5 Beautiful Holiday Destinations In Australia

By Jo Archibald

Byron Bay
A seaside town in Northern New South Wales, it was known as Cavvanbah in Australian history's "dream period". It was a place for trading goods, finding marriage partners and congregating to swap stories by the Aborigines. It is now however a magnet for tourists. For those looking for small beach town type holidays, it is the place to be at. Home to some of the best music festivals of Australia, it includes Splendor In The Grass and East Coast Blues & Roots Music Festival and it is also a very famous whale watching destination, especially during the humpback whale's winter migration.

Mount Tamborine
High above the Gold Coast, on a plateau, Mount Tamborine is a destination for those who love nature or hiking. The restaurants, hotels, and spa retreats as well as multifarious rainforest trails, waterfalls and streams provide plentiful reason to be there. No doubt it is undergoing a boom in tourism industry as it has something for every tourist. There is a local produce market held on the 2nd Sunday of each month.

Airlie Beach
Situated in the Whitsunday region of Queensland, the town of Airlie Beach is very near to the Great Barrier Reef, and is most definitely a hotspot for tourists. This place has great deal of things to do and see. However, it has a reputation for jellyfish at certain times of the year, like the Box Jellyfish, so swimming is not advisable at these times. To overcome this limitation, the local council has made a lagoon which has the added benefit of being patrolled by lifeguards. Blessing of the Feet Festival is the one of the best times to visit the town. This fest was started by father Keith Felgate on Whit Sunday.

Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains at 1,190 meters high, is a spectacular place, with its strange and beautiful blue haze, 7 designated conservation reserves and national parks, waterfalls, and sandstone cliffs. It covers an area of about 10,000 sq km. It has been declared as a World Heritage Area by UNESCO as recently as 2009.

Yamba
Australian Traveller Magazine voted this region as No. 1 Australian town in 2009. It is a magnificent seaside holiday destination. The accommodation is handy for every tourist, from luxury hotels and resorts to economical and discounted but comfortable residences.

About the Author:

Learn more about Airlie Beach hotels and Airlie Beach Australia.

Sydney: Australia's Iconic City

By Chris Linch

The breadth of diversity in Australia is staggering. Physically, surreal landscape of the Australian Outback gives way to the beaches, which give way to the cities, and so on. Culturally, the urban richness of Sydney competes with the exotic splendor of the Aborigines. The trouble with Australia is choosing what you want to do.

There is no special season to visit Australia either. Since they are on the other side of the equator from North America, their summer is our winter and their fall our spring. But the size of the country means that whenever you visit you can probably find something in the climate you prefer as well.

We are going to explore Sydney probably the most well-known city in Australia. Its Opera House floating in Sydney Harbor is one of Australia's most famous images. Sydney's laid-back outdoor lifestyle and physical allure make it one of the world's easiest and most pleasant cities to visit. The people who live here are a friendly, energetic bunch with a tell-it-like-it-is approach to life as visitors to the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games found out.

All of Sydney's attractions lie within easy reach of the city center. Sydney's harbour is its playground, and a prominent factor in so much of what the city has to offer. The city has a dynamic cultural life, vibrant food scene and a colorful cityscape of outstanding contemporary and colonial architecture. Stunning beaches and accessible national parks deliver unforgettable experiences.

Getting Around Sydney is easy

1)Ferries: Ferries are the most pleasant and popular way to get around Sydney. With 37 wharves around the city, most Sydney residents use ferries for their daily commute.

2)Buses: Buses service is cheap, and easy to use.

3)Trains: The CityRail network is fast, convenient and clean.

4)Monorail: Sydney's Metro Monorail is on of the few above-ground rail systems in the world. Ride it for the experience. The circular route winds its way through the CBD and around Darling Harbour.

5)Light Rail: Popular with the eco-conscious residents, the Light Rail travels all over the city and you just hop on and off.

