Manila to Sydney Qantas Business Class Flight 1

Manila to Sydney Qantas business class Flight review

 

As one of the most well-known airlines in the world, Qantas offers several classes of service to its passengers. One of its most popular and well-regarded classes is its business class. In this review, we will take a closer look at Qantas’ business class flight from Sydney to Manila and vice versa including its amenities, service, and overall experience. Gazing out at the flying kangaroo logo whilst waiting to land 35000 feet in the air, in business class, could be worse! There was one major let down however on the Manila to Sydney leg of the flight. Read on to discover what it was!

sydney bound qantas view out of the window
When the window seat is the one you want in business class!

Check-In and Boarding Experience:

Qantas offers dedicated check-in counters for business class passengers, which can help to speed up the process and make it more comfortable. There are also dedicated security lines that can help to speed up the entire process, allowing passengers to move through the airport quickly and efficiently.

qantas plane at Sydney International Manila bound
Checking in was slightly painful but once on board things were better!

The check in at Sydney was painful however. Even though the queue was short 4 passengers ahead of us took a long time. You know the scenario! When it’s your turn a few clicks on a mouse and you’re off. One of the unexplained phenomenon of travelling.

At Manila airport, the check in process was swift and efficient with smiles from everyone. The flight back to Sydney is an evening flight, just shy of 8 hours.

Quick Index Manila to Sydney Qantas Business Class Flight

Qantas cabin sydney to Manila business class
The business class cabin has been refurbished since the global pandemic on most Qantas aircraft.

Once onboard the aircraft, business class passengers are greeted with a warm welcome, by name and guided to their seats. The cabin crew is friendly, professional, and attentive, creating a welcoming atmosphere that sets the tone for the rest of the flight. The pre take off drinks are swift to arrive.

The Cabin

Manila to Sydney Qantas Business Class Flight 2
The 1 – 2- 1 cabin configuration on board the Sydney to Manila business class flight and vice versa. The plane is an A330 300 for plane geeks who like to know such details.

The Manila to Sydney  Qantas business class cabin is a 1-2-1 configuration, with all seats facing forwards. We say this because on some Qatar business class flights we have been on, some seats face the rear of the plane. There are 28 business class seats and 269 economy seats. On both flights of the Sydney to Manila return flight there were no empty seats. You’ll be travelling on an A330 -300 which has business suites. Not quite as private as the Qatar business suites with a sliding door, but better than previous business Qantas business seats. The window seats provide the best privacy when travelling alone, but the divider in the middle seats provides decent coverage between yourself and a stranger in most seating positions.

qantas privacy screen business class.
The privacy screen is quite decent when you’re sitting down if you are next to a stranger in business class in the middle seats.

The cabin design is modern, elegant, and stylish, with clean lines and muted tones that create a calming atmosphere. The cabin is well-lit, with large windows that provide stunning views of the sky and the world below. This is the one time when you do want the window seat! Depending on your route the flight can be a bit warm. We usually find the cabin too warm coming from Australia to the rest of the world!

modern and elegant business class design Qantas a330-300 Manila to Sydney
A modern and elegant design onboard the Qantas A330-300 Manila to Sydney business class flight.

The seats on board the Manila to Sydney Qantas business class flight

Qantas’ business class seats are some of the most comfortable in the sky. The seats are spacious, with a generous amount of legroom and plenty of room to stretch out.

footwell Qantas A330-300 business class Sydney to Manila
Legroom is pretty good. C is 165 centimetres tall.

The seats are also fully adjustable, so passengers can find the perfect position for sleeping, working, or relaxing. All seats have a massage function which works at all angles, even in the lie flat bed mode. You are provided with a mattress to soften the lines between the back and the bottom.

window seats in business class are the best Qantas Sydney to Manila
The window seat is great in business class. Cannot say the same for economy class!
A personal mirror Qantas business Sydney to Manila
A personal mirror in your seat surrounds.
extra space for a magazine Qantas business class Manila to Sydney review only1invillage
Extra room for the in flight magazine. Does anyone really read that anymore?

The electronics

usb power plug seat controls Qantas A330 300 business class suites Sydney to Manila review. Only1invillage.
A bird’s eye view of the electronics around your seat on board the newly refurbished Thomson Aero seats. You will find USB, international adapter power access and seat controls at your finger tips.

The bathroom

The bathroom or toilets or washroom, whatever you want to call them are the same as economy class. The only difference is there are less people queuing for them. Surely we don’t need to show you a photo?!

Amenity kit

Qantas’ business class amenities are good. Passengers are provided with an amenity kit that includes skincare products, toothpaste, earplugs, and more. Each seat also comes with a cozy blanket and fluffy pillow, ensuring that passengers are comfortable throughout the flight. The toiletries bag has recently had an upgrade and is one you would want to keep. The range of skincare is the same as in the lounges (Li’tya). There are apparently six amenity kit bags to collect. 

business class kits for Qantas passengers 1980s design Manila to Sydney
There are 6 business class amenity kits to collect from Qantas. We received the 1980s design bag on both journeys from Sydney to Manila and vice versa. That’s 4 more bags for the collection!

Inside the plastic toothbrush has been replaced with a bamboo toothbrush. The paper used is all forestry commission certified and fully compostable. The plastic packaging contains 40% recycled plastic. Even the inner carton is made up of a plastic which has enhanced biodegradable properties. Clearly, Qantas is trying to present a more sustainable and environmentally friendly take away kit for its business class passengers.

On overnight flights passengers are offered Qantas pyjamas which are a cotton polyester blend. The smallest size available is medium. All pyjamas are grey coloured with a white kangaroo on the chest.

Qantas grey pyjamas. Polyester and cotton.
Qantas pyjamas are offered on overnight flights in business class. Sadly they are not 100 per cent cotton. The smallest size they have is medium.

Entertainment System

One of the standout features of Qantas’ business class is its impressive entertainment system. Passengers have access to an extensive library of movies, TV shows, music, and games, all of which are displayed on a large touchscreen display. The selection is vast and varied, with something for everyone. The new release films are standard offerings which most airlines will have and they are also divided into different categories for your viewing pleasure. The noise cancelling headphones provided make the sound experience whilst watching films  or listening to music so much clearer.

screen entertainment Qf19 Sydney to Manila business class
The Qantas screen in business class is clear and large. There is so much to choose from on the entertainment system for the 8 hour flights.

Food and drinks Dining Experience

yummy prawn apetizer Sydney to Manila QF19 Qantas business class
The lunch appetizer from Sydney was a delicious prawn dish which did not seem to match the description on the menu card! Nonetheless it was very succulent and refreshing.

Qantas’ business class dining experience is varied. We found a huge difference in the quality and taste  during both flights. From the Australian side into Manila the food was very good.

lamb sandwich main Qantas QF19 sydney to Manila business class review only1invillage
The sandwich of slow cooked chipotle lamb from Sydney was tasty, but the presentation could have been improved.
Creme caramel dessert QF19 business class review Sydney to Manila only1invillage
Vanilla creme caramel for dessert was a little gluggy and a touch too sweet.
fruit plate Qantas business class flight
Why not have a fruit plate too while you’re at it?!

On the way back, the food was oily, lacked taste and was presented badly. Maybe the origin country of the flight really has an effect on the quality of the dining experience, since the cabin and seats are obviously the same. 

The Manila to Sydney Qantas business class dining experience was probably the worst tasting we have experienced from Qantas.  In the picture below the bread roll was definitely not sourdough!

starter to a poor meal Manila to SYdney Qantas business class review

The beef and snapper dishes we chose, sounded really exciting but when delivered lacked any finesse and were presented poorly. 

Asado braised beef with star anise, soy and tomato. Served with steamed rice and gai lan. Sounded really tasty but in reality, was bland.
Asado braised beef with star anise, soy and tomato. Served with steamed rice and gai lan. Sounded really tasty but in reality, was bland.
not an impressive snapper dinner from Manila to Sydney on the Qantas business class flight
Seared snapper with spiced cauliflower, roast sweet potato with snow peas and coriander yoghurt sounded very gourmet. Unfortunately, the flavours were just missing and the presentation was clumsily put together and glistening with oil.

Passengers are served a gourmet meal that is expertly prepared, beautifully presented, and exquisitely delicious (usually). The menu is designed by renowned chef Neil Perry and features a range of options that cater to different tastes and dietary requirements. There are always vegetarian and gluten free options.

The wine list is also impressive, with a carefully curated selection of wines from around the world. However, like we always say, the food and wine is not as good as Emirates or Qatar business class, who have higher quality wines and better presented tableware. 

on;y1invillage review Qantas business class Sydney to Manila return breakfast
The best part of the breakfast as we were flying into Sydney from Manila was the smoothie. The coffee was bitter and not even hot, the muffin re heated to within an inch of acceptability and the yoghurt too sweet. All in all the most disappointing meal service we have received on board a Qantas flight departing from an Asian city.

The bar

There is no bar available on the Manila to Sydney Qantas business class route as the plane is not an A380.

Service

pre take off drink sydney to Manila
You are always swiftly offered a pre take off aperitivo or glass of champagne or both on board a Qantas business class flight.

 The cabin crew are friendly, professional, and attentive, always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that passengers have a comfortable and enjoyable flight. You are addressed by name as you board and are asked to fill in the breakfast menu card so you won’t be disturbed during the night on the way back from Manila and the dinner card on your way to Manila.

The crew are knowledgeable about the menu, the wine list, and the entertainment system, and they are always available to answer questions or provide assistance. If you have connecting flights the crew will reassure you that you won’t miss your next flight, as they contact with the crew on the ground at the landing destination.

Sometimes, the crew can seem a little flustered especially around meal times. This is more evident when the crew is young and inexperienced. On the other hand, when the crew are experienced, thy can sometimes appear a little aloof and just going through the motions. What is guaranteed is  smiling whether it be fake or not, you definitely don’t see miserable Qantas crew in business class.

Final thoughts

Qantas’ business class is good value offering a premium experience that is both luxurious and practical. From its comfortable seating and stylish cabin design to its impressive entertainment system and gourmet dining, Qantas business class ticks all the boxes for a very comfortable flight experience. The service is what one expects, and the attention to detail is somewhat hit and miss in every aspect of the experience. For those looking for a premium travel experience, Qantas’ business class is definitely worth considering.

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12 Fun things to do in Gili Trawangan and 1 don't 9

12 fun things to do in Gili Trawangan and 1 don’t.

gili t se asia closest island lombok indonesia only1invillage
Warm clear waters teeming with turtles. Gili T is the laid back backpacking island next to Lombok, Indonesia.

First of all, where is Gili Trawangan?

Well, it’s a small island in SE Asia. More specifically, it is located nest to the island of Lombok in Indonesia. Time to get the map out. Sorry, we mean time to put Gili Trawangan into your favourite search engine and click maps!

Gili T first impressions clear warm water only1invillage
Gili Trawangan has warm, clear waters and narrow sandy beaches. The sand is coarse, not fine and powdery. Most spots have lots of washed up coral. It’s a good idea to bring reef shoes/socks for hassle free entry and exit of the blue water. Umbrellas and loungers are free at your own resort. You can use other resorts’ facilities for the price of a drink or some food. Prices for food and drinks are 50 per cent cheaper than Australia or Europe.

How will I get to Gili Trawangan? 

local boat to Lombok from Gili T
This is the local boat from Gili Trawangan to Lombok. We do not recommend it for any longer than 30 minutes! You cannot get a boat like this to Bali because a fast boat with four engines takes 2 hours and 20 minutes. Can you imagine how long this type of boat would take???!!

The only way is by boat! You will probably have landed at Denpasar International on the island of Bali. From there you can get various fast boats from two ports – Serangan (about 30 minutes from the airport) and Padang Bai (about 1 hour to 1.5 hours depending on the traffic).

fast boat to Gili T from Serangan Bali with Gili Getaway
We travelled with giligetaway.com 1.5 million IDR return Serangan Bali to Gili T. The boat leaves 9 am every day and arrives 2 hours and 20 minutes later. The inside is hot and stuffy but the seats are padded and comfortable. No air conditioning. There is one toilet on board.

We tried Giligetaway.com for a fast boat transfer in 2023 and were impressed with the service. They will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel on the return journey, even if it’s a different hotel in Bali. The boat leaves at 9am and takes about 2.5 hours. The check in is swift, you are offered sickness tablets and your bags are taken on board, no need to carry them yourselves. You are given two boarding lanyards and your luggage receipts and tickets. Your feet don’t get wet as you board! If you take a smaller boat you may have to wade in barefoot.

giligetaway boat only1invillage gilit getting there
You can access the Giligatawy fast boat directly from the pier without getting your feet wet. If you want to sit inside be quick because seats are linited.

You can sit inside under cover from the harsh sun or if you want to get your sun damage in early, there are seats on the roof! A film plays for the crossing but you cannot hear it. No drinks are offered, but the staff are friendly and there are life jackets for everyone! It’s a bit hot on board even with the windows open.

outside breeze giligetaway fast boat from Bali to Gili T everyday at 9am only1invillage
Start the sun bathing early if you don’t get a seat inside on board the Giligataway fast boat! Hold onto your hat!

You could also fly to Lombok and then get a car and boat to Gili Trawangan which takes about 30 minutes in the car and 30 minutes by boat. The larger and more comfortable boats depart from Bali, not Lombok.

lombok to gili t private boat transfer
A private boat for just the two of you starts at 1 million IDR from Lombok to Gili Trawangan. Transfer time is 15 minutes.

Gili Trawangan and Lombok suffered a devastating earthquake in 2018. We have not been back since. Five years later and we are keen to see how things have changed post earthquake and post global pandemic, remember a little thing called Covid-19 which disrupted travel for 2 years?

Most of the beach front resorts have been re-built and there are only a few spots which have rubble to be cleared or are in a half built state. When you walk back a few streets the damage is more severe and people have been slower to rebuild.

buy a local sim card for Gili T available at the airport and even on Gili T
Wi fi is not that reliable on the island of Gili T, especially when lots of people are trying to connect or during inclement weather. We always buy a local SIM card when we land. Telkomsel offer the best coverage. If you don’t get your SIM at the airport or in Bali, don’t worry they sell them on Gili T!

Important to note – Indonesia now requires most visitors to buy a Visa on Arrival. Not a requirement before. Visas cost half a million IDR (Indonesian Rupiah) and are valid for 60 days. Our airline did not tell us this in advance otherwise we would have bought it online to avoid the queues immediately after landing. The next important thing to note is you need to fill in an online customs declaration which will get scanned after your passport has been stamped. This means it is essential you have a smart phone and internet. In case you can’t connect to the airport free wi-fi, buy a local SIM on landing. There are people selling them before the Visa on Arrival point. They’re good value and last for 30 days. We buy with Telkomsel the fastest and most reliable. We paid 40000 IDR for 25GB.

Vila Ombak love heart sign Gili Trawangan Only1invillage
Most resorts on the harbour side of Gili Trawangan have not suffered too much earthquake damage and seem to be operating as normal. When you walk in land however it is a very different story. There are many abandoned buildings and unfinished building work going on.

On first appearances as we land at the tiny port of Gili Trawangan, things don’t look too bad. Most of the harbour side resorts, cafes and shops are still standing. There seems to be a new pavement which runs for about 1.5kms so you don’t get run over by the horse and carts and cyclists. There are now e bikes to rent which can sit 2 adults for about 2500000 (25 AUD) a day. There are no cars on Gili Trawangan, the only fumes you inhale are from boat engines, barbecues and shisha pipes!

 

warning – The first 3 fun things to do in Gili Trawangan will get you wet!

Turtle Spotting Gilli T - only1invillage 10 fun things to do in Gili t and 1 don't
SO many turtle to see on Gili T. These magnificent reptiles eat the nasty jelly fish, so give them some love!

Go turtle spotting

Our favourite activity and particularly rewarding here in Gili T. Head north from the port about 600 metres so you are in the north east part of the island.

green sea turtles only1invillage
Turtle Power! The green sea turtles are at least 1 metre long at turtle point. You will see at least 1 every single time you venture into the clear, warm water.

From here take a dip into the clear waters. You will almost certainly see turtles every time you go out! Our record so far is 8 in one hour. We’re pretty sure it wasn’t the same turtle playing tricks on us and we even saw 3 together at one spot. One or two turtles make it to the knee deep water, but, if you swim to the ledge (where the boats are anchored) you will be rewarded with bigger turtles at least 1 metre long!

green turtles are everywhere only1invillage
The green turtle is easy to spot at Turtle Point. Even in shallow water you will see these cute creatures. Remember not to touch!

If you can’t make it into the sea, Gili T has its own little hatchery (free of charge) to look at these cutest of reptiles. In 2023, this hatchery no longer exists. Beware of the coral getting in to the water. Fortunately the water is very clear, so you can see where you’re going.

     

Snorkelling Gili T - only1invillage 10 fun things to do in Gili t and 1 don't
The water is crystal clear with good fish life. It’s warm too.

Swim and snorkel

in the incredible warm and clear waters – Swimming is good at high tide, otherwise you’ll be wading out over lots of coral to cool down. Watch the salt dry on your skin and give incredible volume to your hair when dry! Hiring snorkeling equipment is easy, but if you’re a bit squeamish about germs and where the mouthpiece has been, bring your own! Snorkeling is a must for both experienced and first timers. It’s rewarding and high on our list of fun things to do in Gili Trawangan. The reef has improved greatly since our last visit and in some spots is quite colourful. Whilst not on par with our favourite Malaysian island destination for snorkelling, the amount of colourful fish is worth taking the GoPro out for.

  

Day Trip Gili T - only1invillage 10 fun things to do in Gili t and 1 don't underwater statues
Who put these there? Underwater statues are part of a day trip from Gili T.

Day trips

to amazing underwater features and the other Gili islands – Day trips from Gili T take you to unique underwater statue sites and giant slides. You also get a pretty good view of the amazing waves, crashing against the rocks as you speed past. Practise your free diving and get your GoPro charged because you don’t want to miss these unique sculptures. This definitely rates highly as one of the fun things to do in Gili Trawangan.

   

Breakfast with a view Gili T - only1invillage 10 fun things to do in Gili t and 1 don't
Is it still a holiday if you don’t lounge around?

Sunbathe

on comfortable foam loungers and over sized bean bags – all you have to do is buy a drink at the many establishments on the beach and you’re welcome to stay as long as you like. Relax, after all it’s a holiday isn’t it and if you don’t deserve it then who does?

   

Sunset Gili T - only1invillage 10 fun things to do in Gili t and 1 don't
The best sunsets on Gili T can be seen on the ‘sunset’ side of the island. Head on over at around 5pm. You won’t be disappointed! The swing is no longer there, but you can still see a horse with their human.

Catch breathtaking sunsets 

The island is split into two sides – sunrise and sun set. No prizes for which side has the best views for the more lazy of us, who can’t wake up for Mother Nature’s daily 5.00 a.m show! The most popular spot for sunset is actually the south of the island near Pink Coco about 1.25 kms from the port (most people ride a bike there). A couple of places serve drinks and food, plus offer chairs and cushions to watch the sunset.

pink coco for the sunset on Gili Trawangan Indonesia Only1invillage
Ok a bit of promotion for Pink Coco. Head down at 5 to 5.30pm for the best seats to watch the sunset. Front seats are reserved for in house guests. Buy a drink and prepare for the spectacular sunset show. The staff are friendly and the drinks well priced. The food is tasty, well presented and like everywhere on Gili T half the price you would pay in your home country.

 

You’re half way through our list of 12 fun things to do in gili trawangan and 1 don’t ………….keeep going!

 

Bike Riding Gilli T - only1invillage 10 fun things to do in Gili t and 1 don't
Do cycle around the island. It’s fun and only takes a couple hours.

Get on your bike

 With daily rental starting from 100000 IDR it’s a much easier way to see the whole island than by foot.  NO cars are allowed on Gili T. Sound like bliss? There are a few parts where you will have to wheel your bike across narrow paths and sand. Most of the island has decent enough path. Beware there are hardly any street lights at night. Bring your phone and think of ingenious ways to attach it for lighting your way after 7pm. Riding on two wheels is always a fun thing to do on holiday in our opinion!

bikes and e bikes for hire Gili T Only1invillage
E bikes have arrived on Gili Trawangan. Various prices for a day’s rental, depending on who you go to. Offers in the region of 250k to 350k IDR for an electric bike per 24 hours. Your good old fashioned push bike with cardio vascular benefits (for free!) start from 100k IDR for 24 hours.

For the super lazy there are now e bikes to hire. There are also horse and cart contraptions which we don’t like as a means of getting around. We had to use it once when we first visited  Gili Trawangan as our room was over a kilometre away.

gilit horses avoid if you can only1invillage
The GIli T horse and cart is arguably environmentally friendly. The first time we came we had to use one because our resort was over a kilometre away from the harbour. Try to avoid them if you can because the horses do not look happy and well fed.

On our second visit we chose a resort a 5 minute walk away from the port, so we wouldn’t have to use the horse and cart again. The animals look very stressed and a bit thin in our humble opinions. Try to avoid using this type of transport if you can.

horse and cart Gili Trawangan
You can negotiate fares on this type of transport. If you don’t want to wheel your luggage, this is probably the only alternative to walking.

   

Outdoor Cinema Gili T - only1invillage 10 fun things to do in Gili t and 1 don't
Free movies if you buy a drink or some food.

Laze at the outdoor cinemas 

Nightly screenings of classic films at various locations. For food and a film try Pink Coco on the sunset side of the island. Get there before sunset and settle in on one of the comfy lounges. Films usually begin at 8pm and are free. You can also see movies closer to the port at a different venue although these are paid about 100000 IDR. The paid cinema is no longer available in 2023.

At Pink Coco there is fire dancing instead. Also a DJ has replaced the free cinema at Pink Coco. Such a shame because watching a film outside sipping on your drinks after a hard day’s beaching is / was so relaxing. BUT WAIT…………

Royal Regantris Gili T now offers movie night on the beach after sunset. Only1invillage.
The Royal Regantris is a brand new hotel on the sunset side of the island. Get a free drink too, but read our warning about the cocktails before you indulge in the Happy Hour!

However, two new hotels are now offering movie night. Hotel Lumi and Royal Regantris are now taking over from Pink Coco.

Skinny Dip beach club at the Lumi hotel offers movies outside
You can now catch a film outside at the Skinny Dip Beach Club attached to the Lumi hotel. CHeck the black chalk board for the daily film offering!

Both hotels are located on the sunset side of the island and offer accommodation too!

Royal Regantris Gili T now offers movie night on the beach after sunset. Only1invillage.
Oh dear C, you’re a bit early for the movie. It needs to be dark! Come back later!

 

   

Turkish Shisha by the beach - only1invillage 10 fun things to do in Gili t and 1 don't
Gili T is the party island. There are plenty of options for sleep deprivation!

Channel your inner Bob Marley

The Reggae Bar is the place to hang if you’re serious about reggae. Even if you’re not, you’ll hear it! Great bass and powerful speakers ensure the rasta in you will be mellow amongst your fellow holidaymakers. Or, if relaxing is more your style, try a turkish shisha by the ocean.

   

Romantic dinners on the beach

beach dining GiliT romantic things to do only1invillage
Why you shouldn’t have set up the love heart and beach dining just for me! Beach dining on Gili T is a must.

Most restaurants and even cafes on Gili T have an outside section. Dine nightly on freshly caught seafood with the sound of the waves lapping gently on the shore. Be prepared to hiss at the many cats which try to get in on the fish action. Most venues also have live music, which can be an added bonus, depending on your mood!

great food on Gili T ONly1invillage
The food is an eclectic mix of Western and Eastern. There is Thai, Italian, kebabs, Indonesian, Japanese and nightly sea food barbecues to name a few. You’ll be spoilt for choice on Gili T for dining options.

The food in general in Gili Trawangan is pretty tasty. Western food is good value and we have to say the pizzas and pasta are good with a few of the Italian restaurants running on wood fired ovens. Reginas, Pasta Pojok and Francesco’s make their own fresh pasta too!

fresh pizza on Gili T only1invillage
Yes that’s burrata cheese on a small island in Indonesia! The pizza at Francesco’s pizza is very good. The tiramisu is spot on too. Mwuh!

The nightly barbecues offering seafood are good value. Most of the fish is frozen and defrosted – you can tell by the eyes. It’s a little bit more difficult to tell if lobsters and giant prawns are frozen until you eat them. The more powdery the texture, the more likely it is to have been frozen. The coffee is good on Gili Trawangan because fresh milk is available. Most coffee places have professional barista machines.

Breakfast with a view Gili T - only1invillage 10 fun things to do in Gili t and 1 don't
What a view while you enjoy breakfast. Gili T has some amazing smoothie bowls and a lot of places have fresh milk! That’s quite rare in Asian countries. Greenfields milk is imported from Java.

Energise over long healthy breakfasts with a beach view of course

Smoothie bowls and great lattes are de rigeur on Gili T. Yes, even quinoa and chia seeds have shown their faces. Most cafes also offer delicious salads and vegetarian options. If you still crave more health kicks there are yoga classes operating in the northern end of the island from a raised studio with ocean views.

full English breakfast with coffee Gili Trawangan Only1invillage
Go on treat yourself to a fry up. The full English breakfast with a fresh fruit platter to be healthy!!!

The Gili T Pub Crawl

pub crawl only1invillage fun things to do in gili trawangan
The GIli T Pub Crawl is legendary! Start at the Irish Pub… hey that’s a bit stereotypical isn’t it?!

Oh dear or oh yes?! The Gili T pub crawl happens every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. It starts at the Irish Pub. What a stereotype!!!! For 250k IDR you get a free T shirt and shots at various bars. The action kicks off at 9pm, but you can register between 7-9pm. 

Gili T pub crawl Only1invillage
The GIli T Pub Crawl visits several bars on the island as part of the 250k package.

Learn how to cook your favourite dishes

If you’re no good in the kitchen and have come to love nasi goreng, why not learn how to make it? Gili T now has a cooking school!

learn how to cook on GIli T only1invillage
Want to learn how to cook nasi goreng or beef rendang? Why not try a cooking class on Gili T?

   

Onto our last thing that is not fun to do. Downright dangerous even.

Don’t ever drink cocktails

drink beer and coconut juice only1invillage
The cocktails on Gili T may contain a local brew which is not what you think. Stick to fresh coconut juice and beer.

on GIli T and in Indonesia in general. Stick to beer or wine as there is very little chance these have been tampered with. Better still, use this holiday to go tee total and de -tox! Even though Indonesia is a cheap country for tourists, the price of a cocktail is so cheap, it is too good to be true.

mocktails Gili Trawangan made with fresh fruit only1invillage
Stick to colourful mocktails on Gili T. The spirits in your cocktails could make you go blind! Beer is safe though. Get your Bintang on!

The reason is simple. The alcohol in your cocktail isn’t a blend of the famous brand bottles you see on display. The alcohol in your cocktail is a lethal local brew containing a toxic chemical called methanol. Disguised with syrups and juices, you won’t be able to tell your cocktail is potentially poisonous. You could go blind, or worst case scenario, you could die. (check for yourself, google methanol and Gili T)

That wraps up our list of 10 fun things to do in Gili Trawangan and 1 don’t. We would love to hear your views too. Do you agree or disagree? Leave a comment below! Poison is it in your drink? - only1invillage 10 fun things to do in Gili t and 1 don't

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12 Fun things to do in Gili Trawangan and 1 don't 13

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Qantas marble bar upper floor London lounge Heathrow. Only1invillage review.

Qantas lounge London Heathrow Fab or drab?

London Heathrow is one of the world’s busiest airports. In Europe, it certainly is the place to connect to destinations across the globe. When you’re flying long haul from either East or West to Europe, chances are you’ll be connecting in London Heathrow. The Qantas lounge  London Heathrow  (terminals 1, 2 and 3) is just one of a selection, jostling for your attention. Other top airlines will be Emirates, Singapore Airlines and of course British Airways.

Entrance Qantas lounge London Heathrow
Welcome to the Qantas lounge at London Heathrow terminal 3.
Qantas lounge London Heathrow terminal 3 only1invillage.com review
Welcome to the kangaroo lounge in London! A sign of the times – no magazines anymore it’s gone all digital!

There is no separate lounge for first class customers at the Qantas lounge London Heathrow. Sorry, you have to slum it with the business class passengers. Life can be hard sometimes!

no dedicated first class lounge for Qantas customers at London Heathrow
The Qantas lounge at London Heathrow is shared between business and first class customers.

    

Qantas Lounge London Heathrow overview

The Qantas lounge can get very busy! On two separate visits there was hardly any sitting room on the upper level and the Australian rugby team were taking up space on another! It was very difficult to relax and the level of noise was quite high, with families with young children adding to the din.

The lounge seemed to be serving all the passengers on the A380 London to Singapore flight, because the lounge emptied out pretty swiftly half an hour before take off for the evening 20:40 scheduled 13 hour flight.  

Qantas Lounge London Heathrow Review 14
Despite what the sign says about the upper floor, it can be very difficult to stretch out and relax when it is busy!

Meant to reflect a private members club, the Qantas London lounge Heathrow has a mix of Australian and British accents on the furniture, fixtures and fittings. Yes, there is carpet, a very English floor covering. It’s meant to add a cosy touch, but, personally we prefer the hard stuff, like wood and stone. Thankfully there is parquet  and other smooth surfaces to walk across!

Qantas marble bar upper floor London lounge Heathrow. Only1invillage review.
The central bar on the upper floor. Qantas like to use a lot of marble in their lounges.

You might notice some similarities between the Singapore, Hong Kong and Brisbane business class lounges. The large amount of marble used for the bar areas seems to be a Qantas accent. The seating is a mix of stylish padded chairs that almost look like armchairs, dining chairs, bar stools and sofas. There are some real armchairs too.

stairs to the upper or lower floor depending on where you take the photo London Qantas lounge Heathrow. Only1in village review
Where will the stairs take you? Oh the places you’ll go……well only to the other floor of the Qantas London Heathrow lounge!

If you have an earlier flight there is some natural light, coming through the windows. The plane spotting is very good from the red leather seats.

It’s hard to see out of the windows at night, but at least there is natural light in the London lounge. There are tarmac views from both levels of the lounge.

looking out at the windowns Qantas lounge London Heathrow
It’s hard to see out of the windows at night, but at least there is natural light in the London lounge.

There is a separate restaurant dining area with booth like seating and waiter service. Quieter areas for lone travellers face the tarmac on the lower floor. However, as it was dark there was no plane spotting to be had.

