Saturday 26 March 2011

EcoTourism

EcoTourism is responsible travel to fragile, pristine, and at times protected areas by using minimal impact touring principals. This often includes touring in small groups. Tours are designed to allow customers time to reflect and enjoy the environment and wildlife in their natural surroundings.  They also include comprehensive interps of cultural, environmental and historial significance to the area.

The ECO Certification logo is a globally recognized brand designed to assist tourists in choosing a business that will provide a genuine and authentic tour that is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.


"EcoTourism is all about delivering tours that provide an enjoyable experience for our customers that also enhance their knowledge and appreciation of Australia's amazing and diverse landscape and history. We tour in a way that ensures the sights we visit are there for future generations to enjoy."  says  Garry Hamel Head Guide
What we're trying to protect.....

Superb Fairy Wren

Edwards Point Wildlife Reserve 



The Great Otway National Park

Painted Desert a very fragile and beautiful area in SA



Friday 25 March 2011

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a Northern Territory town that is located in the centre of Australia.  Said to be the heart and soul of the outback it has a long history having been established in the early 1900's.


View of Alice from Anzac Hill

Anzac Hill is a popular site as it provides a fantastic view of the town and is a memorial to members of the Australian and New Zealand services who have served in war.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service was started by Dr John Flynne in 1928 and in Alice Springs in 1937. The service  delivers  health care and 24-hour emergency service to those who live, work and travel throughout Australia. Its provided an amazing service over this time so a visit to the Flying Doctor Base is a must.

The National Pioneer Women's Hall of Fame provides insights into the contribution women have made to outback life and makes anyou appreciate the challenges the early pioneers faced.

The Olive Pink Botanical Gardens includes both the gardens and a space where exhibitions are regularly held.
The Alice Springs Desert Park is a must see as it has an enormous selection of the plants and animals found across Central Australian deserts. The park provides an environment where these can be seen, smelt and heard on walking trails showcasing three desert habitats, The Desert Rivers, Sand Country and the Woodland habitat. You can also witness free-flying birds of prey in their live outdoor theatre.



The town is famous for its Aboriginal Art and as a gateway to many iconic sights including Uluru Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon

I'd have to say that if you drew a large circle around Alice Springs you'd include some of the most memorable sights I've seen in Outback NT.


Simpsons Gap West MacDonnell Ranges

Chambers Pillar to the South

Devils Marbels to the North
The marbles are thought to be serpent eggs by local Aboriginals


To find out what's on in Alice Springs you can check this Community calendar

13 day Outback Tour Melbourne to Alice Springs
13 day Outback Tour Alice Springs to Melbourne


Sunday 13 March 2011

Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay is a beautiful seaside village on the Great Ocean Road located approx 190 kilometres south west of Melbourne. With beautiful beaches, rolling hills as a backdrop Apollo Bay is also the gateway to the Great Otway National Park.

View of Apollo Bay from Mariners Falls

The beaches are suitable for swimming and surfing is also popular. Remember to swim between the flags on the patrolled beach. If you're not familar with what we mean by this see this site for beach safety and where to find a patrolled beach. Beach safety information



Fishing is also an option for visitors and there is a commercial fleet that operates out of the marina. You can moor your boat at the marina or purchase fresh seafood from the shop located there.

There are a number of walks located nearby including Marriners Falls a moderate walk taking takes approx 40 minutes from the car park. Depending on the time of the year you may have to wade through some water on the walk.

At the end you're rewarded with lovely moss covered walls and the waterfall. Its refreshing particularly on a hot day.

Marriners Falls

Maits Rest is a short drive from Apollo Bay and during the day provides a lovely rainforest walk. Its particularly enjoyable on a hot day.  A night visit has the bonus of glow worms.

Apollo Bay is also the gateway to the Great Otway National Park where you'll experience beauiful rainforest and see a range of animals in their natural surroundings.


Koala at Cape Otway


Our favourite spot to eat is Bayleaf Cafe which is conveniently located in the main street.



Apollo Bay is also home to the Apollo Bay music festival which is held in April each year. Apollo Bay Music Festival


1 Day Great Ocean Road Private Tour

2 Day Great Ocean Road Private Tour

3 Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Private Tour

3 day Melbourne to Adelaide Private Tour

4 day Melbourne to Adelaide Private Tour