By admin, on February 21st, 2012
Many visitors to Australia are surprised to learn that the so-called business capital, Sydney, is not the actual capital of the country. In fact, Canberra, is the capital. The city has a storied history that dates back 20,000 years, when Indigenous people first populated the area. Since that time, many others have arrived, and now you too have the option to visit and stay in one of the many hotels in Canberra.
The Commonwealth of Australia was established in 1901, and Parliament immediately began searching for an appropriate capital. They determined that it should be within New South Wales and near Sydney. Canberra was determined to have the best climate, land, and water supply to create a capital city worthy of this fledgling country. A design competition was launched, and a landscape architect won with his stunning ampitheatre design.
Visitors to Canberra today will not want to miss seeing Parliament House, but there is so much more to Canberra than politics. The Australian National Botanical Gardens, which house and cultivate an extensive collection of native plants, call Canberra home. Just a few kilometres from the city’s centre is Namadgi National Park. The park has peaks topping 1,700 metres, Aboriginal rock art, opportunities to abseil and mountain bike, and plenty of other activities and attractions to keep you busy and engaged.
The Australian War Memorial in Canberra offers visitors an opportunity to participate in guided tours, learn from exhibitions, or take advantage of the research centre. Canberra is also home to Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre of Australia and one of the most popular attractions in the capital city.
Accommodations in Australia’s capital are plentiful, ranging from budget hostels and caravan or camping accommodations to mid-priced hotels and motels. Bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels often offer a bit more service and some of the luxuries of home in a range of price points, while Canberra’s four- and five-star hotels are posh and include a heritage-listed art deco hotel. Furnished properties offer an affordable alternative for those planning longer stays.
Any visit to Australia will benefit from a stop in the capital, surrounded by snowy mountains, wine country, and the natural wild beauty of the land down under.
By admin, on January 20th, 2012
Looking for hotels in Sydney, Australia, may feel like an overwhelming proposition. After all, the city has a burgeoning cosmopolitan population of more than four million and is considered a regional and global economic powerhouse.
Sydney as we now know it began humbly enough in the 1700s, when Captain Cook first landed in Botany Bay, and the Australian Gold Rush in the 1800s began to draw visitors by the thousands. Just over 100 years later, Sydney overtook Melbourne in terms of population, and today, visitors have their pick of accommodations when travelling.
Backpackers are often drawn to the affordable youth hostels of Sydney. Sydney has hostels that offer traditional dormitory-style rooms as well as private rooms with Internet access, air conditioning, and access to group laundry facilities to ensure comfort during your stay.
Three- and four-star hotels provide plenty of options for reasonably priced stays within the city and its suburbs, while five-star hotels may be pricier but offer the extra pampering and waterfront views many crave while on holiday.
Boutique hotels are another option. These do not have star ratings, but they are often exquisitely serviced and imbued with a unique character. They may be nestled in the CBD or neighbourhoods throughout the city and its suburbs. Boutique hotels often have the largest price range of any accommodations, ranging from extremely budget-friendly to those priced more similarly to a five-star hotel.
Furnished apartments tend to be the accommodations of choice for those who are in Sydney for a longer period, whether on business, visiting family, or relocating. Furnished or serviced apartments are much more affordable than most other accommodations when considered for a long-term stay, and they allow individuals or families to enjoy the comforts of home more easily without the constant interruptions common at hotels and hostels.
Of course, Sydney also offers motels, bed and breakfasts, inns, and other similar accommodations for those just travelling through, couples on romantic getaways, backpackers, business travellers, and families on a budget. No matter why you are here, we have a bed for you.
By admin, on January 1st, 2012
Tasmania might be the smallest of the Commonwealth of Australia’s states, but it certainly has a lot to offer. This little island off the coast of Victoria has a mild temperate climate and a spectacular landscape. If you are ready for an adventure in what was once known as Van Diemen’s Land, prepare to book Tasmania accommodation now.
The capital city of Hobart is home to many galleries and fine restaurants for you to browse. Stay a while in one of the city’s lodges, guesthouses, inns, motels, or hotels as you explore its fascinating maritime history. Prices range from a very affordable AU$89 for a no-frills three-star hotel to a pricier AU$319 for a luxury five-star hotel with access to a heated indoor pool with its own porter and valet service and easy access to popular attractions.
Visitors to Tasmania can explore at a comfortable, self-directed pace. Self-drive tours via car and campervan are available, and travellers can take advantage of ferry tours as well. The truly intrepid will want to try a Tamar River Cruise, which travels the romantic Tamar Valley and explores fascinating bushranger lore and tales of gold diggers. Launceston offers a range of accommodation options for those enjoying the cruise, from hotels attached to local vineyards to cozy boutique hotels.
