10 Best Places To Stay - RANZCR ASM - Gold Coast

Are you coming to the RANZCR ASM Conference this year from the 13th - 16th of October? The Gold Coast will be a great location with plenty to do including ASM's many fantastic workshops and the Scientific Program. One of the best things about attending this annual conference, is the chance to catch up with friends, colleagues, peers and those who are doing interesting things in the radiology world that you have the chance to meet in person. Outside the conference, it's well worth taking the chance to see more of the Gold Coast.

We'll be bringing you a bite-sized series of ideas for essentials such as where to get a good coffee, places to dine and activities to do whilst in the Gold Coast region.

First, we thought it would be useful to send you a few ideas for accommodation - Don't leave it until the last minute - Book now!

Trip Advisor have a great TOP 10 for hotels near the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. All the details you need are there and you can decide on what's best, depending on your means of transport, whether you're flying in or driving and other considerations.

Hope that is helpful! The Prescript team will be at RANZCR ASM 2016 so let us know here if you're registered to attend.

Our contact details:

Nicola Speer  0405429799 I nicola@prescript.com.au

James Hill 0410 792 310 I james@prescript.com.au

Ian Ormesher 0434 401 379 I ian@prescript.com.au

Sunshine Coast - Location Report

WHAT 

WHERE

SUNSHINE COAST

Quintessential Sunshine Coast

Located in Queensland and beginning just 100km North of Brisbane, the wonderful Sunshine Coast lives up to its name and offers a whole lot to see and do - including some surprises to uncover! With five distinct regions, the Sunshine Coast has lush hinterland, freshwater rivers and lakes, subtropical forests, farmland and stunning national parks, as well as it's famous, pristine beaches and coastline brimming with opportunities for adventure.

The Sunshine Coast is well known for its 'laid back' vibe and stylish towns, attracting visitors from around the world, as well as a proud, local population. Here, towns are dotted throughout the region to explore, good food is abundant and locally grown. People have a relaxed, friendly attitude and there are endless ways to fill the sunny days in this all-year-around, great climate part of Australia.

Whilst on the Sunshine Coast, definitely spend time in Noosa, the region's best known and very stylish town - but don't miss the chance to explore Coolum, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba and Caloundra, and the artistic and creative hinterland villages of Maleny, Montville and Mapleton.

NOOSA

Explore Hastings Street - Noosa's main street. It's full of restaurants, bars, boutique shops and galleries.  By day, you will see surfers with their boards alongside smartly dressed shoppers - the contrast being part of the charm.  By night, the street is lit with fairy lights hanging from the trees and the atmosphere feels very Mediterranean with people strolling from open-air bars to the beachside restaurants.

An elegant option for dining in Noosa is Sails Restaurant. Modern Australian cuisine, beach views, great for a special lunch or dinner. 

A relaxed option is the popular Miss Moneypenny's. Enjoy the lovely outside decking area. Serves cocktails and very tasty pizzas.

Noosa Main Beach is right by Hastings Street and is patrolled all year round for swimming safety.  This is a great location to learn how to surf or just to relax on the beach.

For a romantic evening, bring your own bottle of wine and catch a sunset cruise.  Ice bucket and glasses provided, you'll be taken along the river & canals at a leisurely pace. Perfect for taking in the evening light and unique scenery - some of the places you'll see are in fact only accessible by water.

GYMPIE REGION

A surprising contrast to the golden beaches the Sunshine Coast is so famous for, are the charming inland and Hinterland towns of the region. A great example being, Gympie. The 19th century gold mining town is wonderful step back in time. Colonial buildings line the streets and remnants of times gone by are well preserved in the heritage walks and museums. There is plenty more around Gympie, including its own nearby bit of coastline where you can visit Rainbow Beach and Tin Can Bay - famous for dolphin feeding and a great place for sailing.

Gympie Circa 1940

MARKETS

Of course, in such an abundant region, markets are the place to go for local food and artisan goods. Here are two to get started with!

Only a 20 minute drive away from Noosa, Eumundi Markets are open every Wednesday & Saturday and definitely worth a visit. Their ethos is “we make it, bake it, grow it, sew it”. You'll find individual stalls selling paintings, jewellery, furniture and also great food and local produce.

Caloundra Street Fair, from 8am - 1pm every Sunday, are known as the best street market on the Sunshine Coast. With over 200 stalls to browse and shop from, you won't be short inspiration.

