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Tag: Australian travel

  • Stay Safe on Australian Beaches – Sharks, Sunburn, and Other Aussie Hazards

    When tourists think of Australia they think of three words: sun, surf, and sand. And it’s not hard to see why..

    Not only are Australia's beaches beautiful, they're also free for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're learning to surf or lazing about, it's easy to spend a few days soaking up the atmosphere. However there are a few tips that foreigners should follow if they want to stay safe on an Aussie beach. Unless you're a very strong swimmer, you should visit a patrolled beach. It'll offer great peace of mind to know that lifeguards are on hand should you get into trouble. You shouldn't have any such concerns though if you swim between the red and yellow flags. This marked area is the safest part of the beach, free from underwater currents, submerged rocks, and other hazards. If you do happen to swim out into one of the underwater currents, known locally as rips, it's important to stay calm. Your natural instinct may be to fight and swim against the undertow, but this can get you into more trouble. Instead swim across it to safety. If you are a strong swimmer, don't be afraid to visit one of Australia's unpatrolled beaches. These areas are often far less crowded, so they're very appealing to surfers and anyone who enjoys the quiet. Without a lifeguard to look out for you, it's a good idea to swim with a friend. Its also smartest to swim away from rocky areas. Some patrolled beaches also have signs warning travelers of any dangers, including poisonous jellyfish and sea snakes. [caption id="attachment_3507" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Whitehaven Beach in Queensland"][/caption] Australia's dangerous animals are always of concern to foreign travelers, but the locals know these creatures rarely cause trouble. The poisonous blue ringed octopus lives in rock pools, and venomous stonefish can often be seen on rocks, but they won't harm you unless provoked. Many beaches also have nets to prevent sharks and jellyfish reaching beach goers. And finally, don't underestimate the power of the Australian sun. Make sure to apply sunscreen regularly, and wear a T-shirt, hat, and sunglasses while you're on the shore. Rash shirts can also offer some extra protection while you're enjoying the waves. These sun smart precautions can ensure you don't leave Australia with a nasty sunburn or worse!

  • Free Art Galleries in Sydney, New South Wales

    It doesn’t cost a lot to get cultured in Sydney. Entry to most art galleries in the Australian tourist center is free!

    Some of Australia’s most famous artworks are housed in the Art Gallery of New South Wales, including pieces from 19th and 20th century masters Grace Cossington Smith, Sidney Nolan, and Russell Drysdale.

    The gallery is also home to the Yiribana Gallery, which celebrates Australian indigenous art. If you prefer something more modern, visit The Rocks' Museum of Contemporary Art. It's the only museum of its kind in Oz, so it's worth visiting if your tastes are cutting edge. While it's not as spacious as the big galleries, the Blender Gallery in Paddington is also worth a look; this space provides a temporary home for traveling rock-focused photography exhibitions. The Locksmith Project Space in Alexandria is another exciting small free gallery, which showcases experimental pieces including films and music. The life and work of one of Sydney's most talented artists, Brett Whitley, is showcased at his Surry Hills studio. His work, including many unfinished pieces, is displayed here in the building which served as his home and exhibition space. The Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum in Faulconbridge is another site focusing on one of Sydney's favorite sons. Norman Lindsay shot to fame as the author and illustrator of the beloved Australian children's book The Magic Pudding. The gallery features works from this classic story, along with Lindsay's other key pieces. The Australian Galleries have so many local artworks that they needed six campuses to house them all: four in Victoria and two in the Sydney suburb of Paddington. The buildings on Glenmore Road and Roylston Street honor modern Aussie artists under the gaze of Stuart Purves, the son of the original curators.paintbrushes The Blacktown Arts Centre, Campbelltown Arts Centre, and Hawkesbury Regional Gallery are also great gallery options outside the city center. Some traveling exhibitions may incur additional costs, but it's possible to soak up plenty of Australian and international art for free in Sydney.

  • Sydney’s Cheapest Transport Options – Explore Australian City for Less

    The fast-paced energy of Sydney can daunt some tourists. But if you want to save cash in the New South Wales capital, resist the urge to simply jump in a taxi.

