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Travel with Kids

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Travelling With Kids – Top Tips For A Smooth Ride

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During our 4 years of travelling full time around Australia we’ve had loads of questions about travelling with kids. One thing we can vouch for is that traveling with kids is certainly very different than travelling as a couple. Lots of things change when kids come along, but it is so awesome and so rewarding to be able to see them out there living their best lives. Children are little free spirits when they are travelling and being witness to that is one of the best parts of being a parent.

Here’s our top tips for surviving a road trip or making life on the road with kids that much easier!

Travelling with kids is an incredible experience for the whole family!

TRAVEL DAY ENTERTAINMENT

Make sure you’ve got plenty of entertainment on hand. There’s nothing worse than bored kids or children that are constantly asking you “are we there yet?”  If you have a swag of different options to keep them entertained it will keep everyone happy. We’ve got an MSA 4×4 Accessories seat organiser installed on the back of the passenger front seat that we have stuffed full of books for Jasper because he is reading now and he loves getting into new books. We also have some colouring in and other fun activities in there to keep him occupied.

The iPad is the golden ticket on travel days and we make sure we’ve got plenty of movies, games and apps that are downloaded so Jasper can play and use them offline, because there are definitely areas where there will be no phone/internet service at all.  

Spotify is another great option for keeping the troops entertained. We love to play a fun game where we each take a turn in picking a song and then build a playlist with all of those songs that we’ve played on the travel day.

Learning a language is another great option and something you can all do together as a family. We are learning Japanese and have a set of CD’s with short lessons on each disc. We do a lesson each day and that keeps us all entertained and learning for 30 minutes of our travel day.

Packing more snacks than you think you will ever need is super important because guaranteed the kids will eat their way through them, especially if they’re feeling a bit bored or are ready to get out of the car.  Food is a great distraction, and keeping the snacks healthy will keep them satisfied and fuller for longer.

Pulling up at playgrounds for rest stops or to make a cuppa will keep everyone happy and gives the kids a chance to run around and get some of that pent up energy out.  It also means the troops will be happy to get back in the car, and perhaps even a little tired for the rest of the trip! Win win!

Taking rest breaks at playgrounds is a great way to keep every member of the family happy!

TOYS

We have a “one in one out” rule and this works really well when living in such a small space, especially if you’re towing a caravan as weights are everything. We have a storage shed so whenever we’re back on the Sunshine Coast we ask Jasper what toys he wants to swap out for the next leg of our travels. Generally we have Lego for inside the van, and for outside he has a handful of little micro mini cars and some little monster trucks and Hot Wheels cars that we are happy for him to play with in the dirt.

You’ve got to be really conscious of what you have on board and your kids will tell you that they need lots of toys, but when they start traveling they’ll be so busy playing outside and in the environment they’ll forget about all that ‘stuff’ they wanted.

There’s nothing better than playing in the red dirt!

CHORES & RESPONSIBILITY

All kids thrive with chores and responsibility and there are always plenty of jobs to be done on the road. We have a number of different chores for Jasper during our set up and pack down routine, that have grown as he has, including winding the caravan stabiliser legs up and down, and opening the internal gas vents on the van.

A wonderful book that we would highly recommend for kids of all ages is Scott Pape’s Barefoot Kids. We are not affiliated with Scott however think this book is fantastic and know that Jasper absolutely loves reading it and learning all about how to make money and how to make money grow. If you are looking for a great gift for your kids or grandkids that will provide them some really good financial intelligence at a young age, we would strongly suggest this book.

Teaching your children financial intelligence at an early age is a priceless gift!

SOCIALISATION

Being an only child, we get a lot of questions around Jasper’s social interactions with other children, especially as we are on the move all the time. With so many families now travelling around Australia there is always another child close by to make friends with, even if it is just for the day. Kids seem to have a beacon and they can spotother kids a mile away, and the beautiful thing about travelling children is that they are confident and eager to get together and play, no matter their age. Kids are so adaptable and will continually surprise and impress you as they stretch themselves outside their comfort zone.

We have met so many amazing families and people on our travels and Jasper has got friends all around the country. We also use technology to keep him in touch with his cousins, family and grandparents back home.

