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Mount Dandenong’s 1000 Steps One of Melbourne’s best walks

1000 Steps Melbourne

1000 Steps Melbourne

When people talk about great walks in Melbourne they normally refer to the Botanical Gardens, the Yarra River, Carlton Gardens and the foreshore at St.Kilda Beach. The 1000 steps, Mount Dandenong can be added to that list of great Melbourne walks. The people of southeast Melbourne have been trekking up the hill for many years, but recently the rest of Melbourne have caught on to this great walk.

Located 60 minutes from the city, the 1000 steps walk starts in the Ferntree Gully National Park and finishes at One Tree Picnic Ground .The walk starts as a leisurely stroll through the temperate rainforest but quickly heads upwards as it approaches the start of the 1000 steps. Named after the famous and steep Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea, the 1000 steps has plaques along the way explaining the struggle Australian soldiers went through during the 2nd World War.

1000 Steps Mt Dandenong Melbourne

1000 Steps Mt Dandenong Melbourne

There are many things that make the walk one of Melbourne’s best. First, the workout, approximately 5km roundtrip and in many places straight up, it gets the blood pumping and lungs working! Some people repeat the steps part, me, I walk to the One Tree Picnic ground where a water tap awaits me. Secondly, the scenery and wildlife – manna gum and fern trees make up the forest foliage along with lots of Australian animals. I’ve spotted Wallabies, Kookaburras, Lyre Birds and Rosellas to name a few. And lastly, the social aspects of the area. BBQs located at the base are utilised by many walkers and there’s also play equipment for the children.

Mt Dandenong, Melbourne

Mt Dandenong, Melbourne

Besides the 1000 steps there are other less strenuous walking tracks, which suit people who are looking just for a stroll in the Australian bush. For tourists, the track can be reached on public transport from Melbourne by taking the train to Belgrave and getting off at Upper Ferntree Gully station. From there it’s a 10-minute walk up Burwood Highway. Naturally, Saturdays and Sundays are busy after 10am but try after work on a weekday if you’re looking for a quieter time. I look forward to passing you on the track!

Checkout more photos on my Flickr account

Posted in Australia, melbourne. Tagged with , .

By Jimmy
January 27, 2010

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Travel Hot Spots for 2010

Machu Picchu

In 2009 we saw the cheapest airfares in decades but with a looming recession many people didn’t take advantage of the special travel deals on offer. Next year will be different with South Africa hosting the soccer World Cup and Vancouver the Winter Olympics, 2010 is shaping up to be a busy year for travel.

The world’s eyes will be turning to Vancouver, Canada in February when it hosts the Winter Olympics. Split between the cities of Vancouver and Whistler the event is expected to be the largest winter games since Nagano, Japan. Unless you have friends or family it’s probably too late to secure accommodation or cheap flights for the event.

The biggest sporting event on earth will be visiting Africa for the first-time in 2010. South Africa will host the World Cup soccer in June. The month-long tournament will be held in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria and Port Elizabeth and many more South African cities. If you want to go, World Cup packages are now on sale but they’re not cheap!

Mention South America and people get excited! Maybe it’s the chance of meeting a dark, sexy stranger or being lost in a foreign place where you don’t speak the language but whatever it is, travellers are attracted to the continent.  One of my favourite places/walks in South America is the Inca Trail, which leads to the famous Machu Picchu. Sure day 2 of the 4-day hike is tough but the end is so worth it. Machu Picchu, a world heritage site was only re-discovered in 1911 by an American historian. You can reach the Inca ruins by either the 4-day hike or half-day bus tour from Cusco.  But if you travel all that way, you’re going want to do the hike!

The Island of Culebrita, Puerto Rico is an unspoilt treasure. Located in the warm waters of the Caribbean and only accessible by boat from the Island of Culebra, the island has no accommodation but has pristine, white sandy beaches and fantastic snorkelling and hikes. Flamenco Beach back on Culebra is my second favourite beach in Puerto Rico.

One place I hear a lot of people talking about is Burma and with the Australian airline Jetstar flying 4 times a week along with other international airlines, the country is sure to have more Western tourists in 2010. As with all dictatorships there will always be debate for and against people travelling to such countries. Cuba is another country that has a lot of appeal but having seeing first-hand how poor the people are, I’m wary of giving my money to another junta.

