Milford Sound, Monkey Creek by Trey Ratcliff (Creative Commons)

A road trip through New Zealand is the best way to see the country’s amazing and diverse natural beauty, including jagged mountains, scenic beaches, steep fiords, rolling pasture lands, active volcanoes, trout-filled lakes and raging rivers. Not only does New Zealand provides a variety of accommodation facilities for anyone on a trip in the country, but it’s one of the most popular family holiday destinations this year too!

There are quality hotels, luxurious lodges, camping grounds and sites in many places around the country, and the larger cities have restaurants that offer excellent meals for travelers. A 460-mile road connecting Wellington and Auckland is the best stretch to see most of the diverse parts of the country, and other great roads include Gentle Annie and Twin bridges roads. Let’s take a look at New Zealand’s Best Road Trips.

The Lost World Highway

The Lost World Highway is the oldest road trip route in New Zealand. It stretches for 160km from the North Island central plateau, across the Taranaki mighty mountain and the west coast. The route passes across crinkly landscape and through dense forests, tunnels and gorges, and people traveling through this route have the chance to see some of the best sights and attractions in the country. From the highest waterfall in the North Island, to the unforgettable Tangarakau George, there’s so much to see and do here that it’s hard to know where to start.

Mount Taranaki (Creative Commons)

Milford Sound Drive

Milford Sound Drive has some of the must-see attractions in New Zealand. The 120km drive stretches from Te Anau across the south island to the Milford Sound, and there are numerous historical monuments on this route, including incredible landscapes, lakes, open plains, forests and mountains.

Some of the most popular natural attractions for families include beautiful rivers of roaring water, the Homer Tunnel architecture, mirror lakes, Key Summit hiking and the towering Southern Alps. Additionally, there are campsites along the Milford Sound Drive for families to base themselves while exploring the area.

The Catlins Route

The Catlins are located on the southeastern corner of south island of New Zealand, and this route presents people with rugged beauty, stunning waterfalls, vistas trees and epic coastal spots. It is also home to numerous wonderful sights and attractions such as the gentle sloping mainland of New Zealand, a massively stunning blowhole, spectacular cliff tops, waterfalls, forests and colonies of sea lions. This is archetypal New Zealand and if that’s what you’re looking for then the Catlins Route is the one for you – try grab yourself a flight before the winter months really set in.

West Coast of the South Island?

The New Zealand South Island West Coast drive route is one of the best trips in the world. The most popular stretch of road can be found from Greymouth through Arthurs’ Pass National Park to Haast Pass. The trip is made more interesting by mountain ranges covering the South Island with peaks that are 3000m high.

Additionally, tourists are normally attracted by blue glaciers and glacier rivers, surfing beaches, geological spots, lush forests, Maori sculptures, the State Highway 73 curvy road and possum pies. Thankfully, there are a variety of accommodation facilities including luxurious guesthouses, cozy hostels and remote campsites, however it may take three days to completely explore the west coast.

Sydney Opera House

As you set off on your road trip, who knows what adventures will await you? This will be an exciting time, with an opportunity to bond while experiencing many new activities. Just remember to make regular meal stops and toilet stops! Perhaps ask your child what they would like to see. A daily itinerary can be planned around this. Australia has some of the best beaches, picnic spots and natural wonders in the world, so it is easy to find a nice spot to take a break when the need arises.

The Sunshine Coast, Queensland

The Sunshine Coast was made for kids! A stroll along the sandy white beaches of Mooloolaba will take you to Underwater World, Queensland’s largest oceanarium. Kids will love the shows and touch tank. Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo needs no explanation. This is the perfect place to visit for the kids who love wildlife. You can see the deer at Forest Glen Sanctuary or have some fun on the rides at Top Shots Fun Park.

Sydney, New South Wales

The best way to see Sydney Harbour is from a ferry. This is also a great way to get to Manly and visit Oceanworld or just have a play on the beach. Sydney also boasts some of the country’s best museums. There are museums suitable for all ages, from the family friendly Powerhouse Museum to the Maritime Museum and the Australian Museum. Taronga Zoo is also worth a visit; kids will love to see wildlife from all over the world.

Darwin, Northern Territory

Every visitor to Darwin must see the crocodiles. These ferocious looking creatures will captivate children of any age. You can visit Crocodylus Park for an up close experience. For the thrill of catching a fish, head to the Barramundi Fishing Park. To see some of the top end’s natural wonders, visit the Howard Springs Nature Park or the Holmes Jungle Nature Park.