Where to Stay

1)Four Seasons Sydney - Elegant contemporary hotel. The hotels 500 plus rooms and suites overlook the Harbour and offer views of the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

2)Park Hyatt Sydney - Elegant hotel built on the harbour directly under the Harbour Bridge. Offers spacious rooms, outstanding service, and spectacular views.

3)The Observatory Hotel- The Observatory Hotel is one of Sydney's most acclaimed hotels, where stylish tradition meets modern efficiency. The sophisticated 100-room hotel puts guests at their ease and offers a relaxed and luxurious atmosphere. Located the heart of the historic Rocks district and only a short walk from the city and bustling King Street Wharf, the hotel offers easy access to nearby fashionable bars, restaurants, and a wide variety of entertainment, including the Opera House. Spacious, elegant, beautifully appointed, the rooms and suites at The Observatory Hotel are designed to meet the needs of the most fastidious guest.

When it comes to which city is Australia's true global city, there's no argument. It's Sydney - with its sense of style, its love of sport and exuberant celebrations.

About the Author:

Chris Linch is an internet marketer who operates a travel website that can help you save money. Click here for cheap hotel rates.

Experience an Adventure Cruise in the Kimberley

By Willie Strongarm

For years, tourists have been enjoying northwest Australia's Kimberley Region, as well as the almost a thousand islands just off the coast. They offer secluded beaches, beautiful bays, mangroves and rainforests, and they're best seen by boat.

Cruises can be found to fit any interest, from photography and birdwatching to beach combing, fishing and hiking. Longer trips allow for island exploration and swimming in waters that are home to jewel-like fish, dolphins, turtles and more.

You'll get the chance to check out jewel like fish, sea turtles, sharks, birds, whales and even saltwater crocodiles, as well as the unique erosions of Strickland Bay. Check out the pure white silica beach at Hidden Island and the iron mine on Kooland Island.

You'll also have the chance to see Aboriginal art, waterfalls and pearl farms and to collect oysters or fish near the coral reef. Some cruises offer the day's catch as a meal choice to anglers.

Check out the Horizontal Falls at Talbot Bay, too - this real horizontal waterfall is caused by the way water flows through the narrow passage in the cliffs. With water building up in front of the gap faster than it goes through there's a difference of four to six meters in water level, creating a waterfall between bays.

Described as one of the world's greatest natural wonders, these falls should be seen under safe circumstances, such as a cruise. Rough and extreme water conditions in this part of the world have caused many fatalities over the years among sailors and pearl divers.

Fortunately, it's safe if you travel with someone who knows what they're doing, and boats even pass through the horizontal waterfall, if you're looking for a thrill. Want to see the spectacular sight without getting wet? Consider a helicopter or seaplane ride instead.

If you want to get the most time on the islands, look for a cruise that does most of its distance traveling at night. Check out what you'll get on the tour, too - items like fishing and snorkeling gear or all your snacks and meals are sometimes provided, and sometimes cost extra.

If you're planning on an Australian adventure cruise, you'll need to take the right clothes, like lightweight fabrics that keep you cool, good walking shoes you don't mind getting wet and a wide brimmed hat. Don't forget to keep insect repellent and sunscreen, and keep your camera close to hand.

Most tours travel during the dry season, between April and November, but some run during the wet season, due to the many locations for shelter if the weather becomes rougher. Choose your cruise time according to what sights you want to see and the kind of weather you're willing to put up with.

Kimberley adventure cruises are a great choice for anyone who's looking for fun. Pick a cruise that lasts long enough to let you see it all, and get all cruise details before you leave, so you'll have a great time.

About the Author:

The True North is purpose built for accessing shallow river systems, meaning your will get a lot more adventure out of this

5 Useful Tips for Women Traveling Solo to Australia

Did you know that Australia is one of the world's most popular holiday destinations for single female travelers? It is not difficult to see why. The climate is warm, the locals speak English, it is safe and the weak Aussie dollar allows you to travel very cheaply.

As a professional travel writer, I meet many single women. Most are in the 20 to 50 age group and they all love the personal freedom and independence solo travel allows.