GETTING THERE

It's easy! Sunshine Coast Airport is a 30 minute drive from Noosa and similar distances to other key centres in the region. Regular direct flights from Sydney/Melbourne are available OR you can arrive via Brisbane Airport and enjoy the drive up the coast or inland. There are also plenty of shuttle buses available if you don't wish to drive.

Here is a useful page of information about travel times from the Sunshine Coast Airport, plus good information about flights and connected destinations.

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Prescript can help great doctors find great places to work in both locum and permanent positions. Interested in the Sunshine Coast? Call me on +61 405429799 or email nicola@prescript.com.au - I'd love to hear from you.

Alternatively, click on the button below to 'register as a candidate', 'subscribe for updates' or 'request a call'. 

Darwin - Location Report

WHAT

WHERE

DARWIN

QUINTESSENTIAL DARWIN

The vast Northern Territory of Australia occupies about one sixth of Australia's total landmass. Darwin, the capital city of the territory, is a great place to be based, with an incredible range of truly unique experiences to enjoy - and the perfect gateway to exploring other parts of this incredible part of the world, also known in Australia as the Top End.

Situated on the edge of a vast harbour, larger by comparison than Sydney's, Darwin is Australia’s only fully tropical city, with a fascinating diversity of people, culture, history and natural wonders.

Darwin, facing out over the Timor Sea, is a vibrant, exciting city that draws on its cultural diversity in its array of food, entertainment and lifestyle – and offers plenty to show off the Northern Territory’s remarkable scenery from rainforest wilderness, desert to ocean and the abundant wildlife in each of these contrasting environments.

More than 50 nationalities are represented here, including the indigenous people whose history, art and culture is a must to learn about whilst here. Reflecting the many nationalities living here in Darwin, the food markets and local restaurants also provide a delicious culinary map to enjoy.

FOOD

Darwin has plenty to offer the culinary adventurer. Buzzing street-side restaurants and bars, Darwin's cultural mix is deliciously represented in the many places to eat within the city. Fresh, local seafood, Asian food, Australian bush food, European food with a local flavour – and you always have the choice from 5 star fine dining to casual restaurants to delicious street stalls and cheap, good quality food.

FOOD MARKETS

An essential visit to experience the heart of Darwin’s diversity is the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Market. Enjoy international cuisine from over 60 food stalls – Fresh, fun, cheap, good street food – Sri Lankan, Turkish, Greek, Cambodian, Japanese, Malaysian, Indonesian, local Australian – and eat on the beach as the sun sets over the Arafura Sea.

There are also arts and crafts stalls to browse for hand made items, local and international. Music, street performers, fire twirling, ice cream carts and fresh, tropical fruit vendors all add to the great atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Mindil Beach Sunset Market is held Sunday and Thursday nights during the dry season – check the website or information centres for details. Mindil Beach is about 2km from Darwin's city centre - an easy walk or jump on buses 4 or 6 instead.

ESSENTIAL ADVENTURES

The natural wonders of the Northern Territory’s famous national parks of Kakadu and Litchfield are only a few hours' drive away and easily accessible by car or through organised tours. Enjoy the heart of Australia on a day tour of adventure and discovery. Towering termite mounds, waterfalls to swim in, wildlife to observe. Take a ride on the Adelaide River where you can spot huge crocodiles from the safety of the boat. Perhaps take the opportunity to go out on an ocean trip, fishing or sight seeing.

Families often enjoy the local adventure parks where visitors can see crocodiles or interact with other wildlife in the Top End. One such place is The Territory Wildlife Park, a 45-minute drive south of Darwin, allows you to see dingoes, enjoy their walk-through aviary, nocturnal house, goose lagoon, aquarium, billabong and monsoon forest walk.

INDIGENOUS ART AND CULTURE

Take the opportunity to explore the enthralling culture of the local Pudakul people on an authentic, nature-based experience. Learn about bush tucker (food) and traditional medicine, try blowing a didgeridoo, play the clapsticks, throw a spear and see basket and dilly bag making demonstrations. Discover the significance of Dreamtime and Djukbinj, the Rainbow Serpent and enjoy damper (bush bread) and tea.

