On Top of the World: Climbing Ben Lomond in Queenstown

When I first decided to come backpacking in New Zealand, I never expected to find a temporary home in the Land of the Long White Cloud. New Zealand seemingly has this effect on many – especially my current home of Queenstown. This bustling little resort town tucked into the Southern Alps seems to be home to more Irish, British, Canadians and Aussies than it does Kiwis.

Why?

Many visitors to Queenstown would quickly seem to understand why so many backpackers and those on working holidays in New Zealand seem to never leave. Queenstown is hands down one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand – which is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in the world.

The stunning views and jaw dropping vistas that surround Queenstown are surely part of the draw, but it’s only those that really settle down in QT that get it. Yes, the views that surround Queenstown – the sunsets across Lake Wakatipu, the snow capped Remarkables Mountain Range, the tempting summits of Cecil and Walter Peak – those views are absolutely part of the appeal.

Yet for me – and I believe many others – it’s both what lies beyond those views and what those views open up that are the real draw to living here in this far away corner of the world.

It’s the lifestyle.

It’s the evening runs, the weekend missions into the backcountry, the hikes, the climbs, the casual community races, the epic mountain bike adventures and the overall outdoor focused, adventure influenced and healthy lifestyle that become an influential part of life in Queenstown. It’s that lifestyle that draws so many in and holds them here for much longer than they anticipated.

To get a taste of this lifestyle, you need not look any further than a climb up Ben Lomond just outside Queenstown. This 1,748 metre summit is literally accessed directly from town.

A well graded trail will lead you to a summit that feels miles into the backcountry in about three hours.

Climbing Ben Lomond in Queenstown

This view comes just after passing the Skyline complex at the top of the gondola. If you’re keen to save about an hours worth of hiking through the forest, you can take the Skyline Gondola up through the Ben Lomond Forest for about $15.

After about an hour views of Lake Wakatipu and Cecil and Walter Peak will open up behind you.

Looking south towards the Remarkables.

The hike to Ben Lomond’s summit should not be tackled during the winter unless you’re prepared for ice, snow and alpine climbing.

These photos are somewhat deceiving as the ridgeline was essentially snowless all the way to the summit.

 Higher…

…and higher.

After about two hours of hiking you’ll reach the Ben Lomond Saddle with views opening up into Skippers and Shotover Canyons. From here you can carry on to the summit in about an hour or drop down through alpine tussock into farmland and onto the Moonlight Track which will lead you to Arthurs Point. It’s a solid three hours to Arthurs Point and from here you’ll have to hitch back to Queenstown unless you’ve arranged transport.

The photo above shows the ridgeline you follow to the summit.

Looking north towards Mount Earnslaw…

View of Moke Lake and the mountains beyond…

Summit views – 1,400 metres above Lake Wakatipu.

Expect a return trip from Queenstown to take no less than five hours.

Don’t rush it – take your time, bring a packed lunch and take in the exceptional views from what seems to be the top of the world.

Have you climbed Ben Lomond? Can you suggest any other hikes around Queenstown? Let us know in the comments section below.

Did you enjoy these photos? Then check out…

• 20 of New Zealands Best Views

If you enjoyed this New Zealand hike, be sure to check out these too…

• New Zealand’s Great Walk – HikingThe Routeburn Track 
• Epic Queenstown Day Trip – Climbing Mount Alfred
• Stunning Views from the Hike Up Queenstown Hill

Technorati Tags: Backpacking in New Zealand, Budget travel tips queenstown, Climbing Ben Lomond, Queenstown, Queenstown travel tips

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100 Mile Mountain Bike Race on New Zealand’s South Island

Twelve months ago, I hopped on a borrowed bike with essentially zero training and rode in the Rail Trail Classic 100 – a 100 mile (150 km) bike race across Central Otago on New Zealand’s South Island.

