A Travel Guide Through Australia

Beyond doubt, Australia is a miraculous nation. The experience will be unbelievable. The enormity of the country and its varied inhabitants give it an appealing spirit. As a tourist, you wish to visit Australia to taste the beauty of the country. You need an Australian visa.

Australia’s biggest attraction is its natural splendor. The thick tropical rain forests, the huge sunny beaches, the Indian Ocean touching hands with the mighty Pacific, the Great Barrier Reef and the placid Tasman Sea are some sites of glory.

Enjoy the delightful outback townships and posh cities which combine a European fervor with a passion for sport. The open-air wine regions have something special for all tourists. You can visit Australia at any season.

The period between spring and autumn are normally the most enchanting. The weather remains calm and pleasant. Spring heralds the entry of fantastic wildflowers in the outback. To be specific, Canberra and the Victorian Alps are gorgeous during this period of the year.

Summer months are from December to February. You may experience hot weather. This climatic condition may be most uncomfortable to a traveler. In the southern states this climate will be grand beach weather for partying. At the same time, the north is rainy and you have to tolerate extreme humid conditions. You need to be very careful about jellyfish.

The sea is full of them around this time. Campervans are trendy options for many travelers. You will find a number of joints that rent fully operational campervans. They vans include complete set of camping gear for the modern traveler. Prices vary on the period of occupancy and they charge reasonably.

With visa Australia, some objects are there in Australia that you should see without fail. We give the introduction of those wonderful objects. The first of them is the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. This icon is nicknamed “The Coathanger” or “Colin” by the localities. This mammoth steel architecture connects the central business distinct of Sydney with the North Shore.

It has motor vehicle road, pedestrian road and railway tracks for the movement of traffic. This marvel of an arch bridge was opened in 1932. The bridge carries many stories that can rouse interest in a traveler interested in history. This is by far the best of all sights in Australia.

The second in the must-see list is the Sydney gay and lesbian Mardi Gras, which is an annual parade ceremony of the members of a particular community. This takes place in February with the opening taking place in January at the Sydney Opera House.

This is one of the best shows of live entertainment in the world. The show includes dances, music, comedy acts, theatrical shows and films on gay and lesbianism. People come from all over the globe to enjoy and take part in events of dance, drama, forums and conferences and other social activities.

You can enjoy the charming ones like the Sydney Opera House, Bondi beach, New South Wales and Manly ferry services Sydney provided you have an Australian visa.

Darwin – The Top End Of Australia

Positioned between Queensland and Western Australia on Australia’s northern coastline, and overlooking the Timor Sea is Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory. Darwin has a permanent population of around 110,000 people, but really comes alive during the Dry Season when the tourists flock to the city. With its tropical climate and warm weather all year round, the city enjoys a relaxed outdoor lifestyle and a real buzz occurs each night in the many hotels and nightclubs. If you want to experience some true Australian cuisine then make sure you try Kangaroo, Barramundi and Mud Crabs, or for the real experience try some Buffalo or Crocodile.

On 19th of February 1942, 188 Japanese planes raided Darwin, dropping more bombs on the city than Pearl Harbour. At the time Darwin had a population of about 2,000 people, but this had swelled with an additional 15,000 Allied soldiers based in Darwin due to its strategically-placed naval port and airbase. Darwin came under attack another 58 times during 1942 and 1943, but none were as devastating as the original attack. Today there are still remnants from World War 2 around the city.

Because of Darwin’s location so far north in Australia, the city has 2 distinct seasons, one Wet, and the other Dry. The dry season tends to run from April/May through to October, with the wet season seeing most of the rain fall between December and March. November sees the days becoming very hot and humid because of the build up to the wet season, whereas in the dry season there is very little rain between May and September. If you want to see the waterfalls and rivers in Kakadu at their best, the wet season is the best time to visit Darwin as tours are available to fly over the National Park and see them from the air.