Perth, Western Australia

To give your child an understanding of what life on an Australian farm is like, make sure you visit the Tumbulgum Farm where you can feed lambs, take a hayride, milk cows and learn about Aboriginal culture. The Perth Zoo, the Aquarium of Western Australia and Marapana Wildlife World will give your child a chance to see many different types of wildlife.

Adelaide, South Australia

Sit back, take a long or short journey, and enjoy the scenery from a steam locomotive on the SteamRanger Tourist Railway. A city steeped in history, you can visit the Australian Museum of Childhood, the Adelaide Gaol Historical Site or the South Australian Maritime Museum. To unwind and have some fun, make your way to the St Kilda Adventure Playground, an excellent kids space.

River Torrens, Adelaide

Travelling is not only a fun way to see new things, but it can also be an educational experience for parent and child alike. Do a little planning to take the worry out of travelling with a child. Experienced staff at Flight Centre http://www.flightcentre.com.au can assist with travel arrangements and even make suggestions as to places your child might like to visit.

Daintree Rainforest by stephmcg (creative commons)

For most of us city dwellers, the concrete jungle is our natural habitat. Finding ourselves most comfortable amidst the skyscrapers, the hustle and bustle, crowds upon crowds of people, buses, taxis, weaving cyclists – the most exotic animal that we may stumble across being that of a small dog dressed in a stylish outfit being carried in a designer handbag! It is no surprise then that those who live and work in the city lose touch with nature and find it difficult to find time in our jam packed schedules to escape and breathe in some clean air.

Yet, according to popular opinion, the benefits of simply taking time out, seeking a change of scenery, and being amongst the natural world reaps huge benefits for the body, mind, and soul. The doctor orders us to do so, with stress induced health conditions on the rise dramatically in recent years, a restful break in nature could do more good than we traditionally thought. So pack up your backpack, find the bug stray, restock your sun tan lotion –  and most importantly clear time in your schedule – for a much needed vacation away from the concrete streets of your natural habitat.

There is no where one can immerse themselves more truly in Mother Nature than in the depths of a tropical rainforest. The world-famous Daintree Rainforest can be found on the north east coast of Queensland, Australia, north of Mossman and Cairns. The Daintree is the largest continuous area of tropical rainforest on the Australian continent coming in at 2,600 km² in total size. Recognised as a world heritage site, the Daintree rainforest is home to a number of endangered species including the popular Bennett’s Tree-kangaroo. There are around 430 species of birds and 12,000 species of insects living in the area. The areas accounts for 65% of Australia’s bat and butterfly species.

Tree Kangeroo by Timmy Toucan (creative commons)

The thought of a stay in the rainforest may conjure to the mind images of tents and tree huts, but fear not! Even in the rainforest you are able to find spectacular boutique accommodation at the Bloomfield Lodge. No bugs, spiders or sleeping bags in sight just breathe taking vistas of the rainforest canopy. This type of accommodation provides the chance to experience the best of both worlds – relaxing and stylish accommodation combined with the tropical wildlife and nature of the Daintree Rainforest.

In the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010, researchers found that Australia is among the top ten healthiest countries in the world. When comparing life expectancy, Australia ranks at number six for men and number nine for women.

Not only do statistics show that Australia is generally a healthy nation, but popular perception also sees Australia as a very fit nation. We believe there are four primary reasons to explain this: sport, weather, the amount of open space, and diet.

Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!

Australians are renowned for their love of sport, and thus it’s no surprise that on the whole, they are extremely fit. The most played sport in Australia is footy, otherwise known as Australian Rules Football. Aussie Rules is a contact sport featuring kicking, handballing, running with the ball, and tackling. For Australians who would prefer to work out and play sport without being tackled, popular alternatives include cricket, golf, swimming, and rowing.

This devotion to sport extends to the young, with young toddlers decked out in white to play cricket and a thorough introduction to the main Aussie sports in school physical education programs. Thus while Australia has struggled with rising obesity rates in the last decade, the dominance of sport in Aussie culture means Australians on the whole remain very fit and active.

It’s always sunny in Sydney

With statistics showing that Sydney averages 240 days of sunshine and rival Melbourne averages 30 days over 30°C per annum, it’s clear that Australia is also incredibly blessed in terms of weather. Indeed, Australia holds the title of being the world’s second driest continent, behind Antarctica. This is clear when seeing Australia’s annual rainfall, which always hovers around the 450mm mark, compared with the UK well above 1000mm and the US at around 750mm.

