Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is the world’s largest coral reef system on our planet. There are about 900 islands spanning over 2,500 kilometers and nearly 3,000 individual reefs. It’s the most famous coral reef in the world and it’s nothing short of awe-inspiring.

The obvious activity here is diving and you can be sure to find many reputable places to take you exploring in the depths of these lively blue waters. Most people will set off from the nearby Cairns and Port Douglas. You may choose to go on a day trip or a liveaboard trip which you can stay for multiple days swimming with the fish. There is a nearby shipwreck called the Yongala to check out on one of your diving excursions as well.

Blue Mountains

Recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 these pristine mountains are only just outside the metropolitan Sydney area. The Scenic Railway is the steepest railway car in the world. It’s only a short trip but the scenery it passes on the way is spectacular including a visit to the canyon floor. There are plenty of hiking and walking trails of all fitness levels in these mountains just like the Giant Stairway which is near Scenic World. These stairs descend to Jamieson Valley where you can see the famous and beautiful Three Sisters rock formations.

The National Pass is a wonderful trail to see the majestic Wentworth Falls, a beautiful plunging waterfall that is worth the 3 hour roundtrip walk. There are plenty of other lookout points, waterfalls, caves and valleys to gawk over in this beautiful part of New South Wales.

Outback Road Trip

Uluru Kata. The famous Ayres Rock

How are you going to visit Australia and not experience the Outback? The Outback is the dry and arid regions which consume most of the centre of the country. These remote tracks in the middle of the country provide probably the best and most unique road trip of your life. Riding through open roads through untouched areas. On the way there are plenty of spectacular activities to keep you entertained like the famous Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The massive Uluru rock can be seen here along with other exciting and beautiful vistas and valleys.

The Great Ocean Road

Just cruising along the Great Ocean Road

The 243 kilometer long road runs along side the gorgeous Southern coastal regions of Australia. It runs from Ballarine Peninsula to Portland. Along this road you will find yourself at some of Australia’s most impressive points. Bells Beach is the world’s longest running surf competition holder, Aireys Inlet, Warnambool, and Apollo Bay are popular spots for some excellent sand and surf.

Besides the great cities and towns you will be passing, you might just want to enjoy the ride. You will be looping around majestic mountains and crashing waters. Keep your eyes open and don’t be afraid to randomly turn off the road and visit that random town on your way.

Tasmania

The only island state as well as the smallest of the bunch is the state of Tasmania. Teeming with wildlife and boasting many beautiful beaches, this island packs a lot for it’s small size. Coming here to see the famous Tasmanian Devils might be the first thing on your list, but after an experience with them along with their friends the wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, platypus and any other bush wildlife, it might be time for some relaxing on the beach.

Wineglass Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world so paying a visit here will be a lifetime opportunity. Bay of Fires provides an excellent spot for more beach bumming with fiery red rocks and white sand beaches to entertain the eyes.

Hastings Cave will make for a fun caving adventure, there’s The Nut for some spectacular views of the Bass Straight, and many other nature loving activities to experience.

Surf

Australia has some world-class surf, so if you’re up for grabbing a board and riding a few waves, novice or pro, then this is the place to do it. There is no place around Australia’s coastlines that doesn’t have a surf spot nearby. There are surf camps for those who have never been before, and for all the pros out there, enjoy your surfer haven.

Newcastle

This is the sixth largest city in the country and is located in the New South Wales Region. To take in the views of this marvelous harbour city visit Nobbys Head, great views can be had at the Queen’s Wharf Tower, and take a wander down the streets and admire the wonderful architecture.

There are galleries and museum of interest such as Fort Scratchley where this historic fort sits as a reminder of the 1942 Japanese submarine that surfaced here. There are interesting and beautiful nature gardens and parks in the area as well like The Foreshore and King Edward Park.

Kakadu National Park

Jim Jim Falls – Kakadu National Park

This spot boasts over 110,000 square kilometers of sprawling beautiful landscape that is full of Aboriginal culture and nature adventures. This spot holds the highest amount of aboriginal rock art sites in the world. Visit Yellow Water to see some excellent native flora and fauna, Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls. Natural swimming pools, hikes, and cultural festivals can all be found here as well.

