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Australian Gourmet Festivals You Don’t Want to Miss in Spring

Australian spring brings about one of the greatest hidden joys Down Under – the food festival season! From September to November, gourmet festivals abound all across the country, bringing a broad spectrum of tastes and smells to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

If you’re planning an Ozzie road trip this spring, why not make it a foodie trip? Sticking to a single festival will limit your taste palate to just one dimension, and you’ll miss out on a feast of sensations. We suggest you break out your maps, do some research and come up with an itinerary fit for a king. Better yet, try and rent a transfer car or a campervan for free to save your money on the delicacies waiting ahead. Here’s a few of our suggestions…

Sample Food Festival, Byron Bay, NSW

Started in 2011, Sample Food Festival has grown to become one of North South Wales finest foodie festivities. The festival takes place in the lovely town of Byron Bay, gathering local chefs, farmers, and producers showing off the finest Northern NSW has to offer. Taking place on the first Saturday of September (this year it is September 1st), Sample Food festival routinely gathers tens of thousands of visitors eager to indulge in the east coast culinary delights.

Oysterfest, Ceduna, SA

Now entering its 27th iteration, the annual Ceduna Oysterfest is a bona fide institution of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula. As its name suggests, the festival celebrates the region’s oyster industry and represents every type of oyster dish you can possibly imagine. The three-day event is accompanied by live music performances, cooking demonstrations, competitions, activities for children, a carnival and more, guaranteeing fund and pleasure for the whole family.

Australian Camp Oven Festival, Millmerran, QLD

Taking place once every two years, the Australian Camp Oven festival is a celebration of outback traditions and rural heritage. Located in the regional township of Millmerran, one of Queensland’s prominent rural production areas, the festival not only offers a fine selection of traditional camp oven dishes, but provides an insight into the outback way of life, with displays of crafts, shearing and damper throwing competitions, and bush poetry. Round it off with music performances and cooking competitions open for visitors, and it is clear that you’re in for a weekend of wild old-timey fun.

Swiss & Italian Festa, Hepburn Springs, VIC

OK, the Swiss & Italian Festa is not strictly a food festival, but a general celebration of the tradition of the Swiss and Italian settlers in the region. It encompasses everything from parades, history walks, arts and crafts displays down to traditional music, language courses and, of course, food and wine. This spring, immerse yourself in the gastronomic traditions of Italy and Switzerland through food and wine tastings, thematic dinners accompanied by music and other performances, and even cooking classes.

Margaret River Gourmet Escape, Margaret River, WA

It’s time to bring out the big guns. Margaret River Gourmet Escape is a four-day festival set in the heart of the world-renowned wine region and gathering some of the most famous cooking and wine experts from Australia and abroad. Basically, this is some of the finest dining Australia has to offer, all compressed into four days of pure hedonism set in some of the most idyllic dining locations anywhere. All types of cuisine at all times of day, all made at the highest level of creativity, care, and passion for culinary pleasures. Skip it at your own responsibility.

Bicheno Food and Wine Festival, Bicheno, TAS

Set on the waterfront of the gorgeous little resort town of Bicheno, the festival gathers the finest that Tasmania’s east coast has to offer in food, wine, beer, and other produce. Each year, local producers compete to satisfy the tastes of the visiting public, making for a three-day long seaside fiesta accompanied by music performances, kids activities, fashion shows, and – of all things – surfboard exhibitions.

Most people don’t think of Australia as one of prime gourmet destinations, but just take a drive around it in springtime and you will find numerous pleasant surprises. What’s more, making the effort to find a free transfer car will allow you to experience the finest of Aussie cuisine on any budget. Bon appetit!

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Southern Scenic Route: A Kiwi Road Trip to Remember

You will have a hard time finding scenic driving routes better than New Zealand’s Southern Scenic Route (SSR). The U-shaped drive takes you across a wildly diverse terrain that recalls an abundance of scenes from Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, because, well, it was actually filmed there.

Springtime is the perfect time for driving across New Zealand, as the days are clear and the weather is still below unbearably hot. The total length of the route is a bit over 600 km and you can cover it in a single day, but we will presume that you will want to take your time and enjoy some of the attractions along the way, so we will split the drive into several daily stages.

Depending on your starting point, you can go from Queenstown to Dunedin, or the other way around. Both places have international airports, but since the Queenstown airport is the busier, we will start off from there.

