E L I A Big ISS U
ISSUE #4 - JANUARY 2015
AU
ST
RA
Th e
travelsprout.com.au
INSPIRING FAMILY TRAVEL
GREAT AUSTRALIAN MADE THINGS FOR TRAVELLING KIDS
HOW TO fly with kids
10 GREAT AUSSIE MUSEUMS
THE GREAT AUSSIE OUTDOORS
TOSCANY IN NSW
Only a few hours drive from the big city ... UNUSUAL
TRAVEL
MAPS
-
AUSSIE
TRAVEL
BOOKS
-
AUSSIE
MADE
APPS
AND
MORE
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
travelsprout.com.au Check out our website to find previous issues, links to great destinations and more info on the organisations we support. You can also get in touch if you have ideas for articles, great family holiday photos you want to share or just have a browse.
2
travelsprout.com.au
CONTRIBUTORS Travel Sprout Magazine travelsprout.com.au Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Jonas Ask Homaa Editor Olivia Witkowski Assistant editor Emma Kate Design & illustrations Nina Bennett Images BigStock.com unless otherwise stated Contributors for this issue Arwen Hann Steve Ollerenshaw Published by Sprout Publications ABN 91 843 395 033 P O Box 25 Elwood VIC 3184 Australia
Front cover copyright - Bigstock.com
Arwen Hann Arwen Hann embarked on her first overseas adventure at 18, with a solo trip to New Zealand and Singapore. She has travelled extensively across the world. After emigrating from England to New Zealand and starting a family, her focus switched from far-flung adventures to road trips. She has braved long-haul travel with a young child, and called South Africa home temporarily. She dreams of beach holidays that don’t involve building sand castles, and enjoys seeing new experiences through the eyes of a schoolchild. Steve Ollerenshaw Steve Ollerenshaw grew up travelling Australia in the back of the family car every summer holidays. From there he moved onto more nomadic adventure backpacking around Europe several times.These days he travels mainly for work, over 100 flights each year, to exotic, remote and urban locations around Australia, China and Canada. Spending time with exciting and interesting people, amidst majestic landscapes tasting the local foods and wines, and learning about culture.For Steve travel is about the privilege of meeting new people and learning about new and different cultures. It brings a fresh perspective to life and reminds him of how incredibly vast this precious planet is, and how important it is to protect it. Jonas Ask Homaa Jonas has always had an inherent urge for travelling and exploring. Having lived with his family in Copenhagen, Los Angeles and now Melbourne he always looks for new adventures both locally and out in the big world. His favorite thing is to dive or go camping with his daughter and you can always catch him eating italian ice cream on a hot summer day.
DISCLAIMER:
The opinions expressed in the editorials / articles are those of the writers and does not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher and Travel Sprout Magazine. Information provided was believed to be correct at the time of publication. Copyright Š Travel Sprout Magazine / Sprout Publication 2015. Reproduction of any part or in whole without the permission of Travel Sprout Magazine is strictly forbidden. All reasonable efforts have been made to contact copyright holders. If you feel that we are using any images in an inappropriate way please contact us immediately.
travelsprout.com.au
3
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
Follow and Like us Follow us on social media and get the latest updates with inspirational destinations and fun family travel ideas. Get teasers for upcoming issues and links to other stuff to help you plan your next holiday with the kids.
t s e t a l e h t t e g o t k o o .. b . e c d e a e F f n s o w s e u n r u o Like y o t t h g i issue stra Follow us on Pinterest and see inspiring images from around the world on our wall ...
Follow us on Instagram and s the latest competitions and fa ee mily travel stuff ... l e v a r t y l i m a f r o f r e t t i Tw n o . s . . u s w w o e l l n o d F n tweets a 4
travelsprout.com.au
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
WELCOME
In this issue we focus on what is in our own backyard Australia. There is so much to do and see here that you could travel a lifetime with having experienced half of this great country. It seems that no matter where you are down under you only need to drive an hour or two to discover something new and exciting and with an abundance of smiling Australians, fantastic landscapes, amazing wildlife and multitude of different cultures this must be one of the best travel destinations in the world. So grab the kids and get out - even if it is just for the weekend. Make most days a holiday!
Jonas Ask Homaa Editor-in-Chief Travel Sprout Magazine
travelsprout.com.au
5
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
DESTINATIONS GREAt aussie museums 10 10 WE HAVE PICKED 10 GREAT MUSEUMS TO TAKE THE KIDS ON THE NEXT SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ...
in nsw 40 toscana ONLY A FEW HOURS DRIVE FROM SYDNEY AND
YOU’LL FIND YOURSELF FAR FAR AWAY FROM THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE ...
great aussie outdoors 59 the GET THE KIDS OUT OF THE HOUSE! GET
INSPIRATION TO WHERE TO GO WITH THESE GREAT OUTDOOR DESTINATIONS RIGHT HERE IN AUSTRALIA ...
