Oceania Travel Guides
Self-guided itineraries for Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific.
A Weekend Snapshot of Melbourne
If you're visiting Australia from overseas, you may have crossed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, swum the Great Barrier Reef and stopped in awe at Uluru, but have you ventured further south to experience the true culture of Melbourne? And if you live in Australia it's finally time to see for yourselves what this southern city is all about. Sydney-siders, put aside your differences, put on your walking shoes and spend a weekend getting to really know your southern neighbour. With the Weekend Snapshot of Melbourne you can: share a walk with the voices of 50 Commonwealth nations; stand in the shadows of "The G", Melbourne's most loved treasure; let a milkshake take you back to the 1950s; be swallowed by the jaws of a smiling clown; and enjoy a nightime drink up in the sky. Melbourne is the world's most liveable city, and this itinerary aims to show you why. Get ready to pound the pavement on Day One as we take you on a walk through Federation Square and along and across the Yarra. We will stop at some of Melbourne's most loved attractions and take a moment to relax in a garden oasis. On day two, get to know Melbourne's public transport system as we hop on a tram and go market shopping, take a stroll along the bay and then head to Melbourne's north for a relaxing drink and dinner. Filled with easy to follow maps, photographs, restaurant recommendations; snippets of history and transportation tips, this weekend guide to Melbourne takes you from Flinders Street Station, to South Melbourne Markets, St Kilda, Richmond and the quirky streets of Fitzroy; a snapshot of some of the best that Melbourne has to offer. So take a chance on this southern city and discover Australia's cutlural home. You may never want to leave!
A Weekend Snapshot of Sydney
Sydney is a must stop destination when visiting Australia, with its deep blue harbour, iconic opera house and landmark bridge, it's hard to pass on the nation's 'emerald city'. If you have flown or sailed in from overseas or zipped over from interstate and only have a weekend to spare, this 2-day tour will provide you with a snapshot of the best that Sydney Harbour has to offer. You've seen Sydney Harbour on postcards and you've watched Oprah present on the steps of the Opera House, now's your chance to experience the harbour for yourself; walk over it, sail across it, and sit back and admire it. Whilst Sydney Harbour may be beautiful to look at, did you know that as the location for Australia's first colony, the harbour is also rich in history? Did you also know that there are several islands scattered around the harbour that can be easily visited for day trips the whole family can enjoy? Even if you have lived in Sydney all your life, this itinerary will show you areas you may never have considered exploring for yourself. Have you ever wondered at the little fort in the middle of the harbour? This trip will take you to Fort Denison, dispel the many myths surrounding it, and inform you about its real history. Did you ever wonder how many men it took to build the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or how many litres of paint were required to protect it? Heard the story of how the Harbour Bridge was officially opened? You may have driven over the bridge many times before, but do you really know the true story behind it? What about Cockatoo Island, did you realise you can have BBQs there, or even camp the night? This itinerary will tell you how to get there and lead you to learn more about its convict heritage. Sydney is Australia's most popular city and this itinerary aims to show you why. With the Weekend Snapshot of Sydney you can: walk across Sydney's Coathanger; explore behind the scenes of the Sydney Opera House; have lunch in the middle of the harbour; sail into Sydney's c
An Afternoon & Evening in Melbourne's Best Hidden Bars
Melbourne's greatest charms are hidden away in its iconic laneways. To find the best street art, cafes, and restaurants, you often need to venture off the main streets, and this is no less true for Melbourne's best bars. The Central Business District's (CBD) increasingly crowded spaces have seen an explosion of creative new bars over the past decade, tucked away in laneways, backrooms, basements, rooftops, car parks, and even on an island in the Yarra River. This embarrassment of riches can be daunting for somebody with only a few days to spend in Melbourne. This itinerary will take the discerning visitor on a guided afternoon and evening of drinking across 10 of the CBD's finest small bars, hidden away in places an outsider might never find them. Even if you're not up for a marathon ten-venue pub crawl, this guide will help you decide between some of the more interesting drinking holes Melbourne has to offer, and hopefully sort the wheat from the chaff.
