My Profile
Jeff
Australia
I love travel, computers and photography!
May132013
May132013
May132013
May102013
May102013
Aug222012
Tour/Activity
Sydney BridgeClimb
Sydney, Australia
My Rating
My Review
What an amazing experience! If you visit Sydney you cannot miss the BridgeClimb. The views are beautiful and you can so many Sydney landmarks including the Opera House, The Rocks, islands, harbour beaches and Manly - just to name a few. Don't miss it!
Aug102012
Tour/Activity
Venice Airport Private Arrival Transfer
Venice, Italy
My Rating
My Review
After 10 hours of travel, the guide met us at the airport and made the journey to the hotel quick, interesting, and stress-free in an absolutely gorgous boat. We would never have found our Venice hotel on our own - it was great to have a friendly face walk us right to the door.
Aug102012
Tour/Activity
Skip the Line: Florence Accademia Gallery Tickets
Florence, Italy
My Rating
My Review
Skip-the-line tickets are definitely the way to go with this museum. The line up was unbelievable and it was wonderful to not have to wait too long for our turn. Seeing David is incredible.
Aug102012
Tour/Activity
Skip the Line: Uffizi Gallery and Vasari Corridor Walking Tour
Florence, Italy
My Rating
My Review
This tour was in incredible experience. Unless you are an art historian, a guide is a must to appreciate the collection. The Vasari tour was unbelieveable; we feel priviledged to be some of the few who have walked through the corridor and followed the path of the Medicis.
My Photos
Aug102012
Tour/Activity
Small-Group Italian Cooking Class in Florence
Florence, Italy
My Rating
My Review
This class was a definite highlight of Florence. The market experience was wonderful and the recipes were absolutely phenomenal. We learned a lot about cooking and Italian culture from Giuseppe and Andreas who were very fun and upbeat teachers.
My Photos
Aug102012
Tour/Activity
Florence Cooking Class: Learn How to Make Gelato and Pizza
Florence, Italy
My Rating
My Review
Giuseppe and Andreas were very fun and we thoroughly enjoyed this cooking class. In fact, their cooking classes were the favourite part of our teenagers' Italy exerience. They provided memories that we will cherish as a family.
My Photos
Aug102012
Tour/Activity
Florence Bike Tour
Florence, Italy
My Rating
My Review
What a great introduction to Florence, as we were able to see all the main squares in a two-hour trip. I was nervous to cycle the busy city, but it felt very safe. Vanessa was very informative and brought the history of the city to life. She paced the tour well and we even enjoyed gelato on a break.
My Photos
Aug102012
Tour/Activity
Private Tour: Venice Grand Canal Evening Boat Tour
Venice, Italy
My Rating
My Review
We thoroughly enjoyed this tour as we were able to see more of the Venetian neighborhoods than we would have seen just by walking. Fiona provided excellent historical and architectural information that we would not have learned just from the guide books. She adapted our tour to show what we had not seen, and it was interesting to see more of Venice from the lagoon to understand the city.
Aug102012
Tour/Activity
Skip the Line: Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries Tour
Venice, Italy
My Rating
My Review
Arianna was an awesome guide for this tour, being an art historian. The tour company kindly held our bags for us while we went into the basillica and she paced the tour well, especially with the extreme heat. She provided wonderful information that helped us to enjoy and and be able to focus on the abundant art, architecture and history of this tour.
Aug102012
Tour/Activity
Venice by Night Tour and Gondola Ride
Venice, Italy
My Rating
My Review
Elisabetta was wonderful - she shared what is is like to be a Venetian, showing us so many interesting spots off the beaten track. It was great to get away from the tourist-traps and understand the rhythm and history of the city. Of course, the gondola ride was magical and, again, we appreciated being away from the crowds.
Aug102012
Tour/Activity
Ancient Appian Way, Catacombs and Roman Countryside Bike Tour
Rome, Italy
My Rating
My Review
This was a fantastic tour and the six hours flew by. It was incredible to see the catacombs and the aquaducts. Having fresh cheese and wine and the 16th century farm was a pleasurable and unforgettable experience.
My Photos
Jul192012
Tour/Activity
Skip the Line: Vatican Museums Small-Group Tour including Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica
Rome, Italy
My Photos
Jul192012
Tour/Activity
Small-Group Ancient Rome and Colosseum Tour: Underground Chambers, Arena and Upper Tier
Rome, Italy
My Photos
Jul192012
Feb162012
Tour/Activity
Las Vegas Double-Decker Bus of the Stars
Las Vegas, Nevada
My Rating
My Review
We loved the Elvis bus! Not only did we get a fantastic show with lots of laughs, we got a bird’s eye view of the entire strip in all its neon glory. Highly recommended.