KEEP A JOURNAL

Every day is a new adventure and there will be so many wonderful experiences to capture. Encouraging your children to keep a journal of their travels is a great way to create a time capsule for them of treasured memories they will keep forever.

It could be a notebook, a sticker book or photo diary, or even pictures they draw themselves of locations and experiences they’ve had. Let their creativity and imaginations run wild to capture these precious memories.

The real value of this exercise will come when your children are grown up and sharing these memories and experiences with their own families. What a gift!

TAKE TIME OUT FOR YOURSELF

There’s no getting around it, living in a tiny space all together can be tough and you are going to have good days and bad days. As a parent, you’ll have moments where you feel like your head is going to explode and you just need some time out for yourself… and that’s okay! Making sure that you take those moments, being kind to yourself and giving yourself those little breaks is really important not only for your mental and emotional health, but for all the family too!

Remember, if you don’t look after yourself, you can’t fully look after anyone else.

There’s nothing more relaxing than swinging in our Nakie hammocks!

TRAVELLING SHAPES YOUR KIDS INTO WHO THEY’RE GOING TO BE

Travelling is going to shape your children into who they’re going to be when they grow up. A favourite author of ours , the wonderful Jim Rohn, has a fantastic saying, “Plant seeds not weeds”.  Treating your children’s brains like fertile gardens and being aware of what you are planting in there, all of those seeds of greatness, will give them the opportunity to stretch themselves, spread their wings, and be inquisitive about life.

Plant seeds not weeds!

As you can see, travelling with kids is not only an enjoyable experience but an educational one as well. Exploring with your family will create treasured memories that will last a lifetime. No matter how you choose to travel, there’s no doubt your kids will benefit from experiencing the world in a different way. This more intimate level of engagement with new people and cultures heightens their understanding of the world we share and provides valuable life lessons for every age. If you’re looking for a new way to broaden your family’s horizons don’t be afraid to take the plunge and embark on the joyful journey of travelling as a family. Get out there, take the first step and cherish each moment as you go!

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Easy Camping Meals – Weber Potato Bake

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This Weber potato bake recipe is so easy to make and so delicious, we’re not sure why we waited so long to try it! 

Perfect for a chilly night camping, the hardest part is having to wait while it cooks on the BBQ!

Being vegetarians, we added mushrooms in place of bacon, however you really could add any veggie or meat of your liking. Have you tried a potato bake on your BBQ? Let us know in the comments.

 

Ingredients

  • Olive Oil (we use the spray kind)
  • 5-6 small to Medium white/salad potatoes (cut into thin slices) 
  • 4-5 eschallots (cut into thin slices)
  • 5-6 mushrooms (cut into thin slices)
  • 500g grated cheese (we use a pizza blend)
  • Mixed dried herbs
  • Tsp crushed garlic
  • 300ml thickened cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Set up your Weber for indirect cooking with convection tray and trivet and heat for 10-15 minutes on high.
  2. Cover the base and sides of your cooking dish with a light spray of olive oil.
  3. Place potato slices onto the bottom of the tray, covering as much of the bottom as possible.
  4. Sprinkle eschallots and mushrooms evenly over the potatoes.
  5. Add a light sprinkling of dried herbs, followed by a good covering of grated cheese.
  6. Add a second layer of potato slices, followed by eschallots, mushrooms and a light sprinkling of dried herbs. Do not add a second layer of cheese.
  7. Evenly pour the thickened cream over the potatoes, saving a small amount in the bottle.
  8. Add a teaspoon of crushed garlic to the remaining cream and mix well, before pouring over the potato mixture.
  9. Season with salt and pepper and cover with a sheet of aluminium foil.
  10. Reduce the heat of the Weber to medium and bake for 30 minutes (we set a timer!)
  11. Remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes (again set a timer!)
  12. For the final stage, add another good helping of grated cheese evenly over the top of the potatoes and bake for another 30 minutes (or until cheese is golden brown).
  13. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. 

