Thursday, October 1, 2009

Canberra


Canberra is located in New South Wales, slighty south of Sydney. Unknown to some, Canberra is the capital of Australia. Canberra is Australia's largest inland city, with a population of over 340,000. Canberra is a laid back casual city with hot temperatures. In Canberra you can take part in a range of lively activities without leaving the city bounds.

Canberra Museum And Gallery has a unique exhibition of permanent displays that are very educational and include Canberra's history and 'dynamic arts'. It has a variety of local, national and international displays so it includes all of Australia's history. This is a well worth while visit for backpackers as the admission is free. Also, the Museum and Gallery is located in the heart of Canberra city so is easy to get to.

Big Splash Water Park is great for when you want to cool down in them hot, Summer, Australian months. It includes five swimming pools and nine slides for all ages so you can keep the whole family amused. In case you get hungry there is a hot food kiosk and a restaurant on the park grounds. Also, there is big bouncing castles for when your finished in the water. With a bus that stops right outside the Water Park and reasonably cheap addmission prices this day definitely is an attractive option for those who love water!


Canberra Zoo And Aquarium is Australia's only combined zooquarium. With 34 endangered species, the zoo is a national attraction. It is also trying to help breed the endangered animals in its special breeding programme. It has many exotic animals as well as native Australian animals and i wide variety of big cats. Here you have the once in a lifetime opportunity of playing with the safest of the big cats, the cheetah. If you take part in the zooventure tour u can hand feed a lion or shark (in the aquarium) or even get honey licked off your hand by a bear. If you could possibly get bored of this theres also dangerous animal shows to attend. Don't forget to visit the colourful fish in the aquarium, and if your feeling adventurous take part in the ''Walk On The Wild Side Tour'' in the aquarium.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Derby


Derby is located two hours North of Broome in Western Australia. Its a popular stop over for visitors travelling Australia with a variety of original cultural places to stay, eat and shop. The oldest town of Kimberley, Derby has a population of 4500 people, half of which are Aboriginal Australians. Here, there is 3 different Aboriginal languages. Its a unique experience to visit here, you get to experience a very hot climate and different culture of life here. Its truly unique and perfect stopover for bag packers.

Wharfingers House Museum includes Derby's fascinating history such as shipping, telecommunications, aviation and even fossils! The museum is interesting and gives you a more clear understanding of Derby's history. Its one of Derby's best attractions. Its open on request so you need to visit Derby Visitor Centre for a key.

The Botanical Gardens in Derby have been there for almost 30 years. With there amazing tranquil views it makes it a great place to watch the sunset in peace. Its well worth visiting and includes Derby's culture. Theres a library opposite to the Gardens containing displays of Aboriginal artefact's and works by Kimberley artists.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Brisbane


Brisbane is the third largest city in Australia, situated in south-eastern Queensland. There are a lot of things to do and see in Brisbane CBD and throughout the suburbs. It is a city suitable for all types of people weather you want to relax on a cruise, explore historic Brisbane or visit exotic animals, you can do it in Brisbane.

Tangalooma Island is just a ferry ride from Brisbane port. Just 75 minutes away, it is well worth visiting this island to see its natural beauty or to take part in action packed tours. A once in a life time experience available here is feeding wild dolphins. This is available to take part in nightly. Its an experience you'll truly never forget.

Riverlife Centre is action packed full of a range of activities from kayaking to pumpabiking. Don't bring your car as Riverlife itself has no parking. However, its only a walk from Brisbane city and there are many forms of public transport available. Here you can abseil down the Kangaroo Point Cliffs wall or climb back up. Take a night time adventure and embark on a kayak under the story bridge or try a new experience like pumpabiking.

Climb the Brisbane Story Bridge overlooking the rush of the city below. It consists of a 2 hour climb with beautiful 360 degree views of the city below. On the way up you will hear interesting and factual information on the way up. When you reach the top, you get a personal sense of achievement. This is well worth doing and available for morning, noon and night tours.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Sydney


Sydney is located in New South Wales, the most populated state in Australia. Sydney is famous for its beaches, restaurants, shops and historic culture. Sydney is situated on a beautiful harbour with the famous and worldwide known Sydney Harbour Bridge overlooking it. A must do when visiting Sydney is to climb Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Sydney Harbour Bridge is an original experience when you reach the top not only is there amazing 360 degree views of impressive Sydney. This is an experience not taken for granted as the bridge was not even open to the public until October 1998. Now over 2 million people have climbed it. You can choose between the original Bridge Climb and the unique Discovery Climb. You also get the choice of what time of day to do your climb at: Dawn, day or twilight. This is a once in a lifetime experience and gives you a personal sense of achievement.

