thecircumference.org catalogs the best life experiences around the world; country results for Australia

Swim with the Whale Sharks on Ningaloo Reef

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 02:28:08 +0000

Of all the exciting things you can do when you think about traveling the world, did you ever consider swimming with whale sharks? Not, dolphins, but sharks. Among the most fascinating and endangered species in the world, is the whale shark. With the body and behavior of a whale and the weight of a dinosaur, who wouldn’t want to go swimming with whale sharks? To give you further perspective, whale sharks usually range in length from 35 to 45 feet and can weigh more than 30 tons (66,000 lbs). The whale-like fish frequent Ningaloo Reef just off Coral Bay, Australia and have long been subject of folklore, with mysterious tales of encounters dating back to the early 20th century. Known whalers and shark enthusiasts have claimed to see shark fish upwards of 60 feet long. Whale sharks are filter feeders, and as such feed mostly on plankton and occasionally small schools of fish. Though categorically a shark, it is named for its large whale-like body, complete with 5 sets of gills. The whale shark is the largest fish in the ocean, and largest water creature not belonging to the whale category. Swimming with whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef is exciting in itself. When considering things to do in the area, you can see a variety of other wildlife in the water in addition to the whale sharks in Ningaloo Reef. Swimming with whale sharks off Coral Bay is just the beginning. Manta rays and some of the most exotic fish in the world make their home in Ningaloo Reef as well. To date, tales of divers interacting with whale sharks in a pleasant manner are quite common. Baby whale sharks have even been known to engage in play with divers. The bravest divers have dared to catch a ride on the back of a whale shark, though this is frowned upon. Whale sharks have been sighted in oceans throughout the world including in the Philippines, Taiwan, USA, Mexico, Pakistan, Madagascar and more. Whale sharks live in warm and tropical waters, occasionally venturing out to lagoons and river mouths. One of the more popular places to see and swim with Whale Sharks is Ningaloo Reef in Australia. Some of the friendliest whale behaviors have been reported in Ningaloo Reef with whales coming up to the boat, following divers and turning on their sides to view the divers. Tour companies utilize planes to locate whale sharks beforehand to increase the chances of seeing whale sharks during your swim. It’s important to remember that swimming with whale sharks is a completely safe activity. Though your family and friends may freak out when you tell them that you are going swimming with sharks, the whale shark is a completely different sort. If you find yourself looking for things to do in Coral Bay, swimming with sharks on Ningaloo Reef is a must. Flights to Perth and hotels in Coral Bay may not be difficult to come by as the season for swimming falls during the winter months for Australia.

Explore a Magical World at the Frankston Sand Sculpture Festival

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 03:23:56 +0000

Australia in the summertime is one of the best places in the world to travel. Vast expanses of pristine coastline stretch on forever, whilst the pulsing heart of the cities make sure you never run out of anything to do. Unfolding a beach towel, diving into deep blue waters and indulging in some of the world's best seafood, there really is little more a person can ask for on vacation. In a small coastal town not even a one hour drive from the heart of Melbourne there is all that, and more. Just outside this major city lies a magical world waiting to be explored. Every Boxing Day since 2008 the coastline of Frankston has been transformed into magnificent sand sculptures for the Frankston Sand Sculpture Festival. Artists from over Australia and sculptors from around the world mould 3,500 tonnes of sand into astonishing wonders to marvel. The terracotta coloured sculptures could be scenes from childhood, Alice having tea with the white rabbit, or places you have visited in the past, the Taj Mahal or the Eiffel Tower. The artists are able to delicately sculpt details that are so fine and intricite that you will stand transfixed by these amazing feats of creativity and construction. As you stroll the Frankston Waterfront this stretch of sand becomes the perfect setting for these sculptures to whisk you away to another time and place. These amazing creations of the Frankston Sand Sculpture Festival are built to withstand wind and wild storms. At night the sculptures are lit up so as you stroll past you feel as if you have entered another world. It is truly breathtaking to be amongst these giant sculptures at dusk as the lights play off the artist's creations. Taking up to two months to build, measuring up to ten metres tall and scattered across the expanse of the Frankston waterfront, these sculptures stand proudly whilst the days stay balmy and the sun beats down upon them. Imagine swimming at some of the most iconic beaches in the world under the watchful gaze of an Egyptian Sphynx. The Frankston Sand Sculpture Festival is the perfect place to take kids out for a day away from the big city. The festival is family friendly and has, among other activities a giant sand pit where everyone can let their creativity run loose. But Frankston is more than just this must see festival. Not only are the beaches jaw droppingly gorgeous, there are the other attractions that make this a relaxing day trip, or even worthy to stand as a destinition of its own. Planning an escape to Frankston could not be easier if you are in Melbourne, and with kids in tow you will find an exciting and interactive world in which you are free to lose yourself.

