Perhaps one of the most frequent questions we get asked at Experience Oz - from both domestic and international travellers alike – is “When is the best time of year to visit (destination X)?” The question isn’t asked without reason; with full time jobs, our holiday time throughout the year is limited – not to mention the price of travel never exactly being a cheap affair if you’re looking to have a substantial trip  - so it’s logical to try and research the best season to make your travel plans. 

Thus, we took it upon ourselves to contact a bunch of our sources and contacts in various tourism authorities, travel organisations and tour operators for some of Australia and New Zealand’s most popular (or most desirable) holiday destinations and get their insider information on the top time to visit such large locations as Sydney, Cairns, and Melbourne down to specific hot spots like Kangaroo Island, Noosa, and Lady Elliot Island. We grilled each authority on the best and worst points of each season, and used their decades of combined travel knowledge to put together our new “The Best Time to of Year Travel to Australia’s Top Destinations Guide” based on their feedback – if you’re planning a trip to any of the below listed destinations, we hope it will help you make a decision to get the best balance between a great experience and bang for your buck.

We’ll be releasing each one of the guides to each locale over the coming months, with the full guide set to include the following destinations:

• Ayers Rock / Uluru
• Alice Springs
• Airlie Beach
• Byron Bay
• Darwin
• Daydream Island
• Exmouth
• Fraser Island
• Gold Coast
• Hunter Valley
• Kangaroo Island
• Lord Howe Island
• Lady Elliot Island
• Margaret River
• Melbourne
• Noosa
• Port Douglas
• Perth
• Queenstown
• Sydney
• Sunshine Coast
• Tasmania
• The Whitsundays
• Western Australia

Be sure to check out the Best Time to Travel in Australia guide index page for information on each individual location, with the recommendations based on a variety of factors such as weather, seasonal wildlife features, price of accommodation, school holiday times and much more. Stay tuned as each article is updated over the coming weeks – and as always, if you have any questions or requests for information on when is the best time to travel to other destinations you’d like added to the list, feel free to sound off in the comments section below or visit the Experience Oz Facebook page for more detailed discussion!

The cruise is being touted as the ultimate way to commemorate the 100th year since the famous Gallipoli landings by Australian diggers back in World War I, kicking off with a pre-departure black tie ball in Fremantle, Western Australia before leaving Aussie shores at the nearby port of Albany – just like the veterans did when heading off to war a nearly a century ago. The ship will make several stops at many of the essential highlights and landmarks in some of the most historical countries in Europe and Africa along the way, giving guests the chance to see the likes of the Pyramids, the Colosseum and the grand temples of Istanbul during their voyage.

The luxurious vessel MSC Poesia aims to carry the lucky passengers – with a maximum capacity of 2,550 – in both comfort and style, with a variety of grades of rooms and share options available from the conservatively comfortable to the strikingly lavish. The ship boasts a number of extravagant and impressive features on board including a host of 5-star lounges, bars, restaurants, swimming pools and various other entertainment options, including a detailed historical photo gallery with imagery of Aussie war veterans from past military engagements throughout the world. Couple this with several Australian media celebrities on board to provide their own entertainment – such as the likes of Bert Newton, Daryl Braithwaite, Kate Cebrano and John Williamson – and there’s no expense that’s been spared on the 2015 Gallipoli cruise. 

So just how much money will you have to fork out to be part of this little slice of history? You may want to hide your wallet for this one – the minimum possible price per person for the entry level “Petrarca” cabin (which ranks 1 out of 12 possible levels of room grade) will set you back $5,685 per person – and that’s if you’re willing to share with 3 friends. The twin “saver” fare in the same grade of room that is most likely to appeal to fiscally-conscious couples will cost you $7,581 per person, and the price continues to rise with each additional grade of room – all the way up to the deluxe Alfieri suite with balcony option that will set you back a cool AUD $93,784 per head – and there are 18 of these available on board! (you do the math).

However, if you’ve got the spare change and a desire to be part of ANZAC history, the Gallipoli Cruise in 2015 is set to be a momentous occasion – and the dawn service that will take place is likely to be an unforgettable moment. For more information, visit www.gallipolicruise2015.com.au.

The waterfall at Natural Bridge

While not actually a “bridge” so to speak – the central part of the attraction is a large cave that is perpetually draped in a rather stunning waterfall – the area is nonetheless relatively under-visited given the huge number of tourists who visit the Gold Coast each year. Also known as “Natural Arch” (which, given what it actually looks like, is probably a better name!), this area of the greater Springbrook National Park is meticulously maintained to keep it in pristine condition by local authorities who realise the true value of this local natural treasure. The arch itself is reached via a relatively easy 1 kilometre walk through some of the lushest and most rich rainforest in the South-East Queensland region, and during your mini-hike towards the end goal you’ll no doubt be amazed by the peace and quiet enveloping you on all sides (aside from pleasant bird calls) all just a short drive from some of the rowdiest nightclubs in the country.

