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The Ultimate Guide to Bruny Island

We’ve got the ultimate know how on where to eat, stay and play in Bruny Island! If you’re looking for a stunning but tranquil weekend getaway or nature adventure, Bruny Island is the place for you! Just located an hour out of Hobart, there’s no excuse not to go! Whether it’s for a romantic getaway or a fun filled family retreat, Bruny Island is the next hot holiday destination you have to visit!

Things to do in Bruny Island

Go and visit Cape Bruny Island Lighthouse

Cape Bruny lighthouse is a 114 meter heritage listed attraction that is perched above dramatic cliff tops and stunning views of the wild Tasmanian coastline. Cape Bruny lighthouse is the only Southern Tasmanian lighthouse that is open for tours! The lighthouse stands on the tip of Bruny Island in the waters of South Hobart and is the perfect way to marvel at the sights of Bruny Island. This is the top must do that we recommend and can even be achieved in a day trip to Bruny Island!

Head over to visit some penguins

If you’re heading to Bruny Island in the warmer months (September-February) you might get a chance at viewing some of Bruny’s furry friends! Head over to the Neck Game Reserve where they have boardwalks and viewing platforms where you can watch short tailed shearwaters and fairy penguins! This is the perfect activity for your family or even as a couple! From here, you’ll be able to see the little penguins return to their burrows in the sand dunes or make their way up to the beach in tight groups. While you’re here, the Neck lookout also offers jaw dropping 360 degree views of the beaches and flora.

Go berry picking at Bruny Island Berry Farm

For a relaxing and laid back day, take yourselves to Bruny Island Berry Farm to pick a variety of fresh berries and taste their delectable delights! The farm has more than 7000 strawberry plants housed on the farm so there’s always a plethora of supplies for you to pick from! After a few hours of basking in the sun and picking some luscious berries, treat yourself to some nibbles or a drink at their café. If you still want to enjoy the glowing sun after picking berries, you can even have a picnic on their grounds!

Spot some white wallabies

Never seen a white wallaby? Here’s your chance! Bruny Island is known for their population of white wallabies and their white coats attract a small crowd of visitors each year! You won’t spot them easily in any other place so see them while you can! They love to be near grassy areas and usually hang around early morning or during sunset. Head over to some of the parks or to Adventure Bay to spot them!

Go hiking

Bruny island is home to enchanting forests, stunning coves, unique wildlife and striking coastal scenery so why not explore them! There are a plethora of walking and hiking trails for your to explore and it’s a great way to spend a sunny morning or afternoon! Some of our favourites include Maycista Nature Walk, Alonnah-Sheepwash Bay Track and the Labillardiere Peninsula Track. During these hikes you’ll be able to witness Bruny Island’s tranquil environment and be showered with spectacular views.

Where to eat in Bruny Island

Get Shucked

Looking to taste some of the freshest oysters in town? Look no further than Get Shucked, a locally owned and operated oyster farm and bar. Their oysters are harvested, shucked and served everyday to the public who can’t get enough! Find yourself a seat outside and enjoy a plate of oysters with a glass of bubbly ! It’s the perfect place for to stop after a morning exploration or an afternoon chatter!

Bruny Island House of Whisky

If you’re keen to experience a once in a lifetime whisky, there’s no better place to go than to the Bruny Island House of Whiskey! With 110 expressions of Tasmanian Single Malts available to taste and rare Tasmanian Single Malts, tantalise your taste buds with the finest whiskey around! If you haven’t had time to travel around Tassie to visit independent distillery’s and bottlers, this is the perfect place to visit as they have a range of award winning malts under one roof! This is perfect for a relaxing afternoon by the sea!

Bruny Island Cheese Company

If you’re after a long and lazy lunch that’s paired with a few beers, Bruny Island Cheese company is the way to go! You can sit under the eucalyptus trees on their property with their cheese platters or enjoy a simple coffee and cake. It’s the perfect place to kick back and relax with some friends and family or just as a couple. Situated only 15 minutes away from the ferry wharf, it’s the perfect place to visit on a sunny day in Bruny Island!

