Watch the video below for the full story on the new exhibit.

Read the full article here.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek – 9 to 12 days

Travelling to Nepal immediately conjures up images of trekking in the Himalayas and Annapurna regions. What’s hard to comprehend though is the ease and accessibility of some of the hikes. In March 2009 I hiked to Annapurna Base Camp along a route known as the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. This hike is one of the classic ‘tea house’ treks of Nepal, so called because of the relative comfort that the numerous lodgings provide. The trek attracts an amazing 60,000 hikers every year, second only to the Annapurna Circuit in popularity. Visually the trek is stunning and deserves its place on every traveller’s hit list.

So where do you begin?

Pokhara is Nepal’s second largest city and its adventure capital. If you intend to hike the Annapurna Circuit (16-19 days) or to Annapurna Base Camp (9-12 days) you will depart from Pokhara.

If you have been travelling through India and have arrived in Pokhara with little more than thongs, shorts and a singlet then don’t worry, the town is absolutely loaded with camping stores all selling the full spectrum of fake North Face, Mountain Hardwear and Columbia gear.

So what gear do you need?

If your flying solo and don’t have a porter carrying your gear then I would recommend keeping your pack to a limit of 12 kilos. The gear I would take includes:

• Good hiking boots
• Waterproof shell jacket
• Sleeping bag rated to -5 degrees
• Down jacket
• Micro fleece top
• 2 x hiking pants
• Set of thermals
• Long sleeve T-shirts
• Warm comfortable socks
• A broad rimmed hat
• Sunglasses
• Walking poles
• Topographical Map
• Plastic poncho
• Headlamp or torch
• Good AA or AAA batteries
• Sunscreen
• Water Purification tablets

To buy fake gear or not to buy

Hiking gear is definitely expensive, but if you have the means to buy good quality gear here in Australia then I’d recommend it. The fake items I bought in Pokhara which performed brilliantly included:

• Marmot micro fleece top $5
• North Face down jacket $40
• Fleece lined beanie $5
• Broad rimmed hat $5
• North Face hiking socks $2 a pair
• Columbia thermals $15 for pants and top

Please don’t compromise on a good waterproof shell jacket, hiking boots or sleeping bag.  These three items are essential.

Budget

I took 14,000 Nepal Rupees ($250 AUD in March 2008) with me for an expected 12 day hike. Luckily we completed the hike in 9 days as my funds ran out on the last day.

That being said, if you want to drink Fanta at every stop, eat pizza for lunch and dinner and have a beer or two each day then I’d recommend budgeting $40 AUD per day. If you are more budget conscious then you can easily live off $20 AUD per day. Either way, chances are it’ll be the cheapest and most enjoyable experience of your trip.
REMEMBER!
Food, drink and accommodation prices increase as you hike towards ABC. So be mindful of your spending as the closest ATM is in Pokhara.

The Route

Day 1 – Nayapul to Tikkhedunga

Day 2 – Tikkhedunga to Ghorepani

Day 3 – Sunrise at Poon Hill and walked to Tadapani

Day 4 – Tadapani to Chommrong (stayed at a small village 45 minutes uphill from Chommrong)

Day 5 – Chommrong to Deurali

Day 6 – Deurali to MBC

Day 7 – Sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp then down to Chommrong

Day 8 – Chommrong to Jhinu Hot Spring

Day 9 – Jhinu Hot Spring to Nayapul

Physical Fitness Required

A good level of fitness is definitely going to help you on this trek. You can expect to walk between 6-8 hours a day often on steep climbs and descents and you will notice the change in altitude.  Long descents will test your leg muscles and this is often the time when people sustain injuries. Walking poles are great for reducing the impact on knee joints and leg muscles.

Is it Dangerous?

Whilst there is an inherent risk with any outdoor activity, I felt safe at all times during this trek. The route between Deurali and MBC is prone to avalanches, however this risk is small and well informed guides will be fully aware of recent snowfall and trail conditions.

When to go

October/November – After the monsoon season is the most popular time for hiking in Nepal.

March/April – Whilst the trails will be quieter, the downside is that the pristine mountain views can be spoilt by a haze, which occurs during periods of low rainfall.

Going Solo?

Hiking alone is dangerous and there’s no point enjoying the best views in the world on your own. It is very easy to meet fellow hikers in Pokhara and even at the trailhead of Nayapul.

