Australia – Know the Land Down Under
The smallest continent in the world and the sixth-largest country in the world, Australia is a dream destination that you should witness at least once in a lifetime. Famously adjudged as the Land Down Under, Australia is surrounded by waters and pristine nature spots such as abundant coral reefs, natural rocks, sandy beaches, architectural marvels, adventure spots, red desserts and much more. Australia is of the same size as the United States of America but has a population just as much as New York City. The country island has one of the most abundant wildlife that has kangaroos, koalas, platypuses, wombats, thorny dragons and many more.
Places to visit in Australia
Uluru
Uluru is one of the greatest natural wonders of the world that witnesses a flock of visitors from around the world. At a great height of 348 metres, it is regarded for being the world’s largest monoliths that are said to be around 550 million years old. It is made entirely of sandstone due to which it is named as the heart of the Red Centre. The great phenomenon about this sandstone mammoth is that it changes its colour as time passes. For the locals of Aboriginal, Uluru holds a great cultural significance.
Blue Mountains National Park
The Blue Mountains stretches up to one million hectares of lush forests, sandstone cliffs, canyons and waterfalls. It gets its name from the natural blue haze that gets reflected from a wide stretch of blue eucalyptus trees that are found on the entire stretch of the Blue Mountain world heritage area. Tiny droplets of the Eucalyptus oil that get released from the trees mix themselves with water vapour and sunlight to produce a distinctive colour. The entire space of the park stretches up to 140 kilometres tracks of walking, native bushes, rocks and caves that are open to exploration all year round.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the finest natural harbours in the world. A great landmark of Australia, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is the largest steel arch bridge in the world, Constructed in 1932, the harbour Bridge is fondly called the Coathanger by the people of Sydney. The Sydney Harbour Bridge allows you to take a cycle which lets your cross the entire stretch that offers stunning views. The bridge took a span of eight years, 53,000 tonnes steel and six-million hand-driven rivets to form this masterpiece.
Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef is one of the most complex coral reefs, shoals, and islets of the Pacific Ocean. The reef stretches up to the northeastern coast of Australia making it the longest and largest reef complex in the world. The largest structure ever built by living creatures, it consists of 2,100 individual reefs and some 800 fringing reefs. The reefs have been formed over millions of years from the skeletons and skeletal waste of a mass of living marine organisms. Many of these reefs are barely awash at low tide, some have islands of coral sand, others are fringe high islands or the mainland coast.
Bondi Beach
One of the most popular Bondi Beach in Australia is one of the most ideal spots to spend your time. Either you could choose to go for a swim in the waters or just relax by the beach to enjoy its waves. The beach offers a great view of the Coogee Coastal Walk which makes it the ideal spot to spend and adhere. The beach is mostly famous for its sandstone headlands that allow you to either walk, go golfing and entertain yourself with some whale watching. Picnics and fish and chips on the beach are popular for many visitors.
Daintree Rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest is a Wet Tropics World Heritage Area because its flourishing and vivid ecosystem is considered as one of the most prehistoric in the world. It is located in North Queensland that comes under the care of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal. A lot of spots of the national park are said to be of utmost spiritual importance. The park has been divided into two parts, Mossman Gorge, where the clear waters meet the granite boulders. The other is the Cape Tribulation which is one of the beautiful spots to visit as here the rainforest meets reefs along the sand of the Coral Sea.
Kakadu National Park
Located in the Northern Territory, the Kakadu National Park is a World Heritage Site that has been marked for being one of the greatest wilderness areas around the globe. The park stretches up to 19,840 square kilometres which makes it the largest national park in Australia and the second largest in the world. Inside the park lies great monsoon rainforests, mangrove swamps, flowing rivers, canyons, ancient rock paintings, wetlands, and waterfalls, and diverse wildlife of mammals, reptiles, marine species and around three hundred different species of birds. The Jim Jim Falls, crocodile wetlands of Yellow Water and a hike at the Twin Falls and Maguk are some of the must-visit experiences at the Kakadu National Park.
Fraser Island
Located between Bundaberg and Brisbane off Australia’s east coast, Fraser Island is a listed world heritage site and the largest sand island in the world. Also regarded for being one of Australia’s top outdoor adventures spots, perfect for adventure enthusiasts. The island stretches to around seventy five-mile that allows you to witness rusts on parts of shipwrecks, coloured sandstone cliffs of Cathedrals, and the bubbling fish-filled rock pools known as Champagne Pools. The island consists of some freshwater lakes, dunes, ancient rainforests that are filled with diverse flora and fauna. You can easily reach here by the ferry. Since there is no road connectivity a four-wheeler is essential to explore as the island has no sealed roads.
Sydney Opera House
Shaped like huge shells or billowing sails, the iconic Sydney Opera House is one of the greatest iconic marvels of the world. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Sydney Opera House on all corners is surrounded by the blue waters and the Royal Botanic Gardens border adds to its exquisite beauty. The interiors consist of theatres, studios, a concert hall, exhibition rooms, and a cinema. Visit the Sydney Opera House to witness some stunning performances or to just for some great food to have at dinner. One of the best sites to behold at the Opera House is Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the Royal Botanic Gardens. A harbour cruise or ferry is also one of the great experiences to witness.
