These days, whisky has evolved into a smoother, rounder and much more sophisticated libation. Australia has not generally been renowned for whisky in comparison to Scotland, Ireland, America and Canada. This is changing, however, as Australia’s burgeoning whisky industry is now recognised as one of the world’s best boutique examples of proficiency and craftsmanship. In fact, Australian whiskies are starting to prove formidable competition to larger established distilleries the world over. Recently, three Australian whiskies were named ‘liquid gold’ by The Whiskey Bible, a world renowned compendium of whiskies that featured over 1000 types in its 2015 edition.

But it’s the island of Tasmania that has whisky connoisseurs sitting up and taking notice. Tassie’s superior quality whiskies are defining themselves as a global leader. At the recent World Whisky Awards in London, Sullivan’s Cove American Oak won best Australian single malt 13-20 years. The smooth malt impressed judges for the third year in a row with its fruity nose displaying characteristics of musky apricot and pineapple, along with slabs of heather honey. A touch of malt and oak prove a lovely combination, lightly herbal with oil vanilla and herbal spices. Tasmania’s Sullivan Cove also took out the best Australian single malt prize for their French Oak Cask. At 12 years of age, it balances oak and musk with a grape-like and fig nose. Jasmine, frangipani and tropical flowers complement a touch of pepper, chocolate and tea leaves.

Overall, Sullivan’s Cove Distillery was named Craft Distiller of the year and local legend, Bill Lark – the man behind leading Tasmanian whisky company Lark Distillery – was inducted into the whisky hall of fame for his services to the industry. Considering the many thousands of craft distillers across the globe, Tasmania has proven they are a formidable and burgeoning whisky producer. Up to 10 whisky distilleries operating around Tasmania and attracting whisky tourists for exclusive tours.

According to Bill Lark, one of the secrets to this small island producing such superior whisky is its conducive climate – Tasmania enjoys seasonal variation and diurnal changes in temperature, which aid the maturation process. Locally grown traditional brewing barley also brings a richness of malt and flavour to the whisky. Finally, much of the success is owed to the dedication of Tasmanian whisky producers who are passionate about producing a high quality product to be enjoyed the world over.

Be sure to try out one of Tasmania’s critically acclaimed malts or whisky’s and appreciate the fruits of our island state’s labour for yourself.

Hif Australia is the Health Fund of Australia, providing affordable health cover with a range of options to suit your individual needs. 

After having visited the island myself last week I can offer some helpful travel tips to make the most of this phenomenal island. Here are the most important things to keep in mind when visiting Tasmania’s premier travel destination.

1. Rent a Car or Van

This is one of the mistakes I made myself so am well aware of the annoyances of not having a car on the island. The idea that Bruny Island is still relatively undiscovered means that tourism hasn’t completely taken off. To overcome this catch-22 of small crowds but limited transport options, travellers to the island should ensure they have a vehicle. Having made a spontaneous decision to head to the island and having done very little research prior to our visit there, my friends and I were shocked when we boarded the ferry to Bruny Island as the only walk-on visitors, surrounded by a sea of vehicles. The friendly old man on the ferry confusedly asked us how we were planning on getting around the island once there considering there is no public transport from the ferry terminal. Thankfully we found a friendly traveller who was happy to give us a lift and help us find accommodation, but this did mean that we had to be flexible anddidn’t get to all of the most popular and beautiful areas of the island. We still had an incredible time regardless, but made a pact to return to the island one day with a car to guarantee a more comprehensive and enjoyable experience.

2. Do a Walk

Bruny Island offers a huge suite of incredible walks through sweeping plains, across unparalleled coastlines and in unique national parks. Some of the highlights include South Bruny National Park, Fluted Cape, the Neck (see photo above), the Luggaboine Circuit and Cape Queen Elizabeth.

3. Wine and Dine

On top of getting shucked at Bruny Island’s renowned Fresh Oyster farm, there are also a myriad of other fine wining and dining experiences for travellers. Highlights featuring fresh local produce include the Bruny Island Berry Farm and the the Cheese Company. For those with a few extra dollars in the piggy bank to make the most of local produce and the stunning views all in one, the Bruny Island Premium Wines Bar and Grill is another sure-fire addition to the itinerary.

