by Roy -

This article is written by Charu Kesi. Charu is  a freelance writer, travel photographer, compulsive blogger, wanderer, qualitative researcher, among many other things.

About a decade or so earlier, Melbourne woke up and decided that it had had enough of playing second fiddle to Sydney. In the constant Melbourne-Sydney rivalry, somewhat like that between Mumbai and Delhi, Melbourne kept coming up a poor second. This city did not have anything attention-grabbing, not an Opera House and spectacular harbour, nor was it blessed with proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.

So, like the famous Avis ad of the 1960s, which said (in relation to Hertz): “We are only No. 2, so we try harder”, Melbourne tried harder. And last year, it was voted the most livable city in the world in the Economist Intelligence Unit survey (with stiff competition from Vienna and Vancouver). While it may not have any iconic landmarks, it does have oodles of charm that makes you slowly fall in love with the city.

Head to Melbourne to make the most of early winter weather. As a local friend remarked, “Melbourne does winter very well.”

So, my list of Melbourne must-dos here –

Average Rating: 4.7 out of 5 based on 200 user reviews.

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by Roy -

Tio’s Cerveceria in Sydney’s Surry Hills is one of the city’s newest small bars

The scent of fresh coriander, parsley and mint wafted through the air, conjuring up memories of tacos and salsa on Mexican beaches.

Our mouths watered as the bartender vigorously muddled an aromatic concoction behind the counter, working to the familiar tune of “All Shook Up” sung in Spanish. At  Tio’s Cerveceria (14 Foster Street, Surry Hills) drinks are king, and the only food on offer is the free (and addictive) chilli popcorn.

Tio’s, a Mexican-Guatemalan tequila joint, is one of the city’s newest small bars, adding to the growing popularity of Central and South American cuisine in Australia. Expect eclectic decor, quirky tunes and delightful drinks served up by some of Sydney’s best bartenders at very affordable prices.

The Three Herb Elixir (a muddled mix of herbs) is the shining star in the El Roberto Especial refresco (refreshment), which also includes fresh apple juice, lime, cucumber and a kick of tequila — all for the bargain price (in Sydney terms) of 10 Australian dollars. Joining the El Roberto on the 10-dollar refresco list are classics like the Paloma (tequila, grapefruit soda and lime), a Tequila Sunrise with house-made grenadine, and a Bloody Maria chock full of tomato juice, carrot and a homemade pickled quail egg. There is also a $17 cockteles (cocktail) list made up of margaritas.

Ninety different types of tequila are on offer, many displayed on the back wall along with a hodgepodge of Central American relics and knick knacks, stringed lights, candles and masks. Patrons can choose to sip their tequila cocktail or shoot back shots with chasers of pineapple and jalapeno peppers. Beer and wine are also available, with the popular choice being cheap cans of Rio Bravo lined with salt and lime.

Tio’s Cerveceria is the brainchild of Jeremy Blackmore and Alex Dowd, both from the Shady Pines Saloon. Drop by for a drink south of the border from 4 pm to midnight every day except for Sunday when its doors open from noon.

Brooke Schoenman

10 Feb 2012

http://www.bbc.com/travel/blog/20120209-sydneys-mexican-vibe

Average Rating: 4.7 out of 5 based on 151 user reviews.

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by Roy -

Canberra, Australia’s capital city, is so obscure that many overseas visitors have never heard of it.

The city, an unloved offspring born from a dispute between Sydney and Melbourne, is a meticulously designed, made-to-order metropolis that suffers from some of the same flaws that other purpose-built capitals possess: an over-supply of bureaucrats and students, and a slight under-supply of urban chic.

Average Rating: 4.6 out of 5 based on 153 user reviews.

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by Roy -

This article is written by Nisha, who is one of India’s leading lady backpackers with extensive travel experience

An aerial view of Sydney

When I went to Sydney first, I started doing my research on the place, which I mostly do. I distinctly remember having noticed another city which was almost on the same latitude, lying on the southern hemisphere but separated by many thousand Kilometers.

A view of Cape Town from the Aerial Tram

I had made a mental note that I would visit this other town some time in my life. I shall club it with my visit to Africa. Any guesses? You are right. I am talking about Cape Town.

Being on the same latitude and both being sea ports ensure that the two places have a rather similar weather patterns, except fewer rains in South Africa. Beyond which I thought there would be a lots of differences.

