Tag: tourism

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!

5 things you must do in Tasmania

Prance around in a field of tulips and sip on some of the best wines in the Southern hemisphere! There’s a ton of stuff to do in Tasmania but we’ve boiled it down to the best! Check out 5 things that you must do when you’re in Tasmania.

Visit the largest tulip fields in the southern hemisphere

Peruse your way through the vibrant tulips in spring at Table Cape! People come in from all corners of the globe to walk amongst the tulips and admire the colourful blooms. Whilst you’re there, make a day of by bringing along a picnic or a bottle of wine to share. If you’re in Tasmania in spring, this is a must for you! Bring along the whole family and snap some pics with the vibrant tulips before they go away!

Visit MONA

This controversial and crazy museum is not one to miss! The Museum of old and new art is situated in Hobart and is abundantly filled with interactive art and enticing activities! Filled with eclectic galleries and confronting works of art, this museum shatters the norm of average art galleries. This gallery is one that doesn’t lack creativity or out of the box thinking!

Relax at Wineglass Bay

Situated in one of the most beautiful areas in Australia, Wineglass Bay offers some of the best waters in the country! Located in Freycinet National Park, the bay offers crystal clear waters and a spectacular view. But there’s a catch! It’s only accessible by kayaking or hiking, so put on your boots and get your gear ready! Although it might be a long journey to get there, it’ll be well worth it!

Run through lavender fields

If you loved the tulip fields, you’ll love this! Surround yourself with French lavender as you stroll through Bridestowe farm. Only a fifty minute ride from Launceston, the estate is the largest lavender estates in the Southern Hemisphere! As well as housing vibrant rows of lavender, they are also stocked with local products, such as lavender oil, lavender honey and lavender jams! If you’ve got the afternoon free, check out the Woodcroft café for a range of lavender inspired delicacies which include light bites and ice cream!

Take a sip in the Tamar Valley Wine Region

Home to one of the top 10 wine routes in the world, this is a must do when in Tasmania. Producing some of the best wines in Australia, this wine region has dozens of vineyards and estates for you to explore. Hop on to the website and plan out your wine route so you can get the most out of your day! Sip some of the best wines in the southern hemisphere and relax as you jump from estate to estate sampling from the best wineries in Tasmania.

Tempted? Of course you are! Head over to Aabode.com to book your luxurious stay at one of our Tasmanian properties!

Gold Coast Grubs under $10

On a budget? Spent all of your money on a $20 smoothie in the airport? Rather spend your money on activities? Not to fear! We’ve compiled some of the best cheap eats in the Gold Coast that are $10 or under. Grab your spare change and lets go get some grub!

Weiner Haus

When you think of cheap eats, hot dogs are probably the first thing that pop up in your mind, but these dogs from Weiner Haus will blow your mind! With all of their food truck hot dogs $10 or under, they’ll blow up your taste buds but not your bank. These gourmet dogs are pimped up with toppings from sour cream and guacamole or Japanese mayonnaise and fried shallots!

Burgster

From crispy fried chicken wings to juicy stacked burgers, Burgster’s got it all. This packed burger joint always pleases the crowds with their specials which include $5 taco Tuesdays, $1 wing Wednesdays and $1 oyster Fridays. Feeling thirsty? Don’t worry, they also do weekly thirsty Thursday specials! Whether you wanted a quick bite or a satisfying sip, Burgster will take care of you.

Sandwich Bros

Sometimes nothing satisfies your hunger like a fat sandy, and that’s where the Sandwich Bros comes in. Whether you’re after some scorching hot toasties, loaded wraps, colorful salads or a thick sandwich, you have to run down to them! Grab your pennies and dimes, because they have lunch special sets for $10 and daily $7 special baguettes.

Govindas

We’ve got one for the veggie lovers and vegans out there too! Govinda’s offers a multitude of options at their store and it’s filled with healthy and abundant feeds. All the food is made in house daily and they have a mecca of options including hearty salads, hot plates, lasagna, filo pastries and cakes all under $10 dollars. We would definitely recommend the mini cheesecakes that only go for $4!

Harajuku Gyoza

If you’ve got a big appetite and you’re still looking a place to fill your mouth, Harajuku Gyoza will be the place to tantilise your tastebuds. Most of their steaming hot gyozas go for $10 or under and include flavours such as lemongrass chicken, takoyaki and cheeseburger!  Still got some chump change after your juicy dumplings? Grab some matcha KitKat gyoza, chicken karaage or raindrop cakes!

We’ve got you sorted on where to eat. We can also sort you out on where to stay! Check out the amazing Gold Coast properties we have on Aabode.com!

7 things you must do in South Australia!

With urban Victoria and beachy Queensland attracting a large portion of tourists, the stunning South Australia often gets neglected! There’s a lot to experience beyond Adelaide so check out the seven things you must do when you go to South Australia!

Shuck oysters in an oyster farm

Sipping on champagne and having oysters is often seen as the epitome of luxury. Well, you can now do it while standing in the sea! One of the top things to do in South Australia is to go to the Coffin Bay Oyster Farm and eat oysters straight from the sea. Here, you’ll be able to sit in the water and watch as the oysters are being harvested! This is a once in a lifetime experience and you will be able to devour the freshest oysters you will ever taste. Shuck your own oysters, sip on some champagne and enjoy the picturesque views because you won’t get them anywhere else!