The beauty of Bruny Island is that there are so many areas to explore, so few people and so much incredible local produce to enjoy. As well as planning some tours or river cruises in advance, it is also easy to simply go for a drive through the phenomenal landscape. Explore the nooks and crannies of the island and find your own unique and secluded spot at which to soak up the sun, sand and isolated wilderness.

United Global Sim is a low-cost way to stay connected while overseas. 

There is more to Salamanca and the surrounding area than the market, and as a Tasmanian, I’d like to share with you the places I enjoy in Salamanca, the neighbouring Battery Point and the Hobart Wharf.

A short stroll from the Salamanca market is the beautiful Battery Point Princes Park playground, or the ‘boat park’ as the locals call it. It’s a beautiful park with a pirate ship for the kids and manicured lawns perfect for a picnic.

If you are feeling energetic you could take a walk up Battery Point’s famous Kelly’s steps. Built in 1840 by James Kelly, the steps join Battery Point to Salamanca Place. An architectural landmark in Hobart, the steps will take you to one of Hobart’s oldest suburbs, full of charming cottages and gardens.

Located across the road from the historic Salamanca buildings is the Hobart wharf, the second deepest natural port in the world. It’s home to the Australian and French Antarctic research vessels, fishing vessels and the beautiful circa 1798 Lady Nelson replica ship. The Lady Nelson sails twice each Saturday and Sunday and is a wonderful way to experience the Derwent River. If you are lucky you may see whales and dolphins, depending on the time of year.

The Hobart wharf is also home to Mures, Hobart’s best seafood restaurant. The business prides itself on fresh ‘hook to plate’ seafood. This means that the seafood you are served is caught that morning and if you are early, you can even watch it being unloaded from the fishing boats.

When it comes to food, you will not be disappointed in Tasmania, local fresh produce and plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from. Tucked away in Salamanca’s Peacock Theatre Foyer is a little cafe called Tricycle. It’s my favourite spot for morning tea with friends. Try it out.

When you’re looking for accommodation I suggest looking at the old jam factory. Built in 1804, the warehouse was home to H. Jones and Co. Pty. Ltd. IXL, one of of Australia’ most successful companies. The jam may be long gone, but in 2004, the warehouse was brought back to life and is now the site for The Henry Jones Art Hotel, a truly unique place to stay.

Hobart is only 2,575 km from the Antarctic mainland, so it is cold. Strolling around Salamanca and the wharf is beautiful but you need to be warm. Wearing warm clothing is my number one tip.

This area of Tasmania is truly beautiful. It’s a great place to unwind, breath some fresh air (the cleanest in the world) and it’s a great place for families and those needing time away from the hustle and bustle of busy city life.

Relax, explore and enjoy Tasmania.

This article on Travelling in Australia was bought to you by Neptune Marine Services.

No, wild bears are much more of an American thing.

Source: Without a Paddle (film)

Instead, in Australia, you will find solitude, serenity, silence and a diverse range of fragrances coming together from all the fresh flora that Australia has on offer.

Australia is blessed with having a plethora of amazing wildlife and plants. In Tasmania, we’ve got the rare and endangered species of Tasmanian Devils roaming about in the woods at night as well as friendly wallabies, snakes and majestic wedge-tail eagles.

A particular favourite of mine in terms of flora is Mt Field National Park in Tasmania because the dry climate ensures a fantastic blend of trees and ferns. The tall trees walk certainly feels like you’re venturing into the heart of the Australian woods. There is the sound of rushing water in the distance, coming from the famous Russell Falls and Horseshoe Falls. The air is clean, the walking tracks is empty and all around you are unfathomably tall alpine trees, looming over you, watching you, guarding you.

From traditional gumtrees to fragrant alpines, Australia’s diverse climate is home to many types of trees. It is this blessing that allows our manufacturers and craftsmen to create a range of excellent quality and sturdy wood works. From candle holders to plates to coasters to clocks, Australian local markets are often packed with magnificent, earthy creations such as those sold by Australian Woodwork.

A company that is deeply familiar with woodworking is Bench Standard and they provide great advice on the intricacies of the craft from biscuit jointing to dovetail joinery.

