A Holiday Hunter

Queen Victoria Market... Melbourne's Market

One can never say they are lost for things to do when visiting Melbourne! The city of AFL (Australian Football League) trams and cosmopolitan living.

Melbourne is a thriving hub for business and able to provide fantastic surf beaches, ski fields and the jaw dropping Great Ocean Road all within driving distance, all be it a full day trip. Closer to the city is the Melbourne Zoo and famous St Kilda Esplanade and lets not forget the Art Gallery just around the corner from Federation Square.

All these activities you will find on just about any promotion on what to do when visiting the capital of the Garden State, Victoria.

You should however take the time to visit Queen Victoria Market  as it really is Victoria's premier open-air market. It's a thriving and vital place pulsating with life.

The friendly competition between stallholders, and their concern for customers, is what gives the Market its Old World charm and the addictive power to draw millions of visitors each year.

Visitors, who come not only to shop, can be entertained by buskers who perform on the surround. The vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere of this historic site has endeared the Market to Melburnians for more than 125 years. 

Sundays are the most popular day for tourists and holiday fun.

Queen Street becomes an outdoor cafe area with roving performers and an open air marquee showcasing new local talent.

MARKET TRADING HOURS:

Tuesday: 6.00am - 2.00pm
Thursday: 6.00am - 2.00pm
Friday: 6.00am - 6.00pm
(General merchandise closes at 4.00pm)
Saturday: 6.00am - 3.00pm
Sunday: 9.00am - 4.00pm

Closed every Monday and Wednesday, Good Friday, Anzac Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day

If you are in the mood for something very different and love to relive past travels with exotic foods be sure to visit the SUZUKI NIGHT MARKET. Ideal after a day seeing the sights in the summer months this cooler environment sets the scene for some new memories with great food and wine.

 Be sure to visit Holiday Hunter when planning your trip to Victoria 

www.holidayhunter.com.au

Western Australia has many unique and majestic sites to see

Western Australia has many unique and majestic sites to see. One “must see” in your travels would have to be The Kalbarri National Park.

Located 590 kilometres (approx 6 hours) north of Perth and 160 kilometres north of Geraldton the National Park is home to The Murchison River Gorges, that include The Loop, Z Bend, Hawkes Head Lookout and Ross Graham Lookout. The park covers approx 186,000 hectares and is a sight to behold.

Coastal Gorges with the stunning Island Rock and the Natural Arch will take your breath away. The ocean has carved out huge chunks of soft limestone coast and created towering cliff formations of around 100 metres high into strange rocky shapes. There are secluded beaches and colourful layered sands and silts compacted and layered in stone that set the scene for some memorable snap shots. You must also see the other landmarks of Red Bluff, Eagle Gorge, Shell House, Pot Alley Gorge, Mushroom Rock, Rainbow Valley.

The coastal gorges are easily accessed by a sealed road, short unsealed sections to the parking areas, and then short walks to the gorge lookouts. Drinking water is not available in the park so always carry your own.

Further north is the famous Monkey Mia where you can feed wild dolphin or just to the south the breath taking Abrolhos Islands. The islands consist of 122 spectaculat pockets of land (and coral) with their pristine waters and historic shipwrecks. The Abrolhos Islands lay approximately 50km off the coast of Geraldton

There are plenty of things to do with the local area really geared to catering for today’s tourist. In addition to sight seeing there is plenty of spots to go swimming and canoeing, fishing, abseiling, horse riding along the beach, hiking and camping (some conditions apply so be sure to check with the ranger in advance) visit a museum or the Geraldton Wind Farm and if the season is just right you can take in the joy of whale watching.

As you could imagine the sights and activities cover a fairly vast area. As a consequence scenic flights are a great way to take it all in from a new perspective and get to participate in these unique experiences. Kalbarri Air Charter has a number of flights available where all passengers get a window seat. Flights can take in Monkey Mia the Murchison River and the spectacular gorges as well as the historic Abrolhos islands.

Holiday Hunter is a great site to visit when planning your holiday or activity. whether you are looking for a weekend get away or a extended breeak be sure to stop by.

Hervey Bay is a beautiful coastal centre located about 300 kilometres north of Queensland's capital, Brisbane

Hervey Bay is a beautiful coastal centre located about 300 kilometres north of Queensland's capital, Brisbane.   Hervey Bay is renowned for its natural features and environment including calm waters due to the shelter provided by Fraser Island. Fraser Island is the worlds largest sand island and home to some of Australia's purest dingo's. Mackenzie Lake is simply stunning and the annual Whale migration is a must see at least once in your lifetime.

Hervey Bay has maintained a country lifestyle whilst experiencing significant economic growth and development activities in recent years.  The local population exceeds 54,000 and is one of the fastest growing areas in Australia.

