The annual Tasmanian Craft Fair in Deloraine Tasmania

For much of the year, life in Deloraine, a beautiful heritage listed rural town of about 2000 residents between Launceston and Devonport, continues at a normal pace. When the winter chill changes to summer warmth in November, Deloraine suddenly finds itself flooded with visitors who come for the annual Tasmanian Craft Fair, the largest working craft fair in Australia. Then they discover that the fair is just one of Deloraine's attractions.

The local Rotary Club of Deloraine organised the inaugural craft fair in 1981. For the first few years, it went by the more long winded, but descriptive title, the Tasmanian Cottage Industry Exhibition and Craft Fair. That first year, a "crowd" of 3000 attended the event and it was considered a big success. In recent years, the number of attendees has swelled to over 30,000 and there are no signs of its slowing down. The 2011 Tasmanian Craft Fair, held between November 4 and 7 is going to include 240 exhibitors and is expected to draw record numbers.

Deloraine is an ideal setting for a craft fair. With so many creative and talented people living in the town, it is little wonder that even the first, locally advertised event was such a success. .  There is something poetic about the town, which may help explain why its name comes from a poem by Sir Walter Scott, The Lay of the Last Minstrel. First explored in 1823 by Captain Rowland and settled shortly thereafter, Deloraine's first claim to fame was when it was linked by rail to Launceston in 1873, making it part of Tasmania's first railway line.

If you had to sum up the lifestyle in Deloraine in a single word, it would be ‘healthy.' The healthy lifestyle is reflected in one of the community's most successful businesses. 41 Degrees South is a family run business located in a bushland setting. The company raises organic salmon and ginseng. They make use of the surrounding wetland in their fishery without damaging the sensitive environment in any way. So successful has this enterprise been in preserving the environment, the family offers tours of the facilities and surrounding wetlands that include viewings of the many native species that live alondside them, including platypus and a number of indigenous bird species.

41 Degrees South is just one local business that lives in harmony with its surroundings. Others include two honey farms, a renowned Tasmanian cheese factory and a raspberry farm where you can enjoy fresh raspberries and cream. In fact, in just about any restaurant you go to in Deloraine, you will enjoy fresh food from Deloraine and the surrounding countryside. Your meal will be just the first of your pleasant experiences in the charming heritage village of Deloraine. Afterwards, you will enjoy wandering through the town's wonderful antique shops and galleries.

If you want to attend the Tasmanian Craft Fair, book your Deloraine accommodation in advance, to avoid disappointment. Allow yourself the luxury of a few days in Deloraine after the crowds have gone. After the excitement of the fair, you'll love having some time to get to know the town at your leisure.

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Get out of Sydney for a relaxing weeked in Barrington Tops

On a freeway, you can drive 100 miles in less than 2 hours, but it takes almost twice as long as that to drive the hundred miles from Newcastle to Barrington Tops. This is because when you go to Barrington Tops, you're leaving the big freeways and highways behind and heading into the wilderness. If you're travelling from Sydney or Newcastle, there's no faster way to say goodbye to noise and pollution and hello to pristine wilderness than to visit Barrington Tops.

The reason for the name, Barrington Tops, comes from the fact that it situated on top of a long plateau. The Tops, which stand between the extinct volcanoes of the Mt. Royal Ranges, may be a plateau, but it is definitely not a flat, dry one. In fact, over 20 valleys crisscross the plateau. Rainfall is high in this region of New South Wales, forming wild rivers and spectacular waterfalls and feeding some of the most stunning rainforests you will see anywhere in the world.

There are not enough superlatives to describe Barrington Tops, but the facts speak for themselves. Where else in the world will you find stands of Antarctic Beech trees whose history can be traced back over 66 million years? The pollen of one species at least, genus Northofagus, is believed to date back to when Australia was Gondwanaland, before it was separated by water from Africa and South America.

The rarity and diversity of plant and animal life on Barrington Tops was one of the reasons it was declared a National Park in 1969. Further investigation led to its being given World Heritage status and even given the distinct title of a Wilderness area. In a world that has seen its fresh, pure waters decline dramatically in the 20th and 21st centuries, Barrington Tops boasts four Wild Rivers - five if you count Boonabilla Creek. Once a little known region of Australia, Barrington Tops is now recognised as one of the world's great wilderness areas.