    

Eligibility Qantas London Lounge Heathrow

Qantas is part of the One World Alliance which means you will get access to this lounge if you’re a top tier frequent flyer with airlines such as American Airlines, Emirates, Qatar, Japan Airlines, Malaysian and Cathay Pacific.

If you hold a QF ticket you cannot use the Emirates Lounge which would be our preference, even though Emirates are part of the One World Alliance. Sorry Qantas, although we love you, Emirates is just a step above in the food and beverage quality in our experiences in Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne and Dubai

Qantas lounge London Heathrow only1invillage review
Would you let her in a business class lounge? Well………..

So how will the Qantas business lounge Heathrow stack up against its rivals? Read on to find out!  There is no time limit in the lounge, but the annoying thing about any lounge is that you’re not allowed to check in for your flight until 3 hours before the flight leaves. Luckily, the check in queue for non economy is always shorter! 

    

Lower floor Qantas London lounge Heathrow

The Qantas business lounge Heathrow has two floors. A dedicated gin bar on the lower floor and a general dining and relaxing area that comes with another bar on the upper floor. On the lower floor, you can also eat your a la carte food options at the bar itself on stools.

lower floor Qantas lounge London Heathrow
When you enter the lower floor is the gin bar and restaurant style eating area.
padded bench seats lower floor Qantas London lounge Heathrow. Only1invillage review
Different types of seating encircle the gin bar on the lower level. You can opt for the padded bench type seats which face the bar.

    

Seating

On the lower floor of the Qantas Lounge London Heathrow you can sit around the bar and eat the a la carte food or you can sit at tables which encircle (well rectangle, but that’s not a word to en-rectangle!) the bar. There are also padded long bench seats which face the bar where you eat your ordered food in comfort at the right table height level.

dining table lower floor Qantas lounge London Heathrow only1invillage lounge review
On the lower floor you can dine at a restaurant like table. The chairs are wooden and hard, but the table is the correct height for good posture!

If you’re lucky, you can opt to sit on a padded restaurant chair on the lower floor.

padded restaurant chair lower level Qantas lounge terminal 3 London Heathrow Only1invillage review
There are some padded restaurant style chairs on the lower level off to the side of the gin bar at the Qantas lounge London Heathrow terminal 3.
A padded chair, not quite an armchair, but more comfortable than a chair. Qantas lounge London Heathrow.
A padded chair, not quite an armchair, but more comfortable than a chair.

    

Upper floor Qantas lounge London Heathrow

Upper floor overview Qantas London lounge Heathrow Only1invillage review
At busy times the upper floor of the Qanats lounge at London Heathrow can get crowded.

The upper floor is where it can get really crowded. After eating your a la carte meal you may want to try and stretch out upstairs. There is another bar here too so you don’t have to go back downstairs!

grey chairs upper level Qantas London lounge Heathrow only1invillage review
This photo was taken as people were boarding the A380 to Singapore. Before this, these seats were not empty. The lounge was very business from 5pm onwards.
Padded seats upper level by the stairs Qantas London lounge Heathrow only1invillage review
The padded seats by the stairs are thickly padded and very comfortable, if you can get one!

The help yourself drinks bar has the wine and soft drinks on the upper level. For cocktails and mocktails, you have to order at the bar.

Help yourself to wine and soft drinks upper level Qantas London lounge Heathrow only1invillage review
Wine and soft drinks are adjacent to the buffet food on the upper level of the Qantas London lounge.

There is also flavoured water and Dilmah teas. Or, your own tisane in a cute tea pot!

Flavoured water upper level Qantas London Heathrow lounge only1invillage review
Neil Perry’s signature flavoured water! Did you know you can claim water as your signature??!!
Hot tea selection London Qantas lounge at Heathrow Airport Only1invillage review
The hot tea selection on the upper floor is next to the buffet food. The little tea pots are very cute!
South Asian buffet menu on the upper floor Qantas London lounge
Yummy it’s Indian food for dinner, you know it’s not authentic but you cannot resist a bit of butter chicken! Help yourself to the buffet on the upper floor at the Qantas London lounge Heathrow.

The upper floor has the help yourself selection of food. Reasonably well presented for the side options. It’s always very hard to make the hot dishes look great in those silver keep warm vessels that all lounges and 5 star hotels use. You know the ones where you lift up the glass lid to take a better look at the food, even though you can see it through the transparent lid!

buffet food upper floor dinner time Qantas London lounge only1invillage review
It was South Asian themed food for dinner on the upper level at the Qantas lounge London Heathrow one time we visited.

 

upper floor Qantas London lounge
After getting your buffet food you can sit on the padded booth style seats on the upper floor of the Qantas London lounge Heathrow.

There is a small strip of an area on the upper floor where you can conduct business. We spotted a printer and socket points with chairs. Unfortunately, the lounge was so busy some people had to use this area to put their food and drinks!

Printer and business space upper floor Qantas London Lounge Heathrow only1invillage review
The business space on the upper level got so busy that customers had to use it to place their food and drinks.

 

    

Qantas Lounge London Heathrow Drinks Menu

The food and beverages have sometimes been disappointing in Qantas lounges, but only because we are comparing it to their rivals. The wines were about nine pounds in quality per bottle, whereas the wine in an Emirates lounge will start at fifteen pounds per bottle.

drinks menu London Qantas lounge Heathrow only1invillage review
The alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks menu at the Qantas Lounge London Heathrow

The drinks menus outside of wine was good with a nice selection of cocktails and gins. However the non alcoholic cocktails are plain and boring. The bar tender pictured put his finger in the glass to stop the foam forming on the top! Had he not heard of basic hygiene? He also seemed a little irritated as the demand for service was high and he was on his own.

There were a couple of private rooms which had a door you could close off. These rooms were mainly being used by families.

Private room inside the Qantas lounge at London Heathrow Airport. Only1invillage review.
Private room on the upper floor. Good for families or big groups?

    

The dinner menu 

We are happy to report that the western food is much better than we have previously experienced in Melbourne and Sydney international business class lounges. It was good to experience the dinner food, since we usually have early flights and only get the breakfast menu. The service was swift to get the food but to get the staff’s attention involved a lot of smiling and trying to get eye contact due to the number of people using the lounge in the evening.

Chicken pie and crispy squid. Qantas London lounge Heathrow. Only1invillage review.
The chicken pie had an excellent puffed up top. The pie itself was not that tasty but it had plenty of chicken chunks inside!

Roast chicken, Lancashire hot pot and salt and pepper squid were on the dinner menu. As is the current trend, something from the land and something from the sea. The vegetable dishes sounded equally enticing with roasted cauliflower or a tomato, basil and mozzarella salad on offer.

Evening food menu Qantas lounge London Heathrow only1invillage review
The evening food menu promises tasty vegetable, fish and meat options.

The squid whilst good could have been crispier. The presentation was good.

crispy squid for dinner Qantas lounge London Heathrow
The crispy squid appetiser was well presented. Neil Perry inspired menu is available at the Qantas London London Heathrow.
finger food crudites and cheese
The crudites, fruit and other finger food is set out buffet style, so go on and help your self.

To do justice to the review it is only fair that we eat different meals and sample as many dishes as we can. Here is the Lancashire hot pot lamb which is basically a meat stew. Served with mint sauce and a rocket and pear salad which was very refreshing!

Lamg hot pot Qantas London Heathrow lounge review dinner time only1invillage
One of the meat options on offer was the Lancashire hot pot (gluten free).
buffet selection Qantas London lounge only1invillage review
The buffet food presentation at the Qantas London Heathrow lounge. Whilst good, it does not quite compare to the presentation of some of its rival lounges.

    

The washroom and shower facilities 

It’s time for the anticipated bathroom pictures. Named the Refresh space it contains products from the Liptiya range which are in the business class amenity kits.

The shower area at the Qantas London lounge Heathrow was too small. There were only 10 showers. We got in early and did not have to queue. By 7pm queues were forming outside the showers. Not exactly a relaxing experience, knowing people are waiting for you to finish your ablutions. In Europe, everything is smaller and more condensed into a smaller space – the same must be true of Qantas lounges.

shower sign on the upper floor Qantas lounge London Heathrow. Only1invillage review.
This way for the showers. There are only 8 shower rooms so you might have to queue during busy periods.
towels for the shower rooms Qantas lounge London Heathrow.
If the towels are not already in the shower room, help yourself. They are thick and fluffy we are happy to report.
bathroom Qantas lounge London Heathrow. Only1invillage review.
The shower rooms have a rain shower and a glass screen. A modern retro look with the green accent tiles breaking up the otherwise all white decor.
Shower room Qantas lounge London Heathrow. Only1invillage review
The shower room at the Qantas lounge London Heathrow.

The space is mostly white. The mirror is quite funky and unique. Pictured below is the common bathroom, not the individual shower room.

Qantas bathroom London Heathrow only1invillage review.
We like the marble which breaks up the white theme in the bathroom.
hairdryer on the wall London Qantas lounge London Heathrow . Only1invillage review.
The hairdryer is one of those hose hairdryers that do not come off the wall. Is it retro or just inconvenient?

    

Final Thoughts

Our thoughts on this London lounge are generally positive. We like the extensive menu options. The layout of the London Heathrow lounge is quite unique being on 2 floors. The cleanliness and funky design of the bathrooms impressed. Even though there wasn’t much natural light and the run way views were limited, at least there were some. The gin bar and the inventive cocktails are amazing. We wish the wine selection were just a notch higher. Overall though of course it’s  way better to spend three hours in the Qantas London lounge at Heathrow than outside with the masses. 

Have you been to the Qantas lounge at London Heathrow? Do you agree with our assessment? Let us know!

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British Airways short haul business class review 23

British Airways short haul business class review

British Airways flies directly to many European destinations from London. Many popular destinations for Brits require a change in Germany, Italy or Spain, particularly flights heading for the Greek Islands and Malta. From London Heathrow Terminal 5, Gatwick and London City airports, British Airways flies to key European business hubs direct. We recently took three British Airways short haul flights, one to Malta, one to Skiathos and one to Paris. Below is what you can expect from the UK’s flagship airline.

British Airways short haul business class review only1invillage
If Club Europe is on your ticket, you’re flying business class!

Flights of 3 hours and under on British airways planes whether new or old have the same seats as economy. The only difference is you get a gap in the middle if it is a 3-3 configuration. Sometimes the plane will be a 2 – 2 seat configuration. Some of the seats are faux leather and we found quite slippery. The recline is not great and you certainly will not be getting a flat bed! But who needs one for a short haul flight anyway?

British Airways short haul business class review only1invillage
Dedicated business class cabin staff on shortts are haul flights, even though the seats are the same as economy class.

Typically, the first 3 to 7 rows will be business class, but the seats are essentially small economy seats. The curtain is what separates you from the peasants. Sometimes it is only the first 3 rows for “business class”.

British Airways short haul business class review only1invillage
A curtain separates you in business class from the economy cabin.

The food is the biggest differentiation point on board when flying business class on British Airways for a short haul flight. What you get is your meal on porcelain plates and your wine in a glass. Economy passengers get a sandwich and 250ml of water at best and at worst 10 pretzels, or a small 50g packet of crisps (at least it is a British brand called Tyrell’s).

British Airways short haul business class review only1invillage
Lunch on porcelain. Ooops that was a beef in red wine sauce for the main. The smoked salmon was very good and the white French wine hit the spot.

Depending on what time you fly you can choose the full English Breakfast or a main meal. If you have never experienced the institution that is the Full English Breakfast, then you must choose this option. 

This was an unexpected surprise for the tea! Not that there was liquid milk, but, it came in a disposable cup! Typically on board tea and coffee is never as good as you would get on the ground, business class or not. What can you do about mediocre hot drinks but keep calm and carry on drinking?!

British Airways short haul business class review only1invillage
Wait what? Tea in a paper cup in business class! We did keep calm and carry on though!

You also get your own dedicated economy class toilet, but on some flights, the crew will let the rear enders use the front end loo too! Well I never! Yup the toilet is the same as the other passengers get.

You also get your own dedicated economy class toilet, but on some flights, the crew will let the rear enders use the front end loo too! Well I never! 
You didn’t really want to see the toilet?! Here is the sink instead.

In summary, you get prioritised boarding, use of the lounge (if they have one), dedicated staff, extra baggage allowance, good quality meals and drinks before everyone else gets their scraps! British Airways business class for short haul flights is worth it if you value the differentiated food, more weight allowance and getting on and off the plane before everyone else. In the air, the seat itself won’t give you that exclusive luxurious feeling, but the extra smiles and unlimited drinks just might!

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Japan two week itinerary only1invillage

Your essential 2 week Japan Itinerary starts here!

How to spend an awesome 2 weeks in Japan. Our two week Japan itinerary suggestions. The Japan Rail Pass is a must for your 14 days. See the incredible sights, sounds and smells of this amazing country. Below is our itinerary put together from two separate 2 week trips to Japan. You don’t have to do it all. Pick and choose from what sounds most exciting. You might want to slow the pace down a bit too as our itinerary is pretty jam packed!

Quick Index 2 Weeks in Japan!

                                                         

Quick Japan Round Up

The land of the rising sun. Ahh, the Karate Kid, raw fish and big drums. Sushi, sake and noodles. High tech gadgets and robots instead of humans in hotels. Toilets that talk to you, wash and dry you. Plus public toilets are spotless, plentiful and free! Public transport that runs on time and never ending politeness. Bowing, bowing, more bowing, bow some more. Girly giggling and wild make up. Boy bands, anime, manga, Pokemon and big name fashion brands.

incredible two week Japan itinerary bowing Japan manners
Start practising your bowing technique. Even the mannequins bow in Japan! Japan is an ultra polite society and on your two week trip to Japan, you’re going to do a lot of bowing!

Temples, castles and fast cars. Japan is a country full of stereotypes and contrasts. Ancient traditions and cultural practices are jostling with the modern Japan.

Incredible 2 week trip to Japan
Japan is a country where tradition and modern influences exist side by side.

Mountains, forests, busy coastal mega cities, hot springs galore and fascinating gardens to explore. Japan provides everything for tourists and at a surprisingly reasonably cost.

                                                          

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Japan?

                                                      

Don’t laugh! Some people don’t know where Japan is. Japan is an archipelago in East Asia. The biggest islands of Honshu, Hokkaido and Kyushu get all the attention. Japan stretches almost to Taiwan, with the islands of Okinawa, Miyakojima and Ishigaki in the south of the East China Sea. Neighbouring countries are: South Korea, China,Russia in the extreme North and Taiwan in the extreme South.

incredible two week Japan itinerary
Japan is a collection of many islands in East Asia.

                                                          

When is the best time to go to Japan? 

In our opinion the best time to visit Japan is Spring or Autumn. April, May and June have plenty of daylight and it’s not too hot. It’s mild, some showers, but most days will be bright and sunny. The famous sakura (cherry blossom) season is also in Spring in the major cities of Tokyo and Osaka. For exact weeks you have to check each year, because of the effects of climate change.

incredible two week Japan itinerary when to go cherry blossom season
The cherry blossom (sakura) is best captured in April. The Japanese go nuts for taking photos of these pink flowers. Hinami (cherry blossom viewing) in most Japanese cities is in Spring, but check to make sure, due to climate change effects.

Avoid Summer as it is roasting in Japan!  However, if you love the high temperatures and humidity, you’ll love Japan in July and August! September and October are good months to travel on your two week trip to Japan. The days are still warm and the nights cool, not cold. There is still plenty of sunshine and the Autumn colours are just spectacular.

incredible two week Japan itinerary when to go Autumn magnificent colours
September is Autumn in Japan. It’s a great time of year to plan your two week trip to Japan. The formal gardens are simply breathtaking.

                                                          

How Big and expensive Are Hotel Rooms in Japan?

Japan isn’t as expensive as people think. On your unforgettable two week Japan itinerary, you will spend less than you think. There is a vast range of accommodation available. The hotel rooms are not all like capsules! We like the Tokyu Rei chain of hotels for the price and size of the rooms. Some rooms are over 20 square metres. Our top tip is to always book twin rooms, rather than double, as you can be guaranteed a larger room with two beds. You can always push them together if you like.

Incredible 2 week trip to Japan hotel room size 25 square metres
Our messy room in the Tokyu Rei Hotel, Hiroshima. This room is 25 square metres. Not all hotel rooms are tiny in Japan.
incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary hotel rooms can be small
Some Japanese hotel rooms are notoriously small and compact. Here we are standing against the door! The traditional tatami mat and futon design is surprisingly very comfortable. The closer you are to a JR station the smaller the room, unless, you’re in a 5 star hotel. Spotlessly clean though. You can just see the shower on the left.

Youth hostels are becoming more popular in Japan. Good value three star hotels are very clean and can be as cheap as USD60, AUD90 or GBP50 in the right season and if you’re prepared to be a little further away from the railway station.

                                                          

How expensive is Food in Japan?

premium Japanese fruit presentation box supermarket food incredible 2 week trip to Japan
This is an expensive fruit box for special occasions. Don’t worry, fruit isn’t really this expensive in Japan. (Price of those 8 pieces of fruit is $120 USD, $170AUD and GBP95!) Not for everyday consumption. It’s apparently the best of the best!

Food is also very reasonable. Filling and tasty noodle dishes can be found in McDonalds like ‘restaurants’ for USD6, AUD10 or GBP6.

incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary cheap set meals fast food style restaurants
Eating out in Japan isn’t as expensive as people think. We get these types of meals at ‘fast food’ restaurants. Cheap, healthy and tasty.

Western food, especially Italian dishes are copied very well and are also not expensive. They are available ready made on a microwaveable plate at convenience stores. In Italian restaurants pasta dishes start at $US7 for a basic spaghetti dish with tomato sauce, basil and parmigiano reggiano.

incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary Western style food is widely available in Japan
Western food in Japan is very high quality. This duck salad and roast beef with good quality wine is only $US15, $AUD21 or $12 for lunch. Japan isn’t as expensive as people think.

Sushi and sashimi as you would expect is everywhere! NIgiri (the rice on the bottom and a slice of raw fish on top) is about an Australian dollar, 70 pence or 70 US cents per piece. Every corner shop, mini supermarket and major supermarket has top quality raw fish. You will see sashimi (raw fish with no rice) types you have never seen before. The variety of raw fish is amazing in Japan. Our top tip is to go at about 6.30p.m. to supermarkets in department store basements. The day’s fresh catch is discounted by 30 to 50 per cent. 

incredible two week Japan itinerary sashimi and sushi from supermarkets great presentation and variety
Keep costs down when eating sashimi and sushi on your incredible two week Japan itinerary by buying from supermarkets.

                                                          

Is Japan safe to visit?

In terms of crime for tourists, Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. If you drop a tissue, people will come running after you, to give your tissue back to you!

The organised crime of the Yakuza gangs will not be visible to the tourist.

The biggest danger is a major natural disaster. Japan is of course earthquake and tsunami prone. 

                                                          

What’s Japanese food like? Where to eat? What to eat?

Traditional Japanese food is always beautifully presented. Every dish is a little work of art.

incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary all food is like a piece of art noodles soup vegetables and fish
Japanese food is always beautifully presented. A typical lunch is a mixture of hot and cold dishes. There is always miso soup, a noodle dish and pickled vegetables. Vegetarians are well catered for in Japan. Tofu and soya bean products are widely available.

Like all countries different regions have different specialities. Noodle of various types (there are 8 types: ramen, uson, soba, yakisoba, somen, hiyamugi, shiritaki and harusame) rice and dumplings (goyoza) predominate of course. Fish is highly prized and the famous marbled beef from Kobe.

incredible two week Japan itinerary famous wagyu beef
If you’re not vegetarian you have to try the wagyu beef. WIdely available in supermarkets for much less than a restaurant in Kobe. The high fat content or marbling is what makes this beef so special.

Fresh vegetables are really expensive in restaurants. You’re better off buying fruit and vegetables from a supermarket. Pickled vegetables are served with everything and at every meal.

Japan has the most Michelin starred restaurants, (after France) in the world. So you can drop a whole day’s budget on one meal if you choose!

                                                          

Is it true ATMs are hard to find and Credit Cards aren’t widely accepted?

Yes and no. There are plenty of ATMs in the big cities. Top tip – many ATMs are hiding inside 7-Eleven convenience stores.

Credit cards are widely accepted in the big cities. Mastercard and Visa are more popular than American Express. 

2 week incredible trip to Japan itinerary credit cards
Credit cards are widely accepted in the big cities. Visa and Mastercard are preferred over Amex.
Incredible 2 week trip to Japan market vendors cash only
Smaller establishments won’t accept credit cards in Japan. You need to carry some cash in Japan, even in the big cities. Yen in Japan, do as the Japanese do!

                                                          

What unique souvenirs can I buy from Japan?

Rice paddles and every sort of Hello Kitty merchandise you can think of!

incredible two week Japan itinerary hello kitty comes in every size shape and form you can even eat her
Hello Kitty! She is the cat that everyone loves ! You can find all the Hello Kitty merchandise you will ever need!

Green tea Kit Kats are definitely on the top of our list. In fact, green tea everything, green tea Pocky, ice cream, biscuits, waffles, cakes, chocolate, macarons, green tea latte powder and  green tea leaves. We eat so many green tea products when we go to Japan, our poo turns green!

Incredible 2 week trip to Japan green tea ice cream
C is so happy when she gets her hands on green tea products! If you love green tea, you’re going to find it in Japan. Take green tea products home as unique souvenirs.

No trip to Japan is complete without the toilet experience. You might want to take one home. Well the seat that is! Once you go, you’ll know what we mean! It will definitely be a memory of your 2 week trip to Japan!

incredible two week trip to Japan itinerary unique souvenirs from Japan take home a toilet seat
Bet you thought Panasonic only made TVs! If you’re in love with the unique Japanese toilet experience, you might want to take one home. It’s definitely a unique souvenir and one you’ll remember every day!

                                                          

Getting around on your two week Trip to Japan

The best way to get around Japan on your two week itinerary is by  Bullet train.

Buy the two week Japan Rail Pass

This is the best way to keep travel costs down. The Japanese fast trains (shinkansen) or bullet trains are well known throughout the world and rightly so. Shinkansen actually means ‘trunk line’ but that doesn’t sound as sexy as bullet train does it? Their ability to run on time and the safety record of these high speed trains is amazing. You will be left in wonder how precisely these bullet trains leave and arrive to the second.

incredible two week Japan itinerary bullet trains shinkansen fast efficient clean
The Japanese bullet trains are fast, on time and mega comfortable. You too will fall in love with the shinkansen on your two week trip to Japan.

Also your shinkansen tickets will tell you exactly where to stand on the platform and the bullet train pulls up at exactly that spot. You will be a bullet train geek by the end of your two week trip to Japan! Even if you can’t tell your Hikari from your your Aomori, you’ll still love the Japanese bullet trains for their speed, comfort, cleanliness and efficiency.

Two week Japan rail pass cost 

The National  JR pass is available to buy in 7 days, 14 days or 21 days only. Green class is first class and  ordinary class is, not, as the name suggests, that ordinary! In our opinion, splashing out the extra is worth it for first class travel. 

incredible two week Japan itinerary bullet trains shinkansen green class is pure luxury
Treat yourself to Green Class (first class) seats on your 2 week trip to Japan. The seats are always in a 2 -2 configuration. In ordinary class there’s a row of 2 and a row of 3. In Green Class on the bullet rains, the seats are wider, there’s more legroom and on some routes you get a free blanket.

The National JR Pass is such a bargain that the bullet train trip from Tokyo airport to a downtown destination, is a quarter of the 7 day pass alone. You do the maths!  You will make half your money back on the two week Japan rail pass cost just by doing a return journey on the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto. But, of course, you’re in Japan for a 2 week trip, you’re not just going to Kyoto!

incredible two week Japan itinerary bullet trains shinkansen ordinary class seats are very comfortable
The seats in ordinary class on the Japanese bullet trains are very comfortable. They also turn around, so if you’re travelling in a big group, you can face each other.

Just in case you’re not going to Japan for a 2 week trip, you can buy the Japan Rail Pass for 7 days or 21 days, too. Below is a link with the cost of Japan Rail Passes, for 7, 14 and 21 days, in 3 major currencies.

 buy-the-japan-rail-pass-online 

Japan rail pass which one should I buy?

First up don’t get confused with the number of Japan Rail Passes on offer. For your two week Japan itinerary you will need the National JR Pass. This will give you access to all the bullet trains except the Nozomi. The Nozomi is the fastest bullet train, but, that doesn’t mean the other bullet trains are slow.

Japan rail pass where to buy

You can’t buy the Japan Rail Pass in Japan! You must buy it in your country of residence. As a tourist you are very privileged to be able to buy a two week Japan rail pass. Japanese citizens are not allowed to buy one! These bullet trains are something else!

Japan rail pass how to buy

Make sure you are a non resident of Japan. Type in the words ‘Japan Rail Pass’ into your browser’s search engine. Lots of travel agencies and online vendors will compete for your business. 

Japan Rail Pass rules of use

The Japan Rail Pass can only be used for the person whose name appears on the pass. You must carry it at all times with the tickets of the various destinations you are travelling to.

Japan rail pass map Where can I Travel?

Don’t get confused by the names of the trains. The Japanese give names to their trains and service lines. Come on, admit, it’s sort of cute! The name of the train also tells you if it’s fast or mega fast. Yes, all the shinkansen (bullet trains) are fast, but in Japan, there’s quick and super quick!

incredible two week Japan itinerary
Each shinkansen (bullet train) line has a name. Here are the major cities the national Japan Rail Pass will cover.

The Nozomi and Mizuho trains are not covered by the National Japan Rail Pass. If you want to take these ‘super fast’ services you have to pay an additional fee. 

The Japan Rail Pass also entitles you to free JR buses and the JR Miyajima Ferry when travelling to the beautiful must see island of Miyajima, near Hiroshima. Click here for the JR train map.

                                                          

Unforgettable Two Week Japan Itinerary

Warning: This is an action packed, not for the faint hearted 2 week Japan itinerary. It involves a lot of walking and a lot of train rides. You’ll be travelling at speeds of 320km/h (200mph) on the bullet trains, so actually, you won’t be spending that much time on trains. It means changing hotels every 2 to 3 days. Of course you can always skip a few of the places we suggest in our incredible 2 week Japan itinerary.

On a two week trip to Japan we suggest this itinerary. Tokyo – Kyoto – Nara – Arashiyama – Osaka – Kobe – Himeji – Hiroshima –  Miyajima – Beppu – Takayama – Matsumoto – Tokyo.

This route means you don’t back track on yourself. Well, you do in the sense that you have to get back to Tokyo but you don’t stop at the same places!

As soon as you land at Narita International, Haneda, Osaka Kansai  Airport, head straight for the Japan Rail Pass office to exchange your ‘exchange order voucher’ you received in your home country. The actual Japan Rail Pass will look like this.

incredible two week Japan itinerary exchanging your voucher for the Japan Rail Pass
This is one side of the actual Japan Rail Pass. On the other side there is a handy map and the travel terms and conditions. Hello bullet trains!

A piece of card, which can be folded into three, to make the same size as your passport. While you’re at the office, you might as well get your tickets to Kyoto. You can reserve your seats at the same time.

                                                          

Tokyo on your Two Week Japan Itnerary (3 nights)

The mega busy, modern capital of Japan is everything you have heard about. Tokyo is crowded, fast paced and full of energy. Shopping and entertainment is everywhere. It looks like any other major world city, full of skyscrapers and busy roads. Commuters and tourists from all over the world descend on Tokyo. 

Deciding which district to stay in is very difficult. All we can say is, make sure it is near a train station. Shibuya, Roppongi, Shinjuku and Ueno are popular choices. Look at the map below. For a PDF version of Tokyo train lines and districts,click here.

incredible two week Japan itinerary Tokyo train map including JR stations and subway
Stay near a train station when choosing a base in Tokyo. It will be easy to get around with a combination of JR lines and the excellent Tokyo subway system.
incredible two week Japan itinerary famous Shibuya crossing Tokyo
The famous Shibuya crossing in Tokyo. A popular district to base yourself for first time visitors to Tokyo.

In Tokyo, you’ll want to visit Harajuku street, the Royal Palace and the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Tokyo is also the place to do a day trip to Hakone and view Mount Fuji from a distance. You have to visit the famous Tokyo fish markets if you’re a sashimi (raw fish) lover. 

2 week trip to Japan Tokyo fish markets yummy sashimi on rice
If you like it fresh and raw, the Tokyo fish markets (Tsukiji Outer Market area) are a must visit place. A whole area of tantalising ocean delights await.
incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary tokyo fish markets fresh seafood
No 2 week trip to Japan is complete without visiting Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji fish market. If you crave raw fish, raw crustaceans and anything uncooked, head on down.
incredible two week Japan itinerary Meiji Jingu shrine Tokyo
Say or rather write a little prayer or peace offering on these wooden boards at the huge Meiji Jingu shrine in Tokyo’s Shibuya district.

To see Mount Fuji, you will need to do a day trip to Hakone and Lake Ashi. This is a one hour train journey from Tokyo. Your Japan Rail Pass is valid to Odawara. From there you have to pay a separate fee to get onto a ‘romance car’ to Hakone. 

Incredible 2 week trip to Japan Mount Fuji Pixabay
The iconic Mount Fuji, Japan. Best to see the mountain from a distance. Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Hakone offer good viewing spots. Pray for a clear day.

                                                          

Kyoto (3 nights as part of your two week Japan Itinerary)

Inari

Kyoto is the place to see the iconic, much Instagrammed 1000s of tori or gates of the Fushimi Inari shrine.

incredible two week Japan itinerary Fushimi Inari tori bright red near Kyoto
Iconic bright red tori gates of the Fushimi inari shrine near Kyoto. Get there early and you might get a shot with no one else in your way!

There is also a hill walk/ hike at this shrine. The shrines are actually in the little town of Inari, which is on the JR Nara line. This means with your two week Japan Rail Pass, it’s totally free! Kyoto to Inari is only 5 minutes away! See the green and white dashed lines below.

Unforgettable 2 week Japan itinerary 30
From Kyoto you need to get on the JR Nara line for the Fushimi Inari shrines. It’s only two stops away from Kyoto.

It’s impossible to miss the entrance to the Fushimi Inari shrines.

incredible two week Japan itinerary bottom of Fushimi Inari near Kyoto
You can’t miss the entrance to the famous Fushimi Inari shrine. You just follow every one else from the train station until you see this.