After writing this I’m ready to travel, what about you? Unfortunately, next year we won’t see the same discounted air travel but it’ll be interesting to see what impact the World Cup has on travel to Europe next summer, we might still see some specials.  If you’re after more travel hot spots, checkout Trip Advisor’s top-10 list. Leave a comment and let me know where you’ll be heading in 2010!

Posted in Canada, Cape Town, Culebra, Culebrita, Flamenco Beach, Machu Picchu, Peru, South Africa, Traveling, Vancouver. Tagged with , , , .

By Jimmy
December 13, 2009

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New Years Eve 2009 Party Hot Spots

Sydney NYE Celebrations

With just under 2 months to the big night, it’s probably a good idea to start planning where you want to spend New Year’s Eve 2009. Of course you can stay at home but travelling to a different city or country is definitely a lot more exciting!

Planning and deciding where to go is always a challenge facing NYE revellers but to help I’ve put together a list of the hottest New Years Eve destinations of 2009.

  • Starting with my home country, Australia and the best place to be is Sydney. Up to a million people pack into the harbour city for a view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which explodes into light with one of the best fireworks displays in the world. Get there earlier to secure your vantage point! Continued…

Posted in Cape Town, Edinburgh, New York City, Rio, Sydney. Tagged with , .

By Jimmy
November 1, 2009

2 comments

Things to Do and See in Vancouver

Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver, Canada

In 2005, I spent one of my best years of my life living in sunny, snowy and rainy Vancouver, Canada.  Positioned between the ocean and the mountains, Vancouver is a city for all seasons. From the snow sports of winter to the outdoor activities of summer there’s always something happening in Vancouver.

Perched on the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is Canada’s fastest growing city. With a West-Coast lifestyle and the most temperate weather in Canada it’s no wonder the city is attracting a lot of people. Vancouver is also the host city of the 2010 Winter Olympics, which has resulted in a building boom around the city. Whether you have 2 days or 2 weeks in Vancouver there’s plenty of things to do and see to keep even the most avid traveler occupied.

The first thing that will strike you about Vancouver is its natural beauty. Tall buildings are not the only things competing for skyline in Vancouver. Visible from Downtown, Grouse Mountain is an imposing yet picturesque mountain range. Grouse is a very popular destination for hikers in summer and skiers in winter. In addition to the mountains, Vancouver is spoilt for parks, lakes and the ocean. In springtime Vancouverites love to brag about the ability to ski in the morning and go to the beach in the afternoon, not that you would swim in the ocean!

A great way to start your exploration of Vancouver is to rent bikes and ride around Stanley Park. With amazing views of the city and surrounding mountains, Stanley Park is an oasis of natural beauty right in the heart of Vancouver.  Activities available in the park include mini-golf, swimming, hiking, fishing and eating to name a few. If you’re after a bit of shopping and people-gazing walk down Robson Street to Granville, where the streets intersect is pretty much the center of the city. For a bit of color head to Davie St otherwise known as Davie Village, Vancouver’s gay area. Another cool area to explore is Gastown, located near the Waterfront station. Avoid the area around E Hastings and Main St, which can be dodgy especially after dark.

Granville Island, Vancouver

Granville Island, Vancouver

A favorite spot of mine is Granville Island Public Market. Open everyday and easily accessible from Downtown, Granville Island is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Besides the market there are restaurants and bars on the island. If you’re after good coffee head to JJBean located in the market hall. Like the rest of Vancouver, Granville Island is well serviced by bike and walking paths. I recommend you walk or ride to Kitsalano Beach but you can go the opposite direction, which will take you on a full lap of the city.

I’ve already mentioned Grouse Mountain and if you’re fit I recommend you climb it! Dining and viewing options wait for you at the top, don’t panic there’s cable car option as well! On the way to Grouse, stop at Capilano Suspension (bridge), which stretches 450 feet across a cannon and is 230 feet above the Capilano River.