6
travelsprout.com.au
DESTINATIONS
10 40 59
10 GREAT AUSSIE MUSEUMS
TOSCANA IN NSW
THE GREAT AUSSIE OUTDOORS
Images Copyright - BigStock.com and Brisbanemarketing (Brisbane on a budget)
travelsprout.com.au
7
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
HOW TO FLY WITH KIDS
30
50
UNUSUAL TRAVEL MAPS
Images Copyright - BigStock.com, Pixabay and TheMountain.com
8
travelsprout.com.au
23
GREAT AUSSIE TRAVEL THINGS
LOTS OF great TRAVEL stuff
INSPIRATION
INSPIRATION to ... FLY WITH KIDS 23 how GET A FEW TIPS ON HOW TO SURVIVE THOSE LONGHAUL FLIGHTS WITH KIDS ...
AUSSIE TRAVEL THINGS 30 GREAT WE’VE FOUND SOME GREAT AUSTRALIAN MADE THINGS TO TAKE ON YOUR NEXT FAMILY HOLIDAY ...
TRAVEL MAPS 50 UNUSUAL CHECK OUT THESE VERY DIFFERENT TRAVEL
MAPS THAT WILL GIVE YOU A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON YOU FAMILY TRAVELLING ...
AND MUCH more TRAVEL stuff .. LOTS OF OTHER CONTENT LIKE GOOD
AUSTRALIAN APPS, AUSSIE TRAVEL BOOKS AND LOTS MORE ...
travelsprout.com.au
9
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
GREAT AUSSIE MUSEUMS
Copyright - powerhousemuseum.com
10
travelsprout.com.au
10 GREAT MUSEUMS IN AUSTRALIA
travelsprout.com.au
11
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
GREAT AUSSIE MUSEUMS The Powerhouse Museum in Sydney is great for kids because so many of the exhibits are interactive. If you have children who love pressing buttons and pulling levers then head to this central city venue that focuses on science and design. The museum is in the middle of
the city and very accessible with public transport so great for a big city holiday. Preferred age: 2 - 99 Price: AU$ 8 - 15 www.powerhousemuseum.com Copyright - powerhousemuseum.com
Sydney - NSW
POWERHOUse
MUSEUM
12
travelsprout.com.au
AUSTRALIAN BEACHES
Sydney - NSW
NATIONAL
MOTOR RACING
MUSEUM
Copyright - Geez-oz
Situated in Bathurst, home of the famous racetrack, the National Motor Racing Museum is a must-do for any petrol head. The museum tells the stories of some of Australia’s most famous drivers and includes a large display of motorbikes and racing cars from across the years.
Preferred age: 4 - 99 Price: AU$ 5.50 - 12.50 www.nmrm.com.au
travelsprout.com.au
13
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
GREAT AUSSIE MUSEUMS The Australian War Memorial in Canberra, not only commemorates those who have lost their lives in war, but also gives visitors the chance to learn more about the modern and historical conflicts in which Australian troops have been involved. The museum closes with
a Last Post ceremony each day offering time for reflection. Preferred age: 6 - 99 Price: Free entrance www.awm.gov.au Copyright - Bidgee
CANBERRA - ACT
AUSTRALIAN
WAR MEMORIAL
14
travelsprout.com.au
AUSTRALIAN BEACHES
BRISBANE - QLD
QUEENSLAND
MUSEUM
Copyright - Queensland Museum
Queensland Museum lies in the heart of Brisbane’s cultural precinct and is a popular destination with locals and tourists alike. With a series of permanent and changing exhibitions, the museum explores the history and stories of Queensland. Youngsters will love the
Discovery Centre where they can get hands-on with exhibits. Preferred age: 3 - 99 Price: AU$ 11.50 - 14.50 www.qm.qld.gov.au
travelsprout.com.au
15
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
GREAT AUSSIE MUSEUMS
MELBOURNE - VIC
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE
MUSEUM
Copyright - Bidgee
At Point Cook, just outside Melbourne, the Royal Australian Air Force Museum traces the history of the second oldest air force in the world. Three afternoons a week, the museum hosts interactive afternoons, which include pilot talks and flying displays. Copyright - airtrain.com.au
16
travelsprout.com.au
Preferred age: 3 - 99 Price: Free entrance www.airforce.gov.au/raafmuseum
MELBOURNE - VIC
AUSTRALIAN BEACHES
SCIENCE
WORKS
Copyright - Museum Victoria / Photographer: Benjamin Healley
Scienceworks is just a few kilometres outside Melbourne’s central business district and focuses on science and technology with live shows and interactive exhibits. A planetarium on the same site lets visitors journey to the stars whatever the weather.
