On a recent trip to Melbourne, we decided to spend a few days heading north.  It is autumn, rainy, uncrowded and the road is inviting.  First stop is Daylesford, a town of natural mineral spas, wombat and former mining that on this autumn day could be a movie location for somewhere in Connecticut. There are deciduous trees in these parts and the colors are vivid.  There are plenty of historic pubs to stay in and the places the locals go to eat aren’t too far off the main drag.  The Visitors Bureau is especially helpful  in locating what interests you the most.

This area  has a lot of natural mineral springs. Public water pumps push out water from its own spring with its own taste.  Fortunately, few have the sulfur (or rotten egg) tinge that many people associate with  such springs. Most of these have a pleasant bicarbonate tingle to them.  Indeed, since ‘once upon a time’ the town of Kyneton has made a mint bottling their spring water for the souls in need of refreshment.  But if you want to bathe in the natural spring, head to Hepburn Springs ["Australia's Spa Town"] and to Hepburn Spa.   Bring a swimsuit to stay in the larger public pool.  There is a two hour access in this partially chlorinated water  for the least amount of money.  But go all out for some of the special treatments.  There are very private single and double bath tubs that are exclusively  mineral water.  The mineral deposits crusting on the end of the spigot will tell you it’s the real deal.  The mineral constitution of the water is etched onto the side of the bathtub. Special luxury bath salts and moisturizers are part of the grand, one-hour experience.  It’s a bit less pricey if you go mid-week.

Driving around in the country one can find surprises.  Produce stands may offer just the fresh fruit  you work up a taste for on the road.  Chestnuts were coming into season and we bought some from the back of the farmer’s truck.  Where to roast them?  On the ubiquitous free electric barbeque grills found in every community park.  I started to hum “Chestnuts roasting on a ‘lectric bbq, oh that misty rain it blows” while the roasting chestnuts started to burst at the X we cut into a side.   Quite the fun snack.

Eventually  you will come to a place  with a public strip called Pall Mall complete with statue of Queen Victoria, a few mid-19th century domed buildings, shaped topiary and an idyllic air. London, England? Nope, Bendigo.  Bendigo is Australian for El Dorado, I am sure.  As with Ballarat, gold was discovered here.  No longer lying by a tiny streambed but mined quite deep in the earth, one can take a tour of the mines. Great depths and experience require a greater admission charge but if you’ve ever wondered about this precious metal, this is the place to learn about it.

But there is more to Bendigo than deep holes.  The Bendigo Pottery is quite famous and nearby.  Perfect to spend  a rainy morning here looking at the pottery being made, strolling through their top grade  collectibles (all kinds of curios) shop and, of course, purchase an item or two of the famous pottery.   Also, do make an effort to say hi to Grace Kelly at the Bendigo Art Gallery.  “Grace Kelly , Style Icon“ is a  highly popular exhibition of some of her most famous movie and personal outfits.  We have some of the same taste in clothing.  Only she looked so much better in it.  The exhibition ends June 17, 2012, so hurry in.

Ah, but one must  return from whence one came eventually. May I make one more suggestion before heading back?  Stop in at the  Beechworth Bakery.  It’s Australia’s greatest bakery–it says so right on their sign.  The best item to pick up to test this claim is their signature BeeSting.  It looks like a cream puff with a touch of apricot jam to set it above the rest.

Ready to hit the road?       I thought so.

Produced by Hotelclub

Avid travelling is not just the realm of hippies and hitch-hikers. Many foodies enjoy nothing more than letting their taste buds lead them on a culinary tour. Brisbane is full to the brim with food markets and restaurants that any self-respecting foodie would love to sample. Below is a guide to some of Brisbane’s must-tastes.

Caxton St Seafood and Wine Festival

The Caxton St Seafood and Wine Festival offers a great, casual atmosphere in which to sample and enjoy top notch food. Stalls line the bustling street and offer everything from a Calypso Barramundi Burrito to Cartel Pies to a Velvet Cigar Calamari Souvlaki. Wine is, of course, not forgotten and you can enjoy a crisp glass or two of white whilst you wander. The festival atmosphere is added to by live music performed by bands and acts from across Australia. The festival usually attracts around 15,000 people so be sure to wear comfy shoes and be prepared for a bit of hustle and bustle.