The materials you can get in Australia are venerable in their quality and sturdiness. When visiting Australia, I would definitely recommend taking one of these remarkable works back with you to add to your mantlepiece. Or for the more daring and hands-on people, why not try to make one for yourself? We’ve got the tools and supplies for you to take your very own piece of Australia home.

For lovers of scenery who haven’t visited the gym in a while, here are the top Tasmanian walks where you get the new artistically scenic profile picture without looking sweaty and red-faced:

Dove Lake Circuit – Cradle Mountain

Tasmania renowned for Cradle Mountain. The Overland track from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair was listed on Buzzfeed’s ’16 Astounding Backpacking Trips To Add To Your Bucket List‘. But if 80km and six days hiking is likely to leave you collapsed on the floor in the middle of nowhere calling for your mother, then the Dove Lake Circuit is more suited to you.

Hire and car and take the 2.5 hr drive from Launceston to Cradle Mountain – it’s a mountainous drive but there’s also a sense of adventure in knowing you’re driving further and further into the wilderness.

Once there, you’ll need to buy a park pass (as with all Tasmanian national parks) and with it, a free shuttle will take you to the last stop – Dove Lake. The entire walk (return)  is just under 6 km and about 2 hours long. It’s generally quite flat with a few hills and stairs but with plenty of rest-stops to sit in awe of your surroundings, the walk is definitely doable. There’s always a pathway so you won’t have to beat your way through bushes and most of the time, the pathway is a boardwalk.

Along the way, you’ll see a plethora of landscapes and flora. One moment you’ll be on a little beach dipping your toes in crystal-clear water and the next you’ll be surrounded by thick, magical forest.

If your time allows, you can also fit the lovely Enchanted Walk, which is about 20 minutes through what looks like a fairy’s home. But though lovely, this walk pales in comparison to Dove Lake and you’ll regret having gone all the way to Cradle Mountain only to have done the 20-minute walk.

Wine Glass Bay Lookout – Freycinet National Park

Out of these three walks, Wine Glass Bay is probably the most difficult. Keep in mind that there is a hill to climb up to get to the lookout point. There is a point where you might get a little delirious in the face of a seemingly never-ending set of stairs. But once you reach the look-out, filled with very friendly tourists, you’ll see that it’s worth it.

The water is crystal clear, the sand is white and the surrounding mountains and rocks are spectacular. The amount of gigantic boulders that surround the walk are reminiscent of a Fred Flintstones cartoon.

Walking down to the beach at Wine Glass Bay is definitely recommended- if you managed to survive the uphill, the downhill walk should be a breeze. Have a swim (or even a snorkel!), meet a wallaby and her baby (just don’t feed it!) and mingle with friendly people from all around Australia and the world.

The walk to and from the beach is about 2-3 hours but be sure to take a rest at the beach for a few hours as a reward to yourself! The walk to and from the lookout is about 1-1.5 hours. Again, you’ll need a park pass.

After the walk, Honeymoon Bay is a perfect place to relax with sand, giant rocks to lie on and crystal clear water.

Russell Falls and HorseShoe Falls – Mt Field

An hour drive from Hobart, the walk to Russell Falls is certainly the easiest out of these three walks. Apparently the most photographed waterfall in Australia, Russell Falls is an easy 400 metres away from the Visitor Centre. For so little work, you’ll feel like you cheated when your eyes catch hold of the glorious, towering waterfall. The steep stair climb to the top of the falls is optional and if you make it, a quick minute or so detour will take you to the lovely HorseShoe Falls.

So there you have it – the best of Tasmania’s scenery without the agony! Don’t forget to take pictures of magical landscapes to show people how athletic and meaningful you are!

Check out what else Tasmania has on offer.

Falls Festival

Falls Music and Arts festival is a fun and funky three day festival located in three gorgeous, remote locations across the country. The three locations are Marion Bay, Tasmania, Lorne, Victoria and Byron Bay, New South Wales. The event attracts some of the hottest bands and singers from across the world and offers visitors a unique experience filled with entrancing music, exotic food, cultural shops and artistic activities, exuberant costumes and generally a once-in-a-year experience. Why only celebrate New Year’s Eve for one night when you can have a three day long camping and music festival with friends? Although most tickets are sold out, you could still apply to work for some of the festivals or get local tickets to Lorne in Victoria. Check out the Falls Festival website for more information.

