Complete Novice
 

If I saw this message being posted in the Europe Forum, where I have lurked since 1999, I would deplore the lack of ground work done by the poster, so please be gentle with me.

My husband and I will both retire in two years' time. We'll be fit(ish) 60 year olds. I have always driven our social/travel arrangements, and I've been working out in my head how to get him to my bucket list places for a retirement trip. But I'm now told by a mutual pal, that he quite fancies a trip to Australia.

I can only think of two reasons for this.

1. Wine- he's big into the big, chewy, South Australian reds- Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, for the most part.

2. Rugby.

Me, I'm quite keen on those, but I also like sunshine- him, not so much; beaches, him, not so much; and nature, especially birds- him, not so much.

He also like archaeology and REALLY old stuff.

I'd like to think time will not be a constraint, but realistically 4-6 weeks? Plus, we're comfortably off, but not minted.

I did wonder about a camper van trip. Our style in Europe is self catering cottages, rather than hotels.

Can any of you make any suggestions, of any sort, please?

Your love of chewy Aussie reds (I love them too) screams Barossa Valley (SA) Swan Valley (WA) and Coonawarra (SA).

Beaches - WA has the best IMO (having lived there for seven years I'm a wee bit jaded).

Nature and birds, well, pretty much anywhere (except the interior unless you like red dirt). The SW of WA is my favorite part of the state, with loads of deserted beaches, unspoilt coastal scenery, towering trees, prolific wildlife, etc. Not many folks make it way over west, but if you do, you won't be disappointed (unless of course you visit in Dec-March when you'll absolutely fry to a crisp). IF you like wildflowers, WA is the place (spring).

So, could we do WA (I think we tend to drink Margaret River, rather than Swan River) AND SA? I realise we'd have to fly between

Yes, definitely doable. With 4-6 weeks you could see a lot of both. Flights from Perth to Adelaide are about three hours.

Margaret River is a great option too, and nicer than the Swan, I just immediately thought of the Swan as it's so close to Perth and has some lovely reds, many from boutique wineries you've probably never heard of. You could see some of the best bits of WA in 3-4 weeks, making a leisurely loop from Perth and then down south.

I have several trip reports posted here from our trips within WA and to SA. Might give you some ideas.

Most first time visitors to OZ visit the eastern states, and lots to do there too, I just think it's a shame more folks never make it over to the wilds of WA:)

If you have several weeks, I'd recommend investigating Sydney as there's interesting history there, and it's a great city.

For really old stuff, you could research Aboriginal rock art - the sort that's on rock faces in the bush. I think they'd be mostly in northern WA or Northern Territory so it may not fit with your plans. Nothing else really old in Australia, it's a young country compared to the UK.

My husband informs me that Rugby League is mainly in Sydney and Brisbane, Rugby Union is Australia wide. In the southern states AFL (Aust Rules) is the main football code.

If you do have 4 weeks, you could spend 2 weeks in two different states and fly between them. Don't forget to factor in travel time from the UK and jetlag when you arrive. There are loads of Grey Nomads in the caravan parks so if you have a campervan you can easily meet people of a similar age who will be happy to chat.

Another option to consider would be to fly in to Sydney and drive up the east coast as far as you like - maybe as far as Fraser Island/ Hervey Bay. You could do this in a campervan or hire a car and stay in motels. If you want to stay for a longer time somewhere, check out www.stayz.com.au which has self-contained holiday apartments, cottages etc. Caravan parks in Australia usually have nice cabins with kitchen and bathroom, the laundry will be communal. Avoid school holidays if you can when prices shoot up. Also the weather varies greatly from north to south so factor that in once you know where in Australia you'll be visiting.

Have fun planning.
Kay

Perhaps you didn't mean that Australia is a young country KayF -
Peopled for over 40,000 years makes it quite old in those terms. Rock shelter in Arnhem Land has been dated to 55,000 years. There are sites all round Australia eg Kow Swamp in Victoria, lake Mungo NSW .
The National Musems websites would give more information on what archaeological sites and artifacts are available .
Contemporary work is often done eg digs in cities when a new building is going up and artifacts placed in museums .
I suggest choose your areas and then search to see what is around in the way of archaeology .

