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Broken Hill: The Capital of the Outback
Monday, December 12th, 2011 /

Broken Hill has several nicknames. Often, it is called Silver City because of amount of silver that has been mined there. It is also called the "Capital of the Outback" because of its relatively large population and importance. The locals jokingly refer to their city as the "biggest city in the middle of nowhere." Actually, that is a good description and is one of Broken Hill’s most alluring attractions.

Broken Hill

When you arrive in Broken Hill, don’t be surprised if you exclaim, "I’ve seen this place before!". You will look at the landscape or down the main street of town and get that feeling of déjà vu, as if you have been there before. In a way, you probably have, since the town and its surrounds have been shown in well over a hundred feature films, including classics like Mad Max II and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

Broken Hill landscape

Because the mining industry is so big in Broken Hill, you might get the mistaken feeling that it is a "Wild West" style outback town. If that’s what you think, you will be pleasantly surprised to discover that the town is home to many of Australia’s finest artists. The spectacular landscape has attracted and inspired artists for generations and their works are on display throughout the city. Once you have been to Broken Hill, you will understand why so many artists come there to stay.

Many visitors remark that there seems to be something mystical about the outback around Broken Hill May be its because the vast, primeval landscape defies our concepts of time and space. As you watch a kangaroo hop in the distance, you could easily be an aboriginal looking at the same thing, some 40,000 years ago. At the same time that time vanishes, the vastness of the landscape and the brilliance of the colours seems to transport you through space.

In order to really appreciate Broken Hill, you have to go to the Living Desert Reserve. When this reserve was established in 1992, it was intended to be a way for everyone to be able to experience the grandeur of the outback and to help protect the local wildlife from the predators that were threatening some of them with extinction. The 2400 hectare reserve has succeeded marvelously with both of these ambitions.

Living Desert Reserve

Also within the Living Desert Reserve is the Sculpture Symposium. Situated on the top of a hill in the middle of the reserve, it features 12 magnificent contemporary sculptures carved out of the natural stone on the hill. No one comes back from a day on the Cultural Walk Trail without feeling a sense of upliftment and inspiration.

You may become so enamoured of the outback in Broken Hill, you will want to sleep under the stars rather than indoors. This is easily done. One very popular campground is located in Mutawintiji National Park, where you can see some amazing 8000 year old examples of aboriginal rock art. If you prefer to stay at an indoor Broken Hill accommodation, you can do so in style, so there’s no excuse for not visiting "the biggest city in the middle of nowhere."

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Five of the Best Horse Riding Trails in Australia
Sunday, November 27th, 2011 /

Kosciusko National Park

Australia’s Snowy Mountains are a big part of Australia’s history and folklore. First immortalized by Australian bush poet, Banjo Paterson, the legend of the Snowy Mountains and its rugged horsemen was further expanded in the popular film, The Man from Snowy River. Now part of Kosciusko National Park, the Snowy Mountains are can still be experienced on horseback just as they were by the legendary 19th century cattlemen. Trail rides ranging from easy half day excursions to multi-day treks and even cattle mustering on Dennison Plains are available.

Tamborine Mountain, Queensland

Queensland’s Gold Coast is best known for its beaches, highrises and theme parks, but less than an hour’s drive from Surfers Paradise is a lesser known paradise. Tamborine Mountain Trail Rides has been in operation since 2009 and takes riders on trails through the stunningly beautiful Thunderbird Park in the foothills of Tamborine Mountain. Wind your way through fragrant rainforests. Stop for a rest on the banks of a crystal clear mountain stream and view the strange geological formations known as “thunder eggs” – all in a single day of easy to moderate riding.

spyder taffy-large

Noosa and the Sunshine Coast

Enjoy the best of the sun and the surf on horseback in Noosa on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Three times Olympian equestrian Alex Watson operates Equathon Horse Riding Adventures out of Noosa. Winner of Queensland’s Adventure Tour Operator of the Year award in 2011, Equathon’s riding treks include rides along long empty beaches on Noosa’s north shore and through the Noosa hinterland’s extensive trail network.

