Holidays

Check out Lets Go Surfing for a fun activity when holidaying in Sydney

Gift certificates are a great holiday idea.

One great website to visit for travel information about Australia is Lonely Planet. There are some great photos on the site. The photo below by Oliver Strewe is of children on a rock in Western Australia.

For travel insurance information see this document from SmartTraveller TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Smart Traveller website

This photo is from the National Geographic website. The photo was taken by Mark Larrichia

Tourism Australia has a lot of useful information for people travelling within the country.

The latest campaign by Tourism Australia has seen some mixed reviews.

See the below article from The Age for more information.

No Leave, No Life, no interest?

A Holiday In A Place You Have Never Heard Of

A Holiday in a Place You Have Never Heard Of

Taralga NSW

One of the best rodeos in the Southern Zone Association is held in Taralga on Australia Day weekend each year. Taralga is located about 2 hours from Canberra and you will face some dirt roads to get there.

The action starts with a Campdraft and Yard Dog trials on Saturday and finished with the Rodeo on Sunday.

This event is suitable for adults and children, but its a long hot weekend for spectators so bring plenty of water and a hat.

The Campdraft on Saturday is a demonstration of both a rider and horse's skill. The horse and rider work together to complete a set manouver with a beast and their run is judged by a number of expert riders.

The competitors are awarded points and prize money allocated accordingly.

If your after action and injuries its the rodeo on Sunday that you want to see. Some of Australia's best cowboys and cowgirls are competing for big money and precious circuit points that can gelp get them to the finals. You can witness the quick reaction times of the team ropers and the bravery of bull roders all before the lunch break.

For an idea of what the sport of rodeo is like check out theabove PBR Australian National Final Highlights video.

The view from 'the hill' where non-competitors sit is great and there are side show style attractions for the kids. If your so inclined there are Western wear shops from which you can buy a rodeo hat, Wranglers or boots to fit right in with the locals.

Your accomodation choices are a bit limited. I recommend the free camping on Saturday night and staying right through to Monday morning. All you need is a swag and a change of clothes. There are showers and electricity on the grounds and you can get a meal in the township if you don't feel like a steak sandwich from the BBQ. There is music, entertainment and no shortage of bars located on the grounds. If you get in early you might get a room at the Taralga Hotel.

Proceeds from the Rodeo go to local community enterprises, particulary the local aged care home.

Barrel Racing Image courtesy of the Goulburn Post

Winter Holidays in Sydney

Winter in Sydney has something for everyone

Where to stay

The Grace Hotel located on George Street is the ideal location for those wanting to shop at the nearby Strand Arcade or the huge Westfield behind it. There are all sort of shops dotted along George Street from technology to boutique macaroons.

The Strand Arcade Image courtesty of Peeptoeshoes.com.au

If you want access to the beach I recommend the Crown Plaza in Coogee. Beaches and bars are at your doorstep here and you are only one suburb away from the iconic Bondi Beach.

What to do

Weather in Sydney during winter will rarely prevent you from doing what you wish. Beaches are quiter in the June to September period and you won't have to line up for an hour for your fish and chips. In the evening I recommend grabbing a few mates and a couple of Coronas at the Bondi RSL to watch the tide come in.
For more on Bondi and surrounds, visit Bondi Winter Magic

Bondi to Bronte Walk in Winter Image courtesy of Bondi Winter Magic

If your out and about early take advantage of a morning ferry ride across to Cockatoo Island, home of Australia's Next Top Model Convict Boot Camp, to brush up on your convict history and to get the best sunrise views.

Staying in the Sydney CBD you will be able to get just about anywhere by bus or train. Grab a multi-way ticket for the duration of your stay and make the most of the public transport. If you coming to Sydney by train staying at the Mecure is advisable as it is just across the road from central.

Where to go

Romantic dinner for two? The Mint Cafe next to the State Library in Macquarie Street is worth a try if you want something up market and inner city. Otherwise head down to Darling Harbour and stop at any of the Italian Restaurants where are your guaranteed gorgeous views.

If your after a great night out head to Kings Cross and try to find Beach Haus. Dress your best and good luck getting in the door!

If your in Sydney for more than just the weekend have breakfast at Expresso Bah in Macquarie Street as all the lawyers are on the way to the office. Its a bit of a peacock parade and you'll feel good because your not one of the poor souls going to work.

Vivid Sydney Opera House Image courtesy of CL Huntley Photography