Just follow the crowds who will be on your train. The walk to the top will take around 2-3 hours depending on your fitness level. You can turn around at any point, it’s not a one way circuit. As you climb between the thousands of bright red ‘tori’ you might even get sections to yourself for that precious photo!

incredible two week Japan itinerary fushimi inari shrine go early
If you’re very lucky, you might get sections of the Fushimi Inari shrine walk to yourself.

There are a few restaurants and shops to buy refreshments along the way to the top of Fushimi Inari. Make sure you deviate a bit from the main paths and find these gorgeous areas with mini gates and animal statues.

two week trip to Japan smaller shrines on the hike up the hill at Inari near Kyoto
Find the little shrines when you get off the main two tori tunnels. Fushimi Inari is unmissable on your 2 week trip to Japan.

 

Gion District of Kyoto

This is one area you don’t want to miss out on seeing. Amazing shrines and temples at the top of streets lined with magnificent food shops and restaurants. Wandering up and down the narrow and traditional streets of the Gion district is unmissable.

2 week trip to Japan Gion district Kyoto traditional style houses
Kyoto’s Gion district is lined with narrow and more traditional looking houses and shops. Wander up and down the ancient capital streets of Japan. There’s plenty of restaurants and souvenir shops to keep you going as you ascend towards the pagoda and temples on the top of the hill.

This is the traditional district of the geisha. Always ask permission before you take a photograph of geisha. 

2 week trip to Japan Gion district Kyoto geisha
Geisha in the Gion district of Kyoto. These are not tourists dressing up as geisha. Yes you can pay to have the white make up, hairstyle and kimono of geisha for a few hours. Never insult geisha by taking their photos without permission.

Kiyomizu -dera Temple Kyoto

This amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site is set on the hills above Kyoto. A vast complex with lots of steps and opportunities for stunning photography.

2 week incredible trip to Japan itinerary Kiyomizu dera temple Kyoto
You won’t be able to resist the bright red pagoda of the Kiyomizudera Temple complex in the Higashiyama sightseeing district of Kyoto. It’s a bit commercialised, but still, very worthwhile in our opinion.

The main hall ‘stage’ built out of wood fascinates all who visit. The view of Kyoto down below is truly unique. The overhanging ‘stage’ of the main hall of the Kiyomizu Temple is built onto the steep cliff of Mount Otowa. It is built in a Japanese style of grids, without any nails being used! The wood is almost 400 years old and still supports the hundreds of visitors each day.

2 week incredible trip to Japan itinerary Kiyomizu dera temple Kyoto
The amazing Kiyomizu dera temple complex is built on the cliffs of Mount Otowa, Kyoto. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers stunning views of the city from its main hall ‘stage’.

You might need a little map to orientate yourself at Kiyomizu dera Temple. It’s like a little village. Kiyomizudera means ‘pure water temple’. There are lots of places to see this pure water running out from the Otowa waterfall. There are said to be benefits from drinking this pure water. Visitors can drink from special long handled ladle like cups to bring longevity, luck in love and success at school!  Every little bit helps!

2 week incredible trip to Japan itinerary Kiyomizu dera temple Kyoto
Kiyomizudera Temple, Kyoto. Drinking from the ‘pure water’ of the Otowa waterfall has three separate benefits. Get lucky in love, live longer and do well at school. You’re only supposed to drink from two, so choose carefully! There are special long handled ‘cups’ which don’t touch your lips for this purpose at designated spots.

You will also want to make a day trip while in Kyoto to the nearby town of Nara. You can feed tame deer with special deer biscuits.

Nara

It’s temple time again! You have to visit Todai-ji temple when you’re in Kyoto. Well, actually, temples will be like churches in Europe, on your 2 week trip to Japan! Todai-ji temple is one of the world’s biggest wooden structures. It’s ancient too. Todai-ji temple is over a thousand years old. 

incredible two week Japan itinerary Todai Ji Temple Nara near Kyoto
Todai-ji Temple in Nara Park. One of the biggest wooden structures in the world. Try and go in sakura (cherry blossom) season for those unforgettable memories on your Japanese vacation.

The main attraction is the huge, and we mean huge, bronze budhha statue. 400 tonnes of huge. 

incredible two week Japan itinerary giant bronze buddha in Todai-ji Temple Nara, near Kyoto
Feel small in front of the giant 400 tonne bronze buddha at Todaiji Temple in Nara Park. A must see attraction on your unforgettable 2 week Japan itinerary.

Todai-ji Temple is inside the Nara Park, where you can see deer roaming around. They’re quite friendly and very cute. See below!

incredible two week Japan itinerary friendly deer in Nara Park near Kyoto
Come and feed me in Nara Koen Park. Oh and see the amazing Todai-ji temple too.

Arashiyama

From Kyoto this is another easy day trip, you don’t want to miss out on! 6 stops from Kyoto on the Sagano line. Yes, it’s free if you have the Japan Rail pass! It’s not a bullet train, but a local train. The top three attractions in the Arashiyama area are the bamboo grove, the Kinaku-ji golden temple, Tenryuji temple and Sogenchi gardens. There are of course other delights which will be on your Kyoto tourist map, that your hotel will give you.

incredible two week Japan itinerary Kinaku-ji golden temple near Kyoto
The golden temple (Kinaki-ju) is literally covered in gold leaf. It’s a glittering marvel. One of the highlights on a day trip from Kyoto on your 2 week Japan trip. Located 20 minutes from Kyoto. Best to go by the 205 bus from Kyoto bus station.

The bamboo grove has gone insta crazy and now it’s really hard to get a shot of this place without anyone else in it! Ok, maybe if you go at the crack of dawn, we’re just not early morning people! It’s not really a forest. It’s a pathway with lots of tall bamboo on either side. It can look very green or quite grey. 

incredible two week Japan itinerary Arashiyama Bamboo Grove near Kyoto
The bamboo grove in Arashiyama. These amazing tall plants are a top attraction on a day trip from Kyoto.

Another must see site is the Tenryuji temple. You can enter it via the bamboo grove. This amazing temple has one of the best gardens in Japan. The famous pond is also full of colourful carp fish and on a sunny Spring day, the reflection of the hills in the pond is just amazing. You will see devout Japanese meticulously picking up leaves and pulling out grass in these immaculate gardens. This is one of the finest examples of shakkei which means borrowed scenery. The hills in the background blend in seamlessly with the Sogenchi gardens.

incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary Sogenchi Gardens part of the grounds in the Tenryuji Temple, near Kyoto near the Bamboo Grove
Capture the stunning reflections in the garden pond in the grounds of the Sogenchi Gardens, Arashiyama. The Tenryuji Temple is in the background. There are some of the biggest carp fish you will ever see in this perfectly landscaped temple complex. A must see attraction on your 2 week trip to Japan.

                                                          

Osaka (1 night or a day trip from Kyoto)

incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary Osaka Castle and Gardens
Castles and beautiful gardens go hand in hand in Japan. Osaka castle is no exception. Just a 15 minute bullet train ride from Kyoto.

Next stop on your unforgettable 2 week Japan itinerary is the city of Osaka. Population 2.6 million.  It’s just a 15 minute bullet train ride away! We only stop for a night and a day. Our main highlight is the castle and the entertainment district of Dontonburi. You can even stay an extra night in Kyoto, if you don’t want to pack your bags and change hotels. Osaka castle and the Dontonburi district can be a day trip from Kyoto.

incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary green and gold Osaka Castle
The fabulous green and gold castle in Osaka, Japan. Make a day trip from Kyoto (only 15 mins away) or stay over night. Note J has a very apt T shirt!

Your 2 week trip to Japan continues on the awesome bullet trains. BY now you are loving your Japan Rail Pass. It is so convenient. Practically every major tourist site is reachable for free on the 2 week Japan Rail Pass in your hand. We bet even you have started bowing at the trains like the conductors do on the platforms! Come on, admit it, you’re a big fan of travelling by train, bullet train style.

                                                          

Kobe  (1 night)

It’s just 13 minutes from Osaka on the amazing bullet trains. The famous city named after an American basket ball player? No, we’re just joking. Apparently Kobe Bryant’s parents named him this after seeing the famous beef on a restaurant menu. What can we say? We came all the way to Kobe just to eat the beef too!

Kobe beef is a type of Wagyu beef. Wagyu beef is so expensive because you can trace the cow back to its parents and grandparents. Kobe beef has to come from the Hyogo prefecture. It also has to be from a type of cattle calle Tajima. The wagyu, which means ‘Japanese beef’ you’re eating in your home country probably isn’t genuine. However, if you come to Kobe, you can bet your bottom dollar, the beef is local. Kobe beef is exactly that, beef from the Kobe region. 

2 week trip to Japan kobe beef meal
Kobe beef dinner. When in Japan, you have to try it. Genuine Kobe beef is extremely rare outside of Japan. This meal cost us a day’s budget. Back to noodles for a few days!

Apart from some of the best beef in the world, Kobe has some other attractions worth coming for. If you’re a nature lover, you will be amazed by the Kobe Herb Gardens. Perched high up on the hills of Kobe and reachable by cable car, the Kobe gardens are quite unique.

incredible two week trip to Japan itinerary Kobe ropeway
Take the rope way (cable car) high into the hills to escape the grey city colours of Kobe. You can even walk up the rope way route if you want some exercise.

It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, (which you can get up there), as you gaze down on the sprawling city. It’s built to mimic a European, German to be precise, castle and its grounds.

incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary Kobe herb gardens restaurant and museum cafe
At the top ropeway station is the German style landscape. You can grab a bite to eat, with all food using the herbs on the slopes.

There’s a fabulous restaurant too.

incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary Kobe food restaurant herb garden
A main and an appetiser at the restaurant is only 2380 yen, about 20 US, 17GBP and 30 AUD.

It’s a place to go just to breathe some fresh air and relax in nature. In Spring, the slopes are bursting with colour from the thousands of varieties of flowers and herbs. There’s also a water fall on the way up. This is definitely worth seeing, on your 2 week trip to Japan. For a map of the rope way and gardens, click here.

incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary Kobe herb gardens
The Kobe Herb Gardens are set on an easily walkable slope on the foothills of Mount Rokko. Colourful and peaceful, a place to surround yourself with beautiful flowers and aromatic herbs.

Another reason people come to Kobe is to experience the hot baths at Arima. The Japanese onsen experience is quite a ritual and Japan is famous for its onsens. Good for the skin and a great cultural experience. Remember in Japan, no tattoos and no mixed bathing. Plus, you have to get naked. Sorry, no naked pictures of us!

incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary onsen gold and silver water at Arima near Kobe
The ‘gold’ and ‘silver’ soothing mineral water is a unique factor for onsens in Arima, just north of Kobe. This outdoor terrace is part of the Arima Grand Hotel (photo courtesy of www.tsungagujapan.com)

Search for Arima onsen and you will see that there are plenty of hotels with private onsen too. If you want more privacy, you will have to go in your hotel’s onsen. In any case, walking around a traditional town is quite nice after so many big cities on your 2 week trip to Japan. Even if you don’t like bathing in thermal mineral waters, Arima is worth the day trip from Kobe.

incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary Arima onsen river gold and silver water
The thermal waters of Arima are said to be gold and silver in colour. Here, they run through the river in the centre of Arima. Many hotels and 4 public baths use these waters to fill their own onsen at Arima.

                                                          

Himeji (1 night or day trip from Kobe)

Next stop on your whistle stop tour of Japan is Himeji. Himeji is home to the White Heron castle and has been restored to its former glory. From Kobe, it’s just 30 minutes on the bullet train! The main reason for stopping here is the stunning castle. It is a national treasure.

incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary Himeji
Now where is the darn castle? Himeji Castle towers at one end of the main street in Himeji.
incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary Himeji beautiful white castle
Who’s taking the photo? Looking energetic before the climb to the top of the castle!
incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary Himeji
Nice gardens and views surround the castle. There’s also a moat around the castle.
incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary Himeji
Himeji castle is lit up at night and the gardens are full of locals and visitors sitting, picnicking and chatting.

                                                          

Hiroshima and Miyajima Island (2 nights)

Hiroshima is infamous for a very sad reason. Two atomic bombs were dropped on two Japanese cities in 1945. Without going into the politics of the Second World War of who was wrong or right, Hiroshima deserves a visit. Hiroshima is also the jump off point for the beautiful Miyajima Island, with its massive red gates built into the sea (our feature picture). Also if you have missed out on seeing the deer at Nara Park, there’s hundreds of deer roaming around Miyajima Island.

From Kobe, this is another short trip on the bullet trains. Just over 90 minutes away. 

incredible two week Japan itinerary
Jump on the shinkansen bullet trains for 90 minutes from Kobe. Hiroshima is your next stop on your incredible 2 week trip to Japan.

The most photographed image in Hiroshima is the Industrial Promotional Hall.

incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary Hiroshima Industrial Promotional Hall
This is the original building that now stands as the only surviving structure in Hiroshima. The Industrial Promotional Hall is commonly referred to as Genbaku Dome.

Now called the Genbaku Dome, it is the only surviving structure that withstood the atomic blast in 1945. It stands now as a permanent Peace Memorial. It is both a reminder and warning to us all of the destructive power of atomic weapons.

2 week trip to Japan bullet trains to Hiroshima Genbaku Dome
The Genbaku Dome stands as both a memorial and future reminder to the horrors of atomic weapons. Hiroshima is all about embracing peace.

It’s not all doom and gloom in Hiroshima. Even though the Peace Museum is a must see attraction with confronting images. You have to go.

2 week trip to Japan Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Confronting images at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. It’s a sobering way to spend some time on your 2 week trip to Japan.

There is great food, an electrical bike system and if you’re a baseball fan, the Mazda stadium. Oh and of course there’s a castle and pretty Japanese gardens to stroll around!

incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary Hiroshima Castle
Hiroshima Castle. Photo courtesy of Pen Ash from Pixabay.
incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary HIroshima get around on e bikes and trams
E bikes, electronically assisted bikes are the way to get around Hiroshima. Weather permitting of course!
incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary Hiroshima Mazda stadium baseball fans go mad
The Mazda Stadium in Hiroshima. This place is insane on match days. If you’re a baseball fan, the Japanese baseball fans are crazier than you! Go just for the atmosphere, even if you don’t like or understand baseball!
incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary Hiroshima beautiful and serene Japanese gardens to explore
Make time to stroll the relaxing gardens of Hiroshima. Shukkeien Gardens is a beautiful landscaped garden.

Getting to Miyajima Island is also easy from Hiroshima. With that handy Japan Rail Pass in your hands, even the ferry over is completely free! Miyajima warrants a whole day, especially as you’ll want to stay for the amazing sun set shots. It’s also a chance to see Japanese island life, away from the big cities. You can even find spots where you’ll be completely alone!

incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary JR ferry to Miyajima Island from Hiroshima day trip
Hop on the Miyajima Ferry to the beautiful and calm island of Miyajima. Of course it’s free with your Japan Rail Pass! It’s not just bullet trains that are covered with your pass. You can even use JR buses.

Miyajima Island

After breakfast in Hiroshima, make your way to the JR ferry. Get on a JR Sanyo mainline train (it’s not a bullet train, but still free with the JR Pass). 30 minutes later you’ll be at the Miyajimaguchi JR station. From there it is a 6 minute walk to the ferry terminal. Don’t worry it’s well signed. You can’t get lost. As usual follow all the other tourists! The ferry ride only takes 10 minutes.

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Getting to Miyajima Island from Hiroshima is easy.

 

As you sail on the waters, you approach the famous Otorri Gate. It’s unmissable. It comes in as the number three most scenic spot in Japan.

incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary magnificent gate Miyajima Island off the coast of Hiroshima
The gigantic gate of Miyajima Island. Comes in at number three of Japan’s most scenic spots. What do you think?

Don’t panic if you don’t get good shots from the ferry. There are plenty of opportunities to get those breathtaking shots when you get on dry land. When the tide is out, you’ll even be able to go underneath the huge gate.

incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary Otorri huge gate Miyajima Island
The impressive Otorri is built on the seabed off Miyajima Island. At low tide you can walk directly under it.

From the ferry terminal on Miyajima, don’t forget to make a note of the last departing ferry back to the ‘mainland’. Head right towards the huge red gate and the old town walk just like everyone else. Sorry you won’t be the only 1 in the village just yet!

The main attractions are all centred together in two main areas. The Itsukushima Shrine, the 5 storied pagoda, the Senjokaku Hall and the main shopping street are in one area. The aquarium, history museum, treasure hall and Tahoto Pagoda to the right of the shrine.

incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary Miyajima Itsukushima 5 tiered pagoda
Hmm …wonder why they call it the 5 storied pagoda? Up close and personal at the 5 tiered pagoda on Miyajima Island.
incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary Miyajima Itsukushima shrine and 5 tiered pagoda
The elevated Itsukushima Shrine and 5 storied Pagoda are within the same area on Miyajima Island. A day trip from Hiroshima, Miyajima is one of Japan’s top scenic destinations.

You can do some hiking on Miyajima. There is a trail that winds itself up from the Momijidani Ropeway station, which is just a 10 minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine. In fact there are three trails that will get you to the top of Mount Misen for some spectacular views. (see the map below)

incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary Miyajima map
To do some hiking on Mount Misen on MIyajima Island you can either walk or get the ropeway. If you walk, there are three routes, the Momijidani Course, the Daisho-in Course and the Omoto Course.

We cheat and go to the summit with the assisted option. But we do come down on foot.

2 week incredible trip to Japan itinerary Miyajima ropeway
Take the Miyajima ropeway to the top of Mount Misen on Miyajima Island. You can always walk one of the hiking trails on the way down.

At the top of Mount Misen, on a clear day, you get fabulous views. Even if it’s not a clear day there are huge granite boulders and possibly, if you’re lucky you will see some hawks or falcons circling high above you.

2 week incredible trip to Japan itinerary Miyajima ropeway to Mount Misen summit
At the top of Mount Misen, MIyajima Island. On a clear day you can see all the way onto the ‘mainland’. The weather wasn’t being kind to us!

On the way down, we choose to take the Momijidani hiking trail. This is particularly rewarding if you want to be the only1in the village. Hiking down is a lot less crowded than getting the ropeway up. As you descend along this path there are hundreds of maple trees. There’s even a small river and of course a beautiful shrine to keep the spirits up. No pun intended!

2 week incredible trip to Japan itinerary Miyajima
As you trek down the Momijidani Trail from the summit of Mount Misen, you pass the small but pretty Momijidani River. Mount Misen is Miyajima’s tallest peak.

As you walk along the Momijidani hiking trail, you will see the lovely Shinomiya Shrine.

2 week incredible trip to Japan itinerary Miyajima
Shinoyima Shrine is in the background. Hiking down from Mount Misen, on MIyajima Island following the Momijidani Trail. Hooray, we are the only ones in the village!

Miyajima is also home to lots of deer. So don’t worry if you missed out on seeing them in Nara, near Kyoto. The deer are very used to humans and often try to walk with you!

incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary deer on Miyajima
Don’t worry if you miss out on seeing deer at Nara, near Kyoto. Deer on Miyajima Island are very relaxed and used to humans! This male deer is ignoring J. Seen it all before, another human who wants a photo with a deer.
incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary deer on Miyajima
Plenty of friendly cute deer to see on Miyajima. They’re part of the landscape.

                                                          

Beppu

Beppu is on the island of Kyushu. Looking at a map it is left of Tokyo. To get here you get your shinkansen to Fukuoka (have fun pronouncing this one!) and change onto a local train. Of course it’s all included with your 2 week national Japan Rail Pass. Beppu is known for its many onsen, over 2000 in fact. The coloured water of various ‘hells’ are a main attraction of the area. Think New Zealand on a smaller scale. But we mean a really smaller scale.

Beppu - incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary Red Hell
Hells therme in Beppu has a range of different coloured waters some you can bathe in.

In order to get a European spa experience, meaning you can bathe together you have to go to Suginoi Palace Baths. This is a hotel with a huge set of pools with local thermal waters attached to it. Non guests can use the pools. To bathe naked though is single sex. That’s very Japanese. No naked bathing together like in Germany and Austria.

incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary Suginoi Hotel baths near Beppu
Suginoi palace baths in Beppu have both separate and mixed baths. It is rare in Japan for couples to bathe together.
incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary Suginoi palace baths near Beppu
Suginoi palace baths in Beppu has a fantastic light show every night.

                                                          

Takayama Japanese Alps

Now you have visited quite a few big cities on your 2 week trip to Japan. You are a bit tired of the neon, bright city lights. It’s time to head for the countryside for some fresh air and a change of scenery. You’ll still be eating awesome food and experiencing polite Japanese culture, just at a more relaxed pace.

2 week incredible trip to Japan itinerary HIda Takayama
Connect with the countryside. A traditional thatched roof in the village of Hida in the Japanese Alps. Hire a bike and ride around at a slower pace on the last leg of your amazing Japanese holiday.

Now getting here is a bit of a conundrum when it comes to using the bullet trains and the local JR trains. It depends where you’re coming from. If you decide to come from Tokyo you will come via  Nagano and Matsumoto. There’s not much to see in Nagano, or rather, we don’t have time to stop off and see Nagano on our jam packed 2 week Japan itinerary. The trains will take 4.5 hours and a bus 2.5 hours. Getting the Nohi bus is definitely quicker from Matsumoto.

2 week incredible trip to Japan itinerary Beppu to Fukuoka limited express train
The limited express train from Beppu to Fukuoka. It’s going to be a long day of train rides, but look at the comfortable seats. Beppu to Takayama is over 7.5 hours. You’ll be ok!

If you decide to follow our itinerary and come from Beppu, you’ll be coming via Nagoya on a mixture of limited express trains and the shinkansen. Change at Nagoya for a limited express train and the journey is 2.5 hours. Get the local JR train and the journey time increases to 4 hours. Please note that the total train journey time from Beppu to Takayama, with changes is just over 7.5 hours.

2 week incredible trip to Japan itinerary Beppu to Takayama
The Beppu to Takayama train route. 2.5 hours Beppu to Fukuoka, Fukuoka to Osaka on the Sanyo shinkansen is 2 hours and 40 minutes. Then change Osaka to Nagoya which takes an hour because you can’t use the Nozomi train with your Japan Rail Pass. Finally Nagoya to Takayama is 2.5 hours on the JR limited express trains.

It’s a long day of travelling. The total train time without waiting for connections is 7 hours and 40 minutes. But hey, it’s all covered on the Japan Rail Pass you have in your hands.

Takayama itself is very compact and has an old district and a new district. The old district is similar to the Gion district in Kyoto. There are lots of wooden houses and restaurants with narrow streets. This is the place, apart from Kobe, to eat Hida beef, a special type of beef, reared only in Japan. 

2 week incredible trip to Japan itinerary Takayama old district
The narrow streets of the old district in Takayama, Gifu prefecture. Life in the Japanese Alps is at a much slower pace than the big cities.

 

Traditional village – (Hida No Sato) Takayama 

2 week incredible trip to Japan itinerary Hida no Sato
The open air museum of Hida no Sato is a village of traditional wooden houses of the Edo period (1603-1867). Plenty of things to see including everyday utensils and you can dress up too if you want.

Hida No Sato is an open air museum. This might sound a little naff, but, actually it is a really good experience. The area is built to recreate life in a traditional Japanese village. You can go inside houses, dress up and try traditional games. It is a lot of fun and you learn something about traditional Japanese village life. It will be really quiet here too as not many tourists make it out here!

                                                          

Matsumoto

If you’re not sick of castles and you want to break up your bullet train journey before heading back to Tokyo, you must stop off at Matsumoto. 50 minutes on the limited express train from Nagano will get you to one of Japan’s most complete castles.

incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary Matsumoto castle
Matsumoto castle stands on a plain, rather than a hill. One of the most original castles in Japan. On your 2 week trip to Japan you’re going to become a castle expert. Matsumoto castle is unique because it has a heavily fortified second donjon! It also has a turret adjoined to its main keep. But you know that, now you’re a Japanese castle expert.

Matsumoto is a compact little city with all the main attractions walkable from the train station. It has a cute walking street, lined with of course cherry tees. Matsumoto is the place to eat horse meat  – raw and cooked. Neigh, we are not joking. Being global travellers, horse is not new to us. We eat as the locals do, when in France, we mean Japan!

Incredible 2 week trip to Japan horse meat Matsumoto
Horse meat is on the menu in Matsumoto. It’s available raw, lightly seared or cooked in many restaurants in Matsumoto.

Matsumoto castle is best photographed in cherry blossom season, as its outer moat has hundreds of cherry trees. Walking under them or on top of freshly fallen petals is like a carpet of pink pastel. Girls, get your inner pink on! It really is quite magical. It’s not too crowded either which is another reason for stopping off at Matsumoto.

incredible 2 week trip to Japan itinerary Matsumoto castle view of cherry trees on outer moat
The view from inside Matsumoto Castle. The outer moat is lined with hundreds of cherry trees which look spectacular in sakura (cherry blossom) season. It’s pastel pink all the way around the outer moat, baby!

If you have made it all the way through our 2 week Japan guide, well done! Obviously this doesn’t cover the whole of Japan. You need at least a month for that to happen. Next time we go to Japan, we’re going to turn right from Tokyo and go towards Sapporo. 

Japan is a country you will want to visit more than once. You will leave with memories of bullet trains that run on time to the second. Your bowing technique will leave you more flexible than your yoga teacher. Going to the toilet will never quite be the same again. You will tell your friends about how in a country that has robots running a hotel, there are still places you can’t use a credit card. All of the above will be done at your local izakaya over some sushi and sake!

Incredible 2 week trip to Japan sake barrels
You’ll be telling all your friends about Japan over sake. Hopefully your sake barrel will be smaller than these!

If you have any comments or suggestions about our incredible 2 week Japan itinerary, please write a comment below.

Arigato gozamaishita! (We’re bowing as we say this by the way!)

 

 

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Mount Rosea Walk The Grampians

Official time 2 hours each way

Mount Rosea is 4.6 kms one way. It is medium to hard grade with a lot of rock scrambling and hard to see markers in places. The cardio workout of our dreams and totally worth it! In our opinion, this is the hardest walk of all in the Grampians area. You could do this walk first so every other walk in the Grampians seems easy! The official time is 2 hours each way. We did it in 5 hours and we consider ourselves fit.

Mount Rosea peak Only1invillage blog
Mount Rosea Peak viewing platform. Take in the 360 degree views of the Mount William and Serra ranges. This hike is hard!

Where are the Grampians?

The Grampians area is a national park area under 3 hours west from Melbourne. It is situated between Stawell and Horsham on the Western Highway and Dunkeld on the Glenelg Highway.

How to get to The Grampians and the Mount Rosea Walk

The best way to travel to The Grampians and the Mount Rosea Walk is by car. A mere 3 hour drive from Melbourne. We don’t recommend this walk for a day trip though! Maybe a long weekend, but definitely not doable in a day! Ok, if you’re really hard core, you can leave Melbourne at 6am, arrive at Mount Rosea by 9am. The walk will take about 4 to 6 hours return, depending on your fitness level. Back to Melbourne for evening dinner after the 3 hour drive!

Mount Rosea Walk the Grampians What to wear and take

Good walking shoes are recommended as there are a lot of tree roots to trip over and plenty of rocks to scramble over. Definitely not a place for sandals or thongs/ flip flops in the warmer months. Water is essential, even in Winter as dehydration can quickly creep up on you. Layering up is your best option as the weather can quickly change even on a warm day. The base might be warm and still, but, by the time you get to the top you can be sure it’s going to be windy and a few degrees cooler.

This walk is challengingly beautiful. Make sure you tell your accommodation or someone you’re doing this. People have had to be rescued on this walk.

Mount Rosea sign 4.6kms from the car park Only1invillage
The Mount Rosea walk starts at the Mount Rosea car park. This is the most challenging walk you’ll do in the northern Grampians region. Are you ready for it?

Don’t be fooled by the gently sloping first 1.6kms through lush forest and ferns.

lush fern and forest start of Mount Rosea walk Only1invillage blog
The Mount Rosea walks starts through lush fern and forest on flat ground. Don’t be fooled. It’s going to get a hell of a lot harder!
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Needle grass is a pain in the arse! The greenery at the start of the Mount Rosea walk in the beautiful forest.

This took us 5 hours return and there is plenty of rock scrambling. It was by far the most challenging walk. We wish we had done this walk first, so all the other walks, would have seemed much easier.

After the beautiful messmate forest, you’re on a gradual ascent.  40 minutes later the terrain changes to sand! By now you have covered 1.3kms.

Mount Rosea sign after 1.3kms of walking from the car park Only1invillage blog
40 minutes after leaving the car park you will be here. Look down at your feet!
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At the 1.3kms section the terrain changes to sand for a bit! We’re heading to a beach?!!

Well that doesn’t seem so bad. A good start. and the sun is shining. We still haven’t seen anyone else. There’s about 20 minutes of this type of terrain (see below) and then things start to change. Even though it’s fairly flat you still have to look out for these yellow markers. They will be invaluable as all rocks start to look the same!

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The terrain now has lots of big flat rocks and tree roots to trip you up. Keep an eye out for the yellow triangles, because pretty soon, things are going to get tough!

20 minutes later the going gets tough, but still smiling.

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You’re starting to get a sense of how high you’re going when you get to this point. Mount Rosea walk. The familiar Serra and Mount William ranges are in the background.
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The stunning natural beauty of walking in the clouds. Mount Rosea walk about an hour in.

Now the real rock scrambling begins and some of the rocks are like climbing apparatus in the gym! If ever you think hiking isn’t a good workout, come and do this walk. Our hearts are racing, our legs are aching and now we have to use our hands too!

Mount Rosea rock scrambling cardio workout Only1invillage
Now the fun begins! Rock scrambling at its best! This is a serious cardio workout the Mount Rosea walk.
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Time for some horse riding! You know when you start to feel giddy and things look strange. C thinks she has found a horse to get to the peak! Yee hah! Mount Rosea walk, the Grampians.

At the 1 hour and 40 minutes minute mark we decide to stop for lunch. The lunch stop is a great time to marvel at the absolutely jaw dropping scenery enveloping us.

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Time to sit and stop the trembling legs! The majestic mountain scenery 1 hour and 50 minutes into the Mount Rosea walk.
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Lunch view on the way to Mount Rosea peak. Could the view get any better?

As you rest, it’s good to look out for natural markers. As you’re ascending it’s easy to think you’ll remember your route on the way down, but, those rocks, will all start blending in to each other! Take the time to photograph some natural markers and look at the time stamp.

