by Guest contributor | Mar 11, 2014 | Asia-Pacific, Travel blogger destinations
If you’re tempted to take a break from your new year’s resolution, do something to make it worth breaking and take a detour to the Barossa, Australia. The award-winning gourmet food, quality wine and luxury hotels in the Barossa are just a few great excuses to place your resolutions on hold. Travel website Wotif.com has suggested ten irresistible options for us to share with you…
Top ten Barossa
1. Diet – go off course with degustation
If you’re tempted to ditch the calorie counting and craving some delicious morsels, take a gourmet food detour to Hentley Farm, where dining is more than a meal – it’s an experimental food journey. Enjoy dinner or lunch in the restored stables surrounded by the Farm’s 150 acre estate with sloping vineyards. Choose between two set seasonal menu options offering matched wines. Try a four dish course or why not take your time and let the chef take you on a culinary adventure with the ‘Discovery’ menu.
2. Money saving – splurge on luxury
On the North Para River you’ll find the lavish Kingsford Homestead, once the set of the popular ‘McLeod’s Daughters’ TV series. It’s Georgian style charm and Gothic features will take you back to another era. If you’re taking a break from your New Year’s budget, stay two or more nights in one of the suites or the cottage – it’s well worth starving the piggy bank for a week. You’ll be treated to an all-inclusive stay with gourmet country breakfasts, sunset canapés and drinks, as well as five and three course alternating dinners. The homestead also has a slate-floored cellar where you’ll be treated to vintage wine tasting. Take a walk along the river gorges or relax in the al fresco bath situated in a hidden corner of the property.
3. Detox – wine not?
Rather than a quick trip to your local bottle shop, head to the Barossa and take your time and sample fine drops made from some of the oldest vineyards in the area. With 150 wineries producing divine Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, fortified wines and more, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Make sure you visit the cellar door of Australia’s oldest family owned winery Yalumba. To wander along some of the oldest surviving vineyards in Australia, visit Langmeil winery. You might also like to visit some of the well known household names from Penfolds to Peter Lehmann or visit the boutique wineries such as Tscharke, where you can do a tasting in the gardens overlooking the vineyard. A guided tour is the best way to see what the Barossa vineyards have to offer, try the Best of Barossa Gourmet Food and Wine Tour for two.
4. Cut back on rich food – say cheese
Forget eyeing off that ordinary lump of cheddar in your fridge, save your cheese cravings for the delicious selections at The Barossa Valley Cheese Company. With more than 18 different types of cheese, from the award winning Barossa Washington to Camembert, Brie and a range of goat milk cheese, you’ll be glad you waited. Try a cheese tasting and then choose from your favourites and compliment with crisp bread and other condiments sold at the shop.
5. Get fit – swap sparring for spa-ing
No gym clothes here, just plush bathrobes and slippers at Novotel Barossa Valley Resort’s Endota Spa. Relax and choose from a soothing massage, footbath and facial or treat yourself to all and more with an all-day spa experience. With the Barossa Valley as your background, a fitting match would be indulging in the day spa’s red wine soak. Spa guests will also have access to the facilities at the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort. Bask by the heated pool on the terrace or play a leisurely game of tennis or chess with the giant outdoor set.
6. Stay grounded – blow me away
Start the day watching the sunrise over the fields of vineyards in a floating basket. Going on a one hour air balloon ride with Barossa Valley Ballooning is an exhilarating way to see the Barossa’s countryside. Once you’re back on your feet, indulge in a buffet breakfast with local produce and sparkling wine at Harry’s Restaurant, at the Novotel Resort.
7. No more dining out – picnic at Maggie’s
Pack a picnic rug and spoil your taste buds at Maggie Beer’s Farm shop. Here you can choose from mouth-watering pates, olives, cheeses and wood fired bread or pick up a picnic basket with a selection of treats. Try Maggie’s delicious Orchard Sparkling Apple Juice made from pink lady apples to compliment your picnic spread. The blue lake, surrounding olive trees and orchid make it a perfect spot for a luxury picnic. For a second course, satisfy your sweet tooth with a seasonal fruit tart or Maggie Beer’s ice cream.
