The unique Alice Desert Festival

Australia is a culturally diverse country, brimming with an array of wondrous sights and activities. But there’s no better way to get a unique insight into Australian culture than to attend one of our many fascinating festivals. Boasting everything from scrumptious delicacies to unique musical offerings, here are four favourite festivals for the second half of 2015!

The Margaret River Gourmet Escape
When: 20th to 22nd November, 2015
Where: Margaret River, WA

The Margaret River Wine Region is world renowned for its much loved wine varieties and fine food experiences. As such, the Gourmet Escape Festival is a food and wine lover’s paradise. With events planned across the three days, visitors and guests are treated to a roster of food talent from places as diverse as Russia, Chile, Thailand and elsewhere. With food-based events, free entertainment and plenty of wonderful food stalls, the Margaret River Gourmet Escape Festival is a must-attend culinary delight!

The Taste of Tasmania Festival
When: 28th December, 2015 to 3rd January,  2016
Where: Hobart, TAS

With news of Tasmania’s world-conquering produce industry hitting the headlines, the Taste of Tasmania Festival 2015 is sure to be one of the year’s best food events! Held across a series of venues in the historic Hobart waterfront area, the festival promotes the quality of Tasmanian produce and highlights the very best in fresh food and other goods. With numbers of visitors reaching well into the hundreds of thousands, the festival takes advantage of the end of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. So consider it the perfect addition to a refreshing end-of-year holiday!

The Brisbane Festival
When: 5th to 26th September,  2015
Where: Brisbane, QLD

A major international arts festival, The Brisbane Festival is undeniably one of the state’s premier arts events. The September event is a family friendly and truly refreshing festival of all things artistic, bringing together the best in music, dance and circus ! Since 2009, the Brisbane Festival has enlivened the world-famous city with its eclectic mix of the uplifting and the challenging- so be sure not to miss out on this year’s fun!

The Alice Desert Festival
When: 27th August to 6th September,  2015
Where: Alice Springs, NT

A characteristic and charming Aussie festival, the Alice Desert Festival is the best way to acquaint yourself with the nation’s exotic, desert-based cultures. Boasting a line-up of local and international artists, the festival also offers many community based events and opportunities for family outings.

Poulter Installations is the best place for all your garage, shed, workshop, carport or patio needs. For all your home installation needs, call Poulter today!

East Woody Island

East Woody Island (Dhamitjinya) is a conical 25m high granite peak, lying at the Western end of East Woody Beach. The island is around two hectares in size and is permanently connected to the beach via sand banks. It is a renowned birdwatching area, perfect for the keen native bird spotter looking to witness the glorious airborne sights of rare, local East Woody Island inhabitants.

Activities

Aside from birdwatching there are a plethora of other activities you can undertake around East Woody Beach. The coast is well known for its fishing and crabbing and it also has a car park and picnic area. If the weather and timing is right, you could also catch a good wave on the azure waters of East Woody Beach. The small swell, remote location and remarkable landscape makes East Woody Beach the perfect place for the little ones to have a go surfing in truly Aussie terrain. Simply buy online Elnino softboards in Australia, jump in the car and head on the family road trip of a lifetime. The wetlands are also a site to behold, yet be wary of  crocodiles, which are known to roam around this land. There are a number of opportunities for walking and boating around this rugged landscape.

Access

East Woody Beach is located just 2km north of the bauxite-mining town, Nhulunby, which is just over 1000km drive from Darwin. There is road access via a gravel road at the back of the beach, however, you need a permit from Dhimurru before entering the region. The East Woody Beach area is managed by Dhimurru Land Management Aboriginal Corporation in Nhulunbuy. You should also be wary of tides at your time of visit as this can affect access.

Trip

Travelling through Arnhem land provides you with a great insight into Australian Aboriginal heritage, and allows you to explore raw parts of Australia untouched by development, tourism or business. It is the ideal locale for a family road trip,  a remote adventure with friends or a romantic and secluded getaway with a partner. To make the most of the pristine waters, be sure to buy online foam Enlino surfboards in Australia before setting off. For any other ocean gear you may need for the kids to take advantage of the Northern Territory’s beaches, head to The Grom. Visit the Dhimurru website for more information on travelling to East Woody Beach and gaining permits, or call them on +61 08 8939 2700.

The denouement of 2013 looms ever closer and as we bid farewell to another year, it is the perfect time to recuperate and rejuvenate before crossing over into 2014.  With some time off work and the country summoning you to experience the untouched locales interspersed all throughout her rich body, there’s no excuse not to head off somewhere and have some fun to spontaneously travel in Australia. Travelling is the perfect way to give you something to look forward to and to make the few weeks before Christmas must more enjoyable.  So when we say don’t think just go, we mean that here are a few simple things you should organise before jetting off somewhere to relax and take advantage of the festive season.

