Travel and Tourism in Australia

Australia is situated in the Southern Hemisphere the Smallest Continent in our world with so much to offer with six states and two territories packed with highlights just waiting to be explored by you.

 Gain an insight into Australian Culture, which was founded on our notions of Honesty, Integrity and “Fair go Mate.” Our love of the great outdoor life and a dry sense of humour, nationalities that make up modern Australian society.

Check out our interesting information about Australia, with facts across a range of areas, from our Tourist Attractions to our Beautiful Flora and Native Fauna. 

What better way to spend your days than just moving around this country at your leisure taking in the sights and sounds of the our Cities, Coastal Scenery with our Beautiful Beaches and Vast Stretching Countryside.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Many places will arrange for Travel Guides and major towns around the country will include  

• Travel Information
• CentersTravel
• Maps          

Just pointing out the highlights of the area. There are so many attractions and places of Natural Beauty, History and Heritage for you to enjoy at your leisure. 

A wonderful contrast of wide open desert lands and natural wonders, beautiful scenic coastlines where you can spend lazy days on the white sandy beaches to our snow fields or just relaxing and dreaming the days away at one of our Beautiful National Parks. If your looking for Travel around Australia, the most traveled country of the world and interested to explore the Australian lay back way of life? This is your gateway to the greatest Holiday in your life time. You only live once so go enjoy your self while you have time.Places of great interest to see in Australia. 

Queensland  

 Make your friends jealous this winter by holidaying in North Queensland with its Pleasant Weather, Beautiful Clear Waters, Coloured Fish and Coral Reefs, Palm Trees swaying in the breeze and Swimming Beaches. 

New South Wales

 Soak up Sydney’s gorgeous harbor, known for sidewalk cafes and fine cuisine and nightlife spectaculars. Marvel at our

• Sydney Harbor Bridge
• Opera House.
• Manly
• Coogee
• Bondi
• Blue Mountains

Take a ride on the ferry across the magnificent harbor to Visit some of our Beautiful Beaches and take a dip in the cool waters. Go Rock Climbing in the  Mountains or Snow Skiing in the Snow Fields or just travel through  our lovely out back and take in the shear beauty of the countryside. 

Canberra

Canberra deceives the lazy tourist by presenting a Sleepy Façade, blanketed by Magnificent Australian bush also Canberra is the hub of the ACT and  a much greater region of Southern NSW where BushWalking, Cycling, Swimming and a host of other activities are thein thing. 

This city is a celebration of what Australians hold dear their origins, sacrifices, treasures and values. Iconic Cultural Landmarks such as the National Museum, War Memorial and Parliament House are symbolic and accessible, informative with few exceptions, replete with Café and Souvenir shop. The city is equally known for its private sector and strong University Influence.

Beneath the hushed exterior thrives a Dynamic Community making the most of their Lakeside Parks Hills, Culture, Artistic Endeavours and Culinary Adventures.  

  Tasmania.

Celebrate the life in Hobart or ski in Ben Lomond National Park. Trek the Snow-Coated Highlands of Cradle Mountain or snuggle up in one of the many Holiday Lodges in front of an open fireplace at Wineglass Bay.

Victoria

While in Victoria discover, the Breathtaking Landscapes, Historic Towns and Superb Local Food and Wine.

When it’s Snowing in Victoria it is the perfect time to plan your snow escape. Whether you’re a skier, a snowboarder, or seeing snow for the very first time, ski Victoria and have a great time. 

South Australia

The Capital being Adelaide and while here visert the show casing Australian Aboriginal Antiquities at the South Australian Museum. Plus a great days outing and well into the nightlife events.

Whether you’re a culture vulture or nature lover, South Australia offers great adventures. Get a taste of the inland with a hike through the Flinders Ranges, or come face to face with our beautiful native fauna such as koalas, kangaroo and Sea lions on Kangaroo Island. Not forgetting our Beautiful Flora or maybe sample the amazing wines at one of the many Wineries in the vallies.

Western Australia.