Now it has been a while since I have returned from Sydney, suddenly I had this urge to see if my hypothesis was true about the two places. In my opinion, more often than not, it’s the people who make the difference.

So, let us see what I have found about the two cities, one which I have experienced, and the other soon to.

Both these cities (basically the countries in which these cities are situated) were under the rule of UK at some point in time. In addition Dutch ruled Cape Town for a while. So the biggest difference is the Language, although people of both countries speak English, the vocabulary of the South African counterpart is influenced by Afrikaans (which is again the local language that is influenced by Dutch). I have not seen much influence of the language of indigenous people of Australia in their language, except for the names of places.

Business dress code in both places are conservative, except when I saw the station master in one of the train stations in uniform shorts with a smartly ironed shirt and necktie to go with! :) Maybe Cape Town also has something similar to offer. Other than that there may not much difference between the two cities, when it comes to business dealings and corporate experience.

There is one thing I have not been able to find is what happens on Fridays in Cape Town. In Sydney work slows down to a halt early and all and sundry hit the local pub or bar for a couple, along with colleagues before making way towards home. Maybe someone can update me on this aspect of the culture. What I did find was that the pace of work is definitely slower in Cape Town.

When it comes to safety and security of travelers I believe Sydney is a notch better. Of course as long as you avoid being at the wrong place in wrong time. My experience, barring a racial abuse incident, was very good in Sydney.
As a response to the question where to stay in Cape Town or Sydney, both of these cities cater to travelers and tourists from every strata of society. Generally cost of living is higher in Sydney. Accommodation options in Sydney and Cape Town both range from low priced lodges to multi star hotels.

Kangaroo Steaks in Sydney

Again both cities serve culinary delights from all over the world. What would be interesting is to taste the local cuisine in Cape Town. Sydney by and large does not have any thing that can be termed Australian food, except Kangaroo meat.  Cape Town definitely wins by a few notches.

Let me see when I can compare them again, this time after my visit to Cape Town.

Nisha

16 July 2011

http://www.lemonicks.com/Travel/2011/07/16/trail-of-two-cities/

Average Rating: 4.6 out of 5 based on 271 user reviews.

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by Roy -

This article is written by Meenakshi Shankar

Off the beaten track: Must do things in Australia

Tired of the same old tourist spots like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House? Wanderers Offbeat Australia is the guide to the weird and wonderful attractions that most tourists miss. Explore the odd places that make Australia truly offbeat.

From saffron to ocher …the earth paints herself in Australia. Some slip into the outback and forget about everything else, some savor the culture of the Aboriginals, some drink in the beauty of the land…and some simply launch themselves into the sky with parachutes attached to their backs.

Fancy a walk? You could either head out from the foot of Tasmania’s most famous peak, Cradle Mountain, and finishing at Australia’s deepest lake, St Clair. It’s called the Overland Track and it will take you a good week to walk it. The constant views of tall and marvelously shaped dolerite peaks (including Tasmania’s highest, Mount Ossa), beautiful waterfalls, rain forest, scrub land, swamps, bush, alpine plains and rivers. And we haven’t even mentioned the variety of fascinating flora and fauna.

Or hike to the top of Mount Amos where you drink in the glorious beauty of the picturesque Tasman Peninsula to Port Arthur.

An Aboriginal Australian

Find out how you can connect with the world’s oldest living culture. Discover it the same way Aboriginal Australians have passed it down for at least 50, 000 years – through art, dance, myths, music and the land itself. See Aboriginal art and contemporary dance in the cities. Or head to the outback and listen to Dreamtime myths of creation by the campfire. Bushwalk and snorkel, share bush-tucker or learn to craft spears and catch fish in the traditional way.
Let Aboriginal Australians help you understand this ancient land and its spirituality and wonder.

Noodling for Opals in Coober Pedy

Try your luck noodling opal – in Coober Pedy – With more than 90 percent of the world’s opal mined from 70 different fields around northern SA’s Coober Pedy, you’re bound to find something, aren’t you? In between your mining excursions, you might want to take a look at the remarkable desert country near Coober Pedy – aptly named Moon Plain. It looks much like the lunar surface, dotted with mine shafts and mullock heaps from eight decades of digging.

