66-68 Jeffcott Street, West Melbourne, Victoria 3003
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Planning a getaway to restart your life after the pandemic? Great idea! Why not plan for a road trip, especially in Australia since it has some spectacular routes and scenic drives as you traverse this large island continent? A road trip will also give you an opportunity to revive long-standing relationships with friends whom you have been social distancing from recently. And, you can do this while taking in the awe-inspiring scenes, hidden natural wonders, and some out-of-the-way places which can only be reached via a road! What is more, a road trip does away with the tedious tasks of extreme budgeting, applying for visas, considering travel restrictions, and embarking on a long flight to reach your destination. It allows you to travel at your own pace, it can nicely work out on a limited budget, and there is no fuss on what to wear – comfort-wear is the way to go! Most importantly, it enables you to create your own unique route while traveling. Road trips are a convenient way for you to travel with your friends after Covid-19 and it is expected to rise with domestic travel will begin to recover first. To help you plan for your next road trip, here are 10 best road trips in Australia! via GIPHY 1. The Great Ocean Road, Victoria Image Credit: Mateusz Glogowski on Unsplash This is one famed road trip route taking you across the southern coast of Australia from between Torquay and Warrnambool, Allansford, or a little further to Port Fairy in Victoria. The Great Ocean Road, completed in 1932 as a First World War memorial, showcases breath-taking clifftop vistas, wildlife, shipwrecks, and the never-ending coastlines while passing through quaint towns and rain forest. Things to do and see: Bells Beach, 12 Apostles, Erskine Falls, Apollo Bay, Port Campbell National Park, Loch Ard Gorge, the Island Archway, the cliff-face Gibson Steps, Cape Otway lighthouse, Great Otway National Park, Lorne, Anglesea, Peterborough, the historic fishing village of Port Fairy, and many delicious eateries along the way. Time frame: The route is about 9.5 hours (approximately a 250-kilometre drive). So, a day-trip is possible and done often if you want to enjoy only the passing scenery. But the best way to take in all the sights and sounds and venture further afield is a three to four-day road trip along these most famous road trip routes. 2. The Great Beach Drive, Queensland Image Credit: Tim Foster on Unsplash; You can get a nice view of the beautiful sunrise at Hervey Bay while on this route. For those of you living in Queensland, you need not go too far to catch some scenic views and some of the best routes for a road trip. The Great Beach Drive is the famed road trip on some of the Sunshine Coast’s most stunning beaches leading to Fraser Island and the Fraser Coast while meandering through UNESCO Heritage sites, national parks, and many historically significant landscapes. While traversing this most wonderful of road routes, you will be privy to whale, dolphin, turtle, platypus, kangaroo, and rare bird sightings. Don't miss out on the Hervey Bay; you can get a nice view of the beautiful sunrise and sunset here! Things to do and see: Noosa Biosphere, Great Sandy Biosphere, wildlife sightings, picnics, camping inside national parks, off-road driving, Double Island Point lighthouse, Hervey Bay, Teewah beach, Rainbow beach, surfing, kayaking, swimming, Great Barrier Reef, hiking and trekking, and Fraser Island - the largest sand island in the world. Time frame: The route is about 168 hours (a 380-kilometre drive). Take a three to seven-day road trip along the Great Beach Drive or even longer, depending on how long you want your getaway trip to be and what you want to explore with your friends. 3. The Grand Pacific Drive, New South Wales Image Credit: Mara Page on Unsplash; The Grand Pacific Drive will lead you to some of the iconic places in Australia such as the whitest sand beach, Hyams beach at Jervis Bay. For those in New South Wales, the Grand Pacific Drive will lead you along some of the territory’s most memorable places and coastal scenes through a 140-kilometre bitumen road. Things to do and see: Sydney’s Royal National Park, Wollongong, Shellharbour, Sea Cliff Bridge, booming blowholes at Kiama, Austinmer Beach, Nan Tien Temple, hang-gliding, paragliding Minamurra Rainforest, whitest sand beaches in the world at Jervis Bay, and Jamberoo Action Park. Timeframe: The route is just a few hours (approximately a 140-kilometre drive) and an ideal one-day road trip for anyone from Sydney, Canberra, or other neighboring areas. However, there is nothing to stop you from making this road trip a longer vacation by staying over in any one of the towns or reserves along the way. 4. Great Alpine Road, Victoria Image Credit: Linda Xu on Unsplash; Experience the beauty of lush mountains at Mount Buffalo National Park Another scenic drive starts off at Wangaratta in Victoria and traverses through the Victorian High Country and ends at Metung in the Gippsland Lakes region. The Great Alpine road trip will stun you with its fabulous Alpine scenes, mountain ranges, deep valleys, wine country, and sparkling waterways. This route will let you revel in the beauty of the mountains while enjoying some relaxation time with close friends whether you live in New South Wales or in Victoria! Things to do and see: Be inspired and rejuvenated by the lush mountains and rain forests, Mount Buffalo National Park, Gorge Lookout at Mt Buffalo, unique rock formations, and waterfalls. You can also try activities like mountain biking, trekking, and horse riding with your friends. Drive through Victoria’s highest alpine village, and view the 1,750 meter above sea-level Mt Hotham. Don't forget to visit towns such as Beechworth, Bright, and Omeo to experience the local hospitality. Time frame: The road trip is approximately 500 kilometres and best enjoyed through a week where you can take in the scenes and enjoy the local hospitality. 