We have put together some ideas for fantastic places to see while on holidays using your car hire in Noosa and the surrounding area. Noosa is famous for its beautiful beaches but there is much more to be enjoyed within a short drive from the centre of Noosa.
Coastal Scenic Drive
Heading south of Noosa following the beach is a trip that can take an hour or a whole day. There are roads that follow the coastline almost all of the way to Caloundra and these feature countless beach access tracks, scenic lookouts and beachside cafés and restaurants.
Eumundi Markets
Less than half an hour along a scenic road inland from Noosa is the famous Eumundi markets. These are held every Saturday and Wednesday mornings in the main street and feature a large selection of local arts, crafts and fresh produce.
Mooloolaba and Underwater World
Mooloolaba has some of the most beautiful beaches on the Sunshine Coast with both surf beaches and a peaceful bay. It is 45 minutes from Noosa and is home to Underwater World. This tourist attraction includes a large oceanarium with transparent tunnels so you can get up close and personal with many sharks and fish. There are also shark dives, seal swims and shows, otters and many other animals.
Noosa Everglades
The Noosa Everglades is a unique ecosystem on the Noosa river which you can experience via boat cruises or canoeing. Both means of seeing the everglades guarantee stunning scenery and wildlife. Cruises leave from Noosa most days and to canoe you can start at Noosa or from further into the river system.
Fraser Island and Cooloola
Noosa is the gateway to the Great Sandy National Park which includes Fraser Island and beaches north of Noosa. There are many 4wd tours available from Noosa including day trips and longer.
Hinterland Tour
A self drive hinterland tour from Noosa in a hire car is a very rewarding experience. There are lakes, forests, mountains and farm lands within a leisurely hour or two drive as well as wineries, craft stores, roadside stalls and cafes. Some places worth looking at are Imbil, Eumundi, Borumba Dam, Amamoor Creek and Pomona.
This article may only be republished providing the links to car hire in Noosa are intact.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Sightseeing with your car hire in Caloundra
When you are using car hire in Caloundra you would probably like to get out and enjoy the sights so we have made a list of some of the highlights of the surrounding area.
Australia Zoo
Australia Zoo delivers an animal experience like few other zoo’s in Australia. You can cuddle a koala, hand-feed Asian Elephants, walk with a Sumatran Tiger and watch crocodiles, snakes and much more. Australia Zoo is a wildlife adventure packed with fun, entertainment and education. It is recommended to allow the best part of a day to see everything the zoo has to offer. Australia Zoo is less than 30 minutes from Caloundra along Steve Irwin Way, which also offers views of the famous Glasshouse Mountains.
Coastal Scenic Drive
Heading north of Caloundra following the beach is very rewarding trip whether you have an hour or two or a whole day to enjoy the beautiful beaches. There are roads that follow the coastline most of the way to Noosa and these feature numerous beaches and bays, scenic lookouts, beachside cafés and restaurants.
Mooloolaba and Underwater World
Mooloolaba arguably has some of the most beautiful beaches on the Sunshine Coast with both surf beaches and a peaceful bay. It is 30 minutes from Caloundra and is home to Underwater World. This tourist attraction includes a large aquarium with transparent tunnels so you can get up close and personal with many sharks and fish. There are also shark dives, seal swims and shows, otters and many other animal displays.
Aussie World
Aussie World is home to Ettamogah Pub, has over 30 rides and games plus many specialty stores. It is at Palmview, which is 20 minutes from Caloundra by hire car. Near Aussie World there is also a strawberry farm where you pick your own strawberries and enjoy delicious strawberry treats, it is called Strawberry Fields.
Glasshouse Mountains
The Glasshouse Mountains are located in a national park of the same name and can be seen less than 30 minutes drive from Caloundra. The 12 mountains in the park are the cores of extinct volcanoes and were named by Captain Cook in 1770. Some of the mountains have walking tracks and there are many picnic areas and forests surrounding them.
Pumicestone Passage
The peaceful waters of the Pumicestone Passage Marine Park are a lovely place for a swim, an eco-cruise or a guided kayak tour where you can experience the bird life and beauty of a thriving marine habitat. The Pumicestone Passage stretches from Caloundra to the southern tip of Bribie Island.
