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4 Must See Places To Visit in Australia

Tushar Mathur — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:36:43 +0000

Australia’s history is complex, to say the least. An incredibly topographically varied land once primarily host to the aboriginals, and then later transformed into an English prison colony, Australia is now a thriving, sophisticated continent that has managed to preserve its wild side while sustaining one of the most culturally vibrant cities in the world. When visiting Australia, you absolutely must see these four places to get the full essence of the land down under.

1. Great Barrier Reef

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef isn’t exaggerating – there’s really no other place like it. The Reef stretches for 2600 kilometers and has about 900 separate islands. An incredible variety of sea life makes this place its home. The elaborate coral polyps that build the structures that make up the reef, which is the largest structure built by living creatures, make the Reef a beautiful view no matter what angle you approach it from, whether its from a scuba diving perspective, from the air, or even from space! Initially discovered by Western civilization in 1770 when James Cook accidentally ran his ship into the Reef, the Reef has been a spiritual place for the aboriginals for thousands of years, and continues to be a great place to fish and dive.

2. Uluru

This rock outcropping, which radiates in a gorgeous, deep red, especially at sunset, is located near the geographical heart of Australia, and figuratively is the continent’s center, and its actual highest point. Once a sacred aboriginal place (from which it derives its name) a visitor can climb Uluru in a day and take in an awe-inspiring view of the surrounding desert. The easy-to-walk plateau peak makes Uluru a place of contemplation and fun.

3. Sydney Harbor Bridge

If you prefer man-made wonders, the Sydney Harbor Bridge will delight your senses. Encompassing an iconic view of Australia’s capital city of Sydney, the bridge is both architecturally stunning and aesthetically pleasing. The world’s widest long span bridge, “The Coathanger” as it is called by locals, due its bowed out shape, takes in the Sydney Opera House and the gorgeous expanse of the city. For visitors who want to see the city all at once, there’s no better way than hopping a car across the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

4. Blue Mountains

While you’re in Sydney, you would benefit from planning an expedition to the Blue Mountains, which are within an hour’s drive of the capital. The gorgeous valleys, peaks and gorges feature incredible rock formations and vibrant outgrowths of vegetation. There are cave paintings, ancient dwellings and heart-stopping views interspersed among a variety of elevations. This is the place to get lost and let your soul roam in the heart of Australia—at least for the day.

About the Author

Mark is a writer for an Australian credit card website offering a range of frequent flyer and reward credit cards that make travel easier and more affordable. Mark is an avid traveler himself, having explored much of the Australian continent.

Great Beaches On Grand Bahama Island In The Bahamas

Tushar Mathur — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:46:00 +0000

Quite naturally, one of the primary reasons the Bahamas have attracted visitors from all over the world is the abundance of beautiful beaches. Grand Bahama Island certainly has its share of these remarkable beaches, and as a beach vacation destination, this island rates as one of the best.

Xanadu Beach is a popular tourist destination located in Freeport. There are a variety of activities available, including water sports such as parasailing and beach sports such as volleyball. Because of the pleasant atmosphere, the beach also attracts a local crowd, in addition to tourists. This beach is not uncomfortably crowded, and although it attracts enough people to have an active social scene, it is large enough that there is room to enjoy a bit of solitude.

Taino Beach is the perfect place for those seeking the classic white sands beach experience, with all the traditional pastimes. It also has a small playground that is sure to please families with small children. Some of the best restaurants in the area are found in this area. Lucayan Beach is where tourist with an interest in active water sports go. Conveniently located across from the Port Lucaya hotels, it has a long and inviting sandy shoreline.

Gold Rock Beach is located in the Lucayan National Park and is simply gorgeous. It is about 25 miles from Freeport and is, despite its beautiful white sands on the edge of spectacularly blue waters, quiet and peaceful. Outdoor cooking facilities and picnic tables are available, making an all day visit an enjoyable event.

Mather Town Beach is an excellent place for those who enjoy meeting locals. The beach restaurant and bar Club Carib is located here, and is definitely worth a visit for its fine variety of reasonably priced, quality food. William’s Town Beach is another active beach, with water sports, including jet skis and snorkeling on the eastern side. Horseback riding along the beach is permitted here, and with the beautiful view, it is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, whether by foot or on horseback.

In addition to the many public beaches, there are also several private beaches where tourists can enjoy the sun and sand free from the distraction of the beach vendors that wander the public beaches hawking their wares and free of the crowds that sometimes fill those beaches during peak travel times. Many of the resorts offer excellent package deals that include private beach access and transportation to and from the beach. Some offer beachfront apartment rentals, perfect for families. The resort beach packages often provide for a variety of the classic beach activities, including bon fire lit planned parties featuring live music, limbo dancing, and, of course, fabulous food.

Beaches are an important part of the Bahamas vacation experience. The beaches on Grand Bahama Island tend to be of the classic, very beautiful, white sands sort. Because there are so many small beaches, there are plenty of opportunities to socialize with the locals, as well as with an international blend of tourists or to simply enjoy quiet solitude in the midst of spectacularly beautiful scenery.