Tasmania has many varied experiences to offer.  From wilderness and wildlife, city breaks to farm stays, art museums and fine dining. There seems to be something for everyone on this small island.

It took me more than 40 years to visit Tasmania - now on my fourth trip in as many years I wonder what took me so long to start exploring this amazing piece of the country.

Most recently we flew into the north of Tasmania on the newly opened Virgin direct route from Adelaide to Launceston and stumbled across the unique and fascinating Brickendon Estate.

The only privately owned World Heritage Site, the property has been in the Archer family since settled as a farm in1824 and is now owned by 7th generation Richard Archer and his family.

I met with Louise Archer on my visit who passionately shared the family story of how the farm and all it’s history was on the brink of disappearing before they took the brave decision to open the property up to share with the world as a tourist destination.  They achieved the UNESCO World Heritage Site listing in 2010 making the privately owned farm an official Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property.

Clearly a passion project that is done for the love and sense of responsibility to preserve a vital piece of Australian history, the property is a living museum of convict history in Australia.  The family have restored many parts of the original farm and presented an interactive museum that presents life as it was for convicts in the 1800s that were sent to the farm to serve out their sentence.

As well as the historic significance, Brickendon is still a functioning and operational farm with crops and livestock a plenty on the 465 hectare property. If you get lucky like we did you will not only see the lambs, ducks and turkeys roaming the grounds but you may even see the quintessential Australian sheep sheering taking place in the wool shed.

And for those with a green thumb - or an appreciation of those that have one - the Estate Gardens is open to the public with what has been described as one of the most unusual collection of trees of any private garden in Australia.

With trees some 180 years old from origins from across the globe the Estate Garden provides a picturesque setting for a wander.

Just 20 minutes north of Launceston the property is accessible for a day trip from Launceston, or you can stay in the rustic cottages making for a charming farm stay suitable for all ages.

Recently the property also added a commercial kitchen and function space providing options for weddings, corporate functions or extended family gatherings.

Plenty of reasons to include this destination on your next Tasmania adventure!

Penny
Itchy Feet Family

Itchy Feet Family stayed at Brickendon Estate as a Guest.  More details of the property including rates can be found at their website www.brickendon.com.au

Holiday Rental Review

Just 76km from the Adelaide CBD, South Australia, sits the coastal town of Normanville.  If you are looking for a holiday rental by the beach, we recently stayed at the Log Cabin located at 47 Jetty Road and absolutely loved it.

I have rented a number of houses on the Fleurieu Peninsula in the Normanville and Carirckalinga area over the years and the Log Cabin comes in as my favourite so far.

Just a 200m walk to the Normanville Jetty and a five minute walk to the main street, location is perfect for this holiday rental.  The beach and jetty are situated in front of the surf life saving club, there is a kiosk for takeaway coffee and fish and chips and the sand is golden and clean.

And I would be amiss not to mention the floating pontoon a few hundred metres off the shore that my teenage kids loved as it facilitated as a meeting ground to interact with other locals and holiday makers.

The Log Cabin is a two bedroom, one-bathroom house with a large open living/dining/lounge area.  It has a large front porch with comfortable outdoor furniture, a large BBQ and a fantastic double person outdoor bean bag perfect for evening star gazing.  

We visited in the summer, but if you are visiting in the winter there is a purpose built fire pit that would be great for marshmallows and bottles of wine!

The outdoor shower  - with both hot and cold water - was well positioned to capture the sandy footprints of the kids as they returned from the beach and the front lawn area perfect for an afternoon game of bocce!

The house was really well decorated and purposefully put together.  It felt like someone’s home rather than some of the holiday rentals I have previously had that feel more like a collection of someone’s left over furniture.

The kitchen was well equipped with everything you could possible need. I took five days supply of food and drink and the large fridge coped well with our haul and I was not once left wishing the kitchen had an accessory I needed.  The pod coffee machine was of course well received!

The bathroom - whilst only one in the house - has a large free standing bath which I also used and welcomed.  

There is plenty to do in this area - it is a great holiday destination in both summer or winter.  If the Log Cabin had a sea view it would probably triple the rental price.  However if you can forego that view and don’t mind the 200m walk to the beach, it’s a great option.

We rented the property through Fleurieu Accommodation website for New Years 2021/2022.

