Local Treats

Italy is know for its pizza and pasta, England for its bangers ‘n’ mash, America for the Apple Pie, France for their pastries well now its Australia’s time to shine and showoff out national treasures.

Moreton Bay Mud Crabs

Queensland is renowned for its beautiful beaches and known as the Sunshine State. A local delicacy from the Moreton Bay region is about to be discovered the Moreton Bay Mud Crabs.  

They inhabit tropical to warm temperate waters which is mostly along the eastern coast. They are quite easy to catch though tying them up is the most important so they don’t escape. They are best enjoyed fresh just simply boiled until the shell turns red with a little lemon. However, there are amply recipes to enjoy these local treat.

Due to such high demand for the Moreton Bay mud crabs it is required in Queensland to hold a permit when holding female crabs.

Morton Bay Mud Crab, Queensland

Harry’s Café de Wheels.

If you want an authentic Australian pie and you are in Sydney then there is no better place than at Harry’s Café de Wheels. Their signature pie is the ‘tiger’ which is a stack consisting of a chunk beef pie, mash, mushy peas and gravy.  They are perfect for anytime time of the day where for lunch or a midnight snack these pies definitely will not disappoint.

With a long history initiating from the man himself Harry Edwards his amazing business idea has lasted the test of time. Now classified as a ‘quintessential Sydney icon’ in December 2004 by the National Trust of Australia (NSW) and is included on its register. It has received the thumbs up from multiple celebrities who visited over the years including Frank Sinatra, Sir Richard Branson and Elton John.

'Tiger'  signature pie at Harry's Cafe de Wheels, Sydney

Original spot of Harry's Cafe de Wheels at Woolloomooloo, Sydney

Melbourne Coffee

Melbourne is known for its small alley ways covered in graffiti, boutique shops, food, arts and culture. Coffee is also one to add to the list as their signature drinks with the aroma filling the streets. It hosts annual exhibitions and competitions all in the art of coffee including Detpak Australian Barista Championships and Melbourne International Coffee Expo. Coffee art is a must and some of the most talented and internationally recognised artists are located right in Melbourne. 

Coffee is imbedded everywhere in the cities culture with guided tours showcasing the best places, explaining the history and brewing process. It intiated on Bourke Hill when the Melbournians were challenged to develop “cupping skills” inciting the craze of coffee.

For the Melbourne weather which has a mind of its own, there is no better comforter than a freshly brewed coffee. With 400 street cafes, there is definitely one which will fit your tastebuds in a heartening atmosphere.  

Amazing coffee art, Melbourne

Barossa Valley

The Barossa Valley region is located in South Australia and is a landmark region known as Australia’s most famous wine region. Home to internationally regarded wine writers, judges, retailer, consumers and producers as well as 5-star food and dining.

This region is the longest unbroken lineage of winemaking and grape-growing families with some entering their seventh generation. In a response to the pressure from the European wine industry to develop an internationally recognised system and name the Barossa Valley was born.  It has 160 years of European cultural traditions embedded into the methodology and production it has been labelled as an old New World wine region.

Over time it has developed its own unique varietal style, the Barossa Shiraz. Including their most expensive and sought after embodiments, Penfolds Grange and Henschke Hill of Grace. 

Barossa Valley Region vineyards, South Australia

Little Creature Beer

Australians are perceived as a laid back country with a stubby in one hand and a pie in the other. There are heaps of established beer brand in Australia and around the world but now there is a new one Little Creatures which is taking Australia by storm. Located in Western Australia, Fremantle this locally brewed beer is certainly one to try. There signature beers are the Pale Ale and Bright Ale which is their take on purely Australian style ale.

Developed by a group of friends who have a love for great beer and it was a life long dream to develop a beer which they wanted to drink, a hop driven pale ale. Inspiration was taken from pilgrimages through the US and turned into reality of establishing a brewery.

Little Creatures Brewery’s are open everyday except Christmas and happily give customers a tour of the building, the whole production process with of course some essential taste testing.  There is a restaurant onsite to enjoy your ale with some local food.

Little Creatures Brewery at Fremantle, Western Australia

Crocodile Meat

For a taste of unique Australian cuisine which is very popular and now even catching on overseas is crocodile meat. It is a succulent white meat with a texture of fish but a taste similar to chicken. There are so many delicious recipes and ways to try this unique meat to suit your tastebuds. Native to the Northern Territory,  this something that you have to try when visitng.