Darwin

Known as perhaps one of the friendliest cities around is Darwin. Located in the north part of the continent, this small yet worldly city is sure to entertain. There are 50 different cultures that call this place home and this fusion of cultures makes for an interesting landscape and lifestyle.

There are historical monuments like the Darwin Wharf Precinct and Lyons Cottage, reminders of the Japanese bombings. Then there are natural activities of interest such as the Bicentennial Park which overlooks Darwin Harbour or Lake Alexander for a nice picnic and a dip in the lake. Wildlife parks, crocodile cruises, Berry Springs Nature Park, the East Point reserve are even more places to get in touch with nature.

Barossa Valley

Sipping on wine with these views…Amazing

You must make a visit to any of the wine regions that Australia offers, but if you want one of the best, then Barossa is it. This spot is getting world recognized very quickly and is just outside of the main city of Adelaide. There are magnificent vineyards and wineries in the area, all special in their own way.

Photos by FarbenfroheWunderwelt, Samuel Collins, edwin.11, Graeme Churchard and Pierre Roudier

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The Big Bird

Despite this animal being the countries national bird, it will still find it’s way to your plate. Emu, although a funky looking bird, is quite a popular dish in Australia. It’s a healthy meat due to it’s lack of cholesterol and fat and it’s high iron content. Emu is used in many ways from smoked delicacies to a pizza topping, be sure to grab a bite at your next dinner.

Pie Please

Aussie meat pie

Sometimes referred to as “dog’s eye,” a meat pie says a lot about Aussie cuisine. It is served virtually everywhere, for any event, and comes in many ways. The flaky pocket is filled with all sorts of goodness and obviously containing some sort of meat. The most traditional meat pie is a simple beef and mash potato pie with gravy.

What a Croc

Scary and abundant in Australia is the crocodile. Although you might be trying to avoid these dangerous and ferocious beasts, you can rest assure that it’s safe to approach if it’s on your plate. This dish is popular in other countries besides Australia, but this delicacy has still found it’s way to the tables of many. Along with being a delightful snack, the skin is also made into a number of things such as belts and bags.

Vege-What

Breakfast anyone?

Don’t mess with an Aussie’s Vegemite. Really, just don’t do it. They love this stuff, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, anytime is a good time for some Vegemite! Vegemite, a savory dark spread, is commonly put on toast. Glob it on or spread it thin, just taste it and for heavens sakes, don’t be afraid to put it on other food.

Grill a ‘Roo

Aussie meats

Another national icon, the national animal of Australia, also hops out of the kitchen and on to your plate. That’s right, they even eat those cute kangaroos! In some areas these animals are over populated so lovers of this rare meat don’t feel so bad to sitting down to a ‘roo dinner.

What’s on the barbie

Prawns on the barbie

“Throw another shrimp on the barbie.,” is NOT what an Aussie would say. They actually refer to those little critters as prawns, so don’t be that guy and say this with your new Aussie friend. Just go to a barbecue and enjoy whatever they are throwing on it.

Photos by Dave Palmater, Ron Dollete, Terrazzo and Peter Shanks

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Whitsunday Islands

Whitehaven Beach on the Whitsunday Islands

This breathtaking archipelago of 75 islands is part of the magnificent Great Barrier Reef. It’s a popular tourist spot for it’s obvious beauty and access to the blue waters below. Whitsunday Island is the largest island of them all and is the most popular destination when visiting this group of gems in the sea. On Whitsunday Island is Whitehaven Beach, the most popular beach in the area stretching over 4 km. The views are astounding to say the least and the water is so clear and cool you are bound to go swimming every day. Feel free to grab your snorkel as well as there is plenty of coral reefs to explore in these warm waters. If you want to get a better look, just take a diving course and plunge to the depths of the most spectacular waters on our planet.

Fraser Island

Lake Mackenzie, Fraser Island

The well known Fraser Island is the largest sand island on Earth. It’s over 120 km long and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This unique island holds many beautiful site such as Indian Head. Here you can view the marine life like turtles, dolphins, sharks, and rays from up top a rocky outlook. North of this area is Champagne Pools, a rock pool haven where you can swim safely in the sea water.