Penny
Itchy Feet Family

If you are heading to Tasmania be sure to hire a car and get out and explore.  After two previous trips to the island where I only ever visited the city of Hobart this trip we decided to get out and explore. As much as I loved Hobart, Tasmania truly has so much more to offer than just a big city.  
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Just over an hour South of Hobart is a beautiful region called the Huon Valley.  Along with mountainous ranges, rivers and pines providing plenty of fresh country air you will also find the area covered in apple orchards with distilleries serving up a variety of craft ciders and gins.

Here are a few ideas to include on your itinerary to the Huon Valley in Southern Tasmania. 

Apple Museum
As you drive through the region you will notice apple orchards are in abundance.  Not surprisingly then that we stumbled across an Apple Museum.  Located inside Willie Smith’s, a gold coin donation provides entry into the display at the back of the eatery.

The wall of apples is fascinating - who knew there were so many varieties of apples to be had! And how Australian to have a variety named Barry!
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Check out the vintage machinery, the apple sorting machines and the retro packaging from days gone by.

Willie Smith’s
If you are after a hip and cool eatery, you won’t want to miss Willie Smith’s. Enjoy a paddle of ciders in the beer garden, take a picturesque window seat in the main dining room and look out amongst the fields, or get a group together for a lunch in the sunken private dining space.

We visited during lunch time, but the outdoor area looked like a great place to spend an evening with rustic wood pallet furniture in an open shed.

Tahune Adventures
After being devastated by fires in 2019, closing for a year to rebuild and then being shut down again due to COVID 19, the Tahune Airwalk has shown some resilience to once again be open seven days a week for visitors.

Take a walk high up in the tree tops, cross the suspension bridges and get a birds eye view from the eagle flier or take a raft down the river - there is plenty to do at this location.

There is something special about being up in the tree tops, the air is clean, the views intriguing and the nature calming.  It will take some time for the vegetation to return to it’s full glory post the fire - however there was still plenty to see.

Port Huon Hospitality at the Kermandie Hotel
For a peaceful night with a picturesque view, consider a night at the recently refurbished Kermandie Hotel.  Built in 1932 this hotel has a funky new vibe matched with a very local and casual charm.

Enjoy a meal in the restaurant - inside or out there are calming views over the marina.  Join the locals in the front public bar and enjoy a game of pool, a pint and some pub classic fare, or opt to stay the night in the upstairs hotel rooms. 

Hotel guests enjoy a private upstairs lounge space with calming views, and a comfy couch in front of  the wood fire place to enjoy a bottle of red from the hotel’s bottle shop.

Galverston
This town is something out of a wild west movie with wood carved statues throughout I could have been mistaken to think I had stumbled across a back road American town.  

Being on the edge of the forest, the history comes from the woods and there is plenty of charm in this small town.  Stop by the sweet shop and check out the wall of candy, enjoy Devonshire tea at the bakery and check out the local museum. 

Drive Australia’s Southern Most Street
If you are going to explore the edge of Australia, you may as well go as far as you possibly can. Take Australia’s Southernmost street all the way to the end to say you have driven to the edge of Australia.

If you are a walker, you can then venture on a 12-14 day trek that really takes you to the edge.  We met some walkers that had just completed the journey.  They had been hammered by the rain for days but said it was well worth the journey to tick it off the bucket list with breathtaking views and scenery.

Dover
For a picturesque stay check out the Driftwood Cottages at Dover.  With views overlooking the water this is a peaceful and tranquil part of the world, a perfect place to relax and unwind.  A great doorway to the South, Dover is a quiet town with the local RSL the best place to visit to meet the locals and enjoy some regional hospitality.

River Fishing
Southern Tasmania is abundant with rivers and streams - being from Adelaide it is not something we have a lot of so we were keen to check out some of Southern Tasmania’s spots.

The river banks can be difficult to get to as much of the land alongside is privately owned, but if you are persistent there are some sneaky pockets to find to throw a line in.  Be sure to purchase a licence before you start though as this is a requirement.

Have you visited the Huon Valley in Southern Tasmania?  What was your highlight?


Penny
Itchy Feet Family

Your hiking boots are the most essential piece of equipment that any hiker will own. A good pair of boots makes walking so much more enjoyable as you can approach the terrain with confidence and get the most out of your experience on the trails. Good boots, however, can be expensive and when you find a pair that you like, you will want to do everything that you can to keep them looking and functioning their best. 