beach-ride

Mt. Bundy, Northern Territory

The “top end” of Australia is known as a wild and sparsely settled corner of Australia. Scott and Sue Witham run a cattle station on the banks of the Adelaide River at the foot of Mt. Bundy. Originally, the couple intended to receive just a few visitors to their cattle station, but so many came and wanted to experience horse riding on a working cattle station, they felt compelled to oblige. Included in a day’s ride around Mt. Bundy can be a stopover at a natural hot springs, followed by a refreshing “shower” beneath a cascading waterfall. Riders of all levels of ability can be catered to at Mt. Bundy.

Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

Cradle Mountain, Lake St. Clare National Park, in northwest Tasmania, has an international reputation for being one of the most beautiful places on earth. A company called Cradle Country Adventures offers riders treks throughout the Mersey Valley, which skirts the edge of Cradle Mountain. Rides are tailored to riders’ abilities and desires. You can ride all day through old-growth eucalypt and myrtle forests and open plains or spend some time hanging out on the banks of the Mersey River. Owner Ray Becker plans to extend his offerings to include longer treks through the Tasmanian Trail, which extends from Devonport to Dover, a distance of over 250 miles.

Rob writes about popular things to do and see in Australia. If planning a vacation in Australia check out a great range of Snowy Mountains accommodation and other great holiday accommodation across Australia.

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How Best To Enjoy a Working Holiday in Australia
Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 /

If you have ever wanted to travel Australia, a working holiday visa is the best way to do so. Now you can financially support your travels in Australia by working in the country. Obtaining a working holiday visa is quite easy and it can open you up to a whole new experience and lifestyle. You will also be able to meet local people and learn much more about Australian culture than as a simple traveller and these connections can also lead to greater opportunities in the future.

Sydney Australia

The Requirements

There are two types of work visas that foreigners can apply for. The first visa is open to every country except for the United States which is the working holiday Visa. For citizens of the United States that hold a US passport, they can apply for an Australian Work and Holiday Visa. To be eligible for these visas, you must be between the ages of 18 and 30. You must also be able to show that you can support yourself in Australia upon your arrival until you find a job. The last requirement is that your passport is valid and has at least one year of validity before it needs to be renewed.

Conditions of Work Holiday Visas

There are a few conditions that go along with having a work holiday visa. You cannot have a criminal conviction or have life threatening medical issues to be considered. You also have to abide by the laws stipulated by the visa. You can only work with a single employer for 6 months. However, you can stay in Australia for up to 24 months. This means that after every 6 months you must change employment. Although this may sound challenging, being able to change occupations every 6 months offers you the ability to change living locations and expand your professional experience. The first working holiday visa that you submit for must be made outside of Australia. Once you hold a work holiday visa you can renew it within Australia.

Staying in Australia

Travellers who decide to work in horticulture (working on farms – such as fruit picking) have the opportunity to stay in Australia for up to two years. Most other work holiday visas are only valid for one year. There are many different types of employment that you can choose from in Australia such as working in restaurants, pubs and hostels. You may decide to stay in the same town as your first job or you may want to explore working in another region after your six months are up. The most common types of work are seasonal harvesting jobs such as picking bananas in Tully all year round and harvesting tomatoes in Bowen from July to November. Travellers may also decide to work in any temporary position in hospitality. You can also travel in and out of Australia while holding your work visa. You do not have to stay in the country for the entire length of your visa.

Where to Visit in Australia?

There are so many unique places to visit in Australia. You might want to take advantage of your working holiday visa to visit all of the hot spots. Besides dwelling in any big city that is surrounded by culture, Australia has numerous nature destinations that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. For example, the Great Barrier Reef has amazing snorkeling and you can have the opportunity to see dwarf minke Whales, olive ridley and flat back turtles, humpback dolphins and salt water crocodiles. Other places that you should visit while on your work holiday visa include Mount Kosciuszko, Ningaloo Marine Park, one or a few of Tasmania’s great festivals, Barossa’s grape valley, the Whitsunday’s islands in Queensland and a little shopping in Melbourne.

