http://RealAdventures.com/vacations/2510_explorer-australia.htm Check out some of the recently updated travel & vacation listings on RealAdventures. Be inspired, go explore! en-us Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:06:54 GMT Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:06:54 GMT http://RealAdventures.com http://RealAdventures.com/vacations/2510_explorer-australia.htm 100 100 http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1184089_Bathurst-The-Racing-the-Rush-and-the-Relics http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1184089_Bathurst-The-Racing-the-Rush-and-the-Relics Articles Australia Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:08:44 Bathurst is the perfect option for campervan holiday makers wishing to see the New South wales countryside without venturing too far away from Sydney. Its only a 207 kilometre drive inland a drive that takes you through the Blue Mountains and past -
Bathurst is the perfect option for campervan holiday makers wishing to see the New South wales countryside without venturing too far away from Sydney. Its only a 207 kilometre drive inland a drive that takes you through the Blue Mountains and past


Bathurst is the perfect option for campervan holiday makers wishing to see the New South wales countryside without venturing too far away from Sydney. Its only a 207 kilometre drive inland a drive that takes you through the Blue Mountains and past some spectacular feature. Along the way you can allow yourself to be side tracked to some of the states most impressive views, including Echo Point, the Three Sisters and Evans Lookout. Once in Bathurst you cannot help but be charmed by its range of historical attractions or impressed by its sporting significance and heritage. Its a great base from which to explore countless surrounding attractions in your motorhome, and the friendly country folk are sure to make you feel welcome.

With a growing population of over thirty thousand people, Bathurst is an important regional and administrative centre. Being Australia's oldest inland city, this isnt exactly a new phenomena Bathurst has been a pretty important spot since the first settlers made their way over the Blue Mountains and made themselves at home on the banks of the Macquaire River in the 1820's. As you'd expect from a place with such a rich history, there are plenty of heritage buildings that attract a lot of interest from tourists, and if youre into fine architecture indulging in the past, then give them a look.

The most distinguished of these buildings is undoubtedly the Courthouse, regarded as 'one of Australia's finest examples of Victorian Public Architecture' by the National Trust. It was built in 1880, and the entire East Wing is now a Historical Society Museum where you can view Aboriginal artefacts. When youre done there head across to William Street to see some fantastic old churches. The Methodist complex was built in 1860 out of red bricks to a gothic revival design, and just down the street you will see the Catholic Church which opened in 1861. Its all pretty pleasant scenery for a leisurely stroll.

When most people in Australia think Bathurst motor racing is the first thing that will spring to mind. Bathurst and the Mt Panorama circuit here are considered the capital of Australian Touring Car racing... the infamous Bathurst 1000 happens here every year, for which viewers flock from all over the country. Mount Panorama is actually a public road for most of the year, and is just closed off for races and meets. This means you can experience its twists and turns for yourself in your campervan... albeit at 60 kilometres per hour! No visit to Bathurst is complete without a visit to Mt Panorama, and while there spend some time in the Motor Racing Hall of Fame, which has a collection of motorcycles and cars that have won past races, as well as photographs, videos and other memorabilia.

When youve had your fill of the racing world then hop into your motorhome and make the pleasant 72 kilometre drive south to the Abercrombie Caves, where you will be stunned and dazzled by these subterranean geological formations and their unique displays of stalactites and stalagmites. The most famous feature here is the Archway, the largest natural arch in the southern hemisphere. Its size is immense, over 220 metres long and 30 metres high, and a 1.4 kilometre round trip will take you to all the points of interest on it. There are other caves too, such as the Bushrangers Cave and King Solomons Temple.

The Bathurst region also played a telling part in the Gold Rush of the 1850's, as gold was discovered in a creek here and attracted panners in their thousands. A visit to the Bathurst Goldfields is an informative way to get in touch with the Gold Rush history, and also gives you the opportunity to pan for your own gold and do other fun activities. Otherwise on your drive through the region you will no doubt see many towns that are remnants of the Gold Rush days, such as Tuena, which is 17 kilometres south of the Abercrombie caves. Each year at Easter time a Gold Rush festival is held here, which attracts in excess of 2000 people to the modest town!

