William Bay, Western Australia

From windswept headlands and large granite outcrops to sheltered bays and beaches, William Bay National Park has something for everyone.

Famous for its turquoise green waters edged by huge granite boulders, Greens Pool is the centrepiece of William Bay National Park. It is a perfect place for swimming, snorkelling, relaxing or exploring the granite rocks.

Wildlife wonderland

Sheltered pools, channels, granite terraces, off shore islands, rock pools, and wild, windswept beaches provide many different habitats for marine life and birds. Shorebirds nest on the beaches, colourful fish inhabit the rock pools and whales and dolphins pass by further out to sea.

Wildflowers

A characteristic feature of the national parks on the south coast such as William Bay is that wildflowers may be found at any time of the year. There is a peak of flowering in spring but even in the hottest weather, flowers can be found, especially in the concealed habitats under the karri tees or under the dense coastal shrubs. Keep a lookout for the many species of orchids that grow in the park.

Caring for our wildlife

Hooded Plovers and other shorebirds are sometimes seen on the beaches of William Bay National Park. Sit quietly and watch how each of the birds move and feed – they are all so very different. The presence of dogs on beaches deters birds from nesting. Help to ensure that shorebirds feel safe to nest by leaving your dogs at home.

Getting there

William Bay National Park is accessible via the South Coast Highway between Denmark and Walpole.

Bush Walking

There is a short walk trail between Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks.

For those who want a longer walk, why not walk past Greens Pool to Mazzoletti Beach? This wild and windswept beach stretches from the rocks west of Greens Pool in a graceful curve to Parry’s Beach.

The Bibbulmun Track passes through William Bay National Park.

We recognise and acknowledge Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of William Bay National Park.

Source: http://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/william-bay

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Na'ama Bay, Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt

In the middle of Egypt's Red Sea coast, Na'ama Bay has diverse marine life, colorful corals visible from the surface of the water and great snorkeling from the beach in front of the Jolie Ville Hotel.

Highlight: With temperatures in the high 70s F (23-27 C) during November and December, and 10 hours of sunshine a day, this is the ideal place to take advantage of one of the many winter travel deals to Egypt on offer.

Na'ama Bay lies midway between Sharm Airport and Old City, nearly 10 minutes driving from both. Microbuses can take you from downtown, but to reach Na’ama Bay from Airport, you will have to take a cab.

For nightlife Na'ama Bay offers several clubs. The Pacha, Little Bhudda and Hard Rock Cafe. (Yes, the latter is one of those chain one.) There are countless bars and the pedestrian walkways offer many coffee houses where you may also enjoy a shisha along with some people watching.

Na’ama Bay is basically a formation of a large number of hotels and spas, sharing the same beach line. Most famous hotels there are Na'ama Bay Hotel, Helnan, Cataract Hotel.

 

Like any Sharm El Sheikh area, snorkeling and diving are a main pull for tourists. To note is that some hotels have cleared the coral reef from their section of beach for tourists to use the water. However, there are many boat trips and diving safaris where you will be taken out to coral reef filled with exceptionally colourful fish.Example Rates for Sharm Excursions Same Day Tours & Transfers Services and things to do available there.

Na'ama Bay has very forceful sellers and caution should taken by the naive tourist who accepts a "free gift" (nothing in Egypt is free) or falls for the "come and sign my guest book" in a shop, only to be locked in. When shopping, it is best not to speak to any sellers who engage you unless you are sure that you are going to buy something. This allows you some degree of hassle free walking (as they do not know what language you speak). Opening hours are variable, but most shops are open in the early to late afternoon and in the evening. If you are looking for a reprieve from the hassle and haggling, there's a Carrefour Express supermarket with fixed prices. Coming from the bay it's hidden behind one of the Malls, at Golden Pyramid Mall – on Peace Road. The selection is limited, but all the staples are available without hassle. You just have to make it through the crowds of vendor touts to get there.

Walking Na'ama Bay is amusing, especially at night, where lights of Bedouin-style and modern restaurants, café Shops, and other 'Bazaars' are glittering. If you want to go economic, you can dine at KFC, Pizza Hut or McDonalds, otherwise, you will enjoy some fresh seafood, or Egyptian typical Kebab, but for a relatively higher price. There is also a TGI, Little Buddah and Hard Rock cafe.

Be aware that pork is not sold, even when it is advertised on a menu (it is actually a salted beef).

A 10-15% service charge will be added to any bill.

