Sierra escapes is arguably the most luxury and private accommodation in New South Wales, and very accessible as a weekend trip from Sydney,
After 8 weekend trips to Mudgee from Sydney over the last few years, I now feel like a bit of an expert about the Mudgee area from a visitor’s perspective. We have now stayed in many different accommodations available, the most recent being the beautiful, secluded Sierra Escapes.
Staying in Sierra Escapes is one of the more expensive options in Mudgee and could be the perfect excuse for a celebration! It’s a great option for an anniversary, proposal, birthday or Babymoon.
Choices of accommodation at Sierra Escapes
Sierra Escapes started off in the luxury tent sector, winning many awards for the their stunning glamping style accommodation. These tents are an excellent choice of accommodation for those who want an inside/outside experience but still with a touch of luxury.
We opted to stay in the tiny house named Elouera. This accommodation is out of this world! We felt very lucky to be staying here for our Babymoon. From the floor-to-ceiling glass windows in the lounge and bedroom to the excellent cooking facilities, not one other building in sight from the house…it’s just wow! The view has to be one of the best countryside views in New South Wales.
Have the perfect weekend at Sierra Escapes
If this is your first time to Mudgee then you must do a wine tour as part of your visit. In this case staying 3 nights would be worthwhile. This would allow you to divide your time between the beautiful accommodation and seeing the best of Mudgee wineries.
As we had been to Mudgee before quite a few times, then as soon as we arrived at the accommodation we did not plan to leave. If you also plan the same for your getaway in Sierra Escapes, then I recommend to go to the shop first to buy enough food to last the entire stay.
Here are some ideas of how to spend your time in the most stunning and luxury accommodation in Mudgee:
Spend the afternoon having a refreshing swim in the magnificent lap pool!
Relax outside with an evening drink while watching the kangaroos gracefully roam in the billabong from the cozy Tiny House.
Ignite the fire at sunset for an absolutely stunning view that will fill your heart with joy.
Relish delightful breakfasts on the outside decking while basking in the beautiful view.
Enjoy a delightful outdoor bath while watching the stunning sunset.
Immerse yourself in a captivating book in the lounge while the floor-to-ceiling glass presents breathtaking views all around!
Enjoy a magical night of star gazing and marvel at the beauty of the Milky Way!
Book Stephanie, the Sierra Escapes partner photographer if you are celebrating something extra special.
Start the morning opening the automatic curtains showing off the stunning misty morning sunset without evening needing to leave the comfy bed!
Getting to Sierra Escapes
Sierra Escapes is extremely remote with not many other buildings around (view from tiny house has no other buildings!). It is about a 20 minute drive from the middle of Mudgee. Although the website says that some people have shown up in expensive sport cars, after the experience of driving the rocky dirt tracks, I would highly recommend to not do this!
Getting up to the tiny house or tents requires some hilly suspension on your car, which is easy in a sensible car.
The perfect car to take to the accommodation is at least an SUV, in order to not have a very nervous drive up to the stay.
Sierra Escapes Tiny House Elouera in Pictures
A weekend in Sierra Escapes will be an unforgettable experience, and this enchanting place will forever hold a special spot in your heart.
Australia is home to some of the best beaches in the world! We have been fortunate to visit a lot of them, and here is my shortlist of the most stunning must visit beaches in Australia.
From the famous Bondi, to the serene Hyams beach in NSW. From the well known Cottesloe beach in Perth to the white fine sand of Hamelin Bay where stingrays come to the shore.
1. Whitehaven beach, Queensland
No list of Australia best beaches would be complete without a beach from the Whitsundays. Whitsunday islands are the most dreamy turquoise, blue and white sand swirl of colours, and should be on any Australia itinerary.
Whitehaven beach, located in the Whitsunday Island of Australia, has gained global recognition for its unparalleled beauty. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine shoreline. This breathtaking beach has secured the top position as the best beach in the world multiple times. Visitors are captivated by the powdery white sand that stretches for 7 kilometers along the coast. All of this makes it a strong contender for having some of the whitest and finest sand worldwide.
The beach’s stunning natural features and its inclusion in the Great Barrier Reef region make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a slice of paradise.
The ocean is remarkably clear and devoid of any seaweed or debris. Its exceptional tranquility makes it an ideal location for paddle boarding.
2. Hyams beach, Jervis Bay, NSW
Hyams beach, located in New South Wales, is truly a gem of Australia’s coastline. Its dazzling white sand is not only a sight to behold, but also a unique feature that sets it apart from many other beaches around the world. Visitors often find themselves captivated by the pure, powdery sand that seems to stretch endlessly along the shore.
In addition to its natural beauty, Hyams beach offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Its pristine sands have earned it a reputation as one of the finest beaches not just in Australia, but globally, with its white sand often compared to that of renowned beaches like Whitehaven beach and Lucky Bay in Western Australia. As the gentle waves gently lap the shore and a gentle sea breeze caresses the air, it’s easy to see why Hyams beach is a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike.
Set amongst the rivers and vineyards of the Margaret river region. A short drive from the town can find you in the white sand, turquoise bliss of Hamelin Bay.
We embarked on a mission to observe the stingrays at this beach. They are normally spotted on the left side. If you visit this beach for any reason, this experience is an absolute must. For us, it was truly a bucket list moment. The stingrays gracefully glide up to you and alongside your legs.
4. Bondi to Coogee walk, Sydney
The Bondi to Coogee walk has multiple beaches, but as they are so close to each other it is worth calling them out together. The walk consists of some of the most beautiful beaches in the area, and should be on any Sydney itinerary. One of the most beautiful beaches is Gordons bay which also has an underwater snorkel trail.
Wineglass Bay in Tasmania is the most stunning white beach surrounded by the magical lush green mountains. The famous viewpoint is from the top view point, and this is where you can really see the Wineglass shape from where it gets its iconic name.
6. Bay of fires, Tasmania
The clearest fresh water, bright blue water and white sand this beach feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, away from any civilisation. We visited this beach in March and we had the whole beach to ourselves! It was a lovely day, the water was quite cool but this didn’t stop us going for a beautiful swim in the wonderful water.
This beach truely deserves to be on the best beaches in Australia list.
7. Ned’s Beach, Lord Howe Island
This beach was used to film ‘The Shallows’ with Blake Lively. I can assure you that in real life it has a reputation of a beautiful swimming beach. It is not known as a shark-ridden terrifying place!
Swim with turtles, hand feed king fish, or sunbath in the pure untouched paradise.
