| Australia is an absolute paradise for those looking for | | | | Bridge, which you can climb in order to catch a |
| encounters with exotic animals or plant life like none | | | | breathtaking view of the marble-white Opera House |
| other in the world. Since it has been an isolated | | | | against the sparkling dark waters of the vast ocean. |
| continent for approximately 50 million years, the | | | | A city that never sleeps, Sydney can dish up any |
| plants and animals have been able to develop unusual | | | | cuisine you fancy, from Greek and Lebanese to |
| and intriguing characteristics while trying to survive in | | | | Indian or Japanese, a legacy of its immigrated |
| a challenging, unique habitat. Forests cover five per | | | | population. This gorgeous capital of New South Wales |
| cent of Australia's land mass, and it has amazingly | | | | dazzles with its beaches, water and land transport, |
| picturesque green regions, many of which are easily | | | | exquisite hinterlands and a whole host of eateries |
| accessible from various big cities. | | | | that serve rich wines and all other manner of liquor. |
| In these forests you can see some of Australia's | | | | Also famous for its award-winning epicurean delights |
| 20,000 species of plants, including amazing living | | | | and elite dining precincts is Melbourne, the trend |
| fossils like the Wollemi pine and the grass tree, as | | | | setting city: it sets the style for lifestyle, food and |
| well as vibrant carpets of some of the 12,000 | | | | fashion for the rest of Australia. It is a clotheshorse's |
| species of wild flowers that bloom in this continent. | | | | delight. Designers who retail here include the likes of |
| Or you could watch animals like the platypus, the | | | | Collette Dinnigan, Akira Isogawa, Lisa Ho, Jodie Boffa |
| kangaroo, wallabies, possums, bandicoots---the list is | | | | and Robert Burton, to name but a few, who fashion |
| almost endless, and includes fascinating marine animals | | | | a varied range of clothes for men and women. There |
| like sea lions, seals, whales and dolphins, and you | | | | are also clothing artists who capture the spirit of |
| could even possibly interact with some of them. | | | | Australia, like Ken Done and Jenny Kee. Melbourne is |
| The oceans surrounding Australia contains one of the | | | | also renowned for its arts scene, with hosts of |
| finest examples of marine biodiversity on earth, and | | | | private galleries, theaters, the NGV International - the |
| host nearly 4,000 varieties of fish, and almost | | | | National Gallery of Victoria's headquarters and the |
| innumerable species of invertebrates, plants and | | | | Federation Square where art, architecture and events |
| micro-organisms, and almost 80% of Australia's | | | | meet at a unique public space. Those who have been |
| southern marine species are not found anywhere else | | | | to the recent Commonwealth Games held in the city |
| in the world. These can be seen firsthand at nature | | | | vouch for its hospitality, its friendly people its spreads |
| resorts on Australian beaches, while swimming and | | | | of food and wine, and how cuisine here is made |
| snorkeling around its many beaches. | | | | fashionable by the avant-garde chefs. |
| Australia is home also to around 800 species of birds, | | | | Or you could choose to experience a laid back |
| 400 of which are only found on the continent. The 55 | | | | outdoors life style in Brisbane, gorge on exotic sea |
| species of parakeets found here are a riot of color | | | | food platters, check out the weekend markets at |
| and other birds like large kingfishers, brightly plumed | | | | Riverside, South Bank, and Fortitude Valley and |
| rainbow lorikeets, the staid emus are all a treat to | | | | absorb the gregarious street theater and live music |
| watch, and hearing the boisterous laughter of the | | | | scattered across the city. Brisbane has a lot of |
| kookaburra is an experience you will be unlikely to | | | | adventure to offer, and you can explore Moreton |
| forget. | | | | Bay with its 155 islands. Alternatively, head over to |
| In order to protect its wildlife heritage and allow | | | | Perth, and enjoy its sophisticated, picturesque |
| regulated interactions with enthusiasts, Australia has | | | | beauty. Visit the famous Kings park with its 400 |
| established a number of national parks and protected | | | | acres of green, or sample the wines at Swan Valley. |
| areas all across the country which help showcase the | | | | You could drive down to the Cottesloe Beach for |
| incredible diversity of flora and fauna with which | | | | street food or up to Subiaco for a formal dinner. |
| nature has blessed this continent. Here are a few of | | | | Adelaide is another must-see. Steeped in art and |
| the prominent places to visit, but this list is the | | | | culture, the Adelaide Festival of Arts and the Fringe |
| proverbial tip of the iceberg, because Australia is | | | | Festival, among a host of other dos, keeps the arts |
| practically chock full of such places. | | | | scene in the city bubbling with energy. Make sure you |
| Kangaroo Island is a mere half an hour by air from | | | | shop till you drop for artifacts in stone, leather and |
| Adelaide or you could opt for the scenic 45-minute | | | | metal, because galleries like JamFactory |
