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Mount Buller

Mount Buller, often called Buller by locals, is an alpine village and ski resort around 250 km northeast of Melbourne. In winter, the mountain contained 263 ha of terrain for skiers and snowboarders, satisfying a wide range of skiers, from total beginners to ultra-advanced. In summer, Mount Buller has rapidly expanded from just an 'off season' to a significant destination for hiking and mountain biking, with more to come.

Understand
At only 3-4 hours drive from Melbourne, Mount Buller is popular with day trippers from Melbourne, but also boasts 7,000 beds on the mountain. The mountain itself rises to above sea level, with average snow depth during winter of 1.5 m. Extensive snowmaking takes place to ensure a longer season.

One thing to note is that skiing in Australia is extremely expensive, and Mount Buller is no exception. Expect high prices, especially for accommodation and food.

Climate and seasons
Mount Buller can be divided into two seasons, winter and summer.

The winter season, dominated by skiing and snowboarding, lasts from the King's birthday long weekend in June through to the October school holidays, depending on seasonal conditions. The mountain is usually busiest during the June school holidays and Victorian Interschools week (21-27 August), where large numbers of families come up to Mount Buller. During these times, it can be very hard to get accommodation, and if you do, expect long lift waits. August is generally the month with best snow, with most to all of the mountain being open. In winter, Mount Buller is very cold, with temperatures regularly below 0°C, so it is important to wear appropriate clothing. Most skiers and snowboarders wear thermals, warm jackets and (most importantly) waterproof jackets and pants, especially in peak season. Even if you are only visiting for snow play or sightseeing, wearing warm clothing is important. It is possible to rent this clothing from Buller Sports (mentioned below).

Snow-wise, Mount Buller varies significantly from season to season, and despite efforts every year, it is almost impossible to predict. If you see incoming snow on the forecast, don't always rely on it, as predicted conditions can change rapidly. A large part of the resort has a sunny northern aspect, which means snow melts quicker, and Buller tends to retain less snow than the other Victorian resorts. Luckily, Mount Buller provides a snow guarantee, which provides a full refund on prepaid accommodation, lift ticket, rental, lesson packages and toboggan park entries, provided you apply before 5PM the day before your planned arrival. In the early and late portions of the season, where snow can be scarce, it applies if Bourke Street Express is not running, and in peak season, if Bourke Street Express and less than three of a variety of other lifts are not running.

The summer season, dominated by mountain biking and hiking, lasts from early December to early April, with peak season being summer school holidays from opening to late January. However, the mountain tends to be much less busy in summer than in winter. In summer, the weather warms up to a rough average maximum of 15°C, however it is still often cool enough for multiple layers of clothing. Many places, including some of the locations mentioned in this guide, are closed in summer.

Visitor information

 * Mount Buller website

By car
There is only one paved road into Mount Buller, the Mount Buller Road (C320) which starts in Mansfield, a small town 55 km away. Most of the Mount Buller Road is fairly safe and easy to drive, but the road starts getting complicated once you drive past the Sawmill Settlement as the road begins climbs up the mountain. Extreme care is needed to navigate the road up the mountain with many blind corners and natural hazards such as ice and loose rock falling onto the road. The maximum speed limit is 60 km/h in good conditions, if the weather deteriorates, the safe speed can be reduced to or less.

If you are departing from Melbourne, leave at about 8:30 to 9AM to arrive in Mansfield to arrive at around noon for lunch. Stop at the Mansfield Bakery for award-winning pies, or go to the Mansfield Coffee Merchant for a more gourmet meal, with great coffee.

To get into the resort, you must pay for resort entry and have it available to display upon entering the resort, this can be done here. Cars also have to carry wheel chains if they are visiting the resort. You will also need to book Rideshare or private transfer, this can be done here. Note that Rideshare can be busy and delayed both entering and exiting the mountain, and the options for private transfer are very expensive. All cars visiting Mt Buller must carry diamond-pattern wheel chains, these can be hired from Buller Sports in Mansfield.

By bus
As explained above, the road up to Mount Buller is difficult to drive, so taking a bus can be preferable if you are not confident with driving the road, or do not drive at all.

For a direct route with a full days' skiing, Altitude Tours runs a bus at 5:30AM from the Old Melbourne Gaol to Mount Buller, with a return bus leaving at 4PM. This bus stops off at Box Hill and Glen Waverley, in Melbourne, and at Alzburg Resort, for ski and equipment hire, along the route. It is also possible to get a full day tour from Melbourne, of which there are many options, such as Mt Buller Tours and Adventure Snow Tours.

During winter, there is also a V/Line "snow coach" service that runs from Southern Cross to Mount Buller, which must be reserved, as tickets sell out quickly - information on prices and where to book is usually published before the start of the winter season. This consists of a V/line coach to Mansfield, a coach from Mansfield to Mount Buller provided by Mansfield Mt Buller Bus Lines, and the Rideshare service to accommodation.

By air
There are some companies that offer helicopter trips to Mount Buller from Melbourne, such as Microflite and Mile High, however these are expensive and are often cancelled or delayed due to wind or visibility issues.

If you are travelling interstate or internationally and wishing to fly, Melbourne Airport will be your best option, as it is the largest airport in Victoria, and closest major airport to Mount Buller. From here, it is easiest to use another of the options listed to get to Mount Buller.

Get around
To get around the Mount Buller village, there are free village bus services available for you to catch to allow you to reach the slopes from different points such as Chamois, Village Plaza, Ski School and Bourke Street. The buses are equipped with special clamps to secure your skies or snowboards on to remove the hassle of bringing your snow gear inside the bus and upsetting other users. There are three routes, all starting and ending at the ; to the top of Summit Road, along The Avenue and around Stirling Road and the south side of the village.

See
It's possible just to enjoy the view of the many mountains surrounding Mt. Buller, which provides a memorable day out in itself.

Do
Skiing and snowboarding are the main choices of activity for many visitors. However, there are some other activities that you can do if you are not a keen skier or snowboarder. There are snow shoe activities and sightseeing available. See the |Mount Buller website for more details.

Skiing and snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding is a very common activity on Mount Buller, and many people come exclusively to do so. Mount Buller has an extensive network, comprising of 88 trails served by 20 lifts. Lift tickets can be bought on Mount Buller's website, with prices changing throughout the season. When skiing or snowboarding, remember to abide by the Alpine Responsibility Code. The one thing to remember, even if you are an advanced skier, is to know your limits and to not push them. Pushing your limits can often lead to accidents, which could leave you seriously injured and out of pocket.

 * Beginner (Green Circle): The beginner runs on Mount Buller are Bourke Street, Baldy and Burnt Hut. The slopes on these runs are gentle and easy to slide down on. Burnt Hut is slightly steeper, but the scenery is a lot nicer than Bourke Street, with trees on both sides. Bourke Street is ideal for beginners who wish to stay near their accommodation, since it is right in the middle of the Mount Buller Village, and a newly-built six-pack chairlift, Bourke Street Express, is very fast despite the previously-long lines. Baldy ends at the top of Bourke Street, and is quite flat, making it harder than Bourke Street. All of the beginner runs are available from the Abom chairlift.

 * Intermediate (Blue Square): Two very popular intermediate runs are the twin runs of Wombat and Little Buller Spur, located near the top of Baldy. Groomed most days and covered by snowmaking, the runs are suitable for many intermediates wishing to move up from green to blue. However, the runs get a bit busy on Sundays and school holidays, and the chairlift serving them, Wombat, is very old and slow. Another easy run is Skyline, accessible from Baldy, however it is served by a T-bar, which can be difficult for skiers and especially snowboarders who have not used them before. Family Run is very easy, too, and used to be marked as beginner. It does have a small uphill part, which can be annoying to get up. A slightly more difficult run is Standard, located at the end of Skyline. It can, at some times, get somewhat choppy or icy in some parts. Other runs similar to Standard are Shakey Knees, Tirol, Summit Blue and Chamois. The most difficult blue run is Summit Slide, which is considered 'double blue' by some skiers and snowboarders. It is covered by moguls, or bumps, and is somewhat steep. It is usually used as an introduction to moguls before moving onto other runs with steeper, larger moguls.

 * Advanced (Black Diamond): Mount Buller has a large variety of advanced runs, from easy black runs to very steep terrain. The easiest black run on the mountain is the chain of Summit Black and Howqua, followed by Dam Run and Yurredla. These are all not as steep as most advanced runs, and tend to get good snow cover. Summit Black and Howqua have snowmaking, furthering snow cover. A good run in the middle difficulty of advanced runs is Men's Downhill, which has snowmaking and is very popular on a good day. Chalet Creek is a similar steepness but more technical, as it doesn't have as good snow cover. The runs on the Bull Run bowl, encircled by Standard, is also in the middle range, although the upper runs such as Hogg's Back and Sun Valley are more difficult. The most prominent run in the Bull Run bowl is Fall Line, which offers the most difficult moguls on the mountain and is very popular with mogul skiers on a good day. The most difficult advanced runs on the mountain are the runs on the Summit, including the Fanny's Finish and Summit Ridge areas. These are very steep and can get very icy at times.

 * Extreme (Double Black Diamond): Mount Buller has both on and off-piste terrain. As of 2023, Mt Buller has declared two runs as double black runs: Plug Hole, accessible from the Bull Run chair, and Fanny's Finish, accessible from the Summit chair. There are two locations where off-piste double black runs can be found. The first is off of Summit, past Fanny's Finish, where the Chutes are located. There are much more well known than the double blacks located in the second location, off of the Canyon Trail, near Chamois. Only the most experienced skiers should ski in these areas, and help may be a long way off if anything happens. Skiing the Chutes will also result in a walk back up to the Howqua chairlift if you go down too far.

Tobogganing
There are two toboggan parks in Mount Buller; the, right near the Village Centre and Alpine Central, and , at the base of the mountain. Celia's can be accessed using the Northside Express chairlift, which is walkable from the Village. Since 2022, you cannot bring your own toboggan onto the mountain, instead, you must hire them or book a toboggan park ticket from the Buller website, this has been done to reduce the number of people tobogganing on the slopes or in between buildings, both possibly dangerous situations.

In Summer
Mt Buller offers a series of activities in summer, including a large mountain biking network, multiple nature walks and a large hiking network. Mt Buller also is the home of the Australian Alpine Epic, a 51km mountain bike track from the Village to the town of Mirimbah, and is one of the few IMBA Epic-accredited trails in the world.

Buy

 * Mount Buller Village Map.png

Eat
Mount Buller offers a variety of restaurants, from cheap-and-cheerful to luxury options. Due to the limited number of eateries, it is important to book tables, especially if you are with a larger group or visiting during busier times.

On-mountain eateries
Mount Buller has a variety of eateries located on the ski fields, meaning that skiers can have lunch without having to return to the village.

