I think that Brisbane is quite pretty and there are a few thing that I would check out as you are passing through.A couple of days should be enough to see the sights before you move on.

The hub of the city is the Queen street mall where there is department store shopping and the like but most travellers particularly backpackers don’t come to the city to experience the shopping.  Probably what is more likely to be of interest is the pubs and clubs so lets start there. I am not going to give you a list of places because my taste may not be your taste but really just an insight.

If you do decide to take a trek down to the city mall and are looking for a cold beverage look up. A few top eateries and bars exist on second levels, so look and be rewarded.  I will say this however that if you are looking for a huge night out and want clubs and disco type stuff then Fortitude Valley will most likely fit this bill.  It has a group of clubs together in the Brunswick Street Mall area. ‘The Valley’ has been cleaned up a bit as t used to have a fair percentage of dodgy characters loitering. It still does but things are better than they used to be.  I have found that the area still makes the hairs on te back of my neck stand up and I ahve a constant feeling of unease but that is not to say that it not worth a visit.  Oh yeah China town is also located in this area but is being revamped opefully to give it a more authentic feel.

The next thing on my list to visit the Southbank Parklands. They are just over the William Jolly bridge and can be accessed by train, bus or ferry. The man made lagoon is awesome. These soft sandy beach of the lagoon is perfect to set up and people watch and to take a swim. The weather is always conducive for a dip but jsut remember to put sunscreen on.  Southbank area is a revamped presinct with new building and eateries. There are licenced cafes and pubs as well as fast food type outlets. Allow about 4 hours up to a day, to relax in the parklands and around the lagoon. There are two train stations where you can jump off at either South Brisbane or Southbank stations.

For some travellers who like tours of things perhaps take the XXXX (four-ex) brewery tour. You will have to make a booking as the tours are pretty popular especially since you get a tasting at the end of the tour.

If you are like me and want the pick of the spots for a photo oportunity get over to Kangaroo Point, which is located on the opposite side of the Brisbane river to the city. There are cliffs that people climb on. There are adventure groups that will charge a fee for climbing and absailing on the cliffs. Probably best to check with your hostel for a reputable company. For a great photo of the city line go to the rotunda on the south end (farthest from the Story Bridge) and be there at sunset to get the skyline and buildings lit up.  Set aside about 2-3 hours to get there and expore a bit. Longer if you climb the cliffs.

Transport

The main stations for Brisbane are Roma Street, Central and Fortitude Valley.  The train system for the traveller is a little hard to figure out but without going into great detail, trains that go north are on a screen, trians that go south are on another and so on. The staff that man the gates and ticket booths are generally pretty helpful and will help you purchase that right zone tickets.

Just another tip, the Roma Street park lands are also nice to have a wander through. The easiest way to get to the park lands from the city are to get to Roma Street station and walk right through it and out the other side. You do not need to buy a train ticket to get through if you don’t get on a train. Just pick a slip of paper next to the cattle gates. Ask the staff on the gates if you cant find them. Walk through the station and put the paper slip in the box on the other side.  Allow about 2 hours for this experience.

Airport

The airport is about 17kmm north west of the city. The easiest way to get their from the city is the Airtrain.  The train leaves very regualrly about every 20 minutes and will get you to domestic or international airports with no traffic delays and for little expense.

Hostel Accommodation

Lots of good hostels choices. Some are better than others but you can check them out and their availability on the button below.

Getting Out

Heading North from Brisbane is the Sunshine coast and South is the Gold Coast. Both are worth visiting so research them and try and fit them into the itinerary.

]]> http://www.itchy-feet.com.au/285/brisbane-travellers-review/feed 1 http://www.itchy-feet.com.au/273/hobart http://www.itchy-feet.com.au/273/hobart#comments Wed, 20 May 2009 07:07:37 +0000 Itchy Feet Team http://www.itchy-feet.com.au/blog/?p=273 Hobart is located in the south-east corner of Tasmania and nestled alongside the Derwent River. It is the second oldest city in Australia and has a pretty mixing of colonial architecture with the modern. It is relaxed and has a variety of shopping and eating places. Hobart offers several museums including the Maritime Museum of Tasmania, The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and the Van Diemen’s Land Folk Museum. The Cascade Brewery, close to the city centre, offers tours of the facility. There is also many outdoor activities that can be enjoyed along the Derwent.

