Things to do in Australia
Things to do in Australia There are endless things to do in Australia – from snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef to
Read moreOne of the world’s most iconic and famous cities, Sydney is a great introduction to Australia. Sail the harbour, go behind the scenes at Sydney Opera House, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge and soak up the spectacular views, or simply wander the historic Rocks district, built by the early convicts.
Beyond the city, venture into the vast Blue Mountains, a World Heritage site the size of Holland, sample award winning wines in the Hunter Valley, take in the eclectic mix of cultures and lifestyles in Byron Bay, spot whale and dolphin in Jervis Bay or fly to Lord Howe Island, a remote nature lover’s paradise and one of the most pristine destinations in the world.
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Byron Bay is a mix of cultures and lifestyles, beautiful beaches and nearby hinterland. Cape Byron is the most easterly point of Australia, which receives Australia's first sunlight each day and is topped by an extremely powerful lighthouse. There are excellent panoramic views of the surrounding bays.
Coffs Harbour is a popular year round tourist destination. The combination of golden sand, high mountains, dense rainforests, steep banana plantations and clear streams make it a superb holiday area. Stop by the famed Big Banana where you will find an audio-visual theatrette, Aboriginal Dreamtime Cave, historic exhibits, hydroponics glasshouse and a banana packing shed. Along Coffs Promenade are the beautiful botanic gardens with a mangrove boardwalk, local art galleries and museums.
The Hunter Valley is the oldest wine producing area in New South Wales, with the first vines being brought here in the 1820s. It is one of Australia's more scenic wine growing areas, with the Hunter River winding its way lazily through the grapevine clad hills.
Located in the Shoalhaven region, an area with a wealth of natural treasures, Jervis Bay is the jewel in its crown with its calm, clear waters, amazing white sand beaches and pristine coastal bush landscapes. The area boasts three national parks, The Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay National Park and Jervis Bay Marine Park which together include many kilometres of walking trails and deserted beaches as well as providing sanctuary for a wide variety of wildlife. The retail centre of Jervis Bay is the township of Huskisson, with a population of 1,600 and a number of cafes and arts & crafts shops.
Port Stephens is a series of idyllic seaside villages scattered along a crystal clear waterway and the Pacific Ocean. Famous for its natural unspoilt beauty, the area is known as the "Blue Water Paradise". White sandy beaches and attractive bays and inlets ring the shores of this estuary, which is two and a half times the size of Sydney Harbour. Commonly referred to as the "Dolphin Capital of Australia", Port Stephens is best known for its resident population of over 140 bottlenose dolphins. The best way to see the pods of these playful creatures is on one of the many cruises that depart Nelson Bay daily, all year round.
Sydney is one of the world's most recognisable and beautiful cities. Built around the spectacular harbour and along the coast, the city contains world famous sights such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge as well as beaches such as Bondi. Captain James Cook was the first European to make made landfall at Botany Bay in 1770 but it was not until 1788 that the first colony was established further north in modern day Sydney. Today the city is centered on Circular Quay, flanked by the opera house and bridge with the historic district of The Rocks close by. The south side of the harbour is home to several upmarket residential districts, whilst on the north side the suburb of Manly feels like a different city entirely.
One of Australia's natural wonders, the Blue Mountains are an inspiring mix of rainforest, canyons, tall forests and heathlands. They derive their name from the ever-present blue haze caused by the sun's rays striking the minuscule droplets of eucalyptus oil, which evaporate from the leaves of the dense forest. The area is home to at least 400 animal species, including more than one third of Australia's bird species, 1,300 plant species and the greatest concentration of eucalypt diversity in Australia.
Things to do in Australia There are endless things to do in Australia – from snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef to
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Things to do in the Cook Islands The 15 islands that make up the Cook Islands are scattered over an expanse of
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