Penguin and Pardalote Cafe

Penguin and Pardalote is the perfect place for a little nibble and sip! This café is situated in an old school styled house and has a laid back atmosphere where you can start your mornings or spend your afternoons. Indulge yourself with their range of brunch bites, savoury crepes and sweet crepes! If you’re feeling a little extra special, order yourself one of their decadent cheese boards or some freshly shucked Bruny Island oysters! Whatever you choose, you’ll be sure to enjoy

Where to stay in Bruny Island

Bruny Ocean Cottage

Bruny ocean cottage is a beautiful three bedroom self contained holiday home suitable for couples or families! It’s equipped with free Wifi, Netflix and bicycles which is suitable for a weekend full of unwinding and relaxation. The properly is situated in a prime place that’s adjacent to Adventure Bay Beach! The cottage is also close by to great cafes, South Bruny National parks and other nearby attractions!

The Lookout

The Lookout is a stunning brick property that is located near Denned Point and has 180 degree views looking over Storm Bay. It’s set on two acres of private parkland and is close to Nebraska Beach and the Jetty Beach Café! It’s the perfect place to invite company as the property had three entertaining areas for you to choose from and a spacious covered deck with a four burner barbecue!

Captain’s Cabin Bligh Point

Captain’s Cabin is located at Bligh Point on North Bruny and has access to more than 1600m of private beachfront! The cabin boasts stunning wooden walls and ceilings with rooms that look directly out to the water! The main bedroom boasts a beautiful four poster bed and the guest room has a spacious queen bed. Stay at the Captain’s Cabin to be completely encapsulated by panoramic views of the channel.

5 spots in Adelaide you can’t miss

Adelaide, the symbol of South Australia, is where you can find a mixture of cultural heritage, natural scenery, delectable food, as well as recreation venues. With plentiful places to wander around, here is a snapshot of a few key tourist attractions in Adelaide.

Glenelg Beach

Glenelg is not only famous for its beautiful beaches but also for its impressive history behind the heritage buildings. Located in a suburban area of Adelaide, Glenelg is a perfect place to seek your own peace of mind and to escape from city life. Family and friends are bound to have the best time in Glenelg with various entertainment choices including catching thrills at an amusement park, or even sailing and swimming with dolphins.

Adelaide Zoo

Adelaide Zoo is Australia’s second oldest zoo, with it’s sole purpose connecting humans with nature and saving endangered species. There are plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained, from interactions with animals, the educational visitor center, and so much more. Spare some time and visit the pandas as they’re the only breeding pair of giant pandas in Australia, and not to mention, they’re super adorable.

Adelaide Central Market

If you are a foodie seeking multicultural cuisine and fresh food, Adelaide Central Market is the place to be. This is one of the largest fresh produce markets in Australia and one of the oldest indoor markets in the world. After browsing the wholesome stalls, there are an array of cafes and eateries for you to enjoy. What else could get better?

Adelaide Botanic Garden

Take a pause during your trip and drop a visit to a wonderland in the heart of the city, where stunning landscaped gardens, grand avenues, stunning architecture and the appeal of history awaits. This 50-hectare garden is home to the most magnificent plant collections in Australia. Relax your mind in the Botanic Garden atmosphere and scenery for an hour or few, you’ll feel like yourself in another world away.

Art Gallery of South Australia

Adelaide possesses not only one of the finest plants in Australia but also one of the finest art collections at the Art Gallery of South Australia. The selection varies from the colonial days to the present; crosses all mediums from sculpture, paintings, textiles, photographs to ceramics, furniture and jewellery. You can choose to wander around at your own pace or to take a tour or even attend an artist talk.

Visit Aabode.com now to find a comfortable accommodation and make the most out of your trip!

Take a break and treat yourself to a Spa Day!

Are you caught up in the stress of work in this concrete jungle and probably forgotten how to look after yourself? According to recent research, Australians work some of the longest hours out of anyone in other developed countries. More people are working part-time and earning a minimum wage meaning they must work longer hours in order to sustain themselves.

We all know that working long hours and getting caught in the rut of earning well is not ultimately the healthiest. Due to all this, we are easily subject to burnout and emotional exhaustion. As a result, humans need to recharge themselves to stay happy and healthy. So if you’re a tourist just wandering around the country, then make sure to visit one of these places to find that balance within you!