See Lord Howe Island for the best itinerary while visiting the island.
Whether you want to explore the beauty of Mount Kosciuszko summit as a day hike, or if you are part of the Seven Summit challenge, this hike should be on your Australian bucket list.
Why hike Mount Kosciuszko
Mount Kosciuszko is within Kosciuszko national park, and it is part of the Snowy mountain ranges. This mountain range sits within NSW, but it is not too far from the Victoria border. It’s about 3 hours in land from the nearest coastline of Southern NSW. It will take about 5-6 hours to drive from Sydney,. Make use of this journey to stop at some lovely points along the way (e.g. Kangaroo Valley, Canberra, Cooma).
As Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko was on my Australian bucket list as a must do activity while we are living here. The snowy mountains area is known for its beauty. It is also well renown as being a great place to snowshoe or ski in winter with great cosy pubs and accomodation. It is also famous for great hiking weather with scenery to die for in summer. I honestly think snowshoeing Mount Kosciuszko is one of the coolest things you can do in Australia!
Seven summit Challenge
The Seven Summit challenge is to climb the highest peak in each continent around the world. For the continent of Australia, Mount Kosciuszko summit walk is the highest peak and part of the world challenge.
OK, I must confess that I did not undertake the Mount Kosciuszko summit walk as part of the Seven Summit Challenge. Nevertheless, there are numerous individuals who partake in this and you may be one of them.
Even if you may not be interested in the Seven Summit challenge, perhaps like me, you quite liked the idea that climbing Mount Koscuiszko is taking part in one of the seven summits. I like the fact now I have climbed 2 of them, having hiked Mount Kilimanjaro a few years ago.
Mount Koscuiszko is known to be the easiest summit to climb out of all. I mean look at this tiny little peak compared to the others!
Mount Koscuiszko in the summer presents a straightforward trek that accommodates individuals of all ages, including children.
Doing it in winter is what will make it a little more challenging with snowshoes, if you are looking to add some excitement to it.
How to organise the hike
During the winter, Mount Kosciuszko, Australia, has a lot of snow making it a renowned ski region in the country. It often surprises people to learn of the presence of snow in Australia. The only viable option for completing the hike during winter is by using snowshoes, and it is highly advisable to engage a guide, particularly for individuals with limited experience in trekking in severe weather conditions.
Additionally, it is important to note that the entire hike is submerged in snow during this time of the year, obscuring the footpath typically visible in the summer and increasing the risk of taking the wrong turn.
The top of the mountain can have a completely different weather pattern to sea level, and it is highly unpredictable. We used the company K7 adventures who were very professional and had the perfect guides. We chose to do the hike in July, which is peak of winter, and we booked it about 6 weeks ahead of time. They met us at Thredbo and provided the snowshoeing equipment and guided us the whole way.
The hike in total is a 13km return trip (peak is at 2228km), and if you are in no rush to complete in your fastest time then it usually takes around 5-6 hours including photo and snack stops.
Hike preparation
As with any alpine hike, before the Mount Kosciuszko summit walk, make sure to have 1-2 or even 3 days where you are able to do the hike. If the conditions are not satisfactory on the day then they will reschedule.
Luckily, the weather conditions remained clear on the day of our planned visit; but, the temperature at the top of Mount Kosciuszko was a chilling -12 degrees.
Luckily, we were well-prepared with all necessary items. Here is a comprehensive list of the items we carried in our backpacks.
Ski googles (a must in winter as the reflection is very harsh)
Suncream
Warm hat
Ski jacket
Long sleeve thermal top
Warm jacket or fleece under the ski jacket
Thermal winter leggings (or long johns and hiking trousers)
We hired the snow chains from Jindabyne
Scarf or neck gaiter
Thick gloves
1.5 litres of water
Energy bars
Change of clothes in backpack in case of rain
Thick long socks
Hiking shoes
Lunch
Snow shoes (provided by guide)
Walking poles (provided by guide)
Hot coffee in a flask (provided by guide)
The day of the Mount Kosciuszko hike
Getting to the national park
Me and my partner were staying in the town of Jindabyne, and we had picked up our snow chains from a shop in Jindabyne town centre the day before (it is mandatory to have them in the boot when entering Kosciuszko national park). Luckily our bed and breakfast helped us to have an early breakfast before 7am before leaving. Shortly after, we scrapped the ice off the car window and started our drive into Kosciuszko national park.
On route to Mount Kosciuszko at 7:30am
We arrived at Friday flat car park around 7:55am, and it was spot on for the regular shuttle bus that’s free and takes you to Thredbo village. It was a Friday but not during the school holidays, and the car park was pretty empty when we got there, with heaps of space available (I was a bit worried about this).
Starting the hike
We met our guide from K7 at the Gravity Demo shop at 8:15am, got our snowshoes and checked equipment and then the ski chair lift passes. It was only me and my partner and the guide which made it more like a private tour! Starting the hike by taking the chair lift was a great experience, as was wondering around Thredbo which had a great ski style atmosphere.
We got the chair lift up to the start of the hike, and then began walking the Mount Kosciuszko summit walk!
It took a while to get used to the snowshoes, which are large structures that clasp onto the hiking shoes. Although they are a must as they definitely made walking in the snow easier as you do not sink.
The hike started off quite easy, and the snow was flattened. It was still possible in some places to see the path. We happily chatted away with the guide during this time and enjoyed the beautiful blue sky. We saw a few other people at first, but mostly it was only the three of us.
Bear in mind the whole Mount Kosciuszko hike takes around 5-6 hours, so about 1 hour into the hike you are already quite high up. For us at that point, that is where the wind started and even when we stopped for lunch we had to hide behind a rock due to the wind. The 1 hour up to the peak was a lot more challenging and due to the wind we were pretty much in silence and focused on the hike! But still focused enough to notice the beautiful scenery everywhere – this mountain is completely stunning and make sure to take it all in!
Getting to the Mount Kosciuszko summit
The last 20 minutes up to the top was the most challenging, up a fairly steep hill in the very strong wind. Although once we made it to the Mount Kosciuszko summit it was suddenly wind free and very serene. What a beautiful view at the top and a great feeling of achievement.
The way down was a faster and bit more relaxed, though always a bit more harder on the legs. We past through the most beautiful rocks in snow and I got to take some stunning photos.
At around 2:15pm we made it back to the top of the ski lift and said goodbye to our guide. Before going back down we made sure to have food in Eagles Nestle, Australia’s highest restaurant at 1937M. This place is a must visit while you are in the area and great for some warm salty food and hot chocolate with cream and marshmellows!
