Melbourne image source: media.australia

Melbourne has been offered the opportunity to play host of Tourism which is regarded as Australia’s biggest trade marketing practice in December. Dubbed as “Dreamtime 2013″, the event will focus to improve the over $12 billion business event industry.

According to the Tourism Minister, Hon. Martin Ferguson AM MP, Dreamtime will host 125 international business decision makers with the business events sector in Australia to witness the country’s potentiality in business. Andrew McEvoy in his capacity reiterated that Dreamtime was among the major strategies put in place to enhance Australia’s bid as a better business events destination across the world and also bring profits to the industry.He added that the set-up of the event offers a chance for industries in Australia to exhibit their skills in providing modified corporate motivation experiences and also playing host of great gala events. With the prevailing combination of monumental architecture, state-of-the-art, means of communication, a lot of spaces as well as classical dining sight, Melbourne boasts of a strategic destination for business events decision makers who are keen on achieving good results from their individual and corporate motivation programs. (info from media.australia)

Melbourne is well-known for it’s vast array of top-quality eateries and Fitzroy is arguably the best part of Melbourne for foodies in search of a feast. So if you are looking for a great meal in the Melbourne area, read on! It’s impossible to describe all the good quality restaurants in Fitzroy, that’s why I focus on what I regard as the best 5 restaurants in this article. In no particular order, here is a list of five of the best restaurants in Fitzroy!

Aux Batifolles

Located on Nicholson Street in Fitzroy North, Aux Batifolles has been serving up the finest French dishes to local foodies for years. The fabulous French eatery uses local, fresh ingredients to create French dishes that are both memorable and satisfying. The wine list at this restaurant is extensive and compliments the menu nicely. It’s best to book a table in advance to ensure you get a table in this popular, busy restaurant.

Richmond Seafood Tavern

The Richmond seafood tavern has been serving up the finest quality seafood in Fitzroy since 2004. This well-known seafood tavern only uses the freshest, Australian ingredients, making it a great choice for diners who love indulging in fresh, local fish. Try their famous seafood platters to see why this tavern is consistently regarded as one of the best seafood joints in Victoria!

The Fitzroy Curry House

Indian cuisine lovers will undoubtedly enjoy the spicy offerings served up by the team at the long-established Fitzroy Curry house. The curry house serves up top-notch Indian dishes at reasonable prices. Unlike many Indian restaurants in Fitzroy, The Fitzroy Curry House uses a genuine tandoori oven to cook many of it’s dishes! Their naan-bread is loved by regulars, be sure to try it!

Little Creatures Dining Hall

If you are looking for a young, fun place to get a bite to eat and more than a bit to drink, Little Creatures dining hall might be exactly what you are looking for.Little Creatures are well-known for their excellent range of beers, but the food here- from cheesy pizza to fabulously filling breakfasts- is also terrific. Their is always a good atmosphere here and you won’t need a booking unless you will be eating as part of a large group.

Cutler & Co

This multi- award winning restaurant was declared as the best restaurant in Victoria by the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide in 2013. The menu offers simple, elegant dishes which seem to satisfy even the pickiest food-lovers. While meals aren’t exactly pocket friendly, this restaurant is perfect for people that want a meal that is special. If you want to celebrate a special occasion by splurging on an excellent meal in an elegant environment, Cutler & Co. could be the best option for you!

So there you have it, a list of some of the best restaurants in Fitzroy! So what are you waiting for? If you are in serious need of an excellent dining experience, go ahead and make plans to visit the restaurant that sounds best to you today! After all, you can’t go wrong with any of these fantastic restaurants!

With its distinctive culture, beautiful scenery and sunny weather, it’s no wonder that thousands of people visit Australia every year. There’s a huge industry when it comes to holidaying down under, and from budget hostels to luxury hotels, there’s a variety of accommodation available to everyone, no matter what your budget. This makes Australia very accessible to tourists, and although it is advisable that travellers have a general idea of what cities they want to see, we’ve no doubt that you’ll be amazed by the hospitality options available.

Australia is a huge place, and you’re going to need to manage your time if you want to cram everything into your holidaying experience. This means planning and pre-booking most of your trip, however there is room for some spontaneity along the way! Let’s take a look at how to manage your trip to Australia, and see whether you’re tempted to book a ticket down under.

Visas

Before you step foot on that plane, its essential that you have a valid visa to travel to Australia. Thankfully, if you book your trip through a travel agent, then most of the time they’ll organise one for you. Because the Australian Government is so strict on valid international visas, it’s imperative that you have your paperwork in order. The most popular visa backpackers decide to apple for is a working visa, and this allows people between 18-30 to earn money as well as travel from anywhere between 12-24 months. Make sure you contact your local Australian embassy if you have any questions about working visas.