Kalyaana Spa and Wellness Retreat – Bridgetown, WA

Having trouble remembering what sleep is? Don’t worry, us too. Perhaps a ‘sound therapy’ treatment here will remind you. Located in the heart of beautiful Blackwood River Valley, east of Margaret River, this secluded retreat has only two suites and offers fully-customizable packages including reiki, shiatsu, kinesiology, therapeutic massage, art therapy, and guided meditations. The sound therapy package involves using vibrations from Tibetan singing bowls to send you into a dream-like state and research shows it can detoxify the body at a cellular level!

KalyaaNa Spa and Wellness Retreat, east of Margaret River.

Miamo Retreats – Far North Queensland

Leave the burnout at work and bliss out at this spa located in picturesque Far North Queensland. Wellness coaches are always around to calm those tense nerves along with teaching you some of the best relaxation techniques that can calm your mind which you can take them back home and practice them for when life gets demanding. They even have programs designed for corporate people who have ‘lost touch with life and nature’ and is also ideal for tourists and travelers. Their main focus is on mindfulness with education and a wholesome and calming experience is ensured in your books. The program locations alternate between the beautiful Botanical Ark Retreat and Nirmaya resort & Spa.

Botanical Ark Retreat, Far North Queensland.

Eden Health Retreat – Currumbin Valley, Queensland

The loss of phone service as you drive along Currumbin Creek Road towards the gates to Eden Health Retreat is a good indication of what lies ahead. There are no TVs, computers, wi-fi or mobile reception at this lush Hamptons-country-club style estate. Stress and cravings are soothed by the blanket of green outside your room and a daily timetable of activities and spa treatments. For some, morning qi gong then a day spent reading by the saltwater pool will suffice. If you’re keen, you can opt in to everything from boxing to life-skills training after immersing in therapeutic New Zealand mud. Meals are gluten-free and satisfying if a little on the light side.

Get your perfect digital detox here and check out this serene accommodation that we have in Currumbin Valley on Aabode.com, which will be perfectly coupled with your health retreat!

Samadhi Retreat – Macedon Ranges, Vic

‘Samadhi’ literally means ‘infinite peace’. Who doesn’t want that in their lives right now? This retreat nestles in the Daylesford & Macedon Ranges region, a short drive from the healing waters of Hepburn Springs. For generations of Europeans and Australians, this has been a place of healing and an area that has basked in a worldwide reputation for health and wellbeing for over a century.

Catering to just one person at a time, you’ll have a private, self-contained sanctuary all to yourself and they offer a three-hour therapy treatment – think salt scrub, mud wrap, massage – and meditation!

Samadhi Retreat, Macedon Ranges, Daylesford Spa Country, Victoria

Lilianfils Day Spa – Blue Mountains, NSW

Lilianfels Day Spa Blue Mountains at Lilianfels Resort and Spa is a refreshing sanctuary and a haven for relaxation surrounded by the picturesque World Heritage listed the Blue Mountains. It is known for its friendly, professional service with dedicated and highly qualified therapists and skin care products, all committed to your relaxation. Lilianfels Day Spa Blue Mountains features four spacious treatment rooms with private facilities to cater for individuals relaxation, couples, special occasions – bridal parties, conference and event groups.

This heavenly spa retreat in the Blue Mountains offers an extensive list of spa rituals and massage therapy including hot stone massages, facials, and body treatments including body wraps, manicures, and pedicures. So whether you’re going to the Blue Mountains for a couple of days or just for a day, make sure to make this spa retreat top in your list of “Pamper yourself”!

Image result for lilianfels blue mountains resort & spa

For more exciting properties that will be perfect for your spontaneous holidays or getaways, visit Aabode.com now!

What’s on in Sydney | June

While the rest of the world is jumping into the summer hype, everyone in Australia is burrito-ing themselves into blankets and amping up the heater to its highest temperature because winter is definitely going to be a big one. But the cold shouldn’t stop you from getting out of your house! Grab your coats and sweaters and let us help you with this list by adding some fun and warmth in this sweater weather!

Markets!

Markets all around the year and markets some more! Sydney is bringing you some of the best markets with products ranging from vintage collectibles to mouth-watering food trucks that will keep you going back for more because one day will just not be enough! Go to the Glebe markets that have over 200 stalls, combined with live music to add some jazz and really yummy eats for your tummy! Head to one of Sydney’s finest shopping precincts and get lost in the Mosman Artisans markets that are held every first Saturday of the month throughout the year except January. With over 140 arts and crafts stalls, gourmet food and musical entertainment, you’ll surely have a lively winter’s day fun in the sun! Located in Sydney’s only remaining drive-in theatre- The Skyline Drivein will have the Blacktown Markets that will be complimenting a variety of food-trucks and pop-up food places with live music and a big bouncy castle for the kids!

