Fantastic-sounding Australian location names that I can’t wait to visit

Posted: 21/10/2022

Australia is my dream location to explore, so it occurs to me because it’s so vast, then it’s best to travel around by van. To begin with, I would arrive in Brisbane and pick up a previewed van to buy or rent from around the area. Next I would need storage near Tingalpa to be a temporary base of operations to keep anything that I would rather have in a safer place than in the van I travel in or hotel room. Then off I go! Here are the order of destinations I want to visit from start to finish, and the attractions in that location I plan on spending time in. MANLY WEST Moreton Bay Marine Park, with its clean waters and intriguing islands, may be accessed from Brisbane via this location next to the Manly Boat Harbour. Manly Harbour Village retains a fishing village vibe and offers unique shopping. Manly Harbour Village has restaurants for every taste. Great coffee shops, Irish, Chinese, Thai, modern Australian, and seafood restaurants are available. Nearly every bar, cafe, and restaurant has a view of the harbour. MOUNT SURPRISE See and explore some (literal) hidden jewels in this welcoming municipality. Take a trip on the Savannahlander, one of Australia’s great railways, on a vintage “silver-bullet” railmotor from the 1960s. Find your favourite gemstones when you pan for topaz, quartz, garnets, and other jewels; at the Gem Den, learn how raw material is carved into sparkling gems. Join a journey to the adjacent Undara Lava Tubes, a geological wonder…. Read More

Category: AUSTRALIA, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Going away for Halloween? 10 spooky stays for your weekend road trip

by James Banham

Updated: 16/10/2022

Halloween is at the end of October (31st), so now is the time – if you get to it fast! – to get booking and organising what you’re doing for it. Staying in, going out, or going away are all valid ideas, but if you’re a little less face make-up and more have someone make the bed, then getting out of town might be the ticket. We spoke to Toyota to get some of their top ideas for the spookiest weekend of the year… 1. Monte Cristo Homestead, Junee NSW Dubbed “Australia’s most haunted homestead”, Monte Cristo – only two-and-a-half hours’ drive from Canberra – is said to be haunted by at least ten ghosts, most significantly its original owners Christopher and Elizabeth Crawley. Christopher still haunts the room in which he passed, as kind a spirit as he was in life – Elizabeth, however, is not so nice; if she doesn’t like you, she’ll cause a chill across your skin to scare you off. Don’t believe us? For the thrill seekers and sceptics out there, Monte Cristo offers accommodation for you to sleep – or stare at the ceiling wide awake in terror all night. 2. George IV Inn, Picton NSW If you’re game, how about a night or two at the century-old George IV hotel in Picton? The eerily stripped-back interior couldn’t be more fitting for accommodation located in what is considered Australia’s most haunted town. Picton in NSW – an hour’s drive from Sydney – is host to a variety of ghostly locations. If… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIA, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: halloween, Halloween weekend away, What to do for Halloween, What to do Halloween

She’s sophisticated, stylish & sassy: meet the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle

by Emi Berry

Updated: 08/08/2022

The all-new Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is due to hit Mitsubishi dealerships in Australia from 15th August 2022, offering a new-generation PHEV system for Aussies with up to 84km of pure electric driving – up from 54km in the previous model. For consumers looking for a sophisticated and fun PHEV without the high-end price tag, your time has come. Shaun Westcott, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Australia says with the release of the new Outlander PHEV, the company is targeting a more premium market than before. “Our core target market is primarily middle-class Australians and we haven’t shifted from that, but what we have picked up from our market research is feedback from customers looking for a more premium offering. So, what we’ve done is move this car up in terms of quality finish, sophistication, and style. Every attribute of the vehicle has improved. And that is to give our customers a better value for money product at the more premium end of the market.” MORE: We took one for a spin around all Victoria and here’s how it went The competitors versus the Outlander PHEV So, what makes the Outlander PHEV stand out from the competitors, such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or the Kia Sorrento PHEV? If environmental considerations are high on your list of priorities, Mr Westcott says driving a PHEV versus a hybrid is the better option. Mitsubishi market research from the previous Outlander PHEV model has revealed drivers tend to use electric mode 84 per cent of the… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIA, CARS, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Automobile, Car blog, Mitsubishi, Mitsubishi Outlander, Test drives

