Posts Tagged ‘Great Barrier Reef’

Top Ten Things To Do In Australia

November 16th, 2011 Tushar Mathur

When you visit Australia you are visiting one of the friendliest countries in the world. A land of breathtaking scenery surrounded by the sea, Australia is a trip you will want to make again and again. Here are the top then things to do there.

Bungy Jumping. For some reason Australians are fascinated with this sport and travelers who are brave may want to join in. Journey to Queenstown to the Kawarau Bridge and sign up with one of the expert bungy jumping tour companies to take your turn. For adventure travelers!

Sydney. One of the most interesting cities in Australia, take time to tour around Sydney and see the beautiful opera house, Sydney Bridge, Sydney Harbor, the aquarium, fish market, Royal Botanical Gardens, and Bondi Beach.

Whitsundays. More often than not on the covers of international travel magazines, the dozens of pristine Whitsundays islands hovering over the Great Barrier Reef are some of the most beautiful tropical destinations on earth. Sail into the bay of an isolated island and make it your own. Snorkel. Fish. Go beach combing. You will be in paradise.

Hunter Valley Wineries. Located just outside of Sydney, the Hunter Valley is home to Australia’s wine industry. It makes a wonderful day trip. Rent a car or take an organized tour bus of the wineries for tastings and stops for gourmet meals.

Blue Mountains National Park. Nature enthusiasts will want to take a trip just outside of Sydney to Blue Mountains Park to visit the rain forest and the Three Sisters stone formation. Look to the specialized tour companies for adventure tours of this popular national park or of you are feeling brave get out on some of the world’s best roads on your motorbike. Just make sure you’ve got your motorcycle insurance sorted!

Ayers Rock in the Outback. A most spectacular rock formation that glows red in the setting and rising sun, Ayers Rock is also a holy site for the native Aboriginal people of Australia. A tour company specializing in Ayers Rock would be a great way to visit this amazing natural phenomenon.

Gold Coast. Australia’s answer to Miami Beach, the glitzy Gold Coast stretches along beautiful golden sand beaches lined with high rise hotels, condominiums, shops and an endless array of restaurants. This is a very popular tourist destination which is well serviced by resorts and major hotels.

Byron Bay. Surfers and outdoor enthusiasts flock to Bryon Bay for the waves and beach culture. Wellness enthusiasts come for the vibe.

Adelaide. Food lovers will be thrilled to visit Adelaide Central Market.

Click to continue reading

Posted in Vacation, vacations Comments Off

Queensland, Australia: Top 7 Romantic Hideaways

August 17th, 2011 Tushar Mathur

There’s no better way to say “I love you” than a romantic getaway, and if you’re toying with the idea of exploring Queensland, Australia to spend some genuine and quality time with the one you love or even as a dynamic and action packed honeymoon destination, you couldn’t have made a better choice. Home to numerous attractions, Queensland is blessed with warm weather all year round (it’s not called the Sunshine State for nothing), with magnificent coastline and sandy beaches, lush rainforests,  nature reserves and vast wilderness to boot.
1. Great Barrier Reef expedition
The Great Barrier Reef is Queensland’s most famous attraction. If your idea of a perfect date is soaking up the sun and swimming or snorkelling in crystal clear waters, the various resorts around the Great Barrier Reef won’t disappoint. The unspoilt beauty of this place makes it a perfect dating destination, affording couples a spectacular glimpse of a wide array of marine life. Beachfront or tent cabin accommodations let you and your partner enjoy a peaceful and quiet evening broken only by the sound of the waves lapping at the shore.  The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural beauties of the world, and has been heritage listed to ensure its spectacular natural beauty is forever preserved.

 

2. Brisbane’s riverside dining
Queensland’s capital, Brisbane, is a top choice for couples who don’t want to travel far to indulge their romantic side. A riverside dinner at one of Queensland’s famed restaurant strips with a view of the majestic city skyline provides couples the perfect atmosphere for a romantic meal. The city of Brisbane has come of age over the last decade and is now recognized as an international city offering visitors world class facilities and entertainment.

 

3. Gold Coast gondola
Dreaming of proposing to your girlfriend in a gondola? You don’t have to fly to Venice. Pop the question after a romantic dinner aboard a luxurious private gondola cruising the Gold Coast canals. Unlike the Venetian gondolas, the Gold Coast gondolas are equipped with a carriage-like structure that affords couples the needed privacy. Cap the night with a stay at the beautiful garden chalet named “Romance A While.”