Bright rock vegetation at our pit stop for lunch on the ascent to Mount Rosea.. Grampian walks only1invillage.
It’s a good idea to look for natural markers on the way up and down from Mount Rosea. It easily all starts looking the same, so, a burst of colour is a welcome sight. Take a photo and make a note of the time.
sandstone relief Grampians Mount Rosea walk Only1invillage
It’s not all granite in the Grampians. You’ll be clambering over amazing sandstone boulders (not rocks) on the Mount Rosea walk.

Rested and rejuvenated, we hear some people coming up behind us! Hurrah, we are not alone! We like to look at their faces and see if they are panting and sweating too. Come on, you know you do that too, when you pass fellow hikers!

Mount Rosea challenging walk Grampians Only1invillage blog
You’re kidding! You have to squeeze through that small hole? Yep! Mind your head.

At the 2 hour point we almost give up. It’s been really hard and the rock scrambling is some of the toughest for a continuous 45 minute period.

Huge boulders to get over on the MOunt rosea walk Grampians only1invillage
The size of the boulders you have to get over on the Mount Rosea walk. It’s going to be worth the sweeping views at the top.
Lake Bellfield view on the Mount Rosea walk
This looks like a peak! Mount Rosea walk a lakeview (Bellfield) from high up. You’re not there yet, still another half hour to go!

We feel the oxygen deprivation and not seeing many people come down is not very uplifting. Finally we see 2 other hikers who tell us we’re nearly there about half an hour and the view is worth it. It had better be!

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J surveys the landscape after being told we’re half an hour away. By this point we have been walking 2 hours and the weather is getting colder and windier. That’s Mount Rosea in the distance to the right. Ok, so down we go!
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We see two other hikers returning from the peak. They tell us it is only another half hour from here. The path isn’t obvious. Keep looking out for the yellow triangular markers.
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This part looks like a dead end. You go through the “chimney” rocks as we name them.
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There’s a handy rock shelter with a beautiful window view, if it starts to rain!

We remember our accommodation manager telling us to look out for the bridge and don’t look down, if you’re scared of heights. Well it’s a bit late now! We are glad to see the bridge because it means we’re on the right path.

The valley bridge on the Mount Rosea walk 20 mins to destination Only1invillage
The valley bridge means you’re 20 minutes away from the Mount Rosea peak. If you don’t like heights, don’t look down, just run across. At least it isn’t a suspension bridge!

J is brave and stops to take some scenery shots on the bridge.

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The view form the bridge, which plunges over 900 metres below you. Around 20 minutes to destination Mount Rosea peak!
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Seriously we have to squeeze through here? This is a good physical marker to remember.
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Well if the trees can survive up here, so can we!

Apparently we’re so close……

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This is the 2 hour 20 minutes point. The rocks look like an elephant’s skin. We saw 2 more people coming down! We’re close to the Mount Rosea peak!

Apparently we’re really close!

100 metres to go to the peak of Mount Rosea Only1invillage
Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Is there a sign? Please tell us we’re close to the Mount Rosea peak!

It’s been an epic 2 and a half hours but we make it! We’re 1009 metres up and above the cloud line!

Like we said earlier, we wish we had done this walk first because it’s hard and it is the 6th day of non- stop hiking for us. It’s really windy at the top. For video footage of the views at the summit, go to our Instagram page.

Mount Rosea viewing platform Only1invillage
On the Mount Rosea viewing platform. This is the amazing view 1009 metres high from the bottom.

Is it worth it? Hell yeah! Are we tired? Hell yeah! Doing another hike tomorrow? Hell yeah!  All we have to do now is find our way back down before it gets dark! See you at the bottom. Stay safe and remember to tell someone when you will be back Safety Tips | Visit Grampians

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FinnAir A350 business class review

 

Finnair? Who? Is that connected to Finland? Where is Finland? Yes, Finland has its own fleet of planes including a business class product which we share with you now! Finnair business class review here we come!

Finnair business class review Helsinki to Singapore only1invillage
Finnair business class from Helsinki to Singapore.

Read our Finnair business class review from Helsinki, the capital of Finland to Singapore. From freezing temperatures to the humid and hot touchdown in Singapore, we reveal what you’ll get on your 11 and a half hour flight. The modern fleet is made up of A350 900 narrow body jets. It’s a late flight almost midnight so you will be ready to sleep when you get on board!

Quick Index of Finnair Business Class Helsinki to Singapore

The Finnair A350 business class cabin

After a traditional meal of meatballs and salad in the Helsinki lounge, which closed at 6pm (yes we had to slum it with the common people for 6 hours!) we were desperate to join the priority queue to get the pre flight champagne and kick our shoes off!. Due to this little thing called a global pandemic, the Finnair Lounge in Helsinki has drastically reduced its opening times. Also the main reason for choosing Finnair was to use the sauna area, which of course was closed. Wah, wah, wah, had we known, we would have flown via Dubai and with  Emirates business class who have fully opened their lounges.

Finnair A350 business class cabin configuration only1invillage
The A350 Finnair business class cabin is very bright and white. The configuration of the seats offer a good amount of privacy, even if you’re in the middle seats.

The configuration of the seats is a glorious 1-2-1. Off to a good start. This is one time where a window seat is great, when travelling alone. 

window seat a350 Finnair business class
The window seat offers good privacy on one side only and of course the view for take off and landing. It’s always the best seat if travelling alone.

The seats

bright refurbished seats A350 Finnair business class only1invillage review
Fresh bright colours on the A350 Finnair business class section.

Most seats are less than 2 years old. Finnair is in the process or refurbishing its entire fleet of A350 and A330 planes. According to their statement their seats will, “elevate your travel experience to new heights”.

When sitting up before take off, the seat doesn’t feel that padded and comfortable which is a bit surprising. The seat belt is also huge and quite heavy. 

Finnair usiness class seat heavy seat belt only1invillage
Look at the size of that seat belt! You definitely feel it when it is fastened.

There is no mattress for you to even out the gaps in the seat on the Finnair business class flight from Helsinki to Singapore.

the bed on Finnair business class Only1invillage
The seat in the bed position has large gaps which are not covered with a mattress.

There’s not a  huge amount of leg room in the up right position and you can see that lying down if you’re tall you’re going to have to keep those legs quite close together!

narrow footwell on the As50 Finnair business class from Helsinki to Singapore Only1invillage
The footwell becomes quite narrow. It’s ok for people under 185cms though! Start practising sleeping with your legs together.

There is ample storage in the overhead lockers/bins and each one is labelled with your closest seat number. Additional storage can be found in the padded ‘armrest’ which contains the noise cancelling headphones and a bottle of water.

noise cancelling headphones A30 Finnair business class Only1invillage
The noise cancelling headphones are always hiding in the armrest storage compartment!

In flight entertainment

Every passenger in business class gets 60 minutes free wi fi. However it was quite difficult to get a signal and it only worked half of the time.

good headphones A350 Finnair business class review Only1invillage
The noise cancelling headphones are a snug fit and provide good acoustics for whatever you’re watching on the entertainment channels.

When you have settled in and checked out your fellow passengers there’s plenty to watch and listen to. The screen is huge and has very good resolution. The latest world cinema films are available as well as some classic Golden Oldies. In addition, you have TV series, documentaries and more music than you can ever get through on a 12 hour flight.

Finnair Tv on business class flights A350 Only1invillage
The Finnair business class screen is crystal clear. Enjoy films, Tv shows, games and music.

 

The electronics around the seat

You can charge your laptop, connect to HDMI and USB ports from your seat. Everything is within easy reach and nothing is hidden or in a hard to reach corner.

electrics around the seat A350 Finnair business class Only1invillage
The electrics around your seat allow you to charge a variety of devices.

To control the seat itself there are a variety of self explanatory buttons.

buttons to make your seat flat on board Finnair business class Helsinki to SIngapore Only1invillage review
It’s almost bed time! Underneath the universal adaptor are the buttons which transform your seat to a flat bed. Of course there are varying degrees before you get to 180 degrees.

The amenity kits on the Finnair A350 business class

One word – disappointing.

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What’s inside the bag? The outside of the amenity kit isn’t filling us with confidence.
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The amenities include a pair of grey slippers which are one size fits all. The blanket is a calming blue.

The amenity kit is quite mean and sparse. It is certainly not up to the standard of the Qatar business class amenity kit.

disappointing amenity kit on board Finnair A350 business class Only1invillage
Ta dah! The contents of the amenity kit are disappointing. No socks and no ear plugs.

The bags are definitely NOT classy and ones for keeping for future travels. Unlike the bags we received on Qatar Airways (see below)

Qatar Qsuite A350-1000 Doha to Singapore review men's toiletries contents business class
For gentlemen, on Qatar Airways this is what you get for the amenity kit. This is a bag you will want to re use. Compare this to the Finnair business class amenity kit bag above.

The food and beverages

glassware on business calss Finnair Helsinki to Singapore Only1invillage
The glassware is very unique on board the Finnair planes. The take off nuts were delicious.

It’s dinner time on the Helsinki to Singapore flight. The mains to choose from were fish or chicken. In no way does the presentation match up to the middle eastern airlines such as Qatar or Emirates. (See the photo below). However in taste, the food goes down a treat and is of fine dining quality.

What we really like about the Qatar food service is the cute little touches like the mini salt and pepper grinders and the table light.

Qatar Qsuite A350-1000 Doha to Singapore review breakfast Asian prawn congee business class
The prawn congee with shitake mushrooms, spring onion, ginger and soya sauce. Tasty and authentic.

The dinner menu was very interesting. A western and an Eastern option. We opted for the seafood and it was a delicious prawn appetizer and a baked salmon with vegetables. 

Finnair business class review dinner menu only1invillage
Will it be chicken or fish for your Finnish dinner?
drinks menu business calss Finnair Helsinki to Singapore Only1invillage
Before you can select your dinner you need to check out the drinks menu!

 

trout for dinnen Finnair business class review only1invillage
The trout with roasted potatoes, shitake mushrooms and nori oil was very tasty. It had been glow fried, don’t know what that means though!
Normandy apple pie dinner dessert Finnair business class review Only1invillage
The Normandy apple pie was moist and the apple pieces crunchy.
cheese plate Finnair business class review only1invillage
Just when you thought you couldn’t eat any more, the cheese selection comes out. Oh well, it’s all for the blog!

After a few good hours of sleep the clinking of plates and the smell of coffee is the signal for more food! Breakfast is served.

scrambled eggs with chorizo for breakfast Finnair business class review only1invillage
Scrambled eggs with chorizo for breakfast. There is no second choice for breakfast.

Throughout the flight Finnair offer a selection of sweet and savoury snacks. We were so full and bloated that we did not try any. If you have tried them, drop us a line and let us know what is on offer!

The service of the Finnair staff

From the moment you board the staff address you as Miss or Mr. They have done their homework and you can see your name on the passenger list has been hand written. Frequent fliers of Finnair business class got an extra special welcome and were copiously plied with alcohol offerings throughout the flight. As newbies to Finnair, we thought the service was efficient, friendly and not too intrusive. A few small details, such as noticing empty water bottles and replacing them, would have been good. Apart from that, there wasn’t much to improve on.

The Finnair A350 business class toilets

Well they were a bit disappointing. They were exactly the same as economy class. The only difference was the number of people using them and the number of times the toilet paper roll was folded into a triangle!

 

Finnair business class toilet only1invillage review
An economy style bathroom in the business class Finnair hard product.

However, you do get a better handwash in business class and the moisturizer too is of better quality.

business calss Finnair Helsinki to Singapore Only1invillage
The body lotion is the same brand you get in the amenity kit in the business class bathroom. Sadly, the size of the bathroom/ toilet is the same as economy class.

The Bar

There isn’t one!

Final Thoughts

All in all a very solid soft product, with good food and wine albeit with small touches like a table coth for dinner. The the seat and amenities are not as luxurious as Emirates or Qatar and you don’t get as much space overall. The flight time is also a big consideration with a 6 hour gap between closure of the Finnair lounge in Helsinki and the boarding time. Would we fly Finnair again? Probably not if given the choice.

While you’re in Helsinki airport don’t forget to pop into the Moomin Cafe. The Moomins are Finland’s answer to the Simpson’s and were a hit cartoon show. It also has comfortable seats to wait on during that long six hour gap. Go on, indulge your inner child!

 

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Qantas First Class Lounge Melbourne Review 42

 

The Qantas First Class Lounge Melbourne gets a long awaited review

Welcome come in Qantas First Lounge Melbourne
Come on in to the Qantas First Class Lounge in Melbourne, Australia!

The mere sound of the Qantas First Class Lounge in Melbourne had us in great anticipation. We are expecting first class food above business class and first class amenities. Read on to see if Qantas delivered the goods or it was all a bit of a flop.

natural light big windows Qantas first lounge Melbourne Australia
Lots of natural light and a great view of the tarmac. You can almost walk onto the planes!

Quick Index Qantas First Class Lounge Melbourne

                  

First Impressions of the Qantas First Class Lounge in Melbourne

It was really difficult to find the First Class lounge in Melbourne. It is in a separate location to the business class lounge and Amex Lounge. It is also no where near the Emirates Lounge in Melbourne. You need to use a separate lift/ elevator too! Despite following the signs, we still had to ask an airport worker (and there were not many around) for the location of the lounge.

getting to the first class lounge qantas Melbourne
Finding the Qantas First Class Lounge was a bit of a challenge! We managed… eventually!

Don’t forget flying during Covid is going to have a bit of an effect. The first major disappointment was the closure of the spa. What do you mean no massage treatment?? Even British Airways offered a free 15 minute treatment but that was in the good old days, before the C word!

spa closed Qantas First Class Lounge Melbourne
What do you mean, “temporarily out of order”? A huge disappointment that the spa was closed the day we visit the Qantas First Class lounge in Melbourne.

Now let’s have a closer look at the Qantas First Lounge

                  

The lounge Overview and seating

Qantas First Lounge Melbourne not that big
The main corridor of the Qantas First Lounge. To the left are the seats and behind is the business area.

The second thing we are struck by is the size of the Qantas First lounge. The size of the lounge isn’t great, but is probably tailored correctly to the number of first class passengers on an international flight. It will never get crowded since access is quite difficult. It is not worth upgrading to a first class ticket just to use this Qantas First Class Lounge in Melbourne. Let’s be clear about that!

Qantas First Lounge Melbourne leather sofas?
Contrasting carpet and stone flooring make for cosy areas. This is a s busy as it gets in the Qantas First Class Lounge, Melbourne.

The lay out is spacious and it feels a lot more exclusive than the business class lounge. We like the fact that there are more walled off areas, adding a sense of privacy.

walled off areas in the Qantas first lounge Melbourne
Qantas has its signature red in the walls to create a feeling of privacy for passengers.

The seats are more stylish and show no signs of wear and tear. The chairs and sofa could actually be leather. We had a sniff, but the jury is still out, there are some very good faux leather materials out there you know! We’ll wait for Qantas to read our review and respond!

leather seats in the Qantas First Class Lounge Melbourne maybe
Could the seats be genuine leather?

You also get a better view, as in a tarmac view. The Melbourne International Business Class Lounge is artificially lit to the max due to its location. The Qantas First Lounge, on the other hand has a huge expanse of glass on two sides, allowing plenty of natural light to flood in.

floor to ceiling windows Qantad First lounge Melbourne
You can’t beat the floor to ceiling huge windows allowing plenty of natural daylight to flood in to the Qantas First lounge, Melbourne.

                  

The business facilities

The last thing you want to do is work in a lounge right? Qantas will provide you a separate work area, should the need arise. You even get your own conference and meeting room. We wonder how many people have actually used this space since the furniture looks extra new! In case you’re wondering, the Wi-Fi signal is strong. 

meeting room Qantas First lounge Melbourne
If you must work there is a separate meeting and conference room within the business section of the First Class lounge. Bring the family, they can watch you work from the sofas!
single work desk Qantas First Class Lounge Melbourne
Hmm who shall I call while I’m in the Qantas First lounge in Melbourne?

                  

Food and Drink

restaurant Qantas First lounge Melbourne takes up one end
The Qantas First Lounge’s restaurant takes up one end of the lounge. A very pleasant outlook through the huge glass windows.

What you get in food and beverages is not that different to the Melbourne International Business Class lounge that we have also reviewed. What you do get is a sense of exclusivity, as the Qantas First Lounge has a separate restaurant like dining area. The staff are better dressed and more attentive to your needs. The seating area looks like a modern restaurant with very comfortable dining chairs. As you can see from the pictures, it was not a busy time.

better dressed waiting staff Qanats First lounge Melbourne
The staff are better dressed at The Qantas First Lounge Melbourne.
restaurant area Qantas First Lounge Melbourne
A partitioned restaurant section with table service. Who is in a rush to get on the plane?

The alcoholic beverages are all top shelf quality. The food is made to order. As it was breakfast there was no salt and pepper calamari to order. This is apparently the dish you must try!

breakfast menu cooked to order Qantas First Lounge Melbourne
The cooked to order breakfast menu wasn’t overly exciting.

The breakfast menu was ok. It wasn’t that different to the business class lounge. In fact the most interesting made to order dish was very similar to one we have tried before. On offer were, pancakes with fresh fruit, a cooked breakfast, a toasted ham and cheese brioche, a quinoa salad with poached egg and avocado or Bircher muesli.

watercress and kale salad poached egg and avocado Qantas First Lounge Melbourne
Watercress and poached egg salad with avocado.
Coffee is barista style and very good quality.

Nothing is buffet style due to Covid 19. Gone are the days of the heated lamps and tongs to help yourself. The only signs are social distancing and hand hygiene reminders. It goes without saying a mask is obligatory.

                  

Bathroom and shower facilities

The shower suites have more character in the Qantas First Lounge in Melbourne than the  business class one. The tiles are less sterile, being a warm stone colour and more like a bathroom.

They were of course not busy and no line, unlike at the Al Mourjan business lounge in Qatar.

shower qantas first lounge melbourne only1invillage
Marble like tiles in the spacious shower rooms in the Qantas First Lounge, Melbourne.

But, that was of course pre-covid! Pump size organic shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and hand wash are standard. The brand is L.U.E. a cosmetics company called LaGaia which makes Organic babycare products. A 500ml of body cream is $52 AUD. If the spa were open, these are the products that you would be slathered all over you.

LUE products Qantas First class lounge
LUE products are exclusive to the Qantas First Class lounge.

                  

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Qantas First Lounge was a pleasant experience. It was good because there was not a children’s play area, complete with noisy little people. It has the same facilities as the business class lounge and so an upgrade is definitely not worth it. The lounge is smaller but also quieter. If you value peace and quiet the most, it’s a great pre-flight experience. Had we visited at lunch time, perhaps the menu would be more exciting. Time to book the next flight!

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Cairns has a great tarmac view complete with mountains

 

 Qantas Club Cairns Business Class Lounge

Welcome to the Cairns Business Class Lounge in tropical North Queensland Australia. The Qantas Cairns business class lounge has one of the best tarmac views in Australia. This lounge is located in the domestic terminal and has been recently refurbished. 

Qantas Club Cairns Domestic Business Class Lounge Review 51

Quick Index Qantas International Business Lounge Cairns

                  

What is the Cairns Qantas Club business class lounge like?

Cairns is an international destination with connecting flights from Singapore, Tokyo, Port Moresby, Shenzen and Auckland to name a few. This review is for the domestic lounge. Qantas Club members can access this lounge. If you have a complimentary pass issued by a credit card company, this will be your lounge at Cairns domestic terminal. The Cairns domestic lounge is reasonably spacious and has the usual neutral colour palette of other Qantas lounges both in Australia and around the world. Snacks and light options are available throughout the day. There are both hot and cold options. Full bar service (after 12pm) and barista made coffee for beverage options.

Qantas Club Cairns domestic terminal pandemic signs
Entrance to the Qantas Club Cairns domestic terminal. A sign of the pandemic times, pre warns you to get your Covid 19 etiquette on!

                  

Seating and Wi-fi

All Qantas business class lounges offer comfortable seating and a place to charge your devices. It also has a dedicated office area complete with printer and photocopier. 

lounge overview Qantas Club Cairns
The Qantas Club lounge in Cairns is very similar to other domestic lounges in Australia.

There are lounge style type chairs, chairs and tables, bench seating, armchairs and stools. 

Qantas club Cairns business class loungeArmchair style seating in neutral beige.
Armchair style seating in neutral beige.

Like the Qantas Club in Melbourne you can choose to be more familiar with people or distance yourself!

Cairns Qantas Club seating
Like in Melbourne there are various styles of suiting to suit your mood.

The best seats have to be the ones by the window, where you can watch the planes ascend against a green mountain background.

window seats at Cairns Qantas Club only1invillage
Comfortable seats and a great view, but, no charging points.

The worst seats are the hard wooden seats, but they are the best height for eating at, think more dining chairs than armchairs.

qantas club Cairns
The hard wooden chairs are best for doing business, but not for comfort!

                  

Conducting Business

Believe it or not, some people actually use a business class lounge to conduct business! There is a printer available, but, we have never seen anyone use a printer in a business class lounge.

Qantas Club Cairns domestic terminal printer office area
Believe it or not, some people actually conduct business ina business class lounge! We have never seen anyone use the printer though.

Plenty of people have their laptops out, checking e mails and browsing the Internet. Whether they are actually working is anyone’s guess. There are charging points at a ratio of about 1:4 seats. Wi-Fi is automatic, there is no need to ask for a code. As soon as you enter the Qantas Club lounge in Cairns your device will pick up the Wi-Fi.

                  

Children’s Play Area

If the little ones are tagging along, there is a good space for them to play and run around.

Qantas Club Cairns domestic terminal play area
A dedicated play area for small and big children alike!

                  

Food options

Qantas Club Cairns domestic terminal Covid safe floor markings
Look down, look down your Covid safe floor markings are everywhere. Qantas’ signature red extends to the floor stickers.

Similarly to other domestic lounges in Australia for the Qantas Club, the food is not as good as the non Qantas Club lounge. On the plus side, there is a range of hot and cold options. If you’re inventive, you can put together a complete meal with hot soup for a starter!

Qantas Club Cairns domestic terminal salad options cold food
Buffet style cold options are available at the Qantas Club Cairns domestic terminal.
Qanatas Club Cairns domestic terminal soup of the day
Hot soup as an starter dish? You can put together a complete meal if you have time.
Qantas Club Cairns domestic terminal menu board
The menu board offers a selection of hot and cold food options.

If you arrive at the Qantas Club Cairns at breakfast time, there will not be any hot options, according to the picture above. We would assume that if this option is on offer in the future, it would be a selection of Full English breakfast items. These would be hash browns, sausages, mushrooms, bacon, fried eggs and maybe some grilled tomatoes. If you want to see what the Full English looks like, click here, for a review of the Qantas International lounge Melbourne.

Qanats Club Cairns domestic terminal ccake and coffeeold options
The salad bar plated up looks better. The barista made coffee did not come in a ceramic mug.

 

Qantas Club Cairns domestic terminal pasta
We found some penne pasta on offer. It was quite reasonable.
Qantas Club Cairns domestic terminal
Grill up your own panini. Sometimes you cannot beat a ham, cheese and tomato sandwich!

If you’re trying to go for the mini restaurant experience and like to finish your meal off with something sweet, there are a few little bites. 

Qantas Club Cairns domestic terminal snacks biscuits and crackers
Need something sweet to nibble on? There are a few sweet treats such as muffins and biscuits.

                  

Beverages

Soft drinks are on tap. Alcohol is offered both self service and bar service.

Qantas Club Cairns domestic terminal alcohol cabinet
The alcohol cabinet in the Qantas Club Cairns. Thinking about installing one in your kitchen??
Qanatas Club Cairns domestic terminal wine selection
Wine is on a self service basis. Average wines in the region of $15 to $25. Beer you get from the fridge.

Coffee is a national interest in Australia, so naturally it is on offer in every Qantas Club lounge in the country. You can get the DIY one from an automatic machine, or get the barista to do it.

Qantas Club Cairns barista made coffee
Queue up for your barista made coffee. Unfortunately it doesn’t come in a mug, only a paper cup with plastic lid.
Qantas Club Cairns machine dispenser coffee
If you can’t hang around for a coffee, get a machine dispensed one. Not as flavourful as a ‘real’ barista coffee in our humble opinion.

                  

Shower facilities

If you’re feeling grubby and need to freshen up the good news is, showers are available at the Qantas Club Cairns. If you have paid for a membership to use  the lounge don’t waste it.

Qantas Club Cairns shower cubicle white decor
Private shower cubicles at the Qantas Club Cairns. They may not be as flashy as the ones offered by middle eastern airlines like Emirates or Qatar, but, they get the job done!

The showers aren’t flash like in an Emirates or Qatar lounge, where the showers resemble mini bathrooms, but hey, you’ll smell better and water is water right?

Qantas Club Cairns domestic terminal shower room private cubicle
The white shower tiles and taps are nothing fancy, but, you’ll feel more refreshed.
Qantas Club Cairns domestic terminal communal toilets
The communal toilets are probably the same as in the airport. We don’t know as we never used the non lounge area.

                  

Final Thoughts

The Qantas Club Cairns domestic terminal is a pleasant lounge to while away a few hours. You probably don’t want to spend more than 2 hours here. If you have the option of using a lounge or not using a lounge, always use one! Don’t expect gourmet food and fine wine. Think of it more as a pleasant cafe experience with the option for a shower.

A lounge is always a better option than slumming it with the masses in the main airport terminal!

Qantas Club Cairns domestic terminal view over Cairns
Bye bye Cairns you’ve been great.

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that wanaka tree courtesy of @jayeoz south island new zealand

Unmissable South Island New Zealand 14 day itinerary

Join us on our South Island New Zealand road trip!  We tell you where to go and what to see on our unmissable 14 day itinerary to South Island, New Zealand. The land of the long white cloud, Aotearoa, in the Maori language will leave you speechless.

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things to do South Island New Zealand shark riding in Queenstownonly1invillage
It’s seriously expensive in South Island New Zealand. This shark ride will shoot you into the air. Then plunge you down into the water. As well as that, you speed along the surface. This will set you back a cool NZD 140 for 15 minutes of fun!

If you do one bungee jump, float on water jet skis, go kayaking and whale watching, go in a speeding submarine, get spun around a lake and wear some flyboard boots, expect that cost to go up another 1000 NZ dollars per person!!

Well South Island New Zealand can’t help it if it has so many attractions. The things to do list just goes on and on. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and a haven for adrenaline junkies. South Island New Zealand has everything you can ever want in a holiday, apart from a cheap getaway!

                  

Getting to and around South Island New Zealand

The main reason why a two week trip is so expensive, is the airfare and the car hire. You simply cannot bring your car across on a ferry! The roads however, are some of the most beautiful in the world and very relaxing to drive on.

driving around South Island New Zealand is why it's expensive. You have to hire some sort of vehicle.
Getting around New Zealand isn’t cheap! Car, camper van or mobile home hire is a big part of the cost on your amazing 14 day South Island itinerary.

New Zealand is literally on the other side of the Earth for most visitors. It’s even further than Australia, which for many is far enough! Even from Asia, you have to add on an extra 3 hours from Melbourne or Sydney in Australia. If you’re coming from Europe or the Americas, you’ll already be feeling the pain of multiple stopovers, once in Asia and then one in Australia.

driving in South Island is picturesque at almost every turn South Island New Zealand
You’ll be doing a lot of driving in South Island. But, with views like this almost everywhere, you can’t complain!

Hiring a camper van or a car is not cheap. Even back packing hostels are not at the rates you would expect. OK, dorm beds can start from as little as 20 USD, but then you still have to hire some form of transport. AN alternative is to book yourself on the many day tours that will pick you up and drop you off from your accommodation. This method, however, does not allow for much flexibility in your itinerary around South Island.

                  

South Island New Zealand Map

14 day south island new zealand itinerary map
Only1invillage’s 14 day itinerary. We flew into Christchurch and out of Queenstown. The blue road route is major destinations and does not include stop offs and diversions.

                  

Here is our itinerary

Day 1 – Fly in to Christchurch

Day 2 – Kaikoura

Day 3 – Nelson area including the winery region of Blenheim

Day 4 – Motueka and the Abel Tasman National Park

Day 6 – Franz Josef Glacier

Day 7 – Te Anau and Milford Sound

Day 9 to 14 – Wanaka and Queenstown

                  

Best time to go to South Island New Zealand

The best time to go to South Island, if you’re not a skier, is November to March. It’s the hottest time of the year, but also the peak season. October and April are great months to go if you’re a keen hiker, as it’s cooler and less crowded. But be prepared at any time of the year for a sudden dramatic change in the weather, especially on hill tops and glaciers. 

Abel Tasman National Park South Island New Zealand things to do only1invillage
You’re not going to see many people if you go in shoulder season to New Zealand. April and September are good shoulder season months to go to South Island New Zealand.

South Island New Zealand weather

South Island New Zealand has a similar climate to North Island New Zealand. Being a southern hemisphere country and sort of Down Under, it is the opposite to Europe and North America. So when it’s Summer in South Island New Zealand, it’s Winter in Europe. It is more similar to Tasmania in Australia. It rains a lot in New Zealand and the ‘land of the long white cloud’ is very lush and green, most of the time. Of course, in recent years, climate change has meant drier Summers than usual.

Best time to go to SOuth Island Spring and Autumn
Spring and Autumn colours are resplendent on South Island New Zealand. Less tourists and better prices in the shoulder season. Avoid Summer which is December to February in the Southern hemisphere.

                  

Christchurch

Christchurch is not the capital of South Island, New Zealand. Wellington is the capital of both islands, the whole of New Zealand. Christchurch has been a very unlucky city. Due to its location on the Ring of Fire, earthquakes have been a constant threat. Since 1888 Christchurch has suffered terribly from its geographical positioning along tectonic plates. 

In more recent times, 2010 and 2011, two earthquakes have struck the region. The 2010 earthquake’s epicentre was 37kms west of Christchurch. A bone chilling 7.1 was recorded on the Richter scale. The effects were felt in Christchurch, but it is more accurately called the Canterbury earthquake. 

In 2011 the most devastating earthquake to life and buildings happened. Even though it was smaller than the 2010 earthquake, the 6.3 magnitude reading killed 185 people and injured several thousands. Today, Christchurch still has not fully recovered. There’s still lots of construction going on, but, the shipping containers have gone.