Barrington Tops is only about fifteen miles or twenty-five kilometres long, so it can't be said to be a vast wilderness. It may be small in size, but within its boundaries can be found over half of Australia's native species of plants and over a third of the country's mammals and bird species. Amongst these are some of Australia's rarest and most endangered species, including the brilliant blue riflebird, one of the most beautiful birds in the world and the rufous scrub, a tiny bird with a big, melodious voice. These are just two of over 2 dozen rare or endangered species found on Barrington Tops.

All Australians are united in wanting Barrington Tops to remain as unspoiled in the future as it is today, but we also want to be able to enjoy its wonders. In fact, along the slopes of the plateau and in the nearby Hunter Valley, you can find a Barrington Tops accommodation that will allow you to experience it in all its glory without leaving an obtrusive environmental footprint. Where else will you find a tastefully built accommodation within walking distance of a river so clean, you can drink from it?

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Blueys Beach and Boomerang Beach are great for a break away with the family

Boomerang Beach and Blueys Beach are two beautiful beach communities on the southern end of the lower Mid North Coast of NSW. Often overlooked by the hordes of travellers on the Pacific Hwy who are heading further north, these two beaches are havens for those who have discovered them.

Most people just call Boomerang Beach "Boomerang." It is larger than its neighbour, but is still a small enough village to make you feel at home, while still having all the amenities you need. While still not over-developed, it has grown in recent years and now has even more luxurious accommodations than it did in the past.

The first tourists to discover Boomerang Beach were arguably the surfers who discovered it back in the seventies. Its long, wide beach, sandwiched between two headlands that give the beach its distinctive boomerang shape, seems to act like a magnet for waves and on any given day, you can find a good surfing wave to ride there. It may not be world class, but it's always fun and consistent.

Bluey's Beach, or simply "Blueys", is just around the corner from Boomerang. It is a smaller community even than Boomerang Beach. Like its neighbour, it is a fun surfing beach and a great family beach. Those lucky families who call Blueys Beach home have a compact, mini-paradise all to themselves, but welcome visitors with open arms.

During the Christmas and Easter holidays, the Pacific Highway becomes one of the busiest roads in Australia. Most of the drivers are heading for distant locations like Coffs Harbour or the Gold Coast. A handful of the smarter travellers take a detour onto Lakes Way and are rewarded for their efforts.

The Lakes Way is one of the most popular tourist drives on this part of the mid-north coast. It doesn't pass directly through either Boomerang Beach or Bluey's Beach, but the turn-off onto Boomerang Drive has become a very popular diversion. The Lakes Way Drive, which passes through wonderful bushland, is one of the most enjoyable drives you will find anywhere. Taking the turn-off onto Boomerang Drive makes it all the better.

What better way to spend the day than to take a drive on the open road and take a break at the beach while you're at it? There is a better way. Instead of stopping for a few hours, book a Boomerang Beach accommodation or a Blueys Beach accommodation and stay for awhile. You'll love them both and when you leave, you will feel refreshed and renewed. You may even decide there's no place else you want to go.

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Terrigal is a good choice as your &quot;base camp&quot; for a Central Coast holiday

Until the late 1980s, Terrigal and the rest of the New South Wales Central Coast, was still considered to be "country" New South Wales. It was a great area to visit during the summer months, but became quiet throughout the rest of the year. All of that changed with the completion of the F3 Freeway in 1987. Now Terrigal, always one of the more popular Central Coast tourist spots, is busy 365 days a year.

While Terrigal has never been a populous suburb, it has always been thought of as the Central Coast's most upscale community. This reputation was cemented further when the Peppers Resort (now Crowne Plaza) was erected. The establishment of this large, upscale resort changed the face of the village, leading to the establishment of many trendy boutiques, gourmet restaurants and other businesses. However, they never pushed the older establishments out of town and you can still enjoy fish and chips from a sidewalk cafe or buy your surfing gear from a surf shop that has been established for 20 years or more.

The fact that upscale tourist amenities and older local establishments peacefully coexist together in Terrigal is one of its biggest attractions. There's nothing pretentious about the town. You can come straight off the beach and sit down for a gourmet lunch wearing nothing but your swimsuit and sandy feet and not feel out of place. If you want to feed the whole family for peanuts, you may have to wait in line, but you can return to the beach with a big serving of fish and chips while the kids frolic in the waves, carefully supervised by the local lifeguards.

