Australia - Best Places of Interest

November 2, 2016 Round the world, Travel

5 Amazing Natural Wonders in Sydney

Although Australia is young compared to some other countries in the world, it is rich with history and home to one of the oldest cultures in the world, the Indigenous Australians,

Sydney is a city full of natural wonder and beauty, from its luxuriously pure beach shores to its wild bushlands filled with amazing and exotic creatures big and small in stark contrast to its glamorous urban city centre.

Check out some of the best natural wonders in Sydney below,

Best natural wonders in #Sydney

The Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains in Australia — The Three Sisters overlooking Jamison Valley, Blue Mountains, NSW. Image credit- http://focus.tracinglight.com/

The Blue Mountains are a huge tourist attraction in Sydney. A favourite with nature lovers, adventure seekers and families, the Blue Mountains has one of the most amazing views in the world. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the tablelands by cable car or the world-renowned scenic railway. There are also several bushwalks in the region so you can get up close and personal with the historic area.

Burragorang State Conservation Area

The Burragorang State Conservation Area is one of Sydney’s best national parks and is the source of 80% of Sydney’s water. Found on the Blue Mountains escarpment, you can soak up of the amazing natural beauty from the Burragorang lookout point above the Warragamba Dam with a chance to see some of Australia’s famous wildlife. There are also quiet lanes for bike riding and a great picnic spot.

Bradleys Head

Bradleys Head is well-known for its picturesque views of the famous Sydney waterfront, where you can get a spectacular view of the iconic Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and Fort Denison. There’s also ideal picnic spots by the lookout and events on at the Bradleys Head Amphitheatre and a gentle bushwalk from Taronga Zoo Wharf to Chowder Bay that is perfect for adventurers of all ages.

Bare Island Fort

Australian legend Captain Cook first discovered what we now know as Bare Island in 1770 before a fort was made to protect Sydney in the early 1880’s. The Bare Island Fort stayed in operation until 1908 before becoming home to Australia’s war veterans. The island boasts idyllic views of La Perouse and the surrounding areas are popular with scuba divers and snorkelers across New South Wales.

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

A firm tourist favourite, the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is one of the most stunning trails in the world. The walk is 6km long and takes roughly two hours to finish at a leisurely pace, but there are numerous cafes, bars and restaurants to stop off at along the way before ending the trip at the fabulous Coogee beach. The walk passes Tamarama, Bronte and Maroubra before finishing up at Coogee, and depending on the season there is a chance to see some cool art at the Sculpture by The Sea exhibition in between Bondi and Tamarama.

*/A guest post by Oliver Burke. /*

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September 6, 2016 Round the world, Travel

7 Recommended Mountain Walks in Sydney

Australia features summits worth hiking or walking up. You can immerse yourself in the beauty of Australia by walking and exploring its world-class walking tracks located in various cities such as Sydney.

Blue mountains- recommended mountain walks in Sydney — Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains is a range where mountain walks crisscross with heritage trails and wilderness views. There are various National Parks like Royal National Park which is considered as world’s second-oldest national park, offering sweeping coastal breath-taking views.

Whether you are a nature lover or seeking thrill and adventure, mountain walks are for you.

Below are some of the best mountain walks you can try when in Australia:

Mount Solitary, Blue Mountains

Mount solitary-recommended mountain walks in Sydney — Mount Solitary

Mount Solitary is located in New South Wales, Australia. With this hike, you will need a sturdy pair of boots and determination to accomplish this tough walk. This is one of the toughest walks in the list and you need to conquer this nine-kilometre walk for six hours. However, the reward for completing the walk is seeing the breathtaking views of the mountain and seeing the eagles in the flesh. You can start the walk at the Federal Pass then follow the path of a former tramway track before heading to the rough path along Mount Solitary’s ridge, including a detour to Chinamans Gully. It is recommended that you start early to give you more time to relax at the summit.

Leura Cascades, Leura

Leura Cascades- recommended mountain walks in Sydney — Leura Cascades

Leura Cascades is located in Leura, New South Wales, Australia. This walk is tagged moderate because you can finish it within 30 minutes and you will arrive at a waterfall after. The walk involves a few short, steep hills and steps may require assistance but there are handrails. The popular tourist walk includes walking past streaming waterfalls, large ferns, some decent cliff-top views, and a lookout. Leura Cascades is easily accessible because it features designated parking and facilities and a picnic ground. Its car park is located on Cliff Drive between Katoomba and Leura. The area is well-posted with signs.

National Pass, Blue Mountains

National Pass starts the walk at the Wentworth Falls picnic area, and then you will pass by epic waterfalls and lookouts with sweeping views, before reaching the historic Grand Stairway. It offers scenic views of the many natural wonders of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. As you start your walk, you can stroll over to Jamison’s lookout and take in magnificent views of the valley below. Going down the walk, you will enter Valley of the Waters which houses Empress, Silvia, and Lodore Falls. Once you climb back out of the valley then you can take a break at Conservation Hut and enjoy a warm cuppa.