To help your hiking boots stand the test of time, you need to take care of them properly. With the right care, you can ensure that your boots will last longer, allowing you to spend more days on the trails in comfort. Form good habits and be sure to take care of your boots after every hike. If you take good care of your hiking boots, you can be sure that they will take care of you. 

Let’s take a look at a few useful tips to help you to extend the life of your hiking boots. 

Always Clean After Use
The very first step to maintaining your hiking boots is cleaning them after every use. Be sure to remove any residual mud, dirt, sand or snow from the sole and from in between the lugs. Allowing mud, dirt and other debris to set into your boots will damage your boots over time resulting in the materials breaking down and water getting in. 

Take Out The Insole
Removing the insole from your hiking boots when you get back to base will help your boots to dry faster and allow your boots to breathe. You can add an odour eliminating spray also to keep your boots fresh. Taking the insole out will also allow the insole to decompress after hours of walking so that it can recover and be ready for your next hike. 

Waterproof Your Boots
Water can penetrate boot materials over time, wearing the materials down in the process. Waterproofing your boots will help to prevent damage to your boots from water and help you to prologue their life. There is a range of treatments that you can choose from. When you are making your choice, be sure to choose a waterproofing treatment that is suitable for the material of your boots. For example, you will need a different product for Gore-Tex finishes than you will for a wax-based leather boot. 

Pay Attention To Your Soles
It goes without saying that the soles of your boots will take the most damage over time. Depending on your gait, your boots sales could wear down quickly and long before there is anything wrong with the rest of the boot. In this situation, consider getting your boots re-soled. This will give your boots a new lease of life and is much more cost-effective than forking out for a brand new pair. 

Use Your Boots Wisely
If you invest in a good pair of hiking boots and want them to last longer, then be sure to wear them exclusively for hiking. If you put more kilometres on your boots wearing them for day-to-day, they will already be partly worn out when you get to the trails. Of Breaking your boots in is fine but don’t too comfortable wearing them day-to-day, as you will go through them much faster if you don’t reserve them for the trails. 

Take Care Of Your Boots And Make Them Last Longer
As with anything that you own, the better care that you take of things, the longer they tend to last. When it comes to extending the life of your boots, be sure to keep them clean, waterproof them, allow the insole to recover and re-sole as required. Completing these simple maintenance tasks while reserving your hiking buts exclusively for the purpose that you bought them will ensure that they will last you for a long time to come.

*Sponsored Post

There are so many different styles of travel available from camping through fancy hotels, and as a frequent traveller I enjoy trying as much of that range as I can.
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On a recent trip to Tasmania I discovered a gem in the Rathmore Farm Stay  - a style of getaway that I have never really trialled before - but one that I am thankful I uncovered.  

The closest to this I had ever done before was a stay at the Dixie Dude Ranch in Texas, a rustic farm stay with cowboys, but I had never considered this type of stay in Australia before - and wow have I been missing out!

Here are my top reasons to consider a stay at Rathmore in Tasmania.
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1. Just one hour from Hobart

At just over an hour from Hobart, Rathmore is accessible as a weekend away for locals - or as a side trip for mainland tourists even if only flying into Hobart for a weekend getaway.

2. Suitable for families, couples or groups

There are a range of accommodation options at Rathmore to suit all groups of travellers.  The main homestead is a B&B with four bedrooms available (including two adjoining rooms great for families), the Shearers Quarters has five rooms available (perfect for a group) and Rathmore Cottage can accommodate up to six making it great for a family.  The three accommodation options are spread out across the 92 acre sheep property in the central Tasmanian highlands and with all that space there is even room to park a caravan or pitch a tent!

We visited as a couple on a one night getaway, but I would love to return with the kids and could imagine hiring out the whole venue for a milestone birthday weekend with friends and family or even as a venue for a corporate retreat.

3. Hand feed a bullock

It is not every day you can get up close and personal with an almost six foot tall bullock and hand feed him a piece of bread!  However Hercules is a gentle hand reared bullock that will approach the SUV to stick his head in, slobber all over you and accept a piece of bread! 

As well as Hercules the farm has some friendly hand reared sheep that will come in close for a pat, a number of horses that can be fed a carrot or two, six wild platypus that can be spotted in the Dew Rivulet and a trout or two ready to be caught if you bring your line and head out on the row boat.

4. Attention to detail

The attention to detail that Cally has poured into the renovations at Rathmore are not unnoticed when you stay.  And the personalised touches at every turn highlight how meticulous she is as a hostess with the mostest! 

