Australia Dining Reviews

Are your travel plans realistic? Can you travel the distance you want in a day? Australia is a big country, just how big, find out here. I remember years ago I was holidaying in California. And being from Australia you get many questions and everyone is always intrigued by your accent.

Anyway, I started a conversation with this twenty something lady and she was telling me she was going to visit Australia next year.

Her plan was to fly to Sydney, stay for two weeks and take day trips from there. Which sounds like a fabulous plan.

There are heaps of things to see and do around Sydney for day trips. Sydney has a fantastic zoo and aquarium. The Blue Mountains with walks and scenic look outs is a day trip. In the other direction is the Southern Highlands with more scenic points.

Visit famous Bondi Beach and other beaches near Sydney, take in a few National Parks. Oh and I nearly forgot, visit the Opera House and climb the harbor bridge. Well the list goes on and there are more than enough things to see in and around Sydney to keep you busy for more than a fortnight.

But no. Her plan was to stay in Sydney and take day trips to Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef.

I looked at her and asked her again “what are your plans?”. And Yes sure enough she planned to stay in Sydney and drive to The Great Barrier Reef and Uluru for day trips.

But that is impossible I said, and informed her that Australia is almost the same size as the United States. No matter what I said, she would not believe me - If you don’t believe me then go and look at this map http://www.ga.gov.au/education/facts/dimensions/compare.htm.

Australia is the sixth largest country and the largest island in the world.

From Sydney to Uluru is 2,795km that is 1,735 miles and from Sydney to Mackay (middle area of the Reef) it is 1,715km about 1065 miles.

At least one thousand miles - one way. There is no physical way this trip can be done.

Even flying from Sydney to The Great Barrier Reef is at a minimum 4 hours one way flying time. And the Great Barrier Reef itself takes up an area half the size of Texas.

Now, I have not told you this to put you off coming to visit Australia. Far from it. But just come informed. Enjoy your trip, visit the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru and Sydney they are all interesting and worthy of your time.

And when you visit, we’ll say G’day Mate. Happy Traveling Lisa Paterson

About the Author
Read more articles by Lisa about Facts of The Great Barrier Reef and Whale Watching (http://www.the-great-barrier-reef-experience.com/whale-watching.html).

The Sunshine Coast is just north of Brisbane the capital of Queensland, Australia and takes in 65 kilometers (40 miles) of beaches up the coast.

Central to the landscape of the sunshine coast are the Glasshouse Mountains. Named by Captain Cook in 1770 when he first discovered Australia, because with the morning sun glinting off them they reminded him of the glasshouses from his native home of England.

The Glasshouse Mountains are a significant attraction on the Sunshine coast and surrounding hinterland, that recently they were added to the Australian National Heritage Register.

Along the entire coast line and scattered through the surrounding hills are many towns geared for the traveler, with events happening continuously.

And with such beautiful scenery and fabulous weather, it’s not hard to see why it is fast becoming a holiday haven.

The glamour spot on the coast is Noosa, with high rise accommodation, night clubs, shopping, galleries, world class restaurants and of course the championship 18 hole golf course. Whatever, you could wish for on a holiday, you will find it here.

Just a few miles along the coast are many other delightful holiday towns including Caloundra, Coolum and Maroochydore.

Get away from the beach and travel up into the mountains of the hinterland. Visit charming Maleny and Montville. This area is a Mecca for artists and those of creative spirit. You could easily spend several days wandering the streets visiting many interesting shops and galleries. It is a great place to find unique gifts for family at home.

Whilst on the Sunshine Coast you must visit the acclaimed World Heritage listed Fraser Island. The largest sand island in the world, it is 123 km (76 miles) long and a must see. Enjoy a tour of the island in a specially designed 4wd bus or hire your own 4wd for a do it yourself tour. For your first time, I suggest the tour - they are great fun and provide heaps of information, we went a few years ago and had a blast.

So whether you like strolling the beach; swimming; bush walking; shopping or just lazing around the Sunshine Coast has heaps to offer and is sure to be a holiday you won’t want to forget.

Happy Holidaying Lisa Paterson

About the Author Lisa writes for http://www.the-great-barrier-reef-experience.com about the Whitsundays and Reef Islands.

Melbourne is the trendy metropolitan city of Australia. Known for its cafes, restaurants, stylish shopping and shows, it is an excellent location for a driving holiday with magnificent scenery and attractions all within an hours drive of the city centre.

Victorias capital promises to keep you fascinated from dawn to way past dusk. In the heart of the city, visit the lush Royal Botanic Gardens, popular for a quick lunch or stroll. Federation Square is a meeting place which has become a well known landmark within the city, and Brunswick Street is known for its eclectic cafés, shops and atmosphere. You also cant miss the extensive Melbourne Museum which displays some of the best art, sculptures and technology this city has to offer.

In summer there are free programmes organised in the parks and gardens of Melbourne for people of all ages. The fun in the sun programme encourages everyone to get outdoors and enjoy a picnic and some activities together.

Maybe you could plan your stay to coincide with the Royal Melbourne Show, held 20-30 September each year? The show is Victorias largest public event with rides, fantastic food,rural displays and of course, plenty of showbags.

How could you visit Melbourne without shopping? The Queen Victoria Market will keep you captivated with its myriad of stalls and food halls. You can catch a tram or walk here from the centre of the city. There are also shopping spree tours, of course, which will take you to the best bargains. Why not end your spree with a trip to the Rialto Towers, the tallest office building in the city? A small charge gives you a tour guide and one of the most incredible panoramic views of Melbourne.

For a touch of class, board a dinner and cabaret cruise on the Yarra River, or dress up for an opera or show at the Melbourne Arts Centre. The busy restaurants, clubs and shows bring the city to life at night.

