Tips for a Snow Holiday in Talbingo NSW

7 July, 20257 July, 2025in Travel Tips by josephineibookedonline

These are Aussie Chillout’s tips for snow holiday in Talbingo NSW.

Preparation of Car and Driving

My tips are hire snow chains, when parking car lift up windscreen wipers as they freeze to window, don’t use handbrake as it freezes to brake drum, use cold water not hot water on windscreen otherwise the windscreen will crack. Below are 3 great blog posts by others:

You cannot dismiss preparation of car and driving. You must have as part of tips for a snow holiday in Talbingo. If you ignore the car problems might spoil your holiday due to lack of preparation and care on the road.

National Park Information and Pass: Tips for a snow holiday in Talbingo

Information of Kosciusko National Park can be obtained from the following web site: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/kosciuszko-national-park.

From start of June long weekend to end of October long weekend: $29 per vehicle per day (24hrs). These passes can be obtained online or from Talbingo GoPLAYoutside or Talbingo General Store.

Best Snowfield: Tips for snow holiday at Selwyn

Closest snow field to Talbingo is Selwyn Snow Resort. During January 2020 Selwyn Snowfields burnt down. Thus it did not operate in winter 2020. Hopefully it will be operating in winter 2021.

Selwyn Snow Resort is about 62 km from Pether Cottage – Talbingo NSW. Very picturesque drive that takes about 45 minute drive depending on road and weather conditions. It is great for families and groups of friends where it may be their first snow experience. Ideal for beginners and intermediate level, supervising kids, toboggans and great ski school. It is basic and fun. If experienced and want difficult skiing then best to go to Perisher and Thredbo and stay closer to these fields.

Hiring Snow Gear: Tips for snow holiday in Talbingo

Keep an eye out for ALDI’s Annual Ski Sale. Normally it is held during May of each year before start of the snow season. Try opp shops. You never know you might get lucky. If you regularly go to the snowfields it pays to buy your snow gear. It will be cheaper in the long run. Remember kids grow out of gear so if one off snow holiday then it is best to hire.

Our best tips for a snow holiday in Talbingo is hire locally. I prefer local businesses like Talbingo GoPLAYoutside as you get personal service in a warm shop with no hassle personal fitting and giving you the gear the night before or pick up first thing in the morning. Selwyn Snowfields is cold and rushed in hiring gear and you don’t get the same personal service.

Pether Cottage – Talbingo NSW

Talbingo accommodation that is 57 km from Mount Selwyn Snowfields. This is about a 45-50 minute drive depending on weather and road conditions during winter.

Book Your Next Short Stay Holiday Rental at Aussie Chillout:

Aussie Chillout has 7 properties located around Australia. Check them out HERE!

Email David and Hilary at stay@aussiechillout.com.au or call mobile: +61 414 826 439

Tips for Aussies Overseas

7 July, 20257 July, 2025in Travel Tips by josephineibookedonline

Medications: Tips for Aussies Overseas

Aussies Overseas Travel Tips: it is really important that medications are clearly labelled when travelling overseas, particularly when going through customs into another country. It pays to read www.Smartraveller.gov.au re: drugs and medications. Some countries you go to can lead to the death penalty in extreme cases with illegal drugs. Even if you have legal medications, you must have them either in Webster packs or original boxes. Don’t have them loose or in pill boxes this will only cause problems at the airport. Also get a letter from doctor of all your medications

International Driver’s License:

Read www.smartraveller.com.au to see if you can use your Australian Driver’s License or Google. Aussies Overseas Travel Tips: don’t travel then assume you can use your Aussie Driver’s License in that country. We could use it in Vanuatu and South Africa. But when we went to Taiwan we could not hire a car because we did not have an international driver’s license. It is not expensive and lasts for 12 months and is another form of ID. All you need is passport photo size and go to your nearest state road & motorist association to purchase. For example in NSW it is NRMA. Go to the relevant state body in your state.

Passports and Documents: Tips for Aussies Overseas

Treat them as a precious commodity even more important than money. If you lose them it can become a nightmare and you will have to contact the nearest Australian Embassy in that country. If you have no passport it makes it impossible to travel between countries. It is good practise to make a hard copy and also store on computers or in the cloud as well. You never know when you may be asked. We went tandem paragliding in Taiwan and they wanted our passports. They were back at our accommodation but we produced digital copy in the cloud. This sufficed. Keep any photo ID, driver’s license or medication documents safe while travelling?