There’s Lake Mackenzie where you can join many others in it’s spectacularly clear blue waters and white sand beaches. If you want to drive around and see all that there is to do on this beauty of an island then rent a 4WD and roam around at your leisure.

Wineglass Bay

Wineglass Bay

The amazing Hazard Mountains greet you as you enter Freycinet National Park. Located on the East Coast of Tasmania, the granite mountains provide a dramatic view with blue water encompassing them. Wineglass Bay, nestled between these spectacular rock formations has been on several top 10 best beaches of the world lists and continues to awe people everyday.

To get a birds eye view of this gorgeous beach be sure to visit Wineglass Bay Lookout. The journey is beautiful and then the views are the cherry on top. There are other beaches in the area along with other paths to walk, all with excellent views of Freycinet National Park.

Hyams

Hyams Beach

Holding the title for the whitest sand in the world are the pristine beaches of Hyams. These beaches are great for families and they have excellent places to dine and shop nearby. The Booderee National Park covers some of the gorgeous beaches while also providing botanical gardens and nature walks.

Bondi

Bondi Bay walk

It’s not surprising Bondi Beach is on this list, after all it’s one of the most popular beaches in the country. Don’t think this is the only beach to go to in Sydney though. This is where the infamous Bondi to Coogee Beach walk starts and there are plenty more beaches along the way. Take yourself to this iconic beach and move your way from here to the next slice of awesome Aussie beach. Grab your sunscreen, towel, and surf board and spend all day under the sun, in the water, and walking Australia’s famous coastline.

Photos by Alex, Kevin Gibbons, Gopal Vijayaraghavan, miak and Hector Garcia

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Sydney

Sydney Harbour

What else would be first on the list? It should go without mentioning, but this Harbour City has a lot to offer. Sydney is a wondrous city full of excitement, beauty, culture, history, cuisine, fashion, and some of the most iconic structures on Earth, just to name a few things. Sydney is a spectacular city that is not doubt on your list. Located on prime coastal property the Sydney Harbour is a bustling and stunning site to see. The Sydney Opera House and The Sydney Harbour Bridge are two world famous landmarks that must be seen.

Darling Harbour provides plenty of activities, history and culture and there are tons of famous beaches to walk and relax on such as Manly, Bondi, and Coogee beaches just to name the popular ones. There are multiple nature activities like beach walking, water sports like surfing, kayaking and canoeing, cycling, and more.

Sydney is a very worldly city and has a wealth of history, and beauty to share with it’s visitors. The list of things to do and see is almost endless.

Melbourne

Good Morning Melbourne!

Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia and provides a world of activities and sites to see. It’s considered the cultural capital of the country with it’s abundance of art galleries, film festivals, and musical productions along with it’s Victorian era architecture for starters. The historical district of Carlton provides the largest museum in the Southern hemisphere, Melbourne Museum, and Lygon and Rathdowne Streets which exudes an intense Italian atmosphere with coffee shops and excellent Italian restaurants.

St. Kilda is the place to be seen on the beaches during the day and at night. There are places to have fun, grab a bite to eat and have a few drinks without leaving the beautiful beaches behind. The Esplanade holds a Sunday market and is the spot for a nice walk along the beach.

There is an exceptional live music scene, the shopping hub of Prahran, the vineyards of Yarra Vally less than 100 miles away, the beautiful Yarra River, museums galore, Federation Square to just hang out and enjoy the magnificent architecture, cafes and so much more.

Gold Coastlines

Gold Coast Views

Boasting over 30 beaches this well known tourist spot is a surfers paradise. The beaches stretch over 40 kilometres, however not all the waters are swimmable. Make sure to pay attention to the flags set out. Cafes, restaurants, and bars stud the coast and most of the activities involve water and a board. If you are in need of a break of the water then head to Hinterland where you can find three national parks with heaps of nature exploring opportunities. Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the pure raw nature all around you.

Brisbane

Brisbane Skyline

The third largest city in the country is a new-world city that has an abundance of excellent sites and entertainment. Fortitude Valley is the country’s hub for up coming music and world-class DJ’s rolling through the clubs. Charming boutiques and cafes can be found around Paddington and Rosalie, and Sunnbank provides a break from the regular and takes you to Asia. Mount Coot-tha is a mountain in the area with a suburb around it. There are bush walks and scenic summits as well.

