As it battles competition from online travel agencies and the growing influences of Google and Airbnb, Hilton is doubling down on its "book direct" messaging with a new marketing push.
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Sunday, September 30, 2018
Hilton doubles-down on ‘book direct’ messaging
Marriott’s insights on future of tech infrastructure
The company shared a look into how it prepares for the next wave of infrastructure needs in hospitality technology.
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Ian Schrager on how hotels get technology wrong
Hotels are too focussed on showing gadgets rather than using technology to make things easier for guests.
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Uber fined $148m for failing to notify drivers they had been hacked
Failure to report 2016 data breach 'one of the most egregious cases we've ever seen', says Illinois attorney general.
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Hotel sales strategies for the age of late-arriving leads
Sales, marketing and revenue management must collaborate and communicate swiftly to meet the basic needs of customers who are waiting longer than ever to give hotels leads.
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How 5 hotels compete with OTAs by showcasing unique local experiences
By creating in-depth destination guides, or by hosting their own locally-led tours, hotels can make their properties more desirable to drive more direct bookings.
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Can tech transform the booking experience?
The first platform to truly personalize the booking experience will solve a fundamental pain point for hotel guests.
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The Google Travel lowdown: Hotel location scores, search evolution and more
The search giant has just turned 20 and to celebrate has announced a number of new features that confirm Google's influence over how we operate online shows no sign of waning.
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Dive Seasons in Papua New Guinea
Occupying the eastern half of New Guinea, the world’s second largest island after Greenland, Papua New Guinea sits high atop almost every diver’s bucket list. But in a land that spans 178,000 square miles (461,000 square kilometers), you’ve got to know where to go — and when — to get the most bang for your diving buck. With no highways spanning the entirety of the country’s rugged terrain, dive resorts in PNG give new meaning to the word “remote,” reachable only by small plane in many cases. Once you’re there, you’re there — and if it’s the right time of year, you’ll be happily stranded among some of the world’s best dive sites. Here’s our guide to the dive seasons in Papua New Guinea, focusing on the main areas.
Tawali
A wide peninsula juts out of Papua New Guinea’s southeastern corner, pointing like a finger to Milne Bay, home of Tawali Dive Resort. To get there, one must fly from the capital city of Port Moresby to Alotau. From there it’s a 90-minute bus ride through the countryside to small dock, where a boat awaits to make the final 20-minute journey to the resort. Milne Bay is most well-known for muck diving, but there are manta-cleaning stations and WWII wrecks on hand as well. Sitting on the north coast at the tip of the peninsula, Tawali is mostly sheltered from prevailing southeast winds. So even if the winds are blowing, visitors can still dive the protected northern sites. If the air is calm, divers have access to a plethora of sites south and southeast of the resort. Nonetheless, the very best time to visit this area of PNG is from October through March, when visibility is the best and the skies are relatively calm. Strong winds in February make getting to most dive sites a challenge.
Tufi
In Oro Province, which makes up most of the peninsula’s northern shore, Tufi Resort perches atop a spectacular green fjord with sweeping views of the water below. Just as with other PNG resorts, Tufi is quite remote. You’ll arrive via small plane from Port Moresby, which lands on a nearby runway, paved by Tufi’s owners to make the resort more accessible. It’s a short walk or quick car ride to the resort from there. Although there is diving in the fjords, Tufi’s real draw is the spectacular offshore reefs, five to 10 nautical miles offshore, so remote that many remain unexplored. On good-weather days it takes from 15 minutes to over an hour to reach some sites, and steady onshore winds for part of the year make them nearly inaccessible. The very best time of the year to visit is during wet season, from November to March.
Walindi
Walindi Plantation Resort sits on the shores of Kimbe Bay on New Britain, a PNG satellite island just north of the mainland. To get here, you’ll fly from Port Moresby to Hoskins Airport, also called Kimbe Airport. From there it’s a 50-minute drive to the resort. Kimbe Bay is best known for spectacularly healthy coral gardens and walls, and guests can reach even further-flung destinations onboard the resort’s liveaboard dive boats, the MV FeBrina and MV Oceania, which offer 8- through 10-night itineraries. The best time of year to visit Walindi is April through June and August through December.
Rabaul
Rabaul, also on New Britain at its northern tip, is best known for fantastic WWII wreck diving. Most sites are relatively near shore, with the furthest being about an hour’s boat ride away. Aside from the wrecks, there’s also a healthy shallow-water reef and wall dives, offering the chance to see passing pelagics. The best time of the year to visit Rabaul is April through early January when the visibility is best and wind direction cooperates with dive boats.