Barrenjoey Lighthouse

Barrenjoey Lighthouse is located at Barrenjoey Head at Palm Beach on Sydney’s northern beaches. The lighthouse is accessible daily and open for guided tours every Sunday. Weekend walk at Barrenjoey Lighthouse offers a quick road trip up to Palmy, but climbing up the Barrenjoey Lighthouse will allow you to see the amazing views of the sea, Pittwater, and the national park. You can complete the walk in 1.5 hours.

Burning Mountain

Burning Mountain is a hill in New South Wales, Australia. It is also known as Wingen Mountain. Although it is more of a hill than a mountain, the burning part of it is spot on. There is a coal seam under the 30 meters of ground, which has been on fire for around 6,000 years. Its accessible 4.5 kilometers area will let you explore this phenomenon. You can check the impact of its burning feature on geology, animals, and plants. It is believed that its burning ground provides ghostly homes to little creatures to the red gums growing along cracks in the earth.

Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk

To see the majestic views of Sydney Harbour, you must take the walk from Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay. The walk will take you from Taronga Zoo to the beach and cafes at Chowder Bay. The walk will give you gentle bush track weaves around the harbor headlands. As you continue walking, you can see the Opera House and Harbour Bridge and watch the boats going to Bradleys Head Amphitheatre.

Circular Quay to Botanic Gardens

Circular Quay from the eastern side (2008)- recommended skywalks in Sydney — Circular Quay from the eastern side (2008)

This walk showcases the architectural icons of Australia. It will take one hour from Circular Quay to Botanic Gardens. It offers some views of a windmill, aviary, and zoo. The walk is recommended for novice botanists, nature lovers, and some who need a break from the stress of the city.

About the author:

Candice Larson is a nature and travel enthusiast. She’s into writing as well and contributes to Holiday Inn Parramatta blog. Candice is juggling time between work and graduate studies.

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June 3, 2016 Events and Festivals, International

Vivid Sydney

The Sydney Vivid festival is a fantastic way to spend a Winters evening (Ideally if it’s not raining). See Sydney’s landmarks transformed into moving images and amazing colours during the festival.

From around 6pm – 11pm each night in Late May / Early June spend a few hours strolling around Circular Quay, the botanical gardens, and Martin Place, with other displays in the Rocks and places in the CBD. The displays are amazing and very entertaining. Not forgetting it’s all absolutely Free, which is a bonus these days.

I would suggest trying to avoid the weekend evenings if possible as it’s very busy, but that’s the downside of a great event.

Vivid Sydney is an annual festival of light, music and ideas. It has become the premier winter event in the city. It is gaining a reputation for being among the world’s leading creative celebrations. This year the festival is on from 27 May – 18 June 2016.

To experience VIVID in different ways, there are events that take place every day throughout the city. The simplest way is to arrive in the city at nightfall and wander around until the installations light up your eyes. Maps are available to guide visitors through everything.

Another great way to experience it all is to book a specially created tour for the event. You can take a cruise around the Sydney Harbour and see the lights from the water, or go behind-the-scenes at the Sydney Opera House while the outside is lit up!

Vivid Sydney cruises — Vivid Festival banner
Image credit- www.captaincook.com.au

Vivid Lights Sydney Harbour Cruise– This cruise around Sydney Harbour is a 1-hour evening boat excursion. The spectacular light displays of Vivid Sydney festival is an unforgettable experience as you admire the artworks that light up iconic structures including Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay among others. Your cruise ends at Darling Harbour where you can explore more.

Darling Harbour– There are many attractions for tourists here. You can meet animals and sea life, climb aboard submarines and destroyers, see science in action, touch a giant 3D movie or a waxwork movie star, ride a carousel, catch a flying fox in the Darling Harbour Playground, roll the casino dice, pull up a deck chair on the Village Green, or escape to a blissfully tranquil garden.

9D Action Cinemas– 9D Action Cinemas brings you the latest technology in a dynamic, multi-dimensional, small theatre movie entertainment, suitable for both children and adults.

Your senses will be overwhelmed with the stimulating and exciting 3D movies with surround sound, coupled with ‘active motion’ luxury seats and dramatic effects such as rain, fog, lightning, wind, snow, touch, feel and more. You will enjoy this genuine ‘action cinema’ experience like you have never had in traditional movies. For more details, follow this link.

ADVENTURE CRUISING WITH FANTASEA

If you want to see Sydney from the water, Fantasea is the way to do it. Do follow this link for more details.

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM

The Maritime Museum promises a great day out for the family with enthralling exhibitions and a must-see collection of vessels. For further details, please follow this link.

CHINESE GARDEN OF FRIENDSHIP

Feel the sun on your face in your own secret garden in Darling Harbour’s Chinese Garden of Friendship. The Chinese Garden is a place to escape. It recreates the philosophy of a traditional Chinese garden with waterfalls, lakes, exotic plants and hidden pathways. Chinese Garden Highlights tour.

Cockle Bay Wharf

It is located on the CBD side of Darling Harbour. Enjoy Sydney’s most stunning waterside location by taking advantage of the various dining options. A variety of restaurants and cafes with menus that will make your mouth water, fresh seafood, authentic Italian dishes, and hawker-style Malaysian cuisine, to modern Australian – each venue offers a truly unique experience.