In Western Australia you can dive with the largest fish on the planet the Whales and Sharks, walk amongst the tree tops of ancient trees, sleep under a canopy of stars in the large sandy desert or explore the gorges of the Wilderness in some of Australia largest National Parks. Then again you may just like to drive along the coastal road and admire the scenery.
Come and see The Real Thing in Western Australia.

Northern Territory.

Explore the Northern Territory as you discover Iconic Natural Landscapes and interact with an Ancient Aboriginal Culture.

The Northern Territory is all about taking time out to relax, reconnecting and creating memories that will stay with you long after you arrive home. For lasting returns that benefit your wellbeing, look no further than the Northern Territory.

Visit the Australian  Aboriginal lands of Kakuda National Parks and Amlen Land.                                Go south passing through the deserts and enjoy the site of the Devis Marbles and the world Heritage of Aires Rock ” Uluru”. Relax and connect with nature before returning home.

This is your gateway to the greatest Holiday in your lifetime. You only live once so go enjoy your self while you have time.

Western Australia

Western Australia is the largest of all the States and Territories of Australia and takes up approximately on third of the whole continent.

Western Australia covers 2,525,500 square kilometers and has a coastline of 12,500 kilometres long.

The Inland of Western Australia has a vast area of deserts such as in the north the Great Sandy Desert, and central is the Gibson Desert and the Little Sandy Desert and in the south is the Great Victoria Desert and far south to the Nullabor Plains.

The capital of Western Australia is Perth situated in the far south coast and the port of Perth being Fremantle. Fremantle is more well known for being

the home of the America’s Cup for the prestigious yacht race in 1983.

Perth sits on the banks of the Swan River with its sandy bottom and crisp blue waters where the swans can be seen paddling around at their leisure.

Cottesloe being the main surfing beach in the Perth area.

Rottnest Island

To the west of Perth is an island we call Rottnest. Rottnest Island was discovered in 1696 by a Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh.

The Island was first used as a prison and then in the Second World War as a strong hold and still to-day you can visit the Oliver Hill Gun Emplacement.

Rottnest Island is to-day a special holiday attraction and home to Australia’s smallest wallaby known as a Quokka. 

Valley of the Giants

To the south east of Perth is the Walpole National Park noted for the tallest Karri trees in the world. Known as the Valley of the Giants. Pemberton being the hub of this area and established in 1913 as a timber town. Visit the Karri forest and take a walk along the walkways among the canopy of the trees.

Mandurah and Busselton

Heading south now from Perth you’ll come to the beaches of Mandurah and on to Busselton both wonderful holiday spots for camping, caravanning or staying in one of the many holiday resorts.

Margaret River

Further south and slightly east of the coast is Margaret River. Also a great holiday destination, however better known for its wines. The wines of the Margaret River district are found in restaurants around the world.

Albany

Continuing along and around the coastline is Albany. Albany is the oldest European settlement of Western Australia and is situated on King George Sound. This was once a major whaling station and also a shipping port for coal. It is still a shipping port but these days it is for grains such as wheat, oats and barley to name a few.

On display is the ship Amity that arrived in Albany in 1825 with settlers for the region. Some beautiful historical buildings still standing since the 1850’s

• Courthouse
• St.Johns Anglican Church
• Town Hall

Heading northward from Perth and in the immediate area to the northeast is the Avon Valley known around the world for its white water rafting and more importantly for the wildflowers. In spring the wildflowers are so spectacular that there are special tours from Perth daily just to see this wonderful flora with numerous amounts of species and the emblem of Western Australia we call the Kangaroo Paw.

Along the stretching coastline you’ll pass through towns such as:

The Central Coastal Region

Cervantes situated on the edge of the Little Sandy Desert, famous for what is known as The Pinnacles. A great tourist attraction. The Pinnacles are hundreds of small mounds some reaching several metres high.

Geralton, a lobster fishing area and well known for Geralton Wax, a native bush that gets covered in small wax like flowers.

Kalbarri, on the banks of the Murchison River. Kalbarri has a history of shipwrecks along the emmediate coastline from rocks and reefs in the ocean nearby. Shipwrecks used these days for diving and exploring the surrounding sea.