Immerse yourself in an ancient land at Kata Tjuta National Park

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 19:25:03 +0000

If you haven’t been to Australia yet, then you need to. Preferably now, this week, later this month – you just need to get there, and soon! Mere words don’t do this magnificent colossus of a country justice. Even saying Australia is the best travel destination in the world doesn’t really come close to the myriad of jaw-dropping experiences the continent has to offer. From diving on the Great Barrier Reef to city breaking it in Sydney, to exploring the North Queensland rain forest, Australia demands to be high on the list of any serious traveller’s wish list. It’s the variations in climate, scenery and the sheer physical presence of the country that will take your breath away. You can see why Aussies are so proud of their nation and the harsh, baked interior which Kata Tjuta and Uluru tower over, has done much to shape the tough, no nonsense Aussie psyche. Touring central Australia is the closest you will ever get to standing on the surface of Mars. Endless, hard-cooked red desert, interspersed with the odd spinifex bush and bouncing ‘roo stretches out for miles and miles, tailing off into an immense shimmering horizon. Alice Springs is the only real town worthy of the name in the scorched southern section of the Northern Territory, and there’s plenty to draw visitors to the area. Uluru, formerly Ayers Rock, lies around 460km east of the city and within the boundaries of the majestic Kata Tjuta National Park. While there are plenty of hotels in Alice Springs, Kata Tjuta National Park is a bit of a poke for a day trip from the town. Hotels in Kings Canyon, around 20km from Kata Tjuta itself, offer spectacular views across the national park and if you’re on a real budget camping options are available. I know from personal experience that dingoes have a penchant for trainers so keep your footwear inside your tent! Kata Tjuta National Park itself is a UNESCO world heritage site, which is hardly surprising – it’s a sacred site for the indigenous Aboriginals and is revered in Aboriginal proverbs, songs and stories. Taking a piece of rock from the park is forbidden and legend states that bad luck will befall anyone who does so. The local Aboriginal tribe, the Pitjantjatjara believe that in the Dreamtime the great snake king Wanambi lived at the very highest peak of the range and only descended during the dry season. While this is known, much of the stories and legends surrounding Kata Tjuta (‘many heads’ in the Pitjantjatjara dialect) are kept for Aboriginal ears only. Kata Tjuta itself rises as if forced by some spiritual entity through the hard crust of the central Australian desert. Formed of 36 domes of sedimentary rock, its highest point reaches 546m above the level of the plains below - nearly twice the size of Uluru, it’s more famous cousin. Kata Tjuta tours are available and provide a fantastic way to get under the skin and to truly appreciate this ancient and spiritual land. Any UNESCO World Heritage site should be on a list of best places to travel. The fact that Kata Tjuta is in Australia, one of the most exciting destinations on the planet, is a real bonus. Once you are in the country, flights to Alice Springs with Qantas and Virgin Blue are cheap and regular from major Australian cities too, so come on, do it! What are you waiting for?

Experience World Cultures at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival in Silvan, Australia

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 04:21:50 +0000

If you travel the world, you'd probably expect to encounter fields of tulips in Holland, but you may be surprised to find out that one of the top things to do in Melbourne area is to attend the Tesselaar Tulip Festival. At the Tesselaar Tulip Festival you will enjoy the vibrant colors of exquisite tulip displays, and much more. The festival is less than 60 miles from Melbourne and is easily accessible by both car and train. It takes place on a working, family-run farm. The current farm owners' grandfather began holding the festival in 1954, and it has been attracting droves of visitors hungry for beauty and culture ever since. But this is not just a family-run affair – the festival is run in conjunction with several other organizations that provide support for some of the cultural events. Attend the festival and you will experience a display of over 500,000 tulips in more than 100 varieties. Sculptures by some of Australia's top artists are displayed among the flower beds. And if walking among these magnificent flower beds piques your hunger, head over to the market, where you can buy something delicious to eat and drink while watching live entertainment. The marketplace also features stalls where you can purchase your very own tulips to plant in your home garden. Unlike some festivals that do not allow outside food and drink, at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival, you are perfectly welcome to pick a spot in a field overlooking the waving masses of tulips, spread out a blanket, and enjoy a prepacked picnic lunch. Throughout the duration of the festival, there will be events that focus on specific aspects of the history of the tulip, so you can learn while you enjoy yourself. One weekend will be dedicated to Turkey, which is the country that held the world's first tulip festival 400 years ago, and of course another weekend will be dedicated to Holland, a country that is intimately wrapped up with the history of the tulip. A third weekend focuses on Ireland. Each country-themed weekend will feature traditional dance, food, and drink from the featured country. If none of those weekends strike your fancy, you are sure to enjoy the weekend focused on food, wine, and jazz, three things everybody loves, especially when set in such beautiful scenery. Families traveling with children will love the children's days, which include children's entertainers, face painting, crafts, and a petting zoo. The Tesselaar Tulip Festival is a relaxing, entertaining, and beautiful way to spend a day or a weekend. You will witness beauty, world cultures, and a new era in the history of the tulip, seeing how it has flourished in Australia. If you can't make it this year, be sure to plan a trip to the Tesselaar Tulip Festival in September or October next year!

Scale one of the Seven Summits at Mount Kosciuszko, Australia

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 17:02:08 +0000

Whether you’re attempting to complete the great mountain climbing challenge of the seven summits, or simply looking to scale your first mountain, Mount Kosciuszko in Australia is a must-try experience for adventurers. As the highest mountain in Australia, Mount Kosciuszko is the crowning glory of Kosciuszko National Park, the country’s largest national park at 690 000 hectares. It forms the high point of the Great Dividing Range, a mountain range that runs all the way from Queensland to Victoria. But at a mere 2228 meters (7310 feet), Mount Kosciuszko is the easiest of the seven summits to climb, making Kosciuszko National Park the best place to travel to if you’re looking to get a summit under your belt. Anybody with an average level of fitness can easily attempt the climb. What Mount Kosciuszko lacks in mountain climbing challenge, it makes up for in beauty. Glacial lakes, meadows, snow gum forests and rivers are all attractions you’ll find along the climb. And in addition to providing an uninterrupted view of some of the most spectacular Australian Alpine landscape the country has to offer, the Kosciuszko National Park is home to many rare and endemic plants and flowers you won’t find anywhere else. The park is also home to rare animal species like the tiny mountain pygmy-possum and the corroboree frog. It’s due to the unique flora and fauna in the Kosciuszko National Park that the area was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1977. There are two ways to climb Kosciuszko, either from Charlotte Pass or Thredbo. The Charlotte Pass option provides two routes to Mount Kosciuszko which can also be combined for a scenic round trip. The walking track from Charlotte Pass to the summit is approximately 8km and passes through snow gums, heaths and herbfields and has excellent views of the Snowy River. The Mount Kosciuszko peak may also be approached from Thredbo, a shorter 6.5km route. The walk starts at the top of the Kosciuszko Express chairlift at Thredbo and passes Merritt’s Creek and Rams Head Range on the way to the Kosciuszko Lookout. From the Kosciuszko Lookout it then crosses the headwaters of the Snowy River, climbs above Lake Cootapatamba and continues past Ethridge Range to Rawson’s Pass. Both the Charlotte Pass and Thredbo tracks meet at Rawson Pass for the final climb up to the Mount Kosciuszko summit. At Rawson Pass you’ll also find Australia's highest public toilet, built in 2007, at an altitude of 2100 metres (6900 ft). While not the most challenging expedition, Mount Kosciuszko is a wonderful visual adventure for new and experienced climbers alike. So even if you’ve never considered mountain climbing in Australia before, make sure to put Kosciuszko National Park on your list for your next trip down under.

