Nan Tien Temple: A Spiritual Haven in Wollongong, Australia

Nan Tien Temple is a Buddhist temple located on the southern outskirts of the city of Wollongong in Australia. It is the largest temple in the Southern Hemisphere and is a popular destination for religious outings, school trips, and community group excursions.

Although the temple was built by Chinese craftsmen using traditional materials and techniques, the complex includes modern features such as a museum, restaurant, as well as cultural and conference facilities. It also offers regular activities such as arts and craft classes, meditation retreats, and the like.

The temple offers tours during weekends as well for individuals or groups that are less than 15. Larger groups interested in taking the tour are advised to contact the temple to make the arrangements.

When planning to visit Wollongong, Sovereign Inn Wollongong is the ideal accommodation provider for budget conscious travelers who want a cozy place to stay with amenities at low rates. This Australia hotel offers 55 guest rooms complete with a private bathroom and modern amenities such as cable TV, air-conditioning, coffee/tea making facilities, a clock radio, direct dial phone, Internet data ports, and many more.

Conference rooms are also available for business or private functions. There is a restaurant, BBQ area, and lounge bar for the guests' dining needs. Hotel services include laundry/dry cleaning, tourist information, photocopying/fax, room service, and secure on-site parking.

Visitors who want a nice, quiet place to unwind and just generally get away from it all will find Sovereign Inn Wollongong suitable for their needs. Although it is near the Wollongong central business district and commercial venues, guests will find the serene atmosphere relaxing.

Sovereign Inn Wollongong is also near tourist spots such as Mt. Keira, Cockatoo Run, and Kiama Blowhole. Tourists can also try out recreational activities such as hang gliding, surfing, golf, and hiking.

The Annual Rhododendron Festival Hits Blackheath This November

If you’re headed for New South Wales Australia this November, do take the time to visit Blackheath for its Annual Rhododendron Festival.
Blackheath’s Annual Rhododendron Festival is the place to be for simple yet fun festivities. During the occasion, the small yet picturesque town of Blackheath turns into one big bustling event brimming with activities that participants are sure to enjoy.
The Annual Rhododendron Festival is currently underway and already entertaining town locals and visiting tourists. Catch the official festival opening and art show happening on November 7 and 8. The art exhibit is set to showcase over 300 exhibits which include contemporary and traditional works, and all items will be for sale.
You can also enjoy activities such as the Rhodo Ball, the Jazz Festival, coal shoveling and roof bolting contests, and the famous street parade. One hundred stalls featuring various food and items as well as flower displays are sure to keep your eye and palate busy in between.
If you’re planning to head to the Annual Rhododendron Festival or just heading to the town of Blackheath, check out the accommodations that Allview Escape has to offer.
Allview Escape is located on the edge of Blue Mountains National Park. It features two exclusive self-contained cottages with fully-equipped dining and kitchen areas, as well as stunning balcony/deck views. Each cottage comes with television, DVD player, luxurious bath and shower, coffee/tea maker, ironing board, and laundry and barbecue area. All View Escape accommodations are strictly non-smoking.
For more accommodations information or for direct online reservation, log on to http://www.allviewescape.com.au

Jubilee Motor Inn: Perfect Base for Exploring Mount Gambier

Jubilee Motor Inn is the ideal place to stay if travelers want to visit Mount Gambier and other tourist attractions in the area. Strategically located close to the natural wonders and majestic surroundings of Mount Gambier, this hotel in South Australia is perfect for holidaymakers, vacationers, and sightseers.

Known as the city of craters, lakes, caves and sinkholes, Mount Gambier is located between Melbourne and Adelaide. A unique city set in a picturesque landscape of volcanic craters, lakes and mysterious waterways dating back to ancient times, Mount Gambier is home to one of the most progressive communities this side of Australia.

Each room at Jubilee Motor Inn are furnished with cable television, air-conditioning, telephone, hair dryer, private toilet and bath, coffee/tea maker, refrigerator, electric blankets, clock radio and ironing board. Also, wireless broadband Internet access can be made available for an additional charge. All guest rooms at the Jubilee Motor Inn are non-smoking.

Jubilee Motor Inn also offers extra services such as wake-up calls, trailer parking and boat docking, as well as fax and photocopying services, for additional fees. Room service is also available during restaurant hours.

Enjoy Mount Gambier in South Australia. And after a whole day of adventurous backpacking and nature-tripping, relax and experience the comforts of a home at Jubilee Motor Inn.

For more information about Jubilee Motor Inn, visit http://www.jubileemotorinn.com.

