Transfercar: How can rental cars be free?
Transfercar is an online relocation service that offers free use of rental cars to travellers. In return the travellers are helping the rental car industry to relocate their cars in a cheaper way than any current relocation alternative. This is how it works: “Transfercar is an online relocation service providing really cheap (usually free) rental cars and campervan hire. With “free” we really mean the cars are free to drive, not even $1 a day! We don’t charge anything for this. (more…)
South Hams, Devon
South Hams coastline
The South Hams is renowned for its gorgeous countryside and pretty coastline. We spent a few days in the area and loved the narrow hedge-lined roads, the charming villages and small seaside coves.
The South Hams is known as ‘An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” in the UK and is well worth a visit. It is located in the south-eastern part of Devon, just over 3 hours drive from London’s Heathrow Airport, via the M4 and M5 motorways.
Here are some recommendations on what to see and do. (more…)
Day Trip from Melbourne to Geelong, Barwon Heads and Queenscliff
A very pleasant day trip from Melbourne is through to Geelong, Barwon Heads and Queenscliff.
Geelong
Geelong is about one hour’s drive from Melbourne and is the second largest city in Victoria.
We loved the Geelong Waterfront and in particular the Baywalk Bollards track along the shores of Port Phillip Bay. We did part of the walk from Steampacket Gardens to the Art Deco Eastern Beach sea baths, however, if you have time, we recommend doing the whole walk starting from Geelong Botanic Gardens to Ripppleside Park which takes about 1.5 – 2 hours.
Artist Jan Mitchell has created over 100 colourful painted, wooden bollards along the Baywalk track, depicting characters and events from throughout Geelong’s history. Try to spot the rabbits painted on many of the sculptures – they represent rabbits introduced to Australia by an early English settler in the bay in the mid-1800s.
If time permits, the National Wool Museum and Geelong Art Gallery are also worth a visit.
Day trip from Melbourne to Daylesford Spa Country
Wombat Hill House Cafe
On a recent trip to Melbourne, friends took us to the villages and countryside around Daylesford – an easy day’s drive.
Even in the height of summer, when temperatures soar and the landscape is a little parched, this is a beautiful trip.
This region is a gourmet’s delight and a large part of our day seemed to be spent sampling local produce.
On the way to Daylesford we bought buckets of delicious cherries. We left money in a roadside box for a bag of red-ripe cherry tomatoes near Hanging Rock. We enjoyed the view from Mount Macedon Memorial Cross. We stopped for coffee at Newham General Store. In Trentham we bought delicious pastries and bread at the Red Beard bakery and took a stroll around this charming country village. In Daylesford we wandered along the main street taking in the shops. We strolled around the grounds of beautiful Lake House.
A highlight was our trip up to Wombat Gardens and the Wombat Hill House Café where we enjoyed delicious pizzas, salads, coffee and cake. Don’t miss it if you are visiting Daylesford!
The drive home took us through Hepburn Springs and Kyneton – and we all resolved to come back soon – and to stay longer!
AccommodationGuru.com
January 2013
A Weekend in Canberra
View over Canberra from Mount Ainslie Lookout
Canberra is the national capital of Australia and an ideal weekend-away destination from Sydney – especially for overseas visitors.
The city has many wonderful museums, galleries and monuments that will give visitors to Australia an insight into our history, culture and society.
By car, Canberra is an easy 3.5 hour drive from Sydney. It is impossible to see all the sights of Canberra in one weekend but here are a few recommendations to choose from.
Canberra & Region Visitors Centre
Firstly, it’s a good idea to stop at the Canberra & Region Visitors Centre on 330 Northbourne Ave, Dickson (1300 554 114) – you will pass it on the way into Canberra from Sydney. Pick up copies of brochures and maps to help you find your way around.
Parliament House Canberra – House of Representatives
Parliament House
We recommend taking a tour of Parliament House. There is a free tour that takes approximately 30-45 minutes. The tour includes the Marble Hall entrance, the Great Hall, the Senate, the House of Representatives – with an interesting and informative guide.
Visit the top of Parliament House for excellent views over the city.
For more details on tours see – www.aph.gov.au/Visit_Parliament/Tours (more…)
Sydney to Port Macquarie – June Long Weekend 2012
Seal Rocks
For those who enjoy driving holidays, this is a good route to explore the NSW coastline between Bulahdelah and Coffs Harbour and get a glimpse of the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.
You will see some of the best waterways, the best beaches and national parks in NSW.
During winter, the area is far less crowded than in summer, the days are sunny but not too hot and the air is crisp and clean.