Perth

Perth

This is the largest city in the Western part of the country. Visitors frequent the close by Rottnest Island to lay on the secluded beaches and wine and dine themselves in the vineyards of Swan Valley. The beaches are beautiful and are ideal for swimming, some of these beaches are the best in the country, so enjoy safely so you get to see all of them. Put sunscreen on as the sun here is fiery hot!

Photo by MickiTakesPictures, Steve Davidson, llee_wu, bertknot and Daniel Lee

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Nonetheless, Australia’s public holidays often take the Mondays following the official dates, which make for a long week-end when the replacement date is considered. Next year, all of Australia’s holidays will indeed make long weekends (except the New Year’s), so plan your trips early to avoid getting caught up in a local rush.

New Year’s Day – Wednesday, 1 January 2014

The start of the Gregorian calendar in Australia is widely and noisily celebrated like it is anywhere in the Western world. Sydney, in particular, is worthy to watch as the beautiful Sydney Harbor Bridge lights up on two occasions, one at 9PM for families to enjoy, and the second at midnight for the whole world to watch. As Australia’s New Year celebrations, locally known as the Feast of Circumcision, are way ahead of other nations, the midnight countdown at the Sydney Harbor is often watched by a billion people across the globe on December 31.

Australia Day – Sunday, 26 January 2014

We have all heard of the story of how Australia started as a colony for wayward British, and this is indeed how it came to be. The first penal colony was established by Captain Arthur Phillip in what is today known as Sydney, and the largest celebrations of the Foundation Day (as Australia Day is also known) are centered here. The Australian of the Year awards is presented on this day, and citizenship ceremonies are also conducted on this civic event. There are community celebrations and flag-raising events everywhere and, more informally, backyard barbecues, sports and concerts.

Australia Day – Monday, 27 January 2014 (Replacement day)

Good Friday – Friday, 18 April 2014

For a country with as diverse faith as its people, Australia seriously takes abstinence (of alcohol) to a different level. On this day when the passion and crucifixion of the Christian savior is commemorated by a service, alcohol is banned and most of the establishments are closed (so getting something else besides alcohol can be a problem too). On the days leading up to Good Friday, hot cross buns are served, a popular treat stuffed with fruit and leavened with yeast.

Easter Monday – Monday, 21 April 2014

Australians pack up at the start of Good Friday for a mini-holiday, since most businesses do not resume until after the Easter holidays (which is on a Tuesday). The Easter season coincides with the start of festivals, and many Australians head up to the major cities to attend the shows, so expect that competition for transport and lodging can be fierce on these days. It is worthy to note that the Easter bunnies of Australia are slowly giving way to Easter bilbies (small marsupials) which deliver the chocolate eggs during Easter Sunday.

ANZAC Day – Friday, 25 April 2014

Members and families of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps celebrate this day with a somber spirit. At dawn, those who have been in the war commemorate with a “stand to” ceremony, and as the day advances, a more formal ceremony of flag-raising, wreath-laying and gun salutes attended by families and government and military officials are conducted at the grave of departed servicemen.

The Queen’s Birthday – Monday, 9 June 2014

The actual Queen’s (Elizabeth II) birthday is nowhere near in June, but her predecessor when Captain Phillip landed in Sydney was born in June; hence the tradition of celebrating the monarch’s birthday in this month. On this day, the Order of Australia is given to people who accomplished meritorious achievements, while the rest eagerly anticipate the start of the football (or ski) season and troop to their favorite playing fields.

Christmas Day – Thursday, 25 December 2014

Christmas Day in southern hemisphere is not the dark and cold celebration that we use to associate to the Yuletide season. Instead, Christmas in Australia is celebrated as though it were summer, with the holiday cheers coming from bright and warm places like the beach and backyard gardens. There is of course the traditional ceremony of gift-giving, but for most, Christmas dinner is a celebration outdoors (like backyard barbecue or a picnic in the beach).

