When travelling, there is always that concern that you’ll miss something that is a MUST see, which is why we’re starting a series of blog posts with sites that must be seen!
Let’s start in Western Australia.
Kalbarri National Park
Within Kalbarri National Park alone there are a countless number of things that you MUST see! Bring your camera, a big bottle of water, and a fly net, because boy are there a lot of flies down there.
Kalbarri National Park is one of Western Australia’s best known parks, with scenic lookouts, gorges and coastal cliffs. When heading to the National Park, you will need a car as you will have to drive through a magnificent 80 kilometer gorge. Throughout the gorge there are a number of pit stops and walks that will take you to amazing formations such as Nature’s Window, and the Loop, Z-Bend and Hawks Head.
Coral Bay
You’ll want to pack your snorkels for this one! Head up the coast of WA to Coral Bay, where the fish, coral, and marine life is plenty! Choose to either snorkel from the bay or head out on a coral viewing boat to experience the beautiful underwater world that is the Ningaloo Reef. Be sure to book early as tours often book out, especially around the school holidays!
Looking for something a little more adventurous? Head to the area between March and June and swim with the largest fish in the world; the whale sharks! We know what you’re thinking. Sharks? No way. These sharks aren’t ordinary flesh eaters, instead they’re filter feeders (meaning they live off plankton and krill)!
Not your thing? Head to the area between June to October and experience the migration of the Humpback Whales, or November and February for turtle nesting!
Horiztonal Falls
When you think of waterfalls, you generally think of large amount of water falling from a height. Horizontal Falls will change your perception of a waterfall, the falls are situated at the very top of Western Australia. They are fast moving tidal current squeezes through two narrow gorges of the McLarty Range, and have been described by David Attenborough himself as “Australia’s most unusual natural wonder”.
Purnululu National Park
A must see when travelling WA is Purnululu National Park, most well known for the incredible rock formations known as the Bungle Bungles. The Bungle Bungles are distinctive striped beehive like domes that rise approximately 300 metres above the surrounding grassland.
Be warned however, as the tracks to get to the Bungle Bungles have a bad reputation as a rough and difficult 4WD track.
Windjana Gorge National Park
Windjana Gorge National Park is known as one of the Kimberley’s most stunning gorges, with water streaked walls that rise to incredible heights of 100 metres. Unlike many Western Australian National Parks, this one is easily accessible.
Fun fact: Over 300 million years ago, the whole area that is the Windjana Gorge National Park was under the ocean!
Be sure to book your accommodation through Aabode.com!
Logging into Instagram and seeing a notification from Aabode that I was the winner of return flights for two and three nights accommodation at the Gold Coast I was completely over the moon! As most of you know, i’m a total compaholic and while I’ve had a small handful of wins, this one tops them all, I couldn’t wait to enjoy this little getaway with my husband and all it took was a simple follow, like and comment!
Balcony view outside our bedroom
Departing from Sydney we arrived into the Gold Coast in just over an hour and caught a courtesy shuttle to pick up our rental car from East Coast Car Rentals then made our way to pick up the keys to our accommodation for the stay, a beautiful apartment at The Rocks Resort.
Our apartment was huge offering 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a very spacious open kitchen and lounge room area and my favourite thing about the place was the stunning ocean views on one side and forest views on the other! We were just metres away from the beach, walking distance to cafes and only a 10 minute drive to restaurants and bars.
Once we settled in it is was only lunch time and we didn’t want to waste the afternoon inside so we decided to check out the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary which was only about an 800 metre walk from our apartment.
This place is massive and I would highly recommend you give yourself at least a couple of hours here to experience all there is on offer. There are feeding shows and free flight bird shows as well as a miniature train ride that takes you around the park, you can walk around at your own pace and there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Popular areas of the sanctuary would be the free range kangaroo enclosure where you can feed and mingle with the resident kangaroos and there is also a treetop adventure park on site where you can challenge yourself to climbing over obstacles amongst the trees!
Open: Daily from 8am – 5pm (except for Christmas and ANZAC Day)
The following day we drove to a beach side cafe for breakfast and afterwards walked across the road to check out the coastline. The beaches looked absolutely gorgeous and the water was such a beautiful shade of blue, not even the dark clouds on the horizon could dampen the busy atmosphere taking place in the area. There’s also a sculpture located on the state’s border and it’s pretty cool to be able to stand in both NSW and QLD at the same time!