Monkey Mia a tourist area where you can hand feed and swim with the dolphins. At times of the day the dolphins will come in from the sea looking for a hand out of fresh fish. A wonderful attraction.

Carnarvan is warm and tropical with its tropical fruit growing area such bananas and pineapples just to name a couple.

Carnarvan is situated on the banks of the Cascoyne River and to the east is the Kennedy Ranges with its National parks and abundance of wildlife.

Still heading north we come to the coastline known as the Coral Coast.

This is a fantastic eco-tourism tourist of Ningaloo Marine Park out from Exmouth with its beautiful beaches, coral reef, eco tours and fishing, diving and whale watching.

Continuing further up the coast we come to the Pilbara Region.

Port Headland is the port of the Pilbara and also home to the flatback turtles. Whale watching is another pass time where you can see the humpback whales playing in the ocean.

There are a number of National Parks in the area such as the Millstream-Chichester National Park and the Karijini National Park with its walkways and rest areas to fill your day.

Broome the old pearling town where the Pearl Divers have worked for many years. The original divers were all Chinese Immigrants However it is a much smaller business these days with only a couple of vessels still running, known as Pearl Luggers. There is a lot of heritage in and around Broome with the Historical Society Museum and Pearl Luggers and make sure you take time out to visit the old part of Broome with Chinatown situated in Carnarvan Street. Broome is the last coastal town and from here the road heads east to the Northern Territory.

To the east of Broome is the Kimberley Region.

Kimberley region has a number of wonderful places to see and explore.

The Bungle Bungle Ranges and National Park with the beautiful scenery and landscape. The rocks carved out in the colors of the soil in black and orange.

Gorges, waterfalls and a never ending amazement of spectacular views.

To the east of Perth and heading into the outback of the state you’ll find the gold fields of Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie noted for the gold rush days and to the north west the wheat fields of Western Australia.

Travelling east of Kalgoorlie is the Nullabor Plains a vast stretch of sandy desert. Nullabor which is latin for “no trees.” The Eyre Highway runs through the Nullabor Plains and is a long surfaced roadway that takes you all the way to South Australia.

The Bungle Bungles are located in Purnululu National Park in the Kimberly region of WA.
(They were discovered in 1983 by a film team!)
The sandstone formation of the Bungle Bungle ranges is estimated to be 350 million years old.
The impressive striped domes, (almost like giant beehives) originated as the sediment of an old river bed, with layers of clay and sandstone. The oxidization of iron in the sandstone gives the range its beautiful orange colour.
The raging waters of the wet seasons have washed out wide creeks and deep canyons, steep sided rifts and chasms leaving amazing places like “Cathedral Gorge”, which was formed as a result of a massive wet season whirl pool.
A spectacular place to visit but access is by 4 wheel drive only as the track getting in there is pretty rough.
There are a few small water crossings and one particularly nasty bull dust hole seen right at the beginning of this video.
Funnily enough there WAS an actual bull right near the bull dust hole.
I only noticed him after I got out the car to film Richard driving across it and freaked out realizing that after the car disappeared all there was was me……the dust and a BULL!
And yes, he had four legs…..
We have no idea about the disembodied “leg” on the road but it seemed an interesting thing to film.
I hope you enjoy a tiny glimpse into a really beautiful part of Australia!

Take your time to visit this vast state, as there is much to see and do.

The Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is situated in the central north region of Australia. 

The Northern Territory covers around 1.35 million square kilometers which is 20% of the country of Australia and has a population of approximately 250,000 people which is only 1% of the Entire Population of Australia.

The Northern Territory is classified as having three areas known as The Top End, Middle, and Red Centre.

The Top End is coastal where you’ll find the capital of Darwin, the Middle is mainly the Tanami Desert and the Red Centre the Simpson Desert.

The Red center is named because of the soil in the area being predominantly Red. There are Large Rock formation in this area such as Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the Olgas well known for the beautiful Sunsets and Sunrise with the rocks glowing of red. 