5. Cairns to Cape York Peninsula, Queensland Image Credit: Photo by Pierre-Henry de Soria on Unsplash; Drop by the Palm Cove while on this route, and spend some time with your friends, catching up. A Sunshine Coast epic journey is the road trip starting from Cairns and ending at the Cape York Peninsula. While this route is not common, unlike the Cairns to Cape Tribulations road trip, it will take you through the World Heritage-listed, Great Barrier Reef to the ancient World Heritage Daintree National Park across red sand, rain forests, many national parks, indigenous history and culture, and scenic views like no other. While the drive is said to be bumpy and does not boast much comfort, it is a once in a lifetime adventure and a chance to experience a simple lifestyle! Things to do and see: Palm Cove, Port Douglas, Daintree National Park, river crossings, ancient rock art at The Quinkan Galleries at Laura, rainforests, Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, camping, Lakefield National Park, traverse the Old Telegraph Track, and walk to The Tip – the northern most point of Australia. Time frame: The route is about 14 hours (approximately a 1,000-kilometre one-way drive). Considering the dirt roads, raw terrain, and the need to do a round trip while exploring places and experiences the region, a minimum two-week road trip is called for. If you really are short on time, consider a one-way drive and return by air. 6. Gibb River Road, Western Australia Image Credit: jancolaco from Pixabay; Enjoy the Kimberley gorges on the Gibb River Road. Western Australia’s Gibb River Road is another epic Australian road trip route for the adventurous. This route beginning and ending from Derby to Wyndham, or vice versa, will take you through the Kimberley region. Traveling through the outback on dusty roads will require a four-wheel drive, but the journey will take you through national parks, waterfalls, plateaus, gorges, natural wonders and lets you soak in the 50 to 60 thousand-year-old indigenous Australian culture. Things to do and see: Crocodile sighting; Windjana Gorge National Park; Mitchell Falls and Mitchell Plateau; El Questro; ziplining; King Leopold Ranges; visit outback cattle stations; compare and contrast between the Adcock, Manning, Galvans, Leonard, and Bell Gorges; Zebedee Springs; and Tunnel Creek. Time frame: Approximately a 660-kilometre route with only two roadhouses along the way – at Imintji and Mt Barnett. An ideal road trip would be a week-long, and more if you plan to stay and visit some out of the way places. Be prepared with extra fuel which can be expensive to purchase. 7. Red Centre Way, Northern Territory Image Credit: Philippe Wuyts on Unsplash; Kings Canyon, a must-visit to enjoy spectacular views! The Northern Territory’s Red Centre Way is another epic and very cliched Australian road trip over sealed and unsealed roads. The route takes you through several mountain ranges, red earth deserts, isolated rocks, fresh swimming holes, ancient Aboriginal rock art sites, and historic towns. So, get ready for one epic Australian outback road trip experience! Things to do and see: Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, and West MacDonnell ranges; walking and hiking; Finke Gorge National Park; Watarrka National Park, the only place to see the red cabbage palm; the spirited lands of mulga forest; and the spinifex. Time frame: A loop route of about 1,135 kilometres starting at Alice Springs and taking you through Uluru and Kings Canyon is a 5 to 6-day road trip. 8. The Nullarbor Plain, South Australia to Western Australia Image Credits: Simon Maisch on Unsplash; Create unforgettable memories with your friends here at Nullarbor, South Australia If you are living somewhere in South or Western Australia, consider taking the Nullarbor Plain road trip which stretches across Ceduna/Adelaide in South Australia and Perth in Western Australia. While quite remote, the desert highway is an easy route meandering through the goldfields of Western Australia and the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. If you enjoy off-road driving, then use a four-wheel drive to ride through wide-open spaces, sand dunes, and wooded hills while re-hashing some legendary UFO stories and old-time myths with friends. Things to do and see: Bragging rights to having seen and driven on the largest piece of limestone on earth; strange landscapes which the Nullarbor Plain is renowned for; wildlife such as giant wedge-tailed eagles, emus, kangaroos, dingoes, and camels; whale watching beneath the world's longest line of sea cliffs; the world’s longest golf course; unique caves; riding over sand dunes; ruins of Eucla Telegraph Station built in the 1870s; and camping under the starlit skies. Time frame: An ideal 6-day road trip of 1,256 kilometres which requires some preparation due to it being remote. So, carry enough fuel, water, and other essential supplies. 9. Heritage Highway, Tasmania Image Credit: Samuel Scrimshaw on Unsplash; Rural Building at Tasmania, Australia. Living in Tasmania? No worries… This little island has quite a few road trips on offer from the Tassie Loop, to the route from Hobart to Freycinet, and of course the famed Heritage Highway. The Heritage highway which runs between Hobart and Launceston is a 200-year-old road built by convict road gangs in the 1800s. The highway meanders through some scenic views of farmlands, Georgian villages, grand rural estates and the authentic scenes of Tasmania’s historic midlands. Things to do and see: Visit the towns of Oatlands, Longford, Evandale, Cressy, and Perth; enjoy some gourmet food; Heritage Highway Museum and Visitors Centre in Campbell Town; Shene Estate & Distillery; and the Chauncy Vale Wildlife Sanctuary. Time frame: A short 2 to 3 days road trip of approximately 200 kilometres. 