer apartment living where children sleep separate from adults and they just put in a new kids club so this resort is great for families. They offer a great heated tropical theme pool and a kids pool. The spa is great and there is a regulation size tennis court. They offer water sport equipment, internet serve and much more. There is even a bar and restaurant on site and they have BBQ pavilions if you wish to cook out yourself. Rates for 1 bedroom are around USD $180 and 3 bedroom run $350 per night.
If you want to be treated like the rich and famous you want to go to Palazzo Versace Resort. It has its own private beach on the Broadwalk beach and the rooms run from one room up to condos that have three bedrooms. You must try the elegant restaurant with a wine list to die for. Not only does it have a beach but it also has a pretty lagoon pool. There is a concierge for any needs you may desire and rent a boat out at the resort\’s own marina. You will pay for all this luxury but it will be worth every penny. Pay USD $400 for just one night and if you choose the three bedroom condominium you will pay $700.
There are many more resorts in Gold Coast and if you need more options there are even more on the beaches down the road. Gold Coast resorts are a great place to visit even if alone, but better on a honeymoon or romantic vacation, and it is great for the whole family. There will be no problem finding the perfect place to stay.
Need to make a reservation at Gold Coast Resorts? You can get Mermaid Beach Accommodation and Sea World area resort rooms and suites. To find out what accommodations are available, read on.
categories: gold coast,australia,holidays,travel,vacations,destinations,leisure,recreation
St Kilda Accommodation
February 25, 2010 by Jamie Horne · Leave a Comment
In recent years St Kilda has emerged as one of Melbourne\’s trendiest suburbs and is located only 6 km from the Melbourne CBD with good public transport via bus and tram. The suburb of St Kilda was named after the schooner \’Lady of St Kilda\’ which moored in the waters off the now famous St Kilda beach in 1841 by Lieutenant James Lawrence, one of the regions first settlers. During theses early times a number of luxurious mansions were constructed by wealthy Melburnians along the beachfronts with the hills of St Kilda in the background. Following the end of WWII St Kilda became known as Melbourne\’s red-light district and for many was a place to be avoided. Attracted by the beach and affordable accommodation St Kilda adopted a relaxed bohemian atmosphere musicians, artists, punks and other subcultures soon saw St Kilda evolving once again. In recent years many of the less desirable groups have been pushed out of St Kilda as residential property and accommodation prices have soared. Trendy cafes, markets, clubs and restaurants are now the norm in St Kilda and the area has become one of Melbourne\’s most popular tourist attractions.
Offering convenient access to the city of Melbourne and local accommodation options St Kilda beach is now the most popular of the inner Melbourne beaches with many local day visitors and international tourists sunning themselves on the white sandy beach. The St Kilda area is also home to several important Melbourne theatres and annual festivals, both of which have contributed to the recent evolution of St Kilda\’s reputation. Significant St Kilda attractions include the popular Esplanade and the beachfront area. The early twentieth century Luna Park, amusement park is an iconic Melbourne attraction. There are also regular Sunday markets along the esplanade which attract a wide variety of vendors and offerings.
The St Kilda Pier, which ends at the St Kilda Pavilion, is an historic Edwardian building which stretches along a long breakwater. The breakwater shelters the harbour of St Kilda and a Fairy Penguin colony is an awesome sight for tourists here. Sunbathers and swimmers love the gentle bay with mild waves. A ferry service runs from the St Kilda Pier to Williamstown. Acland Street is the main shopping and restaurant area in St Kilda Melbourne, with several cafes and cake shops. The St Kilda Town Hall is a brutalist design by the famous architect Enrico Taglietti. The impressive building had been designed to open in a unique fashion like a book and it was finished in 1973.
Accommodation in St Kilda is provided by many of the grand old St Kilda hotels. The most famous is the Esplanade Hotel built in 1878 and modified later. It had been nicknamed \’The Espy\’. The George Hotel was built in 1887 was later converted into studio apartments. The St Kilda Coffee Palace of the 1870s is a very busy hostel for backpackers at present. One of the most recent luxury hotels is the Prince of Wales Hotel, built in 1940. It is a famous music venue now.
