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 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.

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.

The town is about a two-hour drive north of Hobart, and it offers an incredible variety of holiday activities. From golf and hiking, to scuba diving and boating, to just lazing around in the sun and going out for dinner, there are endless ways to spend your days in the sun all around Bicheno.

The town was originally called Waubs Boat Harbour, named for an Aboriginal woman who is said to have saved two settlers whose boat smashed on rocks in a storm in the 19^th century. Once a whaling centre , then a coal town, Bicheno was almost abandoned in the late 1800s when local miners left to follow the Victoria gold rush. For years, it stayed a sleepy fishing village, until the 1940s, when vacationers discovered the region was still rich in tourism possibilities.

Bicheno is natural playground. The coastal waters are home to incredible coral reefs and migrating humpback whales. On land, there are dozens of lovely wineries, pristine golf courses and incredible nature hikes. The nearby Freycinet National Park has incredible walks along the beautiful East Coast headlands, and nearby Wineglass Bay is said to be one of the best beaches in the world.

When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay, there are great Bicheno accommodation options for every kind of vacation. From pretty campgrounds and caravan parks, to vacation cottages and guesthouses, to full-service beach resorts, there are great choices available for everyone here.

Whether you are bringing the love of your life for romantic dinners, wine tours, and long walks at sunset along the soft beach in Wineglass Bay, or you’re coming to explore the history of the town at the Old Court House and Gaol, your visit to Bicheno promises to be memorable.

The kids will love walking along the sandbar at low tide to spy on the colony of fairy penguins living on nearby Diamond Island, and a visit to the dozens of species making their home at the East Coast Birdlife and Animal Park.

If you want to play in the water, there are deep-sea fishing excursions, scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming and even glass bottom boat tours. You can also spend hours exploring the shoreline and the waves in a sea kayak.

Make sure to work up an appetite! The rivers and coast line are rich with Australian salmon, scallops and abalone, which makes its way into the fresh and wonderful cuisine in the region’s world class restaurants.

You must also make sure to pay a visit to Bicheno’s famous Rocking Rock, a massive granite boulder that actually sways with the movement of the tide, creating a spectacular blowhole that will soak you if you get too close.

So whether you’re planning an active family escape of swimming, scuba and sunshine, a golf trip with friends, or a relaxing vacation of fine dining and fine wine, you can find exactly what you need right in the heart of Bicheno, Tasmania.

The most popular project is on Brampton Island, located off the central Queensland coast. Volunteers work to remove invasive weeds from the national park’s sensitive beach scrub habitat, clean beaches of plastics and other ocean debris and conduct informal wildlife and coral surveys. A guided hike offers insights to the area’s unique biodiversity and the interactions between the island, surrounding reefs, ocean and mainland. During free time, volunteers have the opportunity to go snorkelling, explore the island’s hidden beaches or just sit under a tree with a good book. Project dates run from April to November. For more information on Wild Mob’s Brampton Island conservation project, visit:

http://www.wildmob.org/projects/brampton-island-conservation-project

Wollemi National Park plays host to another of Wild Mob’s environmental conservation programs. This newly created project is based just west of Sydney, set within Wollemi National Park’s breathtaking views of canyons, cliffs and undisturbed forests. Volunteers take part in species surveys, designed to help track and eradicate introduced feral cats, dogs and other animals, along with general park maintenance work. Informal Indigenous cultural education helps volunteers better understand the region’s natural processes and the customs of the local Wiradjuri people. For free time, volunteers can swim in the area’s pristine waters, hike its remote forests or canoe through its quiet wetlands. Project dates run from April to October. For more information on Wild Mob’s Wollemi conservation project, visit:

http://www.wildmob.org/projects/wollemi-conservation-project

Wild Mob’s other conservation projects include coastal restoration work in Tasmania, endangered wallaby protection in Queensland, and invasive weed eradication in Mt Kosciuszko National Park. Wild Mob supplies all tents, food and equipment for projects. Groups are always welcome – including school groups and families, and private bookings can be arranged. For more information, visit www.wildmob.org, call (0)7 3369 9665 or e-mail info@wildmob.org.

