Fair Dinkum traveller

The Gnomes of Gnomesville in Ferguson Valley – Western Australia

Aug 19, 2016 | Postcards, Western Australia

Ferguson Valley is home to a fantastic surprise - a town crafted by gnomes! Gnomesville is full of cheery little creatures, making their homes and lives amongst the rolling hills. Visit this enchanting village for yourself and take in its magic atmosphere firsthand!

It is not your typical walk in an Australian bush, where you're generally looking for koalas in the trees or kangaroos jumping about the forest.

Inside the lush forest of the Ferguson Valley region, one of the unique Western Australia attractions you'll find is an iconic place that is a kingdom for all those little garden gnomes in this world. You know, the ones, those small garden statues which are usually elegantly placed in your garden.

Step into a world full of magic and wonder at Gnomesville, an attraction that truly lives up to its name. Nestled amidst the stunning Ferguson Valley in the southwest region of Western Australia, this is a place where hundreds of gnomes come to life.

Unlike the fictional battles we saw in the movie Gnomeo & Juliet, Gnomesville is a place of serenity, where the gnomes are carefully placed, giving the sense of being in a magical world. You'll be amazed by the variety of gnomes, each with a personality and charm that'll make you feel like you're part of it. One can't help but let their imaginations run wild as they step inside this enchanting attraction, making memories that last a lifetime.

Thousands of tourists come every year to check out the little gnomes and even bring their own to permanently place the little garden friends in the quiet Australian bush for the rest of the world to see. It's Gnomesville in Ferguson Valley, a small place that must be visited in Western Australia.

Are you heading to the Southwest for a holiday? Check out Booking.com for suitable hotels!

Gnomesville in Ferguson Valley, Western Australia.

The Gnomes of Gnomesville in Ferguson Valley

In the Ferguson Valley lies a small, enchanting town - home to the mysterious Gnomes of Gnomesville. Legends tell tales of their mischievous behaviour and magical powers; it's no wonder visitors have come from far and wide to get a glimpse for themselves!

Getting to Gnomesville

In the enchanting Ferguson Valley of Western Australia, a vibrant and whimsical community exists unlike any other. This place, fondly known as Gnomesville, is a mystical wonderland for all ages. Located just two hours South of Perth and nestled amidst the verdant beauty near Bunbury, Gnomesville is a sight to behold.

As you travel down Ferguson road, you can feel the excitement building inside you, eager to glimpse the Gnome community that captivates so many. Finally, you reach the round-a-bout, and there it is - Gnomesville, waiting with open arms to welcome you into its fantastical world. The entrance through the charming town of Dardanup only adds to the allure of this place.

Look for surrounding accommodation in Ferguson Valley on Booking.com.

The Gnomes come to life in Gnomesville.

How much does Gnomesville cost?

Never fear! The sights of Gnomesville are yours to behold without spending a single penny. Explore the tranquil forest and soak up the serene atmosphere while gazing upon hundreds of charming gnomes tucked beneath towering gum trees.

Pack your thermos, fill it with coffee, and grab some pastries - but don't forget an appetite for adventure! Gnomeland awaits; let's have a free-of-charge morning tea excursion in Aussie bushland bliss.

The Gnomes say, "Hi," Why not come to Gnomesville and say hello too?

What to do in Gnomesville?

Gnomesville is not your typical tourist attraction. It's a unique place filled with thousands of garden gnomes all in one location. And while taking pictures with gnomes is a must, there's much more to do here.

Consider packing a picnic lunch and a bottle of wine from one of the nearby wineries. Enjoy your lunch in nature, surrounded by your new gnome friends. Afterwards, walk through the area with your family or partner and enjoy the sounds of the creek and birds chirping away. These simple pleasures will create a truly peaceful and enjoyable experience at Gnomesville.

Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the sounds of the forest as you eat.

Things to do in Ferguson Valley

Hiking in the Crooked Brook Forest is a must-do activity for nature lovers. When people think of Ferguson Valley, the first thing that comes to mind is Gnomesville. However, there is much more to discover and enjoy in the area.

