Australia -OVERVIEW
Australia is an enormous country – bigger than all the countries of Western Europe
combined. How on earth do you choose what to see and do? From drinking a
Melbourne flat white (coffee) to watching the sun set over Uluṟu, these 15 experiences
offer a taste of modern Australian culture (and in many cases a taste of delicious food,
too). Consider it your essential starter kit for experiencing Australia.
When it comes to landscapes, there’s nothing that can quite beat Australia at this game.
Real life in Australia is much like an episode of The Great Outdoors, the travel
magazine series that took Australia into the homes of viewers. After all, the world’s
smallest continent has much to offer visitors.
Australia is a highly developed country with several opportunities, which is why there
are constant streams of people travelling there to make a life for themselves. At the
same time, it’s a brilliant tourist destination. With so much to see and take in, visitors will
want to extend their stay indefinitely.
An Australian tour is perfect if you want to get away from it all and just relax. Australia
has it all rain forests, beautiful beaches, expanses of deserts, coral reefs and so much
more! Australia tourism also offers an equally exciting urban experience in cities such
as Sydney and Melbourne.
Australia Geography
Known as the island continent, Australia is actually the sixth largest country in the world.
It is located in the Southern Hemisphere and is surrounded by the Indian and Pacific
Oceans. Its neighbouring countries include Indonesia, New Zealand and Papua New
Guinea. Australian ecosystem supports a number of different habitats and this makes
for rich bio-diversity. It’s physically isolated from the rest of the world. But this is
beneficial for the wide variety of plant and animal life that thrives there.
Australia Climate
A large part of Australia comprises of low desert plateau, although the southeast is
known to have fertile plains. The climate too varies as a result. It is arid to semi-arid at
the south, temperate in the east while the north enjoys a tropical climate. As a result,
the north is hot and humid in summer and warm and dry in winter. The south is cooler
and has milder summers and experiences rainy winters. The best time to visit
Australia is all round the year if the diverse temperatures and different seasons suit you.
Australia Culture
Australia is typically Western in its culture with influences from Great Britain who’d
colonised the country in 1788. It is one of the most developed nations on earth and the
most commonly spoken language is English. Although Australian English has its own
unique slang which might be confusing in some respects. Australians are a laidback
people, but they are also sticklers for rules that ensure safety, and this includes a whole
gamut of places. On your Australia tour, you will come across aboriginal people, who
are the original inhabitants of the land. They are a fascinating people. Do remember to
treat them respectfully.
Australia Tourism
Australia is a vast country and has much to offer those who are here for Australia
tourism. While the cities offer gorgeous and civilised urban landscapes, there’s much to
be said for the great Australian outback as well. Depending on what you want to
experience and see, you can plan your Australia tour accordingly.
No Australia tourism plan can be complete without a visit to Sydney, also known as the
Harbour City with its beautiful gardens, clean beaches and the brilliant harbour. Sydney
is home to some of Australia’s most famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera
House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. The city is inundated with the choicest of
restaurants, most of them helmed by celebrity chefs such as Peter Gilmore, David
Chang and Matt Moran who have an immense following thanks to the popularity of
Masterchef Australia. Another popular Australia tourism spot here is the Blue Mountains
National Park which is a two-hour drive from Sydney. It offers gorgeous views of forests,
sandstone cliffs, waterfalls etc.
Melbourne is considered to be the world’s most liveable city and indeed, with its
markets, eateries and cobbled lanes it promises to be an exciting crossover between
the urban and traditional. With its numerous stadiums and racetracks, it’s no wonder
that Melbourne is known as Australia’s sports capital. Along with sports, Melbourne also
has a rich arts and culture scene which makes for a fantastic trip on its own.
Brisbane, the capital of Queensland has its share of attractions too. The vibrant art
scene should keep you busy while award-winning restaurants offer delicious food that
you simply won’t be able to resist. Brisbane is great for high-end shopping, while the
nearby islands are picturesque and will certainly make your Australia tour unforgettable.
If you’ve come to Australia for a change of scene that requires you to change into your
swimwear, then Perth is the city for you. Stunning beaches and lovely parks greet you
here. Kings Park, one of the biggest parks in the world, is right in the middle of the city
and offers amazing views of the Swan and Canning rivers. This is your chance to
explore the bushland without leaving the city. The beaches here are renowned for
snorkelling, lush white sand and clean waters.