 

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Feel Good in Kenilworth, QLD – Camping Sunshine Coast Hinterland

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Get ready to explore the beauty of nature and be charmed by the picturesque countryside of the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland with a road trip to Kenilworth! This stunning part of South East Queensland has everything a traveller could hope for – native wildlife, lush national parks, rolling hills, historic townships, charming cafes and galleries, country pubs, crystal clear swimming holes and breathtaking views. Whether you’re caravanning your way around Australia, getting away for the weekend or just out for a day trip to explore this majestic region – here are some must-do activities that will make your visit special!

Kenilworth Rural Camping

KENILWORTH BAKERY

Infamous for their 1kg donut challenge, no visit to this quaint country village is complete without a stop at this trendy bakery café. Indulge in one of their incredible donuts, made fresh every day, tempt your tastebuds with their original ‘coffee in a donut’ or take on the ultimate sweet challenge! While you’re there, take some time to marvel at the fantastic murals painted by local Sunshine Coast artist Daus Von Roe.

Kenilworth Country Bakery donuts….yum!

KENILWORTH DAIRIES

Make sure you leave some room in your tummy for lunch at Kenilworth Dairies. Once operated by the Kraft Cheese Company, Kenilworth Dairies now supports local dairy farmers across the region and produces award winning cheeses and dairy products that are udderly delicious! We enjoyed the cheese platter for 2 that showcases a selection of cheeses, locally made condiments, and a hearty serve of fresh and dried fruits.

Kenilworth Dairies cheese platter for 2…. udderly delicious!

FIG TREE WALK

More green less screen! If getting the kids into nature is on your priority list you will love this family friendly short walk. Located just 7km out of Kenilworth, the Fig Tree Walk is a very easy and accessible 1km circuit that takes you through the lush rainforest, with its towering Moreton Bay Figs that are over 150 years old. A fantastic easy hike that even the littlest family member will love!

Fig Tree Walk – the huge Moreton Bay Figs are incredible!

EUMUNDI MARKETS

If you’re in the region on a Wednesday or Saturday, you can’t go past a visit to the famous Eumundi Markets. Set in the main street of this quaint little village the markets are renowned for their locally made artisan treasures. “Make It, Bake It, Sew It, Grow It” is their slogan and with over 1.2 million visitors per year to their 600 stalls, you too are guaranteed to find something that just has to go home with you!

The beautiful Mary River flows through the region

When it comes to campgrounds Kenilworth and the surrounding regions have an abundance of options for every style of traveller. From off grid farm stays, free camps or private properties, to low cost show grounds with access to power and water.

The country sunsets were stunning!

We stayed at Kenilworth Rural Camping, a fantastic off grid Hipcamp property within walking distance to the main street of town. Adjacent to the Charles Street Mary River Parklands, this lush 5 acre property is limited to only 5 campsites with beautiful drive through grassy areas. Pull up your RV or pitch your tent, light the campfire and sit back and relax in this beautiful environment. We loved it so much we extended our stay (a number of times!).

Hot tips:         

–  Fill up your RV water tanks or camping containers at Memorial Park, opposite the Show Grounds in town, before heading to camp. This is a great easy access location with plenty of room to pull up your van or motorhome, and the council bins on site are a great place to dispose of your rubbish.

– Stroll down to the Charles Street Parklands for a walk along the Mary River, or take your lilo or pool noodle and float down the lazy river.

Dinner outdoors in the beautiful green environment

So whether your interests lie in foodie delights, exploring nature based pursuits while taking in breathtaking valley views, or simply kicking back under magical star-filled skies – don’t miss out on visiting one of South East Queensland’s hidden gems!

Check out our YouTube Episode for all the stunning footage from our time Kenilworth!

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Easy Camping Meals – Soldiers Fruit Cake on the Weber

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During a recent visit to the Charleville WW11 Secret Base we discovered the story of the soldiers fruit cake and were inspired to learn more about this war time tradition.

With their loved ones scattered all over the country and world, holding together the front lines against enemy forces, the symbol of this simple fruit cake became one of love, hope and comfort. Wives and mothers all across Australia would bake their family fruit cake in what was known at the time as a Willow cake tin, bundle it up in calico and send it through the post to their solider. 

History tells that many of these cake tins travelled hundreds of miles across Australia and the world, back and forth between the war and the safety of the soldier’s home town. 