Hence on most weekends, Australians can get out of the house and go for a walk, play sport, have a picnic with the family, and so on. From late November, the beaches start to get packed as beach-deprived patrons head to the surf. Summer sports can be played up until April and May before the colder temperatures truly kick in. And for those who prefer winter activities, Australia does cool down to below freezing point to allow for some good snow in the mountainous regions.

A land of sweeping plains

Australia’s geography is another thing Australians can be thankful for in regard to why they are so fit. With a population of 22.6 million stretched across a landmass the size of the United States (population 313.9 million), Australia is renowned for being a place of open space. Even in urban centres such as Sydney and Melbourne, the amount of space means there can be more swimming pools, health clubs (even in shopping centres, for example, the Fitness First on Level 6, Bondi Junction Westfield, Bondi Junction, NSW 2022), ovals, and the like than in many other leading cities in the world.

Furthermore, Australia’s varied physical geography means that Australians can very much make the most of the country they live as. As an island nation, Australia is well known for its emphasis on swimming, a sport regarded as a basic skill for all primary-aged schoolchildren to grasp. Likewise, Australia’s 35 000km coastline enables sports such as sailing and rowing to take place all around the country.

Shrimp on the barbie

Australia’s diverse geography also means that there is an abundance of fresh food available. For example, Australian seafood is highly popular in Australian households and restaurants due to its variety, freshness, and the clean waters from which they come. Australian red meat is also highly acclaimed, with cattle and sheep able to graze on large, open pastures in the country free from pollution.

Furthermore, multiculturalism in Australia has meant there are a wide variety of other cuisines on offer, whether Chinese, Italian, Vietnamese, Greek, or more.  Topping this off, food standards in Australia are also incredibly high with low rates of food poisoning and the like. Thus Australians can dine assured that they are eating healthy.

Author bio: Elizabeth Chan is a university student and freelance writer who is interested in taking good care of her body.

Exotic Kingscliff beach surrounds the Gold Coast on the southern side, and on the north, there is a rural town called Beenleigh. You can also visit beautiful beaches Broadbeach as well as Surfers paradise that are centrally located. In Gold Coast, you can enjoy numerous activities, and there won’t be a dull moment even for a second once you land on this magical land. This place is best for family holidays, with numerous Gold Coast accommodation options to suit all budgets.

Tourists can put up at the main beach as it is the best location, which is well-connected to numerous other tourist destinations. In fact, you can start your tour from Gold Coast. This place offers you excellent options for shopping as there are numerous local malls and shopping centers, patrolled beaches, beautiful parks where you can relax, and you can also enjoy food at various restaurants, cafes, bistros that are situated around Tedder Avenue.

When looking for Gold Coast accommodation, the Main Beach offers various types of rooms that are available in various configurations such as hostels, apartments, motels, and Gold Coast resorts. Various entertainment and fun activities happen on the Main Beach continuously. You can enjoy all this by booking Gold Coast accommodation well in advance.

You can book self-contained apartments that are best for big families. They are fully furnished apartments, and contain everything that a family needs. The biggest benefit of this type of Gold Coast accommodation is that entire family can stay together as if it is their own home. You can get such apartments in different price ranges. There are many five star hotels if you are interested in that type of accommodation. There is a swimming pool facility, bars, pools that are open on 24/7 basis. Apartments offer lot more privacy, and value for money.

Aside from these, there are many other Gold Coast accommodation options, such as cabins, camping sites, caravans, and cottages. They are affordable and offer good view of the magnificent sea. These accommodation options are quite close to famous attractions on Gold Coast, such as Sea World, which is a world famous theme park.

You can have a peek at ocean inhabitants at Sea Bay. You can also enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving here. In fact, you will love seeing dolphins in a show which is the biggest attraction here, and looks great. Therefore, in order to enjoy beauty of this place, you should book your Gold Coast accommodation well in advance. You can get this service on numerous sites offering wide range of accommodation options in Gold Coast. Just have a look at few of them to choose the best accommodation according to your budget, and enjoy this most beautiful part of the world.

With access to the finest local produce, restaurants and bars pride themselves on excellent service, imaginative dishes and unique drinks. Whatever the occasion, here is your guide to the city on the Swan River.