                  

Kaikoura Whale Watching

What could be more exhilarating than getting up close and personal to theses majestic beasts of the ocean? If you have never seen a whale up close then this could be the place! Unfortunately when we were there, whales had not been seen for 3 days. Always check with the  company you book with and ask locals. It is not a guaranteed sighting, just because they offer a whale watching tour from Kaikoura. Sometimes you can also kayak and swim with dolphin pods.

Kaikoura is a lovely sea side town with great walks and cycling tracks if you want to stay dry. We loved the Fyffe-Palmer Track that had some forest and farmland views. You can also visit a lavendar farm or go quad biking on a working farm.

              

Abel Tasman National Park Kayaking

Abel Tasman National Park South Island New Zealand things to do only1invillage
Escape to the Abel Tasman National Park where the air is clean and the water pure.

The Abel Tasman national park is huge and beautiful.

Abel Tasman National Park South Island New Zealand things to do only1invillage
Explore the golden sandy beaches of the Abel Tasman National Park.

You can walk the beautiful beaches, kayak with the seals and go hiking.

Unmissable South Island New Zealand 14 day itinerary 60
Explore the pristine bays of Abel Tasman National Park. This is Kaiterteri Bay.

Whatever you choose to do here, it’s just going to take your breath away. Abel Tasman Park is rugged, untouched, pristine and the epitome of what a national park should be.

Abel Tasman National Park South Island New Zealand things to do only1invillage
Hiking is just one of the options in the Abel Tasman National Park.

You cannot bring your dog. Sorry, canine lovers. You also cannot light fires of any kind – beach fires or barbecues.

Abel Tasman National Park South Island New Zealand things to do only1invillage
There’s plenty of active things to do in the Abel Tasman National Park, South Island, New Zealand. Hire a kayak for some seal spotting in the pristine turquoise waters.

As we were staying in nearby Motueka, we decided to do the half day Kayak tour. You get picked up from your hotel, a guided water taxi and kayak tour with the ever friendly Kiwi guides. 

Abel Tasman National Park South Island New Zealand things to do only1invillage
J modelling a very fetching Kayak ‘skirt’ which keeps your legs dry. We have to say it is the most comfortable kayak with padded back rest too!
Abel Tasman National Park South Island New Zealand things to do only1invillage
Get ready to see some seals. See the island over there? Yup, that’s where we’re kayaking to!
Abel Tasman National Park South Island New Zealand things to do only1invillage
Paddle harder J, I see some seals! The Abel Tasman National Park is the perfect place to get up close and personal with seals.
Abel Tasman National Park South Island New Zealand things to do only1invillage
The seals off Kaiteriteri Beach in the Abel Tasman National Park are a mere paddle away.
Unmissable South Island New Zealand 14 day itinerary 61
Hmmm we wonder why this formation is called Split Apple Rock? We’ve got it, it loos like an apple, that has been split! Geniuses!

It’s a bit like in Australia where you have Beach Street and guess what? It’s a street running along the beach! How about 7 mile creek? How long do you think the creek is??!! What about the famous 3 Sisters rocks in Blue Mountains, near Sydney? What do you reckon about how many rocks you will see? Hmm, that’s a toughie!

              

Punakaiki and Pancake Rocks and Blowhole

This is a stop that you must not miss along the road from Motueka to Franz Josef along the No.6 State Highway.

Punakaiki rocks don't miss it on the National Highway 6 between Motueka and Franz Josef
Punakaiki rocks on the edge of Paparoa National Park. Shaped by millions of years of wave erosion pounding against the land.

                  

Franz Josef Glacier

What is a glacier?

A glacier is a dynamic environment  of frozen snow characterised by freezing temperatures. When  snow has fallen and compacted into ice sheets over time, it is called a glacier. Glaciers, like rivers can ‘move’ or flow. They can retreat and they can grow. Sadly, due to global warming, they are retreating more than they are growing.

The best time to visit the Franz Josef glacier is on a clear, sunny day. The weather can change in a matter of minutes. You can book the night before and suddenly you’ll get a call that the helicopter cannot go because of rain or high winds. 

Peters Pool Franz Josef Glacier in the background
In the township of Franz Josef itself there is this stunning view of the glacier. Peters Pool is easily accessed by car and is an easy 1.1km track suitable for all ages.

                  

Best time to go to Franz Josef Glacier

In terms of the season to go to the glacier, it’s open all year round! If you want fewer people you go in the southern hemisphere Winter (June to August inclusive). The best time to go depends on what you want to get out of the experience and how much you’ll be paying for accommodation. Peak season is the southern hemisphere Summer (December to March inclusive). There’ll be more people to jostle with and you’ll have to wake up earlier for those selfies!

Franz Josef glacier helicopter the only way to get onto the glacier South Island New Zealand only1invillage
There’s no walking onto the Franz Josef Glacier. The only way to go is by helicopter. Your experienced guides will meet you on the ice.

The Franz Josef Glacier is a world heritage area.You cannot walk there to the glacier. It is helicopter only. You cannot go on a self guided tour either, you must join a tour group. Experienced guides will meet you on the glacier and explain the formation and ever changing environment of this glacial wonderland. 

Unmissable South Island New Zealand 14 day itinerary 62
Get back to the Ice Age! Franz Josef Glacier, South Island New Zealand.

There is a challenging walk you can do along a riverbed to see the foothills of the glacier. This is called the Franz Josef walk. Like Split Apple Rock, which is a rock, which looks like an apple that has been split, the Kiwis love simplicity. The walk is in Franz Josef and that’s what you do, so they call it the Franz Josef walk! Love it!

On the glacier you will be met with blue tinged ice caves, bright blue ice rivers and of course mountains covered in pure white snow. Watch out for the huge crevasses!

Ice hole on Franz Josef Glacier South Island New Zealand
Magnificent blue ice holes you don’t want to fall down! Stay with your experienced glacier guide at all times on the Franz Josef Glacier.

As you ascend to the glacier you will see the stunning sub tropical ferns and gradually the landscape changes to grey mountains and then suddenly glaringly bright white mountain slopes.

Franz Josef Glacier contrast in scenery from foothills to glacier fern forest to ice sheets South Island New Zealand only1invillage
Looking out of the helicopter window as you ascend onto the glacier. Look at the magnificent contrast of tropical fern forests, changing to glacial sheets as you near the Franz Josef Glacier. Simply jaw dropping.

It really is a once in a lifetime experience. The Franz Josef Glacier is also retreating, so get there while you can!

feel small on the Franz Josef Glacier SOuth Island New Zealand things to do only1invillage
When you’re on the glacier it’s time to contemplate just how small you are compared to Mother Nature. Franz Josef Glacier, South Island New Zealand.

After a day on the glacier, there’s nothing better than soaking in the glacier hot pools. Whilst not as spacious or gorgeous as the Peninsula Hot Springs Melbourne, they’re good for a spot of people watching.

                  

Ohau Seal Colony and waterfall

If you didn’t get a chance to catch the seals in Kaikoura, you’ll definitely see them at Ohau Point. There’s also a bonus mini waterfall here along an easy stream walk. Currently closed, so always check ahead.

Seal Point Oahu South Island New Zealand
Seal Point Ohau South Island New Zealand, not Hawaaii! You can’t miss this place because suddenly there’s lots of parked cars.

On your way to Blenheim and the wine country, you’ll definitely want to make a quick pit stop. You can’t miss the seal colony at Ohau, because you’ll see lots of parked cars suddenly on the side of the road. The seals are not shy and they just love being photographed!

Seal Point Oahu South Island New Zealand
The seals aren’t shy at Seal Point, Oahu, South Island New Zealand.

After some seal watching, head over the road and see more seals playing in and near the waterfall. Sometimes, they’re a bit more shy and can be hiding around the rocks.

                  

Marlborough, Nelson and Blenheim Wine Region

Cloudy Bay winery South Island New Zealand
Posing in the Cloudy Bay winery, a very popular choice in Australia. With its mild climate and pure mountain base air, the Marlborough wine region is a must visit area of South Island, New Zealand.

Picturesque wineries and gourmet food go hand in hand in the northern wine region. You can spend days here wandering from one vineyard to the next.

Cloudy Bay winery inside gourmet food and wine
Have a lovely lunch in the beautiful Cloudy Bay winery indoors or outdoors.
Cloudy Bay Winery South Island New Zealand
Make an afternoon out of the Cloudy Bay winery. Extensive inside and outside areas to relax and enjoy their fine wines.

Taste a charcuterie platter sitting or swinging (we mean literally on a swing, not the other type!) in the scenic gardens of the famous Cloudy Bay winery in Marlborough.

Time to get silly and start swinging! Relax and play in the massive gardens of the Cloudy Bay winery, South Island, New Zealand.
Time to get silly and start swinging! Relax and play in the massive gardens of the Cloudy Bay winery, South Island, New Zealand.

Who can say no to a sauvignon blanc with notes of bright, ripe citrus, kaffir lime, passionfruit and white peach? The palate is vibrant and mouthwatering, with concentrated, juicy tropical notes melding with zesty citrus, stone fruits and subtle notes of orchard blossom. Now repeat that description after a glass or two!

Cloudy Bay winery in Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand.
Star jumping for joy in the Cloudy Bay winery gardens.

The cellar door experience at Rimu Grove is a typical New Zealand affair. It’s a small, intimate and friendly place.

Rimu Grove winery Nelson South Island New Zealand only1invillage
Rimu Grove winery in Nelson, South Island, New Zealand. A small family run property that offers pizza too.

You can take a seat and enjoy the view overlooking the vineyard. You’re left in peace to sip your pinot gris, pinot noir, chardonnay or riesling. J can attest that the riesling is top notch.

Rimu Grove Nelson South Island New Zealand
An intimate affair at Rimu Grove winery. The knowledgeable staff will make you feel at home. Looks like a back garden made in heaven for J!

                  

Te Anau

Around Te Anau walks
Te Anau offers green forest walks with Hobbitt like scenery. No wonder South Island New Zealand was chosen for much of the Lord of The Rings scenery.

The township of Te Anau has a lot to offer. A lake, of course full of picture perfect viewpoints. Hiking trails, glow worm caves and the home to Middle Earth Fangorn Forest.

suspension bridge Te Anau
Te Anau suspension bridge.

Closer to Milford Sound than Queenstown, it also makes a great base for the 4 day Kepler Track. If you plan on doing the Kepler Track you have to plan and book in advance. You cannot just turn up and start walking! Download this excellent PDF guide here.

                  

Milford Sound

The name Milford Sound is very confusing. It’s not a musical instrument. It is not really connected to sound. It is most accurately compared to a fjord like landscape. So, if you haven’t made it to the Nordic majestic fjord landscapes, this is very similar.

                  

Milford Sound Cruise

Milford Sound South Island New Zealand
Entering the iconic Milford Sound.

The only way to see the Milford Sound is to join a boat cruise. If you’ve been to Niagara Falls, it’s a bit like that but on a smaller scale. The boat will go right up to the waterfall and you will get very wet as you pass underneath. Pray for a clear day as the experience is much better than on a grey, dull day. Also the rainbow effect will be fabulous. You might also want to make sure it has rained. Believe it or not, waterfalls can get dry!

Pray for a sunny day when you go to Milford Sound South Island New Zealand
Milford Sound cruising is a must do experience. The thunderous waterfalls are jaw dropping as you get closer and closer on the comfort of your boat.

Some tour operators will include a pick up from Te Anau, others you can just buy the boat cruise. We went with Eco Tours and a three level catamaran provided by Jucy.  The boat cruise itself starts from $99AUD for adults. Note this departs from the pier in Milford Sound, not Te Anau. It was a good boat experience, but the ride down in the mini bus was slow and uncomfortable. Next time we would drive from Te Anau.

curved and narrow roads to Milford Sound South Island New Zealand
The roads to Milford Sound are curved and narrow.

On the way to Milford Sound there is of course more National Geographic photo opportunities. You will stop off at Mirror Lake.

Unmissable South Island New Zealand 14 day itinerary 63

Mirror Lake on the way to Milford Sound from Te Anau, South Island New Zealand
Hmm wonder why they call this Mirror Lake? On the way to Milford Sound this is included in your itinerary , if you book a one day cruise with transport.

On the way back from Milford Sound is another scenic spot called the Chasm. It’s on the Cleddau River and it’s an easy 400m return trip from the car park.

Unmissable South Island New Zealand 14 day itinerary 64

If you missed out on seals so far, you will definitely see them here at Milford Sound. The boat goes right up to a seal colony who love to pose for the cameras.

Seal colony at Milford Sound Fiordland SOuth Island New Zealand
Healthy seal colony playing in Milford Sound.

                  

Lake Wanaka and The Wanaka Tree!

The Wanaka tree

The famous Wanaka tree. Special thanks to our friend Jason @jayeoz on Instagram. He has amazing photos of Wanaka and other great New Zealand destinations.
The famous Wanaka tree. Breathtakingly beautiful. Captured by our friend @jayeoz on Instagram. Thanks for letting us use your amazing picture!

Who would have thought that a single tree, yes just one tree, would draw visitors from around the world? The small town of Wanaka can come to a standstill at sunset and sun rise as photographers jostle for a picture of “the Wanaka tree”. We shit you not. It’s pretty special. How it survives, we have no idea.

Lake Wanaka is a top tourist hot spot in South Island New Zealand. Well, any lake in New Zealand is a top tourist hot spot! However, this tree is so famous it has its own hashtag #thatwanakatree. Careful how you say it, especially after a few drinks!

The shores of Lake Wanaka SOuth Island breathtaking beauty
We dare you to find a lake in New Zealand that isn’t stunning. On the shore of Lake Wanaka. Photo courtesy of @jayeoz on Instagram.

                  

Fun Things to do in Queenstown

There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Queenstown. The adrenaline capital of South Island. You can easily spend your entire 14 day itinarary based in Queenstown and splash some serious cash. You can get to Milford Sound from Queenstown. Many people come to Queenstown just to ski in The Remarkables area during Winter. It’s also in a strategic position too for Te Anau and Wanaka. On the shores of  beautiful Lake Wakatipu, naturally Queenstown has that Instagram worthy appeal too. 

                  

Queenstown Luge

things to do in South Island New Zealand the Queenstown luge only1invillage
There’s so much to do in South Island New Zealand. Unfortunately, a lot of the activities aren’t free! The Queenstown luge is a must do activity.

The luge in Queenstown is an absolute must. Not only do you get to go down hill at break neck speed on a non- motorised go kart equivalent vehicle, you also get a cable car and a ski lift ride. 6 luge rides and the cable car cost $69 NZ dollars. As their strap line says, “once is never enough”. Don’t miss out on the Queenstown luge. You know you want to beat your nearest and dearest on the track! You can also buy photos of your driving prowess afterwards.

looking down on the luge track Queenstown South Island New Zealand
Now that looks like fun! The curving luge track view from the cable car in Queenstown.

When you get out of the cable car there are magnificent views over Queenstown and on a clear day, the peaks of The Remarkables.

cable car ascent to Queenstown luge
After a fun cable car and ski lift ride, you’re ready to take in the magnificent view of Queenstown. You can see the Remarkables ski area on a clear day.
ski lift ride to the top of the luge track Queenstown South Island
Just when you think there’s no more fun to be had! You can get a ski lift to the top of the luge track after the cable car ride. Or, you can walk.

                  

Millionaire Boat Cruise

Contrary to the name, this is the cheapest attraction in Queenstown. It doesn’t cost a million dollars! This 1 hour 30 minute boat cruise was by far the best bargain of this 14 day trip. So you’ve already dropped $400 for a helicopter ride up to a glacier, what’s another $49? What you see is million dollar houses along the lake shore on a comfortable boat. The captain of the boat is hilarious and provides a very witty commentary on everything about Queenstown.

million dollar cruise Queenstown New Zealand
The million dollar cruise lasts 90 minutes and costs just $NZ49. It’s the cheapest, most entertaining thing you’ll do in expensive Queenstown.

                  

Queenstown Botanic Gardens

Queenstown Botanic Gardens South Island New Zealand
Beautiful and serene, the Queenstown Botanic Gardens.

At last something free to do in Queenstown. You could argue that the whole of Queenstown is like a huge garden, it’s so pretty. However, the dedicated Queenstown Botanic Gardens is a beauty not to be missed. The best time to go and see the colour is of course in Spring. Spring time in Queenstown is September to November. Sit on the soft lawn and walk around the lovely landscaped gardens. Take a picnic and breathe in the aroma of the rose gardens or be soothed by the water feature. Spend at least an hour here, thinking about all the money you have spent so far!

rose gardens and soft manicured lawns Queenstown botanic gardens South Island New Zealand
Ahhh breathe in the sweet smell of FREE . The Queenstown Botanic gardens won’t cost you a thing.

                  

Hiking around Queenstown

hiking around Queenstown South Island New Zealand
The Moonlight track walk is 14kms long. It starts from the top of the gondola where you can do the Queenstown luge.

Good news for hikers, there’s plenty to see in the hills of Queenstown. Most of the walks require you to drive out from Queenstown. There is a walk called the Moonlight Walk which starts from the top of the gondola (luge cable car) and goes for 14kms! It’s not a loop walk so make sure you’re not stuck in the dark.

Moonlight track walk starts here Queenstown South Island New Zealand
The Moonlight track walk starts on a very narrow path. Start the 14kms walk at the top of the gondola ride in central Queenstown.

For more info on Queenstown walks, click here.

We hope you have enjoyed our South Island 14 day trip itinerary. It’s not a cheap one but it’s worth it! For many, South Island, New Zealand will be a once in a lifetime destination. Make the most of it. If you’re lucky enough to live close by, like us, you’ll be a repeat visitor.

Please leave a comment below if you have been to South Island New Zealand. If you need more information or want to ask us anything, we would love to hear from you.

                  

Bar Hopping Queenstown

There is a very happening nightlife in Queenstown from classic pubs to Irish Bars, upmarket wine bars, and ice bar, several clubs and rooftop bars. Settle in at the end of the day for a drink somewhere and you are sure to have a night to remember.

sunset from a rooftop bar in Queenstown
A beautiful sunset from a rooftop bar in Queenstown.

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Singapore

Weather and climate


Always hot, always humid!

Singapore weather only1invillage
rainy days in Singapore

 

You will never escape the humidity of Singapore due to its position on the Equator. However, you can time your trip to avoid heavy soakings coupled with thunder storms and lightning. The “dry” season is between February and April. This doesn’t mean that it won’t rain. If you look at yearly rain charts, even in dry season you can expect 10 days with rain. 

February to June are the hottest months. You’re looking at an average of 31 degrees Celcius during the day and 24 degrees Celcius at night! That air conditioning machine isn’t being switched off overnight!

 

Singapore Gardens by the bay

 

Singapore guide

The tiny island in South East Asia is the economic power house of the region. Famous for chilli crab and a chewing gum. We expose the truth behind the myths. For your Singapore Sling, read on!

Is Singapore a rich country?

When Singapore became a nation it wanted to become a first world oasis in a third world region. Singapore has certainly achieved its goal. A modern country with amazingly efficient infrastructure, world class health care and leading global services industry sector. Singapore is a city state.

Is Singapore expensive?

 Like any tourist destination nowadays if you choose to splash the cash and live like a king/queen your precious Singaporean dollars won’t go far. Hostels do exist in Singapore. Cheaper hotels do exist in Singapore. Getting out and about is not expensive. The Uber rival of Asia, Grab is an inexpensive taxi ride option. Public transport is also uber efficient and naturally air conditioned! Food options are not outrageous either. Sure if you’re the foie gras and champagne breakfast type you can eat through your budget pretty quickly. But if you can do a supermarket lunch and eat from a set menu before 7pm, eating out isn’t expensive in Singapore. Buying clothes is similar to any other destination for the international brands. Visiting tourist sites are on a par with other developed nations in the region.

Is Singapore clean?

Singapore is so clean there’s no rubbish anywhere – This is very true. If you have been to Japan, you’ll find it very similar. People are cleaning everywhere all the time. At the world’s best airport, Changi International, everything is sparkling. The toilets are some of the cleanest in the world. The travelators are constantly wiped, mirrors polished and carpets vacuumed. No one drops rubbish because heavy fines discourage this. Public transport is spotless.

Is Singapore a green place to visit?

Singapore is a green urban island nation. Singapore is aiming to be a green city. The super trees in the Marina Bay Sands area is a major nightly light attraction. Urban greening is a term used to try and cool down the city. Designing buildings with green roofs and vertical gardens are helping cool down the oppressively hot island nation. Around the massive super trees are pockets of gardens, containing thousands of plants and flowers.

Is Singapore just concrete and glass?

Gardens by the Bay Singapore only1invillage

 There are many modern structures made of concrete and glass. The Marina Bay Sands Hotel is world famous and is truly an architectural wonder. However, there are pockets of greenery, like the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Every new building constructed in Singapore must adhere to strict anti warming measures, such as use of materials and allowing space for roof top gardens and vertical vegetation.

singapore famous for its orchids
Singapore orchids – there are many places to see the famous flowers. Singapore has orchid gardens and the famous Gardens By the Bay.

Was The Singapore Sling Invented here?

Well if it’s called the Singapore Sling it must have been invented in Singapore. So what is it exactly? It’s based on gin. It’s like a Long Island Ice Tea, but with different ingredients. It’s got a lot of alcohol in it! Invented in the Raffles Hotel by a Chinese bar tender. There’s cherry brandy in it too. Now for the Benedictine and Cointreau. Ohh la la, feeling light headed already!  Now for the soft stuff – some pineapple, lime juice and a splash of grenadine. Voila! Sling that down!

chewing gum

Here is the sticky truth – It is not illegal to chew gum. You can bring in small amounts for personal use. It is illegal to spit it out on the street. It is treated as litter. You can chew it, but not many people do.

connectivity

Singapore has free wifi everywhere – This is partly true. Public buildings such as malls, museums, MRT stations and libraries all offer free connectivity. Download the app Wireless@SGx and look for these hotspots. You’ll be automatically connected after the download whenever you’re in a hot spot area.

 

WEATHER

Singapore is always hot and sticky – Singapore is pretty much sitting on the Equator. This means that the word “tropical” is the weather word of importance. The two “h” words, hot and humid, will hit you as soon as you step outside the air conditioned halls of Changi International. Singapore does have a dry season, between February and April. It will feel less sticky, but not much.

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Qantas domestic business lounge Melbourne Airport

Updated Qantas Club Melbourne Domestic Business Class Lounge Review

Recently refurbished, one of the business class lounges at Melbourne Airport for domestic passengers gets a review from Only1invillage.  Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, travel has been a bit limited! We revisited the domestic lounge in July 2021 and are happy to report the food has improved.

Qantas Club domestic terminal Melbourne
The Qantas Club Melbourne for domestic business class passengers is in the Qantas Lounge precinct.

There are 2 lounges at the domestic terminal in Melbourne for business class passengers. Here we review the Qantas Club lounge. Don’t confuse it with the Qantas Domestic Business Lounge. Definitely not same same!

Before you are allowed in remember Qantas has a strict dress code. To ‘ensure  an enjoyable experience’ make sure you read this first. No beachwear! (Erm who wears that to fly anyway?) and no singlet tops for men. No UGG boots and no thongs! By thongs we mean flip flops. They’re not going to check your underwear! (See our Ultimate Aussie Slang Guide to help you understand more of the native lingo!) No sleepwear. Don’t show too much flesh or look like you’re heading off to the gym. Make sure your tops don’t have offensive slogans or images on them. (But an ‘I love Qantas’ T shirt is probably fine!)

Qantas Club Melbourne domestic business lounge at Melbourne Airport
Don’t get caught out or refused entry to the Qantas Club in Melbourne. Check this guide to make sure you’re suitably dressed.

Qantas call this particular domestic business lounge the Qantas Club. The domestic lounge got a much needed makeover. According to previous reviewers, the space for business travellers was like a dark, scary corridor! It was also cramped. 

Qantas domestic business lounge Melbourne AIrport
The Qantas Club lounge has had a makeover in Melbourne. Brighter and more spacious than the previous model.

We visit on a busy Friday evening. It is definitely being tested to the maximum. Seating is sparse, conversation is loud and most of the shower rooms are busy! It is very unlike the pictures Qantas show you on their website.

On our next visit, compare the difference!

covid 19 pandemic lounge travel Qantas Club Melbourne
Travel during pandemic times means a less busy Qantas Club Melbourne lounge.
pandemic time more seating available Qantas Club Melbourne
During a pandemic there is much more space everywhere on all types of seats!
Qantas domestic business lounge Melbourne Airport
Friday evening in the Qantas Club lounge in Melbourne is busy.

Here are the positives and negatives of the Qantas Club Domestic Business Class Lounge at Melbourne Airport. No wonder Qantas shorten it to The Qantas Club, it’s quite a mouthful to say, otherwise!

In July 2021, borders into and out of Australia are still closed. Therefore the only flights operating are domestic flights. It is understandably way less busy. There is much more space due to physical distancing requirements and the lack of travel in general.

much emptier lounge Qantas Club Melbourne July 2021
During the Covid 19 pandemic the Qantas Club Lounge was eerily empty.

POSITIVES Qantas Club Lounge Melbourne Airport

The lounge location is just after security. Turn right and go up the escalator. The other business class lounge is for when you turn left at the top of the escalators.

Qantas Club domestic business lounge Melbourne Airport
Turn right at the top of the escalators after security. The newly refurbished Qantas Club domestic business class lounge awaits.

The lounge is spacious and has a light airy feel. It is very long. The placement of the bar and barista coffee machine is nice and central. The luxury touches of marble and shiny stainless steel are new and inviting. The new wooden floors give the lounge a modern touch. It looks so much better than carpet. Carpet is so last century!

Qantas Club domestic business lounge Melbourne Airport
Sleek and shiny central food and beverage aisles in the spacious Qantas Club domestic business class lounge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The wi-fi is fast and there’s no need to ask for a password. There are plenty of charging points. Look under or near your seat.

There are various types of seating. You can grab a bar stool while you chat to colleagues or sit on the more padded chairs and armchairs. If you need to work there is desk seating too.

Qantas domestic business lounge Melbourne Airport
Various seating options range from hard stools to comfortable, padded chairs and ‘lounge’ style ‘sofas’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shower and toilet facilities

Showers are available in the toilet areas. There’s no reservation system, you just go and try your luck.

showers are available Qantas Club Melbourne
Showers come with a toilet so a mini bathroom in essence.

Towels are a bit on the thin side. The glass is frosted so you can see if someone is using it (apart from the engaged red sign in the lock).

Qantas domestic business lounge Melbourne Airport
Can’t wait until you land to freshen up? Take a quick shower. Make sure you lock the door!
Qantas domestic business lounge Melbourne Airport
Don’t forget to return your towel after your shower!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

communal toilets Qantas Club Melbourne
Communal toilets are clean.

The central bar looks and feels like any classy Melbourne City watering hole. It’s clean and the service is friendly and efficient. You can order beer on tap or get bottled beer. There’s no help yourself beer at the Qantas Club. You can help yourself to wine and sparkling wine. Spirits have to be requested too. Qantas clearly want to keep you in a decent upright state before your flight. 

Qantas domestic business lounge Melbourne Airport
The sleek modern bar is in a central location in the Qantas Club Melbourne.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

covid safety signs are everywhere
Covid 19 safety signs are everywhere during pandemic times. The bar is still shiny and sleek.

The barista made coffee comes with latte art and tastes great. Melbourne lattes are good in the Qantas Club  business lounge!

Updated Qantas Club Melbourne Domestic Business Class Lounge Review 71
The coffee at the Qantas Club Melbourne domestic business lounge gets the thumbs up from coffee connoisseurs.
Qantas domestic business lounge Melbourne Airport
Get a fresh barista made coffee to have in the lounge. Take away a Vittoria coffee if you’re in a rush. Soy skinny available too. This is Melbourne after all. The great coffee capital.

NEGATIVES Qantas Club Lounge Melbourne Airport

Catering

The biggest disappointment is the food. Avoid it, if at all possible. You probably don’t want to eat there unless you’re really hungry or like food you used to cook when you were a student living away from home! Take a look at the uninspiring food menu.

Qantas domestic business lounge Melbourne Airport
The evening menu isn’t exactly gourmet dining at the Qantas Club Melbourne lounge for domestic departures.

You can make your own toasted sandwich. There are various fillings on offer. In our opinion it wasn’t very different to the AMEX lounge at Melbourne International Airport. The taste of the one hot dish was very bland. A microwave meal for one is tastier than the pasta dish on offer.

Qantas domestic business lounge Melbourne Airport
The hot food selection is nothing to write home about. Sorry Qantas, we are not impressed.

Sorry Qantas catering, you need to lift your game. The food definitely doesn’t match the pictures on their website. 

Qantas domestic business lounge Melbourne Airport
Poor taste and presentation of one of the hot meals. The pasta is soft and the sauce tastes like the chef just added ready made sauce over it.

The good news is that by July 2021, the food had improved!

Food improvement Qantas Club Lounge Melbourne
Good news the food has improved!
you can eat the food now Qantas Club Melbourne
July 2021 you can eat the food now it has improved!

There was no more self service, as the Covid 19 pandemic meant social distancing, improved hygiene measures and maybe the chefs had more time to prepare better tasting food.

no more self service during a pandemic Melbourne Qantas Club Lounge
No more self service at the Qantas Club Melbourne!

The wine selection is also mediocre. Qantas has not pulled out the stops when it comes to the grog! Maybe they’re thinking, no one will notice. 

Qantas domestic business lounge Melbourne Airport
The wine selection is mid range. The bottles here range from $15 to $20 AUD.

Busy busy busy.

The lounge is heaving at the end of a working week. Friday evening at the Qantas Club domestic lounge is like Friday evening in the city. There’s people everywhere, drinking and socialising. It’s noisy and you can hear everyone’s conversations.

Qantas domestic business lounge Melbourne Airport
Feels like Friday drinks in the city! Hustle and bustle your way through the Qantas Club Domestic Lounge before your flight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who can get into the Qantas Club?

A lot of people!

Business class ticket holders flying on a Qantas or Jetstar flight. But you wouldn’t come here, you would go next door.

Qantas Gold or Emirates Platinum Gold.

China Eastern Miles Gold.

Sapphire and Emerald business or first class travellers travelling on a Qantas flight. Again though, you won’t be happy here.

Buy Qantas Club Membership ($399 once off joining fee and $540 per annum). Not worth it in our

opinion.

Buy a day pass for $49 if you’re a Qantas Silver member. Must buy in advance. No at the door purchases.

Final Thoughts

The Qantas Club lounge is the poor cousin of the Qantas domestic business class lounge. There’s no Asian Spice Bar, it’s not peaceful and the food is a taste disaster! On the positive side it is much lighter and has a brighter feel than its predecessor. If you have the choice, head next door!