Na'ama Bay is basically an area filled with large 3-6 star resort hotels so the choice is wide. Remember to check your choice out on Google maps to see if it is really near a beach as some are set back from the water some distance. (although they do have shuttle buses(some of which incur local fees))

·         Noria Resort. In the Naama Bay neighborhood of Sharm el Sheikh, this hotel is near Naama Bay Beach. It has been built in traditional Roman Style. It is not on the beach but has a free shuttle bus. They charge €3 per hour for wifi.

·         Hilton Sharm Dreams Resort. In the Naama Bay neighborhood of Sharm el Sheikh, this hotel is near Naama Bay Beach. Guestrooms have balconies, air conditioning, and sofa beds. Rooms also include minibars and handheld showers.

·         Hilton Fayrouz Resort Sharm El Sheikh. In the Naama Bay neighborhood of Sharm el Sheikh, this hotel is near Naama Bay Beach.

·         Domina Oasis Hotel & Resort. In the Naama Bay neighborhood of Sharm el Sheikh, this hotel is near Sharm El Sheikh Golf Resort.

·         Marriott Sharm El Sheikh Resort. In the Naama Bay neighborhood of Sharm el Sheikh, this resort is near Naama Bay Beach.

·         Sheraton Sharm Hotel, Resort, Villas & Spa. In the Naama Bay neighborhood of Sharm el Sheikh, this hotel is near Sharm El Sheikh Golf Resort.

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Cascate del Mulino, Saturnia, Tuscany, Italy

Saturnia and its Thermal Springs

Saturnia is a small town in the municipality of Manciano in Maremma, that stands on top of a hill overlooking the famous thermal springs. The town stands close to an Etruscan necropolis along the Roman road Clodia, situated in between the Aurelia and Cassia roads.

Its origins are extremely ancient as proven by the beautiful Porta Romana, Roman Gates, dating back to the 2nd century B.C. set within the medieval walls built by the Aldobrandeschi family. It was a possession of Siena until the 16th century when it became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Another evidence of its glorious past is certainly the Bagno Santo, Holy Bath, that is an antediluvian holy place a few kilometers from the center. In Saturnia the medieval Church of Santa Maria Maddalena deserves a visit, with its splendid artistic masterpieces as well as theArcheological Museum and the Aldobrandeschi Fortress (not open to public).

What turns Saturnia into an attractive destination are its famous thermal springs. Saturnia's thermal baths are made of several springs stretching from Mount Amiata to the hills of Albenga and Fiora and reaching Roselle and Talamone.

The warm sulphurous waters of Saturnia were well-known by the Etruscans and Romans. Legend has it that its springs are born in the exact point where Jupiter's thunderbolt fell in a battle against Saturn. The thermal waters have a temperature of 37.5 °c and therapeutic and relaxing properties.

In addition to the luxurious, exclusive wellness and spa centers in Saturnia, the are two outdoor waterfalls, the Cascate del Mulino and Cascate del Gorello. The Cascate del Mulino (in the photograph above) are probably the most famous natural springs in Tuscany. The waterfalls are made of several natural pools of warm thermal water, as well as a relaxing waterfall. They areopen to the public and free throughout the entire year. The only negative part is parking. During high-season, it can be really hard to find a spot where to park and it is easy to get a parking ticket. So pay attention to where you park... and then relax!

Saturnia and its thermal springs are certainly another gem of in the treasure that the Maremma offers, an area where wild nature and history melts perfectly, making Tuscany the perfect destination for your holidays in Italy!

How to get to Saturnia (thermal baths are at the bottom of the hill)

By Car
Coming from the north of Italy, take the A1 and exit at Florence Certosa. Follow the Florence-Siena road south towars Siena, continuing along toward Grosseto, then to Scansano, Montemerano until you reach Manciano and Saturnia.

If you're coming from southern Italy, take the A12 and exit at Civitavecchia, then get on the S.S. Aurelia until you pass Montalto di Castro, then turn toward Vulci until you reach Manciano and Saturnia.

Distances - from Rome: 180km; from Florence: 200km; from Orvieto: 75km.

By Train + Bus
The closest train station is Albinia but not all trains stop there so make sure to check ahead of time the schedules (www.trenitalia.com). The next closest is the station at Orbetello. From there, take a bus (Rama) from Orbetello or Albinia to Manciano.

Source: http://www.discovertuscany.com/maremma/thermal-baths-of-saturnia.html

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