Nestled on the east coast of Tasmania, about one hundred kilometres north of Hobart, Freycinet is the oldest national park in Tasmania, founded back in 1916. The park covers most of the Freycinet Peninsula, a sunny plot of land, covered with eucalyptus forest, and ringed with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. On average, this stunning peninsula sees more than 300 days of sunshine every year.

Being one of the oldest national parks in Australia, there have been plenty of facilities built here to suit every visitor and every kind of vacation. Whether you want to spoil yourself with luxury Freycinet accommodation, incredible views and world class restaurants, or you would prefer a more back-to-nature experience at a campground, you can find the perfect place in Freycinet.

You can stay right in Freycinet National Park itself, at a lovely campsite or at the historic Freycinet Lodge. There are also lots of charming hotels, bed and breakfasts and self-catering villas and cottages all around the region, and the nearby villages of Coles Bay, Swansea and Bicheno offer a wide range of accommodations.

Whether you are looking for a family beach vacation in a perfect ocean cottage with a view, or a romantic escape at one of the stylish private cabins at the Freycinet Lodge, a visit to Freycinet will put you in the heart of some of Tasmania’s most stunning scenery.

The peninsula was home to the Tasmanian Aboriginal people for more than 30,000 years, trading and hunting across the entire east coast. It was named in 1802 after the French navigator Louis de Freycinet, and settled by Welsh immigrants who built the towns and the farms out of the rocky headlands. Once a centre for whaling and bushrangers in the 19^th century, today peaceful Freycinet is a vacationer’s dream.

The perfect half moon-shaped curve of Wineglass Bay has been named as one of the top ten beaches in the world by several international travel magazines. Whether you spend your day scuba diving or kayaking along the picturesque shores, or just playing in the soft white sand, this sheltered cove offers everything you need for a lovely day at the beach.

Another of the top draws in Freycinet is hiking. Whether you plan a short 20-minute walk around the lovely Cape Tourville, or you take on the challenge of the two-day Freycinet Circuit, the varied terrain, dramatic seaside cliffs and incredible coastal views offer some of the most scenic walking trails in all of Australia.

Birdwatchers come here to watch the sea eagles soar, the gannets dive, and to visit the Moulting Lagoon Game Reserve, a rich and diverse wetland. Food lovers come for the fresh ingredients and the world class cuisine. Wildlife enthusiasts love the whale watching excursions into the Tasman Sea, where humpback whales migrate and dolphins play.

Whatever you plan for your perfect vacation, whether it’s a week of camping and rock-climbing, or a weekend getaway of wine and fine dining, you are bound to find what you are looking for in Freycinet, Tasmania.

While its unspoiled natural beauty and mild climate attract visitors all year ’round, St Helens really comes to life in March each year, when the St. Helens Gaming Fishing Classic is held. As the records tumble and fishermen from all over the world learn about the abundance of game fish in the waters off north-eastern Tasmania, the Fishing Classic is increasingly achieving world renowned status. Over 20 Australian records have been broken here over the years and a further half dozen world records for southern bluefish tuna.

Aside from the fact that 120kg (nearly 265lbs) blue fin tuna are regularly caught off the shores of St. Helens and that marlin fishermen have caught as many as 200 of these elusive trophies in a single season, another remarkable fact about fishing in St Helens is that you needn’t look very hard to find them. You can be doing serious deep water fishing within half an hour of leaving the boat ramp on one of the many chartered fishing vessels that are available in the area.

As the largest town in north-eastern Tasmania, St Helens also serves as the place where northern Tasmanians go for entertainment. The biggest event of the year is the annual Suncoast Jazz Festival, held here each year in June. The biggest names in Australian jazz turn up each year, both to entertain the crowds and to play with each other. One of the highlights of the festival is the "mix and match" registration system, which teams individual musicians with each other for 30 minute sessions. For 16 hours a day in late June, music fills the air in St. Helens. Close your eyes and you could be in New Orleans! The grand finale of the Suncoast Jazz Festival is a huge public concert and street parade.

