Articles From Quackatorium

The African Safari Company is a company which truly takes pride in being able to offer hunters absolute professional and personalized attention. They are a company which was established in 2001, and it is an owner run operation.
The leading directors are Ian and Mary-Linda Gloss, and they have been the directors since the origination of the company. Collectively the two have 23 years experience in the hunting and tourism industry and they both have their roots firmly set on the African soil and as well are both Zimbabwean born and raised.
More About The African Safari Company
The African Safari Company offers various different safari tours, with the two most popular being the Botswana safaris and the Zimbabwe safaris.
The African Safari Company states on their website about how Botswana is one of the most politically and economically stable countries in Africa and that it has no history of war, and that thus it is an absolutely wonderful spot in Africa to go on a safari tour.
They also speak about how it is a landlocked country in Southern Africa which is situated between Namibia to the west, South Africa to the southeast and Zimbabwe to the northeast. They tell of how the country's self-sufficiency is largely in thanks to its large diamond reserves and as well about how the wealth of the economy largely contradicts its undeveloped and haphazard infrastructure.
In regards to Zimbabwe, they speak of how it is also an absolutely wonderful destination, particularly for a safari tour. They tell of how it is a beautiful country with a sub-tropical climate and how it is a country which is blessed with vast riches of mining, agricultural and tourism potential.
As well it boasts a greatly diverse topography with trout filled lakes and misty mountains to grassy plains and large rugged magnificent rivers and of course the renowned Zimbabwe valley, home to the Big Five.
The African Safari Company is, without a doubt, one of the best safari tour companies out there today, and so if you are interested on going on a safari tour in Africa then you are definitely going to want to strongly consider going with this company over any other.
Just make sure that you call to book far ahead of time, as they often have a waiting list and you want to make sure that you are able to get in for the time period that you want to.

The Islands of Les Saintes is part of what I would call the affordable Caribbean.
It is a small group of islands off the south coast of Guadeloupe and is easily reached by ferryboat from Trois-Rivieres, or Pointe-a-Pitre, or alternatively you can fly in if you are feeling flush!!
This main islands in this archipelago consist of Terre-de-Haut, and Terre-de-Bas, which are amongst the most beautiful Caribbean islands. They are very much French, despite being the scene of a dramatic naval battle in the 18th century won by the English. In fact it would be fair to say that the islands are not so much French but Breton, probably because many French sailors came from Brittany two hundred years ago.
The restaurants serve up huge portions of the islands' speciality, a delicious fish 'boudin', and ruddy faced fishermen in straw hats known as 'salalkos' which are no longer found in France can be found on the quays, giving you all kinds of wit and repartee which will do more than keep you entertained and on your toes!!
Les Saintes are very popular with day trippers from Guadeloupe, but they disappear before nightfall, leaving the small town on the main island of Terre-de-Haut beautifully quiet and peaceful like any small Caribbean island.
You will see rum being passed around the small front yards by the locals generally lounging around. There will be the haunting smell of frying garlic, and accordion music in the background.
The question arises of where you might stay in this wonderful part of the affordable Caribbean.
Look no further than the delightfully named 'Auberge Les Petites Saints aux Anacardiers' which is situated on a hill above the harbour, and used to be the mayor's home. It is a wooden gingerbread style house covered in bougainvillaea. It is delightfully small and friendly, with ten rooms, all delightfully furnished in an old fashioned style. The food is old fashioned authentic French cuisine, and is wonderful.
A beautifully elegant swimming pool greets you outside, and there are great beaches nearby.
This is the hidden genuine old fashioned, and affordable French Caribbean experience.