Whitsunday’s islands

There is a lot to do in Australia and nothing makes it better than being able to financially support yourself while traveling. Applying for a working holiday visa is easy and you can get started right away. You will have the liberty to travel all around this great country and create a unique experience for yourself that no one else will be able to replicate.

Kristy writes for DriveMyCarRentals a novel peer to peer car rental community. Do you want to save up to 70% on standard car rental fares? Have a look on the web-site then. Whether you are looking for car rentals in Sydney or Brisbane, DriveMyCarRentals.com.au has something for everybody.

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Sorrento is the Perfect Place to Stay on Mornington Peninsula
Wednesday, November 16th, 2011 /

One of the most remarkable things about Sorrento is that few Australians realise just how historically important this Mornington Peninsula town is. Maybe it’s because visitors enjoy today’s Sorrento so much, they don’t bother to learn about its place in Australian history.

If you ask a Melbournian where their oldest settlement is, they will probably name a Melbourne suburb like St. Kilda. They will be surprised when you tell them that its actually Sorrento. Sorrento dates back to 1803, when Eastern Sister, on the southern end of Sorrento’s bay, became Victorias’ first permanent settlement.

The oversight can be forgiven, because Melbourne grew far more quickly than Sorrento after it was first settled. Sorrento grew at a slow and gradual pace. Many of its original hotels are still standing and are as beautiful today as they were when they were first built. Among these, the Hotel Sorrento, built in 1871 and the larger, limestone Continental Hotel, which was completed in 1875 are outstanding examples of late Victorian architecture.

There is something gentile and perhaps a little old fashioned about Sorrento. A prosperous community, it takes pride in its appearance. The Sorrento foreshore is an example of this. Unlike so many beaches that are backed by highrise hotels or rows of houses and shops, the wide Sorrento foreshore is lined with grass and trees. Whether you go there to swim or to stroll, it is a pleasure to while away a day on the beach in Sorrento.

Sorrento is the perfect place to stay if you want to explore the Mornington Peninsula and beyond. Its central location makes reaching the other peninsula suburbs easy and you can take an enjoyable ferry ride across the bay to Queenscliff from the pier at Sorrento.

One of the biggest tourist drawcards in Sorrento is located offshore. Dolphins are plentiful in the waters off Sorrento and you can take a purpose-built dolphin watching tour that allows you to actually jump in the water and play with the dolphins if you like.

Even if you drive your own car to Sorrento, you may want to leave it at your accommodation and explore the Mornington Peninsula in a more unique and educational style. It’s easy to miss the best sights if you’re driving in your car, but you won’t miss a thing if you let an experienced local take you for a tour on his Harley.

Look on the map and you will see that one of the unique features of Sorrento and the other towns on the end of the Mornington Peninsula is that they are within a short distance of both the open sea of Bass Strait and the calm waters of Port Phillip Bay. Sorrento and its nearest neighbour, the tiny upmarket town of Portsea, have two beaches within walking distance of each other. On the Bass Strait side, the unbridled sea has created a stunningly picturesque landscape, while on the bay side, peace and tranquillity abide.

If you’re visiting Melbourne, you can take a day trip to Sorrento, but once you get there, you will want to stay. To avoid disappointment, book your Sorrento accommodation well in advance, especially if you are visiting over the Christmas holidays, when Melbournians flock there to get away from the city.

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Things to Do on a Day Out in Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia
Monday, October 24th, 2011 /

Sydney is the largest city in Australia, and is famous for being one of the most beautiful and pleasant-to-live-in cities in the world. Overflowing with culture, art, great food, live music, history, and fashion and surrounded by stunning beaches and sparkling ocean, it’s hard not to love what Sydney has to offer.

