Jump to:

Best time for whale watching
Best time of day for whale watching
Best places for whale watching in Sydney
Whale watching tour companies review in Sydney

Tours

Check this list if you are keen to go on whale watching cruise.
Choose your departure point from prices and time table:
Darling Harbour | Circular Quay | Manly | Sans Souci

Darling Harbour departures

* – 10-20% discount for online bookings
** – up to 45% off for online booking

Circular Quay departures

* – 10-20% discount for online bookings
** – 15% discount for online booking

Manly departures

*** – 16% off if you buy 2 tickets
**** – 5% off if you buy 2 tickets

Sans Souci departures

There are no Sans Souci departures any more. Let us know if you know any cruises departing from San Souci.

Here is a list of whale watching tour operators in Sydney with their no sightings policy and links to their websites:

So which company to choose? It depends on you – do want only whale watching or to do something else too, like speed boat ride? Do you stay in the city or in Cronulla or Manly?

My personal choice was – Bass and Flinders Cruises. They are longest period in this business and also participate in whales research program with Macquarie University, has shore based whale spotters which helps them faster to spot whales. In the sea it looks like all other companies just follow their boats.

One important thing – lower your expectation if you go on whale watching tour.  Sometimes whales are more active, sometimes they are not. I was reading some reviews there customers were complaining – they saw not enough whale breaches because ship went back to harbor as the tour time was out.  How you can complain about that? Some people won’t be lucky to see a breach even once and it is not the show where you command whales what they should do. So it is better to have low expectation and you definitely will enjoy whale watching – coastal or on boat tour.

Save

Save

The post Whale watching in Sydney. Best time, places and tour prices appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

I love surfing and i have been to many surfing sports in Europe but last January, the coldest month in Sweden where I booked a trip to the sun for some surfing. Little did I know that I was about to go and find my new favorite place in the world, Byron bay.

Australia really has surfing in its core, especially the Gold Coast. At the Gold Coast you have many options for surfing, there are many camps offering you different things. You have one, Mojo surf camp that takes you from Sydney to Byron bay and you surf at different locations as you travel the country. There are camps in almost every city in the Gold Coast but if I could give advise I say take on off the camps that are stated in Byron Bay.

Byron Bay is the coolest, loveliest and most awesome town that gives you all you need when it comes to surfing. Not only perfect conditions for surfing but you are in a town that breaths and lives surfing. You walk into town and you are surrounded by surfing in everyway possible and you get a chance to really try the surfing lifestyle. You have several options when it comes to surf camps, i myself was at Surf Camp Byron Bay, but there are others like Byron Bay soul surf, backpackers in, Byron bay surf school, black dog surfing among many others. What you get with them is you pick the amount off days you want to surf for and in the price accommodation is included. You can pick anything from 1 day to a month long stays.

Check here for the list of Surf camps available in Byron Bay

I booked 10 days at the surf camp, because I really wanted to get a feel for the lifestyle. We had surfing lessons everyday for three hours after that it was time to chill. The hostel I was staying at had a backyard with everything you needed for a afternoon off fun, games, volleyball, pool, food truck and a lot off sunbeds and hammocks. In the evening you would stroll down to town and one off the many restaurants for dinner. That was one thing that really surprised me, that such a small town had so many food options. They have everything you can imagine several amazing pizza places, hamburger bars, healthy food places. By the time was up i had really gotten a chance to try the surfer life and was more then ready to leave for the next destination off my adventure in Australia.

About the author: Sara has a life long passion for traveling and adventures. Her moto in life is make money and spend it on traveling the world. She also love to help you out with tips on how to make your trips the best you ever had. Make sure to follow her site tripsbysara.wordpress.com.

The post Surfing in Byron Bay appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

There are ski fields in Tasmania and Victoria, but the largest ski fields are in New South Wales on the boarder with Victoria state and actually the first ski club in the world in 1861 was established in Snowy Mountains in Australia. Who could thought Australia has such long history of skiing?
Two largest downhill ski resorts are located not far from highest peak (Mt Kosciuszko) in Australia.  Thredbo ski resort has longest ski run and Perisher ski resort has largest ski fields – 12 square kilometers (4.6 sq miles) and it calls itself as largest ski resort in Souther hemisphere.

Both resorts are located somewhere in the middle between Sydney and Melbourne and only ~60 kilometers (~40 miles) away from each other, so you can visit both on your trip to snowy mountains.

Here is comparison of these two resorts if you want to choose one of these resorts.