Sleep
Mount Buller has many types of accommodation, ranging from upper class hotels to backpackers lodges. Be aware that even 'cheap' options can be expensive compared to most destinations, and that accommodation books out very quickly, particularly in busy periods.

Work
International workers on working holiday visas are fairly common at Mount Buller, with local workers often in short supply due to the remote location of the mountain. These jobs are mostly in the hospitality sector or at the ski school. A list of available positions can be found here. Most jobs also offer subsidised on-mountain accommodation as part of the remuneration, but if your position doesn't, on-mountain accommodation is very expensive, and off-mountain accommodation, often in towns near Buller like Mansfield, Merrijig and Sawmill Settlement, is still at least a 20-minute drive from the village.

If you are a ski instructor that works at a Northern Hemisphere ski resort and can speak English, you can work as a ski instructor across most of the year, at your home mountain in the Australian summer and at Mount Buller in winter, due to Mount Buller's position in the Southern Hemisphere. It is fairly common for ski instructors, particularly those for higher levels, to be from abroad. There is also a shortage of ski instructors, so getting a position should not be difficult provided you have the proper qualifications.

Learn
If you are interested in staying in Buller for most or all of the winter season with children, it is possible for them to receive an adequate education. Mansfield Primary School operates a campus in Mount Buller in the Alpine Central building, however this is only for students from Foundation to Grade 6 level, and only operates during the winter season. Mansfield High School operates a similar seasonal program for Grade 7 to 10 students.

Stay safe
Due to the mountainous, isolated nature of the mountain and the danger in traversing the mountain, safety can be a concern. is on the junction of Stirling Road and The Avenue and the is nearby, on Chamois Close. The and the  are located on Summit Road, at the top of Athlete's Walk. Be careful on Athlete's Walk, as it is very steep and sometimes slippery, although the installation of heaters has remedied this to an extent. Downloading the Mount Buller app is a must, as Ski Patrol can be called using a quick-to-access button on the app.

Cope
There is one chapel on Mount Buller, the, located at the top of Chamois Close, next to the Police Station. There is also an aerial bridge from the Village Centre building to the top of Chamois Close, to access the Chapel.

Connect
In Mount Buller, internet can be patchy, and has issues in some areas. Telstra works decently well across most of the Village, however Vodaphone and Optus doesn't work as well in some areas. The internet, no matter the provider, is better on the north side of the mountain. While skiing, there are some towers, however it is difficult to get internet at the bottom of runs.

North

 * Mount Stirling is a popular location for cross-country skiing near Mount Buller, with no village and limited facilities.

East

 * Mount Hotham and Falls Creek are both ski resorts in Victoria where you can continue your alpine adventure.
 * If you wish to go interstate, Thredbo and Perisher in New South Wales are both ski resort options in Australia.
 * The Alpine National Park is next to Buller and offers a great place to explore.

West

 * Mansfield is the closest large town to Mount Buller and a good place to stay for some time, with more restaurants and accommodation.
 * Euroa and Seymour are both large towns further away from Mount Buller with some small heritage locations to see.

Southwest

 * Melbourne is Victoria's capital and a large city with many less adventurous things to do.

title: Mount Buller


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Mount Carmel Junction

Mount Carmel Junction, Mount Carmel and the other small towns (Mount Carmel, Orderville, Glendale) form a rural community known as East Zion, which is located in Utah's Canyon Country, near the east entrance to Zion National Park. Mount Carmel is less a destination in its own right and more a convenient stopover between the many national parks in the area.

Get in
Mount Carmel Junction sits at the junction of US Highway 89, which heads north toward Bryce Canyon and south towards the Grand Canyon, and the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway (UT 9), which runs the length of Zion National Park before continuing east and terminating at US 89.

Private vehicles and tour buses are the only way to travel in this area. There is no public transportation. The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, through Zion National Park, never does close, but large vehicles like RVs can only travel from 8AM to 8PM when there is an escort at the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. The escorts stop all traffic on one side to allow the bigger vehicles like RVs and tour buses to travel in the center of the tunnel. On the immediate east side of Zion National Park and Mount Carmel Junction is a tourist stop. One mile north is the small town of Mount Carmel, which is mostly a farming community. Another four miles is Orderville, which is the town with the most population in the area. Another mile past Orderville is Glendale, where you will find an entrance to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

See
There's very little to see in the town proper; Mount Carmel acts mainly as a gateway to other attractions, namely Zion National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, with others passing through on their way to Bryce Canyon or the Grand Canyon.

 * The towering White Cliffs of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument are visible from the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and along US 89 north of town.

Do

 * The Zion Ponderosa Resort and the Zion Mountain Ranch (see below under Sleep) offers lots of recreational activities, like horseback rides, ATV tours, and more.
 * The Zion Ponderosa Resort and the Zion Mountain Ranch (see below under Sleep) offers lots of recreational activities, like horseback rides, ATV tours, and more.

Drink
The Buffalo Bistro, Thunderbird Restaurant, and Broken Arrow Restaurant (see above under Eat) all serve beer and wine.

Backcountry camping
There is a ton of Bureau of Land Management land in the White Cliffs east of Zion, south of the main road, some of which is free, beautiful accommodations right next to the expensive national park!

Go next

 * Zion National Park, 12 miles to the west. Utah's most visited national park, with visitors in the millions each year. Zion is a hikers mecca and even those just out for scenic drives will be in awe.
 * Bryce Canyon National Park, 60 miles to the northeast. So close to Zion National Park that many that visit it also come to Bryce. Bryce Canyon has jaw dropping beauty.
 * The Grand Canyon, 85 miles to the south (North Rim). One of the seven wonders of the world and one of the most visited parks in the USA. The North Rim however only gets a small percentage of the total visitors.  This rim is the more spectacular of the rims but its rustic setting keeps visitors to a minimum when compared to the commercial and populated South Rim.
 * Cedar Breaks National Monument, 45 miles to the northwest. This is a spectacular monument that rivals Bryce Canyon National Park. It gets less visitors but its beauty certainly does not pale with the other parks.
 * Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument 9 miles to the east. Two million acres of wilderness to hike and enjoy. There is nothing commercial about this place, but if you want to hike in beauty and solitude, it's magnificent.
 * Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park 11 miles to the south. A great little park of sand dunes located nearby. There is hiking and ATV and 4WD trails. Most people come to the dunes to walk out on the boardwalk and play a bit in the sand.
 * Cedar Mountain, 22 miles away in Dixie National Forest.
 * Red Canyon, 47 miles away in Dixie National Forest. Red Canyon is by Bryce Canyon and as with Bryce its loaded with unique hoodoos and hiking. Cedar Mountain is a whole different world of hiking, fishing and fun in an aspen and spruce forest.  Both are in Dixie National Forest.
 * Paria Canyon, 60 miles away. Home to the popular rock formation known as the Wave. A hot spot for photographers and hikers alike.
 * Lake Powell, 95 miles to the east. Scenery and water galore.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Mount Carmel Junction


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Mount Dalei

Mount Dalei is a mountain in the Tiantai Range of eastern China. Its peak reaches 809 metres above sea level.

Get in

 * Minibuses run from the Ningbo regularly. They also run from the regional towns of Xikou, and Fenghua. There are a number of different approaches.

See

 * Mountain rodents and birds are common. In winter, larger animals, including wild boar, clouded leopard, wolves (locally called goji), and sometimes even oxen can be seen as they emerge to forage.
 * The mountain is home to the Xianling Temple, home of the local dragon king. The site sits on a natural spring. On the dragon king's birthday, tens of thousands descend (or ascend) on the temple to pray, and drink its waters, which are said to have medicinal purposes.
 * The communities on the mountain still cling to the old ways. Fine examples of traditional Chinese architecture are visible on the way, especially higher up. If you take some of the smaller paths, very likely you will bump into men harvesting bamboo. It's amazing how much weight 80-year-old men can carry on their backs.

Do

 * The hike up to the peak takes about half a day. Centuries old routes are available until near the top, where they have fallen into misuse. The mountain paths are, however, confusing at times, and it is important to maintain a good sense of direction. The peak is actually a broad grassy plateau. It affords good views to the East China Sea, and north to Ningbo, on a clear day.

Eat

 * Bamboo, bamboo, bamboo! The mountain is full of all different kinds of bamboo shoots, which are prized in Chinese cuisine.
 * Local markets also sell a variety of mountain fare not generally available elsewhere. These include the meat of mountain rodents and wild boar, both very lean.

title: Mount Dalei


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Mount Datuk

Mount Datuk (Gunung Rembau) located at Rembau, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The highest point of this mountain is around. Mount Datuk is one of a favorite place for nature lovers and adventure seekers to do some exercise or relaxing during their weekend. It holds many treasures of the natural tropical rainforests. As you can see in the picture, there's a formation of big rocks at the summit.

The trail is not so tough that require trekkers to overnight somewhere. From Intake/Starting Point, it takes about 2-3 hours for a non-hiker to reach the summit. Regular hiker that is fit enough easily can make it in 45 minutes to the summit. It is recommended for you to hire a guide if you're new in these activities.

History
A long time ago, before Tanah Melayu became Malaysia, Negeri Sembilan was ruled by the Minangkabau, a people originally from West Sumatra (in present-day Indonesia). There's a system called Adat Perpatih that was introduced by a leader named Datuk Perpatih Nan Sebatang. Local people believe that long ago, this mountain used to be a place where these people gathered and selected their leader.

There are also a footprints at the summit which represent the legendary warrior called Hang Tuah. Myths (Hikayat, in Malay) state that he used to move from one place to another just by jumping from mountain to mountain.

Public transportation
From Kuala Lumpur
 * By bus - Take a bus to Seremban from Hang Tuah Bus Station (at the back of Pudu Bus Station); cost around RM6.
 * By train - Take a train (KTM Komuter) from KL Sentral to Seremban; cost around RM6.

From Seremban
 * By bus - Take a bus to Rembau from Terminal 1 Bus Station and stop at Kota; cost around RM4.

Driving
From Kuala Lumpur
 * Use North-South Highway (Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan) head straight towards Seremban
 * Bypass Exit Seremban and take Exit to Pedas
 * Continue journey to Rembau-Kota
 * Junction to Mount Datuk is just after Rembau Town

Fees and permits
To climb this mountain, you need to pay for RM5/person at the Intake/Starting Point. If you are familiar with the track, there is no need to request a guide.

If you do want a guide, fees range from RM60 for a local non-licensed guide to RM200 for a licensed nature guide per day, depending on which travel agent you are dealing with. Usually, a local non-licensed guide is just a trail guide. It is hard to find one who speaks English, and you probably can't rely on them much in case of emergency. A licensed nature guide is better in providing you with information, and to be sure of your safety.