Single traveler, Sue from Madison Wisconsin said: "It allows me to explore and discover cities and attractions that interest me. I have recently traveled in the Kimberley region of outback Australia and being single allowed me to meet many different people. If I had been traveling with a partner or in a group, this would have not been possible".

If you are planning to visit Australia, here are 5 useful tips.

1. Avoid flights that arrive late at night.

There is nothing more daunting than arriving at a strange city late at night. Very often public transport is irregular and taxis may charge you an arm and a leg.
If you can arrive before noon you have plenty of time to arrange transport to your accommodation in daylight hours.

2. Take advantage of free public transport.

Most cities have free transport within their city blocks. Melbourne has free trams and buses. The Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle travels around the outer rims of the city. The red and gold city circle tram covers mainly the streets of the central business district.

Perth has an excellent system of free CAT (central area transport) buses covering the CBD and attractions outside the central city area.

If you must take a taxi, try to organize it with your accommodation and ask them how much you should expect to pay.

3. Stay at Youth Hostels or Backpacker Hostels.

The great advantage of Youth Hostels or good backpacker hostels is the opportunity to meet others in safe congenial surroundings, but still remain independent.

Very often they arrange group outings or excursions and you have the choice of a single room or a shared room. When I travel around Australia, I always stay at youth hostels.

Some are in amazing locations. If you love the beach, 2 hostels stand out. The hostels on Great Keppel Island in Queensland and Dunsborough in Western Australia are right on the beach.

If you are planning to visit Melbourne and want to be close to the vibrant city nightlife, Urban Central at Southbank is close to all the action.

4. Mix with the locals.

If you want to experience the real Australia, go to areas where the locals gather. Aussies love their sport and great meeting places are football and cricket matches. If you are in Sydney, enquire about cricket (summer) or football (winter) at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Melbourne residents love their football and in this southern city they worship a unique brand of football called Aussie Rules. Enquire about football matches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground or the Telstra Dome, then go along and enjoy the entertainment. At half time, why not do what the locals do? Buy a meat pie and wash it down with a cold beer!

5. Unwanted attention.

Many single women encounter this problem. Here are some suggestions:

If you get unwanted attention from men, don't say you'll meet them later and try to get rid of them. They will turn up. Say "no" politely and firmly.

Wear a wedding ring and say you've got four kids, if anyone asks. If you're only 23, make it two kids, but the message is the same. Yes, you shouldn't have to, but sometimes it's the only way to fend off unwanted advances.

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4 Award Winning Wineries in Australia's Great Southern Region

Rolling hills, mountain ranges, award winning wineries and luxury accommodation. The Porongurups region, just a 4 hours' drive south of Perth, cosmopolitan capital of Western Australia, has it all.

Yet unlike the popular wine regions of Margaret River and the Barossa Valley, it is off the beaten track and has few tourists. Therein lies its attraction.

The road to the Porongurups region, east of Mt Barker is draped on either side with grape vines, glittering in the sun like golden chains. The rugged Stirling Mountain Ranges to the north add a sense of grandeur and drifting from sweeping paddocks are the unmistakable scents of sheep and hay.

I stopped the car and drank in the mesmerizing landscape. Under a huge blue sky, arcing from horizon to horizon huge gum trees kept watch over these valuable fickle trellises.

This is real Waltzing Matilda country with sheep, shearing sheds, kangaroos, distant mountain ranges and the intoxicating smell of the Australian bush. Added to this slice of Australiana in a remote region of South Western Australia, comes a flourishing and sophisticated wine industry and luxury accommodation equal to the best in Australia.

To add to the pleasure of the day, I sampled the award winning wines of 4 of the regions finest wineries and stayed overnight on a farm with breathtaking views of the distant mountains.

4 Award Winning Wineries.

1. Zarephath.

Zarephath wines are made from premium quality fruit grown by members of the Christ Circle, an independent monastic community. The vineyard is situated at the eastern end of the Porongurups on well drained granite soil. Their cellar door sales include Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. The 2006 Chardonnay was a gold medal winner at the 2007 Qantas Wine Show.