Experience the sheer beauty of Kings Canyon :  The breathtaking sandstone chasm plunging 270m is one of Australia’s most dramatically beautiful places – a slash of deep green in a red landscape. – Hugely rewarding, though, with delights all the way round, including the Garden of Eden valley and the Lost City’s weathered rocks.

Visit little penguins on Phillip Island – Every day at dusk, Summerland Beach on Phillip Island comes alive with thousands of little penguins. Watch them waddle home in riotous packs and pairs after their long day foraging for food in icy Bass Strait. The rugged ocean beaches, sheltered bays, blowholes and caves are also home to koalas, abundant bird life and a large colony of fur seals.

In Kalabari, connect with the adventurer in you – Go abe sailing, Sand-boarding or simply explore Nature’s Window and Z-Bend Gorge which is an exhilarating 150 metre descent into the heart of the gorge.

Exhilarate in the spectacle of the Great Barrier Reef – Unforgettable is the word most people use to describe the Great Barrier Reef – a spectacle so vast it can be seen from space.

Swim with the whales –  Meet the world’s biggest fish – the whale shark – in the clear, turquoise waters of Western Australia’s huge fringing reef. These gentle underwater giants feed on the bright coral reef between April and June. You can also dive, swim or snorkel with dolphins, graceful manta rays and hundreds of species of tropical fish. On Ningaloo, this rainbow of marine life is just metres from the shore.

Freycinet Peninsula

Soak up the beauty on the stunning Freycinet Peninsula. The most famous is Wineglass Bay, a perfect curve of white sand and turquoise sea against pink and grey granite peaks. Take in the magical view after an easy climb from Coles Bay or challenging trek from the top of Mount Amos. Or connect to this coastal paradise by going sea kayaking, swimming and scuba diving.

Crabs at Christmas Island

And, you cannot miss a trip to Christmas Island to watch the march of the red crabs. A perfect illustration on how Mother Nature can astound even the hardened cynic.

Meenakshi Shankar

11 June 2011

http://www.thewanderers.travel/blog/index.php/off-the-beaten-track-must-do-things-in-australia/

This article is posted by X! Travel Club – You Deserve a Holiday

Average Rating: 4.4 out of 5 based on 235 user reviews.

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by Roy -

Noosa, Australia, is within an easy two-hour drive from Brisbane, Queensland’s capital city. It lies on that strip of coast known as the Sunshine Coast. It’s close to the coast’s northern tip.

This seaside holiday haven comprises Noosa Heads, Noosaville, Noosa Sound, Noosa Junction and small satellite towns close by.

Attractions

The Nautilus Noosa Holiday Resort

Noosa on the Sunshine Coast is very much a holiday resort city, only less brash than the Gold Coast south of Brisbane and with a subdued kind of sophistication favored by the sedate and trendy alike.

Not only are there endless stretches of white sand beaches, many of which draw surfing aficionados, but there are a variety of good to fine restaurants, particularly along Hastings St at Noosa Heads, and a range of accommodation types to suit every budget.

Activities

Surfing, sunbaking, sightseeing, abseiling, rock-climbing, mountain-biking, sea-kayaking, fishing, diving, snorkeling, horse riding, camel treks, paraflying,  joy flights.

You might also want to tak a daytrip to Fraser Island or drive inland to Nambour or to the Glass Mountains.

Getting There

By plane from Sydney or Brisbane, by train to Nambour or Cooroy from Brisbane and northern Queensland towns, by bus (Greyhound or McCafferty’s to towns along the Bruce Highway or Suncoast Pacific from Brisbane to Noosa via Maroochydore). Or hire a car and drive.

When to Go

Any time of the year, although the cooler winter season south of Queensland draws visitors to the Gold and Sunshine Coasts at this time. The Christmas holiday season (December/January) is a popular period despite the warm summer weather.

Source: Wikipedia

Average Rating: 4.9 out of 5 based on 155 user reviews.

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by Roy -

Stretching across Australia’s northwest corner, the road from Darwin (one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 cities of 2012) to Broome runs through one of the world’s last great wildernesses. This is a land where there are areas larger than Ireland without a single town, where farmers lose dozens of cattle a year to crocodiles, and whole communities are cut off by flooding for months during the rainy season, known as ‘the wet’.

