Sunday, May 17, 2009

The Great Southern Route, Mt Barker, Albany, Denmark, Margaret River
















Whilst conducting more wine customer visits, we spent a few day on the road driving what West Australian's refer to as the "Great Southern Route". Leaving from Busselton, via Nannup, Mt Barker, Albany, Denmark and Margaret River we stopped to smell the roses numerous times and to take in the highlights of this facinating region.

Mount Barker:
First stop was Ferngrove Winery in Mt Barker. We visited Kim and Vanessa who are the chief wine makers. They had just completed a great vintage and were extremely excited about the wines they are currently producing.

Mount Barker is located adjacent to the Porongurup Range National Park and within easy reach of the Stirling Ranges and the spectacular southern coastline.

The town is the administrative centre of the Shire of Plantagenet and offers ample shopping and recreational facilities. It services an expansive agricultural area, where there has been successful diversification into viticulture and the cultivation of wildflowers.

Settled very early in Western Australia's European history, Mount Barker boasts a number of lovingly preserved and unique buildings, including St Werburgh's Chapel and the convict-built Old Police Station.

We also visited Plantagenet Winery and were lucky enough to look at some wines in the barrel room. Chief wine maker John Durram showed us some new reislings and chardonnays and an older shiraz and cabernet. Tasty! Keep your eye out on those.

Albany:
We then continued on to Albany and jewell in the south west coast. Long before Europeans considered the possibility of the existence of a Great South Land, the Aboriginal Mineng people had occupied the area which surrounds King George Sound and Oyster and Princess Royal Harbours. Radiocarbon dating of material exposed during archaeological excavation of Aboriginal sites near Oyster Harbour dates this occupation as far back as 18,850 years ago.

The Albany or Great Southern Region, covers approximately 40 000 square kilometres.

The region features some of the most rugged and awe-inspiring scenery in Australia. It extends west to the famous tree top walk at Walpole, to the east as far as picturesque Bremer Bay.

The region boasts some of the finest food and premium wine production and is widely recognised as one of the cleanest and most eco-diverse growing areas in the Southern Hemisphere. The ever changing coast line can be both tranquil and beautiful or intensely dramatic.

It offers superb fishing and also provides protection to pods of Southern Right, Sperm, Humpback Whales and, on occasions, the rare and endangered Blue Whale.

Moving away from the coast, the terrain evolves into a mosaic of contrasts: pastured landscape, vineyards, forests, rolling hills and the towering peaks of the Stirling ranges.

Historic venues:

Strawberry Hill Farm
Old Goal Museum,
The Fort
Amity Replica

The Albany region is blessed by a temperate and comfortable Mediterranean climate. This means beautiful, sunny winter days and cool summer nights. What's more, is that so many of the main attractions are easily accessible to the walker, cyclist or motorist.

The Albany Region offers a dichotomy of experiences, from the spectacular, towering Karri forests, pristine aqua-blue waters of the coast, sandy beaches, frolicking whales, world-class wineries, bird life, bush walks, wildflowers, native wildlife and much more.

On the other hand if you are seeking a quiet romantic interlude, you wont be disappointed. Albany is easily accessible, it takes about 4½ hours by road from Perth, or an hour by air. There are world-class tourist facilities and accommodation to suit every budget, you will be pleasantly surprised at just how affordable Albany is!

Places of interest and other things to do:

Wreck Diving/ Granite Bommies/ Caves and Shore Dives 
The Sandalwood Factory
Whale World
Wind Farm
Vancouver Arts Centre
York Street shopping
Dining out
Walk and Cycle trails
Go Taste Albany farm gate experience

Wonders of nature: 

Blowholes
The Gap and Natural Bridge
Dog Rock
Torndirrup National Park
William Bay
Greens Pool
Walpole Tree Top Walk
Bibbulmun Track
Wilderness Cruises
Whale Watching
Bush Walks
Bluff Knoll
Karri Forests
Stirling Ranges

Where we ate:
Lunch - fresh unshucked Oysters from Oyster co-op at the harbour.
Dinner - Wild Duck Restaurant
112 York St, Albany, WA 6330
Ph: (08) 9842 2554‎
food@wildduckrestaurant.com
Andrew, Chef., and Kristy, Matre-de., together have created an elegant, stylish place to relax and enjoy the meals which are more like artists creations than food to eat. The food was fantastic and the service impeccable.