See

 * Magnificent view of sunrise (if you are lucky)
 * Great view of the Strait of Malacca (if the weather is nice)

Do

 * Check with the administration office to check the traffic of people hiking on that day
 * Register your name before climbing
 * Start trekking before noon
 * Make sure you have trekking buddy for safety reason
 * Bring enough water, food or snacks for your next 6 hours
 * Take the straight track that will lead you to the summit
 * Take a guide if you're not confident and for safety reason

Administration Office for Mount Datuk:-

Mountain guide services:

Drink
Water, that is. During the hike to the top it's important to stay well hydrated. Please bring your own water to drink because there's no 'treated' water supply along the trail. Thus, it's unnecessary to bring lots of heavy bottles of water along; one container will suffice. Suggested 2 liter must be carried for each person.

Sleep
If you would like to stay overnight before or after climbing this mountain, there are several options you can choose when you get there.

Lodging
Chalets for rental are available for half-day (RM30) and full-day (RM50), depending on availability. To secure a booking you can contact the administration.

Camping
Campsites are available at the intake to the mountain. Camping plots are separated to fit a 4-men Dome Tent that will cost RM3/tent. Camping tents also available for rental at RM5 per tent per day.

Stay safe

 * Be aware of how dangerous the mountain can be during bad weather. Don't climb the rock surface during thunderstorms.
 * It's best to have a climbing partner, especially in large groups which can string out as stragglers get left behind.
 * Dress appropriately. Make sure other people can see you. Camouflage is not encouraged.
 * Bring a torch (flashlight). Make sure it does not fall out of your unzipped pocket as you climb along. Better still, use a headlamp so that your hands can be free.
 * Coming down can be more painful (especially on the knees) than climbing up because of sore muscles and tired legs. Take it slowly and don't jam the toes into the front of the shoes. Experienced guides will literally skip and sprint down the mountain, but only those who are second-cousins to billy goats should try this.
 * Bringing along muscular ache relief cream and knee or ankle supports may be helpful.
 * It's better for you to do 'Cooling Down' right after the hike.
 * Consider climbing with an experienced guide.

title: Mount Datuk


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Mount Desert Island

Mount Desert Island is off the Down East coast of Maine, a state of the United States of America. It is always referred to by the locals in Hancock County as "The Island."

Villages

 * — including Seal Harbor
 * , also known as West Eden
 * , including Seal Cove
 * , also known as West Eden
 * , including Seal Cove
 * , also known as West Eden
 * , including Seal Cove
 * , including Seal Cove

Other destinations

 * , off Bar Harbor
 * , off Bar Harbor

Understand
Acadia National Park occupies about half the Island and much of the rest is preserved by conservation groups. The Island is very crowded with visitors during the summer months, but one may still find solitude by getting out on the Island's many hiking trails. For the summer visitor each of the several villages has a unique flavor. Bar Harbor is the largest town, and caters to nearly every variety of tourist. Northeast Harbor and nearby Seal Harbor are much more reserved. Bass Harbor retains much of the flavor of a fishing village. Spring and fall are excellent times to visit, when all the beautiful spots are nearly deserted.

By air

 * Hancock County - Bar Harbor Airport, located in Trenton, 5 miles outside Ellsworth, about a 15-minute drive to Bar Harbor.

By road

 * 30 minutes from the city of Ellsworth via Route 3.
 * 1 hour from Bangor, Maine, depending on traffic, which can be very heavy during the summer months. Take I-395 to Route 1A to reach Ellsworth, where you pick up Route 3.
 * 3½ hours from Portland, Maine. Take I-95 to exit 182A at Bangor, then I-395 and follow route as above via Ellsworth.  Alternatively, take I-95 to Route 3, exit 113, just north of Augusta, and follow the slower but more scenic Route 3 east to Belfast, and then through to Ellsworth and Bar Harbor.

Get around
The Island's interior is easily accessible by private car, but if you'd rather leave the driving to someone else (a knowledgeable and friendly bus driver), then the Island Explorer Buses are a great choice. The buses make their routes through all of the villages on the Island, as well as through Acadia National Park, with plenty of scheduled pick-up spots.They will also stop for passengers anywhere that the bus can safely pull over- just flag them down. Expect plenty of traffic in the busy summer months. At other times of the year, much of the Island is nearly deserted.

See
Anyone interested in spending time in Acadia National Park should visit the Park Headquarters. Here, rangers lead programs, answer questions, and administer park passes. If you're interested in working with a GPS and learning about the park's Natural History ask about the Earthcache program- a virtual scavenger hunt which will lead you to some of the most celebrated locations on the island. Park Headquarters is the ideal location for beginning your Acadia adventure.

Hiking
You can explore the island's 120 miles (190 km) of hiking trails for a good workout and spectacular views:
 * Cadillac Mtn. 1,530 ft. The summit can be accessed by an auto road if you're going up to see the sunrise/set, but the mountain also has some wonderful hiking trails. On mornings between 7 October and 6 March, those at the summit of Cadillac are the first people in the country to see the sun rise.
 * Sargent Mtn. 1,373 ft. Sargent Mountain has beautiful views, and part way up the climb there is Sargent Pond, a refreshing and beautiful spot for swimming.
 * Dorr Mtn. 1,270 ft. Door Mountain is an exciting hike with stone staircases, fallen rock formations and beautiful foliage.
 * Pemetic Mtn. 1,248 ft.
 * Penobscot Mtn. 1,194 ft. Sweeping vistas await you at the top of Penobscot. The climb down is an adventure, with lots of rocky crags. A moderate hike.
 * Bernard Mtn. 1,071 ft.
 * Champlain Mtn. 1,058 ft. Home to nesting pairs of peregrine falcons, which restricts access to the Precipice Trail at certain points of the year, generally between March 15 and August 15.
 * Gilmore Mtn. 1,036 ft.
 * Bald Mtn. 974 ft.
 * Mansell Mtn. 949 ft.
 * Cedar Swamp 942 ft.
 * Parkman Mtn. 941 ft.
 * North Bubble 872 ft.
 * Norumbega Mtn. 852 ft. After a steep, challenging hike you are rewarded with spectacular views of the southern islands - Bear, Sutton, and the Cranberries.
 * Beech Mtn. 839 ft. Gorgeous views, with a fire tower at the summit. The valley trail is a relatively flat option to a point, with incredible lichen growth.
 * South Bubble 766 ft. A relatively easy hike, the South Bubble is a quick walk and features "bubble rock", an enormous glacial irratic.
 * Huguenot Head 731 ft. A neat hike keeps you along the edge of this bluff and leads you to a nice lookout over the Tarn and across to Dorr Mountain. Keep hiking down into the valley on the other side to begin the hike up Champlain Mountain.
 * McFarland Mtn. 724 ft.
 * The Triad 698 ft.
 * Acadia Mtn. 681 ft.
 * Young's Mtn. 680 ft.
 * St. Sauvier 679 ft.
 * Day Mtn. 580 ft.
 * Gorham Mtn. 525 ft. A moderate hiking trail, great view of the coast from the summit, from Sand Beach, down to Thunder Hole and Otter Cliffs.
 * The Beehive 520 ft. A nice short, but steep hike, with metal rungs and ladders; the southern end of the summit gives a perfect view of Sand Beach while the northern end looks out over to Champlain Mtn and Frenchman's Bay.
 * Flying Mtn. 284 ft. A very short hike leads to a small summit which provides one of the best views of Somes Sound.

Kayaking
There are many exciting paddling options around the island, for example.
 * Eagle Lake in Bar Harbor Can get choppy on windy days, but sticking to the shoreline is relaxing, with views of Cadillac Mtn.  No swimming though, as the lake is a public water source for the town of Bar Harbor.
 * Hamilton's Pond in Hulls Cove. Generally quite calm.
 * Long Pond Kayaks can be launched easily from the landing at "pond's end" off Pretty Marsh Rd. near Somesville.
 * Sea kayaking tours and boat rental services are offered from numerous establishments in Bar Harbor and Southwest Harbor allow access to Mount Desert Island and other destinations.

Swimming
Salt water

 * Sand Beach: One of the only sandy beaches on the island. Relatively calm water, albeit icy. Definitely bring some warm clothes and a blanket to wrap up in, if you plan on swimming. Lifeguard on duty. Sand beach can be extremely be extremely busy during the high season- parking is a nightmare. Accessible by The Island Explorer. You will need a park pass to get in, as there is a ranger station which checks passes on the Park Loop Road.
 * Sommes Sound: There are several locations on the Sound that are great for swimming. One of the best is located at the base of the Flying Mountain trail. Why not get warmed up by hiking over the mountain (15 minutes to the top, a nice easy hike with a beautiful view of the sound from the top), then cool off at the cobble beach once you reach the bottom?
 * Hull's Cove: Hull's Cove is extremely flat, and would be ideal for younger children. Located near several restaurants.
 * Hadley Point: This mudflat is a great place to wade around and explore. There are tons of crabs and clams (be aware, you need a license to actually collect them for harvest. Even if you have a license, be sure to check that there's no Red Tide in the area. In the summer months the algae can be quite prolific around the island!) Warning- you will get muddy!
 * Hunter's Beach: (best for wading) A short walk alongside a beautiful flowing stream leads you to the beautiful Hunter's Beach. Large and small stones abound- a great place for creating Andy Goldsworthy type natural art. Beach sculptures created by other visitors can often be found on the shore. The surf can be rough.

Fresh water

 * Echo Lake: An artificial sand beach, calm water, relatively warm. Lots of space. Lifeguard on duty. A great place for families with young children. Lots of ducks!
 * Echo Lake Ledges: Located on the side of Echo Lake across from the Acadia Mountain trailhead, these cliff ledges are great for jumping off of. Not recommended for young children or inexperienced swimmers.
 * Lake Wood: A lovely little swimming spot, with lots of tadpoles, frogs, turtles and fish. There is a short hike from the parking area, so be sure to bring shoes. Camps sometimes bring their campers here, so it can be packed with children.
 * Long Pond 'Pond's End': A roped-in swimming area, great for all ages. The water gets deep enough for older swimmers to be content, but the shallows are extensive enough that youngsters are not in danger if supervised. There is a large floating dock which is fun to jump off of. Sometimes bi-planes will land on the pond, putting on quite a show for the swimmers! Be aware- there can be lots of leeches in the shallows by the rocks. Just keep moving and they won't bother you at all.
 * Sargent Pond: Located part-way up Sargent Mountain, this is a great spot for hikers to catch a quick dip.
 * The Bowl: Located on the backside of Beehive Mountain, this is a great place to cool off after a difficult hike. Be warned- The trek up Beehive can be arduous for some. The Backside is manageable for older kids (4th grade and up), but will likely take a while to complete. If you choose to climb the Ladders Trail, be aware that you will be edging along cliffsides, climbing up iron rungs, and not leaving much room for error. Definitely not a hike for beginners, but a worthwhile one if you're up for the challenge!