Darwin was named after Charles Darwin who was an early scientist pioneer.

The first settlers to Darwin came from South Australia in 1869 and was under South Australian control. It wasn’t until 1911 that the Territory was transferred to the Commonwealth and then in 1978  the Northern Territory gained it’s independence however much of the legislation governing the Northern Territory still comes from the Commonwealth Goverment of Australia.

Darwin is known as a multicultural city and also the “Gateway to Asia” 

 Kakudu National Park  is in the North of the Territory to the east of Darwin.  The park is a Commonwealth Reserve and covers nearly 20,000 square kilometers and includes the traditional land of several Aboriginal Tribes.

Kakadu National Park is a one of the very few places that is a World  Heritage area. The Park has 683,000 Hectares of wetlands and home to hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, mammals, fresh water fish and different plants. One of our famous reptiles being the Crocodile.

Kakadu is tropical, monsoon climate with two seasons, wet and dry and range in temperature from 10 degrees in the cool nights to 40 degrees in the summer and very high humidity.

Further to the east of Kakuda is Arnhemland. A large Aboriginal Reserve in eastern top end of the Northern Territory. Arnhemland is Aboriginal land and the majority of the land is not accessible to travelers. To visit any areas in Arnhemland you need to have a permit.

Traveling south from Darwin on the Stuart Highway to Alice Springs some 1,500 kilometres you’ll pass through the townships of

• Pine Creek
• Katherine
•  Daly Waters
•  Tennant Creek
•  Barrow Creek and on to Alice Springs. The Stuart Highway passes through Tanami Desert so keep an eye out for Desert Animals such as Kangaroo, Emu, Camels and Dingos. 

Katherine 

North East of Katherine is Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park.

Katherine Gorge is actually 13 gorges carved form sandstone over billions of years by the Katherine River. The Gorge is made up of rugged landscapes and magnificent waterfalls home too much of Australia’s fauna and flora.

The Katherine Gorge stretches for 30 kilometres and can be explored by boat, canoe or helicopter. 

Tennant Creek 

The Tennant Creek region is home to what we call “Devils Marbles.” A spectacular area of thousand of large red boulders strewn across the valley and also large red boulders precariously doing a balancing act on top of each other. Tennant Creek is also the T Junction for the roadway to Queensland that boarders the Northern Territory to the east. 

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is the hub of the Red Centre with so much to see and do.

Boarding the Simpson Desert to the east. Tourism is high on the agenda of the Travel Agents in this area with the main attraction being Uluru (Ayers Rock), Macdonnell National Park and Kings Canyon. This bussing outback town in the center of our country.

Alice Springs with its vibrant landscapes and a heritage rich in culture is only a two hour Flight from most Australian Cities. There are approximately 24,000 Inhabitants in Alice Springs with an 80% majority being Australian Aboriginal. 

Take a tour from Alice Springs to the immediate west to the township of Hermansburg and west to Macdonnell Ranges and Macdonnell National Park. Macdonnell National Park covers most of the Macdonnell Ranges and is home to the famous Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira.

Macdonnell National Prk is known for bush walking through the many Chasms and Gorges and to be able to stop along the way and take a dip in one of the many Waterholes such as

• Ellery Creek Big Hole
•  Ormiston Gorge 
• Redbank Gorge. Reflect on the ancient rock formations and unique scenery.

Macdonnell National Park is home to the Black Footed Rock Wallaby. 

Uluru  Ayers Rock

Uluru is some 460 kilometres south west of Alice Springs.

Taking a tour to Uluru from Alice Springs is a must.

Uluru is situated in the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park in the south of the Red Centre. Uluru is considered one of the Natural Wonders of the World and is a Large Magnetic Mound.

It is one of Australia’s most Recognizable Natural Icons.

Uluru previously known as Ayers Rock had a name change when the land was granted back to the Australian Aboriginal and is the most Significant Landmark for the Australian Culture Aboriginal .

The Olgas is another rock formation that is in the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. Not as big as Uluru but equally as spectacular. 