Preferred age: 3 - 99 Price: AU$ 12 (kids under 16 free) www.museumvictoria.com.au/ scienceworks/
travelsprout.com.au
17
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
GREAT AUSSIE MUSEUMS The Melbourne Museum introduces visitors to aspects of the State of Victoria including the natural environment, its history, and culture. Children will wonder at the skeleton of a blue whale, and visitors can learn more about Victoria’s earliest people and Aboriginal heritage
in the Bunjilaka Cultural Centre. Preferred age: 3 - 99 Price: AU$ 12 (kids under 16 free) www.museumvictoria.com.au/ melbournemuseum Copyright - Museum Victoria / Photographer: Dianna Snape
MELBOURNE - VIC
MELBOURNE
MUSEUM 18
travelsprout.com.au
MELBOURNE - VIC
NATIONAL
SPORTS
MUSEUM
Copyright - Aaroncrick
There’s no denying that Australians love their sport, and the National Sports Museum in Melbourne celebrates just about every aspect. Located at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground, there are displays on cricket, Aussie Rules, rugby, horse racing, the Olympics, and some of the country’s sporting heroes. The Game On room allows kids (big or
small) to test their skills including to trying to run out Adam Gilchrist on a virtual cricket pitch. Preferred age: 4 - 99 Price: AU$ 10 - 20 www.nmrm.com.au
travelsprout.com.au
19
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
GREAT AUSSIE MUSEUMS Scitech in Perth aims to make science, maths and technology fun for all and does it with more than 100 hands-on exhibits and shows with live experiments. The museum also houses Australia’s largest planetarium.
Preferred age: 4 - 99 Price: AU$ 11 - 17 www.scitech.org.au Copyright - Scitech
PERTH - WA
SCITECH
20
travelsprout.com.au
AUSTRALIAN BEACHES
PERTH - WA
PERTH MINT
Copyright - BigStock.com
The Perth Mint was originally set up to refine gold from Western Australia’s goldfields into coins, and the museum takes visitors on a journey through history from the first gold nugget discoveries to current coinage. Visitors can also watch gold bars being made, find out their own
weight in gold, and even take home their own nugget from the shop. Preferred age: 5 - 99 Price: AU$ 8 - 25 www.perthmint.com.au
travelsprout.com.au
21
earthhour.org.au earthhour.org.au TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
Switch offof forAussie the future Switch off for the future food of Aussie food
Saturday Saturday 28 March 8.30pm28 March 8.30pm Global warming is already affecting Aussie farms, Global warming is already affecting Aussie farms, the of very supply 93% of the food we eat. the very farms that supply 93% thefarms foodthat we eat. Help shine a light on this issue. Help shine a light on this issue. #AppetiteForChange #AppetiteForChange travelsprout.com.au
22
See more about Earth Hour
FLY WITH KIDS
6 TIPS ON HOW TO FLY WITH KIDS! travelsprout.com.au
23
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
How to ...
I
t can seem quite daunting to embark on a 22-hour flight to Europe with a 2-year old. Or perhaps even just a short interstate flight to visit family with a newborn baby. And of course there is no getting around that flying with kids who would rather run around in the backyard playing who-can-scream-the-highest can be a hassle. But there are a few things you can do to help yourself, your kids and those around you.
1
YOU KNOW BEST ... First of all; you know better than anyone what you and your kids can and cannot do. Even if friends or family might travel across the desert or climb the Mount Everest with their 3 year old offspring it doesn’t mean that it is the right thing for you. So if you need a stop-over half way, special anti-ear-popping-plugs or fifteen different kinds of toys to distract the young ones then that is what you should do.
24
travelsprout.com.au
FLY WITH KIDS
2
SET THE BAR LOW ...
Don’t expect things to be the way they were before you had kids – forget in-flight cocktails and that sort of thing. Expect less sleep, poor seating, noisy kids etc. Most of the time things will turn out better than expected and you will have had a great flight. If you expect everything to go smooth you will probably be disappointed – if you expect a few bumps you’ll usually be ready for them.
PLAN & PREPARE!
3
You might have gotten away with throwing a pair of undies and a toothbrush in the bag ten years ago, but that probably won’t work when you’re traveling with kids. Plan your flight – have different activities ready, make “deals” about when to sleep etc. Talk to you kids about what it means to fly and what you expect of them (if they are old enough of course). We often bring “ear-candy” (a few lollies) for the take-off and landing. This (theoretically) helps popping ears, but is something to look forward to as well.
travelsprout.com.au
25
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
How to ...
4
MAKE TIME! Make sure you have plenty of time – time to get to the airport, check-in, board, time between flights, when you get to your destination airport and from there to accommodation etc. If you stress out - your kids will stress out. Leave time for them to walk at their pace and do a couple of stops if need be.
26
travelsprout.com.au
FLY WITH KIDS
5
THINK OF OTHERS!
Think of the people around you and things will go a lot smoother – in other words if you think you and your screaming kids own the whole plane then you might have a lot of annoyed co-passengers around you. But if you try to accommodate the fact that there are other people around you, most people tend to be friendly and helpful. We went on a 26-hour flight when my daughter was three months old and I brought earplugs for 12 people just in case I had to hand some out. We never needed them and even though she screamed for about an hour straight people were very friendly.
ENJOY IT!