Most cycle tourists in New Zealand tackle the Otago Rail Trail over the course of three or four days. While the cycling adds to the enjoyment, the main draw of a trip on the Rail Trail involves numerous mid-ride coffees, afternoon pints and evening pub meals. The surrounding scenery is stunning, but as the trail originally was the path of a train track, the gradient is very gradual and the riding isn’t necessarily exciting.

Over the past year I’ve clocked hundreds of miles on my mountain bike on trails throughout New Zealand and decided I would again set off to tackle the RTC100. I was determined to prove that not only could I complete this marathon of bike races, but I hoped to significantly improve my time.

New Zealand’s Spring weather is well known for throwing four seasons your way over the course of a day. The past week has been highlighted by stunningly warm Spring days, but alas before today’s ride Mother Nature sent a Spring Storm our way.

The result?

My 100 mile journey was complimented by a sloppy, muddy and unrelenting track. Much of the day was spent tackling snow covered countryside. When the snow cleared, a brutal headwind that almost stopped me in my tracks made for a tortuous final 40 kms.

In some bizarre way, I enjoyed it. I was glad to improve my time by just over an hour and a half, but equally thrilled to simply complete this epic race. The sense of accomplishment you feel after completing such a massive challenge is impossible to put into words.

Check out this video from the ride…

Technorati Tags: mountain biking, New Zealand, Travel Video

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Another Weekend in Paradise … Snowboarding in Queenstown

Most months throughout the year, the highlight of a trip to Queenstown is centered around hiking Great Walks like the Routeburn track, jumping off bridges, out of planes or barreling down rivers in New Zealand-invented jet boats.

Come winter when the White Gold arrives, Queenstown goes from being a bustling summer resort to an alpine ski village.

Kind of.

See, the thing with Queenstown – as compared with most Northern Hemisphere ski towns – is that it very, very rarely snows in town.

The village sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu at just about 340 meters above sea level. All but two or three times throughout the winter, this isn’t high enough for precipitation to fall as snow.

Skiing & Snowboarding in New Zealand…

The New Zealand skiing and snowboarding experience is characterized by trips from town ‘up the hill’ to the ski fields. Forget ski-in ski-out like you’d find in a Colorado mountain town. At the very best, a trip to one of the ski fields near Queenstown will take you 30 minutes – this is assuming:

• A) You have your own transportation and aren’t relying on NZSki’s unreliable bus services
• B) It isn’t snowing as this often results in the ski field access road becoming a big traffic jam (as NZSki bus drivers very often can’t drive in the snow), and
• C) You don’t stop along the way to take in the epic views

While the 30 minute trip to the mountain is tough to get used at first, the trip up from Queenstown to one of the ski fields is a pretty epic experience. Twisting mountain roads, steep drop-offs and stunning views back over Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown are on offer all the way up to The Remarkables or Coronet Peak. And surprisingly … the snowboarding is pretty bloody good.

Later on in the winter, I’ll put together a post with some practical tips for your experience snowboarding on New Zealand’s South Island – for the time being, enjoy these photos from The Remarkables and Coronoet Peak just outside of beautiful Queenstown.

Sunrise at Coronet Peak

This photo was taken early one morning as the sun was just rising at Coronet Peak. The clouds cleared to reveal a Wakatipu Basin completely covered in snow – a once or twice a year event in Queenstown.

The Remarkables

After a solid week of snow, a high pressure system rolled across the South Island and we’ve been granted bluebird clear days.

When the clouds do roll in, you’re very very often above them – a surreal experience. Driving up The Remarks recently, it looked as if it was going to be a cloudy day – until we broke through the clouds and were greeted with clear blue skies.

On Top of the World…

Absolute Paradise

This might possibly be the most spectacular view I’ve seen anywhere in New Zealand … or for that matter the world.

After riding the Shadow Basin chair at The Remarkables ski field, a thirty minute hike up to the ridgeline of The Remarkables moutain range leaves you with this this view.

On the right day, clear blue skies, some low clouds over Lake Wakatipu and snow capped mountains remind you that New Zealand might possibly be the most beautiful place in the world.

Have you been skiing or snowboarding in Queenstown? Leave your experiences in the comments section below.