Kings Canyon

Kings Canyon can be found to the south west of Alice Springs and is situated in the Watarrka National Park. Kings Canyon is a huge 270 metres high and a walk around the canyon can take up to three hours but well worth the effort with its spectacular views and rock pools of the Garden of Eden and the magnificent views of the rock formations known as Lost City.

If you are unable to walk or your time is precious then jump on one of the many flights that leave from Kings Creek Station. 

When visiting the Northern Territory don’t go without your camera. So much to film and keep for memories into the future.

Queensland.

Queensland is the second largest state of Australia with its capital city of Brisbane situated on the Brisbane River in the South East of the State.

Queensland has a Sub-tropical climate and has a large array of Industries from Coal, Gas, Metals and Precious Gems to Agricultural Farmland and Small Crops. The climate can range from the cool areas of the South East of Queensland to the desert heats of the far west to the humidity of the northern areas.

West of Brisbane and over the ranges you’ll come to the township of Toowoomba the gateway to the west. This area also known as the Darling Downs with its rich soils and farmlands commonly called the Food Bowl of Queensland. Traveling further to the west and north west are the lands of Agriculture where the cattle and sheep graze amongst the grain fields slightly flowing in the breeze. 

Leaving Toomooba and traveling to the far west you’ll come to the townships of Dalby, Chinchilla, Miles and Roma which is famous for its Large Cattle Sale Yards and also known for its Large Natural Gas and Oil Fields. The gas and oil are transported to Brisbane for home hole consumption and export.

Roma is also noted for being the Gateway to the famous Canarvan Gorge National Park which is know as one of Great Wonders of the World with its Camping, Fauna and Walkways and Aboriginal Art.

Don’t leave Roma without visiting the Big Rig Information Centre, where you can see a working demonstration of Drilling for gas and oil.

Further to the west of Roma is the township of Charleville noted for its Sheep and Cattle production and commonly known as Mulga Country. Also the Gateway to the Great Artesian Basin. Charleville is situated on the Warego River at the cross roads of North, South, East and West to Quilpie and the town of Birdsville, the home of the famous Birdsville Races. While in Charleville don’t miss seeing the Cosmos Center. Charleville is noted as the best place in Australia to study the stars, where you get the chance to look through the telescopes especially set up to see the stars and galaxy that surrounds us.

Traveling north from Charleville you’ll go through Tambo known for its famous Tambo Teddies and taking in the flora and fauna along the way.The wild flowers in spring and catching a glimpse of the Emus and Kangaroos and maybe even a Bilby.

The next major township being Longreach also known for its cattle and sheep production but more importantly recognized for the Hall of Fame and the Flying Doctor Service and of course the home and foundation of our famous Australian Airline, Qantas.

Moving further north we come to Mt Isa, famous for its underground Copper Mining. Exporting thousands of tons of Copper each year.

On the southern side of Brisbane is the Gold Coast with the hub of Surfers Paradise famous for its Great Beaches, Bight Night Life, Restaurants and Accommodation.

Heading north from Brisbane is the Sunshine Coast with the center focus around Noosa Heads. 

• Sunshine Beach
• Mooroochydore
• Mooloolaba
• Kawana
• Caloundra
• Palican Waters

All of these areas boast there long stretching warm sandy beaches with hinterlands to the immediate west. The areas are noted for the rich and famous to come out to play but also accommodate for the Family Holidays and Backpackers.

From the Sunshine coastal area of Queensland the coast line stretches north 

• Hervey Bay
• Bundaberg
• Bagara

and onwards to Gladstone  the Aluminum township of Gladstone with a large Coal Port for the exportation of Coal to overseas destinations.  From here you travel north to beautiful Sub-tropical  Rockhampton.

Then onwards to places like Mackay and Townsville to the Sub Tropical of Cairns and further on to the Rainforests of the Cape York Peninsular.

To the east of Cairns there are the Tropical Holiday Islands such as

• Green Island
• Hayman Island
• Lord Howe Island
• Hamilton

All with their wonderful Holiday Resorts and Tours. Tourism such as Chartered Fishing and Diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Holiday makers in their thousands come to the Great Barrier Reef to see the magnificent coral and the Beautifully Coloured Tropical Fish that live and swim in the warm ocean currents. 

