100 Greatest Australian Gourmet Experiences

“Deep in a little corner of the Derwent Valley surrounded by fertile and bucolic Tasmanian countryside lies the ultimate Australian gourmet experience. Revered restaurant critic Leo Schofield describes is as “one of the most seductive and sophisticated cooking schools in the country”.

This is the exciting introduction to # 1 Australian Gourmet Experience, The Agrarian Kitchen and you can find more details in the April/May issue of the “Australian Traveller” which is my favourite magazine and I strongly recommend that you make it yours as well! You can contact them here;

Back to The Agrarian Kitchen,it was founded by ex-Gourmet Traveller magazine food editor, Rodney Dunn. It is a self-sustaining cooking school housed in a charming 1887 school house with the kitchen overlooking the vegetable patch
Dunn hopes his Kitchen changes the way people think. “ I want people to leave here and think about where their food is coming from. I want them to realise that this is how good it can be”.

The Top 10 of the hundred experiences are;
001 The Agrarian Kitchen TAS
002 Victor Churchill NSW
003 Quay Restaurant NSW
004 Fish ’n’ Chips on the Beach NATIONAL
005 Holy Goat Cheese VIC
006 Daylesford Organics VIC
007 Tetsuya’s NSW
008 Vue de Monde VIC
009 Pyengana Dairy Company TAS
010 Sunnybrae Restaurant & Cooking School VIC

And there are another 90 waiting for you. It’s sensational reading if you are interested in food and a great source when planning your next gourmet holidays or a fish ‘n’ chips on the beach. You can find it all in the latest issue available from your newsagent or visit Australian Traveller's website by clicking here.

This is great reading and should not be missed. By the way, coming to Australia you should also consider The Australia Card which gives you a 10% discount on a variety of services in Australia. Check it out at: The Australia Card.

Australian Alps Walking Track - 655 km

** Before exploring the Alps, walkers must obtain detailed maps of their chosen walking area including a copy of "Alpine Walking Track" by J. Siseman **

The Australian Alps form the largest area of mountainous alpine country in the Nation, extending from Canberra and the nearby Brindabella range, through the Snowy mountains of New South Wales and along the great dividing range to north east of Melbourne. More than ten peaks exceed 2100 metres, including Mt Kosciuszko, Australia's highest mountain at 2228 metres.

The 655 kilometre track generally follows ridges and high plains through some of the highest country in Australia and is mostly remote from any settlement. On the Alps Track you will discover some of Australia's finest mountain national parks You can join the track at many places between Walhalla and Tharwa, as it joins popular walking tracks in the Baw Baw, Alpine, Kosciusko and Namadgi National Parks. You can walk the track in ten weeks, but many people choose to walk shorter sections such as Baw Baw plateau, Bogong high plains, and the Jagungal wilderness.

Walking: - There are many short and long walking tracks within each national park.
Fishing: - Kosciuszko National Park: All year round for trout fishing in lakes Eucumbene and Jindabyne and, Tantangara reservoir. Elsewhere in the park,
the season extends from first weekend in October to last weekend in May. Types of fish include Macquarie Perch, Golden Perch (Yellow Belly), Murray Cod,
Brown and Rainbow Trout.
Canoeing: - Lake Dartmouth, Howqua and Macalister rivers, the Snowy River, the upper reaches of the Murray River, and the Mitta Mitta river.
Horse Riding: - Bogong High Plains and between the Bluff and Mt Howitt, The Cobberas-Tingaringy Unit and the adjoining Snowy River National Park,
Bicentennial National Trail. For actual details on horse riding in Kosciuszko National Park contact National Parks and Wildlife Services.
Caves: - Yarrangobilly Caves, Glory Hole thermal pool where the water temperature stays at 27 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
Cross Country Skiing: - Marked trails at Perisher Blue & Charlotte Pass. In the northern end of the park, trails near Mt. Selwyn and Cabramurra areas.
Downhill Skiing: - Thredbo, Perisher Blue, Charlottes Pass and Selwyn snowfields.

Open Times
Not easily accessible during the winter months.

