Required fields are followed by *



Tips for a Snow Holiday in Talbingo NSW

Tips for a Snow Holiday in Talbingo NSW

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.

  1. Talbingo GoPLAYoutside
  2. Selwyn Snowfields

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

Required fields are followed by *



Tips for Aussies Overseas

Tips for Aussies Overseas

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

Required fields are followed by *



Tips for Attending Concerts in Pokolbin

Tips for Attending Concerts in Pokolbin

Accommodation: Hunter Valley Vineyard Concert Tips

Tips for Attending Concerts in Pokolbin: make sure you book your accommodation early because it goes very quickly. Particularly with big name concerts.  Get in quick to book accommodation. Particularly when a big artist comes to the vineyards. Sometimes accommodation gets booked before the tickets become available.  Shania Twain on 8th December 2018 was booked on 9th February 2018.

Check out our two accommodation options in Cessnock NSW:

Venues: Tips for Attending Concerts in Pokolbin

Tips for Attending Concerts in Pokolbin: There are 2 main venues where the majority of concerts are held.  Both these sites have details re: concerts, dates, information, restrictions on food and drink, transport and parking etc.  They are both very strict about not BYO food and alcohol.  You can order hampers and buy meals and drinks on the night.  Read carefully as you don’t want to have things confiscated on the night.  You are there to have a fun night and you don’t want to get off to a bad start.

Hope Estate:

You can go to the following link for a list of all the upcoming concerts.  Go to www.hopeestate.com.au/category/concerts/

Bimbadgen:

This is the place for ‘Day on the Green’ events: www.bimbadgen.com.au/whats-on/

Other Venues Occasionally Include:

Tempus Two, Hunter Valley Gardens and other locations occasionally have concerts.

Transport: Hunter Valley Vineyard Concert Tips

Click on Hope Estate and Bimbadgen sites for address and re: transport and parking.

If you have a designated driver the quickest way is via Allandale Road / Wine Country Drive through Cessnock / Nulkaba to Pokolbin turnoff.  On big event nights the traffic is chaotic.  Local knowledge there is a back way via Mount View Road zig zagging through the wineries.  Bit longer in distance but pretty drive without traffic through the Pokolbin wineries.

More expensive but you can go to www.winecountry.com.au/tours-and-transport-listings  and privately organise a bus shuttle service for you and your group.  Alternatively ring for taxi: Cessnock Radio Cabs on (02) 49901111. The have some maxi taxis for groups.  Get in early with these options.

Rover Motor Coaches:

Tips for Attending Concerts in Pokolbin: best option as they specialise in concert events. They transport you from accommodation to concert and return at the end of the night.  Great option if drinking alcohol and cheaper than taxi or private shuttle service.  Just go the following web site, click on event, scroll down and select option that is closest to your accommodation with best time and book online: https://www.rovercoaches.com.au/site/index.cfm?display=269976.  You can book concert ticket and transport ticket combo online as well.  Transport for night is from $20 per person upwards.  Hampers can be added to checkout for $119 for two persons.

 

Check out our two accommodation options in Cessnock NSW:

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

Required fields are followed by *



Aussies Overseas Travel Tips

Aussies Overseas Travel Tips

Smart Traveller

This would be the most important Aussies Overseas Travel Tips i.e. Smart Traveller.

https://smartraveller.gov.au.  Make sure you register with the Australian Government web site for overseas travel. You may not think that the Australian Government cares. They will help with unforeseen circumstances, lost passports, terrorist acts and natural disasters etc. Plus lots of helpful tips re: safety, culture, travel alerts and laws of the country etc. Find the nearest Australian embassy and contact details within the country you are travelling.

Money: Tips for Aussies Overseas

Most countries have ATMs except in 3rd world countries in remote areas.  Be aware there maybe charges taking money from ATMS so it pays to get large amount and not small amounts.  Using VISA and MasterCard overseas attracts foreign transactions fees.  Handy to have currency exchange app to get an idea of exchange rate.  There are a large range of Traveller Cards on the market. I highly recommend getting a VISA DEBIT card from ING.com.au. (don’t receive any kickbacks). There are conditions of a minimum of $1,000 per month going into account and minimum of 5 transactions. If you can do this ING will waive all foreign transaction fees and Overseas and Australian ATM Fees.