Celebrate @RBGSydney‘s 200th Birthday as it illuminates from 6-11pm until 18 Jun. #VividSydney

📷speakerphone (IG) pic.twitter.com/0HpBvuX734
— Vivid Sydney (@VividSydney) June 2, 2016

Plan ahead for your #VividSydney adventure. Check changes to traffic and transport: https://t.co/vcsVVjaG8T pic.twitter.com/smrnIGMo4D
— Vivid Sydney (@VividSydney) June 3, 2016

References: Darling Harbour

Vivid Sydney

June 1, 2016 Adventure

Off- Road Adventure – 8 Marvellous Tips For a Superb Beach Driving Experience

All those traveling freaks, who enjoy driving to a great extent including both men and women, always have a dream of exploring the off-road place with self-drive cars like campervans and motorhomes in order to have that quintessential traveling experience. In order to go ahead with this idea , all they need to have is right companions, a beautiful DSLR camera ( both Nikon and Canon are welcomed here), a decent budget, a perfect tourist destination in mind and a passion for exploring it. If you are fully equipped with all these things, nothing can stop you from obtaining that thrilling experience.

Long stretches of sandy beaches are the kind of places wherein you can have a perfect off-road adventure, as far as driving is concerned. The world is full of amazing beaches, all you have to decide is which one to explore.

Adventure, road trips, wikimedia commons — Bondi Beach Sydney Australia

However, wherever you go and whichever type of place you explore you always have to keep in consideration the safety measures in order to remain safe from a variety of dangerous things that can ruin your trip. Australia is a great place to have an experience of driving.

Tips for safe beach driving

1. Figure Out Whether Driving Is Allowed Or Not

Before you finalize your journey, you need to have an extensive knowledge about the beach that you are planning to explore on a self-drive campervan in Australia. The Internet is the best way of conducting the research as far as figuring out beach details are concerned. Once you come to know that vehicles are allowed to the beach, you then need to figure out the routes assigned to it. However, if you fail to find the access routes it is always better that you get in touch with a tourist information centre in order to get detailed information about the same. Following established access routes are not only helpful for dune ecosystem but also for your vehicle, as far as minimizing the danger is concerned.

2. Choose a Right Vehicle For This Purpose

To start with, you should figure out which vehicle is the best for exploring the beaches. The one thing that should be clear to you is you can never ever drive all types of vehicles on the sand, that means there are a few specific types of vehicles that are recommended for beach driving. Vehicles designed for an off-road adventure like campervans can offer you with a mind-blowing beach driving experience. As far as campervans are concerned, you mostly have to hire them from renowned companies that offer campervan rental services like Aussie Campervans.

Road adventure in Aussie Campervans — Britz Frontier 6 berth
Image courtesy- www.australia-campervans.com.au

3. Reduce The Overall Load Off Your Vehicle

There are a variety of things that you need to take care of when driving on the beach and one such thing is to lessen the load of your vehicle. A lighter vehicle is always safe to drive when it comes to hitting off-road areas like sandy beaches. So, in order to prevent your vehicle from getting bogged try to pack only essential items and unload all the unwanted items from it.

4. Get All The Information About High Tide And Low Tide

Before you begin your journey, try to collect as much information as possible about the high tide and low tide and their consequences for your journey. You must know which is the favorable time to start your adventurous beach trip. Remember, you should never begin your journey during high tide as it can pose a great threat to you.

So, one of the best times to carry out your plans of driving on the beach is during an outgoing high tide. Remember, one powerful wave is enough to ruin everything.

5. Minimize The Pressure Of Your Tyre

Lowering the tyre pressure can have huge advantages for off-road driving as it helps the tyre to spread out, thus allowing the vehicle to increase the surface area that comes in touch with the sand when it comes to obtaining better traction.

6. Pay Attention To The Momentum

Maintaining the momentum of your vehicle remains another important part of your off-road adventure in the beach. While driving on the loose sand you have to make sure that you enhance the speed of your vehicle appropriately according to the requirement. If you are driving slowly on the loose sand the chances of your vehicle sinking into it increase manifold. So if you do not want to get bogged and would like to enhance your fuel usages you must have sufficient knowledge of how to maintain the momentum of your vehicle.

7. Have a Deep Understanding Of Road Rules

Following road rules is extremely important no matter where you drive. If you are a traveler in a foreign country, wherein you are carrying out your journey through a self-drive car on the beach, you must be aware of the road rules of that country in order to avoid problems. Remember, you should never be driving the vehicle if you are drunk and make sure that everyone inside the car is wearing a seatbelt. In addition to that, remember that you never forget to follow the speed limits.

8. Don’t Forget To Maintain An Appropriate Distance From The Water

Sometimes drivers underestimate the advice and instructions offered to them by others and they willingly take weird steps such as going closer to the water with an aim of making the drive even more adventurous, but that can be dangerous. Hence, maintain a fair amount of distance from the water, while hitting the sandy beaches on your vehicle.

*/ This is a guest post by Sophia Oatley. /*