10. The Big Lap, Australia Image Credit: Martyna Bober on Unsplash; Visit the Bondi Beach at Sydney, one of the most famous beach destinations. Last but certainly not the least… we have “The Big Lap”, a spectacular adventure around the entire country. Try this fabulous road trip of 15,000 kilometres using Highway One around the edge of Australia as you take in the changing scenes and landscapes of the country’s diverse territories and mixed natural environs. The big lap route will take you through seven capital cities, ride through rain forests and the red earth deserts, cruise along the coastline, and enjoy the vast emptiness of the outback. Things to do and see: Everything and anything that you fancy from the coastline between Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Broome, Perth, Esperance, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Hobart. Time frame: To truly experience the big lap, you will need at least six months, so, consider this a final hurrah kind of road trip adventure! In ending this article, let me say that depending on the amount of time you have for a vacation, some of these road trip routes can be combined with some fun activities to make it a super adventure. So, take this chance; do not agonize about limited overseas travel, but instead, make the most of exploring your own country and enjoying a relaxing, fun-filled time with your friends! Don't forget to download the HalalTrip App, here, for more travel tips, prayer times and Qibla Direction, and many more! via GIPHY...
The COVID-19 situation has placed some business on a halt, some may have even closed their doors. We have seen how entertainment centers, tourist attractions, zoos, and even museums were affected by this outbreak. There is no denying that technology has made life simpler, making us feel that the world is at our fingertips. As travel bans have been imposed all around the world, you may have heard about virtual traveling. Exploring the world at the comfort of your home might not give you the best experience but think about its convenience; you don't have to deal with the crowd! Even better, some of these tours are free! From the deepest part of the world to local zoos to historical and art museums; there's an abundance of virtual tours made available for you. Can't travel to visit these iconic museums? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are 10 best virtual museum tours you need to check out in 2020! via GIPHY 1. The British Museum, London Image Credit: Ryan Stefan on Unsplash The British Museum in London was opened in 1759 and was the first national public museum in the world. You can learn about human histories and culture dated way back to over two million years.There are several ways for you to enjoy these historic artifacts. Explore the virtual museum tours through Google Street View. You can visit up to 60 over galleries like the Egyptian sculpture gallery and The World of Alexander. You can also view an infographic timeline of each artifact through History Connected. You can easily read through the facts or even listen to the audio made available. It is very informative and must not be missed by all history buffs! For those of you who had always dreamed of visiting this museum, this is your chance. And the best part is, it's free! Website 2. The Broad, Los Angeles Image Credit: Tu Tram Pham on UnsplashThe Broad in Los Angeles features contemporary art from the 1950s to the present. With almost 2,000 pieces of artwork, you can find collections from influential contemporary artists like Andy Warhol and Yayoi Kusama.Get inspired by the effort made by The Broad to bring this wonderful experience to you at home. Watch one of The Broad's famous installations, Yayoi Kasuma's Infinity Mirrored Room, over some lights and sounds environment. If you want to find activities you can do with the kids, get inspired through the family workshops at home series. It contains step-by-step tutorials that you can enjoy with your family. If you can't get over the Infinity Mirrored Room, then you can learn how to create one from one of the videos.Website 3. National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Image Credit: Mitchell Luo on Unsplash National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia, is one of the oldest museums to exist in the country. Founded in 1861, you can find artworks from both local and international artists, ranging from contemporary art, fashion, architecture, and dance.Fans of KAWS, you no longer have to feel disappointed about missing this exhibition. Now available via virtual tours, head down to the website to visit KAWS: Companionship in the Age of Loneliness exhibition. Other exhibitions you can visit virtually includes the 'Japanese Modernism' and 'Keith Haring | Jean-Michel Basquiat: Crossing Lines.' The latter exhibition is worth visiting as you can listen to the audio tour by the curator himself. Wonderful isn't it? Website 4. National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul Image Credit: National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art has established four museums in different venues; Gwacheon, Deoksugung, Seoul, and Cheongju. It is one of the most famous museums in Korea that showcases Korea's art and culture. The four museums are unique; each showcasing different aspects of art and culture in Korea but are geared towards a common goal which is to provide a rewarding cultural experience to visitors. You can find various artworks ranging from literature to calligraphy, architecture to design, and family-oriented space and children's museum.One of the ways you can enjoy a tour around the museum is through the official website. You can watch tour videos on Jonathan Borofsky's Singing Man or Kim Whanki's Two Moon. Meanwhile, on