Marshmallows left as a welcome gift for guests to roast on the campfire, a fully equipped mess in the shearers quarters for self catering as extensive as including a rice cooker and slow cooker, fresh herbs picked and placed in a vase in your accommodation, the sprinkles of flowers on the plates of food prepared ensuring plenty of colour as Cally quoted “We all eat with our eyes”. 

Rathmore may not be a 5 star hotel, but the rustic authentic accommodation includes personal touches for guest comfort that would rival any 5 star city hotel.
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5. Sparkling Sparkles

One thing I am known for is being partial to a glass of sparkling wine or two….. when presented with an opportunity to enjoy canapés with sparkling Tasmanian wine overlooking the property at sundown it ticked all my boxes.  

Hosted by owner Cally, we sipped sparkling wine while she shared with us the history of the property and a few intriguing tales that I am sure have evolved over the years through the local gossip trail. 

Canapés were followed by a candle lit dinner for two in the main homestead capped off with a bottle of wine by the outdoor campfire to enjoy the sparkles in the sky.  The skies in this part of the world are spectacular and we had a clear night for viewing.

Penny
Itchy Feet Family

*Itchy Feet Family stayed as a guest of Rathmore. For more details about Rathmore visit their website www.rathmore.com.au
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Other blogs you may enjoy:
 - In-room massage to your Air BNB Gold Coast
 - Christmas Cruising Pros and Cons
 - Cheese Wheel Pasta on the Gold Coast
  - Easter Weekend Carrickalinga South Australia
 - Snorkel or Kayak the wrecks in Moreton Island QLD

Other blogs you may enjoy:
 - Family cycle tour Bali
 - Christmas Cruising Pros and Cons
 - Cheese Wheel Pasta on the Gold Coast
  - Hong Kong Disneyland

When you go on a family holiday so much of the itinerary is tailored around the kids. We put most of our energy into making sure they have a great time. But what about the parents? Why not include some indulgence for us on our family holidays too.

My kids, now 10 and 13, have had a few trips to the Gold Coast and in the past it has been all about them.  I always have theme park tickets arranged, sunscreen and bathers packed for days at the beach, but on this trip I decided on something different. A pamper package for mum pre-booked and part of the itinerary.

I came across a company on the Gold Coast that specialises in catering for holiday makers, Ripple Massage, who take the hassle out of pampering by offering an in-room service. 

If you are worried about taking time out, finding a massage therapist, getting a car park - a mobile massage is a great option.  An in-room mobile massage comes to you in your accommodation and they do all the hard work.

You don’t need a car, or to catch an uber - worry about getting a car park - or rushing back to the family when you are finished.  You simply answer the door to a masseuse carrying a mobile massage table.

Dining out with children can be challenging at times.  They like to be entertained and it is so easy to simply place an electronic device in front of them to keep them quiet in a restaurant. 

However on a recent dinner out on the Gold Coast I managed to keep the kids entertained with the help of a large wheel of parmesan cheese and a flame thrower!

Salt Meats Cheese is a family owned Italian restaurant on the Gold Coast that every Wednesday night serves up a special pasta dish - cheese wheel pasta.

Apparently a very authentic way of cooking pasta in Italy, the restaurant makes a presentation of the process which had us all fascinated. 

A large wheel of parmesan cheese on a presentation table was rolled up to our dining table and a flame throwing butane can used to heat the inside of the cheese to soften it.  A bowl of pre-cooked freshly made spaghetti then taken from the hot pan and put into the cheese wheel to be tossed. 

The restaurant offered a great vibe for families, when Miss 10 spilled her water all over the table there was plenty of ambience in the restaurant that no-one heard the commotion or even batted an eye lid!

Thankfully there were no electronic devices on the table to be ruined - just a paper canvas that needed to be started over.
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Penny
Itchy Feet Family

*Itchy Feet Family were guests of Salt Meats Cheese.  For more details about the restaurant visit www.saltmeatscheese.com.au

Other blogs you may enjoy:

• Top Golf Gold Coast
• Magical Moreton Island
• Christmas Cruising Pros and Cons
• Zip Line Vanuatu

A trip to Disneyland is a dream for many children.  For Australians, a trip to LA to visit the original park is a long way to travel.  Australians have the advantage of Asia on our door step and with the influx of all things western, we now can travel to Hong Kong to experience a quintessential childhood bucket list item of a visit to Disneyland. 