The walking track towards the waterfall and cave

Upon arrival at the end of the track, you’ll come across the combined bridge/cave feature that has become the focal point of numerous Gold Coast tourism brochures and postcards, once you see it in person, it’s not hard to see why – the fall itself is often bathed in sunlight which produces an outstanding “ripple” effect as the water cascades into the maw of the waiting creek below. It’s a spot that you simply have to bring your camera along to – and we mean CAMERA, not mobile phone, as it takes a proper lens to truly do the waterfall justice – and is photogenic at almost any time throughout the day.

Click to view a full road map to Natural Bridge

If you’re looking to travel to Natural Bridge from Surfers Paradise or any of the other popular beachside accommodation suburbs on the Gold Coast, you have several available options. The first, obviously, is to drive yourself – as mentioned above, expect roughly a 45 to 50 minute journey by car from the main tourist strip. To get there, you’ll want to head west from the Gold Coast Highway to merge onto the Pacific Highway heading north and take exit number 69 at Nerang onto Nerang-Murwullimbah Road for 38 kilometres before turning left into the entrance to Springbrook National Park; this is both the most direct and least-windy way to reach the Natural Bridge as the alternate “scenic” routes can be tricky to navigate (but also quite beautiful). Rent-a-car options are available in Surfers Paradise from the likes of Budget (Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise), Avis (Cypress Ave, Surfers Paradise), Thrifty and Europcar (both located on Surfers Paradise Boulevard) and several other smaller locations throughout the city.

Alternatively, while there is no public transport available that runs to Springbrook, there are multiple tour companies who specialise in not only access, but also exploration, of Natural Bridge and its surrounding national park. Tours that include both transport and guided access packages start at around $85 per person for a half-day tour, with many also offering evening options that feature the area’s famous Glow Worm Caves as a central highlight.

Lastly, if you’re simply looking to get picked up from your accommodation and dropped off at the National Park, a shuttle bus that takes you directly from your hotel is also available for $20 per person each way ($40 return). Transfer times vary based on both demand and your accommodation location, so be sure to check beforehand prior to booking.

Regardless of if you’re a local looking for something different or a first-time visitor wanting to get a taste of something more natural and substantial while holidaying on the Gold Coast, the Natural Arch is an easy choice – and our prime pick for “Best Natural Attraction on the Gold Coast” for the foreseeable future.

It would seem that Australia’s southernmost (and only island) state is finally getting some long-overdue love from the international community. With Tasmania recently named one of the “World’s Up and Coming Travel Destinations for 2013” by popular international travel guide Lonely Planet, we thought it only fitting to put together our list of essentials to include on any itinerary for those wanting to visit Tassie in the near future. 

Focusing specifically around the Hobart, Port Arthur and Launceston regions, we’ve hand-picked what we believe are the best ways to experience the highlights Tasmania has to offer if you’re operating on both a limited schedule and budget. So, here’s our list of the best places to visit in Tasmania for 2013 and a suggestion of what order to visit them in:

• Hobart – As most people will likely use either Hobart of Launceston Airports as their landing destination, Hobart is the first choice as the top port of call. Due to its location and proximity to a number of great nearby natural attractions, Hobart serves as the ideal springboard to explore the treasures that Tasmania has to offer. Don’t sleep on Hobart itself however; the city makes for a tourist attraction in its own right, with a maritime charm that is reflected in its fresh atmosphere and colonial heritage. The city has a range of things to see and do – most of which focus on the relaxed rather than adrenaline end of the scale – such as exploring its range of botanic gardens, art galleries, historic landmarks and harbour side attractions. Plenty of tours are available that will take you to see all the highlights of the city over either a full or half day, depending on how much time and money you want to spend.

• Bruny Island: This stunning – and cruelly under-marketed – destination off Tasmania’s coast is a haven for spectacular geographic views, and has been rated as one of Australia’s best tourist attractions three years in a row. It’s also home to some of the region’s best wildlife, with marine animals and birds such as dolphins, seals, whales, albatross and a huge variety of fish to be found in the waters nearby. It should also be mentioned that the geology of Bruny Island is likewise spectacular; cascading waterfalls and blowholes power their way into the sea, and viewing them from a cruise boat or other ocean vessel makes for some spectacular photo opportunities. 

