Palmerston North (New Zealand) Giddha 2009 - Part 1

Traditional Punjabi Giddha by Palmerston North Girls at Diwali Function on 24th October at Queen Elizabeth College, Palmerston North (New Zealand). Enjoy!

Discover The Outback On Your Next Australia Tour

The Outback is a region of great beauty and grandeur that will leave you lasting images of Australias intense landscape. Although the word Outback in native dialect is considered really any area that is far away from urban areas. Outback is generally referring to locations more remote than an area called the bush which generally refers to any rural or undeveloped land or area.

In the province of New South Wales, the Outback features the Darling River which flows over 1700 miles making it the longest river in Australia. It is also considered the lifeblood for much of the wildlife even though it has run dry over 45 times and has a high salt content due to systemic droughts. It was also considered the greatest inland mode of travel from Brewarrina to Wentworth.

The outback in Australias Northern Territory is home to the Kakadu National Park and the Uluru/Ayers Rock. Aboriginal people share their 40,000 year old story with rock drawings and canvas. There are more than 5000 recorded art sites that depict Aboriginal culture over thousands of years.

The NT has very diverse and often contrasting environments along with intriguing and spectacular wildlife as you go from the deserts of Central Australia to the tropics of the Top End. You can expect an assortment of unique Australian pubs, amazing characters and enduring landscapes. Here you will find a number of colorful and down to earth characters that insist upon sharing a tale or two.

Many folks take the Ghan Train ride which allows travelers to enjoy the changing landscapes from the red desert of the outback to the tropical top end in the north. You can even take a camel ride through parts of the desert.

The Great Western Woodlands is the largest temperate woodland left on Earth. By sheer remoteness, this piece of land has mostly escaped the impact of industrialization and maintains a nearly preserved ecosystem. The vastness of the woodlands has assured that the hydrological patterns of thousands of years ago still operate and animal migrations are uninhibited. The plant life has as a metered impact on cloud formation.

The area contains a diversity of vegetation communities with islands of granite rock and natural salt lakes mixed in the sixteen million hectares of land. The woodlands is cut off by the world famous Rabbit Proof Fence to prevent human meddling represents 2 percent of Australias land mass. 20 percent of all known plant species indigenous to Australia are represented in the Great Western Woodlands. Nowhere else in the world are such volumes of Eucalytis trees found in such a profoundly dry climate.

A Great Barrier Reef Vacation On Heron Island

A Great Barrier Reef Vacation on Heron Island is a unique experience. Heron Island is a small coral cay right on the Great Barrier Reef Australia, where you can snorkel straight off the beach amidst teeming marine life on an endless multicoloured coral reef.

It is what you don’t see that really makes this such an outstanding destination as a Great Barrier Reef destination. You see there are no buildings above the tree line. There are no daytrippers, because Heron Island is only for its guests, and you won’t find that in many resorts around the world.. The island isn’t large, but it is beautiful, and you could walk around it in about 30 minutes, but it’s large enough to escape from the stresses of 21st century life within a few hours of arriving.

Heron Island has a unique atmosphere, which is one of relaxation, total relaxation., sophisticated casual relaxation, in a completely understated way, and this sets Heron apart from other resort islands

Heron is not the place to visit on your Great Barrier Reef Vacation if you need sophisticated nightlife, or a multitude of daytime activities, because the emphasis here is on the natural attractions and exploring the island..

The reef diving here is second to none, the snorkelling superb, so you may see turtles, dolphins, humpback whales migrating north, sharks, stingrays, many colourful fish and birds and they are all within easy reach which is fantastic.

The reef walks will teach you about the unique ecology of the Great Barrier Reef. Added to this is the abundance of bird life especially Noddy Terns.

On the other hand you can just lie around, read, and relax!!

In the evenings there might be live entertainment, or you can dance or just have a pleasant drink at the Pandanus Lounge. You will find the food is excellent with a, huge breakfast buffet, and three dinner buffets every week.

If you are a nature lover who doesn’t mind a helicopter transfer then Heron Island is probably the ideal Great Barrier Reef Vacation Spot you could ever find.

Bedarra Island is another gem and is a true Great Barrier Reef luxury resort, only for the rich and famous.