Once you arrive to Queenstown, all you need for your road trip is a car. There are many rental companies operating in the area, but if you’re working on a budget you may consider the alternatives and rent a free transfer car. Then all you need to do is press the gas pedal and soak up the scenery.

Stage 1: Queenstown to Te Anau

The drive from Queenstown to Te Anau is a nice introduction to the diversity of landscapes awaiting you throughout the length of the SSR. It does not deliver the highlights, but provides a gorgeous appetizer as it takes you through dramatic mountain roads down to more tranquil inland routes.

The town of Te Anau provides its share of side activities to enjoy, particularly a boat ride taking you to the popular glowworm caves. However, its greatest significance lies in its position as the base for the exploration of the Milford Sound. It is one of few spectacular New Zealand fiords, and the only one that can be accessed by car.

Just the drive to Milford Sound is worth it, as it takes you through a seemingly endless array of diverse microclimates, from rainforests to farmland to snowy mountains and beyond. Once there, you will want a boat ride to enjoy Milford Sound first hand. Boat rides depart every fifteen minutes. If you don’t like big crowds, consider departing later in the afternoon when the tourists are fever (also, the fares are lower at this time of the day). If possible, schedule your trip during warm and dry days, because the Milford Sound shines the brightest in sunny weather.

Stage 2: Te Anau to Invercargill

This section of the SSR captures the drama and the glory of one of the most breathtaking coastal roads anywhere in the world. If time is not an issue, consider venturing slightly off the route and exploring the lovely “hidden” lakes of Southland scattered across the southern tip of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site.

The impressive coastline is dotted with charming little settlements like Riverton and Tuatapere, perfect for a rest stop and a quaint walk along the beach. Aside from being Southland’s capital, the city of Invercargill is a nice little city that gets a bad rep simply for being remote to pretty much anything, filled with charming architecture and some phenomenal parks and other outdoor places. Make sure you visit the Hayes Hardware store to see one of the motorcycles driven by the city’s proudest son Burt Munro as he set a cast of world speed records in the 1960’s.

Stage 3: Invercargill to Dunedin

The final stage of our proposed 3-day itinerary first takes us from Invercargill to the Catlins, through a broad, lush farmland terrain made for a relaxed drive. The Catlins area represents the meeting point between the coastline and thick rainforests, filled with magical waterfalls, jagged coastal bays and peaceful river valleys. The area is also rich with wildlife and represents a premium spot for seal and penguin watching.

Along the way you should also grab the chance to visit Lake Waihola or stop in one of the charming coastal villages to enjoy some light hiking along the sandy beaches. Dunedin, the final destination of our itinerary, is a lively university city with rich culture and architecture. It is a great place to sit down for a cup of coffee and process all the impressions gathered along the drive.

The Southern Scenic Route is one of the most striking New Zealand experiences that will delight anyone with a passion for the open road. You will have a hard time keeping your eyes locked on the road with so much beauty around it. To fully immerse yourself in one of the planet’s most gorgeous regions, carve out some extra time and search for a free campervan to make your journey both comfortable and affordable.

One-Day Hikes in New Zealand in Spring

New Zealand offers plenty of phenomenal hiking trails that can be traversed for days on end, and there’s no better time for it than springtime, when days are bright and clear, yet not sweltering, and nights are fresh and nourishing. Still, whether due to time constraints or simple personal preference, many of us are not enthused by the idea of marathon hikes spread across several days with a gigantic backpack and camping gear weighing us down.

For those who belong in this category, yet don’t want to miss out on some breathtaking hiking scenery, New Zealand still provides a variety of options for excellent one-day hikes that will satiate your appetite for wandering. Keep in mind that the best tracks are usually remote, and getting there will require some planning and some driving. If your operating on a tight budget, it’s a good idea to search for a free transfer car heading close to your destination. Now, let’s explore our options.

Tongariro National Park

For a showy start, our first selection comes with a proven Hollywood pedigree. Made famous by featuring prominently in the Lord of the Rings, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is commonly considered the finest single-day hike New Zealand has to offer. With its alien-like volcanic landscapes dotted with a wealth of colourful springs, lakes, and steam vents, your breath will be taken away practically at every step. With a length of 20km, the Tongariro trail is a full day affair, but those who are more nature-ready should not miss out on a side-visit to the otherworldly Mt Ngauruhoe, which many of you know as Mt Doom.