Google Art & Culture, you can view more collections from renowned artistes or even go on a virtual tour on all levels.Website 5. Musée d’Orsay, Paris Image Credit: Armand Khoury on Unsplash Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France, holds French artworks dated way back in 1848 to 1914. These artworks range from painting, sculpture, furniture, and photographs. Fans of impressionist will find solace in this museum, witnessing artworks from renowned painters like Monet and Van Gogh.As Musée d’Orsay used to be a railway station, you may catch a glimpse of its history through an online exhibition called From Station to the Renovated Musée d'Orsay. Apart from that, get inspired by the canvas painting and oil painting made available for you in Google Art & Culture. You can now enjoy the artworks from this exhibition in the comfort of your home!Website 6. China Paper Cutting Museum, Yangzhou Image Credit: China Paper Cutting Museum on Discover China The China Paper Cutting Museum in Yangzhou holds a diverse collection of paper-cutting arts from around the country. With almost 400 pieces of artwork, its genre ranged from landscapes, birds and flowers, and plants, and insects. Paper-cutting art has always been important to Chinese folk culture. These delicate and detailed arts may leave you in awe and keep you inspired in many ways.You can view the artwork virtually from local artistes via the online exhibitions made available. If you wanna try making some paper cutting art, how about watching the online exhibition called 'The Art of Cutting Paper by Zhang Muli?' All you need is just a pair of scissors and some paper. Time to get crafty! Website 7. Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts, Kyoto Image Credit: Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts The Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts, also known as Fureaikan, features Kyoto's traditional crafts. With almost 500 collections ranging from Kimonos, lacquerwares, and textiles, there is always something to see and learn on Kyoto crafts.The traditional garment Kimono has always featured beautiful and intricate designs. Learn its history from the online exhibition, 'The Ancient History Making and Wearing a Kimono' and 'Historical Development of Kimono Pattern'. The beautiful textiles of a Kimono will leave you in awe, as you learn to appreciate them more given that the time and effort it takes to make the textiles can be excruciating. Website 8. Singapore Art Museum, Singapore Image Credit: The Singapore Art Museum The Singapore Art Museum is dedicated to contemporary art based in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Whether the museum is closed for major transformation or due to the COVID-19 situation, you can still visit the museum and view the exhibitions virtually. Singapore Art Museum has been an organizer for the Singapore Biennale in four different years. If you missed it, you may get the chance to view the last years' collections in the online exhibition 'Singapore Biennale 2019: Every Step in the Right Direction.' You can also go on a virtual walk in the museum and explore all levels that are made available.Website 9. National Museum of Natural Science, Taichung Image Credit: National Museum of Natural Science on Taichung Travel Net If you want to skip the art and history, or if you are just into nature and science, then this museum is for you! The National Museum of Natural Science in Taichung, Taiwan, covers exhibitions like astronomy, space science, and ecology. With over 50 permanent exhibitions to look out for, there is always something for everyone to learn from, be it adults or children.As one of the most visited museums in Taiwan, there shouldn't be a reason to skip this museum especially when you can visit it virtually!. Run through the 100 specimens of different departments; geology, botany, zoology, and anthropology in this online exhibition. You will never leave this virtual tour without learning something new, we promise! Website 10. Fubon Art Foundation, Taipei Image Credit: Fubon Art Foundation Fubon Art Foundation may be a little different from the rest of the museums on this list. Its aim is to promote art education and support art-based events. To incorporate art into one's lifestyle, it is not necessary to visit a museum or a gallery. Hence, "Very Fun Park" is established where people can experience art from the streets and alleyways in the city.Don't be sad if your trip to Taiwan is canceled, and you can't witness these awesome artworks. Now, you can navigate through the online galleries and view the various installations from different contemporary visual artists. The colorful and unique installations are interesting to look at; it makes you want to witness them in real life too!Website If you think that you can't experience new things without leaving your house, then you are wrong! This list of virtual museum tours will occupy your time, give you some inspiration, relax your mind, and perhaps, allow you to learn something new. If these museums piqued your interest, then you can include them in your itinerary the next time you are traveling! via GIPHY...