Cruises

Want to take it up a notch and add some luxury into your winter days? Sydney is bringing you lunch and dinner cruises for you and your friends, partner, family and everyone else to feel oh so fancy! One of Sydney’s most majestic cruises, The Catarman that is a hit amongst the locals as well as tourists. Enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour while you have lunch in an air-conditioned dining saloon. For some city lights in the evenings have an unforgettable cruising experience aboard the Spectacular Sydney Showboat II. A three-hour dinner cruise on an authentic, air-conditioned paddlewheeler with a deluxe three-course seated and served menu. Take advantage of the fabulous photo opportunities with the magnificent Harbour Bridge and Opera House in the background.

And while you’re at it, catch the fireworks at Darling Harbour every Saturday from 8:30 PM.

Taste of the Opera House

Calling all the foodies in! Wine and dine your way around the Sydney Opera House’s restaurants and bars. An entirely different way to experience Australia’s most inspiring building while taking in the culinary delights of some of Sydney’s best chefs.

Escorted by your own personal Sydney Opera House guide from Stage Door, begin with a cocktail making a class at Opera Bar learning to create one of their signature cocktails while enjoying fresh seafood and charcuterie from Matt Moran influenced RAW bar and Meat and Cheese Room. You will make your way down the concourse to get hands-on at Opera Kitchen in a poke bowl making masterclass with one of their expert chefs. The best part of the masterclass is you get to eat it after. A spectacular lunch will then be served at Portside Sydney, where you enjoy a scrumptious main course paired with matched Australian wines.

Finish your day at Bennelong restaurant, enjoying a delicious Peter Gilmore signature dessert and theatrical cocktail to accompany.

Aboriginal Heritage Tour

Whether you’re a tourist or a local looking to enrich your cultural and historical knowledge, go on an Aboriginal Tour with an Aboriginal guide in the heart of the city. Located in a spectacular harbourside setting, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is one of Sydney’s most treasured and iconic destinations.

On the traditional land of the Cadigal people, the land now occupied by the Garden is the site where the modern transformation of the Australian continent began and can be regarded as the ‘first frontier’ between Aboriginal and European societies.

Join an experienced Aboriginal guide on a 1.5-hour walking tour of the Garden which highlights the significance of the site to Aboriginal people, as well as the rich heritage and culture of Aboriginal people of the Sydney region.

The tour runs every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 10 AM, starting from the 29th of May.

Sydney’s largest yoga and meditation group

If you want to do something different and find your inner peace and balance within you, Mita Meditation which is a volunteer-run Meditation and Wellness center is bringing you various meditation programs every Sunday starting from 2nd June.

It is a movement that promotes self-empowerment of individuals thus creating no/less dependency on external factors for them to achieve success in any area of life.

Mita Meditation also has a mission to empower every being by spreading a basic understanding of one’s true self which is referred to as Eternal Power. They also teach various Mind training techniques including meditation. Mita Meditation sessions are free of cost solely run on voluntary contributions.

Vivid

An event that is all the craze now! If there’s one place in the world where inspiration shines bright, it’s Vivid Sydney. Returning for its eleventh year from 24th May to 15th June 2019. Vivid Sydney is Australia’s most awarded festival that brings together light artists, music makers, and brilliant minds to share their creativity with you.

Vivid Light illuminates Sydney’s skyline with Lights On! from 6 PM each evening. As the Lighting of the Sails unfurls across the architectural wonders of the Sydney Opera House, weave your way along the Light Walk around the harbor front and the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, and venture into other parts of Sydney to brighten up your winter nights. Additionally, Vivid Ideas brings you 23 days and nights of future-facing talks, hands-on workshops, and industry-shaping forums. Game Changers Spike Lee and Esther Perel challenge assumptions on race and relationships. The Mark Colvin Conversation: Net Worth, asks what price we’ll pay for our constant digital distraction. What more could you ask for when you can experience, knowledge, fun and bright lights all in one place?!

For making your stay more memorable in Sydney, visit Aabode.com now to have a look at some exciting properties ranging from funky apartments to serene accommodations with a homely vibe!