Tidepooling
Mount Desert Island's intertidal zone is rich with diversity. The tidepools that form on the granite cliffs are one of the most interesting aspects of the island, and are often overlooked. They are a great way to introduce young children to the aquatic world. People of all ages will have a great time searching for crabs, sea urchins, periwinkles and limpets. Be careful of barnacles, they will leave nasty gashes. Band-Aids and closed-toe shoes are recommended, just in case. Don't forget to check the tides! If you go tidepooling at high-tide, you're going to be quite disappointed by the lack of critters. Tide charts can be purchased in town, or check the newspaper.

 * Wonderland: A ten-minute hike through the woods leads to a beautiful expanse of rocky shore. At low tide the area is filled with seaweed and small pools. Wonderland is ideal for small children because of the flat landscape.
 * The Bar: Don't be fooled! The Bar isn't a place to party. It's a sand bar which connects Bar Island to Mount Desert Island, and is only visible at low tide. This is what gives Bar Harbor its name. It's a completely unique environment, with tons of shells, snails and clam worms. In the deeper pools, one can find crabs, and even rock-gunnels. Be careful not to get stuck on Bar Island! If you are on the island when the tides change, you'll be stuck their until low tide comes again. Plan to only be on The Bar an hour and a half before or after low tide to avoid any unfortunate strandings.
 * Otter Cliffs: These tidepools are situated amongst the rocky crags of the shoreline, and some can be difficult to reach. This location is not recommended for young children who are not steady on their feet. Otter Cliffs offers an extensive array of biodiversity not seen in many other locations on the island: here you can find nudibranchs, anemones, star fish, sea urchins, crabs, and many other creatures.

Eat
Lobster pound restaurants on Mount Desert Island or anywhere in Hancock or Washington counties do a great job cooking crustaceans. Just steam them so many minutes per pound and you've got a perfect seaside meal. Same goes for the clams (soft belly clams, the true clam, not the quahog pretender).

 * Beal's Lobster Pound in Southwest Harbor is a classic lobster pound on MDI. Everyone knows Beal's!
 * Thurston's Lobster Pound in Bernard, near Tremont, is a little known secret. Thurston's has great food and great atmosphere.

The prices can be just a tad less expensive at the pounds in Trenton just before you cross the bridge onto MDI. Lunt's in particular is quite reliable.

Stay safe

 * It is unsafe to venture out onto Maine's coastal waters without having the necessary equipment and experience. This is true of kayaking, canoeing, sailing or any other kind of boating.  The water is cold and hypothermia can set in a short amount of time.  Dense fog often rolls in very quickly as well as the occasional storm.  If you are determined to go out on your own to do so without every single passenger wearing a lifejacket and/or without having a compass and knowing how to use it and/or without understanding how to navigate safely around other boats and water hazards is not only foolish but could result in serious fines from the Coast Guard or a Marine Patrol officer.  There are many companies on Mount Desert Island and elsewhere that offer guided sea kayak, sailing, and power boat tours.

title: Mount Desert Island


text:
Mount Dora

Mount Dora is a city in Lake County, Florida. It is a charming town consisting of 1,400 named lakes. Situated on rolling hilly terrain, Mount Dora sits 184 feet (56 m) above sea level on beautiful Lake Dora which is part of the Harris chain of lakes, including Lake Beauclaire, Lake Eustis, Lake Griffin, Lake Harris and Lake Yale.

Mount Dora is a short drive from the Walt Disney World area, Orlando, Ocala, and the beaches (on both coasts).

Understand
Mount Dora has been nicknamed "The New England of the South", "The City of Parks", "Antique City", and "The Festival City". Even Money Magazine seemed enthused, naming Mount Dora in their "Top Places to Live Today". With a population of around 12,000, it still holds a small town appeal, but provides many options in shopping, restaurants, and things to do and see.

In Mount Dora's early history, citrus was its major industry and even though you can still get a glorious whiff of the fragrant white blossom of the orange tree in springtime, as tourism has grown in importance, the relative importance of citrus has decreased. Mount Dora was the primary setting of the 1981 comedy film Honky Tonk Freeway, a box-office flop, though trivia enthusiasts will enjoy the fact that the entire town was painted pink for the movie (some remnants of which can still be seen today).

The downtown is on the side of a hill, sloping down to the lake, and there are pretty and immaculately maintained shops and restaurants in the center of downtown.

Get in
From Orlando International Airport, Mount Dora is just under an hour's drive away. From the Beachline to west Florida Turnpike, go to Toll 929 to FL-441 going north to Mount Dora. From I-95, to I-4 West to Sanford. Take FL-46 into Mount Dora.

From I-75 south of Ocala to Wildwood. FL-44 to US-441, and then south to Mount Dora.

FL-44 bypasses Mount Dora on its northern side, connecting Mt. Dora to the east with the college town of DeLand.

Get around
Mount Dora is a great walking town, with parks and alleys and little enclaves. You can also take an historic tour through the city by using the Mount Dora Road Trolley which departs at the Chamber of Commerce at 341 N. Alexander Street. +1 352 385-1023. Local bus operator LakeXpress connects Eustis to Mt Dora which serves as a local circulator bus around town on route #3.

Do
Walk the long lakeside boardwalk that leaves and follows Lake Dora. It is a beautiful walk and follows the shoreline for a good distance. Also, at the same park, check out the, one of the few freshwater lighthouses still in operation.

Buy
A wide variety of specialty shops can be found in Mount Dora. You'll discover great unique finds and can interact with friendly folks the South is known for.

Drink

 * Upstairs at The Goblin Market.

Go next

 * Greater Orlando to the south
 * DeLand and Sanford to the east

title: Mount Dora


text:
Mount Eaton

Mount Eaton is a village in Wayne County in Northeast Ohio. The population was 246 at the 2000 census. The village has a total area of 0.2 mi2, all land.

Get in

 * Route 94 - southern portion terminates in town connecting the town to destinations north such as Dalton, Wadsworth, North Royalton, Parma, and Cleveland.
 * Route 250 - runs northwest to southeast through town. To the west it connects with Wooster and Ashland, and to the east with Wilmont, Dover, and New Philadelphia.

Get around
Drive, Walk, Bike

See

Do
Relax

Buy

 * Green Acres Furniture, Mt. Eaton (southeast Wayne County, accessed by State Route 241). One of the few places in Amish Country where furniture still is made and sold on the same location. Tour the workshop by request. www.GreenAcresFurniture.com
 * Green Acres Furniture, Mt. Eaton (southeast Wayne County, accessed by State Route 241). One of the few places in Amish Country where furniture still is made and sold on the same location. Tour the workshop by request. www.GreenAcresFurniture.com

Drink
In nearby Orrville, Wooster, Dover, New Philadelphia.

Sleep
In nearby Orrville, Wooster, Dover, New Philadelphia.

Go next

 * Wilmont (east)
 * Dover (east)
 * New Philadelphia (east)
 * Canton (northeast)
 * Orrville (northwest)
 * Kidron (west)
 * Wooster (west)

title: Mount Eaton


text:
Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park is a park straddling the border of Uganda and Kenya most known in Uganda for being the location of Sipi Falls.

See

 * Sipi Falls – It is possible to get a taxi to Sipi Falls from the main taxi rank in the centre of Mbale. Expect to pay 7,500-15,000 Ugandan shillings per person depending on numbers in the group, as taxis are more willing to make the trip if the taxi is full. It is acceptable (and generally expected) to haggle on the price. To reach Sipi Falls, you do not have to obtain a permit for Mt. Elgon National Park, though Sipi Falls is often used as a starting point for a hike up Mt Elgon. During the dryer season (January-May), it is possible to swim at the base of the main Sipi Falls waterfall and stand under it, but throughout the year, there are smaller waterfalls and water holes where you can swim in safely.
 * Mount Elgon Caves - Surprisingly, elephants are major contributors to the development of these caves, as the animals frequently visit at night to "mine" the natural salt by licking it from the cave walls.
 * Jackson's Pool – a natural pool with shallow waters at an elevation of 4050 m

Do

 * Climb Mount Elgon – The mountain's highest point, named "Wagagai", at 4321 m, is located entirely within Uganda. The hike can take a number of days.
 * Take a coffee plantation tour – you will offered tours countless times as you walk around regardless. Prices are very negotiable.

Sleep

 * Sipi Sunset Lodge – simple accommodation with a spectacular view of Sipi Falls from your room window

title: Mount Elgon National Park


text:
Mount Etna

Mount Etna is a 3329-m-high active volcano in Sicily, Italy. It's on the east coast, just north of the city of Catania. It is a decade volcano, dangerous because it is active and near a city.

The whole area is a Nature Reserve, and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The area is a ski resort in winter. Come dressed for the cold even in summer.

Understand

Mount Etna is here because the tectonic plate of Europe (carrying mainland Italy and Sicily) is colliding with and overriding the African plate. The African plate is peeling away from the surface and descending deep into the earth, where water in porous rock and hydrated minerals is forced out. This causes the overlying (European) rock to melt and rise, until it collects in a pool of magma near the surface. The drop in pressure enables gas to bubble out of the magma, until the mixture of gas and magma eventually erupts through the surface. This has been happening continually on Mount Etna for some 500,000 years, with multiple layers of lava and ash building up into a mighty stratovolcano.

Mount Etna has been more active since the start of the 20th century, and even more so in the 21st. Its height is about 3329 m or 10,922 feet (as of 2007), but it's constantly being remodelled by eruptions from the five summit craters. These are usually spectacular but only destructive to the immediate vicinity. But there also dozens of side-vents lower down the flanks of the mountain, which sometimes erupt close to human habitation.

Reluctance to settle too near has preserved the natural wildlife and habitat, ranging over several climate zones.

Orientation
There are two access routes to the summit. The south side is the usual route, via at 1923 m. This can be reached by 3 public roads: from the village of Nicolosi by either the SP 92 or the "Via Catania"; or from the village of Zafferana further northeast, also by the SP 92. A cable-car continues from Rifugio Sapienza to within 800 m of the summit.

The east side access is less touristy but more challenging, via at 1800 m. This is reached by the public road that loops up from Fornazzo and from Linguaglossa. And then you've got a long hike ahead of you. This area is even more starkly volcanic than Sapienza, as it was engulfed in the eruption of 2002.

The two approaches are separated by the deep, forested Valle del Bove (Valley of the Ox): this is where the side of the mountain collapsed and slid into the sea circa 6000 BCE, causing a huge tsunami. Etna's fury is usually directed onto its eastern flank. The western side is spared, and several farming villages have long been here, such as Bronte and Maletto. They're worth a look but there are no practical routes up the mountain from the west side: it would involve a two- or three-day expedition.