Thanks to our guest reviewer - Jonathan Ingram

]]> http://www.holidaytips.com.au/index.php/archive/annapurna-sanctuary-trek/feed/ http://www.holidaytips.com.au/index.php/archive/hiroshima-peace-memorial-park/ http://www.holidaytips.com.au/index.php/archive/hiroshima-peace-memorial-park/#comments Fri, 13 Feb 2009 01:22:12 +0000 Editor http://www.holidaytips.com.au/?p=808

A trip to Japan is not complete without visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The images of the atomic mushroom cloud are etched into our consciousness  from an early age, but the true reality of what went on beneath the cloud cannot be fully understood without visiting the bomb site. The horror of  what happened on August the 6th, 1945 when the world’s first atomic bomb was detonated in the sky over Hiroshima is not easily forgotten and nor should it be.

For a small fee you can hire an audio guide that explains the various exhibits and recounts many of the life experiences of those who survived the bombing. We recommend you do this as it adds detail to the museum tour that you would miss out on without it. A warning though. This is very upsetting and we were moved to tears at many points throughout the tour.

At 8:15am on the morning of August 6 the bomb briefly flashed at a height of 600 meters and then erupted into an enormous fireball like the sun. All buildings were completely destroyed within a radius of two kilometers from the hypocenter, testifying to the enormous power of the blast. A wrist watch, stopped by the explosion is chilling evidence of the time of detonation and in a single moment thousands of human lives were lost. It is impossible to visit this museum and not feel a sense of shame.

The story of Sadako Sasaki is both tragic and some how strangely uplifting. Sadako was exposed to the A-bomb at the age of two but escaped without apparent injury. Ten years later, in her sixth year of elementary school, she suddenly contracted leukemia and was hospitalized the following year. She folded paper cranes continuously hoping they would help her recover, but after an eight month battle with the disease, she died. Sadako’s death triggered a movement to build a monument to all the children killed by the A-bomb, and the Children’s Peace Monument was erected in Peace Memorial Park with donations received from all over Japan. Sadako’s story has since travelled around the world. Every year, countless paper cranes are sent to this monument in her honor, as a symbol of peace and in the hope the world will never see an atomic bomb used ever again.

Each year on the anniversary of the bombing the Mayor of Hiroshima issues a Peace Declaration, you can read the 2008 declaration here.

2008 Peace Declaration

A visit to Warrnambool just isn’t complete without stopping by at Flagstaff Hill. Over the years we’ve been to Warrnambool many times and never tire of this charming attraction. Flagstaff Hill is not as large as Sovereign Hill in Ballarat, however what it lacks in size it makes up for in atmosphere.

For the second year in a row Flagstaff Hill has been named the best tourism operator in its field, winning the ‘Tourist Attraction’ category at the Melbourne Airport  Victorian Tourism Awards.  It is also the winner of the 2008 ‘Tourist Attraction’ category for the state. Are we surprised? No, these awards are well deserved.

By day you can explore the recreated maritime village and discover what life was like for those who sailed to Australia in the 1800’s. Don’t miss having some Devonshire Tea at Stella Maris Tearooms. Remember it’s mandatory to have Devonshire Tea at all historical villages - according to us anyway.

By night you can enjoy  ”Shipwrecked” a state of the art sound and laser show that magically brings to life the tale of the Loch Ard, wrecked in 1878. It’s a fun experience for the kids as they get to carry lanterns to light the way along the cobble stone street that leads to the main viewing stage. The show is high tech and truly world class. A combination of rear projection, laser lights, water, sound and hydraulic effects are used  to tell the story of the famous sinking of the Loch Ard. A thin sheet of water created by a high pressure fan shaped nozzle serves as the screen for the projected images creating a magical visual experience that is quite mesmerising.

ADMISSION PRICES
By day - Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village

Adult $15.95
Concession $12.50
Child $6.50
Family (2 adults and 2 or more children) $39.00
SUMMER SPECIAL - 3 day Family Pass $5 extra , Total $44

Open 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. daily except Christmas Day. Last admissions 4.00 p.m.
By Night - ‘Shipwrecked’ Sound and Laser Spectacular
Adult $25.50
Concession $22.50
Child $13.95
Family (2 adults and 2 children) $64.95
Additional Child $8.75
Screens nightly at dusk excect Christmas Eve and Christmas Day -Times vary throughout the year. Bookings are essential.

PLEASE NOTE - Peak Summer Period
The earlier you book the earlier the show you can be confirmed into.