8. Budget with Cleanskins – go vintage
Save your wine sampling for a unique experience at Seppeltsfield winery. It’s famous for the Centennial Collection which includes the world’s only range of consecutive line of Tawny. Featuring every year from 1878, you can take a tour of the cellar and taste the Tawny from your birth year. For an added treat, purchase a bottle from an anniversary year or take home a bottle of the century old Tawny.
9. Eat less sweets – bakery delights
Freshly baked Danishes, warm cinnamon scrolls and crusty pies are hard to resist at the best of times but the irresistible delicious range of German influenced goodies at Lyndoch Bakery will make you forget you even had a new year’s resolution. Sit down for a hearty bakehouse breakfast, a traditional German lunch or try the Steak and Shiraz Pie. Expect to walk out with baked treats for later as you wipe away the crumbs.
10. Be thrifty – go on a shopping spree
The towns of Tanunda and Angaston offer boutique shops with jewellery, antiques and home wares that will persuade you to take window shopping to the next level. You’ll find quality hand jewellery at Barossa Birthstones. For locally designed home wares, clothing and shoes check out the selection at Alabaster. Vintage shoppers should take a look at the original pieces at Dragonfly Antiques and search through the knick-knacks at Pioneer Antiques.
Sound good? More info here.
Do you have any Barossa tips to add? We’d love your advice or input – drop us a line in the comments below.
by Guest contributor | Mar 7, 2014 | Asia-Pacific, Travel blogger destinations
Weekend markets in Sydney are a ritual for many and they’re a great way to experience the city’s culture, food, art and fashion. You’re guaranteed to get a bargain, acquire something unique and best of all each marketplace has its own character and vibe to absorb.
Here are my recommendations for the best weekend markets in Sydney
Glebe Markets
Bohemian-style suburb, Glebe hosts a vibrant marketplace featuring everything from vintage clothing, bric-a-brac, records, arts and crafts and gourmet food. Home to over 200 stalls it’s a never-ending labyrinth of diverse treasures waiting to be discovered. Why not get your bohemian-chic on and sample the multicultural food stalls, enjoy the live music and search for a vintage fashion piece or original artwork. Afterwards you can explore this hip suburb boasting numerous restaurants, cafes and retail outlets on Glebe Point Road. Located: Corner of Derby Place and Glebe Point Road, Glebe Open: 10am to 4pm (Saturdays) glebemarkets.com.au
Sydney Fish Markets
A visit to the Sydney Fish Markets always guarantees a delicious foodie experience. Packed with tourists and locals it’s a must-do attraction being the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Experience what it’s like to be in an authentic working fish market and jump on a tour to see where the seafood buyers battle it out during their morning auctions. Otherwise freely roam and observe the seafood mongers crack open oysters, finely slice tuna and work the crowds. Be sure to grab some fresh seafood for dinner or try the seafood platters featuring moray lobster, deep fried prawns, calamari, oysters and more. Located: Pyrmont Bridge Road, Pyrmont Open: 7am to 4pm (Daily, except Christmas Day) sydneyfishmarket.com.au
The Rocks Markets
Where else can you walk through the birthplace of modern-day Australia? The Rocks Markets is undoubtedly a Sydney institution attracting nearly one million visitors each year. With over 200 market stalls you can pick up anything from Australian-designed fashion items and accessories, original artwork and prints, speciality food and one-off jewellery. It’s also a lovely spot to waste the day strolling aimlessly while taking in the views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay. Located: Playfair Street, George Street and Jack Mundey Place, The Rocks Open: 10am to 5pm (Saturdays and Sundays) therocks.com
Kirribilli General Markets
