Port Douglas – don’t leave without a fishing adventure!
December 21, 2009 by AussieGuide
Filed under Only In Australia
You’re guaranteed to catch a fish at Port Douglas – just as you’re guaranteed to get seasick on a game fishing boat. This is unquestionably one of the best sport and game fishing locations on the planet.
Port Douglas is nestled between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. It offers hundreds of popular reef and estuary fish species for both sport and table fishing.
The best time of year for game fishing is between October and December. You can expect to see Tuna, Sailfish, Dolphin Fish, Wahoo, Giant Trevally and of course, the formidable Pacific Black Marlin.
Reef fishing is best around June to October. You can expect to catch Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Nannygai (Sea Perch), Cobia, Cod and Mackeral. The charter boats usually go out about 15 – 25 miles off shore for a full day at sea. (Note: some reef areas have fishing restrictions).
River/Estuary fishing has the longest season from October to April. Expect to pull in a barramundi or two (but be warned, there are bag limits). Estuary fishing is calm and relaxed which makes it more suitable for the inexperienced angler and kids.
If you still want more after a long successful day at sea you can fish from the shore. Just follow the locals to their favourite haunts and only use live bait such as prawns, squid and pilchards.
Fraser Island, Queensland – Before You Go
November 29, 2009 by AussieGuide
Filed under Fraser Island, Great Australian Adventures
About 300 kms north of Brisbane lays Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. This island enjoys the company of such notable sites as the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru National Park (the former Ayers Rock), Shark Bay, Kakadu National Park, the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, Wet Tropics of Queensland, Heard and McDonald Islands, and Macquarie Island as a World Heritage listed site. Fraser Island is indeed a gem among gems.
Before you set off to Fraser Island, you will have to do some planning. How are you getting there? If driving any vehicle other than a 4WD, how will you get around the island? Are you going to camp there? If so, plan your camping so that you are booked into the campsites in the areas that you want to visit. Would a commercial tour better suit you?
Easily accessible by vehicle barge, the island has much to explore and experience. Be forewarned, vehicle access to Fraser Island is restricted to 4WD vehicles that must have a vehicle access permit displayed on the windshield prior to on the island. The permits must be bought in advance and are good for one year from the date of purchase. The barge does accommodate foot traffic. If you want, you can rent a vehicle when you arrive but book it ahead.
If you decide that you want to camp on the island, you must have a camping permit. For easy access, the permits are available at a number of outlets as well as online. There are specific areas where you are allowed to camp so make sure that you know where you will be camping and how to get there. Formal campsites have water and toilets, as well as cooking areas. Informal campsites have no amenities. Camps known as walkers’ camps are small areas for walk-ins that are along the fascinating Fraser Island Great Walk. All camping must be in designated camping zones and all campers must have a permit.
The rules for camping are enforced because this is a very sensitive island. Booking your stay in advance is a must otherwise you may find that you have no where to stay. If you intend to have a fire, you must bring your own firewood and it must be milled off-cuts so that there is no introduction of pests or disease onto Fraser Island. Gathering twigs and deadfall on Fraser Island is illegal. If you prefer better amenities than camping can provide, there are a few commercial establishments.
To ensure that you and your family will get the most enjoyment from your visit to Fraser Island, make sure that you have researched it and planned accordingly. Make sure that you take first aid supplies and plenty of drinking water. Neither is available on the island.
Adventures Await In Australia
March 6, 2009 by AussieGuide
Filed under Great Australian Adventures
Ahh, close your eyes for a moment and imagine with me. Magnificent southern beaches, sun baked scopes, lush natural beauty, opaque tropical rainforest, the list goes on and on as to the many things one can explore and discover if they travel to Australia. Although the “best” may mean one to you and something entirely different to someone else, Australia still holds the title as being possibly one of the “best” places in the world to visit. Two common names come to mind for most. That is “The Great Barrier Reef” and the amazing “Sydney Opera House”. This man made marvel and natural wonder are no doubt what puts Australia on the map.
Australia’s natural beauty is one of its greatest attractions. One of a kind wildlife only to be seen in the land of glorious beaches, magnificent sceneries and one of the oldest rainforest provide a panoramic view each and every time you visit Australia. The experiences here are uniquely different than a visit anywhere else.