Hot chocolate and cream at Eagles Nest
Where to stay
We stayed at the most cosy bed and breakfast a short walk from Jindabyne town centre called Troldhaugen. The rooms were very cosy with a Scottish winter theme that gave a ski lodge feel. The hosts were extremely friendly and helpful. There was also a delicious breakfast was included which was great.
What not to miss while in the area
If you don’t know the history of the area it is worth reading about the Australian poet Banjo Paterson, as you will notice quite a few references in the area. He was also the person who authored ‘waltzing Matilda’ which is one of the most iconic songs in Australia.
While staying in Jindabyne don’t miss a walk around the most beautiful lake. I was shocked at how stunning this lake was, it really was like being in Queenstown again!
The other must do, that ended up being our go to for pre dinner drinks was Banjo Paterson Inn. This is also a bed and breakfast which is right next to the lake. They also do great pub grub food, which is perfect after a day of walking!
We also enjoyed a meal in the Mexican Cocina Taqueria, and we did visit the Rydges for a meal but it was the atmosphere was a bit dull. In the town centre there are some nice cafes and it is worth a trip into the tourist visitor office!
A place full of scenic landscape, good food and wine, Mudgee is the perfect weekend getaway from Sydney and a winter wine weekend. We decided to go on a Winter Weekend in Mudgee after reading about it a while ago, and finding an Airbnb that looked so unique it could have been on Grand Designs.
Winter weekend in Mudgee
We did our first trip Mudgee in a winter weekend in July, with the intention of making the most of the cosy side of Mudgee, that they do so well! You canโt ask for a more well set up place for a winter wine weekend, with fireplaces roaring in all pubs and wineries! The sun still strong enough to sit outside during the day time if it is a sunny weekend! It is also such a picturesque area, it is a beautiful place to take some travel photography.
Accomodationfor the perfect Winter weekend
Our Airbnb called Strikes 2 was perfectly set up on the top of a hill, with an amazing viewing deck and floor to ceiling windows in the lounge. The only other house we could see was the other cottage that can be rented out. I would say that Strikes are are definitely in the luxury Airbnb business, and they do it so well! The accomodation is so unique and sticks out of the ground on stilts. It is the perfect place to have a chilled coffee in the morning whilst cooking sausages on the Weber grill on the veranda in the morning, and having a glass of wine watching the sunset in the evening. An alternative great place to stay for a winter weekend in Mudgee in the town centre is Perry Street hotel, within walking distance of many restaurants and pubs.
Mobility
Strikes is about a 15 minute drive from the centre, and therefore need to get a taxi to the centre and wineries if you are drinking. The taxi service is 24/7 and very efficient. You can just call 131008 at any point while you are in Mudgee to order.
The Weekend Itinerary
Friday
On the Friday night we were after pub grub and Kellyโs Irish bar in Mudgee city centre defiantly delivered on this, but it was time to leave when an Elvis impersonator turned up. We then made our way to Roths wine bar, which is the oldest wine bar in NSW! There was an amazing singer and guitarist, and we enjoyed the rest of the evening sitting in the indoor-outdoor garden, surrounded by fairy lights and next to the fire. Roth’s is an absolute must bar to visit during any Winter Weekend in Mudgee trip.
Saturday
On the Saturday we joined a half day tour by Mudgee Explorer Tours. They picked us up directly from Strikes and took us to three wineries. Our favourite of these was 1838 which also grow their own olives.
We then got dropped off at Lowes winery so we could spend the afternoon there. Lowes winery has great views and you can order a lunch time platter until 3pm. It seems like a very popular place to hang out, and you can definitely see why!
Sunday
On the Sunday we went to Pipeclay Pumphouse for lunch, wow the food was amazing! The view from Pipeclay Pumphouse was beautiful, and we could imagine a beautiful place to spend a lazy afternoon.
For First Timers to Sydney Siders, this list will show you give you insight into some of the best things to do in Sydney. Use this list to help plan out your holiday or just a weekend!
Enjoy all Sydney has to offer
Sydney is one of the most beautiful, vibrant cities in the world. No matter what time of year you visit, there will always be something going on. Keep reading to find out the BEST things to do in Sydney. If you are only visiting for a short time, I’m sure you will have time for a couple of them.
1. Have a drink at Squires Landing
Number one is a really low key activity but with an epic outcome (in my opinion). If you only have time to go to one pub, this is the one. Squires Landing – restaurant and Brewhouse sits in Circular Quay harbour near the rock. It sits on the end of a wharf and in the middle of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. What this means is the view is epic!
Spend as much or as little time here. Minimum can just be one beer or ginger beer (it is a brewery as well!). Maximum you can get a great pub grub meal and stay for as long as you like! I would not recommend booking, as then you sit upstairs, which it isn’t quite as good as the outdoor atmosphere you get downstairs. So just turn up and hope the queue isn’t too long!
This pub is a real all rounder. In winter they have heaters in the huge outdoor space, and every Saturday they have amazing live music. In summer the vibe is amazing, and this place is great daytime and nighttime.
So grab a drink, get an outdoor table and take it all in….this is really one of the best things to do in Sydney.
Squires Landing
For an alternative bar with similar vibes and great views, try the Opera Bar and Kitchen.
2. Walk around Sydney CBD
Sydney is a beautiful city and luckily it is a very walkable city. Join a free walking tour to learn about the history, or take your time and walk your own path.
A good route to take would be Mrs Macquarie’s Chair –> Botanical Gardens –> Circular Quay –> the Rocks –> Town Hall –> Darling Harbour –> Barangaroo
Darling Harbour
3. Bondi to Coogee Walk
I almost have to apologise for putting this on the list, as it is so obvious. However I wanted this to be a full list and, well, this walk is famous for a reason. This will be on 99% of lists that exists of the best things to do in Sydney.
Seeing Bondi Beach is a must when in Sydney, and walking on the Bondi to Coogee walking path next to the ocean to another amazing beach after beach makes for the perfect afternoon spent.
Bondi Beach and Coogee do not have train stops. Get a train to Bondi Junction and then straight on a bus to Bondi Beach. The bus station is within the train station, just follow the signs. Grab an avo on toast brunch or a smoothie at one of the many health cafes on Bondi Beach, and then start the walk. The walk starts just behind the Bondi Icebergs (that famous sea pool photo). The walk will take you from beach to beach. Beautiful white sand and drink stops on the way (e.g. Tamarama Beach Kiosk). If it summer then make this a full day trip and go swimming at each beach!