Rottnest Island, Western Australia








Rottnest Island is located just 19 kilometres off the coast of Western Australia. The island is home to some quirky and cute, unique flora and fauna that is not found anywhere else in the world (check out the quokka and australian mountain duck photos). 

Surrounded by crystal clear water the island boasts some of the most spectacular bays and beaches you will ever see. 

Awesome for surfing, swimming and watersports we took eight, 17-19 year olds for an 18th birthday celebration. They surfed most of the day with food and drinks taking second priority.

With the main form of transport being bicycles, the island has a very casual atmosphere, and is treasured by Western Australians. It is also becoming increasingly popular for interstate and international visitors. The Mediterranean-style climate and indigenous flora and fauna of this Island provide the backdrop to a special holiday experience!

Many tours and activities operate throughout the day, including the popular Island Discovery Coach Tour, the historic Oliver Hill Train Tour onboard the 'Captain Hussey', the Underwater Explorer, Rottnest Express Eco Tour, joy flights on the Rottnest Air Taxi, Brett Heady's Family Fun Park, guided walking tours conducted by the Rottnest Voluntary Guides, the Rottnest Museum and more.

Journeys by ferry take 30 minutes from Fremantle, 45 minutes from Hillarys, 90 minutes from Perth, you can also get to the Island in 15 minutes by aeroplane from Jandakot Airport.
 
Facts and Figures
  • More than 500,000 people visit Rottnest Island each year. 
  • The Island is 11 kilometres long, 4.5 kilometres at its widest point, and the land area measures 1,900 hectares. 
  • It is a 24km ride around the Island. Allow at least 2.5 hours for a leisurely cycle.
  • The Island is an 'A' Class reserve managed by the Rottnest Island Authority. 
  • Each visitor to the Island pays an entry fee to the Island ($12.50 for adults and $1.00 for children), which is included in the ferry fare, or as part of an annual admission fee for boat owners.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Skiing New Zealand - Mt Hutt




Last snow, October 2008, we were lucky enough to catch snow late in the season at Mount Hutt - and the bonus was there were no crowds. 

We stayed in the town of Methven which is only 90kms from Christchurch. I scored a super cheap flight with Virgin from Brisbane to Christchurch for only $129 ozzie dollars. Our accom was a simple apartment style place with an easy walk into town for meals.

The blue pub does fantastic local fish and has a good selection of wine.

We hired ski gear from Jas's ski hutt and it was top quality.

Helicopter Flight over West Coast of Australia





Back in 2005 we went and saw Sting play in concert at Leuwin Estate winery. It was a special charity fund raising concert for people effected by the boxing day Tsunami in Thailand. It was an awesome concert in an amazing setting.

The following day, friends of our offered to take us for a fly in their helicopter over the West Australian Coast. It was a glam day, the water clear and we took in some great views of the region including the famous Margaret River vineyards.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Queenstown, New Zealand





During May last year we did  quick jaunt to Queenstown, New Zealand in hope of some snow. It turned out we were a little early so spent our days exploring Queenstown and the wonderful Centra Otago wine region.

The lake in the pics is Lake Wakatipu in the centre of Queenstown and the gloriuos mountains behind are just some of the ski fields.

M0re to come on skiing New Zealand soon.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Restaurant Overview - China City Garden Restaurant




Located in the main street of Bunbury in Western Australia's south west China City Garden Restaurant has a casual, cheery atmosphere. 

We dined in as 4 adults and 3 kids, aged 17, 15, 12 who all sport an exceptionally healthy appetite. The menu is extensive and includes all of the typical Australian Chinese dishes along with some interesting Thai and Malaysian specialities like Tom Yum Goong and Mee Goreng.

We ordered the ol favourites sweet and sour pork, honey chicken, beef and black bean plus spicy squid, satay prawns, sizzling lamb, fried and steamed rice. Oh yes entrees included a great short soup with deluxe wontons, spring rolls and steamed dim sims.

It was BYO so we enjoyed a bottle of Adelaide Hills, Pentaluma Chardonnay 2007 and a riesling we can't remember! Hope to fill in later! Oh yes it was a Tasmanian, Stefano Lubiana Riesling 2006.

Highly recommend if you are looking for a cheap and cheery evening with good quality Australian style Asian Cuisine.