| ferry ride from the mainland. It contains the sprawling | | | | Contemporary Craft and Design, Metal and Stone and |
| Flinders Chase National Park, where you can watch | | | | Gray Street Workshop are simply irresistible. The city |
| kangaroos, wallabies, possums, koalas, platypus, fur | | | | has charming examples of architecture, which you |
| seals and a variety of birds, including the rare Cape | | | | can admire when on a drive, and for the more |
| Barren geese. Activities on the island include wildlife | | | | active, on a walk. It is also famous for its fresh farm |
| observation like watching sea lions, right whales and | | | | produce, grown at the Adelaide hills and sold at the |
| penguins at Seal Bay beach or bird watching at | | | | Central Market, where one can have a scrumptious |
| Lincoln Bay Park and Gawler Ranges Park. | | | | breakfast. Other hot urban destinations include the |
| If you like adventure, you could try wading in the | | | | capital of Australia, Canberra, and cities like Darwin |
| wetlands, exploring the longest cave systems at | | | | and Cairns which can be fun to explore under the hot |
| Murrawijinie Caves or walking on the spectacular | | | | Australian sun, and the balmy, starry nights. |
| Nullarbor Plain above them, snorkeling near the | | | | Places to stay |
| coasts, or scuba diving. For those who want to take | | | | Australia is very well geared towards tourists with |
| it easy, there's fishing or farm visits to taste Ligurian | | | | different budgets, from camping caravans and bed |
| honey and sip Chardonnay and Riesling from the local | | | | and breakfasts to resorts and five-star hotels and |
| wine producers, or try the fresh lobsters, local | | | | the entire range in between, which can be |
| cheese and crisp farm produce. | | | | pre-arranged as part of travel packages or individually |
| The Blue Mountains near Sydney is one of the recent | | | | chosen as you blaze your own trail. |
| most World Heritage areas in Australia where you | | | | 5-star hotels are for those who like to travel in luxury |
| can go for bush walks and see exotic animals like | | | | and will spare no expenses in order to have the best |
| swamp wallabies and myriad species of birds against | | | | the market has to offer. From excellent furnishings |
| a background of dramatic canyons, steep valleys, | | | | to dining services and every modern convenience |
| thundering waterfalls and gum forests. You could | | | | imaginable are all available for a price in these hotels. |
| step into the Mount Tomah Botanic Garden or | | | | These are specially suitable for you if you want to |
| explore the Jenolan caves. In short, there is more | | | | make a particular city your headquarters and take |
| than enough to do at Blue Mountains for a day trip | | | | short trips around it for adventure and exploration, |
| and more. Close to this are the forests of Wollemi | | | | combined with lots of shopping, good dining and |
| Pine that form the Wollemi National Park. If you want | | | | exceptional night-life experiences. |
| to watch Humpback whales in winter, Byron Bay is | | | | 4 to 4 1/2 stars are also good as great quality |
| the place for you where you can also do a spot of | | | | establishments at an affordable price, and also come |
| surfing, diving, shopping, clubbing or pubbing. | | | | as parts of great travel packages at reasonable |
| The Daintree Rainforest north of Cairns in | | | | rates. Serviced apartments and resorts are often a |
| Queensland is an incredible hundred and thirty-five | | | | good idea in this category, as they are usually located |
| million years old and is remarkably stocked with | | | | in areas outside major cities and are closer to natural |
| unique birds, reptiles and marsupials. A spectacular | | | | locations, and offer an experience that is part of the |
| national park, it is a wonderful document of the | | | | entire ambience of the place: you can enjoy a |
| process of evolution itself. You can enjoy the | | | | poolside drink, cool off at your own private |
| untouched beauty of a tropical forest, put up at | | | | beach-front, relax at spas, or enjoy a barbecue as |
| camping sites, go for hiking, trekking trips, picnics, | | | | the night around you comes to life. You can even |
| scenic tours, loll about on golden beaches and sample | | | | find well-equipped single or double-storey cottages, |
| local cuisine. | | | | with great furnishings, wood-burning stoves and |
| A completely captivating sight at sunrise and sunset, | | | | up-to-date kitchens that provide great views, or |
| Uluru(Ayers Rock) is an enormous monolith at the | | | | opportunities to watch the local fauna. |
| absolute heart of Australia. Rising majestically out of | | | | You can find yourself a Bed and Breakfast |
| the desert, it has been held in great veneration by | | | | accommodation that could include your breakfasts in |
| the aboriginals throughout living memory, and | | | | the tariff and feature communal dining and lounge |
| aboriginal beliefs do not recommend climbing the rock. | | | | rooms, or go for a Self-contained version where you |
| In fact, only the very fit should even attempt it, | | | | can cook your own breakfast, and separate dining |