Take some time to explore the well-appointed museums that explain and celebrate the city and territory’s past. The history of this land is truly remarkable – the sad times, the good times – so important for us to learn about and acknowledge in this land steeped in culture.  Stunning galleries showcase the region's rich indigenous art and offer explanations of the significance of each piece.

Didgeridoo and clap sticks being played at the Seabreeze Festival

Tiwi Islands

A visit to the Top End would not be complete without a trip to the Tiwi Islands called Melville and Bathurst. The island of Bathurst is just a short boat trip from Darwin. There you can experience life in a modern-day Aboriginal community - learn about the rich and fascinating history and culture of the Tiwi people and take the opportunity to purchase examples of the unique and wonderful Tiwi Island arts and crafts.

AND…RELAX

Once you’re done with adventuring for the day, you might like to watch a movie under the stars at the Deckchair Cinema in Darwin. Perhaps climb aboard a luxury yacht or an old 'pearl lugger' for a dinner cruise around Darwin’s magnificent harbour at sunset. Or, just enjoy a simple sunset picnic with a cold beer and some local food.

USEFUL LINKS

Lonely Planet - Darwin

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets

Travel NT - useful travel information including accommodation, tours and weather

GETTING THERE

The terminal at Darwin International Airport is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Both domestic and international flights leave from the same building. The city centre of Darwin is just 15 minutes drive from the airport.

 

“Darwin is a place of spiritual, cultural and natural wonder – to be respected and absorbed in awe. To spend a few days or weeks here will surely be a life-long highlight.”

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Have we tempted you yet?  If you would like to try life in Darwin and locum for a week or two, I would be delighted to help.  You can contact me via nicola@prescript.com.au / 0405429799 or click on the button below to request a call, subscribe for updates or register as a candidate.

Hervey Bay & Maryborough QLD - Location Report

WHAT
WHERE
HERVEY BAY & MARYBOROUGH

quintessential FRASER COAST

Here's an overview focused around the main towns of the Fraser Coast, Hervey Bay and Maryborough.

Situated around 290km North of Queensland’s state capital, Brisbane, the Fraser Coast and surrounds in the greater Wide Bay-Burnett region, offers a wonderful opportunity to explore and discover some of Australia’s most prized natural wonders.

With its delightfully warm climate, pristine coastline and stunning scenery, the Fraser Coast is a perfect destination for those wanting some quintessential Australian beach-life and adventures on the water.

Hervey Bay and Maryborough are just 30km, or about 20 minutes drive apart making it easy to move between the two and the road through from Brisbane provides easy access. There are also flights depending on where you're traveling from.

HERVEY BAY

A relaxed town with a population of around 63,000, is a great base to stay, explore the town itself and relax into the many beach activities and café culture right there. From here, you can access what are without a doubt, the ‘must experience’ activities and destinations. There are plenty to choose from and luckily, very well resourced information available in regional tourism sites, to help you plan exactly what you want to do.

With over 40km of pristine beaches stretching out from it, Hervey Bay is the place to experience world class fishing; boating culture; water sports of every type - and the 'laid back' vibe that can give even the most over-worked city visitor the chance to change down a few gears and totally relax. If you like fresh seafood then you're in luck too!

MARYBOROUGH

Maryborough by contrast to Hervey Bay’s salty, beach-led lifestyle,  has a lovely change of pace into a historic, heritage town that offers a wonderful insight into colonial life and industry of days gone by.  The charming old port city of Maryborough was in the mid 1800s, a thriving port town second only to Sydney as Australia’s main immigration point for thousands of new settlers who flocked here. The original wharf district has now been converted to a heritage precinct, Portside which is another ‘must see’ to add onto the list.

One claim to fame loved by the locals, is the fact that Maryborough, named for the Mary River, is the birthplace of much loved Mary Poppins author, Pamela Travers.

A good way to explore the town is a peaceful wander around the historic streets with the old homes and pubs giving a glimpse into times gone by in some part of Australian history.

DON'T MISS...

We’ve selected just two special features of the surrounding region to feature. There are so many things to choose from, including all water sports, fishing and boating, but whale watching, and of course, a trip to the iconic Fraser Island had to be top of the list.

FRASER ISLAND

World Heritage-listed Fraser Island is surely one of the Earth’s ultimate islands. The incredible beaches accessible by boat and from the stunning 120km of beach highway have to be experienced to be believed. As do the astonishing coloured sands. And as if that’s not enough, you then have the cool of the towering, ancient rainforests to walk through plus over one hundred freshwater lakes to swim in including the iconic Lake McKenzie and Lake Wabby.