A bustling marketplace with harbour bridge views, Kirribilli Markets is your one-stop-shop for all things ‘new and recycled’ in fashion, homewares, antiques and collectables, bric-a-brac, arts and crafts, produce, plants and gourmet food. Anything is pretty much sold here running through Burton Street Tunnel and Bradfield Park Bowling Green. From emerging designers to savvy fashionistas offloading their wardrobes – you might uncover a classic designer item or handbag. Otherwise check out the random knick-knacks, children’s toys and my favourite vintage typewriters and cameras. Be sure to visit the food stalls sampling such treats as Dutch pancakes, Vietnamese Banh Mi Rolls and Dim Sum. Located: Bradfield Park – Corner of Alfred and Burton Streets, Milsons Point Open: 8.30am to 3pm – Fourth Saturday of the month (January to November) and first and third Saturday (December). kirribillimarkets.com
Paddington Markets
Operating since 1973 the Paddington Markets has become a popular attraction. Originally started to promote emerging fashion designers, craftspeople and artists, this bustling market features around 150 stalls showcasing various Australian-made and designed products. Check out the local fashion, sample handmade chocolates, try on cutting edge jewellery and brighten up your day with some flowers. Also don’t be afraid to bring your four legged-friends, as dogs are welcome and easily roam with their owners. Located: 395 Oxford Street, Paddington Open: 10am to 4pm (Saturdays) paddingtonmarkets.com.au.
Have you visited any of Sydney’s weekend markets? If so, tell us your favourite spots – drop us a line in the comments below.
About the author
Danielle Muller is a Sydney-based travel blogger and communications professional. Follow her travel adventures, stories and recommendations at stuffitgotravelling.com.
by Guest contributor | Mar 6, 2014 | Asia-Pacific, Travel blogger destinations
If there’s one thing you can rely on in Melbourne, it’s that every day there’s something new to experience. New cafes, bars, restaurants, events and pop-ups are well, popping up, quicker than most can keep track, leaving many visitors and locals paralysed with choice when the weekend rolls around.
Whether you’re relishing in a hotel Melbourne CBD or just keen to play tourist in your own backyard, here are a few ideas on how to have a quintessential Melbourne experience without waiting in line for the latest hot spot.
Venues such as The Astor Theatre in St Kilda (pictured above) still offer a memorable cinema experience, often with the option of dressing up and singing along, for typically under $20.
While the films might not always be the latest Hollywood blockbusters, they’re the classic cinema and gems from childhood you’re certain to have a soft spot for.
With new places to drink and dine opening and closing every week, why not grab a table somewhere that’s proved itself consistently over the years.
Travel tip: Stay in a fab Melbourne CBD hotel
Get amongst the action, whether you’re visiting or simply seeking a staycation.
We enjoy the super convenient and lovely hotel Melbourne CBD stay with Ibis/Accor, click to find out more.
The Italian on 101 Collins Street in the city (pictured) also offers a classic Melbourne dining experience that’s been ‘hatted’ by The Age’s Good Food Guide for five years running.
It’s tucked away and offers couples an ideal pre-theatre date night dining spot as a variety of the best theatres are all an easy stroll away.
Those seeking something a little bit different should consider a Melbourne coffee tour. As a place with a reputation for having world-class baristas, why not enjoy one of the things this city does best?
While there are a variety of tour providers to choose from, typically these are walking tours roughly around 2-3km in distance and let participants experience not just great coffee, but also some of the unique architecture, laneways and street art that endears the city to so many.
As an added plus, they usually run in small groups, so if you’re keen to meet new people, it’s a great way to do it.
And while you’re on foot, the Royal Botanic Gardens offers an absolutely vibrant Aboriginal Heritage Walk. This is one of the more popular tours through the Gardens for good reason, as it provides both an informative as well as serene way to appreciate the spot as well as its traditional owners. Tours are run by an indigenous guide and include a smoking ceremony, guided walk and talk about traditional uses for food, medicine and many other surprising bits of information we often take for granted among the hustle and bustle of daily life.
