Australia Fiesta

Ahh…..this post has transported me back to my trip Down Under. Though I couldn’t afford to stay at Australia’s most luxurious getaway at Lizard Island Resort, located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the Tangalooma Resort off Gold Coast wasn’t an inferior deal either. Of course by shelling out about $454,000 for five nights (all meals, drinks and activities included), it’s a sure heavenly destination. Located right on the Great Barrier Reef, there are 24 powdery-white beaches and 40 luxurious suites. Beautiful white beaches, fabulous snorkeling a few steps from the resort, amazing outer reef dives only an hour away plus five star accommodation, gourmet cuisine and wines and privacy that most A-list celebrities crave.

Global warming poses to be the most lethal threat to our planet today and is one of the most burning issues on the mind of any environmentalist around the globe. The harmful emissions and greenhouse gases being generated in humongous quantities on a daily basis is what damages the environment even further. Vehicles, airplanes, factories etc. are the culprits to be blamed for these emissions but they are an inevitable part of our lives post-industrialization and can’t be completely avoided. However, what irks most environmentalists is the amount of harmful gases emitted from flights that tourists take to globe trot. Tourism, according to them is an industry that contributes largely to the pollution around the world, hence adding to their woes and acting as a hindrance to their efforts to curb pollution.

Hobart is one of the world’s most photogenic cities which is shaped and defined by the ocean, river and a majestic mountain. It has many early grand homes and public buildings, workers’ cottages and warehouses, heritage parks and gardens.

Hobart town has a thriving festival scene and a real sense of history. People at Hobart enjoy a great lifestyle with bustling markets, a flourishing arts scene, festivals and entertainment, numerous restaurants and bars to savor Tasmania’s superb cool-climate wines, famous beers, and delicious, fresh foods.

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Also, Hobart offers a wide range of outdoor activities including sailing, boating, fishing, horse-riding, surfing, kayaking and cycling. Visitors can take advantage of the numerous activities and attractions on offer in and around the city.

One can enjoy night life in Hobart but the real action takes place during the day, when nature beckons. The balmy wind blows on the Alpine terrain.

Places to see:

Salamanca Place: A palace which is the fine example of Australian colonial architecture lies in the heart of the city. There are house galleries, restaurants, nightspots and shops selling everything from vegetables to antiques. Each Saturday, Salamanca Place is the site for Salamanca Market which is popular with both tourists and locals. This palace is a ‘must see’ when in Hobart.

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Mt Wellington: It’s the main feature of Hobart’s skyline and has its own ecosystems. It is rich in biodiversity and plays a large part in determining the local weather. The hike to the top of Mt Wellington is very pleasant, with the spectacular views over Hobart and surrounding areas.

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The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens: A popular recreation area which is the second-oldest Botanic Garden in Australia and holds extensive significant plant collections.

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Cadbury Chocolate Factory: A tour to Cadbury chocolate factory is must for all the kids and those young at heart. It’s a rewarding and sweet experience. You’ll see how chocolate is being made and at the same time enjoy free samples. You can also buy chocolates from Cadbury Chocolate Shop to buy chocolate at factory prices with a huge range of Cadbury products available.

Make sure, you go to Fish Frenzy which is a casual and busy eatery right on the waterfront with fantastic fish and chips. This is not all; Hobart is a strangely exotic city which has lots in store for you.

Source: IHT

With the aim to promote the new campaign that focuses on New Zealand as the youngest country on earth, Tourism New Zealand plans embrace new technology. It has signed a 24 hours contract with popular internet site YouTube. It’s a $US320,000 ($NZ450,000) deal according to which Tourism NZ will take over the paid video space on the YouTube homepage for 24 hours, starting at 4pm on September 18 and new 100% Pure New Zealand commercial will be shown on the homepage space of the site. Three months of a New Zealand branded channel will follow the 24 hour contract. Tourism NZ linked up with Wellington-based Weta Digital to animate the Maori legend of Maui hauling the North Island from the sea.

Source: Stuff

Hanging Rock, the setting for the novel and film ‘Picnic At Hanging Rock’is one of the most famous places in Central Victoria. It’s a place where you can see abundance of wildlife and native fauna.

The rock is a small steep-sided volcano known as a mamelon which was formed six million years ago. You’ll have to climb the rock if you wish to be rewarded with magnificent views and want to immerse yourself in the history and mystery of the rock. It can be as mysterious or magical as you want.

Harvest picnic at Hanging Rock:

No, doubt this is an event for food-lovers. It’s an outdoor food and wine event where you can discover new products or relish new flavors of the region. In the event the producers from all around Victoria gather to sample, sell and showcase their delicious array of goods. Cooking demonstrations, live music, and dance are the main features of the event.

Hanging Rock Winery:

The Hanging Rock Winery is a superb winery in Victoria that sits on the Jim Jim, a hill facing Hanging Rock. It has huge range of wines which all seem to be good value for money. This winery is open seven days a week. One of the best known of Hanging Rock’s wines is the Heathcote Shiraz.