This is brilliant. Thank you so much. I have an idea of the scale of Australia, and I'd rather not rush, so Deffo only WA and SA.

Any specific vineyards in either, which you can recommend.? Any "must sees"? Any great restaurants?

In WA - Lamont's, but more for the food than the wine. Their location in the Swan Valley is laid back and relaxed, great place for a long lunch.

If you like fortified wine, don't miss Talijancich, also in the Swan.

I can give you a very long list of wineries for both WA and SA, but I'd need a bit more time than I have at the moment, so will check back later.

Thank you again

For rugby, there's usually better games on the eastern side, and, depending on timing, perhaps some tests, All Blacks, South Africa, etc.

Yes northie, I worded it badly. Sorry. I meant young as far as buildings and structures not being very old. We lived in the UK for a while so when someone in Australia refers to an 'old' building from, say, 1880 we just think THAT'S not old.

Kay

I know I should know this, but which is the best rugby union team in South Australia?

There is no South Australian team in the national competition . Super rugby (Union) has teams in Westeren Australia, victoria , Queensland and New South Wales .
National comp Rugby league teams are in Victoria , New South Wales and Queensland .
Maybe try to see an Australian Rules football match - national comp teams in WA, SA, Victoria , NSW and Queensland .

Yes, for sure.

You'll be going in two years time? Do you know what time of year?

If you go to Adelaide/South Australia to go wine-tasting, in addition to visiting Barossa Valley, please reserve a day for visiting the wineries of McLaren Vale.

In terms of really old things. Here's a link to the Rock Art of Kakadu (near Darwin, Northern Territories):
http://www.parksaustralia.gov.au/kak.../rock-art.html
I loved the Kakadu for its wildlife, landscape and rock art, but if a planning a trip to Kakadu, it's best to avoid the wet season.
http://www.parksaustralia.gov.au/kak...n-to-come.html

If you decide to go to Darwin/Northern Territories, Litchfield National Park is also wonderful.
http://www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.a...d#.VdL5Yfmqqko

I don't know WA as well as Melnq8, but I totally agree that the WA beaches are great. Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignons are pretty fine, too.

Victoria also has some great reds.

Thanks for this. I'm pretty sure we won't make it to the Northern Territories (it has no wine!)

We most certainly know about McLaren Vale (and Clare, and Coonawarra, to name drop another two). And we have some favourites from WA and Victoria as well.

Ok another option is the Hunter Valley North of Sydney. For two reasons, firstly world renowned white and red wines (Shiraz and Semillion come to mind) and secondly there is excellent Aboriginal rock art nearby. One site called Biome is in Wollombi NP is amazing and is different to the dot art work of the NT and WA. Another site is the whale cave on the Central Coast.

He could also see a NRL (league) or Super Rugby game easily from there.

If we went to the Hunter (which, again, we know well through consumption) I think we'd have to lose EITHER WA or SA (I'm really getting into the jargon now!). I think the one person we'd like to visit is in Nelson Bay, and reachable from SA.

Oh, it's all too confusing :):) Is there nothing old in SA?

Google South Australian museum - archaeology and also Aboriginal archaeology sites . Seems to be both ancient and new ie white settlement referrals .

TVM

A lot of historic buildings and churches in SA as well as a few really old things.

http://www.aboriginalartonline.com/art/rock.php

http://www.samuseum.sa.gov.au/explor...ginal-cultures

http://www.nationaltrust.org.au/sa/places-to-visit

Brilliant. Thanks

Hi Shelia
I'm glad to see you want to visit our beautiful WA (I'm from Perth so I am a tad biased).
It's a bit hard to give restaurant recommendations since you're not travelling for a while but I'll give the to you anyway along with my fave wineries in the south west (hopefully they're still be around when do visit).