6
Of course easier said than done! But remember to enjoy the parts of the flight that are actually enjoyable. Focus on the good things rather than too much on all the other stuff and you might end up having a great flight!
travelsprout.com.au
27
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
Trek for Tigers: India
7www.wwf.org.au/adventure_challenges - 18 February 2016 28
travelsprout.com.au
‘BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD’ Join us for our Trek for Tigers adventure challenge in 2016 and experience a new side of India for the adventure of a lifetime! Combine the excitement of trekking the Indian Himalayas with visiting a tiger conservation project in the famous Corbett National Park. Help us double the amount of tigers in the wild by 2022! WWF-Australia is a partner in the Global Tiger Initiative. We have an ambitious but achievable goal of doubling the number of tigers in the wild by 2022, the next Year of the Tiger. Did you know? Tiger stripes are like human fingerprints. No two tigers have the same pattern of stripes.
For more about the work WWF-Australia is doing for tigers, check out this video.
WWF’s Panda Tales: Tigers
travelsprout.com.au
29
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
GREAT AUSSIE THINGS FOR TRAVELLING WITH KIDS 30
travelsprout.com.au
AUSTRALIAN MADE
Tree Change Dolls Priced on auction The Tree Change Dolls have been rescued and rehabilitated from op-shops and tip shops around Tasmania. These lil fashion dolls have opted for a “tree change”, swapping highmaintenance glitz ‘n’ glamour for down-to-earth style. Sonia hand repaint the dolls faces, mold new shoes, and her mum sews and knits their clothing. If you are looking for a more realistic alternative to most glam dolls then have a look at the Tree Change Dolls. treechangedolls.tumblr.com
Before
After
travelsprout.com.au
31
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Sheepskin Bear AUD $48.95 Super soft, these gorgeous plush baby comforters are made in Australia from 100% pure and natural Australian sheepskin, making them the safest first toy for your new baby. This special sheepskin flat bear is the bear that was presented to Prince George as a gift from Bear Cottage during his first visit to Australia. www.ecotoys.com.au
Aussie Mite Tea Towel AUD $21.00 The tea towels make wonderful Australian gifts for Friends and Family overseas or look fantastic in your own kitchen at home. These Aussiemite tea towels are all proudly designed and printed right here in Australia. www.bitsofaustralia.com.au
32
travelsprout.com.au
AUSTRALIAN MADE
Aqi Bubs Travel Kit AUD $19.95 This convenient travel size pack contains the same sized extra soft, gentle and moist wipes for changing time, feeding time and messy moments. Packed in a hygienic resealable soft pack. www.aqicare.com.au
Great Travel Pads AUD $18.00 Capture all your thoughts on this A5 Travel Pad. Made in Australia, printed on recycled papers and environmentally friendly packaging it is a great way to collect travel memories with the kids. www.bitsofaustralia.com.au
travelsprout.com.au
33
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Baby Bath Towels AUD $45.95 Luxuriously soft hooded towel made right here in Australia from unbleached organic cotton and bamboo. Generous stretch to wrap around your baby after bath time or fun at the pool. The generous size makes it a great wrap to help keep baby cool during hot summer days. www.fourzero.com.au
34
travelsprout.com.au
AUSTRALIAN MADE
Aussie Fly Swatter AUD $5.95 The ultimate personal protection tool against the Australian fly. No Aussie home should be without a “Whacker” fly swatter. Specifically designed for Australian conditions, like a good Aussie mate it won’t let you down. Comes complete with a field guide of Australian flies, and swatting techniques. Designed and made right here in Victoria, Australia. Aussie flies just don’t stand a chance! www.bitofaustralia.com.au
Barefoot Plush Toys From AUD $19.00 These great Australian designed (made abroad) toys are made from 100% hand woven and dyed cotton and made to last a lifetime. A wonderful variety available to capture your child’s imagination. www.biome.com.au
travelsprout.com.au
35
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Travel Puzzle AUD $29.04 This animal puzzle is made of varying timbers, creating an effective contrast of colours. Light weight and great for the long flights. Every tree is different, making each of our products unique. www.bearwoods.com.au
iPhone Microphone AUD $174.95 OK, granted that this is probably not the first thing you would thing of when buying stuff for your next family holiday. BUT, if you are a regular user of video recording on your mobile and you want to catch those precious holiday memories with great sound then check out this Australian designed and made by RĂ˜DE. www.camerasdirect.com.au
36
travelsprout.com.au
AUSTRALIAN MADE
The Roundie AUD $99.00 The game Snakes and Ladders originated in India as a game based on morality called Vaikuntapaali or Paramapada (the ladder to salvation). The game made it’s way to Britain in the late 1800’s and is a sure family favorite for a long holiday. www.thebeachpeople.com.au
Teepee AUD $275.00 100% cotton drill in many attractive colours, Australian hardwood dowels upright spreaders to give stability. Velcro tabs to easily open and close door with a bell suspended at the top of the door to let the kids know they have visitors. www.monkeymoments.com.au
travelsprout.com.au
37
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
AUSTRALIAN
TRAVEL APPS
V
THERE’S AN A
38
Coastal Life of SE Queensland
Little Things® Forever
This app is designed to assist you in identifying over 540 species of plants and animals from a variety of coastal areas and habitats across South East Queensland. Great for your next holiday up north ...
