Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland and home to around 2 million people. It is situated half way up the East Coast of Australia and is the gateway to the tropics making summer hot and humid and winter cold and wet. September is the best time to visit because the weather is starting to heat up with temperatures in the 90's but the humidity is not that bad. There are mostly sunny days and you are able to make the most of the outside activities the area has to offer. Here are some of the highlights to make your holiday in Australia enjoyable.
Southbank is a favorite haunt of both locals and tourists. Located in the heart of the city it was originally the site of Expo 1988. The main attraction is the artificial beach and children’s playground. It is exactly like a lagoon out of a picture book with sand, lapping water and palm trees but without the jellyfish and crabs. An extra bonus for the shopaholics is that it is surrounded by boutiques, cafes and restaurants. There is always something happening with concerts, fireworks and other events. Every Friday night you can join in the latin dancing in the streets of Southbank and the markets that operate all day Friday and over the weekend.
A short walk from Southbank is the Cultural Center which houses the Queensland Museum, Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art and the State Library. There is also a modern cinema with the cheapest movie tickets in town.
Mount Coot-tha is situated just outside the city centre in an otherwise unassuming suburb. A long road winds up the mountain to the lookout at the top which provides spectacular views of the city and surrounds. On a clear day it is possible to see as far as Moreton Bay. At the lookout is an elegant restaurant where you can enjoy a meal as well as the view whilst more adventurous types can take advantage of the bushwalking trails, including a track down to Slaughter’s Falls. At the base of Mount Coot-tha is the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens which is a perfect place to relax.
The Gold Coast is one of the most glitzy holiday places in Australia and it is the place people go to have a good time. It is situated south of Brisbane and is about a one hour drive. With hotels, nightclubs, casinos, shops, beaches and theme parks it is always packed with people and the traffic from Brisbane on weekends and public holidays can be very slow. The most popular theme parks are Dreamworld, Seaworld, Warner Bros Movieworld and Wet n Wild. There is always something happening in the plazas and malls and it is worth spending a few days here if you are able.
These are just some of the many attractions you can find in Brisbane and are on my must see list every time I visit. Other places of interest include the Story Bridge, Lone Pine Koala Sactuary, Moreton Bay and Bribie Island. Whatever you decide to do I am sure you will enjoy your holiday in Australia.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010
A Holiday in Australia - Some Tips To Help You
A holiday in Australia is an impressive experience and there is an
unbounded amount of ways you can consume your time. From beaches,
wineries, cities, rain forests and tropical hide aways you are
confident to discover your ideal adventure. You probably have an idea
of what you would like to see and do but often education of the little
things about a country can make the difference between a holiday that
is enjoyable and one that is frustrating.
You will probably land in an Australian capital city like Cairns or
Sydney. All airports have car hire booths and taxi stands. Most will
have a shuttle bus to the city or your hotel. Public transport options
at airports can vary. Sydney International Airport is exceptional
with regular trains to the city.
All cities have a range of accommodation to suit every budget. All
major towns and capital cities have residential suburbs in the
outlying areas and a Central Business Center (CBD) in the heart of the
city. The majority of vacant accommodation will be in the CBD. You
will also discover restaurants, shopping precincts, nightlife and
cultural centers close to the CBD.
Other currency is rarely accepted as the Australian Dollar is the
standard currency. Money can be exchanged at money exchange centers
and banks. All purchases in Australia include a Goods and Services
Tax(GST) and this is by law incorporated in the advertised price.
Tipping for service is not expected.
Most public transport will branch out from the city into the outer
suburbs. If you dont want to spend much time travelling on public
transport then you should stay close to the CBD and avoid expensive
taxi and bus rides. All capital cities have buses and trains with
Sydney and Perth providing limited ferry services. Melbourne also
provides trams. Public transport runs a lot more frequently during
weekdays then weekends so keep this in mind when planning trips.
Australia is viewed as a land of beaches and sunshine but the weather
can vary depending on location and season. Having lived in Australia
all my life I would have to say the best time to holiday in Australia
is April/May and September/October. At these times of the year it is
fairly mild throughout most of the country. Temperatures are still
warm enough to swim and it is mostly sunny weather without the high
temperatures of summer. The wet season is over in the north of the
country and the heat and humidity are more bearable. The southern most
states of Tasmania and Victoria may be a little cool but overall it is
the best time to experience the widest range of activities.
Armed with the above intelligence I hope you find your holiday in
Australia to be an amazing experience that surpasses your
expectations.
unbounded amount of ways you can consume your time. From beaches,
wineries, cities, rain forests and tropical hide aways you are
confident to discover your ideal adventure. You probably have an idea
of what you would like to see and do but often education of the little
things about a country can make the difference between a holiday that
is enjoyable and one that is frustrating.