Respect Culture:

Locals expect that tourists won’t fully know or understand their cultures. If you go to the effort of knowing the culture the locals will appreciate and respect you more. For example in Taiwan we took off shoes and left outside and only wore indoor shoes. I got myself into trouble throwing in rubbish stinky tofu and chicken legs. When I realised I apologised. Aussies Overseas Travel Tips: respect culture.

Google Photos: Tips for Aussies Overseas

Other than Google Translator, charades and pointing, sometimes I Googled photos of places that I wanted to go or food that I wanted to eat or train that I wanted to catch etc. A picture tells a thousand words when you can’t speak the language.

Be Thankful, Respectful and Not Angry:

It can be frustrating travelling sometimes and things don’t go according to plan. Aussies Overseas Travel Tips: you will always have a better travel experience if you are thankful, respectful and not angry towards others. Locals will respond better and even go out of their way to look after you and help you. If you act superior and angry don’t expect to be helped unless it is part of their job. They will only help you because they have to not because they want to. Definitely won’t give you value extra service and will only give minimal service?

Check out our other blog: Aussies Overseas Travel Tips

Book Your Next Short Stay Holiday Rental at Aussie Chillout:

Aussie Chillout has 7 properties located around Australia. Check them out HERE!

Email David and Hilary at stay@aussiechillout.com.au or call mobile: +61 414 826 439

Chillout Like A Local In Australia

3 July, 20253 July, 2025in Attractions, Resources, Things To Do by josephineibookedonline

Disability Care Worker to Business Owner: Chillout Like A Local In Australia

Talking Travel with Aussie Chillout – David and Hilary Harris Owner / Manager. I (David Harris) went from being a disability care worker for 22 years. In 2010 I attempted to make a business of short term rental accommodation. This did not quite work out. I had to go back doing salary work as an employment consultant for 2 years from 2013-2014. Above all I wanted to be my own boss. Accordingly I left work to manage my own business in 2014 and I have not looked back. On 22 February 2018 it went from our personal names to Aussie Chillout. So that I could move forward getting direct bookings. It also gives the opportunity to social media marketing and blogs. Chillout Like A Local In Australia.

Due diligence has meant that I have been able to purchase 7 modest accommodation properties since 1990 to 2014. At one time or another they have either been our principal place of residence, permanent rentals or short term rentals. People think that you have to have a lot of money to purchase property. I only need a cash deposit once and the rest of properties the equity was deposit. The properties purchased range from $48,000 up to $379,00.

What sector of the travel and tourism industry are you engaged in?

Subsequently we own and manage 7 short term holiday rental properties around Australia in partnership with my wife Hilary. They are in 3 States and 6 Geographical Locations. So it makes life interesting when dealing with 3 different states and 6 councils with legislation and COVID-19. Thus we have a wealth of experience when talking travel with Aussie Chillout.

Pether Cottage – Talbingo NSW (north west gateway to Kosciusko National Park)
Coal d’ Vine Cottage – Cessnock NSW (gateway to the Hunter Valley vineyards)
Coal d’ Vine VIEW – Cessnock NSW (gateway to the Hunter Valley vineyards)
Condo 105 @ Horizons Golf Resort – Salamander Bay NSW (Port Stephens)
Manilla Cottage – Manilla NSW (near Tamworth)
Growder Court 3 – Coolum Beach QLD (Sunshine Coast)
Midland Haven – Midland WA (30 minutes from Perth)

Chillout Like A Local In Australia.

I have been approached by others to manage their properties as STR but stated that I was not interested. The main reasons being that I don’t want to become a slave to a business and be responsible for other’s properties. Plus, I did not want to go through hassle of getting the necessary real estate licenses and pay GST on property management fees. It is hard enough running a business let alone more compliance. The other reason is that I want a work / life balance and enjoy family & church.

What does your job involve?

On a daily basis as an owner property manager I check bookings, follow up on emails, SMS and OTA messages from guests. Also reconciliation of bank accounts in Xero. SMS to cleaners re: bookings. Arrange repairs and maintenance as required. This is not time consuming.

I find a work / life balance. But if I have time, I do a TO DO LIST. This can be dropped for family and friends and is flexible. I might do improvements on website, SEO, blogs, social media, digital marketing and FaceBook advertising. There is always something to do to improve Aussie Chillout.

