Australian Holidays

So, you are thinking about taking an Australian vacation or holiday?

Australia is a fantastic country offering something for everyone. It has plenty of sunshine, amazing beaches, an outback landscape that is stunning and of course some great cities and the Great Barrier Reef.

Australian holidays can be anything you want them to be. But make sure you do some careful planning. Don't underestimate the size of Australia which makes getting around difficult if you rely solely on a car or campervan. You will need to combine it with some air travel.

Take some advice from a local who has been there, seen it and done it! Plan your trip in sync with the Australian Weather. The good news is that it doesn't matter when you travel, there is always somewhere in Australia that is hot (or cold!)

If you like the sunshine, then most of Australia is hot from October to March. For most Australian destinations, this is the best time to to visit.

The top end of Australia (just north of Cairns and Broome and below) has two seasons - the wet and dry. The dry season is the time in which you want to go. It is simply not a good idea to drive in the wet as the roads and tourist attractions are often closed because of flooding. There is one exception to this though. They should not be taken off the Great Barrier Reef. It could be a bit 'of rain could on the way to the reef and the boat ride a bit' rocky, but in any case it is worthit.

If the usual tourist trail of the East coast isn't really floating your boat, then head to the top end of Australia. Here you can experience some fantastic outback adventures and appreciate the stunning scenery and bird life in the nearby national parks of Kakadu and Litchfield. This area is steeped in traditional aboriginal culture -a must see area if you want to get to know the aboriginal Australia.

Australia holidays need at least 3 weeks to be enjoyed. Anything shorter will feel very rushed. Perhaps you are one of the lucky ones and have a few months to explore Australia. If so, Australia has heaps to on offer.

However long you have, try to incorporate an outback experience, at least one city and some beach/coast. That way, you will get a real feel for what Australia is all about.

I personally recommend the following places, especially if this is your first time here. Yes, some of them are very touristy but you can't come to Oz and not do them.

Sydney - There's more to it that the bridge and opera, but they are very impressive and worth a visit.
Melbourne - a complete contrast to Sydney, good shopping and exploring its narrow streets.

Ayers Rock - a unique experience of indigenous peoples - and mental!

Kangaroo Island - the place to see animals in their natural environment

Jervis Bay - Amazing beaches. If you thinkparadise.

The Barrier Reef - Come and see the fishes and maybe even learn to dive.

Come on - what are you waiting for!

Enjoy Gold Coast's Beaches

The one thing that everyone thinks about when traveling to the Gold Coast are the amazing beaches. Whether you enjoy water sports, beach fishing, or some of the best surfing in the world, the Gold Coast is an extremely popular holiday destination. When you arrive, it is best to hire a Gold Coast car rental so you can experience all the different beaches and attractions, unhampered by public transport or taxi fares.

The beach that most people visit is Main Beach. Located in the town of Southport, Main Beach is one of the premiere surf beaches in the area. With plenty of dining options as well as shopping, nightlife and resorts, Main Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the Gold Coast.

Surfers Paradise also boasts incredible beaches with natural beauty, attracting visitors from all over the world. The best day to enjoy this beach is on Friday's when you can stroll through the beachfront markets finding some great items and bargains to take home as souvenirs.

Broad Beach is another popular Gold Coast beach, surfing is almost always available and the area is less populated by tourists generally and more popular with locals. Nearby to trendy shops and wonderful beach markets, this beach is great for entertainment both day and night. If you're looking for tranquility, try Mermaid beach, known for its quiet, secluded areas as well as its family atmosphere complete with bike paths and a playground.

If you are a true nature lover then the Nobby Beach is the place for you. You could sit on the beach and enjoy a quiet sunrise or walk hand in hand with the love of your life, at the time of sunset. For those who are in excellent health conditions, there is a trek up to the cliff top, from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the area.

There are numerous surf clubs around the Corrumbin, Tugun & Bilinga Beaches, where you could find some sage advice on how to catch the best surfs! Perhaps one of the most famous and popular surfboard riding beaches is Kirra Beach. There are waves to entice both beginners and professionals. This is one place where you are sure to get a good surf experience, all year round!

Most of the beaches are also animal friendly, particularly in terms of dogs. This means that you will not have to leave your four-legged friend back at the hotel. He too can have his share of fun at the beach, including a swim.