Another great thing about Terrigal is the fact that, unlike so many urban beaches, you don't even have to get in your car and drive in order to find a quiet stretch of beach to relax. Simply walk up the beach towards Wamberal and before you know it, you're in a different world; the world the locals enjoy. There seems to be a magical dividing line between Terrigal and its primarily residential neighbour: cross that line and you can really feel the difference.

Its central location and many amenities makes Terrigal a perfect place to make your home while you're vacationing on the Central Coast. From there, you can easily reach the other Central Coast communities, each of which has its own distinctive atmosphere. For example, Avoca Beach, just south of Terrigal, is one of Australia's most famous surfing towns. Like Terrigal, Avoca has become busier over the years, but, also like Terrigal, it has a haven of tranquility within easy walking distance at North Avoca.

Traveling in the other direction, you come to the Entrance. The Entrance is a well-known and very popular family vacation destination.

While you can stay in a luxurious Terrigal accommodation if you want to, there are plenty of family and budget accommodations as well. There is something for everyone in Terrigal or one of its neighbouring beach communities. Make Terrigal the base for your Central Coast vacation: from fish and chips to scampi - Terrigal has it all.

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Take a few days off in Hawks Nest New South Wales

Sydney is definitely one of the world's greatest cities, but it is a big city and once in awhile, it's nice to take a break from city life and relax in a more peaceful setting. There are plenty of great beach communities between Sydney and Newcastle, but even those now have large populations. Is there someplace quieter you can go that doesn't involve driving all day? Hawks Nest, just north of Newcastle may be the perfect answer.

Nelson Bay and Port Stephens are both popular holiday destinations within easy reach of Sydney and Newcastle, so these are a couple of the more obvious suggestions. They sounded interesting, but even they were too big for your liking. You want a village atmosphere. Hawks Nest is just a short distance from Port Stephens, but is arguably in an even better position, right at the mouth of the Myall River. With a population of just 1100, it has the village atmosphere you're looking for.

How did Hawks Nest get its unusual name? In the early days of European settlement, the region was primarily valued for its stocks of fish and stands of red cedar. A tall tree that was used as a nesting place by hawks was also used by sailors for navigating the waters as they approached the Myall River. Hence, when the area around the tree was settled, the name Hawks Nest was used to identify the settlement and the name stuck.

Today, the largest industry in Hawks Nest is sand mining, but tourism is catching up fast. But are there enough amenities and attractions in this small town? Is there just going to be a fish and chips shop and a caravan park or can you get a good meal, a comfortable place to sleep and even play a round of golf if you like? The answer is "Yes!" on all three counts. Hawks Nest is actually a very sophisticate community that even has a world-class golf course. It has a great caravan park, but if you're looking for something more luxurious, you can stay right on the beach.

Hawks Nest is just across the "Singing Bridge" from another Port Stephens area community, Tea Gardens. Between the two, there is virtually nothing you will have to do without. There are great cafes; a ferry service if you want to explore the region further; fishing charters; surfing beaches and everything else you need for an enjoyable weekend away.

The best way to find a Hawks Nest accommodation is to look online before you go. That's because the best places to stay aren't always right there in the middle of town, but hidden away in quieter corners. How does a weekend or a week living on a fully self-contained houseboat sound? What about a two storey townhouse with a balcony overlooking the sea? If you're a couple looking for a romantic retreat, a love nest in Hawks Nest is easy to find. If you're a family looking for a nest for your brood, that too is available. Whatever you want, you can find it online in and around Hawks Nest.

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Eden a favourite destination for South Coast holiday makers

If you heard about a beautiful Eden on a Sapphire Coast, you would be intrigued, wouldn't you? Well, there really is such a place: it's the small town of Eden on the South Coast of NSW, also known as the Sapphire Coast because of its gem-like beauty. As the thousands of visitors who pass through this south coast town can attest, this Eden lives up to its idyllic image, too.

If you are travelling down the South Coast of NSW, Eden will be the last town you pass before you cross the border into Victoria. It attracts visitors from both of Australia's largest cities. If you look at a satellite view of Eden, it's easy to see what the attraction is. For one thing, it is surrounded by National Forest. Most of the Sapphire Coast has that feature in common. What else is special about Eden?