 

Ingredients

  • 750g bag mixed fruit (or individual portions of currants, raisins, sultanas, Glaće cherries, dates, mixed peel etc)
  • 125ml Brandy
  • 250g butter
  • 300g sugar
  • 6 large eggs
  • 375g flour
  • Tsp baking powder
  • Tsp mixed spice
  • 100g flaked almonds

Instructions

  1. Set up your Weber for indirect cooking at a low heat.
  2. Line a deep cake tin with greaseproof paper.
  3. Combine your dried fruit in a bowl and cover with Brandy. Leave or as long as desired (or overnight).
  4. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each one.
  5. Add sifted flour, baking powder and spice into butter and egg mixture. Mix well. 
  6. Add Fruit mixture and nuts, stir well.
  7. Spoon cake mixture into prepared tin and bake for 3-4 hours on a very low heat.

Tips

  1. If you don’t want to use alcohol, apple juice works well in place of the Brandy.
  2. Once cooked, leave your cake to cool in the tin, wrap well in foil and store in an air-tight container.
  3. We found the lowest Weber heat setting was still cooking the cake too quickly, which resulted in a slight burning of the bottom and sides. To avoid this, wrap your cake tin in a couple of layers of foil to protect the bottom and sides during cooking.

Other Easy Camping Meals

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ZONE RV SOJOURN QUILPIE

Zone RV Sojourn – Interior Features We Love

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Regular viewers of our YouTube Channel and Lap Around Australia Series will have spied our brand new off-road family caravan from Zone RV. The brand new Zone RV 21ft Sojourn is an absolute beast! We are loving this high quality super stylish caravan and look forward to putting it to good use as we travel further throughout Australia. To give you a better idea of what makes it perfect for our needs, we wanted to break down some of the features we love, starting with the interior. Look out in the coming weeks for more details regarding the exterior and smart technology features of the van. For now, read on to learn more about this caravan and its unique internal features.

Storage Options

The storage options in the Zone Sojourn are fantastic. We love the versatility and range of cupboards and drawers available and are enjoying all the extra space to store the essentials. Just a few of the options include:

  • Wardrobes (with hangers or the ability to convert to shelves)
  • Massive under bed storage (main bed and bunks)
  • Shoe lockers
  • Overhead cupboards
  • Kitchen drawers & cupboards
Zone Rv – Under Bunk Drawers
Sojourn – Bunk Storage
Zone Sojourn – Foot Locker
Zone RV – Foot Locker Storage
Zone RV Sojourn – Storage Options

With so much space available we have had no trouble fitting in everything we need for our full-time travelling lifestyle, while still staying conscious of our weights.

Interior Lighting and Windows

The Zone RV Sojourn has an incredible array of options when it comes to lighting, providing the perfect option for every mood and occasion. The massive windows are one of our favourite features and provide endless views on both sides of the van, and the screens are of great quality and allow for more privacy. Some of the lighting and window features we love include:

  • Strip lighting that is zoned throughout the van
  • Mini bedside lights (they are even dimmable!)
  • Massive windows
  • Window screens/blinds for added privacy
  • Overhead LED lights with adjustable colour and brightness
Zone Sojourn Kitchen Window
Sojourn – Kitchen Blinds
Zone Sojourn – Bed Lighting
Zone RV – Bedroom Window
Zone RV – Overhead LED Light White
Zone RV – Overhead LED Light Blue
Zone Sojourn – Bunk Window
Zone RV Sojourn – Lighting Options

Bathroom & Laundry

The Zone RV Sojourn is equipped with a 14-litre hot water system with options for both gas and mains heating. We use a 2.5kg Camec washing machine which is ideal for our needs when washing daily. Some other features include:

  • Natures Head composting toilet (we’ll do a review on this coming up)
  • Massive shower with black tapware 
  • Spacious bathroom
  • Space for added shelving/hooks
Zone RV – Bathroom
Sojourn – Shower
Zone Sojourn – Laundry
Zone Sojourn – Bathroom & Laundry

Kitchen & Safety Features

The kitchen in our Zone RV is fully equipped and comfortable for our daily needs. We opted to go without a full oven and grill, and love the extra drawers and storage space this provides. We also opted to take out the microwave as we don’t really use it, and instead, have used the space as a tidy nook for our coffee machine. Some more features of the kitchen include:

  • A massive Thetfold compressor fridge (272 litres!)
  • Induction and gas stovetop
  • Synthetic stone benchtop
  • Tons of storage space
Sojourn – Kitchen Storage
Sojourn – Cooktop
Zone RV – Kitchen

We love that the outdoor kitchen is directly below the internal kitchen window, meaning you can use the huge window as a servery.

