Australian Vacations
Australia is a vast country - almost as large as the contiguous United States - and it is impossible to experience everything that the country has to offer in one visit. Some attractions should not be missed. These include both man-made and natural wonders as well as the fascinating culture and traditions of the country’s very first inhabitants.
Australia is a land of diversity and offers holidays to suit people from all walks of life. For those who enjoy being active and discovering the outdoors, there are a variety of holiday packages that include leisure activities such diving, golf and bushwalking. Often these deals will include shuttle buses to and from your resort or hotel, which is a great money-saver and is very convenient.
If your adrenaline junkie days are over and you fancy yourself as more of a foodie who enjoys the finer things in life, there are many holiday destinations that are perfect for relaxing and enjoying some of the world’s finest foods and wines. Regardless of where you are in Australia, all states and territories have a region dedicated to producing some the world’s most exotic wines, freshest seafood, and premium meats, not to mention succulent cheeses and chocolates. Tourism Australia’s official website has some fantastic information that will help you plan a mind-blowing holiday that will surpass all your culinary needs.
Australia’s other big natural wonder is Uluru, or Ayers Rock, which is located about 260 miles from Alice Springs. You can see the rock that is considered the world’s largest monolith by flying over it, driving around it or hiking up it. Various tours are available from both Alice Springs and the resort of Ayers Rock. If you visit this resort, make sure you see the rock at sunset - it is an unforgettable sight.
If you have the time, a three day journey by train from Sydney to Perth on the Indian Pacific is considered one of the world’s great rail journeys. It is fair to say that there are no sights along the way, other than the hypnotic spectacle of the vast emptiness of much of Australia. The trip includes the longest straight stretch of rail track anywhere, which is an almost 300-mile stretch across the Nullarbor Plain.
If you prefer to drive, a driving trip through Australia’s legendary Outback is a great way to see the country and appreciate its sheer size. You may not encounter much traffic but watch out for the so-called road trains - huge tractor-trailers up to fifty yards long; as well as Australia’s unique animals and birds. Broken Hill is a good place to soak up the atmosphere of the Outback. It is the home of the legendary Flying Doctor service, as well as a ghost town and an opal mine.
Australian land of kangaroos has more than a dozen wonderful sites for all the visitors to relish. Each of the Australian states is a unique experience altogether. New South Wales or Sydney, the oldest state is known for the Sydney Harbor Bridge, Opera House and Sydney National Park. The wine city of Australia, Victoria is popular for its huge vineyards. Wine cultivation is the next best occupation of the people out there. Melbourne, the capital of Victoria is the hub of local music and is a shopper’s paradise.
The second largest Australian state, Queensland is swarming with tourists all throughout the year. One of the reasons being that its capital Brisbane houses the Barrier Reef, one of the natural wonders of the world. Other pulls of Queensland are its Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.
Impromptu events are the forte of any Australian state but South Australia is notoriously popular for its events, fairs and other festivals. No wonder that this part of the sub continent is accoladed with being the festival state. The highlights of the festival include setting up of galleries, nightclubs, and theatres and art in general. Adding to charisma of the place are the sites like Kangaroo Island, the Limestone Coast and the Eyre Peninsula.
