Last Minute Home Exchange Offers Down Under

Brrr! As it gets colder and the days shorter here in the northern hemisphere, many people will be dreaming of escaping to warmer climes like Australia where summer is well on the way. Although, having grown up in Canada where winter = snow, it's hard to imagine celebrating Christmas with a barbie on the beach, many Aussies (and those lucky enough to arrange a home swap in Australia in December), will no doubt be doing just that.

Fortunately, Australians are an adventurous lot and there is no shortage of attractive home exchange offers throughout the country. Home Base Holidays members can add their exchange requests to a special Last Minute Offers list when their exchange dates are getting close. On checking Last Minute Offers a couple of days ago, I noticed a good number of Australia offers. Here's just a few samples:

ROCKINGHAM / PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA: We live in Rockingham, 40 mins south of Perth; 20 minutes south of the port of Fremantle. Rockingham is a beachside town, with leisure facilities for swimming, boating, fishing, sailing, surfing, diving, etc. You can walk to the beach, swim with the dolphins, visit the fairy penguins and take a trip to Rottnest or Margaret River wine region, or picnic in Kings Park with a view of the Swan river. See full exchange offer, HE15726. Note: the photo above, right is also from this listing.

SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES: Our house is a lovely restored Victorian terrace in the inner city. A short stroll to restaurants, cafes, theatre, cinema, train/ bus. Minutes to Sydney harbour, Opera House, beaches. See full exchange offer, HE18777.

BOAT HARBOUR, TASMANIA: Our house is located in the North West of the island state of Tasmania. It is set in 5 acres of ground. Tasmania is a gem with a wealth of scenery, history, national parks, wildlife, light traffic, wineries and a slower pace of life. The nearest town is Wynyard and there is a general store a kilometre from the house. Burnie, the nearest large city, is some 30 kilometres away. There is a beautiful white sandy beach within 3 kilometres of the house and good walking track adjoins the latter part of the access road. See full exchange offer, HE18901.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY: Two bedroom home with lovely back deck ideal for outdoor dining, set in a leafy tree lined street of inner Canberra. One of Canberra's major restaurant districts is located only a few minutes walk away as is a major shopping centre. Canberra is located only three hours drive from Sydney, two hours drive away from the beautiful saphire coast with its pristine white beaches and sparkling clear blue waters. See full exchange offer, HE18746.