Facilities
Car park, Public Toilet

Activities you can be involved in
Canoeing, Caving, Self-Guided, Bushwalking

Experiences you can enjoy
Adventure, Flora/Fauna, Nature based, Wildlife

Description
** Before exploring the Alps, walkers must obtain detailed maps of their chosen walking area including a copy of "Alpine Walking Track" by J. Siseman ** The Australian Alps form the largest area of mountainous alpine country in the Nation, extending from Canberra and the nearby Brindabella range, through the Snowy mountains of New South Wales and along the great dividing range to north east of Melbourne. More than ten peaks exceed 2100 metres, including Mt Kosciuszko, Australia's highest mountain at 2228 metres. The 655 kilometre track generally follows ridges and high plains through some of the highest country in Australia and is mostly remote from any settlement. You can join the track at many places between Walhalla and Tharwa, as it joins popular walking tracks in the Baw Baw, Alpine, Kosciusko and Namadgi National Parks. You can walk the track in ten weeks, but many people choose to walk shorter sections such as Baw Baw plateau, Bogong high plains, and the Jagungal wilderness. Walking: - There are many short and long walking tracks within each national park. Fishing: - Kosciuszko National Park: All year round for trout fishing in lakes Eucumbene and Jindabyne and, Tantangara reservoir. Elsewhere in the park, the season extends from first weekend in October to last weekend in May. Types of fish include Macquarie Perch, Golden Perch (Yellow Belly), Murray Cod, Brown and Rainbow Trout. Canoeing: - Lake Dartmouth, Howqua and Macalister rivers, the Snowy River, the upper reaches of the Murray River, and the Mitta Mitta river. Horse Riding: - Bogong High Plains and between the Bluff and Mt Howitt, The Cobberas-Tingaringy Unit and the adjoining Snowy River National Park, Bicentennial National Trail. For actual details on horse riding in Kosciuszko National Park contact National Parks and Wildlife Services. Caves: - Yarrangobilly Caves, Glory Hole thermal pool where the water temperature stays at 27 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Cross Country Skiing: - Marked trails at Perisher Blue & Charlotte Pass. In the northern end of the park, trails near Mt. Selwyn and Cabramurra areas. Downhill Skiing: - Thredbo, Perisher Blue, Charlottes Pass and Selwyn snowfields.

Bruny Island Cruise, Tasmania, Australia

This multi-award winning three-hour eco-adventure cruise takes you through some of Tasmania's unspoilt coastline like nobody else. Our safe, fast and comfortable boats ensure you're right in the adventure – seeing everything up close, feeling every thrill and experiencing nature first hand.

Bruny Island boasts stunning natural cliff formations, among the tallest in the world. The awesome 'Breathing Rock', the towering 'Monument' and the lush emerald green forests of South Bruny - you will fall in love with this island paradise. The impressive array of sea and coastal wildlife rivals many national parks throughout the world. Meet the Bruny Island seals, dolphins, whales, albatross, eagles, gannet, shearwater and petrel who live in this delicate ecosystem.

Our highly trained interpretative guides love what they do – they’ll make your experience fun, enjoyable, entertaining and informative.

After an unforgettable three hour 50km journey, you’ll return you to shore knowing you’ve been involved in a remarkable voyage of discovery – not just Tasmania's best, but simply one of the world's great environmental travel experiences.

That was straight from the brochure and here are my personal comments; this is a definite must when travelling to and in Australia and Tasmania. It shows you a part of Tasmania that you can’t experience from ashore, the beauty of the ocean with its different colour of blue and green and white, the most fantastic caves and cliff formations, amazing kelp forests all the way down to the Great Southern Ocean. On our day we were surrounded by Shearwaters and Albatrosses who majestically sailed along without the slightest movement of their wings, they just glide on the air and dive down to catch a fish now and then. The playful seals which we saw a lot of both the New Zealand fur seal and the native Australian seal and to top it off, on the return we were surrounded by 100s of dolphins diving and swimming along the boat. Spectacular !

Bring warm clothing the brochure reads but the operator also supply you with a wind and waterproof jackets that covers you from top to toe and, This was most appreciated as it gets rather cold out there on the Tasman Sea.