Things to Do

Cadbury Chocolate A tour of the Claremont Chocolate Factory is a must for chocoholics. You’ll see our delicious chocolates being made – and enjoy free samples. Buy chocolate a factory prices at the end of the tour as well. Tours from 8am Monday to Friday, bookings are essential.

Hastings Caves State Reserve offers visitors a variety of experiences, from relaxing in the warm waters of a thermal springs pool, walking in the rich forests of the reserve and, of course, the unique experience of exploring Newdegate Cave.

Richmond Maze and Tea Room get lost in two wooden Mazes each with their own surprise centre. Enjoy the delicious, freshly made food and drinks in the Tea Room. Located at 13 Bridge Street Richmond.

Old Hobart Town Model Village model town is 1:16 scale which means you are able to stroll through it. It has been painstakingly reconstructed from original plans of the era thus depicting Hobart as it was in the 1820s. The authenticity of this model makes it unique in Australia.

Blackaby’s Sea Kayaks and Tours is the perfect way to reach Tasmania’s pristine rugged coastline, temperate rain forests, islands, beautiful white sand beaches, viewing wildlife, and retracing the convict history of Tasmania and Australia. Tours include a Hobart sunset tour.

Tasmanian Devil Jet 30 minutes of action packed excitement Jet Boating on the beautiful upper reaches of the Derwent River only 30 minutes out of Hobart.

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery opening hours (Main entrance 40 Macquarie Street) are 10am to 5pm every day except Good Friday, ANZAC Day (25th April) and Christmas Day (25th December). The site is on the Hobart waterfront. It is bounded by Macquarie Street, Argyle Street, Davey Street and Dunn Place. It overlooks Constitution Dock and is one block from the GPO.

Maritime Museum of Tasmania reflects Tasmania’s rich maritime heritage where historic items, paintings and ships models combine with interesting display panels to unfold a series of fascinating stories including whaling, ship wrecks and naval warfare.

Battery Point of today retains much of the character of 100 years ago. Battery Point is named after a Battery of guns (long since removed) that were established on the point in 1818. Arthurs Circus is a small enclave of lovely old cottages built around a park and well worth a look.

Salamanca Place old sandtone buildings along the harbour front with a range of restaurants to choose from. On Saturday the Salamanca markets operate with over 300 hundred stall holders.

The Cascade Brewery offers tours Monday to Friday four times daily with the highlight being the free sampling at the end.

Getting to Kakadu National Park

The easiest way to get to Kakadu National Park is by coach tour or by hiring a car, and traveling via the Arnhem Highway from Darwin, or the Kakadu Highway from Katherine. These highways are sealed roads and are usually open throughout the year. Wet season flooding can sometimes cause temporary closures. It takes approximately 3 hours to drive from Darwin to the Bowali Visitor Centre, near Jabiru, in the Park.

Exploring the Park

It is best to stay a couple of days in the Park, instead of doing a day trip, so that you can explore all of the major sites. When planning your itinerary, consider the time of year you will be visiting, the type of vehicle you have and the road conditions. Staff at the Bowali Visitor Centre can help you plan your itinerary for a self-drive tour of the park. The Centre can be contacted on (08) 8938 1121.

