Discover Australia ~ What You Need to See and Do, Once You Get There by Terry Clark - HTML preview

PLEASE NOTE: This is an HTML preview only and some elements such as links or page numbers may be incorrect.
Download the book in PDF, ePub, Kindle for a complete version.

 

      Be optimistic – sometimes we pick on one bad news from the media and concentrate on it too much. This will only ruin your holiday. After all, every village has its own mad men and this does not mean that if you meet one then all the rest are mad! There will always be some crime in a city and this is not unusual. Therefore concentrate on the good news and enjoy your holiday.

 

 

#13. Safe Beach Holidays in Australia

 

Australia is a well known tourist destination. It is also known for its exclusive beach holidays. There are numerous beaches in Australia, with most of them offering some good surfing conditions. They have become the perfect places for Australian family holidays. No matter what your personal choice is, there are beaches for all. Some of them even offer amazing adventure activities for those who love sports.

 

You will enjoy the same ambiance and charm of a beach regardless of whether it is in the Gold Coast beach, Sydney, or in Perth, Western  Australia. If you have a tight budget and are looking for some cost effective options, there is no need to worry since you can easily take care of all these aspects, too. You will find budget-friendly beach accommodation where you enjoy the beautiful ocean view and the supreme beach grandeur from your hotel window or a hidden cabin.

 

Safety is the main priority of many families while they plan a beach holiday in Australia. Even though the beaches in Australia are completely safe and have a good record for safety, there are some tourists who may not be aware of the potential hazards. Below are some of the safety tips for you to follow before you go on beach holidays in Australia.

 

The sun - Australia is indeed well known for its good climatic conditions throughout the year. However, this is one of the potential hazards. With the sun being very harsh, you may get into some skin problems in Australia. Hence, if you are traveling from any other country, for safety reasons, you need to take some precautions. Cover your face and body with sunscreen lotion and avoid sunbathing or sitting in the sun between 12.00 to 3.00 pm. Protect yourself and children from sun by not getting into direct sunlight when it is very hot. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and hat while in the sun.

 

Sharks - Australia is famous for its shark population. Many linger near to the coastal areas and some swimmers and board riders have been taken by sharks, especially if they swim at dawn and dusk. So avoid swimming in the dark and read the warnings and signs on the beach carefully. This is applicable to surfers as well.

 

Currents and rips - when you go swimming, you should be careful about the currents and rips. Be familiar with the basics associated with these and how to save yourself or others from these. Hence, swimming is recommended in designated (flagged) areas only, where lifeguards are present to rescue you.

 

 

#14. Planning for a Smooth Australian Holiday

 

Australia is one of the most popular destinations for holidays. Given its beautiful beaches and historic monuments, you have the right reasons to visit Australia for your coming holiday. Many cities across the country show the different cultural traditions of Australia. Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Gold Coast, Adelaide and Darwin are major tourist destinations in the country with every city having its own attractions.

 

All you have to do is plan ahead before you leave for your holiday.

 

There are many tour operators that are providing different packages to families and individuals. You need to get complete details about the various packages so that you will be able to choose the one which will best fit your requirements and provide you the entertainment that you are looking forward to.

 

The other way in which you can prepare your travel plan is to collect information about the cities mentioned or contact the Australian tourism department that will provide you with the information that you are looking for.

 

Once you have obtained all the necessary information regarding the tourist destinations and the major attractions in the country, you can then plan the holiday accordingly. This will help you plan the vacation so that you can enjoy yourself to the maximum by visiting as many of the major attractions present in the country as possible. The Australian tourism department is promoting tourism in major cities and suggests some packages. You can approach them for further information. All the holiday destinations have been categorized according to the needs of the travelers, adventurous, sailing, sea diving, history oriented etc.

 

If you are planning an adventure holiday, you will then have to choose among the destinations which will provide you with the same. All you have to do is collect information from the city’s tourism department on all the major adventure activities that are present in their city. This will help you choose the ones which will provide you with the required fun and entertainment that you are looking forward to.

 

Now that you have understood the various important facts, it is time that you start collecting data from different websites or from the official Australian tourism department’s website in order to choose from the major tourist destination in Australia. Plan perfectly so that you do not miss to enjoy any major attractions in a particular city. Once you choose the destination, you should book your plane ticket and hotel.

 

 

#15. Paradise on Earth - Australian Beaches

 

Beaches in Australia are pieces of heaven on earth. They are so calm, pristine and serene that you find perfect peace of mind there. These virgin and perfect beaches help Australia to identify its uniqueness. 