In April 2019 we spent a week in Hong Kong and decided to include a visit to Hong Kong Disneyland as part of our activities.  Here are some useful tips for your family visit.
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For the main part everything in the park was spoken in English.  The only exception was a Jedi stage show that was bi lingual - and although we had no idea what words were being spoken we still managed to follow the story line and understand what was going on. 

We had a fun day at Disneyland Hong Kong and would recommend a visit on your itinerary to this city.  Have you been - what were your highlights or tips for a visit?

Penny - Itchy Feet Family

Note: Itchy Feet Family were guests of Hong Kong Disneyland.
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Other blogs you may enjoy:

• Finding fish balls in Hong Kong
• Best way to travel to Macau
• Fat Tire London Cycling Tour
• Christmas Cruising Pros and Cons
• Winter weekend in Hobart

A great way to acclimatise yourself with a city is to take the Red Decker hop on hop off bus tour.  This is a sure fire way to make sure you see all the major highlights of a city when you are short on time. 

The double decker bus provided a loop of the city that takes you to locations including the wrest point casino, through battery point, past the Cascades Brewery and women’s prison, back through the city and then across to the Botanical Garden.

We opted for a 48 hour ticket and of course you can get off and on at any of the stops that spark your interest. 

The advantage of a tour like this is the commentary that comes with it that offers a good insight into facts and figures about the city and a lesson on the history.

If you are visiting in winter it is highly possible there will be snow fall on top Mt Wellington which is the back drop to Hobart city. A great way to get amongst the snow is to take the Mt Wellington Explorer Bus tour to the summit which sits at 1270m above sea level and provides spectacular views of Hobart.  The tour bus leaves Hobart city regularly for the 2.5 hour return journey.

If it is snowing, the only way you will get to the summit is if you are on the Mt Wellington Explorer Bus.  This tour operator has exclusive and unique access to the road that leads to the summit that is otherwise closed during snow. On the morning we visited our small bus of tourists were the only people on the summit.  The fresh snow was untouched providing a unique experience for the kids who had never experienced snow fall before and were able to make their first snow angels.

If you are staying for a city break to enjoy the highlights of Hobart you really don’t need a car if you stay in the heart of Salamanca.  We stayed at the Salamanca Wharf Hotel which is an apartment style boutique hotel right in the heart of all the city action.

Walking distance to everything you need for a weekend city break, the Salamanca Wharf Hotel provided great quality accommodation and fantastic service from friendly staff. 

For a unique room, stay in the penthouse loft and enjoy the balcony views of the city.  As this is an apartment hotel it features a kitchenette and laundry facilities which are always useful for families. 

Have you visited Hobart before on a short break?  What were the highlights of your city stay?

Penny
​Itchy Feet Family

*Itchy Feet Family were hosted by Red Decker Hobart, Mt Wellington Explorer and the Salamanca Wharf Hotel.

Other blogs you may enjoy
 - Adelaide Oval Roof Climb
 - Adelaide Parade of Lights
 - Adelaide Weekend at Sea
 - 24 Hours in Sydney with Kids
 - Melbourne Weekend with Kids

The perfect family break requires a blend of comfort, outdoor adventure and relaxation. The Yorkshire coast has all of those things and if you get the weather, it is one of the most beautiful spots on earth.

The beaches, caves and hidden coves of Flamborough, the history and culture of wonderful Whitby and the charm of Filey are all worth visiting and that's without even touching upon the incredible wildlife on show at Bempton and the revival that Scarborough is enjoying.

There are some fantastic cliff-top walks which will get the children away from their screens for a few hours. There are excellent restaurants, some of the best fish-and-chip shops in the country, and if the children claim they are getting bored, you have got the Flamingo Land theme park just up the road.

This is a truly stunning part of the United Kingdom with great cities, incredible lakes and mountains, and a wondrous coastline. Start your family trip in Glasgow, where you can soak up all this magnificent city has to offer – including incredible theatre, music and culture, fantastic restaurants and things to do.

Once you have visited the many brilliant places in Glasgow (don't miss the Kelvingrove Art Gallery or the Transport Museum by the way) drive an hour north to Loch Lomond. It is a place you can easily fall in love with. There are lots of spots to camp around the shore and the views are just magnificent.

Pack the car back up and drive up to Oban on the coast to catch the ferry across to the Isle of Mull. There you can soak up some history and Scottish culture. Take plenty of spray for the midges if you are going in May or June and you will have an incredible time.