The sound of the leaves rustling, the birds chirping, and the fresh air will make you forget about the busy city life. If you are into waterfalls, then you are in luck. You can explore the beautiful waterfalls nearby and reconnect with nature. And for those who love a good drink, Ferguson Valley offers a variety of wineries and breweries to explore.

Moody Cow Brewery is a popular option for its great food and beer, and the entertainment is top-notch for adults and kids. Don't miss out on all the other beautiful experiences the Ferguson Valley offers along with Gnomesville.

What are you waiting for? It's Gnomesville in the picturesque Ferguson Valley of Western Australia.

Discover the enchanting Gnomesville tucked away in Ferguson Valley of Western Australia! Step into a world where these mischievous little gnomes come to life and greet visitors with open arms. There's no need to wait - make your way down south for an unforgettable experience with the friendly inhabitants of this hidden gem.

Hiking is a great outdoor activity in the Ferguson Valley of Western Australia.

Check out these Western Australia Travel Books from Amazon

Booking.com

Ride at your Peril When on the Bikes in Southeast Asia

Aug 7, 2016 | Travel Tips

Opinion Piece - Ride at your Peril When on the Bikes in Southeast Asia

Motorcycle riding in South East Asia is a phenomenon in many of the countries in the region.

The traffic is manic, and even as a pedestrian, you must watch your step as the bikes come out of nowhere without warning. Riding a bike in Southeast Asia leads to the discussion of whether to ride motorcycles on the busy Southeast Asian streets as a tourist?

It was a substantial discussion between my wife and me on our recent trip to Thailand. She wanted to explore the spontaneous side of her life and hire a scooter.

I wasn't so keen, and for a couple of reasons, not because I was a chicken, we needed to be innovative.

The first reason was back home in Australia, we had two kids we needed to get home to in one piece, and the second reason was that we had never ridden a scooter in our life, not once.

I found the idea crazy to think we could hire a scooter, have a practice ride in the hotel parking lot and then get out on the manic streets of Koh Samui. I don't think so.

Now road rules in Koh Samui seem non-existent, whether it is speeding, overtaking at the most dangerous times or plain negligence of other road users. Then there are the standards of the roads which at times are downright disgraceful. Potholes on the street, constant road work with poor delineating and drainage on the side of the road can be pretty terrifying.

Regularly back on the news in Australia, I will hear of tragic accidents involving bikes in the news, particularly in Bali, where a lot of Aussies travel. Disastrous scenarios that at times have ended in severe injury or fatality.

It makes you think of varying reasons why such tragedy does happen, such as inexperience, being unlucky, being negligent, or drinking alcohol before riding. Is it worth riding a bike on experienced roads?

Ultimately, I won the argument; we didn't hire scooters. Not to say I wouldn't go for a ride in the future if the situation were different, but the time wasn't right.

Now my argument would be different for experienced riders, where their control of the bike and overall confidence is much more competent. But even then, the conditions are additional to back home.

Now whatever you choose, as it is a choice when all is said and done. However, Make sure you have the appropriate travel insurance to cover any injuries that could be sustained and also have a motorcycle accident lawyer saved in case of an accident while riding a motorcycle in South East Asia.

Compare travel insurance when you are going abroad and save serious money!

Plenty of motorcycles to ride in Thailand.

Booking.com

The Night a Korean Alcoholic Drink Made me a Fool in Seoul

Aug 5, 2016 | South Korea

Greetings, fellow adventurers! Welcome to Travel Tales - where I tell all my wild stories worldwide. In Seoul, an unexpected Korean alcoholic drink entered my hands and turned me into a drunk fool for one night only (thank god!). This story might make me look foolish... but no adventure is complete without a few embarrassing moments you can giggle about later.

My first-ever trip abroad had started grandly with hopes of extraordinary encounters ahead; little did I know it would end so quickly with some humble lessons learned and plenty of laughs along the way! So please sit back, relax, and grab your favourite beer or wine -- let's reminisce on this unforgettable scene as we bring these travel tales to life at last.