 

Visit the Australian beaches at least once in your lifetime to enjoy the beauty and fun. You can lay lazily on the stretch of white sand, surf in the water or explore the beauty of the coasts traveling around with your vehicle. There are beaches in Australia for all and everyone will definitely find something that interests them.

 

Palm Beach in Sydney is one of the best beaches to explore in Australia. You can derive great pleasure by visiting it, given that it offers warm turquoise water. It is indeed a great experience to see it when you are going to Sydney from the northern side. It is one of the famous spots for surfing and golf playing.

 

The whitest sandy beach in Australia is Hyams Beach. It is an incredible combination of pristine white sand and blue water. It cannot be missed by anyone while in Australia. However, be careful of the intense sun here. The sun’s rays are reflected by the sand and you may experience sunburn. So, wear a shirt and a cap and apply sunscreen before you go out.

 

Four Mile Beach reminds you of the Caribbean. If you are looking for privacy, go some meters away from the central areas. You will achieve great peace of body and mind there. The place is crowded with mind blowing restaurants making delicious and mouth watering snacks and eatables.

 

If you are looking for great privacy, then no other place is as good as White Heaven Beach. This place is very serene and gorgeous. You will find all types of adventures there. This area is well known for its surfing throughout the world. You will love the cool breeze and downy sand.

 

Cable Beach is a place that you must visit in Australia, preferably in the months of June to August. It is a great long beach spread over sixteen miles. It offers great memories for all its visitors. Then, Bondi Beach in Australia is well known for its serenity, bistros and water sports adventures.  

 

Summers make the Australian beaches great pieces of paradise, since the water is warm, the sun is hot and the beer is very cold. All this is available in one country for everyone to enjoy their Australian beach holidays.

 

 

#16. Overview of Australian Cities and Their Attractions

 

Australia is a large country in the southern hemisphere and it is also a continent. It is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Nearly all the population is concentrated along its western and eastern coastline where its major cities are situated. It is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and wonderfully developed cities. The culture is vibrant and the people are warm and friendly. Some of the major Australian cities are Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Darwin. There is great variation as each city is different but has the quintessential Australian feel. Here is an overview of these cities and what a tourist can expect to see in these cities.

 

Sydney

 

The capital of New South Wales, Sydney is also known as the harbor city. It is a city full of extraordinary beaches. The world famous Bondi Beach is here together with from 70 more beaches. The Rocks in Sydney is a popular tourist joint where you will find cobblestone streets. Sydney Harbor national Park is full of gorgeous beaches, lovely islands and rich flora and fauna. Every Ney Year's Eve, great firework event is held at the Sydney harbor which attracts thousands of tourists from all parts of the world.

 

Melbourne

 

Melbourne is the capital of Victoria and a hub of culture, sport and style. The major attractions here are the Yarra River valley and St. Kilda Beach. Melbourne is host to the Australian Grand Prix and of course the Australian Open, the first grand slam event of tennis during the year. The city is full of opulent bars and restaurants and here you can enjoy the real Australian culture. You must visit the Royal Botanic Park and the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where some amazing cricket matches are held.

 

Brisbane

 

It is the capital of Queensland and full of many tourist attractions. Check out the Brisbane shopping center, climb up the Story Bridge over the Brisbane River, saunter along the Gold Coast or hike in the primeval Daintree Rainforest. The South Bank of the Brisbane River is full of lush green gardens where you can enjoy a bike ride. You can use a paddle steamer or a high speed boat to get a panoramic view of the city. If you love art and culture, there are art galleries and museums to keep you busy. You can opt to see an opera or a ballet performance in the Powerhouse. In the nearby Moretan Bay, you can indulge in water sports and see some beautiful coral reefs.

 

Perth

 

It is the most western capital city. It is situated along Swan River. Have a taste of 40 vineyards or visit the Perth Zoo. You can choose to go to Rottnest Island where you can ride a bike or kayak around secluded islands. You can swim, surf, or snorkel in the water near the golden beaches such as Scarborough or Cottlesloe. Kings Park is ideal for a family picnic. You can visit the State war Memorial where you get a panoramic view of the city. If you love fine food and wine, you will love the Margret River Wine Festival.

 

Adelaide

 

The cultural capital of Australia, the city will charm you with its elegance and style. It is known for colonial stone architecture, parklands, festivals, museums and libraries. You can swim with dolphins in Glenelg or enjoy a bike ride in the botanic gardens. You can walk along the great coastline or choose to get up close to wildlife. For shoppers, the much loved Adelaide Central market is nothing less than a paradise.