The above comments were made pre Covid 19 pandemic times! The food has now improved. With less travellers it felt more luxurious and less rushed. 

When you leave this will be your seat on the plane if you’re flying business class domestically in Australia. 

domestic business class seat
Leather seats await if you’re flying domestic business class on Qantas flights.

Booking.com

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Victoria's Silo Art Trail Weekend Don't Miss Out! 79

Victoria’s Silo Art Trail – Don’t Miss Out!

Need inspiration for a weekend getaway from Melbourne? The Victoria Silo Art Trail is packed with fantastic art work and history. Get up close and personal to these monumental silo paintings which are truly fascinating and also give an insight into rural life in Australia.

Quick Index

Think you can tell apart a Monet from a Manet, a Van Gogh from a Gaugain? Well, you won’t have to on the Victoria Silo Art Trail because the massive grain silos have been painted by local Australian artists! Go and visit the countryside towns and inject some cash into the rural communities this weekend. 

                                      

Where are the Victoria Art silos located?

Situated about 2.5 hours drive from the city of Melbourne in the state of Victoria. The first town is called Goorambat. Even though it is called officially the North East Victoria Silo Art Trail, the first town with a silo is Goorambat.

                                                                                                                  

How to get to the Victoria Art silos

You really need a car to get around the small rural towns to see all the artworks. They’re not as close together as they look on a map. They’re definitely not within walking distance of each other either.

                                                                                                                  

Map of the Victoria Silo Art Trail

It is best to download this map from the Benalla Tourism office.

North East Victoria Silo ARt Trail map only1invillage courtesy of Bennalla Tourism
Download this handy map of the North East Victoria Silo Art Trail to your phone.

Incidentally, before you embark on the Victoria Silo Art Trail, you should stop off in the town of Benalla. At the local Art Gallery, which is free, there is also an excellent coffee shop. An attached gift shop, is also a chance to buy a unique Australian souvenir.

Benalla Art Gallery Vic is free Only1invillage
Stop off at Benalla Art Gallery if you have time. It’s free and there’s a great coffee shop inside.

Outside the art gallery, along the river, there are also some interesting Gaudi-esque type installations which are worth a look. Plus, the town itself has lots of wall murals to discover.

NedKellyBenalla wall mural Only1invillage
Pick up your Silo Art Trail map in the town of Benalla, which has its own murals. The famous bandit Ned Kelly is depicted by artist Dvate. There is a Ned Kelly museum in Benalla where you can learn about Australia’s most notorious bandit. 

What you’ll see on the North East Victoria Silo Art Trail

You’ve guessed it, tall silos with paintings on them!

                              

Goorambat Silos

As the map suggests you start in Goorambat. This is where you’ll see the horses silo, the owl and the Church painting, (“the Sophia”) if it is open.

Clydesdale horses silo Goorambat silo Only1invillage
The Clydesdale horses, Clem, Sam and Banjo are now famous in Goorambat.
clydesdale horses were painted from a photo for the silo in Goorambat only1invillage
The three horses were painted from an original photo. The Clydesdale breed of working horses were removed from the endangered list in 2017.
scale of the silos in Goorambat photo taken by only1invillage
You can get a sense of the immense work that went into the painting of the silos. These silos are in full working order.

When you turn to your left, you’ll see the endangered animal bird of prey silo. 

Milli the Barking owl endangered resident of Healesville Sanctuary photo by Only1invillage
The owl is called Millibar and is a Barking owl. An endangered resident of Healesville Sanctuary. The artist is Jimmy Dvate. Painted in 2018. On the left is the Barking Owl’s habitat.

If you’re feeling a bit peckish or thirsty, head over the road to the Railway hotel pub!

The Railway Hotel Pub in Goorambat Victoria photo by Only1invillage
The Railway Hotel was established in 1884. It serves the usual pub fare and makes a great spot to admire the surrounding landscape.

Time to jump back in the car and find the next painting. Dubbed “Sophia”, she is the female representation of God. The artist is Matt Adnate. Originally the painting completed in 2017, was only meant to be open for the Easter weekend. It proved so popular that it is now open every day for visiting tourists. 

Sophia the female representation of God Uniting Church Goorambat
Sophia can be found in the Uniting Church in Goorambat. It’s a tiny building you can easily miss. Look out for it on your left hand side as you leave for the next town. Unfortunately on the day of our visit, the church was closed. This photo is from neartrail.org.au.

                            

Devenish Silos

After seeing the lady herself, it’s time to go to Devenish, which is 13kms away. It isn’t signed very well and Google maps isn’t great. Check your odometer and if you haven’t arrived in 10 minutes, you’re lost. Alternatively, you can follow other cars because there’s only one place they’re going, to the next silos on the trail, like you!

The Devenish silos pay homage to the military and in particular to ANZAC day. ANZAC day is an Australian holiday that commemorates soldiers in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. 

Devenish silos of two medics during military service Devenish silos photo by Only1invillage
Women played an important role in the 1st World War and still do in the military. The two medical staff also represent the way women’s role in general have changed. Artist Cam Scale.

The local town of Devenish saw fifty young men and women enlist for WWI. Seven never made it home and the artist, Cam Scale wanted to honour the memory of these fallen with the third silo painting of a young man and his horse. There are detailed information boards to read at every silo site, where you can get the full history of the paintings.

Devenish silos medics and fallen soldier with Light Horse Only1invillage
The third silo painting depicts the Australian Light Horse and was added in 2019 by Melbourne Street Artist, Cam Scale. Local ANZAC Day marches pass by this monument to the fallen.

If you’re feeling hungry again, or, you didn’t stop at the pub in Goorambat, you can have some scones at the Devenish pub, directly opposite the silos! Word has it that they’re very tasty!

Devenish road home of the medic silos photo by Only1invillage
The tiny town of Devenish. Don’t worry you can stand in the road and take pictures.

In Devenish in front of the silos are information boards which give you a deeper insight into the history of the silos. Right, onto the next town called St James.

                          

St James Silos

The St James Silos tell a story about rural farming life and how one of Australia’s largest supermarkets started. You’ll see some familiar horses pulling bushels of wheat on a wagon, a truck, a portrait of George Coles and two men sewing up a wheat sack.

closeupSTjamessiloarthorses andtruckonly1invillage
The horses might look familiar from the Goorambat silos, but they are not same same. They are different! St James silos are a rural community’s history in huge, glorious colour.

Tim Bowtell is the artist. You might recognise his work from other pieces in the town of Benalla, including work in the Makoan Rest Area.

StJamessilosthereare4Only1invillage
The St James silos tell the story of a rural community and a famous resident.

                        

Tungamah Silos

Stop 5 is the small town of Tungamah. There are two colourful silos to see here.

Tungamah operating silosunpaintedonly1invillage
Just checking you’re still reading! These are the unpainted silos at Tungamah!

The Tungamah silos celebrate Australian birds. You will see dancing brolgas, a kookaburra, a pink and a grey galah, a Humming bird, an owl, a Sulphur-crested cockatoo, two small wrens and white Ibis. The tree is a native Australian gum tree. The silos still work and are privately owned. They have been fenced off.

TungamahsiloscelebrateAustralianbirdsOnly1invillage
How many types of birds can you name? The Tungamah silos were painted by a female artist called Sobrane Simcock.

The artist is Sibrane Simcock. She is the first female silo artist.

According to the map, you can now drive on to the Winton wetlands area. You may just spot some of the birds you’ve seen at the Tungamah silos! We didn’t get there, but if you do, we’d love to hear all about it. Please share your comments and thoughts below.

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Drawing Room Rocks NSW Only1invillage

Drawing Room Rocks Walk

The Drawing Room Rocks walk just outside of Berry, offers some of the best views across the Shoalhaven area. Along the way on this moderately challenging 4.5 km walk, you will see some pretty rainforest areas and some stunning, you guessed it, rock formations. 

Quick Index

views over Kangaroo Valley top of Drawing Room Rocks NSW
Amazing views over Kangaroo Valley and beyond to the Ocean at the top of the Drawing Room Rocks.

A fun and rewarding walk which ends with magnificent views across verdant green hills and a golden beach crescent. The Drawing Room Rocks walk has the wow factor you’ve been looking for on the NSW coast.

take in the view Drawing Room Rocks NSW Only1invillage
What an epic view – Drawing Room Rocks NSW.

Located in the Broughton Vale, the Drawing Room Rocks is a must do hike when in the Kangaroo Valley region of New South Wales. Located near the town of Berry, the walk ends with unfenced cliff edges, which is becoming rare in national parks around Australia.

unfenced edges Drawing Room Rocks sheer drops only1invillage
There is no fence to interrupt your view at the Drawing Room Rocks.

Pack your sandwiches and flask because the Drawing Room Rocks is a great place for a picnic with an awesome view. Bring a tablecloth too! Actually, we’re only joking about that part.

                  

Why is it called the Drawing Room Rocks?

why the drawing room rocks are so called only1invillage
Can you see the tables and chairs in the Drawing Room?

For a while when you get to the top, it’s not obvious why they’re called the Drawing Room Rocks. Thousands of years of weathering and erosion have caused the rocks to have distinctive flat tops. Apparently they resemble tables and chairs of a drawing room. So there you go.

admiring the view Drawing Room Rocks Walk only1invillage
Take in the gorgeous vista at the top of the Drawing Room Rocks Walk. Take a seat on a “chair” and admire the view.

There are spectacular views of the surrounding  valley and you’ll be able to see a beach when you get to the top.

                  

Where is the Drawing Room Rocks walk?

The Drawing Room Rocks Walk is located 10 minutes from the town of Berry.

The Drawing Room Rocks walk nearest town Berry NSW Kamgaroo Valley walks and hikes only1invillage
The Drawing Room Rocks is a 10 minute drive from the town of Berry, New South Wales in Australia. It’s about 2 hours from Sydney.

                  

How long will the Drawing Room Rocks walk take?

This depends on your fitness levels and how much you like taking photographs. The sign at the beginning of the walk however, is totally inaccurate. So much so that someone has scribbled above it.

Drawing Room Rocks Walk sign. The official sign is not accurate. Only1invillage says so!
The official sign is not completely accurate for the Drawing Room Rocks Walk.

The Drawing Room Rocks walk will take you about 45 minutes on the way up and 30 minutes on the way down. It is a far cry from the 3 hours on the sign. It is quite steep at the beginning but you won’t need walking poles or hiking boots. Children can do the walk and we saw many (over the age of 5) happily scrambling up and down.  

                  

Top Tips for the Drawing Room Rocks walk

When to go: As long as it’s dry, any season is good to go. A rainy day will not only dampen your spirits but you’ll see nothing much at the top. The view across the valley is best enjoyed on a sunny day, when the colours of the landscape will be sharper.

when to go Darawing Room Rocks Walk NSW only1invillage
Go on a bright day and your pictures will thank you!

Difficulty of hiking trail: Mostly moderate on the way up and easy on the way down. There are formed rock steps, a well trodden path and a bit of sand from the weathered sand stone.

sandstone weathering Drawing Room Rocks Walk NSW only1invillage
Weathering in action! There’s sand from the sandstone rocks. You’re on ancient ground!
Formed steps at the beginning of the DRawing Room Rocks Walk. it's steep but doable, even for children.
The start of the Drawing Room Rocks Walks has steep but formed steps. Despite what the sign says, children can do it as you can see in the picture!

Despite what the sign says, children can do the Drawing Room Rocks Walk.

Car Parks: There isn’t a car park as such.

Drawing Room Rocks where to park
Can you see the letterbox? You go up this road to start the Drawing Room Rocks Walk. Don’t go down the road on the left.

When you get to the crossroads on the map you can choose to go up this very narrow road. You don’t want to see another car coming down as it is very narrow for the first 300 metres.

narrow road leading to a small 'car park' for the Drawing Room Rocks walk
The very narrow road that really only fits one car. This leads to a very small area where you can park about 10 cars maximum.

We didn’t take the chance and left the car further down by the letterbox. All the better for a bit more exercise. 

very narrow road leads to limited parking at the start of the Drawing Room Rocks Walk
There isn’t a car park as such for the Drawing Room Rocks Walk. Don’t trust Google Maps, there’s about space for 10 cars when you go up the very narrow road.

Dog friendly: No dogs.

Provisions: We recommend that you take some food and water to enjoy at the top.

enjoy tea in your drawing room NSW Drawing Room Rocks Walk only1invillage
Tea on the table in your very own “Drawing Room”.

Sun protection: There’s shade on this walk. If you’re coming in Summer, you’ll probably be wearing sunscreen anyway.

Shoes: Hiking shoes are not necessary. You can get by with running shoes like we did. We don’t recommend flip flops or thongs.

Mobile phone reception is excellent all the way up and at the top of the Drawing Room Rocks walk.

Flooding: After heavy rain there might be muddy patches and slippery rocks, but nothing to write home about.

At the top it’s a little reminiscent of the Grampians National Park. If you love hiking, you’ll love our 7 day self guided walks guide.

looking like The Grampians in Victoria Only1invillage
Looks a bit like The Grampians National Park in Victoria. The Drawing Room Rocks lookout in New South Wales.

Don’t forget if you have done this walk, we would love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment in the section below.

have you been DRawing Room Rocks Walk NSW only1invillage
Have you been to the Drawing Room Rocks in New South Wales? What did you think?

If you are looking for other walks in the Shoalhaven or Jervis bay area check out some of the suggestions at www.visitnsw.com/jervis-bay-and-shoalhaven/walking-trails

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The Three Sisters Blue Mountains - Only1invillage.com

Blue Mountains a perfect weekend escape or day trip from Sydney!

A weekend in the Blue Mountains will leave you relaxed, refreshed and re-energised for the week ahead. It’s the perfect romantic weekend getaway. The Blue Mountains lookout points, stunning scenery, waterfalls and walks are not to be missed. You’ll want to return every weekend to the Blue Mountains to discover more. The Sydneysiders’ secret nature playground is out!

Quick Index

Blue Mountains haze Only1invillage
The Blue Mountains are so called because there is a blue haze over the mountains when seen from a distance. The blue haze is caused by evaporating eucalyptus oil droplets mixing with other particles and being refracted in the atmosphere. Now try re-explaining that!

The Blue Mountains is a national park with outstanding natural beauty and World Heritage status. For geology geeks, it’s good to know that the Blue Mountains is a mixture of all 3 rock types. Yes back to your school days to recall them. There are igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and landforms to gaze upon. The forces or uplift, erosion, weathering and even fire have all contributed to the stunning landscape that is the Blue Mountains.

 

fern forests in the Blue Mountains National Park near Sydney NSW ONly1invillage
Step into nature in the Blue Mountains National Park. Wander the ancient fern forests for a weekend getaway.

                                                                  

Where are the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are an hour away from Sydney, along the M4, heading West. The Blue Mountains are located in New South Wales, Australia. It’s a vast area over 1000kms squared. You will pass Parramatta, the area where Sydney had the 2000 Olympic Games. The Blue Mountains is a national park and area of designated beauty. It is famous for The Three Sisters rock formation around the world. International and domestic tourists alike are drawn to the Blue Mountains for the stunning waterfalls, jaw dropping lookout points and hiking opportunities.

Blue Mountains location only1invillage
The Blue Mountains are nearest to the city of Sydney in New South Wales.

 

                                                                  

How to get to the Blue Mountains

The best way to explore independently is by car. Hire a car for the weekend directly from the airport. If you’re a Sydneysider, you’ll obviously be driving. The two main towns which everyone visits are Katoomba and Leura. If you have time, or on a return visit, you can’t miss out the walks from Springwood, Blackheath, Glenbrook and Lawson. These towns all have walks of their own.

You can join day, or 2 day tours too which will take you to the “Big Three” sights – The Three Sisters, Wentworth Falls and Leura Falls. You can also ride the scenic railway, valley cableway and the skyway (suspended cable car). Some tours stop at Featherdale Wildlife Park, where you can get your picture taken with a cute koala. Meet kangaroos, wombats and dingoes too! Tours are best if you can’t be bothered with the hassle of driving in a foreign country.

 

                                                                  

Best time to go to the Blue Mountains

If you’re a keen hiker, the best time to go to the Blue Mountains are Spring and Autumn. Winter and Summer are still good. However, optimum conditions to avoid sunstroke and hyperthermia (if you get lost, which has not been unheard of) are Spring and Summer, as a rough guide. Also, rain is a big dampener on mountain scenery, so sunny days are best for those blue sky shots!

when to go to the blue mountains best time to go to the blue mountains Only1invillage
Take plenty of water on your Blue Mountains walks. The national park is enormous. Any sunny day with blue skies is a good day to go to the Blue Mountains.

The seasons in this part of Australia are:

Spring – September, October, November

Summer – December, January, February

Autumn/ Fall – March, April, May

Winter – June July, August

 

                                                                  

Your Saturday  Blue Mountains Walk Wentworth Falls

Where to start: At the Wentworth Falls Picninc area car park. Here is the Jamison Lookout platform where you can get a rough idea of the walk ahead. Wentworth Falls is after the town of  Bullaburra.

Jamison Point Lookout at the Wentworth Falls car park Blue Mountains Only1invillage
Jamison Point Lookout is accessible form the car park. If this is all you can do, well it’s still a great shot!

 

The Wentworth Falls walk was named after a famous explorer who basically wanted to discover if you could get through the mountains. William Charles Wentworth with two others, did it in 1813. Wentworth Falls are 867 metres above sea level.

 

Wentworth Falls Only1invillage
The spectacular Wentworth Falls view in the Blue Mountains, is just over 1 hour from Sydney, New South Wales.

The full circuit of going up and down the valley, in a loop, will take around 5 hours. This includes the Charles Darwin Walk, the Rocket Point lookout and Princes Point Lookout. This is quite hard work with lots of steep steps between lookout points. The rewards though are worth the sweat. The thing to note here is that there are loop walks within this walk. If, at anytime, you need to turn around you can.

You can get much closer to different parts of the falls on the loop trail.

Wentworth Falls near Sydney 1 hour drive Blue Mountains Only1invillage
Don’t go too close to the edge! This is the top of Wentworth Falls. Don’t fall!

So this walk can be as short as 1.5 hours if you wish. If you want  more of a challenge or a workout in nature, we suggest the entire loop. This will take around 5 hours, depending on your fitness levels.

near the bottom of Wentworth Falls Blue Mountains SYdney Only1invillage
This spectacular cascade is near the bottom of Wentworth Falls, about 2 hours from the top.

Bring plenty of water as you cannot drink the crystal clear water. On our walk we saw lots of people without water or sun protection. There are no water fountains installed on the Wentworth  Falls Walk.

water dragon in the Blue Mountains Only1invillage
Play spot the water dragon in the Blue Mountains. A water dragon is in fact a type of lizard. Intellagama lesueurii in Latin, because we know you want to know that!

The Gundungurra people occupied this area for over 40,000 years before European ‘discovery’. The Blue Mountains is home to indigenous species such as kangaroos and koalas. These iconic creatures are hard to spot however. You’re better off going to the Grampians mountain range in Victoria, to see kangaroos and even emus. You will see the Australian water dragon, pictured above catching the sun’s rays on warmer days.

 

Wentworth Falls Blue Mountains Sydney near the bottom Only1invillage
There are mini falls within falls at Wentworth Falls!

                                                                  

Your Sunday Blue Mountains Walk Leura Falls

The full circuit will take around 3 hours , if you don’t start at Leura Falls Picninc Area.  We started at the Bridal Veil Lookout point, which incorporates the Fern Bower Track. If you search for “best hikes Blue Mountains”, this one will surely come up! It can be difficult or moderate. You can even incorporate it into another walk, like the Gordon Falls walk.

Where to start the Easy Leura Cascades walk:

Go through the stone arch at the Leura Cascades picnic area. There is plenty of car parking. You start a set of stairs descending towards Leura Falls. This is really short and will take you about 5 minutes.

lookout point on the Fern Bower Track leading to Bridal Veil falls and Leura Cascades Blue Mountains Only1invillage
The lookout point on the Fern Bower Track which will lead you to the Bridal Veil Falls and the Leura Cascades. Gaze across to the impressive views of Mount Solitary and Kings Tableland.

Gordon Falls lookout area is a popular spot with families. With its magnificent panoramic views, excellent birdwatching, space for the kids to play and bushwalks, who wouldn’t come here? This will explain why you might see more people when you get to this part of the walk.

Gordon Falls lookout Blue Mountains Sydney ONly1invillage
Looking down over Gordon Falls. We think you’ll agree that this plunging waterfall is truly spectacular.

From Gordon Falls, it will take you about 75 minutes, depending on your fitness level, to reach Leura Cascades. But from the picnic area it’s only 3 minutes!

Leura Cascades Blue Mountains Sydney Only1invillage
The beautiful Leura Cascades can be found in the town of Leura! The blue Mountains is waterfall chasing heaven!

Now if you’re super enthusiastic, on the drive back to Sydney, we really recommend the Clarinda Falls walk near Springwood. It will be absolutely deserted as most people do the Wentworth and Leura walks when they go to the Blue Mountains. Here you will definitely feel like you have stepped into the film set of Jurrassic Park. Massive ferns and boulders and dense foliage envelope you until you get to lovely clearings of refreshing mini falls. Don’t miss out!

Blue Mountains weekend getaway only1invillage
Clarinda Falls near Springwood. A blissfully peaceful stroll.

The Clarinda Falls walk starts at Faulconbridge train station. It’s a bit confusing as you have to walk down a residential road called Sir Henrys Parade. Look for signs for Victory Track which will lead you down into bush land.

rock formation near Clarinda Falls Blue Mountains only1invillage
On the descent down to Clarinda Falls, Blue Mountains.

Once you have found the track, you can smell the earthy forest floor and ferns. Look down at your feet for the lovely green moss.

Springwood walk Blue Mountains getaway Only1invillage
If you have time on the way back to Sydney, stop off at Springwood and do this amazing walk! This is Clarinda Falls.

The Clarinda Falls Loop Walk will leave you feeling energised or exhausted! Have you been to the Blue Mountains near Sydney? Share your comments below.                                    

 

The Grampians 7 days of wonderful walks 86

The Grampians 7 days of wonderful walks

Recently we returned to the Grampians National Park for a week of hiking, fresh air and nature sight seeing. It’s always a beautiful experience with a mix of dry eucalyptus forests, scrubby bushes, waterfalls, lakes and rainforests set amongst sandstone and granite rocks. There is an abundance of native wildlife. You will see many kangaroos and may see koalas, emus and vast range of marsupial and native animals. Below we share some of our favourite walks and photos as well as essential tips and advice, enjoy!

Quick Index

Grampians Mountains National Park Victoria Australia 3 hrs from Melbourne Only1invillage
The majestic Grampians area is a National Park just 3 hours drive from Melbourne. Smell the fresh air!

The Grampians national Park is a mountainous region in the state of Victoria. Fresh air, rivers, waterfalls, grey kangaroos at your door and stunning rock formations await.

Weird rock shapes Grampians Victoria Only1invillage walks
The rock shapes and structures are what you make of them. J is talking to the man on the other side!

Not only for outdoor adventures, such as rock climbing, the Grampians offers gourmet food and wine with a genuine friendly welcome. Gariwerd is the traditional name used by the indigenous peoples of the area. Gariwerd can be divided into North, South, East and West for hiking and tourist purposes.

Mount Sturgeon in the South of the Grampians National Park.Only1invillage.
Mount Sturgeon in the South of the Grampians National Park.

                                            

Where are the Grampians?

The Grampians area is a national park area under 3 hours west from Melbourne. It is situated between Stawell and Horsham on the Western Highway and Dunkeld on the Glenelg Highway.

                                            

What’s there to see and do in the Grampians?

What is there to see in the Grampains National Park Victoria Australia ONly1invillage
Hmmm…. What’s there to see in this national Park called Gariwerd by the original inhabitants of the area?

There are numerous peaks, hikes and waterfalls to conquer! It is the place to see kangaroos and wallabies and emus. We even saw some deer, which was a bit of a surprise. It has its own Grand Canyon! A growing foodie destination for wine. The Grampians region has the best indigenous rock art in Victoria.

                                            

Best Time to go to the Grampians

Best time to go to the Grampians Only1invillage
Winter is a great time to go to the Grampians. It may be cold, yes, it gets cold in Australia, but it’s way less crowded and accommodation much cheaper.

We went in Winter and we have to say, it was really good! Apart from the chilly starts, when the sun is shining and it’s not raining, Winter is a good time to go. Less tourists, often there were only about 5 other people on some of the more challenging hikes, such as Mount Rosea. Even the most popular Pinnacle walk wasn’t too bad in terms of foot traffic. You could even get a photo with no one else in the background along Silent Street. That won’t be happening in peak season! We don’t recommend going hiking in Summer, as there is no shelter as you clamber over ancient rocks. Plus you will have to carry a lot of water!  

Have the Grand Canyon all to yourself out of season in the GRampians Only1invillage
The popular Grand Canyon can be yours alone when you go out of season.

Here are the seasons in the Grampians area:

Spring – September, October, November

Summer – December, January, February

Autumn – March, April, May

Winter – June, July, August

Day 1 wonderful walks of the Grampians

We arrive on a Saturday afternoon at Halls Gap, after a fabulous lunch at a tiny town called Great Western, just 40 minutes from Halls Gap. The food was sensational and very much unexpected. Never judge a town by its cover!

Moroccan pulled lamb shoulder on a beetroot hummus with local goat's cheese. Crispy fried chicken on soft shell tacos with crunchy slaw and sriracha mayo. Not what we were expecting from a small town called Great Western. Available at the Great Western General Store cafe.
Moroccan pulled lamb shoulder on a beetroot hummus with local goat’s cheese. Crispy fried chicken on soft shell tacos with crunchy slaw and sriracha mayo. Not what we were expecting from a small town called Great Western. Available at the Great Western General Store cafe.

We learn that the indigenous peoples of the area call it Budja Budja. There’s only time to do a quick walk after checking in at the Gariwerd Motel. This will be our base for the 7 days of great Grampians walks.

                                            

Venus Baths via Stony Creek Loop Walk

We choose the Halls Gap Botanical Gardens, the Venus Baths and the Clematis Falls Walk. It is Winter so we have to get back to paved road by 5.30pm. 

Botanic Garens car park sign
At the entrance of the Botanic Gardens car park. There is parking for about 20 cars in unmarked spaces.

Every walk is very well marked. The first port of call is Venus Baths. An easy walk for all ages. This is a loop walk.

Stony Creek loop walk towards Venus Baths Grampians Victoria AUstralia photo by Only1invillage
The easy walk to the Venus Baths is via Stony Creek. A flat, easy walk for all ages.

You can get the 2.3kms done easily in half an hour each way, at the most leisurely of paces.

Venus Baths Hall Gap The Grampians Only1invillage
The amazing Venus Baths. In Spring and Summer it’s a great place to break for a rock picnic, while dipping those tired feet in the clear water pools.

You can also come back via a different track on the opposite side of Stony Creek.

Stony creek is a creek you guessed it full of stones Grampians Victoria Australia photo by only1invillage
The loop track towards Venus Baths takes you along Stony Creek.
You’ve guessed it, it is a creek full of stones!

On the way back from Venus Baths, we stop to wander around the Botanic Gardens. 

Botanic Gardens Halls Gap Grampians
Explore the Botanic Gardens in Halls Gap. It will give you great information on the plants you will see on your hikes.

Day 2 of our Grampians walks adventures

Our first full day of walks of the day of walks for those National Geographic moments, starts with the Bullaces Glen and Chatauqua Peak walk. Don’t forget to cross the road carefully to get to Bullaces Glen. A  medium grade walk with some rock scrambling. Hiking shoes recommended for grip. You can do it in running shoes/sneakers, but we find the ankle support of hiking boots much more comfortable.

After a lunch break we take on Splitters Falls. This walk involves a bit of rock scrambling. You can do it the easy way or the hard way. 

                                            

Bullaces Glen – official time and distance depends on where you start – medium grade 1 hourish return

How to get there – Start at Halls Gap Road and follow the now familiar green signs. This is a pretty  circular walk through a green fern covered glade that also has a small waterfall.

Bullaces Glen Grampians Victoria Australia
Bullaces Glen, probably named because it is reminiscent of Scotland? If you have watched Highlander, what do you think?
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Reminiscent of Scottish countryside? Bullaces Glen.

                                            

Clematis Falls – Official distance and time – 2.4 kms- 40 minutes to1 Hour easy grade walk

An easy walk from Halls Gap, that you can access from the recreation reserve. You may see emus or kangaroos along the way. The waterfall is best after a rainfall and a good place for a refreshing shower in the hotter months. 

Clematis Falls is a mini falls
Clematis Falls is the easiest walk to see a waterfall you’re going to get!

 

How to get to Clematis Falls
Various ways to get to Clematis Falls. This sign was taken at the bottom of the Oval car park.

                                            

Chatauqua Peak – 5.6kms circuit medium grade Official time 2.5 hours.

This is one of the lesser known and less popular walks in the Grampians. Make the effort to go though as you get sweeping valley views near the peak. Don’t be fooled by Google Maps. If you put in Halls Gap to Chatauqua Peak, it says 29 minutes on foot! If it was flat, that is achievable but it is a steep climb up.

Sweeping valley views Chatauqua Peak Walk only1invillage
Sweeping valley views on the way up to Chatauqua Peak. One of the less popular walks, don’t know why, it’s beautiful!

Where to start: This peak walk can be accessed after the Venus Baths or the Oval Car Park in Halls Gap. You can also take in Clematis Falls on the way up or on the way down.

There are some very difficult parts right near the peak, but, we agree with the official listing as medium.

Chatauqua Peak yellow markers near the peak only1invillage
It’s get very difficult near the top of Chatauqua Peak. Look out for these yellow markers to guide you. Almost there…
Chatauqua Peak conquered Only1invillage
We make it, well J does anyway! Chatauqua Peak conquered! What are you looking at? Let us see the view too!
Chatauqua Peak view only1invillage
Chatauqua Peak views are not the best from the actual peak, in our humble opinion.

                                            

Splitters Falls medium grade 2.7kms one way 1.5 hours each way

You guessed it named because the falls split! Getting there is quite the adventure, scrambling over rocks and walking through damp forest. At some points it looks as if you’re going to drop off the mountain, but don’t worry, you won’t.

Official grading – easy if you start from the Wonderland Car Park. It’s only 700 metres.

2.7kms one way – moderate grade which means medium. 