The night, a Korean alcoholic drink, made me a fool in Seoul. Picture by Pexels

Setting the scene in Seoul

Arriving in Seoul as a first-time traveller was nerve-racking. I waved off pesky taxi drivers who offered me rides and waited for my Korean girlfriend, who had travelled back home earlier than me. After she arrived late at the airport, all apologetic, we were finally ready to go! We went straight towards her family's house, where everyone gathered around with welcoming arms (and some curious glances).

It indeed wasn't what I expected on this trip. Still, it ended up being one of those genuinely remarkable memories that stick out like no other from travels past - an experience complete with great company and beautiful moments worth cherishing forever!

We had a fabulous lunch to kick off our first day in Seoul and planned for an epic evening ahead; however, little did I know that the night would be much more than I expected! It was my sister-in-law's engagement party - things were going great until all hell broke loose. But trust me when I say you won't believe what happened next!

I have gotten a little more familiar with Korean food and a Korean alcoholic drink over the years.

What Happened that night with the Korean alcoholic drink?

I was a curious Aussie, standing in the cold and watching as young men charged up the street chanting. I had never seen anything like this before – it seemed to be some engagement party - or at least that's what they called it: 'hamn".

As far as I could tell, women on one side were trying to persuade a group of men into their house by any means necessary, whether through music and dancing, gifts or other tactics! After about an hour's hard work (which included more than its fair share of noise!), finally, there is a success...and with that comes treasure – namely, cheers from all gathered around ushering the future bride inside for festivities ahead!

As the only non-Korean speaking person in a room full of Koreans, I felt out of place. My Korean girlfriend sat beside me but was preoccupied with catching up after our long flight from Seoul. With everyone else deep in conversation and laughter, my attention shifted towards the food before us at the table - so much unknown to me except for its foreignness!

I mustered courage as I scooped an unfamiliar dish onto my plate; it didn't look quite enticing, considering how tired I already felt post-travel. But surprisingly enough, that first bite changed everything – no wonder why there were so many conversations around this particular meal, like what had gotten into this house!

I was feeling so out of place and drained from the long day, but when a conversation drifted my way, I suddenly found myself becoming part of something special. It seemed like it just dawned on them that an outsider was in their presence - yet this only spurred curiosity about who I am!

I don't know what hit me more; those questions or the Soju these young Korean men passed around. The first taste sent pleasure running through me with its smooth sensation – no wonder why they consider it one of the finest spirits ever known! But once you start, it's hard to stop...one glass soon became two. Three, which eventually led to fifteen (no kidding)—with each drink, language barriers disappeared while laughter filled our conversations until morning light arrived – memories fully intact thanks to that fantastic Soju experience!

The rest of the night was a total blur! I shamelessly grabbed the karaoke mic and tried to serenade it, but my rendition of Boyz II Men's "I'll Make Love To You" didn't quite hit all the right notes. My romantic moment quickly ended as they ripped away that fateful microphone before it could reach its climax—unfortunately for me, no lovemaking this time around.

Afterwards? Blackout-town! I'm not sure how I'd gotten there in the first place, but it looks like their momma bear didn't precisely appreciate napping in my sister-in-law's bed. Talk about an awkward introduction, though. The next thing I knew, there were repeated smacks on my shoulder--as if someone was saying, "hello again?!"

From the second I set foot out of that taxi, a wave of nausea crashed into me. Before I knew it, my stomach contents were exploding in front of the house where we'd been staying - and this was only the beginning! For four long days afterwards, vomiting continued to ravage my body as alcohol poisoning took its toll. Suffice it to say – all thanks go towards none other than myself for this particularly wild ride.

My inaugural pilgrimage to Korea was a colossal misstep, so cringeworthy that it's become part of family folklore. It won't rank in my top trips for precious memories anytime soon!

Oh yeah, and whatever happened to that girlfriend at the time? Surely her family didn't let me stick around. Nothing could be further from the truth. I made her my wife a couple of years later, and to this day, we are still going secure with a couple of new additions to the family.

The night a Korean alcoholic drink made me a fool in Seoul was also the first and last time I ever drank Soju.

Are you heading to Seoul? Look for accommodation on TripAdvisor.

I married my then-girlfriend and have since created quite a beautiful life together - with two little ones to boot!