Food Tour

Testament to the fact that Brisbane is a food hot spot is the creation of Food Tour T. Food Tour T entails climbing aboard a small van and being taken on a guided tour of the best foodie spots Brisbane has to offer. There are five different tours to choose from, including the ‘gourmet garden’ and ‘produce to platter’ tours. If you’d like to feast with a group of friends then the company also does private charters.

Brisbane Farmer’s Market

Farmer’s markets are just perfect for foodies who wake up early and feel like grazing. The Brisbane Farmer’s Market showcases high quality, local produce and, moreover, meandering around its stalls is a lovely way to spend a lazy morning. If you’re up for a spot of learning then there are usually food demonstrations and visiting chefs to take a peek at.

James St Market

If you’re a foodie who’s also blessed with being a dab hand in the kitchen then the James St Market is a great place to go and stock up the kitchen. Apart from the usual food market array of breads, fresh fish and meat, fruit and vegetables, you’ll also find exclusive deli lines, flowers and kitchen wares.

Romantic dining

If you’re a foodie who’s dating Australia provides the perfect backdrop with its multitude of romantic wineries, rooftop restaurants and seaside spots. When it comes to online dating Brisbane is taking off and those struggling to find romantic date spots need not despair. For foodies who are looking to share their passion for the plate with someone then Brisbane is just the place.

Garuva

Garuva is a cosy Asian fusion restaurant that provides the fun twist of being seated on cushions (you can elect to sit at a table if you so wish). It’s been nominated as one of Brisbane’s most romantic restaurants but, importantly, it’s also well known for its delicious dishes.

Summit Restaurant

If you like to dine with a view then check-out Mount Coot-tha’s Summit Restaurant. With a backdrop of the city lights, it’s perfect for a romantic dinner.

Australia is a country that attracts a lot of visitors each year and has a reputation for being a sunny, friendly, open, positive place with a healthy outdoor life. Many people choose to move nearer to the sun and to relocate to Australia. Although there are many success stories, it is of course necessary to make your life easier by planning the event properly so that you minimise any unexpected and unwanted hiccups.

Bank accounts

You’ll need to find out how to open a bank account. In the UK you can use a price comparison site like MoneySupermarket to find the best bank accounts, while in Australia you can find the best bank accounts on offer for your circumstances by doing a little research.

Visas

You will have to make sure that you have the appropriate paperwork to stay in the country. Will you be working under an employer-sponsored 457 visa, for instance? Check the formalities out carefully and any restrictions and obligations which accompany any visas.

Location

This is probably one of the most important aspects to help you to feel at home quickly. It is worth researching where you might want to live and possibly having a trip dedicated to that purpose before you incur the costs of relocating.

As with choosing property in England, it’s worth spending time to get a feel for the merits of different neighbourhoods, their proximity to work, schools, amenities and so on. If you have children, the school issue is obviously a big one. You will need to call in advance to make sure that you can arrange a visit and that there are places available and suitable for your child.

To Buy or to Rent?

Some people who relocate to Australia decide to do everything at once and buy their new home. Of course, this involves a lot of upfront research as to locations and market prices. Overseas buyers can make the purchasing process longer than it is for an Australian buyer as there are additional steps which need to be taken.

A 10% deposit is usually paid on acceptance of an offer, which means you’ll have to organise an Australian bank account. You’ll need a local lawyer and FIBR approval (which can take around 10-15 days) and also to organise your mortgage if necessary. Taking into account any time differences, this process will need organising carefully.

If you want to take your time, it may be an idea to rent initially, with a view to researching and assessing the place at a more leisurely pace and buying later on.

Transport

You must think about how to get around in Australia. You might at first just rely on public transport. If you want to buy a car, though, there are a few things to bear in mind. You’ll need to get a licence and expats have reported that it’s easier to do that in person by visiting the RTA office. Those with a European licence will have to take an eye test and you must have some evidence of your address (for instance, bank statements, etc). Remember that you might also need to obtain a loan and will definitely have to take out insurance.

In the span of five to seven years, changes in your body and sleeping preferences may cause you to look for a new mattress with characteristics and features different from the one you have previously used. In this article, we share some of our product recommendations to make online mattress shopping a little bit easier.

Innerspring/ Coil Spring Mattresses

The innerspring mattress is the most commonly-used type of mattress. Nearly every person, at one time or another, have slept on an innerspring bed. This type of product comes in a wide range of styles and designs, from the most basic to the fancier versions featuring pillow-tops or memory foam.