* you can go up to 2034 meters (6673 feet) elevation and then climb 20 meters (66 feet) to the nearest peak. Both picture bellow are done from that highest point.

** all prices are in Australian dollars. The price of lift pass and ski/snowboard rent shows how much you need to pay if you pay at the resort. You can get better deals by buying lift pass and hiring skies/snowboard online in advance. Or buy visiting resorts during low season. Check their websites for the deals.

My choice was Perisher, because by lift you can get up to 2034 meters (6673 feet) elevation and climb another 20 meters (66 feet) to the peak of Mt. Perisher for fantastic view.

I also need to note that you should carry snow chains as you may require to put it on in case of heavy snow in a ‘snow-ice’ risk section within the Kosciuszko National Park. Chains can be hired in Jindabyne and Khancoban or in Cooma if you are coming from Sydney/Canberra.

So enjoy the snow but be careful and don’t underestimate snow in Australia, as it happened to these cross-country skiers.

Save

The post Skiing and snowboarding in Australia appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

What is whale shark

One of the first appearance on big screen of this fish was in documentary about Kon-Tiki expedition from South America to South Pacific. Kon-Tiki was the raft used by Norwegian explorer and writer Thor Heyerdahl. In his book about this expedition whale sharks were mentioned as sea monsters.  I can just imagine what they were thinking when they met this fish similar to shark and which can grow more then 10 meters long.  But despite its size, the whale shark does not pose significant danger to humans, feeding on plankton and small fish. Only thing people should be careful – unintentional blows from the shark’s large tail fin.

Check this video if you are wondering what is that whale shark and should you take a swimming with whale sharks tour.

Are you interested? This video shot in Cenderawasih Bay in Indonesia, but one of the best places to swim with whale sharks is in Western Australia, Ningaloo reef.  It is not a cheap attraction, but is really worth it and you would love to go again and again.

Best places for a swim with whale sharks in Australia

I hope I didn’t scare you and you are ready to jump into water Next question would be: where can you do it? There are couple places in the world you can do it. Occasionally whale sharks can be seen by scuba divers in Thailand, but nobody can promise you will see one. There are whale shark snorkeling tours in some Caribbean countries and also in Mozambique, but probably best place to swim these giants is Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia.  At Ningaloo Reef tour operators use whale spotting planes and it makes big advantage comparing with other places in the world as it gives you more chances to see whale shark.

Best time for swimming with whale sharks in Australia

Whale shark season in Ningaloo Reef starts in April and last until July. The time frame can slightly vary each year. Whale sharks can come in late March and stay until August, so it is better to contact operator of your choice to check what is situation.  Thought all tour companies have very high rate of whale sharks spotting, but sometimes weather conditions are not the best to go out to the sea, so it is good to have couple spare days in case tour will be canceled on particular day. Make sure you have some sea sickens medicine to make sure you have good day out in the sea, as otherwise it can ruin your swim with whale sharks experience as it did happen with Jade.

Whale sharks tour prices in Australia

Most tour operators located in small town Exmouth and couple of whale sharks tour operators are in Coral Bay, 150km (100 miles) South of Exmouth.

Here is a list of whale shark tour operators in Exmouth (for tours in Coral Bay go to Coral Bay whale shark tours page) in alphabetic order:

All prices are in Australian dollar. Now most companies offer repeat tour voucher valid for the next three years. Before you could use that voucher only during current season in case you don’t see whale sharks on your first tour.

* there is no published prices for the current season yet.

Swim with whale sharks tour prices are very similar so probably main factor of choosing tour operator will be seat availability on preferred day. Or it depends where you are staying and do you want to do any additional activity. Because these tours are not very cheap read carefully refund sections as all companies have different policies. But most companies start offer voucher for another tour valid for three years in case of no sighting of whale sharks that day.

Also you can check some operators reviews on Tripadvisor. Personally I was on tours with Three Islands Whale Shark Dive (they had best price in Exmouth) and Ningaloo Reef Dive in Coral Bay. I was happy with service I got and can recommend both companies.

All prices are good on time of publishing of this post. I tried to contact each tour company for latest information, but please visit page of each tour operator for up to date prices as it can be changes done at the time you’ll read this post. Let me know if you find any incorrect or outdated information here.

Can you scuba dive with whale sharks

Unfortunately you can’t do it.  Occasionally in Thailand scuba divers can see whale sharks, but these are rare cases. The swimming with whale sharks tours is the best way to see these creatures and Australia is one of best place in the world to go on these tours.  So check tour prices above.