 

4.

Click to continue reading

Posted in Destinations Comments Off

20 Places To See Before You Die

July 5th, 2011 Tushar Mathur

There are hundreds if not thousands of amazing places on earth. Here’s our top 20:

1. Niagara Falls; the most powerful falls in North America. Accessible from both the Canadian and Americans sides, the best views are available from the Maid of the Mist boats that take you right to the bottom of the falls.

2. The Maldives are an island nation in the Indian Ocean. With postcard perfect white beaches and turquoise lagoons.

3. Take a trip to the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas. In the middle of the Nevada Dessert, visit famous casinos such as the Bellagio, MGM Grand and Cesar’s Palace.

4. Formed by the Colorado river, the Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, 18 miles wide and over 1 mile deep. Take a helicopter ride or if your feeling fit, run the 78 mile ‘Ultramarathon’.

5. The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur are the tallest twin buildings in the world. Built in 1992 it took 7 years to complete. Linking the towers together on the 41st and 42nd floors is the famous ‘skybridge’.

6. Auchwitz, a former Nazi concentration camp operated by the Third Reich, is now a museum honouring those that died. Take a look inside the gas chamber and at many belongings that were taken from people brought here.

7. Made up of 317 separate islands connected by 409 bridges, you’d best visit Venice soon – before it sinks!

8. The Great Wall of China is made up of several walls built since the 5th century. Stretching 5,500.3 miles it runs from Shanhaiguan in the east to Lop Nur in the west. Although little of the early wall remains, the remaining parts are still impressive!

9. It is said that the best time to visit Paris is the spring. Visit the Louvree, Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysee. The Moulin Rouge cannot be missed.

10. Regarded as the longest river in the world, at 4,130 miles, the Nile passes through the Sudan, Burundi, Rowanda, DR Congo, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Egypt before flowing into the Mediterranean Sea.

11. The Great Barrier Reef, home to the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem, is visible from space and supports over 10,000 different species.

12. Uluru or Ayres Rock is one of the world’s natural wonders. The rock is best seen at sunrise or sunset and can be climbed using the ancient aboriginal trail.

13. Petra, in southern Jordan, is one of the world’s seven wonders. The fabled rose red city is unlike anything you will have seen before.

14. The Massai Mara is a large game reserve in south west Kenya.

Click to continue reading

Posted in Destinations Comments Off

Top Three Destinations in Australia

June 16th, 2011 Tushar Mathur

The Land Down Under and the Kiwi land are one of the top travel destinations in the world. In relation to land mass, it is the sixth largest country on the planet and the only one that is also a continent. This fascinating country is best known for its fabulous beaches and unique wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, and wombats. Aside from beaches and wildlife, the country is home to countless activities and attractions to suit any traveler. The top three tourism destinations in Australia are listed here.

1. The Great Barrier Reef. No visit to Australia can be complete without a tour of one of the world’s natural wonders. The Reef is situated off of Australia’s northeastern coast, and is the largest coral reef in the world, so large it can be seen from space. This destination is one of the most popular tourist locations in the entire world, and is much loved for its incredible natural beauty. Explore the reef in a charter boat, or for a more adventurous encounter take a diving tour.

Some of the world’s most beautiful species call the reef home, including several endangered animals. Humpback whales migrate from the Antarctic Ocean to breed here, and the dugong and several species of sea turtle are also protected by the reef. Additionally, visitors can enjoy viewing nearly 2,000 species of fish, 400 types of mollusk, several hundred bird species, dolphins, rays, and a variety of other breathtaking creatures throughout the 2,000 kilometer expanse of the reef. Swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving are the most common ways to experience this attraction, while some visitors opt to enjoy a relaxing cruise or an exciting flight tour for a change in perspective.

2. Sydney Opera House. This is one of the most iconic locations in the world, set in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. The Opera House’s unique architectural design makes it one of the most recognizable and highly photographed buildings on Earth. The Opera House opened its doors in 1973 and hosts over 3,000 events and nearly 250,000 guests each year. Tours of the building are available. The venue is situated along Sydney Harbor near the Sydney Harbor Bridge. The Opera House features operas as well as travelling productions, musical performances, and dance performances. It is also available for private events such as weddings.

3. Kangaroo Island. Visitors will enjoy exploring this wilderness area on Australia’s third largest island. The island can be reached by boat or plane only. Plan on spending a few days to fully experience the diversity of this attraction.