Why holiday on one Greek island when you can plan a trip that includes visits to many? Getting around takes a bit of planning, but you can choose from cruise ships, ferries, yacht charters or air travel. Accommodation options include rental villas, hotels, guest houses and home stays. Listed here by region are 20 of the most popular Greek island destinations.
Cyclades
Amorgos
Rugged Amorgos, the most easterly of the Cyclades islands, has beautiful sandy beaches, a precipitous coastline, peaceful and serene bays and the magnificent Monastery of Hozoviotissa. Tourism infrastructure is rudimentary which this makes for a laid-back charm.
Delos
First inhabited in 3000 BC, this small island was the religious and commercial centre of ancient Greece. There are no towns or accommodation here, just quietness and a sense of history in the archaeological ruins.
Folegandros
This small, beautiful island has plenty of accommodation. Its busy port of Karavostassi has an extensive selection of restaurants and hotels, while Cars and motorcycles are banned in the cliff's edge village of Hora.
Mykonos
This cosmopolitan island, an expensive travel mecca, with unique cycladic architecture, bare hills, narrow alleyways and streets and red-roofed churches, is everything that Greek islands are famed for.
Naxos
Mount Zeus towers over this relatively quiet and charming island which is green and fertile. Pretty agricultural villages are perfect for experiencing island life sampling fresh produce including wines and olive oils.
Paros
On the main ferry run and popular with all types of travellers, Paros has picturesque inland villages, a busy port main town and some pretty beaches, particularly in the north around the fishing village of Naoussa.
Santorini
The most popular of Greek Islands. From the archaeological wonder of Akrotiri, a town preserved in volcanic ash, to its rocky outcrops and charming white-washed domestic architecture, Santorini is one of the world's most spectacular islands.
Sifnos
This mountainous island, a 3-hour ferry trip from Pireaus, has enchanting fertile valleys and medieval architecture, a fine archaeological museum and tranquil sandy beaches. A wide range of hotels, tavernas and shops cater for island visitors.
Syros
The administrative centre of the Cyclades, Syros has a busy harbour and shipyard, lovely beaches, attractive architecture and many churches and museums. The interior of the island has many fruit and vegetable farms.
Tinos
The third largest of the Cycladic Island group, a 30-minute ferry ride from Mykonos, Tinos is an important destination for religious pilgrims. The inland villages, nestled into the mountain slopes, are connected by a network of walking paths.
Crete
The largest of the Greek islands, mountainous Crete has it all, including bustling towns, idyllic rural villages, fields of olives, fruits and vegetable crops, sandy beaches, stunning ancient ruins and a world-class archealogical museum.
Dodecanese
Rhodes
Green and mountainous, Rhodes is renown for its natural beauty, fine architecture, and its cosmopolitan charm. It is the most popular of the Dodecanese islands, and its superb variety of architectural treasures and top museums bring visitors year round.
Kos
This fascinating island is rich in Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian archaeology and the agricultural interior is perfect for bicycle riding. There are daily ferries to and from Pireaus, and Turkey is just a short boat trip away.
Ionian
Corfu
Popular Corfu, the greenest of the Greek islands, has ancient ruins, castles and distinctive Italianate architecture in Corfu town. The old fort (Paleo Frourio) is the location for a Sound-and-Light show in summer.
Kefalonia
Known as the location for filming of Captain Corelli's Mandolin, this rocky island, with its pine forests and many species of wildflowers and herbs, is becoming a popular destination. Loggerhead turtles nest on Kefalonian beaches.
North East Aegean
Chios
Just a few kilometres from the coast of Turkey, in the Aegean Sea, Chios has many churches and monasteries, medieval villages and ancient monuments, which date from times under Macedonian, Roman, Turkish and Greek rule. From beautiful beaches and coves to mountains and traditional villages, the island is a delight to explore.
Lesvos
The third-largest Greek Island is a good budget destination with idyllic beaches, fascinating villages, hot water springs and a variety of flora and fauna. Mainly agricultural, the provincial economy is based on olive oil and ouzo.
Saronic Gulf
Aegina
A great beginner's Greek island experience, Aegina is a perfect day trip by ferry from Athens. A city state in ancient times, be sure to visit the ruins of Paleohora, one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples.
Angistri
Intimate sandy beaches are the trademark of this small island near Aegina. But there is also an interesting farming and fishing side of the island that is off the beaten tourist track.
Hydra
Head for the waterfront restaurants and cafes of Hydra Town on this famed maritime destination for great Greek ambience. Wander around and view the old sea captain mansions, and check out some of the hundreds of old churches.
Poros
Handy to Athens, the busy town of Poros is an island joined to the island of Poros by a causeway. The island is home to the scant remains of the Temple of Poseidon but the beaches are not so good.
Spetses
Famous for its great beaches and nightlife, Spetses also has a harbour known for its wooden boat building industry. The main square in the town, the Dapia, has lots of interesting restaurants, while on the busy waterfront you can watch the boatbuilders at work.