Best of Perth's Most Beautiful Sights in 3 Days
This is your all-weather, any day of the week, go-to guide for seeing the most beautiful sights of Perth. In this sun-drenched city, wrapped around the gorgeous Swan River, it's easy to believe the best things in life truly are free! On our first day, we visit Perth City Farm, Claisebrook Cove, The Swan River, Kings Park, the WA Museum, and get a feel for the small bar scene in Northbridge. Download it for free! On our second day, we take in famous Cottesloe Beach and bohemian Fremantle - including lunch at Fremantle's Fishing Boat Harbour, a walking tour of Fremantle, the new Maritime Museum and Submarine, a leisurely coffee on the cappuccino strip, culminating with an evening of the best things in life at Little Creature's Brewery. On day three, we take a tour of Perth's north coast, featuring Hillarys Boat Harbour, the Aquarium of Western Australia, and people watching at Scarborough Beach. We then head back inland, winding up at the bustling hipster paradise that is Leederville. Enjoy the sights and sounds of this welcoming little microcosm of urban perfection - cute little shops, tidbits at the many quality eateries, and a beer at The Garden, before heading back to the city for a laid back free movie at the Northbridge Piazza. This tour is a great choice for independent, thrifty travellers who enjoy exploring on foot, and like using local public transport to save a few dollars. Much of the tour is based on using FREE Perth and Fremantle CAT (Central Area Transit) routes, saving you even more! It's a general overview of what travellers like most about Perth - the beautiful, clean natural environment and fantastic photo opportunities at our many waterways and parks. But, there's also a healthy dose of the best of the built environment - local hangouts such as small bars and cheap-and-cheerful local eating spots. You're only as old as you feel - meaning this itinerary will be enjoyed by people of all ages, providing you're mobile and fit enough to walk. Let's go!
Enjoy the Rebuild - Christchurch 2-Day Tour
This two-day tour showcases the highlights of Christchurch post-earthquake. This itinerary takes you to museums, monuments, a garden, a gondola, an ocean, as well as some local craft brews and good chews! This itinerary has been written for a traveller with the general theme of understanding a city and the natural phenomena that have taken the core out of the city, and how we are getting our core back together! The traveller age that would suit this itinerary best would be from mid-20s and onward. However, Christchurch is a very child-friendly city. The focus is not only to party and have a wild time, but to experience the culture that is on offer and really get into it. Unfortunately, Christchurch (and New Zealand) is not a cheap place to travel, expect $5 coffee and $15-$20 lunch. I will sneak a few cheaper lunch spots in as well. There is a good mix of walking, taking mass transportation and even a bit of driving! Christchurch has been rebuilding from a devastating series of earthquakes since September 2010. The city was looking quite damaged and vacant, but recently has a lot to offer, you just have to know where to look! This city of approximately 300,000 residents is one of the largest southernmost cities in the world. If you have been to Christchurch pre-quake, this guide will be particularly good for information on the rebuilding. This guide will take you to a few lesser known guidebook spots, such as a cathedral constructed from cardboard! Driving directions to the beach, great restaurant and nightlife recommendations are also included. From a local perspective, you will learn what is open now, post-quake, and how to locate it! The best time to visit Christchurch is within its summer months, December - March. Expect more crowds during this time. The shoulder season is also very nice, November and April. The winter months, June-September, can be quite rainy but often have clear and crisp days. Christchurch is very enjoyable, even in the rain, but if you do t
Magic of Melbourne 3-Day Tour
So, you're planning a trip to Melbourne? That's great news! It's a truly magical city with plenty to see and do! This might be your first visit, or maybe you've been once or twice before. Either way, you'll want to see the sights that best showcase Melbourne's vast array of cultures, cuisines and experiences, not just the usual tourist spots. That's where the Unanchor Magic of Melbourne 3-day Tour comes in. I've created this itinerary to give you an insight into the real Melbourne in just three days. Here are just some of the sights my tour will help you discover: St Kilda Beach is a must-do for tourists, but unless you have the help of a local, you might blow your budget at one of the overpriced restaurants on the beach. Only a local can give you the genuine Aussie beach experience. And what if it's a rainy or cold day? This itinerary shows you where to go to stay dry and warm. Melbourne is known for its amazing little laneways which are covered in street art and lined with delicious and affordable cafes, bars and boutique stores, but they're not easy to find! Unanchor gives you the low-down on the best laneways in the city centre. The Queen Victoria Market is another must-do. I'm a local and I visit the market at least twice a week, seriously! But to get the best out of your experience you need to plan ahead. It's a busy, hectic place, so to save you from the stress and overcrowding, you need a local to tell you when is the best time of day to go and what shops and specials to look out for. In addition to this, you'll also get a behind-the-scenes look at Australia's sporting past and present at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and a local's guide to Melbourne's multicultural cuisines - from Italian on Lygon Street and Asian in Chinatown, to cakes and coffee in St Kilda and cheap, local wine and cheese at the Queen Victoria Market. The Magic of Melbourne 3-day itinerary is perfect for singles, couples and families who want to see the best of Melbourne's sights, without
McLaren Vale: Savor South Australia in 3 Days: Just Add Wine
