Ever wanted to pack up your bags and roadtrip around Australia?  Well we’re giving you that chance!  JUCY has teamed up with some awesome companies in Australia to bring you an Aussie Summer Roadtrip that you can win! 

The prize includes:-

2 weeks in a JUCY Grande Campa in Australia
$1000 Rush Surf clothing voucher
2 x adults on a spectacular Cruise, Coral Cay and Reef experience with Cairns Premier Reef Tours
2 x adults on a  2 day / 2 night sailing trip around the Whitsunday Islands with Tongarra Sailing Adventures
3 day / 2 night guided self drive tour for 2 with Nomads Fraser Island Tours

For more details and to enter go to www.jucy.com.au/aussieroadtrip

Good luck!

Love
Lucy xx

Yep, that’s right we’re finalists in the 2011 Golden Backpack Awards.  Not only for JUCY Rentals in NZ and OZ, but also for JUCY Cruize and JUCY Hotel.  That means all four JUCY products are finalists, and we’re only finalists because YOU voted for us.  So a massive JUCY high-five to you all!

The Golden Backpack Awards are Australia and New Zealand’s only dedicated awards to reward companies who work hard to make backpacking around Australia and New Zealand awesome.  And the best part is they are voted by you the traveller! 

Check out the categories we are finalists in below:

• JUCY Hotel, Auckland for Best Hostel in NZ
• JUCY Cruize Milford Sound for Best Tour / Activity in NZ
• JUCY Rentals for Best Car / Camper Rental Australia
• JUCY Rentals for Best Car / Camper Rental New Zealand

Winners will be announced on the 27th of October so keep your fingers crossed and we will let you know how we get on.

Thanks for loving JUCY!

Love
Lucy xx

Here is the third blog update from Brenda Noonan who is cycling 4,500kms from west to east across Australia to raise money for the Heart Foundation and we have provided her with a JUCY Ride to be her funky support vehicle (home away from home). 

Love, Lucy xx 

P.S  For those of you who missed her first and second updates you can see them here.  First Update.  Second Update.

I have now reached the halfway point both distance wise and time-wise – 3 weeks down, 3 weeks to go!!!!!

The third week saw us depart from Penong – stop at Ceduna for 2 nights, Minnipa, Kimba, Port Augusta for 2 nights and ended the week at Peterborough – still in South Australia. Total distance travelled now is 2603.97 kms.

We are now out-and-out experts at setting our Jucy Grande up each night for sleeping, and returning it to its daily driving state each morning. It’s a very easy thing to do!!!

I “short-changed” myself on rest days in the first 2 weeks of this trip, so have made up for it by taking 2 this week. One was in Ceduna and one in Port Augusta – both very easy towns to spend an extra day in!

I was able to pedal straight into Ceduna – through the “border control” – however – not so Jucy – she had to stop and be searched to ensure no fresh fruit and vegetables were being brought into South Australia.

The Ceduna motor camp seemed to be full of “grey nomads” who went fishing every day for their quota of King George Whiting.  Our “camp neighbour” gave some beautiful fresh fillets to my “crew” who had the “bestest” breakfast of the trip that morning!

I enjoyed peddling through the prosperous grain growing area between Ceduna and Port Augusta. Each small town became obvious before you got to it with the appearance of huge grain silo’s in the sky.

The stop at Minnipa was remarkable in that we were the only ones in the camping ground – and the very nice on-site manager provided us with beer for free!! Gee, that was hard to drink!! Actually we had to “book in” at the Hotel as the manager was not there when we arrived – so there must have been some sort of “deal”.

Kimba is the traditional “halfway across Australia” so Jucy got her photo taken with the Pink Galah sitting on the Purple Penthouse.

A brief stop at Iron Knob to use the “dunny” was interesting, and arriving in Port Augusta seemed incredible.

The end of the Eyre Highway for us – and – yippee – supermarkets and bottle shops!!!  Stocked up with food and liquid, perused the wonderful Wadlata Museum, and met up with some great “blokes” in the camping ground who donated generously to the Heart Foundation.

After the rest day in Port Augusta – the ride to Peterborough was interesting – the steepest and longest climb of the journey so far – very tough going. Fortunately the road flattened out and even had some terrific downhills so I recovered as I went along. Peterborough is a town for train buffs – which I am not – but I guess for them it is heaven!!!!

Luv ya Lucy – Luv ya Jucy!!

Here is the second blog update from Brenda Noonan who is cycling 4,500kms from west to east across Australia to raise money for the Heart Foundation and we have provided her with a JUCY Ride to be her funky support vehicle (home away from home).  Here is her second update! 

Love, Lucy xx 
P.S  For those of you who missed her first update you can check it out here.

 Time seems to be flying by and now Week Two of my bike ride raising funds for the Heart Foundation, from Scarborough (WA) to Scarborough (Qld)  has come to an end!!!!

It has been great fun, hard work, long days on the bike, meeting great folk and staying n exciting places!!!!

The second week saw us depart from Balladonia – and stop at the following “roadhouses” – Caiguna, Cocklebiddy, Madura Pass, Eucla, Nullarbor, Nundroo and ending up at Penong! The total kilometres I have travelled now is 1905.77 kms!!