Technorati Tags: Backpacking in New Zealand, Queenstown, Snowboarding in New Zealand

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Take a Hike: Top Spots for Sydney Walks

Last week I posted a photos of one of my favorite day hikes near Queenstown New Zealand. Hiking is a fantastic way to get a feel for wherever it is you’ve traveled to – plus, it’s budget friendly; as they say, views are nearly always free. Today, contributing writer and Australia based Lauren Fritsky (@laurenfritsky) of The Life that Broke takes us on some of her favorite hikes across the ditch in Sydney.

One of the first things I did when I got to Sydney 18 months ago was the Bondi to Coogee walk.

Guidebooks highlight the activity and locals recommend it. I expected just a nice stroll along the water. I got instead endless ocean views punctuated by carved cliffs, greenery and golden shores all along the 5km walk. I didn’t even care that the temperature read 30 Celsius that afternoon.

Since that mid-summer day, I’ve taken heaps more hikes in and around Sydney. From bush to beach, beginner to advanced, short to long, there’s a hike for everyone here.

Spit Bridge to Manly Scenic Walk

Next to the Bondi to Coogee walk, Spit to Manly ranks among the most well-known and recommended hikes around Sydney.

It’s 9km total, but you can break it down into more digestible bits if it’s too hot, too hard or you’re too hung-over.

Insects and reptiles, multi-colored flowers and views of Sydney’s Middle Harbour greet you along the way. Stop for a snorkel in the bay on your way to Manly Wharf and you might see a little penguin in addition to the array of fish, shells and other sea life.

Manly to Freshwater Beach

At the end of Manly Beach, you can explore an area along the shore with large rocks, small ponds, black crabs and other critters. You get there by walking up the stairs in the back corner of the pools, then up the cliffs overlooking the beach (not the pedestrian walkway to Freshwater).

Go in the late afternoon to catch the first signs of a cotton-candy-colored sunset above the crashing waves.

There are a few larger rocks you’ll have to scale, and it’s rarely a smooth, straight path, so don’t wear thongs or slippery shoes.

Kung-ring-gai Chase National Park

You can choose from hikes of varying levels of difficulty at this historical parkland an hour north of Sydney. One of the more challenging ones, the 5.4km Resolute Loop, takes you to Resolute Beach, an isolated strip of shore where you can take a dip in the turquoise water with a few other bathers.

You can also see Aboriginal rock formations along the level portion of the path before the descent to the beach.

Royal National Park

This is another location with a variety of hikes, but one of the more scenic and challenging is the climb up into the headlands if you do the Mowlee Ridge to Garie Beach hike in reverse.

You’ll climb up a cliff about 356 meters, but you’ll be rewarded with wide ocean views once you reach the top.

The full 6.7km path will lead you to rock edges covered in heath.

Wagstaff to Box Head

Wilderness walk meets shore stroll as you hike up this hilly 5km track. After taking the Palm Beach ferry to Wagstaff, you’ll climb a hill, then walk a flat ridge through to the bush to some cliffs. You’ll get good views of the sea, the Hawkesbury River and Lion Island from the Box Head ridge. You can also walk down to the bayside beach called Lobster or Tallow Beach on the ocean side.

The poisonous brown snake likes to hang out in this bush, so watch your step.

This list by no means covers all the hiking possibilities in the Sydney area, but it can provide a guide to the new walker.

Have you traveled to Sydney? What are your favorite hikes?

Technorati Tags: Australia, Backpacking in Sydney, Budget Travel Tips, Sydney Hikes

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Epic Queenstown New Zealand Day Trip: Hiking Mount Alfred

Most travelers who come to Queenstown stop after taking in the staples of this epic little resort town on New Zealand’s South Island.

Bungy jumping. Check. Jetboating. Check. Skydiving. Check.

It seems everything Queenstown has to offer will simultaneously tempt fate, defy gravity, and break the bank.