Of course with all this to see, it’s ideal to dedicate at least a few days to the island. Accommodation on offer ranges from casual and low budget, right through to luxury eco lodges.

If you’re short on time however, even a day trip over from Hervey Bay will give you a taste of the beauty that is Fraser Island.

WHALE WATCHING

The Fraser Coast is recognized at the World Capital for whale watching. Seeing the magnificent humpback whales in close proximity from a boat and hearing all about them from well-educated staff is something not to be missed. There are all sorts of tours and packages to choose from so it’s worth having a browse to find one that suits your wishes.

Boats are well equipped and tours often include lunch or other refreshments. It’s a great family experience to have and a memorable one for anyone.

Don’t forget your camera!

EATING & DRINKING

Like many parts of Australia, there is a growing passion on the Fraser Coast for local, seasonal food and an emphasis on sustainable fishing and good practices for farming and looking after animals and land. It’s worth exploring seeking out the restaurants and cafes that live by these principals.

Here you can browse a comprehensive guide to cafes, restaurants and bars all over the Fraser Coast, find exactly what you want, whether it’s fine dining, chips on the wharf, or anything in between.

Farmers markets are always the places to find the best produce, artisan products, healthy food, indulgent treats and a offer a chance to interact and get to know some of the friendly locals.

This link to farming, food and produce, gives you a great overview of the locations and details for all the local markets.

This incredible, year-round warm and sunny climate, teamed with the myriad of wonderful natural experiences on both land and sea, make it a pretty appealing place to come for a few days or more. See the links provided throughout this article further information to help you choose some ideal activities for you.

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Prescript can help great Doctors find great places to work (Locum or Permanent) in Hervey Bay & Maryborough. Interested?  Call me +61 0405429799 or email nicola@prescript.com.au - I'd love to hear from you.

Alternatively, click on the button below to 'register as a candidate', 'subscribe for updates' or 'request a call'. 

Noosa - Location Report

Whatever way you relax, you'll find it in Noosa, the Relaxation Capital of Australia. Find out more at www.visitnoosa.com.au.

Quintessential Noosa

Noosa is a stylish and relaxed town on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.  Famous for its scenery, beaches and food, it makes a perfect location to have a break.

What To Do First?

Explore Hastings Street - it is the main street in Noosa - full of restaurants, bars, boutique shops and galleries.  By day, you will see surfers with their boards alongside smart shoppers with boat shoes & Panama hats.  By night, the street is lit with fairy lights hanging from the trees and the atmosphere feels very Mediterranean with people strolling from open-air bars to the beachside restaurants.

Where To Try?

There are so many great choices it's impossible to list them all here.  Two places that ought to be on your list are:

An elegant option - Sails Restaurant - modern Australian cuisine, beach views, great for a special lunch or dinner. 

A relaxed, but trendy option - Miss Moneypenny's - lovely outside decking area.  Serves cocktails and very tasty pizzas.

Beaches

Noosa Main Beach is right by Hastings Street and is patrolled all year round.  Great location to learn how to surf or just to relax on the beach.  If you want to explore you must visit Noosa National Park.   Its entrance is right by the end of the beach and the walk to Hell's Gates rewards you with great views.

Romance

Bring your own bottle of wine and catch a sunset cruise.  Ice bucket and glasses provided, you can cruise the river & canals.  A very relaxing way to start your evening and see some places that are only accessible by water.

“We make it, bake it, grow it, sew it”.   

Only a 20 minute drive away, Eumundi Markets are open every Wednesday & Saturday and definitely worth visiting.  Their ethos is “we make it, bake it, grow it, sew it” and you'll find individual stalls selling paintings, jewellery, furniture and also great food.

What's On?

Noosa has a full calendar of things to do - from a Surf Festival to a Jazz Festival with everything in-between!  The Visit Noosa website is brilliant for an overview of things you need to know about what's happening in Noosa.

How to get there

It's easy! Sunshine Coast Airport is a 30 minute drive and has regular direct Sydney/Melbourne flights OR you can arrive via Brisbane Airport. There are lots of shuttle buses available if you don't want to drive.

