Australia & NZ Holidays

Welcome to the YOURLifeChoices travel in Australia and New Zealand page. No matter what your state, we have it all covered with Campervan Holidays, Skiing tips and trips and also if you just want to drive around, our Hit the Road page gives you all the great day trip ideas around Australia. Travel is about having fun and we hope to give you some great touring options around the continent – and in neighbouring NZ. Whether you are coaching or motoring, enjoy the many suggestions on offer.

$1 Campervan Rental

If you have ever dreamed of travelling in a campervan to visit family or friends, or just wanted to explore Australia, $1 campervan relocations make it incredibly affordable.

Centrelink on the road

If you’re running away from home for a length of time, make sure you understand any implications your trip will have on your pension entitlements.

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Crocs, snakes & spiders – what you need to know

One joy of travelling through Australia’s outback is the sighting of indigenous animals in their natural habitat but from which nasties should you keep your distance?

Crocodiles
Crocodiles come in two varieties in Australia, freshwater and saltwater. As their names suggests, freshwater crocs live in freshwater areas and are harmless to humans, unless severely provoked during breeding season. They will only grow to about three metres and are recognizable by their pointy snout. When it comes to saltwater crocs, don’t be fooled by the name.  These reptiles will happily live in freshwater areas and are only too keen to have a go at digesting a whole human!  Growing up to six metres, they’re a foreboding sight and shouldn’t be provoked in any way.

Snakes
Many of the world’s most poisonous snakes do reside in Australia however; the potency of their venom is seldom dangerous to humans.  There are some snakes which should be treated more cautiously than others such as the Inland Taipan, the Eastern Brown Snake and the Mainland Tiger Snake, but as a rule, don’t approach any snake and the chances of you getting bitten are slim.

Spiders
The most famous of Australia’s “deadly” spiders are the red back and the funnel web however, just like our venomous snakes, the chances of dying from a spider bite are slim.

Red back - only female red back spiders can actually bite you, the males are too small and as they seldom leave their web, you would have to stick your hand in the web to be bitten, not terribly clever.  The females red back is the one who has the red stripe on her back and her bite will almost certainly be ineffective, possible a little bit itchy.  However, a reaction to the venom can cause nausea and sweating but rest, plenty of fluids and an ice pack on the bite is all that’s required. If concerned, your local hospital will be able to administer an antivenom.

Funnel-web – seldom seen outside of Sydney, the male funnel web lays claim to being the most deadly spider in Australia.  They are large, black and aggressive and should be avoided.  If bitten by a funnel web, you should apply an immobilisation bandage and consult a medical practioner however, an antivenom can be administered which should have you up and about in no time.

Quite simply, if you don’t know what species the animal is, stay away. 

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Mates’ rates on Greyhound

Grab a friend and hit the open road. With the return of Greyhound Australia’s Mates Rates deals, you can save 50% off the cost of a second ticket, making coach travel even more affordable.

To take advatage of these great Mates Rates fares, book and travel any time before 21 June 2010.

For more information, visit Greyhound.com.au.