    The city has several affordable, and even free, transport options. When staying right in the heart of Sydney, the free CBD shuttle bus is your best option. Buses complete a loop every ten minutes, touching down at key points like Central Station, Circular Quay, the luxurious Queen Victoria Building mall, and the Sydney Museum. If you're venturing further afield, the Explorer buses are your best bet. The Sydney Explorer bus visits 27 of the city's most popular landmarks, including the Opera House, Darling Harbour, and Royal Botanic Gardens. There's also a Bondi Explorer for tourists wanting to hit the beach. You can simply hop off the Explorer buses when something looks interesting, knowing it'll be only 20 minutes before the next one comes along. You'll travel in air-conditioned comfort, and probably learn something along the way thanks to the onboard commentary. One-day passes cost $40 for adults, $20 for children, and $100 for families. Anyone taking an extended trip may save money by choosing a multi-day ticket. These three, five, and seven-day passes include travel on both Explorer buses and other public transport around the city.inexpensive Australia trip graphic The monorail doesn't stop at as many places as the buses, but this sky-high railway is a lot of fun to ride. Families may also find they unexpectedly save money by purchasing a day pass. Along with 24 hours of unlimited travel, the ticket includes $100 worth of coupons for Sydney's kid-friendly tourist attractions and restaurants. Many tourists spend money on expensive cruises and tours to see Sydney Harbour, but the locals know it's much more affordable, and just as impressive, from the ferry. Sydney Ferries travel from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo, the beach suburb of Manly, North Sydney, and other destinations around the harbour. Round trips cost less than $10 a piece, but if you're planning several journeys you may benefit from a DayTripper pass. This offers 24-hours of unlimited travel on ferries, buses, and even some trains. While Sydney's public transport prices are always reasonable, it's cheapest to travel on Sundays. Dubbed Family Funday Sundays, travel anywhere on New South Wales' trains, buses, and ferries costs just $2.50 per person. With the networks taking in destinations like the Central Coast, Newcastle, and Southern Highlands, this deal allows families to see more of the state for less.

  • Australia’s Best Jogging Trails – Work Up a Sweat in Oz

    When spending time in Australia’s big cities, it can be tempting to enjoy boozy nights out at the pubs and clubs, and spend the next day nursing the hangover.


    If you'd prefer to sweat out the alcohol though, there are some wonderful jogging paths just waiting for you to explore. When you're in Sydney, head to the beach. A jogging trail stretches for eight kilometers from the famous Bondi Beach to Coogee. Along the way it takes in the picturesque breaks of Tamarama, Bronte, and Clovelly. The hills will test novices, but it's worth the work to gaze out to the headlands and Tasman Sea. If you want to stretch your workout, you can always peel off the path and take a dip in the ocean! Albert Park may be more famous as a world-class Formula One venue than a running track, but plenty of Melbourne residents make use of the circuit once the cars are gone. The gardens and trees make the parklands a really pretty spot to burn a few calories. [caption id="attachment_4637" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Girl jogging near Bondi Beach"]Girl jogging near Bondi Beach[/caption] Brisbane River is the heart of Queensland's capital, home to some of the city's best restaurants, musical performances, and festivals. It's also got a great jogging and cycling circuit, which winds its way from one side of the river to the other, past the botanic gardens and South Bank parklands. The path is marked with distances so you know exactly how far you've traveled. It does get a bit busy in the evenings, as businessmen try to burn a few kilojoules after work, so arrive early to avoid the crowds. In Canberra runners are spoiled for choice, with several tracks around Lake Burley Griffin. This majestic lake is too large to circle, so instead run until you get tired around the parklands on the south side, or the Commonwealth Avenue and Kings Avenue bridges. These routes are popular with the locals, so if you'd rather enjoy a little quiet time look to Sterling Park. The exercise circuit here is surprisingly peaceful considering it’s lush, leafy surrounds. Kings Park is an obvious choice while you're visiting Perth. This beautiful park has many tracks which cross over each other, so you can mix up your path each day. For a longer workout follow the famous Swan River. Runners are best served traveling via the northern bank as navigating this track is easier for anyone on the go. There are so many parks around Adelaide that it's easy to find a place to stretch your legs. The pick of them is the track around the River Torrens, a pretty six-kilometer route from Adelaide to the city's north. The track will take you to the Botanic Gardens, which are another picturesque spot for working up a sweat. Hobart’s Botanic Gardens are also ideal for a morning jog. Along with the Queen's Domain, this leafy part of Tasmania offers six kilometers of running trail. The picturesque path takes in the Derwent River, the historic cenotaph, and the TCA cricket ground. So don't let your Australian vacation stall your fitness regime. The country's jogging paths are a great way to see its major cities on foot.

    [Image Source: Ernst Moeksis/Flickr]

  • Sky High Drinks at Lilo – Rooftop Bar in Cairns, Australia

    Rooftop bars first became popular in Miami, Florida, but these days they’re popping up all over the world. Now Australia has gotten in on the act with the launch of Lilo at the top of the Rydges Plaza in Cairns, north Queensland.

    Lilo makes the most of the warm weather that Queensland’s top end is famous for.