Heartbeat of Australian Tourism

The Tasmanian capital of Hobart is Australia's southernmost capital and the oldest city (capital) after Sydney. Beautiful mountains, sea beaches, and colonial architecture are some of its undeniable charms. This small island state is the heartbeat of Australia's tourism offering up several delights. Hobart, particularly, is rich in history as well as hip and happening. If you happen to be visiting Australia do make Tasmania part of your itinerary; you will not regret visiting this little island that also doubles up as home port for French as well as Australian Antarctic operations.

It needs to be mentioned that there are no direct flights into the capital of Tasmania. You'll have to change over to a domestic airline from Melbourne or Sydney. Staying in Hobart is never a problem as there are dozens of serviced apartments, hostels, and three to five star hotels. Our favorite luxury hotel is The Henry Jones Art Hotel on Hunter Street; also one of the most frequently awarded as well as the most sought-after of all luxury hotels in the city. Even if you don't planning on staying there it is certainly worth a dekko as The Henry Jones is the country's only art hotel.

It stands tall on the waterfront amidst ancient warehouses (including a jam factory) all which have been converted into a first class luxury hotel. Wherever you turn, there is an original artwork to greet your eyes.

There are quite a few luxury resorts around this lovely, pristine city. High on our list of recommendation is the Wyndham Seven Mile Beach, a 20-bedroom resort located next to the beach area.

And if you are looking for a luxury resort with a view of the mountains then we suggest the Wrest Point Hotel which is close to the CBD and offers a great view of the harbor region.

There is no dearth of five star hotels in Hobart. And on a clear day you can always walk up the Mount Wellington. Take a bus to Fern Tree and take the 13 kilometer stroll up. The views you will get to see on the way are simply mind-blowing.

Hobart is so green that it requires no emerald sanctuary. Yet you'll come across one in St. David's Park- a must visit. The variety of fuchsias, camellias, magnolias, birches et al that you will get to see will leave you glued for hours.

Practically next door is the famed Salamanca Palace lined with cafes, restaurants and art galleries. And if happen to visit on a Saturday morning you'll find yourself in the midst of the biggest and the most popular market in Australia, the Salamanca Market. Musicians will serenade you as you buy your fill of cosmetics, dresses, and local produce. The atmosphere is lively and charged.

That was for shop-a-holics. But if you happen to be a chocoholic (as well), then do go down to the Claremont Chocolate Factory (yes, this is where it first happened) and learn about the history of Cadbury chocolates and also get some free samples!

Hobart is simply great whichever way you look at it.

Surfers Paradise Gold Coast Attractions

Located in the southeastern part of Queensland, the Gold Coast is the name of an Australian city which attracts thousands of visitors each year. With a massive coastline consisting of some of the most beautiful beaches it is the most heavily populated region of Queensland. The highlight of Gold Coast is the Surfers Paradise which is a lot more than a pristine location to go surfing. This mesmerizingly beautiful city features a host of expansive waterways that provide you a Venice like experience. Along with this it features peaceful rainforests and is renowned for its nightlife culture.

Without a doubt surfing is the most popular activity in this part of the Gold Coast. The fact that so many people make their way to surfers Paradise Gold Coast necessitated the development of comprehensive accommodation for the tourists. This is why you will be able to find a wide array of hotels, resorts and apartments ranging from the incredibly luxurious to the modest. The best of surfers Paradise hotels are located close to the beachfront providing a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and granting you easy access to the rest of the city attractions.

Major Attractions of Surfers Paradise

The Gold Coast in general and Surfers Paradise in particular have a lot of activities and adventures to offer. To start off you can engage in Australian kayaking along with the exotic fishes that are found in the local waterways. You will also have the opportunity to swim along dolphins that can be spotted in the waterways. Another interesting attraction is the opportunity to fly a flight simulator that has been constructed out of a commercial jet airliner. Add to that the overwhelming lifestyle experience that the surfers Paradise hotels and resorts have to offer and you will be immersed in a vacation that you will remember for a lifetime.The good thing about this part of Australia is that it has a wide range of tourist attractions in close proximity. For example you can easily make your way to the Currumbin wildlife sanctuary through the motorway. Here you'll be able to witness an extensive range of animals and birds preserved in their natural habitat.

The beaches are without a doubt the most popular attraction of Surfers Paradise Gold Coast. Frequent competitions and carnivals are hosted along the coast along with which tourists have the opportunity to rent out Surfers Paradise Apartments erected at pristine locations on the sea side. While in the Gold Coast you can also witness the Nikon Indy 300 car racing event which attracts people from all world. This event has been going on in the Gold Coast since the last 18 years.