While these activities (and more) are on offer in the Adventure Capital of the World, the shining light in Queenstown is the huge variety of hiking, biking and simply stunning scenery that sits literally on little Queenie’s doorstep. While you’ll get a taste of what this area of the world has to offer when you hop on the cramped bus to Milford Sound (and you should), to really understand Queenstowns natural beauty, you’ve got to check out some of the exceptional nearby hikes (and bike rides) which are begging to be explored.

Experiencing the beauty of the South Island on your own will blow most guided tours out of the water.

In the past six months, I’ve developed a passion for taking in and really experiencing everything the Southern Lakes of New Zealand has to offer.

It really is the New Zealand way.

There are a couple of fantastic hikes which leave from Queenstowns central Shotover Street. Head up through the Ben Lomond forest, past the AJ Hackett Ledge Bungy site, and head back to towering Ben Lomond. For something less strenuous, check out the hike up to the Queenstown Hill; both afford priceless views of Lake Wakatipu, Cecil Peak and the aptly named Remarkables.

The opportunities for exploration are opened wider if you have your own transportation. If you’ll be in Aotearoa for awhile, consider buying a campervan when you arrive; otherwise, one of the best ways to travel around New Zealand is with your own transportation so hire a car. When you get to Queenstown, head down towards Glenorchy and climb Mount Alfred.

Climbing Mount Alfred

This 1,375 metre peak juts out between the Dart and Rees River valleys and simply begs to be climbed. Natureshop.co.nz recently offered me some hiking gear to sample and I tackled Mount Alfred for the second time with my flatmate Jo, a pair of Keen hiking boots, and a Merino Icebreaker midlayer. Excellent gear for what might just be one of the best day hikes in the greater Queenstown area.

The hike begins from the western side of Mount Alfred in the Dart River valley; follow signposts to the start of the Routeburn Track and you’ll see the carpark where the track begins about 20 kms from quaint Glenorchy.

As usual, DOC (the Department of Conservation) overshoots the realistic time it would take for someone of a reasonable fitness to hike the track; while my flatmate and I managed to do the hike in under four hours, this included a fair bit of running on the decent. Basic hiking should have you to Alfred’s nearly 1,400 metre summit and back in a cool 5 – 6 hours.

This hike is unique to many in New Zealand in that it contains a fantastic mix of hiking through the dense bush, with some scrambling near the top along with panoramic views from the summit.

Even those with a minor affliction to vertigo should be able to handle the scrambling that is a welcomed break-up to the half day adventure.

The first two hours is spent climbing through ancient, moss covered, silver beech forest which is prevalent throughout this area of New Zealand. New Zealand’s largest remaining indigenous forest will keep you company as you climb 600 or 700 metres above the valley on a well defined trail.

As you climb, you’ll cross a number of streams, moss covered felled trees, native New Zealand ferns and roots which have grown over the trail.

I tackled Mount Alfred with these Keen Targhee Mid II hiking boots. They were excellent for the hike with a 4mm sole that provided a solid bit of traction over the slippery roots, rocks and leaf covered trail. While a more rigid boot might have been beneficial, I enjoyed the flexibility that these boots provided. Solid enough to provide some ankle support going up; yet flexible enough to do a bit of a trail running coming down.

About two hours into the climb, you eventually reach the bush line where the beech forest ends and the tussock begins.

Here, the climb really gets interesting.

While the trail isn’t marked from this point on, there are a couple obvious routes that will take you the the plateaued summit. Vere slightly left and an easy scramble will take about 30 minutes to find the top.

Don’t forget to look back and take in the views…

The final scramble to the top is an absolute rush; especially with the cold wind whipping off the valley – it’s a fantastic feeling to finally pull yourself up onto the summit. The 360 degree views are quite simply stunning.

While there was a bitterly cold gale at the summit, the Icebreaker mid layer (made from New Zealand wool) provided a great insulation from the bone-chilling cold.

After popping up to the plateaued summit, you can spend time wandering around and taking the views of Lake Wakatipu, the Dart & Rees Valleys, the Humbolts (if the weather is clear!) and majestic Mt Earnslaw.