Enjoy the Harbor Views from Sydney's Opera House

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:47:06 +0000

Sydney, Australia, with a population of nearly five million inhabitants, is one of the world's most fantastic cities. And nowhere is this more evident than looking out across the Sydney Harbor from the architecturally-impressive Sydney Opera House. Located on the south side of the harbor, all of Sydney's most impressive sites are visible from the Sydney Opera House and the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney. Glimmering in the day's sun, Sydney's skyscrapers cluster on the south side of the harbor. It is the central business district for one of the world's largest cities. It is also home to the oldest dristrict in Australia, the Rocks; just a short walk around the quay from the Sydney Opera House, the Rocks is a perfect place to sip on an afternoon coffee or a late night drink. Stretching from the Rocks is one of the most photographed bridges in the world - the Sydney Harbor Bridge , also amusingly known as the Coathanger. It is a quick drive across the 2.4 mile (1.5 km) bridge, but the nearly 80-year-old bridge is much better appreciated from either the Sydney Opera House; climbing tours of the bridge are offered daily and offer spectacular views of the surrounding harbor for those willing to brave climbing to the top of what was Sydney's tallest structure for 35 years. High on the hills of the north side of the Harbor, a short distance from the Sydney Harbor Bridge, is the beautiful Sydney Taronga Zoo. Impressive views of the south side of the Sydney Harbor are afforded while walking down the zoo's cobblestone pathways - which is the way to go after a relaxing gondola ride to the hilltop. From there it is a short ferry ride back across the harbor to the second-most-photographed building in the world: the Sydney Opera House. Neighboring the Sydney Opera House are thirty hectares of what can be described as an oasis: the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust of Sydney. Established in 1816 and constructed in 1831, the Sydney Botanic Gardens are the perfect spot to get away from all of the hustle of the city. Relaxing on the green, walking the pathways, or looking out on Sydney Harbor from Mrs. Macquarie's Chair - a sandstone bench cut by convicts for Governor Macquarie's wife, Elizabeth - are all fantastic ways to get away from the concrete and recharge. The Sydney Opera House is the center of the Sydney Harbor and near all of what is happening in the city. The opera house is within reach of everything - the Sydney Harbor Bridge, Sydney's Taronga Zoo, nearby Darling Harbor or Bondi Beach, the hustle of the business district, and the leafy escape of the botanic gardens - and the heart of the town. The Sydney Opera House is, without a doubt, the place to enjoy all of the best of Sydney; so, sit back, enjoy a drink, and take it all in from the perfect perch after a tour of the Sydney Opera House.

Creep On Over To The Cockroach Races on Australia Day

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:31:31 +0000

Australia Day Cockroach Races can literally bring the nation to a halt, largely because they aren't necessarily the fastest little guys. It happens every year on the 26th January at the ornate 19th century pub Story Bridge Hotel, located at the Kangaroo Point by the Brisbane River. Cockroach racing may seem like a modern sport, but it comes with a distinguished historic tale. The Australia Day Cockroach Races started in 1981. The suburbs alongside the Brisbane River were home to a large infestation of cockroaches, which were also known to be some of the biggest cockroaches found in the world. There was an argument one day as to whose house had the biggest cockroach, and so each person caught a cockroach from their house and brought it to the pub. They then decided to race these cockroaches, and hence the tradition was born. The Australia Day Cockroach Races are held on land that is adjacent to the Story Bridge Hotel. A stadium is erected, and the annual event even attracts corporate sponsorship. The race is held in a large box, and spectators can get a good view of the race through live televised footage if they aren't in the front rows. The cockroaches crawl over 'the Olde Canvasse', and the first one to the edge wins. Anyone can enter, you can bring your own roach or buy one there. Like all Australian events, expect to find a lot of beer at the Australia Day Cockroach Races. Sometimes a panic can be heard when someone finds one of the competing cockroach on themselves, because it escaped from the race. In true Aussie style—it’s all good fun! There is plenty of food available along the main street, including Australian favourites (meat), and salads.

Dare to be Dangerous at Australia's Karijini National Park

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:14:19 +0000

Nestled in the Hamersley Ranges of the Pilbara region in the northwestern part of Western Australia, Karijini National Park is one of the most amazing places in Western Australia to visit. Located in perhaps one of the most isolated areas of Australia, with its crystal clear pools, surging waterfalls, and incredible hiking trails, Karijini National Park is an exciting and fascinating experience, and becomes a rare challenge for even the most seasoned world traveller. The idyllic landscape, seen from a variety of high vantage points, offers a panorama of verdant nature and wildlife, intersected with stunning walking trails, massive gorges and marble rock tunnels. During the rainy season there is a sudden growth spurt of flora and fauna. There is a wide range of animals in the park to thrill visitors, including everything from red kangaroos to geckos and bats. Karijini National Park takes an active role in conserving its natural resources by protecting the habitats of endangered wildlife and the park ecosystems, and this is all part of the pleasure of a trek through Karijini. Aside from the flora and fauna, there is no shortage of stunningly beautiful waterfalls, although these waterfalls can also be very dangerous, and it is advisable to take a local guide. In the rainy season, dried out creeks emerge suddenly to bathe the hillsides with gushing water plunging down through hundred-metre-deep chasms. Created millions of years ago, some of the most famous gorges here are Circular Pool Gorge, Dales Gorge, Joffre Gorge, Kalamina Gorge, Weano Gorge, and Red Gorge, to name a few. However, Hancock Gorge is believed to be the most dangerous, but also the most fascinating, and well worth the trek. A descent into the Hancock Gorge can be easily dubbed as a journey to the centre of the earth, and a three-hour trek through the highly polished rock will take you to Kermit’s pool. It’s difficult to hold on at Hancock Gorge sometimes as the rocks are loose and slippery in places, and it is immensely important to check your foothold at every step. A freefall can be not only hazardous but also potentially fatal. A dangerous trek, along with a tiring day’s journey, seems to have a fitting end here, and this is the reason why Kermit’s pool is always seen as a place for rest. If you are lucky enough to have gone this far, you will find a lot of tired trekkers who have stopped by Kermit's pool to rest. Lie down, and let the friendly chatter and lazy ambience rejuvenate you before you start your walk back, but never forget that this particular journey is only for those who are absolutely physically fit. If you have any issues with your health, you should not undertake a trek down the Hancock Gorge. Trekking through the landscape of a protected natural reserve is a great way to experience nature, and at Karijini National Park, visitors can see a territory that very few people ever see. However, if just walking through nature seems too mundane, then crawling over boulders, paddling through gushing waterways, and climbing deep into Hancock Gorge maybe just what you’re looking for. It is because of this variety that Karijini National Park is truly a fascinating travel experience, and will leave even the most adventurous traveller breathless with wonder.