Get on the Water

I’m sure at some point you’ve had the brilliant idea of getting your friends together, booking a luxury boat and going on a cruise party along the water. As fabulous as this idea is, it is even better when put into practice. And a party cruise is an infinitely better idea when enacted on New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Eve Sydney Harbour Boat Hire, Australia will provide you with a luxurious evening that will not only give you the ultimate view from which to view the renowned Sydney fireworks, but it will also guarantee a priceless New Year’s celebration filled with close friends, limited planning or organisation, scrumptious menus, abundant alcohol and did we mention you’d be cruising along the esteemed Sydney Harbour? Luxury cruise dining menus in Sydney offer the most sumptuous foods that with a huge range of options such as formal dining, buffets and BBQs. Book your phenomenal New Year’s Eve cruising experience with Enigma Charters today to avoid missing out.

Hire a House

The thing all of these fabulous New Year’s Eve ideas have in common is that they involve getting an intimate group of friends together, planning ahead and sharing one of the most consequential times of the year together in an exciting location. Hiring a house is a fabulous idea as it can get you away from the hustle and bustle of the city filled with drunkards, taxi lines, violence and hordes of upon hordes of people. By renting a house with friends for a few nights, you can go for a small coastal town getaway or a Blue Mountains retreat and simply enjoy the company of your closest friends. No one has to worry about hosting the house in their own home, the group will stay as a cohesive group and you can enjoy a mini holiday on the beach or in the bush while you’re at it.

The sparkling water, immaculate white sand and fiery red rocks (which give the area its name) of the Bay of Fires contrast so starkly with one another to create an area of almost unparalleled beauty. The Bay of  Fires runs from Binalong Bay Eddystone Point, and can be split up into three different sections.

The ideal way to cover the incredible sights of the Bay of Fires is to take part in a four day walk, which traverses the hills of the Mt William National Park, crosses the rugged coastlines and allows you to witness a suite of rare, priceless native wildlife. There is a 4 day Bay of Fires Lodge Walk, which guides you through the area’s diverse beauty and which gives you exclusive accommodation at the luxurious Bay of Fires lodge. You could also do a 2-3 day walk with Life’s an Adventure or simply immerse yourself in the wilderness with a day walk.

Northern Section – Mt William National Park

The northern section of the Bay of Fires runs from Ansons Bay to Eddystone Point. Because of its national park status, this region is most only accessible by foot, does not allow dogs and has no camping facilities. Abbotsbury Beach is just a 15 minute walk from Eddystone Road, making it a marvellous beach refuge. There are camping facilities just north of Eddystone Point at Deep Creek Campground, picnic facilities at Picnic Rocks and boat launching at Eddystone Lighthouse Carpark.

Middle Section – Policemans Point

This section of the Bay of Fires can be accessed from St. Helens via Ansons Bay Road. Although there is no toilet, water, firewood or rubbish collection here, there are plenty of campsites – making for a rugged camping experience wherein self-sufficiency is vital.

Southern Section – Binalong Bay

Much like the middle section , the Southern end of Bay of Fires features a host of camping sites, most of which have pit toilets but no water, firewood or rubbish collection. Access can be attained from St Helens by travelling across Binalong Bay Rd. The most popular beaches in this region are Jeanneret Beach, Swimcart Beach, Cosy Corner, Sloop Reef and Sloop Lagoon.

However, the real gem of the Bay of Fires is the absolutely stunning scenery offered by Binalong Bay. This marvel of a beach demonstrates the artistic hand of mother nature at her best. There are a number of things to see and in Binalong Bay and more comfortable accommodation options for those not quite attuned to the art of camping.

On top of boating, fishing, sailing and walking, one of the most popular activities at Binalong Bay is surfing. The low swell is perfect for beginners, providing you with the perfect excuse to buy online foam Elnino surfboards in Australia and have your go at navigating the the crystal clear waves. With Christmas on the horizon, now is the perfect time to treat your little one some surfing gear from The Grom and visit Binalong Bay in the Bay of Fires to kickstart their surfing passion. Buying Elnino softboards online from anywhere in Australia will make your task of Christmas shopping infinitely easier. And treating the entire family to a trip to one of the beautiful places in the world will be the best family Christmas present anyone could wish for.

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.

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.