Darwin is the perfect place to base yourself as you explore the Top End of Australia, with good access to the Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks, Katherine Gorge is not too far down the road in Outback terms, and the Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land aren’t too far away. If its fishing you want to do, there are many tour options to chase after the much sought after Barramundi, or you can always watch the crocodiles jump out of the water on a tour up the Adelaide River. There are the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets each Thursday and Sunday evening during the Dry Season where food stalls prepare cuisine from around the world and local artisans and craft people sell a colourful array of goods.

If you would like to read more information on travelling to Darwin, please click on this link: Darwin

Sandpiper Sailing Thru the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

This was taken while Sandpiper sailed thru the Great Barrier Reef in 2007 on our way to Darwin. Far North Australia. check us out at sandpiper38.blogspot.com

See, Do And Stay In Cairns, Australia

Cairns is located in Australia’s Far North Queensland – one of the lushest, most beautiful and natural places left in the Western – and more importantly English-speaking, and developed – world. The entire city has recently been given a facelift, to match its status an a top international holiday destination, and is now quite a fitting scene for the lovely luxury hotels in Cairns and natural wonders which you can explore from the city.

Of course, you’ll need to organize somewhere to stay before you even leave your grey, ordinary day job, the daily grind of traffic and transport, and the bills that just keep arriving in the letterbox. Bloomfield Lodge is a great choice for those seeking something a little different. This boutique hotel in Cairns is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World Association, with decor in a stark, naturally clean and pristine taste, and friendly, courteous staff. The focus at this Cairns Australia hotel is on unobtrusive service – you won’t even realize until you get back home that drinks don’t just magically fill themselves, and that you actually have to wash your linen yourself!

Shangri-La Cairns is the city’s other option for those seeking the reassurance of a brand name hotel, as well as six-star luxury service, impeccably designed surroundings, gorgeous ocean views and a convenient location. Light, airy and spacious rooms are given the luxury treatment with Egyptian cotton sheets, a home theater system and Playstation for the kids, as well as cardio training and strength equipment (you’ll need to get ready for some of the beautiful and thrilling outdoor activities!), and kid-friendly facilities at this Cairns hotel like a children’s pool and table tennis tables.

For the traveler looking for a holiday with a little more than relaxation, Cairns is the perfect place from which to explore some of the world’s most famous natural wonders. The Great Barrier Reef is known worldwide as a heritage listed site and the largest tropical reef of its kind. Snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, sea kayaking, parasailing and helifishing are some of the breathtaking outdoor adventures that await, just outside your Cairns hotel doorway.

The Daintree rainforest is another sight to tempt you away from your luxury hotel in Cairns – wildlife unseen elsewhere in the world, like cassowaries and the endangered green tree frogs can be seen in pristine, untouched tropical rainforest. This is currently the most diverse ecological system in the world, with thousands of species of wildlife and birds, as well as golden rainforest beaches with calm water.

There is also the Curtain Fig Tree, a Ficus strangler vine that grew over another of its kind, and grew cascading down 15 meters to the ground below. The Babinda Boulders is a beautiful swimming hole, filled with water that is quite cool, even in mid summer. Josephine Falls and Tindoo Dam are also popular, and worth venturing out from your luxury accommodation in Cairns for!

Gold Coast – Australia – Getting Around

The Gold Coast has a great range of public and private transport to get you where you need to go at a price you can afford.  Consider your families needs and shop around for the best deal.

Getting to the Gold Coast
There are direct flights to the Gold Coast from most major cities in Australia and New Zealand  If you are outside our major cities or flying internationaly you may need to get to the Gold Coast by flying into Brisbane  From some rural centres it may be easier to get to the Gold Coast by coach.  Surfers Paradise Transit Centre provides convenient access to a range of coach services in Surfers Paradise (hours 6am to 10pm).  Car Hire is also a great optiona for a family as it works out to be very economical especialy weekly car hire.