Splitters Falls so called because they er..... split! Only1invillage
Splitters Falls so called because they er….. split! That’s just a guess mind you. These dividing falls can be reached in two ways. The easy way, via the car park; or the hard way via Venus Baths.

Where to start: At the bottom of the Venus Baths there are some steps. Take these. If you want to cheat you can drive to the Wonderland car park, where it is then only a 700 metre stroll. Nah, we don’t do that, we have legs, they’re not painted on. Besides we have calories to burn.

sign for Splitters Falls Grampians National Park Gar
Start the walk at the bottom of Venus Baths. Take these steps. Venus Baths is reached from the centre of Halls Gap.

It’s not as easy as the official website makes out. It isn’t difficult, but it isn’t a flat stroll through a, park! So take the steps up and you will arrive here (picture of J below).

After steps at Venus Baths to Splitters Falls only1invillage
After the sign at Venus Baths you will be here. On the way to Splitters Falls. It looks like a dead end but it isn’t.
On the way to Splitters Falls from Venus Baths only1invillage
You see it’s not that flat when you take the rocks to Splitters Falls.

At times you can’t really see if the rocks will take you to Splitters Falls. There wasn’t anyone else coming back either to ask. We just keep going!

a sign you're approaching Splitters Falls only1invillage
This trickle of water is a sign, you’re on the right path to Splitters Falls.

Surely this trickle of water means we are not lost? Splitters Falls here we come!

dry riverbed before SPlitters Falls only1invillage
In wetter times there will be water here! The river bed before Splitters Falls. This is a good sign, we’re almost there!

It takes us about an hour and a half one way. We’re finally here, yay! Time for some photographs.

arrival at Splitters Falls from Venus Baths only1invillage
Our triumphant arrival at Splitters Falls from Halls Gap. 1.5 hours one way.

Day 3 exploring the Grampians on foot

                                            

Boronia Peak – officially graded medium – 2.5hrs return

A fabulous walk with magnificent views at the very top. A bit of vertigo for us! Very windy and suddenly cold at the top. Requires rock scrambling to the last part of the jagged peak. Breathtaking! (2.5 hours 6.6kms return official time) This was a medium grade track with some very steep parts. It took us about 3 hours, including time for photographs.

Where to start: You start the Boronia Peak Walk at Tandara Road. Just park on the street. 

Boronia Peak walk start here Grampians Victoria AUstralia
The start of the Boronia Peak Walk is off the street. The road is called Tandara Road. It’s a suburban road.

All the signs are one way. Make sure you factor this into your day. When going up to a peak, also remember that the change of terrain and altitude will increase your average walking speed, that you can do on a pavement/ sidewalk. We average 4-5 kms an hour in cities but on this walk there were parts where we averaged only 1km per hour, due to rock scrambling.

The path starts out as an easy pleasant stroll…. Don’t let that fool you for the hard work ahead!

Start Bonoronia Peak Walk on a flat path Grampians Victoria AUstralia
Start the trek to Boronia Peak on a leisurely flat stroll. If you’re lucky you might spot some interested deer, sharing the path with you.
Change in topography on Boronia Peak Walk from flat path Grampians Victoria Australia
After the flat footpath, the topography starts to change. (Path up to Boronia Peak ).

The path gets increasingly more difficult as you ascend.

On the Boronia Peak walk stop to take in the breathtaking scenery
Yep, you’re going higher and higher to get to that Boronia Peak! Time to take a rest!

It’s onwards and upwards from this point. By now, you should be a bit sweaty!

rock scrambling time narrow path to the Boronia Peak Grampians Vicoria Australia Only1invillage
Right it’s getting tough and tight! Scrambling time! This is where the fun starts! The only way is up!

We have walked about an hour and a half, scrambled over rocks and squeezed ourselves through ‘rock stairs’ walls. At times it might not look obvious where to go, but, as long as you’re still heading up hill, you know you’re on the right path!

Boronia Peak getting to the top almost there Grampians Victoria Australia photo by only1invillage
When you see this view you’ve almost reached the peak! Boronia Peak, that is!
Victory at the top of Boronia Peak The gRampians, Victoria, Australia by only1invillage
Victory is ours on top of Boronia Peak after 1hr 45 mins. It gets suddenly cold at the top and the wind picks up. Well you are over 1800 feet up (about 570 metres).

Time for the panoramic view that everyone says is well worth the trek up.

Boronia Peak panoramic View Grampians Victoria Australia photo by Only1invillage
Boronia Peak panoramic view. Now that is worth the climb! That’s what 570 metres above sea level looks like in the Grampains ranges.

Needless to say the way down, was much easier, with gravity helping us out. We complete the walk in about 3 hours. The official time is 2 hours 30 mins.

Boronia Peak vegetation Only1invillage
So much beauty at the top of Boronia Peak.

After a break for lunch, it was time for an easier afternoon drive and stroll to Mackenzie Falls.

                                            

Mackenzie Falls Walk 2kms return medium grade due to steep steps – 1.5 hours return

Mackenzie Falls Grampians Victoria Australia
The must visit waterfall in the Grampians is Mackenzie Falls. It never dries up and cascades over cliffs into a deep pool.

One of the most popular and accessible walks in the Grampians. Well developed with wheelchair access to 2 viewing points. 

Mackenzie Falls as seen from the wheelchair accessible viwing platform
If taking steep steps is a problem, don’t worry you can still see the stunning Mackenzie Falls. Go along the wheelchair accessible path from the car park and look down from the viewing platform.

How to get there – By car from Halls Gap Road you drive up the winding roads to the Mackenzie Falls Car park. From there it’s an easy stroll to the viewing point which is wheelchair accessible. To get to the actual waterfall, you descend steep steps. This will take you about half an hour.

 

Day 4 of hiking the Grampians

                                            

The Pinnacle Lookout Walk – From the Wonderland Car Park – 2.1 kms official time 1.5 hrs one way

This walk is a steep medium to hard grade walk but with so much varied terrain. Possibly the most famous walk of all. Taking in 4 other Google maps sights, this has to be the walk to do, if you can only do one. On our walk we saw plenty of children, so it’s a good family hike. There are plenty of opportunities to take rests and the most popular parts have had stairs built into the rocks. This walk takes in 4 popular sites and if you can only do one walk, we recommend you do this one.

Grand Canyon Australian style Only1invillage
Australia’s answer to the north American Grand Canyon….yee hah!

Grand Canyon

When you start this walk from the Wonderland Car Park, you immediately get the impressive Grand Canyon. This is Australia’s answer to the famous North American Grand Canyon. Since we haven’t been to the American Grand Canyon, this will do for now. It’s pretty cool, we think you’ll agree, for a smaller scale offering. Obviously, if you’ve been to the American Grand Canyon, you’re going to be a bit underwhelmed. But, for us, we think it’s fantastic.

Grand Canyon shot Only1invillage
You’re going to love the Grand Canyon, Australian style of course!

Cool Chamber 

This is a rock overhang that is easy to miss. About 30 minutes into the walk. It makes really good echoes. Watch your head if you’re tall. That ancient rock is hard!

The Cool Chamber sign Only1invillage
The Cool Chamber is on the way to the Pinnacles lookout point. A good place to take shelter if it starts to rain. In Summer, a great place to cool down from the relentless sun.

Bridal Veil Falls 

Best viewed after rain, to get the best effect. Just after the Cool Chamber, Bridal Veil Falls is refreshing on a hot day! You can stand under it to wash off the sweat in Summer. If you go in Summer to the Grampians, you can stand at the back, to get some much needed shade from the relentless Australian sun.

Bridal Veil Falls Only1invillage
Bridal Veils Falls was running a bit dry, so J is trying to summon some rain!

Silent Street

Silent Street sign Grampians Only1invillage
Heading down into Silent Street. Let’s see how quiet it is!
Silent Street Grampians winter time Only1invillage
Silent Street is pretty silent! There’s only us in the street probably because it’s early and off peak season. Yes!
Silent STreet scenery to the right Only1invillage
As you go through Silent Street, look through the rock gaps and see this awesome scenery.
Silent STreet all ot ourselves Only1invillage
Silent Street is also steep with some stairs. We still have it all to ourselves!

After Silent Street you’re almost at the peak. This is where you start to hear voices of other hikers coming down. It is still up hill, but the promise of a great view keeps you going.

Just after Silent Street rock posing Only1invillage
Time for a quick pose after Silent Street. The Pinnacles is almost within reach. You can see it’s at sky level.

Then you see it and hear it, the Pinnacles!!!

The Pinnacles view at the top Only1invillage
The Pinnacles view at the top. It is magnificent. Well worth the 1 hours 45 minutes each from the Wonderland Car Park. 

Before you leave there is a huge area to explore at the top of the Pinnacles Lookout. Grab a flat rock and have some lunch or do a balance walk that has now been discouraged for safety reasons. 

The Need le test of nerves at the Pinnacles peak Only1invillage
The thin ledge you see is called The Needle. You won’t see any signs for it though. Long ago there was a green sign. But, after a few accidents, the area was closed off. Now it is open again but it is not encouraged to walk along it.

Here is a closer look at The Needle nerves test. You don’t want to do this if it’s wet!

The Needle nerves test at the top of the Pinnacles Lookout walk Only1invillage
Do The Needle test of nerves at your own peril. It’s a balancing act and a test of nerves. For safety reasons it is not recommended and not promoted, but, you can make up your own mind!

Before you leave for the trek back down, grab a bite to eat or get eaten by a rock!

Admire the rock formations at the Pinnacles Only1invillage
Grab a bite to eat or get eaten by a rock at the top of The Pinnacles. Explore the relatively flat top, before you head back down to the Wonderland car park.

                                            

Boroka Lookout 6kms one way on foot hard grade about 2 hours each way or 90metres from the car park

This picture of what you should see is from Quincy Lee (Qlee679) we contacted him for his permission from Flickr. It has been taken from the viewing platform. We think you’ll agree it is awesome!

Boroka Lookout courtesy of Quincy Lee via Flickr Only1invillage
Boroka Lookout. Photo courtesy of Quincy Lee via Flickr.
Boroka Lookout sign Only1invillage
The Boroka Lookout is a difficult 6kms one way if you do it on foot. This will lead you down to the botanical gardens in Halls Gap.

You will definitely need your goat trekking legs for this walk. From the Venus Baths area it’s 6kms of tough going. The first 3kms seem “easy” but, don’t be fooled. As you climb, the terrain gets more and more difficult. On our walk it was misty and foggy the whole way, hence the lack of pictures. We could barely see our own hands at some points of the scramble. 

Luckily this walk can be approached the easy way too. Drive to a car park and walk 90 metres.

Boroka Lookout possible access points from Venus Baths at the foothills of the Grampians
The Boroka Lookout can be accessed from the Venus Baths. It’s an arduous uphill trek- be warned!

The lookout area is fenced off, but it hasn’t deterred those Instagram people from taking selfies and getting others to take pictures of them on the dangerous ledge. The day we went was misty and foggy and we couldn’t see a thing!

Boroka Lookout on a foggy day Only1invillage
Boroka Lookout in the fog. Not what you see on Instagram!

If you look carefully at our Chataqua Peak walk pictures, you will see a very similar view. Bellfield Lake and the valley below.

                                            

The Balconies 2kms one way from A car park easy walk

Easy half hour walk (2kms one way) through flat forest and gigantic rocks from the Reed Lookout car park.

The Balconies aka the Jaws of Death Only1invillage
The Balconies also known as the Jaws of Death. Now closed off due to several fatal falls. Those Instagram shots you see are either very old or illegal.

The Balconies used to be called the Jaws of Death. Either because they look like the jaws of a giant dinosaur, or, because people have actually died here. Whichever story you want to believe, it is a dramatic rock formation, which can be viewed safely from a viewing platform.

The Jaws of Death ONly1invillage Grampians blog
The spectacular rock formation of the Jaws of Death. Also known as the Balconies. Catch this breathtaking view safely from the viewing platform. You can also see down into the valley of lush forest, from this bird’s eye viewpoint.

You can drive up Mount WIlliam Road and see the Jaws of Death from a viewing platform. You used to be able to go on there and take pictures, but, not anymore. If you see shots of this on Instagram, it’s because of illegal activity, old pictures or clever photography.

forest valley view from Reeds Lookout Grampians Only1invillage blog
Looking down onto the lush green valley of forest from Reeds Lookout.

Before you get to the Balconies, there is a lovely flat walk across some very interesting terrain and really good views towards Lake Wartook. Park your car at the Reed Lookout car park and look for the signs. to The Balconies.

The Grampians 7 days of wonderful walks 87
Magnificent vistas towards Lake Wartook in the distance. As you head towards The Balconies, these round, flat rocks are unmissable.

                                            

Silverband Falls 0.8km one way flat gravel path

This is an easy walk from the car park. In fact, this is the easiest walk we did. It was completely flat! Sing hallelujah!

Silverband Falls a quick walk from the car park Only1invillage blog
A quick walk will lead you to Silverband Falls.
SIlverbandFalls an easy walk from the car park Only1invillage blog
The Silverband Falls. This is the easiest walk we ever did! A flat gravel path from the car park. A quickie, but, a goodie!

Day 5 of our wonderful walks of the Grampians

                                          

Lake Bellfield Tunnel Walk – medium grade 

A surprisingly beautiful walk with water views. From the name we thought you could go through some tunnels for the walk, but, no. You can see and hear a tunnel for water, but, you won’t be walking through it.

The walk starts near Pomonal, from the imaginatively named Tunnel Walk car park.

Bellfield Lake view from the ridge of the Tunnel Walk
The beauty of Bellfield Lake awaits. Seen from the ridge above on the Tunnel Walk.

This is where you can start the walk. There are other alternatives if you want to go on further.

Bellfield Lake walk sign starts at the car park only1invillage 7 days of wonderful walks the Grampians
Bellfield Lake can be reached in a mere 1.5 hours one way, from the car park at Pomonal.
Car park for the Bellfield Lake Tunnel Walk Only1invillage Grampians walks
Yup, that’s where you’re leaving your car to start the Bellfield Lake walk.

OK, head on up the steps and it is a gentle uphill walk for about 20 minutes.

start terrain of the Bellfield Lake walk
From the car park it is a gentle upward slope to start the Bellfield Lake walk. 

As this walk is not very popular and we are out of season, we only see 5 other people. For most of the walk, we are on our own and free to imitate the bird noises and make silly echo sounds. We don’t expect this walk to be as beautiful as it is. The lake itself is on par with some of the best New Zealand lakes in terms of beauty. At this point the scenery looks very much like Magnetic Island, in the far north of Queensland. This is an island where we have also covered every major walk.

Forest and low land views on the Bellfield Lake walk Only1invillage
This is pretty much your view for 45 minutes of the Bellfield Lake walk. Don’t turn around, the view will be amazing very soon!
glimpse Bellfield Lake in the distance Only1invillage
45 minutes later you’ll get your first glimpse of beautiful Bellfield Lake.
4x4 track towards Lake Bellfield Only1invillage
By the time you see this 4 x 4 track you’re about to see the beautiful Lake Bellfield up close and personal.
Bellfield Lake panorama Only1invillage
Hello Bellfield Lake, Only1invillage has arrived……Praise be!
Beautiful Bellfield Lake Only1invillage
Beautiful Bellfield Lake. It’s got a beach!
Bellfield Lake reflection Only1invillage
The beautiful reflection of Bellfield Lake captured by us the only ones here!
log at Bellfield Lake Only1invillage
Looks like a good log to sit on for lunch, at Bellfield Lake.
Bellfield Lake trees Only1invillage
We are fascinated by the scenery at Bellfield Lake, particularly these trees.

                                          

Heatherlie Quarry

Heatherlie Quarry Only1invillage
Heatherlie Quarry is a nice easy flat short walk into history.

A fascinating glimpse into quarry life with rusting machinery and some original sandstone houses for the workers. We learn a lot about stone splitting and marvel how anyone could have lived out here in the wilderness. Ah, the good old days.

Heatherlie Quarry landscape scenery Only1invillge blog
This is where your granite comes from! A quarry landscape in the Grampians.

As you walk around the area you start to appreciate the hard work that goes into making your kitchen bench top!

Rusting machinery at the Heatherlie QUarry Grampians Only1invillage blog
Rusting machinery of an bygone era. Heatherlie Quarry is an informative trip down memory lane.

There is even a little village, where the workers used to stay in “the bush”.

Heatherlie Quarry workers' village Only1invillage
The workers’ cottages at Heatherlie Quarry. Located right next to the granite boulders that have been used in some of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings, such as Parliament House, The State Library and Melbourne Town Hall. We are proud to say that in this village we are the only ones in the village!

The walls are very thick sandstone. Wonder why they weren’t made of granite? Many of Melbourne City’s greatest buildings we discover have been made from granite from this quarry. Well fancy that, you live and learn!

Heatherlie Quarry sandstone houses for the workers Grampians Only1invillage blog
J is forever trying to tell me it’s prime real estate. You can have granite floors AND granite walls when we renovate, he says!
interior of a worker's cottage Heatherlie Quarry Grampians Only1invillage blog
Well the interior needs a bit of a refurbishment! Heatherlie Quarry offers a fascinating glimpse into history.

There are information boards everywhere, painting a detailed picture of the working quarry.

Heatherlie Quarry information boards are jam packed with fascinating facts Only1invillage
Well now we know how to cut a stone properly! The information boards are dotted around Heatherlie Quarry and provide fascinating facts and information about the past. We learned a lot here!

Day 6 sore but soldiering on for our Grampians guide

                                          

Mount Rosea Official time 2 hours each way

Mount Rosea is 4.6 kms one way. It is medium to hard grade with a lot of rock scrambling and hard to see markers in places. The cardio workout of our dreams and totally worth it!

Mount Rosea peak Only1invillage blog
Mount Rosea Peak viewing platform. Take in the 360 degree views of the Mount William and Serra ranges. This hike is hard!

This walk is challengingly beautiful. Make sure you tell your accommodation or someone you’re doing this. People have had to be rescued on this walk.

Mount Rosea sign 4.6kms from the car park Only1invillage
The Mount Rosea walk starts at the Mount Rosea car park. This is the most challenging walk you’ll do in the northern Grampians region. Are you ready for it?

Don’t be fooled by the gently sloping first 1.6kms through lush forest and ferns.

lush fern and forest start of Mount Rosea walk Only1invillage blog
The Mount Rosea walks starts through lush fern and forest on flat ground. Don’t be fooled. It’s going to get a hell of a lot harder!
Mount Rosea walk needle grass Only1invillage
Needle grass is a pain in the arse! The greenery at the start of the Mount Rosea walk in the beautiful forest.

This took us 5 hours return and there is plenty of rock scrambling. It was by far the most challenging walk. We wish we had done this walk first, so all the other walks, would have seemed much easier.

After the beautiful messmate forest, you’re on a gradual ascent.  40 minutes later the terrain changes to sand! By now you have covered 1.3kms.

Mount Rosea sign after 1.3kms of walking from the car park Only1invillage blog
40 minutes after leaving the car park you will be here. Look down at your feet!
Mount Rosea walk suddenly there's sand only1invillage blog
At the 1.3kms section the terrain changes to sand for a bit! We’re heading to a beach?!!

Well that doesn’t seem so bad. A good start. and the sun is shining. We still haven’t seen anyone else. There’s about 20 minutes of this type of terrain (see below) and then things start to change. Even though it’s fairly flat you still have to look out for these yellow markers. They will be invaluable as all rocks start to look the same!

Mount Rosea yellow markers only1invillage
The terrain now has lots of big flat rocks and tree roots to trip you up. Keep an eye out for the yellow triangles, because pretty soon, things are going to get tough!

20 minutes later the going gets tough, but still smiling.

keep going Mount Rosea Walk Only1invillage
You’re starting to get a sense of how high you’re going when you get to this point. Mount Rosea walk. The familiar Serra and Mount William ranges are in the background.
walking amongst clouds Mount Rosea walk Only1invillage
The stunning natural beauty of walking in the clouds. Mount Rosea walk about an hour in.

Now the real rock scrambling begins and some of the rocks are like climbing apparatus in the gym! If ever you think hiking isn’t a good workout, come and do this walk. Our hearts are racing, our legs are aching and now we have to use our hands too!

Mount Rosea rock scrambling cardio workout Only1invillage
Now the fun begins! Rock scrambling at its best! This is a serious cardio workout the Mount Rosea walk.
Mount Rosea horse riding Only1invillage blog
Time for some horse riding! You know when you start to feel giddy and things look strange. C thinks she has found a horse to get to the peak! Yee hah! Mount Rosea walk, the Grampians.

At the 1 hour and 40 minutes minute mark we decide to stop for lunch. The lunch stop is a great time to marvel at the absolutely jaw dropping scenery enveloping us.

Lunch stop 1 hour and 50 minutes in to the Mount Rosea walk Only1invillage
Time to sit and stop the trembling legs! The majestic mountain scenery 1 hour and 50 minutes into the Mount Rosea walk.
Lunch pit stop on the Mount Rosea walk Grampians Only1invillage
Lunch view on the way to Mount Rosea peak. Could the view get any better?

As you rest, it’s good to look out for natural markers. As you’re ascending it’s easy to think you’ll remember your route on the way down, but, those rocks, will all start blending in to each other! Take the time to photograph some natural markers and look at the time stamp.

Bright rock vegetation at our pit stop for lunch on the ascent to Mount Rosea.. Grampian walks only1invillage.
It’s a good idea to look for natural markers on the way up and down from Mount Rosea. It easily all starts looking the same, so, a burst of colour is a welcome sight. Take a photo and make a note of the time.
sandstone relief Grampians Mount Rosea walk Only1invillage
It’s not all granite in the Grampians. You’ll be clambering over amazing sandstone boulders (not rocks) on the Mount Rosea walk.

Rested and rejuvenated, we hear some people coming up behind us! Hurrah, we are not alone! We like to look at their faces and see if they are panting and sweating too. Come on, you know you do that too, when you pass fellow hikers!

Mount Rosea challenging walk Grampians Only1invillage blog
You’re kidding! You have to squeeze through that small hole? Yep! Mind your head.

At the 2 hour point we almost give up. It’s been really hard and the rock scrambling is some of the toughest for a continuous 45 minute period.

Huge boulders to get over on the MOunt rosea walk Grampians only1invillage
The size of the boulders you have to get over on the Mount Rosea walk. It’s going to be worth the sweeping views at the top.
Lake Bellfield view on the Mount Rosea walk
This looks like a peak! Mount Rosea walk a lakeview (Bellfield) from high up. You’re not there yet, still another half hour to go!

We feel the oxygen deprivation and not seeing many people come down is not very uplifting. Finally we see 2 other hikers who tell us we’re nearly there about half an hour and the view is worth it. It had better be!

MOunt Rosea walk 2 hours in Grampians blog only1invillage
J surveys the landscape after being told we’re half an hour away. By this point we have been walking 2 hours and the weather is getting colder and windier. That’s Mount Rosea in the distance to the right. Ok, so down we go!
half an hour to go to the Mount Rosea Peak only1invillage
We see two other hikers returning from the peak. They tell us it is only another half hour from here. The path isn’t obvious. Keep looking out for the yellow triangular markers.
Mount Rosea chimney rocks that's our nameonly1invillage
This part looks like a dead end. You go through the “chimney” rocks as we name them.
Rock window view half 25 minutes to go to Mount Rosea peak Only1invillage
There’s a handy rock shelter with a beautiful window view, if it starts to rain!

We remember our accommodation manager telling us to look out for the bridge and don’t look down, if you’re scared of heights. Well it’s a bit late now! We are glad to see the bridge because it means we’re on the right path.

The valley bridge on the Mount Rosea walk 20 mins to destination Only1invillage
The valley bridge means you’re 20 minutes away from the Mount Rosea peak. If you don’t like heights, don’t look down, just run across. At least it isn’t a suspension bridge!

J is brave and stops to take some scenery shots on the bridge.

View from the valley bridge on the Mount Rosea walk Only1invillage
The view form the bridge, which plunges over 900 metres below you. Around 20 minutes to destination Mount Rosea peak!
squeezing through boulders Mount Rosea walk Only1invillage
Seriously we have to squeeze through here? This is a good physical marker to remember.
Trees on Mount Rosea walk nearly at the peak. Only1invillage
Well if the trees can survive up here, so can we!

Apparently we’re so close……

elephant skin rocks mean you're close to the Mount Rosea peak Only1invillage
This is the 2 hour 20 minutes point. The rocks look like an elephant’s skin. We saw 2 more people coming down! We’re close to the Mount Rosea peak!

Apparently we’re really close!

100 metres to go to the peak of Mount Rosea Only1invillage
Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Is there a sign? Please tell us we’re close to the Mount Rosea peak!

It’s been an epic 2 and a half hours but we make it! We’re 1009 metres up and above the cloud line!

Like we said earlier, we wish we had done this walk first because it’s hard and it is the 6th day of non- stop hiking for us. It’s really windy at the top. For video footage of the views at the summit, go to our Instagram page.

Mount Rosea viewing platform Only1invillage
On the Mount Rosea viewing platform. This is the amazing view 1009 metres high from the bottom.

Is it worth it? Hell yeah! Are we tired? Hell yeah! Doing another hike tomorrow? Hell yeah!  All we have to do now is find our way back down before it gets dark! See you at the bottom.

Day 7 We are victorious in Gariwerd- Grampians National Park

                                          

Mount William 

1.8kms one way uphill, quite steep. It should take 45 minutes to one hour each way.

Sunrise shot on Mount William Grampians Only1invillage
Catch a breathtaking sun rise at Mount William in the Grampians national Park. 1167 metres above sea level. The highest point in the Grampians. The best place to get 360 degree panoramas of the entire Grampians peaks, lowlands and highlands.

To get to Mount William you need to drive to a car park called…..OK you got it, Mount WIlliam Car Park.

Mount William car park Only1invillage
Park in the Mount William car park for the walk to er… Mount William.
1.8kms to the top of Mount William sign Only1invillage
What there’s strenuous walking involved! Thanks for the warning. At least there’s no rock scrambling, we’re a little sick of that after yesterday’s Mount Rosea trek.

From here the road is fully paved but you cannot drive to the summit. It is quite a steep ascent and you should be at the top in 45 minutes. This walk offers splendid views of the mountain ranges from various angles.

Walking up to Mount William you will see the other ranges you have conquered in the Grampians Only1invillage
The Mount William walk is a chance to see the other ranges you have conquered in the distance.
counting off the various peaks on the walk up to Mount William Grampians Only1invillage
J counts off the peaks we have climbed over the last 7 days on the way up to Mount William, where you will see them all!
walking up towards Mount William view of other ranges Only1invillage Grampians blog
As you walk up towards Mount William you can tick off the other peaks you have climbed! Yep, did that one, been there, saw that one……..
Mount William commemoration stone ONly1invillage
Now you know why it’s called Mount William!

Right where to next? We decide to drive one hour south and head to a famous bakery that apparently has the best sourdough bread. Well let’s see shall we?

After a very pleasant lunch with very good sourdough, a pie, some salad and some good coffee it’s time for another walk! We decide on a short one called un-politically correctly, The Picaninny. We’re not here to judge the names of the walks, we’re just there to walk them.

                                          

The Picaninny 2.4kms return 1 to 1.5 hours easy to medium grade

sudden turn for the picanninny walk South Grampians Only1invillage
When you see the brown sign for the picaninny walk do a sudden turn!

There’s no car park for this walk, you have to look out for the sign. Actually, later we discover there is a car park, but it is up a very steep hill and we don’t have an all terrain vehicle. We park at the bottom.

Picaninny green sign South Grampians Only1invillage
The green sign for the easy to medium shortish walk to the Picaninny. This is a 45 minutes drive from Halls Gap. It is classed as the southern Grampians.
start the picaninny walk nice and flat Southern Grampians only1invillage
The start of the Picaninny walk is nice and flat. You go through some nice bushland. Watch out for the wallabies. We got our best joey shot from this walk.

As you walk in the southern Grampians, you will see Mount Sturgeon towering above you, to your right. We’ll have to save that walk for a return visit. It looks pretty high up!

Mount Sturgeon view on the way to the picaninny Southern Grampians only1invillage
Walking up to the Picninny you see Mount Sturgeon towering over the southern Grampians. That mountain is for a return visit!
wallaby spotting on the picaninny walk southern grampians
Wallaby spotting on the way to the picaninny.
easy walk to the top of the Picaninny southern Grampians only1invillage
Another peak conquered! Well actually, Mount Sturgeon is the one in the distance. This is it the top of the Picaninny.
J surveys his kingdom from the picaninny southern grampians Only1invillage
Lord J surveys his kingdom high up on the Picaninny. Looking down onto the farmland below. Southern Grampians near Dunkeld.

                                          

Fyans Creek Loop Walk 2.5kms easy grade

This walk starts where the Boronia Peak Walk starts as is effortlessly flat! This is the best place to see emu, wallabies and kangaroos. Not same same. Wallabies are like smaller kangaroos, so, OK, kind of similar!

emus at Halls Gap Fyans Creek Loop walk Only1invillage
Emus hanging around on the Fyans Creek Loop Walk northern Grampians near Halls Gap. They’re quite timid birds. They keep running away as we approach.
Fyans Creek Loop walk
The Fyans Creek Loop Walk is easy and flat. A perfect end to a week of strenuous hiking in the Grampians.
Fyans Creek Loop walk Only1invillage
The familiar ranges seen in the distance on the Fyans Creek Loop walk. We look up and say to ourselves, “we climbed that!”

 

That’s the end of our guide to some of the fantastic walks the northern Grampians has to offer. Time to go back to the big smog, but first, food!

Pomonal Estate Winery (see further below for pictures)- Well after a fabulous week of walking the Grampians, we need a good winery estate lunch, before heading back to the big smog. This place did not disappoint. Cosy, cute, good food and beer paddle tasting, what else can J want?

Grampians Estate winery – The Grampians area is fast becoming a destination for great wine. So when we see the sign for the not so imaginatively named Grampians Estate Winery, we have to stop for a sample or two. A lovely modern tasting room where you can also get lunch or light snacks.

Back to Melbourne we go!

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Our Top Tips for walking in the Grampians

Do the hardest hike first, then everything else will seem easier. Looking back we wish we had done Mount Rosea first, because compared to that, Boronia Peak was easy! However having said that, you might get muscle soreness if you do the most difficult walk first.

Mount Rosea almost at the peak difficult walk first Only1invillage
If you do the hardest walk first, the others might seem easier. This is 2 hours into the Mount Rosea walk, another half hour to go. This is a difficult hike in terms of terrain and not getting lost.