It is a great source of nutrients as it is high in protein and best when cooked in the same manner as lean pork or chicken. 

Crocodile Skewers, Northern Territory

Tasmania Salmon

Tasmania is truly a seafood lover’s haven place. There are multiple competitions and exhibitions for enthusiast to showcase and try Tasmania’s foods including the Hobart Fine Food Awards. Surrounded by ocean it produces the high quality Tasmania Salmon. Rich in omega-3 and countless other health benefits this delicacy is one healthy local treat.

It can be served raw, slightly salted, smoked and of course cooked to your taste.  It is used highly in sushi and other Asian cuisine. There is the option of both saltwater or seawater depends on preference. Another delicacy is the Tasmanian caviar which highly regarded around the world. 

Tasmanian Salmon, Tasmania

What you can't miss when visiting South Australia

Hahndorf

Within the Adelaide Hills is Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, Hahndorf. There is still a strong German culture in this town, most evident in the smallgoods stores and German bakery’s that line the main street. While in Hahndorf you can make your way through the towns many cellar doors on offer, and then eat the freshest local produce in one of the trendy eateries. 


This town will have you topped up on culture with its galleries, migration museum, artist’s studios and art classes. If you’re bringing the kids along be sure to take them to the Hahndorf Farm Barn, where they can cuddle some friendly animals and check out the nature wildlife park. 

Hahndorf Inn, Hahndorf

Barossa Valley

Australia’s wine capital, Barossa, is the best place to go if you’re looking to indulge in great wine in absolute luxury. With more than 80 cellar doors and 150 wineries you will be spoilt for choice.

Not only is the wine world class, but the fresh local produce from the Adelaide Hills is something to be admired also.

Speaking of food, a visit to Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop is an absolute must whilst in the Barossa Valley. Here you can check out the famous cook and writer’s product range and have tastings. And if you’re lucky you might even get to meet her!  

Wining & dining at Murdock Wines Barossa

McLaren Vale

McLaren Vale is the perfect destination for your next wine adventure, with more than 60 cellar doors, it’s a favourite South Australian wine region.

Visit Coriole Vineyard’s cellar door in an old, ironstone barn. Taste reserve wines and back vintages in the wine room and then enjoy lunch in the courtyard.

Chapel Hill offers panoramic views over the Onkaparinga Valley. Set within an old stone church, the cellar door sells a variety of wine. Penny’s Hill is inviting, with casual, farm charm. You can relax on the couches inside or play boules on the lawns, while enjoying the wine and tapas.

Coober Pedy

If you are looking for a very unique kind of holiday, then Coober Pedy is the destination for you. This opal mining town exists underground to escape high temperatures. Underground you will find hotels, restaurants, bars, and an underground church. You can take a tour of the town and check out the underground homes, opal mines, art gallery and pottery, or try your luck fossicking for opals at various spots around town. This fascinating place really is one of a kind and definitely a must do if you are considering a South Australian outback adventure. 

Coober Pedy, South Australia

 

Lake Eyre

Lake Eyre exists in the harsh South Australian outback and is the largest lake in Australia, spanning 9,500 square kilometres. As the lake rarely fills with water, and becomes a giant salt pan, which fascinates you with the white crystals that shimmer in the sunlight.

You can check out the lake from a plane, which allows you to view the endless still water or salt creeping over, or enjoy the lake by boat and listen to the sounds of the wildlife.

You can choose to camp in one of the camping grounds or if you prefer the indoors, there are hotels and caravan parks at nearby towns where you can grab a good pub feed. 

   

Limestone Coast

The Limestone Coast in a stunning region which was formed by tonnes of marine life falling to the sea floor, and is a treasure trove of natural wonders.

There are plenty of picturesque coastal towns to visit along the amazing Limestone Coast such as Robe, where you can swim at the stunning beaches, peer over rugged cliffs, and eat the best seafood. Then, head to Cape Jaffa to check out dolphins and penguins as they swim close to the shore. Coorong is a great place for swimming, fishing, or relaxing.

The Limestone Coast’s beaches are rugged and something to be seen, and offer some of the best fishing and surfing locations. 

Snorkelling off Limestone Coast

Fleurieu Peninsula

There is plenty to see and do here for all kinds of travellers. You can visit some cellar doors or bask in the beauty of the ocean, where you might see a whale or two swim by.