When your flight arrives on the Gold Coast or Brisbane
Gold Coast Airport and Brisbane Airport transfers include coach, door-to-door services, limousines, taxis, wheelchair-accessible taxis and maxi-taxis. There are car rental on the Gold Coast who can arange car hire for you when you arrive at the airpots and leave it there when you fly out.  Enjoy the sun and salt air, hire a convertible sports car or jeep. Rental companies are based in central locations and at airports.  From Brisbane Airport, also catch the Airtrain (direct rail service to Gold Coast) or Airtrain Connect (train with limousine service).

Getting around Gold Coast
The Gold Coast has many quality bus services including a high frequency bus service along the Gold Coast Highway to Theme Parks, Shopping Centres and Rail Links. TransLink can provide more information at or TransLink view the Route Map.

Disabled Transport Gold Coast
Get about with disabled modified vehicles, wheelchair-accessible taxis or buses.

Regent Taxis – phone: 131 008

Fun Gold Coast Transport
The Gold Coast has a great range of alternate an funt transport options.  You can hire just about anything from bicycles, mountain bikes, tandems, motor bikes and Harley Davidsons or you can even hire a scooter or moped. There are a large number of bicycle tracks on the Gold Coast so you can have great day without the hassel of traffic.

Gold Coast Water Activities
Ferries and water taxis connect islands and canal estates.  The Gold Coast has a fantastic range of water activities and hire craft, kayak, surf, or kite surf hire. If you are looking for adrenalin activitied how about jet ski or speedboat rides, or relax with boat or houseboat hire, fishing charters, sail cruises or luxury charted cruises. Australia’s Gold Coast is one of the nation’s leading leisure boat destinations with marinas and boat ramps throughout the region.

Nature Walks on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast hinterland offers more than 100,000ha of nature reserves.  Take a peaceful walk in the hinterland or  join a guided tour.

Public Transport Gold Coast
Transport choices are many and varied on the Gold Coast, catering for residents and the large number of visitors to the Gold Coast.   Surfside Buslines services areas from as far south as Pottsville and Murwillumbah in New South Wales to as far north as Beenleigh in Queensland.  For information on public bus timetables, visit TransLink or Phone 13 12 30

 

 

An Unforgettable Australia Vacation

Australia is a country with a rich history and a vibrant culture. An Australia vacation is the perfect way to experience this unique place for yourself; the only difficult part will be choosing which sites in Australia you want to see. No one Australia vacation can cover everything, and with that in mind, it only makes sense to do your research and focus on the itinerary for one trip at a time. There are many options to explore, including whether to book a private trip or a group tour, so it makes sense to discuss everything with your travel agent before any serious planning begins.

That being said, one place that you will want to be sure to visit on your trip is Kuranda Village, a mountain retreat located 25km northwest of Cairns in Far North Queensland, Australia, and surrounded by the World Heritage Rainforest. These rainforests have been home to the Djabugay Aboriginal peoples for over 10,000 years. It was not until the early 1800s; in fact that European exploration in the areas first began. Initially, Kuranda was a gold prospecting and timber settlement, and until the severe frosts of the early 1900s, the region was also known for its coffee production. Kuranda quickly became a popular Australia vacation destination, both for locals and International tourists, who reveled in the beauty of the rainforest and the magnificence of the falls.

In the late 1960s, Kuranda was the home to an eclectic mix of artists , musicians, and other creative people, who built unique houses of bricks and timber, and pioneered the open air markets that still flourish today. With this new outlet of revenue generation, the community of Kuranda prospered, and the population grew quickly, while still maintaining its secluded, natural feel.