Winning ideas to make the most of the snow this Australian winter

by THE F

Posted: 21/06/2022

Because it’s bloody freezing, beach visits are out, so what are you going to do? Go to the snow! Here are some tips to do it right. Wear sunscreen. The cold doesn’t stop the UV rays – in fact, the snow actually reflects the sun’s rays, meaning double exposure when on the slopes. Using a sunscreen that’s designed for exercise will keep you protected while you master the snow.?? ? Nappy protection. For beginner snowboarders who are more likely to fall back onto the snow, duct tape a couple of nappies down the backside of your pants. If you’ve ever been hit in the tailbone, you’ll know why this might be a good idea.?? ? Road to the Snow. Consider the type of vehicle you’ll need to travel to the slopes. We might forget being in warmer climates majority of the year that the roads can get icy with snow settling, making it harder to drive. It’s best to drive a 4×4 vehicle, I always drive my Toyota Kluger up to the slopes – it fits all my friends and all our snow gear in too.? ? Pack snacks in your jacket pockets. Time flies when you’re having fun, which is inevitable in the snow and hitting the slopes so make sure you’re stocked up for any emergency hunger situations.?? ? Early Birds catch the fresh snow. It’s best to set the alarm as early as possible, this way there will be fresher snow and minimal queues for equipment hire and ski lifts.?? ? Snap the Stacks.? The funniest moments are the unexpected moments,… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIA, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: Make most of snow, Snow trip, Winning ideas to make the most of the snow this Australian winter

Your interstate best friend: The Toyota Landcruiser 300 7-seat monster

by THE F

Updated: 29/05/2022

Cars are all about context, right? You don’t get a convertible Volkswagen Eos to hit the outback. Much less do you get a Ford Wildtrak for simple trips to the shop. But on the odd occasion you find a car that’s equal parts massive and practical that makes you think, ‘oh yeah, that works’. Say hi to the Toyota Landcruiser 300. Quite literally the biggest car you’ve ever driven, with more power than the simple streets of Sydney knew how to handle and enough suspension to make you have moments of existential quandry where you think, ‘am I actually driving, or just rolling under my own momentum?’ MORE: Here’s what we thought of the Toyota CHR Koba SUV View this post on Instagram A post shared by T H E F (@the_f_online) More an icon and master of the outback, you’d be considered nuts if you didn’t put this car through its paces on all kinds of terrain from the city to the country. So, we spoke with travel expert Quentin Long about the best ways to explore Australia’s landscape and those unseen destinations. The Landcruiser 300 makes all kinds of trips for all durations and demands a breeze. With perks and features that include some of these bits, you’re in good hands: a brand new 3.3L twin-turbo V6 diesel engine delivering 227kW and 700Nm 10-speed automatic transmission designed to enhance driving performance, fuel efficiency, and quietness – which genuinely works – you hear nothing and let’s not forget, the Multi Terrain Select with a… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIA, CARS, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: Landcruiser, Landcruiser weekends away, Toyota Australia, Toyota Landcruiser

Planning a staycation in Melbourne? Your choice of hotel matters: Avani Melbourne Central Residences

by James Banham

Posted: 29/05/2022

Melbourne is Australia’s city of culture. So when you plan a visit, you need to be sure of three things: you’ve planned a visit to a gallery, you know which restaurant you’re visiting and you’ve made sure you’re staying at a hotel that’s got your best interests at heart. This is why you need to Google the Avani Melbourne Central Residences. Set high amongst the cityscape with panoramic views to complete it all, the Avani is a stunning hotel tower of 55 storeys with a striking weave-like pattern and tinted exterior, beautifully crafted with a sense of style, offering a selection of one and two bedroom contemporary, fully furnished suites. If the location’s not reason enough to make these suites number one on your list, then maybe the 24-hour reception, games room, gymnasium, pool and spa and streamroom and sauna might be selling points enough. And on top of that, Bourke Street, Melbourne Central, the Yarra River and Southbank are literally a walk – or tram – away, making your getting around that much easier. See more and make a booking at the Avani Melbourne Central website Here’s a list of some Melbourne restaurant favourites worth visiting while you’re in town: Formaggio at Baby Pizza Back by popular demand, Baby Pizza’s much-adored Formaggio menu is making a cheesy return! For the entire month of May, Baby favourites are made even better, oozing with cheesy goodness. Available until 31 May, the special menu is filled with every type of cheese you can imagine! To start, dig… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIA, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: Avani Melbourne, Avani Melbourne Central, Avani Residences, best melbourne hotels, hotel guide melbourne

The ultimate road trip in Australia – as voted by everyone

by James Banham

Updated: 11/03/2022

The Great Ocean Road has been named the Nextbase Ultimate Aussie Road Trip 2022. So, if ever there was a time to hire a car, buy a car, borrow a car – it’s now. With over 1,600 votes, the Great Ocean Road finished ahead of Broome to Kununurra via the Kimberleys, WA and the Tasmanian Ring Road. Deciding it was time to settle the debate once and for all, the world’s leading Dash Cam manufacturer Nextbase asked the public which Australian road trip is the crown in the road. From the shortlist of 10, the Great Great Ocean Road finished top, ahead of Broome to Kununurra via the Kimberleys and the Tasmanian Ring Road. In total, 1,635 Australians voted across November through to January 31, 2022. THE TOP-10 ULTIMATE AUSTRALIAN ROAD TRIPS: Great Ocean Road, VIC Broome to Kununurra via the Kimberleys, WA Tasmanian Ring Road, TAS Cairns to Normanton (on your way to NT), QLD Darwin to Kakadu, NT South Coast including Eurobodalla Shire Region and Narooma , NSW Alice Springs to Uluru, NT Longreach to Rockhampton loop including Emerald and Carnarvon, QLD Birdsville Track, QLD & SA Bright, Falls Creek, Omeo loop, VIC If this is your kind of thing, then hey, check out some of the best SUVs for the job!