Unique and beautiful seek and find game for people of all ages. You and the kids can spend hours with this beautiful game. Made in Australia and has won Editor’s Choice & App of the Week!
Free Available on iOS and Android
AUS $3.79 Availalbe on iOS and Android
travelsprout.com.au
Using you phone or t can help y all the ted things you to do whe planning, or travelin found a fe that migh traveling l easier for your famil
THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT
N MADE
APP FOR THAT
ur smart tablet your with dious u need en packing ng.We’ve ew apps ht make life you and ly.
Fish Out Of Water!
Figaro Pho Fear Factory
Launch a daredevil group of fishy friends to the sky in Fish Out Of Water, an adventure across the sun, sand and surf! This is a brand new mobile masterpiece from Australian Halfbrick, creators of Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride!
This game has won the Kidscreen iKids Award 2014 ‘Best Game App (Tablet) for Kids (6 and up). It is probably not for the youngest kids, but great fun for the rest (of us).
Free Available on iOS and Android
AUS $0.99 Available on iOS Android travelsprout.com.au
39
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
TOSCANA IN NSW
TOSCANA So you want to travel to Tuscany? With the kids? During school holidays and Europe’s winter? 25 hours squished up in a plane with tepid food and warm drinks? Is this really the experience you are after? Travel experience and words by Steve Ollerenshaw.
40
travelsprout.com.au
A IN NSW Copyright - Kelvin Cheong
travelsprout.com.au
41
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
TOSCANA IN NSW
B
ecause just 3.5 hours from Sydney down the Princes’ Highway is a little bit of Tuscany just waiting for you. It’s not Tuscany in the traditional sense. There are no crumbling farmhouses and grand Renaissance villas. There are no piazzas and very few Vespa’s and ageing overloaded Apes trundling around the country lanes. You won’t hear too many people speaking Italian or see
42
travelsprout.com.au
many elderly mamas kitted out in the traditional black of widowhood. But you will experience the passion of people in love with life and their beautiful hamlet. You will be engulfed by the friendless and generosity of the locals and your world will be filled with the invigorating smells of country air, the seaside and fresh produce. Don’t be surprised by how many times your children will have their hair tousled. Or the number of times you are stopped while pushing your stroller along the boardwalks and
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Fishing at Mollymook Beach at dusk . . Copyright - BigStock.com
high streets of the local villages by a local grandparent. The locals are so friendly and open, it is amazing! As for teenage children, wifi connectivity is excellent and they will love the street cafe scene in Milton. The beaches are safe, the ice creams are big, and the overall sense of calm that descends upon the whole family ensures this holiday won’t turn out like a “Griswald’s” vacation.
So where are we exactly? Milton, Ulladulla, Mollymook. Surprised? We visited this area back in early spring. The air was clear, the skies were blue. The rolling hills of dairy farms nudged a stunning coastline. Nestled in a narrow but gentle valley Ulladulla boasted a quaint harbour protecting a fleet of fishing vessels. The gulls squawked and swooped around the boats and local fish co-op with all reminiscent memories of the 1960’s.
travelsprout.com.au
43
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
TOSCANA IN NSW
Fitzroy Falls in the Yarrunga Valley not far away . . Copyright - BigStock.com
Innocence abundant. We were met by larger than life figures with smiles as broad as the Milky Way and a welcoming air you just can’t find in a big city. There were no glam shops, extravagant public buildings or tickytack housing subdivisions scaring the surrounding hills. In fact only 3.8km of winding country lanes inland from the township and we was submerged in a beautiful and graceful countryside. Yes they were gum trees and not conifers or poplars that lined the roadside.