The Fleurieu Peninsula offers a laid back feel and beautiful scenery, created by the cliff tops, beaches, coves and the winding Murray River. You can watch little penguins come ashore at Granite Island, or get close to kangaroos in the conversation parks. This area has a real beach culture, where you often see surfers walk around with their surfboards, families playing in the sand and eating fish and chips. The sun, food and wine make this place a little piece of paradise.


To book your South Australian holiday visit www.sunloverholidays.com.au or talk to our experts on 13 88 33.

Quiet Summer Retreats Around Australia

Hatchers Richmond Manor

Located 20 minutes from Hobart, Hatchers Richmond Manor is a modern day old fashioned hideaway. This family run business which is settled on 100 acre working farm and orchard is just remarkable and truly an insight into the process of fresh produce to the finished good. You can sample the domestic wines and witness the harvesting process in January. Take a horse-drawn carriage around the property on the famous Clydesdale horses. With a variety of comfy home style rooms on the panoramic acreage it is perfect for the family to relax and enjoy what nature has to offer.

Clydesdale Horses at Hatcher Richmond Manor, Tasmania

Cradle Mountain Chateau

Cradle Mountain Chateau is an absolutely breathtaking destination situated in the serene alpine woodland setting of Cradle Mountain. Near is the world-heritage Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park which has some spectacular bush walks and look outs to explore that lead to the gorgeous Dove Lake. You can explore the surroundings and local cuisines by participating in regional beer tasting and complimentary foods, Tasmania’s Tiger exhibition and Night time Animal exploration. Onsite there are multiple dining areas including The Grey Gum, Quoll’s Restaurant and Brushtails Bar which provide warm hearty meals all from local produce to match the rugged atmosphere. You will definitely find a warm burning fireplace to rug up next to and enjoy the spectacular views. 

Picturesque Cradle Mountain Chateau, Tasmania

Chardonnay Lodge

For the fine food and wine lover you need to enter paradise at Chardonnay Lodge in the heart of the Coonawarra Vineyards midway between Adelaide and Melbourne is the pinnacle to places to go. With a modern and modest feel and ample landscape ground to wonder it is perfect for families and anyone who needs a quite and relaxed getaway. Some attractions and facilities include a pool, the world heritage listed Naracoorte Caves, Blue Lake, Penola and the Mary MacKillop Centre.


Across the road is The Poplars Cellar Door Precinct which is an enjoyable location featuring a cheese bar and local produce store. It has an award winning onsite art gallery which displays the works of Australia born artist Jenny Johnson and others. This is an easy going, relaxing destination perfect to unwind and appreciate the local produce and wine. 

Chardony Lodge, South Australia

Bloomfield Lodge

If you want to experience Cairns in a picturesque, quiet sanctuary then Bloomfield Lodge is the place to escape. Located 140m north of Cairns, in the world heritage listed Daintree Forest also boarder line with The Great Barrier Reef this is a match made in heaven. You can indulge in the breathtaking scenery of either water or wilderness and experience all the beauty Cairns has to offer. With ample relaxation facilities and actractions to discover including the secluded Kangaji Beach, it has something for everyone.

The 17 individual retreats all built from local timber with colonial-style elegance and first class amenities really embraces and displays the natural heavenly surroundings. 

View from balcony at Bloomfield Lodge, Queensland

Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris

If you want to experience nature it is natural form and to learn and enjoy Australia’s history then Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris is a great destination. Situated in an exclusive area of the Northern Territory on the sacred Arnhemland it is truly an escape from the busy city and  allow yourself to unwind. This national treasure chest has countless experiences and activities including guided tours through ancestral caves with stunning original rock paintings and carving. It also accommodates for the more adventurous by providing bushwalks, 4WD adventures, wildlife spotting through the adjacent Kakadu National Park as well as fishing and swimming.

There is a variety of accommodation from luxury to earthly options of campfire cabins. No matter where you are you will see and appreciate the beautiful wilderness and atmosphere of this sacred land. 

Cabins at Davidson's Arnhemland Safari Lodge, Northern Territory

Eco Beach Broome

Eco Beach Broome is a lovely quite escape hidden at the top of Wester Australia near Broome. This award winning resort is the perfect blend of beach and bush referred to as an ‘accessible wilderness’.

The modern and stylish accommodation located right on the beach front and a backyard of bushland really captures all of Northern Territory’s beauty. You can explore the remarkable wilderness by participating in turtle and whale spotting and talking, multiple bushwalks, kayaking and end the day with yoga or a Kimberly Taste where you try some local delicacies. Another unique and fun activity is the Mud ‘n’ Fun which is a natural local treatment comprising of sand exfoliation and covering yourself in mud crab mud.