DINNER & SHOW PACKAGES
A new dinner and show package which includes ‘Shipwrecked’ Show and 2 course Dinner at ‘Pippies by the Bay’ Restaurant (choice of Entree and Main, or Main and Dessert) is now available.

Adult $48.00
Child $25.00
Bookings for Dinner and show should be made through the Flagstaff Hill reservations desk.

For more information visit the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village Website.

Terms & conditions

There are many properties on the market for $10,000+ per week (ridiculous prices) during peak periods. Likewise it is possible to rent a nice house for $300 - 500 per week during the quieter periods. Despite the vast number of accommodation options, vacancy rates during the peak periods can often be nil. That’s right - fully booked.

Accommodation pricing is roughly based on which season the booking is in:

• Peak or high
• Shoulder
• Low

Bear in mind the dates of these periods can and do vary from one accommodation provider to another so its always wise to check.

Lets have a look at when demand and therefore prices are the highest.

Peak season

School holidays 
Public holidays and long weekends
The warmer the weather the higher the demand
If you are booking during peak period, be prepared for the higher cost. No you don’t get anything extra and yes it will often seem cheaper to fly overseas. If you have to book during this period book well ahead of time to ensure you have a good selection of properties. If you are planning to return to the same accommodation the following year, book it in advance. Whichever way you look at it, you will be paying premium rates for the busiest time of the year. Level of price negotiation - limited to Nil.

Shoulder

This is the period leading up to and immediately following the peak period. Generally this is a great time to travel and you get all the benefits of the warmer climate with the high accommodation cost of peak periods. We prefer to travel in shoulder season because it offers much better value for money and we also get a chance to experience many destinations without the crowds. 

Low

This is the balance of the year where demand is lower. Yes it may be winter, although temperatures are still around the high teens and the water temperature is warmer than what the southern states experience.  Level of price negotiation - fair to good.

Your accomodation search will normally entail three or more phone calls regarding a particular property. Ask for the same person each time and build a relationship with them. In the early discussions, only give a rough idea of what you are budgetting for.

1. Check out the rates on the website for all periods in the year
2. Set yourself a budget and stick to it
3. Compare the rates of other properties to identify relative value for money
4. Spend time talking to the accomodation provider - get answers for your checklist/questions
5. Talk about pricing last (remember they want a quick easy transaction, as they will have numerous other people also looking for accomodation)
6. Ask for their best weekly rate for the period you are interested in
7. Show interest and project the fact you are genuinely interested and not a ‘time waster’
8. Ask for the rate of the next lowest season and start negotiating from there
9. Once you cannot move any further with the price, request that they speak to the owner and check to see if a lower rate is available. Tell them if the rate is acceptable, that you are happy to provide a deposit right there and then (by make sure you are absolutely ready to do this)
10. Most accommodation providers are happy to check with the owner - you may just get a great deal.
11. Do the deal, but do not pay any money until all your questions have been answered to your satisfaction.

If you are unable or not ready to do the transaction, ask for a tentative booking or to simply ‘hold to booking’. If they hold the booking and dont get back to you quickly, this gives you an indication of the demand for the property and how much negotiation power you have. Tentative bookings can range from one day to several weeks depending on the season.

Remember you may only have one opportunity to negotiate the price, avoid renegotiating after the property has been held for you as you wont appear serious and credible.

Last Minute Specials

If you are flexible with your dates, always ask if there are any last minutes specials. these can occur through cancellations or ‘no-shows’. The more the last minute, the better your chances of getting a better rate. Remember your advantage - you can either take it or leave it and from their side it will be vacant or not, so negotiate hard. If you get the price you’re after book it (but remember to ask all those questions you have in the back of your mind).

- Special thanks to Bill Soo for this article.

We visited Coal Creek about five years ago and enjoyed it. It’s like Sovereign Hill without the hype. When we visited a few weeks ago we were amazed to discover it is now FREE to enter. Not too many attractions actually become cheaper with time, let alone free!

Coal Creek Heritage Village is built on the site of an original black coal mine in Korumburra, South Gippsland. The village depicts life in a Coal Mining Town between the 1870s - 1920s, covering over 30 acres of bushland, with over 60 exhibits. Even though admission is free there are a few opportunities to spend your money, one is Garrard’s Café by the lake. A quaint homestead offering some hearty country style food. On a cold South Gippsland afternoon the soup and damper was hard to beat and there is of course Devonshire tea - it should be mandatory to have Devonshire tea at all historic villages!