Be aware the weather patterns can change very quickly in the alpine environment. Looking towards Lake Wakatipu, it was essentially clear blue skies; towards Fiordland, a storm was brewing.

Looking back on Lake Wakatipu.

So when you’re backpacking in Queenstown, don’t make the mistake that many do: check out the bars, yes – jump off a bridge, you bet - just make sure you get out and get into the great outdoors.

Have you been to Queenstown? Add your favorite nearby hikes in the comments section below.

Considering hiking Mount Alfred? Feel free to contact me with questions.

The Natureshop provided me with complimentary gear for this hike but the opinions here are entirely my own; for ‘nature’ inspired products that are friendly to your body and the environment, check out Natureshop.co.nz.

Technorati Tags: Day Trip from Queenstown, Hiking New Zealand, Mount Alfred, New Zealand Backpacking Tips

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Friday Travel Photo: Approaching Storm on New Zealands South Island

Today’s Friday Travel Photo was submitted by Amanda (@DangerousBiz) of A Dangerous Business.

I know of few people that share the same level of appreciation I have for Aotearoa – yet Amanda is one of them. I was lucky enough to meet her last month while she was backpacking in New Zealand as a guest of Blog4NZ (a campaign to tell the world that New Zealand is in fact open for business despite the recent earthquakes in Christchurch). It was fantastic to meet a fellow American, travel blogger and lover of New Zealand as she was reunited with the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Follow her journey and get more New Zealand backpacking advice on her travel blog, Dangerous-Business.com.

New Zealand travel tip — never underestimate the beauty of an impending storm.

NZ is known for its many climates and its ever-changing weather.

I love this country because, one minute you can be wearing your sunglasses, taking photos of beautiful Lake Hawea. The next, you may see a rainbow plunging into the depths of the dark water.

And then the next you could be caught in an all-out downpour that comes out of nowhere, leaving everything rain-kissed and beautiful.

Do you have a photo(s) and travel tips you’d like featured on Backpackingmatt.com? Email me at matt (at) backpackingmatt (dot) com.

Technorati Tags: Backpacking in New Zealand, Friday Travel Photo, New Zealand

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Friday Travel Photo: Sunset in St Kilda

Today’s Friday Travel Photo was submitted by fellow expat and traveler seeing the world through working holidays, Christine of C’estChristine.com. If you’d like your photo featured in this not-quite-weekly feature, please contact me.

Melbourne has gotten used to Sydney stealing its thunder.

While Melbourne was once the largest and most prominent city in Australia, Sydney has been slowly but steadily chipping away at its cultural prowess and international importance.

But while Sydney has the breezy harbour and flash fashion scene, Melbourne has beach sunsets–and that’s enough for me.

Sure, it’s a bay, and sure, it’s technically in the suburb of St Kilda. But with daily sunsets like this, Melbourne has a special place in my heart. It’s still the cultural center of Australia, but forget the museums and alley cafes–don’t miss a St Kilda sunset when you’re in Melbourne.

Christine is working her way through the beaches of Australia after living on the French Riviera and exploring Europe. When she’s not writing or taking photos, she’s bartending or curled up with a book in the sunshine. Read more at C’est Christine and follow her adventures at @camorose.

Technorati Tags: Australia, Backpacking Australia, Friday Travel Photo, Guest Post

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5 Places to Experience Quad Biking While Backpacking Around the World

One of the most expensive aspects of backpacking comes from the experiences and activities you take in along the way.

Backpacking in New Zealand is an excellent example. A trip here isn’t complete without a bungy jump, a jet-boating tour, a skydive, or one of the many other extreme sports on offer. Each one of these activities can very quickly break your budget.

By researching the activities on offer prior to your round the world trip, you can ensure your budget accounts for the experiences you hope to encounter along the way.

One popular activity for backpackers in many places throughout the world is quad biking – driving a quad bike off-road is an absolute rush and a fantastic way to experience the scenery of the destination you’ve traveled to.