44
travelsprout.com.au
But the shafts of light filtering through the branches were like something out of a painting of Sienna. It was a light of warmth and colour and love and laughter I hadn’t experienced anywhere other than Tuscany. And then as my burdensome city-dwellers 4WD rounded a bend, there is was. A vista to behold ones breathe with 20 shades of green, gentle rolling hills. Black Angus cattle dotting the hillside, a stream winding its way gently through and around the farms. Ramshackle fencing, olive groves
Mollymook Beach before bed time! Copyright - BigStock.com
and grapes. Suddenly, in the blink of an eye you are transported 10,000 km and a hundred years back in time to the countryside just left of Florence. complete with a rustic stone farmhouse. The team at Cupitts Winery & The Vineyard Kitchen are incredibly hosts and offer a wonderful range of their own wines and boutique beers. Make sure you order a plate of their local antipasto whilst tasting. It is here that they really make their mark. The kids can run wild in the paddocks and yards while the
teenagers can chill on the terrace taking selfies. So the people are friendlier than in the city. The landscape is both wild and tranquil with its rolling hills, safe harbours and headlands with crashing surf. You are million miles from anywhere, but only 3.5 hours from the biggest city in Australia. Here you can walk peacefully down a country lane, across a rolling hill, around some grazing cattle, along a beach, and
travelsprout.com.au
45
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
TOSCANA IN NSW
Bannisters by the Sea . . great view from the pool! Copyright - bannisters.com.au
through a forest without your sense of calm being disturbed. The kids can climb trees, catch waves and still access the Internet (mostly). You can stay in a quaint guesthouse filled to over-flowing with local art where the night manager is also the cook and the waiter. Meals prepared with love and not a recipe, made from the ingredients on hand and served on a tray whilst you sit curled on a lounge sipping a robust aromatic local red with hints of strawberry, peppermint and fresh cut grass. Just up the road at Milton you can indulge in fresh pastries
46
travelsprout.com.au
and aromatic coffee made with love not haste at Bacchus at Milton. And at Mollymook you can savour some of the best seafood in the world served at the famous Rick Stein at Bannisters with views transported directly from the coastline north of Pisa. This one is for the adults, but be sure to book at table on the terrace. A weekend in this version of Tuscany will not require battling traffic, jostling customs queues, long haul flights and jet lag. Enjoy. Relax. Fall in love.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Ulladulla lighthouse is worth a visit . .
Copyright - BigStock.com
travelsprout.com.au
47
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
“We didn’t think we would be accepted because we’re gay.”
“I thought being sin was going to be a problem.”
“We thought we were too old.”
“We thought we had own our home.”
48
travelsprout.com.au
ngle
d to
“We thought we were too unconventional.”
They thought they couldn’t be foster carers with Barnardos but they were wrong. Don’t count yourself out you could be exactly who we are looking for. Count yourself in. Call today. Count yourself in. NSW and ACT only
1800 663 441
barnardos.org.au/wecare
49
travelsprout.com.au ABN 18 068 557 906 | A Company Limited by Guarantee | Registered Charity HO_00614
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
MAP IT OUT
GREAT UNUSUAL TRAVEL MAPS Let the kids explore before you go or keep track of where you are when on the road. We have found some amazing and very different maps to help you find the way to your next family adventure ... 50
travelsprout.com.au
MAP IT OUT
AUSTRALIAN JOTTING MAP JOURNAL
Journeyjotting.com - AUD $12.95 This Australian designed Map Journal simply summarize your trip on a single sheet creating a fun visual keepsake brilliant for showing and sharing your holiday highlights with the photos. Their visual nature makes them a great complement to written journals and/or on-line blogs. Plot your route on the pictorial map with dots, and jot tales in the bordered surrounds either en route, or once home collate your favourite memories for future reminiscing.
travelsprout.com.au
51
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
MAP IT OUT
CRUMPLED CITY MAP MELBOURNE
Readings.com.au - AUD $21.95 Designed by top Italian designer Emanuele Pizzolorusso, the Crumpled City maps make a fantastic gift: a great souvenir, a brilliant way to anticipate a trip to the best cities in the world or simply an inspired design object. Made of soft, untearable Tyvec, they are 100% waterproof and are designed to be scrunched up and slipped into the small bag provided with them or straight into a pocket.
52
travelsprout.com.au
MAP IT OUT
ABORIGINAL AUSTRALIA WALL MAP
Booktopia.com.au - AUD $12.75 This is a good quality map of Australia and at the same time a great educational tool which aims to represent all the language groups of Australia’s Indigenous people. See Australia with different eyes and learn about it’s proud history from before European settlement.
travelsprout.com.au
53
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
MAP IT OUT
ETSY ADVENTURE MAP
Etsy.com - From around AUD $10.00 Use the wonders of the Internet and get a personalised adventure map for you and the kids. There are bucket loads to choose from and something that will fit any taste and vallet size.
54
travelsprout.com.au
MAP IT OUT
SCRATCH WORLD MAP
Mapsworld.com.au - AUD $50.00 In case you’re not familiar with the concept of the scratch map, here’s some information you should know: The Scratch Map is a beautiful and popular map of the world that allows you to log your travels by scratching off the top foil of the place you’ve visited, revealing a colourful map underneath and giving you a brilliantly factual, interactive and 100% personalised map of the world as a keepsake and reminder of your travels. Perfect for kids and adults alike.
travelsprout.com.au
55
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
MAP IT OUT
CORK BOARD WORLD MAP
Mapworld.com.au - AUD $55.00 The Cork Board Map allows you to build a version of the World the way you see it. The Cork Board Map is a self adhesive map of the World made from cork which serves two important functions. Firstly it looks fabulous and compliments any wall you stick it to; the World is pretty cool after all. Secondly, you can use the included push pins to attach photos, postcards, tickets and mementos of your travels. The Cork Board Map allows you to create a totally personalised and unique world map. You can literally picture your world.