Well-known manufacturers of innerspring mattresses include Sealy, Simmons and Serta but there are also other manufacturers who make good products. It can be difficult to compare certain models when shopping, because a lot of these items are made exclusively available through a limited number of retailers.

For couples who will be sharing the bed, you might find it best to purchase a pocket spring construction rather than a continuous coil. A pocket spring mattress has individual spring coils embedded in individual fabric pockets, which means that weight bearing is restricted only the coils lying directly underneath one person. This allows you to toss and turn without disturbing your partner too much. Also, unlike a continuous coil, a pocket spring mattress will not well towards the middle after several minutes of combined weights.

You can make your innerspring bed last longer if you purchase a model that can be flipped over for double-sided use. A box spring will also improve longevity.

Latex Foam Mattresses

Latex foam mattresses cost more than innerspring models but it offers certain features which innerspring ones can’t. First, latex foam offers better support for the back and the joints, making it ideal for those who are prone to musculoskeletal discomfort. Latex foam is not really as bouncy as coil spring, but it does have a springy quality and yields well.

Latex foam is also better suited for those with asthma and dust mite allergies because this material is naturally repellent to dust mites and mold. There are even some manufacturers who use natural rubber. Being a renewable resource, natural rubber is biodegradable and may appeal to those concerned about eco-sustainability.

As far as prices go, latex foam mattresses are more expensive than innerspring but less costly than memory foam. Some consumers have noted that latex foam appears to be cooler than memory foam and that while new ones do have a certain odor (which will fade after a few days) the smell is not as strong as memory foam. Of course, for individuals with latex allergy, this type of mattress is definitely not an option.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam technology offers good support with minimal motion transfer, making ideal for shared beds. The material molds itself to your body, which lessens pressure on strategic body points. This property makes it suitable for those with joint pain and increased risk of pressure ulcers.

Some people have complained that new memory foam mattresses give out a strong odor. However, this will fade in a week’s time, leaving behind no discernible smell. If the odor offends, you can try airing it out one week before using it.

Author Bio: Sunny Popli is a Global Brand Manager at Classicbedsteads.co.uk/ -The uk’s no 1 mattress brand and the best suppliers of bedding and accessories. The Bed and Mattress superstore, offering 24 hour delivery on all single wooden beds, double leather beds, metal beds and bunk beds.

April 14:  my arrival into Australia in 2008.  Has it really been four years?!  Where does time go?  I arrived in Perth in the middle of the night and when I woke up in the morning I dashed over to the library to get my library card. (Isn’t that what everyone does in a new town?) That day, and each day for several weeks beyond, was filled with discovery and new things for the mind to digest.  But even then I feared it all becoming too commonplace.  Familiarity may or may not breed contempt, but it sure does promote tunnel vision. I  am all too aware that I have become as quite myopic as the locals.

A few days ago, I was returning from a quick errand on our side of downtown.  It was such a nice day that I decided to walk home rather than take a bus.  Taking a shortcut to the bridge would have me avoid playing chicken with cars at a major traffic circle.   It would also expose  a piece of the city I had never seen before.  From the elevated seating of a bus, this small strip of land looks like a tree-lined bike path next to a municipal parking lot.  From ground level, it is a hidden park complete with an extensive playground set, Aboriginal interpretive center and a bike & kayak rental barn. 

This park is but a half mile from my home.  However did I miss this? I feverishly thought of excuses: tree cover keeps this hidden from commuters, my left knee keeps me from bicycling on the bike paths, it’s the “wrong side” of the river, etc.      The truth is that I have put on the same blinders that so many others  wear.  We each follow our same path each day without variance , without seeing what we look at.   A life of routine.

Routine is a voracious eater of Time.  I shouldn’t wonder that four years have elapsed without me noticing.  So I vow that I will get off the same over-trodden path or vary my routine on a regular basis from here on out.   I am looking forward to more discoveries.

Money. It makes the world go round, as Liza Minnelli once tunefully reminded us. And if you’re moving to Australia, you’ll want as much of the green paper stuff as possible, especially if you’re trading in your existing pounds or euros for Australian dollars.

Alas, the foreign exchange market is a fickle beast, and the value of the Australian dollar is changing all the time. These past three months alone it’s undergone some serious mood swings, and first climbed then plummeted. So what’s going to happen next? Well, I can’t predict the future (if I could, I’d be a millionaire) but I can provide some guidance as to what might happen to the Australian dollar in coming months. Here goes nothing!