But if you still keen to dive with whale sharks you can do it in Atlanta aquarium which has diving with whale sharks program.

Save

The post Swimming with whale sharks in Australia appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

January February March April May June July August September October November December

January

1 Start a New Year with wonderful fireworks in Sydney Harbour at midnight.

5 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 21:00 (9PM).

5 – 27 Sydney Festival 2013. Check official website for the list of free events.

11 and 13 check free performances at Micro Parks in Sydney.

12 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 21:00 (9PM).

18 – 27 Centennial Park Light Garden. As the sun sets over Sydney in late January, you’ll be able wander through the spectacular illuminated Light Garden in Centennial Park.

19 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 21:00 (9PM).

26 Australia Day. Head to The Rocks this Australia Day for a free celebration of music and song.

February

2 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour.

8-24 Celebrate Year of Snake in China Town in Sydney with Chinese New Year Twilight Parade as the highlight of the New Year festivities on 17th of February and watch dragon boats race on 23-24th.

9 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 21:00 (9PM).

14 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 21:00 (9PM).

16 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 21:00 (9PM).

17 Short film festival’s Tropfest main event will take place at The Domain. Go there early as place fills up very quickly.

23 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 21:00 (9PM).

March

2 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 21:00 (9PM).

3 From 19:45 to 22:00(7.45-10.00pm) at Oxford Street and Flinders Street watch colorful and outrageous Sydney Mardi Gras Parade. About 300000 spectators attend parade so get earlier there to take good spot.

9 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 21:00 (9PM).

9 – 10 check for latest deals at Travel Expo at Fox Studios, Moore Park

17 From 12:00 to 18:30 (6.30pm) annual Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade commences from the corner of Bathurst and George Street to Hyde Park.

16 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 21:00 (9PM).

21 March – 3 April Easter show at Sydney Showground in Sydney Olympic Park. The Easter Show is Australia’s largest annual event, an iconic showcase of Australian culture, heritage and excellence. It combines innovation, heritage, education and entertainment. It is not free event, but tickets include transport as well as admission to the Show.

22 March – 1 April Sydney family show as always at Sydney’s Entertainment Quarter. Thought it is more kids, but it is free entry event packed with fun activities the whole family can enjoy. Though you need to buy tickets for rides you want.

23 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 21:00 (9PM).

23 from 20:30 to 21:30 (8.30pm-9.30pm) the annual lights-out event Earth Hour will be held. It start couple years ago in Sydney, but now over 5000 cities across 135 countries are involved.

29 March – 1 April visit Hoopla festival at Darling Harbour. Australia’s annual circus, sideshow and street theatre festival.

April

1 Hoopla festival continues at Darling Harbour.

1 Last day of Sydney family show at Sydney’s Entertainment Quarter.

1 – 3 Easter show continues at Sydney Showground in Sydney Olympic Park.

6 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

13 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

20 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

25 ANZAC day – a national day of remembrance. The day starts with dawn service at Martin Place and following parade on George Street.

27 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

May

4 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

11 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

17 May – 23 June If you love photography you must visit Head On Photo Festival. Events this year are spread across Sydney from the CBD extending, north, south, east and west. Aside from traditional venues such as art galleries and museums, exhibitions and events were set in less formal venues such as cafes, pubs and Centennial Park.

18 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

19 Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon is held. It is Australia’s largest and most prestigious half marathon and you still have time to join it. This year introduced one lap course.

24 May – 10 June one of most colorful festivals in Sydney – Vivid Sydney 2013. Two weeks you can enjoy impressive light projections, performances from local and international musicians as part of Vivid LIVE and a free outdoor exhibition of interactive light sculptures.

25 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

June

1 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

1 – 10 Vivid Sydney 2013 continues around the city.

1 – 23 Head On Photo Festival continues.

5 – 16 60th annual Sydney Film festival takes place. It is always full of interesting movies to watch. Check screening schedule on their website.

7 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 19:30 (7.30PM).

8 – 10 Darling Harbour Jazz & Blues Festival. The Darling Harbour Jazz & Blues Festival showcases legendary names in jazz and blues, rubbing shoulders with emerging and young Australian musicians.

8 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

15 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

22 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

29 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

July

[TBA] State Library presentes World Press Photo 2013 exhibition.

[TBA] International Food safari at King Street Wharf. Check it to taste various international cuisine.

[TBA] Winter Festival at Bondi beach. Watch ice hokey games or Disney on Ice or try ice skating yourself.

[TBA] Australia’s biggest coffee event Aroma festival takes over the historic laneways of The Rocks.