If I am doing a road trip, I’ll check the properties and replace items in kitchen, arrange for trades person or handyman re: repairs and maintenance, buy furniture etc.

What do you enjoy most about your profession?

I love talking travel with Aussie Chillout. It is a joy having my own business and being my own boss. Also making my own hours around my life. This is freedom to me. A lot of business you become a slave to a geographical location, such as, a shop or factory. I can do business while travelling and holidaying. All I need is a mobile phone, computer, iPad, internet and WiFi. It is flexible. A lot of processes are automated i.e. instant booking and automated emails / SMS. It has meant that I can travel overseas to places like South Africa, Canada and USA. I can still do business on cruise ships. That is what I enjoy.

Talking travel with Aussie Chillout is my dream job. It is something that I am passionate about.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your business/businesses?

The biggest impact of COVID-19 was the cancellations, refunds of $5,700 plus, credit vouchers for future bookings and lack of income from March to May 2020. I had to take the drastic step of ringing 3 mortgage institutions and not making weekly mortgage payments. Other than that, I have been able to pay all other bills.

International travellers and non-essential travellers in Australia cancelled bookings.

Subsequently I could only do essential travellers: workers, students, international visitors trapped in Australia, interstate travellers trapped, compassionate reasons. I had to think outside the box and market differently for social distance stays of 1 and 2 weeks to gain essential stays. As a result it meant dropping the prices but this meant getting bookings where individuals did not state truth of reason for stay and I had issues. I had to deal with police a few times from neighbours dobbing in essential travellers. Furthermore police were very understanding during this time.

Since the 1st June 2020 the bookings are coming back. Great news!

What are the biggest challenges for you in your profession? Chillout Like A Local In Australia

One of the biggest challenges is Online Travel Agents. For example: Airbnb, HomeAway, Expedia Group and Booking.com. Without a doubt they have been very controlling and often favour the guests. They make up their own cancellation policies which favour themselves and guests. OTAs don’t respect the cancellation policies of owners, hosts and property managers. OTAs have suffered under COVID-19 and have had to lay off workers. Maybe they might have more respect for owners. If they did not have owners they would not have a business where they can offer STR accommodation to guests.

I am based on the Gold Coast. So I manage the properties from afar and I have to trust the cleaners to manage my properties locally. Sometimes this is challenging. I have had to make some tough decisions.

Budget can be challenging. As a result I need to prioritise and plan capital improvements. Such as, new bathrooms, kitchens, furniture and replacing carpet with vinyl planks. Simultaneously also attending to repairs and maintenance.

Disrespectful guests are a pain sometimes. Plus checking out the competition and marketing properties at a competitive rate.

What do you think are the biggest immediate challenges the industry faces?

State Government legislation rolling out will be the biggest game changer. It means that the short-term rental accommodation sector will become more professional. To this end registering and implementing the legislation will change the industry. Owner hosts that have not been professional in their approach may fall by the wayside and decide not to register. So the owner / managers that are professional will thrive as there won’t be a flood of accommodation on the market.

COVID-19 will have a huge impact on the travel industry. Implementing COVID-19 plans including cleaning etc. In the short-term Aussies will be chilling out like a local in Australia. Especially as international travel to Australia will be restricted until they find a vaccine. Aussies that have made plans to travel overseas or take cruises have changed their plans to travel in Australia. Some states have border restrictions which need to be lifted to encourage tourism and travel again in Australia.

Australian Domestic Flight Travel: Chillout Like A Local In Australia

Qantas and Jetstar will be gradually bring back in flights. Subsequently this will make it easier to travel and stay in short term rental accommodation in Australia again. Similarly travel will resume between Australia and New Zealand as we have got COVID-19 under control. In the meantime we don’t want to open up international travel if it means it is not safe for Australian citizens. Consequently travel and tourism will go backwards again.

Guest confidence in safety and cleanliness of properties and booking again with confidence. Borders need to open and domestic flight travel to resume.

What do you think will be the biggest game changer in the travel industry in the next 12 months?

Online Travel Agents (OTAs) has been hugely impacted by COVID-19. As a result they will have to reassess their business model and accordingly owners and property managers will be more respected. In conclusion owners, hosts and property managers will have to make adjustments over the next 12 months.