Since 2008…

If the Australian dollar were an actress, the past five years would have marked its progression from second-fiddle also-ran to Oscar-winning celebrity. It’s been nothing but success for the emu dollar, as Australia remains the only developed nation to have avoided recession since 2008.

This is because Oz happens to be sitting on perhaps the largest piles of coal and iron ore on the planet, and demand from China for these resources has literally transformed Australia’s outlook. It couldn’t have been luckier if it’d started running gold nuggets in Melbourne one morning. This, in turn, means the Australian dollar has gone from strength to strength, almost doubling its value against the UK pound for instance.

But all good things…

Of course, all good things must come to an end (to invoke a cliché) and lately things have gone a bit pear-shaped for Australia. It turns out having the world’s second largest economy for your biggest customer is really a double-edged sword.

In short, China’s economy has shown serious signs of engine trouble since the start of 2012 and that, in turn, means its endless gorging of Australian coal and iron has slowed. What does that mean for Australia? Suddenly this behemoth source of demand is nowhere in sight! The Australian dollar has lost seven cents against the UK pound in just six weeks because of this.

So what happens next?

Right now then the Australian government is trying all sorts of tricks to get the economy moving again. This includes cutting interest rates to spur demand, taxing mining revenues to stimulate other parts of the economy, and providing subsidies to manufacturing. If it works, like Dracula the Australian dollar could rise again. On the other hand, it’s quite possible Australia’s luck has run out, as the money pump that was China finally runs dry.

What does all this mean for you? Well in fact, a falling Australian dollar is just the ticket. It means they’re cheaper to buy, so that when you trade in your UK pounds or US dollars, you get a lot more of them. Which in turn makes emigrating a much more economically appealing prospect!

Primed and ready to move to Australia? Then visit us at foreign currency exchange broker Pure FX for the best Australian dollar exchange rates guaranteed.

I only spent around three months travelling in Oz – not nearly enough time to discover all that’s on offer here – so if you’re lucky enough to have a whole year to explore Australia, here are my top tips of how to make sure you don’t leave with any regrets.

Work – but not too much

I lost count of the number of people I met who’d travelled to Australia with that backpacker essential – the one-year working visa. I had one myself actually, but more about that in a minute. Working while you’re away is much more than a means to earn a few extra dollars; it’s an excellent way to meet new people and make some friends.

It’s also fantastic because you’ll more than likely get to know some locals, rather than just fellow backpackers, who can take you to places you’d never find otherwise. Even if you end up with a job you love and a great group of friends, don’t sacrifice your travelling for work; after all, you’ll be spending the rest of your life in the 9-5 rhythm so make the most of being able to up and leave every few months!

Don’t limit yourself, either – working doesn’t just have to be for money. When I was in Oz, I took jobs on dive boats out of Cairns where I helped out in the kitchen, did a bit of cleaning and any other odd jobs that needed doing and, in return, I got free diving, a bed to sleep in and food for the duration of the trip (usually four or five days). This is incredibly useful if you have an expensive hobby like me – and it allowed me to do much more diving on the Great Barrier Reef than I’d have been able to afford to otherwise, plus it saved on the cost of a hostel too!

Travel around

I can’t stress this enough, moving around is so important when you’re in a country as large as Australia. Actually, one of my biggest regrets is that I didn’t explore more (I got slightly waylaid by the diving in Cairns). If you’ve got a year, you have time to spend a month or two in one place, but make sure on your days off you get out and see the sights, whether that’s camping in the Blue Mountains near Sydney or driving along the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne.

Don’t let the cost put you off. It’s not overly expensive to fly domestically in Australia and there are always coaches if you don’t mind a more leisurely pace of travel. Although flying is much quicker, I’d recommend taking at least one long trip by road, if only to appreciate the vast open spaces Oz is home to.

Follow your friends

While I’m not suggesting you should ignore all your plans to trek around after your mates, I certainly visited places I’d never have gone to otherwise thanks to the people I met along the way. They dragged me to the botanic gardens in Cairns, took me on long cliff top walks near Sydney and even encouraged me to watch an Aussie rules football game in Melbourne – would I change any of it? Of course not!

This post was written on behalf of mapthegap.co.uk, a new site offering ideas for gap year and career break destinations.