2. Abbey Creek.

Abbey Creek vineyard is on the northern slopes of the Porongurup Range. It is a small family owned vineyard producing Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon /Merlot. The cool climate of the Porongurup is ideally suited to these varieties.

3. Jingalla.

Jingalla wines are located on the northern slopes of the Porongurup Range. As well as the standard varieities popular in this region, this winery also produces a range of individual blends as well as a Port and Liqueur Muscat.

4. Springviews Wine.

This winery is located on the cooler southern slopes of the Porongurup Range and is irrigated with a unique supply of ground water. The resulting wines have a unique balance, flavour and aroma. The three wines produced are Chardonnay, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Luxury Accommodation at Cloud 9 Spa Chalets.

As I stood on the verandah of my accommodation looking north to the jagged peaks of the Stirling Ranges and watching kangaroos hopping in the paddocks in the gathering dusk, I found it hard not to be struck by the sheer Australian-ness of it all.

My home for the night was a new luxury cottage, one of 3 built on a farm in the middle of the Australian Outback.

Hosts Stan and Shelley Sypko had done everything to make my stay at their retreat a memorable experience. I was greeted with a complimentary bottle of local champagne and a warm inviting wood fire. After a luxury spa bath I enjoyed a home made pizza delivered to me personally by my host.

Cloud 9 Spa Chalets is a new venture by Stan and Shelley. Their goal is to provide first class accommodation in this developing wine region for visitors to use as a base to explore the other attractions of the region. These include mountain climbing and bush walking in one of the most scenic areas of Australia.

To those who want to discover the very best of Australia, "Travel Tips Australia" is the book for you. Australian travel expert Graeme Lanham outlines in easy to read style all you want to know about his homeland. Available at:
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Free special report. (value: $57)

Your Passport to Adventure Travel in Queensland

Queensland's award winning Sunlander Train is not just a luxurious rail journey. It is a passport to some of the most breathtaking tropical scenery and exciting adventures in Australia. Here are 3 of the best.

1. Rockhampton and Great Keppel Island.

Fancy a few days on an unspoilt tropical island with some of the best beaches in Australia? I did and I loved the experience so much, I've returned twice.

Here's a suggested plan:

Leave the train at Rockhampton, stay overnight and the following morning,take a bus to the coastal town of Yeppoon. It is then just a short ferry ride to Great Keppel Island.

Your introduction to this island paradise is unique. There is no jetty. You just walk down a ramp straight on to the cleanest white sand you will ever see! It is a place to relax and enjoy.

If you want a pristine beach with crystal clear water to yourself, take a walk past the airstrip and there it is. If you want to party until dawn, you'll love the social life.

One of my most pleasant memories was sitting on the beach near the Youth Hostel sharing a bottle of chardonnay with 3 backpackers from Broadway in the Cotswolds, watching the sun setting over mainland Australia. The sand was warm and soft and the evening balmy. A magic holiday moment.

2. Tully and Mission Beach.

Tully is the train stop for Mission Beach, Dunk Island and white water rafting on the Tully River. The pretty coastal resort of Mission Beach has a wide range of accommodation including a superb Youth Hostel called "Treetops".

This small town is the base for exploring another tropical paradise, Dunk Island.

If you're game, you may like to experience the adrenaline rush of white water rafting. This out-of-comfort zone adventure is something you must try. Regardless of your age, if you're reasonably fit you'll love the heart pulsating experience and sheer fun.

In between the rapids there are periods of calm where you are invited to jump out of the rafts and drift down this beautiful river on your back. Don't worry, your compulsory lifejacket will keep you afloat.

The sheer pleasure of floating in the calm, warm water, listening to bird calls and being surrounded on all sides by dense tropical rain forest is surreal. Ah what bliss!

3. Cairns and Tropical North Queensland.

Cairns is the largest city in North Queensland and the centre of one of the most popular tourist regions in Australia. There is plenty to see and do in Cairns but it is the region outside the city that is a magnet for overseas and Australian visitors.