As you can see the diversity of attractions in and around Bathurst are what makes a visit to the city memorable. Whether youre a sports buff, a history nut or just want to experience the beautiful New South Wales countryside, you will find your perfect break here. Campervan travel is a very popular way of seeing the region, so why not book your camper through Discovery and experience Bathurst for yourself!
Details & Reservations: Bathurst The Racing, the Rush and the Relics
RealAdventures | Australia Articles

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1183980_Glen-Innes-Celtic-Heritage http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1183980_Glen-Innes-Celtic-Heritage Articles Australia Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:07:49 Draped in a quilt of green meadows and lush forests, the rolling hills stretch to the horizon where they join with the clear blue sky to create a contrast of colours as interesting as the history of this lush region. This is the countryside on the no -
Draped in a quilt of green meadows and lush forests, the rolling hills stretch to the horizon where they join with the clear blue sky to create a contrast of colours as interesting as the history of this lush region. This is the countryside on the no


Draped in a quilt of green meadows and lush forests, the rolling hills stretch to the horizon where they join with the clear blue sky to create a contrast of colours as interesting as the history of this lush region. This is the countryside on the northern tablelands of New South Wales in Australia, a place of beauty and of intrigue, a place where the Celtic heritage of the people of Glen Innes is celebrated and revered, and a place that offers up innumerable treasures to be explored on your campervan holiday.

With a population of just over 6000 people, Glen Innes and its surrounding Severn Shire are a fairly average sized country town. In fact you would find many things you would expect of country towns the friendly faces, the pretty scenery and the outdoorsy lifestyle. The different thing about Glen Innes is that it is the Celtic Capital of Australia, a heritage they have fostered here since the first Scottish settlers arrived 50 years after Australia was first settled. In tribute to this heritage the Australian Standing Stones were built, a solar aligned array of 40 granite rocks Modelled on the Ring of Brodgar in the Orkneys and similar to the ones ancient Celtic festivals were held around.

These Standing Stones are unique in a number of ways for a start they are the only ones of their kind built in the world in the last 3500 years. What makes them especially unique is the Crofters Cottage next door, a cafe crossed with a giftshop that serves up traditional Celtic fare... very tasty and highly recommended! Around the stones every year over the May Day Public Holiday weekend Glen Innes has a Celtic Festival of its own. The Australian Celtic Festival is a celebration of the Celtic heritage of the region, and it has become renowned for its colourful exhibits, non stop entertainment and general all round appeal. Celtic artists from Australia and overseas play traditional music and everyone gets involved in a bit of traditional dancing. Theres stuff for the kids, theres stuff for the parents, theres market stalls, theres strongman events... theres everything really. Its a festival thats getting bigger and bigger, and if you can make your visit to Glen Innes coincide with it you will not be disappointed.

But there is more to Glen Innes and the Severn Shire than just the Celtic heritage. This is 'big sky' and there is lots of amazing places to visit in your motorhome. A high rainfall region with a generally cool climate combined with fertile soils makes this prime wine producing country, and there are over 50 wineries between here and the Queensland border. The Wright Robertson Winery lies 20 km south of town, and was one of the first to be established in the area. This family owned winery relies on organic farming methods, and a visit to their cellar door is an enlightening opportunity to taste and buy some very respectable wine.

Luckily a lot of this countryside is protected by National Park, and there are a number of Parks you can reach from Glen Innes that make for a good days outing, or longer if you wish to stay longer. If thick, lush rainforests are your thing then head east for 78 kilometres along the Gwydir Highway's World Heritage Way and you will reach Washpool National Park, which is the last remaining wilderness rainforest in NSW. Steep gorges are criss crossed by crystal clear creeks, and you are able to experience the worlds largest stand of coachwood trees. There are two camping grounds in the park, so you can stay as long as you like, and there are other designated picnic areas as well.

Fishermen too will be in their element in Glen Innes, with the local waters famed for harbouring the elusive Murray Cod. Other species such as rainbow trout, yellow belly and silver perch will keep the discerning angler content. A great thing about a campervan holiday to Glen Innes is that its an easily accessible destination, and whichever direction you drive to it from there is lots to see. Four hours from Brisbane and seven hours from Sydney, you can pick up your motorhome in either of these spots and enjoy seeing the sights and sounds of the Australian countryside on your drive to Glen Innes.
Details & Reservations: Glen Innes Celtic Heritage
RealAdventures | Australia Articles

]]>