E A S Y . E S C A P A D E S

Just less than 3 hours away from Sydney CBD, lies a paradise with white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters. When you think Summer, Jervis Bay is the perfect little getaway whether it's with a group of mates or a romantic getaway for two. 

I've been here a couple of times, but thought this time around I would venture out and explore beyond just Hyams Beach (don't get me wrong- this beach is amazing but it can get a tad overcrowded during the holiday season). 

If you like smaller beaches, snorkelling or waves that are not too hectic - keep reading to get some suggestions on some go to beaches for your next holiday!

1. Greenfield Beach

This has to be my favourite beach! So easy to get to if you are staying around Huskinsson and mainly love it for its blue crystal waters. The sand is not as white as Hyam's Beach but given the waves are not too high (depending on the wind speed on the day), it's perfect for snorkelling. There are a few shady spots in case you didn't bring a sun umbrella under the trees but still close enough to enjoy the sound of waves! Is it just me but I always feel instantly calm when I hear the sound of waves? 

If you are feeling adventurous, you can also start the White Sands Walk from here towards Hyams Beach. 

2. Blenheim Beach

No more than a 3-minute drive away from Greenfield is Blenheim Beach! A great beach to visit given its proximity to Hyams Beach. Love the beach for it's low tide (recommended beach for the amateur swimmers aka - me) and snorkelling near the rocky section of the beach. It's approximately the same size as Greenfield. 

3. Hyams Beach 

Hyams Beach is a must go especially if it is your first time in Jervis Bay. This beach is so picturesque - straight out of a postcard (photoshopping the crowd out!). There's a rumour that the white silicon sand from Hyams is transported to Hawaii for their beaches, so technically it's like you've gone to Hawaii as well! The beach itself spans more than 2.8kms so if you like 'long walks on the beach' this is the beach for you. 

  

3. Murrays Beach 

If you are staying in Jervis Bay for more than 2 days, I would recommend exploring Booderee National Park - about 20 minutes drive from Huskinsson. You can get a pass at the gate (or online) for $13 per vehicle with unlimited access and parking for 2 days. About a 10 minutes easterly drive from the gates towards the peak, facing north towards Bowen Island is Murrays Beach. This beach is a good 300m walk from the parking lot but don't worry you will be greeted by a magical beach!

Extra Tip: Huskinsson Bakery & Cafe

1. Ho Chi Minh City 

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the capital city of Vietnam and as soon as you arrive the first thing you will notice is the traffic (followed closely by the hot weather if you are travelling in June) 

The secret of crossing the road, is to go slow and steady. The drivers here seem to be highly skilled and as long as your movements are predictable they will zoom right past you. The hard part is taking the first step in crossing the road (the likelihood of someone giving away to you to cross the roads are slim!)

1.1 Chu Chi Tunnels 

Go back in history and learn more about the network of interconnecting underground tunnels, which were the location of the military campaigns during the Vietnam War.

Book a tour through Viator

Wanna get a chance to shoot at the firing range? Highly recommend: For about $10 AUD you get to do just that. Machine guns were also available. I have to say, this was LOUD! There is a bit of recoil with these rifles but there's someone to accompany you in case you a first timer. 

For less than $5, you can get grab some grub at the local markets once you get back to the main city. This one was some delicious spring rolls mixed with some rice noodles, tangy sweet sauce, topped with some veggies and nuts. Almost like a warm noodle salad. 

Can't get enough of those spring rolls. You will notice that the type of spring rolls that are sold in the south (HCM) compared to the north (Hanoi) are a quite different. You can try the "Obama Bowl" or Ban Cha when you are in Hanoi made famous by Obama himself! (vermicelli rice noodles, herbs, and sometimes spring rolls into a bowl of sweet yellow broth, along with charcoal-grilled pork patties and grilled pork slices). Why not try some avocado milkshake too?  

The view from the roof top bar above the Sheraton Hotel:

2.1 Mud baths at I-resort 

About 8kms away from the city centre of Nha Trang lies an oasis where you can soak yourself for about 20 minutes into some high mineral content mud, leaving your skin feeling revitalised. The mud is pumped into your bath, ensuring the temperature is maintained at 38 – 40 degrees Celsius. For about 300k Vietnamese Dong, you can experience a mud bath with 3ppl (about $18 AUD pp) and after, relax in the mineral swimming pool. There are 2 pools for adults and a jaccuzzi.