As November looms around the corner, we are already on the homestretch of 2018! It doesn’t matter if you’ve had a fantastic year or not because we can always look forward to a new year full of hope and possibilities! Some of you have probably booked a flight for your year-end trip and just counting down the days to that long-awaited vacation. While waiting, you should try planning for great weekend getaways in 2019! Great news: There are FOUR LONG WEEKENDS spread out across the year, making sure you'll always have that well-deserved break! Plan for your long weekend trips with our travel inspirations: 10 Muslim & Children Friendly Destinations To Visit in 2019! GOOD FRIDAY (19 - 21 April) Krabi, Thailand This is the perfect time to visit Krabi because it is just before the monsoon season where blackouts are a norm. This is your chance to relax on the beautiful beaches, go island hopping, indulge in dirt-cheap body massages, and feast on awesome Thai street food! If you prefer to live near Ao Nang beach, Ao Nang Princeville Resort is the place for you! Completely Muslim-friendly, this resort offers halal dining options so you never have to worry about finding halal food. Definitely a great place to stay because of its central location! In fact, this resort offers convenient Spa services, a restaurant, outdoor pool, hot tub, and a sun deck—perfect for lazy days! Address: 164 Rural Road Krabi 1010, Krabi Chang Wat Krabi 81180, ThailandContact: +66 75 637 971 VESAK DAY (18 - 20 May) Jakarta, Indonesia Picture: University of Melbourne Jakarta is a beautiful, bustling city that is great for a quick weekend getaway. Sometimes, we all need a shopping holiday and this is just the perfect place to get everything done under one roof! The iconic roundabout at the Selamat Datang Monument is the place for all things convenient because right beside it lies Plaza Indonesia, a shopping heaven for locals and tourists alike! For accomodation, you can stay at the Grand Hyatt Jakarta right next to Plaza Indonesia. Take as much rest as you can in their classy rooms so you have sufficient energy to shop till you drop right after. This grand hotel is decked with luxurious furnishings that will make you feel like royalty. They have all the amenities in place to ensure that you are comfortable throughout your stay. They offer a fitness center, room service, outdoor pool, laundry service, a spa, and even an airport shuttle! Address: Jl. M.H. Thamrin No.Kav. 28-30, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10350Contact: +62 21 29921234 NATIONAL DAY & HARI RAYA HAJI(9 August - 12 August) Bandung, Indonesia Picture: OhFact! Coincidentally, National Day and Hari Raya Haji fall on the same weekend so this means that we are rewarded another long weekend. However, this time it's an even longer one that lasts for FOUR DAYS! Bandung is definitely perfect for a four-day getaway because it has so much to offer. Since we have covered beach destinations and shopping paradise so far, let’s head for some nature time as you bask in the beautiful landscapes that Bandung has to offer! Bandung is home to magnificient mountains, gorgeous green landscapes and many more natural tourist attractions such as Lake Patenggang—a picturesque lake with stunning views. Picture: GH Universal Hotel Bandung You’ve probably seen the GH Universal Hotel circulating around the internet—an architectural beauty right in the heart of Bandung with European-style (more accurately, Italian Renaissance) furnishings. You should try staying at this hotel at least once. You will feel like royalty from the moment you step into this beautiful plush accomodation. This hotel is fully equipped with an outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, a patisserie (yes, desserts!), a rooftop bistro offering majestic panoramic views of the city, and yes—airport shuttle! Address: Jl. DR. Setiabudhi No.376, Cidadap, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat 40143Phone: +62 22 2010388 DEEPAVALI (26 - 28 October) Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Picture: Consolato Generale Take a step back into history during your trip to this city. Ho Chi Minh City has so much to offer in terms of historical monuments. Make sure you set aside a day to see the Cu Chi Tunnels (and crawl in one too!) that the Vietnamese used during the Vietnam war. You should also visit Mekong Delta and marvel at the beautiful rivers while sipping a fresh coconut drink on a small boat. For café-lovers, this is a city filled with affordable cafes! Simply take a stroll down the city and you will find great cafes offering really refreshing coffees (yes, Vietnamese coffee) for your caffeine needs. Do visit the Café Apartments along the Saigon Walking Street. This historical building used to be a home to government and military personnels (also the only building that wasn’t bombed) but is now a hipster haven full of eclectic cafes. You will be greeted with majestic views of the city from the café balconies as you sip some good old Vietnamese coffee. Perfect for a late-night wind-down. Picture: Ostrovok This is a crowd favourite hotel because it is right next to Ben Thanh Market (The place to go to for your grocery needs and night market!) as well as the Malaysian Street. The Malaysian Street is packed with halal food options from Malaysian food to authentic Vietnamese food. You will be happy to know that some diners even offer free food delivery services right to your hotel! The hotel offers a spa, a fitness centre, and airport shuttle for your convenience. There are also a few major mosques nearby. Address: 289-291 Lý Tự Trọng, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, VietnamContact: +84 28 3828 2888 Start planning and get yourself ready to explore all these amazing getaway destinations in 2019! Read more about destinations to visit in 2019...