On average if you walk and do not stop it would take under 2 hours. If it is a hot day then add another 30 minutes. For photos and potential swim stops then add on more time!
At the end of the walk grab a cocktail at the beautiful Coogee Pavilion Rooftop bar, before getting a bus back to Bondi Junction.
Route: Bondi Beach –> Tamarama Beach –> Bronte Beach –> Clovelly beach –> Gordens Bay –> Coogee beach. Can be done the other way around also.
All beaches are sand beach apart from Clovelly beach, which is a cool concrete beach and great for swimming as it is a bay. Gordens bay has a snorkelling trail. Most of the beaches have an enclosed sea pool which helps to avoid waves or those who fear sharks.
Gordens Bay
4. A day at Manly Beach
OK another beach, but this is what Australia is great for! Manly beach has a very different vibe to Bondi . If you have time then it is worth going to both. A day at Manly beach starts with taking a 20 minute ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf, then the rest of the day is up to you!
The beach on the Manly Wharf side is a flat water beach great for chilling or paddle boarding. Walk through the small beach town of Manly (grab an ice cream on the way) and you’ll end up reaching the Pine tree lined Manly beach. The beach has a street full of bars and restaurants. The day is yours to choose from if you want to dine and drink, sunbathe and swim or even take up a lesson in surfing!
Tip: keep walking from Manly Beach up to Shelly beach for a lovely short walk and maybe even a lizard on the way!
Manly Beach
5. Take a ferry to Watson Bay
Taking a ferry to Watson Bay from Circular Quay is an experience in itself for the beautiful views. Then once you arrive on Watsons Bay you have a beautiful area to explore along with Sydneys most iconic fish and chips!
Watson Bay Boutique Hotel
Best things to do in Watson Bay:
Have iconic fish and chips near Watson Bay ferry terminal
Have a cocktail at Watson Bay Boutique hotel
Walk to the lighthouse and take in all of the views
Sunbathe and swim at Camp Cove beach
6. High Tea at Queen Victoria Building
OK if you are from England then this may not be a novelty, for anyone else or those who love high teas as much as I do then the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) is THE place to go. It is worth visiting this building even if you don’t plan to eat, this is a beautiful grand building from the Victorian age and wouldn’t look out of place in London.
Turn up and choose your cafe (most on the middle floor will serve a high tea), or book into the The Tea Room for the full experience.
7. Day trip to Blue Mountains
For a day into nature and only just over an hour from Sydney CBD, the Blue Mountains is one of the most beautiful National Parks in the whole of Australia. One thing you might notice when coming to Australia is that as soon as you are outside of the city, it feels very untouched. This is one of the reasons that I love it here so much, nature has been left to be nature. The blue mountains is 267,954 hectares of land, and 10 ties older than the Grand Canyon.
Visit for fresh air, dramatic peaks, walks and waterfalls.
If staying in Sydney CBD, you can either book an organised day trip or hop on an easy 2 hour train journey from Sydney CBD to either Katoomba or Leura for a small town with access to many walking paths.
Blue mountains is great for walking year round. In the summer the mountains can provide some much needed relief from the hot city days, and in the winter it is the perfect time to put on a coat and hat and enjoy a long walk.
Blue Mountains in Winter
8. Have a picnic in Wendy’s Secret Garden
Take a ferry or train to Milsons Point, or walk over the Harbour Bridge to North Sydney. One you reach Luna Park you can walk through it in order to get to Lavender Bay. Take in the views over the water and keep walking until you find the stairs in the middle of the Bay. Walk up the stairs to the beautiful spot of Wendy’s Secret Garden. Then find the grass area with epic views over Sydney Harbour bridge.
Take a rug, some food and drink and have a beautiful time.
Wendy’s Secret Garden
Alternative picnic spot in the city is Botanical Gardens near the Opera house which is also a stunning place to visit and hang out.
9. Dine in a iconic restaurant
There is nothing more memorable than great food and epic views of Sydney, and if you are planning to ‘splash out’ then Sydney has many options. Here are a few of the most well known, best views (and most expensive), make sure to book well ahead!
Hunter Valley is the oldest wine region in Australia, and a great option for a weekend getaway from Sydney. Each time we visit there, we have a completely different experience and, with over 150 wineries in Hunter Valley, it will feel like a new place each time.
If it is your first time in Hunter you may want to take a wine tour or the hop on hop off (we have done this and highly recommend it). However, if you know exactly want wineries in Hunter Valley you would like to visit then you can take taxis around (Uber is normally available in the hunter).
The wineries are so diverse, from Australian farm vibes to Tuscany vibes, from commercial to homely. You can truly tailor your experience wondering around this wine rich beautiful green valley however you would like to.
Here is a list of my recommended Must Visit Wineries in Hunter Valley.
1. Iron Gate Estate
I love a good winery that is also very picturesque and transports you to a different place. Iron Gate Estate is the winery that will make it look like you have visited Tuscany in Italy, and having an amazing European holiday!
2. Leogate Estate
Leogate Estate will provide you a classy, vintage experience with a touch of elegance. The outside is stunning, with white Grecian architecture and fountains. To top it all up the views of the Brokenback Ranges that surround the estate are second to none.
Brokenwood Wines
This stunning wooden designed cellar door, Brokenwood Wines is a must visit in the Hunter. A more commercial wine now, this is a cellar door where you have many options. From private tastings, cheese boards, to trying wine at your own leisure on the expansive terrace, this is a great place to spend a couple of hours.
4. Mira Wines
For a more personalised wine tasting experience with Greek inspiration, Mira Wines is a beautiful vineyard owed by a lovely Greek-Australian family. The wine tasting experience includes olives, cheese and beautiful views. The hero of Mira Wines is the limoncello, which is a lovely change to all of the wine in Hunter Vally!
While you are here, it is easy to visit Hanging Tree wines which is walkable next door.
5. Hanging Tree Wines
For a boho, boutique, rustique themed winery, Hanging Tree Wines is a beautiful place to hang out and drink some wine! Just a short walk from Mira Wines, it is worth visiting both while in this area.
Travel is all about seeing and exploring new places. Having said that, staying in amazing accomodation can absolutely elevate a holiday to another level.
Since living on this side of the world we have stayed in some amazing accommodation around Australia and I wanted to share a list of places that have made a trip extra special and even become one of the best memories or experience from a trip.