Money Down Under

Australia is reasonably priced, and the major cities offer a variety of good budget options for holidayers and backpackers alike. After travelling Thailand, Cambodia or any other countries in Asia however, Australia will be pretty expensive in comparison. That’s why we suggest opening up a bank account as soon as you get to Australia, as this will allow you to access your money without any withdrawal fees. In order to open up an account, you will need to have Australian address.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is another essential element when visiting Australia, and you need to make sure that all aspects of physical and financial wellbeing are covered before you get there. When booking your trip through a travel agent, it’s likely that your insurance will come as part of your package. If you’re looking to save a bit of cash however, try shopping around for travel insurance; the internet is where the best deals can be found!

Getting Around In Australia

If you’re backpacking in Australia, or you’re planning to stay for a few months at the very least, there are number of transportation options available to you. Hiring a campervan or car is one of the most popular options, however some people decide to buy vehicles outright among friends. Buying a car offers you the flexibility to go wherever you want, when you want, however a major downside is that you may have to fork out your hard earned pennies to repair it if anything goes wrong. Australia also has a great public transport network too.

Lloyd is currently working on behalf of Cheapflights Australia, soaking up the sun and culture of its various cities. Visit them to find cheap airlines fares.

Victoria is an ever popular tourist destination in Australia, mainly in part to its diverse range of attractions and sightseeing opportunities on offer. Within the hustle and bustle of vibrant Melbourne city, travellers can shop until their heart’s content and dine at some of the finest restaurants in the country, while on the outskirts of Victoria a truly captivating natural paradise awaits you. When planning your next trip to Victoria, be sure to take the time to visit these not to be missed attractions.

Melbourne City

The vibrant streets of Melbourne city are sure to captivate the heart of any traveller. With smaller laneways branching off from the main streets, shoppers will find boutique clothing stores and hole in the wall cafés that are truly unique to Melbourne. During the weekend in the city, pop up bands play whimsical music in many of the laneways, creating the perfect relaxing atmosphere.

Bells Beach

The renowned surfing haven of Bells Beach attracts thousands of surfing enthusiasts each year. The near perfect swells are one of the main drawcards for visitors to the region, while the breathtaking views provide a great outlook for swimmers and beachgoers. Located 100 kilometres south-west of the Melbourne CBD, Bells Beach is a great day trip for people staying within the bounds of the city.

The Great Ocean Road

Possibly the most infamous tourist attraction in Victoria, if not Australia, the Great Ocean Road is a famous stretch of highway, connecting Victoria and South Australia. Whilst driving along the Great Ocean Road, one side is filled with breathtaking views of the ocean and the Twelve Apostles, while the other represents the beautiful Australian bushland. Victorian holidays would not be complete without a trip along the Great Ocean Road.

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

Sporting fanatics everywhere will love a tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, more commonly referred to simply as the MCG. Home to international cricket tests during the summer seasons and the AFL premiership during winter, the MCG is always an action packed arena.

Yarra Valley

One of the most famous winery regions in the southern parts of Australia, the Yarra Valley is situated approximately 90 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD. Getting its name from the banks of the Yarra River, this lush area is truly magnificent, with views of breathtaking vineyards and the Victorian countryside.

St Kilda Beachfront

The St Kilda beachfront is one of the more trendy areas of Melbourne, home to a number of beachfront bars, clubs, cafés and restaurants. During the warmer months, there are also weekend markets, with a spectacular view creating an indescribable atmosphere.

Dandenong Ranges

The Dandenong Ranges are located just east of Melbourne city and provide travellers with one of the best regions for trekking and hiking expeditions. One of the lower lying mountain ranges in the country, the Dandenong Ranges are great for travellers of all ages.

From beaches to dense rainforests, world wonders and everything in between, it is easy to see why so many travellers fall in love with the state of Victoria. Whether you simply can’t get enough of the boutique shopping on offer or plan to spend a relaxing day at Bells Beach, you are guaranteed to have the holiday experience of a lifetime.

When you are taking a vacation, or some kind of business trip to Sydney, you will find that a car hire is going to be the best option for you to travel around, once you make the trip and are in Sydney. Not only are you going to have the freedom to choose the car you want to drive around in, you are also going to find that it is far better than having to rely on public transport system in the city. You will be able to travel on your own time periods, visit the destinations and the tourist spots that you want to visit, and you are going to be able to go on your time schedule, rather than that of the taxi or bus systems in the city. You will also find that it is a much cheaper option in the long run, and a far more convenient option as a traveler, than public transportation is going to be.
So, when choosing the car hire Sydney, you will find that booking when you book your airline and hotel tickets, is not only going to save you money on the rental, but it will also ensure that you get the size of rental car you need, and it will also ensure that there is going to be a car waiting for you when you land. So, rather than run the risk of not getting a car, or pay a higher rate since you only book when you get to Sydney, you should consider booking the rental when you book your airline and hotel deals, in order to save in the costs. Not only is it cheaper, but a rental will give the traveler far more freedom to do the things they want to do while in Sydney traveling.