If you’re planning to visit Australia, then you can’t miss out on the chance to see the
Great Barrier Reef. The world’s largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef is
2300kms long, with several islands and superb opportunities to go sailing, trekking,
scuba diving and skydiving.
Another spot you simply must not miss is Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Notch up
the numerous thrilling experiences you are bound to have here to the wondrous beauty
of nature. This carefully cultivated wilderness is home to several native Australian
animals such as sea lions and koalas.
If travelling from India, you will need an Australian tourist visa. Also, the official
Australian currency is Australian Dollar (AUD).
PLACES TO VISIT
1.Sydney Opera House
Mention "Sydney, Australia" and most people think of the Opera House. Shaped
like huge shells or billowing sails, this famous building on Sydney's Bennelong
Point graces the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is one of the world's
great architectural icons. The location is stunning. Water surrounds the structure
on three sides, and the Royal Botanic Gardens border it to the south.
Danish architect, Jørn Utzon won an international competition for its design but
withdrew from the project after technical and financing problems. Construction
was finally completed in 1973 at a cost ten times the original budget. By this time,
Utzon had left the country never returning to see his magnificent creation.
Today, you can enjoy a performance here; dine at one of the restaurants; or take
a tour of the building, which encompasses theaters, studios, a concert hall,
exhibition rooms, and a cinema. But it's far more impressive viewed from a
distance. One of the best sites to photograph the Opera House is Mrs
Macquarie's Chair in the Royal Botanic Gardens, or you can hop aboard a
harbor cruise or ferry for yet another picturesque perspective.
2 Editor's PickGreat Barrier Reef Marine Park
Visible from outer space, the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef is one of
the largest living structures on the planet. In 1975, the Great Barrier Reef
Marine Park was established to protect its fragile ecosystems, which include
more than 3,000 coral reefs; 600 continental islands, including the
beautiful Whitsunday group; 300 coral cays; and inshore mangrove islands. One
of the seven wonders of the natural world, the park stretches for 2,300 kilometers
along the state of Queensland, on Australia's east coast (that's about the
distance between Mexico and Vancouver). Diving and snorkeling are
spectacular. The astounding array of marine life includes soft and hard corals,
more than 1,600 species of tropical fish, sharks, dugongs, dolphins, turtles, rays,
and giant clams. If you prefer to stay dry, you can see the reef from underwater
viewing stations and glass bottom boats. On the mainland, Cairns, Port Douglas,
and Airlie Beach are the main launching points for tours.
3 Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Deep in the heart of Australia's Red Centre, Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock), is one
of the most photographed natural wonders in the country. The striking red
monolith forms the centerpiece of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a World
Heritage Area jointly managed by Parks Australia and the traditional landowners,
the Aṉangu people. Uluru, meaning "shadowy place" in the local aboriginal
dialect, rises to a height of 348 meters from the surrounding plain, with most of its
bulk hidden beneath the earth's surface. Also in the park are the red domeshaped rocks called Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). As the sun dips in the sky,
sightseers gather to watch the colors of Uluru and Kata Tjuta transform in the
shifting light. A great way to appreciate these sacred sites is to join a tour led by
Aboriginal guides and rangers.
4 Sydney Harbour Bridge
Along with the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Australia's
most famous tourist attractions. Affectionately called "the Coathanger," this
impressive feat of construction is the largest steel arch bridge in the world. It was
completed in 1932, 40 years before the Sydney Opera House. Rising 134 meters
above the harbor, the bridge spans 500 meters, connecting Sydney's North
Shore to the central business district. In addition to the pedestrian path, two
railway lines extend over the bridge, as well as eight lanes for road traffic, and
the direction of each lane can be switched to accommodate traffic flow.
One of the top things to do in Sydney is a guided ascent to the top of the bridge,
where you can enjoy spectacular views over the harbor and city. For an overview
on the bridge's history and construction visit the museum in the southeastern
pier. Interestingly, Paul Hogan, of Crocodile Dundee fame, worked as a painter
on the bridge before rocketing to international stardom.
