Australia Travel Guide

Top Destinations in Australia

• Australian Capital Territory
• South Australia
• New South Wales
• Tasmania
• Northern Territory
• Victoria
• Queensland
• Western Australia

Australia Popular Destinations

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Situated in the Red Centre of Australia this is where the famed red monolith Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta is to be found. There is a guided three hour walking trail around this sacred Aboriginal site, with certain sacred areas that are fenced off. Your Aboriginal tour guide will give you a fascinating look into the survival techniques used over the last 22 000 years which enabled them to adapt to this harsh inhospitable land. Visit between April to October when the temperature is slightly more bearable- summer temperatures can reach up to brain sizzling mid-40's°C!

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park - Australia's famed diving mecca consists of 2 000 islands set in an azure blue sea which is populated with darting jewel-like fish and beautiful coral. Just about the best place in the world to go snorkeling or scuba diving; for those who prefer to stay dry there are lazy trips out on glass-bottomed boats that travel between islands and the mainland. From busy resorts with loads of entertainment to quiet nature watching on Heron Island, there is something to suite all tastes here.

Sydney - Explore Sydney's main attractions, starting with the old Quay and Rocks area, with its historical seafaring landmarks. Next up would be a visit to the heart of the city, where the lush Botanic Gardens bring welcome greenery and life to the mid city. Pop over to Kings Cross area for a spot of lunch in one of the trendy cafes. Take in the views across the harbour from the Northern side of the is area. There are numerous museums, galleries and culteral landmarks within Sydney, all reflecting the rich diversity and interesting history of the area. The Aussies are not all sport mad- they are big on arts and culture as well. Dinkum, mate!

Tweed Valley, Northern NSW Australia - by Tracy Parker from Australia - 2005-11-10

Nestled up against the NSW/Queensland Border and stretching down the coast and hinterland, the Tweed Shire is gradually being discovered as the jewel in the crown of the Northern Rivers region. Boasting unsurpassed beauty, the largest sub-tropical rainforest remnant and the biggest extinct shield volcano in the world, the Tweed is home to 5 World Heritage Listed National Parks, including the famous Mt Warning ~ the eroded central plug of the 250,000 acre volcano and the place where the dawn sun first touches Australia From the Tweed coastal region ~ an unspoiled 37 km strip of pristine beach, dotted with small towns offering a range of eateries and world class resorts ~ to the beautiful hinterland valleys and mountains with quaint villages, sidewalk cafés, galleries, arts, crafts and award winning retreats the Tweed has something to satisfy all tastes and pockets. As well as being the most bio-diverse region in Australia, with geography ranging from mountains and rainforest to pristine beaches, the Tweed enjoys cultural diversity and a terrific climate. Summer mean temperature range is 18 to 30C and winter is a marvelous experience with temperatures ranging from 7 to 25C, which means log fires at night and t-shirts and shorts during the day. So at any time of the year you can marvel at pre-historic rainforests with rivers and creeks meandering through lush green valleys, relax on pristine beaches, enjoy galleries, villages and all manner of activities, from golf and guided rainforest tours, to horse-riding, BMW bike tours and scenic joy-flights for the more energetic. Visitors from Sydney or Melbourne take a 1 hour flight to Gold Coast airport and hire a car for total freedom to enjoy the area. Two minutes after you leave the airport you cross the border into NSW and the Northern end of the Tweed Shire. From Brisbane the Tweed is a 90 minute drive south. As you take the Tweed Valley Way turnoff on the Highway from the Gold Coast to Murwillumbah, you’ll know that you’re nearing your destination when you see Mt Warning towering over the cane fields that line the road. Named Wollumbin, meaning “Cloud Catcher” by the Bundjalung people who lived in the area before European settlement, it stands like a huge reminder that we’re nearing the hub of the Tweed Shire. Just off Tweed Valley Way, nestled in a small park by the Tweed River are the Murwillumbah Rainforest and Information Centre. Its here you learn Murwillumbah means “place of many possums and find a fascinating display of how the erupting volcano formed the area’s unique topography. A short drive across the bridge and you’re in the centre of Murwillumbah, a picturesque town that spreads along the western bank of the Tweed River and up into the hills of the McPherson Ranges. Surrounded, as it is, by the rim of the volcano and bordering the Tweed River, you can’t help but notice that almost every street has magnificent mountain, river and valley views. Murwillumbah is a place where the lifestyle is relaxed and informal, the people friendly and welcoming and a perfect place to stop for lunch. You can choose from one of the many al fresco cafés and restaurants in town, or maybe you’d prefer to dine at one of the several pubs and clubs. Whichever you choose, your meal is bound to include fresh, local produce as well as a friendly chat on the best places to visit during your stay. As well as pristine rainforests, impressive mountains and beautiful countryside, the Tweed is a haven for local craftspeople and you’ll enjoy discovering the many galleries and craft shops which display their wares in the various picturesque villages dotted around the hinterland. Try to find time to visit the new multi-million dollar art gallery. Just 2 minutes south of Murwillumbah, the art gallery is home to the richest portrait prize in Australia, the Doug Moran prize. Later on you can dine at one of the local restaurants, have a flutter at one of the regular thoroughbred race-days at Murwillumbah Race Track, visit the Tweed Coast for some of Australia’s best beaches, enjoy one-day river and rainforest cruises ~ or catch your own crab lunch with Catch-a-Crab tours, browse the various regular local markets, or just relax at your chosen accommodation with a good book. Golfers will enjoy a round at beautiful Murwillumbah Championship Golf Course, arguably one of the finest in Australia. Close to Mt Warning National Park, the towering mountain peak is ever-present as you traverse the spectacular layout. The natural beauty and serenity of the course has to be experienced to be believed and no keen golfer should miss the opportunity to play here. Only 10 minutes from the Golf Club, you’ll find Hillcrest Mountain View Retreat. Perched atop a hill on 5 landscaped acres, surrounded by the rolling hills of a 200 acre farm, Hillcrest enjoys panoramic views from Mt. Warning in one direction to the rainforests of Springbrook Ranges in the other. State & Regional Tourism Award-winning Hillcrest offers a choice of accommodation types ~ two air-conditioned bed and breakfast suites, one with luxury double spa, in a private guest wing of the main residence, or a completely separate, self-contained Cottage with wood fire, wide screen stereo TV, DVD, stereo system, fully equipped kitchen, top of the range luxury double spa bath and set in it’s own secluded garden. An oasis of peace and privacy, everything at Hillcrest has been chosen with guest enjoyment in mind, from comfortable air-conditioned rooms with every imaginable convenience and solar heating for the large salt-water swimming pool, to huge breakfasts with home-made bread and their own free range eggs, from complimentary port in the evenings, to extensive on-site tourist information. The only 5 Star Rated B&B in the Tweed region, Hillcrest specializes in quiet and peaceful getaways for couples of all ages, so does not cater for children or pets. For more information call Hillcrest on (02) 6679 1023 or visit their website at www.hillcrestbb.com. Whatever your choice of holiday, whether you’re looking for a romantic and peaceful getaway with spectacular views to the mountains, to be tucked deep in the forest, a fishing and boating holiday, family fun or somewhere to take a large group for on-site activities you’re bound to agree that the Tweed is the undiscovered jewel in the crown of the beautiful Northern Rivers area.