Things to See and Do

The Bowali Visitor Centre located in Jabiru, has a wealth of information on the Park’s ecology and Aboriginal culture and has an excellent gallery and souvenir shop. Located in Jabiru, the Centre’s long lineal design was inspired by an Aboriginal rock shelter.
The Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre located in Cooinda,
Ubirr is one of Kakadu National Park’s two most famous Aboriginal rock art galleries. The galleries can be viewed by following an easy one kilometre circular walking track. During the dry season Park Rangers give free scheduled talks about the ancient rock art. A moderately steep 250 metre climb takes you to a rocky outlook with views across the floodplains. Enjoying a spectacular tropical sunset from the top of Ubirr is not to be missed. During the tropical summer months access is restricted, check with the Bowali Visitor Centre for the latest information.
Nourlangie Rock The walls of the Nourlangie Rock Art Site, have served as a shelter and canvas for thousands of years providing windows to a rich spiritual tradition. Paintings such as Namarrgon, lightening man, explore the relationship of the people to their country and beliefs.
Nanguluwur art site, near Nourlangie Rock, is a small Aboriginal rock art gallery. Many rock art styles are represented from hand stencils, dynamic figures in large headdresses carrying spears and boomerangs, Namandi spirits and mythical figures.
Yellow Water, a land-locked billabong brimming with native flora and fauna, is one of Kakadu National Park’s best known landmarks. Located near the small settlement of Cooinda, Yellow Water is home to crocodiles, wild horses, buffalo and other wildlife. The billabong, which floods to join other waterways during the tropical season, also attracts millions of migratory birds each year, including jacana, egrets, jabiru, sea eagles, magpie geese and many other native species. Daily boat tours can be booked via Cooinda – the dawn one is the best for bird watching.

Twin Falls is set in the Arnhem Land escarpment. Access to the falls is via the Twin Falls Gorge Boat Shuttle Service that will ferry you to the base of the falls. Note that the walk to the boat shuttle, although easy, is very exposed and hot. Post-boat shuttle, the walk continues and in some parts may present a challenge to those with a fear of heights. Carry sufficient drinking water.
Koolpin Gorge- available only through 4WD tours with a permit, but well worth it.

Bardedjilidji Walk, Ubirr, Kakadu National Park, Jabiru (Via Oenpelli Road), ? +61 (8) 8938 1120. Through layered sandstone outliers, woodlands and wetlands alongside the East Alligator River, this is one of Kakadu’s most interesting short walks which starts at a small carpark 500 metres from the upstream boat ramp on the East Alligator River. You can complete it by yourself (map with information sheet available) or join the guided walk departing the shelter on Mondays. Allow 2 hours for this easy to moderate 2.5 kilometre walk. Please enquire with the Bowali Visitor Centre for accessibility as it is subject to weather conditions (flooding) and for the availability of guides. Free entry.
Gunlom Plunge Pool, Kakadu Highway, Jabiru (200 kilometres south of Jabiru), ? +61 (8) 8938 1120. Located on Waterfall Creek in World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, is the magical combination of waterfall and serene plunge pool, with shady gums cooling the picnic areas. A steep climb to the top of the waterfall provides sweeping views of the southern-most parts of Kakadu National Park while you enjoy a relaxing soak in the crystal clear pools. Free entry.

Gubara, Kakadu National Park, Jabiru (Via Nourlangie Rock Road), ? +61 (8) 8938 1120. A six kilometre return walk past sandstone cliffs to shady monsoon forest pools. Gubara is found nine kilometres in on the first road to the right after the Nourlangie carpark. It is a pleasant place to spend the heat of the day where the grade is moderate and you should allow four hours to complete. You’ll be delighted by the multitudes of butterflies surrounding the pools and can enjoy a refreshing dip after the walk. Free entry.

Walking is a great way to experience Kakadu. There are many walks throughout the park, including a wide variety of short and easy day walks as well as some longer, more challenging full day walks for those who are fit. Check seasonal access. A permit is required for anyone wishing to do an overnight bushwalk. Advance planning is essential, as is the ability to navigate using a topographic map and a compass. The routes are unmarked, and extend through remote and rugged country with variable climatic conditions.

A small, private cruise on the Corroboree or Yellow Water Billabongs is the best way to get a very close, safe and eco-friendly look at the biggest crocodiles in the world. Most tours include an activity like this. Shady Camp, near Corroboree, is home to one of the biggest crocodiles in the park at 6 meters in length.

Boating on Kakadu’s waterways can be dangerous due to strong currents, sand bars, submerged logs and crocodiles. For this reason use of non-motorised vessels (canoes) is prohibited.