Lissenung
Tiny Lissenung Island is home to a private resort right off the west coast of New Ireland Island, itself just north of New Britain Island. Visitors fly from Port Moresby to Kavieng, then it’s a 5-minute ride to the shore and a 20-minute boat ride to the resort, which sits just two degrees south of the equator, making for pretty consistent weather year-round. The island is only 1300 by 262 feet (400 by 80 m) and the resort sleeps a maximum of 16 guests, so you’re guaranteed seclusion. There are 36 mapped sites nearby, most well-known for pristine coral, sharks, turtles and macro life. Lissenung is best from late March through early January. Mid-January to mid-March is wet season and although you can still visit, it can get very windy and wet.
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Dive Seasons in Papua New Guinea
Occupying the eastern half of New Guinea, the world's second largest island after Greenland, Papua New Guinea sits high atop almost every diver's bucket list. But in a land that spans 178,000 square miles (461,000 square kilometers), you've got to know where to go — and when — to get the most bang for your diving buck. With no highways spanning the entirety of the country's rugged terrain, dive resorts in PNG give new meaning to the word "remote," reachable only by small plane in many cases. Once you're there, you're there — and if it's the right time of year, you'll be happily stranded among some of the world's best dive sites. Here's our guide to the dive seasons in Papua New Guinea, focusing on the main areas.
Tawali
A wide peninsula juts out of Papua New Guinea's southeastern corner, pointing like a finger to Milne Bay, home of Tawali Dive Resort. To get there, one must fly from the capital city of Port Moresby to Alotau. From there it's a 90-minute bus ride through the countryside to small dock, where a boat awaits to make the final 20-minute journey to the resort. Milne Bay is most well-known for muck diving, but there are manta-cleaning stations and WWII wrecks on hand as well. Sitting on the north coast at the tip of the peninsula, Tawali is mostly sheltered from prevailing southeast winds. So even if the winds are blowing, visitors can still dive the protected northern sites. If the air is calm, divers have access to a plethora of sites south and southeast of the resort. Nonetheless, the very best time to visit this area of PNG is from October through March, when visibility is the best and the skies are relatively calm. Strong winds in February make getting to most dive sites a challenge.
Tufi
In Oro Province, which makes up most of the peninsula's northern shore, Tufi Resort perches atop a spectacular green fjord with sweeping views of the water below. Just as with other PNG resorts, Tufi is quite remote. You'll arrive via small plane from Port Moresby, which lands on a nearby runway, paved by Tufi's owners to make the resort more accessible. It's a short walk or quick car ride to the resort from there. Although there is diving in the fjords, Tufi's real draw is the spectacular offshore reefs, five to 10 nautical miles offshore, so remote that many remain unexplored. On good-weather days it takes from 15 minutes to over an hour to reach some sites, and steady onshore winds for part of the year make them nearly inaccessible. The very best time of the year to visit is during wet season, from November to March.
Walindi
Walindi Plantation Resort sits on the shores of Kimbe Bay on New Britain, a PNG satellite island just north of the mainland. To get here, you'll fly from Port Moresby to Hoskins Airport, also called Kimbe Airport. From there it's a 50-minute drive to the resort. Kimbe Bay is best known for spectacularly healthy coral gardens and walls, and guests can reach even further-flung destinations onboard the resort's liveaboard dive boats, the MV FeBrina and MV Oceania, which offer 8- through 10-night itineraries. The best time of year to visit Walindi is April through June and August through December.
Rabaul
Rabaul, also on New Britain at its northern tip, is best known for fantastic WWII wreck diving. Most sites are relatively near shore, with the furthest being about an hour's boat ride away. Aside from the wrecks, there's also a healthy shallow-water reef and wall dives, offering the chance to see passing pelagics. The best time of the year to visit Rabaul is April through early January when the visibility is best and wind direction cooperates with dive boats.
Lissenung
Tiny Lissenung Island is home to a private resort right off the west coast of New Ireland Island, itself just north of New Britain Island. Visitors fly from Port Moresby to Kavieng, then it's a 5-minute ride to the shore and a 20-minute boat ride to the resort, which sits just two degrees south of the equator, making for pretty consistent weather year-round. The island is only 1300 by 262 feet (400 by 80 m) and the resort sleeps a maximum of 16 guests, so you're guaranteed seclusion. There are 36 mapped sites nearby, most well-known for pristine coral, sharks, turtles and macro life. Lissenung is best from late March through early January. Mid-January to mid-March is wet season and although you can still visit, it can get very windy and wet.
