Australia

Fancy a trip ‘down under’?

Australia – the land of Kangaroos and Koalas. The country’s national anthem describes it as a land of beauty rich and rare. This has got to be one of the best countries in the world to plant your feet. Everything from its landscapes, fauna and flora, you’re all set for a journey of a lifetime that will leave you in awe with each attraction on your trip.

The people are friendly, so don’t get offended if someone calls you ‘mate’. It’s a country that likes to barbeque and put Beetroot on their burgers – you simply have to try it because it tastes divine. Other things to try are Fish n Chips and their Bundaberg Rum and Coke and also Bundaberg Ginger beer.

Want the ultimate sports outing? Be sure to catch a Super 15 rugby game, or Aussie Rules game or why not watch a cricket match at the Sydney Cricket Ground or Melbourne Cricket Ground. They’re a proud sporting nation are the Australians, so you will also get to experience the atmosphere at a sports fixture. Nothing beats an international rugby match though, so catch one of those and shout for the Wallabies.

This is a country that’s crazy about animals too. Take the children to pet a Koala or Kangaroo or check out the many attractions at the Australia, Taronga, Melbourne or Adelaide zoos. That will be an Australian adventure in itself. They don’t call Australia Zoo the home of the Crocodile Hunter for nothing.

If you’re heading to Melbourne, check out the wine-tasting tours, Shrine of Remembrance and National Gallery of Victoria. Melbourne is also home to the Australian Open – the first tennis grand slam of the year. Get a ticket to Rod Laver Arena and watch the world’s best tennis stars battle it out for this converted trophy.

Head to Brisbane for a coastal getaway. Hop on a tour bus and experience this awesome city with its relaxed vibe. Drive up to Mount Coot-tha for some scenery and bird watching. It’s worth a trip for superb views. Feel like fresh air and shopping? Go to South Bank where you can walk along the promenades and see the giant Ferris wheel.

Your trip itinerary may take you to Canberra, which is Australia’s capital. Go to the Australian War Memorial and take a look at Old Parliament House. The Telstra Tower offers 360-degree views of Canberra from indoor and outdoor decks. Drive to the top of Mount Ainslie and get a view of Lake Burley Griffin, the Australian War Museum and Parliament House.

If you’re keen to learn about the Aborigines, you can arrange travel groups. You can plan your own tour that will let you relax and learn at the same time. Experienced guides can take you on individual tours, day trips and extended tours. Here’s your chance of finding out what you want to know about the Aborigine history and culture.

Take a trip to Aussie, you won’t be sorry. Advance Australia fair!

Things to do in Australia

Sydney Opera House

Over 1,500 performances take place at the Sydney Opera House every year. This iconic structure is the first thing you will notice when crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You will get a sense of history and culture when you visit the Sydney Opera House. It’s visited by tourists from all over the world and is a great place to enjoy a drink next to the harbour. Take a guided tour of the Opera House or even catch the opera “Madame Butterfly” if you’re lucky. For the opera and theatre lovers, there’s also a backstage tour. After your visit to the Opera House, visit the Royal Botanic Gardens and enjoy views of the harbour.

Surfs up on Bondi Beach

You can’t say you’ve been to Sydney without a visit to Bondi Beach. Jump on your surfboard and catch a few waves. There are surf schools in the area that offer lessons all year round. Bath in the sun on the golden brown sand and take to the surrounding bars and cafés for a real Aussie burger. Various restaurants in the area including Italian cuisine will make your mouth water! To see the best of Sydney hop on a tour bus, where locals will show you around. A variety of accommodation is available in Sydney, from hotels, caravans, anresorts to self-contained.

Great Barrier Reef

A scuba dive or snorkel excursion to this natural wonder must be on your trip planner. The Great Barrier Reef, situated along the coastline of Queensland, is a sight to behold. The Reef spans more than 2,000 kilometres and you can even see it from space. The thrill of snorkelling beneath the waters is huge! See a Potato Bass or swim amongst tiny silver fish that move at the wave of your hand. Clear blue waters almost make it seem like you’re swimming in a dream world – that’s the beauty of this Reef. This is one dive you don’t want to miss.

Whitsunday islands

An island explorer’s dream! With 74 islands in the waters of the Coral Sea located between Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, this is a brilliant way to island hop for a true island experience. You can charter a yacht or sail the Whitsundays yourself. Eight of the Whitsunday islands offer accommodation. A must-do is a trip to Hamilton Island. Its beauty is phenomenal and you can stay in pure luxury. Take a helicopter ride over Heart Island – one for the romantics.

Western Australia Museum

The museum is home to Western Australia’s cultural and scientific collection. From shipwrecks to collections of birds, mammals and reptiles, this is a sure stop for children to learn about animals and the History of Western Australia.

The Twelve Apostles

Feast your eyes on giant limestone stacks off the shore of the Port Campbell National Park on the Great Ocean Road. There is a tunnel under the Great Ocean Road which leads to boardwalks and platforms so visitors can marvel at the stacks and the surroundings.

Jenolan Caves

Located in the Blue Mountains are the most famous caves in Australia, you can explore these age-old caves. Tour the caves by lantern and learn about legends, strange happenings and the history of the caves. You can also put on a headlamp and walk the dark pathways in an ‘off the track’ tour.

Fraser Island

World Heritage listed, this island boasts stunning lakes and picture-perfect sandy beaches. Get a glimpse of the SS Maheno which beached on Fraser Island in July 1935. There’s also an opportunity for you to go whale watching at close by Harvey Bay. Fisherman, pack your rod and reel because there are plenty of wonderful fishing spots on the Fraser Coast for you to enjoy. An abundance of activities awaits you on Fraser Island, from tours, scuba diving and snorkeling, to a trip to the Sandy Cape Lighthouse.

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

A World Heritage Site, Ayers Rock is 350 meters high and is one of Australia’s landmarks and is located in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This giant piece of sandstone is worth seeing on your trip to Australia. Visitors to the Park stay at Yulara, a small resort town.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Make the brave climb to the top of this world-renowned bridge and learn about its history. The view from the top is spectacular.

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