Any great summer vacation starts with planning your travel destination. Make sure to talk with your entire family before you start booking at travel arrangements. People's lives are busy and you would hate to book a hotel just to find out that someone in your family can't make it.
Another great family vacation tip is to layout what family members should do in case of an emergency or if someone is separated from the family. Most vacationers take this for granted, but you should always be safe rather than sorry. This is especially important if you have small children in your family. Tell them what they should do if they get lost or designate a meeting spot to go to. When you are visiting large amusement parks or relaxing at a water park, it is very easy for a child to wander off and get lost.
When planning your families' summer vacation make sure that everyone is well aware of what you will be doing while on vacation and for how long you will be traveling. This helps everyone plan out what they need to bring and how many changes of clothes and other items. Also, if you will be driving to your vacation spot you may want to suggest that everyone bring games or reading materials to help make the travel enjoyable.
While on the topic of traveling in a car, make plans ahead of time to make the drive more fun. For example, you could rent a car television and DVD player so everyone can watch movies while you are traveling. Make sure and pack movies that the entire family will enjoy because you do not want any fighting over what gets watched before you ever reach your vacation spot.
You should also encourage family members to pack other things that will entertain them. Suggest that they bring their PSP or iPod and that way there will be no fighting over what music everyone has to listen to. Also make sure to pack extra batteries and power cords for charging everyone's devices. The last thing you want to do is head off for vacation and after 1 hour of traveling everyone's PSP or iPod is out of juice.
If you are taking a long trip and have to travel for a large distance make sure everyone brings a pillow for comfort and to take naps. You may also want to pack snacks and beverages so you are not required to make a stop every time someone gets hungry or thirsty.
Taking a summer vacation with your family should be an enjoyable, relaxing and memorable experience. Following the tips outlined above will help ensure that your vacation is a fun trip for everyone.

The Arts Barcelona

The Arts Barcelona, or to give it its full name the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Arts Barcelona, overlooks the magnificent Port Olimpic and is an incredible sight in itself. With 5 different dining areas ranging from the 'Chic informal' Bites to the 'Jacket and Tie' Enoteca there is something for everyone's tastes. Full housekeeping twice a day, babysitting on request and a complimentary overnight shoeshine and morning paper give the Arts an air of extravagance and the terraced gardens, outdoor swimming pool and numerous bars combine to make this a reassuringly expensive hotel to stay in during your trip to the beautiful Barcelona.

The Barcelona Hilton

The Barcelona Hilton seems mainly geared towards business and business meetings and is a modern looking 11 floor building situated right in the middle of Barcelona giving superb access to the businesses and tourist areas associated with Barcelona. The advantages that the Hilton boast are very business orientated with computer and Internet points in every room, a work desk and chair and voice mail messaging are standard in every room. The vast array of meeting floors, executive rooms and executive lounges make it ideal for the travelling businessman.

The Claris

The Claris is a very luxurious hotel and is aimed at guests who like the finer things in life, in particular fine art. Various superb examples of exquisite art are littered around the hallways of this converted palace and also in the rooms. Booking is almost impossible without years of notice but the sculptures aged from the 2nd through to the 7th century as well as 300 year old furniture make this a truly lavish hotel for lavish wallets.