5 Blue Mountains National Park
Blue Mountains National Park
Share:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, beautiful Blue Mountains National Park lies 81
kilometers west of Sydney and is a popular day trip from the city. Named for the
blue haze emanating from the many eucalyptus trees, this stunning park protects
more than 664,000 acres of wilderness and encompasses dramatic gorges,
waterfalls, aboriginal rock paintings, and 140 kilometers of hiking trails. The most
famous attractions in the park are the towering sandstone rock formations called
the Three Sisters. Other highlights include the Katoomba Scenic Railway, the
world's steepest, which whisks passengers down the Jamison Valley through a
cliff-side tunnel into an ancient rainforest, and the Skyway, Scenic Cableway, and
Scenic Walkway, which all offer elevated views of the dense forests. Hiking,
abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding are all popular
things to do in the park.
6 Melbourne
Melbourne
Share:
Melbourne, Australia's second largest city, is a popular stop on many Australian
itineraries - especially for culture vultures. Galleries, theaters, restaurants, shops,
and its distinctly European feel are the main draws of this sophisticated city on
the Yarra River. It's also a green city, with parks, gardens, and open spaces
occupying almost a third of its total area. Highlights of the city include the Royal
Botanic Gardens; Federation Square; the National Gallery of Victoria; and
the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where sports fans can watch cricket in the
summer and Australian Rules football in the winter. Shoppers flock to the elegant
Royal Arcade on Bourke Street, as well as Chapel Street; the Melbourne Central
Shopping Center; and the Queen Victoria Market, which has been selling fruits,
vegetables, clothes, and crafts for more than a century. To the east, greater
Melbourne extends into the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, and in the south to the
Mornington Peninsula, where many locals escape for day trips and seaside
getaways.
7 Bondi Beach
Bronzed bodies, blond sand, backpackers, and surf - throw it all together and you
get one of the world's most famous beaches. Only 15 minutes by car from the
city center, Bondi Beach is home to one of the oldest surf life saving clubs in the
world. It's also a great spot for a seaside stroll or picnic, and crowds of tourists
and locals gather here to celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year. A great
way to soak up the sea views is to stroll along the scenic Bondi to
Bronte coastal walk, which begins at the southern end of the beach and follows
the coastline for six kilometers along sandstone cliffs. Shops, cafes, and
restaurants lie across the street from this famous coastal strip. Other attractions
around the beach include the Sunday markets, ocean pool, and skate park. Take
care when swimming at Bondi. Strong rip tides often sweep unsuspecting
swimmers out to sea, especially at the southern end of this kilometer-long strand,
so swimmers should stay between the flags. There's a reason the Aussies made
a reality TV show called Bondi Rescue.
8 Daintree National Park
A Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, Daintree National Park in Far North
Queensland is among the most ancient ecosystems on Earth. The area belongs
to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people, and many of its natural features
hold great spiritual significance. The park encompasses two main
sections: Mossman Gorge, where crystal clear waters gush over granite
boulders, and Cape Tribulation, one of the most beautiful places to visit in
Australia, where rainforest meets reef along the white sandy beaches of the
Coral Sea. This stunning stretch of coast is one of the few places in the world
where two of the planet's richest ecosystems converge. The park's astounding
biodiversity includes more than 18,000 plant species and a vast array of animal
species, including the cassowary, crocodile, giant blue Ulysses butterfly, and the
secretive Bennett's tree kangaroo. The resort town of Port Douglas, just south of
the park, is a great base to arrange wilderness safaris into the park.
9 Fraser Island
World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, between Bundaberg and Brisbane off
Australia's east coast, is the largest sand island in the world and one
of Australia's top outdoor adventures - especially for four-wheel drive enthusiasts.
Along windswept Seventy Five Mile Beach, you can see the rusted hulls of
shipwrecks, the colored sandstone cliffs of The Cathedrals, and the bubbling
fish-filled rock pools called Champagne Pools.
Venturing inland, highlights include crystal-clear freshwater creeks and lakes,
some fed by springs, others perched amid towering sand dunes, and ancient
rainforests filled with an amazing diversity of plants and animals. Sharks,
dolphins, and whales prowl the waters, and the island's fauna includes wild
horses, dingoes, bats, sugar gliders, and more than 300 species of birds. Access
to Fraser Island is by ferry from Rainbow Beach and Hervey Bay. Four-wheel
drive vehicles are essential as the island has no sealed roads.