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About Prescript Recruitment

For more information, a great place to start is www.prescript.com.au

You'll find information about our locum and permanent recruitment services for doctors, hospitals and practices.  You'll also find links to our blogs, location reports and other resources.

1300 755 498 // contact@prescript.com.au

Hobart - Tasmania - Location Report

WHAT

WHERE

HOBART

Hobart Harbour - Tasmania

QUINTESSENTIAL HOBART

Don’t be fooled into thinking that Tasmania, or Tassie, as it’s affectionately known, is in any way insignificant in comparison to its colossal landmass next door, being mainland Australia.

Tassie is like a highly concentrated dose of quality in one compact and highly intriguing package.

Hobart - what a city to behold.  It is ideally situated on the edge of the harbour. Houses and the centre of the city hug the coast and continue up the undulating hills behind, meaning many homes have wonderful views out over the sparkling bay. It’s easy to hark back to days when early European settlers were building houses, pubs and commercial spaces in this prime site. Many of those lovely old sandstone houses remain in Hobart so a walk around the pretty streets is essential.

In recent years, Hobart has seen a mass of high quality culinary enterprises spring forth and flourish. Food lovers, professional chefs and those passionate about farming and life on the land have found the produce that can be grown, the freedom of lifestyle and community enthusiasm for things gourmet to be magnetic.

HUNGRY?

Food really isn’t far from any experience in Hobart. The choice of cafes and restaurants is extraordinary and those wishing to experience authentic, lovingly cooked food using the best of local, seasonal produce, dairy products, meat and seafood will be delighted.

You won’t go thirsty either.  Tasmania has a highly respected wine industry with stunning vineyards dotted around the island.  Restaurants in Hobart itself are generally avid supporters of the local wine industry and very beautifully showcase Tasmanian wine, matched with food of the region.

A favourite is Garagistes, chef Luke Burgess is a master of seasonal eating and his food reflects the best of local and celebrates the essence of Tasmania.

The Urbanist has a pretty fantastic overview, follow their recommendations and then just follow your ‘food radar’ to narrow down your favourites.

For something special, check out Agrarian Kitchen. Chef and food writer, Rodney Dunn has developed a dream cooking school and farm where guests come for inspired, paddock to plate style cooking, sharing and eating. Details on their beautiful website – warning – book ahead to save disappointment of missing out!

GETTING IN THE SPIRIT

If you like a wee dram of something stronger, Tasmania also have a thriving spirits industry with distilleries producing some premium spirits.

Breweries in Tasmania too are boutique, delightful and open for tours as well as tastings and just enjoying a good beer with some local delicacies.

SALAMANCA MARKET

Saturday morning in Hobart is when Salamanca Place fires into life. With a vibrant market featuring over 300 stalls, here you will find everything good, local, tasty, intriguing, beautiful and artisan.

Salamanca Market Produce

WALK, CYCLE, PADDLE, SAIL AND EXPLORE

If you like the great outdoors, you’ll strike gold in Tasmania. As well as strolling the fascinating streets of Hobart, a jaunt or two out of town is highly recommended, even if you’re only there for a few days.

For the more rugged adventurers, overnight hikes take you into absolutely stunning, pristine wilderness and there are both mountainous and coastal options.

Being an island means lots of coastline and of course, this is fully celebrated in Tasmania. Everything from kayaking, to fishing, to sailing on a chartered yacht is on offer. Check out Discover Tasmania for ideas on where to find your ideal adventure.

CULTURE AND ARTS

We’ve focused on the culinary arts but Hobart cannot be overlooked for an impressive concentration of visual arts. There are lovely little galleries to explore all over Hobart.

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery are a must see. Housed in Tasmania’s oldest building, you will see a wonderfully curated collection of Aboriginal and colonial arts, relics and natural wonders.

The wild card in the cultural experience scene, has to be the now famous MONA. Situated twelve kilometres North of Hobart, the most exciting option for getting there is, we think, a cruise up the Derwent River.  MONA is a dramatic offering with three floors to explore. Lonely Planet report that the “$75-million museum has been described by philanthropist owner David Walsh as ‘a subversive adult Disneyland’. Ancient antiquities are showcased next to contemporary works: sexy, provocative, disturbing and deeply engaging.”

While you’re at MONA, it would seem a pity not to call in at the magnificent winery, Moorilla. You can engage in some wine tasting or perhaps enjoy a Moo Brew beer tasting. There is also a stunningly situated restaurant, The Source, upstairs for a perfect lunch.