Trek to Tasmania's Remote Cradle Mountain

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:03:51 +0000

For a trek to Cradle Mountain, Tasmania you will need an experienced guide with remote first aid qualifications, wilderness training and an adventurer’s spirit. This trek means strapping on an ultra-lite 30-litre frame backpack and traversing into the remote Tasmanian wilderness of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Because of its remoteness there is a strict “leave no trace” guideline policy for anyone wishing to enter the area for trekking. The lack of visitors to the Walls of Jerusalem National Park, near Cradle Mountain, will leave you with a true wilderness experience. Moving through the landscape of Cradle Mountain National Park, you will encounter never-before-seen vegetation and wildflowers that only grow in this region. Its unique landscape exposes bushwalkers to extreme changes in weather from ice-laden storm winds to high rainfall and low winter temperatures. Along the trail during the summer months you will have an opportunity to spot wombats, echidnas, Tasmanian devils, and three species of kangaroos. Trekking at Cradle Mountain you will stop each night to sleep inside warm shelters among rugged quartzite mountains, near open meadows and gorgeous ridges. Every evening your guide will fire up the wood-burning stove and prepare gourmet mountain-man-style meals, where you can recap your daily adventures before kicking back on a cot for a sound sleep. Arising early each morning, your guide will prepare a quick and plentiful breakfast, and scout for possible wombat sightings. Then you will continue out into the spectacular Tasmanian wilderness following heaps alpine vegetation, dominated by heath and shrubbery. This is Tasmanian trekking at its best. Joseph Fossey named Cradle Mountain in 1826. Seventy-nine years later, several peaks along the Cradle Mountain region were named: Little Horn, Hanson’s Peak, and Lake Lila by explorers to the area. One of the first pioneers in the 19th century, Gusav Weindorfer, named Dove Lake after an official of the Van Diemen Company, and named Marion’s Lookout after his sister-in-law. During his trip, as they rested at Cradle Mountain's summit, Gustav announced, “This must be a national park for the people for all time. It is magnificent, and people must know about it and enjoy it.”

Dive the Caves at Piccaninnie Ponds, South Australia

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:00:38 +0000

Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park is one of the prettiest cave diving and snorkelling sites in South Australia. To protect this ecosystem, divers and snorkellers must obtain a permit to enter this unique and fragile environment. Over thousands of years, water has been filtering through the limestone and formed the pond's features. Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park is one of the world’s famous cave and chasm systems found along the Limestone Coast 491 km south-east of South Australia's capital Adelaide. Local pioneer divers have been visiting since 1962. Back then, an abundance of aquatic plants, fish, turtles, water birds and less visible invertebrates would have made this an oasis in the swamp. Today, you can drive nearly 6 hours from either Melbourne or Adelaide along the Great Ocean Road to reach Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park. When nearing Mount Gambier from Adelaide or the South Australian border you will see signs directing you to Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park. Oriented roughly northwest to southeast, the oval-shaped 30-metre-diameter pond is connected to a 40-metre-long straight water-filled rift running nearly east to west, beginning on the western edge of the large pond. Each section of Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park is referred to by its three sections: “First Pond,” “Chasm,” and the “Cathedral.” First pond is shaped like a bowl, and only 10 metres deep. West of there, the Chasm drops vertically to 30 metres where it constricts to a near-vertical 10-metre-wide tube known as the “dog leg” continuing beyond 60 metres. As the Chasm continues underground at its westernmost end, it drops another 20 metres into the awe-inspiring cavern called the Cathedral. Here in these waters, the Cathedrals' depth disappears into the darkness another 40 metres or more. Why would you drive 468 kilometres to Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park? Because nothing on this planet will ever match the excitement you will have looking down into forty-plus metres of crystal blue waters. This view alone is worth you rushing to pack for Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park. Never will you see a more promising spectacle of pure natural beauty. And the best part is that you can jump into a wetsuit, climb into these pools of fresh water and free-dive to view the insides of the pool, gaze down the rift trying to spot divers, and just swim around with your friends in warm, fresh bathwater temperatures. It’s an experience you should place on your bucket list.