Beach and Bush blend at Eco Beach, Western Australia

After a long day of adventure and exploring you can reenergise at Jack’s Bar & Restaurant. It is an onsite water coastline restaurant providing outstanding cuisine looking at a picturesque view. 

Outstanding Cuisine at Jack's Bar & Restaurant

For assistance booking your Australian holiday call Sunlover Holidays on 13 88 33.

Port Douglas Carnivale - 10 Days of Food

By Kerry Heaney. 

They know how to party in the tropics and it doesn't get much more tropical than Port Douglas.

If you like sand,sun and sea with swaying palm trees and clear skies, combined with a great selection of fine regional food - Port Douglas is your place, especially for 10 days from May 18.

The Port Douglas Carnivale starts with a slap up series of feasts that will challenge your appetite and endurance on one weekend (May 18 -20), perfect for a quick, indulgent getaway.

The opening weekend includes the -

Sheraton Mirage Longest Lunch May 18
Audi Plates of Port - dinner May 18
Food, Wine and A Taste of Port - dinner May 19
Meridien Seafood Extravaganza - lunch May 20

I visited Port Douglas in March for a sneak preview of what's on offer and it's good, very good.

To read on click here. 

Melbourne: What you need to know

The City

In Melbourne there is a multitude of laneways just begging for exploration. Discover trendy bars and cafes, plus exciting street art. In the more refined arcades you can browse through couture boutiques, discover new designers and spend up big at vintage stores. After hitting the shops kick back with a coffee at one of the many cafes in Degraves Street, the cobbled bluestone laneway from Flinders Street to Flinders Lane. 

Melbourne Laneway

Sport

Melbourne has a calendar packed full of sporting events. The Australian Open Tennis Tournament kicks off the year with 2 weeks of heart pumping tennis action in January; March brings the Formula 1 Grand Prix to Albert Park (just east of the city); winter offers AFL games each week at the MCG or Etihad Stadium in the redeveloped Docklands and the year caps off with Melbourne Cup Spring Racing Carnival. Sunlover Holidays enjoys a great tradition of offering packages to the Melbourne Cup each year. Choose from entry with reserved seating to marquee packages including lunch and drinks. 

Melbourne Cup Carnival

Shopping

The city centre offers QV, Queen Victoria Market and the GPO with a offer a range of shopping options from budget to designer. Treasures are to be found in the laneways and alleyways, so don’t be scared to lose your way, as you might stumble across a gem. The best way to navigate the city is by the free city circle tram. On the fringe of the city centre is Bridge Road in Richmond, home to many high street factory outlets; Gertrude Street in Fitzroy offer eclectic clothing labels and Chapel Street in South Yarra and Prahran offers boutiques, designers and high street stores. Don’t miss Topshop, the first of the famous British fashion chain stores to open in Australia. There are also several large shopping malls offering the chain clothing stores and department stores in the suburbs of the city. To learn from those in the know, take a shopping tour of the best spots in the city. 

Tram outside of Flinders Station

Music

There is a thriving live music scene in Melbourne. Inner city hipsters enjoy intimate venues in down city laneways or above a corner pub in streets such as Brunswick in Fitzroy. East of the city rock, folk and indie bands can be found playing in the trendy suburbs of St Kilda, Windsor and Prahran. Chapel Street in particular is well known for nightclubs, bars and restaurants that fill the streets each Friday and Saturday night.

Comedy

Continuing with the trend of enjoying live entertainment comes Melbourne Comedy festival. Each year in March and April comedians from around the world take to Melbourne to enjoy one of the largest comedy festivals in the world.  If you can’t get to the city in autumn, you can still enjoy comedy all year in the smaller venues such as Comedy at Spleen.

Melbourne

Art

Spend an afternoon strolling through the halls of the National Gallery of Victoria’s international collection or the Victorian Arts Centre. For outdoor art fused with architecture walk through Federation Square. If you prefer discovering new art then head to the laneways to find street art and small galleries offering local artists. 

Dining

Food and wine is a passion in this city. Visit Lygon Street in Carlton for great Italian fare, Lonsdale Street in the city for Greek food or Little Bourke Street in Chinatown for Asian dishes. Travel in March and you can be a part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. Over 250 events are open to the public, including markets at Southbank, Federation Square and the Docklands. There are master chef classes, cooking displays, wine tastings, degustation dining events, five course brunches, international cuisine evenings and chocolate making classes.