A relaxing place to stay when visiting Hervey Bay is the Emeraldene Inn & Eco-Lodge, Hervey Bay's latest and most modern mid range accommodation and eco-friendly resort. It's located in the peaceful Pialba region of Hervey Bay.

Emeraldene Inn & Eco-Lodge

 

Only minutes from all Hervey Bay activities and attractions Emeraldene Inn is the perfect base when exploring all Hervey Bay has to offer. 

With the hospital in close proximity to the property, two (2) specially designed wheelchair Accessible Rooms are on hand, in addition to ten (10) oversized Deluxe Rooms and two (2) additional self contained Studio Apartments - perfect for families. Each Apartment also has a spacious living room with studio style sleeping area, a fully equipped kitchen and interconnecting double bedroom.

Room Features

• Air conditioning
• Microwave
• Tea and coffee facilities, Toaster
• Refrigerator
• Direct dial phone
• TV and Video / DVD
• Cutlery / Crockery

Be sure to visit Holiday Hunter to see more on offer at the picturesque Hervey Bay 

Northern High Country Victoria

North of Melbourne and descending westwards from the Great Dividing Range down to the goldfields of central Victoria is a region of great natural beauty. Ranges and valleys, lakes and rivers, canals and waterways and rich soils mean grazing and agriculture, vineyards, orchards and market gardens.

Now that winter is just around the corner many peoples thoughts turn to the fantastic Skiing & Snow Boarding that is available in this region.

5 Star Adventure Tours offer awsome Day Trips to Mt Hotham and Mt Buffalo where you'll enjoy an early morning ski or boarding experience. They can get you booked into lessons by the ski company and have a good meal deal for lunch - then it's back out to the slopes for the afternoon to practice your newly acquired skills.

Leaving from Bright they will take you up to the ski fields in a brand new Toyota Land cruiser 100 series specially fitted out with an off road suspension kit and snow and mud tyres to easy handle the deep snow and slippery road conditions. They are accredited to drive in these extreme Alpine road conditions so let them take all the hassle away, you sit back, enjoy the day skiing or boarding and allow them to take good care of you.

Be sure to visit Holiday Hunter and check out all the other fun and exciting activities that abound in Victorias glorious high country

Moreton Bay in Queensland is a beautiful place to visit

One of the first businesses to support Holiday Hunter was John Day and his team from OceanXplorer. John has a truely spectacular experience for you in Brisbanes hidden jewel Moreton Bay.

Moreton Bay is a massive marine park with 365 islands including some of the worlds largest sand islands. Easily accessible from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, yet a world away.

Day Tours 

High Tea on the High Seas
1 day cruise

For special occasions, take a five hour cruise aboard MV Supersport and do it in style - complete with a Royal High Tea served in the traditional manner with a full range of ribbon sandwiches and savoury treats, homemade cakes, fresh scones with jam and cream and a range of brewed teas.

Pick up and return from Victoria Point Jetty. Enjoy a leisurely cruise to Horseshoe Bay, Peel Island, watching out for dolphins, turtles and other wildlife along the way.

IslandXplorer and Aussie BBQ

1 day cruise

For a day to remember in the great outdoors, charter MV Supersport for up to 40 guests and cruise the gentle waters of Moreton Bay. Discover the islands and wildlife including dolphins, turtles and a host of marine birds from our viewing decks. Relax with good friends the Aussie way - with a delicious BBQ served on our alfresco deck.

Pick up and return from Victoria Point Jetty. Enjoy a six hour cruise, and BBQ lunch inclusive of a range of succulent meats and seafood, seasonal fresh salads, bread rolls, fruit salad and your choice of tea or coffee. Complimentary beer or wine served with lunch. Bar at bar prices.

Advance bookings essential for all day tours. Minimum numbers apply and private group charters available upon request. Contact Jon our Cruise Director for a quote.

Corporate Escapes 
For the ultimate corporate reward, retreat or team-building challenge, choose a day charter or live-aboard adventure amidst the beautiful bay islands of Moreton Bay Marine Park.

MV Supersport, our 25 metre ocean-going catamaran offers fully-catered, over-night accommodation in fourteen cabins (some with ensuites) for groups of 14 to 36, or day charters for up to 150 guests.

Refresh minds, bodies and spirits - or simply seduce your VIP customers - when they depart from Victoria Point, just 40 minutes drive south-east of the Brisbane CBD, or 45 minutes drive north of the Gold Coast.