In a city where there is always something new to do, it’s easy to overlook some of the classic experiences that have consistently impressed visitors and locals alike. Remember, it’s not always about the next best thing.
Want to go and need a tip on a hotel in Melbourne’s CBD? Check rates here.
About the author
Gwen O’Toole is an accomplished writer focussing on travel, events management and food and wine. She also published a fiction novel while spending the past eight years as a magazine editor and travelling the globe before launching The Ideas Library, a creative services and event management company. She is regularly featured in a variety of travel and leisure publications and blogs.
by Sarah Blinco | Mar 2, 2014 | Asia-Pacific, Travel blogger destinations
From the archives – discovered this on my old YouTube account. Such fun :-)
by Sarah Blinco | Feb 10, 2014 | Creative travel experiences, Travel blogger destinations, Travel Live Learn in the media
This evening I was lucky enough to attend a seminar, How to write a Lonely Planet guide, hosted by Intrepid Travel and featuring acclaimed author, journalist and presenter, Frances Linzee Gordon.
What she said:
[true sentiments on ‘travel’]
“Travel is addictive because of the adventure, self discovery, serendipity, fun, opportunities and stimulation that every day brings.
Travel is like making a new friend – you always listen out for the place in the news, you want to return, and you care about what happens there.
To write about a place you need to be saturated in it – learn some of the language, speak to/interview everyone, understand general costs of living etc.
Keep an ‘as you go’ diary to note down fresh impressions so when you’re tired and go to write up a feature you don’t forget things. Include details, colour, a local feel. Use the writer’s muscle – the more you use it, the better you are.”
[writer / traveller action points]
- Keep a Diary – for fresh impressions on the road.
- If you don’t have writing experience, consider taking a course.
- Photography course – a great idea because your stories are more marketable with images. Also, you can sell to image libraries (eg. Getty, Lonely Planet) for extra income (because a travel writer’s income is limited).
- Learn a language(s).
- Enjoy the moment (adhere to the concept of ‘mindfulness’)– it’s easy to worry about money, going home, terrorists etc. – but stop and take in the amazing things you have in the moment.
- Choose to support local businesses and industry.
- Try everything – dance, eat – go outside your personality.
- Enjoy – be safe without being paranoid, don’t be budget obsessed, be inconspicuous and be open to everything.
[Keep in mind…]
- Beware: check local conditions before travel (eg. Disease, weather, crime).
- Double check passport / copies accessible.
- You’re more vulnerable to local threats if you look like a tourist. ‘When in Rome’… and be aware of what different clothes, or smoking / drinking in public may represent in some areas of the world.
- Support is often not readily available so understand what emergency services etc are/aren’t available.
- Arrange all relevant health vaccinations, dentist etc. 6 weeks prior to leaving.
- Travel insurance – critical – but also check your insurance covers your proposed activities (eg. If you are going skiing, diving and so on, carefully check the terms because you can be caught out).
- Research where you’re going.
- Pack carefully – make a list then pack in ten minutes to avoid unnecessary extras.
- Be aware of scams.
- Always tell someone where you’re going.
- Leave valuables behind, only carry money.
- Stay in touch with home / leave an itinerary.
- Make friends with the hotel manager – they are good for safety tips, local information and many other things.
[some final tips]
1. Especially in ‘hot’ places keep an eye on local press and talk regarding what’s going on – they’ll pick up on issues or uprisings etc. before national or international press.
2. Visit local tourist organisations and introduce yourself, say where you’re going, what you’re doing and ask for a letter for introduction. It can come in handy in sticky situations or if you’re in trouble.
3. 3-second rule (trust your gut) – look someone in the eye for three seconds, make a character judgement – stick with that impression no matter what.
4. Be careful when taking photos – you’re often not concentrating on what’s happening around you in order to capture ‘the shot’, so in pairs keep an eye out for each other so that no one is being robbed while they are photographing something.
5. Photo tips – make people laugh, use alternative angles and look for different places to take photos of famous landmarks (i.e. alternative vantage points from where most tourists are directed to take shots). Always ask for permission before taking someone’s photo.
