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Showing posts with label Australia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Australia. Show all posts

Surfers Paradise - Australia Beach Resort Guides

 
Surfers Paradise (also simply called Surfers) has for decades been synonymous with bronzed, buff surf lifesavers, gold bikini-clad meter maids, surf-fringed beaches, high-rise hotels and apartment buildings, laid-back lifestyle, cosmopolitan dining options, designer shopping, nighttime beachfront markets and pulsating nightlife.

Ideally positioned in the centre of Queensland's Gold Coast, Surfers is the vibrant hotspot in the heart of one of Australia's most popular tourist destinations, the state's entertainment capital that parties 24/7.

Beach:
Surfers' pristine golden sand beach extends for 3km (2 miles); it is a natural outdoor playground for those wanting to soak up the sun, play in the shallows, or learn how to surf. Bronzed surf lifesavers patrol the beach and flags indicate the surf condition. Go for the thrill of kite-surfing, paddle a kayak or jump the waves on an exhilarating jet-ski ride. Join in a game of volleyball or beach cricket, or simply people-watch. Parasailing, skydiving or scenic flights along the stunning coastline in an historic aircraft, helicopter or hot air balloon make for a memorable break.

Beyond the beach:
The Gold Coast's Broadwater runs parallel to the beach, and its calmer waters are ideal for sailing, speedboat rides or kayaking. Take in the stunning views of Surfers and the sparkling coastline from the rooftop of the Q1 skyscraper (9 Hamilton Avenue). Full and half-day reef and game fishing charters head offshore daily.

Take your pick of theme parks on the northern Gold Coast, from extreme waterslides at WhiteWater World (Pacific Highway, Coomera, 17km/10.5 miles north of Surfers), to Dreamworld's (Pacific Highway, Coomera) theme park ride extravaganza, or movie magic and behind-the-scenes action at Warner Bros Movie World (Pacific Motorway, Oxenford, Gold Coast). Sea World (Sea World Drive, Main Beach), on The Spit, offers entertainment, education and interactive fun with dolphins, sharks and penguins. Test your racing skills on go-karts at Le Mans Kart Racing (232 Old Pacific Highway, Pimpana), or follow quiet rainforest mountain trails on horseback in the Tamborine Mountains (Thunderbird Park, Tamborine Mountain Road).

Family fun:
Thrill-seekers can get charged up at Adrenalin Park (Palm Avenue) on the spectacular collection of breathtaking amusement rides. Timezone Surfers Paradise (Level 1, Centro Surfers Paradise, Cavill Mall) has rides and attractions for all the kids. Take to the water in the amphibious Aquaduck (7A Orchid Avenue), beginning with a land trip up the Esplanade to Main Beach's opulent neighbourhood, before splashing into Broadwater for a cruise past the yacht basin and exclusive homes of millionaires. Join in a surfing lesson on Australia's most famous beach, or view the lifestyles of the rich and famous on a Wyndham waterways cruise (Tiki Village). Putt-putt golf (Pandanus Avenue) or Ten Pin Bowling (Centro Surfers Paradise, Cavill Mall) provide more family fun just minutes from the beach.

Exploring further:
Breathe in the fresh mountain air, rich with eucalyptus fragrance, in the Mount Tamborine rainforest. At Adventure Park (Thunderbird Park, Tamborine Mountain Road), fly through the trees on flying foxes or take the treetop walk 9m (29.5ft) above the towering eucalypts. Journey underground to the glow worm caves at Cedar Creek (104 Hartley Road, North Tamborine), or stay at the Binna Burra Mountain Lodge (Binna Burra Road, Lamington National Park) and hike the trails in Lamington National Park's lush rainforest.

Splashing out:
Sign on for a jet boat thrill ride down the Gold Coast Broadwater, zooming around sandbars and mangroves, buzzing shallow water beaches and flinging spray high in the air on 360 degree spins (Paradise Jet Boating, Mariner's Cove, Sea World Drive, Main Beach).

Australia Travel Guide

 
However, if you are merely transiting through Australia, remain airside for a maximum of 8 hours, have a confirmed onward booking, have the correct entry documentation for the onward destination and are a citizen of New Zealand, the European Union, Andorra, Argentina, Brunei, Canada, Cyprus, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Iceland, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nauru, Norway, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, South Africa, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom (regardless of nationality status), United States, Vanuatu or Vatican City, you do not need to apply for any visa. All other passengers who transit through Australia must apply for a Transit Visa (subclass 771) prior to travel.