Visitors to Kuranda today can view these unique structures, as well as the famous rainforests and stunning waterfalls. Kurandas abundance of shops and markets make it the perfect place to purchase those unique Australia vacation souvenirs. While youre there, why not take a walking tour of the exotic rain forest, or go on a nature tour to explore the many unique inhabitants of the village, including the platypus and the luminescent blue Ulysses butterfly. With so much to see and do in Kuranda Village, you will want to return again and again. Bring your camera, comfortable walking shoes, and plenty of adventurous spirit, and you wont be disappointed with the results of your Australia vacation.

Arnhem Land

Behind the Scenes on a Documentary in far north Australia that I shot with friend and Producer Phil Harris. We saw some amazing things that have remained unseen and untouched for countless years. This trip opened my eyes to some of most incredible and beautiful sides of Aboriginal culture. But there wer many things i saw that made me so very sad. I’ll never forget standing on the skid of the helicopter….holding onto the door frame with one hand…my body with camera in the left had exteded as far out of the helicopter as possible. Phil asked the pilot if he could straighten up a bit as we were flying askew and almost sideways. He said yeah but only once i got back in as the wind drag my body was causing made it impossible to fly straight! Phil turned around to see what was going on and was horrifed to see me hanging outside the helicopter with no harness or belt attached as we flew over crock-infested waters

For a great weekend away try Kingscliff on the Far North Coast of NSW

Most people do not think of Kingscliff when they imagine the quiet white sand beaches and tropical beauty of a seaside vacation. Just a little more than an hour south of Brisbane in Australia lies a small resort town that is a destination for any traveler. From families taking their holiday to local Queenslanders having a day out and about, Kingscliff has everything you are looking for and more!

Surf’s up! Surfing and swimming may not be the only fun activities in this pretty little town, but swimming and boating areas are plentiful. The beaches here are far less filled with people than the more popular northern seaside resort areas. There is plenty of room to fish from the beach for the tourists and the locals alike. There are fishing contests all year around with easy access to charter, pleasure and fishing cruises for any type of adventurer, from the first time fisherman to the expert.

If you get tired of swimming, surfing and fishing, there are plenty of shops, restaurants and markets to pick from. In October of each year, the Main Street Festival draws arts and crafts and fresh vegetable and fruit seekers alike. The Art, Food and All That Jazz festival in May is also a fun and musical way to spend your vacation. If you’re not set on a month, enjoy the farmer’s markets each second and fourth Sunday of the month. These local farmer’s markets display a large number of wares including the exotic tropical fruits that contribute to the area’s “good food” reputation.

Just off of the main street in town, a street called Marine Parade, there are dozens of restaurants for any appetite. From fresh lemon pepper calamari to beef wraps and Asian salads, to delicious crisp grilled snapper or even a five course Italian meal, if you’re hungry for it, you will find it on Marine Parade. There are lovely outdoor breakfasts and sweet ice cream shops or simple sandwiches for the lighter eaters. Families will enjoy the al fresco dining and lively entertainment that draws people to this seaside village.

Local curiosities include places like Cook Island, Fingal Head. This volcanic rock island juts from the ocean and is full of native flora. The Fingal Lighthouse draws tourists and locals for the excellent photographic opportunities. You are able to park just off of the road past the Fingal Trading Post and walk a path covered in trees to the lighthouse. You can splash or fish in Cudgen Creek which is shallow and crystal clear. Pelicans and other native birds nest and hunt for fish throughout the area, a big draw for shore-bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

If you are on the adventurous side, there are several theme parks within about sixty minutes of the town. From rollercoasters to wildlife, the parks include Dreamworld, Pioneer Plantation, Jetski Safaris Gold and Flycoaster. The Australian Outback Spectacular which is located just next to Movie World is one of the only theme parks with an Outback style. Movie World has a Hollywood flair with an Australian style and the best part is, none of these parks are more than a short drive from the hotels and beaches.

If you’re in the mood to hike or climb, check out Mount Warning which lies about half and hour from the town. Bring your best walking shoes and something to drink for the six hours of climbing and although the descent is the same track as the ascent, the views are well worth the double tracking. Also about thirty minutes from town is the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. With a huge collection of Australian animals including koalas and kangaroos, you can spend a day learning about the many types of native Australian mammals and reptiles.