Here are 5 Places to Experience Quad Biking While Backpacking Around the World:

1) South Island – New Zealand

A trip to the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island should undoubtedly include a hike on the Franz Josef Glacier. Another option to consider on your backpacking trip is a quad bike tour in the glacial valley.

It’s a fantastic way to get a feel for untouched West Coast bush and also presents some unique views of Big Franz – the fastest moving glacier in the world.

Across Country Quad Bikes offers two hour tours for $160 NZD – the guides do an excellent job of giving history on the West Coast Region and the tour includes heaps of river crossings – be prepared to get wet.

2) Greek Islands

Spend the day riding around the winding, mountainous roads that circle many of Greece’s beautiful islands. It’s an excellent way to get from beach to beach.

As cheap as 30 Euros for an entire day, hiring quad bikes on the Greek Islands is easy and affordable. Be sure you have an International Driver’s License to avoid any complications.

3) Spain

Thoughts of backpacking in Spain bring up images of relaxation, tapas, tinto de verano, sun, and mid-day siestas. One option for a backpacker in the south of Spain is a quad bike tour.

Spend the day exploring the hills and forests around La Manga and get lost in the Spanish countryside. You must be 21 years old to rent a quad bike in Spain, and cheap airfares to Spain are available on regional operators such as Ryan Air.

4) Hamilton Island, Australia

More than just beaches, reefs, and tourists, Hamilton Island off Australia‘s East Coast has some amazing bush land which is perfect for exploring on a quad bike.

Experience the natural beauty and wonder of Hamilton Island’s forests as you navigate the terrain on a guided quad bike tour. The guides offer up local history on Hamilton Island and the surrounding islands and you’re presented numerous opportunties for photos.

Start your trip with cheap flights to Cairns and slowly make your way south to the Whitsundays.

5) Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve in southern Portugal is filled with pristine, untouched beaches, natural cliff faces, rolling hillsides and year-round warmth. Add to this mix very affordable prices in the low season, cheap and fresh seafood, and friendly locals and the Algare becomes an excellent destination for the backpacker or budget traveler.

Quad bike hire is available through local operators of which there are heaps – be sure to call around for the best deal, especially in the high season. You’ll need an International Drivers Liscense.

Quad biking is a unique and exciting way to experience the scenery and landscapes of the destination you’ve traveled to - it’s an absolute rush and very often a budget friendly activity.

Have you experienced quad biking during your travels? Leave your favorite destinations in the comments section below.

This post was sponsored by CheapFlights.com.au.

Technorati Tags: New Zealand, Quad Biking, spain, Travel Advice

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7 of Australia’s Most Spectacular Views

This is a guest post by Ryan Martin – contact me if you’re interested in writing for Backpackingmatt.com.

Imagine road tripping with your best friends along the world-famous Eastern Coast of Australia. You have the open road, fresh Aussie mountain air, and endless deserted white sand beaches Throw a surfboard on the rack and I don’t think you’ll ever leave.

I ultimately left Australia; yet is sure wasn’t easy.

For a couple months in 2010, I traveled the entire eastern coast of Australia with two of my English mates. Throughout this trip, I came across some unbelievable vistas. Sit back and enjoy:

7 of the Most Spectacular Views in Australia

1) Twelve Apostles

To get to the 12 Apostles, you’ll need to take the Great Ocean Road, Australia’s equivalent to Highway 101 in America. The views along the drive are gorgeous, but nothing compares to the Twelve Apostles.

The huge rocks that jut out of the ocean seem almost unnatural. And as you walk along the cliff edge, look down to see the backs of birds gliding in the wind. It’s a true natural gem. If you surf, bring a board to catch some waves along the drive.

2) Sydney

While most people have seen a photo of the Sydney Opera House, it still doesn’t prepare you for seeing it with your own eyes. The Opera House is one the most idyllic monuments in Australia, so it’s a must for anyone backpacking in Australia.

If you wanna catch a show, great. Just be prepared to put a second mortgage on your home to do so.