Aoraki/Mount Cook

If you like your one-day hike as intense as possible, the unrelenting steepness of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park will provide many a sore muscle as a memento of your visit. Popular among climbers and adrenaline addicts, the park also boasts a number of “doable” hiking trails that will compensate for your aching legs with a series of stunning views at the surrounding peaks. Start off at the highly informative visitor centre to examine the trails and find one that suits you best.

Charming Creek

For an old-timey Indiana Jones-type experience packed with a variety of gorgeous natural and human formations, the scenic trail along the Ngakawau River gorge delivers in abundance. The aptly named Charming Creek Walkway follows an old coal railway and rewards the hikers with an eclectic mix of creaky suspension bridges, dilapidated tunnels and curious ancient machinery spread about the landscape filled with peculiar natural formations topped off by the stunning Mangatini Falls. The full walk will take away a semi-casual six hours of your time, while the trail is also excellent for mountain biking.

Twilight-Te Werahi Loop

To soak up the full scope of the dramatic landscape of the Far North in a single day, a journey to the Twilight-Te Werahi Loop delivers the full experience. With its magical interplay of light across the decor of the untamed sea slamming into mighty rock columns and the green hillside crossed with sandy patches, the gentle flat trail never truly tests your physical limitations, but bring a wealth of gorgeous vistas ideal for photos that will raise envy in your social circles. And since the hike shouldn’t last for more than 5-6 hours, consider pairing it with a visit to the mysterious Cape Reinga where the Maori spirits begin their journey to the afterlife, if the legends are to be believed.

Abel Tasman Coastal Track

If your idea of eye candy includes pristine beaches and lush green coastlines, walking the Abel Tasman Coastal Track will give you a visual sugar rush! The full length of the trail is well-worth traversing, but it will take three (optimistically) to five (more realistically) days to complete. Thankfully, the trail is accessible by boats, so you can easily reach a select portion of the track for a one-day hike filled with postcard-worth beach scenery. The 11km stretch from Medlands Beach to Anchorage won’t exert your stamina, and it may very well be the most gorgeous part of the track, with the trail winding in and out of the rich coastal forest and onto clearings overlooking the coastline. For a more up-close experience of the Abel Tasman National Park, you can also take a kayak tour or combine it with your hike.

This brief selection of one-day hikes only scratches the surface of what New Zealand hides in its vast and opulent nature. Getting lost in it is a big part of the fun, so don’t be afraid to venture out into the unknown and find your own slice of hidden paradise. The journey can be made both comfortable and affordable if you choose to get a free transfer car or campervan for a head-first jump into the scenic wealth of New Zealand.

South Australia: Enjoying the Springtime of Your Life

While the rest of the world is getting ready for the autumn rains and getting their ankle boots out of the closet, Aussies are the envy of the globe as they’re having a great time enjoying beautiful spring breezes and planning out their next picnic in the countryside.

This spring is shaping up to be a proper gem on the Southern shores, which means that nothing short of a weekend trip or a full holiday will suffice. What’s more, you can see it all for almost free of charge by planning wisely and finding a free car or campervan destined for the region of your choice.

So, here are some of the best tips and picks to make your road trip through South Australia a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Wander around Kangaroo Island

Although an obvious tourist attraction, this island is well worth the visit, especially if you’re looking for gorgeous hiking paths, pristine beaches, and fascinating scenery. The island’s picturesque landscape will help you feel at ease, no matter how many tourists hike through this land on daily basis. The surrounding wildlife is also a popular draw, and it is not hard to see why. Besides the expectedly large number of kangaroos, the island is the natural habitat of a wide variety of birds, koalas, seals, penguins, and sea lions. Finally, be sure not to miss the Flinders Chase National Park and its Remarkable Rocks, a name that suits them perfectly.

Live a true romantic fantasy in Adelaide

Not only is it well-known for its exciting nightlife, Adelaide is also a place to go if you’re planning a romantic getaway. Each spring, jacarandas come into bloom and Adelaide becomes the epicenter of this natural wonder. Besides the town’s Botanic Garden and its gorgeous Wisteria walk, other places you should see include Terrace LeFevre, Fullarton Road, and Wakefield Street.