Sydney is a huge city with many different districts to explore, and one of the most exciting areas for tourists to visit is Darling Harbour. This is the leisure and entertainment district, located right in the heart of Sydney city centre just west of the Central Business District. It was developed during the Australian Bicentenary in 1988 and was completed dedicated to entertainment and having a good time! This fun area of the city is where you will find countless museums, restaurants, aquariums, cafes, shops, and other great attractions.

Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is set within a small inlet, and it is possible to walk along a loop by taking the pedestrian boardwalk beside the water and the Pyrmont Bridge across the inlet. As you stroll through the area, you will enjoy fantastic views of the water and will have the chance to stop and eat some ice cream or visit one of the playgrounds and parks along the way. Darling Harbour is always a lively and happening place to be, with visitors and locals enjoying the atmosphere.

Here are a few of the fantastic attractions that can be found within Darling Harbour:

The Australian National Maritime Museum

If you are interested in the history of Australian ships on the high seas, check out this museum which offers free entry to two floors of exhibits which chronicle the story of sailing ships and submarines in the country’s history. Outside of the museum, there are large ships and submarines to explore as well.

Maritime Museum

Sydney Aquarium

Learn all about the colourful world of undersea live at this huge aquarium. One of the highlights is the underwater walk, where you can take a journey through a glass corridor and watch sharks, rays and brightly coloured tropical fish swimming right beside you and over your head. This aquarium is a big favourite with kids, and is very popular so try going on a weekday to avoid the crowds.

Harbour Cruise

Many tour companies offer a harbour cruise experience departing from Darling Harbour. These luxurious adventures usually include a gourmet dinner onboard and sometimes even live entertainment. If you are looking for a romantic treat for a special occasion, this can be a very unique and luxurious way to spend an evening and see the sights of Sydney from the water.

These are just a few of the many fun things that you can do when visiting Darling Harbour, one of the most fun and entertaining districts of Sydney, Australia.

Simon Grant is a writer and traveller would love to visit Australia again. Etihad Airways is an example of a company that provides flights to Sydney.

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The Capricorn Coast of Queensland
Wednesday, October 19th, 2011 /

How did the Capricorn Coast of Queensland get its name? It has nothing to do with astrology: its because of its geographic location on the Tropic of Capricorn. If you know anything about the Tropic of Capricorn, you will know that it marks the southernmost tropical latitude. This makes for an ideal tropical climate, being a little cooler than many other hot and humid tropical locations. In Queensland, Keppel Bay is crossed by this invisible line and the coastal regions and islands surrounding Keppel Bay are the Capricorn Coast.

Cooee Bay, looking south to Wreck Point

Yeppoon’s population of sixteen thousand won’t appeal to you if you are looking for a Gold Coast style tropical vacation. If you are looking for a laid back tropical vacation in a place that has just enough restaurants, bars and cafes to satisfy your appetite but an absence of all the annoying hype and hustle, then you will love Yeppoon and its community.

That’s not to say that the lucky locals in Yeppoon aren’t there to help make your stay enjoyable. On the contrary, they welcome visitors and will go out of their way to make sure your holiday is a memorable one. If you are the type of person who welcomes a pretentious atmosphere and overpriced meals and attractions, then Yeppoon is not the place for you. In Yeppoon, you can enjoy a great meal at a delightful alfresco sidewalk café just a short stroll away from a tranquil beach and the turquoise sea, but your day won’t be spoiled when your friendly local waitress delivers your bill.

Yeppoon

If even Yeppoon is too big and busy for you, there are many other smaller Capricorn Coast communities to choose from. Many visitors like to stay in or around Rosslyn, because that is where the boat harbour is and the ferry crosses over to Great Keppel Island. All the action in Rosslyn is cantered around the harbour. Step away from the harbour and you can have the long, pristine Kemp Beach almost all to yourself or you can go a little further south and explore Bluff Point National Park on its well maintained walking track.