| because heart attacks while climbing the rock are not | | | | areas. In similar categories are the Guest houses, |
| uncommon. The paintings in the surrounding caves will | | | | which however, rarely include breakfasts in their |
| fascinate you or you could explore the surrounding | | | | tariff. Each Bed and Breakfast has its own little piece |
| smaller monoliths called the Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). In | | | | of Australian history or uniquely regional feature, and |
| sum, the Uluru and its surroundings are a feast of | | | | can add to the experience of your trip. These could |
| visual delight. | | | | be budget accommodations or luxury premises, |
| The Great Barrier Reef is a 2000km long structure | | | | depending on your choice. |
| that hosts a carnival of corals, polyps, sea urchins and | | | | If you love the big outdoors and want to experience |
| an array of marine life unparalleled anywhere in the | | | | it up close and personal, Tourist Parks are the choice |
| world. Snorkeling, scuba-diving, watching coral and | | | | for you. They feature powered and unpowered |
| marine life in a semi-submersible and a host of other | | | | tents, on-site caravans, and cabins-- you can take |
| activities make this a paradise on earth for all sea-life | | | | your pick. They can be self-contained or serviced, |
| enthusiasts. Ningaloo Reef is the smaller than the | | | | depending on how you like it, and in every kind of |
| Great Barrier, but is quite spectacular as well, and you | | | | budget. They overlook stunning locations: bushlands |
| can swim with a whale shark in its aquamarine | | | | and beaches, coastlines, hills and forests, depending |
| waters. You can spot Humpback whales and manta | | | | on your location and interest, and can be great if you |
| rays here or head over to Shark bay to meet its | | | | are driving out on your own. |
| bottle nosed dolphins at Monkey Mia and catch a | | | | There are even fully furnished yachts and |
| glimpse of school sharks and dugongs. | | | | houseboats available for hire, where you can stay for |
| Fraser Island, Rottnest Island and a host of other | | | | the duration of the trip, taking advantage of |
| beaches like Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday | | | | Australia's beautiful waterways, lakes and oceans. |
| Island, Cable Beach near Broome in WA, Four Mile | | | | You can skipper your own craft or find someone |
| Beach near Port Douglas in Queensland will have you | | | | with the right experience for a sail guide: learn about |
| entranced with their sunny weather, astonishing surf, | | | | the marine life, snorkel, drive and swim. It is a safe |
| sapphire blue waters and an overwhelming choice of | | | | yet intimate way to explore places like the barrier |
| outdoor activities. | | | | reef of Queensland, the virgin beaches and |
| Other places worth a visit are the Kakadu National | | | | mangroves of Western Australia, to take in the |
| Park, with its spectacular waterfalls, sandstone | | | | grandeur of the Twelve Apostles or watch the |
| embankments and abundance of wildlife, including | | | | sailors on the docks and marinas of Sydney Harbor. |
| extraordinary birds from jabirus, to magpie geese and | | | | Australia also has the most number of Backpacker |
| egrets. The temperate rainforest combined with | | | | Hostels, for all sorts of budgets and locations, starting |
| alpine trees in the Tasmanian Wilderness World | | | | from the very well-heeled rooms with spacious guest |
| Heritage shelter a host of rare and endangered | | | | kitchens and swimming pools to others which simply |
| species of wildlife, from the Tasmanian devil and | | | | provide a warm bed, hot shower and efficient staff. |
| pademelons, to oystercatchers and pelicans. Fur seals, | | | | These are great places to meet new people, |
| dolphins and whales can be spotted along the coasts. | | | | exchange stories, get excellent tips for onward travel |
| And if you are headed towards Western Australia, | | | | or simply enjoy the general bonhomie of a pancake |
| you can't miss the Bungle Bungle Range, in Purnululu | | | | breakfast or a barbecue cookout. |
| National Park, a geological site with orange and black | | | | In short, Australia welcomes all kinds of age groups, |
| stripes of silica and algae across beehive-like mounds, | | | | budgets, preferences and caters to each one of |
| deep gorges and hidden pools. All of Australia is | | | | them, presenting them in affordable yet |
| dotted with nature preserves, and a genuine nature | | | | unforgettable combinations. On a trip to Australia you |
| lover would never run out of wildlife destinations on | | | | can be assured of an accommodation that is just to |
| this continent---Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve near | | | | your liking. |
| Canberra, the Moreton Island near Brisbane--- the list | | | | Communication Australia is well known for its efficient |
| just goes on. | | | | communications which consist of well-connected |
| Tips for wildlife watching: | | | | nationwide postal services, Internet as well as cellular |
| Keep recommended distance from wild animals, do | | | | coverage. Media services like cable and network |
| not deviate from specified roads, and do not feed | | | | television stations and a wide variety of magazines |