No visit to Tasmania would ever be complete without a trek into the wilderness region of Cradle Mountain. Lake St. Clair National Park is one of the world’s premier World Heritage Site and a mere two-hour drive from Launceston. Spend the day sightseeing, and then head back for an evening of luxurious spa treatments at your eco-resort lodge, where you can choose from rooms ranging between AU$320 and AU$760 a night.
To truly explore all the delights of Tasmania will require at least a week or two, and your visit may require more than one set of accommodations. Plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your Tasmanian holiday, and book your accommodations early to get the best prices.
By admin, on December 11th, 2011
Is it a big island or a small continent? Is it an enormous country or a sparsely populated land just waiting to be explored? Australia really is a little bit of everything. Some people call it the big island, but in reality, it is a small continent, with about 7.6 million square kilometres of land mass. The country is a bit smaller than the continental United States, but its population is fewer than 23 million people. Book Australia domestic flights from all the major airlines in Australia, which are available to take you anywhere you want to go, Down Under.
All major cities in the Land Down Under have extensive public transportation systems, which include airports, and airline travel is really the only way to go if time is an issue. The distances between many cities are extensive, and some areas are notoriously difficult to travel.
Booking ahead can often be the best way to secure a solid deal on a flight, as you can be assured of getting the seats you want on the flights you want. You will even have more time to shop around for the best deal, sign up for email lists or online groups for advance notice of sales or coupon codes. Booking three to six weeks in advance is ideal for getting the cheapest rates.
Unfortunately, not everyone has the time to book in advance. Thankfully, you can still get great last-minute flight deals, particularly if you can be flexible in the times you fly and are willing to work on the airline’s schedule rather than your own. If you do wait until the last minute to travel, try an online bidding service, use a booking engine, or shop for package deals that include hotel and airfare in one price. If all else fails, contact the airline directly and request a deal.
However you book your tickets, you are sure to enjoy your trip, whether you head to the cosmopolitan city of Sydney, the desert Alice Springs, distant Perth, or Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.
By admin, on November 19th, 2011
Studying abroad can be a wonderful opportunity to experience a different country, new culture, and meet fun, new people, all while following your chosen path of study. You may have plenty of your own reasons for wanting to study abroad as well.
Australia can provide you with a one-of-a-kind education and allow you to focus on independent thinking and mastering effective communication skills. You will have many opportunities to practice the kinds of skills you will need in order to achieve success in the global marketplace in Australia, which is considered one of the most advanced countries in the world.
Australian universities take a unique approach to education by combining classroom lectures with vocational training and providing students with valuable skills they will be able to carry over to the real world. If English is your second language, studying here can provide you with the valuable opportunity to practice and strengthen your language skills so that you can quickly and efficiently attain fluency.
Diversity is valued throughout Australia. This harmonious and multicultural society appreciates the experiences and varied viewpoints international students bring to their communities. Strict gun control laws and a low crime rate make it a safer country, one that is unlikely to be marred by political or civil unrest.
Australia is home not only to a top-notch educational system but is also known to be one of the most liveable places in the world. The landscape and wildlife is as diverse as the population, and students can spend free time travelling or exploring at will, learning more about the country they are calling home.
A student who chooses to study in Australia will enjoy a world-class education that can advance his or her career and a unique experience that will color the rest of their lives. She will have the opportunity to travel to the other side of the globe and immerse himself in another culture or even another language. He can experience new foods, new friends, and a new city.
Whether you choose Sydney, Perth, Gold Coast, Brisbane, or Melbourne, you will receive an education that is truly unlike any other.
By admin, on November 3rd, 2011
Is your travel destination Australia? Reliable information about any global destination may seem to be difficult to come by. After all, travel agents are essentially selling a product, and travel review sites may not be entirely unbiased, either. Where can you turn for trustworthy information about this once-in-a-lifetime adventure upon which you are about to embark?
When the journey is Australia, make Destination is Australia your resource for all things travel in Australia. Destination is Australia will provide you with information about all your travel must-haves and must-sees when travelling through the country. Imagine heading off on a global flight and realizing you have left home without some necessity. We provide you with a list of what you absolutely must have, such as your passport and visa, when travelling in Australia, so that you do not have to worry about such travel mishaps.
Destination is Australia also provides you with valuable tips on finding affordable flights for your trip. Your actual travel costs may be the biggest expense of your entire trip, and saving in this area will leave more to spend on souvenirs and side trips. While you are at it, check out our tips on how to decide which accommodations will best suit your needs while you are in the country.
Finally, Destination is Australia has information about some of the most beautiful, most exciting, and most thrilling locations all across the continent. What do you think of when you think of Australia? Sunny beaches, rugged outback, lush wine country, and glittering skyscrapers are all here, and you can choose where you want to explore on a shorter visit, or you can take your time and visit them all. We will walk you through each and every top location and favourite site so that you do not have to miss anything along the way.