Talk to us about customising a package to suit your group's needs. Options might include - 

• Elementary or expedition kayaking aboard triple sit-on-top kayaks.
• Snorkelling with qualified instructors amongst the Tangalooma shipwrecks at Moreton Island.
• Diving up to 10 metres to discover a whole new world beneath the sea.
• Feasting on a seafood banquet of fresh, locally caught fare or a great Aussie BBQ served on the Alfresco deck.
• Balancing play with work in our board-room style saloon complete with audio-visual equipment and seating for up to 40 people.
• Visiting historical Peel Island, North Stradbroke Island or Moreton Island, for fun beach activities.
• Wildlife spotting - dolphins, dugongs, turtles, manta rays and whales - depending on the season.
• Oyster and prawn tasting (season permitting) where they are grown at Island stops along the journey.

Do as much - or as little - as you like.

Live-aboard 
OceanXplorer Overnighter

2 days / 1 night

Pick up and return from Victoria Point Jetty. This overnight cruise for up to 36 guests includes your choice of kayaking, sailing and sightseeing around beautiful North Stradbroke Island.

Boarding at 2pm, you'll enjoy a relaxing cruise with afternoon tea, to a sheltered island anchorage for the evening. Paddle to shore for a beach ramble before a BBQ sunset dinner served with complimentary wine or beer on the alfresco deck and a leisurely evening in the saloon and bar (drinks at bar prices).

Sleep in a comfortable range of double and twin cabins, all with fresh linen and towels provided, and some with private ensuites.

Awake to a continental breakfast then pass the day spotting dolphins, turtles and other marine wildlife; sailing in our easy and safe dinghies; or simply relaxing on the sun deck with a good book and a cool drink.

A cold seafood buffet lunch is served before cruising back to Victoria Point to disembark by 4pm.

OceanXplorer Weekender

3 days / 2 nights

Pick up and return from Victoria Point Jetty. This two night cruise to Moreton Island for up to 36 guests includes your choice of kayaking in the mangroves, sailing the crystal blue waters of Moreton Bay, and snorkeling at the Tangalooma Shipwrecks.

Boarding at 2pm, you'll be greeted on-board with afternoon tea as we cruise to our sheltered Moreton Island anchorage for the night. Watch out for dolphins, turtles, dugongs and in season, whales, along the way.

Complimentary sun-downers and a good old fashioned Aussie BBQ are served on the alfresco deck, followed by a social evening in the saloon and bar (drinks at bar prices).

Awake to continental breakfasts and then choose to do as much – or as little - as you like. Optional activities included in the price are -

• Aquaculture tour including oyster or prawn tasting (seasonal) from local growers
• Coastal navigation awareness
• History tour 
• Snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks with a qualified snorkeling instructor
• Sailing aboard our safe and easy Feva XL Dinghies
• Relaxing on the sundeck with a good book and a cool drink

(Boat and Jet Ski licensing course, tube riding and wake boarding prices on application.)

Morning and afternoon tea included in the price, along with fresh, gourmet club sandwiches served for lunch and a sumptuous seafood buffet or hearty roast dinner with complimentary wine or beer served on the second evening. Return to Victoria Point Jetty on Day 3 by 2pm.

OceanXplorer Escape

6 days / 5 nights

Includes a week's cruise, accommodation, meals, sightseeing and water sports activities aboard MV Supersport.

Charter OceanXplorer with up to 36 of your closest friends for a whole week to really relax and unwind.

One inclusive price covers -

• All meals daily, including continental breakfast, morning and afternoon tea, light lunch, and 2 course dinner at night served with choice of beer or wine.
• Accommodation in a range of cabins, including doubles with ensuites through to bunk rooms. All fresh linen and towels supplied.
• Aquaculture tour including oyster or prawn tasting (seasonal) from local growers
• Coastal navigation awareness
• History tour at Peel Island
• Snorkeling the Tangalooma Wrecks of Moreton Island with a qualified snorkeling instructor
• Sailing aboard our safe and easy Feva XL Dinghies
• Relaxing on the sundeck
• Beach rambling and swimming at North Stradbroke Island

(Boat and Jet Ski licensing course, tube riding and wake boarding prices on application.)

 visit HolidayHunter.com.au to find out more about OceanXplorer and the idylic Moreton bay

Holiday Hunter has launched!

Australia - Destinantion DownUnder
The Great Southern Land that has intrigued explorers and travellers for generations. And why not! Australia has so much to offer.

Australia really is the great southern land. Boasting lush tropical rainforests, awesome winter ski fields, a red centre surrounded by desert, coastal treasures, some of the best wine belts in the world and scenic wonders just waiting to be explored.

Whether your after the luxury of 5 star accommodation or roughing it with a farmstay experience or perhaps something in between such as bed and breakfast, backpacking, hostels, camping or friendly country pubs Holiday Hunter will put you in some truly idyllic locations, it's all at your fingertips.