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Friday, September 28, 2018
An Underwater Photographer’s Guide to Southern Australia
When most divers think of Australia they think about the Great Barrier Reef, with its enormous size and huge diversity of animal and coral species. Indeed, the GBR is undoubtedly spectacular. However, the southern shores of Australia can offer some amazing experiences and views as well, especially for those photography addicts. Here are a few photography tips if you're thinking of taking your camera down under to Southern Australia.
Seals
The southern coastline of Australia is dotted with hundreds of fur seal colonies, featuring members that are usually eager to get into the water for a swim and some games with a willing diver. Their willingness to hang around and their playful demeanor make fur seals ideal photographic subjects. Just be sure to turn up that shutter speed, as these hydrodynamic animals tend to sweep around you extremely quickly in graceful arcs, performing amazing feats of underwater contortion. If you can, jump on a boat and visit a colony. Seal tours operate all year round in dozens of locations — just remember the more fun you are, the more amazing the photo opportunities you'll get with the equally playful seals.
Seadragons
Both leafy and weedy seadragons are definitely a highlight for any underwater photographer. You'll find these endemic creatures all along the southern coastline, usually just offshore. Their vibrant colors and amazing camouflage can give your photos great contrast and color. Local dive shops can usually tell you the best places to go; it may even be worth hiring a divemaster for the day to help spot these animals. Although they can be almost 12 inches (30 cm) long, it still requires a keenly-trained eye to spot them hidden among the seaweed. Play with the camera's aperture when you're shooting seadragons to help achieve a background color that makes these unique creatures pop out of your photograph.
Shipwrecks
There are dozens of shipwrecks to explore and photograph throughout this part of Australia. Indeed, in Melbourne alone there are five different sunken submarines available to divers. Most large cities also boast a recent military wreck, purpose-sunk for divers. Lining up a diver next to the bow of a ship for some scale always makes for an interesting image. When photographing wrecks — especially when the visibility is average — a good wide-angle lens is essential to help you capture the ship on a grand scale.
Crabs
Animal migrations are one of the most amazing wildlife events you can capture with your camera. Thousands and thousands of creatures moving in unison, as though they have a single mind, can make for magnificent photography. Spiders crabs are one such animal. At roughly the size of a football, they emerge from the ocean depths once a year, migrating into shallow waters to molt their shells. When photographing a migration event, try out various angles with your camera to see which one can capture the true scope of the endless mass of animals you are seeing.
Sharks
Much of the water off Southern Australia is teeming with various shark species. From draughtboard and wobbegong sharks to curious and fearsome-looking grey nurse sharks, this part of the world presents some great shark-photography opportunities. Look in rocky crevices and along the ocean floor and you will likely spot a wobbegong or two resting. Covered in amazing military fatigue-like patterns and sporting tassels along their faces, they are one of the more unusual sharks. Grey nurse sharks, on the other hand, often congregate in colonies around caves and sandy trenches. At 6.5 to 10 feet (2 to 3 m) long and displaying row upon row of needle-like teeth, they can appear terrifying to a non-diver. They are, however, completely harmless. When diving with these animals, try to relax on the seafloor nearby. With luck, they will slowly swim over to investigate you, offering the perfect chance to snap a quick photo that is sure to become one of your favorites.
The post An Underwater Photographer's Guide to Southern Australia appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.
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An Underwater Photographer’s Guide to Southern Australia
When most divers think of Australia they think about the Great Barrier Reef, with its enormous size and huge diversity of animal and coral species. Indeed, the GBR is undoubtedly spectacular. However, the southern shores of Australia can offer some amazing experiences and views as well, especially for those photography addicts. Here are a few photography tips if you’re thinking of taking your camera down under to Southern Australia.
Seals
The southern coastline of Australia is dotted with hundreds of fur seal colonies, featuring members that are usually eager to get into the water for a swim and some games with a willing diver. Their willingness to hang around and their playful demeanor make fur seals ideal photographic subjects. Just be sure to turn up that shutter speed, as these hydrodynamic animals tend to sweep around you extremely quickly in graceful arcs, performing amazing feats of underwater contortion. If you can, jump on a boat and visit a colony. Seal tours operate all year round in dozens of locations — just remember the more fun you are, the more amazing the photo opportunities you’ll get with the equally playful seals.