WAIT, THERE’S MORE

We’ll be featuring location guides from other great spots in Tasmania but just as a starter:

Launceston – a stunning town, Tasmania’s second largest to Hobart, situated perfectly on the harbour that’s dotted with yachts and fishing boats. Lovely restaurants; spectacular scenery; great community, and the gateway to activities in this region of the island.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Here are some great links to help you plan a trip to Hobart and the rest of Tasmania.

Discover Tasmania

Lonely Planet Hobart

Salamanca Market

The Urban List - Where to Eat Hobart

Trip Advisor - Restaurants in Hobart

Gourmet Traveller - Happening Hobart

Food Tourist - A Food Lover's Guide to Tasmania 

Cooking Classes at the Agrarian Kitchen

 

TEMPTED?

Prescript has partnered with some great places to work in Tasmania.  Come & Locum for a week or two and let us help organise everything on your behalf.  You might love it so much that you want to make the move more permanent!

Call me +61 405 429 799 or email nicola@prescript.com.au

To register with Prescript, request a call or subscribe for updates, please click below.

Whileaway Guides – Q&A

Q&A

WHILEAWAY

GUIDES

If you're thinking of being a Locum in a regional area, Prescript is delighted to introduce you to our favourite travel companion 'Whileaway Guides'.  Read our Q&A with founders Kitty Spry and Jess Grinter and hear how the Guides are designed to be like the diary of a well-travelled friend.

How and why did Whileaway Guides start?  Sydney-siders Kitty Spry and Jess Grinter, have been great friends for many years and have always shared a love of travel and discovery. After both living overseas, we realised how much we relished to get out and about to visit our surrounds on weekends but where do you start looking for information if you are not familiar with the area and who has the time these days?

After returning to Sydney, (over a glass of Rosé no less) the concept was born! The more we talked about it the idea of creating these guides, the more excited we got. There was nothing else like it for regional areas. With our sense of adventure and eternal curiosity of new places to escape, we were always being asked by friends for tips on places to go, see and savour. Why not package it up and put it in print for all to enjoy? And so we did!

What are your backgrounds?  Kitty is a mother and is not one to sit around on the couch doing nothing. She has always loved exploring the next new place and with kids, she didn’t want this to stop. And it’s the perfect excuse to get out of the IT rat race! Whileaway Guides are inspired and dedicated to Kitty’s mum, Deborah Spry, who had a passion for the good old fashioned holiday brochure and planning her next getaway. Never without the excitement of the next adventure in mind, we hope that she and these treasured little guides inspire you to do the same (as Deb inspired us).

Jess is a passionate graphic designer who is incessantly inquisitive about the world we live in with a thirst for discovery. Along with her ‘joie de vivre’, she madly scours design and travel material – always looking out for unique places, products and experiences to hit the market. Not one to sit back and relax, she loves to escape every chance she gets and will often jump in the car or plane to see what all the fuss is about. Being ‘in the know’ and finding new and peachy-perfect places is what makes it all worthwhile (and fun to boot). Throw in some good tunes, great coffee and fab food and she is one happy camper.

Why did you choose the regional areas you included in the guides?  Whileaway Guides were born to inspire travellers to look outside our major cities into the more rural regions. We chose the regions that had a unique and varied range of offerings to the ‘experience seeker’ all within short distances from home. They also needed to provide an easy ‘mini-break’ from a large city or commercial airport to encourage busy locals and overseas guests to venture out and explore.

What is your criteria when choosing the places included in the guides? What are the characteristics looked for when compiling the guides?  The Guides are designed to be more like the diary of a well-travelled friend, impartial and unbiased, offering personal advice based on our team’s experiences. No one pays to feature in our guides. Before we visit, we gather hot tips and recommendations from locals then go to check it ourselves.  We choose the featured offerings based on the ‘feel’ that is, it’s welcoming, value for money and depicts the mood for the region – there is something about it that is just a little bit special. And we know our ‘friends’ will just love it.

What is the most attractive city in Australia nowadays? Why?  Hobart (Tasmania) is Australia’s current hotspot and ticking all the boxes for all the right reasons. Attractive physically, culturally and historically, there is something for everyone including the foodies. Nestled at the foot of Mount Wellington on the Derwent River, it is surrounded by luscious lands producing gourmet delights – boutique wines, cheeses, and apples to name a few (Tassie is not called the ‘apple isle’ for nothing).

