Australia Travel Destinations

If you love Australia, but not the arid climate, you might want to visit Tasmania, the southernmost part of Australia. Tasmania has a history of housing the penal settlements of far gone colonial times, which is still part of the charm of the region. Colonial style-houses and remnants of the old prisons still remain on the island, which are both national heritage sites as well as tourist attractions.

There are a lot of activities here for tourists due to the region’s varied landscape that offers beaches and rugged mountains, as well as natural parks and reserves. Tasmania is generally considered to be one of the cleanest places on earth so there is minimal air and water pollution, so you can enjoy nature in all its majestic glory, whether inland or at sea.

Off the coast of Queensland Australia is the Great Barrier Reef that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to it’s diverse and natural wonder. Considered as the largest reef habitat on earth, the reef is composed of several coral islands amidst the many coral formations that are teeming with wildlife and plant life that is truly a wonder to behold. Labeled as one of the seven natural wonders of the natural world by CNN it generates an estimated $1 billion Australian Dollars a year in tourism, fishing and other sea oriented ventures. Though a very beautiful place to visit, the true wonder of the area can only be seen underwater where snorkeling and diving offer the best views.
The area has had it’s problems, from marauding starfish to other man-made threats but the diversity and sheer transparency of the reef has always managed to keep it alive. This makes the area a very fragile environment for anything man does on land is quickly transmitted to the healthy environment under the sea which can kill of its coral and fish residents. Many of the world’s endangered sea creatures take refuge in these waters such as the endangered sea turtles, to whales and other reptiles that have almost been wiped out of many other areas. A true wonder under the sea, the Great Barrier Reef is a wonderful natural sight to see for the water loving kind that is.

In a drive to boost tourism to the country, the government introduced the “Best job in the world”, drive, a publicity stunt aimed at getting one person to live on Hamilton Island smack in the Great Barrier Reef. The drive has already sparked millions of applications as the tourism industry screens and decides who the lucky individual would be, for the task at hand though relatively easy would span close to 6 months. The lucky chosen one would get free airfare to/from their country to the site plus a salary of $AU 150,000 as pay/salary for lazing around the island. There is a beach home complete with all the necessary amenities, some chores and a golf buggy which is for getting around (to where?). Some chores include, live feeds, blogs and some research on the reef just at their doorstep.
All while the people of the earth get their view on the state of the marine life as that lucky one spends the day getting on with life. The contest will be accepting applicants till February 22, with all shortlisted winners getting the chance to be flown to Hamilton island in early May for the final selection process. The Best Job in the World contract begins on July 1, 2009 till January 2010.

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The Great Ocean Road is a breath taking coastal drive full of twists and turns. The incredible road cuts through Torquay to Warrnambool, with every turn, you can expect yourselves to be be awed by the wonderful sight to the driver’s disappointment. Every year, 7 million tourists take the spectacular ride across the whole stretch of natural wonder. Now its your time to experience and discover the Southwest Victoria coastline.The world’s most scenic road boasts of world famous areas such as the Otways rain forest, Surf Coast, the Twelve Apostles and the Great Ocean Road itself. And some historic villages like Queenscliff and Portland. The road offers great views of the most photogenic coastlines.

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Australia boasts of its large aquarium with Sydney Aquarium. The facility is located in New South Wales. The aquarium houses a very large number of different Australian aquatic life. About 650 species. 6000 individual fish and other water creatures. Its major exhibits are a series of see through, under water glass tunnels. You can enjoy watching the sharks above you. Another is a recreation of the Great Barrier Reef coral environment. The aquarium was opened in 1988 in time for the country’s bicentenary celebration. It remains to be a favorite tourist attraction. This year they are planning to add a crocodile exhibit in the facility.

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This spring, discover and explore the Blue Mountains in Australia. Take narrow trails riding on mountain bikes. You can also learn rock climbing through the help of experienced guides. Meditate and practice yoga in the magnificent mountain setting. The Blue Mountain is located less than two hours’ drive from Sydney. It offers a true natural wonderland, untamed and spectacular. The scenic view of an unending horizon, waterfalls that rage down to the valleys below are what will greet you on the top. With its numerous lookouts, you can be assured you will finally sit alone with nature, all to your self. There is a variety of restaurants, cafes, shops, inns and boutiques waiting for you to shop and dine. The Blue Mountains region is your gateway to the most enjoyable vacation this 2008.

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Phuket and Phi Phi Island, which are among the top 10 scuba diving locations in the world boasts of splendid crystal clear water, awesome rock formations as well as an ecosystem that is vibrant and contains a lot of marine life. The water is also warm having average surface temperatures of 82 degrees Fahrenheit and there are hundreds of different varieties of both stony as well as soft corals surrounded by bright colored fish as well as other creatures of the sea which also includes some large reef fish. While stony corals are the life blood of the reef, soft corals are a prominent part of the reef. In some places they look like vast fields of undersea wildflowers.

Besides its outstanding water treasures, there is a whole lot more available right here at this wonderful scuba diving location in the form of beautiful beaches, gourmet restaurants, vivacious night life as well as a number of other attractions all available where and when one wants it.

Lake Burley Griffin is one of the main attraction in Canberra. It is situated in the center of the city and is very accessible to other tourist spots.

Lots or recreational activities can also be done in the lake and in the nearby areas. The park is a lovely place to do picnics. You can exercise with their walking and cycling paths.

The lake is a popular destination for water enthusiasts as they can do rowing, sailing, canoeing, even windsurfing.

Important institutions like National Gallery of Australia, National Museum of Australia, National Library of Australia and the High Court of Australia are also near this place.

Hobart is the lively capital of Tasmania and is the second oldest capital city in Australia. There is history in every street corner, harbor, and Georgian building in the city. Surrounded by Mt. Wellington and the Derwent River, this picturesque place allows nature lovers to soak up the alpine beauty of the mountains and the unfolding panorama of fields and rivers. Shopaholics will enjoy the Elizabeth Street Mall at the center of the city. If you’re interested in learning about local history, the colonial district Battery Point and the Georgian warehouses by the waterfront are excellent places to start. Hobart offers lots of accommodations for tourists and backpackers, most of which are located at Battery Point, North Hobart, West Hobart, and Sandy Bay.

Where to go next after Sydney? Perth of course! Connected to Syney by a road, it is a place that is set apart from the rest of the continent literally and figuratively. It is said to be Australia’s sunniest and you would be bathed in beauty even hours past the time of sunset. View the Darling Ranges as you swim the sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean. Stroll at your pleasure the verdant hillsides. Visit the contemporary Subiaco and the lovely Fremantle. Relax at the suburbs scattered at the length of the River Swan. Shop around the fine markets and take a bite at the scrumptious restaurants and never forget Perth: the land of the golden sunlight.