10 Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park, in the Top End or the Northern Territory, is a World
Heritage Site and one of the planet's great wilderness areas. Covering more than
19,840 square kilometers, Kakadu is the largest national park in Australia and the
second largest in the world. Within its borders lie monsoon rainforests, mangrove
swamps, rivers, gorges, ancient rock paintings, wetlands, and waterfalls, as well
as an astounding diversity of wildlife. In addition to the many mammals, reptiles,
and fish, more than 300 different species of birds make their home here, and
both freshwater and saltwater crocodiles lurk in the wetlands. You can explore
the park's diverse ecosystems by car, air, boat, or on foot via the vast network of
hiking trails. Note that during the wet season (Nov-April), many roads and
attractions close due to heavy flooding.
11 Great Ocean Road
Most top tourist destinations have spectacular driving routes, and for Australia,
one of its best is the Great Ocean Road. Built to provide employment during the
Depression, the road stretches for 300 kilometers along Australia's southeast
coast, from the surfing town of Torquay to the town of Allansford,
near Warrnambool, in the state of Victoria. The top attraction along the road
is Port Campbell National Park, with the wind and wave-sculpted rock
formations known as the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge, the Arch,
and Loch Ard Gorge. From a helicopter tour, these rock formations look like
giant puzzle pieces, lashed by the pounding surf of the Southern Ocean. Other
highlights along the road include the popular holiday resort town of Lorne and
Otway National Park, an area of dense eucalyptus forests, fern-filled rain forests,
hiking trails, and waterfalls.
12 Broome and the Kimberley region
Once the pearl capital of the world, Broome, in Western Australia, is now a
booming tourist town and the gateway to the spectacular Kimberley region. Its
star tourist attraction, Cable Beach, with seemingly endless white sands and
turquoise water is one of Australia's best beaches, and riding camels at sunset is
one of the most popular things to do here. Other highlights include the Broome
Historical Museum; Broome Crocodile Park; and the Staircase to the Moon, a
phenomenon during certain conditions between March and October, where the
moonlight creates an optical illusion of steps leading to the moon. From Broome,
you can explore the rugged and remote Kimberley region and its incredible
natural attractions like the Horizontal Waterfall, Cape Leveque, the Gibb River
Road, Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park, and the stunning cascades of
Mitchell Falls.
13 Kangaroo Island
Nature takes center stage at beautiful Kangaroo Island off the Fleurieu Peninsula
in South Australia. Kangaroos hop along the powdery shores, sea lions and
penguins frolic in the crystal-clear waters, and koalas cling to the fragrant
eucalyptus trees. Diving is also excellent. You can spot sea dragons in the
temperate waters, and many wrecks lie offshore. The striking, wind-sculpted rock
formations, known as the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch in Flinders
Chase National Park are other distinctive features of the island, and you'll find
plenty of hiking trails along the soaring sea cliffs and in the pristine forests.
Foodies, too, will be in heaven. Creamy cheeses, Ligurian honey, and fresh
seafood grace the plates in local restaurants. To get here, you can fly direct to
the island from Adelaide or catch a ferry from Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu
Peninsula.
14 Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park
Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park is a national tourism treasure and a
nirvana for nature lovers. Sparkling lakes, serrated dolerite peaks, alpine
heathland, and dense forests characterize the raw, glacier-carved wilderness
here, and 1,616-meter Mount Ossa is one of the park's most distinctive features
and the highest point in Tasmania. As you might expect, hiking here is fantastic.
Favorites include the Weindorfer Walk, a six-kilometer loop through dense
forests, and Lake Dove Walk, with breathtaking vistas of Cradle
Mountain (1,545 meters). Stand on the summit of Cradle Mountain, and you can
soak up stunning views of the central highlands. Experienced hikers can also
tackle the famous 80-kilometer Overland Track, which runs south from Cradle
Valley to stunning Lake St. Clair, Australia's deepest lake. Keep an eye out for
Tasmanian devils, wombats, wallabies, pademelons, and platypus among the
many species of weird and wonderful wildlife.