You’ll find Queensland to be a wonderful place to visit with its vast contrasts and Wonderful Friendly People, Great Accommodation, Roads and Scenery.

See you there some time.

SOUTH  AUSTRALIA

South Australia is situated in the Central South of Australia.

It has a population of around 1.47million whom mostly live in the South Eastern part of the state as the North and West of the state are semi desert arid areas.

The Capital is Adelaide known as “the city of churches,” 80% of the population of South Australia live in Adelaide with temperatures ranging from the minuses in winter to the high thirties in summer.

South Australia is most famous for its wineries. The most famous being the Barossa Valley commonly called Wine Valley.

Set out on an Adelaide Wine Tour and experience a Barossa Wine Tour.

Have a taste test of Barossa Wines and lunch at Tanunda Hotels famous for its Brandy and Fine Foods.

• You may even decide to stay in the Barossa Valley for a few days and experience the Barossa Accommodation or even a Barossa Bed and Breakfast to start your day and put a bounce in your step. Some of the other winery attractions include.
• Clare
• Coonawarra
• McLaren Vale

The Murray River is important to South Australia for its Tourism flowing through the Australian Alps and meeting up with the sea at Lake Alexandrina.

Tourists visit the Murray River region of South Australia especially to get the chance to take a Murray River Cruise on one of the old Paddle Steamersthat have been re built over the years.

• Coober Pedy

Coober Pedy can be found in the outback of South Australia and is famous around the world for the gems we know as Opals. The ancient Romans referred to them as “Opalus” meaning “prince of gems” because of the flashes of colour these gems produce. Coober Pedy is a dry dusty area but the miners seem to love it.

Some of the most famous scenery and landscape can be seen in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia. Enjoy a bushwalk on one of the many trails in the area and also in and around the Adelaide Hills

Watch the Wales as they play and journey past the Head of Bright along the Great Australian Bight and take the time out to visit Kangaroo Island.

 http://www.vimeo.com/88192

In a U.K Sunday Telegraph they called Kangaroo Island one of earth’s last unspoilt refuges. The Island is approximately seven times the size of Singapore but literally covered in wildlife. Koalas relaxing at home in the native trees and seals lazing on the beach. Echidnas, Platypus, Goannas, Australian Wallabies and of course our native Kangaroo plus the Kangaroo Rat all thriving in their natural habitat. The majority of the Island remains as it did when it was discovered By Matthew Flinders in 1802.

• Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island Australia is a great tourist attraction and there is plenty to do to pass the time on Kangaroo Island such as swimming, surfing and exploring shipwrecks and many National Parks.

Many Australian Native Animals were wet free on the island from the threat of other animals on the mainland. There are numerous bays, Coves and Beaches to explore on the Island. Indulge in the seafood such as Marron and Oysters and taste a selection of the Wine and Cheeses.

Kangaroo Island Australia is also home to over 250 species of birds and over 850 different varieties of native plants.

South Australia is not to be missed when planning your holidays.

TASMANIA

Tasmania is the only Island State of Australia. Situated to the south of Victoria and separated by the waters of Bass Strait.

Tasmania is approximately 68,400 square kilometers with a population of around 490,000 people.

The Capital of Tasmania is Hobart, established in 1804, situated in the south east of the state on the Derwent River. The temperature ranges from 0 degrees Celsius to 22 degrees Celsius.

In the Bass Strait there are two Islands, King Island to the North West well known for its diary products and Flinders Island to the North West well known for the fishing and the large fishing port of Lady Barron.

Both Island also well known for seal huntingin the past.

Tasmania is well known for its magnificent national Parks offering breathtaking scenery, walking trails and many other outdoor activities. Many waterfalls throughout the beautiful parklands are well worth a visit, especially the spectacular Russell Falls.