Click to continue reading

Posted in Destinations Comments Off

5 ‘Must See’ Australian Travel Destinations

June 15th, 2011 Tushar Mathur

australia-kangarooAustralia is one of those few countries that have preserved its natural features despite a huge influx of immigrants. Its history has brought a rich diverse culture coming from people of a broad range of nations and highly developed traditions from the aborigines. Australians are very patriotic and careful about their environment, which goes to show how they thoroughly appreciate the vast variety of travel destinations in their country. You will see a culture of travel within Australia through caravans clubs and natural attractions.

Apart from natural features, it is also well developed with large cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide. Today it is a traveler’s joy to visit Australia and find something new every visit, for every taste and style. Those who are adventurous will get to explore the Great Barrier Reef, and trekking towards the Outback, the rainforests, or even experience parachuting, while laid-back travelers can find much respite from Australia’s endless beaches or observing sunset at the legendary Red Center.

To make things simple, here are 5 top destinations that every traveler should experience before returning home.

Kakadu National Park

Those who even have a little interest in wild life will find the best of wildlife here at Australia’s largest national park. This national park shelters a variety of habitats that can get you to observe some of the rarest animals of their kind. From saltwater crocodiles to insects and animals that are unique to the area will make your travel an exotic experience. It houses natural and human stories that are over a thousand years old. This place is so large that it will take at least 3 days to make sure that you have trodden every path of this national park.

Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is a building with a unique design that earned its right to be Australia’s most recognizable icon. It was designed by a famous architect named Louis Kahn, who sought inspiration from natural bits like scallop shells, color and pieces of orange segments, Maya temples and palm frongs. Inside you will see 6 auditoriums and left-of-center studio for new artists. Tickets sell out immediately and partial view tickets are also available at short notice in case you might miss. This is but one of the many features you will see in the city of Sydney, which gathers a lot of country’s attention.

Red Center or Uluru

This is yet another of Australia’s most famous icon because of its topographical uniqueness and historical importance. It lies almost exactly at the country’s center.

Click to continue reading

Posted in Destinations Comments Off

4 Must See Places To Visit in Australia

November 5th, 2009 Tushar Mathur

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.

Click to continue reading

Posted in Tourist Attraction Reviews, vacations Comments Off

Australia Tourists Attractions

October 18th, 2008 Tushar Mathur

Australia which is officially known as Commonwealth of Australia is a country in the southern hemisphere. It is the world’s smallest continent. This mainland of Australia is a country, continent as well as an island. The neighboring countries of this island continent are New Zealand, Solomon Islands, East Timor, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

Australia is the only country that has a whole continent for itself. This country continent is famous for its natural wonders and wide open spaces in the form of deserts, beaches and the outback. Australia is one of the most urbanized countries of the world and is very popular for its rich cosmopolitan culture. The main cities which are great tourist attractions are Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Queensland.

Australia lies in the Indian and Pacific Oceans and is one of the most well known tourist destinations attracting tourists especially for the beach and adventure tourism. Australia is one of the wealthiest countries with unlimited tourist destinations. It offers a large variety of tourist attractions and getaway options to the visitors.

This country has several climate zones and is mainly a desert area. The northern part of Australia has cool tropical climate where as the southern area has temperate climate. The Great Australian Outback is a very famous tourist attraction. It can be easily reached through Stuart Highway. The Alice Spring Park is top tourist destination of this place.

The Great Barrier Reef is located on the north eastern coat of Australia, and is the world’s largest coral reef system. It stretches for 2000 km and covers the total area of 350,000 square kilometers. It is a unique area of world’s natural wonders.

The Great Ocean Road is one of the most amazing scenic ocean drives. The twelve Apostles of Australia, lake Corangamite and Princess Margaret’s Rose caves are some of the popular attractions on the way.

The Kakadu National Park is a world heritage site and the largest national park in Australia. This national park is ideal for adventure tourism and has large crocodile population along with eucalyptus woods and rain forests.

Noosa is located in the southern coast of Laguna Bay, 140 kilometers north of Brisbane. This place is very famous among tourists because of its tropical atmosphere, clear crystal water, pristine beaches, wonderful hinterland and lush green rain forests.

The Whitsunday islands are 74 islands floating like jewels. They are surrounded by tropical warm waters of Coral Sea with wonderful reef formations.

Uluru is also known as the Ayers Rock and is the largest sandstone formation in central Australia.

Click to continue reading

Posted in travel, Vacation Comments Off