There are some very educational, fun things to do, however as the village is staffed largely by volunteers not all of the activities operate all the time. It’s a good idea to call in advance and check what’s on when you are planning to visit. Here are some of the activities on offer:

• Ride the Bush Tramway in open carriages of the diesel tram as it meanders through the village and bushland.
• Bush Tractor Village Ride - Climb aboard the dray for a trip behind “The Red Rocket” around the village.
• Coal Mining Experience- Children wear mining hats and carry lamps into the mine tunnel* to experience conditions of the pioneering coal miners. Chat with a miner, who will demonstrate some of the tools used for digging the coal. (*SUBJECT TO AVAILABLILTY)
• School Lesson (Years 3 To 6) - School lesson in the old Jeetho Schoolhouse, incorporating the use of Nibbed Pen and Ink.
• Pioneer Timber Skills (Years 3-6) - The Pioneer skills specialist demonstrates the use of Broad Axes to show how “Bush Skills” were used to build dwellings and furniture, etc.
• Bush Cooking - Create “tucker” as the pioneers did. Billy tea and damper.

Getting There

Located forty-five minutes from Phillip Island, approximately ninety minutes from Melbourne’s CBD and on the direct route to Wilson’s Promontory, getting to Coal Creek is a breeze.

Hours

Open Thursday to Monday
10.00am to 4.30pm
Group or School bookings 7 days

Admission Price

FREE! - The price alone makes it a ‘must visit’.

To learn more about Steve Parish visit the Steve Parish Publishing website.

]]> http://www.holidaytips.com.au/index.php/archive/steve-parish-photography-tips/feed/ http://www.holidaytips.com.au/index.php/archive/wilsons-promontory/ http://www.holidaytips.com.au/index.php/archive/wilsons-promontory/#comments Wed, 24 Dec 2008 22:42:58 +0000 Editor http://www.holidaytips.com.au/?p=414

Memories are made of this…

If your childhood doesn’t have at least one memory of camping at Wilsons Prom then your life is sadly lacking. But don’t despair as long as you’re still breathing there is still time to plan a holiday to this breathtaking National Park and create some memories that will last a lifetime - or your money back!

Wilsons Prom is the southernmost point of the Australian mainland and has been one of Victoria’s favourite holiday destinations for as long as I can remember. The camp grounds at Tidal river are ideally located, nestled within a Tea Tree forest with Tidal river to the west side and pristine Norman Bay to the south.

Why so popular?

There aren’t too many places left that remain unspoiled by us humans. The ‘Prom’ is one of them. Sure it has a camp ground, general store, cafe, open air cinema, toilet blocks, and cabins but everything else is as untouched as it’s ever been. The water in Norman bay is crystal clear, the beach sand is powder-fine, the air is sweet with the smell of Tea Tree and the wombats roam freely.

Facilities

We have stayed at camping grounds all over the world and the facilities at the Prom are as good as you get anywhere. The shower/toilet blocks have all been renovated and when we visited, were immaculate. Tidal River has 484 camping and caravan sites with 20 powered sites for those who can’t do without it. The powered sites are popular so it’s best to pre-book.

Tidal River also offers self-contained cabins (6 people), units (4 people), group lodges (12, 24 & 30 bed) and huts (4 & 6 bed). Wilderness Retreats are another accommodation option at Tidal River. These unique, contemporary safari-style tents located in a tranquil area of the campground are a new feature and sure beats putting up your own tent . As you can imagine these accommodation options are all very popular and must be booked well in advance.

Tidal River has a general store, post office, camping gas supplies and a take-away food shop. Meals are available on some nights. Open-air cinema and doctor services are available during summer. Fuel can be purchased from the Tidal River General Store.

Top 10 Thing To Do:

1. Swim in Norman Bay.

3. Flop around in Tidal River.

4. Walk to Squeaky Beach.

5. Walk the boardwalk at dusk.

6. Walk to the top of Mt Oberon.

7. Walk to Lily  Pilly Gully.

8. Watch a movie at the open-air cinema. (Check operating times - only runs during major holiday times)

9. Experience some of the park’s secrets by taking an overnight hike to one of the 11 outstation campsites (accessible only on foot). Hikes range from beginner to intermediate standard, and one to five nights duration.

10. Explore the northern part of the Prom - an officially designated wilderness. Millers Landing and Vereker Lookout are easy family walks in this area.

For more information visit the Parks Victoria website.