The most popular tours are to the Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda, Port Douglas and the rainforests near Cape Tribulation.

Footnote. The Sunlander has been rated Australia's number one rail journey and amongst the top 25 rail journeys in the world.

In its 25th anniversary edition, the prestigious US based Society of International Railway Travelers recently published a list of the world's top 25 iconic rail adventures.

Three Australian trains, including the Sunlander were named in this prestigious list.

They represented the group's best loved railway journeys and according to president Eleanor Hardy, "The trains met stringent standards for service, accommodation, scenery, itinerary, off-train experiences and passenger enjoyment."

Want to discover more about these and other exciting holiday adventures in Queensland? Australian travel expert Graeme Lanham's popular new Ebook gives you all the answers. As a special bonus claim your 3 free reports (valued at $57) available at: http://www.traveltipsaustralia.com

Australia And The Modern Day Tourist

Australia is very popular with holiday makers going on a family holiday and staying in a holiday villa or self catering apartment. There are some great holiday homes to rent as holiday accommodation in Australia and many tourists like to stay in self catering accommodation.

Australia is the only place in the world that has a tag of both country and a continent. It is the smallest continent and the sixth largest country in whole world.

It lies within the southern hemisphere and the official name of the country is the Commonwealth of Australia. This place is full of great tourist attractions. This is why Australia is also known as a tourist paradise.

You can start your journey of Australia from Sydney. When here, you can rent a superb luxury villa with swimming pool as your holiday accommodation. This place is famous for its traditional tourist activities.

You can see its Opera House where you can have a feel of its rich tradition. If you want to do some leisure activities then you can spend your whole week on the beach. To get more close to the history of the country, you can visit the place named The Rocks. This place is the historic neighborhood having cobble stones and colonial architecture.

If you like to feel the flora of Australia then Royal Botanical Gardens is an ideal place for you. Here, you can spend some quality time by hitting the rose garden and glass houses. You can also get yourself refreshed with the fragrance of the beautiful flowers.

This place is perfect for capturing pictures as you will get beautiful views of a natural beauty. Some tourists like to stay in self catering holiday apartments and use them as a base to explore the area.

If you are one of those people who love adventure sports, Australia also has several things for you as well. You can visit the Great Barrier Reef. This place is famous for its beautiful under sea world paradise.

You can enjoy scuba diving or snorkel with worlds most beautiful and colorful warm water fishes. Including a helicopter ride in your Great Barrier Reef trip will make your trip more exciting and adventurous.

With the help of a helicopter ride, you can have a complete look of the place. Afterwards you can relax in a holiday villa with a great swimming pool and top up your sun tan.

Australia is also famous for its natural beauty. You can experience this beauty by adding a trip to Queensland in Australia. This place is famous for its lush green rain forests!

Queensland has a place named the Wet Tropics Rainforest. This place is one of the best places to visit in the Queensland. Here, you can have an experience of the natural beauty of the country. The best way to roam this place is to take a four wheeler trip.

This trip will also include a guide to make you familiar with the place. You can also enjoy a parasailing to have a best view of this place from the sky. Queensland has some of the best holiday home accommodation in Australia. There is a great choice of holiday villas, self catering holiday apartments and some charming holiday cottages.

To experience the Coastal Australia, you can take a drive on the Great Ocean Road. This drive is the best way to have a look on the country's most beautiful beaches along with some of the highest peaks of the continent.

Do not forget to see the Twelve Apostles, this is the formation made by the twelve pillars of Australian red rock. This place is also known as a paradise for photographers.

The climate of Australia is very fine. So, you can plan your visit to this place any time of the world. However, if you want to get the maximum out put from your trip to Australia, it is essential for you to take help of any packaged tour company as these will provide you the lucrative offers to explore this beautiful continent.

Many holiday makers come back to Australia year after year and choose to stay in holiday rental accommodation. There are some of the best holiday villas with swimming pools in the world in Australia and they can be rented as holiday homes during your stay there.

