Bacchus Marsh is the most awesome place ever -- it's great.
I loved Sydney and Australia. I went for the spring in 2001 and stayed in a southern suburb of Sydney called Glebe. I loved everything. My boyfriend and I got a camper RV and drove up the coast for a 3 weeks, it was so amazing, and we even got to the great barrier reef and the Whitsunday Islands. You have to go, if you have even the smallest desire, its worth it!!
The two bakeries in town both claim to be "The Original Lancelin Bakery." My money goes to the one near the park as it has a shadehouse eatery which is nice to sit in and look at your maps while chowing down. Here's my big tip: buy a big round wholemeal roll (better for you) and stick your pie in it :-) with sauce. This goes further, tastes better and no hot dripping split pie oozing drama.
Warrnambool is a great place to live and visit... the beaches are fantastic!!!
Broadbeach is great, its only minutes to Surfers and has some great things to do as it is on the beach with its surf clubs. And the casino is always great with Thursday night -- cheap drinks in the casino's Prince Albert Bar. It's where a lot of the young loacals go.
Batemans Bay is very far from the beach and attractions -- too far if you do not have transport.
Geelong is a great gateway to Great Ocean Road. Public transport is available to all beaches and Melbourne. Go to www.geelongotway.org and www.greatoceanroad.org for all tourist info and links to Geelong and the Great Ocean Road.
Coles Bay is a very small town on the edge of water and next to a nature reserve. This is for the nature and ocean lover, and not a party and happening place like a big city. The Freycinet National Park has lots of hikes and nature and beaches to explore. Don't miss the hike to Wine Glass Bay, and even though the climb to the look out is uphill all the way and has lots of tourists, it is still worthwhile. But do ask for a list and map of other hikes in the area.
Biloela was a great party town, small but good. Grew up there.
I stayed in Esperance for five weeks in 2000 and loved it -- the wonderful beaches and amazing colour of the sea, the hospitality of the residents, The Cape Le Grand area, lucky beach, twilight cove, and salmon leap. I hired a bike several times and had some great rides on the boardwalk/beach. They have very friendly staff at the visitor centre. If I could, I would live there.
Melbourne is a fantastic city, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. There are some beautiful parks in the center of the city, and some lovely galleries and museums. I ended up staying in Melbourne for longer than I originally planned as I found it to be a 'fun' city - great bars and nighclubs, to suit all tastes. Also, Melbourne has some of the best shopping in Australia and the best selection of restaurants, where you can sample food from every corner of the globe. I couldn't believe the selection! If you're thinking about when to visit Melbourne, I would probably recommend going in summer, as temperatures are warmer and a little more stable.
I abolutely love Halls Gap. I love the mountains, just to climb them it's amazing. The view is absolutely out this world! It's great. Love it!
I had a brilliant time in Townsville. It's a place where you can go to get a real feel of Ozy life as there isn't a huge backpacker appeal. It's just a really nice town and I look forward to going back. Another bonus is that it is a base for the Oz army so there were plenty of fit young men around. This was way back in 2000 so hope not too much has changed!
I have a caravan in Taggerty and if your ever hungry you should visit 'The Shamrock.' It's located in Alexandra, only a 15 minute drive from Taggerty and is a beautiful place for a counter lunch. Cheers!
Merrigum is a quaint little place populated with an assortment of strange people for which it has always been known.
I have fantastic memories of Bundaberg and would go back. I loved the hillbilly feel of the town. Beats the cities any day. Work is hard but well worth the experience.
Bicheno is the best place in the entire world. It's so peaceful, they have all they need.
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