In the south of the state in the early years of settlement the British used the areas for Penal Colonies. Best known colonies were Macquarie Harbour, Maria Island and  Port Arthur. Convicts were brought out from England and imprisoned in these colonies as far back as 1790.

Further to the north is Swansea with its historical buildings and Bichens both noted for their fishing and the popular pastime of diving.

Tasmania’s north has some spectacular landscaping along it’s coast and a number of towns and rivers to be explored. Devonport is situated here and is home to museums and galleries. The beautiful Mt William National Park is not to be missed and then onwards to Launceston, Australia’s oldest city.

On the western side of Tasmania you’ll find two of the most beautiful Parks. These include Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and -Cradle Mountain lake St. Clair National park with their magnificent flowing waterfalls on the rivers of Gordon and Olga.

Moving on to the south are the towns of Strahan and Queenstown and also the old mining towns of Zeehan and Hunty Dunes where you’ll still see the old parts of the town still standing such as the Grand Hotel, Post Office and Saint Lukes Church.

One of the more well known mining towns is Burnie, situated on Emu Bay this area is also well know for its Potatoes.

http://www.vimeo.com/472472There are plenty of things to see and do around Burnie. Beautiful scenery and spectacular water falls such as the Guide Falls. Views not to miss at Fern Glade and Roundhill Lookout as well as Burnie Park and Emu Valley Rhododendren Gardens.

Tasmania is home to the native animal we commonly know as the Tasmanian  Devil and the extinct Tasmania Tiger.

When next thinking of your holidays, give a thought to our Island State of Tasmania, you wont be disappointed.

AUSTRALIAN  CAPITAL TERRITORY

Back in the very early 1900’s Australia had no capital and there was some rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney as to which one would be the Capital of Australia. Adventurely the powers to be decided to choose an area somewhere in between.

The brought what is known to-day as Australian Capital Territory, which Covers an area of only 2,400 square kilometers. The Capital Territory is surrounded by New South Wales.

In 1908 a decision was made to locate the capital city in the northern part of Australian Capital Territory and name the capital of Australia Canberra, which is aboriginal for “meeting place.” However up until 1927 decisions were still being made in Melbourne when it was then decided that Parliament would convene in Canberra.

It was then decided to have an International Competition for someone to design the city of Canberra and the competition was won by an American Architect named, Walter Burley Griffin. Part of the design was to surround Canberra in with a lake called Lake Burley Griffin. The lake was all man made.

Traveling around Canberra you’ll see that the surrounding landscape is rugged hill and mountains. Most of the countryside around the Australian Capital Territory is National Parks where the Australian wildlife can be seen feeding or lazing around on the lawns and grasses.

The grounds of Parliament House is well known for the multitude of kangaroos that gather on the lawns.

The Murrumbidgee River flows from South East to North West through the Territory and includes some lovely swimming spots. Along the river can be found places like:

• Black Mountain
• Gilbralter Falls
• Point Hill Crossing

just to name a few

If you venture some 30 kilometres north of Canberra you’ll come to Bywong famous for its replica of an old mining settlement.

Australian Capital Territory is home to Namadgi National Park and also Kosciusko National Park where you can see the sights or spend the day walking along one of the many walking trails, break the journey along the way and stop and have a bar-b-cue at one of the many provided resting places.http://www.vimeo.com/81710

There are several attractive towns around Canberra that you can visit while traveling through the Territory such as Braidwood, Bungendore, Gold Creek and  Queenbeyan just to name a few.

Canberra is home to Australian National University that opened in 1946 and then in 1965 opened the Canberra School of Music. Canberra also home to the National War Memorial.

Australian Capital Territory hold a flower festival “The Floriade Festival” during spring in October and November with a stunning display of Spring Flowers.

When visiting Australian Capital Territory it is well worth viewing Capital Hill before you leave as there sits Parliament House with its four pole Australian flag post. Parliament House is open to visitors from 9 am to 5 pm

Victoria

Victoria is the Smallest Mainland State and situated on the Eastern Side of mainland Australia in the far south. Victoria borders New South Wales in the north and South Australia in the west, with temperatures ranging from a chilly 4.3 c to a mild 27.7 c.