If you’re on the lookout for a destination that offers diversity in all aspects, South Australia’s magnificent Limestone Coast is a newly discovered gem. With its pristine beaches and breath-taking coastline, vibrant wetlands, unique ecosystem and variety of wildlife, saltwater lagoons, ancient volcanoes and stunning scenery, labyrinth of World Heritage-listed caves, great seafood, picturesque seaside towns the Limestone Coast is filled to the brim with a wealth of opportunities and experiences you’re sure to remember for a lifetime! Stretching from the beautiful Coorong National Park, along the Southern Ocean to the Victorian border, the undeniably special region also happens to be the ultimate self-drive destination. With so much to do, see and discover on the Limestone Coast, we can’t think of a better way to truly savour all of it, than a road trip! The journey there is sure to be as incredible as the destination itself. With the Limestone Coast located halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide, you can either drive in from either of the destinations, or a great option - one of our personal favourites - is to fly into Mount Gambier on REX. Accommodating around 30 passengers at a time, the small aircraft offers unbeatable birds eye views of the region’s majestic wilderness and glorious landscapes. No matter how long you spend exploring the region, there’s always so much more to see and experience. Prepare yourself for an abundance of natural wonders, adventure and excitement. The Limestone Coast and its treasure trove of unique discoveries await you! Find Halal Restaurants Near You in Australia! Find Mosques and Prayer Places in Australia! 1. Magnificent Tantanoola Caves The Limestone Coast boasts a plethora of beautiful natural attractions guaranteed to be far from anything you’ve ever seen before! Thus, seeing the impressive Tantanoola Caves in person is one of the top things to do on the Limestone Coast. Known to be one of South Australia’s most-visited destinations, the Tantanoola Caves at the Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park, is the only single-chamber dolomite cave in Australia, and features a spectacular array of lovely pink and brown decorative rock formations which were developed over thousands of years. Your visit will begin with a guided tour of the cave, where you will be introduced to its geology and history. Once you’ve learnt everything there is to know about the attraction, you will be left to discover it at leisure, and to take as many pictures in the cavern as you like! Be sure to make time to explore the park’s cliff top walking trail which offers the most incredible views of the surrounding area, as well as to enjoy a picnic in its picturesque grounds! 2. Visit The Blue Lake Any Limestone Coast visitor guide is sure to note a trip to the spectacular Blue Lake as a must. Located within a crater of the of the extinct volcano which lends its name to the city in which it is found, Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake is one of the region’s most popular spots, and sees thousands of visitors each year. While the breathtaking sight of the lake and its volcanic landscape will leave you speechless, the lake’s changing of colour will make the attraction unforgettable. Each year, in early November through March, for reasons that are still pretty much a mystery, the water in the lake changes to a magnificent cobalt blue colour. From the month of April to November, the water then turns into a shade of dark steel grey! Get up close and personal with the lake by taking the glass panelled lift down to its surface on an Aquifer Tour, or climb to the Centenary Tower for unbeatable views of the lake and the area around it. Surrounding the lake, there is a 3.6 kilometre walking trail that offers numerous viewing points with awe-inspiring views, as well as countless camping spots that are popular amongst visitors eager to experience the magnificence of the lake at night time. If you’re looking to immerse yourself further into everything the Blue Lake has to offer along with the area and its history, there are also several fantastic guided tours available. 3. Uncover a garden sinkhole While no matter where in the Mount Gambier region you go, natural beauty is a plenty, the Umpherston Sinkhole, or the Sunken Garden is an attraction you cannot miss, and a visit here will definitely complete your Limestone Coast tour. Once a regular limestone cave, whose uniqueness was created when its roof collapsed, the Umpherston Sinkhole needs to be seen to be believed. In 1886, the sinkhole was made into a garden by James Umpherston. Today, the breathtaking terraced gardens and its picturesque landscape offer visitors a one-of-a-kind experience. Not only will you be able to admire its beauty from the viewing platforms found at the top of the sinkhole, but you will also be able to venture down into the sinkhole and explore the tranquil garden. The area features beautiful, perfectly manicured flowers and plants, hanging vines and fountains and even some sculptures inspired by the sinkhole and its formation. In our opinion, the best time to visit is at sunset, since this is when the attraction comes to life. At dusk, the floodlights come on, and you will get to see hundreds of adorable possums scamper into the garden to feed! 4. Taste premium grade Halal Wagyu Beef If you’re a foodie, there’s no way you don’t know what wagyu beef is! The generic name for Japanese beef, wagyu is recognized for its high quality, and its exorbitant prices. What makes the meat so expensive is the rearing methods of the cattle as well as the strict guidelines that are followed during feeding. Mayura Station, located on the Limestone Coast, is one of South Australia’s first cattle and sheep stations and is today known to house one of the biggest full-blood wagyu cattle herds. Here, the surrounding are incredibly pristine, the scenery is stunning, the air is as clean as can be, and the cattle are fed Cadbury's chocolate. You read that right! At Mayura Station, the cattle are fed a mix of Cadbury's chocolate and other sweet treats to give their meat a unique flavour profile that is sure to make any beef lover go weak in the knees! Offering a farm to table experience, at Mayura Station, full-blood wagyu cattle are bred to deliver the most luxurious, award-wining beef, which can be sampled at the Tasting Room. And here’s what gets us even more excited - the wagyu beef at Mayura Station is Halal! You can choose to buy meat at the station directly, or savour it at the Tasting Room. While the restaurant itself is not Halal certified, if you decide to dine in, accommodations can be made so you can indulge in a Halal wagyu experience unlike ever before! 