Have a sip of wine in the Clare Valley

While Adelaide has its own purple rains, the Clare Valley is literally swimming in gold. In other words, if you like canolas, you must take the road to Clare, settle down, take a deep breath and an even deeper glass of wine, since the region is well-known for high quality wines. The valley is also home to a number of old wine cellars, vineyards, and old bars, but if we had to pick one place to visit it would definitely be the Mintaro Maze, a beautifully hand-crafted living hedge maze, and a truly surprising gem.

Extend your vacation at Fleurieu Peninsula

The best place for an early taste of summer on Australia’s southern shore is the Fleurieu Peninsula. Filled with marvelous beaches and top-notch resorts, as well as doubling as one of the top destinations for youngsters, Fleurieu will not disappoint. The newly formed resort of Goolwa, also known as New Orleans of Australia, attracts many paddle steamers and young tourists looking for fun.

Swim with tuna fish in Victor Harbor

If you’re looking for a one-day adventure to remember for the rest of your life, here’s a suggestion for you: Oceanic Victor provides a truly unique experience of swimming with the world’s fastest fish – tuna! The aquarium is located in the Encounter Bay near Granite Island and it also has an underwater observatory. We urge you to give it a try. Because, you know, swimming with sharks is so passé.

This would be the short list of some of the best travel destinations in the southern part of Australia. But don’t stop there. This place has a lot more to offer and it is up to you to find the other magic wonders around. Driving along the scenic coast is a wonderful experience on its own. And you can make the trip budget-friendly by renting a free transfer car (or even a campervan, if you don’t want to think about accommodations). The coast awaits!

Uncovering Tasmania’s Best Kept Winter Secrets

There’s this special quality to the winter in Tasmania that smooths out some if the island’s rougher edges, giving the air an extra dose of crispness that clears the thoughts and sharpens the sights.

Tasmanians feel a “special something” in the air this time of the year, with diverse activities springing up all around the island, celebrating everything from apple cider to winter solstice, while the clear nights call for stargazing underneath an open sky, and there’s solid chances for the Aurora Australis.

Tasmania’s winter attractions are many, and it would be a shame to limit yourself to just a few. We strongly suggest you take a road trip to explore the affluent winter offerings, and you can even find a transfer car or campervan for free to fulfil your quest. Before you start planning, here’s a list of some of our favourite winter events and activities in Tasmania.

Enchanted Walk

The Cradle Mountain National Park is a must-see Tasmanian attraction at any time of the year, but in winter time everything is emphasized and truly brings out the wonder of the ancient rainforest, with frost covered trees showing their best face.

The entirety of the national park is worth exploring, but if you’re looking for a reader’s digest version, we strongly recommend the Enchanted Walk, a brief guided tour that presents the wealth of natural wonders found in the park and is accompanied by an abundance of information about the wildlife and what we can do to preserve it. Nature lovers will wish to make it a whole day affair, though.

Tasmanian Whisky Trail

Tasmanian whisky is steadily growing into one of island’s most popular global exports, and the Tasmanian Whisky Trail places you straight into the epicentre of the recent boom. Sample some of the region’s award-winning blends, learn about the history and the techniques of whisky production, meet the makers of the divine liquid and explore the terrain responsible for the extraordinary product. If you don’t fancy yourself a whisky connoisseur, we believe you will enjoy the trail, and the brown fuel will add some much-needed warmth to the chill of the day.

Port Arthur Ghost Tour

Experience a dark spot of Tasmania’s history on a thrilling, lantern-lit tour through the historic site of Port Arthur, one of the most infamous penal settlements in Australia. Over years, Port Arthur has gained a reputation as a ghost site, and the tour explores the tales of unexplained mysteries and gory fates as you are led through the dark holes of old abandoned buildings. The eerie effect of the tour is particularly strong in the winter, ensuring that this visit will stick with you long after, especially when the lights are off.

Dark MOFO

When a museum is described by its founder and owner as a “subversive adult Disneyland”, its annually held winter festival can be no less intriguing. Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) holds two annual festivals that combine music and art, MONA FOMA and its winter edition, Dark MOFO. It takes place over a span of few weeks, with the distinction of all events taking place at night time.