Seadragons
Both leafy and weedy seadragons are definitely a highlight for any underwater photographer. You’ll find these endemic creatures all along the southern coastline, usually just offshore. Their vibrant colors and amazing camouflage can give your photos great contrast and color. Local dive shops can usually tell you the best places to go; it may even be worth hiring a divemaster for the day to help spot these animals. Although they can be almost 12 inches (30 cm) long, it still requires a keenly-trained eye to spot them hidden among the seaweed. Play with the camera’s aperture when you’re shooting seadragons to help achieve a background color that makes these unique creatures pop out of your photograph.
Shipwrecks
There are dozens of shipwrecks to explore and photograph throughout this part of Australia. Indeed, in Melbourne alone there are five different sunken submarines available to divers. Most large cities also boast a recent military wreck, purpose-sunk for divers. Lining up a diver next to the bow of a ship for some scale always makes for an interesting image. When photographing wrecks — especially when the visibility is average — a good wide-angle lens is essential to help you capture the ship on a grand scale.
Crabs
Animal migrations are one of the most amazing wildlife events you can capture with your camera. Thousands and thousands of creatures moving in unison, as though they have a single mind, can make for magnificent photography. Spiders crabs are one such animal. At roughly the size of a football, they emerge from the ocean depths once a year, migrating into shallow waters to molt their shells. When photographing a migration event, try out various angles with your camera to see which one can capture the true scope of the endless mass of animals you are seeing.
Sharks
Much of the water off Southern Australia is teeming with various shark species. From draughtboard and wobbegong sharks to curious and fearsome-looking grey nurse sharks, this part of the world presents some great shark-photography opportunities. Look in rocky crevices and along the ocean floor and you will likely spot a wobbegong or two resting. Covered in amazing military fatigue-like patterns and sporting tassels along their faces, they are one of the more unusual sharks. Grey nurse sharks, on the other hand, often congregate in colonies around caves and sandy trenches. At 6.5 to 10 feet (2 to 3 m) long and displaying row upon row of needle-like teeth, they can appear terrifying to a non-diver. They are, however, completely harmless. When diving with these animals, try to relax on the seafloor nearby. With luck, they will slowly swim over to investigate you, offering the perfect chance to snap a quick photo that is sure to become one of your favorites.
The post An Underwater Photographer’s Guide to Southern Australia appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.
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Thursday, September 27, 2018
Behind TripAdvisor’s renewed push to inspire travelers beyond just making sales
Already 750 content providers have signed up for TripAdvisor's new feed of personalized recommendations from friends, social media influencers, and publishers, debuted earlier this month.
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Google’s conflicted travel strategy pushes forward
Google has developed solid travel booking and itinerary management tools, but won't push fully into the online travel booking business because of its lucrative role in online advertising. I
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Egencia on what business travelers value most
The company released findings from a survey of more than 5,500 business travelers identifying the top considerations when booking business trips.
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How U.S. and UK travelers differ when on the company dime
Business travelers from the U.S. are more likely to disregard travel policy and do whatever they want.
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New Google travel tool tells you when to book your holiday travel
Google has released a new feature that gives you stats on when to book your holiday travel, based on last year's prices and trends.
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Google’s 20th Anniversary: 8 big SEO updates & changes you need to know
Google VP of Search, Ben Gomes, took to the stage at Google's Future of Search event to not celebrate their 20th anniversary, but instead, to paint a picture for the future of search.
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Drive direct bookings even when you’re being undercut
On those occasions when you are not in parity, there are four options you can use to continue to drive direct bookings.
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Case study: Homepage video increased time spent on hotel website by 17%
In order to best display all of Grand Ely Lodge's offerings to website visitors, the property team created a video with drone footage of the property with highlights of the surrounding area.
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4 Ways to Decorate Your Rental Apartment
Moving into your new apartment and thinking about how you can make it look more like your own space? Try the following ideas and you’ll surely be delighted on how well they can improve your new-found haven.