The staff is 100%. They know what they talk about has a fountain of knowledge and keep you spellbound throughout the cruise. . They look after all the clients on the boat very well indeed and make sure they are fine. Ginger tablets were available for those a bit apprehensive about sea sickness and some other snacks were also distributed during the trip. Again I must really commend them on their service and attitude. Absolutely tops !

We were so impressed with this cruise that we decided to take the Tasman Island Cruise as well, slightly different but again fascinating. Check it out at www.brunycruises.com.au and www.tasmancruises.com.au

Sailing Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Sail Ningaloo has joined the Australia Card and offer holders of the card a 10% discount on their sailing trips on the World Heritage Ningaloo Reef Marine Park in Western Australia, ex Coral Bay.

Sail Ningaloo Pty Ltd has a beautifully appointed 51ft sailing catamaran" Shore Thing" set up for live-aboard cruises lasting from 3 to 9 days accommodating up to 10guests.

Their focus is providing a quality tour with a little luxury all within a pristine environment. Activities available to guests while on board the vessel “Shore Thing” include snorkelling on a world class coral reef, kayaking crystal clear lagoons, beach combing and scuba diving. All meals and activities are included in the price. Scuba diving is at an additional cost to clients.


Ningaloo Reef Marine Park on the remote west coast of Australia is one of the worlds most beautiful and pristine fringing reef systems teeming with fish life and spectacular coral ormations. The major leisure activities are swimming with the Manta Rays, Reef Sharks, Marine Turtles and Whale Sharks. Humpback Whales also visit our shoreline on their annual migration and Dugongs grace us with their presence throughout the year

Accommodation on board is orientated toward small numbers (maximum of 10 guests) to ensure your unique experience and provide you with the best personalised service. The vessel has beautifully appointed cabins for your privacy and comfort, fully shaded back deck area and a large front deck and trampoline area for lazing about in the shade of the sails.

Sail Ningaloo charters operates in the stunning Ningaloo Reef Marine Park between the months of April to October with scheduled charters including 3 day/2 night “Coral Garden Spectacular”, 5 day/4 nights “Ningaloo Escape” and the 9 day “Ultimate Experience”. They also operate day sailings from Coral Bay exploring the reef. Private charters and research charters are also offered.

You can contact them on enquiries@sailningaloo.com.au and mention The Australia Card to enjoy the 10% discount. However, you need to purchase the card first and you can do this by emailing us on hsander@theaustraliacard.com.au. For more details see www.theaustraliacard.com.au

Tasmania December - March

As much as we love Tropical Queensland, sometimes it gets a bit too humid during December-March so this year we decided to spend a couple of month in Tasmania instead enjoying the lovely temperate climate down there.

We took the car across from Melbourne to Devonport and on arrival it was raining and it kept raining for a couple of days. Who cares. One could use clothing that has been unused for some time. Dress up warmly, nice open fire etc. etc.
We rented a small house for AUD 280.00 per week and it has everything down to dish washing liquid, bed linen etc. but everything else you need to supply, like food and drinks. On top of that we had to contact the Energy company to put the bill in our name as well as Telstra which has the best coverage in Tasmania. We also had to lodge a bond of 1120.00 with the local authorities which is refundable once you've had the real estate agent inspecting your lodging.

Two months in Tasmania might seem a long time but if you are a pensioner and live in the Tropics I can highly recommend a change of scenery during the humid period.

It is essential to have a car so if you don't bring your own, rent one.

December-March is a lovely time in Tasmania with fresh product like cherries, raspberries, blueberries etc. in abundance, try some great meat from the Cape Grim area and don't forget the seafood here. Actually, everything seem to taste better down here.

For more details of our stay, have a look at the website: www.australiantravel.us where we have inserted a program for your stay.

Take a Walk in Sydney - Australia

If you are planning a trip to Australia and Sydney, I would suggest that you allow for an extra 2 days and do something out of the ordinary, a walk. A coastal walk !