I am actually ahead of schedule now as I “combined” two lots of rides. The poor outback does suffer from “blackspots” in communication and I guess when one travels by car you move through them much more quickly than when on a bike!! Instead of stopping a night at Mundrabilla I pushed on to Eucla, hoping to get a “signal” there – (didn’t happen) – and my planned stop at Yalata didn’t come to be as the roadhouse there is now closed!!

It is great having a couple of days “up my sleeve” – as it gives a bit of flexibility should things like the weather come into play at some stage in the future.

So what have been the highlights this week??

1. I biked Australia’s longest straight road – 90 miles – 146.6 kms
2. I have crossed the border from Western Australia into South Australia – my odometer read 1494.84 kms at the border.
3. I have biked across the Nullarbor desert – well – I can officially get my “certificate at the next stop – Ceduna
4. On Monday, riding between Eucla and Nullarbor – we saw another Jucy heading West !!!!! Great excitement – toot-toots and waves!!!!
5. That same day (Monday) my third puncture – the “shoulder” of the road is a lot narrower in SA, and there are many more stones flicked onto the road. A lapse in concentration and I hit a beauty causing a “snake-bite” puncture!

Cooking in Campas is designed to help you think of yummy meals you can cook on the road.  In summary, it’s a JUCY cooking show! 

First up – Green Thai Chicken Curry

Enjoy & check back next week for another recipe for you to try.

Love
Lucy xx

We all know Australia is full of mysterious and beautiful surprises, but here are five interesting destinations in New South Wales worth stopping at on your next JUCY adventure!  Whether you’re looking for a unique adventure or a bit of a thrill – we’ve got it covered!

1. The Jenolan Caves – The Blue Mountains

Known as one of the most unique and interesting natural sites in New South Wales, the Jenolan Caves are a must see if you’re driving through the Blue Mountains.

One of the most amazing and oldest cave systems in the world, the Jenolan Caves include spectacular underground rivers and amazing hanging rock formations – perfect for the inner explorer in you!

2. Monte Cristo Homestead – Junee

If you see yourself as a bit of a ghost hunter we recommend the Monte Cristo Homestead in Junee. Said to be ‘Australia’s Most Haunted House’, this place will have you running back to your JUCY Campa for safety in no time!

The Homestead is open daily for Ghost Tours so you can learn about its gruesome history and all of the mysterious happenings that take place regularly on the grounds.
 
3. The Original Ettamogah Pub – Albury

If you’re keen to enjoy a cold drink in a quirky bar, stop over at the Original Ettamogah Pub in Albury.

Modelled on a cartoon pub created by cartoonist Ken Maynard, the Ettamogah is famous for it’s unique design, fun atmosphere and most importantly good beer! Celebrate the Aussie pub culture by stopping over for a drink and maybe take a nap in your JUCY campa before you complete the rest of your journey!

4. Q Station – Manly

From the early 1830s until 1984 Q Station was the destination for migrant ships suspected of containing contagious diseases. Today you can immerse yourself in the spirits these migrants left behind by taking a Ghost Tour and expose yourself to the frightening tales of unexplained phenomena!

If you’re looking for an interesting stop-over close to Sydney, add Q Station to your Campa adventure itinerary!
5. The Big Banana – Coffs Harbour

If you like big things, the Big Banana is sure to spice up your next JUCY road trip. With fun for the whole family, it’s the perfect place to take some time off the road, have a bite to eat, and snap some priceless photos next to the biggest banana in the world!

The Big Banana features attractions like the Toboggan ride and the largest inflatable waterslide in the world! It also offers an ice rink, a Candy Kitchen, a café and a gift shop. So when your feeling bored on your way up to the Coffs Coast, be sure to stop at the Big Banana and keep yourself occupied for a few hours.

Love
Lucy xx

Tropical Cyclone Yasi North Queensland – Update for JUCY customers
Wednesday 2 February 08:00am AEST

JUCY wishes to advise that due to the threat posed by Tropical Cyclone Yasi the Cairns branch will be operating limited hours on Wednesday 2 February and Friday 4 February and will be closed on Thursday 3 February.

Tropical Cyclone Yasi is expected to reach Cairns late on Wednesday 2 February.

Customers collecting and returning vehicles
JUCY has made contact with most customers due to collect or return vehicles at the Cairns branch on 2, 3 and 4 February. Jucy is working with customers to make alternative arrangements. If you are a customer yet to be contacted please call Jucy as early as possible on 1800 150 850.

Customers with affected travel plans
Customers in, or intending on travelling to, North Queensland may be required to amend travel plans. Customers affected should contact JUCY as early as possible on 1800 150 850 to make alternative arrangements. JUCY will do all that is possible to accommodate customers booked to collect in or return to Cairns and now wishing to make alternative arrangements.

Recommended travel plans
Australia is a large continent and all other JUCY locations are experiencing great weather conditions. JUCY recommends travel from the Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne branches.

Updates
JUCY will provide daily updates. Customers and agents with enquiries are kindly asked to call 1800 150 850 (free from Australia) or +64 9 374 4360 (all other countries).