My Photos
Aug042011
Dec132010
Oct212010
Travel Recommendation
Mamak - Authentic Malaysian Street Hawker Food
Sydney
My Recommendation Tip
If you've ever been to Malaysia you'll have fond memories of the beautiful roti, dips and curries. Mamak has brought these flavours to Sydney and offers an amazingly delicious experience with lunch specials like the chicken, fish or lamb Malaysian curries from only $10.50! Be sure to get a Roti Canai for only $5 as it's as light and fluffy as you'll get in Kuala Lumpur and it's only $5. Bring a bottle of wine or a couple beers as it's BYO.
Mamak has permanent lineups so get there early or late to avoid them. The dinner queue is generally about 30 mins - amazing for street hawker cuisine! Mamak is in Chinatown on Gouburn near the corner Dixon street.
This place truly proves you don't need to spend a fortune to get an amazing meal in Sydney!
My Photos
Oct182010
Travel Recommendation
St Albans, The Settlers Arms and the Old Great Northern Road
Sydney
My Recommendation Tip
If you've got a day to spare in Sydney and you have a car I'd recommend heading northwest of Sydney to visit the charming village of St Albans.
Getting there is easy as you can just drive north of Sydney to the village of Wisemans Ferry where you can take one of the two free Ferries across the Hawksbury River. Depending on the Ferry you took (either will do) you can follow the Macdonald River for 20 kms or so to St Albans. The ferries deposit you onto either side of the Macdonald River and the first bridge across is actually in St Albans. So when you head home, take the opposite side for a new experience!
Once in St Albans you must visit the Settler's Arms Hotel and Pub. It's been there since 1836 when this was the only route north out of Sydney. You can get a fantastic meal and a couple beers or a glass of wine for lunch. There's a wonderful garden out back that will keep the kids happy for hours hiding and climbing in the trees and around the yard. Everything is spread out here!
Once you've had a bite to eat you can visit the local art galleries up the hill, explore the river valley, wander around the village to see the historic buildings and church or all of the above. If you drive across the river you can visit the old Courthouse (now a B&B) to see the old Gaol and historic architecture. On the way home be sure to visit the convict built Old Great Northern Road.
My Photos
Oct182010
Oct182010
Oct182010
Oct182010
Oct182010
Oct182010
Oct182010
Attraction
Toronto Islands
Toronto
My Rating
My Review
I love the Toronto Islands. I grew up exploring them and still enjoy wondering amongst the parks as well as the old houses in Wards Island. These cottages were build starting in 1867 and when the city tried to take them back in the 1960s some of the community fought to stay.
Today the tiny cottages are restored and painted colourfully and the vibrant residents live there year round. There is a small school for the kids - what an idyllic life they must have! There are no cars on the islands and it's the largest car free zone in North America.
You can get to the islands via a ferry, then travel around on foot, bike or rollerblade. There's still an amusement park for the kids and some hints of the grand events that once took place. Babe Ruth even hit his first professional home run here in 1914 when a baseball stadium was located at the site of the current Toronto Island Airport.
Be sure to visit the beaches, the pier and the communities on Wards and Algonquin Islands. Take a picnic and some friends and I guarantee you'll enjoy yourself.
Oct172010
Travel Recommendation
Cockatoo Island - day trip or camping in Sydney Harbour!
Sydney
My Recommendation Tip
Cockatoo Island is a Heritage Listed island in Sydney's western harbour. You can get there easily by ferry and once on the island there's a lot to explore. The island has been used for shipbuilding for many years and is now a massive museum! Many of the old buildings are open to explore and there is still a lot of old machinery and furniture to see. There are 3 huge dry docks, lots of cranes, big and small, tunnels (it was quicker then walking over the island) and lots more. The island hosts festivals, art shows and lots of other cultural experiences so be sure to check out their website.
If you're looking for a unique experience you can camp on the island in the tents provided. There is a large BBQ and eating pavilion so you can prepare a gourmet meal in between explorations around the island. There's even a cafe if you're not up to cooking yourself.
The island was a penal colony prior to it's use for shipbuilding and you can explore the old jails and the original 'keep' that the guards could retreat into if the convicts got out of control. Digging a tunnel right though the island by hand could not have been a lot of fun!
Cockatoo is great for kids and history loving adults alike, so be sure to check it out.
My Photos
Oct172010
Travel Recommendation
Amazingly Beautiful 5 star resort - The Racha
Thailand
My Recommendation Tip
We treated ourselves to a couple nights at The Racha Resort during our stay in Phuket. You get there by a private boat as it's about 12 miles south of Phuket. It's situated on a beautiful beach and the villas are spread up the hill and surrounding the amazing pools. The main building is an architectural masterpiece with a pool on top with a see through wet edge overlooking the beach. It's all beautiful and I want to go back! See the photos to get an idea of the island's beauty and style.