An exhilarating 2 days of breathtaking scenery and invigorating challenges the
Royal

Coast Walk offers it all. Located only 32 km south of Sydney you meet up at Cronulla where you cross by scenic ferry to Bundeena and the start of your 2 day adventure.
There are plenty of stops during the day to refresh, relax and take photos. You swim at protected beaches and camp by the secluded beach and lagoon at the gorgeous Wattamolla.
Now, if you can only spend one day this is what you do; Walk from Bundeena to Little Marley via the Aboriginal carvings at Jibbon Point and return. Highlights include the Devil’s Dice ,White Cliffs and Marley Headland.
For those with 2 days to spare see the entire Coast Track including a night camping under the stars by the ocean and lagoon at Wattamolla. Highlights on Day 2 of the walk include Eagle Rock,Garie Beach, shack communities at Era and Burning Palms, Palm Jungle and Werrong Lookout.
Walking distances: (Day 1 – 14 km, 7 hrs; Day 2 – 16km, 8hr)

The organiser,Royal Coast Walks supply, prepare and transport all your good and camping equipment leaving you free to experience the Coast Track in all it’s beauty.
The cost is AUD 239.00 and includes;
Royal National Park entry and camping fees.•
All camping equipment, transported and erected for youat our idyllic campsite• Expert Guide•
All meals for the duration of the trip.
Scenic ferry ride from Cronulla to Bundeena.
Specialty evening meal is BBQ’d marinated butterfly leg oflamb, grilled vegetable skewers, gourmet salad and traditional Australian damper. Beer and wine.• Lunches consist of freshly prepared ham/chicken and salad rolls.•
Breakfast is bacon, eggs, fruit, cereal, juice, tea and coffee.•
Daytime snacks are fresh fruit, nuts and dried fruits.*
Alternative menu available on request**
Breakfast and evening meals are for overnight packages only.


Check out Royal Coast Walks on http://www.theaustraliacard.com.au

Not only will you get a 10% discount with RCW but similar discounts on a variety of services all over Australia

Take a walk in Sydney

If you are planning a trip to Australia and Sydney, I would suggest that you allow for an extra 2 days and do something out of the ordinary, a walk. A coastal walk !

An exhilarating 2 days of breathtaking scenery and invigorating challenges the Royal Coast Walk offers it all.

Located only 32 km south of Sydney you meet up at Cronulla where you cross by scenic ferry to Bundeena and the start of your 2 day adventure. There are plenty of stops during the day to refresh, relax and take photos. You swim at protected beaches and camp by the secluded beach and lagoon at the gorgeous Wattamolla.

Now, if you can only spend one day this is what you do; Walk from Bundeena to Little Marley via the Aboriginal carvings at Jibbon Point and return. Highlights include the Devil’s Dice ,White Cliffs and Marley Headland.

For those with 2 days to spare see the entire Coast Track including a night camping under the stars by the ocean and lagoon at Wattamolla. Highlights on Day 2 of the walk include Eagle Rock, Garie Beach, shack communities at Era and Burning Palms, Palm Jungle and Werrong Lookout.

Walking distances: (Day 1 – 14 km, 7 hrs; Day 2 – 16km, 8hr)

The organiser, Royal Coast Walks supply, prepare and transport all your good and camping equipment leaving you free to experience the Coast Track in all it’s beauty.

The cost is AUD 239.00 and includes;

• Royal National Park entry and camping fees.
• All camping equipment, transported and erected for you
at our idyllic campsite
• Expert Guide
• All meals for the duration of the trip.
Scenic ferry ride from Cronulla to Bundeena.

• Specialty evening meal is BBQ’d marinated butterfly leg of
lamb, grilled vegetable skewers, gourmet salad and traditional
Australian damper. Beer and wine.
• Lunches consist of freshly prepared ham/chicken and salad rolls.
• Breakfast is bacon, eggs, fruit, cereal, juice, tea and coffee.
• Daytime snacks are fresh fruit, nuts and dried fruits.
* Alternative menu available on request
** Breakfast and evening meals are for overnight packages only.

Contact Royal Coast Walks directly and enjoy a 10% discount with your Australia Card.

The Australia Card is a new product available for anyone planning a visit to Australia. You will enjoy a 10% discount on a multitude of products all over Australia so the purchase price of AUD 35.00 soon pays for itself. Further details are available at http://www.theaustraliacard.com.au