5. Drive along the scenic Beachport coast From beautiful sandy beaches to stunning scenery, coastal dunes begging to be explored and spectacular views, to even a few listed heritage sites, Beachport has it all! An isthmus with the sea on both sides, along with Lake George by it, Beachport is definitely worthy of a stop on a Limestone Coast road trip. The township may be small in size, but everything it has to offer is priceless. At the Beachport Conservation Park situated on the shores of Lake George, not only will you be able to get some serious bird watching in, but the park is also a well-known spot to enjoy some excellent windsurfing. The town also boasts one of South Australia’s longest jetties. The second longest in the region, Beachport Jetty is a sight in itself and attracts local and visiting anglers keen to catch some salmon and whiting. One of the best ways to truly appreciate this gorgeous area of South Australia is via the Bowman Scenic Drive. The rugged coastal route will take you past and offer you glimpses at the area’s iconic attractions like the Cape Martin Light House, Penguin Island, and the blowholes at Bartlett Rocks, in addition to stunning scenery. Along the drive you’ll come across numerous lookout spots such as the Wooley Lake Lookout, Down’s Lookout and Backler’s Lookout, that offer breathtaking coastal views, so be sure to make some time to stop at at least a few of them for pictures. You won’t regret it! Pool of Siloam Another thing you definitely won’t regret is a swim in the Pool of Siloam. Known to be seven times saltier than the sea, the Pool of Siloam is extremely popular amongst those suffering from rheumatism and arthritis due to its high salt concentration. If you decide to take a quick dip, there is a designated swimming area, with changing rooms and showers on site. Once you’ve explored Beachport and its wonderful hidden gems, we recommend grabbing a bite to eat at one of the town’s many great restaurants. By doing so, you’ll get to enjoy some delicious seafood, and have a friendly chat with the locals! 6. Take a coffee pit stop at a local brew We would choose travel over most things on any given day. But if there was one thing we could have during every step of our travels, it would be a great steaming cup of fragrant coffee! And when we discovered Mahalia’s incredible coffee, we had to force ourselves to leave! Mahalia Coffee in the quaint seaside town of Robe has perfected the art of coffee roasting. The multi award winning coffee roasters is a stop you have to make when discovering the Limestone Coast. Living and breathing all things coffee, master roaster, Mahalia Layzell creates unique blends that easily put most other well-known coffee brands to shame. At the Mahalia Coffee HQ, you’ll not only get the chance to learn all about coffee, but also see where the brand’s coffee is expertly roasted, and get your caffeine fix, sampling a variety of coffee blends known to be the region’s best. While here you’re also sure to fall in love with the home ware items, ceramic, souvenirs and art pieces on sale, so be prepared to bring home some goodies! 7. Go on a 4-wheel drive along Coorong Boy did we save the best for last! Nothing completes a road trip to the Limestone Coast more than spending some time exploring the world-famous Coorong National Park. Spread across 130 kilometres, Coorong National Park is a protected area of important historical significance, housing amongst its lakes, lagoons, waterways and sweeping sand dunes a number of endangered flora and fauna and a variety of uncommon bird and fish species. It is also the perfect place for some outdoor activities. You will be able to go kayaking, yachting and boating, fishing, camping on its secluded beaches, and even four-wheel driving on the second longest continuous beach in the country - the Coorong. While you can cruise the park’s dunes and lagoons on your own, we think a guided four wheel drive tour is something that will make your experience even more memorable. There are numerous tours that you could take. Most of these will allow you to see Coorong beach at its best; the guides will point out rare birds or wildlife, and even stop by uncommon flora. They’ll also tell you everything you need to know about the park’s fascinating natural and Aboriginal history, and even give you the opportunity to learn about and experience Ngarrindjeri culture. Many tours also include a stop at a commercial fishery where you’ll be given the chance to try your hand at gahering cockles, or pipis, as they are more affectionately known in Australia. With the wind in your face and the sand at your feet, and you driving along the beautiful Coorong, we can’t think of a more incredible way to end your trip to the Limestone Coast. Can you?! No matter how many times you visit the Limestone Coast, we can bet you that you’ll always have a plethora of new experiences! For Muslims planning to explore the area, the HalalTrip mobile app is sure to come in handy! The app will help you locate Halal food places on the Limestone Coast, as well as mosques and prayer areas, along with numerous other must-sees and must-dos. Time to get road-trip planning! 