For tourists, immigration problems can occur if they have a criminal record, carry any documents not normally brought-in by genuine tourists (e.g. a resume), cannot demonstrate pre-arranged travel plans (e.g. hotel), or sufficient funds to support their desired length of stay. If you are staying with a friend or family member bring an invitation or their contact details and make sure you let them know that they are expecting you on your date of arrival.

New Zealand citizens may travel to and work in Australia for any length of time without a pre-arranged visa, as the visa is issued upon arrival, subject to character tests (see next section). Non-citizen permanent residents of New Zealand are not eligible for visa-free entry.

Drenched in sunshine and glowing with affable charisma, Australia is an enticing land of vast beaches, pulsating cities and reams and reams of bushland. One of the country's greatest lures is its sense of space; a beach, patch of tropical forest or piece of sandy desert all to oneself is an easy reality. This, the world's largest island, encompasses a range of stunning landscapes, from barren deserts to tropical rainforests and rugged mountains.

Australia has an abundance of unique animal life - cuddly koalas, bounding kangaroos and wallabies, darting dingoes, and ungainly emus - while the hulking form of Uluru (Ayers Rock) soaking up the reds and oranges of the outback's fiery sun, is the country's most iconic image.

Glossy Sydney and arty Melbourne provide much for the city-lover; Brisbane is gateway to the tropical northeast with sandy stretches including Surfer's Paradise further south; restful Adelaide is perfect for a few days' rejuvenation, while Perth is young, brash and alluring; and Cairns is the stop-off point for one of Australia's top attractions, the Great Barrier Reef.

Indigenous Australians 
It is best not to mention the name of a deceased person to an indigenous Australian. Though Aboriginal custom varies, it is best to avoid the possibility of offence.

Permission to photograph an Aboriginal person should always be asked, but in particular in the more remote areas such as Arnhem Land. There is an old belief among them that the flash of a camera will steal their soul.

Some areas of land are sacred to Aboriginal people, and require additional respect.

Many areas of Aboriginal land are free to enter. Some areas carry a request from the Aboriginal people not to enter, and you may choose yourself whether or not to honour or respect that request. An example of an Aboriginal request is climbing Uluru (Ayers Rock). No law prohibits people from climbing the rock (except in heat, rain or strong winds), however, local indigenous communities (The Anangu) request that you do not climb. Uluru holds great spiritual significance to the Anangu. The Anangu feel themselves responsible if someone is killed or injured on their land (as has happened many times during the climb) and request tourists not to place themselves in harm through climbing. Many people who travel to Uluru do climb, however, so you certainly won't be on your own if you choose to do this.

Some Aboriginal land requires permission or a permit, and some areas are protected and illegal to enter. You should check before making plans to travel off the beaten track. Permits are usually just a formality for areas which regularly see visitors, or if you have some other business in the area you are travelling through. Often they are just an agreement to respect to the land you are travelling on as Aboriginal land. Some Aboriginal Land Councils make them available online.

If you need to refer to race, the politically correct term is Indigenous Australians. Aboriginal people is usually okay and referring to sacred sites and land as Aboriginal sites, or Aboriginal land is okay too. Avoid using Aborigine or Aboriginal as a noun to describe a person, as some people see negative connotations in these words. The contraction "Abo" is deeply offensive and should never be used. The word Native should also be avoided when referring to a person.

Sydney Travel Guide

 
Vast, vibrant and dynamic, the sun-soaked, beach-strewn metropolis of Sydney is the epitome of easygoing Aussie living. Here world-class cuisine, cutting-edge street culture, sport, fashion, and a united nations of nationalities intersect on a daily basis making it one of the world’s top 10 cities to live in.

From the much loved sights on the tourist trail (the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Bondi Beach) to the myriad small, bustling bars and hidden art galleries, Sydney truly has something for all tastes. Even for the seasoned traveller, there’s plenty of hidden gems.

Regarded by many Sydneysiders as the country's capital in all but name, Sydney is a thriving centre for both business and the arts with a buzzing, cosmopolitan scene fit to rival that of New York and London. Sydney’s busy social calendar means that at almost any time of year, a festival is underway, especially during the summer months.



Flights to Sydney from the UK are numerous and include Qantas, British Airways, Jet Airways, Finnair, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, Etihad, THAI and Cathay Pacific. Cheap flights to Sydney are available in the winter months, between June-August. Airfares are at their highest during the summer between December and March.

Driving regulations are not uniform across Australia's states and territories, so visitors should be aware that the laws in Sydney might differ from states outside New South Wales.