For an Australian-style Safari Trip, Visit Dubbo in New South Wales

If you love the wildlife and if you are interested in an Australian vacation adventure, head on to the city of Dubbo in New South Wales. Dubbo, a part of the Central West Region of the state, prides itself on being the location of the famous Western Plains Zoo. The open-range zoo is the first of its kind in the country with its sprawling hectares of landscaped greeneries developed to resemble the natural habitat of the animals.

About a thousand animals from six continents are housed within the Western Plains Zoo. Emus, koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and even Tasmanian Devils can be found here. Animals that roam freely in the zoo include Australian pelicans, Indian peafowls, and black swans. There is an access road around the zoo which you can take to see the animals. You can also hire a golf cart or bicycle for a more fun way of exploring the zoo.

If you are looking into staying in Dubbo for a few days, there are several accommodation providers in the city which you can check out. The Australian Heritage Motor Inn comes highly recommended.

This four-star Dubbo motor inn provides decent and well-furnished suites ideal for solo travelers and vacationing families. Its in-house restaurant, the Heritage Restaurant, is open to the public and is known for its scrumptious, affordable dishes.

For an adventure-filled Australian vacation, try Dubbo in New South Wales.

Enjoy a Feast of Culture and Entertainment at the Mattara Festival in Newcastle

Join the citizens of Newcastle in celebrating its cultural diversity by taking part in the activities that will commence in the city from 03 to 18 October 2009. The annual event draws in thousands of visitors, igniting the festive spirits in this part of Australia. Activities lined up for the 15-day festival include the inaugural Outdoor Art Exhibition, the Mattara Street Parade, McDonald’s Kids Carnival Day, NBN Family Fun Day and ANZ Bank Grand Parade and Cultural Day. There will be carnival rides for kids and lots of market stalls for shoppers and bargain hunters. Of course, the festival would not be complete without live entertainment from performers from various parts of Australia.

Make your stay at Newcastle as hassle-free as possible by booking rooms at the Sovereign Inn at Maitland Road in Mayfield. Sovereign Inn Newcastle provides comfortable and convenient accommodations, with well-appointed rooms and quality service. Guests can choose from Twin, Triple and Queen Rooms, all equipped with cable TV, direct dial phones, hair dryers, private toilet and shower, ironing boards and coffee/tea makers.

The inn also has an outdoor pool and BBQ area, and offers services such as daily maid service, laundry and tourist information.

For inquiries and reservations, log on to http://www.sovereigninnnewcastle.com/index.php.

Go Pretty in Pink this October at Cairns Esplanade

The Cairns Esplanade will be illuminated in pink this October as the whole world marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Cairns will be one of the many places around the world to participate in the Global Illumination campaign spearheaded by Estee Lauder Companies. The worldwide campaign aims to raise funds for breast cancer research. Places participating in the campaign will decorate buildings and monuments with pink lights come this October 3, 2009. Illumination will start at 7: 00 PM until 9:00 in the evening. Men and women participating in this event are encouraged to wear pink on the set date.

Now on its tenth year, the Global Illumination has decorated more than 200 landmarks and monuments around the globe with pink lights, including Canada’s Niagara Falls as well as Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa. Cairns Esplanade’s Swimming Lagoon in particular, will be bathed in pink lights this October as it aims to be the first in the world to have underwater lagoon illumination. The Sydney Opera House and the Federation Square in Melbourne will also glow in pink as participants of this global campaign. People from all walks of life are invited to this grand event in Cairns.

If you happen to be traveling to Cairns in the coming weeks, you might want to visit the esplanade and witness this event. Cairns Esplanade is a popular recreational center in Cairns that consists of a swimming lagoon, shops, restaurants, a picnic area, a children’s playground, and an outdoor amphitheater.

As for Cairns accommodation, the Quality Inn Rainbow Southside comes highly recommended. It provides visitors with four-star, spacious rooms furnished with modern amenities. The Cairns Esplanade can be easily accessed from Quality Inn Rainbow Southside. Visit the hotel’s website at http://www.southsideinn.com.au/ to know more.

Marty Wilde Rocks Tamworth

Going back to the 50’s and 60’s music, one of the greatest names that will be remembered is Marty Wilde. A legendary icon in the world of Rock and Roll for over fifty years, Marty hits Tamworth (Assembly Rooms) on the 30th of September, 2009 with a stunning evening of good music from his own vaults. He will conquer the stage once more as he pays homage to friends who have been influential to shaping the nature of British Rock and Roll. Featuring his personal favourites such as Bad Boy, Jesamine, Teenager in Love, Rubber Ball, Jezabel. Sea of Love, and many more, Marty will surely bring you back to the good old days of swingin’ and shakin’ to the beat of rock songs. Doors open at 7:30 in the evo. Ticket price is £17.00.

Visit www.alandale.com.au for an overnight, after-concert stay in Tamworth. Get the best rates if you book directly with The Alandale Motor Inn.