The Ritz

What city in the world would be complete without a Ritz adorning one of its more exclusive streets. By staying at the Ritz you know that you are in for a real treat and the Ritz in Barcelona is no exception. Now called the Palace Hotel, it features Scotch bars, beauty halls and boutiques so the only reason to leave your hotel is because you are in Barcelona and there's just as much to see outside the four luxurious walls of the Ritz hotel. It also features a business centre that is more than lavish enough to hold executive business meetings in.

Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel

A grand name for a grand building. An incredible combination of modern interior design and architecture you will be enthralled before you've even set foot in your room. The 8 floor building housed on Barcelona sea front features incredible works of art and you will be met by a massive piece just behind reception as you walk in. With a large and impressive collection of art the Grand Marina is another hotel designed for people with a love for fine arts. The 278 rooms offer probably the cheapest of these hotels in no small part due to the fact that the Grand Marina was only founded in 2002. While a relative newcomer to the market though, the Grand Marina has a more than slightly impressive list of top class services to offer its discerning guests. Make the most of the more affordable price tag because it is sure to increase in time as the rooms are already nearly always full.

If you're ready to get away and take the family to a beach that's relaxing and entertaining for adults, but that still keeps the trip fun and exciting for the kids, we've compiled a list of the top 5 beaches in the world for families. So, let's start the countdown from number five and work our way to the very best beach.
5. Trunk Bay, St. John in the Virgin Islands
Trunk Bay is part of the Virgin Islands National Park, and probably the least known beach in our list. But, it is one of the best kept secrets of the Virgin Islands. With the offshore coral reefs, Trunk Bay beach is considered the best on the island of St. John.
Visitors can lounge in the sun, or explore the coral reefs in the pristine waters off the coast of St. John. You can even try your hand at underwater photography with the snorkeling equipment rentals available. For more adventure you can take the family hiking into the park to see old sugar plantations and the history of St. John.
4. Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is a popular hotspot and home to some of the best beaches in the world. The best time of the year to visit this Mexican paradise is around November or December. You'll avoid the spring breakers and the tropical storm season that usually hits in September or October. It's also the best time to get a deal, and when traveling as a family, good rates are important.
Since you'll want to find accommodations close to or on the beach, you'll find your best bets on the famous Hotel Zone, which is a 14 mile peninsula into the Caribbean Sea. Our pick for the best hotel in Cancun is the Barcelo Costa situated on the Playa Linda Beach in Cancun. This resort is close to the golf course, shopping and of course, the beach.
3. St. Tropez, France
Most people think of Hollywood stars and clothing optional beaches when they hear St. Tropez. However, there are several family friendly beaches in St. Tropez that feature beach playgrounds, and places to find snacks for the kids. Stay away in the summer months as there are hordes of people on the beaches and in the shops. June and September are the best months to take the family to the beach so you can still enjoy the warm climate, but avoid the masses.
The Amarante Golf Plaza Hotel sits on the Bay of St. Tropez and features luxury amenities like a swimming pool, fitness room, golf and tennis, and serves gourmet food in their on-site restaurant.
2. Paradise Island, Bahamas
Paradise Island is small at only 5 square miles, but it is heaven for beach goers. Besides the sandy beaches there are lots of fun things to do with the family including shopping along the quaint streets, eating local cuisine, or venturing through the 100-foot underwater tunnel to see sharks, barracudas, and stingrays.
The Atlantis is the premier location to stay in Paradise Island, with water activities for the kids and a full 18-hole golf course. On their Cabbage Beach you can parasail, jetski, and snorkel.
1. Surfers Paradise Beach, Australia
Surfers Paradise Beach is our top pick because of the selection of activities for people young and old. The beaches are gorgeous, the water clear and inviting, and a ton of fun attractions at the Gold Coast. There are plenty of theme parks like Sea World and Movie World. Activities run the range from shopping, laying on the beach, snorkeling, surfing, fishing, and even bungee jumping. At night they have hopping clubs and a casino.
The Gold Coast International Hotel is far and away the best pick for luxury accommodations in Surfers Paradise. Featuring spacious rooms, top rate service, clean swimming pool, world class restaurant and bar, the beaches should be the first destination when traveling to Surfers Paradise, on Australia's Gold Coast.