If you want to stay a while longer in the city, there is every type of accommodation you could imagine. From five star in the centre of the city to bed and breakfast such as Treetops at Blackburn.

Just ninety minutes drive from Melbourne, Philip Island offers a rare opportunity to see fairy penguins at play as you watch the ‘Penguin Parade’. Sunsets are also exciting as guided tours are available to watch the penguins march. There is plenty of wildlife in this nature reserve. The fur seals will steal your heart at Seal Rocks, as will the cuddly koalas at the Koala Conservation Centre. There is a fantastic walk along Philip Islands headland that gives you breathtaking views plus a look at the Pinnacles which are unique rock formations off the coast.

Journeying on, the scenery keeps getting better with natural beauty such as Wilsons Promontory National Park at the most southern end of Australia, featuring long white beaches and incredible wildlife. The Great Ocean Road would have to be one of the most scenic drives in Australia, with 300 kilometres of winding roads which stretch from the headlands to beach views and rainforests. It is absolutely fantastic for a self drive holiday as there are so many places to stop and admire the views. It is most famous for its Twelve Apostles. These giant limestone rocks have been formed over the years by the pelting waves, and are best admired at sunset as the colours change before your eyes.

If you love adventure and rugged scenery, there are plenty of exhilarating moments waiting for you further out from the city. The Grampians are three hours drive west of Melbourne, and are especially stunning in Spring when almost 1000 species of flower are blooming. There is also Mt Buller, famous for its accessible ski fields and resorts. Mansfield Caravan and Camping Ground is the most popular place to stay if you are going to stay here for a while. With view of the mountains in the distance its a great place to relax after a day of adventure.

With so many sights and dynamic attractions, it is hard to know where to start. Depending on your tastes you can sit at a café admiring views of the city skyline and enjoy watching the world go by, or you can set off to explore the wonders of the surrounding areas. One thing is sure, Melbourne will capture your heart and call you back again and again.

About the Author
Jenny Brewer is a travel agent whose passion is writing. After spending her leisure time writing time writing childrens stories, she now enjoys writing about travel destinations. For more of her articles visit Australia Car Rentals

Famous for the Three Sisters, Katoomba Scenic Railway and breathtaking scenery, the Blue Mountains National Park needs to be visited at least once in a lifetime. It is a fantastic option for the driving holiday for so many reasons.

Accessible via Katoomba and only two hours from the harbour city of Sydney, the Blue Mountains are a paradise for those yearning to escape the hustle and bustle of the city life. With dense rainforest, waterfalls, deep gorges and world class bushwalking trails, it is a haven for the seasoned traveller, with great accessibility by road and plenty of accommodation to suit all tastes.

Springtime is one of the best times to visit Katoomba and the surrounding mountains as the dazzling colours and beauty are a photographers delight. The temperatures are on average a lot lower than Sydney, but most of the year the climate is moderate in the mid teens. Make sure you come prepared with warm clothing especially on the long walks as mountain weather can change quickly.

There are plenty of camping grounds available, one of the most popular is the Euroka campground at Glenbrook. Only 4km from the entrance gate, the sites have excellent amenities and kangaroos at your doorstep.

Located on over one million hectares of pristine wilderness, the Blue Mountains comprise of eight conservation reserves, such as the Gardens of Stone and the famous Jenolan Caves. There is something here for everyone. The massive cliffs and canyons are an adventurers paradise, with abseiling, rock climbing and mountain biking some of the popular sports available.

For those who do not wish to risk life and limb on their holiday, there are plenty of alternatives. Birdwatchers will be close to heaven as the canopy is filled with the sounds of birdlife, as well as native animals. However, the extensive range of trails and walks available are what draw people year after year, and there really are walks for every type of fitness level. Young and old, fit and.not so fit.

So, where do you start? Firstly, you need to be prepared with a good map of the area, sturdy walking shoes and plenty of water. Echo Point is one of the most famous lookouts to see the Three Sisters and the Jamison Valley. The Princes Rock Walk only takes half an hour to reach one of the most scenic lookouts over Kings Tableland. This is great for the whole family. Spectacular Kanangra Falls is located, not surprisingly, in the Kanangra Boyd National Park. With its reputation as being one of the best in Australia make sure you put this on your ‘must see’ list.

One popular attraction is Katoomba Falls.Pack a picnic lunch, and be prepared for paradise as you venture through the rainforest paths into a beautiful gully set off by the falls. With rock pools and majestic trees you might want to set some time aside here. Another famous attraction is the Katoomba Scenic Railway, which is the steepest railway in the world, so for firsts you will have to get on board and hang on tight!

Needing a challenge? There are walks for you in the Grand Canyon and Sassafras Gully, with wilderness trails that take you to incredible rainforest and breathtaking scenery. Why not try the Wollemi National Park which feature magnificent rock formations and the famous glow worm tunnels. The Grand Canyon Track is another popular walk, which stretches for 5kms deep into the Canyon.

Govetts Leap is a famous trail which takes you to the stunning views from Evans Lookout. Its great for the adventurous, but you may have to think twice if you are not too keen on heights. There are also many walks to choose from around Hazelbrook, most popular being the Valley of the Waters walk which basically follows the path of the falls down the valley.

Most visitors just want to see the raw beauty of the Blue Mountains, and that is why this magnificent wonder is internationally popular. No matter what type of traveller you are, it will take your breath away.

About the Author
Jenny Brewer is a travel agent whose passion is writing. After spending her leisure time writing time writing childrens stories, she now enjoys writing about travel destinations. For more of her articles visit Australia Car Rentals

23.03.2007. 01:31