56
travelsprout.com.au
MAP IT OUT
SCRATCH GLOBE MAP
Australiangeographic.com.au - AUD $39.95 Scratch off all the places you’ve already been on your personal Scratch Map of the World! Fold the map into a paper globe of the world and then begin planning your next big trip to the great unscratched part of the world! The Scratch World Globe is an Australian Geographic favourite and a great talking point with its fun facts at the bottom of each scratch off world map.
travelsprout.com.au
57
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
You can read Travel Sprout on any platform and device It doesn’t matter if you are on a computer, laptop, tablet or your mobile phone. You can alway get to the latest issue of Travel Sprout. You can even download an app for when you are offline.
Read Travel Sprout Magazine online at issuu.com or download the issuu app to read it on your tablet or phone.
58
travelsprout.com.au
THE GREAT
AUSTRALIAN
OUTDOORS
TAKE THE KIDS OUT TO DISCOVER ALL THE GREAT OUTDOOR GEMS OF OUR FANTASTIC COUNTRY. WE HAVE FOUND A FEW SPOTS TO INSPIRE YOU TO GET OUT THE DOOR ...
KIDS OUTDOORS
travelsprout.com.au
59
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
KIDS OUTDOORS
Copyright - Tourism Australia, Andrew Smith
60
travelsprout.com.au
GREAT OUTDOOR AUSSIE DESTINATIONS
JENOLAN CAVES BLUE MOUNTAINS, NSW Open every day, Jenolan Caves are the largest, most spectacular and most famous caves in all of Australia. You can go explore one of the most outstanding cave systems in the world and you are never too young or old to experience the amazing - award-winning tours, adventure caving, scenic bush walks and Australian Aboriginal culture. Glimpse Australian birds and animals in the wild, including kangaroos and platypus. Try one the specific kids tours; the Stones and Bones Tour or the Bats, Bugs and Beasties Tour. Or check out all the other things you can do in and around the caves. travelsprout.com.au
61
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
KIDS OUTDOORS
FORT NEPEAN SORRENTO, VIC Located at the very end of the Mornington peninsula, Fort Nepean enables you to step into the boots of the soldiers once posted there. Fort Nepean was a critical part of Victoria’s defences from the 1880s until 1945. It was the largest and most heavily armed installation in the network of fortifications around the entrance to Port Phillip, and today remains an outstanding example of the evolution of gun technology and Australia’s early defence strategies. The first shot of the British Empire in WWI and the first Australian shots of World War ll were fired from Fort Nepean, earning its entry in military history. These battlements were modified and used right up until the end of World War II. There’s lots to see, so allow at least one hour to discover what makes Fort Nepean so unique. Above and below ground you will find gun emplacements, barracks tunnels, ammunition magazines, and engine house and even a bomb-proof room.
62
travelsprout.com.au
Copyright - BigStock.com
travelsprout.com.au
63
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
KIDS OUTDOORS
Copyright - Tourism Australia, Greg Snell
64
travelsprout.com.au
GREAT OUTDOOR AUSSIE DESTINATIONS
KANGAROO ISLAND FLINDERS CHASE NATIONAL PARK, SA Minutes from the mainland, but a million miles away, Kangaroo Island is a sanctuary for wildlife and natural, rugged beauty. With native bushland, wildlife, adventure & exploring, pristine beaches, local wines & sunsets are on your doorstep you’ll need longer than you think to take it all in. And there are loads of things to do with the kids. Try out an Adventure Tour, hike into the Kelly Hill Caves or Walk up Little Sahara. Find more information about Kangaroo Island here. travelsprout.com.au
65
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
KIDS OUTDOORS
LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN CANBERRA, ACT If you are around lovely Canberra why not spend time on or around beautiful Lake Burley Griffin. The lake covers 664 hectares with a shoreline of 40.5 kilometres, so you have plenty of room to play! Go rowing, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, dragon boating, fishing, model boating or paddle boating. Get active on the walking tracks and cycling paths. You can find information on where to hire boats here and on the small cruises on the lake here. More information on Lake Burley Griffin can be found here.
66
travelsprout.com.au
THE GREAT AUSSIE OUTDOORS
Copyright - Tourism Australia, Adrian Brown
travelsprout.com.au
67
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
KIDS OUTDOORS
Copyright - BigStock.com
68
travelsprout.com.au
GREAT OUTDOOR AUSSIE DESTINATIONS
GREEN ISLAND GREAT BARRIER REEF QLD Green Island is an all-in tropical island experience in our own backyard. You can stay on the island at the Green Island Resort and enjoy the full range of luxury and great family experiences like snorkeling and diving, windsurfing, sailing canoes, kayaks and glass bottom boats and much more. Or you can go for a day trip cruise and enjoy time on the water as well as on the island. travelsprout.com.au
69
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
KIDS OUTDOORS
LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK BATCHELOR - NT Together with stunning tropical waterfalls and swimming holes, this is a truly beautiful destination found just south of Darwin, the capital city of the Northern Territory. Litchfield National Park features numerous waterfalls which cascade from a sandstone plateau called the Tabletop Range, monsoon rainforests, intriguing magnetic termite mounds and historical sites. Take the kids and head for Florence Falls for a cooling dip on a hot day.