Heide Museum of Modern Art
The Heide Museum of Modern Art is a popular art gallery, historical art museum and heritage park in Australia. It began in 1934 as the Melbourne home of John and Sunday Reed and has since evolved into one of Australia’s most great places to admire modern and contemporary Australian art. The Heide Museum of Modern Art also has a small cafe that serves snacks and coffee for visitors to enjoy while exploring the vicinity.
Carlton Buildings
One of the oldest and historical attractions of Australia, the Carlton Buildings and the Royal Exhibition Building are world-renowned heritage sites. They were built in the eighteenth century that offer you to unwind and relax. The entire arena boasts of flower beds, ornamental lakes and architectural fountains such as the Victorian era Hochgurtel Fountain and the circular French Fountain. You can choose to walk through the collection of Moreton Bay fig trees planted by local aboriginals Australians or visit the Melbourne Museum.
Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is one of the greatest natural spots to visit in the Fleurieu Peninsula of South Australia. A known hub for Kangaroos, the island is the perfect place where you will get to spot various kangaroos jumping alongside shores. Apart from them, you will also get to spot sea lions and penguins enjoying in waters, and koalas clinging to the eucalyptus trees. You even get to spot many sea dragons relaxing in the waters. The island is also famous for the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park. They let you go on a hiking trail that offers the view of the sea cliffs and lush green forests. Food lovers will also be offered a great variety of food to gorge on like creamy cheeses, Ligurian honey, and fresh seafood grace that are offered in restaurants nearby.
Things to keep in mind while in Australia
- It is considered as a great gesture when you are travelling by bus and when your stop comes you say thanks to the driver for his service and if you don’t it is considered rude.
- The waters of Australia can suddenly act quite notorious. That is why it said that while you are swimming you should be on a constant lookout for surf life-savers though and swim between the flags they have put up. Do not try to be over competitive or ambitious while swimming.
- The sun at this ide of the world is considered to be extremely harsh. ten minutes of you roaming around in the heat can land you with a not so pleasing third-degree sunburn. So whenever you step out do not forget to apply a generous amount of sunscreen on your face and body. Similarly hydrating in Australia is also very important. Dehydration here may end up like the worst hangover of your life.
- Signs inside the trains in Australia state carriages where no one is allowed to talk loudly.
- If you think you can easily get away by breaking any Australia law then you are sadly wrong. Australia is extremely strict about its rules. They have undercover policies and cameras around that are quick to catch any person who attempts to even commit a felony.
- While holidaying here it is advised that you do not book a place near the suburban as you may feel isolated quite quickly. The most apt place to stay is near a train or tram line where you’re guaranteed a regular and reliable service.
- A major part of the country is subtropical so don’t underestimate any tropical storms and cyclones. If any warnings for a storm are being conveyed then be sure to be on guard. Don’t attempt to drive through any flooded roads, do not camp near any big trees, or swim in the closed waters.
- If it is your first visit to Australia and you are looking forward to going for a swim at any of the beaches then please be careful. Swimming at any random may not be a good idea. If you’re swimming close to any of the cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane you do not need to worry. But if you’re staying near the West Coast or anywhere else, do some research first to stay away from any dangerous creatures.
- Though Kangaroos might be one of the cutest creatures, one thing that many people know about them is they have a pretty intense boot on them.
- A fun hike on a rugged landscape may turn quickly into something else pretty soon. Dangerous weather, poisonous snakes and spiders and dehydrating conditions are some of the conditions you need to be careful of before planning a hike.
- Dining at a cafe nearby. Do not consider a waiter to come and take your order. Cafes here work exactly like Domino’s. You will have to help yourself and order the food by going to the concerned person and asking for it. Things such as a glass of water, napkins, ketchup, and spare cutlery could be found at the self-serve station too. Though you will get to spot servers and hostesses at high-end restaurants.
- Many people imagine climbing Uluru rock to make their trip more memorable. But many people are not aware that it is of great spiritual significance to the local Anangu people and it is offensive and disrespectful to their beliefs. Also climbing the rock has led to the death of thirty-five people due to heart attacks and others because of injuries.
- Touring around Fraser island will make you come face to face with many Australian dingos or wild dogs. Though they are often fed by many people around you many want to be careful as they are not domesticated. At what point will their affection turn into something threatening no one can guarantee. Koalas, goannas and cassowaries should be greeted from a distance too.
- If you are planning to drive from Sydney to Perth or Adelaide to Darwin by road then do not expect it to be easy. The trip is not only extremely long but also draining. You would not get any amenities easily so be smart about the ones that show up.
- Learn some popular lingo while you are in Australia for an easier time especially when ordering a drink. A brownie is a bottle, a tallie is a long-necked bottle, a stubby is a small-necked bottle, a tinnie is a can and a slab is a case of 24 cans.