Sleep underground

Unique Underground

Why stay in a hotel when you can stay in a home that’s completely UNDERGROUND? Coober Pedy is known for their underground town filled with churches and homes. While many underground houses are available in Coober Pedy, why go anywhere else when we have them available on Aabode.com? This swanky stay needs to have a place on your bucket list as it’s decked out with a pool, an outdoor wood barbecue and full amenities! Check it out!

Hop on board the wine train

Not just any train. A wine train. While going on a wine tours are commonplace for visitors in South Australia, there’s no wine tour like this one. Travel in style on a heritage train while you gaze out at stunning scenery and breathtaking plains. The train stops at different wineries so you have an opportunity to sample some of the wines or enjoy some bites at local restaurants!

BBQ on a buoy down the river

There’s nothing more quintessential than a barbeque, except for having a barbecue on a buoy with some of your best mates! In the heart of Adelaide, you’ll be able to float on a buoy with some of your friends and float down the river while you grill away! This is an experience not to miss as they have a variety of packages for you to choose from! Whether you want to float down and have a cheese platter with the ladies or have a barbecue with the boys on a buoy, you’ll have an amazing time!

Go fig picking

You’ve heard of strawberry and cherry picking but have you ever heard of fig picking? You can do just that at the Glen Ewin Estate! The estate is adorned with almost twelve thousand fig trees and provides you with an abundant variety of juicy figs! With only $5 entry, you’ll be bound to have a great time! If you’ve got time after all of your harvesting, also check out their fig bar for an amazing range of products.

Visit and stay on Kangaroo Island

Whether you want to visit some of the friendly native creatures or relax to the swooning sounds of the ocean, the only place to do it is in South Australia! The island has a heaping variety of activities for the whole family including quad biking, paintball, snorkeling and horse riding! If you’re after something more for the adults, check out one of the twenty three hikes for a romantic stroll or the accommodation for a stunning morning in. We recommend some of these stunning properties on Aabode.com!

Regardless of whatever you do or wherever you stay, you love it in South Australia. We’ve got some stunning properties on Aabode.com so go and check them out!

The best markets around Australia

Whether you’re after the freshest produce possible or the tastiest food truck grubs, these markets have got it all! Come along with us as we show you some of the best markets across Australia!

NSW – Carriageworks Farmers Market

Although there’s a mecca of markets for you to visit in Sydney (lucky you), if you could only visit one, you must visit Carraigeworks Farmer’s market! Whether you’re after the best seasonal produce or freshly baked artisanal bread, you’ll find it here. Open from 8am on Saturdays, they’ve got a range of gourmet products for you to choose from! Whether truffles or gourmet chocolates tickle your delight, they’ll be sure to fix you up at this farmers market.

SA – Adelaide Farmers Market

Although Adelaide Central Market steals the show, many forget about the quaint Adelaide Farmers’ market! Here, you’ll have access to some of the best produce from South Australian family farms and a vibrant environment. Open from 9am every Sunday, you’ll have a stellar morning at one of Australia’s best farmer’s market! Whether you need little nibbles for your charcuterie board or a hefty meal for your lunch, the Adelaide Farmer’s market has got something for you.

VIC – Queen Victoria Night Market

The first thing you’ll notice here is the aroma of barbecued meats wafting to your nose as you enter the market. Held on Wednesdays in the summer, the QV night markets is an iconic food mecca that you cannot miss! With more than 60 eclectic street food stalls and 100 specialty stores, you’ll be lost in choices! Soak up the last drops of sun in the hottest place in Melbourne and treat yourself to a drink before the night begins.

WA – Perth City Farm Farmers Market

Situated in Perth City Farm, this market is the perfect place to shop for all of your sustainable and ethical produce! They’re held every Saturday and is connected to an amazing café and nursery. Whether you wanted to grab some homemade produce, relax in the courtyard or have an extravagant breakfast at the farm café, you won’t be disappointed at this market!

NT – Mindil Beach Sunset Market

Whether it’s late lunch or a dinner date, enjoy a slow and evening by spending it at the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Run on Thursday and Sunday nights, it’s the perfect way to end the weekend or had a mid-week break! With more than 260 stalls, you won’t fall short of having something to see, eat or do. Hungry? They also have more than sixty food stalls! Grab yourself a bite to eat and settle yourself down on the beach to enjoy the real sunset

TAS – Farm Gate MYarket

Although most tourists go to the infamous Salamanca for their market visit, the Farm Gate Market is where you need to be! Rather than being a tourist destination, a majority of the traffic each week is from the locals. It opens from 8:30am every Sunday until 1 and it also has a designated food hub, so come hungry! From fresh seafood to breakfast delights, the Farm Gate market will definitely satisfy your delight. If the delicious bites don’t tickle your fancy, there’s an abundance of local produce that you can take home with you!

QLD – Noosa Farmers Market

From organic local produce to freshly squeezed juices, Noosa Farmers Market has everything for your perfect Sunday morning out! Being situated amongst the gum trees, it’s the perfect place to wander around and sample some delicious bites.  It’s deemed one of the best markets on the Sunshine Coast and we definitely agree! Want to spend more time here? Check out all the things you must do in Noosa!

Wherever you are in Australia, you’ll find an amazing market to stroll and peruse around. Wherever you are, you can also find an amazing property to stay at Aabode.com!