- Cullen Wines - they have an onsite restaurant and I believe all their produce is local. The food (and wine) is divine.
- Cape Grace wines
- Churchview Wines - they're known for their Cab Sav (it rivals the more expensive Cullen and Moss Wood wines at almost 1/2 the price)
- Moss Wood wines - you can only visit by appointment. We finally did this a few weeks ago and they give you a tour if the winery and you get to taste the wine straight from the barrels
- Studio Bistro
- Olio Bello - an olive oil producer that have a variety of tastings and onsite cafe. Their food is simple, but tasty and well priced
- A must is brekky at Bunkers Beach cafe - this cafe overlooks the beautiful turquoise waters of Bunker Bay/Cape Naturaliste

There really are so many to choose from but the above are my favourites.

Hubby and I went to South Aust a few years ago and stayed in the Barossa and loved it. Our favourite wineries were:

- Jacobs Creek - the lunch was gorgeous too
- Penfolds - no visit to the Barossa would be complete without a visit here

We stayed at the Barossa Pavilions and loved it. Our little cottage overlooked the rolling hills and I would highly recommend it.

We're off to do the Great Ocean Rd next year which will include a stay in the McLaren Vale - so looking forward to that.

Like you we tend to follow the wine regions when we travel.

Happy planning!

Great suggestions from rellie2 - we adore Olio Bello (fabulous fresh pasta and sauces made from locally sourced produce, BYO wine), Cullen Wines & Bunkers Beach café are also two of our favs.

And don't be discouraged by the Jacob's Creek wines you might have had in the US, they keep the good stuff right at home, and there are some really good ones - suggest you go right to the source in the Barossa.

Thanks Mel for putting in those links . I have trouble linking on my iPad - need lessons !!!

Thank you both so much. (I'm from Perth, too).

I've set up a Board on Pinterest, and will copy everything over later.

My OH knows not Pinterest

For Margaret River, I would add Vasse Felix to your list. As your husband likes big reds, their Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 and Heytesbury 2010 are drinking beautifully now. Their chief winemaker, Virginia Willcock was named 2012 Winemaker of the Year by Australia's Gourmet Traveler WINE Magazine. But the proof is in their products.

When we visited McLaren Vale, we stopped at d'Arenberg, Coriole, Chapel Hill, Wirra Wirra, Kay Brothers, Fox Creek. Rosemont Estate (where they make their Balmoral Shiraz, GSM and top single-vineyard wines) and Tatachilla, a winery that's since gone out of business. If I were going back today, I'd visit most of those same wineries again and add Mollydooker and Shingleback to the list.
Handy link:
http://mclarenvale.info/business/cellar-doors/

You'll be busy as bees in Barossa, but Henschke (a little of the way in Eden Valley, so you'll want to check the hours) appeals to fans of big reds (they also make delicious rieslings).
http://henschke.com.au/cellar-door

If I were headed back to Barossa, I'd also visit Rockford, Turkey Flat and Two Hands, which we couldn't visit last time as we ran out of time (easy to do in Barossa). Big, chewy reds.
http://www.southaustralia.com/region...lar-doors.aspx

You might want to do some tasting in Adelaide Hills, at least stop at Petaluma winery.

As your husband is interested in old things, he might enjoy "The Time Traveler's Guide to Australia," about the continent's evolving geology, and ancient fauna and flora. Though the international shipping costs are as much as the cost of the DVD! Here in New Zealand, it aired recently on the National Geographic channel, maybe it'll air on your local Nat Geo channel.
https://shop.abc.net.au/products/aus...travellers-dvd
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/timetravellers/

Great tips Diamantina. We visited Henschke as well and loved their wine. I'm also a fan of the Rockford wines.

I'll be writing down your suggestions for McLaren Vale.

Massive fan of many of those you list (Hill of Grace remains the most expensive bottle of wine I have bought in a restaurant).

Thank you again