If you feeling like spoiling yourself you can get a package to include food and massages too. 

I-resort mud baths

3. Hoi An 

Hoi An has to be my favourite city in Vietnam, such a charming ancient town famous for its numerous tailored suit shop houses and colourful French colonial buildings. Take a walk around the markets in the evening and enjoy this quaint town. Tailored shirts can start from $20 and can take a couple of days for them to complete once they measure you up (can take a couple of hours). You can customise it as you like and pick from the selection of different materials they have! If you want some recommendations, give me a shout!

4. Hanoi (Halong Bay)

Bucket list ticked and one of the highlights of my trip was a one night, two day cruise in Halong Bay (One of the seven wonders of the world). The package includes all food, accommodation and transport from Hanoi. For about $180 AUD this was so worth it! 

The shuttle bus comes and picks you up from your hotel from the Hanoi city centre. On the first day you get to swim and relax at Ti Top beach and enjoy the whole panorama view of Halong Bay. After, you get enjoy a cooking class on the top deck of the cruise and learn how to make some Vietnamese Rolls. 

At night you get to enjoy the BBQ Set Menu Dinner which was delicious! 

Highly recommend: Glory Legend Cruises

The following day you get to explore the Sung Sot Cave -  one of the biggest caves in Halong bay and kayak along the water too. Make sure you wear proper shoes for this as you will be doing about 45 minutes of walking and exploring! 

Queenstown has to be one of the most picturesque cities in the world! It is absolutely a breath of fresh air, especially if you are coming from a city like Sydney. I have to say the flight route towards Queenstown is one of the best so make sure you get a window seat if you are heading there! Here are some must go places if you are heading down there this Winter.

1. Glenorchy

This small town is on the northern end of Lake Wakatipu and definitely worth the 50 minute drive from Queenstown. We rented a car from Thrifty and got a snazzy red Toyota for about $135 NZ Dollars a day. If you are with NRMA you get 15% discount too! 

Enjoying the views as a passenger <3 Endless views of mountains...and sheep.

We parked near by and soaked up the views! There was still some snow on the mountain caps even after Summer. Make sure to bring a coat!

2. Kinloch Lodge 

After a 30 minute drive to Kinloch Lodge from Glenorchy, awaits a tranquil and quaint lodge that sells some delicious comfort food. In this serene setting, we enjoyed some venison (deer meat) stew on this sunny day. How beautiful was our lunch view?

http://www.kinlochlodge.co.nz/

3. Queenstown Gondola and the Luge

We had so much fun on the Luge! You can buy the tickets at the entrance of the skyline (make sure you go early atleast before 2pm) so you have time to take in the views and go for a few rounds on the Luge. For $49 NZ Dollars you can go up the Gondola and go down the hill twice on the easy track and then once you are confident, down the harder track. 

http://www.skyline.co.nz/

The view from the top of the track. You almost don't want to go too fast because the view is so breathtaking!

4. Onsen Hot Pools 

Located in Arthers Point about 20 minute drive from Queenstown (this is where the car comes in handy) is this beautiful Onsen Pools which takes me back to Japan. During the off peak season, we paid $42 NZ Dollars and enjoyed the thermal waters set about 38 degrees for an hour. It went by so quick! We came here after our 2 hour hike up Queenstown Hill. So worth it! 

You can spend a bit extra and get some towels/snacks/aromatic candles.

http://www.onsen.co.nz/

5. Milford Sounds 

For $210 NZ Dollars I would highly recommend going on a trip to Milford Sounds with BBQ Bus. For this day tour, they pick you up in the morning at 7.30 at your accommodation with an all inclusive package of a cruise, transport and food. Really takes the guess work out of it especially if you are not looking forward to the 4 hour drive one way! We had less than 10 people on the mini bus which really made it intimate! The guide was informative, friendly and accomodating. Though I just really wanted to take a nap on the way there, he did share some interesting facts about Queenstown. 

http://www.milford.net.nz/

Random stop on the way to Milford Sounds. *Breathe in* *Breath out*

The view from our accommodation at Spinnaker Bay. The view is just the same from the pools. Ours was a two story building and the Manuka Honey shampoo/body wash provided, smelt divine.

Bb

Queenstown is definitely worth the trip and plan to go again one day for the snows. Even though we went for only 5 days, I hope to go back again and do a road trip to Christchurch next time. Let me know your favourite places around NZ too!