Many companies offer tours and activities on Mount Etna, with day-trips from Catania, Taormina and elsewhere. These cost more than independent travel but make the logistics so much easier. Book them online in advance. If you arrive without fixing anything, enquire at the Park Headquarters,

Get in
For air, rail and long-distance bus transport, travel via Catania.

By car
A18 is the main coast highway, with exits (coming from the north) at Fiumefreddo, Giarre, Acireale, Catania and Misterbianco.

For Provenzana and Etna North, exit at Fiumefreddo and follow SS 120 to Linguaglossa.

For Sapienza and Etna South, either exit at Giarre and take SS 118 for Zafferana, or at Catania and take SP 10 for Nicolosi.

SS 284 winds through the villages on the western flank.

By bus
The only public bus up the mountain is AST Bus 607 from Catania via Nicolosi to Rifugio Sapienza. It runs once a day from Catania (main bus station) at 08:15, coming back at 16:30. From mid-June to mid-Sep there's also a bus up M-F at 11:20, and a bus back down at 10:45. The journey takes 2 hours, with a 20-minute stop in Nicolosi. If you hope to reach the summit, you need to take the first bus, to allow time to hike up and back and catch the bus down. The second bus is okay if you're content just to stroll close to Sapienza. The bus stops along the route but in summer gets packed, so get on at the main bus station if possible. A return ticket is €6.60. The service is run by AST, who run other buses to Nicolosi and the other villages around the mountain.

Get around
See below for access to the summit. Travelling between Sapienza and Provenzana will involve driving back down to the coast then up the other road.

Ferrovia Circumetnea (FCE) is a narrow-gauge railway that loops from Catania around the west side of Etna then back to the coast and mainline at Giarre-Riposto. The main stops are at the villages of Paterno, Adrano, Bronte, Randazzo, and Linguaglossa; you can't ascend the mountain from these. Trains run from Catania (Borgo station) approx hourly M-Sa as far as Randazzo, but only one or two per day go beyond: see Catania.

See

You've come all this way, you've got to see the smouldering cratered landscape of the. This is starkly black, as vegetation hasn't had time to take hold after recent eruptions. Except when it's starkly white, as snow lies late here, or dismal grey because the clouds and rain have closed in.

From Sapienza
The ascent is relatively easy, weather permitting. First take the cable car up to 2604 m. This is met by off-road 4WD buses which scramble up a pumice track to the summit vantage point of Torre del Filosopho. (If the cable-car isn't running, these buses start from Sapienza.) The cable car costs €50, €30 for 4-10s, free for under 4s (May 2024), but there isn't much to see at the cable car's terminus. The car of cable car, 4WD bus and guide is €65 (Oct 2019). Buy your tickets in the white Funivia building at the base of the cable car.

There are also many offices selling excursions, which include 4-5 hour guided hikes to the crater, mountain bike trips, and ATV trips.

You will find restaurant, souvenir shops, honey and wine sellers. There is also a "7-D" movie experience about Etna's eruptions at the base of the cable car (€7, Oct 2019), but who knows what "7-D" means

From Provenzana
The most popular hike at Piano Provenzana's north side is the walk along with the massive eruption of 2002. From the car park walk down the road on the left-hand side, you will see a green bar, walk over it and follow the main path. The first landmark will be the hotel covered by the massive lava flow that destroyed Piano Provenzana in October 2002. Follow the trail for another thirty minutes, and on your right-hand side, you will see a path that leads to the summit of a series of beautiful craters overlooking the Mediterranean sea.

From Rifugio Sapienza Mount Etna south side

 * Hiking: you must have a guide to hike the upper slopes. Regular guided hikes set out out from Sapienza and from Provenzana, conditions permitting. You must be fit, hardy and well-dressed against cold wind and sleet, and for some winter treks you need an ice-axe, but you don't need specialist rock-climbing skills or equipment. From Sapienza these use the cable car and 4WD buses to reach the summit area, before striding off on a 4-5 hour trek of the charred terrain.

 * Mountain bike and Quad excursions: The excursion centre next to Sapienza cable-car among other experiences offers ski-touring, off-road cycling and quad biking.

From Piano Provenzana Etna north side

 * Hiking is the number one choice among Piano Provenzana visitors. The most accessible trekking is the one that winds through the beautiful lava desert created by the massive eruption of 2002 and leads to a series of stunning craters with a breathtaking view of the mediterranean sea. The second and more challenging hike goes all the way to the volcanological observatory to an altitude of 2800 meters. The third hike available from Piano Provenzana is the hike to the summit, but by law, you must hire an alpine guide or a volcanological guide to reach the summit craters of Mount Etna. At Piano Provenzano, there is an office where you can hire a guide.

 * Mountain bike: a few kilometr3s before Piano Provenzana, there is Clan dei Ragazzi, a Mountain Chalet that rents both muscular and electric mountain bikes. From Piano Provenzana by mountain bike follow the route to the 2002 eruption, keep on cycling and you can reach the observatory of geophysics at 2,800 m (8,200 ft.)

 * Donkey trekking in summer at Piano Provenzana, a local company offers donkey trekking, through the beautiful woodland of Etna north side.

 * Quad excursions: are available at Rifugio Ragabo, 5 km from Piano Provenzana.

 * Walking with a llama: A great tour for families with young kids is the walk with a llama, also available at Rifugio Ragabo.

Buy
There are souvenir shops both at Rifugio Sapienza, south side  and Piano Provenzana on the north side.

Eat
Cafes and restaurants around Rifugio Sapienza include La Terrazza, Monte Gebel, Silvestri, and the two hotel restaurants. Piano Provenzana has Ristorante Monte Conca, a smaller cafe, Bar Mare Neve, that serves food and drinks and the Kiosk Grillo Parlante that serves sandwiches and drinks. Just few kilometers from Piano Provenzana there are two more restaurants, Chalet Clan Dei Ragazzi and Rifugio Ragabo.

Drink
Bar Etna is at the top cable-car station above Sapienza. It's by some distance the highest bar in Sicily, and has Alpine prices of course, but in the bitter cold you might be grateful for that hot chocolate. "Fuoco dell'Etna" is a liqueur which will definitely make you feel warm, but save it till after the summit ascent.

Sleep
There are two hotels at the top of the public road to Sapienza:

Lots of small hotels in surrounding villages such as Nicolosi (for south) or Linguaglossa (for north):

For those who wish to visit Mount Etna with a day tour but do not want to sleep there; Taormina and Catania are two excellent locations where to sleep. By car, from Taormina and Catania it takes roughly 40/50 minutes to reach Mount Etna, either Piano Provenzana or Rifugio Sapienza.

Stay safe
As with any active volcano, being around involves severe risks. Check Volcanoes and government announcements on the security situation.

Go next
Onward travel will probably be via Catania, see that page for suggestions.

__INDEX__ __NEWSECTIONLINK__

title: Mount Etna


text:
Mount Everest

Mount Everest is the world's tallest mountain at 8,848.86 m (29,032 ft). It straddles the border of China / Tibet and Nepal and can be visited from either side:
 * Everest Base Camp Trek through Khumbu (Sagarmatha National Park), the more commonly visited region on the Nepalese (southern) side of the mountain
 * Qomolangma, the less visited nature reserve on the Tibetan (northern) side

See also Hillary and Norgay, the first to climb Everest.

title: Mount Everest


text:
Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji (富士山 Fuji-san, 3776 m) is Japan's highest mountain and the focal point of the sprawling Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Visible from Tokyo on a clear day, the mountain is to the west of Tokyo on the main island Honshu, straddling the border between Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures. In order to prevent one prefecture from "claiming" the mountain, the peak of Mount Fuji is the only place in the country that is not located in any prefecture; its location is simply "Japan".

Understand
A stratovolcano with a nearly perfectly symmetrical cone, the mountain is a near-mythical national symbol immortalized in countless works of art, including Hokusai's 36 Views of Mt. Fuji.

The Japanese always refer to Mt. Fuji as Fuji-san, but the -san (山) here simply means "mountain", and has nothing to do with the honorific san (さん) for people's names. "Fujiyama" is a misreading of the name, and is never used by the Japanese themselves — except in the set phrase Fujiyama geisha, a lament at how Japan is misunderstood in the West.

Mount Fuji was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a sacred place and source of artistic inspiration in 2013.

When to go
The official climbing season lasts for only a little over two months, from early July to early September. The exact dates vary slightly from year to year and also per trail, see the official site for this year's dates. Even during these months, when Tokyo often swelters in 30 °C heat, temperatures at the top can be below freezing at night and climbers must dress adequately.

Climbing Mount Fuji is very popular, with around 250,000–300,000 climbers every year. Saturday nights and the Obon holiday period are particularly busy. To beat the crowds, visit on a weekday outside the Japanese school holiday period (which is usually July 20 to the end of August). The government publishes daily and aggregate climber counts for each trail during the climbing season every year to aid planning around popular dates.

Climbing outside the official season is extremely dangerous without alpine climbing experience and equipment. Nearly all facilities are closed in the off season. The weather, unpredictable any time of year, is downright vicious in the winter (temperatures below −40 °C have been reported up top) and there are cases of people being literally blown off the mountain by high winds. All roads to the 5th station are shut out of season so you will have a long walk up. But if you insist, you are required to submit a climbing plan to the Yamanashi Prefectural Police or Shizuoka Prefectural Police (this has been mandatory since 2019).

Fortunately, there are a few options for those who are not fit enough to climb or who would like to get "up close" to the mountain in the off-season. The trails at the bottom of the mountain are less steep, and suited more for an afternoon hike at any time of the year. The nearby Fuji Five Lakes (Fuji-goko) has many attractions close to the mountain, and Hakone also provides spectacular views. In a less nature focused branch of things to do, the city of Fujiyoshida, which contains much of the mountain, is also home to Fuji-Q Highland, a leading amusement park.

Information site
Official Web Site for Mt.Fuji Climbing is jointly run by Ministry of Environment and the two prefectures.

Get in

Mt. Fuji can be approached from all sides, but note that transport schedules are sharply cut outside the official climbing season in July and August. For up to date information, the city of Fujiyoshida maintains a Mt. Fuji access page listing current routes and schedules.

From Tokyo, the easiest and most popular option is to take a direct bus from Shinjuku to the trailhead at Kawaguchiko Fifth Station. The most economical approach is by Odakyu train from Shinjuku to Gotemba, although you will have to change trains and the price difference is rather minimal.

By plane
Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport near Shizuoka opened in June 2009. Despite the name, it's over 80 km away to the west of the mountain and not much closer to Mt. Fuji than Tokyo's airports.