Schools out, Sydney is the escape!

Sydney is the perfect escape when the holidays are in. You’ll find plenty of things to do in this harbor city from meeting and greeting animals to exploring galaxies and museums, riding ferries and bicycles, and enjoying the great beaches! The vibrant city offers a range of dynamic activities starting with whale watching from May that lasts until November and bush-walking in wonderful national parks are popular all year.

A trip to the beach is always popular with the kids, and there are exhilarating walks along the beaches and headlands to stay active and world-famous Bondi Beach has plenty of kid-friendly cafes for those who love to embrace the inner foodie in them.

So dive into this list of must-experience activities so that you and your little ones make the most out of their school holidays!

Powerhouse Museum

Located in the Ultimo Power Station in Darling Harbor, the Powerhouse Museum’s building is in itself worthwhile visiting as part of Sydney’s history.

The permanent and temporary exhibitions are ideal for families that are looking to understand Australia’s unique culture – particularly focused on creativity and design. There are regular tours and demonstrations and other special events that are held throughout the Museum.

Some tours are available for free and others require a small fee. And right now, the Star Wars exhibition is on, visiting Australia for the first time and exclusive to the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney! So don’t miss your chance to get to know Luke, Han, Leia, Yoda, and more Star Wars characters on a whole new level as you learn more about yourself in this interactive adventure.

Park after dark

Head to the great outdoors for an overnight camp without leaving the city boundaries for a fun camping experience!

Sure, the Centennial Parklands isn’t a wild, rugged wilderness, but the 189 hectare space is a beautiful green escape from the busy city streets. Start off your morning with walks and fun-filled activities for kids and catch that beautiful sunrise over the hills and then escape the bright city lights and spend the evening and night away camping in the dark.

It’ll be just like when you used to put up a tent in the backyard as a kid, exploring in the freedom of sleeping three meters away from the safety of your sheets.

Plus, with a barbecue dinner, guided tour of nocturnal wildlife and marshmallows by the bonfire all included in the experience, there’s outdoorsy fun to suit all ages. Also, remember to bring your own tent and cozy sleeping gear, because nights can get quite chilly and you don’t want to be left out in the cold!

Taronga Zoo

One of Sydney’s most famous attractions, the award-winning Taronga Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, including Australian native wildlife, as well as rare and endangered exotic animals.

Overlooking the magnificent Sydney Harbor, Taronga Zoo is just 12 minutes from the city by ferry. Enjoy the QBE Free-Flight Bird Show overlooking Sydney Harbor, featuring some of the world’s most spectacular birds and be delighted by the Daily Seal Show where Australian and Californian Sea-lions and the New Zealand Fur-seals will impress you with their grace and skill.

Also if you are up to it, challenge yourself on Taronga’s exciting new sky high adventure, Wild Ropes. Tackle obstacles, cross suspension bridges and soar through the trees while enjoying breath-taking views of Sydney Harbor.

Free weekly kids’ yoga

Everyone wants to give their kids the best start in life, and yoga helps toddlers and kids connect with their bodies, promoting overall positive awareness and individuality. The classes are tailored for pre-schoolers, aged 2 to 5 years, with primary school-aged children able to participate during school holidays. You don’t have to worry about bringing anything as mats are supplied and there also is no need to wear anything fancy!

Qualified children’s yoga specialist and actress Dee Dee Conno takes the yoga studio outdoors with two half hour pre-schooler sessions every Friday (10.30-11am, 11.30am-12pm) at the Village Green North, with the option of primary school joining in on the fun during their school holidays, and if you’d like to nama-stay, parents and sitters are welcome to join in!

Also, if it’s a rainy day, no stress – the classes will move indoors at the Monkey Baa Theatre foyer.

Explore the Cockatoo Island

Cockatoo island is the ultimate adventurer’s paradise! This Island, which is a world heritage site has buildings that date back to the convict era. A trip to the island is quite an adventure as you’ll be able to explore each precinct from the convict times through to the times when the island boasted a thriving dockland. You can even walk through a number of tunnels that have been cut through the island.

The island does not only offer a rich history, but it also has some really aesthetically pleasing views with sparkling clear water and the harbor bridge of course. And exploring the island is free, which is the best part!

Visit Aabode.com now to find a comfortable accommodation and make your stay memorable!