You will probably land in an Australian capital city like Cairns or
Sydney. All airports have car hire booths and taxi stands. Most will
have a shuttle bus to the city or your hotel. Public transport options
at airports can vary. Sydney International Airport is exceptional
with regular trains to the city.
All cities have a range of accommodation to suit every budget. All
major towns and capital cities have residential suburbs in the
outlying areas and a Central Business Center (CBD) in the heart of the
city. The majority of vacant accommodation will be in the CBD. You
will also discover restaurants, shopping precincts, nightlife and
cultural centers close to the CBD.
Other currency is rarely accepted as the Australian Dollar is the
standard currency. Money can be exchanged at money exchange centers
and banks. All purchases in Australia include a Goods and Services
Tax(GST) and this is by law incorporated in the advertised price.
Tipping for service is not expected.
Most public transport will branch out from the city into the outer
suburbs. If you dont want to spend much time travelling on public
transport then you should stay close to the CBD and avoid expensive
taxi and bus rides. All capital cities have buses and trains with
Sydney and Perth providing limited ferry services. Melbourne also
provides trams. Public transport runs a lot more frequently during
weekdays then weekends so keep this in mind when planning trips.
Australia is viewed as a land of beaches and sunshine but the weather
can vary depending on location and season. Having lived in Australia
all my life I would have to say the best time to holiday in Australia
is April/May and September/October. At these times of the year it is
fairly mild throughout most of the country. Temperatures are still
warm enough to swim and it is mostly sunny weather without the high
temperatures of summer. The wet season is over in the north of the
country and the heat and humidity are more bearable. The southern most
states of Tasmania and Victoria may be a little cool but overall it is
the best time to experience the widest range of activities.
Armed with the above intelligence I hope you find your holiday in
Australia to be an amazing experience that surpasses your
expectations.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
A Holiday in Australia - Crossing the Nullabor Plain
For a more adventurous holiday in Australia try The Nullabor Plain. The Nullabor Plain stretches from Norseman in Western Australia to Ceduna in South Australia, a distance of 1200 kilometers. Nullabor is basic Latin meaning no trees because it is a treeless plain. There are no towns, only roadhouses several hundred kilometers apart but the road is sealed and in good condition.
Unless you are very familiar with roads and driving in the Australian Outback you need to do all your driving during the day. Kangaroos are especially hard to see and have a habit of being attracted to the headlights of moving cars and running for them causing accidents. They generally come out at dawn and dusk and at night and rest in the shade during the day.
If your holiday in Australia is to include the Nullabor then you should carry plenty of your own water and basic food supplies in case you break down. You are able to buy petrol and limited supplies from roadhouses but everything is about three times as expensive on the Nullabor so make sure you have budgeted for this. Most roadhouses have a restaurant where you can have a cooked meal or get something to take away. We found the ham, cheese and tomato sandwiches found at every roadhouse to be the perfect breakfast food when temperatures are low.
The Nullabor has ensured that many pests are unable to move across the country and quarantine laws are strictly enforced. Traveling east you will need to surrender all fruit and vegetables at Ceduna and traveling West at Border Village.
Accommodation can be found at all roadhouses. Most have camping sites and basic motel style units. There are no five star resorts and most would be considered quite dingy but after a day driving it is wonderful to sleep in a bed and have a shower.
For a holiday in Australia on the Nullabor the wildlife and scenery are spectacular. We saw emus, kangaroos, wild camels and lizards but our favorites were the wedge tail eagles soaring above us and landing on the road just outside of Madura. Nothing compares to the Great Australian Bight which you can view from lookouts near Eucla on or near the border between South Australia and Western Australia. Other attractions include meteorite deposits at Mundrabilla and caves at Cocklebiddy.
Crossing the Nullabor Plain usually takes two to three days and is a holiday in Australia you will never forget.
Unless you are very familiar with roads and driving in the Australian Outback you need to do all your driving during the day. Kangaroos are especially hard to see and have a habit of being attracted to the headlights of moving cars and running for them causing accidents. They generally come out at dawn and dusk and at night and rest in the shade during the day.
If your holiday in Australia is to include the Nullabor then you should carry plenty of your own water and basic food supplies in case you break down. You are able to buy petrol and limited supplies from roadhouses but everything is about three times as expensive on the Nullabor so make sure you have budgeted for this. Most roadhouses have a restaurant where you can have a cooked meal or get something to take away. We found the ham, cheese and tomato sandwiches found at every roadhouse to be the perfect breakfast food when temperatures are low.
The Nullabor has ensured that many pests are unable to move across the country and quarantine laws are strictly enforced. Traveling east you will need to surrender all fruit and vegetables at Ceduna and traveling West at Border Village.
Accommodation can be found at all roadhouses. Most have camping sites and basic motel style units. There are no five star resorts and most would be considered quite dingy but after a day driving it is wonderful to sleep in a bed and have a shower.