Fitzroy is the heart of Melbourne’s bohemian culture.  It has significant shopping, dining and entertainment experiences to offer.

Visitors should try to visit during Melbourne’s Fringe Festival, which takes place in Fritzroy. There are a number of small art and photography galleries around town and live music is common in bars, pubs, clubs and cafes.

Visitors interested in history will be pleased to know that many of Fitzroy’s buildings and sights are protected and the city is involved in the historic preservation of the area. Edwardian and Victorian design can both be found.

Travel is a bit quirky since some visitors may not be used to the one-way street patterns that are prevalent in Fitzroy and it’s difficult to find parking on many of the more popular blocks. However, there are three trams that can help visitors who decide to leave the driving to someone else and enjoy more of the city on foot. There’s also the bicycle share program that allows visitors to borrow a bike and drop it off at certain bike racks around the city.

Sydney, Australia has been called one of the most beautiful cities on Earth- and for good reason. Boasting glorious weather, a stunning natural harbor, iconic landmarks and world class architecture, Sydney is truly a global city in every sense of the term. The city offers a wealth of historical sites, interesting landmarks and many fascinating cultural institutions just waiting to be explored. No matter where you’re from, you won’t find yourself bored in Sydney. With so much to do and see, Sydney offers something for everyone.

Located on the southeastern coast of Australia, Sydney boasts a warm, mild climate year round and plentiful sunshine. The city is known for its astounding landmarks as well as incredible cultural diversity. Transportation to and from this beautiful city is available by air, sea and land.

Sydney offers a wide array of visitor attractions and renowned landmarks. The city’s top attraction is the iconic Sydney Opera House. Located on the edge of the city’s harbor, the Sydney Opera House is a must-see for all visitors. Guided tours are offered and the facility often hosts concerts and performing arts events as well. Another great attraction in Sydney is the Strand Arcade, a historic Victorian-era shopping center home to a plethora of stores, boutiques and galleries. Tourists should also pay a visit to the vibrant and eclectic Circular Quay, home of the Museum of Contemporary Art, ferry terminals and countless buskers and street performers. Other top notch landmarks and attractions include the beautiful St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Queen Victoria Building and Sydney Tower.

Sydney is home to a vast array of museums, galleries and historic sites as well. Visitors should check out the Australian Museum, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Museum of Sydney, the Customs House and the fascinating Justice and Police Museum.

Sydney hotels are plentiful and affordable. Sydney also offers plenty of opportunities to relax, shop and dine. The Royal Botanical Gardens, Hyde Park and The Domain are some of the top parks in the world, while Darling Harbour, World Square and Capitol Square offer plenty of dining and shopping opportunities.

Recently my family and I had a chance to take a cruise on Royal Caribbean International’s “Rhapsody of the Seas”. It is an impressive ship with towering walls of glass and an overall feeling of class.

We chose to sail to Australia and had a great time doing it. Our first consideration when choosing a cruiseline was the activities that would be available for our two children. The Adventure Oceans Kids Club has planned activities for kids from age 3-17. The counselors are well-qualified and obviously love children. Babysitting was also available after hours for a nominal fee.

With the kids well taken care of, we were able to enjoy the many activities the cruise had to offer. I took a fitness class in the well equipped gym and then had a massage and facial in the spa. My husband decided to tackle the rock climbing wall and then tried his luck in the casino. We both enjoyed the trivia competition and karaoke.

When it was time for the family to spend some time together we chose to hang out at one of the two pools on the ship. My daughter and I hit the boutiques to do some shopping while the boys played a game of basketball. After all of that it was time to eat. On this ship there is the option of eating in the main dining room during the early or late hour, or reserving your own dining time. We also sampled the buffet in the Windjammer Cafe. The kids were happy with the many kids meal options and the Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. The popular midnight chocolate buffet was an added bonus.

For date night with my husband there were eight different lounges to choose from. Everything from dancing, live bands, and a show in the theater was there for us to enjoy. There were endless options and we all had a great time.

Fitzroy Island is very popular destination among travelers. Day trips from Carins, Queensland are easily arranged, while other travelers stay at the Fitzroy Island Resort. The entire island is surrounded by a natural reef and all the wondrous marine life that you can find there.

Flight Centre consultants can help make your holiday easier by organise: hotels, car hire, rail passes,

travel insurance, coach tours, flights, and much more…