    Sun streams into the indoor lounge and dining areas, and shines on the folks lounging in the cabanas or by the pool outdoors. Once the sun sets the music starts pumping and candlelight bathes the bar in a romantic glow. Breakfast is served daily from 6 am, but the main draw cards are the burgers served for lunch and dinner. If you've got an appetite, prepare to take on the challenge of the Big Ass Burgers. Each one has more than 2.7 kg of beef with salad, cheese, and mayo, so prepare to share them around amongst your friends! If your palate is a bit more delicate you could order a tiny burger known as a slider, or a serve of delicious asparagus fries. The wet bar opens in the afternoon at 4 pm. The dress code is relaxed, with people enjoying drinks in their swimsuits as the sun sets. For all the cool of Miami with a distinctly Australian flavor, make sure you find time to enjoy a couple of drinks at Lilo on your next Aussie vacation.

  • Discover Broadbeach – Cosmopolitan Style on Queensland’s Gold Coast

    When thinking of up-market vacation destinations, few people think of Queensland’s Gold Coast. It’s got a reputation for cheap plastic souvenirs, action-packed theme parks, and rowdy high school graduates. But there’s a much classier side of the Gold Coast to be discovered at Surfer’s Paradise’s more sophisticated cousin, Broadbeach.

    Broadbeach is an easy hour’s drive from Brisbane. You’ll need to hire a car to get there, but once you arrive you’ll find it easy enough to get around on public transport or on foot.

    Check in to one of the area’s high class hotels or serviced apartments for real luxury. The Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach offers some great weekend packages, but if you’d rather enjoy the facilities of an apartment look to Meriton Serviced Apartments or the Mantra Phoenician.

    Staying at the Sofitel has its advantages, as its cosmopolitan wine bar Room 81 is one of the places to be seen. Classic and signature cocktails are the perfect accompaniment to the bar’s tasting menu, which offers gourmet fare like duck spring rolls and local tiger prawns.Australia vacation tips photo

    The beach is a drawcard for any Queensland tourist, but you’ll find the sands at Broadbeach more relaxed than those at Surfers Paradise. The atmosphere is perfect for lazing about with a magazine, but if you’d prefer something more active you can sign up for a class with Broadbeach Surf School.

    Once you’ve surfed up a sweat, head to the local restaurant strip. Many folks regard Broadbeach as the Gold Coast’s dining hub, so it’s difficult to find a bad meal. If you’ve got a taste for seafood, head to the award-winning Yellowfin. Carnivores can get their fix at the playfully named Moo Moo Wine Bar + Grill.

    If you’re in the mood for retail therapy, make sure you stop at Pacific Fair. This mall has more than 300 shops, so you’re bound to find just what you’re looking for. If you’d prefer to find something more unique, check out the craft markets held on the shore on the first and third Sundays of every month.

    Not that you need to be on the go. Broadbeach has plenty of options for relaxing too, whether it’s a game of golf, or a spa treatment at Q1 Spa or Splash Day Spa.

    Whether you’re visiting the Gold Coast to soak up the atmosphere, or simply take it easy, Broadbeach can help you do it in style.

  • Surf the Cronulla Coast – Sydney’s Best Surfing Beaches

    Australia is known as one of the best surfing spots in the world, hosting major pro championships on the Gold Coast and Bells Beach.

    While these breaks grab the headlines, New South Wales locals prefer the more laidback atmosphere of the Cronulla Coast, just outside Sydney. The Cronulla Beaches National Surfing Reserve features seven neighboring beaches: Sandshoes, Greenhills, Shark Island, North Cronulla, Cronulla Point, Voodoo, and Merries Reef. Local surfing royalty Mark Occhilupo, Kirk Flintoff, Andrew Lester, and Steven Warren cut their eye teeth on these waves, which have been delighting generations of surfers since 1914. If you're comfortable on a board you'll fit right in, but if you're a novice you shouldn't let that stop you. Cronulla Surf School is the longest running surf school in Sydney. Its instructors will teach you everything you need to start hanging ten. The school also offers surfboard and bodyboard hire, a great option for tourists. The region is also home to the Cronulla Surfing Academy, a school that offers instruction for surfers of all levels. All gear, including wetsuits and surfboards, is supplied so all you need to worry about is learning.surfing in australia Cronulla's beaches are the area’s main attractions, but this Sydney suburb has enough to encourage you to stick around once you’ve stepped away from the sand. Local sidewalk cafes and fish and chips shops can satisfy your hunger pangs, or you can shop up a storm in the Cronulla Plaza. If you'd prefer to continue communing with nature, make sure you take in the views on The Esplanade coastal walk. Cronulla has plenty of accommodation options, from the up-market Rydges and Quest Serviced Apartments to the more basic Seabreeze Bed and Breakfast and Cronulla Beach YHA. But if you'd prefer to stay in the big smoke, the beaches are an easy walk from Cronulla train station.

  • Skateboarding in Sydney at Monster Skatepark

    Ten years ago, Sydney Olympic Park was a hive of activity as elite athletes from around the world competed for gold and glory.