• Port Arthur: One of the true reminders of Australia’s original colonial and convict heritage, Port Arthur is a standing testament to where we’ve come from and where we are as a nation today. With its combination of outstandingly preserved architecture and lush natural surrounds all in the one area, it’s the perfect spot for a day tour from Hobart for those who have even an inkling of interest in history. Packages are also available that will combine a visit to the historic site with a cruise on the pristine waters of neighbouring Carnarvon Bay which will provide a different point of view of the site while also circling the nearby picturesque “Isle of the Dead”.

• Cradle Mountain National Park: – Launceston’s impressive Cradle Mountain is visually impressive in itself; however if you take the steps to venture into its World Heritage-protected National Park, you’ll realise just what a gem it truly is. Easily reachable from Launceston city, the national park is home to some spectacular scenery – tumbling waterfalls feed rushing fresh water creeks, lush rain forests, glacial lakes and plenty of fragile and unique wildlife such as echidnas and platypus complete the experience. Tours that take you to Cradle Mountain National Park are simply a must while in the Launceston region. 

So there you have it – our top things to do when visiting Tasmania! In addition, if you’re looking for additional tours, attractions, activities and other things to do in both Hobart and Launceston, be sure to check out their region pages on Experience Oz.

Divided up by state, you’ll be able to view details on season start and end dates, tour prices, package deals and more for whale watching for each state of Australia it’s available including:

• QLD
• NSW
• VIC
• WA
• SA and
• New Zealand

Each state offers its own special take on whale watching, with some boasting longer seasons with higher whale names, while others can add other rarer species of whales such as Minke Whales and Sperm whales into the mix. Who knows – if you’re lucky, you may even see the famous white humpback, Migaloo! To view detailed information on all the top whale watching locations from Hervey Bay to Exmouth, the Sunshine Coast to Broome and much more, click the jump for more information and to pre-book a whale watching adventure online today before numbers quickly fill up!

• The Great Barrier Reef - April offers all the watery fun of the Great Barrier Reef with much less of the humidity that can leave you drenched in sweat during summer. Clear skies combine with calm waters to make it the ideal month of the year to get out and explore the greatest natural Wonder of the World that Australia has to offer, with glass-bottom boat tours in particular being a top choice this time of year. Due to its size, the Great Barrier Reef is accessible from numerous departure points that serve as a great springboard for enjoying its waters and islands such as Cairns, Port Douglas and the Whitsundays – simply take your pick and then get out and explore!

• Ayers Rock / Uluru / Kakadu - While the so-called “Heart of Australia” looks spectacular any time of year, April’s cooler weather (combined with far fewer number of flies than summer!) and sunny skies make it an extremely popular month for making a pilgrimage to Uluru or the nearby rock formation of the Olgas. Both geological wonders are known for their characteristic red colouring, and the clear air only serves to enhance the spectacle of each during the best times of the day – sunrise and sunset. If large rocks aren’t really your thing, you can still enjoy the bounty of the Northern Territory at nearby Kakadu National Park, which stands as a living testament to the diversity of the Australian environment. A day trip to Kakadu will reveal to you one of the most varied yet delicate ecosystems in the country; one that is teeming with native Aussie plant and animal life as well as spectacular waterfalls tumbling into eagerly-waiting pools below.

• The Barossa Valley - South Australia’s famed wine country is at its best during April, with the Vintage Wine Festival taking place during this month that serves as a showcase of not just the wines but also the carnivals, dance events, and rich local produce that have made the region increasingly popular. As a place with a distinctly European feel, it’s a great choice of travel destinations for those who aren’t too keen on either the typical beach/island or rugged outback choices.

Click here to read the full Where to Travel in Australia in April article, or book tours to each of these destinations, on Experience Oz.

He’s also released multiple singles that gained multi-platinum status, and has performed for such big names as Oprah Winfrey, Queen Elizabeth and even the Pope (well, former Pope). Sebastian is known for his soulful live performances that incorporate elements of many different musical styles including pop, R&B, funk, soul, jazz, and even gospel into his catalogue, and has received rave reviews from audiences both domestically and internationally alike. Sebastian isn’t just a musical powerhouse, however; he’s also got strong ties and investments in charity and non-profit causes such as World Vision Australia and the Australian Red Cross among others.

Tickets are now on sale to see Guy Sebastian in his Jupiters Casino performance – you can purchase them online by clicking the link below; but be sure to hurry as this one-off show is sure to sell out quickly!

However, with every software developer trying their hand at coming up with the latest and greatest travel app, the huge flood of apps available on both the Apple Store and Google Play has made weeding out the good from the bad somewhat more of a painful task than it should be. We’ve taken it upon ourselves from personal travel experience to put together our Top 5 “Best Travel Apps for 2013″ to try and make things a little easier for you, along with a list of pros and cons for what each one brings to the table. Click the following link to read the full Best Travel Apps article that breaks each of these down in further detail.