China City Garden Restaurant
47 Victoria St
Bunbury, WA 6230
(08) 9721 1711

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Want to work in the Marine Industry?


The best part of the last 20 years I have spent working in the Marine Industry in Australia.

The reason why I have been so lucky to sail so many wonderful destinations is through my role of 10 years as Asia Pacific Marketing Manager for global yacht charter company Sunsail.

I resigned from this awesome job in 2007, and have since been working on a new business venture called Watercrew. Watercrew is basically an online job find website for the Australian Marine Industry. You can check it our at www.watercrew.com.au 

It is an exciting industry and the Watercrew provides a service to the industry to help job seekers find their dream job and employers find top quality staff to fill their positions vacant.

It is our aim to introduce more people to the wonderful world of the marine industry and help guide them through a fulfilling career path. With more skilled people entering the industry the industry will strengthen and grow.

Sailing the Whitsundays




I lived and worked on Hamilton Island (located in the heart of The Whitsundays) for 16 years so had ample time to extensively explore the region.

The Whitsundays are located on the north-eastern coast of Australia and are protected by the Great Barrier Reef. It is a sub-tropical climate and when the weather patterns are 'normal' it is common to experience humid, wet summers and dry (often windier) winters.

There are hundreds of islands and islets to explore, the island's are mountainous with large inlets and bays providing shelter from all wind directions.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Australian government have been very careful in limiting the development in the area and only 9 island have any human development.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Cruising In Comfort

Having a natural adversity to sailing in cold conditions, I have a general rule "if I have to wear shoes, I can't sail there". Deck Shoes, seaboots whatever, it normally means cold weather. 

Most of the places we sail for pleasure are in warm climates and we usually enjoy the freedom of barefoot sailing. Howevere, we have recently discovered (as has most of the cruising/sailing world) the comforts of the CROCS. Whether it is to give you some cushioning from the hard cockpit floor while on the helm for any length of time or wandering ashore to enjoy beaches or land activities the CROC shoewear is light weight, dries quickly and despite whether you think they are hideously unattractive or a cool fashion statement they are extremely comfortable!

Skiing Alleghe - Italy


































Alleghe is a stunning village located in the province of Belluno, Veneto, NE Italy.

For those who don't need the glitz, glamour or expense of Cortina, Alleghe is a quaint town offering a good variety of restaurants, accommodation, ski hire and a fabulous family owned and run Oenoteca (Wine Bar) in the main square.

Alleghe Lake which was formed in 1771 by a landslide from the adjacent Mount Piz boldly marks the centre of town, and when there is not too much snow provides fabulous walks around its shores.

We skied for one week in the first week of February 2009 and note it as one of the best places we have skied.  Alleghe has direct access to 21km of downhill skiing, with 20 individual pistes, served by 8 ski lifts.  With skiing above 2000 metres, snow cover is generally reliable.

Ski Lift Capacity :- The 8 Ski Lifts of Alleghe are able to uplift 7,000 skiers / snowboarders per hour.

There are three airports within two hours drive, so ski weekends, snowboard breaks and short ski holidays to Alleghe are perfectly feasible.

From Alleghe you can take a bus to nearby slopes including Cortina, with just one ski pass you have access to over 1200 km's of slopes!

For us Australian's the culture, food and wine topped off with a great season of snow made this an all round rip snorter of a trip!

Sailing Tahiti - Heaven On Earth!



















Located 260km from the main island of "Tahiti", the Society Islands in French Polynesia are the most stunning sailing grounds I have ever visited.

The scenery is mind blowingly awesome, it is often aptly described as heaven on earth! We spent most of our time marvelling at the sheer beauty of the islands, clarity of the water, friendliness of the locals and the overall good vibed ambiance of the region.

The island's sheer, eroded peaks preside more than 700 metres above sea level and hover over crystal clear turquoise coloured lagoons. The lagoons boast and abundance of  marine life and are all sheltered by surrounding reef making them calm and easy to sail.

We chartered a yacht from Sunsail from Raiatea in May which was a great time of year as it offered us pleasant unwavering temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius.

Island's visited in order of our 10 day sail.

Raiatea, Huahine, Tahaa, Bora Bora.

We had 10 days, if you can take 2 weeks I highly recommend it as you will have more time to explore the natural wonders of this garden of Eden!