Other blogs you might enjoy
 - Cycle London with Fat Tire
 - Christmas Cruising Pros and Cons
 - Adelaide Oval Roof Climb
 - Four Seasons Sydney Review

Waterslides
The Pacific Explorer has two waterslides for both young and old to enjoy. If you are cruising in nice weather and the slides are operating you should give them a go. However one thing worth noting is that there are strict rules around jewellery when sliding. You are not allowed to wear any necklaces and the staff are very strict on this.  To avoid the inconvenience of climbing to the top of the ship ready to take a slide only to be told that the thin gold necklace around your neck is not allowed - be sure to remove your jewellery before you leave the cabin. 

I have also been told that zips on swimsuits are not allowed so make sure you have zip free swimmers for the kids to avoid disappointment.

Luggage
If you have a quad share cabin - you may want to consider the luggage you take as there is not much storage space for large suitcases.  On other cruises we have taken our bags have fit under the beds - however on the Explorer they don’t actually fit as the beds are very close to the ground. You may want to consider bags that pack inside each other and/or soft bags that can be unpacked and placed under the beds.

If your bags are too large to fit under the bed, try opening them up and sliding them under the bed open in two halves and they may just fit.  Otherwise be prepared to take up your wardrobe space with a suitcase.

Powerpoints
There is only one powerpoint in the room.  It is a dual plug consisting one Australian outlet and one European.  Bring a power board/double adaptor and/or European plug to give access to more power for charging all your devices.

Hairdryer
Yes there is a hairdryer in the room - however it is a standard against the wall low wattage type.  Fine if you are not fussy - but not very powerful if you need a strong hairdryer.
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Pool Towels
There is no need to bring pool towels as they are provided in your room.  The pool towels can be used both on the ship and off shore so that saves packing them yourself.  Best of all someone else will wash and dry them for you and give you clean ones every day!

Soaps in the Room
The shower has two dispensers - one with a shampoo/conditioner all in one type liquid, the other a shower gel. For some reason this seems to be a common question from cruisers. I tend to take my own shampoo and conditioner - but it is nice to know there is some supplied should you forget.

Kids Club Registration
If you have kids that are using the kids club there is paperwork that needs to be completed before they can attend.  Watch out on your schedule for the registration opportunity (normally on the first day in the Black Circus an hour or so after the emergency drill). 

If you miss this sign up it means you are lined up at the door of kids club on the first morning waiting to get your paperwork done whilst other kids just check in and settle in to play while their parent’s are sipping cocktails. 

Read my other blog for some handy tips for family cruising.
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Restaurant Bookings 
There are two specialty restaurants included in your cruise fare: Dragon Lady and Angelos. These are both great restaurants and it is best to make a booking for these on the first day of your cruise.

​When making your dining times it is worth noting that the main shows are generally scheduled for 7pm and 9pm so you may want to make your bookings for dinner with those show times in mind. 

However if you don’t manage to secure a booking, don’t despair as they do still take walk-ins and if you are happy to eat early sitting (5:15pm) or late (8pm) then you can normally get lucky on a walk in. 

Bondi Room
Tucked away on Deck 12 there is a quiet inside room called the Bondi Room.  If you are looking for somewhere quiet - or somewhere to play cards, or a board game, then this is the place for you.

There is also a book exchange and board games (although my most recent trip there were not any board games) located in this room for those looking for some quiet entertainment. 

Thermal Suites
Pacific Explorer does have a thermal suite in the spa area - however it does not really rate compare to the thermal suite onboard the Pacific Aria.  The thermal suite on the Pacific Explorer is more a private sauna and steam room located in the ladies and mens change rooms of the Elemis Spa.  There are no ceramic thermal beds or relaxation area - so unless you are after a daily steam or sauna you may be disappointed by this offering. However the price point is much lower than that of other ships and it is a quiet space on the ship to escape crowds.

Nutella Calzone
The Nutella Calzone in 400 Gradi restaurant is pretty good!  Priced at just $6 it is great value and is enough for dessert for four people.  You can get it take away - but I can’t imagine trying to eat it in my room.  Even if you don’t dine here for pizza, I highly suggest a dessert stop to try this gem. 

Have you cruised on Pacific Explorer?  Do you have any ship specific tips to share? We enjoyed a Christmas Cruise on the Pacific Explorer and took the trip from Sydney to Tasmania on the Dark Mofo Cruise and loved both our cruises on this ship. 