This article may only be republished providing the links to car hire in Caloundra are intact.
Australia Zoo
Australia Zoo delivers an animal experience like few other zoo’s in Australia. You can cuddle a koala, hand-feed Asian Elephants, walk with a Sumatran Tiger and watch crocodiles, snakes and much more. Australia Zoo is a wildlife adventure packed with fun, entertainment and education. It is recommended to allow the best part of a day to see everything the zoo has to offer. Australia Zoo is less than 30 minutes from Caloundra along Steve Irwin Way, which also offers views of the famous Glasshouse Mountains.
Coastal Scenic Drive
Heading north of Caloundra following the beach is very rewarding trip whether you have an hour or two or a whole day to enjoy the beautiful beaches. There are roads that follow the coastline most of the way to Noosa and these feature numerous beaches and bays, scenic lookouts, beachside cafés and restaurants.
Mooloolaba and Underwater World
Mooloolaba arguably has some of the most beautiful beaches on the Sunshine Coast with both surf beaches and a peaceful bay. It is 30 minutes from Caloundra and is home to Underwater World. This tourist attraction includes a large aquarium with transparent tunnels so you can get up close and personal with many sharks and fish. There are also shark dives, seal swims and shows, otters and many other animal displays.
Aussie World
Aussie World is home to Ettamogah Pub, has over 30 rides and games plus many specialty stores. It is at Palmview, which is 20 minutes from Caloundra by hire car. Near Aussie World there is also a strawberry farm where you pick your own strawberries and enjoy delicious strawberry treats, it is called Strawberry Fields.
Glasshouse Mountains
The Glasshouse Mountains are located in a national park of the same name and can be seen less than 30 minutes drive from Caloundra. The 12 mountains in the park are the cores of extinct volcanoes and were named by Captain Cook in 1770. Some of the mountains have walking tracks and there are many picnic areas and forests surrounding them.
Pumicestone Passage
The peaceful waters of the Pumicestone Passage Marine Park are a lovely place for a swim, an eco-cruise or a guided kayak tour where you can experience the bird life and beauty of a thriving marine habitat. The Pumicestone Passage stretches from Caloundra to the southern tip of Bribie Island.
This article may only be republished providing the links to car hire in Caloundra are intact.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
To Buy - Or Not to Buy? The Travel Cot
From nature calls to vibrating mattresses, light shows to side curtains, travel cots have more features than a cinema. But do you actually need one?
Also known as portable cots or portacots, travel cots are useful for the frequent traveler. Whilst many are loaded with features that you most likely won't use, the most basic models serve their purpose well.
Features include removable change tables (which sit atop the cot), toy mobiles, full-sized bassinettes and voice activated night lights. Generally, the more features, the heavier the cot. Carefully consider which features you can get buy without; the median weight is 9-11kg.
The most comfortable travel cots have bases which can be elevated; similar to a regular cot, this is great if you have a bad back and will travel often with a newborn. Look for side panels made from mesh rather than regular fabric for good ventilation, and a mesh cover if you're going to use the cot outdoors or camping.
Mattresses are not usually included with the more basic models. Rather than using towels to soften the base or buying an expensive (and cumbersome) mattress, you can buy a 'fitted' mattress. The Sleepover is a padded, fitted sheet which cannot be removed by the babe, can be fully laundered and can be squished easily into the travel cot bag.
So is it worth buying a travel cot if you don't travel often?
Most hotels and guest houses provide travel cots for a small charge (and often for free). Simply take your own cot linen. Alternatively, baby hire businesses hire out travel cots for as little as $5 per day, and most organise a courier to deliver and collect. If you only plan to travel a handful of times, this may be the best value option.
Another significant benefit of hiring the cot (and any other equipment) is that you won't need to lug it on the plane, and it won't take up valuable space in the car. The majority are bulky and cumbersome to transport, and with some weighing up to 14kg, you could end up paying more in freight than the cost of the cot.
If you're going to travel mostly during the newborn period, then consider a pram with a bassinette. This may be a more economical option, and if you are going to take the pram traveling with you anyway, it will mean less equipment to lug!