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Perth, Western Australia’s capital, and known for its fabulous sunny weather, is a blend of urban life and the great outdoors. The gateway to Western Australia, Perth oozes charm. It is the perfect spot for a holiday, whether alone or with loved ones, and in our opinion, is a definite must-include on every travel addict's bucket list! Boasting countless must-visits and must-sees, from fascinating museums and galleries, to fantastic restaurants and cafés, great shopping spots, beautiful, picture-perfect white sandy beaches and pristine coastlines, renowned landmarks, iconic lush gardens, cute wildlife and stunning, legendary sunsets, the bustling city is a gem of a destination that will give you an experience that will leave you mesmerized and craving more. Perth's Best Shopping Spots Read our Guide to Western Australia Muslims visiting the city will also be pleased to know that it’s quite Muslim-friendly! While the percentage of Muslims residing in Perth may not be as high as it is in other major cities in Australia, such as Melbourne and Sydney, Perth does have a sizeable Muslim population. So for those wondering if they’ll be able to find mosques and prayer places in Perth, the answer is YES! There are a number of mosques in Perth and in its suburbs that are used by its local Muslim community as well as tourists, in addition to a plethora of great Halal restaurants. While many of these mosques and prayer rooms may not be large or fancy, they serve their purpose well. So, if you’re planning a trip to the city, finding prayer places in Perth shouldn’t be a worry at all for you with the help of our list! 1. Perth Mosque Picture Credit - www.beautifulmosque.com Perth mosque is not only the city’s oldest mosque - built in 1901 - but also its most popular one. Located in the city center, on one of its busiest streets, this mosque is not only frequented by local Muslims belonging to a plethora of nationalities, but also by tourists from around the world, due to its central location. The mosque hosts all five daily prayers and Jumu’ah prayers on Fridays as well as Eid prayers. It has separate prayer and wudhu sections for both males and females. Address: 427 William Street, Northbridge, Perth WA 6000, AustraliaOpening Times: During prayer timesContact: +61 8 9328 8535 2. Perth City Musallah / Murray Street Musallah Picture Credit - anggo frizman, maps.google.com Located in London Court, a popular shopping arcade in Perth’s CBD, the Murray Street Musallah is mostly visited by worshippers working in the vicinity, as well as shoppers who happen to be in the area during prayer times. The Musallah has an area for men and women, but it's only open for Dhuhr and Asr prayers, and it doesn't have wudhu facilities. Those wanting to use the room will have to Press #3 then speaker to open the door. Address: Suite No. 3 101 Murray Street, Perth 6000, AustraliaOpening Times: Open only during Dhuhr and Asr prayersContact: +61 414 134 945Website: www.perthcitymusallah.org.au Twitter 3. Masjid Ibrahim Picture Credit - www.masjidibrahim.com.au Masjid Ibrahim is a mosque located in Southern River, a suburb of Perth. The purpose-built mosque not only offers prayer and wudhu facilities for men and women, but also hosts a variety of religious and educational classes, from Tajweed and Fiqh to Hadith and Islamic history. Masjid Ibrahim is mainly frequented by the Muslims residing in the area, thus making it the ideal place to visit for those looking to learn more about the Muslim community there, whether Muslim or non-Muslim. Address: 1526 Leslie St. Southern River, WA, AustraliaOpening Times: Open throughout the dayContact: +61 412 785 919Website: www.masjidibrahim.com.au Twitter 4. Harbour Town Musallah Picture Credit - gopray.com.au Located at a well-known specialty shopping spot, the Watertown Brand Outlet Centre, the Harbour Town Musallah is a convenient spot for Muslims visiting the shopping centre there to pray. The prayer room can be found near the Centre’s Management Office and the Tourist Information Lounge near the car park. Address: Watertown Brand Outlet Centre, 840 Wellington Street, West Perth WA 6005, AustraliaOpening Times: Open at prayer timesContact: +61 8 9321 2282 5. Canning Mosque/ Queens Park Mosque/ Perth Mosque Queens Park Picture Credit - beautifulmosque.com The Queens Park Mosque, also known as the Turkish Suleymaniye Masjid of Canning is located in another of Perth’s suburbs, Queens Park. Serving the neighbourhood’s Muslim community, the masjid hosts the five daily prayers as well as Jumu’ah prayers on Fridays, and offers prayer and ablution facilities for men and women. It also hosts Islamic classes for children. Address: 239 Welshpool Road, Queens Park WA 6107, AustraliaOpening Times: Open at prayer timesContact: +61 8 9358 6539Website: http://canningmosque.com/ 6. Rivervale Mosque & Islamic Centre Picture Credit - islammaps.com Located in Rivervale; another suburb of Perth, is the city’s second oldest metropolitan Mosque, the Rivervale Mosque. The beautiful mosque and Islamic centre hosts the five daily prayers, Jumu’ah prayers on Fridays, as well as Eid prayers. It has separate prayer and wudhu sections for men and women, and a variety of religious classes, such as tafseer classes, and even one for new Muslims interested in furthering their knowledge. Address: 9 Rowe Ave, Rivervale WA 6103, AustraliaOpening Times: Open throughout the dayContact: +61 8 9362 2210Website: www.islamiccouncilwa.com.au 7. Ar Rukun Mosque Picture Credit - www.islammaps.com Opened in 1998, Ar Rukun Mosque in Rockingham, south-west of the Perth city centre, serves the increasing number of Muslims settling down in Rockingham and neighbouring areas. It hosts the five daily prayers as well as Jumu’ah prayers on Fridays, and offers facilities for men and women alike. Address: 4 Attwood Way, Rockingham WA 6168, AustraliaOpening Times: Open throughout the dayContact: +61 8 9527 8633Website: www.ar-rukunmosque.org.au Facebook Mosques near me in Perth Halal Restaurants near me in Perth While we’ve only listed out 7 mosques here, there are plenty of other prayer places within the city and its suburbs. To make finding them easier, why not install the Halaltrip mobile app?. The app will also allow you to find Halal restaurants in Perth, must-see attractions, and much more! So, download the app today and make your Halal trip to Australia a fabulous one!...
Prayer times for Melbourne,Australia