By bus
The easiest option for reaching the slopes of Mount Fuji is to take the Keio/Fujikyu Express Bus from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal in Tokyo. Buses run multiple times per day to Lake Kawaguchi (1 hour 45 minutes, ¥1750); from there, separate buses run to the start of the climb at the Kawaguchiko 5th station (55 minutes, ¥1540 one way, ¥2100 round trip; does not run if snow blocks the route). During the warm months, buses run from Shinjuku directly to the 5th station (2½ hours, ¥2700). Buses to and from Shinjuku can be booked online in English.

By train
There is no direct access to Mt. Fuji by train, but you can get pretty close and change to a bus for the rest of the way, and doing it this way allows you to use any of the ascent or descent routes. From Tokyo, the two main staging points are Fujiyoshida and Gotemba, while visitors from western Japan can opt for Fujinomiya (Shin-Fuji) instead.

Via Fujiyoshida
Fujiyoshida can be reached by taking the JR Chuo line to Otsuki and changing to the Fujikyu line. There are also some Chuo line and Narita Express trains that head directly to Kawaguchiko, removing the need for transfer. The Fujikyu line passes through Fujiyoshida to Kawaguchiko, from where hourly buses (50 minutes, ¥1700) shuttle to the 5th Station. If you are planning to walk from the foot of the mountain, Fujiyoshida is, also, the starting point of the Yoshida route. You will be able to visit Fujiyoshida Sengenjinja (shrine) on the way to the summit.

Via Gotemba
If heading for the Gotemba route (御殿場), Subashiri route, or Suyama route, take the JR Chūō Line from Tōkyō station to Shinjuku and change to the Odakyū Line, where you can either take a train to Shin-Matsuda station and walk to Matsuda station on the Gotemba Line, or take the Asagiri limited express.

During official climbing season there are direct buses from Gotemba station to the Gotemba 5th station that take about 40 minutes and cost ¥1080/1500 one-way/return. Tickets to the Subashiri 5th station are ¥1500/2000 one-way/return. A bus for the Suyama route is ¥530 one-way. If you want to ascend and descend on different routes, you can purchase a 3-day round trip ticket for a little over ¥3000. Note that Gotemba buses run only during the official Fujisan mountain climbing season between July and August, but Subashiri route busses run till October and Suyama route busses run all year around.

There is also a bus to Kawaguchiko from the Gotemba station and a bus from Shin-Matsuda to the Kawaguchiko fifth station (¥3000 one-way).

Via Fujinomiya
Visitors coming from western Japan may wish to opt for the southern approach via Fujinomiya (富士宮) instead. The nearest Tokaido Shinkansen stop is Shin-Fuji station (新富士駅). From Shin-Fuji station, buses cost ¥3,100 round-trip. If arriving on the ordinary Tokaido line, change trains to the JR Minobu Line at Fuji station. The bus fare from Fujinomiya station to the 5th station of Mt. Fuji is ¥2,030 for one-way or ¥3,100 for a round trip.

By car
Because it's a large mountain, there are many ways to get here. Which way is best will depend both on where you are coming from and what specific part of the mountain is your destination.

Route 139 travels from northeastern Yamanashi Prefecture around the opposite side of the mountain before terminating near the coast in Shizuoka. Route 138 branches off of Route 139 and travels around the eastern side of the mountain and onward to Kanagawa Prefecture.

If traveling from inner Tokyo, take the Chuo Expressway from Shinjuku. Tolls will set you back around ¥2500.

By guided tour
There are also Mt. Fuji climbing tours offered by numerous travel companies throughout Japan. These tours may include round trip bus fare, climbing guide, hut, dinner, breakfast (packed rice box), and a visit to a hot spring after the descent. Prices tend to be expensive though: a one-day "superman" tour costs around ¥20,000 and a more leisurely two-day approach (including overnight stay) is over ¥30,000. Most of these tours are conducted in Japanese and stick firmly to the trodden path, but if you need an English-speaking guide to accompany you to the top or want to explore the less-well known "pilgrimage" routes, there are a lot of options easily found online.

Get around
Once on the mountain the only way of getting around is on foot. The sole exception is horseback riding, available on the Fujiguchiko trail between the 5th and 7th stations only for the steep price of ¥14,000.

See
For merely seeing Mt. Fuji, it's better to maintain some distance. The most popular places for sightseeing tours of Mt. Fuji and surroundings are Hakone, to the east of Mt. Fuji towards Tokyo, and the Fuji Five Lakes, located just north of the mountain. Note, however, that Mt. Fuji is notoriously shy and is wreathed in clouds most of the time: it's entirely possible to drive around the mountain and never see it. Visibility tends to be the worst in the hot, muggy summer and the best in the winter, when the air is dry and clear.

Other locations for a great view of Mt. Fuji:
 * Gotemba. This location is near the bottom of Mt. Fuji on the southeastern side. Great for an unobstructed view of Mt. Fuji.
 * Fujinomiya. Great if coming from Kyoto or Nagoya as it is easily accessible by train. This city is a short train ride from Shizuoka.
 * Numazu and the western side of the Izu Peninsula. From the mountain ranges of the western side of the peninsula, you can view Mt. Fuji's with the sea.

Do
"No spot in this world can be more horrible, more atrociously dismal, than the cindered tip of the Lotus as you stand upon it."

- Lafcadio Hearn (1898)

The thing to do on Mt. Fuji is, of course, to climb it. As the Japanese say, "A fool never climbs Fuji; a bigger fool climbs it twice", but the true wisdom of this phrase is usually only learned the hard way. Athletes have completed the climb in under two hours and there's even a yearly race to the top, but for most people it takes 4 to 8 hours at walking speed (depending on your pace), and the descent another 2 to 4. An overnight climb in order to reach the top for the sunrise (go-raiko) is the most traditional thing, but you will probably be shuffling along in a slow-moving line for the latter stages of the ascent. Consider starting out in the late morning to reach the summit for the equally majestic sunset, with a tiny fraction of the crowds to accompany you. Afterward, you can try to sleep in a mountain hut (see below) and catch the sunrise if you like; two for the effort of one.

Preparation
Even though Fuji is climbable by amateurs, you still need a few supplies. For starters, you need some appropriate clothing:

 * rain-proof clothing
 * long pants and long-sleeved shirt — although you might feel warm at the start of your climb, the remainder of it will be cold, windy, and dusty, as well as dangerously sunny during the day. Do not wear shorts.
 * Winter clothing. Even in the summer it can be below freezing. The wind is also strong, so something to protect you from the wind and cold is good.
 * sturdy shoes (hiking boots if possible)
 * hat or other head covering, for both the sun and the cold
 * rain jacket or poncho — Beware: many of the cheap ponchos sold around Tokyo will tear under moderate use.

Gloves and warm, layered clothing are also strongly recommended.

Other supplies you will need are:

 * headlamp (if climbing at night)
 * sunglasses and sunscreen — at these altitudes, it's very easy to get a nasty second-degree sunburn. Even if you climb at night, you will need these during the descent.
 * toilet paper
 * ¥100 coins — toilets are pay-per-use and cost ¥100-300
 * at least 1 liter of water per person, preferably 2 or 3
 * high-energy snacks (e.g. Calorie Mate) as well as some more substantial fare (rice balls and such)

Additional supplies you might find helpful include:
 * plastic bags to carry garbage and keep off the damp floor
 * a rain shell for your backpack
 * insect repellent
 * a face mask, gaiters, and goggles can all be helpful to deal with the dust
 * a can of compressed oxygen, in case you start feeling affected by the thin atmosphere

And of course, don't forget your camera for the spectacular views!

Kawaguchiko (Fujiyoshida) route

The most popular starting point is Kawaguchiko 5th Station (河口湖五合目 Kawaguchiko Go-gōme, 2305m), which offers you a last chance to stock on supplies (at a premium) before heading out. The initial stretch through flowery meadows is pleasant enough, but the bulk of the hike is a dreary and interminable slog: the volcanic landscape consists of jagged red rock in varying sizes from dust to boulder, with the trail zigzagging left and right endlessly, and the hike just gets steeper and steeper as you progress. Actual rock climbing is not required, but you will wish to use your hands at some points for support — bring gloves.

The trail is well marked (even at night) and in season you will find it difficult to get lost, as the trip is completed annually by 300,000 people and there may even be human traffic jams at some of the dicier spots. However, due to the danger of landslides do not venture beyond the trail; visibility may also be very rapidly reduced to near-zero if clouds roll in.

Once at the top, you will pass under a small torii gate and encounter a group of huts selling drinks and souvenirs; this being Japan, you will even find vending machines on the top of Mount Fuji. Yes, this is as anticlimactic as it sounds, but with any luck seeing the sunrise above the clouds will make up for it. You can also gaze into the long-dormant crater at the center of the mountain. Strictly speaking, this is not the highest point of the mountain; that honor goes to the meteorological station on the other side of the crater, an additional 30 minutes hike away. While some might consider it not really worth the trouble, a purist will tell you that if you do not stand at the highest point, you never really summitted, so the choice is yours. A full circuit of the crater takes around an hour.

There is a separate path for descending down the mountain back to Kawaguchiko; be sure you take the right one! Do not attempt to run down the mountain; rolling down isn't fun, it's a long way to the nearest hospital, and you don't want to find out how much a helicopter medevac costs in Japan.

Gotembaguchi route
This is the longest and toughest access route from the fifth station, with Gotemba 5th Station (御殿場五合目 Gotemba Go-gōme) located at 1440 meters, nearly 900 meters lower down than Kawaguchiko.

There are separate routes for ascent and descent, which will take 7 to 10 and 1½ to 3 hours accordingly. The path is clearly marked with signs, so night climbing (with a flashlight) is possible. For your own safety, walking on the bulldozer path, which crosses the pedestrian path several times, is not allowed. The climb from the 5th to the 6th station is over an enormous ash field, which formed during an eruption in 1707. Mountain huts at the 6th, 7th and 8th stations operate during official climbing season and also provide warm food (curry rice, ramen, soba, drinks, etc.). Beware of rocks from 8th station and above. It is essential to bring enough water supplies or buy water at the fifth station, because there are limited places to resupply, although it may be possible to purify and drink the rainwater which is available for hand washing purposes at the mountain huts.

Advantages of this trail:
 * Fewer people, so you can go on your own speed and have more space to sleep at the mountain huts
 * Mountain top is visible
 * Can run down the ashed covered path from the seventh station.
 * No rock climbing

Disadvantages of this trail:
 * Fewer mountain huts (one each at the 6th, 7th, and 8th station)
 * During descent ash can make clothes and shoes very dirty, also shoes may fill with ash if gaiters or other covering are not worn.
 * Transportation to the fifth station is limited- the last bus from JR Gotemba station to the 5th station leaves around 17:00.
 * There are no vending machines on this trail after the fifth station.