Even if you’ve never heard of the Capricorn Coast or aren’t sure where it is, you have probably heard of Great Keppel Island. Of all the islands on or near the Great Barrier Reef, Great Keppel has the distinction of being the easiest to get to and the most affordable. What it lacks in 5 Star resorts designed for millionaires, it more than makes up for by having everything you go to a tropical island for – beautiful pearly sands, crystal clear waters, stunning reefs and stunning natural surroundings. You don’t need to jump through hoops to get there, either. Just hop about the ferry in Rosslyn and you’ll be on Great Keppel Island in around half an hour.

Great Keppel Island

It doesn’t matter where you decide to stay, you will love your Capricorn Coast accommodation. It’s easy to find your way around and whether or on the mainland or on Great Keppel Island, you will be on the idyllic Capricorn Coast of Queensland. For a tropical getaway the way it’s meant to be, visit the Capricorn Coast.

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Highlights of Kosciuszko National Park
Thursday, September 08th, 2011 /

Not far short of 700,000 Hectares in size, Kosciuszko National Park the biggest in New South Wales and one of Australia’s most substantial. There is plenty to see and do in the park but nobody could possibly hope to see everything in a single visit. Here are just a few of the very best and most beautiful must-see spots:

bluewaterholes11. Blue Waterholes. This gem is well hidden on Cooleman Plain, well off the main road. Just when they think the bumpy track won’t ever end, travellers arrive at a basic but neatly kept campsite just above one of the most beautiful creeks in Australia. The Blue Waterholes of Cave Creek are blue because of the mineral content, but they’re quite safe to swim in if you can stand the chill. The creek emerges from underground not far from the campsite so they are icy cold even on the hottest summer day.

Walk a little further down the creek and the water soon warms up but it stays beautifully clear and blue. Look down from the path that winds through Clarke Gorge- the limestone walls are pretty spectacular in their own right- and you might see trout cruising lazily through the water. Carry on and before long you’ll arrive at a small but lovely waterfall, the perfect place for a picnic.

KNPTypical2. Mount Townsend. Although Mount Kosciuszko is slightly higher and much more famous, Townsend is the steeper and more challenging walk. From the top you get excellent views of Kosciuszko and the surrounding countryside and because you won’t be climbing Australia’s highest mountain you’re far more likely to have the path to yourself.

Devotees of Mount Townsend are utterly convinced that it’s the better mountain, to the point where some walkers take a stone from near their starting point and lay it on top when they get to the summit. The idea is that if everyone does it, Townsend will one day end up higher than its famous sibling.

3. Yarrangobilly Caves. One of the most extensive and best tourist attractions in the park, Yarrangobilly is the place to go if you want to see world-class caves in all their crystalline splendour. Visitors can take a self-guided tour through one of the larger caves (there are lights, walkways, safety rails, and information panels) or go on a guided expedition.

Unlike many Kosciuszko hotspots, Yarrangobilly can be enjoyed by anyone, even those not able walk long distances or handle rough terrain. One of the best show caves is even wheelchair-accessible and this is a great place to take little kids.

Once you’ve finished exploring the caves, those who can handle a steep track can take the walk down to the natural thermal pool for a dip. The water stays around 27C all year round even when there’s snow on the ground.

4. Lake Jindabyne. Right on the edge of the Park, Lake Jindabyne is actually not a natural feature of the landscape. It was created as part of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, a massive hydroelectric power generation project. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not a beautiful lake in a beautiful location. It’s popular with sailors, canoeists, and other watersports enthusiasts (and anyone who’d like to give this kind of activity a try). The lake is also an excellent place to catch trout.

Jindabyne town sits just above the lake level but what you see is technically New Jindabyne. The Original Jindabyne is actually under the water, and signs of the old town can still be seen when the water is low.

Jess Spate was born just outside Kosciuszko National Park and has spent countless happy days there. Although she now works for an American camping and hiking gear company and lives in Europe, she still returns to Kosciuszko on a regular basis.