3) Blue Mountains

Unanimously voted as a World Heritage site, the Blue Mountains are a great place to camp, watch the sunset, or just take in some amazing views.

The series of cliffs and gorges are blanketed in Eucalyptus. These Eucalyptus give off gases that quite literally give a blue hue to the horizon.

4) Byron Bay

Byron Bay is an absolute backpacker’s haven.

Party at Cheeky Monkey, lounge on the beach, shop, or surf in the waves. Byron Bay has got it all. Just be prepared to get sucked in. I’m one of many who lost a few days of my life to Byron Bay.

5) Indian Head, Fraser Island

Unfortunately, they don’t let you bomb around the world’s largest sand island in your own rented 4×4 anymore. Instead, you have to be escorted by a guide in a caravan. Luckily for me, I was in one of the last groups able to explore the island on our own.

On the far end of the island is Indian Head, where you can look down and see the shadows of sharks swimming below. In the evenings, sunset over the horizon is nothing short of spectacular as you camp next to wondering dingos.

6) Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsundays are home to the world’s whitest and finest sand. In fact, it’s the sand that made the lens for the Hubble Telescope. The contrast between the azure waters and ghost white sand is mesmerizing.

The sand is so fine, you can even use it to clean your teeth. Just be sure not to swallow.

7) Great Barrier Reef

I’ve never seen water so blue as that in the Northeast of Australia. It sometimes hard to distinguish the blue of the water to the blue of the sky. As the world’s largest living organism, the Great Barrier Reef does not disappoint.

Some of these views are compounded in beauty when you throw in a gorgeous pink and orange sunset; others are just plain amazing in their own right.

Don’t take my word for it. Get on a plane and check them out yourself.

I promise you won’t regret it.

About the Author: Ryan has been backpacking around the world since 2005 and has recently launched FollowMeEverywhere.com to combine his love of travel with work. If you like his stuff, feel free to subscribe, and if you know anyone looking for a travel writer, travel photographer, or travel guide, let him know. Follow him on Twitter: @RyanMartin07

Technorati Tags: Australia, Backpacking, Backpacking Australia, Travel Photos, Travel Tips

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Gran Canaria 360º: Driving Europe’s Miniature Continent

This is a guest post by Cat Gaa – contact me if you’re interested in writing for Backpackingmatt.com.

I did a mental check of the last-minute details for the last-minute Spanish wedding: hotel room reserved, dress dry cleaned, flights to Gran Canaria booked. Everything was taken care of until my boyfriend quipped: “No, no, no. The gua-gua won’t do. Not on this continent.”

We found ourselves in the airport of Las Palmas on the mini-continent, capital of the Canary Islands, at the rental car desks. The place was a jumble of English, Spanish and canario, a dialect halfway in between Argentinian and Castillian. He switched to English.

“I forgot to make a reservation. And this island is too beautiful not to see it all.”

Kike hasn’t made a car reservation. When I suggested the gua-gua, the Canarian term for tourist bus, he insisted it was no way to see a landscape and climate so varied that it had garnered the name of a miniature continent.

He turned to the attendant. “Find us a car.”

For once, his stubbornness didn’t bother me – we saw every corner of the continent in three days – something that might have not been possible without his insistence that we have one.

Thanks to its near-perfect circle shape, Gran Canaria is easy to drive. A drive down the highway connecting Las Palmas to Maspalomas will average one hour, and the central mountains are accessible by smaller roads.

Through the drives, a jaw-dropping array of landscapes, flora and tradition abounds.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Arucas

Save the beach and its principal festivals, Carnaval in February and San Juan in June, Las Palmas is little more than home to nearly half of the island’s population, making it dirty and pricey. A 37 kilometer’s drive from the island’s only airport, find yourself in the plantation town of Arucas, known for its banana production and rum, as well as century-old stone cathedral.

The island touts its banana canaria, the banana’s smaller and sweeter cousin native to the island. Old plantations dot the hilly countryside, and the beloved honey rum, Arehucas, is distilled in the nearby factory.