Storing Your Belongings

If you are a renter and don’t want to pay unnecessary rent while you go away, it could be an idea to either time your travel plans to coincide with the end of your lease or look for someone on Gumtree to take over your room for the period you’ll be away. This saves a lot of unnecessary expenses, leaving you with more money to spend on your holiday. You could then use self storage lockers in Perth or wherever else you’re from to easily and securely store your belongings. This is a very simple and affordable process that provides you with piece of mind to not have to worry about any form of maintenance or issues with your house while away. Keeping your furniture and personal items in temperature controlled storage ensures it will be kept in pristine condition and will remain safe and sound. Check out Koala Storage before you spontaneously travel in Australia to eliminate any stress or hassle in your travels.

Flights

Being flexible and open minded is one of the best ways to secure yourself cheap flights to a holiday destination in Australia. Simply jump on Webjet and look for the current sales to places in Australia. It is also a great idea to make the most of Jetstar’s Friday Fare Frenzy to grab excellent deals on flights. Also keep in mind Jetstar’s price beat guarantee, because if you find a cheaper flight at a comparable time, they’ll beat it by 10% and include no booking fee. Alternatively, you could hop in the car or hire a caravan and drive around to whichever way the wind blows.

Packing

Because of the  marvellous weather in Australia over Summer, this makes packing incredibly straightforward – simply pack your swimmers, thongs, shorts, dresses and t-shirts and perhaps a jumper in case of cold weather at night. And voilà, you’re sorted!

So what are you waiting for? There’s never been a better time to spontaneously travel in Australia and there’s never been a better country to do it in. Book your flight or your caravan today and experience some of the incredible places nestled in amongst this amazing country.

Aboriginal History

Australia’s indigenous culture is one of the oldest in the world, dating back 50,000-65,000 years. The preservation of Aboriginal communities can be attributed to their ability to adapt and change with the passage of time and their continued passing down of knowledge, arts, rituals and performances through the generations. Elders speak and teach languages to younger generations, and protect cultural materials, sacred and significant sites and objects.

There were about 600 different clan groups or nations of Aboriginal people around Australia when European settlers arrived. The preservation of aboriginal communities’ sacred sites, dreamtime stories, performance ceremonies and  visual arts is key to preserving this ancient and precious culture. Aboriginal tourism has recently emerged as an industry. Through the provision of tours that promote Aboriginal culture and lifestyle, tourists can witness firsthand the rich cultural experience Aboriginal communities offer.

Aboriginal Heritage Sites

Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is the foremost site of Aboriginal cultural tourism in Australia.

Uluru – also known as the red centre, the red monolith or Ayers Rock – is easily the symbol of Aboriginality in Australia and is the doorstep to some of the most ancient and emblematic Aboriginal sites in the country. Tours around Alice Springs allow you to witness the red centre firsthand, and take part in a safari or peer into Aboriginal tradition with the help of arts and other structures. In Alice Springs, be sure to check out the Aboriginal Art Store to experience how Aboriginal artists have passed down their unique and impressive artistic skills through the generations.

The Northern Territory also offers the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park (believed to have 5000 significant rock art sites), the Katherine Gorge and Tennant Creek as ideal sites to visit to experience authentic Aboriginal culture, whether it be in the past or the present.

Aboriginal Sites in the Sydney Region

Sydney surrounds offer a myriad of Aboriginal sites that will give you great insight into Aboriginal Art and Culture. Sites around the Blue Mountains and Sydney’s North Shore are are ideal Aboriginal heritage sites for those who are pressed for time or on a budget. The Sydney region is home to more than 5,500 rock engraving sites, with over 600 of these situated in the inner area of Sydney.

The Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains is a unique and iconic site that is named after the Aboriginal dream-time legend, involving three sisters: Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo. There are also a number of noteworthy burial grounds, quarry sites, rock shelters in the greater Sydney region, including Port Hacking, Balls Head and Hunter Valley.

Aboriginal Rock Art

Aboriginal rock art is by far one of the most important and noteworthy remains of ancient Aboriginal heritage visible in Australia today.

The most prolific and well-known sites to witness ancient Aboriginal rock art include: the Burrup Peninsula and Woodstock Abydos reserves in Western Australia, which are some of the oldest and largest open-air rock sites in the world; engravings in the Olary Region of South Australia, which are the oldest dated rock art on Earth; and the Djulirri rock shelter in north-west Arnhem land.