It is certainly setting new standards in the arty world with crowds flocking to recently opened art galleries including MONA – a unique and very memorable experience ‘wowing’ visitors from all over the globe. Not only is the gallery making waves in art circles, the onsite cafe, restaurant, brewery and shop provide a well rounded experience for those who travel to this little pocket of perfection. The historic center around Constitution Dock, Battery Point and Port Arthur ooze stories of our convict past will excite the historians. 

Hobart and surrounds is also our best selling guide so hop down to hip and happening Hobart!

What trends are you seeing coming up in Australia’s lifestyle?  There is a real trend towards lifestyle changes – ‘Tree change’ and Sea change’ as people seek a more relaxed lifestyle, out of the cities. Australia’s range of diverse landscapes from beach to bush means there are options for all personalities to live and travel – most within short distances from home or quick flight escape.

There is a strong push towards food and wine being produced organically, especially those products that are within 100 food miles, (lowering their carbon footprint). Fresh is best as they say and we agree!

Culture is also playing an important part of getaway experiences, learning something new and discovering something old.

How are your guides different to other guides?

• They contain all the best bits for a destination – things to see, explore, eat, drink and places to stay. We have done the research for you so all you have to do is turn up.
• They are ‘unbiased and impartial’ meaning no one has paid to be in the guides. They only make the cut if we have been there, seen it and loved it!
• 10 folded pocket-sized pages, written in itinerary style with a cute little map – easy to carry around.
• A calendar of events so you can plan your trip around the action.
• Fun, quirky facts that you didn’t know about the region (perfect for the historians or trivia nuts!)
• A place for you to write memorable bits or notes of things to remember, like the name of the vintage vino you just sampled (or the phone number of the spunky waiter that just served you).
• They pack a punch but won’t break the bank – you’ll have change from a tenner.
• Collect them as a special memory of your experiences in a gorgeous Whileaway Journal – perfect for the coffee table and to make your friends jealous of your recent adventures.

Who designed them?  Jess Grinter is a graphic designer and with her love of vintage finds, created the visual identity for Whileaway Guides. We starting with the name and loved the double meaning of ‘while away’ and with that, came the development of the logo – a hot air balloon. Jess and Kitty both loved the sense of freedom, adventure and escape and knew that the balloon encapsulated this feeling. From there, we wanted to keep the design and typography simple to let the guides speak (literally) for themselves.

The pastel ‘gelato’ colour palette representing each Australian state is reflective of vintage flavours and compliments the uncoated paper the guides are printed on – yummo. We love print and paper! Together over a year in development, we researched, designed and refined to create Whileaway Guides and we love now sharing these with others

Who are they aimed for? Locals or foreigners?  Both. What’s great about the guides is that, as locals love getting out and about especially on weekends to escape the city and discover new things. As most destinations are within a few hours drive of these cities, they offer the ultimate escape! For foreigners, it provides the chance to see Australia’s uniqueness and to experience what our regional areas have to offer. More often than not, foreigners see more of a country than the locals – so we are hoping to change that, and in fact I think we have already!

Choose the best restaurant and the best bar from your guides.  This is a tricky one – too much to choose from.

Food

Biota Dining (Bowral, New South Wales) – ups-the-ante with unusual culinary delights in gorgeous Scandinavian-like setting. One must for the foodies.

Tarrawarra Estate (Yarra Valley, Victoria) – spectacular architectural masterpiece set within winery. Great food with view across the rolling hills. When you are finished, have a walk around the onsite art gallery.

Spirit House (Maleny, Sunshine Coast Guide) – The night-time ambiance of a rainforest dining experience.

BARS

Nautilus  – (Port Douglas, Far North Queensland Guide). The chilli Margarita is sublime.

White Rabbit Brewery – (Yarra Valley Guide, Victoria). Coolness and relaxation at its best.

Salthouse – (Cairns and surrounds Guide, Queensland). Located on the marina, when the sun goes down, the tunes are turned up for a lively atmosphere.

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Visit whileawayguides.com.au for more info on the Guides.

Thinking of being a Locum in a regional area?  Make the most of your time away. Book a Locum through Prescript and receive a Whileaway Guide as our gift to you.