Penny
Itchy Feet Family

Other Blogs you may enjoy
 - Understanding the cruiselings - tips for first time cruisers
 - Aussies on a British Cruise Ship - the funny differences
 - Mystery Island - Tips for your port day
 - Christmas Cruising Pros and Cons
 - Finding Fish Balls in Hong Kong
 - 24 Hours in Sydney with Kids

When planning our trip to Hong Kong I met an expat who suggested we must include a visit to Ocean Park.  I had never heard of the Park, but was intrigued to visit the location that she spoke so fondly of that held so many fond childhood memories for her. 


Ocean Park is a full day of fun and thrills -  an action packed theme park popular with both visitors and locals - this is one busy attraction in Hong Kong.  More than 140 million people have visited the park since it opened in January 1977.

We visited in April 2019 as guests of Ocean Park and were blown away at just how much was on offer at this expansive park. Whether young or old, all ages were attracted to this park where your entry fee provides access to a world of shows, animal encounters, thrill rides, amusements and entertainment. 

Getting There
The fantastic thing about Hong Kong is how accessible everything is through the expansive rail system - the MTR. A dedicated stop at Ocean Park means that no matter where your Hong Kong hotel is located, accessing the park is simple.  

Tourists can purchase a 24 hour travel card for the MTR, however we found it was actually more cost efficient to simply purchase single trip tickets as we went.  The only downside to that was the need to have cash at the station to use the ticket machines - and the machines did not take large notes.

Tickets
Tickets for Ocean Park are priced at HKD$498 (approx AUD$90) for visitors aged 12+ and provide entry and access to the majority of attractions.  You can purchase your tickets online, at the gate, or at a 7-eleven.

Locals told us they too love to visit Ocean Park, particularly on their birthday when they receive free entry to celebrate their special day!

Navigating the Park
Ocean Park is an expansive attraction spread across a mountainous area. Located on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, Ocean Park covers more than 91.5 hectares of land and has more than 80 attractions. 

There are two distinct areas of the park - the Waterfront and the Summit - the two areas are connected by the Park’s 41 year old cable car, providing breathtaking views of the South China Sea, and the Ocean Express, a funicular train system. 

I have to be honest it was a bit overwhelming the expansive size of the park - and as my navigation skills are not the sharpest I did find it a bit of a maze.  However it meant there was constantly something new around every misguided turn I took! 

The Park provided a printed map upon arrival and there was an app that was useful to help us navigate our day. Look out for the e-coupons available on the app - a great way to save a bit on your food and drink costs for the day.  And the park is all hooked up with free wi-fi to keep you connected and posting all you favourite snaps of the day to you social media channels.

We opted to take the cable car up to the Summit as soon as we arrived - an option that proved a smart one as in the afternoon the line up to take the journey down the mountain was huge! The four minute funicular train journey is capable of taking 5,000 people per hour and had more capacity at the end of the day when we were tired and ready to leave. 

The Rides
So we are a family that loves a good roller coaster and Ocean Park did not disappoint us there!Thrill Mountain homes rides such as the Hair Raiser, Arctic Blast, The Flash, Mine Train and Raging River that have you speeding through loops and around corners at speed. 

Our favourite had to be the Mine Train, set on the side of a cliff, this ride gave an option to include a virtual reality headset.  It was one of the most bizarre experiences I have ever had and takes your thrill ride rollercoaster to a whole new level.

For those not seeking loops and drops there were plenty of other lower adrenaline options to entertain including a ferris wheel, bumper cars, tea cups and the like. 

Animal Attractions
As well as offering theme park rides and activities, Ocean Park is renowned for its animal husbandry, conservation and research. As proud South Australians we were delighted to see the Adventures in Australia attraction that highlighted none other than South Australia! Featuring a koala, laughing kookaburra and a rare albino wallaby, it was interesting visiting our local flora and fauna in Hong Kong.

Add to this the giant pandas, birds of prey show at the amazing bird theatre, a polar adventure featuring both south and north pole encounters, and an amazing aquarium - there is plenty of animal encounters to be had at the park.

​Have you been to Ocean Park?  What was your highlight of the visit? Leave us a comment with your suggestion.

​Penny - Itchy Feet Family

* Itchy Feet Family were guests of Ocean Park for our visit in April 2019.

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