Zoom in on the satellite photo and you will see that Eden is tucked away on the northern edge of Twofold Bay. It's sheltered location there makes it an ideal place for a holiday. The rugged coast of the Tasman Sea in far south New South Wales can be unsafe for swimming, but when you're snuggled away in Eden, you are protected from the open sea swells and wind.

Twofold Bay appealed to the early settlers because its natural harbour could be used for herding and harvesting whales, so for its first century, Eden was primarily used as a whaling station. In the early 20th century, the whalers' job was made easier when a pod of killer whales decided to call Twofold Bay home as well and helped them draw whales into the bay.

Today, whales are still a big attraction in Eden, but it is not for the same reasons as it was in the past. Whale watching tours are very popular and the fascinating Killer Whale Museum is one of the town's feature attractions. Inside the museum, you can get a real taste of what the whalers' lives were really like. Fishing is still one of the leading industries in town, but today it is the rich stocks of tuna that are sought by fishermen.

While in the past, Eden was a more rough and tumble whaling town, today it is a tranquil community that attracts artists who are captivated by its natural beauty. "Art on Imlay," the Eden Community Gallery, is one place you won't want to miss when you visit Eden. When you visit the gallery, you get a real feel for Eden and its residents.

If you're a "city slicker," Eden will seem like a quaint village to you. In comparison with its surrounding towns, though, it is the "metropolis" of the area. Nimmitabel, for instance, lies about halfway between Eden and the Snowy Mountains. The population of Nimmitabel is only about 300. Like the other villages in the region, it's a great place to visit while you're staying in Eden.

Don't expect to find big resorts in Eden. Your Eden accommodation may not be a sumptuous five star resort, but you will be made to feel right at home in comfortable and hospitable style. It may take a day or so to adjust to the slower pace of life here, but once you do, you will feel like you want to stay in this "Garden of Eden" forever.

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Yes, there are kangaroos on Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is one of those rare places that defies description: the only way to appreciate it is to see it in person. This 93 mile (150km) long, 35 mile (57km) wide island, just 8 miles (13km) from the tip of South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula and 70 miles (112km) southwest of Adelaide, is in a natural world of its own. Thankfully, the island's 4,400 permanent residents are anxious to preserve this pristine island just as it is.

Many Kangaroo Island locals, who call their island simply "KI", have roots on the island that go back to some of the original settlers. They have an intimate knowledge of their island and wouldn't dream of living anywhere else. They are more than happy to share their knowledge with visitors, but on the island's terms. You won't find highrises and superhighways on Kangaroo Island: it is designed to be a low-environmental-impact sanctuary for nature and lovers of nature.

National Parks and Conservation areas cover over a third of the island. These areas have been set aside for generations, so you see little if any evidence of earlier exploitation. There are plant and animal species on the island that have been there for tens of thousands of years, living today as freely as they lived before human colonization. In fact, some species on the island are extinct on the mainland or have evolved as separate subspecies over the millennia.

There are four major parks on Kangaroo Island. Each of them is unique. At Flinders Chase National Park, there is the must-see Remarkable Rocks. Kelly Hill Conservation Park's limestone caves just have to be explored and Seal Bay Conservation Park is home to thousands of Sea Lions. These are just a few of the highlights. There are too many more highlights to mention and even trails that are off the beaten track will take you to places that are so amazing, you'll wonder why they aren't listed as major attractions.

Yes, Kangaroo Island got its name from the fact that there are many kangaroos on the island. One of them, the KI Kangaroo, a cousin to the Western Grey, can be found only on the island. Kangaroos and wallabies are everywhere on the island and koalas, so shy and difficult to spot in most regions, are relatively easy to find here. Then there are the echidnas, the goannas, many of which are over 3 feet (1 meter) long and all the amazing bird life for you to view.

Kangaroo Island may be mostly wilderness, but it is accessible wilderness. It is easy to get to the island aboard the two vehicle and passenger ferries, Sealion 2000 and Spirit of Kangaroo Island. The crossing takes a comfortable, even luxurious 45 minutes and they run 4 times daily. If you are travelling from Adelaide and time is a factor, the Regional Express airline service can get you to Kingscote Airport in half an hour.