Other hotels in St Kilda include Novotel Melbourne, Cosmopolitan Hotel, The Prince Hotel, Quest Kimberley, The Bayside, Quest St Kilda Bayside Inn, Best Western Easystay St Kilda Beach, Easystay at Carlisle, Royal Albert Apartments, Oslo Hotel, Olembia Guesthouse, Charnwood Motor Inn and Eildon Mansion. The prices of the St Kilda accommodation facilities listed above will be somewhat cheaper than the accommodations in proper Melbourne city and will suit tourists with limited budgets.
Learn more about Melbourne Beach Accommodation. Stop by Jasmine Zahara\’s site where you can find out all about St Kilda Hotels and booking online.
Gold Coast Accommodation 2010
February 4, 2010 by Jamie Horne · Leave a Comment
Gold Coast city in Queensland, Australia, is a major tourist destination. Its humid, warm climate, excellent beaches and varied entertainment attracts people from all over the world. This city was a small beachside town 50 years ago. Today it is Australia\’s sixth largest and most popular city. Search Gold Coast accommodation 2010, and you will find a multitude of accommodation choices.
The Gold Coast offers all types of accommodation along the 57 kilometers of beautiful beaches. Whether you need accommodation for the 2010 Australian Grand Prix, the Schoolies 2010 Week, or any other of the exciting events happening in 2010, you will find ideal accommodation. You\’ll be amazed at the various options to choose from.
The Gold Coast is a famous tourist destination. It boasts no less than five theme parks. White Water World, Movieworld, Seaworld, Dreamworld and Wet and Wild, all provide entertainment for visitors of all ages. No matter where you stay in Gold Coast City, you will be close to all these exciting venues.
Surfers paradise is popular for the many attractions and activities it offers. This area offers a really good range of accommodation. Depending on your budget, you can stay in one of the magnificent hotels, or at a backpacker\’s lodge. Shopping facilities are on your doorstep and there is loads of entertainment.
Depending on the accommodation you want, prices vary accordingly. Rentals obviously depend on the type of facilities offered. Expect to pay $60 – $100 for a comfortable room per night. Hotel rooms and luxury apartments go for around $120 – $250 per night.
A cheaper alternative is to rent a one bedroom apartment for around $70 – $80 per night. There are also private bed and breakfast establishments that offer excellent value for money. Costing between $40 \’ $100 a night, per person, they are very popular.
Runaway Bay is a waterfront suburb with the beaches just a stone\’s throw away. This area is a great hit with tourists especially those want to do some angling. You can rent one of the many opulent homes in this region.
If your budget is a bit tight, a motel is a cost effective option. They are situated all over the Gold Coast. Prices start from $60 per night. You can choose to stay in a cabin, a bungalow or a villa. There are also some excellent campsites on the Gold Coast which provide an economical form of accommodation.
A luxury houseboat provides an exciting alternative. There are boats that cater for up to 12 people. Your own floating holiday home will set you back around $250 a night, but this is the best way to enjoy all the splendid sights.
If you are not scared of heights, you have just got to visit the Q1. It is the highest residential structure in the world \’ a truly magnificent piece of architecture. The observation deck is on the 77th floor where you can see amazing views.
Burleigh Heads national park has to be seen for its spectacular plant and birdlife. Occasionally whales are seen during migration. For history and art lovers, there is the Gold Coast Arts Centre, The Wax Museum, The Royal Queensland Art Gallery and the Tweed Maritime Museum.
Doing a Gold Coast accommodation search online will give you pages and pages of places to choose from. Compare prices and check out special package deals. Like any tourist destination, prices are higher in peak season.
If you are planning your next vacation or holiday be sure to consider theGold Coast in 2010. With so much to see and do and all the popular Gold Coast Theme Parks 2010 a fun holiday is ensured.