Aside from a rich and eclectic offer of music performances, the festival includes a variety of events culminating with the annual tradition – the Winter Solstice Nude Swim in the nearby Derwent River. Dark MOFO was first held in 2013 and continues to ignite controversy from year to year. During its premiere edition, the police tried to ban the nude swim, but it was eventually allowed to take place, and even the mayor of Hobart took part! In each subsequent year, the festival was able to stir the spirits of the Tasmanian community, and we believe that’s a good thing!

Try to catch as many events as you can and brave the cold waters of Derwent at the dawn of the year’s shortest day, if you’re feeling adventurous. Whatever you choose, we promise it will be fun, interesting and provocative.

These are just some of the examples of the natural and cultural offerings of Tasmania, with dozens more left unmentioned. Consider these a must-see, but make sure you venture into the unknown and let your senses guide you to new discoveries. Keep in mind, learning how to get a free transfer car can make the trip both affordable and memorable. Tassie awaits!

Fun and Relaxing Wintertime in the Marlborough

Famed for its wines, but also known as a region of numerous other delights, Marlborough is one of New Zealand’s shiniest pearls, and it shines even brighter in winter time. While a lot of New Zealand will see some harsh weather during the winter, Marlborough is an oasis with a pleasant microclimate with clear days and refreshing nights.

The joys of Marlborough are too many to be packed in a single day, so make sure you spare some extra time to enjoy the full extent of the scenery and the accompanying pleasures. Better yet, try to find a free campervan to travel in style and comfort that such a divine region deserves. This is our short selection of its most interesting places and activities.

Wine Country

Marlborough is home to what many wine connoisseurs consider the finest Sauvignon Blanc in all of the world. With the production of Sauvignon Blanc introduced to the region in the 1970’s, it has taken the fast lane to global success. Nowadays, local wineries are dotted along idyllic country roads, so close to one another that you can hop on a bicycle and go from one to the other in quick succession.

Whether you opt for an organized guided tour around the wineries or choose to make your own schedule, what awaits you is an absolute treat for your palates. A choice of over 30 wine cellars is at your disposal, so give in to the temptation of a wine tasting marathon. And since drinking wine on an empty stomach is not advisable, we strongly encourage you to visit one of numerous vineyard restaurants. The staff will know just what goes with your Sauvignon Blanc.

Marlborough Sounds

The 1500 km of winding waterways of the Marlborough Sounds are a great experience at any time of the year, but if we had a choice, we’d always choose wintertime, due to the specific calm of the waters. Clear blue skies and steadily calm weather of winter are perfect for the exploration of secluded bays, small settlements and island sanctuaries sheltering indigenous species of flora and fauna.

Kayaking is a popular option among the more adventurous, but the most common and pleasurable way to experience the Sounds is a boat cruise. There is a number of quality guided tours that cover all the essentials and provide a wealth of information about the region. The most popular option, however, is to hop onto one of the mail boats – actual service boats that deliver mail and other necessities to the inhabitants of remote secluded settlements, which means that you get to experience the less “touristy”, but just as fascinating side of the Sounds.

The Queen Charlotte Track

One of the most scenic hiking tracks in all of New Zealand (and that’s saying a lot!), the Queen Charlotte Track spans 70 km of thick Marlborough Sounds forests, untouched nature and breathtaking ocean sights. Hiking or biking the length of the track is popular among adventurers and nature lovers, but it is a multi-day endeavour not suited for everyone. Thankfully, you can take a water taxi that will take you to one of trail’s checkpoints that will provide you with the Queen Charlotte experience n a more reasonable time frame.

French Pass Road

Every driver know the joy of driving down the winding roads through a glorious landscapes, and the French Pass Road is one of the most spectacular drives you will ever get to enjoy.

The 38 km road leading to the north end of the South Island is a rollercoaster of diverse landscapes, taking you through idyllic farmland (complete with sheep and cattle scattered across the gentle hillsides), steep forest roads and the mesmerizing ocean views. The scenery looks as if nature’s elements have conspired to try and distract the driver from the road ahead. You will be tempted to make a stop and enjoy the sights almost around every corner, and if you forget to bring a camera you will be kicking yourself for the rest of your life. Seriously, bring a camera!

The Marlborough region has many faces, yet all pleasurable and all worth exploring. It is not a destination for a quick visit. It is means to be savoured slowly and relaxedly, over a stretch of long, clear, and lazy winter days, and we suggest you find the time to do it right. Remember, you can always get a free transfer car or a campervan for an affordable and enjoyable journey.