So is there a smaller alternative?
Relatively new on the market are tent-like travel cots. Phil&Ted's Traveller weights 2.5kg and is small enough to fit into the pram's basket when folded - and it won't tip you over your weight allowance when flying. The downside is that the baby lies at floor level (on an inflatable mattress) so it can be uncomfortable to lower down and pick up your baby.
Remember, every baby (and parent) is different, and will have their own hidden agenda. To buy... or not to buy? You be the judge!
Amanda G Jephtha is the founder of Planning for Babe: http://www.planningforbabe.com.au.
Planning for Babe's baby planners exclusively tailor the most suitable baby products and services to your individual needs and circumstances - just like a wedding planner to a wedding.
Our baby planner packages range from giving you the confidence to make informed decisions on the perfect baby products and services, through to personal shopping and designing and assembling the nursery.
Based on our consultations and additional research, Planning for Babe will present you with a professional Client Portfolio, containing fully tailored recommendations and supplementary information.
Planning for Babe gives you the most important luxury - the gift of time and confidence to enjoy your pregnancy.
Check out the Planning for Babe blog http://www.planningforbabe.blogspot.com for practical tips on buying for your babe.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_G_Jephtha
Also known as portable cots or portacots, travel cots are useful for the frequent traveler. Whilst many are loaded with features that you most likely won't use, the most basic models serve their purpose well.
Features include removable change tables (which sit atop the cot), toy mobiles, full-sized bassinettes and voice activated night lights. Generally, the more features, the heavier the cot. Carefully consider which features you can get buy without; the median weight is 9-11kg.
The most comfortable travel cots have bases which can be elevated; similar to a regular cot, this is great if you have a bad back and will travel often with a newborn. Look for side panels made from mesh rather than regular fabric for good ventilation, and a mesh cover if you're going to use the cot outdoors or camping.
Mattresses are not usually included with the more basic models. Rather than using towels to soften the base or buying an expensive (and cumbersome) mattress, you can buy a 'fitted' mattress. The Sleepover is a padded, fitted sheet which cannot be removed by the babe, can be fully laundered and can be squished easily into the travel cot bag.
So is it worth buying a travel cot if you don't travel often?
Most hotels and guest houses provide travel cots for a small charge (and often for free). Simply take your own cot linen. Alternatively, baby hire businesses hire out travel cots for as little as $5 per day, and most organise a courier to deliver and collect. If you only plan to travel a handful of times, this may be the best value option.
Another significant benefit of hiring the cot (and any other equipment) is that you won't need to lug it on the plane, and it won't take up valuable space in the car. The majority are bulky and cumbersome to transport, and with some weighing up to 14kg, you could end up paying more in freight than the cost of the cot.
If you're going to travel mostly during the newborn period, then consider a pram with a bassinette. This may be a more economical option, and if you are going to take the pram traveling with you anyway, it will mean less equipment to lug!
So is there a smaller alternative?
Relatively new on the market are tent-like travel cots. Phil&Ted's Traveller weights 2.5kg and is small enough to fit into the pram's basket when folded - and it won't tip you over your weight allowance when flying. The downside is that the baby lies at floor level (on an inflatable mattress) so it can be uncomfortable to lower down and pick up your baby.
Remember, every baby (and parent) is different, and will have their own hidden agenda. To buy... or not to buy? You be the judge!
Amanda G Jephtha is the founder of Planning for Babe: http://www.planningforbabe.com.au.
Planning for Babe's baby planners exclusively tailor the most suitable baby products and services to your individual needs and circumstances - just like a wedding planner to a wedding.
Our baby planner packages range from giving you the confidence to make informed decisions on the perfect baby products and services, through to personal shopping and designing and assembling the nursery.
Based on our consultations and additional research, Planning for Babe will present you with a professional Client Portfolio, containing fully tailored recommendations and supplementary information.
Planning for Babe gives you the most important luxury - the gift of time and confidence to enjoy your pregnancy.
Check out the Planning for Babe blog http://www.planningforbabe.blogspot.com for practical tips on buying for your babe.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_G_Jephtha
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