The Daintree is amazing on all levels, and I don’t believe a trip to this area of Australia can go wrong. Daintree Eco lodge was a very special experience with the cutest lodges scattered around, luxury finishes inside the lodge, bathtub overlooking the forest (only in some rooms), and a restaurant and bar on site serving delicious dinner and a fabulous breakfast. We only had one night at this place, as part of a two week road trip around Queensland, but the memories of how special it is will last forever.
Highlights
Breakfast at Daintree Eco Lodge beautiful restaurant Julaymba in the rainforest
During a road trip between Narooma and Sydney, we stopped at Pebbly Beach Escape for 2 nights. This place is truly beautiful and the self catered beach hut accomodation is amazing. The owner told us this accomodation fortunately narrowly escaped the bush fires in early 2020. When we visited in late 2020 we could see the magical regeneration of the burnt trees in the surroundings.
You should be able to easily find the resident kangaroos on the property grounds and take lots of fun photos with them! Each house/cabin has its own balcony and fire pit near by. We stayed in Mara which has beautiful sea views and good privacy, I would definitely recommend this one for a couple.
Highlights
Pebbly beach to sunbathe, paddle board
Short trip to Bateban’s bay
Chill out in your beach hut and enjoy the surroundings
Everywhere on Hamilton island feels like an absolute paradise. Turning up to the balcony view in one of the Coral Sea Viewย rooms on Reef View hotel was one of those WOW moments. The expansive view of the reef and mountains is insane! The fact that Cockatoos visit the balconies makes this place have the perfect view of Hamilton Island!
Highlights
Day trip to Whitsundays island
Snorkelling or paddle-boarding in the reef just off the island
The Anchorage doesn’t feel well known and that is really surprising considering it is probably one of the best hotels in NSW.
Think boathouse meets luxury Hampton and you’ll have a good idea of what to expect. With two pools (one adult only infinity pool), two restaurants, a classic upscale bar, a beautiful sand beach nearby and a marine boardwalk, you really don’t need to leave this place.
When the days start with a fantastic breakfast served with mimosas then there can never be a bad day!
Highlights
Eating, drinking, chilling and sleeping at the Anchorage
Exploring the surrounding white sand beaches surrounding the hotel
Mimosa breakfast with a view
5. Chi Medicinal farm, Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Sometimes it’s about finding the random unknowns gems. During a 4 day road trip of the Great Ocean Road and Grampians, we stayed at Chi Medicinal Farm for one night in between Lorne and Warrnambool.
The view, the hosts, the relaxed atmosphere, the comfy bed and the food are all reasons to stay here!
Highlights
Great Ocean Road Drive
Breakfast and dinner both served at the accomodation
This is a gem of an accomodation in a gem of a location. Cradle Mountain is an iconic, rugged and wild National Park with tonnes of walks that will keep you going for weeks. It is only a 2 hour windy drive mostly amongst a beautiful forest from Launceston.
Cradle Mountain Lodgeis the perfect place to stay, it provides a luxury wooden ski lodge vibe in this incredible National Park.
Highlights
Sip mulled wine next to the fireplace at the Tavern Bar & Bistroย
Endless amounts of walks to choose from in Cradle Mountain National Park
Treat yourself to an hour relaxation at a large outdoor hot tub with views of the forest and river at The Spa Sanctuary
A modern, clean, stunning, self contained apartment in the best wine region in Australia (in my opinion!). Strikes 2 is the perfect place to ‘get away from it all’, with breathtaking views, the beautiful apartment has a fireplace, a modern bathroom with heated floors and a BBQ on the balcony.
Mudgee is a perfect area to stay in, with endless amounts to do, mainly involving wine and food :).
Highlights
Waking up to amazing view, and cooking breakfast on the BBQ outside.
Noosa is everything one could dream for, for a summers holiday, and staying at Tingirana Noosa is the icing on the cake for a beautiful stay. Situated in the middle of Hastings Street, on the beach, you can’t be any closer to all of the restaurants. Add an infinity pool and beautifully designed studios, need I say anything more?
Highlights
Laze around the Infinity pool and jacuzzi at Tingirana Noosa
Day tour to Fraser island
National Park walk straight from Noosa main beach (Koalas can be spotted here)
Lazy brunches and people watching on Hasting street cafes
We did a campervan trip around Tasmania, and it was epic. We had been researching the trip when we stumbled across Domescapes. This place looked so unique we knew we had to stay there and forfeit a night in the Campervan. A bubble tent on a working vineyard with an outdoor bath, this is what dreams are made of!
On the property are 3 bubble tents, we stayed in the Amarone tent which is the furthest away and felt very private. The hosts of Domescapes are The Swinging Gate vineyard, and as part of the stay you can go wine tasting at the cellar door, only a short walk from the tent!
Highlights
Wine tasting at the cellar door and choose your own bottle of wine, included in the stay!
Eating and drinking on Dome deck
Having an outdoor private bath amongst the vineyard!
What is your favourite accomodation you have stayed in? Leave your answer in the comments below!
Being an expat during Christmas time can be one of the most confusing times. We have tended to visit the U.K. each year in the summer as this is a popular time to have weddings. This means since moving to Australia we have spent almost every Christmas holiday in Australia and so we have lots of ideas of where to spend Christmas in Australia.
The other point we have found, is in Australia, Christmas time leave is often mandatory. As we don’t like to waste annual leave with doing nothing, we tend to go on holiday during Christmas time.
It also takes some getting used to that Christmas is Australian hot summertime, and not a snowy cold winter one! Yes – I definitely miss a European style Christmas with family, buzzing excitement in the shops at winter, mulled wine and German markets, winter clothes and roast dinners!
However!! We soon got used to the idea that Christmas is time to have an amazing summer holiday in the sun where everyone is celebrating summer, Christmas and end of the year. Once we got into this mindset then we have had some epic Christmas holidays around Australia.
Keep reading to find some awesome ideas of where to spend Christmas in Australia.
1. Noosa, Queensland
As soon as we reached our accomodation in Hastings street, we fell in love with Noosa. Christmas here was all about the live Christmas songs in bars, beach days, shopping and pools. For a warm atmospheric beautiful Christmas, Noosa is the perfect place of where to spend Christmas in Australia!
Bare in mind there isn’t much open on Christmas day, so have a late night on Christmas Eve, and book into a restuarant for Christmas day afternoon lunch mixed with a beach day, and chilling at your accomodation.
Highlights
Day tour to Fraser island
Christmas Eve drinks at Rococo Bistro & Bar
National Park walk straight from Noosa main beach (Koalas can be spotted here)
Lazy brunches and people watching on Hasting street cafes
Infinity pool at Tingirana Noosa apartments
2. Hunter Valley, NSW
If you are stuck on where to spend Christmas in Australia but don’t want to travel too far from Sydney, Hunter Valley is a great option. Nice hotels, beautiful wineries, top restaurants, Christmas shops and Hunter Valley Christmas Lights.