No visit to Vancouver is complete without a trip to Whistler. About a 2.5 hour drive from Vancouver, Whistler is an all-year-round destination. Actually it’s busier in summer than winter with bike riding, hiking, fishing and partying all going on.

For more shopping and entertainment options in Vancouver head to Main Street, where you’ll find everything from bars and consignment shops to tattoo parlors and coffee shops. Also Commerical Drive is another popular spot for restaurants, bars and fashion, start at Venables. If you’re after a destination filled of adventure, natural beauty and entertainment then head to Vancouver, you won’t be disappointed.

Posted in Canada, Traveling, Vancouver. Tagged with , , , , , , .

By Jimmy
September 8, 2009

1 comment

Uncovering the Myths of Australian Culture

Nothing Like a Cold Beer

Recently I’ve been writing about Australia and all its natural wonders, in today’s post I’m going to discuss Aussie culture. Having spent time in the States I know how Americans react when hearing the word “Australia” or “Down Under”.  Images of Kangaroos as pets, Fosters beer and prawns on the Barbie (not a doll but BBQ) and Crocodile Hunter flash before you but there’s a lot more to Australian culture than meets the eye.

Before the English turned-up the Aboriginals were the traditional landowners of Australia. Aboriginal culture has a strong spiritual connection with the earth and the sun. The English brought their own culture, which included bland food, posh accents, cricket and disease. Today, Australia looks very different from the country the English stumbled upon two hundred years ago. Immigration from Europe, Asia, Middle East and most recently Africa has made Australia’s cultural landscape more diverse yet it remains distinctly Australian.

What is Australian culture? Good question! The foundation of Australia culture is mateship, the Urban Dictionary defines it as “A bond between Australian men that runs deep – very deep! “ While women don’t necessarily use the term mateship the same bond amongst female friends still applies. Australians also are known to give everyone a fair go, tend to resent authority and have a pioneering spirit them makes entrepreneurial. The class structure operating in this country is quite different to that of other Western countries. Aussies tend to mix a lot more with one another regardless of income and socio-economic backgrounds.

Due to the weather, Australians spend a large percentage of their spare time outdoors playing sport. From swimming and running to team sports including Cricket, Rugby, Soccer, Tennis and Aussie Rules, Australian’s love and excel at sport. Another popular pastime for Aussies is barbequing and drinking beer.

Mick Dundee, Crocodile Hunter

Mick Dundee, Crocodile Hunter

Made famous by Mick Dundee in Crocodile Dundee, drinking beer and throwing a Prawn and steak on the BBQ is a very Australian tradition. Spending time at the beach is another popular past-time for Aussies. In Summer, beaches are inundated with families, surfers and bikini- and Speedo-wearing sun-worshipers. Another passion is cars, which for men is pretty much the same the world over. Growing up you are either a Ford or Holden (GM) man.

In addition to the sport and outdoor lifestyle there’s a thriving arts and music scene in Australia. Aboriginal art attracts buyers from all over the world with their unique style of painting. Australian music predominately rock and pop genres is growing in popularity overseas along with Aussie writers, including Peter Carey and Tim Winton who are gaining more exposure with their distinct style of writing.

Australia is a relatively young country, however as we continue to grow and attract people from abroad our look may change but hopefully our underlying values of giving everyone a fair go will remain the same. In my next post I’m changing continents and heading to the host city of the next Winter Olympics, Vancouver.

Posted in Australia, Down Under. Tagged with , , , , , , .

By Jimmy
August 31, 2009

2 comments

There’s no Shortage of Natural Wonders to see in Australia – Part 2

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

In my last post I listed some of my favorite natural wonders of Australia. In today’s post I will complete the list… once again they’re not listed in any particular order:

  • Fraser Island, Queensland is the largest sand island in the world and is also world heritage listed. Fraser Island is the only place in the world where tall rainforests grown on sand. Besides a few tourists the only other thing you have to share the island with are Dingos!
  • Wilsons Promontory in Victoria is the southernmost point of mainland Australia. Three hours from Melbourne the drive will take you through the picturesque Gippsland region. Wilsons Prom is filled with pristine beaches, hiking trails and campsites. My favorite hike is the one to Squeaky beach as the name suggests the fine sand squeaks when walking barefoot. Along the hike you maybe lucky and come across a popular but quiet Australian marsupial, a Wombat.
  • Cradle Mountain, Tasmania. World heritage listed, Cradle Mountain offers hikers untouched natural beauty with spectacular mountains, native fauna and forests, rivers and alpine lakes. It’s also the starting point for the world famous 6-day overland hiking trip.
  • Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Accessible by boat or light aircraft Kangaroo Island is sanctuary for Australian wildlife and a must for nature lovers. Besides Kangaroos you will see plenty of Australian wildlife including Wallabies, Koalas, Penguins, Seals and Southern Right Whales to name a few.
  • Mount Dandenong, Victoria is a 1-hour drive from downtown Melbourne.  The area is filled with winding roads, rainforests, hikes, quaint villages, restaurants, lookouts and Puffing Billy! There’s no better way to spend an afternoon than driving around the Daenong Hills.

By no means is this the complete list of natural wonders of Australia. If you’re after a more comprehensive list checkout Australian Traveller’s top 100 things to do in Australia and I Live to Travel’s take on Australia. In my next post I will discuss culture in Australia and no it is not all sport related!

Posted in Australia, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria. Tagged with , , , , , , .

By Jimmy
August 19, 2009

1 comment

There’s no Shortage of Natural Wonders to see in Australia – Part 1

Rottnest Island, Western Australia

Rottnest Island, Western Australia

In my last post I wetted your appetite for traveling to Australia with my top five reasons why you should visit Down Under. In today’s post I’m going to tell you more about this amazing country we call, Australia. Just over 21 million people call Australia home with the majority of people living along the eastern- seaboard. Inland Australia is mainly desert which is one of the big reasons why most Australians live along the coastline.

The largest city in Australia is Sydney, with just over 5 million people followed by Melbourne and Brisbane. Sydney and Melbourne have a strong rivalry, similar to New York and LA. The best way to sum-up the two cities is Sydney has all the touristy things while Melbourne has the arts, cultural and nightlife… you decide which you prefer!

Over the next two days I’ll cover all my favorite natural wonders of Australia, starting with the first 5 today – they’re in no particular order.

    • The Great Ocean Road, Victoria. I know America has the coast road between San Fran and LA and Cape Town has a similar stretch of road but Victoria’s goes one better! Like the other roads it hugs the rugged coastline for about 100 miles but the added bonuses are the opportunity to spot Koalas and the Twelve Apostles at the very end.
    • Wineglass Bay, Tasmania. Often forgotten, Tasmania is full of natural beauty from old-growth forests and striking mountains to pristine beaches. Located on Tasmania’s east coast, Wineglass Bay is part of the Freycinet National Park and is one of Tassie’s best beaches. There are plenty of activities to do in the area from hiking and rock climbing to fishing and swimming. The most popular thing to do is to hike to the top of the mountain for spectacular views of Wineglass Bay.
    • Rottnest Island, Western Australia. A 45 minute ferry ride transfers you from the port city of Freemantle to an island filled of untouched beaches, bikes and Quokkas! With no cars on the island, bikes and Quokkas rule!
    • Byron Bay, Northern New South Wales. Famous for its hippies, surfing and natural beauty, Byron Bay is a relaxing destination without the high-rises and hype of other locations.
    • Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory. Located near the city of Darwin, Kakadu National Park is filled with amazing natural beauty and Australian wildlife. Managed by the traditional landowners, Kakadu is a world heritage listed site and a must for any tourist heading to the North of the country.

      In tomorrow’s post I will list my five remaining favorite natural wonders of Australia. What’s your favorite spot in Australia? Leave a comment and share the love!

      Posted in Australia, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia. Tagged with , , , , , , .

      By Jimmy
      August 17, 2009

      2 comments

      Five Reasons to Travel to Australia

      Opera House, Sydney

      Opera House, Sydney

      For many people living in the US traveling to Australia is what dreams are made of. However with airfares crashing to their lowest point ever (excuse my pun), about $700 roundtrip from the west coast and under a grand from the east coast, traveling Down Under doesn’t have to be a dream anymore. So what does Australia have that America doesn’t? A lot! Checkout my 5 top reasons why you should travel Down Under this year.