Melbourne International Film Festival - by Ant from Australia - 2006-05-26

26 July - 13 August 2006. The largest film festival in the Southern Hemisphere featuring shorts, documentaries, animation, experimental films, multimedia etc

Australia Beaches

Surfers Paradise - Visit this popular tourist beach on the Gold Coast of Queensland. Just inland are the remnants of the gold rush boom towns for which the area is named.Not only a top surfing destination it has a wide variety of other activities that will appeal to most visitors.

Bondi Beach - This is Sydney's most famous beach and is a magnet for surfers from all over the world in search of that perfect set of waves. The promonade is vibey and has trendy cafes at which you can enjoy a leisurely lunch whilst taking in the view.

Monkey Mia, Shark Bay World Heritage and Marine Park - Stroke or feed a friendly dolphin at this small beach just North East of Denham. These dolphins have been visiting the bay on a regular basis for the last 40 plus years. The best time to experience this is during the winter months during the morning as the visits are more regular at that time of year. Surfers Paradise - Visit this popular tourist beach on the Gold Coast of Queensland. Just inland are the remnants of the gold rush boom towns for which the area is named.Not only a top surfing destination it has a wide variety of other activities that will appeal to most visitors.

Bondi Beach - This is Sydney's most famous beach and is a magnet for surfers from all over the world in search of that perfect set of waves. The promonade is vibey and has trendy cafes at which you can enjoy a leisurely lunch whilst taking in the view.

Monkey Mia, Shark Bay World Heritage and Marine Park - Stroke or feed a friendly dolphin at this small beach just North East of Denham. These dolphins have been visiting the bay on a regular basis for the last 40 plus years. The best time to experience this is during the winter months during the morning as the visits are more regular at that time of year.

Australia Festivals

Australia Day - 26 January
Anzac Day - 25 April (Commemorating Australian war fatalities)
Queens Birthday - Second Monday in June
New Year, Christmas, Boxing Day and Good Friday are also public holidays.
Easter is celebrated in a big way all across Austalia with parades. Australia Day - 26 January
Anzac Day - 25 April (Commemorating Australian war fatalities)
Queens Birthday - Second Monday in June
New Year, Christmas, Boxing Day and Good Friday are also public holidays.
Easter is celebrated in a big way all across Austalia with parades.

Useful Australia Links

AUSMAG
AUSMAG offers a package of the most recent Australian backpacker magazines that contain helpful information for your trip preperation.

Sydney's all-inclusive attractions pass
Sydney's all-inclusive attractions pass offers free entry to over 40 attractions in Sydney & Blue Mountains for a single price. See Sydney & Beyond Smartvisit Card holders can visit Sydney Opera House, Sydney Aquarium, Taronga Zoo, Sydney Tower & OzTrek, harbour cruises, tours, wildlife parks and so much more! Visit as few as two Sydney attractions and start to save.

Australian maps online
Explore before you visit! This is a free online resource to locate towns and cities around Australia. The site contains detailed maps - from a regional perspective to street level. You can also create your own maps to show friends your favourite Australian spots.

Australian Visa Bureau
Immigration Law specialists who can assist with all visa applications to Australia and New Zealand.

weather.com.au
Australian national weather site.

australia.com
Official site of the Australian Tourist Commission.

Migration Bureau - Australian Immigration agents
The Migration Bureau offer professional immigration consulting services for individuals wanting to migrate to Australia.