Photo by Install carpet tiles
A clever trick for transforming floors in a rental is to invest in a removable modular carpet square system. Available in solids, textures and prints, the squares are simply placed onto the floor then held together with stickers. The only tool needed for wall-to-wall installation is a utility knife. Once it’s time to pack up and move, the carpet squares can be packed up just like everything else and reused again and again. Source: HGTV
Show off your creativity with wallpaper
If you love the look of wallpaper but hate the idea of completely losing your deposit, try removable wallpaper to add color or patter n to your space. Try it in small areas that lack personality like entrance halls, closets, or even bathrooms. Just make sure to choose water-resistant wallpaper in wet areas. Source: MyDomaine
Change your window treatments
This is another area where rentals always seem to be sorely lacking. Whether it’s dirty old curtains or depressing vertical blinds, lackluster window treatments just scream “temporary home”. Sort it out by upgrading to fresh curtains (even cheap no-hem IKEA ones can look great) or simple roller blinds. Source: ApartmentTherapy
Don’t be afraid to make a splash
Peel-and-stick tile isn’t just for floors. You can also put it straight over an outdated or ugly kitchen backsplash, and peel it off when you leave (although, depending on how much it improves the apartment’s aesthetics, your landlord might not want you to). If you like a more graphic look, contact paper or vinyl peel-off wallpaper are also attractive, commitment-free solutions; so is double-sided tape and PVC paneling made to look like classic pressed tin.
Or, if you can get away with putting a few screws in the wall, cut a piece of plywood to size and mount it over the existing backsplash—and you’ll have a blank canvas for anything from wallpaper to fabric to subway tile that can be removed without a trace when you leave.
Source: MentalFloss
We can help you with any of your carpet needs. Feel free to give us a call today!
The post 4 Ways to Decorate Your Rental Apartment appeared first on Curlys Carpet Repair.
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4 Ways to Decorate Your Rental Apartment
Moving into your new apartment and thinking about how you can make it look more like your own space? Try the following ideas and you'll surely be delighted on how well they can improve your new-found haven.
Install carpet tiles
A clever trick for transforming floors in a rental is to invest in a removable modular carpet square system. Available in solids, textures and prints, the squares are simply placed onto the floor then held together with stickers. The only tool needed for wall-to-wall installation is a utility knife. Once it's time to pack up and move, the carpet squares can be packed up just like everything else and reused again and again. Source: HGTV
Show off your creativity with wallpaper
If you love the look of wallpaper but hate the idea of completely losing your deposit, try removable wallpaper to add color or patter n to your space. Try it in small areas that lack personality like entrance halls, closets, or even bathrooms. Just make sure to choose water-resistant wallpaper in wet areas. Source: MyDomaine
Change your window treatments
This is another area where rentals always seem to be sorely lacking. Whether it's dirty old curtains or depressing vertical blinds, lackluster window treatments just scream "temporary home". Sort it out by upgrading to fresh curtains (even cheap no-hem IKEA ones can look great) or simple roller blinds. Source: ApartmentTherapy
Don't be afraid to make a splash
Peel-and-stick tile isn't just for floors. You can also put it straight over an outdated or ugly kitchen backsplash, and peel it off when you leave (although, depending on how much it improves the apartment's aesthetics, your landlord might not want you to). If you like a more graphic look, contact paper or vinyl peel-off wallpaper are also attractive, commitment-free solutions; so is double-sided tape and PVC paneling made to look like classic pressed tin.
Or, if you can get away with putting a few screws in the wall, cut a piece of plywood to size and mount it over the existing backsplash—and you'll have a blank canvas for anything from wallpaper to fabric to subway tile that can be removed without a trace when you leave.
Source: MentalFloss
We can help you with any of your carpet needs. Feel free to give us a call today!
The post 4 Ways to Decorate Your Rental Apartment appeared first on Curlys Carpet Repair.
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A local’s guide to the Gold Coast – the best spots to make you feel alive
Apply to enter the Gold Coast’s first ever content awards for your chance to win fame and prizes – deadline to enter is September 30, 2018
You’d be forgiven for thinking the Gold Coast is one endless stretch of golden paradise.
You might know of Surfers Paradise or the famous thrill-seeking theme parks, heard about the amazing beaches and great holiday spots. But trust me, take it from a local, there is so much more to our endless beaches, blue-water estuaries, green headlands and forest hinterlands than what you think you know.
As a travel photographer I spend most of my time abroad, working for different tourism bodies around the world. And even though I am an avid mountain lover, I’m a true water-baby at heart – I couldn’t live my life without the ocean on the Gold Coast.
I feel so lucky that in between my travels, I get to return to this idyllic place I get to call home to reset and restore.