Who is this guide for? Self-driving visitors who deserve three days to slow down and treat themselves while filling up their senses on world-class food and wine, sights, and hospitality like no other. Is this you? Despite its 'small country town' feel, the region of McLaren Vale in South Australia, punches above its weight, delivering wine, cuisine, beaches, and landscapes equal to anywhere in the world. What will you see? As a local who is incredibly proud of her home region, I like nothing more than showing visitors my favorite venues, sights, and experiences. That is what you’ll get in this Guide! - Three Days of my meticulously handpicked attractions and experiences including: Wine tasting in Australia’s Premier Wine Region Visit the region’s world-renowned and most iconic Cellar Door, the d’Arenberg Cube, including lunch at the Best Restaurant in a Winery in 2020 and a visit to the Salvador Dali Exhibition Visits to small, family-owned and operated, boutique Cellar Doors, a brewery, a distillery, and orchard, to taste not only wine but beer, gin, and cider Dine out on the best fresh, local produce, prepared by South Australia’s leading chefs, with views to die for Learn about grape growing, harvesting, and winemaking Feel the soft golden sand and pristine waters of our beaches including a sneak peek at Australia’s First Official Nudist Beach and watch the sun set over the ocean Visit a chocolate factory, art house, and the studio of Aboriginal Artist See local producers sell fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, bread, pastries, olive oil, eggs, and honey in a village atmosphere at the Farmers Market An immersion into rural Aussie life Why you should buy this guide? What does it include? Three days in a region like McLaren Vale is barely enough. We are so spoilt for choice with the number of cellar doors, breweries, gin distilleries, seaside destinations, and food venues, it can become overwhelming for a visitor. Where to start? Use this guide and rest assured: Your a
Sydney, Australia - 3-Day **Best Of** Itinerary
You can finally stop researching for your Sydney vacation, all of the information you need is in this 3-day tour itinerary guide. The best places to see from a local Sydney expert How to save money using public transportation Details about ATMs, Hotels, Restaurants, Tax Refunds, Nightlife, and more... And if you have any questions, just send me an email (inside the itinerary) Some of the attractions this itinerary will take you to: Opera house guided tour Circular Quay Watsons Bay Harbour Bridge Hornby Lighthouse Queen Victoria Building Bondi Beach Watch a video of this itinerary's sights: The Main Focus of this itinerary: Laying out the exact details of what to do in Sydney. Including specific itineraries if you have 1, 2, or 3 days in Sydney. Using public transportation to save you money. Clear and specific directions to each of the destinations. The directions are supplemented with pictures and maps as well as to further reduce your chances of getting lost! Loads of additional information including where to stay, restaurant information, nightlife recommendations, additional places to see if you have extra time. Why You Should Buy The Guide Saves you time by not needing to do additional research on Sydney! Saves you money by giving specific instructions on how to use public transportation. While at the same time giving you the true local feel of Sydney. Stop wading through all of the tourist destinations. I've seen them all and will tell you exactly which ones are worth seeing. What does the itinerary include? Numerous pictures pointing to key landmarks to help you get where you need to go, as well as maps for nearly every main area of the city. My contact information if you need anything else or have any other questions while in Sydney. The Guide's Table of Contents Getting into the city from the airport. Specific public transportation instructions to get you where you need to go without paying for an unnecessary taxi. How to use the public transportation in Sydn
The Best of Wellington: 3-Day Itinerary
Many travellers to New Zealand arrive in Wellington and then head straight down to the South Island to ski and take part in other adventure sports. But if you're looking for something a bit different from the usual Kiwi travel experience, or if you're looking at supplementing your adrenalin-filled holiday with some downtime in a city, then Wellington is for you. Wellington, New Zealand's capital city is known for its quirky art culture, its boutique shopping, its friendly locals, and its historical heart, and this three day itinerary selects the best of what's on offer. From its natural heritage, to its historical origins, and finally to the modern vibe that keeps the streets hopping, you can experience it all. This guide has been created so that you can get the most out of Wellington with the least amount of stress and fuss. Use the day itineraries to plan what to see and do, and the directions provided to figure out the best way(s) to make your way around the city. This itinerary includes the following sights: The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa What better way to get a real feel for the capital and the country than this museum? Entrance is free or by optional donation. Cuba Street Known for its alternative vibe and colourful atmosphere, this pedestrian-only zone is a must-walk for those who want to get a taste of Wellington sub-cultures, and buy something crazy along the way. Zealandia: The Karori Sanctuary Experience Want to see what New Zealand might have looked like 1000 years ago and spot some endangered wildlife? Zealandia will give you the experience to do just that. These sights and many more are included in this itinerary, along with tips on how to get there, what to focus on to get the most out of your experience, and other useful hints. Here is the complete list of what you will encounter: The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Zealandia: The Karori Sanctuary Experience Museum of Wellington City and Sea The Waterfront Cable Car & Lookou
The Blue Mountains: A weekend of nature, culture and history.