Once you have arrived, you will be able to take your pick of comfortable Kangaroo Island accommodations. Unlike most tourist areas, there are more self-contained accommodations on the island than any other kind. There are also backpacker accommodations, B&Bs, motels and hotels, but they are all relatively small, boutique establishments. You won't find any mega-resorts on the island, nor would you want to. The entire island is a natural "mega resort" for the wildlife and appreciative human visitors. See Kangaroo Island for yourself and you will see why it is impossible to do it justice with words.

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The Hunter Valley is a popular weekend destination for Sydneysiders

If you are a wine lover, you are already familiar with the Hunter Valley in New South Wales. Together with the Barossa Valley in South Australia, the Hunter has made Australian wines famous. This was not an overnight accomplishment, though. The fascinating history of wine growing in the Hunter Valley goes all the way back to colonial times.

Lieutenant John Shortland stumbled across the Hunter River in 1797 while looking for escaped convicts. While he did not find the convicts he was looking for, he did find a verdant valley rich in natural resources. Shortland spread the word about the Hunter Valley and as soon as land access to the region was established, settlers started planting vines: by 1823, over twenty acres were already planted.

Some of the most prominent names in early Hunter Valley viticulture were George Wyndham, James King and William Kelman. However, James Busby, an amateur viticulturist, was arguably the biggest influence on the valley's future. After two study tours in Europe, Busby returned with over 500 vine cuttings. Many experts credit Busby as the man most responsible for turning the Hunter Valley into a major wine growing region.

James Busby had a sister named Catherine. She fell in love with and married William Kelman. Many of Kelman's first vines were some of those brought over by Busby. Others followed suit and by 1840, there were over 500 acres of vines in the Hunter Valley. Before the turn of the century, many of the most famous names in Hunter Valley wines were already established, including Dr. Henry Lindeman and the Tyrell, Wilkenson and Drayton families.

Two World Wars and the Depression hampered the development of the wine industry in the Hunter Valley, but it made up for lost time in the 1960s. In that era of increased prosperity, the dry table wines that the Hunter Valley produced became popular. The sixties were also a period of expansion in the Hunter. After over a century of domination by a handful of growers, Dr. Max Lake set the stage for the future when he started Lake's Folly in 1963. His success led to the establishment of dozens of other boutique wineries. Today, there are over 120 wine producers in the Hunter Valley.

After road improvements from Sydney were completed, the Hunter Valley vineyards became a popular tourist destination. Today, along with wine, the region has become one of the major entertainment centers of New South Wales. The largest wineries compete with each other to offer the most in-demand Australian and international artists. There are regular food, wine and music festivals in the region and a number of family attractions, such as the Hunter Gardens, have been established.

Of course, they also began to establish places for all those new visitors to stay. Whether you are a large family towing a caravan or packing tents, a couple on your honeymoon or a businessperson attending a convention, there is a Hunter Valley accommodation made for you. If you're an overseas visitor, you won't be left out, either. Transportation from just about anywhere in Australia to the Hunter Valley is readily available and package deals can be arranged to suit any budget.

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Port Arthur, just outside Hobart is a city with a past

Port Arthur, near the Tasmanian capital of Hobart, has a dark history. Unlike many places that prefer to hide their darker secrets from the world, Port Arthur's convict settlement past makes it Tasmania's biggest tourist attraction. Tasmania, or Van Diemen's Land, as it was called, is perhaps unique in the world for the fact that it was originally settled to serve as a penal colony. Port Arthur was home to Australia's largest penal colony until it was finally closed in 1877 after 47 years in operation.

In the beginning, Port Arthur was designed to be a self-sufficient prison. To that end, prisoners were put to work, both doing hard labor and skilled and semi-skilled labor like cobblery, blacksmithing, stone masonry and other jobs. In the early days, corporal punishment was carried out regularly. Punishments included beatings with cat-0-nine-tails and inhumane periods of time spent in solitary confinement.

In the 1840s, changes were made to the English penal system. While these resulted in less corporal punishment, conditions remained harsh. In 1853, England quit sending convicts to Port Arthur and the prison population, which numbered 1200 at its peak, began to dwindle. As the prison population died and aged, it leveled out at around 500. Their psychological torture may be reflected in the construction of the Asylum in the 1860s.