Personally the thing that I want to change in the next 12 months is to be less reliant on OTAs. I want to learn and improve website, SEO, digital marketing and social media. This includes FaceBook / Instagram / LinkedIn, blogs and FaceBook advertising. The last 12 months I have had 11-12% of Direct Bookings (phone, SMS, email and website). So the next 12 months I want 30% to be direct bookings. Accordingly this will be a game changer.

What are some of the drawcards of the Aussie Chillout locations?

Talbingo NSW: one of the most picturesque villages in Australia. Blowering, Jounama and Talbingo Dams are nearby. Two dams you can boat and fish. Great water in creeks and waterfalls. Challenging bush walks through Kosciusko National Park and Bargo State Forest. Interesting towns in surrounding areas plus Yarrangobilly Caves.
Cessnock NSW: gateway to the Hunter Valley and the 2nd largest vineyards in Australia (Pokolbin and Lovedale). Hunter Valley Gardens, Hunter Valley Zoo, joy flights, hot air ballooning, wine tasting, cheese, olives, chocolate, restaurants, cafes and intriguing shops. Antiques, art and specialty shops. Day trips to Newcastle, Maitland, Wollombi and Port Stephens.
Salamander Bay NSW: centrally located in the Port Stephens peninsula. Lots of surf and bay beaches, swimming, boating, scuba diving, golf, dolphin and whale watching. Spectacular views from Tomaree National Park. Lots to see and do, markets, restaurants and cafes.
Manilla NSW: regional town near Tamworth NSW. Country music festival, Namoi and Peel River join at Manilla. Great for swimming, fishing and white-water drifting. Paragliding and gliders, Lake Keepit and Split Rock Reservoir. Lots of interesting day trips and hikes through national parks and state forests.
Coolum Beach QLD: Sunshine Coast. 15-minute drive from Noosa and Maroochydore. Beaches galore. Learn to surf or go on boat ride. Shopping, restaurants and cafes, Ginger Factory and Bli Bli water park. Easy drive for travelling from Brisbane and Gold Coast.
Midland WA: (near Perth). Centrally located. Easy 30-minute drive or train trip to Perth. 250 metre from shops, restaurants and cafes. Great location for overseas families visiting uni students. Other reasons to stay include hospital stays for loved ones while getting treatment at Midland Hospital. Perth Hills, historic Guilford and Swan Valley Wineries are places to visit. Go see an Aussie Rules game.

Chillout Like A Local In Australia.

If you could travel anywhere within Australia, what would that holiday look like for you? Talking Travel with Aussie Chillout

Hilary (wife) and I would love to visit places like the Kimberleys and Uluru. We have travelled overseas and in Australia. You can talk travel with Aussie Chillout anytime. Please engage with us.

Of all the 7 properties my 2 favourite places are Talbingo NSW and Coolum Beach QLD. Talbingo NSW: I love nature and walking and exploring Kosciusko National Park. Jounama Creek, waterfalls and Yarrangobilly Caves are some of my favourite places. Coolum Beach QLD on the Sunshine Coast my favourite things to do is go to beach, walk through Noosa National Park and climb Mount Coolum. The restaurants and cafes are fantastic. Noosa is an easy 15-minute drive.

Chillout Like A Local In Australia

This same article is at Travel Monitor. The content above is my own. I supplied the article to Travel Monitor for publication.

Book Your Next Short Stay Holiday Rental at Aussie Chillout:

Aussie Chillout has 7 properties located around Australia. Check them out HERE!

Email David and Hilary at stay@aussiechillout.com.au or call mobile: +61 414 826 439

Aussie Chillout News – May 2020

3 July, 20253 July, 2025in Attractions, Resources, Things To Do by josephineibookedonline

Fire to New Regrowth – Isolation to Celebrating Holidays Again

The tourism industry in Australia has copped a beating in the last several months. This has been due to drought, dust, fire, rain, flood and now COVID-19. This addition of Aussie Chillout News looks at this impact on Australian tourism. It is not just accommodation but restaurants, cafes, fast food, retail shops, tourist attractions etc. Lots of local businesses are suffering or have gone under.

READ MORE about Aussie Chillout and how we have survived and now message of hope …

It has also been encouraging to see Australians being generous and supporting others during this time. But if you really want to support Australian Accommodation and Tourism have a holiday in Australia during 2020 and 2021 when restrictions are lifted. This will be different for each state. Our accommodation is in NSW, QLD and WA. Overseas travel will not happen in 2020. Though New Zealand and Australia may open up borders before Christmas which would be exciting if that happened. The world is watching our progress.