Cuddle a Koala at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 04:44:22 +0000

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary really lives up to its name. Located in Brisbane, Australia, it is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary with over 130 koalas. It is filled with cuddly creatures to hug. Koalas are not the only creature you will find at the sanctuary. From kangaroos to lorikeets, platypuses to Tasmanian devils, you will find all the Australian wildlife you could want. Every day is packed with wildlife shows and presentations. Whether you are interested in a sheepdog performance or a bird of prey flight show, you will find it at the Koala Sanctuary. The highlight for many visitors to the Sanctuary is hugging a koala. There is no need to worry about the hugs upsetting the koalas, as all the Lone Pine staff are very well trained, and the koalas are their top priority. The koalas at Lone Pine have been exposed to humans from a very young age, and can be handled for 30 minutes a day. If you prefer other animals to koalas, you can also hold a snake, a baby freshwater crocodile, an owl or an eagle. There is also the opportunity to hand feed kangaroos and wallabies. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is also an excellent educational centre. There are “Wildlife Wednesdays”—a free afternoon when children can ask about and meet their favourite wildlife creatures. School groups frequent the Sanctuary, and wildlife enthusiasts can volunteer or work there. Finally, the Koala Sanctuary also works hard at the conservations of many different kinds of wildlife, with a focus on koalas. They have made wonderful conservation discoveries, and are currently looking for a vaccine for Chlamydia, which affects koalas. The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a haven for animals, and an adventure for wildlife enthusiasts and cautious visitors alike.

Sailing the Whitsundays

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 04:35:48 +0000

The Whitsunday Islands are a collection of 74 islands off the shores of Airlie Beach, in Queensland, Australia. It was named in 1770 by James Cook, a famous British explorer; and since then has become a paradise for travellers and sailors alike. The Whitsunday Islands are a gateway for crystal white beaches and the Great Barrier Reef. Most likely, you will begin your sailing adventure in Airlie Beach. Known as a backpacker mecca, Airlie Beach it is a great place to party, especially with sunny weather all year round. As you walk down any street in Airlie Beach, you will find numerous travel companies and hostels that will help you book your sailing trip. These range from day trips to multi-day excursions, and sailing adventures also include packages that involve scuba diving or snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef. With its own lagoon and relaxing resort-like feel, Airlie Beach is an amazing little town to begin your Whitsunday adventure. After booking a trip with one of the many adventure companies, your sailboat will sail into the Whitsunday Islands, where you will be surrounded by glistening blue water. It's a great time to be with your friends, or if going solo, it's easy to make friends with the people onboard. One of the islands that is sure to be on your itinerary is Whitehaven Beach. It was voted Queensland's Cleanest Beach in 2008, and named the top Eco Friendly Beach by CNN.com in 2010. Best known for its white sands, it consists of 98% pure silica, which looks magnificent under the sunlight. After sunbathing in one of the most beautiful island chains in the world, the Whitsunday Islands is also the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Many companies offer different packages, so make sure you do not miss this opportunity to go snorkelling—or for the brave souls—scuba diving into an underwater world of brilliantly coloured fish and impressive corals. While diving packages cost extra, it is well worth the price. End your day on the sailboat feeling the cool wind across your face, and watching the spectacular sunset in the company of friends. Sailing the Whitsundays is an adventure that is worth a thousand memories.

Explore the Mysterious Landscape of The Pinnacles, Nambung National Park

Sat, 22 Jan 2011 05:31:26 +0000

The word "eerie" immediately comes to mind upon sight of The Pinnacles: a natural geological wonder located within Nambung National Park in Western Australia. The intrigue deepens as you weave your way through the huge, mysterious limestone pillars rising from the yellow sand. The yellow desert landscape, seemingly out of place in a country dominated by red earth, lends an otherworldly quality to the scene. You begin to wonder about the origin of the thousands of limestone columns looming in every direction. It's like stepping onto another planet... a planet that's only three hours drive from the city of Perth in Western Australia. The ancient landscape of the Pinnacles Desert is a must-see natural wonder situated on the west coast of Australia. The peculiar rock formations of the Pinnacles (some of which are nearly four metres high) originated millions of years ago as seashells. Through a series of geological processes they finally emerged from the sand as the eroded remnants of a thick bed of limestone. Once hidden beneath the yellow sands of the Pinnacles Desert, the formations have been gradually uncovered by winds in an ever-changing landscape, and appear to grow from the sand like giant stone trees. The first known European recordings of the Pinnacles were found in the journals of Dutch explorers in the 1600s, although artifacts from ancient Aboriginal cultures dating back 6,000 years have been found in the region. Just outside the town of Cervantes, and approximately 245 km north of Perth, the 17,491-hectare Nambung National Park is home not just to the fascinating Pinnacles, but as well to gorgeous beaches and coastal dune systems. There’s also plenty of native flora and fauna, including western grey kangaroos, emus, white-tailed black cockatoos and carpet pythons. Visitors can choose either to drive through the Pinnacles on a dirt track, or walk a winding trail among the strange rocks. Truly the best way to experience this desolate, lunar-like landscape is on foot. The Pinnacles Desert Discovery visitor's centre is a good place to start, where you can find a good introduction to the powerful natural forces at work that helped to form the landscape. And though you've likely already seen The Pinnacles on many a Western Australia postcard, nothing can prepare you for the feeling of submerging your feet in the yellow sands and seeing it up close. Not to mention there are countless great photo opportunities to be found in the Pinnacles Desert, especially close to sunrise and sunset. After spending some time marvelling at the Pinnacles, don't forget to take time out to visit Nambung National Park’s other great asset: its beautiful beaches. Try Hangover Bay for a white sandy beach with good snorkelling, swimming, windsurfing, surfing and beachcombing. Bottlenose dolphins are common, and sea lions can also be occasionally seen.