Observing contemporary Aboriginal artwork is also imperative to view how the art form has changed and adapted over years. It is essential that Australians and travellers alike recognise the importance of indigenous Aboriginals to our country’s past and to its future. Supporting the Aboriginal Arts Gallery and Store is key to acknowledging the important role Aboriginal communities have played in the development of the Australian nation and identity. It is vital that we continue to foster and support Aboriginal communities today through Aboriginal tourism and an appreciation of Aboriginal artwork.

Living in Australia, there is too much culture, history and beauty to be ignored. Despite living in the country itself, Australians very rarely see what this wonderful land downunder has to offer. We’ve got everything from tropical rainforests and glorious beaches, to desolate red deserts and hot climates. We have snow down the south, cyclones up the north, and everything in between. For Australians, travel jobs are the perfect option to see what this great country has to offer. With travel jobs, your work involves travelling to various locations in Australia, and doing your trained job anywhere clients require you. Whether it be a job as a journalist flying across Australia, or a sales rep traipsing across the countryside selling products, travel jobs have everything you could ask for. Now, it’s just a matter of finding a profession that has opportunities for travel, both in and outside Australia. Here’s our top 3.

Travel Jobs: News Reporter

There’s no better way to travel than to be a journalist chasing news stories all over Australia. If there’s a cyclone in Queensland, an election in Canberra, or a royal visit in Perth, you’ll be flown there to cover the story. The exciting life of a reporter involves being prepared to go anywhere at any time, depending on what’s going on in the world. If you’re interested in travel jobs, it doesn’t get much more straightforward than this. Each time you engage in one of your travel jobs, you’ll still have to research the story to stay on top of things, but spend only a couple of hours in total presenting and corresponding with news organisations. That’s plenty of time to check out the local scenery!

Make-Up Artist

Across the country at various points of the year, there are fashion shows, photos shoots and events galore. And what is one of the key features at all of these events? Make-up! If you establish yourself as a qualified make-up artist, magazines and models all over will be calling you up to do the make-up for their photo shoots. Fashion shows will want your expertise backstage, and celebrities will want you styling their skin before red carpet events. You can become a beauty therapist in Sydney by doing an exciting and engaging beauty course with Ella Bache College. You’ll learn important tricks like eyebrow waxing, tanning and manicures, as well as how to do gorgeous make-up of the highest standards. Doing a beauty course in Sydney can set you up for exciting travel jobs and opportunities everywhere!

Sales Rep

A sales representative is one of those travel jobs where you need to really love travelling. Whether it be long drives through the Australian country, or flights to the other side for a conference, sales reps have got a lot of time away from home. Sales can be an exciting yet stressful career. If you’re good with people, can sell a hard bargain, and enjoy travel jobs with a lot of independence, this could be for you. If you’re hired by a company, you go where and sell what they tell you to. If you work for yourself as an Independent Contractor, you choose your own hours, your own schedule, and take yourself all over the country attending appointments, seminars and work related conferences.

Travel jobs in Australia are everywhere – you just have to look for them. You can take almost any trade or profession, and there’s travel hidden in there somewhere. Whether it be make-up, retail, hospitality or media, travelling is something that goes hand in hand with a growing business. So if sitting still in a stale office is your worst nightmare come true, these travel jobs, and many others, will solve all your working problems.

Immunisations or Vaccines

Vaccines are amongst the most vital travel medical check ups as they are the most effective in preventing illness from reaching you in the first place. It is
recommended that you visit your doctor six weeks before travelling overseas (particularly if you are going for more than three months) to check what immunisations or vaccines you may require. The necessary injections vary depending on where you are travelling to, how long for and your previous medical history. Africa, Asia and South America are considered high-risk areas, meaning that getting your necessary vaccines or immunisations done before going to these places is of particular importance. Rabies is common in all of these areas and Hepatitis B, yellow fever and meningitis are particularly pertinent to those travelling to Sub-saharan Africa.

Staying Safe When Travelling

Some of the best tips to avoid getting sick when overseas is to avoid tap water, unwashed fruits and vegetables, unpasteurized milk, raw meat and meals that have been kept at room temperatures or which has been exposed to flies. Furthermore, you should also insect bites by using mosquito nets, staying indoors during dawn and dusk and wearing loose-fitting clothing. You should also avoid having sex with new or unknown partners and ensure you always wear protection.