Drought – Aussie Chillout Newsletter:

Drought in 2019 halved our bookings in regional areas. In particular Manilla Cottage – Manilla NSW (near Tamworth). Dam levels, fish stock and tourism dramatically impacted. If it wasn’t for Tamworth Country Music Festival and some regular sheep shearers staying. The drought impacted on Manilla accommodation.

Fire – Aussie Chillout News:

One of our places in Talbingo NSW on north western side of Kosciusko National Park was surrounded by bush fire on the 4th January 2020. 2-3 houses burnt down but Pether Cottage NSW was OK. We had to refund a booking and another gave a rain check. The major problem is that Mount Selwyn Snow Field burnt down and will not be operating this winter. So along with fire, COVID-19 and no Mount Selwyn Snowfield this will impact on bookings for Pether Cottage – Talbingo NSW in 2020. We have a new cleaner: Christine who is making the cottage spick and span during May 2020. We are making an effort to get the Aussie Chillout Newsletter more regularly.

Flood – Aussie Chillout Newsletter::

Growder Court 3 – Coolum Beach QLD suffered a torrential downpour and ground floor got flooded on 12 February 2020. We had guests watching TV and the water flowed in below their feet. We had no loss of furniture. For 2 weeks we closed Growder Court 3. while the insurance company treated the wall for dampness and carpet was replaced with vinyl slabs. Looks great!

COVID-19 – Aussie Chillout News:

Personally we had a bumper Christmas overall. But March, April and May 2020 have been very lean with bookings and we have to drop our tariff dramatically just to attract future bookings for essential travel. We requested to stop mortgage repayments but able to pay all other bills. We paid back $5,000 plus of refunds and $5,000+ in credit vouchers for future stays. Majority of guests have been very understanding. Despite setbacks we will survive and look forward to holiday restrictions lifting.

Essential Stays:

Another option is discounted SOCIAL DISTANCE STAYS of 1-2 weeks or more based on essential travel only. Distance yourself from work, family and friends. Wi-Fi, Netflix, Stan and YouTube and communicate with others through social media. This is how we have survived this period from March to 30 June 2020.

1 Week to 13 days – $525 per week for up to 4 guests
2 Weeks or More – $455 per week for up to 4 guests

Extra adults = $12.50 per night. Extra kids = $8.00 per night

Offer expires 11 June 2020.

Essential Travel Requirements:

Short Stay Holiday Accommodation is not illegal but must have ESSENTIAL TRAVEL REASON TO STAY:

The Australian Government: Department of Health was a daily point of reference to get current information on travel restrictions. This site was essential for our Aussie Chillout News.

►medical or health care needs for hospitals and seeing specialists, including compassionate requirements, funerals etc. Family members supporting other family members with medical or health care needs.

►work and study away from home if you can’t work or learn remotely

►guests required to self-isolate for 14 days

►overseas or domestic guests unable to travel back home due to travel restrictions and no flights

►between homes and relocating within state due to insurance, building homes, travel agents with displaced guests and people in shared houses that want to self-isolate

►high risk health care professionals such as doctors, nurses and ambulance officers etc. who want to safely physical and social distance from their own families

►working extended shifts and require accommodation near their workplaces

Essential Workers

So we have had nurses working in gaols, professionals working on website and restructuring business and FIFO workers. Also 14 days self-isolation before commencing NSW Government job planting trees and medical & health care needs. As well as compassionate reasons, no place to stay while house was being renovated, workers cement rendering an aged care facility etc. This has all helped. We also had non-essential travellers not respecting us as well due to discounted rates. Plus nosey neighbours contacting police as they wanted no visitors even when they were essential stays.

We cannot wait until restrictions are lifted, cabin fever is over, and we can all travel locally again firstly in our own region, then state and then interstate and maybe New Zealand before the end of 2020. Our next Aussie Chillout News will have update on travel restrictions.

Thank you for your support in the past, present and future. AUSSIE CHILLOUT is HOPEFUL!

AUSSIES supporting AUSSIES to CHILLOUT LIKE A LOCAL in Australia Accommodation.

Book Your Next Short Stay Holiday Rental at Aussie Chillout:

Aussie Chillout has 7 properties located around Australia. Check them out HERE!

Email David and Hilary at stay@aussiechillout.com.au or call mobile: +61 414 826 439