Other prominent tourist destinations that you should make a point to visit during your stay are South Stradboke, Duranbah, Burleigh Point and Kirra. A host of surfing championship events are conducted on these sites which creates a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

The Unforgettable Australian Gold Coast

Australia's eastern shore contains many amazing habitats and natural wonders, and the beaches that grace this stretch of the Australian are most definitely among the most alluring in the world. On the eastern coast, and in the nation as a whole, surely among the most famed and gorgeous destinations, with more than enough reason, is Gold Coast City and the wider area of the Gold Coast.

This strip of beautiful shoreline and hinterland is situated in the southeastern corner of the state of Queensland, and happens to be located a relatively quick drive south of the state capital, Brisbane. The city is the biggest city in the country among the non-capital cities, and this is in large part due to the tremendous rate of growth of the tourism sector in the Gold Coast.

The area blends the extremes of urban, modern life on the one hand and pristine ecological settings on the other hand like no other place on the planet. The most developed portion of Gold Coast City, sitting right on the waterfront on a sand bar, is brimming with high-rises and all of the luxuries and comforts of modern life; then, the areas farther inland as well as the beaches farther from downtown, including the rainforest area in the Gold Coast hinterland, provide the ideal sanctuary for nature lovers, picnickers, and just about anybody looking to get away from the bustle of life in the center.

One of the most striking things about the Gold Coast is the maze of man-made waterways that have been ingeniously crafted out of the naturally swampy terrain. In fact, the Gold Coast has approximately nine times the amount of canals that Venice has! This preponderance of waterways means that there are many more waterfront properties than those strewn along the beach, a fact that increases the appeal of the Gold Coast.

The excellent surfing conditions to be found in the Gold Coast are perhaps its biggest claim to fame: at the national and global level, the surf breaks here are prized like few others. At spots like Kirra, Burleigh Heads or Surfers Paradise there is just about always going to be a perfect wave right about to break not far from shore, at almost any time of the year.

Given the excellent beach conditions and the temptation to take a dip experienced by everybody, there is a professional and extremely competent Shark Control Program carried out by the state government, and it is credited with sparing beachgoers from shark attacks since the late 1950s...an eternity! Under the watchful gaze of these professionals, tourists and locals alike can take a dip without cause for concern.

Local favorite spots include such buildings as the Q1 tower, a looming edifice with the second-tallest observation deck in the southern hemisphere, giving a privileged perspective from over 750 feet in the air in all directions. Another landmark, located in the Gold Coast hinterland, is the Lamington National Park, listed by the UN to be a World Heritage Site due to its biodiversity and beauty. Finally, practically every slice of beach happens to be a landmark of its own.

All in all, the Gold Coast has plenty to offer people of all tastes-a fact that is well attested to by the 10 million visitors that come to this corner of Queensland every year. The fact that a majority of those people are themselves Australian is further proof of the fact that this is one of the most naturally pleasing and rewarding landscapes in the vast and intriguing country/continent of Australia. 

Top 5 Most Beautiful Beaches in Sydney

Beaches in Sydney are some of the cleanest and most abundant of any tourist area in the world. The pristine waters of the Pacific wash up on their shores every day, and the mild climate means there is always plenty of greenery around to detract from the delicious heat of the sun reflected off sand and water. There are plenty of famous beaches in NSW - Bondi, Manly and Coogee are well known around the world - but which are the prettiest? We check out some of Sydney's most beautiful beaches. While there are hundreds of gorgeous beaches up and down the coast, we're focusing on those that are more easily accessible for backpackers in Sydney.

Palm Beach

Palm Beach is an instantly recognisable stretch of sand for those that watch Home and Away - but you don't have to be a soapie fan to enjoy the beach. Most of it is exposed, creating wide sweeping views; check out the protected alcoves at either end if you want to eat lunch here. Check out the north end for surfing, and the south end for safer swimming.

Narrabeen

As with many beaches worldwide, Narrabeen has a dense residential area immediately behind the scrub. Walk up until you find one of the beautiful spots where you can either look out over the outstretched green scrubland, or be protected from the noise behind you by the small rocky cliffs.

Clovelly Beach

Clovelly Beach is unconventionally beautiful, with its enormous tall trees that come right up to the waterline, the very narrow strip of sand, and the long boardwalks along the sand. However, things get even prettier (in an underwater sort of way) if you park at Clovelly Beach and walk south to Gordon's Bay. The tiny beach is secluded and very quiet, and everythingi n the water is protected - it is a marine park. Hire a snorkel, mask and set of flippers and you're in for an awesome afternoon!