 

Canberra

 

It is the capital of Australia and it is full of tourist attractions. You can visit the Namadgi National Park which is a world heritage site. You can see the native animals and learn about aborigine culture and art. This is a planned city and is famous for its lakes, parklands and bush land. Lots of festivals are held every year in this capital city that attracts thousands from all parts of the world. You can get a chance to learn more about Australian history and culture when in Canberra which is the political and administrative center of the country. The balloon festival of Canberra is world famous.

 

 

#17. Options for Family Holidays in Australia

 

Who would not like to visit a place that is blessed with beautiful beaches, warm weather, rolling mountains and metropolitan cities? Yes, all this is present in Australia and so it would indeed be one of the best family holidays ever. This is the reason why many tourists go to Australia every year.

 

However, some people feel that there is nothing to do in Australia. This is indeed nothing but a misconception. Go on further and read on to discover some great places.

 

Have fun with kids in Queensland - it is one of the best tourist destinations in Australia. It home to all those things and facilities which the young kids are waiting for eagerly. The beaches of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are great for play. Surfing lessons are available. You can head to the beach market when you want. You will find incredible art and craft objects and toys there and they will surely interest all. In addition, the theme parks, Dream World, Movie World and White Water World offer fun that one cannot afford to miss.

 

Exciting holidays in Sydney- the Opera House and Sydney Harbor are the greatest attractions there. You can climb the bridge or go to the Royal National Park, Centennial Park, Luna Park, National Maritime Museum, Sydney Aquarium, or OceanWorld.

 

No boredom in the Northern Territory - you will find it quite interesting to eat near the camels while having your breakfast. You can observe the hot air balloons. Drive to the picnic play grounds in the parks or climb a small mountain peak. In addition to this, you can go hiking and bushwalking. Gain some knowledge of the local flora and fauna – but do not swim with the crocodiles.

 

Deserts add an element of excitement to your fun holiday - the Capital Territory is a semi-desert with dry and harsh climatic conditions. Here, the worth seeing places are Australian National Botanical Garden, National gallery of Australia, Australian War Memorial, Telestra Tower and Cockington Green.

 

Australia is a country full of mind blowing beaches, museums, art galleries and even good places for shopping. You will never get bored on your Australian holiday. It has something for all. If you are with a family, then varied activities can be planned for people of different age groups. Even the needs and requirements of the kids are taken into consideration, so they won’t get bored. While the kids are busy with their activities, you can relax and have fun.

 

 

#18. Must See Sites in Australia

 

Whenever you plan a visit to a foreign country, it is good to have a list of places you need to go to so that you have memorable moments. Take photos of landmarks that will make others envious. Here is a list of the places you must visit when you go on an Australian holiday.

 

Sydney opera house: you cannot be in Australia and fail to visit the Sydney Opera House. From a distance, it looks like a sailing boat and therefore it is a good sight to watch. It is Australia’s equivalent of the Eiffel Tower and therefore you need to take photos there as evidence of having been to Australia. Its architecture is amazing. It attracted dignitaries such Queen Elizabeth the II of England at its opening.

 

Royal botanical gardens:  these gardens are two centuries old. They were established in 1816 by Sydney Governor Bligh.  The gardens are located in the central part of downtown Sydney and therefore they are easy to access. They cover more than 30 hectares of lush green and are therefore a paradise for those who love flora. There are more than 7000 species of exotic flowers.

 

Kangaroo Island: this island is off South Australia and is home to the most well-known animal in this continent, the kangaroo. This is a unique animal that is native to Australia. The beauty of this island in Australia is that it is teaming with many other animals. Koalas which are known for spending most of their time in trees are an attraction for anyone visiting. Other animals that you must see include platypus and wallabies. Reeves Point is a location that is recommended for anyone interested in animals.

 

Castle Hill: This is a popular place from which to view the city of Townsville in Queensland. It is a huge pink rock that can be climbed Getting there is not very difficult for those who want to dare get more fun. From the top you will have a beautiful view of Townsville city below. The city lies along the coast and therefore it is very captivating. Make sure you take pictures to get great memories of the amazing view. It is recommended that after the grueling climb to the hill, you have a dinner by the beach and spend the night at a cozy local hotel.

 

Uluru is another large sandstone monolith in the middle of Australia, rising up from the red desert sand. Many tourists enjoy visiting Uluru at sunset when the setting sun enhances the beauty of the rock colours.

 

 

#19. Must do Activities in Australia

 

There is no country as delightful as Australia. Lying in the southern hemisphere, it is a continent in itself. It is a huge country with lots of thrilling adventures and with breathtaking natural scenery that awaits you. From mountains to beaches, from deserts to the glamorous cities, Australia has something for everyone. For those who love nature, there is so much to see and explore in Australia that even a lifetime may be insufficient. The same applies to must do activities which are many and varied.