Celebrate Island Culture and Music at the Island Vibe Music Festival, Brisbane

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 02:49:53 +0000

Tucked away on a little island just off Brisbane, Australia, there is a unique and entertaining festival called the Island Vibe Music Festival, held on North Stradbroke Island. The whole idea of the Island Vibe Music Festival came to light just a few years back as Morgyn “Rudi” Quinn was laying on the brink of the perfect Australian shores and thought what an amazing idea it would be to bring some reggae music to North Stradbroke Island. After eventually gaining acceptance from the island people, planning and approvals, the music festival started in 2007 and continues to bring locals and people from around the world to the Island Vibe Music Festival on North Stradbroke Island. The festival holds true to North Stradbroke Island’s culture, and has many local artists come out and play a tune or two for the weekend. Over the years, artists such as New Zealand's Ladi6, The Nomad, and Sydney's The Bird, have performed at the multiple venues found within the Island Vibe Music Festival’s grounds. With four main stages, reggae, roots, dub, soul, world music and dancehall music continually fills your ears, even if you decide to leave the festival grounds and head out for a swim in the ocean... which of course is just steps away from the festival grounds. The Island Vibe Music Festival has so much going for it, and the food and environmental stalls add a friendly touch to the music. It’s somewhat of an eco-friendly vegan and vegetarian hippie haven. There’s are omnipresent recycling opportunities and composting right on site, recallable food-ware, water refill stations, renewable energy, and much, much more. The list is endless in what the Island Vibe Music Festival does to create that perfect chilled out atmosphere. The prize possession of the Island Vibe Music Festival is the concept of acknowledgment. There are not many places you can go nowadays that stay true to the grounds you walk on, and educate and showcase what the land and people are all about. Right from the opening ceremonies, the local Indigenous people show their gratitude for the Island Vibe's preservation of the land. An educational tent teaches the culture and community of the people of North Stradbroke Island, and an artistic and cultural exchange is made throughout the weekend.

Shift Into 4WD For An Overland Adventure On Fraser Island

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 04:09:00 +0000

One of the most amazing experiences during a journey across the east coast of Australia—is going to Fraser Island. It is a World Heritage site 120 km long and 24 km wide, making it the largest sand island in the world. Its name comes from Eliza Fraser and her husband, Captain James Fraser, who were shipwrecked on the Island in 1836. Fraser Island consists of rain forests, swamps and sand dunes, making it accessible by 4WD only. Although Fraser Island 4WD can be expensive, it’s well worth it if you can afford it. You can get to the Fraser Island via a ferry from Hervey Bay, and upon arrival you will be blown away almost immediately by the scenery. Driving through a small but luscious rainforest, I entered what is known as the "75 Mile Beach," which is essentially a beach highway. Not to split hairs, but the 75 Mile Beach is actually 93.3 km (58 miles) in length, rather than as the name suggests. Regardless, the views are amazing. Imagine driving across a seemingly endless beach, with the bright blue sky above, warm sand below, and glistening water stretching as far as the eye can see. Every once in a while you see people setting up tents, or fishing along the coast, and you can't help but wave. Everyone seemed happy, and it was as if the world had slowed down to give us time to stop and appreciate the beauty of nature; it was paradise. By driving down the 75 Mile Beach it is easy to access all of the main "attractions" that 4x4 on Fraser Island has to offer. One of them is the S. S Maheno Wreck, a shipwreck from 1935. Another is the coloured sands found at The Pinnacles, which is a cliff in amazing shades of yellow and orange. While science explains that the colours came from the sand being stained with hematite, aboriginal belief have many other explanations. Out of respect, visitors are not permitted to remove sand from the area. A favourite destination while four wheel driving Fraser Island is Lake McKenzie. The sand from the Lake is nearly pure silica, making it pure white in colour. The water is so blue that the contrast will take your breath away. There are signs everywhere warning visitors on the island about dingoes, which look harmless, but will attack if they are being provoked! So be careful. Four wheel driving on Fraser Island is an amazing experience, and is highly recommend to anyone travelling to Australia for a visit.

Byron Bay Bluesfest: Winning "Australia's Event of the Year"

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 23:53:44 +0000

When you succumb to buying an Easter weekend pass to Bluesfest in Byron Bay, Australia, a world-class journey of music is about to unfold. Byron Bay’s Bluesfest music festival has some of the most unique artists in the world, and is now in its 22nd year. Bluesfest has now stretched to the Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, nestled on 120 hectares, 11 km north of Byron Bay. Bluesfest goes off without a hitch as 17,500 visitors and 6,500 campers descend on the music festival for Easter weekend. Although it’s a very popular festival, the chill-out homey feel is maintained throughout. Festival Director Peter Noble has always had a vision for Bluesfest. He says, "Bluesfest features musicians who have something to say, either by being the finest players of their respective instruments, or by sharing their culture and social justice issues in the content of their music". And of course, that vision has truly continued on throughout the years. Bluesfest not only showcases brilliant musicians, like The John Butler Trio, Jack Johnson, and Donavon Frankenreiter, but it caters to a more environmentally stable environment. Bluesfest organizers are all about encouraging environmental sustainability, and use only recyclable packaging, compostable plates and utensils, and encourage the "Waste Wise—Refuse, Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle" campaign. Needless to say, Bluesfest in Australia truly is as eco-friendly as a festival can get! The site has six performance stages where anyone from the The Avett Brothers to Matisyahu has appeared. Many of the artists have signings after their gigs, so stroll on over to the CD shop for an autograph. There are licensed bars and many market stalls, including those that promote environmental awareness, like Protect Our Coral Sea. Food stalls, coffee tents, and undercover seating areas (in case of rain) are scattered throughout Bluesfest. As the music plays on till the wee hours of nightfall, there are also carnival rides, didgeridoo workshops and more to keep you entertained; shuttle buses to and from Byron Bay, and camping onsite are some other facilities that make it a home from home. Winning Australia's 2010 event of the year, Bluesfest truly is a must to check out for yourself.

Walk Amongst the Clouds Atop the Sydney Tower

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 01:49:36 +0000

Towering more than 260 meters above Sydney, at almost six times the height of Niagara Falls, the Sydney Tower is nearly impossible to miss walking through the city. From atop the observation deck, striking views take you through the Harbour Bridge, over the Sydney Opera House, past sprawling beaches, to reach the soaring Blue Mountains in the distance. Great for kicking back and enjoying the scenery, or simply taking in a view found no where else in Australia, the Sydney Tower gives you a unique perspective over an exceptional landscape. Opened in 1981, after seven years of construction, visitors can reach the observation deck of the Sydney Tower by taking a 40 second elevator ride. For the more adventurous and fit, there is also the option of climbing the stairs, all 1,504 of them. If you're up for a challenge, check out the Sydney Tower Run-Up held annually in July. Experiences at the Sydney Tower range from relaxed dining in one of two restaurants high above the city, to an adventure filled thrill ride across a virtual Australia on OzTrek. OzTrek takes visitors soaring above Sydney's icons, like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Bondi Beach, white water rafting on rapids in Queensland and into the jaws of a huge saltwater crocodile. OzTrek is great for those who can't venture outside of Sydney but would love to have an Australian Outback experience. This virtual ride is the ultimate medium to provoke some divine inspiration. For a more tangible adventure, step outside the observation deck with the Sydney Tower Skywalk, and get a closer view of the clouds. See the city from top to bottom, inside and out, at Australia's Sydney Tower.