Safety is also really important to us, especially with a little one around. The Zone RV Sojourn includes two safety gas vents to help the gas escape in the unlikely event of a leak. Included in the caravan are both a CO and smoke detector, as well as a fire extinguisher. Additionally, we keep a fire blanket and full first aid kit handy in easy-to-grab places.

Comfort Features

Being Queenslanders heating for us is a must! The Webasto diesel air heater keeps us nice and toasty when things are a little cooler outside. For seating, we opted for the chase lounge over the cafe style and think this configuration works best for families. The leather adds a touch of luxury and the seating area is nice and spacious, allowing us to all use the space at the same time. A bonus is an extendable footrest, perfect for lounging on a lazy day.

Zone Sojourn – Chase Lounge

That’s just a small overview of some of the interior features we love in our new Zone RV Sojourn off-road family caravan! For a more detailed look, check out our interior tour in the video below. Follow us in the coming weeks as we look a bit closer at the exterior and give you our thoughts on all the Zone RV Sojourn has on offer.

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Spirit of Tasmania – Top Questions Answered

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Planning a Tasmanian getaway? One of the most popular ways to reach the island is the Spirit of Tasmania ferry. The ferry has been helping passengers since 2002 and is a unique experience worth trying at least once. It’s also a handy way to reach Tasmania with your vehicle. In addition to our top ten tips, we thought we would put together an FAQ to help you plan your next Tasmanian adventure. Read on to discover the answers to some of the most common questions and make the most of your upcoming holiday.

How long does the trip take on the Spirit of Tasmania?

The total travel time on the Spirit of Tasmania is between nine to eleven hours. The exact time can vary depending on a few factors such as the weather and amount of sailings happening that day.

Where does the Ferry leave from?

The Spirit of Tasmania travels between Melbourne and Devonport and operates out of the port in each of those cities. Beginning on the 23rd of October 2022, the ferry will move its operations from Melbourne to Geelong. All sailings on or after Sunday 23 October 2022 will then depart from the Spirit of Tasmania Quay in Geelong.

Tasmania

How much does a fare cost on the Spirit of Tasmania?

Fares can vary from approximately $160 up to over $1000. The exact price can change depending on the time of year, whether or not you bring a vehicle and the type of cabin/accommodation you select. For the most up-to-date pricing, see the Spirit of Tasmania website.

Can I take my vehicle on the Boat?

Absolutely! One of the major advantages of travelling on the ferry is the ability to take your own vehicle with you. The ferry has options for cars, motorbikes, trailers and even motorhomes. There is an additional fee to take a vehicle with you and this can vary depending on the type and size. See the official website for up-to-date pricing.

Can I take my dog on the Spirit of Tasmania?

Yes, the Spirit of Tasmania is pet friendly. When travelling with a pet it is strongly recommended to book a kennel. For further information about which animals are allowed and pricing, see the Spirit of Tasmania website.

Tasmania is a fantastic destination for a family getaway and the ferry is one of the best ways to see what the island state has to offer. For more information about the Spirit of Tasmania, check out our top ten tips and follow our Lap Around Tasmania series on youtube.

Tasmania Travel Guide, Best of Tasmania Tour + Spirit of Tasmania – The Feel Good Family
SEAFOOD SAGANAKI FRASER ISLAND

Easy Camping Meals – Seafood Saganaki on the Weber

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We recently had the great pleasure of filming an episode with the fantastic crew from Channel 7’s hit lifestyle TV show, Creek to Coast. If you haven’t seen the program, be sure to check it out on Saturday’s at 5.30pm or stream online via 7plus.com.au. During that time we were able to put one of our easy camping meals to the test.

We caught up with Sally Jenyns, Creek to Coast resident chef, who showed us her version of a Greek Seafood Saganaki, an all-in-one-dish taste sensation!