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Become Enchanted by the Beauty of Lorne
Thursday, August 18th, 2011 /

Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is known as one of the world’s most scenic roads. Throughout its 150 mile (243km) length from Torquay, just outside of Melbourne through to Allansford, it presents the tourist with ever changing coastal and rain forest panoramas. If you take a trip on the Great Ocean Road from Torquay, it will not be long before you reach Lorne. Lorne is only 28 miles (46 kilometers) from Torquay. Although you will not be tired, you will certainly wish to stay in Lorne for at least a day.

Lorne is no secret to Melbournians. It has been one of their preferred vacation spots for quite a long time. A few tourists to Lorne became so enchanted by the beautiful place, they simply never left. Instead, they put down roots in the city and opened up the many great al fresco cafes, restaurants, galleries and shops that you find throughout the town. Those alone will make you want to prolong your stay. Then you may just have to take a while to get your feet wet on the sheltered beach at Loutit Bay. After that, you will realize you don’t want to leave.

The next day, after a hearty breakfast in a sidewalk cafe, you may be ready to get back on the road. Secure in the knowledge that you can stay in Lorne another night on your return trip, you will then started out on what many consider to be the most magnificent and diverse leg of a Great Ocean Road vacation. Your next stop after taking in the sights in Apollo Bay is going to be Great Otway National Park. There you will stand beneath towering Giant Southern Beach trees, many of them hundreds of years old. You will learn that this very species has existed here nearly since the dawn of time.

Between Lorne and Cape Otway, at every bend in the road there is something new and amazing to see. You will go by wild, windswept coastline and then turn briefly inland to be surrounded by lush rain forests. You no doubt will have to stop and take a look around Wye River, the quaint town named after the river that spills out into the sea at its doorstep.

On your return trip to Melbourne, you can do as everybody else does and stop over at Lorne for another look around. This time you might decide to explore Lorne’s inland natural wonders. Lorne was the first spot in Victoria to be officially called a "place of special significance and Natural Beauty" over 100 years ago and it still retains that title. Take one or more scenic walks to the spectacular Kalimna, Sheoak or Phantom Falls or take on the more challenging walk to Cora Lynn Cascades. If you like driving, you might take the short 5 mile (8.5km) drive to Erskine Falls.

When you are finished with your day’s adventures, check into your Lorne accommodation for a well earned rest. Be warned, though: Lorne is such a popular destination that you are advised to book your room well ahead of time, especially over the peak vacation seasons. There are lots to choose from. You can take an apartment overlooking the sea, a cottage within the bush or anything in between. Make Lorne your base camp while explore the Great Ocean Road. You’ll love it.

Author Bio: Sidney writes about Interesting Australian destinations like the Great Ocean Road. Find a great range of Melbourne accommodation your starting point on the Great Ocean Road.

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Top 15 Places To Travel With Kids In Australia
Monday, August 15th, 2011 /

Australia is a very family-friendly country, giving parents and guardians plenty of affordable and fun activities for their kids. Each state within Australia has many exciting delights for your kids; all of these delights can be enjoyed by the adults in the family as well! Here are several child-worthy delights, listed according to locations.

New South Wales

1. Australian National Maritime Museum

The Australian maritime museum will delight your kids with its display of Australian Maritime history, with the sea routes and Australian waterways enchantingly reproduced. Your kids can participate in various creative activities including the Kids Deck, a simulated ship deck for kids to learn naval basics.

National Maritime Museum

2. New South Wales Beaches

Apart from the generally well known Bondi and Manly beaches, New South Wales has several other perfect totally free beaches for family fun. Take your kids to one of several well-patrolled beaches, to swim while being watched by the famous Surf Lifesavers.

Sydney

3. Sydney Wildlife World

With over 6000 uniquely Australian animals thriving in their natural ecosystems and habitats, the Sydney Wildlife World is a not-to-miss trip for your kids. Located in the heart of the picturesque Darling Harbor, your kids will love the scenery, while watching the movements of possums, snakes, butterflies, quolls and birds.