Get Cute and Cuddly with a Koala at Featherdale Wildlife Park

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:40:06 +0000

An animal lovers dream come true, Featherdale Wildlife Park lets visitors get up close and personal with some of Australia's most beloved animals. With the world's largest private collection of native animals, here visitors can go beyond the typical bars and barriers that separate at other zoos and wildlife parks. With a unique bush land setting, Featherdale Park visitors can make their dream of petting a Koala bear or feeding kangaroos a reality. While wildlife is normally equated with more rural areas, Featherdale Wildlife Park is right outside metropolitan Sydney. The minute you walk through the doorway, a bush trail of exotic Australian animals await a visit. With koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils, emus, wallabies, kangaroos, dingoes, and fairy penguins, much of the wildlife here welcome pats on the head, photos and treats. Although, don't try to pet the crocodile. Instead, make a beeline for the koalas. The Featherdale Park's interactive koala bear exhibit is a crowd favourite. Featuring three koalas lounging lazily in eucalyptus trees, taking in the attention around them, visitors here are welcome to get close to the koalas. Amid their munching and playing, you can pose for photos with the cuddly koalas for free, and they're pretty good at it too. In between pictures, you can catch the koalas taking a nap (they sleep 18-20 hrs a day) or picking out their favourite gum leaves for a snack. Once the fun is over with the koalas, there are many other animals to see and interact with throughout the Featherdale Wildlife Park. Kangaroos run right by and eat out of visitors hands. For an extra bit of cuteness, visit the fairy penguins and watch the tasmanian devil run in circles. This interactive learning experience is great for the children, or anyone young at heart.

Explore the Oldest Cave System in the World at the Jenolan Caves

Wed, 26 May 2010 16:00:25 +0000

If you’re prone to carsickness, a trip to Australia’s Jenolan Caves may not be for you. The road leading into the Jenolan Caves is a winding, up, down, narrow jumble of twists and turns that can leave even the calmest passenger feeling a bit nauseated. Travelling into the valley with just a sliver of pavement to follow and a sudden drop on my left side, I wasn’t sure whether to hide my head in the backseat or press my face to the window so I could take in the gorgeous view of the Blue Mountains region below me. The Jenolan Caves are a mere three hours from Sydney, but they feel a million miles away. Heading inland, away from the breezy coast and into the heavy heat of the interior, passing along the gorgeous bush of the Blue Mountains, it’s easy to feel like you’re venturing into uncharted territory; well, that is if you ignore the scads of tourists and vacationing Sydneysiders that the area attracts during peak season. New South Wales' Jenolan Caves are the most famous limestone caves in Australia, and are made up of an intricate web of narrow passageways, underground rivers, natural arches, and dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. Walking through them feels like you’re venturing deep within the earth and back in time, which in a way, you are. While the Jenolan Caves had been known to the Aboriginals for thousands of years (as “Binoomea,” meaning “Dark Places”), it wasn’t until the mid-1800s that formal exploration began by European settlers, under government control. Since then, dozens of caves have been uncovered, but much of the area remains unexplored and it’s unknown how many other caves may exist within the system. The Jenolan Caves are considered to be incredibly old; a 2006 study published in the Australian Journal of Earth Sciences showed that the caves date back 340 million years – making them the oldest cave system in the world. Human impact on the caves is a constant concern, and for that reason, many caves have limits on how many people can visit per day, month, or even per year. The Mammoth Cave has a maximum of 10 people per month, and the Naked Lady Chamber allows only 16 people per year to pass through. There are 11 “show caves” including the Orient Cave, Temple of Baal, Pool of Cerberus, Imperial Cave and Lucas Cave, all of which have fairly easy walking paths, staircases, handrails and electric lighting. For the more adventurous there is adventure caving. These Jenolan Cave tours will have you crawling and squeezing your way through narrow, undeveloped caves with only a headlamp to light your way.

See Panoramic Views of Sydney by Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:46:27 +0000

To see any city skyline at its best, you have to get up high. In Sydney, there's an exciting and invigorating way to do this—the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. The experience gives you the chance to drink in the best possible view of the famous Sydney Opera House, and get a panoramic view of the whole downtown area too. Once off limits in 1998, the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb has since celebrated over ten years of operation and organizers say that so far more than 2.2 million people have scaled the famous Aussie arch. More than 2,000 marriage proposals have been made at the Bridge's highest point; and a British couple even got married up there in 2008. The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is about a 2.5-hour climb and descent involving scaling the upper span of the Bridge's arch using mostly catwalks and a few ladders. It's less daunting than it sounds when you realize climbers are harnessed to rails on the solid steel catwalks the whole way along. It takes about one hour to get to the summit of this iconic symbol which stands 134 metres high. The gradual incline of the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb only adds to the experience as it gives you a chance to appreciate the amplifying views. At the midway point, the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb takes you back down the other side of the arch. This is the best time to take in the view from all angles without having to crane your neck! Guides are present throughout the 1.75 km Climb to give running commentary on the history of the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb and of the Bridge itself. The guides are also there to take photos of all the climbers from several different angles (this can be either a great chance for a breather or an irritating delay depending on your perspective). The photos they take are offered for sale at the end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. You do get a free group photo of all the people you climbed with—which is likely to include plenty of complete strangers—but bear in mind that you cannot take your own photographs . If you still have more energy by the end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, another route on offer is called "The Discovery Climb," and this will take you inside the workings of the Bridge. Have the world at your feet and the wind at your back, as you enjoy the exhilarating experience of the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb!