You see, on the Gold Coast the skies are blue year round and the ocean sparkles a mesmerizing shade of blue. An abundance of nature and wildlife can be found with the hinterland only a stone through away from our beaches and filled with the most incredible ancient forests and dramatic waterfalls to explore. Warm days and good waves are what the Gold Coast is famous for creating that feeling of a seemingly “endless summer.”
If you’re visiting or just passing through, here are some of my favorite places that’ll make your heart sing too. Enjoy!
BEACHES
Rainbow bay and Greenmount & Snapper Rocks Beach
The Southernmost beaches of Queensland are some of my personal faves.
Rainbow Bay is a protected cove nestled between two rocky outcrops. A famous surf break meets a relaxed, very casual local vibe and popular walking track with world-class views along the beachfront from Kirra to Snapper Rocks. When the tide is right there are natural pools to swim, dive and float in – relaxing while you watch the surfers and dolphins pass by.
These are the perfect locations to watch the sun set and look back on the endless stretch of golden beaches.
Burleigh Hill
This is where the magic happens.
Parking at the base of Burleigh Hill car park, you will find people at any time of day mesmerized but the rolling waves. An abundance of surfers, fitness enthusiasts and picnic goers it is a perfect place to escape the “city”, where it meets the sea.
With views from North Stradbroke Island to South of Coolangatta from the headland, this national park is a beautiful way to immerse yourself in nature.
My favorite way to start the day is to walk through the headland along side the lizards and bush turkeys, stopping at Tumgun Lookout for a world-class view of the Gold Coast’s beaches.
Tallebudgera Creek
A perfect setting for a family day of fun and it’s a popular spot in Queensland for good reason.
On the other side of Burleigh Hill, enter through the national park and meander for 5-10 minutes until you come out through the bush and find yourself on a small but incredible beach.
There are no waves here, which makes it perfect a day of relaxing, floating in the ocean parade or learning to SUP and with the dolphins – if you’re lucky.
Currumbin Beach
As the sun goes down the view of Surfers Paradise seemingly floats in the distance on the golden water.
A famous place to learn how to surf with the constant right break, or to pull up and watch the last light linger in the sky as it sets over the distant hinterland.
This is a popular place for photographers like me or just for those who walking around the base of Currumbin rock as it rises from the sea.
The Spit
Who doesn’t love a good old dog beach, with a jetty you can walk along at night and the one of the best spots to learn how to dive on the Gold Coast.
Popular with scuba divers, free divers, fisherman and surfers paddling out to stradie, it’s not hard to see why the Spit is bustling with locals, including the occasional turtle.
From here you can access Wavebreak, South Stradbroke Island, or hire a houseboat and cruise up the river.
HINTERLAND
Hard to choose just one here, a place I escape too often and thoroughly enjoy taking visitors too as I watch their face light up from the beauty of the Gold Coast’ Hinterland.
Just a 45 minute drive from the beach ,you can be completely immersed in nature, and it feels like you’re in a different country.
Referring to the lush land behind the mountains on the Gold Coast, the Hinterland is an extraordinary place and still a relatively unexplored part of Australia, especially by international travelers.
Springbrook National Park
A highlight and easily accessed place to visit is The Natural Bridge, with glowworms at night and a stunning flowing waterfall – it is one of my most loved places to breathe and enjoy the sounds and comfort nature.
Local tip: When you head down from the car park instead of turning left at the impressive Stranger Fig trees, go right and head over the bridge. You will view the waterfall from the top and descend into the cave to appreciate the beauty below once inside the natural bridge.
As you leave continue along the loop track and on the way up to the right there is a natural “swing.” – for your curious side, give it a go – I can guarantee it will bring a smile to your face.
*Please when entering the cave keep your noise levels down, don’t take flash photos and definitely do not cross over the fence – it is home to glow worms and their environment is fragile. Definitely worth visiting at night it’s a magical world when your eyes adjust.
Nearby there are lookouts offering views of the rolling mountains that carry on in the distance as far as you can see. The hues or purple and blue on dusk here are magnificent for me this is a place I go to when I want to be alone, reminded how small I am.
Here, I feel humbled.
Lamington National Park
Paradise for rainforest bushwalking and sanctuary for bird and animal lovers.
One the Gold Coast’s best-kept secrets are along one the scenic trail of the Box Forest Circuit in Lamington National Park. Elabana Falls is a popular place to cool off by the pools at the base of the waterfall as you eat your packed picnic lunch, surrounded by some of the oldest known trees on the Australian mainland (approximately 1500 years old).