Are you visiting Sydney and looking to venture out of the hustle and bustle for a total change of scenery just an hour and half away, on a low budget? Do you want to avoid tour operators and experience one of the most visited places in Australia independently and at the local chilled out pace? Or are you a Sydney-sider in need of a getaway, who has never really seen what The Blue Mountains has to offer? If you are any of these, then this is the itinerary for you. The foothills up to the Blue Mountains begin just 50km West of Sydney city centre. As a holiday destination it suits everyone. From the lone wanderers and spiritual seekers to the adrenaline junkies and vacationing families, there is something to please everyone. The Blue Mountains guards its cultural heritage with pride, preserves its collective respect for nature, and resists the hustle and bustle of hurried commercial hotspots. Today, it manages to exist harmoniously as both a popular tourist destination with a thriving flare for the creative arts, as well as an ancient geological gem rich in diverse flora and fauna, history and cultural heritage. This itinerary is designed to give you a well-rounded view on the best of the Blue Mountains over just two days. Here's an overview of what you will do: Day 1 begins with one of the best bushwalks in the Blue Mountains. It is a fairly strenuous walk toward the end, but nobody ever comes out regretting it. Breathtaking views of cliff faces, waterfalls and valleys makes it more than worth it. Next, you will head to the village centre, Wentworth Falls, for a taste of some local favourites in the area before heading to Leura, the next village down, to explore the unique stores with high quality arts and crafts in a picturesque historical town of rustic charm. This part of the itinerary provides a good reflection of the creative scene that makes the Blue Mountains so inspiring. Dinner at another local favourite will give you a taste, if you're lucky, of the talented
Two Wheels and Pair of Cozzies: the Best of Newcastle in 3 Days
This is a three-day tour of Newcastle. Each day is balanced with a trip to a site of historical or cultural interest, and a visit to one of Newcastle's beautiful beaches. Being the second oldest city in the country, Newcastle has some fascinating architecture, and with over 30 parks just in the inner urban precinct, it’s one of the leafiest metropolitan spaces in Australia. While this tour is best done in a sunny week, wet weather alternatives are given in each section. The itinerary allows extra time if you prefer to do it by on foot but is geared towards hiring a bike. If you haven’t cycled since you were a kid, be brave! You’ll pick it up again in no time! It’s just like riding a… well, you know… You can skip the big hills if necessary, but I promise the view will repay your efforts. Of course one of the main features of Newcastle is its stunning coastline. Those coming to Newy for the waves can hire surfboards at various locations (see appendix), and be reassured by our vigilant life-guards and shark nets in the flagged areas of the beach. If you’re not confident in the sea, however, you can swim at the unique ocean baths in Merewether or Newcastle East, or just wade in the rock pools and watch for dolphins. Whatever the weather, there is plenty to see and do in the city of Newcastle and its surroundings. If you're on a shoestring budget, it’s possible to do this tour on less than $20 per day as many of the cultural sites are donation based (also see the ‘cheap eats’ options at each mealtime). Travellers happy to spend a little more will enjoy the cafes, restaurants, and drinking options provided, while those with a generous budget can splurge on the fine dining possibilities Newcastle has to offer – you'll love the craft beer venues and pop-up wine bars. The city of Newcastle is two hours' drive from Sydney. The train takes an extra half hour, but the trip goes via the hauntingly majestic waterways of the Hawkesbury River and the Central Coast. Many cruise ship