For more Australian Vacations and information about the Great Barrie Reef, go to http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/categories/Oceania%26%2339%3Bs-Hidden-Hotels/Australia/

North Queensland Fury v Melbourne Victory 22 - August - 2009

North Queensland Fury v Melbourne Victory 22 - August - 2009 www.a-league.com.au Victory open account Melbourne Victory has ground out a 1-0 win over a vastly-improved North Queensland Fury in Townsville on Saturday night. The Victory’s Archie Thompson slotted his first goal of the season in the final moments of the first half after a pin-point long ball from Adrian Leijer. The homeside’s Dyron Daal had a chance to level up the scores in the 89th minute when he was left one-on-one with the goalkeeper but was denied. It was a telling moment in the game as the Fury looked the better of the two for most of the night, creating multiple opportunities but it was the Victory who had the polish and pounced when given the chance. Robbie Middleby received a sickening accidental kick in the face from a team mate less than a minute later and was forced to miss the remainder of the game. North Queensland threw plenty of players forward early but could not capitalise on early opportunities. Shane Stefanutto pulled the trigger in the first minute from left of the goal box only to be denied by a diving save. The homeside wasted four corners with poor crosses and an inability to keep the ball in the box. Robber Fowler had a free kick from 18 yards in front after a handball by Leigh Broxham but could not turn it into points. Melbourne struggled to find momentum in the face of physical defence which allowed limited space and time in attack. Tommy Pondeljk slithered through the midfield with …

108 Black Barn Rd - Havelock North, New Zealand

This welcoming contemporary dwelling, nestled in Hill Country Estate is an excellent opportunity for the discerning buyer. Consisting of very generous bedrooms including 2 master suites, which are complimented by 3 designer bathrooms all finished in stylish stone and polished concrete. 2 expansive open living areas are joined by a modern open kitchen. Adjoining walk in pantry/office. High ceilings perpetuate throughout this large home giving a wonderful sense of space. Many conventional elements highlight the flair of the house. Such as an electronic entrance, heated bathroom tiles, an electronic marquee, open gas fireplace, in-wall and outdoor speakers, electronic skylights and in-ground sprinklers. Polished java timber floor in main living areas. Plenty of storage throughout. Truly breathtaking day and night views extending over Hawkes Bay all the way past the Kaweka Ranges to Mt. Ruapehu. Set in the midst of Black Barn Vineyards, Hill Country Estate provides its exclusive residents with secure seclusion and privacy just 5 minutes from the centre of the village. Spread over 104 hectares lie stunning orchards, tennis court, a pavilion, a lake and a 9 hole golf course. Weekly golf lessons with pro golf coach Brian Doyle are offered complimentary. Just before Hill Country Estate lies the Black Barn restaurant & art gallery and the Black Barn Amphitheatre, at which Hill Country Residents are offered free tickets to each event. Throughout summer the Saturday morning Village …

Cairns and Gordonvale (Photo slideshow)

The photo on the slideshow display mostly Cairns some photos of Gordonvale area, here in Queensland, Australia. (4:3, 576p)

Great Barrier Reef: Ultimate Scuba Diving Experience

The Great Barrier Reef is considered to the ultimate in scuba diving adventures in the world which offer same excitement to experts as well as beginners. So what is so special about the Great Barrier Reef ? First of all, the size. Its simple huge - stretching over 1400 miles along Australia’s East Coast. It is not only the largest reef system in the world, but many consider it as one of the most beautiful too. If this has been your dream to visit this natural wonder, here are some tips for the first-time traveler :

The Location of the Reef

Situated near Queensland in Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is about 185 miles away from the mainland on the southern side. It is about 12 miles away from the shore on the northern side. It is about 50 miles wide at the northern side - the widest stretch. What can you expect to see at the Great Barrier Reef. The amazing variety of plant and animal life which have made its home here is mind-boggling. You can, actually see about 4000 species of mollusks, more than 1000 species of fish, about 380 species of coral, 500 species of seaweed, six varieties of sea turtles.

How to Get to the Barrier Reef

There are daily flights to Australia from the West Coast in the United States. When you reach Australia, you may have to take a small connecting flight to land near one of the gateways to the reef. Generally people go for Cairns and Townsville, two tropical cities located near the northern side of the reed. The other gateway is at Gladstone and Bundaberg, located near the southern side of the reef.

The Ultimate Scuba Diving Adventure

The calm and lucid waters around the reef make it the best location for scuba diving in the world. Water may run deep at certain places, but is generally moderate for amateurs to dive in. For beginners, diving should be in shallow waters - about 60 feet in depth. However for experts, there are reefs around the Coral Sea where the depth is about 300 feet.

To go through one of the best scuba diving experiences, you can board one of the popular ‘live aboard’ boats. These specialized boats take visitors right where the action is. Many such boats have convenient luxury amenities and can organize boats to take divers right at the center of the reef. There are day boats available for day-time scuba diving. These day boats take visitors for 4 to 5 hour trips into the reef. Even local resorts organize these day boats for their guests.

Finding a ‘Dive Island’ Resort

Resorts located in small islands around the reef are capable of organizing scuba diving trips for the guests. They provide convenient access to the reef and are great for visitors looking for a scuba diving adventure. Generally these resorts are situated in Lizard, Green, Lady Elliot, and Heron islands. ‘Cod Hole” - a popular diving site is situated off Lizard Island. Dunk Island is another Great Barrier Reef resort you can stay at.