Business lunch

Few places say “power lunch” better than Rockpool Bar and Grill. Fine dining meets upmarket steakhouse; it’s the kind of place you could picture Don Draper and his Mad Men cohorts downing vodkas and carving up steaks.

For a less macho alternative, The Greenhouse is a high-spec, environmentally-friendly restaurant that features recycled furniture and jam jar glasses.

Romantic dinner

With so many options for the perfect romantic dinner when you’re in Perth dating, decisions will probably be difficult to make. Satsuki will take care of your Asian-style fine dining needs, while Dear Friends has an earthier, more local feel to it.

Modern Italian lovers will find their heart’s content at Divido, while Jackson’s is a long-time favourite for its formal dining and fabled wine cellar. For a quiet nightcap, try Must wine bar, and you won’t be disappointed.

 Brunch

For those dating Australia boasts many an opportunity for meeting up – drinks, dinners, activities – but wherever you are, one of the most laidback and typically Australian ways to meet someone is over brunch.

For the uninitiated, it’s halfway between breakfast and lunch, which means from about 10am until midday. For a gorgeous East Perth brunch location, try Toast. It’s by the water, it’s open 7 days and the food is consistently top notch. Boucla, Epic and Zekka are also highly recommended for great coffee and distinctive vibes.

Birthday drinks

With boutique and international beers, clever cocktails and a huge liquor cabinet, try Helvetica. It’s a hot ticket right now, with nibbles available and knowledgeable bar staff.

Don’t let the graffiti-covered exterior mislead you, this location is all class. Defectors at Mt Lawley is a lush option for those with an adventurous streak; their cocktails are inventive and the decor decadent.

Family-friendly dinner

Finding a restaurant that make families welcome can sometimes be a nightmare. Perth’s Outback Jack’s steakhouse is completely kitted out for kids, with a games room and everything. The grown-ups can choose their own cuts of meat, and peruse the temperature-controlled wine room, in the adult version of the games room.

With a few locations around the city, it’s going to be a winner for all involved. If you’ve spent a day on the beach at Fremantle, try Salt on the Beach, which features stunning views and a kids’ playground.

The things you can see and the opportunities for new experiences in the city are endless. Aside from the famous Opera House Sydney, here are other highlights you should never miss when touring this great city:

The Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Harbour Bridge- A spectacular sight at any time of day!

Alongside the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge is one of the most unique and popular structures in Australia.it even made the Guinness Book of Records as the “widest steel arch bridge in the world” with a deck width measuring about 49 meters. The bridge also connects the city’s southern and northern suburbs.

You can see this famous construction from several points of view (which include the opera house) around the harbour. However, the perfect way to truly appreciate this beauty is to experience climbing the bridge. If you are afraid of heights, this would be the perfect time to conquer it because as you reach the top of the giant arch of the bridge, you will have amazing views across Sydney. The best time to walk the bride is early morning because this is the moment when the water projects a creamy gold colour as the sun shines through it.

Royal Botanic Gardens

The natural beauty in the Royal Botanic Gardens is especially striking against the city backdrop

Located near the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanic Gardens is a magnificent parkland opened to the public. The garden, which was founded in 1816 by Governor Macquarie, holds a long historical significance involving the collections and study of plants. Today, the garden is home to over 4,000 trees and plants found worldwide. You can even visit the herbarium and pyramid glasshouse wherein there is a wide variety of tropical and sub-tropical plants tendered by experts. Moreover, there is also a Visitors Centre, Garden Restaurant and Gardens Shop.

The Royal Botanic Gardens is a refuge from the city’s fast paced lifestyle wherein workers can eat their lunch or jog after a stressful day at work. If you are interested to learn more about the trees and plants you see in the garden, you can sign up in one of the scheduled walks which are held every day beginning at 10:30 in the morning.

The Rocks

Sydney Rocks!

A foremost tourist attraction in Sydney, this is the perfect combination of modern-day Australia and history. What’s great about this area is not only does it provide you with an impression of the city’s colonial history and development but the place has been altered to a place where you can have a great time. The 19th century warehouses have been altered to hold several pubs, restaurants, museums, gift shops and shopping stores you can truly enjoy.

There are many things you can see and do in Sydney. Every experience is always memorable. You can opt to enjoy distinctive structures, gardens or historical locations because a tour in the city surely incorporates everybody’s favourite activities and interests. So visit Sydney now.