Cheers
Lucy xx

When you’re working nine to five living for the weekend becomes the ultimate goal (unless you love your job like us JUCY peeps!).

Australia has some gorgeous weekend hot spots – from tranquil reefs and sparkling harbours, to leafy forests – yes, Australia’s just about got them all!  Hop in your Jucy Campa this weekend and check out some of Aussie’s finest places to chill.  Go on, you know you want to.
Byron Bay, NSW
Byron is the ultimate beach-side town for those looking for a little sun and sand. With scuba diving, whale watching and blue crushing beaches at your doorstep, you won’t want to leave once your weekend is over!

Great Barrier Reef, QLD
If you happen to be in Queensland take a drive north for an ultimate weekend getaway in the sun. For a lovely weekend away make sure you visit the gloriously warm city of Cairns and spend some time exploring the world’s largest reef system – the Great Barrier Reef! Home to colourful coral and gorgeous sea animals, the Great Barrier Reef is the place to scuba dive, snorkel and plunge in crystal clear waters with dolphins and turtles. It’s the weekend trip away every under-water world enthusiast dreams of.

Hunter Valley, NSW
If you’re a bit of a wino, Hunter Valley is the perfect weekend getaway. Tipped as Australia’s most glorious wine-producing region, Hunter Valley is the place to enjoy picturesque scenery with a fabulous glass of wine – and the best part is that it’s only a two hour drive from Sydney. Why not take a stroll amongst nature’s finest gardens or take a cellar tour for a day of wine tasting. Bliss!

Great Ocean Road, Victoria
For a scenic weekend getaway take a drive along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. See the amazing Twelve Apostles rock formation with your own eyes as you cruise along the long stretch of ocean. If you’re lucky you might also spot some native wildlife. And if you’re with that someone special you might also want to pack a picnic, park your campa by the side of the road and have a romantic twilight meal in one of the most picturesque spots in Australia.

Blue Mountains, NSW
For a weekend of breathtaking natural beauty and incredible landscapes, head to the Blue Mountains. Take a walk on the Three Sisters formation, hop on the famous railway rides for the ultimate scenic view or enjoy gushing local rains at Wentworth Falls. And don’t forget to take your camera!

Packed yet?  Your weekend just got a little more exciting!

Love
Lucy xx

Day 13 – JUCY Lucy Snorkels the Great Barrier Reef

The final activity on our JUCY East Coast adventure made an appearance on day 13, and the great news was that we had saved the best ‘til last!

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is one of the 7 wonders of the natural world and is quintessential to the completion of any holiday down under.  In fact I can’t think of a better way to finish our trip.

Looking at the reef from the top simply doesn’t do it justice!  Dive just below the surface and you will uncover a whole new and exciting world; a place where every living creature interacts and a rainbow of colours stretches as far as the eye can see.  The reef boasts a world of beauty that words simply cannot describe.  Spectacular, magnificent, breathtaking, awe-inspiring, stunning…nope, that doesn’t quite do it!

A day out here will let you get up close to the world’s largest reef system, where friendly locals like Wally the giant parrot fish and Nemo will pose just long enough to take a photo.  There really is no experience quite like it!

Sad to see it end, we cruised back to the shores of Cairns where we picked up our camper for the very last time and returned it to the friendly staff at the JUCY Cairns Depot.

It had been an adventure…one filled with amazing sights, great people, fantastic activities and memorable moments.  The freedom our JUCY Camper had given us really made it as unforgettable as it was and has me looking forward to future JUCY adventures in this Great Southern Land.

Hope you have enjoyed following our adventure & until my next roadtrip take care.  

Merry Christmas!

Love
Lucy xx

Day 12 – JUCY Lucy explores the Atherton Tablelands

A day of sightseeing lay ahead on Day 12 of our JUCY East Coast adventure, and instead of following the coast we decided to detour inland in order to reach our final destination of Cairns.

Stopping for a famous home-made pie in Cardwell was a must before taking the turn-off to Queensland’s number one attraction, Paronella Park.  Admission is hefty, so if you’re a JUCY traveler on a tight budget, just sneak a peak from the outside.

The scenic inland route took us through the glorious Atherton Tablelands where we uncovered a land of waterfalls, delicious homemade chocolates and cheeses, and potent liqueurs and wines.  There are so many great places to stop along the way and your JUCY Camper will give you the freedom to do so…unlike an organised tour bus.

After sampling delicious marshmallow and mulberry liqueurs at a distillery just outside Mareeba, we headed towards Kuranda.  Watch out for police on the bends of these roads.  We saw 3 picking drivers up for speeding!

After a rainforest hike to the spectacular Barron Falls, we reached the city of Cairns, which was by now a fairyland of colourful lights, glistening over the harbour’s surface. After checking in at the Cairns Holiday Park we headed straight to the Esplanade where we found crazy bargains at the famous night markets and a trendy array of restaurants, cafes and bars.

A moonlight walk along the lagoon’s edge was the perfect way to end the day before spending our last (hot) night in the JUCY Grande.

The Great Barrier Reef is calling my name tomorrow, so until then.

Love
Lucy xx