For keen walkers keep going along the trail to find Box Log falls and Darragumai Falls – they are both worth a visit if you have the time (bring plenty of water).
Moran Falls is another personal fave of mine; meandering through the subtropical rainforest you will find yourself on top of the falls staring out to the distant rolling hills of the hinterland. A place to disconnect from a noisy and connected world, and the best place to watch the sun go down in the whole hinterland.
Tamborine Mountain
Tamborine Mountain is part of ancient volcanic rim and full of quirky cafes, cottages, great food and local markets. As a teenager I spent a lot of time on “Tambo” at Cedar Creek Falls – a refreshing and charming swim hole.
Here is the ideal spot to let the day float by.
Hang gliders is a fave “lookout” of them all while the Bearded Dragon is perfect on a Sunday afternoon for live entertain and a good vibe.
Currumbin rockpools
Some of the best memories I have made as an adult have been at the Currumbin Rockpools with good company.
As you drive out don’t forget to leave your worries behind and pack a picnic lunch for a day of dipping in the refreshing, fresh rockpools.
I hope this has inspired you to get outside, explore more of what this charming destination has in store.
There is so much see and experience on The Gold Coast, a place of such incredibly rich, diverse scenery, amazing and endless natural attractions, refreshing waterholes, rolling hills, sparkling oceans and rejuvenating rainforests.
Every turn there is something unique, for me there really is no place like home – a place with it all. Come and see for yourself, I hope you fall in love with it the way I have.
Apply to enter the Gold Coast’s first ever content awards for your chance to win fame and prizes – deadline to enter is September 30, 2018
Have you been to the Gold Coast? Is it on your radar? Have any local spots to share? Spill!
The post A local’s guide to the Gold Coast – the best spots to make you feel alive appeared first on Young Adventuress.
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A local’s guide to the Gold Coast – the best spots to make you feel alive
Apply to enter the Gold Coast's first ever content awards for your chance to win fame and prizes – deadline to enter is September 30, 2018
You'd be forgiven for thinking the Gold Coast is one endless stretch of golden paradise.
You might know of Surfers Paradise or the famous thrill-seeking theme parks, heard about the amazing beaches and great holiday spots. But trust me, take it from a local, there is so much more to our endless beaches, blue-water estuaries, green headlands and forest hinterlands than what you think you know.
As a travel photographer I spend most of my time abroad, working for different tourism bodies around the world. And even though I am an avid mountain lover, I'm a true water-baby at heart – I couldn't live my life without the ocean on the Gold Coast.
I feel so lucky that in between my travels, I get to return to this idyllic place I get to call home to reset and restore.
You see, on the Gold Coast the skies are blue year round and the ocean sparkles a mesmerizing shade of blue. An abundance of nature and wildlife can be found with the hinterland only a stone through away from our beaches and filled with the most incredible ancient forests and dramatic waterfalls to explore. Warm days and good waves are what the Gold Coast is famous for creating that feeling of a seemingly "endless summer."
If you're visiting or just passing through, here are some of my favorite places that'll make your heart sing too. Enjoy!
BEACHES
Rainbow bay and Greenmount & Snapper Rocks Beach
The Southernmost beaches of Queensland are some of my personal faves.
Rainbow Bay is a protected cove nestled between two rocky outcrops. A famous surf break meets a relaxed, very casual local vibe and popular walking track with world-class views along the beachfront from Kirra to Snapper Rocks. When the tide is right there are natural pools to swim, dive and float in – relaxing while you watch the surfers and dolphins pass by.
These are the perfect locations to watch the sun set and look back on the endless stretch of golden beaches.
Burleigh Hill
This is where the magic happens.
Parking at the base of Burleigh Hill car park, you will find people at any time of day mesmerized but the rolling waves. An abundance of surfers, fitness enthusiasts and picnic goers it is a perfect place to escape the "city", where it meets the sea.
With views from North Stradbroke Island to South of Coolangatta from the headland, this national park is a beautiful way to immerse yourself in nature.
My favorite way to start the day is to walk through the headland along side the lizards and bush turkeys, stopping at Tumgun Lookout for a world-class view of the Gold Coast's beaches.
Tallebudgera Creek
A perfect setting for a family day of fun and it's a popular spot in Queensland for good reason.
On the other side of Burleigh Hill, enter through the national park and meander for 5-10 minutes until you come out through the bush and find yourself on a small but incredible beach.
There are no waves here, which makes it perfect a day of relaxing, floating in the ocean parade or learning to SUP and with the dolphins – if you're lucky.