| animals in the wild. | | | | and newspapers inform as well as entertain, so while |
| Do not deplete the environment, especially the coral | | | | on a trip to this country you never feel out of touch. |
| reefs, because they cannot be easily replenished. | | | | You can access the Internet from Internet cafes, |
| Take all precautions against insects and other critters; | | | | hotels, hostels and libraries, and there are a variety |
| Australia has a host of venomous animals and insects. | | | | of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Australia who |
| It is the only country in the world with more | | | | can provide log-on numbers, so your e-mail goes with |
| venomous than non-venomous snakes, and is home | | | | you where you go. Australia uses RJ-45 telephone |
| to the deadly Taipans and brown snakes. | | | | plugs and Telstra EXI-160 four-pin plugs, which can |
| Before going for a swim, make sure it is safe to do | | | | also be found as part of multi-plugs from various |
| so, because there are saltwater crocodiles in the | | | | companies all over the world. If your connection is |
| inland waters, and box jellyfish, sharks, stonefish and | | | | not a match, the local electronic shops will have the |
| an assortment of other poisonous creatures in the | | | | right one. To be sure that your PC-card modem |
| seas around Australian coasts. | | | | works in Australia, purchase a 'global' modem before |
| Be aware of the nature of wildlife you can expect in | | | | you leave home, which is compatible to a variety of |
| an area by reading written matter or browsing the | | | | locations. |
| internet, before you plan a trip. | | | | All major hotels provide access to fax machines and |
| Sport | | | | international calling services. Local calls from public pay |
| As the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in | | | | phones are not timed and are very cheap, private |
| Melbourne proved yet again to the world, Australians | | | | phones are even cheaper. Public pay phones accept |
| are ardent sports enthusiasts and excel at a whole | | | | all Australian coins and a variety of credit and phone |
| lot of outdoor sports. It is a country where more | | | | cards. Australia's has an extensive cell phone)network |
| than 25% of the population are registered sport | | | | with a range of carriers and call rates. You can bring |
| participants. Every Australian child knows how to | | | | your own phone after getting international roaming |
| swim, and takes part in some form of organized | | | | service activated by the local carrier when you leave |
| sport like football, cricket, tennis or softball, and | | | | your country. Australia's mobile network operates on |
| grows up into a sports-loving youth. Fishing, boating, | | | | the 900 and 1800 bands for GSM, and 800 for |
| bush walking, horse-riding and golf are popular | | | | CDMA, so your SIM will have to be unlocked for |
| pastimes for adults. | | | | these frequencies, and your phone set needs to be |
| This is because of the wide open outdoors, beaches, | | | | compatible for you to use a local SIM card. Phones |
| waterways and grounds available to Australians, with | | | | and SIM cards are also available for rent and sale in |
| a suitable climate and easy access to sporting | | | | America from . This service offers free incoming calls |
| facilities. Being devoted sports-watchers, Australians | | | | from all countries at all times and calling the states is |
| run up high numbers as audiences of Rugby League, | | | | just US $.27 / minute. Of course you can call |
| Rugby Union , Australian Rules matches, International | | | | anywhere in the world. That same company also has |
| cricket matches, and at Australian Football League | | | | SIM CARDS and phones for use in 98% of the world |
| matches, not to mention the annual Melbourne Cup | | | | always with incredibly low call rates. |
| horse race. So if you are a sports fan, you will feel | | | | In conclusion, Australia has something for everyone: |
| naturally at home in Australia. | | | | the history buffs, art lovers, sports enthusiasts, |
| Urban destinations | | | | outdoor lovers, adventurers, shopaholics and leisure |
| The cities of Australia are modern, vibrant, | | | | seekers will all find something right up their street. |
| cosmopolitan and offer great opportunities for | | | | Accommodation, transport and communication are all |
| shopping, food and entertainment. Their easygoing | | | | a phone call or mouse click away, the people are |
| ambience and sophisticated lifestyle makes it very | | | | friendly and cosmopolitan, there is an unmatched |
| easy for a tourist to blend in and have fun. Each has | | | | variety of wines and cuisines, the weather is mostly |
| its unique charm, history, tradition and lifestyle, one | | | | favorable, and crime rate is low. All you really need to |
| maybe famous for its excellent dining fare, another | | | | do is decide what you want from your trip, make |
| for fashion or art. | | | | those bookings, pack your stuff and catch a plane to |
| Sydney of course is the best known of the lot, for | | | | experience some of the most unforgettable |
| the stunning Sydney Opera House which does not | | | | moments of your life in Australia. |
| require an introduction; and the Sydney Harbour | | | | |