Google Search and Maps

Google is your best friend when overseas.  If there is somewhere you want to go you get information. You can then either click on web site or DIRECTIONS. Directions will take you to Google Maps taking you from current location to destination.  It has walking, car, train and bus.  Even has timetable and estimated cost. Fantastic. Aussies Overseas Travel Tips: use Google search and maps.

Google Translate and Gestures

Google Translate from English to other language and back again.  You have the option to either type or use microphone. It got me out of trouble lots of times when someone could not speak English and I could not speak their language. Just keep in mind it is not perfect. Few funny situations when speaking to someone in Taiwan it came out ‘congenital’ in English. They got embarrassed but it is funny and you have to laugh. Play charades and point when all else fails. Make mooing sounds and gestures milking cow if you want milk. Have to laugh.

Chillout and Ask A Local: Aussies Overseas Travel Tips

Us Aussie blokes tend to be proud and not ask for help and can waste hours or days when we could have asked a local: directions to somewhere or finding a location or something  etc. Aussies Overseas Travel Tips: don’t be proud chillout and ask a local.

7 Eleven and FamilyMart

These stores can be a Godsend when overseas. Definite Tips for Aussies Overseas. We have always found someone that could speak English or point us in right direction. They have ATMS and other travel options within store plus convenience store for food particularly if you don’t want to try food from local shops and markets.

Respect Culture: Aussies Overseas Travel Tips

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.

Check out our other blog: Tips for Aussies Overseas

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

Required fields are followed by *



Why Midland is a Great Location for Your Perth Stay?

Why Midland is a Great Location for Your Perth Stay?

Why Midland is a great location for your Perth stay? So whether you have a loved one in hospital, working or studying in the area, FIFO, enjoy shopping or have the convenience of train to Perth and Fremantle or a base for visiting Swan Valley Wineries or Perth Hills and surrounding areas, then Midland Haven will meet your needs.  Salesman, tradesmen and other workers welcome mid-week while working in the Midland area.

Location, Location, Location! Why Midland is a Great Location for Your Perth Stay?

  • Midland Hospital is just a stone throw across railway. It is only 1.7 km away. Either a 17 minute walk or a 4 minute drive.
  • Midland Gate Shopping Centre: Shops, movies, restaurants and cafes are only 250 metres or a 4 minute walk
  • Perth Airport is 17 minute Uber drive – approx. $20 to $25 trip (1-4 passengers)
  • Midland Train Station and Bus Terminal is only 600 metres or a 7 minute walk. From here you can go north, south, east and west. Perth is only 26 minutes and Fremantle is only 47 minutes train trip. Then catch ferry to Rottnest Island for a day trip.

Transport, Transport, Transport! Why Midland is a Great Location for Your Perth Stay?

Why Midland is a Great Location for Your Perth Stay? Leave the car under the carport as trains and buses are only a 600 metre walk to Midland Transport Terminal. From Midland you can get to most places by train and bus. If not hire or a car, taxi or uber? See Midland like a local.

Medical Reasons: Why Midland is a Great Location for Your Perth Stay?

Midland WA is becoming a hub for all things MEDICAL. Midland Hospital is state of the art. Old Railway Yard is being converted into medical facilities for specialists and testing. Curtain University is opening in 2019 with medical studies. Alternative medicines are prolific in Midland WAMidland Haven is ideal stay for family and friends of patients from Regional WA. Particularly if you need a base while their loved one is in hospital, seeing specialists, testing or alternative medicines. Doctors and Nurses in training with 4-6 week placements then Midland Haven is ideal. Also welfare and disability agencies are in abundance in Midland if you are visiting the area.

Tourist Attractions: Why Midland is a Great Location for Your Perth Stay?

Book Your Midland Haven – Midland WA Accommodation NOW!

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

Required fields are followed by *



Tips to Save Money on Accommodation

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation (summary):

  1. #BookDirect and Save
  2. Use Trivago as tool to find suitable accommodation at best price
  3. Type in Google Search Engine: <Accommodation Name> official website
  4. Check out Google My Business
  5. Compare prices to Trivago
  6. Type in Google Search Engine: <Accommodation Name> official website
  7. Phone or email accommodation directly and ask for price
  8. #BookDirect and Save

#BookDirect & Save

Forty plus years ago there was no internet. There were several ways to book accommodation.