The immensity and assorted population of both animals and humans attribute to much of Australia’s character. Despite that fact that this county is the sixth biggest in the world, it is scarcely covered by humans. We humans only take up two per square kilometer. Don’t’ let the number of native humans in Australia scare you. Australia offers visitors from all over the world astounding sites only to be seen here.
With its kind flora and fauna like nowhere else on the planet, this country is a fascinating contrast of amazement to visitors. You’ll find that coral reefs stretch from the north to south and east to west inviting you to discover all many fascinating things the hold. You have many choices when you visit Australia. You can engage in water rafting, visit deserts, climb rugged mountain tops or sail the clear blue sea. Whichever activity you choose, an adventure of a lifetime is promised.
All that natural beauty making you sleepy? Don’t close your eyes just yet. When the sun sets on this beautiful country, it buzzes with nightclubs and fresco café’s, as well as live jazz and rock pubs on just about every corner. You can virtually feel the excitement in the air and like most, you’ll be lured to join in on the fun. The cities here hold a unique combination of passion for art and cuisine as well as the relaxed adoration of outdoor sports similar to Europe. Australia accommodates families and small groups as well as singles and romantic couples when staying at some the world’s most luxurious hotels and resorts located here. Each hotel and resort caters to every visitors taste, ensuring that all your needs are met.
Simply said, there is nothing quite like a trip to Australia. With such diversity between the excitement of the cities and the relaxation that only the finest of rainforest can offer, you are sure to have an adventure you won’t soon forget. Being the largest island in the world, the climate is generally agreeable to most visitors making anytime is a great time to make your travel plans.
Fun Facts About Australia
March 6, 2009 by AussieGuide
Filed under Only In Australia
Before you pack those bags and head out for your Australian getaway, take a minute to learn about these fun facts that you are sure to find handy on your memorable vacation. These fun facts are sure to be a hoot that I bet you didn’t know about. So, it’s time to clear your throat and polish up on your Australian accent mate!
There is an array of exotic delicacies to choose from when in Australia. From basic pancakes served during dinner to a meal called the “bush-tucker”. Beware; this dish includes kangaroo, turkey and lizard meat which are popular amongst the locals. Eat it if you dare but, be sure to pack your Tums. When in doubt, pick the pancakes. Breakfast for dinner doesn’t sound too bad now does it?
When in Australia, visitors should be sure to visit the Great Barrier Reef. This reef is the largest in the world. It is a major tourist attraction and for good reason. You can actually mail your postcards directly from the reef itself. The reef has a mailbox that tourist can use when they ferry out to it. How cool is that?
Australia has one of the flattest terrains around and is the only country that takes up the entire continent. No wonder why we get confused. Is Australia is a continent or a country? I don’t doubt that you are aware that Australia has many species of animals but, did you know that there are about 1500 hundred species of spiders in Australia? Yes, I said 1500 hundred. That number is sure to bring out the arachnophobia in all of us. Oh yeah, and the Tasmanian devil’s jaw is just as strong as a crocodile. There go those Looney Toon images where the Tanzanian devil is just running around looking confused. Oh contraire, when they bite down, they mean business. But the koala bears are still cute and cuddly right? Don’t be so sure and don’t distract them from eating their favorite eucalyptus leaves they get really cranky.
It sounds like all fun and games with these facts but, they can prove quite useful when navigating around the country. Don’t be surprised and please don’t complain if you receive a plastic bill. There is no joke being played. You will avoid a potential argument if you simply remember that Australian money is actually made of plastic. Now when it comes to fashion and hairstyles, everyone has their own “flair” sort of speak. If you’re looking to get a trim, I’d advise that you make it very clear as to what you’re expecting in your haircut. The outdated Mullet and Mohawks are common haircuts and considered to be sexy and cool to those in Australia. If not careful you may walk out thinking you got stuck in a time warp.
Going to Australia to party with the locals? Yeah, well I hope you have big wallet. Alcohol is ridiculously expensive landing you in the poor house before you know it. It doesn’t mean that you can drink but, be wary of what you order. If you wish to save some green, you could always try the “goon”. It is much cheaper than the alcohol you are used to but it is still potent. This local “goon” is an Australian wine that is pretty decent considering.
So go ahead and finish packing. Now that you are equipped with some new facts about Australia, you can rest assure you won’t’ get yourself into too much trouble and you won’t die of culture shock. Finding your way shouldn’t be a problem anymore but, you can always rely on a little help from some friendly blokes to point you in the right direction as well.