Post-Travel

Making it home does not necessarily mean you are out of the clear of travel-induced illnesses. Post travel medical check ups are imperative if you don’t feel well or if you think you may have been exposed to harmful substances. Traveller’s diarrhoea (TD) is one of the common ailments, which is best treated by drinking lots of water and being particularly careful with water and food hygiene practices. However, if you are worried that something more serious may be at play, it may be wise to look into Colon Treatments in Melbourne. One of the best ways to clear out your system without the use of drugs, increase your energy levels and relieve symptoms of constipation or bloating is with the help from  a Colon Irrigation Treatments Clinic, Melbourne. To remove waste from the large intestine through colon hydrotherapy and say goodbye to your travel digestive woes, take a visit The Colon Care Clinic upon your return.

When it comes to visiting Australia, there are some things you just have to do. Catch a ferry under the Harbour Bridge, swim in the Great Barrier Reef, see Uluru in the Red Centre. Wherever you come from, or wherever you’re going home to, people will want to tick off an imaginary Australian checklist. Did you see a koala? Tick. Did you go surfing? Tick. What about riding a kangaroo down the main street of Sydney? Tick. No. And nothing beats an Australian experience like a true Australian experience. Luckily for you, we’re true locals here, and we can give you the lowdown on how to fit right in with the real Australian culture…

Road Trip

Nothing says true Aussie like a sweaty summers’ road trip up the east coast of Australia. Byron Bay, Brisbane, Noosa and Cairns are ultimate hotspots that you absolutely have to visit. While travelling, you can hang out with the hippies in Byron – no shoes allowed – or snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef at Cairns. Living out of a van is something all Australians will do at least once. We like to make friends, we like to travel, and we like to hang out on the beach. Road trips are the perfect answer to all your holiday questions. For a real Australian experience, check out Hippie Camper for some campervan heaven.

Surfing

If you don’t surf while in Australia, you can’t say you had a real Australian experience. Surfing is as much a part of Aussie culture as barbeques and shorts. Take away surfing and it’s like taking away the Opera House. Ok, you get the picture. It’s easy to either rent a board, buy some lessons or buy your own board and go crazy. Surf schools operate all along the east coast of Australia, but if you already know how to handle a board, The Grom can fix you up with some cheap boards to trail around Oz. And for the beginner kind, if you’re keen to grab a cheap board for your entire stay, you can buy online Elnino Softboards in Australia, which are easy to use and hard to damage. And if the softboards don’t suit your taste, you can also buy online Elnino Foam Surfboards in Australia. The Grom also has a whole bunch of other neat tricks, like wetsuits, legropes and board racks for the car you’re driving around Australia!

Visit a farm

I know, I know – we just told you to road trip up the coast, surfing, and now we’re encouraging a visit to the farm? Madness. But the Australian experience also incorporates the long farming history that’s kept us going for hundreds of years. Exploring the countryside, seeing the wildlife, and having a go at milking a cow are all a part of the Australian experience. There are a few fun things to do while travelling to a traditional Aussie farm. You can either enjoy a luxury farm stay and put your feet up, or you can go a little more traditional, shearing sheep, meeting locals at the pub and sitting around a bush campfire. Now, that’s an Australian experience!

Australia is one of those crazy, unexpected countries for any tourist. We’re a mash-up of city and beaches, farms and gumtrees, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. To feel like you’re a true local, and experience a diverse Australian experience, these are some of the things you definitely can’t miss.

Whether you and your partner have just retired and want to visit the many places you’ve never even heard of, the family is looking to take an extended holiday to appreciate our rich culture and heritage (not to mention each other), if you’re taking an adventurous gap year after school or university or you’ve just come down under and seek a true Australian experience, caravanning around Australia is the ideal way to see what the country has to offer.

Far more than just the major cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane – although these are well worth visiting – the small rural towns, isolated bush areas, Aboriginal heritage and resplendent natural wonders of Australia are what truly sets us apart from other countries.

The Logistics of Caravanning around Australia

Although it may well be worth your while to hop in a caravan and witness the beautiful nooks and crannies of the country, the difficulties in overcoming logistics of jet setting off around the country may set people back. However, such a caravanning trip may actually be less complex than you think.

With the combined luxury of acting as your transport vehicle and your accommodation, caravanning makes your trip around Australia infintiely easier and cheaper. One of the best ways to keep costs down is to buy a caravan or campervan before setting out on the trip and then if you don’t need it at the conclusion of the trip, simply sell it upon your return for a slightly lower price than what you bought it at. According to Expedition Australia, the average cost of staying in a National Park per night is $12 and the average cost of a caravan park is $28 per night. In comparison to the average cost of a motel at $90 a night, this shows that caravanning will be sure to keep your expenses at a minimum. Having your own kitchen appliances and utensils would also make cooking a much more viable option, thus allowing you to eat cheaper and healthier home-made meals more often.