My Photos
Oct172010
Oct142010
Oct142010
Oct142010
Travel Recommendation
Harbour Walk - The Spit to Manly
Sydney
My Recommendation Tip
One of Sydney's most famous walks is from The Spit to Manly. You will traverse many bays, headlands and beaches on your way from the beautiful Clontarf Beach to the Manly Harbour beach via Grotto Point Reserve, Fairlight and Esplande Park. The day we enjoyed this walk we even saw several lizards, lots of birds, some Aborigine rock carvings, endless views and some interesting architecture too! Once in the famous town of Manly you can enjoy some refreshment prior to returning via the harbour walk, through the suburbs of Balgowlah Heights and Clontarf or via a bus or taxi if you've had enough! We elected the suburban return by foot and met up with some big hills and one giant staircase, so beware! If you have a day to spend in Sydney, it's hard to beat this scenic and healthy walk. Go for it!
My Photos
Oct142010
Travel Recommendation
Ocean Walk from Bondi to Coogee
Sydney
My Recommendation Tip
If you love clifftop walking with beautiful beaches and bays between, you'll love this walk. It kicks off at Bondi Beach near Icebergs (that's the big pool on the south end of the beach). From here you simply follow the coast past a multitude of wonderful sights all the way to Coogee beach. First up you have the views back over Bondi. From here you enjoy the wonderful natural sculptures of the cliff faces as you make your way to Tamarama passing Hunter Park on the way. Often call Glamarama due to the beautiful people that frequent this tiny beach you might even want to dip your toes into the clear tropical waters. Up over another headland and on to the azure waters of Bronte Beach. Check out the surfers and get ready for a bit of a hike ahead. Next up you will be travelling through an old graveyard with the worlds best views. I hope the spirits enjoy these as much as we do!
We then have to hike a block or two without a view, but it's all worth it as we approach Clovelly. This teeny beach is very scenic. Once around the point we enter the fishing area of Gordons Bay. This is also a beautiful spot and don't forget to keep your eyes out to see as I spotted some whales from here. We're getting near the end soon - don't give up... We have a big headland to traverse - Dunningham Reserve. Not far now and you're at Coogee - be sure to reward yourself with a beer!
My Photos
Oct142010
Oct132010
Travel Recommendation
The Perfect Cup of Coffee in Sydney!!
Sydney
My Rating
My Review
I agree completely. It's a fantastic cafe - not only the coffee, but the food is awesome too.
My Photos
Oct122010
Oct122010
Oct122010
Oct122010
Oct122010
Oct122010
Oct122010
Travel Recommendation
Sailing in San Francisco Bay - beautiful!
San Francisco
My Recommendation Tip
If you have the time I'd highly recommend getting out on the bay for a sail. You can see beautiful sites like the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito and Angel Island. You can also get up close and uncomfortable with Alcatraz. I especially love sailing under the bridge as you often see seals, dolphins and lots of sea birds.
You can get out sailing several ways. If you're lucky enough to have FWB (Friends With Boats) that's the cheapest option, but for those not so lucky there are lots of tour boats and charter cruises available to meet all budgets.
Get out there and smell the salty air!
My Photos
Oct122010
Travel Recommendation
Trump Tower - 5 star Luxury, no smokers and no casino! Heaven in Vegas!
Las Vegas
My Recommendation Tip
If you want to enjoy a break from Vegas while in Vegas, I highly recommend Trump. The place is beautiful with a great foyer, rooms, pool and gym. We didn't end up eating there but we loved the accomodation. It's a short walk (outside or through the fashion mall) to the strip so you can walk to Wynn, Belagio, Paris, etc quite easily. The gym had all new gear and the pool is huge with private tanning 'spaces' and a couple hot tubs. It's a cool place.
My Photos
Oct122010
Travel Recommendation
Machine Gun Shootin! Yee Haw!
Las Vegas
My Recommendation Tip
We took advantage of Viator's awesome shooting range. As an Aussie we can't even get close to automatic weapons so we had to take the opportunity to do some target practice. My favourite was the AK47 although I do love a nice 9mm pistol. Dunc enjoyed the Finnish Suomi with it's 12+ rounds per second. Great way to use up ammo! Our guides were ex marines and they took good care of us with expert instruction on handling and posture as well as ensuring everyones safety.
It's a very memorable Vegas experience - highly recommended!