The capital of Victoria is Melbourne with its multicultural population and well known for its fashion and fine cuisine. Melbourne is situated on the Yarra River.

Victoria was colonized by the British as far back as 1803. Victoria’s major industries being Agriculture and Manufacturing. Over the years it has developed into a state of tourism with its beautiful Nation Parks and Landscaping.

Heading north from Melbourne you’ll come to the Great Dividing Range made up of the Victorian Alps where you can spend the day skiing in the winter months or camping and bush walking in the summer months. Also the Dandenongs and the Grampians known for its timbers and fine wineries. These areas are complemented by the historic towns that appear along the Murray River. One such township is Echuca known for its paddle steamer and cruises along the Murray River.

Venturing further into the countryside you’ll reach the townships of Ballarat and Bendigo famous for their mining of the Gold Rush Days with their German influence of culture and historical buildings.

The most southern point of Victoria is Wilsons Promotory National Park and to the south east is Phillip Island known for its Motor Bike Racing but more importantly is the colony of tiny penguins we call fairy penguins, a must for the tourist to see these little birds coming back from the sea in their hundreds, at dusk, and making their way up the sand and rocks to their nests.

Victoria’s supreme coastal scenery, national parks and rainforests can be explored while traveling along the Great Ocean Road which leads west from Geelong to the border of South Australia and then north to the desert areas that are home to beautiful wildflowers.

Another highlight of the coastal area is Bells Beach famous for Surfing Competitions where competitors come from world wide to compete in riding the huge waves.

Victoria is also known for its production of Stone Fruits centred around the township of Sheperton, that houses its own preserving plant and exporting the delicious preserves through out the world.

When visiting Victoria take time to look around and spend a few days of your well earnt holidays exploring some of the historical buildings around the state.

New South Wales

New South Wales Australia  situated on the Eastern Side of Australia and bordering the Pacific Ocean.

What a wide variety New South Wales has to offer from primary producers to mining with its vast river system and the home of country music.

The Capital being Sydney situated on the south coast. Sydney has the largest population of all capital cities of Australia with its diversity of International Cultures. Sydney being more well known for the great Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach.

The coastline of new South Wales stretches from the Northern Rivers Border area to the Victorian border in the south. Traveling through towns such as Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Newcastle and south of Sydney to Woolongong, Jervis Bay and Bateman Bay to Cape Howe near the border of Victoria.

To the north and slightly west of the coast you’ll come to Tamworth the capital of Country Music. It’s like an Australian Nashville. Once a year Tamworth is host to their own music festival and people come from far and wide to help celebrate several days of country song.

To the west of New South Wales coast is a large range of mountains known as the Great Dividing Range, separating the coastal areas from the west. To the west of Sydney part of the range is the Blue Mountains and on the western side of the Blue Mountains are the vast valleys of lush green where the sheep and cattle graze on the grasslands to their hearts content.

In the central areas are the grains. Such as wheat, oats, milo and barley just to name a few.

New South Wales has the largest river system in Australia. The Darling River begins in the north of the state where the rivers running in from Queensland in the north feed into the system. The Darling River runs right through the west of the state until it meets up with the Murray River which borders the states of New South Wales and Victoria and also runs west into South Austrlia.

Then there’s the Murrumbidgee which is actually a major tributary of the Murray River. The Murrumbidgee flows some 900 kilometres and is an important water source for the Riverina District. The Murray-Darling Basin

is home to many native Australian fish species.

The area between the rivers known as the Reverina where a large amount of Rice is grown, citrus fruit and many wineries, where you find McWilliams and Penfolds Wineries.

New South Wales is also home to two Opal Mines – White Cliffs in the North Eastern area and Lightning Ridge in the far Central West. Opals from both these mines are well sort after and exported throughout the world.

Directly to the west of Sydney some 1159 kilometres you’ll come to the mining town of Broken Hill Australia. Famous for its Lead and Silver mining but more recognized throughout the world as B.H.P. Visiting the mines when in the area is a must.

Enjoy your Travels through New South Wales.