Everyone knows that St Kilda is the best suburb in Melbourne when it comes to going on a night out. Traditionally a haven for artist’s, immigrants, crooks and beach bums, today’s St Kilda has matured into an attractive culture of bohemianism and multicultural beachside living.

Whether you’re planning on booking a room in Melbourne for a visit or if you’re living in the city, here, in no particular order, (we couldn’t choose) are our ten favourite bars in St Kilda.

The Esplanade, St Kilda

The Esplanade in St Kilda is an Australian cultural icon and one of the best live music venues in the country. As the name suggests, the pub is situated on the edge of St Kilda Beach, overlooking the shore. In the summer months expect to see people enjoying the long summer days from noon, right through until 3.00am. In the winter months, things don’t slow down, in an average week the pub plays host to over 50 bands and DJs across three stages.

The Vineyard, Acland Street

A good time bar where all the best dressed hipsters go to hang out and have a good time, and that’s just the staff. A good mix of genres share the stage time on weekends, while the mid-week Open Mic Night has a strong following. A great late night venue, often staying open when most other venues have shied off for the night, the adjoining garden area is popular on sunny weekends, with the traditional all-day Aussie ‘Sunday-Sesh’ meet-ups being particularly popular. Arrive early to get a seat and sip a glass of wine or a longneck in the sun.

Dog’s Bar, Acland Street

Worth the cost of a flight to Australia by itself, Dog’s Bar is the kind of place you might just make your local if you stay in St Kilda long enough. A low lit wine bar with great Mediterranean food and a personable feel. Since its opening in 1989 the bar has become something of a St Kilda institution, regularly featuring Jazz, Salsa and comedy nights. Dog’s manages to juggle being a classy venue that still knows how to have a good time.

Elephant and Wheelbarrow, 169 Fitzroy St

Popular amongst tourists and backpackers, this chain of English themed pubs provides locals and poms alike with their hit of mahogany and carpeted décor. Brits flock for Neighbour’s own ‘Doctor Karl’s Band Night’ each Monday, whereas weekends are all about pub grub, the clinking of pint glasses and the pulse of a live band.

Big Mouth, Acland Street

Downstairs Big Mouth has a diner-style décor, with high stools lining the windows, perfectly designed for people-watching the busy corner joining the busy streets of Acland and Barkly. Upstairs the bar has a huge capacity, a complete surprise when compared to the confinements of downstairs. Two bars, a dance floor and regular salsa nights make Big Mouth a popular nightspot throughout the week.

Purepop Records, Barkly Street

An old-time record shop selling LPs and CDs, just like they used to have in the old days, how quaint. However this store has something HMV doesn’t in the fight against downloads; its own café and bar situated out back. Featuring live music, comedy and a BBQ, the setting of the Purepop café, with its comfy seating and transparent, barely held together roofing is like relaxing in your own backyard with friends.

Amigos Mexican Restaurant, Acland St

Whether you’re looking for a place to eat, or just stopping off for drinks on your way to a club, Amigos is a great place to call in and enjoy one of their many varied margaritas or sangrias. Its low lit red lighting gives it a relaxing ambience to share some nachos or a fajita. Amigos has one of the best cocktail menus on Acland street and its outdoor seating area puts you right in the centre of the action on a sunny afternoon in St Kilda.

Laika Wine Cocktail and Tapas Bar, Fitzroy Street

Not the place to go for a stubby and an AFL game, Laika is the kind of elegant venue you would take a partner for a strong Martini and some light tapas. A classic cocktail lounge with chic Art Deco styling that calls back a bygone age of glamour and decadence.  Laika has a wine list that incorporates local varieties and hard to find rarities and a sophisticated cocktail menu, built with impossible to find liquors, spirits and aperitifs from around the world.

X Base Hostel, Carlisle Street

If you’re looking for a late night bar that’s not afraid to party mid-week, embrace your inner backpacker and sample the drink offers at X base. Always busy and a great place to meet travellers from all corners of the world, this simple hostel bar gives you everything you expect, karaoke, competitions, live music and a constantly changing clientele.

Republica, St Kilda Beach

St Kilda’s definitive beachfront bar is the best place to be on a hot summer’s day. With an open kitchen serving food until late, a covered beer garden inside and a large balcony overlooking the shoreline. Republica is a beautiful spot to watch the sun go down; the only drawback is that they don’t have more of those hanging wicker chairs.