Yurmikmik Walks This series of interconnected walking tracks in the southern part of the Park take walkers to waterfalls and swimming holes. Many walks are open all year round including the Boulder Creek Walk, Yurmikmik Lookout Walks and Motor Car Falls.
Jim Jim Falls Whether the falls are raging with water or the merest trickle, this majestic waterfall is a sight to behold at the end of a challenging four-wheel drive track in the southern escarpment country of Kakadu National Park. Set in the red ochre of the Arnhem Land escarpment, and boasting white sandy beaches and crystal clear water, it is worth the 900 metre walk across rocks to appreciate this special area. Jim Jim Falls has graced many calendars, books and television programs and is a must see for all visitors to Kakadu National Park. Note that the walk in to the Falls is not suitable for those with mobility or health/fitness issues – small chidren would struggle to balance and rock ramble. Take sufficient drinking water and swimming gear for a rewarding cool off.
Mirrai Lookout Walk This moderately difficult 3.6km return walk departs from the Mirrai carpark, 30kms south of the Bowali Visitor Centre. The walk goes to the Mount Cahill lookout and after a steep climb you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views of the Kakadu escarpment. Allow 1.5 hours.
Barrk Sandstone Walk This challenging, 12-kilometre walk branches off the Nourlangie Rock lookout track, past the Main Gallery of Aboriginal rock art. It takes in the beautiful sandstone country of Nourlangie Rock and past the Nanguluwur Art Gallery. Walkers should allow six to eight hours.
Merl This site in northern Kakadu is perfect for campers who want to enjoy a famous sunrise or sunset at Ubirr. It’s also an ideal base for bushwalking along the East Alligator River. There are showers, toilets and a generator zone. Camping fees are collected on site.
Gunlom is one of Kakadu’s best known attractions thanks to a superb vista across the Park from the natural swimming pools at the top of the waterfall. There is a caravan park and campsite at the bottom of the Falls with a generator area, showers and barbecues.
Koolpin Gorge at the southern end of Kakadu National Park, is renowned for its spectacular scenery. Spend a day exploring the endless span of gorges, crystal rock pools and white sandy beaches. Camp alongside Koolpin Creek and, in the morning, take a refreshing dip in a plunge pool. Permits are necessary.
Jabiru Mahbilil Festival held in early September, is named for the region’s seasonal winds. It includes a mixture of European and Aboriginal culture through live music, dance performances, art workshops, clothing and food and craft appreciation. After sunset a fireworks display is mirrored on Lake Jabiru.
Gunbalanya Open Day Usually held on the second Saturday in August, this festival in the community of Gunbalanya (Oenpelli) is an opportunity to experience a weekend of sports, art and culture in a beautiful area of Arnhem Land. The program includes art sales at Injalak Art Centre, cultural performances and a spectacular firework display.

Important Information and Warnings

Crocodiles

Two types of crocodiles inhabit Kakadu – estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles and freshwater crocodiles:

Estuarine crocodiles
Estuarine crocodiles live in fresh, estuarine and saltwater environments, such as floodplains, billabongs, rivers and coastal waters. They are aggressive and dangerous and have attacked and killed people in Kakadu.

Freshwater crocodiles
Freshwater crocodiles generally inhabit the upper reaches of freshwater creeks and rivers. They are usually shy animals but can become aggressive if disturbed, particularly during the breeding season (September and October).

Your safety

• Look out for crocodile signs
• Obey ‘no swimming’ warnings
• Remove rubbish from your campsite: it can attract crocodiles
• Scale and clean fish at least 50m away from the water’s edge
• When camping in areas near water bodies, set up the tents at least 50 metres from the water’s edge
• Do not approach freshwater or estuarine crocodiles.

Swimming in plunge pools and gorges

Some visitors choose to swim at their own risk, in selected natural plunge pools and gorge areas such as Gubara, Maguk, Jim Jim Falls, Gunlom, Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) and in creeks on the plateau above Twin Falls and Gunlom. These areas are surveyed for estuarine crocodiles prior to opening each dry season. There remains some risk that estuarine crocodiles may move into gorges and plunge pools during the dry season.

Please read the crocodile warning signs and consider their information carefully.

Disease-carrying insects

Insects such as mosquitoes can carry and transmit very debilitating viruses – the Ross River virus is an example – so always cover up and if necessary use a repellent.

Large feral animals

Large animals such as buffaloes and pigs can be dangerous. If you see them, keep at a safe distance and do not to approach them.

Dehydration

Throughout the year, daytime temperatures in Kakadu are consistently warm to hot. September to December is extremely hot and humid.