One of the other main logistics of leaving your daily routine for an extended period of time is the worry of leaving the house, pets, garden or kids. Obviously these would be some of the greatest concerns holding potential-caravanners back from experiencing this once in a lifetime trip. The best advice would be to wait for (or make the most of) a time in which you have limited things holding you back such as kids, study, jobs or elderly parents. Why not bring the pet along with you and if that’s not an option leave it with family or friends you trust. Ask a neighbour to maintain the garden for a small fee and ensure you invest in quality alarm security services to protect your house and contents.

There would be nothing more devastating than returning to an empty house following such a fantastic holiday, so ensure you look into Network IP Video Surveillance Services in Australia before departing. With a huge range of alarm, monitoring, camera and security services, ADACs would ensure your house is completely secure – leaving you with the piece of mind to focus solely on making the most of the splendours Australia has to offer.

Hospitality working holiday

So you’ve tried your hand at pouring a beer and want to bartend your way around Oz? Too easy. Most hospitality industries will require a few basics, such as your Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate. Each state in Australia has its own version of an RSA, but there are companies who help by training you before you come over. TCP Training offers an online RSA course that is valid in all states of Australia. Hospitality industries love travellers, so any restaurant, bar or nightclub will be happy to check out your resume. There are also a number of agencies that can line you up with a job before you commence your working holiday, if you prefer guaranteed employment.

Health care working holiday

Are you already qualified as a doctor or nurse? There are a number of ways you can secure employment in Australia, that can eventually lead to full-time work and residency – in case you fall in love with the sunny country. Intensive care nurse jobs in Sydney or Melbourne are becoming some of the most popular professions for travellers in Australia. Plexus Recruitment is one of the agencies dedicated to providing employment for qualified nurses. Both local Australians and nurses from abroad are encouraged to go through Plexus for the simplest ways to find Nurse Jobs. They offer a free recruitment service for overseas nurses wanting to work in Australia, as well as a registration and migration team to set you up with your visa.

Travel and tourism working holiday

If you’re looking for a way to incorporate travel with work, there are stacks of jobs that get you on the move. Tourism jobs are a great way to meet new people and get paid to take others on treks around Australia. Mojo Surf runs surf trips up the east coast of Australia, and involves showing other travellers a good time. They have flexible hours, flexible roles, and a whole lot of fun times. If you want to experience the country life, jobs as fruit pickers and farm hands are a great way to see some of the raw outback experiences of Australia. As a working holiday traveller, you can work with them for a short period, before moving on to somewhere else. Queensland fruit picking jobs would be the pick of the bunch, because its always sunny in the sunshine state.

Going on a working holiday in Australia is one experience you’ll never forget. The friends you’ll meet, the places you’ll see and the adventures you’ll have make a working holiday the perfect option. Applying for a working holiday visa is easy, and gives you the opportunity to earn money in fun settings, while supporting your travels around Oz. So stop browsing the Australian tourism pages, and book your flight over already!

Aboriginal Art

All Aboriginal artists speak from the heart, and capture the magic that is Aboriginal culture and Dreaming. Regardless of where in Australia you find yourself, there is an artistic experience for all. And trust me, its not something you want to miss. If you’re in Western Australia, the myths, rituals and spiritualities are shared through ancient rock art like the Bradshaw paintings in the Kimberley. These paintings are believed to be up to 60 000 years old, and were created using the tail feathers of birds. Close to the town of Derby, the new Mowanjum Art Centre – Spirit of the Wandjina – has been designed to create a genuine meeting point between local people and visitors to the area, and is remarkable both inside and out.

If you are in Sydney, there is a different art form that is absolutely worth experiencing. Bangarra Dance Theatre is Australia’s leading Indigenous performing arts company, and projects the spirit and stories of Aboriginal culture through powerful movement and music. The talented and distinctive company presents performances that combine the spirituality of traditional culture with modern story-telling.

Aboriginal Artists

Of course, if you find yourself totally absorbed in the Aboriginal culture and history, you can have your own piece of The Dreaming too. The Aboriginal Art Store is a beautiful gallery specialising in art from the very heart of Australia. The Centre offers contemporary works by Aboriginal artists of the Central and Western Deserts. It uniquely combines a large showroom in Alice Springs with a rich and informative online gallery, so that viewers anywhere can enjoy this exceptional art and historical beauty. Through this powerful form of Aboriginal art, you can learn more about the Aboriginal artists, their traditional lands and culture. It’s a part of Australian heritage that continues to share wonders with the rest of the world.