Booking.com

Is South Korea a safe country to visit? Of course and it’s Beautiful

Aug 3, 2016 | South Korea

Is South Korea a safe country to visit? Bottom dollar it is. Quite frankly, it's incredibly reliable, and I would not hesitate to recommend any traveller to the East Asia country.

I have been to South Korea on a few separate occasions, and come the lead to every trip, I get asked the same old questions. You know those simple questions like, "be careful, North Korea might launch a nuclear missile," or another classic, "Should you be taking your kids into the country?" and the common question which always turns up ", Is South Korea a safe country to visit? I wouldn't be going if I was you."

The answers are always the same, much like their questions.

It continues along the same line every time Kim Jong-Un's name appears in the media, which is a regular occurrence, although his best friend, Donald Trump, seems to keep him in check. However, the North Korean President was prominent in the news during my last trip to Seoul. Friends told me I was crazy for going and getting tagged on Facebook for every news article with the latest gossip coming out of North Korea.

Every single time I could only roll my eyes at their concerns; it would be my friends and family missing out on an epic trip to a beautiful country in South Korea.

Why don't you check out this Seoul Kimchi and Culture
tour with Klook for an authentic Korean Experience!

Is South Korea a safe country to visit? Of course, it is, and it's a beautiful country to visit.

Is South Korea a Safe Country to Visit?

So what is my usual answer to those being concerned for my well-being in a foreign country permanently in the news? (And I do know they mean well)

My response is South Korea is a very safe country to visit, and not only that, it is one of the most beautiful and friendliest countries I have ever seen. It's a tourist goldmine with a lot happening within the country, especially in the capital city of Seoul. When asked about my security, I tell people that I feel safer in Seoul than in my home country in, Australia, and yes, I think Australia is very safe, of course. For instance, in Seoul, you can't walk in the city centre without seeing a group of police gathered together in large numbers and situated on every corner of the city.

I get that their concern is not about what is happening within the country of the Korean Republic itself; the matter is the neighbours in the North. That is like saying, should I go on holiday in case of a terrorist attack? Or should I jump on a plane in case it goes down? Due to catastrophic events that have occurred over recent years.

Daily concerns in our lives and even in our backyards about the safety of our homes exist. We don't shield ourselves from the problems at home, nor should we when travelling because of a minimal chance something goes wrong. Of course, you need to move cautiously; that is a given, and that's when you must get travel insurance for every trip you take because you never know what is around the corner.

Live life to the fullest; that's my motto because when it is all said and done, we only get one chance at it, and it's about making every day count. If we live every day in fear, we will never go outside our homes; hence, if you find yourselves with a chance to visit the beautiful country of South Korea.

Jump at it without any hesitations because I guarantee you that you won't regret it one bit. I know I haven't on each occasion I have visited, and I can't wait to head back again real soon and write a few more Fair Dinkum Traveller stories.

Check out this excellent Book from Amazon South Korea: At the Crossroads, a great history listens on the country and their neighbours North Korea.

Book at hotel in South Korea with Booking. com

Why don't you check out this Seoul Kimchi and Culture
tour with Klook for an authentic Korean Experience!

Explore modern Korea and have a safe trip.

Booking.com

Getting Around Koh Samui – The Famous Tourist Island of Thailand

Aug 3, 2016 | Thailand

Getting around Koh Samui is as easy as getting off the Ferry from Bangkok to Koh Samui, heading to the nearest train station and making your way to Koh Samui resort in style, Right?

No, not quite, well, not in Koh Samui anyway.

On the famous Thailand Island, there aren't any trains; or luxury coaches, albeit shuttle buses used by resorts and day tour operators. However, there is no need to threaten; you're not alone on this small paradise island they call Koh Samui in Thailand, or you, Americans, may call it Ko Samui.

Despite not having convenient public transport in the modern world, you'll still find getting around to see all the awesome things to do in Koh Samui simple and convenient. Therefore, you can enjoy your time getting out and about, feeling stress-free, and with the realisation, you'll get home safely when the time requires.

Are you heading to the romantic island of Thailand? Check out Booking.com for hotels.

Getting around Koh Samui is affordable and convenient.