Full month – July is peak month for whale watching in Sydney.

August

11 city2surf is one of Australia’s favorite event and even you are not runner go to cheer for participants of this 14 kilometers run from city center to Bondi beach.

September

8  11:00 – 16:00 (11am – 4pm) Festival of the Winds most colorful spring festival in Sydney. Head to Bondi beach to see lots of kits in the air.

20 September – 20 October Art & About Sydney with opening party in Martin Place. A lot of different events and exhibitions to explore art around the city, in laneways, parks and galleries. Check it here for full list of venues.

October

1 – 20 October Art & About Sydney continues.

[TBA] Latin American festival Australia’s largest annual festival at Darling Harbour.

November

[TBA] Sydney Travel Expo at Sydney Town Hall. FREE entry.

[TBA] Newtown Festival is one of Sydney’s largest and longest running free community festivals on 11th of November. At festival will be three stages which will feature a diverse range of Sydney’s finest, with live bands, acoustic artists and world music

[TBA] Santa Claus is coming to Sydney. Darling Harbour transforms into a sea of red and white jolly men for the Santa Fest Water Spectacular. There’ll be Santas popping up all over Darling Harbour doing everything from water skiing to stilt walking!

[TBA] fireworks at Darling Harbour every Saturday from 9pm in November.

December

until 25th Christmas projections in the city.

[TBA] the biggest Christmas (Carols in the Domain) concert in Australia will be held in Sydney.

[TBA] Sydney Hobart Yacht Race starts.

31 famous Sydney New Year Eve fireworks.

Save

The post What’s on in Sydney appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

Koalas are not so widely populated as kangaroos and it needs more effort to see them. Closest place to Sydney I found was The Jean Shaw Reserve at Hawks Nest. I wasn’t lucky when I was visiting that place in hope to see koalas and locals were smiling asked about were I can find these animals. I understood I can’t expect to see them hanging on any tree in the town.

Next place I hear is good for koalas spotting is in Victoria on Great Ocean Road.  It is called as one of the best places in Australia to see koalas in the wild.

You may be will need turn into Grey River Road in Kennet River in case you won’t be able to spot koala on Great Ocean Road. But first you should check the place on the right in this map:

View Koalas in Australia in a larger map

There is parking on the side of the road (switch to satellite view and you’ll see cars parked there).  Scroll along the road and may be you will see the same koala pictured in the above picture. When I was there I could spot 5-6 koalas eating, sleeping on trees.

For the best chance of seeing some koalas, stay overnight at Bimbi Park. The park is about an hour away from the 12 Apostles, making it the perfect place to sleep after making the drive from Melbourne to see this natural wonder.

At Bimbi Park, the koalas will come right up to your tent or cabin, making it one of the best places to see these animals up close and personal.

Save

The post Where to see koalas in the wild in Australia appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

When I was renting car in Europe, US or Canada, I never did think or care how much fuel I can fill into car tank. Usually was no problem to find gas station near by. But it didn’t work in this case. Thought I was renting smallest campervan it still was using about 15 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers and with 55 liters tank I could drive maximum 370 kilometers (230 miles). It meant I needed to stop at every road house for refueling and I had carefully to check any side trips I wanted to take. Did I have enough fuel to get back on road.

When you know your tank capacity and how much fuel your car uses per 100 kilometers or miles it is easy to calculate an distance you can drive. But I created this calculator to make it even more easier.

Rental companies provides all data you need to calculate it and it is important to know how far you can go with your car in such remote places. It makes you to look to your road trip planning with different approach. Can you reach every place with your car without auxiliary fuel tank. I hope this calculator will help you with your next road trip planning in Australia.

Save

The post Gas mileage calculator for travelers appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

A lot of animals are killed by road trucks in Australian outback. Especially during early morning or late night. It is the time of the day when it is better don’t drive in outback.

The post Weekly Travel Photo. Not everybody survive in Australian outback appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

As there are high cliffs out there and it makes very good place for observation. South Head is my preference, as there is trail along the coast and you can walk almost all way down to Bondi Beach which Southern Right Whales like to visit from time to time.

Besides whale watching from the shore is more ecologically friendly as still there is unknown how boats are affecting whales migration. Marine Mammal Research Group at Macquarie University currently working on a project assess the current whale watching guidelines in Sydney. Actually they have some volunteering positions if somebody interested to join them.

While on the coast you can follow whale watching tour boats and it will be easier to spot whales.

The post Best places for whale watching in Sydney appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.