Driving in Australia is on the left and the speed limit outside built-up areas is generally 100kph (62mph) or 110kph (68mph) on freeways. In built-up areas, the speed limit is 50kph (31mph) unless otherwise indicated. The legal driving age in New South Wales is 16 years. Overseas driving licences are acceptable, although an International Driving Permit is preferred. By law drivers must carry their licences while driving. Visitors who plan to drive in the more remote outback areas should contact one of Australia's motoring organisations beforehand, to obtain maps and advice on road and weather conditions,as these regions are subject to wet to extreme weather conditions.

The All Day Pass & Tower & Aquarium package from Captain Cook Cruises incorporates entry to Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower and a hop-on, hop-off harbour cruise departing from Circular Quay. Tickets are available from any of these attractions.

The Darling Harbour Super Ticket, available at the Sydney Aquarium, includes entry to the Sydney Aquarium and the Chinese Garden, Matilda Rocket Harbour cruise, a monorail ride, a meal at the Aqua Bar and Grill, discount entry to the Powerhouse Museum and IMAX Theatre and discount travel on the People Mover train.

Combined ferry and attraction admission passes are available from the Sydney Ferries ticket office at Circular Quay. For example, the Zoo Pass includes return ferry and bus transport to Taronga Zoo, entry to the zoo and an aerial cable ride.

Art Gallery of New South Wales 
Featuring the Yiribana Gallery, the world's largest permanent exhibition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of Australia's foremost art museums. Among its most impressive exhibitions is its Australian art collection, extending from the early colonial period to the mid 20th century. The Asian Galleries showcase the gallery's significant Asian collection and touring exhibitions. Shortlisted portraits in the Archibald Prize (Australia's most prestigious and controversial art award) are exhibited here annually.

Bondi Beach 
Bondi is one of the world's most famous beaches, a crescent of sand strung between two rocky headlands, just 15 minutes from the city centre. During the summer visitors jostle for towel space on the beach while the promenade bustles with activity. Campbell Parade serves up a mixture of busy bars, seaside cafes, and the ever-popular Sunday market. Topless sunbathing is tolerated and swimmers should always swim within the patrolled areas marked by the red and yellow flags. The coastal walk, which starts at Bondi's southern end and runs along the coast to Coogee, is a must for any visitor.

Centennial Parklands 
A grand park in the European tradition, the Centennial Parklands features landscaped gardens, statues, historic monuments and houses, ponds, formal gardens, wildlife habitat areas and grand avenues. There is a restaurant, cafe and facilities for every active pursuit under the sun.

Darling Harbour 
A former dockside area, this small harbour has been transformed into a major tourist site. The vast, paved and landscaped recreation ground is packed with restaurants and shops, as well as a number of tourist attractions. These include the Powerhouse Museum, Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney Aquarium, IMAX Theatre and the Chinese Garden of Friendship, a gift to Sydney from its sister city of Guangdong in China.

Royal Botanic Gardens 
A short walk from the Opera House, the Royal Botanic Gardens sits on a slope overlooking the harbour and covers 30 hectares (74 acres) in the heart of the city. Established in 1816, it is Australia's oldest scientific institution and home to over one million specimens. Highlights include the Sydney Tropical Centre and the Rose Garden; there is a hop-on hop-off trackless train to get around them all.

Sydney Harbour Bridge 
Affectionately known as ‘the Coathanger', the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a feat of engineering genius. It took 1,400 workers (16 of whom died in the process) eight years to complete at a cost of A$20 million, finally opening in 1932. The best way to experience the bridge is to climb it and the Bridge Climb gives thrill-seekers the chance to walk to the top of the 50-storey-high bridge (over the cars and trains rumbling across the deck below) and down the other side.

Sydney Opera House 
Opened in 1973, the Sydney Opera House is the most recognisable symbol of both the city of Sydney and the country of Australia, and is also considered one of the 20th century's great buildings. Designed to resemble a ship at sea with its roof appearing as a billowing white sail, SydneyOpera House is one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world. Housing a large complex of theatres and halls that play host to a wide range of performing arts, the Opera House offers spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and is visited by more than 4.5 million tourists every year.

Sydney Tower
Standing 309m (1,014ft) above Market Street, Sydney Tower is the city's tallest building and offers views over the city, the harbour, the Olympic Park and as far as Terrigal Beach, 100km (62 miles) to the north. Entry to the observation deck (250m/820ft high) includes the Skytour - a 35-minute virtual tour/ride on the podium level. Thrill-seekers can go one better and take a Skywalk, an outdoor tour on two glass-floored platforms.