Getting Around Koh Samui in Thailand

With the ferry from Bangkok to Koh Samui, you've reached paradise! Now it's time for that next adventure—finding perfect transportation on this island of wonder. Let us guide you through your options so you can make the most out of your stay when getting around Koh Samui!

Hail a Koh Samui Taxi

The cheerful yellow and maroon Samui Taxis are ubiquitous on the tiny Thai island, offering a convenient way to get around. While they may not be the cheapest transport option available compared with other choices open to you, by comparison, these taxis won't break your bank account like prices in Western countries tend to do - so enjoy an effortless journey!

Don't forget that although fares come at fixed rates haggling is always worth trying as taxi drivers usually stick true to their quote whether bargained or not. Alternatively, consider taking advantage of several alternative types of transportation for those few extra dollars spent exploring the stunning destination!

Getting around Koh Samui is easy in a taxi.

Getting around Koh Samui is comfortable in a taxi.

Take a Ride on the back of the Ute.

From the hustle and bustle of a tourist-filled beach to distant secluded getaways, hop on one of Koh Samui's iconic maroon utes for a fun island adventure. These bright little vehicles are everywhere – from popular sites like Chaweng Beach to your accommodation doorstep!

All you have to do is inform the driver about where you want them to take you before sitting back in what appears more complicated than it feels with its canopy coverings - Not only does this unconventional transport come at half price, but it will also bring you closer than ever towards discovering southern Thailand's treasures without being restricted by main roads.

Try out these unique rides anytime soon and let yourself be taken away on an astoundingly affordable journey across paradise!

Get a cool breeze riding around in the back of these vehicles

Get a cool breeze travelling around in the back of these vehicles.

Try your luck on a scooter or motorcycle.

Explore the beautiful island of Koh Samui with a hired bike, but take heed: road rules are virtually non-existent, and conditions can vary greatly. Unprepared riders should know that travelling without insurance could lead to dangerous situations!

If you decide it's worth taking on this adventure, numerous hire locations are conveniently located around the island - even cheaper than at your resort hotel. So wear your helmet and prepare for an affordable journey through paradise!

Before you hit the road on your bike in Koh Samui, invest in travel insurance for that extra layer of protection. It'll give you peace of mind while exploring this beautiful destination!

Motorbikes are convenient around Thai Island but tread carefully on uneven roads.

Hire a Car - It'll be safer for you.

Throughout Koh Samui, the car has been a steadfast and reliable way of exploring. Providing purveyors with incomparable freedom to travel at their own pace, there's no better trustworthy companion than this four-wheeled vehicle that houses its driver within an enclosed space containing all one needs for when on the go: An engine front included!

For those unfamiliar with Thailand's roads, it may be worth noting that they drive on the left side -a detail I'm pretty fond of as both an Aussie and frequent traveller. All said, if you choose your journey by foot or wheel -allowing yourself to become your guide around this tropical retreat is more rewarding than any other method available.

To hire a car around the island, check this link and be pre-prepared for when you visit Koh Samui and need a vehicle.

Go for a joy ride on a cruise boat.

An unforgettable journey awaits those who take a ferry ride to Thailand's mainland or the paradisiacal sites of Koh Samui! Angthong Marine National Park - in particular – is known for its serene beauty and tranquil waters, making it an ideal day trip destination.

For travellers looking to save money on such experiences, agencies around Chaweng offer discounted rates compared to their resort-based counterparts. Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity: book your epic cruise today!

An old cruise ship will help you in getting around Koh Samui.

Get on a shuttle bus and Get Around Koh Samui.

Indulge in the island's natural beauty by riding one of Koh Samui's luxurious shuttle buses! Offered by resorts and tour companies, these air-conditioned vehicles will provide a comfortable journey to some of the most breathtaking sights this tropical paradise offers.

There you have it, the effective alternatives of getting around Koh Samui from your Fair Dinkum Traveller, stress-free and hopefully in one piece. However, please listen to this advice, if you're travelling by motorcycle, respect the roads, other motorists and the country's laws.

Are you heading to Koh Samui? Check out Booking.com for hotels.