      Five Reasons to Travel to Australia:

      1. We’re great people! I know you’ve seen us on TV and in the movies but we’re funnier and sexier in person! And we have our own language, G’Day Mate!
      2. Sydney and all its jewels – The Opera House, Sydney Harbor Bridge and Bondi beach, rated one of the top 5 city beaches in the world.
      3. Great Barrier Reef, the biggest coral reef in the world, stretching over 1200 miles (2000km) from the top of Queensland to the Sunshine Coast. You better hurry word is it’ll disappear during the next 30-50 years. ☹
      4. Uluru, previously known as Ayers Rock, located in the red Australian desert. This famous rock changes color throughout the day. My tip, book the Sounds of Silence Dinner you can thank me afterwards. Respect the Aboriginals and don’t climb the rock!
      5. Whitehaven Beach, Queensland

        Whitehaven Beach, Queensland

        Whitehaven Beach, Queensland. This untouched beach is what picture postcards are made of and it’s my favorite beach in the world, sorry Culebrita, Puerto Rico.  Located in the Whitsundays group of Islands, Whitehaven beach is only accessibly by boat and with no accommodation it means the area will hopefully stay pristine for a long-time to come.

      I’m excited and I live here… are you! If you need more convincing check back tomorrow because I’ll have another post on awesome things to do and see in Australia.

      As always comments are welcome and don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family. So if you are in need of a vacation Australia is waiting for you!

      Posted in Australia, Queensland, Sydney, Traveling. Tagged with , , , , , .

      By Jimmy
      August 13, 2009

      3 comments

      The Loop is a Chicago Masterpiece

      The L Train, Chicago

      The L Train, Chicago

      There’s no shortage of attractions in Chicago from the Millennium Park and the Architecture Tour to the John Hancock Center but one structure I was very keen to see was simply called ‘The Loop’. Featured in Spiderman, ER and Blues Brothers to name a few, The Loop, also known as the L Train is an elevated section of railway line that runs a 2-mile (3.2 Km) rectangle loop of Chicago’s downtown area.

      The Loop, Chicago

      The Loop, Chicago

      Opened in 1895 the L Train is an architectural masterpiece and is the second oldest metro rail system in America after New York’s subway. Five out of the eight rail lines use the L Train’s nine stops. The views from the train are amazing as it slices its way through Chicago’s historic buildings. It’s also a great way for tourists to get their bearings in the Windy City. I enjoyed the ride so much that I went around it twice not to the amusement of my partner! Stops are conveniently located near Millennium Park, Sears Tower and the Chicago River.

      Posted in Chicago, Traveling, USA.

      By Jimmy
      August 13, 2009

      No comments

      You Can’t Miss Chicago’s Millennium Park

      Jellybean, Millennium Park, Chicago

      Jelly Bean, Millennium Park, Chicago

      The whole purpose of a city square is to attract visitors and to keep them coming back but why do so many cities fail at creating user-friendly public spaces. One city that has been able to utilize their public land effectively is Chicago. Bordered by Lake Michigan, Chicago has always been spoilt for parks but there was one area that was a blight on the city.

      Millennium Park, Chicago

      Millennium Park, Chicago

      Chicago is famous for its above ground trains running between the buildings but one stretch of the line was taking up valuable real estate and destroying the synergy of the city. For years train lines ran next to Bryant Park into the heart of the city creating a disconnect between the city and the Lake and the adjacent parks. To rectify the situation the government buried the train lines and created a massive public space. Opened in 2004, Millennium Park covers 24.5-acre and is filled with design sculptures, water fountains, gardens, an art gallery, a music pavilion and a giant chrome Jelly Bean.

      Lurie Garden, Millennium Park, Chicago

      Lurie Garden, Millennium Park, Chicago

      Chicago’s Millennium Park is an excellent example of how to utilize public space and make it an enjoyable and engaging destination for all. If your city square is not a public space you’re proud then you’d better send your government official to Chicago to see what’s possible!

      Posted in Chicago, Traveling, USA. Tagged with , .

      By Jimmy
      August 11, 2009

      1 comment