As the rain clouds approached we hopped back into the car and thought about what other spontaneous activity we could do. Just a short distance from our apartment there is a place called Honey World on the way and decided to have a quick visit. Honey World has a whole range of honey and wax products available for purchase and also free samples of honey. I’m not the biggest fan of honey but they were very delicious! Entry into the building is free but for a small price you also have the opportunity to be guided by a bee keeper and shown the many hives and watch bees in action and what they get up inside of the hives, I would really recommend it, I learnt some things about bees I never knew and my husband is now even keen on having our own beehive!
Open: Monday – Saturday from 9am – 5pm, Sunday from 10am – 5pm
Address: 35 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD 4223
Contact: (07) 5598 4548
Later that afternoon, my husband and I met up with a friend and tried our hand at Topgolf, a facility where people can play different games of golf from accuracy to hitting distances and are scored on their shots. You stand on a platform and hit as many balls until the game is over, the golf balls have chips in them that register where your shot landed and that is how you get your score. Table service is also available in your bays so you can order food and drinks without disturbing your game. It was so much fun and probably one of the highlights for me on the trip!
Open: Daily from 9am until late (except Christmas and ANZAC Day)
Address: Cnr. Roadshow Way and Entertainment Road, Oxenford QLD 4210
Contact: 1300 008 442
On our final day, we drove to Surfers Paradise and spent the day like tourists checking out some of the top spots in the area. This mall precinct is absolutely huge and you are really spoilt for choice when it comes to what to eat and what to do!
First up we went to Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, an interactive museum full of weird and wonderful things found from all over the world. This museum was really fascinating and was chock a block full of interesting facts. Having read the books as a child, it was great to see it all in person!
Then we moved onto Infinity, an interactive maze like facility where you have to move your way through obstacles in complete darkness and feel for a door that will take you into the next room. Some rooms have laser lights, one a galaxy full of stars and others obstacles hanging from the ceiling and coming out through the walls. Although nothing jumps out at you, if you have a fear of darkness, enclosed spaces and are unsteady on your feet, I wouldn’t recommend this place to you, but if you have a mind full of adventure and discovery you MUST go here! If you do find yourself stuck or lost, a staff member will be quick to assist you.
I couldn’t stop smiling the whole way through, it was just so incredible to experience all the wonder in each room and I absolutely loved it! Your own photography and videos are strictly prohibited in this experience however you get a photo taken half way through and are given the opportunity to purchase it afterwards.
Open: Daily from 10am – 10pm
Address: G31 Chevron Renaissance Centre, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Lastly, this one is for all you feline lovers out there, a visit to the Crazy Cat Cafe! The cafe has two sections, the dining area which offers hot and cold drinks and a basic breakfast and lunch menu and the other section, absolute cat heaven!
For a small price you can go into the cat room and indulge yourself amongst the absolutely beautiful resident cats there from all different breeds. There are two time sessions on offer, 25 minutes or 50 minutes. You can simply sit on a lounge and wait for the cats to sit in your lap, you can lie on the ground with them or you can play with them using the many toys scattered around, if they’re in the mood you can even pick them up for a cuddle. Being a cat owner myself, I really loved this place and really enjoyed some relaxation time just being in the company of these cats!
Open: Monday – Saturday from 10am – 5pm and Sunday from 9:30am – 7:30pm
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!
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!
Whether you’ve got a quick layover or are here for a quick weekend getaway, there’s a lot of things you can do in Sydney in 24 hours! If you’ve got no time to space, check out our 24 hour itinerary for Sydney!
7am – Flour and Stone
Start off your day with some of the best pastries in Sydney!
Flour and stone in Woolloomooloo attracts a small cult following every day and
just fits over a dozen people. Whether you’re after some delightful desserts or
a hearty start, flour and stone will sort you out for today. Also, don’t worry
if you see a giant line! It’s bound to happen, so just grab it to go and perch yourself on a
park bench to enjoy the start of your day.
11am – Tamarama beach
It’s no visit to Sydney if you don’t go to the beach! Start
of your daily activity by heading over to any of the beautiful beaches on
offer! We recommend Tamarama beach for its picturesque views and relaxed vibes.