So where better than the world’s largest sand island, K’Gari Fraser Island, to give this fantastic recipe a go! With only a handful of ingredients and only one dish required, not only is this a super easy meal to make on the go, it’s also a super easy cleanup (which is always a winner in our opinion!).

Ingredients

  • Dash olive oil
  • Thinly sliced brown onion
  • Thinly sliced fennel bulb
  • Thinly sliced garlic clove (or teaspoon of crushed garlic)
  • 1 can of tinned diced tomatoes
  • Sliced kalamata olives
  • Fresh white fish, cut into bite sized pieces (we use Snapper)
  • 1 fresh squid sleeve, cut into bite sized pieces and scored
  • Fresh prawns
  • Feta cheese
  • Fennel leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Using your Weber frypan, fry off onion, fennel and garlic in olive oil.
  2. Add tinned tomatoes and kalamata olives and stir, cook for a few minutes.
  3. Add your seafood – fish, prawns and then squid – and cover with the tomato sauce. Close Weber lid and cook for a few minutes.
  4. When your seafood is cooked, sprinkle dish with crumbled feta and serve immediately.
  5. Dress with fennel leaves and enjoy! Yum!

K’Gari Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island

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Easy Camping Meals – Thai Style BBQ Fish

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South Stradbroke Island is one of our favourite places to visit when we are back on the Gold Coast spending time with our family and friends. This week was a great opportunity to try out one of our easy camping meals.

This time we were treated to a delicious cook up with our lovely friend Bec, head chef of Tipplers Cafe – a South East Queensland institution renowned for its laid back beachside environment and mouth watering fare.

Whether you’re visiting the island for a day trip, or staying over at one of the 3 campgrounds, Bec’s Thai Style BBQ Fish is an easy camping meal to cook up on one the free gas BBQ’s, after snagging yourself a fresh catch of fish.

Ingredients

  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 very small knob of ginger, peeled
  • 1 coriander root, washed well and chopped finely
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon kaffir lime leaf, chopped finely
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 2 tablespoons coconut cream
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 fresh local fish fillets
  • 4 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce
  • 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds
  • Washed coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pound the ginger, garlic, kaffir lime leaf, salt, pepper and coriander root in a mortar and pestle to a paste. Add spices and coconut cream and continue blending to a smooth paste.
  2. Rub the fish fillets with the paste.
  3. Heat the BBQ and brush some vegetable oil onto the BBQ hotplate, drizzling the rest over the fish fillets. Make sure the BBQ hotplate is hot before you add the fish, as this will help to stop the fish sticking to the BBQ.
  4. Place fish fillets onto the BBQ and resist moving them or flipping them until the fish is cooked at least 2/3 of the way through.
  5. Once the fish is 2/3 of the way cooked through, then flip and finish cooking.
  6. Serve drizzled with sweet chilli sauce, wedges of lime, coriander leaves and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

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TFGF.SpiritofTas

Sailing on the Spirit of Tasmania – Top 10 Tips

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If you are planning to caravan or motorhome around Tasmania, chances are you’ll be taking your vehicles over to the small island aboard the Spirit of Tasmania. Here’s our Top 10 Tips – everything you need to know before sailing:

1. BE PREPARED (But don’t be early)

Check out Spirit of Tasmania’s website for all your pre, during and post sail information. They have a great itinerary and road trip planner, plus a fantastic pre-sail checklist to ensure you are 100% prepared for your trip. Checkout opens 2.5 hours before your sail time (in most cases) and closes 45 minutes before sail time. The check-in and boarding process is systemised and easy!

2. BIOSECURITY (Know what you can’t take with you)

Spirit of Tasmania will send you all the information you need to know about what you can and can’t take into Tasmania, upon booking. Take the time to read through the information and check out the FAQ on their website for full details. For a full list of Tasmanian biosecurity requirements, visit Biosecurity Tasmania. 

3. TOILET BREAK (Especially the kids)

A mandatory toilet break for everyone travelling before you commence the check-in process is a great idea, especially for the kids! 