Sydney Wildlife World 
Sydney Wildlife World boasts the largest variety of Australian flora and fauna under one roof, providing a complete all-Australian wildlife experience in the heart of Darling Harbour. Visitors can watch over 6,000 animals including wallabies and wombats, sugar gliders and scrub pythons, living in their natural habitats and ecosystems.

Taronga Zoo 
The most desirable residence in Sydney is inhabited by a collection of seals, snow leopards, koalas, kangaroos and wallabies. Taronga Zoo's location, on Bradley's Head, at Mosman, is one of the most beautiful vantage points on Sydney Harbour. The zoo is home to over 350 different species of animals, ranging from elephants, gorillas and giraffes to platypus and the echidna. There are keepers' talks and shows throughout the day, and the sky safari (cable cars that glide over the zoo to give a bird's-eye perspective) is extremely popular.

The Rocks 
Nestled at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks (Sydney's historical birthplace) is a neighbourhood of winding streets, sandstone cottages and some of Sydney's oldest pubs. The site of the first landing from Plymouth, England in 1788, the area is now a busy tourist enclave with cafes, restaurants, galleries, museums and countless souvenir shops. Among the district's historic buildings are the Hero of Waterloo inn (built over a tunnel that was originally used for smuggling), the Sydney Observatory (on the site of the colony's first windmill) and Cadman's Cottage (Sydney's oldest building, built in 1816).

Bondi Beach

 
Best known as Sydney's most notable surf beach, this world-famous 1km (0.6 mile) crescent of sand blessed with rolling surf, sun and thriving beach life captures the very essence of Sydney. Bondi Beach is home to the oldest surf life-saving club in the world, and is both a local and international mecca for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, jogging, beach volleyball and people watching. Bondi Beach is only 7km (4 miles) from central Sydney and is named after an Aboriginal word meaning "noise of water breaking over rocks." One of Sydney's eastern suburbs, Bondi is a thriving resort year round, with surf carnival, topless sunbathing, vibrant nightlife, outdoor film festivals, cafes, shops, and scenic cliff walks.

Beach:
Bondi is one of the best surfing locations in the world, and is patrolled by the Bondi Bathers Surf Life Saving Club. There is something for everyone at Bondi - topless bathing, surfing lessons, beach volleyball, safe swimming between the flags, an underwater shark net, and quiet rock pools. The southern end of the beach, where the riptide is strongest, is reserved for surfers. Boogie boards and surf boards can be rented from the Bondi Surf Company. Pods of whales and dolphins may be sighted during migration season. Watch Bondi Icebergs Club members ritually plunge into the icy outdoor pool every Sunday morning throughout winter, or enjoy festivals, theatre, films or craft shows at the Bondi Pavilion. A spectacular coastal walk extends 6km (3.6 miles) southwards from Bondi through several scenic beaches to picturesque Coogee.

Beyond the beach:
Sydney is one of the world's most energized cities, with a splendid harbour, extensive waterways, bushland, historic districts, galleries, museums, art, culture, beautiful beaches and a national fervour for outdoor activities, boating and water sports. Spend all day cruising the harbour by ferry or hydrofoil, climb Sydney Harbour Bridge for a view unlike any other, or take in a concert at the Sydney Opera House. Kids will enjoy the Aquarium at Darling Harbour, or a day spent at Taronga Park Zoo where Australia's unique bird and wildlife can be seen up close. Dinner cruises aboard grand old sailing ships depart from the historic convict-era Rocks District. Nearby national parks offer great hiking in semi-tropical rainforests filled with waterfalls and wildlife.

Family fun:
Bondi offers surfing lessons for all ages, and safe swimming on life-guarded beaches. Central Sydney is a smorgasboard of family activities. Ride the ferry to Taronga Park Zoo or Manly Fun Park and Oceanworld. Darling Harbour, a short monorail ride from the ferry hub of Circular Quay, showcases marine life at the Sydney Aquarium, tours of submarines and tall ships at the Australian National Maritime Museum, a new Wildlife Centre, IMAX Theatre, and the Harbourside Festival Marketplace.

Exploring further: 
To the west explore Katoomba and the Blue Mountains, cut with deep valleys, waterfalls and fascinating flora and wildlife. Descend into the nearby Jenolan Caves and explore underground rivers and spectacular formations in Australia's most outstanding cave system. Rent a sailboat or cruiser and navigate the beautiful waterways of the Hawkesbury River to the north, or take a flight in a float plane over Pittwater, criss crossed with every imaginable watercraft throughout the long summers. A trip further north to the Hunter Valley wine region holds many delights for sampling some of Australia's award-winning wines.