The Port Arthur prison finally shut its doors in 1877 after the last prisoners were removed from the facility. While those prisoners who were alive were removed, that doesn't necessarily mean that all the prisoners left the prison. The Ghost Tour, one of the prison's most popular, leaves many visitors believing that deceased prisoners and others still lurk in the dark corridors at Port Arthur.

At least one of the Port Arthur ghosts may have actually been caught on videotape. Using a night vision camera, a man filmed his family as they toured the prison. He panned away from his family briefly and noticed nothing unusual. However, when they replayed the tape, they saw a "glowing mist" separate from her body and float down a prison corridor.

So many strange things happen to tourists at the Port Arthur penitentiary, officials have created a "strange occurrences" form. What they find most remarkable is that people who have never met each other or seen the documentation record similar and even identical occurrences. The Lady Blue, possibly the wife of a prison accountant who died while giving birth, has been seen on many occasions. On one occasion, a young child ran gleefully down an empty veranda with outstretched arms. When asked why, the child said that a nice lady who lived there wanted to play.

Port Arthur is not far from Hobart. It is only a ninety minute bus ride away. However, there is more to see than you can take in in just one day. It is a good idea to stay in a Port Arthur accommodation for at least one night before you go. Don't worry, you won't be staying in the jail! The Port Arthur of today is a beautiful, friendly town with great accommodations, restaurants and sights to see.

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Geelong is one of the fastest growing cities in the state of Victoria

Nestled against the tranquil banks of Corio Bay, less than 50 miles from Melbourne, is Geelong, the 2nd largest city in Victoria. A community of about 175,000 residents, Geelong is a close-knit, proud community and one of the state's fastest growing. This will come as no surprise when you visit Geelong and see all that it has to offer. Make your Geelong accommodation your starting point for your visit to Victoria and you will be in a perfect position to see all of the state's greatest attractions.

While many of Victoria's attractions lie just outside of Geelong, you are going to want to see what the city of Geelong itself has to offer first. Make your first excursion down to the water's edge, where you can stroll along the famous "bollard walk." Not only are these sculptures (there are 104 in all) a pleasure to see, they give you a glimpse into the history of Geelong.

Of course, a group of Australian Rules football players figure prominently among the bollards. Geelong and Aussie Rules football are almost synonymous. Geelong helped found the Australian Rules Football Club and their team has traditionally been one of Australia's best.

Historical figures included on the walk along the beautifully landscaped walk include the Volunteer Rifle Band, a band that played regular performances in the Geelong Botanic Gardens starting in 1868 and Robert de Bruce Johnstone. Johnstone, who was mayor of the city from 1865 to 1867, is affectionately remembered as the "parks and gardens" mayor of the city for his role in establishing the Botanic Gardens, a sight you won't want to miss.

Torquay, on the edge of the Great Ocean Road not far from Geelong, is arguably Australia's premier surfing community. Torquay is the home of the Bells Beach surfing contest, which has an astonishing 50 year history. Back in the early 1980s, Simon Anderson made surfing history when he won the event on his newly designed "thruster" surfboard. That was the beginning of the "short board" surfing era. Also in Torquay is the world famous Surfworld Museum, the largest museum in the world devoted entirely to surfing and surf culture.

After you have visited Torquay, you will still have plenty of time to continue down the Great Ocean Road to Lorne. Often described as a mediterranean village on the Australian coast, this scenic town is one of Australia's favorite tourist destinations. Because Lorne is so easily accessed from Geelong, you won't want to miss out on seeing it.

The great thing about Geelong is its central location. You have seen some of the sights along the southern coast. Now it's time to head northeast and visit Melbourne. Melbourne is the capital of Victoria and its largest city. Melbourne is a sprawling metropolis with innumerable fascinating things to see and do. Make Geelong your base and you have a relaxing home to return to at the end of your day.

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Pokolbin is in the Heart of the New South Wales Wine Region

Just two hours away from downtown Sydney, the Hunter Valley is New South Wales' premier wine growing region. The village of Pokolbin is the heart of this region. To look at this prosperous village today without knowing anything of its past, you would think that it had always been a wine lover's paradise, but such is not the case.

The accounts vary, but it is believed that the first vineyard begun in the Hunter Valley was established by the Wilkinson family in 1828 or by the Drayton family in Pokolbin in 1830. In either case, vine growing has a long history in the region. The first European settlers found that the region's soil and climate were suited to growing grapes and brought cuttings with them from Europe.