Prevention
Make sure your are suitably dressed in loose-fitting clothing that is cool but provides protection against sunburn.

Your must have plenty of drinking water with you, wherever you go. In a climate such as Kakadu’s, most people need between 4 and 8 litres of water a day. A minimum of 2 litres per person should be carried for short walks.

Flash flooding

Frolicking in the rock pools above and below the waterfalls can be a highlight on a trip to Kakadu for many visitors. However, there is potential hazard here during the months of October to April. Flash flooding can happen suddenly and without warning in the gorges, creeks and streams in the stone country. It is possible for a flash flood to be generated by a heavy rainstorm that occurred many kilometres upstream and more than a day earlier.

Please be aware of possible sudden rises in the water levels of waterways, which can quickly cut off the return route from the top of waterfalls such as Gunlom and Jim Jim. Fast flowing water contained within a flash flood can be deceptively strong, causing strong currents when crossing waterways and dangerous swimming conditions.

When walking on trails or entering/swimming in rock pools above and below the waterfalls during these months, watch for rising water levels and flood debris. Be mindful of the possible dangers of sudden and unexpected flooding.

To Climb or Not to Climb

There is a 1.6km return walk up to the top of the rock which many thousands of people complete each year, however the Anangu Aboriginal people ask that tourists respect their culture and law by not climbing Ularu, as the route that is taken follows ancestral paths taken by Mala men. Their are signs posted and the decision to climb ultimately rests with each visitor.

While it is seen as an achievement to make it to the top their are other walks to do. Their are ranger lead walk which explain the traditional peoples beliefs as well as a 10km walk around the base.

Another important fact is that the climb to the top of the rock can be closed due to bad weather and strong winds or exceptionally hot day 36 degrees or more. So consider this to avoid dissapointment.

If you are looking to admire Ularu at sunset or sunrise go to the viewing areas which is about halfway between Yulara and Ularu. There is plenty of parking and the view is spectacular.

Removing Rocks

The removing of rocks and sand from the Ularu-Kata Tjuta National Park, which Ularu is a part of, is illegal and disrespectful of the Anangu traditional owners culture.  Every year the pieces of the rock are souvenired, but some are sent back with notes of apology.  It is believed by some that taking these souvenirs  creates bad luck and ill health for those who have stolen these items from this sacred site.  If you are superstitious this is something to consider, if you are not it becomes a moral question.

Enjoy Ularu and all its spectacular beauty but respect the culture that surrounds it.

Leave a comment if you have something further to add, agree or disagree.

No food or drink is included in the ticket price however an in-flight service offers food and drinks for sale. Generally these prices are expensive for budget conscious travellers.

Baggage and Flight Check in is Strict! Initially travellers have been caught by the strict check in procedures and been denied check in after the 45 minute cut off time. Here an excerpt from Tigers check in policy so you don’t get caught.

“Baggage check-in opens 2 hours prior to the scheduled time of your departure. Check-in desks close strictly 45 minutes before scheduled departure time.

Tiger Airways recommends that passengers check in two hours prior to scheduled departure. Check-in desks in the Budget Terminal close strictly 45 minutes before scheduled departure, by which time passengers should have completed the check-in process and be in possession of a valid boarding card. We reserve the right to cancel your reservation and deny you boarding if you do not comply with the Check-in Deadline.

Any passenger not having completed check-in formalities and be in receipt of a boarding card within the above time line will forfeit their seat and no compensation will be given. You will be expected to purchase a new ticket on the next available service.”

The hub of Tiger Airways is Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport. Tiger flys to Alice Springs, Adelaide, Hobart, Launceston, Canberra, Newcastle, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Rockhampton and Mackay. Tiger also has flights to Perth and Darwin utilizing these cities as exit points to fly internationally into Singapore.

The flight experience is good with new planes and friendly staff however the baggage collection for Tiger at Melbourne Airport is budget. It is situated next to the large and luxurious Melbourne terminal, in a shed with cyclone mesh fencing open to the elements. The baggage service is fine and bags are available for pick up in a reasonable time frame. This ending to a trip reminds the traveller that they are flying a budget airline. Don’t let this put you off however as the cost savings compared to its competitors more than makes up for this little bug bear.

More Information:

www.tigerairways.com

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