Hunter Valley Wine Tour

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:22:02 +0000

Driving from Singleton in New South Wales towards the town of Pokolbin, the winter sun warmed the inside of the car. My husband and I were on our way to the Hunter Valley Wineries to spend the day sampling some of the most delicious wines on offer there. As Australia’s oldest wine producing region (the first vineyard opened its doors in 1828) and one of the most scenic, a day spent in the Hunter Valley is a delight for the senses. As we set out on our Hunter Valley wineries adventure, we passed a few closed wineries before happening upon IronBark Hill Vineyard. Travelling down the long driveway we were surrounded by barren grape vines, backed up by mighty gum trees. Upon entering the tasting room—an airy, softly lit, earthy coloured room—we were greeted with a friendly "hello" from the unassuming lady behind the counter. With this the wine started to flow. First up, was a delightful tangy Semillon: the signature grape variety of the Hunter Valley. We learned that Semillon is best drunk within the first few years, but if your plan is to age it then ensure it’s left for six years or longer. Between three to six years old, Semillon goes through a flat period. After that, it is more mature and loses its youthful zest; but it is still beautiful to drink. If only wine ever lasted this long in my house to test this theory! Continuing through the scenic Hunter Valley, we hopped across the road from IronBark to Piggs Peake winery. Here, the greeting wasn’t quite as friendly and the wine banter was forced, but we sunk our teeth into a Marsanne, Verdelho, Shiraz and Vintage Port. The owner explained that not many places make Vintage Port anymore, but here they use an aged brandy and Shiraz grapes. The result is a Vintage Port that given a year or two will taste delightful. Happily quenched we continued our Hunter Valley wine tour with a stop at Tempus Two. Here we enjoyed the view across green hills, billabongs, grape vines and gum trees; this was complemented by the gurgling fountains and bright sunshine. The wines on offer at Tempus Two are unique. In the white category they offer an Arneis and a sparkling blush; in the reds: a light Tempranillo and Grenache, along with the weightier Shiraz. Tempranillo is a grape that the Tempus Two foresees as one that will take off in Australian vineyards over the next few years. Our day in Hunter Valley had worn on at this point and I certainly wouldn't call myself sober. Luckily my lovely husband was the driver, so abstemious I need not be! Our next stop was Draytons Family Wines. The guy working there was by far the friendliest of the folks serving wine, but I wasn't mad about the wines. The exception was the 1999 Joseph Shiraz; now that is a nice drop of wine! Of course at A$70 a bottle it was a bit out of my price range. It's interesting to note that as red wines mature they lose some of that bright burgundy colour and become a more earthy red. From Draytons we walked to Mount Pleasant Estate where we tried a couple of beautiful Chardonnay and Shiraz wines. What a perfect day we had! Chatting, drinking wine, learning about it and all against the backdrop of the beautiful Hunter Valley.

Back to the Beginning at Uluru

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 03:55:07 +0000

Ayers Rock or to many Australians simply The Rock, is now more commonly known as Uluru, a name that has endured with aboriginals since before the ice ages and beyond antiquity. Rising above the desert plains 348m high and encapsulating approximately 9.4 km in circumference, Uluru is locally revered as a spiritual symbol. This vast sandstone is held sacred by local aboriginal people, the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara, offering visitors an ample mix of mythology and magnificent scenery. Uluru provides many terrains to see and explore such as springs, crevices, canyons, caves, waterholes, and ancient paintings. It is discouraged by local people to climb to the summit of Uluru as it was once a traditional route taken by ancestors during the creation of time, used to evoke the spirits for blessings and communicate with during a Dreamtime. Uluru is widely admired for it's dramatic and stark colour contrasts that befall it during sunset or sunrise. Uluru appears to glow with a deep red rust like hue that appears to have remained from its original time of creation thousands of years ago. This colour is derived from oxidation which during sunrise and sunset, sets off a glowing effect due to the arkosic proporties of the rock composition, containing reflective minerals that change colour according to the suns position in the sky. Located in the Uluru-KataTjuta National Park in the Northern Territory of Australia this experience is one that is sure to stir some spiritual reflection and entice Dreamlike frames of mind.

Immerse Yourself in the Sea Life Wonderland of the Great Barrier Reef

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:07:31 +0000

Experience underwater enchantment diving the Great Barrier Reef, and submerge your senses into a plethora of reef life and mesmerizing coral reef ecosystems. This coral formation located off the South Pacific coast of Queensland in Australia is truly an undeniable best of the world’s natural wonders. With close to 3,000 individual reefs and some 900 islands, the diversity of the Great Barrier Reef is truly stunning. It houses close to 1,500 species of fish and thousands of other forms of life such as clams, corals, snails, crustaceans and echinoderms (like starfish). Some of the species found here are believed to be found nowhere else in the world, and the Great Barrier Reef is the breeding ground for some of the more well-know sea creatures, such as humpback whales, dolphins and turtles. Built by millions and millions of tiny organisms called coral polyps, the Great Barrier Reef spans more then 344,400 square kilometers. In 1981 it was selected as a World Heritage Site, and has since become the icon of Queensland, Australia. Diving the Great Barrier Reef is an enriching travel experience and helps to keep an industry focus on marine preservation. The Great Barrier Reef Queensland is the world's largest coral reef ecosystem, and contains many protected species of animals and plants. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) works to protect those marine animal species that are threatened or at risk of extinction. Tourists can report stranded, sick or dead marine animals by directly contacting the GBRMPA on their hotline: 1300 130 372. Protected species include: helmet and triton shells, and tridacnid clams; seahorses, pipefish, sea dragons, and potato cod; Queensland grouper, barramundi cod, Maori wrasse. Leaflets are available from the GBRMPA (or visit their website) which help tourists identify these species.