Sydney Opera House is an iconic building located in the heart of Sydney. Even if operas or musicals aren't your thing Sydney Opera House is well worth visiting for its iconic and historical value to Sydney. It also has many classy restaurants and bars to eat and drink in.

The Open Air Cinema in Sydney is yet another must. However, it is only open in the Summer so plan ahead! With its impressive backdrop of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House it is most beautiful at night time. If your staying in the city the Open Air Cinema is in walking distance, but parking is also available nearby. Good food and drink is available so arrive early to reserve a good table and good seats!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Melbourne


Melbourne is located in the state of Victoria. It is situated in the South-East corner of Australia. It is famous for its fashion boutiques, spacious green parks, galleries, restaurants and vibrant energy. 14 million visitors use Melbourne parks each year. They are part of Melbourne's pride and it is believed these are part of what makes Melbourne the most live able city in the world. Melbourne's CBD have the best of international brands and originals. You will be spoilt for choice in the huge department stores, lane ways and arcades. A great place to find a souvenir for a friend is in one of Melbourne's markets.

Melbourne zoo is only 4 km from the CBD of Melbourne. IT has a relaxing atmosphere which makes it a great day for the whole family to enjoy. Its Botanic gardens and great scenery make the zoo what it is. Animals here include the Asian elephant, western lowland gorillas, orang-utan, sumatran tigers and goodfellows tree kangraroos.

Melbourne Aquarium is located on the corner of Flinders Street and Kings Street. It is very easy location to get to using public transport. You can get the tram or the train which both run very near the aquarium (within walking distance). A very good night out for the whole family is going for a night out to the aquarium. This includes a sensational two course meal and the kids will learn about the animals. The ticket is at a fair price and includes a drink!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Perth




Swan Valley is one of Perth's most famous tourist attractions. Even the name has a ring to it.It is located in North-East Perth. With its stunning scenery and famous wine tasting, its always a successful day out. The best time for visiting Swan Valley is during its Springtime festivals. However keep in mind, their Spring is our Autumn!



Kohunu Koala Park is always a fun day out for the whole family. It is located 40 minutes South-East of Perth city, situated in Armadale. Here you can hand feed koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and an assortment of Australian birds. You can have the once in a lifetime experience of petting some of Australia's native animals, like a dingo or get your picture taken holding a koala. This park was also visited by late Michael Jackson. Also, for reptile lovers, Armadale Reptile Park is situated less than 10 minutes drive north of Kohunu Koala Park, but is considerably smaller.
Fremantle has many famous attractions including Western Australia Maritime Museum which includes W.A's historic boats and navigational objects. Anyone who enjoys museums is in luck here because the Army Museum of W.A (which includes Perth's military heritage) is right across the road. Take a speedboat ride during the day on Westcoast Jets from Fremantle harbour (prepare to get soaked) or at night, take a tour in Fremantle Prision. Get ready to get scared!

Perth City itself is another must do when visiting Perth. Consisting of 2 main shopping streets you will need to spend a day here to get around them all. A great (and green!) way to travel to Perth city is on the train which leaves you in the very centre of the city. The main shopping streets are pedestrianised so its harder and more expensive to get parking. It includes many major retail stores, all price ranges, and also many smaller, interesting native surfer shops which are famous to Australia. Perth City is also a great place to pick up souvenirs or gifts.

Scarborough Beach is my favourite beach in Perth. Its idyllic and there's much to do here. You can swim, surf, fish, skate, cycle, sail, windsurf, or simply lie on the sand and tan. Beside the beach ( well within walking distance) is restaurants, cafes, bars, markets, nightclubs, shops and accommodation to suit every budget. With its beautiful white sand and clear blue sea, you wont want to leave by the end of the day!