Do you agree with our list? Did we miss out your favourite bar? Let us know your thoughts below.

Port Arthur.   You can’t visit a penal colony like Tasmania without visiting at least  one prison and Port Arthur is the best preserved of the lot.  A prisoner’s life was a wretched one and that is abundantly clear here.    No walls or fences and yet, no escape.  Great vistas, though.

Salamanca Markets.    Go Bohemian, go local, go cheap…just go to the Salamanca Markets every Saturday in Hobart.   Natives and tourists alike enjoy this experience and bargain hunting opportunity.

Cadbury Chocolate Factory.   Located in suburban Hobart, this is a hugely popular attraction.  It costs $7.50 to  see the high school science lab type presentation of how chocolate is made (hey, no one does factory  floor tours anymore) but the bonus is the huge shopping area with all of the products Cadbury offers.   Locals pay the fee to shop here for their cheap and fresh chocolate.  Cadbury will even mail a huge box of goodies  you’ve  picked out right from the sales floor. Alas, only to an Australian address.

Hobart Regatta.    A horse race stops humanity in its tracks in Melbourne.  Far more natural for a boat race to seize the public  on an island state.  It’s not just a boat race in February, it’s a long weekend of activities for everyone.  Lots of shoreline to watch the regatta.

Launceston.      Launceston, at the confluence of three rivers,  has charms Hobart seems to be lacking.  Historic buildings in great condition abound.  The state’s viticulture industry is centered here.  The Cataract Gorge is a lovely place to spend the day.  And my personal favorite Tasmanian National Trust site:  the Old Umbrella Shop.

Evandale.     Location of the National Penny Farthing Championship Race, home to the Commonwealth’s most decorated soldier,  also home to famous landscape artist Glover, a colonial mansion sits on the hill (Clarendon), an old-fashioned general store anchors the town shopping section and , in general,  looks more England than England.

Faery Penguins.     Head north to Burnie or Stanley to see faery penguins come out of the sea at night to tend to their nesting chicks on shore.  Vigilant volunteers  are quick to point out the rock-hopping penguins to visitors and quicker to make sure visitors don’t mess with the penguins.   Flash photography is not allowed so the lasting images of this neat experience will be in your head.

Of course this isn’t an exhaustive list of things to do in Tasmania. But it will get you started  on your journey through this beautiful state.   If you are a walker, you are in great luck.  There are numerous hikes of all durations  here.  Indeed, some of the best places are accessible only by foot.

WHERE TO SLEEP?

There is no shortage of hostelries in Tasmania although finding an ensuite room (bathroom inside room) for under $100 a night can be tricky.  If you don’t mind a bathroom down the hall, plenty of country pubs offer decent accommodation for less than triple figures.   Three unique options :

The Empire Hotel.    In Queenstown.    Showing her age a bit but still a treasure.  The central blackwood stairwell is listed with the National Trust!  Supper in their intimate restaurant upstairs is worth while.

Pendragon Hall.    In Hobart.    So many decommissioned churches are repurposed as art  galleries, museums or homes.  The undercroft of this church is rented out as lodgings.  Awaken to sun filtering through stained glass windows.  Ideal for multiple-day stays as multi-media entertainment and food preparation is possible in this self-contained unit.

Jail Cell.        Maria Island.     Maria [ma RYE ah] Island is a national park with no services (you pack in, you pack out-including trash) but with an opportunity for people to enjoy plenty of hiking by staying overnight in one of their jail cells.  Surprisingly spacious with a fireplace for cooking and picnic table inside. Coin operated showers in the next building.  A unique experience.

Pub in the Paddock.   Pyengana near St Columba Falls.   A true country pub—out in the bush, old and with lots of character.  Close to the St Columba Falls and near an excellent dairy which brush massages its cows.  But they’re not the only ones pampered.  Pub in the Paddock has Priscilla, a beer swigging pig.  For a mere buck, you too can share a drink with Priscilla, queen of the paddock.

It is so easy for visitors to Australia to catch the big eastern state cities like Sydney and Melbourne while ignoring gems like Tasmania.   I can’t guarantee that a Tasmanian Tiger will come out of extinction long enough for you to take a photo of it, but the detour here will be memorable nonetheless.  If nothing else, come here for the only tolerable summer in OZ.