• TripAdvisor -
  • Pros: Huge database of real reviews from real people provides the most unbiased source of information available; all-in-one information and booking source offering flights and hotels; GPS geo-location feature is extremely handy; site does their best to weed out spam and fake reviews.
  • Cons: Requires a Wi-Fi or other internet connection to use; not accessible offline; app pulls the “full website” version into the small mobile phone screen when booking hotels.

• Kayak -
  
  • Pros: Comprehensive booking app for flights, hotels and car rentals all in one; vast catalogue of of hotels available in most countries with competitive prices; good itinerary planner feature with flight and tour times integrated.
  • Cons: Requires Wi-Fi or other internet connection to use, not accessible offline; some flight and accommodation providers that offer low prices missing from database.

• Google Translate: 
  • Pros: Huge number of languages available; translation continues to get more and more accurate as time goes on; offers both text and voice functions for input and output; lightweight and simple to use.
  • Cons: Longer sentences can still be hit or miss; have to type direct, basic, literal phrases so as not to confuse with colloquialisms; requires internet connection.

• Unit Converter: 
  • Pros: Converts more than just currency; great for using while shopping abroad to avoid going over budget or getting ripped off; converts distances, weights, power wattages and much more.
  • Cons: Requires consistent updates for currency conversion figures to be accurate given constantly changing exchange rates.

• Perfect World Clock:
  • Pros: No internet connection required; allows selection of multiple clocks in multiple countries to be displayed as widgets; large, clear display that allows the setting of individual alarms for each timezone, helping with jet lag.
  • Cons: Have to ensure your phone’s local handset time is completely accurate.

If you have any favourite travel apps that you love that you’d add to this list, be sure to let us know in the comments below or by sounding off on our Experience Oz Facebook page!

Sydney Harbour in 1872…

… and Sydney Harbour today in 2013.

The exhibition features a compilation of images of Sydney and its surrounds commissioned by German entrepreneur, who once made his money during the gold rush period of Australia in rural New South Wales, and who employed a series of photographers to catalogue many of the key developing areas of Australia’s then-fledgling cities. While the 19th-centure black and white photos of Sydney Harbour may not be much to look at now, they were taken using the then-latest in photographic equipment, with Holtermann taking the above picture himself from the balcony of his Sydney residence. 

Today, Sydney Harbour forms the focal point of the city’s still-thriving tourism economy, with the continued development of its foreshore and the addition of numerous modern-era office buildings and skyscrapers making it one of the most desirable living destinations not only in Australia, but also the world. For those planning to visit or to take part in some of the best tours, attractions, activities and more in and around Sydney Harbour, be sure to check out our things to do at Sydney Harbour section!

Here’s the list of Gold Coast Valentine’s Day cruises on offer:

• Sea World Cruises: Head out from the famous Sea World cruise terminal and travel along the beautiful Gold Coast broadwater with Sea World Cruises on their Valentine’s Day cruise. This luxury 1.5 hour calm water cruise includes a cheese platter and glass of wine or beer on arrival aboard their renowned luxury cruise vessel with a licensed on board bar. Tickets are on sale at $59 per person, for bookings call 1300 935 532..

• Gold Coast Island Adventures: Enjoy return transfers aboard a high-speed catamaran cruise to McLaren’s Landing on the popular South Stradbroke Island. You’ll get to participate in numerous fun activities including live entertainment, wallaby and kookaburra feeding as well as dining on a delicious tropical BBQ buffet lunch. Tickets are priced at $69 per person. Click below to book online now. 

•  Wyndham Cruises: Enjoy a romantic evening with the city’s longest-running river cruise company and cruise the glittering waters of the Gold Coast’s canal system with a 1 hour Valentine’s Day twilight pre-dinner cruise. The cruise includes a glass of champagne on arrival, along with cheese platters and drink specials available from the licensed on-board bar. Departs from the heart of Surfers Paradise at 6:00pm; tickets on sale for $35 apiece. Click below to book online now.

• Rivers Cruises: Soak up the romance on the Gold Coast’s sparkling waterways and enjoy a delicious seafood & international buffet dinner followed up with a special Valentine’s Day dessert. Spoil your special someone with a combination of great views, tasty seafood and complimentary glass of champagne. Tickets on sale for $99 each, for bookings call 1300 935 532.

Plenty of great cruises and plenty of choice; make your Valentine’s Day for 2013 on the Gold Coast one to remember by booking one of the options above!