Queensland

4. Queensland Beaches

If your kids love frolicking on the beach, then you should definitely consider the famous beaches of Queensland. Noosa Head, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and the Great Barrier Reef provide endless opportunities for adventure. Take them riding in glass-bottomed boats, through which they can view the varied sea life. For older kids, diving and snorkeling are a great option. Check out the Wet’n’Wild Water World, a lovely theme park located on the Gold Coast.

5. Australia Zoo

You can never go wrong by taking your kids to see the spectacular Australia Zoo, an hour’s drive north of Brisbane. If your kids have ever watched documentaries by the master crocodile hunter, Steve Irwin, the Australia Zoo must be a familiar sight. Still, the vastness and the amazing showcase of fantastic animals and wildlife action is to be experienced. Your kids can watch crocodiles being fed, and pet large live pythons, feed Asian Elephants, and marvel at the Bengal Tigers.

South Australia

6. Adelaide Zoo

The Adelaide Zoo boats over 1400 native and exotic animals designed to thrill kids. Your kids will love watching large and small reptiles, mammals, all kinds of fish including sharks and various birds in their natural environments.

7. Monarto Zoological Park

The Monarto Zoological Park is spread on the vastness of a 1,000 hectare property, located at an easy distance of 45 minutes from Adelaide. This zoological park breeds endangered and rare species of wildlife, in safe sanctuary. These animals include the white Rhinoceros. You’ll also find Australia’s largest Giraffe herd in this park. Climb aboard a safari bus with your kids, or go on a walking tour to reacquaint yourself with the splendor nature.

Victoria

8. Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit

Kids that are inclined towards extreme sports will love this track. Take double and triple laps around the circuit accompanied by an experienced racing driver. Take your kids to view a display of motorsports that include cars and bikes of classic, vintage and contemporary make. Take a tour of the place and explore all aspects, including the grand prix Control Tower, Pit lane, and Pit Roof and Media Centre.

9. Melbourne Aquarium

Take your kids to watch over 10,000 aquatic animals frolic and swim in the Melbourne Aquarium. This aquarium also includes some great views of aquatic creates, with glass fronted underwater displays, fish pillars, feeding sessions, aquatic presentations and four levels of unmitigated aquatic fun.

Melbourne Aquarium

Tasmania

10. Tahune Forest Airwalk

The Tahune Forest Airwalk is a 20 minute loop over two swinging bridges, located on the banks of the Huon River. Although it sounds dangerous, the swinging bridges are safe. In fact, you’ll find many picnic tables and shelters for travelers to eat, rest and enjoy the marvelous natural surroundings.

Canberra

11. National Zoo and Aquarium

Five minutes from the centre of Canberra the zoo houses animals in large open environments setup for easy viewing of the animals. You can see native and exotic animals including tigers, lions and bears. Tours are available for close up encounters with the cuddly animals and hand feeding of the larger animals.

12. The Bird Walk

Located just outside Canberra is another delight for kids. Housing 500 indigenous and exotic birds, the Bird Walk is a delight to explore. Take your kids and walk on the walkways, while watching these colorful birds fly about in the aviary. Your kids can also feed some baby parrots.

13. National Museum Of Australia

The National Museum of Australia is a great place for kids to explore Australia – the land, its history, culture and people. Everything from the native population of Australia, tribal artifacts, relics from the European settlement to present day Australia’s development can be found here. For kids, the kids’ play and discovery area called ‘Our Place’, provides an interactive learning experience.

Ballarat

14. Sovereign Hill

A trip to Sovereign Hill is all you need to know how the goldfields of old used to operate. This large, recreated goldfields township is set over 25 hectares, on a natural, rich alluvial goldfield. This site allows people to pan for gold, see how gold is segregated and sorted, and ‘pretend to be gold miners. Kids can see how it used to be in those days, including the costumes, attitudes and prejudices of old gold miners.