Needless to say, you can enjoy some of the finest seafood in the world in St. Helens. Aside from seafood, though, St. Helens offers an abundance of other culinary delights. Apples, blueberries and raspberries are free for the picking in surrounding areas and many of the vegetable dishes on offer are locally grown in the rich soil of the surrounding region. Wine lovers will not be disappointed, either, since many award winning cool climate wines are produced in the region.

St. Helens, Tasmania may have a small population, but it is large in attractions in the Freycinet area. While the fisherman in the family is out breaking world records, everyone else can enjoy the magnificent scenery while bushwalking and feasting on wild blueberries. Back in town, you can spend hours browsing in the quaint shops, enjoying fresh and delicious food (St Helens is famous for its "Elephant Pancakes" – both sweet and savoury) or just relaxing in this wonderful and unspoiled corner of the world.

One of the leading drawcards of Cradle Mountain is the challenging Overland Track. This winding, sometimes arduous journey of 40 miles (65km) takes you over and around towering dolomite cliffs, across ice cold glacial streams and through unspoiled wilderness teeming with Tasmania’s unique flora and fauna. The journey begins at Cradle Mountain itself and finishes at the magnificent Lake St Clair. Over time, word regarding the Overland Track has spread by word of mouth until today; it is one of the world’s most famous treks. In order to protect the environment and make sure that the area is preserved for generations to come, the Australian Parks and Wildlife Service, together with its Tasmanian counterpart has taken actions to reduce the potential threat hikers pose to the vulnerable environment surrounding the Overland Track.

It’s not only hikers who’re drawn to  the Cradle Mountain area, either. Tasmania’s dolerite cliff faces are sought after by rock climbers from around the world. Tasmania’s highest peak, Mt. Ossa lies inside the National Park boundaries and is usually the visiting rock climber’s first stop in Tasmania. At almost a mile high, Mt. Ossa offers challenges to all or any levels of climbers. Often, after successful Mt. Ossa, climber’s then move on towards the challenge of Frenchman’s Gap, inside the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

While Mt. Ossa is Tasmania’s highest mountain, Lake St. Clair is Australia’s deepest lake. It is estimated that the movement of glaciers over a period of two million years is the reason for carving out this 623 foot (190 meters) deep lake – the supply of the Derwent River. Lake St. Clair is the reward for hikers on the Overland Track. Once they finally reach their destination, they can make a choice from staying in the lap of luxury in one of the lodges around the lake or camping out in among the well-appointed campgrounds. Many tourists to Lake St. Clair arrive by car and spend their days fishing for the trout that populate its pristine waters. As they do with the Overland Track, park authorities control use of the lake, to be able to reduce human impact and protect stocks of fish.

If you don’t need to fish, but would like to enjoy the spectacular scenery on the water, you might take the popular ferry trip across the 11 mile (18km) length of the lake. Many visitors to the region are so mesmerized by its splendour that they do very little at all except absorb the view from as many perspectives as possible, from land or from the placid waters of Lake St Clair.

There is a saying that Tasmania’s tourist bureau uses in its ad campaign: "Tasmania: A world apart, not a world away." This really is true of all Tasmania, but it is very true of Cradle Mountain, Tasmania. Even though it’s so close to a major metropolitan area, as soon as you arrive there, you feel like you’re in "a world apart." Time stands still while you fix your eyes on upon the same unspoiled vistas the aboriginals enjoyed many hundreds of years ago. After you have experienced it in person, you will never forget it. Cradle Mountain, Tasmania could even change your life.

It’s hard deciding what the strongest selling point Nelson Bay, NSW is. Its marine offerings are without doubt impressive. There is great surfing action for people who want to enjoy the thrill of riding the waves. If you’re more of a viewer than a spectator, it is possible to go dolphin watching out in the waters or visit some of the aquatic reserves within the region. You may also go canoeing and fishing with friends.

With calm waves against the shore, Nelson Bay has a number of the safest beaches in the world. However, most of the tourists to Nelson Bay inevitably end up taking of their shoes and diving into the cooling waters of the bay. The coastline of Nelson Bay is full of beautiful marine wildlife which makes it the perfect location for scuba diving and snorkelling. Regions such as Looking Glass are firm favourites because of the spectacular view of the local marine wildlife that it provides.