Wear good shoes or boots if you’re serious about conquering peaks. The terrain is rough with small and large stones, sticking out everywhere to stub those toes and trip you up. Oh and don’t forget about those tree roots, that like to make their presence known too!

layer up for walking in the Grampians only1invillage
It’s four seasons in one day when you go hiking. Layer up, there’s nothing worse than being too cold or too hot.

Layer up for the walks. On the same walk you can wear one layer at the start and pretend you’re sunbathing on a beach, 15 minutes later you need a hat, gloves and that insulated jacket  (Winter hiking like we did).

top tips what to wear hiking the grampians Only1invillage
Layer up and wear sunglasses for the Grampians. One minute it’s like beach weather and the next…….

Take snacks and lots of water. Take your rubbish with you. Wear a back pack/ rucksack for the rock scrambling, you’ll want to keep your hands free.

For Mount Rosea, tell someone. We met a couple who got lost and they told us it took them 7 hours to get back down instead of the 4 to 5 hours, it should take.

Get really good at spotting yellow triangles. You know that saying that “all rocks look the same”? Ok, there isn’t one, but, on some of the less travelled walks it is really confusing and there is no clearly marked trail of footprints to guide you. Keep your eyes peeled for the yellow triangles to guide you. Sometimes it is better to go higher and look back to see where they are.

get good at spotting yellow triangle markers Only1invillage
Get good at spotting the yellow markers in the Grampians. Sometimes you have to step back a bit to see them.

                                        

Indigenous rock art in the Grampians

Indigenous rock art in the Gariwerd (the indigineous people’s name for the Grampians is plentiful and well preserved. The Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali people have looked after their land for over 20,000 years.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. There are over 200 sites but only 5 are “open” to the public. Each site has been fenced off to protect them from vandalism, so, you can’t get too close and touch them, which is a good thing.

We followed this guide to see all the amazing ancient indigenous rock art.

The Billimina and Majna rock art sites

Billimina SHelter rock art location map
Billimina Shelter is quite difficult to get to. Located in the heart of the Grampians national park.

Inside the Wartook valley the Billimina Shelter can be found along The Goat walk. It’s quite difficult to get to due to the narrow and twisting roads. From the Buandik picnic and camping area, it should take about 15 minutes. It is a steady uphill walk. Drive on 10 mins from the Buandik picninc site and you can see the famous “hands” (manja – pronunced man-yar) rock art.

Bunjil Shelter – Stawell

Bunjil's shelter location map Grampians 7 days of wonderful walks
Bunjil’s Shelter is closest to the large town of Stawell. Inside the Black Range Scenic Reserve.

Located in the Black Range scenic reserve the Bunjil Shelter is amazingly well preserved. This site is an easy walk from the car park.

The Grampians has an abundance of indigenous rock art sites Bunjil shelter Stawell
The amazing Bunjil shelter near Stawell in the Grampians. Bunjil is the creator of the world, people, plants and animals.

                                        

Grampians wildlife

Eastern grey kangaroos are everywhere in the Grampians
The Eastern Grey kangaroos are very docile. They are used to having their photograph taken. Humans, hey, have they never seen a group of kangaroos relaxing before?

The eastern grey kangaroos are everywhere. They come up to you in car parks, they wait patiently on the lawn and they hop around the grass lands, sometimes waiting to cross the road. These iconic Australian animals will be the most common sighting along with wallabies, their marsupial cousins.

A joey and wallaby in the Grampains, Victoria, Australia
Wallabies, the kangaroos’ smaller cousins are a common sighting. Not so common is to see a joey peeking out of a pouch! Awwww!

Possums will make their presence known in the trees above you. A rarer sighting will be squirrel and feather tailed gliders. But, good news sugar gliders often jump between trees when dark.

Beware of the snakes!!!! Eeek – poisonous types are known to be in the Grampians – the red bellied black, brown, tiger and copperheads. These short fanged reptiles are not ones you want to boast on your Instagram profile! Luckily we didn’t see any.

Grampains wild goat mountain trekking near the Venus Baths Halls Gap
A wild mountain goat seen trekking near the Elephant’s Hide, Venus Baths, Halls Gap.

We were surprised to see some deer in the forest foothills.

wild deer near Fyans Creek The Grampains, Victoria, Australia
Wild deer seen near Fyans Creek, Grampians.

Unfortunately Australia’s most unique monotreme, the duck billed platypus will be a rare sighting near the rivers in the Grampians. You’re more likely to hear Pobblebonk frogs, especially after fresh rainfall.

                                        

Food and produce

food and products of the Grampians at Seppelt winery
The food and produce of the Grampians is always locally sourced and produced.

There are plenty of wineries and some fantastic produce that only the clean air of the Grampians can produce. Before lunch we had to do a quick stop at the famous Seppelt winery. There’s no lunch here but a small cafe and a cheese platter option. They also do guided tours of their underground cellars. Book in advance. 

wine tasting at Seppelt Great Western near the Grampians region
Wine tasting at Seppelt winery is complimentary. Usually wineries charge $5 for tastings redeemable if you buy a bottle.

The Toscana (not in Italy as the name may suggest!) olive plantation produces fantastic olives and award winning olive oils including extra virgin.

Red Rock Olives A family owned estate specialising in , yep, you got it, olives!

Red Rock Olives serves lunch and of course you can buy olive products. Only1invillage
Red Rock Olives, Pomonal. A gorgeous platter made from local produce. Of course you can also buy olives, olive oil and olive flavoured salt.

The Pomonal Estate is worth a visit. Offering beer and cider tastings in addition to home made cakes and cheese platters. How can you say no? Only open until 5pm, except on Fridays, the only dinner day. so make sure you book in for a lunch time slot.

Pomonal Estate has a cosy feel Grampians Onlly1invillage
The cosy interior of the Pomonal Wine Estate. Bookings essential. Ring in advance to double check your booking.
Pomonal Estate winery open for lunch Grampians dining Only1invillage
Pomonal Estate winery serves great food in a cosy atmosphere. They also have beer paddle tasting.
beer tasting at the Pomonal Wine Estate Grampians Only1invillage
Beer tasting. Why have one when you can have 10? Pomonal Wine Estate Grampians.
dessert Pomonal Wine estate grampians Only1invillage
Desserts use local produce at the Pomonal Wine Estate, Grampians, Victoria.

Grampians Estate Winery – offers big and little snacks. Wine has been produced in the Grampians for over 150 years. Sweets and coffee in a very modern setting. Wine tastings are self guided. This winery is known for its Shiraz and sparkling wines. 

The Grampians winery Grampians Only1invillage blog
The Grampians Estate Winery is just off the main road back to Melbourne. One for the road?
Grampians Estate winery Only1invillage
Award winning Grampians Estate winery. The cellar door offers self guided wine tastings. Also local produce and cheese platters for a bite to eat.

                                        

Places to Eat in the Grampians

We tried a lot of eating places!

The Wickens at the Royal Mail Hotel Dunkeld. A 2 hat restaurant with 3 digit figure prices. A kitchen garden and farm produce with an award winning chef. Degustation menu 190 with matching wines an additional 130. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 they were closed when we  visited. There’s a cheaper version to the fine dining option. The Parker Street Project offers 3 course meals for a more reasonable price. It is now open though!

The Spirit of Punjab Indian restaurant – good Indian food, comfortable chairs. No pictures sorry. Very good value and nice and spicy!

The Views restaurant – rubbish – don’t bother- overly confident reviews on Google. NO atmosphere. Despite the food looking good here, the taste – meh! Overpriced too.

The Views restaurant Halls Gap Only1invillage
The Views restaurant Halls Gap. While it looked good, it was yuk. It also cost over $100. Avoid in our opinion. As it was dinner time, there was no view.

Rock, Paper Scissors brewery – Good cafe bistro meals. 

Paper Rock Scissors Brewery Halls Gap Only1invillage where to eat
Paper Rock Scissors Brewery in Halls Gap. Serves up tasty bistro style dishes like lamb backstrap for a good price.

Sen Vietnamese restaurant connected to Darcy’s restaurant and accommodation. Nothing to write home about. Not great, not awful. Good service and generous portions. Well priced food and alcohol. Not photo worthy we’re afraid.

Halls Gap Hotel Bistro – Good pub grub and good prices to match. Lovely roaring real log fires.

Halls Gap Hotel Bistro Only1invillage
Good old fashioned pub grub at the Halls Gap Hotel Bistro. Great friendly service and open log fires. Just what you need after a Winter’s day hiking.

The old bakery Dunkeld – supposedly the best sourdough in the country!

Dunkeld bakery best sourdough in Australia?Only1invillage
Is it the best sourdough in Australia? That’s what the Dunkeld Bakery says. Come and judge for yourself!

Well, that’s it for our blog on some of the amazing walks you can do in the are near Halls Gap. Known as the northern Grampians, it is an area of outstanding natural beauty. There’s something for everyone here. Drawing visitors from around the world, we do hope we have inspired you to come down, lace up those boots and see some countryside just 3 hours drive from Victoria’s capital city, Melbourne.

bye in the Grampians south from C and J Only1invillage
We sincerely hope you have enjoyed our blog and find it informative. We are happy to report that due to going out of season, for the most part, we were the Only1invillage! Bye for now!

Next time we’ll take on the South, East and West Grampians! It’s bye for now from The Grampians. Christina and Jason. 

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The Grampians 7 days of wonderful walks 88

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Grahams Dam walk Lerderberg State Park

Grahams Dam Walk Lerderderg State Park

An easy walk that everyone will love! There’s lots to see and explore along the river. Lerderderg Grahams Dam Walk is just 3kms long and can be completed in under an hour. A quickie, but a goodie! Remote enough to escape the city with a lovely river and rock escarpment. This walk is uplifting and good for the soul.

native forest and Lerderberg River
Native forest and the Lerderberg River. Even within close proximity to Victoria’s capital, Mlebourne, Lerderberg State Park still has that remote feel to it.

Set near Melbourne’s’ orchard growing area of Bacchus Marsh, Lerderderg State Park has something for every hiker. There’s easy strolls, challenging and 3 day walks. All this variety just 1 hour and 10 minutes away from Melbourne. If you’re coming from the satellite city of Geelong, Lerderberg State Park is just 5 minutes longer, at 1 hour and 15 minutes driving time.

Lerderberg State Park map location
Lerderberg Gorge is centrally located between Geelong and Melbourne in the Moorabool Shire, in Bacchus Marsh.

Check back later when we have completed the East Walk and Cowans Track Loop Walk, complete with European wasps and snakes! For now, we’ll stick to a child friendly walk.

walks information sign at Mackenzie Flat Picninc area
At Mackenzies Flat picninc area, this handy information board details your walk options. There are a surprising number of walks you can do in the Lerderberg State Park.

 

What is there to see and Do on the Grahams Dam Lerderderg Park walk?

Lerderberg State Park is an area of Permian era origins
Surround yourself with fresh air from the native forest on the Grahams Dam Walk in the Lerderberg State Park.

There is a river, which you will cross twice via some giant stepping stones. Hill top scenery overlooks the shimmering river and beautiful native forest, while traversing a sometimes rocky path.

shallow river bed Lerderberg River Lerderberg State Park
On a warm day, head down to the shallow river bed. It’s almost like a mini beach.
beautiful native forest Lerderberg state park
Lose yourself and inhale the fresh air in the beautiful native forest on the Grahams Dam Walk. Hug the paperbark and grey gum trees to your heart’s content. Go on, it’s good for you!

The rocks in the area for keen geologists are composed of tillite, unformed glacial sediments from the Permian era. That’s really old! In addition to the tillite is glacial outwash sandstone and conglomerate. In essence you’re walking on millions of years old land!

Permian era sandstone rock escarpment Lerderberg State park
Massive stone boulders. A reminder of the Permian era. Yep that rock is about 300 million years old!

The “bush” contains many plants native to Victoria. The yellow wattle is particularly beautiful. For a flora of Victoria guide, click here.

Where is the Grahams Dam walk?

Mackenzies Flat Picninc Area sign Lerderberg State Park
Start the easy Grahams Dam Walk from the Mackenzie Flat Picninc area.

The Grahams Dam walk is within the Lerderberg State Park. It is accessed by the flat picnic area called Mackenzie Flat Picnic area. You can’t miss the signs!

Grahams Dam Walk sign Lerderberg State Park
Start the easy walk to Grahams Dam here!

How long will the Grahams Dam walk take?

Under an hour’s return journey. Obviously, if you stop off for a swim and exploration at the shallow river bed, then longer. 

Top Tips for the Grahams Dam walk

When to go: To see the river flowing and cross over the man made stepping stones, Winter and Spring are the best times to go. Otherwise it will be dry in Summer and Autumn.

dry river bed in Summer and Autumn Lerderberg River Lerderberg State Park
If you go in Summer and Autumn, the river bed will be dry.

Car Parks: You park at Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area car park.

There are picnic benches here and a big lawn area too.

Mackenzies Flat picninc area Lerderberg State Park Victoria one hour from Melbourne
It’s flat. It’s a picnic area. It’s named after someone called Mackenzies. A nice spot for a picnic or barbecue. There is a free barbecue like in many Victorian state parks.

Dog friendly: The park is dog friendly, but, unfortunately, this particular walk prohibits your canine friend. Sorry.

Provisions: If you’re planning on a swim in warm weather then a towel will be handy. You don’t really need water as the walk is under an hour, so, you can leave liquids in the car.

Sun protection: Take the usual precautions for the season and your skin type. Check the UV index on your phone.

Shoes: Hiking shoes are not necessary. You will get sand in your shoes, so if you choose to wear sandals, plan in advance. There are parts that you need to go steeply downhill, so shoes with grip are recommended. However, you can get by with running shoes like we did. We don’t recommend flip flops or thongs.

Mobile phone reception is very good to excellent.

rocks, river forest at Lerderberg State Park Grahams Dam walk
What a great quick walk! Forest, river and ancient rocks equals awesome.

Remember to check back soon, when we have completed other walks in the Lerderberg State Park.

Don’t forget if you have done this walk, we would love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment in the section below.

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Don't miss this quick 1hr refreshing Lerderderg Grahams Dam walk 89

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Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airport tuk tuk

Getting to and from Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok

Flying into or out of the Thai capital, Bangkok? Getting to Suvarnabhumi Airport from downtown or Don mueang needn’t be a nightmare. Don’t make rookie mistakes and get ripped off as soon as you land. Avoid being the farang (caucasians) who falls into every tourist trap. Whether you remain smiling in the Land of Smiles, depends on your airport experience.

Want to know how to get to Suvarnabhumi Aiport cheaply, or better still, for free?

Landed at the old airport, Don Mueang and thought you could walk to Suvarnabhumi Airport? Think aga01in. The two airports are no where near each other. You definitely cannot walk. Fear not, however, there is a free, very comfortable bus that transfers you between the two airports.

How to transfer between Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi  Airport

Allow at least four hours between flights when you need to transfer between Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok. Don Mueang is mostly used by the low cost carrier Air Asia. Also Nok Air and Thai Lion Air, use Don Mueang, the old international airport for Bangkok.

After immigration you find yourself contemplating one of two options. You can get a taxi and pay 350 baht to 500 baht or you can get a free bus! If you do get a taxi, make sure you get a Grab Taxi, South East Asia’s answer to Uber.

We will now cover the free transfer service between Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok. The two airports are no where near each other. Don’t even think about walking so you can get a taste of the ‘real Bangkok’!

Get your passport stamped by immigration officials and head to Gate 6 on the same floor. 

transfer between Don Mueang and Suvarnabumhi airport
Getting the transfer bus is very easy. You go to Gate 6 on the same floor you just got your passport stamp from.

You cannot just get on the bus however, even if it is there. You must show your next flight either on a phone or paper to the person behind the counter. Sometimes they will need to see your passport too. Your hand gets stamped and then you may board the bus.

Frequency of the buses between Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi Airport

The bus runs every 12 to 30 minutes. 

transfer between Don Mueang and Suvarnabumhi airport
The transfer timetable between Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi is clearly displayed outside, at the bus stop.

Everything is well signed and the buses run on time. There is even a live screen showing you where the current bus is and an estimated time of arrival. This screen is located just under and to the right of the Gate 6 sign.

Journey time between Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi Airport

We have heard of the journey taking up to 2 hours, but our journey was only 40 minutes. 

The route is along an elevated tollway. Of course, you don’t need to pay anything. The whole service between Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airport is free of charge.

transfer between Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airport
The bus travels along an elevated road. We don’t encounter much traffic and sit back to enjoy the city views!

Inside the free bus between Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi Airport

Inside the bus it is very clean. Bring a jumper or jacket, the air conditioning is ferocious.

transfer between Don Mueang and Suvarnabumhi airport
The air conditioning on the bus is very strong.

Inside the bus, there is plenty of space for luggage. The suitcases can be securely stored in robust metal cages. Bringing a surfboard or a golf bag isn’t a problem either. Our bus was quite empty. If there is a sudden rush we don’t know if standing room is allowed. 

transfer between Don Mueang and Suvarnabumhi airport
At the front of the bus, there is plenty of space for luggage. You don’t need to try and grip the suitcase between your legs!

There are only 23 seats. Each seat has a seat belt! The seats are made of faux leather and are padded which make them quite comfortable.

transfer between Don Mueang and Suvarnabumhi airport
The seats are made of faux leather. You even get a seat belt.
transfer between Don Mueang and Suvarnabumhi airport
The seats on the free transfer bus between Don Mueang Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport has 23 comfortable seats.

Sitting up high you get a good view of the skyscrapers and concrete of Bangkok. If you have visions of temples and padi fields, you won’t see them on this journey between the two airports! Bangkok is a modern metropolis with continual construction projects.

transfer between Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airport
Not a bad way to see the city of angels. Yup that’s what the Thai people call Krungthep. Bangkok to travellers!

All in all, a very impressive free service offered to passengers who need to transfer between Don Mueang and Suvarnabumhi Airport Bangkok. Naturally, the bus runs the reverse route!

Like many South East Asian airports, the shouting and hassle as soon as you exit can be down right frightening. If you’re travelling with children, beware! South East Asian taxi drivers may be small in stature, but, they are very, very persistent!

Hardened backpackers always head to the bus stops or the train station. Some travellers will have booked a transfer with their hotel. Others may book a more formal car, marketed as a limousine. In reality the Mercedes is just an expensive taxi ride. Might as well take a taxi. Forget Uber. Uber doesn’t exist in Bangkok. We always use Grab in South East Asia. Grab is the local alternative to Uber started by two Malaysians who were sick of the overcharging and drivers taking the ‘scenic’ route to make more money.

getting to and from Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airport Bangkok
Grab cars are South East Asia’s answer to Uber. They are privately owned and you never know what you’ll get!

Our top tip for not getting ripped off is to download the app Grab, before you land. You can pay by cash or add a credit card. Grab, like Uber, has now expanded into food deliveries. The ride to downtown Bangkok is about 400 to 600 baht. 

If you have time on your hands, by all means get a bus. Buses are cheap and some will have have fierce air conditioning. Others though will rely on windows for air conditioning! They are run by the company AOT. Fares are 35 baht to most downtown destinations. Getting a bus from downtown Bangkok is much more difficult. We don’t recommend it. Spend the money on a Grab ride share car instead. You don’t want to miss your flight.

getting to and from Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airport Bangkok
Buses are a cheap option getting to downtown Bangkok.

Getting the train to and from Suvarnabhumi Airport

Your next option is to get the train. This can get very crowded, but, of course, you won’t run into any traffic. There are three trains to get you to downtown Bangkok. The airport link train has seats arranged in groups of 4, 2 facing each other. Train times and details can be found here

There is one express train to Phaya Thai station which connects with the BTS (elevated train system) with no stops – Phaya Thai Express Line

Getting to and from Suvarnabumhi Airport Bangkok skytrain only1invillage
The skytrain in Bangkok is an air con heaven! From the airport, you need to transfer at Phaya Thai on the BTS train.

The Makkasan Express Line, you’ve guessed it, stops at Makkasan station.

The SA City Line to Phaya Thai station has 7 stops, Paya Thai, being the last.

getting to and from Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airport Bangkok
Downtown Bangkok is a congested, traffic ridden city. Try to avoid using ground transportation if possible. Stick to the sky train or walk!

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Cradle mountain lake Tasmania

Top 5 things to do do in Tasmania

If you only do 5 things in Tasmania, it has to be on our list. Cradle Mountain, Mona, Salamanca Market, Port Arthur and Freycinet National Park.

Quick Index Tasmania things to do

          

What’s Tasmania famous for?

Tasmania is famous for the Tasmanian devil, jaw dropping scenery and fantastic food.

The Tasmanian devil is a rather ugly looking marsupial. Unfortunately, it is now becoming rarer and rarer to see a Tasmanian Devil in the wild. Your best bet is to visit a conservation project.

Tasmanian devil try and spot one only1invillage
You’ll be really lucky if you spot a Tasmanian Devil in the wild.

Apart from the Tasmanian Devil, Tasmania is famous for food. The culinary delights of Tasmania stem from the fresh produce grown in pristine surroundings. It’s easy to find restaurants and cafes in stunning locations too. Tasmania is a foodie paradise.

Tasmania an eating destination only1invillage 5 must do things
Eating fabulous food in Tasmania often goes hand in hand with great scenery.

Main land Australians and Tasmanians rate the cheese, salmon and beef in particular. There is a particular island that is even further than Tasmania, called King Island, where our favourite blue cheese is from. Fortunately, we don’t have to travel to Tasmania to get Roaring Forties cheese, it is widely available in all supermarkets and markets.

5 things you must do in Tasmania
Walking through unspoiled forests is one thing Tasmania is famous for.

Tasmania is also famous for its rugged beauty. It has marvelous mountains and hills with lush green valleys and lakes. Think of trekking through pristine bushlands and ancient forests.

5 things you must do in Tasmania
Magical carpeted forest floors await discovery in Tasmania.

Crystal clear, freezing water and curved bays also fight for your attention. Spectacular views are waiting for you!

      

Where is Tasmania? Is it part of Australia?

Tasmania map where is Tasmania
Tasmania is sort of south of Melbourne. You can see by the north coast that it used to be part of Australia. New Zealand is red. Indonesia is blue and Papua New Guinea is orange.

Tasmania is part of Australia. There is a running joke that Tasmanians have two heads. We can confirm that they have one head. Tasmania is a separate state, not a separate country!

      

Best time to go to Tasmania

Tasmanian climate and weather

Tasmania has a temperate climate. It experiences 4 seasons. Tasmania’s weather is the opposite of northern Europe and northern America and Canada. When it’s Summer in Tasmania, it’s Winter in the northern hemisphere. When it’s Autumn in Tasmania, it’s Spring in the northern hemisphere. Tasmania is after all, ‘down under’ too.

Australians who live on the mainland, often joke that Tasmania is a separate country. The winters are milder than on the main land and the summers cooler. It rains a lot in Tasmania, which makes for lush green vegetation. The air is also much cleaner!

Right let’s get onto our unmissable 5 things to do in Tasmania list.

      

1 Trek the amazing Cradle Mountain Area

The walking tracks of Cradle Mountain are unmissable in our opinion. There’s something so peaceful and calming when you are surrounded by nature’s beauty. The shores of the lake are perfectly framed by the rugged hills. If you only trek one place in Tasmania, Cradle Mountain has to be on your list of 5 things you must do!

Things to do in Tasmania Cradle Mountain only1invillage
Unmissable thing to do in Tasmania is to walk around Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain. We think we have captured the twin peaks reflection so well!

The walking paths are a mixture of boardwalks and off road trails.

5 things you must do in Tasmania Cradle Mountain walk
Around Dove Lake and the Cradle Mountain area. Elevated and ground board walks allow for a pleasant walk. You don’t need hiking boots.

Along some of the boardwalks you will see the cutest of marsupials, the wombat!

Things to do in Tasmania wildlife native wombat only1invillage
Wombats are surprisingly fast! These cute looking marsupials excrete cubed shape poo. We shit you not! Every single poo a wombat does has six faces. So, if you see cube poo, you know you’re in wombat territory.

There are other walks to do in the Cradle Mountain area such as climbing the peak! But if you only do one, we recommend the Dove Lake Circuit.

      

2 Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay

5 things you must do in Tasmania
White sandy beach at Wineglass Bay in the Freycinet National Park.

Coming in at number 2, is trekking Freycinet National Park. You can cheat and go on a cruise from Coles Bay especially if you have come from Cradle Mountain! Or, you will have to do the hike to get that view. It’s a mere 5kms from Coles Bay!

5 things you must do in Tasmania
A walking map to Wineglass Bay is essential.

For more information in general about the Freycinet area and a clearer map, click here.

      

3 Learn about life as a convict

Modern  ‘white’ Australians are the descendants of convicts, soldiers  and their families sent to Australia from England. There aren’t actually many people who can trace their ancestry back to the ‘First Fleet’ of convicts. It might be seen as a badge of honour nowadays if you could!

5 things you must do in Tasmania
Learn all about gaol life on this remote island. Sarah Island – there was no escape!

We went to two penal areas to see first hand the consequences of stealing food 200 years ago. Due to prison overpopulation in England it landed you on the other side of the world. The first ‘penal colony’ we went to is Sarah Island.

5 things you must do in Tasmania
Get a fascinating insight on life two hundred years ago in a penal colony. Sarah Island was a working island where Huon pine was the main industry. Conditions were cruel and harsh.

Sarah Island is all overgrown now with only ruins remaining.

5 things you must do in Tasmania
There are no intact buildings left at Sarah Island penal colony, Tasmania. The contrast between the surrounding beauty of the wilderness and the harsh life of the convicts is chilling.

We used Gordon River Cruises.

5 things you must do in Tasmania
We arrive on a very different ship to the convict settlement on Sarah Island, Tasmania.

Their package includes a rainforest walk and a boat cruise with lunch. Can’t say no to a bit of history, scenic views, a nature walk and food!

5 things you must do in Tasmania
The view from one of the harshest penal colonies in Tasmania. For prisoners, there was no escape. If you survived this freezing cold swim, there was impenetrable forest to get through next. The view from Sarah Island.

Another great place to soak up the atmosphere of life as a prisoner or soldier is Port Arthur. Port Arthur has a somewhat sobering more modern tragedy too. In 1996 a lone gun man went on a rampage and killed 35 people. An additional 23 people were wounded. After this terrible incident, gun laws were changed and now thankfully, it is extremely difficult for civilians to get any sort of fire arm. The National firearms Agreement has made Australia a safer place.

5 things you must do in Tasmania
Port Arthur penal settlement, Tasmania. From a distance it looks like a majestic historic house.

Port Arthur is now an open air museum. It has many fascinating and well preserved buildings. You can get a real taste of how harsh convict life was here.

5 things you must do in Tasmania
Port Arthur is now an open air museum. The best preserved convict site in Australia!

People often forget that prisoners and guards lived side by side. In addition to this, food had to be grown and animals farmed for food. Today the grounds where apple orchards grow, the produce is used in the 1830 Restaurant and Bar.

Inside the buildings, you can see recreated cells, the governor’s house and many artefacts which have been preserved. Many people love trying on the chains and manacles (the keys are provided!). Port Arthur is a top tourist destination and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.

5 things you must do in Tasmania
Catch a glimpse of the prisoners’ cells in the Port Arthur museum. Bet it wasn’t that clean in real life!
5 things you must do in Tasmania
The kitchen in the governor’s house, Port Arthur, Tasmania.
5 things you must do in Tasmania
Keep that man chained up! Feel the weight of the leg irons used on the prisoners in the Port Arthur penal settlement.

      

Mona 

Tasmania 5 things you must do 97
The Mona is a privately owned museum. It is only 9 years old. Mona is very unique and ‘out there’.

Mona stands for the Museum of Old and New Art. Even if you don’t like art galleries you’ll like this one! It is so unique. We’ve never been anywhere like it.  There are some confronting exhibitions, so, best to check beforehand, especially if you have children! Most people who have been to Mona have positive reviews. The exhibitions constantly change and are fascinating. It’s a really weird mix of aesthetic art. You’ll be using immersive technologies in some of the exhibitions and there’s never a dull moment. Often in the warmer months, there is free music on the extensive grounds.

5 things you must do in Tasmania Mona
The Mona (Museum of New and Old Art) has an enviable water setting. It even has a mini vineyard!
5 things you must do in Tasmania
Some things are just plain weird at the Mona museum! We have no idea what the significance of these ‘hands’ are. If you do, please let us know! Everything at Mona is open to interpretation.

Mona is definitely a conversation starter. You’ll either love it or hate it. Be warned that a lot of the museum is underground. Also many of the exhibitions are in confined spaces, with low lighting or strobe lighting! There’s no middle ground. The owner, David Walsh, wants his museum to stand out and it will certainly stay in your mind.

Don’t listen to us, go and see for yourself!

      

5 Salamanca Markets Hobart

You must time your visit to include a trip to the famous Salamanca Market in Hobart. The market opens on a Saturday at 8.30 am and closes at 3pm. Don’t miss it. It is a foodies’ and craft paradise. Many stalls sell leather goods and you can even buy shoes. The market starts outside Parliament Square and ends outside the art gallery.

5 things you must do in Tasmania Cradle Mountain walk
The Salamanca markets, Hobart are a Saturday sensation. You can find unique food and handicrafts. The perfect place to find that sought after Huon pine chopping board.

A whole street is cordoned off and it’s pedestrians only. You can slowly wander from stall to stall, tasting and touching various goods. If you’re after new clothes or shoes that don’t come from a chain, head on down. There’s also jewellery and souvenirs to browse through. Hand made natural health and beauty products which are vegan friendly can also be bought at the Salamanca market.

Getting to Tasmania

Good news, there’s only 2 options! You will be flying or coming by sea. There’s no bridge you can drive from the Australian mainland from! For us, even though our Melbourne base is only a 2 minute drive to the ferry port, it is sometimes cheaper to fly and then hire a car.

Tasmania 5 things you must do 98
Inside the ‘Spirit of Tasmania’ ferry which leaves from Port Melbourne to Devonport daily. The journey time is about 10 hours. You can bring your car along.

Getting around Tasmania

Your best option is to hire a car, or bring your car on the ‘Spirit of Tasmania’ ferry from Melbourne. Public transport is not great outside the cities of Hobart, Launceston and Devonport. There are some limitations on narrow paths for camper vans and larger vehicles, such as mobile homes.

How long do I need?

You’ll probably want at least 10 days to cover the Only1invillage essential top 5 list. If you’re a hiker, you can easily spend 3-5 days in Cradle Mountain alone.

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