From Las Palmas Airport, catch the GC-1 highway heading towards the capital and veer off at GC-3 towards Arucas.

Agaete and Puerto de las Nieves

Famous for its rocky beaches and natural landmarks, the municipality of Agaete is located in the eastern part of the island and prides itself on the variety of landscapes within the region. The most attractive are perhaps the stony beaches of the Port of Las Nieves, where rustic seafood and quaint blue and white homes seem to transport you to the Greek Isles.

Fred Olsen runs cruises from this port to the island of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and in this small bay once stood el Dedo de Dios. Translated as God’s finger, this ancient stone formation resembling and appendage stood at this spot for centuries before being toppled by Tropical Storm Delta. Fish soup, caldo de pescado, is present on every menu in this port village.

To get a view of the windy coastline, leave Arucas by taking the GC-20 highway north. The motorway will turn into GC-2 at Hoya Alta. Follow it west, passing Santa María de Guía de Gran Canaria with its beautiful church and queso de flor cheese. Agaete lies on the same highway, 26 kilometers from Arucas.

Tejede and Roque Nublo

Roque Nublo, the towering monolith in the geographic center of the island, stands as the continent’s greatest climate controller and one of the main climate zones on the island. While the north tends to be rainier and cooler than the south, the rock is believed by islanders to split the clouds in two, thus deterring them to other islands.

Regardless, the sparse mountain vegetation and dramatic cliffs are great for hiking and, on a clear day, one can see the southern coast slope into the sea and across to the largest island of the Canaries: Tenerife, with its commanding volcano, Mount Teide.

Heading inland from Agaete, it’s best to backtrack to Arucas on the GC-2 and take the GC- 43 towards Teror. The roads here get steep and winding (I even got sick), so be sure to hydrate well. Following signs to Tejada, you’ll catch both the GC-21 and GC-15. If you’re more adventurous, the bumpy GC-220 will get you there in an hour.

Puerto de Mogán

Known as the Venice of Canarias, Mogán makes everything look good. From Telde, catch the GC-605, passing the town of Mogán and its incredibly steep ravines to the coastal village.

Canals criss-cross the small port known for its fishing heritage and its food doesn’t disappoint. From fresh seafood a la plancha to traditional papas arrugá (baked jacket potatoes) and mojo picón (Spain’s closest thing to salsa), everything seemed more beautiful that afternoon. From breathtaking sunsets to pristine beaches, Puerto de Mogán merits at least a half-day.

To get to Mogán and its port from Tejeda, hop on the GC-605, which becomes GC-200 at Mogán (47 km).

Maspalomas

Maspalomas has the best climate in the entire archipelago, averaging 25ºC year-round, making it the mecca of tourism on the island. From gay bars to sand bars, it echoes Málaga in its well- kept beaches and all-inclusive hotels. In fact, the main beach is called Playa de los Ingleses, paying homage to the cold-blooded northern Europeans who chose the island as their winter vacation spot.

The biggest attraction is the 17km stretch of coastline, which create a dune of some 400 hectares and provides refuge to thousands of migratory birds, as well as attractive water sports and world-class golf courses.

From Mogán, you can catch the GC-1 highway for a quick way (30 km) to the resort town of Maspalomas, or take the scenic route GC-500, which runs along the coast. If taking the coastal road, be sure to stop by Playa Amadores, a breathtaking cove with a white-sand beach imported from the Carribean. From Maspalomas, the airport is barely a half hour’s drive.

For those who can’t go by car, there’s always the gua-gua. Waah, waah.

About the Author: Cat left Chicago’s skyscrapers for the empty blue sky and olive groves of Andalucia after graduating from the University of Iowa. A fan of cheap beer and olives, she’s thinking of staying in southern Spain long-term. Follow Cat’s journey on her blog, Sunshine and Siestas.

This post was sponsored by FlyThomasCook.com.

Technorati Tags: Backpacking, Europe, spain, Travel Advice

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