Aside from enjoying the countless aquatic pleasures that Nelson Bay provides, there are other events and things to do. Tourists can for instance go walking along the paths of Tomaree National park which offers many amazing views. They may also get memorable views by visiting the Gan Gan lookout.

Nelson Bay, NSW has several outstanding architectural buildings reflecting its evolution over the years. One of these is the Nelson Head Lighthouse. Erected in 1872 and presently still active, the lighthouse is among the stronger visitor attractions in the region. Just like a few of the lookouts within the region, visitors in the Nelson head lighthouse can enjoy beautiful views from the top of the tower.

Like most towns, Nelson bay has its own share of festivals and traditions. You will get an even better experience out of your vacation by scheduling your trip for any one of these. A hugely popular event is the ‘Festival of Whales’ which is held annually to mark the seasonal migration of whales. During the period, you’ll be able to view art displays, enjoy local music and engage in some whale watching.

When all is said and done, Nelson Bay, NSW is a perfect spot for anyone who is looking for the perfect holiday with some splashing in mind. You’ll be able to find and reserve suitable Nelson Bay accommodation options with little or no difficulty depending on what your preferences are. The legend of Nelson Bay is a constantly repeated song. Don’t just listen to it. Take a visit to the town and join in the global troupe.

The idea for the road was first supported in the 1880′s. It was not until after the First World War that the construction began. The returning soldiers were employed to build the road to be sure they had jobs when coming home. It was also to be a monument to them. The road was completed in the year 1932. At Eastern View a memorial was built for those soldiers that did not make it home.

One must stop landmark is the Twelve Apostles. It started out as limestone cliffs. Over 2 million years the cliffs were eroded by the sea. Caves were formed first, then over time they were worn to arches and now they are stand alone formations as tall as 45 meters. They are not connected to the shore and come right up out of the ocean.

There are two well known wine regions, each at one end of the road. One named after the first family that settled in Victoria. That is the Henty wine region. Here you can find seafood, lamb, and beef along with great wine. Then there is the Geelong wine region. This region has tea rooms, cafes and restaurants to enjoy along with the wine tasting.

As it is called the Great Ocean Road you would expect to find many beaches, and you will. Some notable beaches are Bells Beach where the Rip Curl is held each year. This is a professional surfing competition. Both 13th Beach and Ocean Grove are also known for surfing. Point Roadknight has kite surfing and sailing. For family fun try Eastern Beach that has a playground, swimming pool and park. During holidays there are usually lifeguards on duty. They place red and yellow flags in the safe areas and this is where you want to swim.

For those interested in wildlife you will find plenty along your drive. Stop at Melba Gully to see the glow worms. In reality they are fly larva but are said to look like many points of light like the sky. You will of course have to go at night and bring a flashlight. At Phillip Island Nature Park you can see penguins. In the Geelong region you can see over 350 species of birds. You can whale watch at Logans Beach.

Port Phillips Bay has dolphins you can swim with. Go on a tour at Lake Elizabeth to see the platypus. See a tree that is over 300 years old and measures around at 88 feet. Stop at a game reserve and see koalas, emus, kangaroos and more. Fauna Australia offers you the chance to view and feed wildlife at night.

Touring the Great Ocean Road provides something for the whole family. There is a good range of Great Ocean Road accommodation available in the many towns along the road. There are places for fun and entertainment and areas for quiet contemplation.  There are different events all year long. No matter what time of year you go you will find something special. It may be a music or arts festival, a swim event, or a fishing, golfing or surfing competition and so much more.

Residents are treated to four separate seasons a year with the warmest being January and February. The coldest weather can be experienced in July. Winters are usually cool and the calm atmosphere is conducive to fog.

The city is concentrated enough to make exploring its many attractions quick and easy. Launceston accommodation options offer something for every budget. A boardwalk runs between Cataract Gorge, the cultural district and the seaport. The urban reserve known by locals as The Gorge, is the perfect place for a nature walk. The cliff boasts a pathway high above the South Esk River.