When it comes to mixing both tropical rainforest and gorgeous seaside villas, Kingscliff does it well. A quiet ocean paradise is just south of the border where you will feel relaxed and enchanted. Kingscliff is truly a vacation adventure.

Explore Yamba on the Far North Coast of NSW Australia

The town of Yamba rests on the mouth of the Clarence River. A tranquil and lovely fishing village it has tradition and beauty that has been here forever. Yet this town is showing that the subtle draws are more distinct than one thought.

As the eastern sea port that is the farthest in Australia it also has the second largest fishing fleet. This means that a visit to this fishing village brings a plethora of delicious, fresh fish to eat. Add to that the local flair and a supreme location and it is a wonderful destination.

The business of fishing is serious but the people of the town want to bring some amusement so they have a yearly event in September called the Family Fishing Competition. This allows families to have some fun, catch some fish and enjoy the area around them. As the weather is the most consistent in the country, any time of year is a perfect time to visit.

Not only families are flocking to this town. The retirees are finding the good weather, amazing landscapes, and delicious fish as a perfect place to settle down for the future. They are purchasing lovely cottages and making this area their future.

The town of Angourie has already made a splash by being the place where surfers meet and conjugate. But this town has been found sometimes by the eye catching walk that runs between the two towns. The Yamba Lighthouse is also a wonderful place to spend the day looking out at the incredible coastline and finding out the local history.

Not only is there coastline to ogle but there is the Bundjalung National Park that has amazing sights to see. This is a rain forest with historical sites where the native people, the Aborigines, lived. With a walk through the equally wonderful landscape of the Yuraygir National Park you can find your meandering leads you to breathtaking coastline. Whatever your pleasure intriguing sights and sounds will be your reward.

Maybe just looking at the water is not enough and you wish to venture out onto the ocean. Taking a whale watching cruise is a fun and exciting way to interact with the sea life. The Southern Right and Humpback whales migrate here in August and September, so hop aboard and say hello. Perhaps catching a fish is more fun than simply eating one so going on a deep sea fishing boat will let you do both. Follow the expertise of those that fished these waters forever and catch your dinner. The lure of relaxation is large when you are taking a holiday. Rent a houseboat and simply relax as you float atop the water and enjoy the peaceful bobbing of the boat.

Take your towel, a good book, and sunscreen and set yourself down on the beaches. Patrolled by life guards you will never have to worry about you or your kiddies being unsafe. The lure of the beautiful town has been rewarded by Australia Magazine with their title of being the number one town in Australia.

Whether it is a weekend getaway or a long vacation this town will give you the perfect holiday experience. Meandering walks, surfing the waves, fishing, or simply enjoying the Famous Yamba Prawns can leave you with a plethora of memories and the resolution to come again to the intriguing town of Yamba.

Ursula Yovich – art.afterhours

6.30PM central court CELEBRITY PERFORMANCE in association with the re-opening of the Grand Courts Ursula Yovich, actor and singer Magpie Blues This beautiful and uniquely talented singer and performer hails from far north Australia, growing up in Darwin and the remote Aboriginal community of Maningrida. Her distinctive voice is both deeply soulful and hauntingly beautiful and is infused with the richness and power of the two cultures that course through her blood, Serbian and Australian Aboriginal. Ursula has performed with theatre companies across Australia. For her stunning performance in Capricornia she was awarded the 2007 Helpmann Award for best actress. She has also starred in the films Jindabyne and Baz Luhrmann’s Australia. Having reflected on her extraordinary journey and the many obstacles she has had to overcome Ursula has now put all of her vibrant energy into an emotional and personal cabaret, Magpie Blues, that captures the very essence of who she is and showcases her exceptional talents. Tonight Ursula is joined by Jonathan Pease on guitar.

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