Perth

15. Whiteman Park Recreation and Conservation Reserve

Perth’s Whiteman Park Recreation and Conservation Reserve has tons of bushwalking trails, bike and walk paths, a birds of prey centre, sports facilities, playgrounds, a wildlife park, picnic shelters and so on. With over 4,300 hectares of land, free entrance and a short 25 minute drive from Perth, this reserve is a great place to spend a whole day with kids.

Teena Celis is an avid traveller and works as content writer for gift for men Adrenaline that provides a large range of flying and driving experiences like rally car driving, helicopter rides, hot air ballooning, parasailing all across Australia.

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Mackay, Queensland – Adventure Starts Here
Friday, August 05th, 2011 /

The thriving city of Mackay is located in the Sunshine State of Queensland. Apart from its local sugar and mining industry, the city is starting to build a reputation as a hub for tourism activities. Notable Australian attractions are accessible from Mackay, including the world famous Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. In addition, the city itself has a host of local attractions that draws thousands of domestic and international visitors each year.

mackay queensland

Local Attractions
Historical sites and landmarks and turn-of-the-century Queensland architecture can be found in Mackay. In the city centre, the Town Hall and several other structures have undergone restoration to preserve each building’s unique architectural detail. The Queensland Heritage Trails Network, a group that links together some of the state’s most significant historical sites, have cited the local Town Hall as part of this network.

Within Harbour beach near the Mackay Marina is the Pine Islet Lighthouse, a fully working kerosene lighthouse erected in 1885 and relocated to its current site in 1995. The lighthouse is maintained on site by the local Lighthouse Preservation Society.
pine-islet-lighthouse-mackay
Artspace Mackay is the city’s own exhibition space and art gallery. The structure is designed in a modern and contemporary style combining concrete, steel, and copper. Artspace Mackay houses temporary exhibits and a permanent display on local and regional history.

Things to Do
The Mackay Heritage Walk includes the sites and landmarks that define the city’s history. The 90 minute walk consists of impressive architectural structures in the downtown area built during the early years of the city like the Mackay Courthouse, Masonic Temple, and Town Hall.

The Mackay Marina overlooking the shipyard and harbour has a wide selection of dining and entertainment options. Stroll along the esplanade under the leafy palm trees and head out to the waterfront where several alfresco dining establishments offer a variety of international, local, and regional cuisine. There is the Lighthouse Seafood Restaurant, Satchmo’s Tapas Bar, The Deck Steakhouse, Georges Thai, among other establishments.

Adventure fun for the whole family can be experienced at the Blue Water Lagoon near the Pioneer River. Visitors trek to the man-made lagoon for its three level pools and barbecue facilities. The Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens is just a few kilometres away from downtown. It has walking and cycling trails, lagoons, and boardwalks for watching the endemic flora and fauna. The Cathu State Forest and the Llewellyn Dive Site near the Barrier Reef draws in the more adventure-oriented crowd who are into outdoor and water-recreational activities.

Getting There
Domestic flights land at Mackay International Airport, which is less than 6 kilometres away from the city centre. Major Australian airlines such as Qantas and Jetstar provide regular connecting flights from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns and other domestic locations.

From Brisbane, the state capital, travellers can also take the Queensland rail, which has a regular routing schedule to Mackay. Travel time takes hours so it is best to catch a ride on the Tilt Train which has state-of-the-art conveniences and comfortable coaches.

Another option is to rent a car and drive through the coastal route via Bruce Highway. This is ideally for those who are planning to have a road trip as it could take at least 10 hours of driving from Brisbane to Mackay. Maryborough, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Caboolture, Nambour, Gympie, and several other townships are accessible from Bruce Highway and would make interesting stopovers en route to Mackay.

Author Bio: Zac is a travel writer on the road. He recommends cheap domestic flights as well as other ways to find cheap flights, like looking for last minute flights that can save you a great deal of money for your vacation.

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