Category: AUSTRALIA, CARS, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: Australia road trip, road trip guide, The ultimate road trip in Australia as voted by everyone

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a Cause this May 2022

by James Banham

Updated: 02/03/2022

BridgeClimb Sydney’s first charity event, Climb for a Cause, in aid of mental health charity Black Dog Institute, is on this May! So if ever you wanted to climb the Sydney icon, then now’s the time. For one day only, climbers can scale the iconic arches of the Sydney Harbour Bridge with family, friends, sports teams, community groups, colleagues or entire organisations while raising awareness and important funds towards a mentally healthier Australia. It’s even attracted attention from some big personalities in Sydney, like weatherman and mental health campaigner Sam Mac. He’s joined BridgeClimb as an event advocate for Climb for a Cause, saying, “60% of people experiencing symptoms of a mental illness will not seek help. That’s a terrifying statistic and the perfect motivator to push us to do more”. For more and to book a ticket, head to the BridgeClimb website

Category: AUSTRALIA, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY, TRAVEL

Tags: BridgeClimb, Climb for a Cause, Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a Cause this May 2022, Sydney Harbour Bridge

Hotel in the heart of Hobart: The Tasman in Tasmania is taking bookings

by James Banham

Posted: 21/10/2021

This December 2021, The Tasman hotel is set to bring the unique local character of Hobart to life through authentic experiences that connect its pioneering past with an unexpected contemporary culture, surrounded by Tasmania’s captivating scenery. Right in the middle of town, just metres from the renowned Salamanca Market, the new hotel offers 152 unique rooms and some of Hobart’s most spectacular suites, each accommodation offering within the hotel highlights a distinct character and experience so that no stay is ever the same. And in true Hobart style, the hotel’s all about supporting local, opting for artworks from local artists, warming fireplaces and island baths are some of the highlight features within. In-keeping with that, making an authentic reflection of the exciting local dining culture, The Tasman will host an outstanding selection of bars and signature restaurant. Peppina is a celebration of old-world hospitality and produce-focused cooking led by renowned Tasmanian chef, Massimo Mele who gives Italian inspired cuisine a local Tasmanian twist. Hidden within the deep sandstone walls of the building, Mary Mary is an intimate and sophisticated bar by cocktail extraordinaries Charlie Ainsbury of Proof & Company, set to provide an old-world drinking experience reimagined for modern times, with an inspired cocktail menu celebrating local Tasmanian ingredients. Find the Tasman Hotel at 12 Murray Street, Hobart 7000 Australia or online.

Category: AUSTRALIA, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: Hobart hotels, Hotel in the heart of Hobart Tasman in Tasmania is taking bookings, Tasman Hotel

Stake Australia: Investing in the US Stock Market? Some first steps from Stake Australia

by THE F

Updated: 28/11/2022

The 21st century is all about challenger fintechs and app-based share trading for everyone. From Australia to the USA and everywhere in-between, investing and day trading are big business for individuals and the companies like Stake that give them unfettered access to investing in Wall Street. Read more about Stake here, but if you’ve downloaded the app, then here’s some ideas on how to make your first move from the expert themselves. What’s the first step? The S&P500, a basket of America’s 500 biggest companies, has averaged a return of 9% across history. $1000 invested into the S&P500 with $1000 added annually would be worth $150,000 after 30 years. The stock market is one of the greatest wealth-generating engines in the world. You can be part of it. Some investors prefer to actively pick companies they think will grow and increase in price. Are you particularly interested in cars or renewables? Maybe you believe in Tesla. Notice that one of your favourite online brands is always selling out? Maybe it’s worth looking at the stock. Over time, you’ll develop strategies as you gain experience and come across different resources. Remember though, time in the market will always beat timing the market. How many options are out there? Stake has over 6,000 US-listed stocks and ETFs available to investors. From the giants of today like Apple and Amazon, to the game changers of tomorrow like Tesla, investors can find all the companies they know and love on the Stake platform. Some of the most popular stocks… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIA, FINANCE & INVESTING, TECH & GADGETS

Tags: Australia investing, Invest guide, Investing tips Australia, Stake investing app, Thinking about investing in Australia Here are some first steps from Stake