So where do you turn for travel information if your Destination is Australia? You turn here.
By admin, on October 26th, 2011
Sydney as we know it today was born in The Rocks. The Rocks was once an open-air gaol but is now a thriving suburb of cosmopolitan Sydney. As you stroll through its cobbled streets, you can see that in many ways it has become a tourist hub. With just a bit of imagination, though, you can whisk back to a time when sailors took refuge in the quaint stone buildings. You can even stop off for a pint in a pub that looks remarkably unchanged from the early days of The Rocks.
There are many places you are undoubtedly going to want to see while you are in Sydney, but no trip to this beautiful Australian city would be complete without a visit to The Rocks. Instead of staying in the traditional hotel, however, why not try furnished properties?
You may well find that a furnished apartment or house can be a far more attractive prospect after a long day of exploring Sydney’s hidden treasures. Privacy, affordability, and the convenience of staying anywhere in the city make a furnished house or apartment an attractive choice for many visitors to Sydney. Why would you stay in a busy, noisy, pricy hotel when you have other options?
Furnished homes and apartments are available in a wide range of price points, styles, and locations to suit the needs of the many visitors that flock to Sydney every year. It does not matter if you are here for business or pleasure or even for educational purposes; you will always be able to find a property to meet your unique needs at a cost that fits your budget.
Whether you are walking the streets of The Rocks or simply enjoying a relaxing rose after a visit to one of the wineries in the Barossa of South Australia, you will find that a furnished property is simply more affordable, more comfortable, and all-around better travel and accommodation experience.
By admin, on October 8th, 2011
 The harbour walk up to the Sydney Opera House Arriving in Sydney was like a dream come true, my travel in Australia had begun and I have always wanted to visit the capital of NSW, and now here I am. It’s everything I hoped it would be. This glittering gem of a city rises from the background of Sydney Harbour as the sails of the Opera House fan out alongside the night-darkened waters of the harbour, the bridge magnificently spanning the distance.
My accommodations are located in Darlinghurst. I am in a nicely appointed furnished apartment within walking distance of pleasant cafés, Little Italy, and quite near to the CBD. It’s also not so far from Hyde Park. In fact, on my first morning here, I discovered that there’s simply no better way to start my day than with a leisurely stroll through Hyde Park after my morning coffee. I followed that up with a stroll through Darling Harbour. All that walking stirred my appetite, which worked out perfectly since Darling Harbour has nearly 40 restaurants catering to both diverse palates and budgets.
A visit to the QVB was next on my agenda. This historic building has housed markets and government organizations and was very nearly demolished at one point. Today, though, the Queen Victoria Building is shopping centre that takes up a full city block, providing even the most avid of shoppers plenty of options for some hard-core retail therapy.
After an exhausting afternoon of shopping, I stopped off at The Rocks for a drink. Although The Rocks may be home to some of the trendiest bars in Sydney, I chose instead to nestle into a corner of a quaint, old world-style pub looking out over the water reflecting the brilliant multi-coloured lights of the city.
It was time for me to head back to my apartment after that. I was ready for a nice dinner on Darlinghurst Road. After some spicy tapas and wine, it was finally time to turn in for the night.
By admin, on September 17th, 2011
When you decide to cross the globe to visit Australia, your travel costs are likely to be one of your biggest expenses. Although there are often direct flights to all the capitals and most major cities, when you are headed to more remote locations, there are rarely direct flights available.
If you’re planning a trip to the Gold Coast, you may find it most affordable to fly to Sydney, Melbourne, or one of the other larger cities in the country. From there, you can take domestic flights to Gold Coast. This can dramatically reduce your costs.
Another way to save on your travel expenses is by travelling during the off season. Many times you can find the best deals on flights to Australia during the Australian winter. This falls between the months of May and August. You may be able to save several hundred pounds on your overall airfare costs and even find discounted premium cabins.
During the Australian summer months, airfare tends to skyrocket, and the airways can become quite crowded. Of course, there are other reasons to travel during the winter months as well. During the winter, the Gold Coast has beautiful balmy weather. This also is the best time of year to visit the Gold Coast if you’re interested in whale watching. You can often spot humpback whales and may even see an orca or two.
Summer in the Gold Coast can get extremely hot. Combined with the pricey airfare, many people find it’s just not worth it to travel at this time of year.
If you’re headed to the Gold Coast, a visit to Cairns is certainly in order. Not only is Cairns served by a good airport, its resort has plenty of varied accommodation options from basic hotels to luxurious, boutique properties. From Cairns, you can explore the Great Barrier Reef and all it has to offer.
By admin, on September 7th, 2011
 The laugh of the Kookaburra is something unique. Although Australia is the sixth largest country in the world, it is home to more than 10 percent of the entire world’s biodiversity. Some of the amazingly weird and wonderful creatures that call Australia home include kookaburras, kangaroos, koalas, dingoes, and red back spiders.