Currumbin Beach
As the sun goes down the view of Surfers Paradise seemingly floats in the distance on the golden water.
A famous place to learn how to surf with the constant right break, or to pull up and watch the last light linger in the sky as it sets over the distant hinterland.
This is a popular place for photographers like me or just for those who walking around the base of Currumbin rock as it rises from the sea.
The Spit
Who doesn't love a good old dog beach, with a jetty you can walk along at night and the one of the best spots to learn how to dive on the Gold Coast.
Popular with scuba divers, free divers, fisherman and surfers paddling out to stradie, it's not hard to see why the Spit is bustling with locals, including the occasional turtle.
From here you can access Wavebreak, South Stradbroke Island, or hire a houseboat and cruise up the river.
HINTERLAND
Hard to choose just one here, a place I escape too often and thoroughly enjoy taking visitors too as I watch their face light up from the beauty of the Gold Coast' Hinterland.
Just a 45 minute drive from the beach ,you can be completely immersed in nature, and it feels like you're in a different country.
Referring to the lush land behind the mountains on the Gold Coast, the Hinterland is an extraordinary place and still a relatively unexplored part of Australia, especially by international travelers.
Springbrook National Park
A highlight and easily accessed place to visit is The Natural Bridge, with glowworms at night and a stunning flowing waterfall – it is one of my most loved places to breathe and enjoy the sounds and comfort nature.
Local tip: When you head down from the car park instead of turning left at the impressive Stranger Fig trees, go right and head over the bridge. You will view the waterfall from the top and descend into the cave to appreciate the beauty below once inside the natural bridge.
As you leave continue along the loop track and on the way up to the right there is a natural "swing." – for your curious side, give it a go – I can guarantee it will bring a smile to your face.
*Please when entering the cave keep your noise levels down, don't take flash photos and definitely do not cross over the fence – it is home to glow worms and their environment is fragile. Definitely worth visiting at night it's a magical world when your eyes adjust.
Nearby there are lookouts offering views of the rolling mountains that carry on in the distance as far as you can see. The hues or purple and blue on dusk here are magnificent for me this is a place I go to when I want to be alone, reminded how small I am.
Here, I feel humbled.
Lamington National Park
Paradise for rainforest bushwalking and sanctuary for bird and animal lovers.
One the Gold Coast's best-kept secrets are along one the scenic trail of the Box Forest Circuit in Lamington National Park. Elabana Falls is a popular place to cool off by the pools at the base of the waterfall as you eat your packed picnic lunch, surrounded by some of the oldest known trees on the Australian mainland (approximately 1500 years old).
For keen walkers keep going along the trail to find Box Log falls and Darragumai Falls – they are both worth a visit if you have the time (bring plenty of water).
Moran Falls is another personal fave of mine; meandering through the subtropical rainforest you will find yourself on top of the falls staring out to the distant rolling hills of the hinterland. A place to disconnect from a noisy and connected world, and the best place to watch the sun go down in the whole hinterland.
Tamborine Mountain
Tamborine Mountain is part of ancient volcanic rim and full of quirky cafes, cottages, great food and local markets. As a teenager I spent a lot of time on "Tambo" at Cedar Creek Falls – a refreshing and charming swim hole.
Here is the ideal spot to let the day float by.
Hang gliders is a fave "lookout" of them all while the Bearded Dragon is perfect on a Sunday afternoon for live entertain and a good vibe.
Currumbin rockpools
Some of the best memories I have made as an adult have been at the Currumbin Rockpools with good company.
As you drive out don't forget to leave your worries behind and pack a picnic lunch for a day of dipping in the refreshing, fresh rockpools.
I hope this has inspired you to get outside, explore more of what this charming destination has in store.
There is so much see and experience on The Gold Coast, a place of such incredibly rich, diverse scenery, amazing and endless natural attractions, refreshing waterholes, rolling hills, sparkling oceans and rejuvenating rainforests.
Every turn there is something unique, for me there really is no place like home – a place with it all. Come and see for yourself, I hope you fall in love with it the way I have.
Apply to enter the Gold Coast's first ever content awards for your chance to win fame and prizes – deadline to enter is September 30, 2018
Have you been to the Gold Coast? Is it on your radar? Have any local spots to share? Spill!
The post A local's guide to the Gold Coast – the best spots to make you feel alive appeared first on Young Adventuress.
from Young Adventuress https://ift.tt/2OVI5bU
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