    The Olympics may be long gone, but the Australian park has barely slowed down. These days it's home to a variety of events and activities designed to get your blood pumping. One of the best is the Monster Skatepark, which is the only international standard indoor and outdoor skateboarding venue in Oz. You don't have to be the next Tony Hawk to appreciate this place, which has more jumps and ramps than any other in the Southern Hemisphere. It was built by riders, for riders, so it knows just what board enthusiasts of all skill levels want. There's an international competition sized vert ramp, two adjacent mini ramps connected by spines and a roll through, and a 1000 square meter indoor street course. If you're a beginner on a board, don't let that scare you. The Monster Academy runs development clinics to help everyone from novices to aspiring pros hone their skills. Academy classes are divided into iSkate levels to ensure all participants are challenged and nurtured. The Monster Skatepark is open daily from 10 am until 10 pm, although these times may vary when the park hosts events or other special sessions. It costs $10 for a four-hour skate session or $19 for a day pass.

  • Unusual Animal Races in New South Wales, Australia

    Australians regularly combine their love of sport with their thirst for betting with some wacky animal sporting races.

    We've looked at the Camel Cup in Alice Springs and cane toad races in Queensland, but it seems New South Wales has the market cornered with three unusual animal races. In the big smoke of Sydney they've got crab races. The Friend in Hand pub in the city's inner-west holds the crustacean races every Wednesday night to help folks liven up their working week. For $5 you can buy a crab, give it an inspirational name, and see it face off against 30 other competitors. The atmosphere is rowdy and raucous, especially once the crowd enjoys a few cleansing ales.Australia map The city is also famous for its greyhound races. They might not be as strange as the crab races, but these events are so popular that they're worth a mention. Visit the newly revamped Wentworth Park Sporting Complex in the inner-city suburb of Glebe to see the doggies chasing the robotic hare every Monday and Saturday night. You don't need to know anything about the sport to enjoy this evening out.
    There's plenty of time between races to catch up with mates and indulge in a quiet beer, and there’s nothing quite like the thrill of an unexpected win. Sheep aren't known for their speed, but the locals in the country town of Booligal in the Riverina district still turn out every October to see these animals race at the annual Booligal Cup. The event was originally conceived as a way to perk up the locals in the drought-stricken 1990s. Back then the sheep were only dressed up in colorful costumes, but in time sheep racing became part of the festivities. As sheep aren't the smartest of creatures it can take some effort to encourage them to run in the right direction, but that's all part of the fun of this quirky event. These unusual animal events may never catch on as international pastimes, but they're definitely worth experiencing when you're holidaying in New South Wales.

  • Discover Melbourne’s Dark Side on City’s Creepiest Guided Tours

    It might be a world away from Forks, Washington, but if you want to be spooked in Australia head to Melbourne. Stephanie Meyer didn’t set her Twilight novels here, but she easily could have.

    After all, with more rain and clouds than any other city in Oz it's certainly gloomy enough. Add plenty of gothic characters and a rich crime history and you've got a recipe for horror. Dig underneath Melbourne's cosmopolitan surface and you'll find a city that's deliciously dark. You can learn more about this creepy underbelly on the following guided tours. Is there anything scarier than a ghoulish tour led by a real life vampire? Darren Sinton may be one creepy character, but that only adds to the Haunted Melbourne Ghost Tour's allure. It travels from The Haunted Bookshop on McKillop Street to some of Melbourne's eeriest places, including the Mitre Tavern, where the Queen Street massacre took place in 1987, and the site of the Queen Victoria Market, which is now reportedly haunted by three bush rangers. The tour costs just $20, but be warned. It's targeted at adults with strong stomachs so children should probably stay away.ghost By day Como House is a marvel of 19th century architecture with beautiful gardens and a tasty café. But there's a much more sinister side to this heritage listed property. Mediums from Spookspotters Paranormal Research investigated the house and discovered incredibly high levels of paranormal activity. You can experience this for yourself on one the house's Twilight Tours. You'll learn about Como House's history, and perhaps meet one of its spectral residents! Even if you don’t encounter a ghost there's something very creepy about walking the house's halls with only the light of a lamp to guide you.
    Tours run on Thursday evenings during winter, and are unsuitable for children under 15 years of age. They cost $30 for adults, and $27 for concession holders. Numbers are strictly limited to 12, so make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment. Melbourne's crime history is so famous it’s been the subject of two of the wildly popular Australian drama series Underbelly. The Melbourne Crime Tour strips away the facts from the fiction and takes guests to the sites of some of Victoria's most infamous crimes. After four hours on your feet you’re bound to get hungry, and what better place to satisfy a craving than Brunetti's cake shop, owned by underworld figure Mick Gatto. The Melbourne Crime Tour costs $55, and places can be reserved online.

    [Image Source: Matt Wi1s0n/Flickr]