Whale Beach

If you're into surfing, Whale Beach will be your best choice of picturesque beaches. There are some very neat rock pools, and a mean undertow - swim when there are lifeguards, or plenty of other people on the beach. However, as with most of the nicest beaches, Whale Beach is the furthest north on the peninsula of Sydney, and it's usually a sizeable train/bus ride to get there. Renting a car and driving is easiest.

La Perouse

La Perouse is a beautiful beach, but in a very strange and stark kind of way. The La Perouse peninsula is the far northern end of Botany Bay, and the beach would have seen the end of many poor convicts. The old military outpost at Bare Island is fascinating, and is somewhat the defining feature of the area. A great spot pt have lunch - not so much a swimming or snorkelling hole, but one to soak up the history of the area and enjoy the severe beauty of the area.

Sydney has an amazing variety of beaches - if you only make it to Manly, Cronulla and Bondi in your time in the city, you are definitely missing out! Grab a lift to the farther beaches with someone from your youth hostel in Sydney, bring some sandwiches, and enjoy the beach without the crowds.

Australian Hotels

Australia is a country renowned for its beautiful beaches, luscious rainforests, cosmopolitan cities and rugged bush land, with so many diverse attractions within the one continent it is no surprise that tourism is a key player in the Australian economy. Events like The Sydney 2000 Olympics, World Youth Day, And the Melbourne Commonwealth Games have put Australia on the map exposing the nation to an international audience creating tremendous flow on effects for the Tourism Industry.

Australia offers many quality accommodation options in all parts of the country. Our hotels are on par with any of those found in the world's major cities. Sydney and Melbourne are 2 of Australia's biggest tourist attractions.

Melbourne is a city packed with galleries, cafes, bars and boutiques which all lie waiting to be discovered in heritage buildings and beautiful arcades. Complementing the many attractions this city has to offer Melbourne has a profusion of luxury and boutique hotels. Alternatively, if you are seeking a home away from home, serviced apartments allow you to spread out in style and comfort. If you're travelling on a budget, the city's arrangement of hygienic guesthouses and backpacker hostels have broad appeal. Or perhaps your fancy runs to cosy bed and breakfast establishments, motel chains, private caravan parks, even a room in a residential college. Whatever your inclination, Melbourne has an accommodation option relevant your budget and travelling style.

Not to be out done by its neighboring city; Sydney is a city whose natural beauty, rich blend of cultures, energy and appetite make it a prime source of creativity and innovation, famous for its art and culture, shopping and fashion, dining and nightlife, sports spectaculars and countless child friendly attractions it is a revelation to none that when it comes to accommodation in Sydney you`ll be spoilt for choice.

In Sydney you'll not only get a friendly greeting from the natives but the abundance of quality establishments in which to stay is second to none. In fact the city's broad array of accommodation has something to suit every imaginable budget, taste, holiday plan or requirement. You'll be graced with chic boutique hotels overflowing with flair and magnetism, spirited backpacker hostels, deluxe five-star establishments with breath taking outlooks of the harbour and mind blowing suites. There are charming bed and breakfasts hidden away in the city's blossoming streets and two or three-star hotels in the epicenter of Sydney that will be gentle on the finances .Practical and convenient self-contained apartments inclusive of parking and a considerable number of four-star international-class hotels can all be found at all the key locations.

There are a number of ways to go about booking accommodation in Australia. If you are a first time traveler unsure of the best ways to secure the right accommodation to meet your needs, you may choose to book through a travel agent who will book your flights, accommodation, and transfers for you meaning that there is nothing for you to do apart from sit back and relax, this may also be the preferable option for time poor travelers such as business people visiting a particular city for a short amount of time.

If spontaneity is your thing, booking last minute can mean that you will secure some great bargains, often securing better hotel rooms at a cheaper price. However it is not recommended to leave your booking to the last minute if you are travelling coincides with a major event or is during summer - Australia's peak tourist season.

Whilst there is no shortage of luxurious places to stay in Australia, there are also many quality two and three star hotels located around Australia. Whilst they are more basic than their higher rated counterparts, they offer a clean, tidy place to base yourself without breaking the budget.

Australian Hotels are amongst the best in the world, this coupled with Australians attitude to embrace visitors in a friendly and welcoming manner, makes Australia a popular destination for international travelers from all part of the globe. As the tourism industry continues to boom, the amount of quality hotels Australia has on offer will only continue to rise.