The chairlift offers a breathtaking trip across The Gorge with a panoramic view of the splendor below. More spectacular views can be found at the cafe at First Basin. Diners can walk along the beach after their meal. Travel around to the northern side and Cliff Grounds where the shady environment is home to ferns and exotic plants of all types. Peacocks and wallabies make this area home and the observant hiker may even catch a glimpse of one or the other.

The culture centre is found at Inveresk Precinct. Its location was the site of the old rail yards and station that used to operate there. The buildings are mostly conversions of old workshops. Now they house an impressive collection of exhibits and artefacts relevant to Tasmania. Just a short distance away is Royal Park where the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery are located.

For those who admire fine architecture, a walk through Central Business District is mandatory. A host of Victorian and Georgian buildings built in the 19th century have been lovingly preserved. Holyman House is a fine example of art deco design, as is Lucks Corner. Rare Brutalist architecture can be seen at the Police Station, the ANZ building and Henty House. For a glimpse of Egyptian Revival, stop by the Launceston synagogue.

The Wine Route runs along both river banks northward and then heads east toward a region called Pipers River. Vineyards dot the countryside with quaint restaurants and the opportunity to enjoy the many fine wines including Rieslings, Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs. Hillwood Strawberry Farm offers the chance to pick fresh fruit. Seahorse World and Platypus World are popular destinations found at Beauty Point.

Tourists will find many fine dining establishments to try. The Country Club Casino is a place to play golf as well as participate in a little gambling. The adventurous may explore the wetland area while cruising along the Tamar River. The city centre contains City Park with its Japanese Macaque monkey exhibit and Albert Hall.

There is plenty to keep anyone busy during a visit to northern Tasmania and the city of Launceston. Whether you enjoy dining on fine regional foods, drinking fine regional wines or spending time in the beautiful surroundings, it is sure to be a holiday to remember.

Most towns in the valley carry the heritage and customs of either English or German settlers. Other than the stunning landscape and the winery tours, what tourists like the most is the trip back in time, with historic Churches and restored cottages which go back all the way to the early and mid 1800s.

Gawler, for example, is one of the earliest towns established in South Australia in 1839 on the North Para River’s banks. Visitors can pick up a tourist brochure at the Visitor Centre and take a guided walking tour of the town’s historic architecture. Don’t forget to take a picture of the Gawler Clock Tower.

Tanunda is where you go for a taste of 19th century German life. Some of the cottages of the first settlers are still standing, and the community has expanded so much that it now has four Lutheran Churches. Don’t forget to take a walk down the Tanunda Heritage Trail for a peek into how German settlers built roads when they first came to South Australia.

The most tourist friendly towns are Eden Valley, Williamstown and Angaston. Eden Valley is the most beautiful of the lot, with green carpet hills and famous wine producers. There’s also a historic hotel – the Eden Valley Hotel, which dates back to 1866.

Williamstown is a treasure trove of historic attractions, parks and wineries. Must-visit attractions include the Barossa goldfield, the acoustic ‘Whispering Wall’ of the Barossa Reservoir, and Mount Crawford Forest. There are plenty of modern facilities for tourists, including hotels, shopping and dining options. The same attractions are also accessible for visitors staying in Cockatoo Valley, which additionally offers the Para Wirra Recreation Park for wildlife and nature enthusiasts.

Angaston, with its trendy cafes, wine bars, Farmers Market and antique shops, is the touristy heart and soul of The Barossa Valley. There are a number of fine Bed & Breakfasts and shops that offer everything a visitor might possibly need. Visitors looking for Barossa Valley accommodation are sure to find the best options in one of the aforementioned three towns of Eden Valley, Williamstown and Angaston.

It is, of course, possible to stay in Adelaide and visit The Barossa on a day trip. But that hardly seems fair, considering the number of towns and attractions that fall into the must-visit category. Besides, a wine country destination like this needs a relaxed and slow-paced getaway.

There are so many more hamlets, not to mention the big towns along the Barossa Valley Way other than Angaston such as Nuriootpa and Lyndoch. Each of these has its own peculiar attractions, but the wineries and wine tours are common to most. Bottom-line is that The Barossa Valley is not only worth visiting, it is worth visiting on an extended holiday.