Boxing Day – Friday, 26 December 2014

On this day, gifts are usually “boxed” for safekeeping, hence the name. But after the gifts are stowed, Australians head to the cricket grounds or shopping centers to celebrate the post-Christmas hangover.

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Below is the list of Australia public holidays 2013 that are celebrated in all states and territories.

New Year’s Day – Tuesday, 1 January 2013
Locally known as the Feast of Circumcision, the New Year’s Eve in Australia is as raucous as they are in other parts of the Western world.

Australia Day – Saturday, 26 January 2013
On this day in 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip and his crew landed on Australia in search of no-man’s-land to be converted into British penal colony. Despite the aborigines’ hostile attitude towards the commemoration of the day their land was invaded by foreigners, this day is considered as the birthday of Australia and celebrated with flag-hoisting events, flag waving, citizenship and merit awarding ceremonies, community sports and backyard barbecues, and festivals and fireworks.

Australia Day – Monday, 28 January 2013 (Replacement day)

Good Friday – Friday, 29 March 2013
On this day, Australians commemorate the passion and crucifixion of the Christian savior, Jesus Christ. Services are held in non-Catholic religious groups, while Catholics take this day as a day of penance and participate in candlelit burial procession that carries the replica of the dead body of Christ along the Way of the Cross. Good Friday is one public holiday in Australia when the country is shuttered and alcohol is not served. Hot cross buns, stuffed with dried fruit or chocolate chips and leavened with yeast, is a popular treat consumed on Good Friday.

Easter Monday – Monday, 1 April 2013
The Easter Holiday is one of those long weekends that allows Australians to get together with family and friends to celebrate weddings and christenings, or to pack up for a short holiday with the children. Much of Australia is closed on Good Friday when the holiday starts, and regular business resumes the day after Easter Monday. Easter bunnies deliver chocolate eggs to children on Easter Sunday, but their (bunnies) roles are increasingly replaced by Easter bilbies, marsupials that live on the desert and feed on insects, fruits and very small animals. There are also various activities during Easter Sunday and Monday which coincide with the openings of several festivals across the country. The Sydney Royal Easter Show is a huge event featuring the “outback” heritage and farm life of Australia. The National Folk Festival (Canberra), Easterfest (Queensland) and East Coast International Blues and Roots Festival in northern New South Wales all make domestic air and land travel very busy at this time of the year.

ANZAC Day – Thursday, 25 April 2013
This day commemorates the men and women of the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps who died in battle during different wars, particularly WWI. At dawn, war veterans get together for a “stand to” ceremony (in remembrance of the time in the battlefield when they had to wake up in the pre-dawn morning and man their weapons as the first light crept in) and wreath-laying in Sydney Cenotaph. A more formal ceremony at the Australian War Memorial that features wreath-laying, singing of hymns and placing of red poppies on the grave of departed servicemen is attended by families of the veterans with the prime minister and key government officials in attendance.

The Queen’s Birthday – Monday, 10 June 2013
This Australian public holiday has a rather convoluted history behind it. The reigning British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, was born on April 21, 1926, so it was not her birthday that was originally celebrated on this day. But because Her Majesty’s father, King George V, was born on June 3, the Monarch’s Birthday as a public holiday has since been celebrated around early June since 1748 in Britain and 1788 in Australia when Captain Phillip arrived in Sydney Cove. On this day, the Order of Australia, along with other awards for meritorious achievement, is granted to people who have been included in the Honour’s List. Australians troop to football stadiums on this day, while those in the highlands anticipate the opening of snow season in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and Tasmania. Only Western Australia celebrates the Queen’s Birthday on a different date (September 30 this year, a Monday).

Christmas Day – Wednesday, 25 December 2013
The birth of the Christian savior is celebrated on this day by giving gifts and sharing a Christmas dinner with the family.

Boxing Day – Thursday, 26 December 2013
Traditionally, Boxing Day has been understood as a day when all the gifts are taken out of their boxes and stowed away for later use, but another version referred to this day as the day when the metal box outside churches containing all the collections are distributed to the poor. In Australia, the post-Christmas hangover is celebrated with Boxing Day sales and pilgrimage to cricket (Australia’s favorite sport together with rugby or football) grounds.

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