When it comes to planning a family vacation it can be hard to please everyone in the family. This is especially a problem when you have children of all ages. However, there are 3 great vacation spots that offer up activities for children and adults of all ages and interests.
1. Walt Disney World - This vacation spot is no secret to anyone but it continues to be one of the most ideal vacation destinations for families. For young children it is the trip of a lifetime getting to see and meet all of the popular Disney characters. Young children will simply be in heaven the second they step foot in Disney World. It is also a popular vacation spot of older children because of the exciting rides. They may not be excited about seeing all the Disney characters, but you can be sure they will love all of the theme parks.
2. Oahu, Hawaii - Who could argue against a trip to Hawaii? With so much to do on one small island it is a top choice for any family vacation. Children, young and old, will have the vacation of a lifetime while they play at Waikiki Beach. Old children can venture to the north shore to do some surfing, while the entire family can enjoy a tour of Pearl Harbor. Mix in an eco-tour and attending a luau and you have one amazing vacation the entire family will remember forever.
3. Wisconsin Dells, WI - Known as the "Waterpark Capital of the World", this lesser known vacation spot is a hidden gem. Everyone from adults to young children are sure to find something to do at one of the many Wisconsin Dells attractions that include; waterparks, amusement parks, go karts, mini golf, scenic tours and live entertainment. There is no threat of bad weather because the family can always head back to one of the numerous Wisconsin Dells resorts that offer indoor waterparks.
When it comes time to play your next family vacation, plan a trip to one of the destination above and you will have happy vacationers no matter what the age. More importantly, you will make family memories that will last a lifetime.

Somehow, the way that Americans are taking holiday breaks is changing. Of course, some things are remaining the same, like the fact that most Americans drive to their destination instead of taking a train or other form of public transportation. But, when it comes to accommodations, some vital things are changing. First and foremost, the vacation home rental is becoming one of the most popular ways of housing a family or a group of friends who are on a getaway together.
The reasons for this are many, but perhaps the most fundamental reason is cost. Consider the cost of staying in a hotel room at hundreds of dollars per night. Even if you only have a family of four who are occupying two rooms, if they stay for seven nights, you can easily spend at least 1,000. Instead, it is quite easy to imagine finding a private house or cottage to rent for a week that would cost less than this, or at least give you more amenities for a similar price.
If you think just one step further to the way that families eat while they are on vacation, the family staying in the hotel will be eating in restaurants at least once or twice a day. They might be eating expensive snacks or fast food in between. Depending on how often and how fancy this dining out is, expenses can still quickly add up. The family who stays in a vacation home rental, on the other hand, can feed themselves for the regular price of groceries for their family.
As you can see, it can be much more economical to rent than staying in a hotel. In addition, staying in a house or cabin brings an entirely different feeling than staying in a hotel. While staying in a hotel might amuse the children for a day or two, the bottom line is that hotels can be quite boring. A house, on the other hand, has lots of room to play and, in most cases, a lot of opportunities for outdoor play as well.
It is very possible to find a vacation home rental that is located on a lake or at the beach. In this case, you are looking at hours of fun and play at no additional cost and no additional driving. This type of holiday setting is much more relaxing for the parents, who can sit back in lawn chairs and watch their kids running to and fro. Of course, joining in with the kids is also loads of fun, but relaxing is a good feature of an adult vacation.
UFindVacations offers different types of vacation home rental properties across the U.S. Visit http://www.ufindvacations.com to start looking by state, type of property, and desired amenities and preferences.