Fujinomiya route
Fujinomiya (富士宮, 2400 meters) is the shortest route, and the only route on the Shizuoka side of the mountain. With the capital in Kyoto for much of the nation's history, this has historically been the main path to the top and is occasionally still known as Omoteguchi (表口), or "Main Entrance". It remains the second most-developed trail up the mountain however, it is a far second. This is also the route used by the sea to summit "Route 3776" , an extreme version of the climb starting at sea level near Yoshiwara station (吉原駅) on the JR Tokaido Main Line, 47 km (12–14 hours) away from the fifth station. This route is the steepest with lots of rocky sections, hence, while the starting point is the highest of all routes, this is one of the more difficult trails. Since there is no separate descent trail, it gets particularly congested near the peak.

Climbing guides often list this as the "sunset trail", because it's the best trail for seeing the sunset. Consequently, those using this route to see the sunrise will not be able to see it before the summit. This is also the closest trail to Kengamine, Mount Fuji's highest point at.

The trail to Mount Hoei (the mountain on the mountain created during Mt Fuji's last eruption in the 18th century) branches off from the Fujinomiya trail. This particular trail eventually joins the Gotemba trail around the 6th station. This relatively unknown trail starting from the Fujinomiya 5th station to the top of Mt Fuji forms the Prince trail (プリンスルート), named after Crown Prince Naruhito who took this route during his climb in 2008. Since this trail is the second longest and has a high starting elevation, it is considered to be one of the easier routes with the most difficult section being a rocky slope near Mount Hoei right before joining the Gotemba trail. However, with 5 branching points, it is easy to stray from this trail. The ascent on this trail takes around 5 hours. There is no official descent trail but it is possible for hikers to backtrack as there is a junction on the Gotemba descent.

Subashiri route
Subashiri Trail (須走, 1980 m) is on the east side of Mount Fuji, so you'll be able to see sunrise almost anywhere from the trail. The trail is the most gently sloped and forested up to around, making it rather more pleasant than the other routes, but it's consequently also longer in distance. The trail merges with the Kawaguchiko trail at the 8th station.

Other routes
Beside climbing from the fifth station, there are three routes from Sengenjinja at the foot of the mountain. They are Yoshida route, Suyama route, and Murayama route. Murayama route is the oldest climbing route, followed by Suyama route. These routes offer a glimpse of the history of Mount Fuji climbing and are being restored. Be warned, however, not to expect to see too many people climbing from these routes.

Buy

 * Mountain huts are dotted along all stations on the Kawaguchiko trail, as well as the summit itself, selling basic climbing gear (sticks, flashlights, raincoats, even oxygen canisters), drinks and candy (¥250 for a Snickers bar). If your climbing staff becomes a cherished companion, you can pay to have an official seal burned into it marking your arrival at every station, making a handsome souvenir (as long as you don't mind lugging it around with you).
 * Postcards – At the summit, you can set your postcards apart from the rest with a postmark from the highest post office in Japan. It's located between the 10th stations of the Gotemba and Fujinomiya routes, and is open 06:00-14:00 for 42 days from early July to late August. (The exact dates change every year.)  Next to the post office is a small shrine and a stand where you can purchase fairly nice embossed certificates with an official stamp to mark your ascent.  (Remember, though, as they say on Mount Everest, you've only climbed the mountain if you make it back down as well.)

Eat

If you have the energy to haul food and drink, buy it before coming to Mount Fuji. Once on the mountain, simple meals (curry rice and such), if available at all, will cost around ¥1000. As all materials have to be hauled up by tractors, food and drink prices are high and rise the closer you get to the summit. For example, a vending machine at the summit sells drinks and cans of corn soup for ¥400. However, as the summit has fewer people staying overnight and many more people resting, you can usually stop for a break without paying the resting fee (see Sleep), making the price of a cup of tea or a bowl of noodles enjoyed indoors somewhat more reasonable.

Kawaguchiko 5th Station is the last place to have a meal or stock up on supplies without breaking the bank, although there's a bit of inflation even here.

Sleep

 * If you're looking to sleep near Mt. Fuji, not on it, see Fuji Five Lakes and Hakone.

Huts from 7th station onward also offer primitive accommodation, and reservations are strongly recommended. Don't expect to stay without a reservation. Prices are pretty much standardized at ¥5250 a night for a very cramped space (one tatami mat or less) shared with the halitosis, funky boot juice and snoring of 150-500 strangers, plus an optional ¥1050/2100 for one/two meals.

Most huts will not allow visitors to stay within the (heated) huts without paying a resting fee, either ¥1000-2000 per hour or ¥5,000 for the entire night. The fee may be waived if you buy a meal.

The huts also have extremely basic toilets, but they get the job done (¥100/200). Instead of the usual noxious sweet deodorant, some of these toilets use a pepper scent to mask the smell of the waste.

Tents are not allowed. If you can't use the huts, you will sleep outdoors. You can't even sleep in the restroom shed: the owner will make you leave. It is difficult for a novice mountaineer to climb without an overnight stay. Every year, many people suffer from altitude sickness and cold weather. Be sure to book a hut.

Stay safe
Mount Fuji is a real mountain and should be treated with respect. Near the top the air is noticeably thinner, which may cause altitude sickness and breathing difficulties. The hike to the top is taxing, but injuries typically occur during the descent phase when you're tired. Especially after heavy rains landslides are also a possibility.

It is very cold on top. During summer, when at the mountain foot the temperature is a sweltering 35 °C, at the top it will be 7 °C during the day and less during the night (bear in mind that windchill will make it feel even colder) — ice and frost are common throughout the year. Add in strong wind and/or lashings of rain, and hypothermia can easily strike while waiting for sunrise at the goal. If your extremities go numb or you can't control your shivering, go indoors and get warmed up.

Despite the cold, the risk of sunburn is also very high. There is much less atmosphere shielding you from the sun's UV rays, so even though it may be cold it's very easy to get a first- or even second-degree sunburn.

Do not climb out of season, even during months like April when it's warm down below, unless you are thoroughly prepared and know exactly what you're doing. Totally prepared means you have alpine climb gear and have climbed mountains like this before. If you choose to climb around the New Year, you could experience −30 °C on the mountain top.

These warnings are not a joke: on average, around 4 people die and over a dozen are injured every year on Fuji by hypothermia or falling rocks.

Finally, geologists tell us that Fuji is a dormant volcano, not a dead one. The odds of Fuji erupting while you're on the mountain are low, but not zero.

Go next
If you undertake the more traditional and crowded overnight climb, be aware that the returning buses in the morning can be incredibly busy, especially from Kawaguchiko 5th Station to the bus and train station at Kawaguchiko. It is very easy to miss your bus from Kawaguchiko onwards to Tokyo if you leave your descent too long and join the back of a huge queue of tired climbers. Hitchhiking from the parking lot may actually be a faster alternative!

If you climbed Mt. Fuji and survived despite (thanks to?) all the apocalyptic warnings here, treat yourself to a dip in the hot springs at Hakone.

title: Mount Fuji


text:
Mount Gambier

Mount Gambier is the second largest city in South Australia with a population of 33,233 (2021), midway between Adelaide and Melbourne and 15 km west of the Victorian border.

Although it is the state's second largest city, Mount Gambier's population is only around 2.5 per cent that of the state's largest, Adelaide (which has a population of 1.3 million).

By car
Visitors can get to Mount Gambier by car (450 km from Melbourne and Adelaide). Bus services run from both cities. These services terminate at the Lady Nelson Tourist Information Centre. The Lady Nelson is not a bus terminal, but it does have toilets, shelter and a temporary taxi rank (only when buses arrive).

By bus
From Adelaide, bus tickets for Adelaide can be purchased at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre (cash or cheque only). The bus service from Adelaide is run by Premier Stateliner. It can be just as easy to make a phone booking with Premier Stateliner. Thursdays and Fridays you can get from Adelaide to Mt Gambier at 8:15AM or 5:30PM. Sundays the bus leaves Adelaide at 2:45PM. Other days the service leaves at 8:15AM. The bus trip takes about six hours.

By train
From Melbourne, the V-Line service runs Melbourne to Warrnambool on the train, then from Warrnambool to Mt Gambier as a coach service (it also goes via Portland). V-Line services from Mt Gambier are 'no reserve', you pay the driver on the day - bring exact change. V-Line services are generally not busy except during school holidays. They run once a day.

Get around

 * You will need transportation to get around to see the sights outside of Mt Gambier. You can hire cars from the Mt Gambier airport.
 * If you wish just to stay in town, you will not need a car. The motel strip on Commercial Street East is a 15-minute walk from the Town Centre. If you are just in Mt Gambier overnight for a party or a night out, it would pay to stay at one of the local pubs; you won't have to go very far to get back to your accommodation.
 * Sights such as the Blue Lake can be driven or walked around.
 * There are limited bus services around Mt Gambier. There are also two taxi companies, Blue Lake Taxis and Vears Taxis. Both are in the same price range. There is a taxi rank outside the Old Post Office/opposite the Cave Gardens on Bay Road and another outside the Lakes Village on Helen Street. Friday and Saturday nights it is reasonably easy to catch a taxi.

See

 * Mt Schank -- is an extinct volcano located about 15 minutes' drive towards the sea from Mt Gambier. It is an easy climb and you can descend into the crater.
 * Mt Schank -- is an extinct volcano located about 15 minutes' drive towards the sea from Mt Gambier. It is an easy climb and you can descend into the crater.

Limestone caves and sinkholes
The region around and including Mount Gambier is famous for its caves and sinkholes.
 * Engelbrechts Cave is both a show cave and cave diving site - refer Diving in South Australia for more information re cave diving.
 * Engelbrechts Cave is both a show cave and cave diving site - refer Diving in South Australia for more information re cave diving.