Today, there are dozens of wineries in the region. Large establishments like Tyrrell and Lindeman have a very visible presence in the area, while some of the smaller boutique wineries have to be discovered. Finding these is one of the joys of touring the Pokolbin region.

Aside from the Shiraz and Semillon varieties the Hunter region is renowned for, today, many other varieties of wine can be discovered in the region. Hunter Valley Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons are becoming increasingly popular, as is Pinot Noir. The region is blessed with good soil and its location near the coast helps protect it from extreme weather conditions, but occasional frosts and heat waves pose challenges to vintners.

It comes as a surprise to many newcomers when they learn that the Pokolbin region has not always been known for its wines. For over a century, mining was the principle industry in the area. After many of the mines were closed in the sixties, wine making took over as the primary local industry. By then, the vines had matured and the vintners were ready to start making their mark on the world.

Also in the 60s, wine started to become a popular beverage in Australia and the Hunter Valley wines were counted among Australia's best. Since the Hunter was so close to Sydney, it gradually became a popular holiday destination. Gradually, resorts, golf clubs, restaurants, galleries and other attractions were built to accommodate the tourists. Today, while wine remains the principal attraction in Pokolbin, it is by no means the only attraction.

Tucked away against the Brokenback Ranges not far from Pokolbin is the Hunter Valley Garden, a popular destination for families. This large, beautifully landscaped "garden" of over 25 hectares is actually divided into twelve separate feature gardens. Designed to be a family attraction, the Hunter Valley Garden hosts regular holiday events such as their annual Easter Egg Hunt. On the third Sunday of each month, they host a local market that attracts artists and artisans from all over the region.

There are so many Pokolbin accommodations to choose from, you may to do some looking around before you decide on the one that's best for you. Whatever your budget or preferences are, you will find something that's perfect for you. By all means, spend at least a night in Pokolbin or you won't be able to get the most out of your visit to the Hunter Valley.

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Planning a your next vacation with the family, find <a target="_new" href="http://www.bookitnow.com.au/accommodation/nsw/hunter-valley/pokolbin/1/">Pokolbin accommodations</a>, the best attractions and other travel related information about the area on <a target="_new" href="http://www.bookitnow.com.au/">www.bookitnow.com.au</a>. Or visit our <a target="_new" href="http://travelblog.bookitnow.com.au/">travel blog</a> for more Australian holiday ideas.

The Gold Coast is Australia&#039;s favorite family vacation destination

The busy coastal communities that make up the Gold Coast are tightly packed along the 43 mile (70km) coastline and backed by a phenomenal 250,000 acres (one hundred thousand hectares) of National Forests. Between the ocean and the Gold Coast hinterland is Australia's number one tousist destination. The Gold Coast begins in Coolangatta, just across the border from New South Wales and ends just outside of Surfers Paradise, the epicenter of Gold Coast activities. In between, there are so many attractions to choose from, you would have to live on the Gold Coast and try a different one every day for a year in order to see them all. Even then you might miss some!

The Gold Coast theme parks make it Australia's most popular destination for families. Some of the larger parks include Dreamworld, Sea World, and Warner Bros. Movie World. Equally exciting and lavish theme parks on the Gold Coast include the water parks, Wet 'n' Wild and White Water World and the Australian Outback Spectacular, which gives visitors a taste of the great Australian Outback.

Backpackers and other younger travelers are drawn to the Gold Coast like bees to honey. The nightlife in Surfers Paradise is legendary and those in the know have trouble keeping up with all the live acts that play in the pubs and clubs up and down the Gold Coast, from Coolangatta to Currumbin.

During the day, the beach is the most popular Gold Coast playground. The beaches and point breaks ralong this stretch of coast include some of the world's most famous surf spots. The quality of waves on the Gold Coast make it one of the world's most sought after surfing destinations. International competitions featuring the world's best surfers have been held there since the 1970s.

One Gold Coast attraction that is in the heart of all the action, yet a world apart is the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. This world class sanctuary began as a bird sanctuary, but has expanded to include the largest and most diverse collection of Australian indigenous wildlife in the world. Everyone loves this magical wildlife sanctuary that rests in the center of the Gold Coast.