Best Time to Visit the Reef

Anytime of the year is considered to be safe and suitable to visit the reef for scuba diving. This is because of the nature of the water which is normally calm and steady. The Australian summer is considered to be popular - which is between December and March. Because of the tropical climate, the temperature usually hovers around 70 to mid-80s.This makes a visit to the Great Barrier Reef and its surrounding cities pleasant at anytime of the year.

Animals In Trouble In Tropical North Queensland

Tropical storms are threatening the wildlife in this incredible region. An area that is filled with tropical rainforests and unique wildlife is threatened to become extinct by the current changes in weather. Magnified by human development, cyclones of the current day are much worse than those of the past and many rare and unique animals call this region home.

As with most of nature, the tropical rainforests are working on recovery, but the loss of things like fruit, pollen and nectar have been extremely hard on many of the rainforest creatures, resulting in a decrease in the number of birds in the region.

There are volunteer organizations trying to provide additional food supplies for the wildlife in this area. They get no funding from the government and depend totally on donations for their efforts to feed these animals.

So what can you do to help save the creatures? Well, support the cause, you can donate money, or volunteer to help. They will help teach you to be a wildlife rescuer and will show you how to handle animals found in the rainforests. You can be a responsible pet owner. If you live in and around the rainforests, you can keep your pets in at night, as many domestic dogs and cats contribute to the problems of extinction by killing off native wildlife over night.

We have to continue our efforts to be more environmentally concious as these efforts go far in helping the creatures of the world, not just in Tropical North Queensland. There are many simple things you can do in your life to change the way we live, and when you help the animals you’re ultimately preserving your human environment.

 

Drive Home(Part 3): Feilding to Palmerston North, New Zealand

Are You Thinking Of Touring Sydney Australia?

When examining a list of attractions or a map of Australia, it’s only natural to think, “I just want to do everything!” But to narrow it down a little bit, Sydney Australia is a destination that won’t disappoint!

If you’re pressed for time, the Australian tourism industry recommends catching the Manly Ferry, taking a harbor cruise, riding the Shelly Ferry, visiting Shell Beach and touring Manly Beach. Many travelers point to the Sydney Opera House as a highlight of their trip as well.

When you come to Sydney Australia, you’ll obviously want to get the most optimal view of the towering buildings, the world-famous Harbour Bridge and the architecturally intriguing Opera House. At Circular Quay, you can travel thirty minutes from the Sydney Harbour to Manly via ferry, where you’ll get the best view of these landmarks.

When you arrive in Manly, you may want to eat some delicious grub at the brand new Manly Wharf Pub. A more traditional, narrated tour is the Sydney Harbour Cruise, which can tell you a little bit about waterfront mansions, Australian history and the city’s multitudinous cultural offerings.

You’ll get the same view as the ferry, but you’ll have a longer ride and more commentary. “Coffee cruises” have become very popular, offering fresh espresso, teas, gourmet biscuits, muffins and Lamingtons, which is an Aussie favorite. Or you can go on the half-day Sydney Harbour sail aboard “Katrina,” a luxury yacht, which will take you to hideaway beaches and bays.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge Cruise will quickly take you beneath the bridge and narrate a little about this landmark, specifically. You’ll stop in the Darling Harbour, where theatres, aquariums and museums await.

For all you land-lubbers, there’s a nice walk from the Manly Ferry Terminal to Shelly Beach. You’ll pass pubs, cafes, shops and restaurants, although, the particularly keen may even spot a Manly penguin or breaching Humpback Whale!

You can take a tour of Manly Beach or get a terrific view of the Sydney Harbour from the North Fort lookout. With the city, the AMP Centrepoint Tower, a 1,000-foot-high Australian national monument, will give you a bird’s eye view of Sydney’s cityscape.

Sports are more than just entertainment in Sydney Australia: it’s an important part of culture and a celebration of the Australians’ pride. It is an important part of the culture. Rugby is by far the most popular sport but you can also see a horse race at Randwick Race Course, an Australian Football League game (cheer for the Sydney Swans!), a National Basketball League game (go Sydney Swifts!), the start of the “Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race” and the quirky “City to Surf” foot race.

When you first arrive in Sydney Australia at the Kingsford Smith airport, unless you’ve booked a tour, you’ll likely feel overwhelmed and out-of-sorts. You can visit the Sydney Visitor Centre in The Rocks at the corner of Argyle & Playfair Streets or the Sydney Visitor Center at 33 Wheat Road in Darling Harbour between 9:30 am and 5:30 pm to get maps and attraction information.

The key to Australian vacationing is to come prepared, so you may want to look online or book a few tours before you depart from your homeland! The “Sydney Sampler,” for instance, offers five nights exploring Sydney. Starting at $U425 per person, you’ll receive five nights of hotel accommodations and round trip airport transfers, a day at Blue Mountains National Park, the Sydney Harbour coffee cruise, the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge and beach tours. You’ll also stop to see wildlife, museums, shops, Aboriginal heritage sites and more. To arrange a tour, you can check “United Vacations Sp”.

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