1. You would drive until you got to a place where you wanted to stop and go to reception. Vacancy and No Vacancy signs.

2. Go to Road Side Assistance business like NRMA or RACQ and get caravan or accommodation books with phone numbers

3. Local White and Yellow Pages

4. Go to Post Office to get White and Yellow Pages out of the area and ring Real Estates to post out holiday accommodation booklets with tariffs

How things have changed? But have they changed for the better? What is the best way to save on accommodation in today’s modern online world?

3 Main Players in Accommodation Booking

1. Airbnb

2. Priceline – they own Booking.com

3. Expedia Group – own lots of online booking sites. They bought out Aussie sites including Stayz and Wotif

 

Trivago: How to Save Money on Accommodation

Great as a tool but would not book accommodation through Trivago. I will tell you the reason why? Guess who owns Trivago? Expedia Group. Most of advertised accommodation on Trivago is owned by Expedia Group except Booking dot com. So one way or the other Expedia Group make money through many of their own companies or other companies advertising. At one point they advertised they would find best deal. But this is false advertising and recently litigation was taken against Trivago.

Once you have found suitable accommodation on Trivago.  Then proceed to Google Search Engine.

 

Google Search Engine: Tips to Save Money on Accommodation

Firstly type in Google Search Engine: <Accommodation Name> official website. Just like in Trivago go to Book Now (or similar). Type in dates and no. guests etc. Compare with Trivago and see if cheaper. Don’t worry you won’t be charged until you provide card details. You are just looking. More often than not it is cheaper because there are no booking fees as online accommodation services charge owner and guest fees.

Secondly type in Google Search Engine: <Accommodation Name> phone number. Phone up accommodation or email them directly. You are armed with the information from Trivago and their official website. Provide them with same dates and no. guests and see what their tariff is? More than likely it will be cheaper than any offer from Trivago and maybe even their web site. If there is a better deal elsewhere tell them. Say to them we can both save on fees. Ask for better deal.

 

Google My Business: Tips to Save Money on Accommodation

When using Google Search Engine to look for accommodation as above. The really good accommodation services would have registered their accommodation on Google My Business and this will appear to right of the Google Searches. It should have their website address and contact phone number along with Google Maps location. Maybe an email address. This is a great tip to save money on accommodation.

 

How to save money on accommodation

#BookDirect & Save: Tips to Save Money on Accommodation

You can go with the crowd and go to your usual favourite accommodation online booking site as it is quick and easy. But you won’t save money for 2 reasons. You as guest could be charged a fee and owner is charged a fee so they pass that onto you as booker to cover their fees by increasing their tariff. Owners have to pay from 3% to 15% commissions or more plus GST. Plus if you have seen the Dick Smith video the commissions go overseas and out of Australia!

For example: In 2019 I stayed at a hotel in the Hunter Valley NSW for 4 nights. If I had booked online it would have cost me to $260.00 through Booking dot com. By going directly to the hotel and not even asking for discount it cost me $200.00. SAVED $60.00. Saved 30%. That easy!

If you have previously stayed at accommodation and you want to stay there again go back to previous email to contact them directly. This is a great tip to save money on accommodation.

Book Direct through Website, In Person, Mobile or Email

How to Save Money on Accommodation? By booking direct on website, rocking up in person at accommodation, phoning or emailing accommodation. You will save in most cases (no guarantees)! You can try and haggle. Maybe even get a free breakfast thrown in. Deal direct with the accommodation after having done your research with TrivagoGoogle Search Engine and Google My Business. You will save more often than not.

This applies for booking either in Australia or overseas. If going overseas maybe book 1-2 days online then deal directly with accommodation once there in that country. The cost of making an overseas phone call will be worth it with the savings you make by #BookDirect.

Check out our other Aussie Chillout blogs:

Tips for Aussies Travelling Overseas 1

Aussies Travelling Overseas 2 Tips

Tips for Attending Concerts in Pokolbin

Tips to save money on 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

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.