Blog Archives

St Kilda Beach

St Kilda Beach – around 5km south of Melbourne’s city centre – is a great place to catch some rays, or if you’re feeling more energetic, go for a swim or rent a bike or a pair of inline skates to cruise the bike path which runs along the beachfront. On Sundays, check out the street market on the Esplanade.

Stockton Sand Dunes

Stockton Beach extends from Port Stephens to Newcastle and is best known for its impressive sand dunes. If you have your own 4WD vehicle you can buy a permit for $10 that allows you to drive on the beach (permit valid for three days), otherwise you will have to take a tour. Dawsons Scenic Tours (tel 0425 213 096) operate 4WD tours on the dunes that cost between $20 and $45.

Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge was designed by John Bradfield – who also designed the Sydney Harbour Bridge – with a cantilever design based on Montréal’s Jacques Cartier Bridge. The Story Bridge Adventure Climb is similar to Sydney’s Bridge Climb; the 2½ hour experience involves a 1km climb route that takes you to a viewing platform 80 metres above the Brisbane River.

Style Surfing

Byron Bay has excellent beginners waves and it’s a popular spot to learn to surf.

Style Surfing runs beginners lessons where you can learn to surf in a small group with prices starting at $60 for a beginners lesson. Two-day ($105), three-day ($150) and five-day packages are also available.

You can book lessons with Style Surfing at the Quiksilver Surf Store on Jonson Street.

Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY)

Sunshine Coast Airport has flights to most major destinations in Australia making it a viable alternative to Brisbane Airport. The airport is about 10km north of Maroochydore on the way to Noosa. Airport shuttle buses run from the airport to destinations up and down the Sunshine Coast. Sun-Air Bus Services goes to most areas of the Sunshine Coast including Maroochydore ($20), Caloundra ($34) and Noosa ($25). Henry’s Airport Shuttle also goes to Noosa ($25).