Jaunted - Tag: Melbourne Travel

Melbourne: What Melbourne Has to Offer (Besides Tennis) During the Australian Open

jetflyboy — 2012-01-11T12:18:34-05:00

The whole of Australia is consumed with the Summer tennis circuit currently touring around the country, and the pinnacle of the tennis season down under is marked by the Australian Open played in Melbourne. As the only grand slam tennis tournament held in the Southern Hemisphere, the city is showcased not only as a sport capital, but the cultural capital of Australia.

Melbourne is located on the southeastern Aussie coast and it boasts a vibrant cafe society and an avant garde fashion scene. Originally established during the Australian gold rush, Melbourne's rich history and causes it to be called the "Paris of Down Under." If your plans bring you to the city for tennis, plan to soak up more experiences than just seeing top seeded Novak Djokovic or Caroline Wozniacki.

Australia on New Year's Eve: How Aussies Will Boogie Down, Down Under

jetflyboy — 2011-12-27T11:39:33-05:00

New Years Eve plans don't have to include ways to stay warm while singing Auld Lang Syne, or fighting for a cab in a snowstorm. it's summer down under in Australia! And some time spent with friends and family on a beach or dining alfresco while watching a fireworks display of Olympic proportions can surely be on your December 31st agenda.

Australia is one of the first countries to ring in the new year. Each city center hosts a myriad of events showcasing the individuality of each region, while drawing domestic and international visitors alike.

Please make sure you leave the fireworks to the professionals, however, as they are illegal throughout the country. Here's what's going on, plus our own tips for what to go if you find yourself in Australia this weekend:

London: Talking About ST. ALi, the Latest Addition to London's Antipodean-Dominated Coffee Scene

Heidi Atwal — 2011-07-07T15:45:01-05:00

ST. ALi is the latest Antipodean transplant to London's burgeoning coffee scene, a veritable sanctum to champion blends and artisinal brews. The cafe/restaurant, located in fashionable neighborhood of Farringdon, originated in Melbourne over a decade ago, a city well regarded for its commitment to quality coffee and exporting talented baristas.

As London's pint- and tea-centric culture ever so slowly evolves into one dominated by Clover fanatics and espressionites, ST. ALi may prove to be a key player in said change. Jaunted recently had the opportunity to sit down for brunch and a hearty helping of caffeinated beverages at ST. ALi, in addition to interviewing its Director of Coffee, Tim Williams. Where exactly is London's coffee industry heading, and how can you brew the perfect cup at home? Read on for more, and for photos from our visit.

Chile's Puyehue Volcano Eruption Grounding Flights Across Australia and New Zealand

Omri — 2011-06-13T08:49:48-05:00

Well this is getting kind of tired. In March Big Ash Problems caused by erupting volcanoes grounding flights throughout Japan. Then in May it was Europe's turn, with the ash cloud from Iceland's Grimsvotn eruption disrupting air travel first in Scotland and then in other parts of the continent.

Now the Puyehue volcano in Chile has blown its top. First the ash cloud first wrecked havoc on Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. Then over the weekend it traveled across the Pacific and shut down airports from Melbourne to New Zealand. With some flights still grounded indefinitely, 2011 is shaping up to be even worse than 2010, the year of vengeful air travel volcano gods.

Margaret River: Australia's Other Wine Regions: Margaret River

EricRosen — 2011-06-03T12:45:47-05:00

When it comes to Australian wines, there’s one big-name, bewitching, badass behemoth that gets all the attention: Barossa. But this week, Jaunted Special Contributor Eric Rosen takes us on a tour of a few of Oz’s lesser known wine regions, many of which are within a few hours of the continent’s major cities. So drop that bottle of Shiraz and join us as we take a tour of Australia’s “other” wine regions.

For the final installment in this week’s look at Australia’s other wine regions, we travel to the far corner of the continent to visit what has to be one of my personal favorite places of all time: Western Australia’s Margaret River.
Never Heard of It?
That’s okay, I kind of want to keep it that way since this place is so special, not to mention remote. It’s located about 3 hours southwest of Perth, so it’s literally the end of the earth, with nothing between you and Africa but an uninterrupted stretch of Indian Ocean.

Clare: Australia's Other Wine Regions: The Clare Valley

EricRosen — 2011-06-02T09:00:02-05:00

Today we’re visiting a region in South Australia that’s actually adjacent to the Barossa: the Clare Valley. Like the Barossa, the Clare is pretty close to Adelaide (between 90 minutes’ and two hours’ drive), and known for producing world-class variations of a particular varietal. Unlike Shiraz, this one’s a white wine that most folks think comes only from Germany and Austria. That’s right, Australia makes Riesling, and much of it comes from the Clare Valley. There’s even a Riesling Trail you can bike there, so grab your breathalyzer and saddle up, because we’re going wine-tasting.

Yarra Glen: Australia's Other Wine Regions: Yarra Valley

EricRosen — 2011-06-01T12:41:09-05:00

When it comes to Australian wines, there’s one bewitching, badass behemoth that gets all the attention: Barossa. But this week, Jaunted Special Contributor Eric Rosen takes us on a tour of a few of Oz’s lesser known wine regions, many of which are within a few hours of the continent’s major cities. So drop that bottle of Shiraz and join us as we take a tour of Australia’s “other” wine regions.

Today we start in one of Australia’s premier wine-growing area: the Yarra Valley in Victoria. This is also one of the country’s most accessible wine regions since it lies just 45 minutes northeast of Melbourne, and can make for a great trip lasting anywhere from a few hours to a few days.