My Photos
Oct122010
Travel Recommendation
Best Steak in Vegas! The Steakhouse
Las Vegas
My Recommendation Tip
OK - here's the scoop. We asked our concierge at Trump Tower where we could get the best steak in town. She recommended Circus Circus. We could not believe her. We doubted her. We asked the taxi driver, a real Vegas old timer. He concurred. So we thought we had to give it a go. In case you don't know, Circus Circus is not 5 star. Not even 2 star. We wondered through the casino and found the restaurant. It was located beside a shop that sold LED enhanced clothing. We entered. We freaked out. It was a different world. Old wood paneling, oil paintings of cows, a meat aging room - things were looking up! The service was amazing. The salad was devine. The steak was perfectly cooked, amazing flavor and cut like butter. We should have never doubted Circus Circus. I mean the place has to have one redeeming quality, right?
My Photos
Jul292009
Tour/Activity
Private New York Photo Walking Tour: Central Park and Uptown Manhattan
New York City, New York
My Photos
Jul292009
Jul292009
May212008
May212008
May062008
Tour/Activity
Krabi Full-Day Tour by Speedboat from Phuket
Phuket, Thailand
My Rating
My Review
Krabi is a perfect day trip from Phuket. The island is beautiful, the swimming and snorkeling are excellent. The kids loved it! Hong Island is a great stop, and the beaches in Krabi national park are wonderful. Same with the Pra Nang Caves. Highly recommended.
May052008
May052008
May052008
Mar142008
Tour/Activity
Australia Zoo 1-Day or 2-Day Admission Ticket
Sunshine Coast, Australia
My Rating
My Review
Good day out, especially for the kids. If you have kids, bring them to the Australia Zoo to pet and meet the animals. Kangaroos, koalas, crocodiles, you name it. Highly recommended.
My Photos
Feb272008
Tour/Activity
Penang Butterfly Farm Half-Day Tour
Penang, Malaysia
My Rating
My Review
If you love butterflies, tropical flowers and interesting insects, this is the place for you. Our boys loved having butterflies land on them while exploring this lush and massive indoor garden. Almost every color and size of butterfly you can imagine is represented here. One of them had to be 2 feet wide ? yikes! The stick insects and praying mantis were a favourite too. Great fun for everyone.
My Photos
Feb272008
Tour/Activity
Langkawi Cable Car Ride and Oriental Village Morning Tour
Langkawi, Malaysia
My Rating
My Review
We had a great time. The cable car was a bit scary as there is only one support between the top and bottom - so it rises and falls as the cars go over the supports. At the top there are a bunch of lookouts and a real freaky bridge across a gully - cool. I'd recommend this to anyone visiting Langkawi.
My Photos
Feb272008
Tour/Activity
Skip the Line: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Entrance Ticket
Sydney, Australia
My Rating
My Review
The Sydney Aquarium is a treat for adults and kids. It's a visual delight walking through the Perspex underwater tunnels and seeing 10-foot wide stingrays, dozens of different sharks and huge turtles swimming inches away. There is the greatest 'big screen' display ever, a tank so big it takes up an entire wall with thousands of colourful fish, rays and sharks circling endlessly - very therapeutic! Our family has been to the Sydney Aquarium many times and we're always amazed by something new each visit. Educational and awe-inspiring.
My Photos
Feb262008
Feb262008
Tour/Activity
Lunch at Cottage Point Inn by Seaplane from Sydney
Sydney, Australia
My Rating
My Review
Wow, what can I say? The world's most beautiful views of Sydney Harbour, the heads, the northern beaches, Pittwater and the Hawkesbury river. Stick a 5-star meal in the middle with wonderful service and a tranquil outlook. Our seaplane flight was smooth ? we didn't even feel the touchdown on Smiths Creek. Everyone had a window and my window actually opened so I could take some amazingly clear photos of the beaches, Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. A great way to spend the day!
My Photos
Feb212008
Tour/Activity
USS Missouri, Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor and Punchbowl Day Tour
Waikiki, Oahu
My Photos
Feb212008
Feb212008
Tour/Activity
Oahu Atlantis Submarine Adventure
Oahu, Hawaii
My Rating
My Review
I was kind of thinking that the subs may be some kind of glass-bottomed boat or similar, cynic that I am, and was surprised at the announcement over the PA: 'Please look off the port side of the vessel and watch for a big bubbling spot on the ocean surface'. Apparently the subs release some air to identify their positions to the mother ship, to ensure they won't surface in the path of a pleasure, commercial or even navy vessel. Whoa - up it came - a real submarine!!
It was a lot of fun, didn?t take too much time and the kids loved it. I can now claim to be a submariner. A great adventure!
It was a lot of fun, didn?t take too much time and the kids loved it. I can now claim to be a submariner. A great adventure!
Note from Viator
The review is from Jeff Lewis; read Jeff's full report of this submarine tour over on the Viator blog.
My Photos