4. FUEL RESTRICTIONS (Taking a car or camper?)

Spirit of Tasmania will send you all the information on what you can and can’t take onboard. Read through the fine print and check the FAQ on their website for full details. If you are travelling with a vehicle or camper there are restrictions on carrying fuel, LPG and propane, so best to be prepared.

5. BOOK A CABIN (Especially if you have kids)

Crossings can be anywhere between 9-11 hours depending on the weather conditions so booking a cabin is a great idea. You’ll have a private space to retreat to when you need. And, if you are sailing overnight having a bed to sleep in, as well as a private toilet and shower, makes the journey much more comfortable. 

6. FEED THE FAMILY (Don’t go hungry)

There are so many dining options on board the Ship to keep the troops happy and full, plus a number of bars and lounge areas to ensure every member of the family is satisfied!

7. TOURISM HUB (Purchase your National Parks Pass)

Pick up your National Parks Pass at a discounted rate, plus there are loads of brochures and information on everything Tassie – from regions to experiences and attractions. 

8. EXPLORE THE SHIP (Pick up a map at Reception)

Pick up a map of the Ship at Reception and have fun exploring the decks, facilities and activities. There’s something for everyone!

9. WAVE GOODBYE (To Melbourne City)

Find a good spot on the port side of the Ship and wave goodbye to the city. If you are sailing at night the city lights are beautiful! Be sure to be on deck 15 minutes after sail to get the best view!

10. KIDS PLAY ZONES (Decks of fun)

There is plenty of fun for kids of all ages. There’s a play area for the little ones, a games arcade, and two cinemas for the bigger kids.

BONUS TIP (Don’t get sea sick!)

The Bass Strait is notorious for big seas that are no fun to cross. Be prepared with sea sickness tablets just in case. We love to use our doTERRA Essential Oils like Ginger and the Digestive Blend to keep us feeling our best when we are on the high seas!

 

Check out our YouTube episode #131 for our complete Tasmania Touring Guide – what you need to know before you go! Including the best campgrounds, best foodie experiences, best waterholes, best tours and attractions, best free activities, the locals favourites, and Tassie’s #1 destination. As well as the must have apps, maps and resources that you’ll need to make the most of your time in Tasmania! Plus the Top 10 Tips for sailing on the Spirit of Tasmania. 

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Feel Good in Alice Springs, NT – Alice Springs Camping

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Known as the Capital of Australia’s ochre Outback. Alice Springs is nestled between the spectacular East and West MacDonnell Ranges. Camping in Alice Springs is a great way to get amongst the incredible environment on offer here in Central Australia.

East MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs Camping

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN AN ANCIENT ENVIRONMENT

Stretching 161 kilometres west of Alice Springs, Tjoritja West MacDonnell National Park makes for some pretty exciting and incredibly scenic day trips to take in its natural wonders. With permanent freshwater waterholes and ancient gorges, the number of culturally significant landmarks here is certainly impressive! We visited Angkerle Atwatye (meaning “the gap of water”), also known as Standley Chasm. An incredible geological formation billions of years in the making. The chasm is a significant cultural icon for the Arrernte Aboriginal people that have lived in this area for tens of thousands of years.

Standley Chasm, West MacDonnell Ranges

TAKE IN SOME OF THE WORLD’S OLDEST ROCK ART

Like its westerly twin, the East McDonnell ranges stretch 150 kilometres east of Alice Springs. They are home to more incredible natural wonders. N’Dhala Gorge Nature Park is an important archaeological and heritage site that protects thousands of prehistoric petroglyphs (some of the world’s oldest Aboriginal rock art carvings). The easy and family-friendly 1.5km walking track takes you into the Gorge, and past what is believed to be approximately 6000 individual stone engravings.

N’Dhala Gorge Rock Art

Alice Springs Camping

We found the Big 4 MacDonnell Ranges a great base to make the most of our time in Alice Springs. The caravan park has large, generous sites and all the facilities to keep every member of the family happy. Be sure to stay over the weekend to enjoy their free Sunday morning pancakes tradition!

N’Dhala Gorge, East MacDonnell Ranges

Check out our YouTube episode #99 for all the incredible footage from our time exploring Alice Springs and the surrounds.

Other Popular Destinations in the Northern Territory

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