Attempting to list America's top ten luxury hotels will always be difficult, since there are many criteria by which to judge hotels - whether they are best for business travellers, holidaymakers, families and so on. That said, here is a list of hotels that should meet the demands of the most discerning luxury traveller.
Four Seasons - Los Angeles
Billed as European grace combined with Beverly Hills style, The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles features a landscaped, rooftop pool and Jacuzzi and a luxurious full-service spa with a steam sauna. The award-winning Gardens Restaurant offers California-Mediterranean cuisine. In every room there is a high-speed Internet connection, and the hotel is ten minutes by car from downtown Hollywood.
Grand America Hotel - Salt Lake City, Utah
In downtown Salt Lake City, the 24-storey Grand America Hotel has 775 luxurious rooms and suites that feature European-style furnishings, with stunning views to the Rocky Mountains. There is a world-class spa and the fitness centre leads to indoor and outdoor pools. The in-house audio-visual systems are state-of-the-art and the popular Garden Cafй features American seasonal cuisine.
JW Marriott Camelback Inn - Scottsdale, AZ
This well-known Scottsdale resort, set on 125 acres of landscaped desert, includes a 36-hole championship golf course, two heated swimming pools, a luxury spa, and a large conference facility. There are 453 spacious, Pueblo-style 'casitas', including 27 suites, some with private pools. Resort restaurants include Golf Grill, Hoppin' Jacks, and Sprouts.
Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown - Washington, D.C.
Located in Washington DC's fashionable Georgetown district, with 86 guest rooms and suites, the Ritz-Carlton merges contemporary and historic architecture. Within walking distance of many shopping districts, fine dining choices, trendy nightclubs, and the waterfront, the hotel is also only minutes from the Kennedy Centre. There are meeting facilities for up to 90 people, and a fourteen-screen movie theatre.
Ritz-Carlton - Central Park South, New York
With expansive views of Central Park and extraordinary, personal service, this 261-room and 48-suite hotel is much in demand by celebrities and royalty. Elegant rooms and suites are lavish, with fine furnishings and all amenities. French cuisine is served at the Atelier restaurant, and beauty treatments are available at La Prairie salon.
The American Club - Kohler, Wisconsin
The American Club is less than an hour's drive north of Milwaukee. Luxuriously appointed rooms are finished to the highest standards and include the latest audio-visual and communications facilities. The award-winning golf courses, Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits, give preference to hotel guests. The spa packages include rejuvenating services, and their annual cooking and wine demonstrations attract wine and food enthusiasts from far and wide.
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel - Seattle, Washington
Listed on the National Register, The Fairmont has been Seattle's top luxury hotel since it opened in 1924. Located in the heart of Seattle, The Olympic combines impeccable service with 450 beautifully appointed rooms, and its two award-winning restaurants have a top reputation for fine cuisine. Nearby attractions include the famous Pike Place Market, Seattle Waterfront, and Space Needle, plus many theatres, restaurants, and shops.
The Greenbrier- White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Since 1835, a succession of U.S. Presidents has spent their summers here. Accommodation includes estate houses and 803 individual rooms. All accommodations have top-line entertainment systems, refreshment bars, lighted vanity mirrors, individual heating/air conditioning, and access to high-speed, wireless Internet.
The Phoenician - Scottsdale, Arizona
Exceptional service and breathtaking scenery make The Phoenician a top luxury resort. Guests enjoy an 8 million dollar art collection, spa treatments and the Southwest's most spectacular golf course. The gilded lobby has valley views, and large well-appointed rooms are finished to the highest standards. Guests can also receive massage therapies, skin and body treatments and expert hair and nail services.
Walden Country Inn & Stables - Aurora, Ohio
The Walden, set on 32 acres around a 175-year-old barn and silo, has 25 luxuriously appointed suites that include full audio and televisual facilities. In-room services include massage and a maid service. Popular for relaxing getaways, weddings and executive retreats, visitors enjoy world-class dining, inconspicuous service and a wealth of activities such as an equestrian centre, a spa and a theatre.