Andrew Gibson is MD of http://www.Directholidaybookings.co.uk.They are one of the largest holiday home websites with a selection of holiday villas and self catering holiday apartments to rent all over the world.

How to Experience the Real Australian Outback by Train

They represented the group's best loved railway journeys, according to Eleanor Hardy, president of the US based Society of International Railway Travelers.

"The trains met stringent standards for service, accommodation, scenery, itinerary, off-train experiences and passenger enjoyment", she said.

Now, sit back, read and discover the luxury way to experience outback Australia.

1. The Indian Pacific.

The Indian Pacific is one of the world's great train journeys. It crosses the vast Australian continent between Sydney on the Pacific Ocean and Perth, on the Indian Ocean in a shade over three days. Passengers experience the real Australia from majestic mountains to rolling pastures to the harshness of the outback.

The Indian Pacific is a tourist train designed to help you explore this country at your leisure and in comfort. My journey was from Perth to Adelaide and the train stopped at 2 places of interest along the way.

First stop, Kalgoorlie.

This vibrant inland city provides a fascinating insight into Australia's early gold rush days. Guests had the opportunity to enjoy an optional bus tour and view the world's largest open cut gold mine, as well as learning about its turbulent past.

Shades of the past still exist today and a drive past one of the town's 3 brothels caused animated conversation in our tour group.

Second stop,Cook.

This tiny town in the heart of the Nullarbor Plain, highlighted the extreme summer heat of the outback. Before she opened the carriage door, Cabin Attendant, Nikki warned us with a glorious piece of understatement, "It's pretty hot out there". She wasn't joking!

We stepped from the comfort of an air conditioned train to searing 47 degree (120F) desert heat! Most passengers couldn't handle the oven like heat and retreated to the comfort of their cabins.

I was either very brave or very stupid as I walked with a small group of intrepid travelers to visit the tiny outback settlement with a population of 4 and to experience the harshness of the outback.

I have nothing but admiration for those hardy souls who actually live out here in the middle of the nowhere.

My reflections.

On the final stages of the journey, I had time to reflect on the adventure. I remembered the brilliant outback sunsets, the soaring Wedge-tail eagles (the train's symbol), the friendships formed with fellow guests, the superb meals and the friendly, attentive staff, who made us all feel so special.

But most of all, I remembered the indelible impression the train and the country it traversed, made on overseas visitors. Many regarded it as the highlight of their trip to Australia.

Some planned to return and continue their outback adventures on "The Ghan".

2. The Ghan.

This train travels from south to north through the heart of Australia from the southern city of Adelaide, capital of South Australia to tropical Darwin, capital of Australia's Northern Territory.

Along the way it stops at 2 major tourist towns.

Alice Springs.

The base for tours to the spectacular King's Canyon and Ayers Rock. You may choose to leave the train for a few days and explore these areas on guided tours, then rejoin The Ghan at a later date. Alternatively, take part in a short guided tour of Alice Springs, then return to your train to continue the journey north.

As you travel north, particularly in the summer or "green season" you will notice
a spectacular change from the dry harshness of the outback to lush tropical vegetation.

Katherine.

Your second stop is the base for tours to the spectacular Katherine Gorge. As with Alice Springs, the train stops long enough for you to enjoy an optional gorge tour.

Destination Darwin.

Your final destination, Darwin is a convenient base for tours to a number of major tourist regions including Kakadu and Litchfield Park. During the green season from December to February, it can be hot and very uncomfortable.

The compensation is that the country is green and lush and all the waterfalls are at their spectacular best. The dry season from May to October is the most popular time to visit Australia's tropical north.

Both The Indian Pacific and The Ghan are owned by Great Southern Rail, and the company offers many options for travel within Australia. It is constantly refining its services and as a result of public demand, has introduced a new luxury Platinum Class experience to its Indian Pacific and Ghan trains.

Want to discover more about rail travel in Australia? Australian travel expert Graeme Lanham's popular new Ebook gives you all the answers. Claim your 3 special FREE reports (valued at $57) available at:
http://www.traveltipsaustralia.com