70
travelsprout.com.au
Copyright - Tourism Australia, Allan Dixon
travelsprout.com.au
71
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
KIDS OUTDOORS
Copyright - Tourism Australia, Anson Smart
72
travelsprout.com.au
GREAT OUTDOOR AUSSIE DESTINATIONS
MONKEY MIA SHARK BAY - WA Monkey Mia is famous for its close encounters with dolphins - and rightfully so. The memory of getting to feed and dolphin right on the beach will probably stay with your kids for a very long time. There are plenty of other things to do as well; snorkeling and sea-kayaking if you want to stay in the water. But you can also put on your walking boots and go bush walking on one of the many tracks around Shark and Francois Peron National Park. Find more information on Monkey Mia and Shark Bay here. travelsprout.com.au
73
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
KIDS OUTDOORS
CRADLE MOUNTAIN LAKE ST CLAIR NATIONAL PARK - TAS Cradle Mountain in the Lake St Clair National Park, with its rainforests and alpine heaths is home to world-famous hiking tracks and are sure to amaze even the most hardcore iPad / PlayStation fanatic child. Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the park is one of Tassie’s most spectacular places, where the green pines fringe glacial lakes and icy white streams cascade down the impressive mountains. Get the kids away from the screen for a few days and if you need a little luxury to sweeten the deal then check out the Cradle Mountain Huts walk with access to a private hut along the way. Minimum age is 12 years and it is not cheap - but worth the investment. Find more info on Cradle Mountain and the surrounding area here.
74
travelsprout.com.au
Copyright - Cradle Mountain Huts
travelsprout.com.au
75
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
AUSTRALIA
GOOD TRAVEL BOOKS
V
N
GOOD TRAV
Kids Travel Journal - My Travel Diary for Australia
1000 Great Places Travel with Kids in Australia
AUD $15.75
AUD $8.50
Have you ever found your kids bored on a family trip? Wouldn’t it be great to offer them something other than a video game to keep them occupied? This travel journal for kids is a perfect vacation buddy that offers prompts to really trigger their imagination.
Family holidays can often be a headache to plan, and feel more like hard work for parents than time to relax. 1000 Great Places to Travel with Kids in Australia offers a wealth of suggestions to keep kids entertained (and parents happy), including over 100 free attractions to visit.
www.booktopia.com.au
76
travelsprout.com.au
www.ebay.com.au
TRAVEL BOOKS
VEL BOOKS
Hema Kids Wildlife Atlas Australia
Kid’s Travel Journey - my trip to Australia
AUD $9.95
AU $17.61
An atlas, whiteboard and activity book all in one, there is more fun between the pages of the Kids Road Atlas than you can poke a dowsing stick at! Features 20 easy-to-read atlas pages, heaps of games, puzzles and activities, as well as wipe-clean pages and a free reusable pen.
Kids can record their own travel adventures and make a treasured memory book for their trip to Australia, with this travel journal. A great diary and travel companion that will increase children’s excitement, this journal offers plenty of writing and drawing space.
www.booktopia.com.au
www.ebay.com.au
travelsprout.com.au
77
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
YOUR AD HERE? If you have content that is relevant to families that loves travelling and exploring then why not reach out? We’re a quickly expanding online travel magazine for families with loads of content on travelling with kids. Be part of a growing media with competitive advertising rates. Contact Travel Sprout Magazine at contact@travelsproutmag.com
78
travelsprout.com.au
l l a See lash p S o G signs de re he
www.gosplash.com.au
Dry off in style with comfort and ease in a Go Splash robe. It will keep you warm all year round, and with their UPF 50+ rating, protected from the sun after swimming lessons, around the pool or at the beach, surfing, sailing or boating. Made from 100% cotton towelling with a hood and full length from zip, Go Splash robes are perfect for all the family. travelsprout.com.au
79
TRAVEL SPROUT - JANUARY 2015
Do you like what you see? If you like what you see then why not follow us on Facebook?
You’ll get the latest updates with inspiration for your next family holiday and new issues of Travel Sprout Magazine right in your news stream?
Like Travel Sprout on Facebook www.facebook.com/travelsprout
80
travelsprout.com.au
NEXT ISSUE ...
NEXT ISSUE OF
TRAVEL SPROUT The next issue of Travel Sprout will hit the Internet super highway on April 1st 2015. In the meantime keep up to date on our website with articles and other great stuff or follow us on our social media platforms.
April 1st 2015 Stay tuned for the next issue. travelsprout.com.au
81
4 1 0 2 R E B OT C O - 1 E U S S I
u a . m o c . t u or p s l evar t
LE VART YLIMAF GN I R I P SN I
TRAVELLING IS TWICE THE FUN WHEN YOU ARE DOING IT WITH PEOPLE YOU LOVE AND HALF THE HASSLE WHEN YOU ARE WELL PREPARED ... Old Travel Sprout Proverb
SEE YOU AGAIN SOON - until then keep exploring