Do

 * Wineries: 50 km north of Mount Gambier is Penola and the Coonawarra wine region. This famous wine producing region is approximately 1 km wide and 17 km long. Wine sampling is free and the cellar door staff are always friendly, well informed and passionate about the wines.
 * Oatmill Cinema is open from 10AM daily, depending on session times. Movies shown are on par with the times they are shown in the cities. Movie marathons are held Sunday nights on long weekends. Payment via EFTPOS is available. Like the city, Tuesdays are the cheap night.
 * The Lady Nelson is the local tourist information centre and is full of useful information. You can find it on Jubilee Highway; just look for the giant boat. Also has a special tourist walk, but not really worth the money unless it is a rainy day and you want to entertain the kids.
 * Bowling Alley is in the Odeon complex - look for the big bowling pin. Despite the fact that the Odeon looks pretty run down, the bowling alley is good fun and cheaper than city prices. Also has a collection of video games.
 * Paintball Mount Gambier: 90 acres of natural bush. Games include: Hamburger Hill, Crossfire, Thugby, Double or Nothing, Corridors, Run the Gauntlet, The Hunt for Osama, Capture the Flag - and a lot more,.
 * Mt Gambier's SEABL basketball team the Pioneers, Mount Gambier's only national sporting side, play at the Icehouse on Friday and Saturday nights (depending on the draw). Tickets are $12 for adults, concession and pensioners are $8 and children under 16 are free. The Icehouse is at the very end of Commercial Street West and seats over 1000 people.
 * The annual Mt Gambier Show is held on the second last weekend of October. It is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, but Thursday does not have rides and stalls open. Thursdays are free, as are Saturday nights, after the fireworks (about 9PM). The show is very popular with the locals and is larger than the usual country show.
 * Live gigs are common Fridays and Saturdays, check the chalkboards outside the pubs for more details. Often these gigs are cover or tribute bands. Well known acts who play in Mt Gambier are advertised well in advance and will often play at Shadows or the Showground. Open mic nights are also held are different locations. Live gigs are held at the Old Gaol frequently.
 * The Sir Robert Helpmann is the theatre complex in Mt Gambier. Dance and local talent galas are often held here, live bands are not unless they are targeted to the older generation. The Sir Robert Helpmann is located in the Civic Centre, which also houses the library. For details about what's on, visit the Civic Centre during business hours Monday to Friday.

Buy

 * Commercial Street is the shopping street of Mount Gambier. Despite the smaller size of the city, this street is quite long. It takes about 15-20 min to walk from one end to the other. Stores on this street change often and most are not open on Sundays. Thursday is late night shopping and most stores are usually trading until 9PM.
 * Centro shopping center hosts about 40 stores including a supermarket, K-Mart, the Reject Shop and EB Games. The centro shopping centre has a large food court there is plenty of variety in the food for sale. Centro shopping center is open Sundays after 11AM.
 * Variety stores There are numerous variety stores in Mt Gambier. Go-Lo and Ned's located on Commercial street West, Cheap As Chips on Helen street, the Reject Shop can be found in the Lakes Village. A large Target can also be found on Sturt street (entrances from Compton street and Ferrers street).
 * Markets Saturday is the Rotary Market on Julibee Highway East next to Harvey Normans (it is part of the former Fletcher Jones site). The Blue Lake Market is held Sundays on Commercial street West opposite Vansitart Park. Both markets have stalls selling local fresh produce, bric-a-brac, craft goods and plants.
 * Clothes shops in Mt Gambier are quite abundant. Flesh Fence on Commercial street East is reasonably priced. Rockmans can be found on the main street. Centro has Jay Jays, Jeans West, Supre and Miller's. The Spot is the local surf store on Commercial Street West. There are also several sports stores, notably Sportspower which is the largest and Sportscene which has lots of variety.
 * Petrol stations can be found at several locations on Commercial street. The Mobil on Commercial Street East and the Caltex on Commercial Street West are nicknamed "the 24 hour" for obvious reasons. If you venture out to Port Macdonnell it is advisable that you fill up before you head off, there is no large petrol station there, and the one which is there is open only during business hours.

Eat
Restaurants in Mount Gambier are reasonably cheap when compared to city prices.

 * Belgornio's An authentic Italian restaurant with woodfired pizzas. In the Oatmill Complex. It gets very busy on Saturday nights, but well worth the wait.
 * South Eastern The first pub on Commercial St East. Has a beer garden and a drive thru bottle shop. You can hire the undercover beer garden for free if you purchase a certain amount of food to share.
 * Golden Chopsticks Chinese restaurant with good service.
 * Spud Train A train shaped vending van which serves baked potatoes. Spudway is a bus selling spuds just like the previous company and can be found just a little bit down the road. Spudway has by far the better food.Look for the waving oversized potato/man on the weekends.
 * McDonald's, KFC and Hungry Jacks are all on Penola road between Commercial Street and Jubilee Highway and are in walking distance of each other. Subway is on Commercial St East and in the Lakes Village. Red Rooster is on Jubilee Highway East. McDonald's is the only 24-hour restaurant in town.
 * Domino's Pizza is in the Woolworths Petrol Station, opposite the Federal Hotel. Pinky's Pizza can be found on Commercial street East. Pizza Haven is on Commercial Street West and has the best take away pizza. They also have a drive thru.
 * For late night snacks, the Cave Garden Deli is open late on Saturday nights. It is next to the Cave Gardens sinkhole in town. They also sell Domino's pizza (but be warned, it's a bit chewy at 4AM). The 24 Hour Mobil on Commercial street East/Crouch street does Boss Dogs and besides McDonald's are probably the only source of food in the wee hours.

Drink

 * Shadows Entertainment Complex Mt Gambier's longest lasting night club. Considered to be a 'dive' by the locals, but has cheap drinks, a reasonable size dance floor and top 40+ 1990s-2000s hits. Entry is free before midnight, after midnight it costs $8. Often gets busy about 2AM when the other pubs have closed for the night. Before 11:30PM it is very quiet and a good place to have some quiet drinks. Shadows does not have a beer garden, but it does have a designated smoking area outside.
 * The Gambier Hotel also known as The G. The G has been voted as one of Australia's best pubs and is the most upmarket you'll find in The Mount. Sometimes has a cover charge depending on the entertainment. The G also does an extra breakfast.
 * Flanagan's Irish Pub also known as 'Flannie's'. Good meals and often has a live band. It gets crowded very quickly as the pub is rabbit-warren like.
 * Alexander's Entertainment Complex is a bar/pool hall. Popular with the younger crowd, is basically just a big hall with a bar in the middle. Gets very noisy very quickly.

Stay safe

 * The Police Station is on Bay Road, just south of the main intersection of the CBD. This station is attended 24 hours a day.
 * At night time it is safest to park on Penola road (in KFC) or in the 'ANZ carpark' (large carpark on Commercial street West. It has little alleyways which lead to Penola road). Police cars patrol this carpark periodically, while the KFC carpark is opposite Shadows and is well lit.
 * The entire town is a 50 km/h zone except Wireless Road East and West, Sutton Avenue, Suttontown Road, Pick Avenue, Wehl Street North and South and Jubilee Highway where the speed limit is 60 km/h. Speed cameras are often located on Lake Terrace and Sturt street. There are fixed speed cameras on several of the traffic light intersections. If there are no signs, assume 50 km/h.
 * The road around the Blue Lake is badly lit at night time and is windy in parts. Part of this road is signed at 40 km/h.
 * The Lakes area (including the Valley Lake and the Centenary Tower) and Marist Park are locked at 8PM nightly. It is free to have the gates opened by the council, but it can be a long time to wait, especially at night. If you see a boom gate at any time, check for a sign which will state the closure time.
 * There are several medical and dental clinics in Mt Gambier. The hospital is located on Wehl street north. The wait for out patients can be long and is comparative to city wait times. The chemists take turns in staying open until 9PM, the opening times are posted on the windows.
 * The local surf beach is Brownes Bay about 10 km east of Port Macdonell. This beach is very popular with locals but is not patrolled and has no bathroom or change room facilities. If you have a small or lowered car it is easy to be bogged in the sand (there is no car park).
 * There are payphones on Commercial Street east (near Eddie's Furniture), outside the post office on Helen Street, at the Lady Nelson and on Pick Avenue. Some venues still have the old blue or yellow phones inside their building, but these are prone to breaking down. Most places will allow you to make local calls in urgent situations.

title: Mount Gambier


text:
Mount Gilead

There is more than one place called Mount Gilead:

United States of America

 * Mount Gilead (Ohio) - a town in Morrow County, Ohio.

 * Mount Gilead (North Carolina) - a town in Montgomery County, North Carolina.

title: Mount Gilead


text:
Mount Gilead (Ohio)

Mount Gilead is a city in West Central Ohio. It is the county seat of Morrow County. The mailing and local reference is Mt. Gilead.

By plane

 * John Glenn Columbus International Airport, 4600 International Gateway, Columbus. +1 614-239-4083. Direct flights to most major American cities.

By car
It is located at the intersection of SR 42 and 61 N/S.

Get around
There is no public transportation. It is a small town and walking is practical.

Drink
There is now a small bar and cafe across from the Morrow County Fairgrounds. They have a good selection of beer, including Blue Moon and Sierra Nevada.

Go next

 * Columbus
 * Marion

title: Mount Gilead (Ohio)


text:
Mount Gretna

Mount Gretna is in Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

Understand
Mt. Gretna was founded in an area of Pennsylvania that for more than a century provided charcoal to the Cornwall Iron Furnace, which once forged cannons for George Washington‘s army. At one point in time, you could travel here by railway from any point in the entire country. WWII diminished Mt Gretna’s popularity, with the closing its amusement park and the abandonment of its hotels. Some traditions, however, remained. The Playhouse Theater, the Jigger Shoppe, the Roller Rink, the Lake all remained. And of course, the tradition of spending days and nights relaxing on the front porch of its many cabin-like homes. In 1960 the Timber’s Restaurant was built, and in 1976 the very first annual Gretna Art Show took place, quoted as Mt Gretna modern revival. The Playhouse and the Art Show give Mt Gretna its sense of identity and community.

title: Mount Gretna


text:
Mount Halimun Salak National Park

Mount Halimun Salak National Park is in the Bogor Raya region in Western Java, Indonesia. The national park is centred on the Mount Salak volcano and Mount Halimun. A small part of the national park is in Banten province.

Flora and fauna

 * Silvery gibbon
 * Javan hawk eagle
 * Javan leopard

Lodging
The national park board offers two lodging options:

 * Home stay at Citalahab village is a nice way to get right into the heart of the local community. Accommodation is understandably basic but the villagers more than make up for it. They are friendly, welcoming and sincere (unlike other touristy spots where locals blatantly asks for money for everything including a picture). Try your hands at harvesting rice or gardening or playing with the local kids.
 * Cikaniki Research Station Lodge is almost always packed with researchers and university students on the weekends. The wooden lodge is in the middle of primary rainforest. A group of rangers uses a part of the building as an office, sleeping quarters and exhibition area. The station can accommodate a maximum of 20 guests in 5 rooms. Foods are hard to come by so the kitchens come fully equipped with cooking and eating utensils for you to prepare your own food. (Or ask the ranger to arrange for a villager as a daily cook.) Rates are about US$25 per night per room.

title: Mount Halimun Salak National Park


text:
Mount Heng

There's more than one place called Mount Heng:

China

 * Mount Heng (Hunan) - is a sacred mountain in Hunan
 * Mount Heng (Shanxi) - is a sacred mountain in Shanxi

title: Mount Heng