Hunter valley can be added as an awesome stop on a road trip itinerary if you plan to head up to North NSW for Christmas time. It is one of the best places of where to spend a summer Christmas in Australia!
Hunter Valley Christmas time Chateau Elan
Harrigans Irish Pub Hunter Valley
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Brokenwood Winery Hunter Valley
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Christmas Lights Hunter Valley Gardens
Winter Wonderland Hunter Valley Christmas Lights
Christmas Lights Hunter Valley Gardens
Highlights
Hunter valley wineries (e.g. Brokenwood winery)
Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights for a fun magical evening (even for adults)
Harrigans Irish pub, for hearty pub food and live music
3. Brisbane, Queensland
Brisbane is a vibrant city, and at Christmas time it comes to life even more. From Christmas trees and light shows around the city to the Christmas displays in the grand hotels lobbies. Brisbane is a very fun place to be for a lovely summer Christmas in Australia. With plenty of bars, restaurants, night life, it is an exciting city to explore.
We also found that hotel prices around the Christmas period were extremely reasonable, this could be because there is a lack of business people staying in the hotels around Christmas time, so the prices drop.
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4. The Anchorage, Port Stephens, NSW
OK yes, this is a hotel not a location, but we had such a great stay at this hotel during the Christmas period that it had to make the list! The Christmas decor, the beach surroundings, and the most amazing breakfast all made this stay a wonderful experience!
If you are looking for a hotel to base yourself for the Christmas period, then I highly recommend this hotel for one of the most festive places of where to spend Christmas in Australia.
Highlights:
Eating, drinking, chilling and sleeping at the Anchorage
Exploring the surrounding white sand beaches
Shoal Bay country club
Sand-boarding at Anna Bay
5. Byron Bay
Byron Bay has everything you would want from a summer holiday, amazing beaches, chilled vibes, good restaurants and bars, beautiful hinterland and close proximity to breweries and distilleries. However, as it is a place that has it all it gets booked up very quickly!
If you plan to go around Christmas time to get accomodation you want in a good location and at a reasonable price it is probably best to book at least 6 months before. It will be worth it, Byron is one of the best places for a Christmas holiday in Australia.
Highlights
Join a group surf lesson in Lennox Head with Soul Surf School which normally follow a trip to Lake Ainsworth (tea tree lake)
Oyster Balcony bar
Combi cafe for a delicious brunch
Walk from Byron main beach to Lighthouse
Byron Bay Brewery
6. Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
For an alternative to a summer Christmas in Australia. OK this is one I have added that we have not actually been to at Christmas time, however I have put it on the list as I think it could be one of the best places for where to spend Christmas in Australia for a true cold Christmas feel.
This is one place in Australian summer that will have cold weather at Christmas, being so high up in the mountain. They have even had snow in December before! We actually visited here in March, but immediately got Christmas vibes, with roaring fires, mulled wine and wearing winter coats and beanies.
This will be one magical place for a Christmas holiday in Australia!
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Ever since moving to Sydney I had known about Lord Howe. It seemed like an exotic paradise island that was extremely expensive to get to. Keep reading to know how to visit Lord Howe without spending thousands of dollars.
Pristine, stunning, tropical, this postcard perfect island is a pacific island dream. Being only a 2 hour flight from Sydney, it is a must see if you live here.
Lord Howe Island is perfect for those who love the outdoors, walking and hiking, snorkelling and seeing a world that humans haven’t taken over yet.
Lord Howe Island only allows 400 visitors on the island at a time, meaning that it will never feel crowded, and you will always be able to find some spots all to yourself.
Walk to Mutton Bird Point
Finding cheap flights to Lord Howe Island
By far the best way to find cheap flights to Lord Howe Island is to use Qantas Classic Flight Rewards. These would normally need to be booked far in advance, they are like gold dust! However, if you keep searching you should be able to find them, and it is worth it!
At the time of writing the cost of classic reward flight to Lord Howe island from Sydney is 16,000 points and $172 (AUD) per person. Compare this to the normal cost where the return ticket is over $1000 (AUD), it is a huge saving!
The Qantas Link plane is a 32 passenger plane, on the way there we were only 2 of 6 people on the whole flight!
We had heard that sometimes the flights don’t leave if the wind is too high. That does happen a lot, but if you see it is windy on the day you are meant to fly, it doesn’t mean the flight won’t leave as it depends of the wind direction. They day we flew from Sydney to Lord Howe Island, the wind was 40 km/h, and the flight still left on time.
Suggested four day itinerary
We visited Lord Howe Island in mid-May. Some say that this is a cold time to visit, and yes we needed coats in the evening, but during the day it was perfect temperature to hike in shorts, sunbathe and swim in wet suits.
Day1 – arrive in morning, get bearings of the island. In afternoon go to Neds beach for sunbathe, swim, snorkel with turtles and feed the fish.
Day2 – choose a day hike e.g. Mount Eliza.
Day3 – quality chilled day with beach, BBQ and beers
Day4 – if flight is late in the day do a hike on the other side of the island.
Choosing a hike
The island is split up into the Southern, Northern and Central section. Mount Gower is at the Southern Section, and so if you do any hike on the Northern section, you will get the great views of Mount Gower. Lord Howe island website has a great map that is very useful.
Hikes on the Southern Section
Mount Gower trek can only be done with a guide and only runs twice a week (at time of writing), therefore you need to be there on a day where it runs and you’ll need to book ahead. We didn’t do this trek as we weren’t there on a day that it ran. It is considered one of the best day treks in Australia, in my opinion it should be done if you have a whole week on Lord Howe. If you only have half a week then this trek may wipe you out for the whole time!!
Other good options on the Southern Section include King Beach to little island (very flat), Mutton bird point lookout and Goat House Cave.