6. When in a restaurant write notes – you look like a food critic and are more likely to receive better service!
How to write a Lonely Planet guide
Serious about being an author for Lonely Planet? Their recruitment notes on how to write a Lonely Planet guide state:
- All applications are read: lonelyplanet.com/jobs
- You must demonstrate passion for travel
- You must demonstrate destination knowledge
- Writing experience required
- Evidence of ‘special expertise’ (eg. Language, rock climbing, diving, other special interests, e.g. Lived, travelled, written; any evidence of independent travel)
- Always meet deadlines and word count
- NB. LP publications use simple sentences and language – be mindful they’re usually translated.
[This is a re-post from the archives. Originally posted July 13 2011, London]
by Sarah Blinco | Feb 4, 2014 | Travel blogger destinations, Travel Live Learn in the media
**this competition is now closed**
Writing competition 2014 Are you inspired?
–> this competition has now closed <–
Want your first piece of published work to appear in print for thousands of readers to see? We’re hosting a brand new competition for under 20s! SIX talented content creators from across Australia will each WIN a media star prize pack including:
1. Your piece published on the widely read travel and lifestyle site, www.travellivelearn.com and subsequent promotion throughout our associated media and education networks. This will also serve as a published piece which you can feature in your portfolio!
2. A personalised digital career mentoring session with a trainer and media professional from Media Bootcamp who will provide suggestions on what you could be doing now in pursuit of your dream career in media, magazines, communications or publishing.
3. A winner certificate.
4. A copy of popular Aussie media (radio, print, television) personality, Meshel Laurie’s new memoir, The Fence-Painting Fortnight of Destiny.
5. And a chic fragrance from So…?
What are you waiting for? Enter now and showcase your talent to Australia and the world!
THE RULES
You must be an Australian resident aged between 16 and 20 to enter. If you are turning 16 this year you are eligible to enter also. You will submit a piece of written work, no longer than 500 words. Your piece can be any format – interview, poem, fiction, essay, personal story… anything you like, but it must relate to the theme “INSPIRE”. Entries open Tuesday 4 February and close Friday 28 February at 5pm EST. Entries will be judged by a panel of published authors and representatives from working Australian media, and will be critiqued on creativity and uniqueness, how compelling they are, quality of writing, attention to detail and presentation. The decision made by the judges is final, and there will be no revision of this decision. Stories must be your own original work. You confirm that your entry has never been previously published or broadcast in any form such as a book or eBook. However, you may enter work that has been published on your personal blog, but not elsewhere. You may not enter work that has previously won a prize. One entry per person only. Incomplete forms or entries will not be accepted. Copyright in all submissions to the competition remains with the respective entrants. However, entering the competition allows Sugoi Media and TravelLiveLearn.com the right to feature any or all of the submissions in any of our associated publications, websites, social media and/or in any promotional material connected to this competition. Entrants will be added to the Media Bootcamp mailing list but may unsubscribe at any time. If you are a winner, physical prizes will be posted to you via Australia Post. Promoter takes no responsibility for lost-in-the-mail prizes. Prizes are not transferable for cash, and cannot be transferred to another person. Please note, The Fence-Painting Fortnight of Destiny does include mild use of coarse language and adult themes (drug and sexual references); Winners will be required to confirm that they/their families are happy to receive it (if not, the prize will not be replaced with another). Digital mentoring session comprises an email exchange(s) featuring personalised advice and action points with particular reference to winner’s goals. If you win, you are the only person who can redeem the prize. By entering it is understood that you agree with these terms and conditions.
Why not join our FACEBOOK community to keep an eye on this competition’s progress and learn about future opportunities?! Just click LIKE on the Facebook link to the right.
This competition is brought to you by Sugoi Media, Media Bootcamp, Get it Magazine, Get it Media, TravelLiveLearn.com, Hot Tamale Media Australia Pty Ltd
