A Day in Victoria: Sights to See and Places to Be

By Adele-mcmasters on 4th March

Victoria is a large, beautiful state in Australia that is filled with things to see and do. There is so much history and heritage along with timeless charm in the area. It’s quiet and tranquility add to its splendour. You may think that this is boring because it has none of the fanfare of Melbourne city but it has its own unique identity that cannot be taken away. Therefore, if at any point you happen to be travelling to Australia make sure to stop by Victoria and take the time to relax and savour what this city has to offer.

The Eastern Beach – Victoria

The Eastern Beach is a much adored and highly popular holiday spot in Victoria. Amid a plethora of eateries and shopping venues you can also find a good bar in geelong where you can enjoy a drink or two. There is also a lot of scenic beauty around that you will feel pleasantly surprised to know that this area was actually considered somewhat of a scar on the landscape before the 1930s came. By the end of that time period though, the natural appearance of the location changed so drastically, transforming it into the beautiful natural area that you see today. There are also many features like a shark-free children’s pool and a kiosk as well as a sea bathing area that is also shark-proof.

The Federation Square

The Federation Square is a monument that you need to witness in person for two reasons. One because it has been standing strong since 2002 and is built to commemorate the 100 years of the Federation and is considered iconic to the area. The other reason is that there has probably never been a monument in Australia that has been the centre of so much controversy. The monument is said to have divided the city into two clean halves where some people loved it and others detested it with a passion. Today however it is one of those integral features that carry a bit of the Victorian soul inside it and the city simply cannot do without.  There are many shopping venues in the Federation Square and there is outdoor al fresco style entertainment that you can enjoy. There is so much of that unique and intricate Victorian architecture all around the square and it hosts about 2000 visitors every year without fail.

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The Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Victoria is another venue that you simply have to visit. It is located towards the South of the famous Yarra River and was first established in the year 1846. It takes up more than 40 hectares of land that is so fertile and filled with more than 50,000 plant varieties along with about one and a half million ardent nature lovers who come to visit it and walk in its paths every year. You will also be able to see many different rare species of plants thriving in the gardens and also places like the Potter Foundation Children’s Garden where aspiring botanists, farmers and horticulturists get to grow and nurture their hobbies.

Tips for Renting a Campervan in Australia

By Adele-mcmasters on 27th January

Driving around Australia in a campervan is a thrilling way to explore the country. Campervans come with sleeping and cooking facilities, so you can save up on accommodation and restaurant costs on your trip. If you don’t have at least $10,000 to buy a used campervan, you might want to consider hiring one. There are several services that provide campervan rentals. However, you should know what to look for to get the best campervan hire for your trip. Here are several tips for renting the right campervan for you:

Know What’s Included in the Package

It’s important to know what comes with the campervans when you hire it. For example, some campervan hire packages include items like bed linen, kitchen equipment, child seats, and campsite seating items. You should inquire whether these items are included with your rental. If not, you will need to acquire these before the trip. But you don’t want to restock two of the same items and clutter the limited interior.

Get the Tax Rate

The GST applies to campervans when they are rented out. The tax is typically included in the rental price. However, it’s highly recommended to check the price quote to make sure GST is one of the charges that are included so you have a realistic idea of the full costs.

Pick Up and Drop off Locations Should be Specified

The rental company should offer specifics for pickups and drop off locations. This is important because you don’t want to drive around looking for a corporate office. Services like Hit the Road offer multiple pickup and drop off locations for the convenience of clients.

Get Your License Ready

For Australian locals, the regular driver’s license (unless it’s expired or in on probation) is sufficient for operating a campervan. If you are a tourist in Australia who want to go on a campervan trip, you need to get your international driver’s license verified before leaving. If you don’t have an international driving permit, you need to present an English translation of your native country’s driver’s license (if not in English). Keep in mind that the Australia government may not accept driver’s licenses from certain countries.

Mind the Age Restrictions for Young or Elderly Drivers

You should declare your age to the rental company when hiring the campervan. Some companies allow 18-year-olds to operate campervans, but in Australia, the legal age for driving a campervan is 21 or above. Rental companies should not deny a hire for drivers who are over 75 as long as they provide medical evidence that they are fit to drive.

Negotiate to Reduce Liability Charges

Campervan rental companies charge an excess, a deductible fee that protects in liability cases. It’s a charge that reflects what you have to pay if you crash the campervan. The rental vehicles are insured against damages and other issues. Therefore, you can sometimes negotiate down the excess. When renting, ask why the excess is as high as it is and whether you can pay a lower amount.

On a final note, it’s recommended to take out your own travel insurance before you hire a campervan for a trip. The campervan’s insurance policy will not cover you.