Kings beach, Lord Howe island
Mutton bird point Lookout
Northern Section day long trek
The treks on the Northern Section provide stunning views of Mount Gower the ‘famous’ view of Lord Howe. We spent a day including most treks on the Northern Section and it was the perfect whole day trek. This will take between 4-6 hours in total. The views were absolutely epic! To follow this route:
Start at the ‘CBD’ or your accomodation if close by
Walk down Lagoon Road to Old Settlement beach
Follow the memorial track and Max Nicholls track (this one is quite steep!) to North Beach (beautiful beach with incredible views)
Visit the old Gulch
Follow the track up to the top of Mount Eliza
Come back up Max Nicholls track onto Kims Lookout
Follow the track to Malabar hill
Carry on down the Malabar Ridge to Neds beach (part of this track goes down a grass hill)
Arrive at Ned’s beach and have a chill or continue to CBD or back to accomodation
North Beach on Lord Howe Island
Top of Mount Eliza
Mount Eliza view point
Rainforest near North Beach on Lord Howe
Accomodation
There are many options available on Lord Howe Island, but it really does get booked up quickly (especially during Covid while no one can travel abroad for holidays!). Accomodation varies from very expensive hotels with their own restaurants (e.g. Capella Lodge, Arajilla Retreat) to mid range hotels (Pinetrees, great reputation but closes in May until spring), to all of the apartments and villas.
We stayed at Ebbtide apartments, and while quite basic, it had a bedroom, lounge, kitchen and deck, it was exactly what we needed as a base. The location was perfect (secret passage to Ned’s beach) a 10 min walk from CBD or 3 min cycle. The owner was lovely and so fun to talk to, she picked us up from the airport and gave us a quick island tour, she also gave us a lift to restaurants for dinner in evenings and back to airport at end of the stay.
The facilities at Ebbtide included snorkel and wetsuit hire, perfect for Ned’s beach! Also the garden was so beautiful and tropical.
Getting around
Normally all of the accomodations on the island will guarantee to pick you up and drop you back off at the airport.
In the evening some accomodations (like Ebbtide) will give you a lift to one of the restaurants on the island providing you have written your name on the board during the day and the time suits you.
Normally the restaurants will give you a lift back to your accomodation after you have finished. They will come around near the end of the night to check who needs a lift.
During the day you will need to make your own way around the island, this can be by walking or cycling. There is a bike hire shop just 5 minutes from the centre (locals call it the CBD). The CBD has a restaurant, a bar, a post office, a couple of clothes shops, a small super market and a butchers. Beware the opening times of each one!
Food and drink
Here are some great places to eat and drink on Lord Howe:
The Anchorage restaurant – Right in the middle of the CBD, The Anchorage restaurant is probably the most popular restaurant on Lord Howe Island. We had most breakfasts, some lunches and 2 dinners here, and we were only on Lord Howe for 4 days! The food is very good and it makes for a lovely evening to have sunset drinks at the cocktail bar and then walk over the road to The Anchorage.
The Crooked Bar – again in the middle of the CBD, The Crooked Bar is a great cocktail bar that allows you to sit on the deck and watch the sunset whilst drinking a delicious cocktail or Lord Howe Island Beer!
Lord Howe Island Golf Club – it is worth at least one meal here to get the absolutely epic views of the sunset whilst having a drink, and trying the delicious fish and chips!
BBQ – Of course most accomodations on the island have BBQ facilities, and if they don’t then you can use one of the many free BBQ spots on the island with epic views! Just make sure to go to the butchers and shop during opening hours (they close for a few hours at lunch etc). I hear the Kingfisher is great on the Barbie!
Overall
Overall Lord Howe Island makes for an absolutely epic and memorable holiday! The mountain views the water are comparable to photos of Bora Bora (without the overwater bungalows of course), and this is one of the few places left on Earth that is virtually untouched.
โโฆso extraordinary it is almost unbelievable… few islands, surely, can be so accessible, so remarkable, yet so unspoilt.โ David Attenborough
It was about time we saw the red Australian desert of the Red Centre and we loved every minute! Carry on reading for our perfect itinerary exploring Uluru driving the Red Centre Way from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia.
Time of year
We visited the Red Centre early April, during Easter period (so that we only had to take 2 annual leave days). The temperature was still very hot during the day, and warm in the evenings. The flies were out during the day but as long as you buy a fly net (they sell them everywhere in the Ayers Rock Resort local shops), then it is better. I would recommend this time of year (autumn), or more into winter period.
Itinerary
Day1 – Fly into Alice Springs
Day2 – Drive Alice Springs to Uluru
Day3 – Uluru
Day4 – Uluru
Day5 – Fly home from Uluru
Day 1 – Driving the Red Centre way around Alice Springs
We flew into Alice Springs on the morning Qantas flight from Sydney. Arriving at the airport at around 11:30am we then picked up the car from from the airport. We used Avis for the car hire and we had absolutely no issues. We hired a 2wd car to drive the red centre way and there wasn’t any places that we wanted to go that we couldn’t, so I don’t think a 4wd is a necessity.
After picking up the car we wasted no time. Grabbed some picnic food from the local IGA and drove straight to the West MacDonald Ranges. There are tonnes to see here but we choose two places. These were:
Ellery Creek Big Hole
Our first stop was the famous Ellery Creek Big Hole (Ellery Creek is a Billabong)! This is about an hours drive from Alice Springs airport, but the roads are so easy to drive. So empty and smooth, a very stress free drive and gives you a good taste of driving the Red Centre Way. There is about 5km from the main road to the Ellery Creek Big Hole car park. It is not on a dirt track, but it is still smooth enough for 2WD (we had 2WD and just drove slower down this part).
Once you get there the creek is just a very short walk to the car park. It is just as stunning as all of the photos. It is definitely worth spending a bit of time here and going for a refreshing dip! We also had some lovely chats with other travellers, a lot of people were on long Campervan trips, and they had the most interesting stories!
Simpsons Gap
We left Ellery Big Hole and started to driving back on the Red Centre roads towards Alice Springs. On the way back we saw a sign for Simpsons Gap and without knowing much about this one, we decided to make the turning. Boy, we are glad we did, this place is so stunning. I actually am so surprised that there is somewhere this beautiful so close to Alice Springs. Simpsons Gap is an amazing red rock gorge, with beautiful water hole that reflects the surrounding rocks. We got here at late afternoon and the sun was quite low. This made the area look such an amazing orange-red colour. Wow!
Evening
We were staying one night at the Hilton Doubletree Alice Springs. This was a nice hotel in a good location. Don’t expect any super luxury hotels in Alice Springs. Personally I think the place is about the surrounding areas not the accomodation. For dinner we asked the hotel reception staff where to go, they recommended the hotel restaurant as its the best in the city. Obviously we thought they were bluffing until we looked it up and Tripadvisor and yep the Hilton has the best rated restaurant in Alice Springs! It is called Hanuman Alice Springs, and yes the food was great! It is a mixture of Indian and Thai, so if you like both of those then this restaurant is for you! The hotel bar is also nice and we stayed there for a few drinks before night time!