Cable Beach, Broome, W.Australia

The Top End, as locals call this northern tip of Australia, is known for its characters: real ‘Ozzie battlers’, who came north to make their fortunes and never went south again. These are people to whom a fence ripped up by a wild buffalo, or a head-high flood, is as normal as a rush-hour traffic jam is to the rest of us.

The road from Darwin on the north coast to Broome in the west is a journey into the very fabric of Australia’s past: a mere 150 years or so of ‘whitefella’ history, and the quiet millennia when the Top End belonged only to the Aborigines. Here are some of the highlights of this epic road trip:

Kakadu National Park, 152 miles

A saltwater crocodile at the Kakadu National Park

The most extraordinary view of Kakadu, Australia’s largest national park, is from the top of Ubirr rock. For as long as 60, 000 years – since humans first crossed into Australia – Aboriginal peoples have been gathering on this very rock during the rains, to take shelter in its nooks and crannies, to rest and talk. Viewed from this ancient vantage point, the craggy lines of the Arnhem plateau stand out against the azure sky.

Beneath Ubirr rock lies a huge and perfectly flat, lettuce-green flood plain, through which the lazy curves of the East Alligator River meander. During the wet, water cascades off the plateau and submerges thousands of acres of the Top End, turning dozens of sandstone outcrops such as Ubirr into little islands.

Bullo River Station, 621 miles

Southwest of Kakadu, huge views of the Gregory National Park open up. In the 1880s, the first cattle farmers rode into this part of East Kimberley, having driven their herds of shorthorn cattle all the way from Queensland, more than 600 miles away. Their epic struggles to make a living in the Top End were depicted in Baz Luhrmann’s film Australia. For all its panning by the critics, the film seems like understated realism after a few days at Bullo, hearing tales of discovering new pieces of rock art, fishing for barramundi, trapping crocodiles.

Gibb River Road, 777 miles

It’s a drive of several hours from Bullo to the turn-off to the start of the Gibb River Road. This is the only route through the centre of the Kimberley – the gigantic, barely inhabited wilderness that forms the northwest corner of Australia.

Closed during the wet, the 370 mile-long Gibb has a formidable reputation for challenging driving.  But the Kimberley has the wonderful capacity to surprise: its vast and arid landscapes will suddenly throw up a series of sandstone bluffs like crusader castles, or split open into delicious gorges with tumbling cascades and thermal pools fringed with palms.

Broome, 1, 417 miles

It’s a long and beautiful drive to laid-back Broome with its long, low streets of houses with verandas, flags flapping jauntily in the sea breeze, leisurely strollers and bicycling families. Kids play football and catch crabs as the sun drops like a copper coin into the Indian Ocean.

A few minutes in the shower wash off layers of the journey’s orange-red dirt, but it will take much longer to stop dreaming of that wild, red road in the outback.

Preparing for the drive

The dry season (May to October) is certainly the easiest and most comfortable for travelling. The distances are huge, although the tarmac roads are good, straight and generally empty, and even the unsealed roads are well maintained.

A fortnight allows time for a decent overview of the area, with time to explore the Gibb and Kakadu. If you plan to explore the Kimberley in more detail, or go further off-road, make sure you allow three weeks or more.

A 4WD vehicle is recommended for the Gibb River Road. Travel prepared on any road trip through the Australian outback: carry plenty of drinking water and some food supplies, wear sunblock, a hat and cool, comfortable clothing. Request an extra spare tyre and you might consider hiring a satellite phone.

Check road conditions and river crossings before setting out, and stay with your vehicle should you break down. Sunset is early in the Top End, so plan your journeys to arrive in daylight. Be especially vigilant in the early morning and at dusk, when there are often animals on the road.

10 Nov 2011

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/australia/travel-tips-and-articles/76874

Average Rating: 4.4 out of 5 based on 224 user reviews.

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by Roy -

Australia has a number of interesting destinations, sites,  beaches in Australia and a unique culture that should be explored. Popular places in Australia to visit range from the islands that are found near the mainland Australia to the desert area known for its bushes, trees, and wilderness. Australia is home to a number of exotic animal and bird species and therefore it is not surprising to see such a huge number of national parks in Australia. Australia’s coastline is home to a great number of beaches and bays that offer some of the best water sporting facilities.