If you’re heading to Bondi and are looking for a toned down beach, just stroll
along the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk and you’ll get there in a jiff!
Although Circular Quay can sometimes have its fair share of
tourists, you at least have to see the harbor bridge once today. Whether you
take a stroll down to the Botanical Gardens or head over to Museum of
contemporary Art for some eclectic exhibits, you’ll be sure to have an amazing
time! If you happen to be there on a weekend, peruse over to The Rocks and
check out the Friday Foodie Market and the Rocks Market.
6pm – Butter Sydney
Think sneakers, fried chicken and champagne. Live your best
life by having dinner at Butter, home to possibly the best fried chicken in
Sydney. After a long day of swimming, walking and exploring, you need a fat
feed to satiate your hunger. Whether you get the fried chicken sandwiches or
their OG 3 pac, you surely won’t be disappointed.
8pm – Chinatown
Time to walk off the fried chicken. Take a short stroll over
to Chinatown and explore this urban delight. Got some spare change in your
wallet and some room for dessert? Head over to Emporer’s Cream Puffs and grab
some mini cream puffs for 35c each! However, beware, there’s almost always a
line! Whether you want to head into a gaming arcade, have some dessert, drink
some bubble tea or play pool, Chinatown is a great way to end the evening.
10pm – Earl’s Juke Joint
If you’re still up for some last drinks, head on over to the
New Orleans styled cocktail bar, Earl’s Juke Joint. Trust us, this is where you
want to be. Sip on some Singapore Slings and nibble off a charcuterie board to
enjoy the rest of your night. This decadent bar exudes intimacy and a little bite
of New Orleans. If you’re looking to turn up, this won’t be the place for you,
but if you just plan on having some good company, with some better drinks, it
is.
After a long, enjoyable and filling day, you need somewhere to rest your head. Head over to Aabode.com for an abundant array of Sydney properties!
Only two and a half hours from Adelaide, Yorke Peninsula
could be the perfect weekend getaway for you! Whether you’re a single, couple
or family, it’s got something for everyone! Check out five of our favourite
things you must do in Yorke Peninsula.
Take a stroll along the waters
You’d have to be crazy to not check out the views of Yorke Peninsula! Start your morning or end your busy days with a relaxing stroll along the path with some spectacular views of the crystal waters. You won’t get lost with the walking as there are walking trails that will take you on an astonishing track! On your walk, you might even bump into some native furry friends on the way! If you’re not sure where to go or where to get started, just pop by the Yorke Peninsula Visitor Information Center as most walking trails start there!
Jump on board the Moonta Mines train as it gives you a
guided tour of the Moonta Mines National Heritage Area! You’ll be tooting
around with local drivers and shown historical landmarks of former mining operations
in the area! As you zip through tunnels and zoom across planes on the railway,
you’ll be sure to have a great time.
Sneak some culture in your itinerary by visiting one of the
local galleries or taking a masterclass! Check out the Roar Art Escapes Studio
for art retreats, master classes or pop up events! It’s situated in the timeless
and historic Edithburgh and can’t be missed when visiting Yorke Peninsula. If
you’ve got time, also give the Moonta Gallery a visit for some timeless pieces!
When you’re in the area, you’ll notice that there are heaps
of gold courses around! Although there’s a plethora of golf courses to choose
from, if you’re no Tiger Woods, there’s putt putt! Whether you want to plan a
romantic date or a family afternoon, Port Vincent putt putt is the place for
you. It might be the only place that has putt putt with luxury views! That’s
right, while you play your nine hole game of putt putt, this place offers some
spectacular beach views!
Stay the night in an old flour mill
Add this to your bucket list ASAP! Stay the night at one of a kind Butterworth Mill, a restored original flour mill. It’s situated in between local wineries and close by pubs. This rustic abode is a unique part of history and was built all the way back in 1874! Spend your cozy night by the fireplace or spend the evening relaxing on the deck nestled amongst the vines! This one in a lifetime opportunity is one of our must do’s in Yorke Peninsula. Check it out here!
What are you waiting for? Yorke Peninsula is definitely a place you have to put on you bucket list! Check out our properties at Aabode.com so you can have the perfect weekend getaway.