Day 2 – Driving the Red Centre Way Alice to Uluru
For brunch we decided to check out the Bean Tree Cafe which is located in the Olive Pink Botanic Garden. We walked from the Hilton Doubletree and it took about 15 minutes, mostly pavement and then into the garden botanical which was really nice to see. The food there is great, and I highly recommend to come here for breakfast. Unfortunately we had to then leave Alice Springs to drive to Uluru. I would definitely come back to Alice Springs to visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary and Alice Springs Desert Park.
Journey from Alice Springs to Uluru
The journey from Alice Springs to Uluแนu-Kata Tjuแนฏa National Park takes around 5 hours. Honestly, there is not much going on in the journey (apart from seeing a 130km sign for the first time in Australia!), but it is almost worth driving the Red Centre way just be able to comprehend the mind-blowing emptiness of the Northern Territory Red Centre. The only signs that you see really are to Adelaide and WA Border! Seeing the red soil is really an iconic moment. Arriving into Uluแนu-Kata Tjuแนฏa National Park, we were first fooled by one rock that we wondered if it was Uluru which apparently many people do, but once we had arrived we saw Uluru from a distance and it was a wow moment!
Accomodation
There is a main town near Uluru which I believe is called Ayers Rock Resort. This is made up of hotels and a few cafes, restaurants, tourist shops and an IGA. We had 3 nights at Sails in the Desert, which we had booked during a 50% off boxing day sale 4 months before. Sails in the Desert is a nice, clean, modern choice of places to stay in the Ayers Rock Resort.
National Park Pass
It is advisable to buy the Uluแนu-Kata Tjuแนฏa National Park pass before you arrive. To get to the hotel area (Red Rock) you do not need the pass, but on route to Uluru or Kata Tjuta, you will need to scan your pass at the entrance barrier, or buy one from the staff at the entrance office. If you buy it ahead of time (just go to the website) you can download it on your phone into your wallet, and it is very easy to scan it at the barriers. We bought one 3 day pass each and the money goes the national park.
Sunset at Uluru
We then headed straight to the sunset carpark for some wow moments! I’m sure there are other great places to watch the sunset other than Sunset car park, but in a way it is a really beautiful moment to experience the sunset with a crowd of people watching it. It almost makes it more special to know how many people had travelled so far to see this phenomenon. The changes in the colours of the rock and the sky are spectacular, and you cannot go to Uluru without watching it at sunset!
Day 3 – Driving around the Red Centre National Park
Kata Tjuta
We used this day to check out the other rock, less famous but equally stunning, Kata Tjuta. Even in early April, day time is HOT! We arrived at Kata Tjuta at midday after a leisurely brunch at the Academy Cafe in the Red Rock Resort area. Then we drove to the end of the road to get to Kata Tjuta.
I can’t explain how nice driving the Red Centre Way is, empty smooth roads with amazing views, perfect. However, be prepared as soon as you exit your car, you will be attacked with hot air and flies! A fly net is a must at this time of the year.
There were some people arriving who were heading to the Valley of the Winds walk. As much as we would have loved to do it, I have learned to feel very content with not doing everything possible. Also at the time of the day we visited Kata Tjuta (midday), it was far too hot to enjoy the walk. We were shocked some people were attempting it!
We admired Kata Tjuta from a few different view points. I have to say even though the view from the distance is amazing, I felt that the closer the better as you really got the sense of the odd shapes and colour of this amazing monolith.
Evening at the Field of Lights
After an afternoon at the pool and a meal at Sails in the Desert, we got on the bus to see the Field of Lights.
We had pre-booked this trip, and at the time of writing it was $39 per person including transport. If you come to the Red Centre you need to come here, it is mind blowing! Making use of the pitch black darkness of the Red Centre Desert, there are more than 50,000 solar powered lights making up this magical field. No words can describe it, no photos can properly capture it, so you need to see it for yourself.
Day 4 – Exploring Uluru – Sunrise and Sunset activities
Today was the day we watched the spectacular sunrise. So we got up early and got to the Sunrise car park 30 minutes before sunrise. You can check the time sunrise will be for you on timeanddate.com/uluru. As we were there early April for us sunrise was at around 6:50am. However, you need to get there before this time to see all of the colours changing even before the sun comes up.
Uluru Base walk
After the amazing sunrise, we drove to Mala car park and completed the Uluru base walk. This is a really good walk to be able to see Uluru up close, each angle is so different!! There is also amazing aboriginal artwork in some spots, this walk is really worth doing. Make sure to do this walk early before it gets too hot, and take plenty of water.
Time to Chill
There are four hotels in Ayers Rock Resort that have swimming pools. Staying at Sails in the Desert allows you to use Pira swimming pool which also has a bar/cafe. This is a great way to spend an afternoon if you want to get some chill time in (in between all of the activities)!
Sunset camel ride
I really didn’t know what to expect from the Sunset camel ride, but it ended up being our favourite activity whilst exploring Uluru. You get picked up from your resort accomodation and taken to the Camel farm, which is only a 5-10 min drive away. Arriving at the farm is like arriving at the set of a Wild Western film, so cool!
The camels are really well looked after here, and the guides are full of amazing facts. It is another really wow moment, being on a camel during the red sunset and Uluru in the background.
After the camel ride there are sunset drinks and homemade bread, included in the cost. This is at their super cool bar called Old Tom’s Waterhole. We actually ended up stay until about 11pm. This because we were enjoying the setting, cheap drinks and they had sausage sizzle BBQ! It really was the perfect last night in the red centre. The Ayers rock resort shuttle also comes to the camel farm as one of the stops very regularly, so this is easy to then get back to the hotels.
After a chilled morning we flew out of the tiny yet extremely convenient airport at Uluru (called Ayers Rock airport). This airport is less than 10 minutes from Ayers Rock Resort! We dropped our car at Avis desk and no issues at all. Unfortunately, we were on the ‘wrong’ side of the plane. This meant we did not get the view of Uluru like the lucky people on the other side did! However, instead we got a spectacular view of seeing the full vast red centre way desert beneath. Flying out of Ayers Rock Airport is amazing, and much cheaper than getting a scenic flight :D.
Overall – Driving the Red Centre Way
Overall it is very worth visiting and driving the Red Centre Way. It is truly the typical Australia everyone dreams of visiting and really exceeded our expectations.
If you have extra time you can also add Kings Canyon onto this itinerary. We would have loved to do a couple of days there. Maybe this gives us an excuse to go back one day :).