Here is ten of the must see places around Australia that you can consider for your next holiday. This list of Top 10 places to visit in Australia will also help you with your itinerary planning. Check below the Top ten places to visit in Australia

Perth

Perth has a range of attractions and activities to enjoy from sight-seeing, wildlife up close, Aboriginal culture and dance, to aquatic fun and adventure. It is one of the most popular place to visit in Australia. Attractions and places to visit in Perth, Australia in the Perth include King’s Park, Perth Zoo, the Perth Mint, Stirling Gardens, Lake Monger, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, Western Australian Museum, Concert Hall, Cultural Centre, His Majestys Theatre and the Institute of Contemporary Arts., Burswood Casino.

Adelaide

Adelaide is the capital and most populous city of the Australian state of South Australia, and is the fifth-largest city in Australia. Adelaide is a thriving city that includes some of the most prestigious vineyards in the country. There are a number of places around the city that are ideal for getting away from it all for a few days, as well as enjoying a night life that is low key but very active. Close to Adelaide are the Adelaide Hills with national parks and reserves. To the west is Adelaide ‘s coastline with beaches and seaside suburbs.

Tasmania

Tasmania has long been considered one of the most popular places to visit in Australia. It is the place where you go to escape the rat race of over populated cities, the place where nature and wilderness meets, and the place where convict history and Tasmanian culture come together to form a rich and diverse story. Tasmania offers breathtaking scenery, hiking and camping. Nice cities with excellent infra structure to visitors. The nature is the highlight, with spectacular beaches.

Sydney

Here is the world renowned Opera House. Destinations such as the Hunter Valley Wineries, Blue Mountains or Sydney dinner cruise through the famous harbor are very affordable. Other Places in Sydney, Australia to visit include the Harbour Highlights Cruise, Jenolan Caves, and the Outback Snapshot. Don’t forget to stop at the marine aquarium at Darling Harbor to be absolutely amazed with their large collection of marine wildlife.

Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef

Cairns is the main entry point and from there you can travel north or south and out to beautiful island resorts. Luxury holiday homes are a great accommodation option in this part of Australia.
Home to colorful marine life the Great Barrier Reef, located in Cairns, Queensland’s most northerly city is one of the natural wonders of the world. The Great Barrier Reef is known as the world’s largest coral reef. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the Great Barrier Reef is a premier holiday destination in Australia. Many varieties of fish and other forms of sea life make the Reef home, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn about and observe.

The Great Ocean Road

Enjoy the view from the Great Ocean Road. Running for over two hundred miles along the coastline in the area of Victoria, the view is breathtaking any time of the year. There are plenty of interesting local restaurants to try along the way, as well as several great places to stop and enjoy a beer.

Fraser Island and Gold Coast

Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island. Once a major immigrant and industrial port encompassing much of the area now marketed by tourism authorities as the Fraser Coast, the island is a growing hub for eco tourism. The unique sand dunes system, the rainforests on sand and the beautiful fresh water Lakes all add charm to the allure of the Fraser Island making it a hot holiday destination for people all over the world. Gold Coast is major attraction for surfers and beach lovers.

Kakadu National Park

One of the most beautiful National Parks in Australia with plenty of wild life and variety of native plants. The Kakadu National Park is a natural marvel encompassing a variety of habitats, a mass of wildlife and significant rock-art sites.

Magnetic Island

It is home to great colonies of kangaroos and koalas. Located near the town of Townsville, Queensland, and the Great Barrier Reef, Magnetic Island is famous for its great beaches.

Uluru

Consisting of mineral rich sandstone,  Uluru measures 2.4km (1.5 miles) long and 1.6km (1 mile) wide, and is one of earth’s great natural wonders. Also known as the Ayers Rock, resting in the middle of the Australian continent lies the imposing monolithic sandstone structure of the Uluru, a major tourist attraction of the region. Uluru is considered to be an ideal activity at sunrise and sunset, when the range of colors across the red rock seems to waver and change in fascinating patterns.

There is so much to see and do in this amazing country. Hope this guide on most popular places to visit in Australia, will be helpful in planning your Australia Trip. Australia has something for just about everyone. From simple holidays to culture filled excitement, there are all sorts of options to enjoy.

http://www.tourtipstravelguide.com/2010/02/top-10-places-in-australia-to-visit.html

Average Rating: 4.4 out of 5 based on 239 user reviews.

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