The kookaburra is the world’s largest kingfisher. Known for its song’s eerie resemblance to human laughter, the kookaburra sings to mark its territory. Carnivorous, these birds enjoy snacking on small snakes and occasionally even other birds.
The kangaroo appears on the Australian coat of arms and nearly everything else Australian. The kangaroo is a macropod, or a creature with longer hind legs than forelegs and a muscular tail. More than 55 different kangaroo species are spread across the continent. Some can even weigh up to 200 pounds and may attain speeds of 30 miles per hour.
Although the koala is commonly called a bear, it’s actually a marsupial closely related to the wombat. This cuddly looking creature is fairly lethargic and lives off eucalyptus leaves, moving about for only a couple hours a day. They’re most commonly found in eastern and southern Australia.
The dingo is another well known Australian animal. This wild dog species is the largest carnivorous mammal in the country. It is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia before being introduced in Australia between 4,000 and 8,000 years ago. Small and reddish gold in color, they tend to live alone or in packs.
The red back spider is another creature unique to Australia. It’s a member of the widow family, and the female can grow up to one centimetre long with a brilliant red or orange mark on its back. It creates a funnel-like web and its venom is toxic to humans, although it rarely bites them.
Australia is a vast continent that can provide you with a multitude of reasons to visit. While you may be able see a few, or even all, of these creatures in some zoos, there’s nothing quite like visiting them in their natural habitat.
By admin, on September 5th, 2011
A recent survey comparing nearly 200 countries has revealed that Australia is the second best place to live. Australia came in far ahead of Britain, which placed at a mere 25. France was the top spot to call home according to the poll. This was the fifth year in a row France managed to snag the coveted number one slot.
The survey touched on a multitude of factors including crime rates, social resources, cost of living and climate. The United Kingdom failed to impress when all the factors were added and considered together. In fact, Britain actually slipped five spots from its ranking last year.
France and Australia, on the other hand, were not surprisingly the top ranked countries. United Kingdom tourists frequently flock to both countries. Although the recession has taken a toll on the travel industry, it has gradually improved, and a flight to Perth is as popular as ever, bringing tourists into this unique Australian city located on the banks of the peaceful Swan River.
Perth is known as the most remote capital city in the world. Remote though it may be, tourists in search of rollicking night life will certainly find it in here. However, they can also find beautiful vineyards and orchards, as well as rolling natural Australian bushland, brilliant wildflowers, and pristine beaches. Swim with dolphins, visit cuddly koalas, or go sandboarding: Every day can bring something new in Perth.
Travel and flights from the United Kingdom to Australia can be fairly pricey, and this can often discourage travellers. It shouldn’t. Australia has too much too offer. Knowing when and how to find the best rates can help you find discounted flights and other deals to reduce your overall costs Steeply discounted tickets are often available during the off season. Shorter trips and inexpensive accommodations can also help you keep your budget within a reasonable limit.
By admin, on August 24th, 2011
Colour has been shown to have a profound effect on people. Once used medicinally, colour is still used by some holistic practitioners in their treatments. Warm colours like red and gold can bring feelings of comfort and passion, while cooler colours like green and blue may be more restful and calming.
If you’re in search of a colourful holiday in a land of astonishing beauty, you need look no further than extraordinary Australia. With intense pigments, lush greenery, and exotic wildlife, Australia does nothing halfway.
The Blue Mountains are surrounded by a fairy-like blue mist, but tucked not far away are the Jenolan Caves. Said to be the former hideaway of outlaw James McKeown, the caves today are brilliantly lit and filled with the sounds of rushing underground rivers and spectacular cave formations.
The big red rock, or Uluru, smack in the centre of Australia is truly an icon. It’s an enormous sandstone formation rich in feldspar, and while it may be naturally grey, the brilliant red from the oxidized iron it contains is what everyone remembers, along with its massive size and spiritual significance.
Golden Fraser Island is located along the coast of Queensland. Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world. Surrounded by vivid, clear turquoise and aquamarine waters, it is home to such diverse wildlife as goanna, kookaburras, swamp wallabies, and dingoes.
The lush jade-coloured rainforests of Tasmania are virtually unspoilt, preserved in World Heritage Sites, reserves, and national park areas. This island state 240 kilometres from the mainland has glittering white beaches, deep mountain gorges, and verdant vineyards.
If you can’t choose just one gorgeous colour, you’re not alone. Kakadu National Park brings together cool emerald vegetation, rushing blue and white waters, red rock cliffs, and stunning views in every direction. Whether you’re on an adventure trip, looking for Aboriginal rock art, or in search of the saltwater crocodile, you’re sure to find something extraordinary in Kakadu National Park.
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