Australia, the world’s largest island, has some of the best surfing beaches to be found anywhere. Here, visiting the beach is as much a social experience as an opportunity for relaxation and water sports, since the beach is integral to Australian culture. While there will always be disagreement over which of the thousands of beaches are the best, the following selection represents a variety of urban and regional surf beaches that are popular with both surfers and those looking for a fun day on the beach.
Noosa Heads, in Queensland, is one of Australia’s best family beaches. Facing north, it is more like an ocean cul-de-sac, with generally gentler surf conditions than might be found on the more open beaches. Just behind the beach is the famous Hastings Street shopping strip. High fashion boutiques, art galleries, and trendy restaurants run along its shopper-friendly pavements, shaded by lush, leafy trees.
The Gold Coast’s Burleigh Heads is famous for its pine tree backdrop and great point break surf. The famous Burleigh Barrel, a power-packed tube loved by all surfers is driven by solid swells and prevailing SE winds. Burleigh’s shopping precinct just off the beach is a quiet and eclectic collection of shops and cafes.
Byron Bay, in northern New South Wales, is considered Australia’s alternative lifestyle capital. The trendy town centre, boasting top-quality eateries and pubs, is fronted by a superb beach. The lack of high-rise development adds to the clean, laid-back appeal of this pristine location. Close to the beach strip are subtropical rainforests and national parks that you can easily visit.
On Sydney’s northern coastline, Palm Beach is noted as a residential suburb for the wealthy as much as for its surf beach. Situated on a peninsula, the beach has stunning Pacific Ocean front expanses with a variety of swells, and there are gentler waters on the west of the peninsular at Pittwater. Surrounding bushland adds to the feeling of genteel serenity.
Australia’s most famous beach, Sydney’s Bondi Beach, is where Australian beach culture originated. This stunning beach, bounded by rocky points at either end, abuts a vast promenade with a distinctively old world charm. Its wide stretch of sand is dominated by the grand old Bondi Pavilion, built in 1928. Campbell Parade, running parallel to the beach, is a people watcher’s delight.
Two hours’ drive south of Sydney is Kiama, where the beautiful Surf Beach offers a deep beachfront of pure white sand, gentle incoming waves, and an open park with cooking facilities and picnic areas. The beach is popular with families, and many visitors come to view the breath-taking Kiama Blowhole nearby.
At Portsea, in Victoria, Melbourne’s wealthy come to retire for a summer respite. Set on the western-most point of the sweeping Mornington Peninsula, Portsea boasts a fascinating, rugged ocean front beach as well as a quieter bay beach nearby. Stark rock formations, shaped by the area’s often savage winds, feature prominently around the beach landscapes. The tiny village has a feel of understated exclusivity.
Many would claim Bells Beach as Australia’s best board surfing beach. Located 100 km south west of Melbourne along the majestic Great Ocean Road, Bells is a largely untouched ocean beach with almost never-ending swells undulating across deep blue water. The beach ends abruptly with soaring cliffs of yellow and orange clay. Designated a state reserve, its unspoiled status is assured.
Margaret River, in Australia’s south west, is virtually unrivalled for the quality of its waves. The clear, open water swells and forms some of the world’s best and most consistent board and body catches. Dazzling views across the mighty river and its mouth as it spills into the Indian Ocean are plentiful. Margaret River township is a mellow precinct dotted with great cafes and art galleries.
Perth’s Cottesloe Beach is understandably that city’s pride and joy. The now ritzy suburb, just outside Perth CBD, affords unbeatable views across the ocean to gorgeous Rottnest Island. The westerly-facing beach, part of a long strip, is a fantastic place to watch the sun set on another day. The stately old surf club and restaurant provides a regal focal point.