Sitting in the aptly named Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland (beginning at the tip of Cape York Peninsula in the north and extending down to Bundaberg in the south) the Barrier Reef is host to an unusual array of plant, bird and marine life. Nestled amongst its almost 3000 individual reefs, built from 360 species of hard corals, and 880 islands, are a variety of dolphins, dugong, 6 different types of turtles, over 175 bird species, approximately 2,200 native plant variations, approximately 2,000 fish species and is a safe breeding ground for Humpback and other whales. Continue reading The Great Barrier Reef Australia
What to do when visiting a Marae in New Zealand
When travelling around New Zealand, it is highly likely you will be taken to visit some of the local Marae. These are sacred meeting houses for Maori and are symbols of tribal identity. Considered by Māori as tūrangawaewae – (standing places or places of belonging), they facilitate public discussions and debates, funerals and celebrations and other local gatherings. They are often elaborately carved and designed community spaces equip with a dining hall and cooking area and the marae ātea (sacred space in front of the meeting house).
When visiting a Marae, it is important that you are prepared. Before the visit: Continue reading What to do when visiting a Marae in New Zealand
Australia’s backpacker industry ‘in crisis’
AUSTRALIA’S backpacker tourism industry is facing the biggest crisis in its history, with many tour operators struggling to survive following big falls in young travellers.
The number of people staying in hostels has fallen by nearly seven per cent over the past two years, down from 593,000 per year in March 2010.
By Marina Thomas | News Limited Network
For great relocation deals, check out Transfercar.com.au
Food for camping: Quick and easy cashew nut cups
I’ve recently come back from a well needed stay at a Yoga retreat in Koh Samui, Thailand (Samahita Retreat) where we trained in Ashtanga Yoga twice a day. As you can imagine, the food was delicious, organic and highly nutritious. However with all that training, my craving for something sweet was almost overpowering (and there is only so much honey you can put in a herbal tea!).
Amongst some of the incredibly mouth watering desserts available was a little beauty called a Cashew Nut Cup. Now why is this a good addition to Transfercar’s travel blog you ask? The reason being, that this can be easily made on a gas stove, over hot coals or on a BBQ, making it a fantastic travel treat that is cheap and easy to prepare. Check this out yourself. Continue reading Food for camping: Quick and easy cashew nut cups
Black sand and burnt feet: Navigating the West Coast beaches of New Zealand
New Zealand is a country of contrasts. From the rolling hills of the North to the majestic, snow capped peaks of the South, it truly is a place of epic variations. Where the East is home to smooth waves and white sand, the West is united by jet black coastlines and turbulent waters loved by surfers worldwide. Both are as beautiful as the other, and can leave you breathless with wonder or lifeless if care is not taken.
New Zealand is a country of contrasts. From the rolling hills of the North to the majestic, snow capped peaks of the South, it truly is a place of epic variations. Where the East is home to smooth waves and white sand, the West is united by jet black coastlines and turbulent waters loved by surfers worldwide. Both are as beautiful as the other, and can leave you breathless with wonder or lifeless if care is not taken.
Welcome to the Wild West…….. Continue reading Black sand and burnt feet: Navigating the West Coast beaches of New Zealand
To and from Hobart, Australia on the Spirit of Tasmania: Ferry times, booking and prices
Transfercar have a number of Australian companies needing their vehicles relocated across the Bass Strait between Hobart, Melbourne and then further on to other cities such as Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane. As we often get questions as to prices and ferry times etc, we thought it would be a good subject to write about. Continue reading To and from Hobart, Australia on the Spirit of Tasmania: Ferry times, booking and prices