Splashing out: 
Time your trip to Bondi for the September Festival of the Winds, and enjoy a beach spectacular of kite flying, music, dance and beach volleyball. Take in a concert at Sydney's famed Opera House, a mere 7km (4 miles) away overlooking Sydney Harbour. Keep your eye out for celebrities at Bondi's legendary Icebergs Dining Room and Bar while sipping on one of their signature cocktails.

Main Beach - Australia Beach Resort Guides

 
Prestigious Main Beach is the sophisticated, elite end of the Gold Coast, with million-dollar homes on tree-lined streets, luxury high-rise apartments and condos, designer boutiques and speciality stores. Trendy Tedder Avenue is lined with dozens of restaurants, wine bars and cafés, and is the place to be seen.

Queensland's Gold Coast stretches 40km (24 miles) southwards from Main Beach (just south of Brisbane) to Coolangatta, on the Queensland/New South Wales border. The sunny, subtropical climate, superb beaches, hinterland rainforests and mountain peaks draw tourists year-round to this tropical playground.

Main Beach is just a short walk or bike ride to neighbouring Surfers Paradise.

Who goes there:
A year-round playground for the wealthy, Main Beach is both sophisticated and casual, drawing tourists and sun lovers of all ages from around the world.

Beach:
Wide, golden sand beaches are popular for body- and board-surfing, with warm temperatures for swimming year-round. Surf fishing can haul in that fresh catch for dinner. Lifeguards patrol the beach from the surf lifesaving club. Take a break from the beach for an afternoon barbecue or game of Frisbee on the beachfront park.

Beyond the beach:
Only a block away from the beach is the best people-watching spot in town in the alfresco restaurants and cafés lining the street. Luxury cars cruise past umbrellas shading the mix of tourists and sophisticated diners.

The wreck of The Scottish Prince is a great dive spot, or take a scenic flight along the surf-fringed coastline. Go for a 350hp adrenaline rush one-on-one with a professional rally driver instructor on the WRX Off Road Rally Circuit at Pimpana, five minutes from Dreamworld. Speed thrills are not just for kids!

The northern Gold Coast is a theme park mecca, with something for every taste. Dreamworld (Pacific Highway, Coomera) is a theme park ride extravaganza, with enough rollercoasters, waterslides and gravity-defying rides to suit any adrenaline-seekers. WhiteWater World (Pacific Highway, Coomera, 17km/10 miles north of Surfers Paradise) is a new theme park, boasting extreme waterslides and attractions for the whole family. Step back into the 1800s at Beenleigh Historical Village (Main Street, Beenleigh), where life is re-enacted in the 22 historical buildings complete with antiques, working blacksmiths, artists, residents and farm animals. At famous Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin) nurse a koala or feed brilliantly coloured rosellas and lorikeets.

Family fun:
Try your skill at kite-surfing, or paddle an outrigger canoe through the surf. Breathe in the fresh sea air on a coastal walk or enjoy the calmer waters of Broadwater for various boating activities.

Learn more about life in the ocean at Sea World (Sea World Drive, The Spit), a 25-hectare (62-acre) marine park with exciting rides, and fascinating and interactive exhibits for the whole family. Gasp at the unbelievable at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum (Raptis Plaza, Cavis Mall), just down the beach in Surfers Paradise. Take a wild and fast spin on a Paradise Jet Boat (Mariner's Cove Marina, Sea World Drive, The Spit) up the Broadwater, past millionaires' yachts and cruisers, helicopters and float planes, and the opulent Palazzo Versace Hotel.

Exploring further:
You can sample award-winning wines in the Gold Coast Hinterland Wine Country. Extending from the beautiful rainforests of Mount Tamborine to Canungra Valley's emerald countryside, this rapidly growing boutique wine region produces Queensland's best wines. Cellar doors and restaurants are often housed in historic homesteads, adding to the wine tasting experience. While in the region, visit Mount Tamborine's Gallery Walk for antiques, paintings and pottery.

Splashing out:
For the ultimate in opulence and class stay at the luxurious Palazzo Versace Hotel (www.palazzoversace.com.au), which manages to combine classic and contemporary style. Rub shoulders with movie stars, honeymooners and wealthy holidaymakers, and soak up the pampered lifestyle. Enjoy stunning views of the marina, waterways and foothills of the Great Dividing Range while just a few minutes' walk from the beach.
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