A couple of the "minor" attractions that attract tens of thousands of visitors every year include Dracula's Haunted House and the Infinity maze. Both of these are located in the heart of the Gold Coast. Take a ride up to the top of the tallest residential tower in the world and see it all spread out before you.

If all the activity becomes overwhelming and you feel like you need some down time, then head for the hills. The Gold Coast hinterland is just the remedy you need. Wander through a quaint country village, take a hike down to a refreshing waterfall in a National Park or just take a slow, relaxing drive in the country. By the end of the day, you will feel renewed and refreshed.

If you thought that the Gold Coast was all about beaches and theme parks, you are in for a surprise. The Gold Coast has everything you could possibly want for the vacation of a lifetime. Instead of making it a quick trip, plan ahead and book into a Gold Coast accommodation for an extended stay. You won't see it all, but you will get enough of a taste of the Gold Coast to make you want to return again and again.

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Need a break away, find <a target="_new" href="http://www.bookitnow.com.au/accommodation/qld/gold-coast/1/">gold coast family holiday apartments</a>, things to do and other travel related information about the area on <a target="_new" href="http://www.bookitnow.com.au/">'Book it Now'</a>. Or visit our <a target="_new" href="http://travelblog.bookitnow.com.au/">travel blog</a> for more Australian holiday ideas.

Coolum Beach&#039;s central Sunshine Coast location makes it a great holiday spot

Once something of a secret the locals kept to themselves, Coolum Beach is fast becoming a haven for the jet set. It's a wonder it hasn't been that way for decades, given its magnificent location on the beautiful Sunshine Coast. While some of those who discovered Coolum before the boom may miss the old days, all the new amenities make it an even more attractive holiday destination for tourists.

Coolum Beach's central Sunshine Coast location between Noosa to the north and Maroochydore to the south, makes it a strategic spot to choose for your Queensland holiday. With miles of pristine beaches at your doorstep and the beautiful Noosa National Park just a few miles north, there is no end to the outdoor activities you can enjoy in and around Coolum Beach. That's one reason why some of the favorite activities cited by visitors include cycling, surfing and fishing.

The other activities listed by visitors to Coolum Beach include shopping and dining. This, too, comes as no surprise, since fine dining is an integral part of the Sunshine Coast lifestyle. In fact, there are so many special dining events going on in and around Coolum at any given time, you are almost sure to be able to attend at least one of them.

One of these events, the Audi Noosa Food and Wine Festival, held each year, has been recognized as Australia's premier festival of its kind. This festival draws over a hundred and fifty of Australia's best chefs, vintners and restaurateurs and is a magnet for everyone who enjoys the finer things in life. The event seems to grow even better each year, with more entertainment and culinary delicacies being added all the time.

Make no mistake: Coolum Beach is not just a place for sitting around eating and drinking. If you enjoy an active lifestyle, there is plenty to keep you busy. Since the opening of the Coolum golf resort, it has become a magnet for golf lovers from all over the world. Surfers have always known about the waves at Coolum Beach. You can almost always find a good spot to catch waves somewhere along its long, sandy beach.

While it cannot be denied that the white sand beaches and tropical seas of Coolum Beach are the Sunshine Coast's main drawcards, take the opportunity while you're there to explore the Sunshine Coast hinterlands. If you happen to be in the area on the first Sunday of the month, use the Beerwah Markets as your excuse to see what the interior has to offer. You'll find unique handcrafted items, wonderful food, entertainment and fun for the whole family in a beautiful natural setting.

You won't have any trouble finding a great Coolum Beach accommodation to stay in. If you like camping, there are fabulous campgrounds in the area. If what you're looking for is the ultimate in a luxury resort, you will easily be able to find exactly what you want in Coolum Beach. If you haven't yet discovered Coolum Beach, don't waste any more time. You'll love it.

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Need a break away, find <a target="_new" href="http://www.bookitnow.com.au/accommodation/qld/sunshine-coast/coolum-beach-/1/">Coolum Beach accommodation</a>, things to do and other travel related information about the area on <a target="_new" href="http://www.bookitnow.com.au/">'Book it Now'</a>. Or visit our <a target="_new" href="http://travelblog.bookitnow.com.au/">travel blog</a> for more Australian holiday ideas.