For a holiday in Australia on the Nullabor the wildlife and scenery are spectacular. We saw emus, kangaroos, wild camels and lizards but our favorites were the wedge tail eagles soaring above us and landing on the road just outside of Madura. Nothing compares to the Great Australian Bight which you can view from lookouts near Eucla on or near the border between South Australia and Western Australia. Other attractions include meteorite deposits at Mundrabilla and caves at Cocklebiddy.
Crossing the Nullabor Plain usually takes two to three days and is a holiday in Australia you will never forget.
Monday, January 11, 2010
How To Enjoy A Holiday In Australia
Australia is a vast, beautiful country and has something to offer everyone. From a metropolitan holiday to the great Australian outback holiday. A holiday in Australia can be as expensive or as cheap as you like, depending on your taste and budget. There are 3 to 5 star hotels at one end of the scale and for those who love to get back to nature there are camping holidays with many national parks and camping sites for free.
For those after a metropolitan holiday in Australia the cities to see are Melbourne, Sydney, the Gold Coast or Perth.
Melbourne is considered very stylish for Australian cities with its mix of Victorian and modern architectures. It has a rich variety of cultural food and shopping. Other worthwhile endeavours whilst in Melbourne is a drive along the Great Ocean Road. This is a 200 mile drive along some of Australia's most beautiful coastline.
Sydney is the business capital of Australia and has a rich variety of restaurants and designer clothes shopping. See the beautiful Sydney Harbour by ferry as well as Darling Harbour and The Rocks. Taronga Zoo, Bondi Beach or The Blue Mountains are also worthy of a visit.
The Gold Coast has plenty to offer everyone and is geared towards families with a large amount of family accommodation available and plenty of theme parks and rides.
Perth in Western Australia, is a city with many untouched beaches. The W.A. also offers a large variety of wineries, the tree top walk and the blow hole.
For a more adventurous holiday in Australia then Far North Queensland would have to be the place to stay. The Great Barrier Reef is a big attraction with snorkeling around the coral with the abundance of fish. Or you could see the Daintree Rainforest the oldest rainforest in the world. If you are after a more rugged holiday take a trip to outback Australia along the Savannah Way. You can then move on to Darwin or the heritage listed Kakadu National Park and explore the wonderful wild life and nature walks. There are many wildlife parks in this area if you are after a cheaper camping holiday. If you like the idea of a guide there are also many paid tours.
The Whitsunday Islands are beautiful secluded islands perfect for a peaceful holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.
Port Douglas in Cairns is also a beautiful visit.
A holiday in Australia is not the same without seeing the native kangaroos, koalas, or the abundance of bird life that call this vast country home. So are you now eager to take a holiday in Australia? You choose. Are your tastes heading for the rugged outdoor adventure or the comfort of our fantastic choice of motels? Have fun now.
For those after a metropolitan holiday in Australia the cities to see are Melbourne, Sydney, the Gold Coast or Perth.
Melbourne is considered very stylish for Australian cities with its mix of Victorian and modern architectures. It has a rich variety of cultural food and shopping. Other worthwhile endeavours whilst in Melbourne is a drive along the Great Ocean Road. This is a 200 mile drive along some of Australia's most beautiful coastline.
Sydney is the business capital of Australia and has a rich variety of restaurants and designer clothes shopping. See the beautiful Sydney Harbour by ferry as well as Darling Harbour and The Rocks. Taronga Zoo, Bondi Beach or The Blue Mountains are also worthy of a visit.
The Gold Coast has plenty to offer everyone and is geared towards families with a large amount of family accommodation available and plenty of theme parks and rides.
Perth in Western Australia, is a city with many untouched beaches. The W.A. also offers a large variety of wineries, the tree top walk and the blow hole.
For a more adventurous holiday in Australia then Far North Queensland would have to be the place to stay. The Great Barrier Reef is a big attraction with snorkeling around the coral with the abundance of fish. Or you could see the Daintree Rainforest the oldest rainforest in the world. If you are after a more rugged holiday take a trip to outback Australia along the Savannah Way. You can then move on to Darwin or the heritage listed Kakadu National Park and explore the wonderful wild life and nature walks. There are many wildlife parks in this area if you are after a cheaper camping holiday. If you like the idea of a guide there are also many paid tours.
The Whitsunday Islands are beautiful secluded islands perfect for a peaceful holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.
Port Douglas in Cairns is also a beautiful visit.
A holiday in Australia is not the same without seeing the native kangaroos, koalas, or the abundance of bird life that call this vast country home. So are you now eager to take a holiday in Australia? You choose. Are your tastes heading for the rugged outdoor adventure or the comfort of our fantastic choice of motels? Have fun now.
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