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Hanging Rock Winery Retreat:

Hanging Rock Winery Retreat is a retreat known for its seclusion style and its cellar door. It is pleasingly secluded, away from the hub of wine making activity and overlooking a panoramic landscape of bush land, toward Hanging Rock and Mt Macedon.

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The retreat is perfectly suited to a group of friends. It’s an ideal space with privacy, an award-winning winery and a peaceful country setting.

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Source: Stuff

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If you love to be in the laps of the Mother Nature Wanaka is just the right place. Lake Wanaka, the fourth largest lake in New Zealand is the ideal place to take a deep breath and relax. It’s a hidden paradise that is protected from the outside world by the grandeur of the mountains. The crystal-clear water of Lake Wanaka reflects the snow-capped peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park.

Lake Wanaka lies in a u-shaped valley formed by glacial erosion more than 10,000 years ago during the last ice age. In a parallel valley carved by a neighboring glacier eight km to the east lies Lake Hawea which is another wonderful lake. At their closest points, the lakes are only 1,000 meters apart.

In the southern end of the lake are numerous small islands. Rabbit Island, Stevensons Island and Harwich Island are the notable islands that are now serving as ecological sanctuaries.

The lake is a popular resort much used in the summer for fishing, boating and swimming. The nearby mountains and fast-flowing rivers allow for adventure tourism year-round. In all seasons, outdoor adventures beckon you can go for mountain biking, tramping and climbing. Wanaka is also one of New Zealand’s top ski destinations, with four ski and snowboarding areas close by.

When viewed, it looks as if the Lake is a picture and the mountains are the frame. Believe me, it’s one of the most scenic places in New Zealand.

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Source: nzonline

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How can anyone miss Ayers Rock while on trip to Australia? Ayers Rock also known as Uluru is the Australia’s most famous natural landmark and the world’s largest monolith. Sunset and sunrise at the Rock is perhaps the most magical scene.

South Australian premier Sir Henry lyres discovered this huge Rock. Apart from the size of Uluru that makes this viewing so memorable is the fact that this gigantic rock doesn’t have exactly the same hue. As each day passes, the rock changes color depending upon the atmospheric conditions and light.

Once at the rock, you can make the steep climb to the top along the marked walking track with handrail. It takes 90 minutes return. The 10km walk around the rock takes 5 hours. There are three semi-permanent pools from the water run off from the rock and there are aboriginal cave paintings in places.

Enjoy a spectacular show of color as the sun’s first rays strike the imposing face of Ayers Rock. It is most visited attraction of Australia with 400,000 visitors a year.

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Getting Around:

There are several shops within the resort, as well as the shops located at the cultural center in the National Park. You can purchase pieces from 20 Australian Dollars up to 10,000 Australian Dollars, depending on style and size.

Also, visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Center, which is dedicated to help visitors, learn more about the cultural value of the region.

Accommodation:

Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara: It’s just 12 miles from the Rock. Visitors can stay or camp at the resort. The resort provides excellent facilities and accommodation ranging from a campsite to five-star hotels. Its 13 sumptuous tents, each with an untrammeled view of the Rock, are well-known across Australia.

The Lost Camel Hotel with a designer ambience is also a good choice. Rooms are box-like and minimalist, but they’re air-conditioned and there’s a small pool. Charges: £172 for doubles.

Emu Walk offers bungalow-style serviced apartments that sleep up to six and is best for families.

Outback Pioneer Hotel has air-conditioned rooms Charges: Starting from £77 (budget, shared facilities) and £172 (double with en-suite).

Eat at:

The Kuniya Restaurant at Sails in the Desert, the DIY barbeque at the Outback Pioneer Hotel are the best places to dine at. You’ll find the cheaper eats on the shopping square. But, Sounds of Silence restaurant will give you the most exhilarating dining experience.

Getting There:

Travelmood offers a four-day Uluru, Kings Canyon and Alice Springs Highlights package. Including accommodation, transfers and tours, the charges are from £477 per person, with return flight to Sydney with Emirates from £782 and Qantas flights from Sydney to the Red Center from £312.

Source: Telegraph

Australian tourism industry has added another feather in its cap with Sydney Opera House been declared as a World Heritage site and a masterpiece of the 20th century architecture.

It joins Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton Gardens, Kakadu National Park and the Great Barrier Reef on the World Heritage list. Other famous sites around the world include the Acropolis in Athens, the historic centre of Prague and the Taj Mahal.

The decision was made in Christchurch, New Zealand, at a meeting of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s World Heritage Committee.

The others added to the list were the Red Fort complex in New Delhi, India, the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine in Japan and the Parthian Fortresses of Nisa in Turkmenistan.

The Opera house is the youngest building to be included on the World Heritage list and only the second by a living architect. It became the 17th Australian site to be included on the 800-strong World Heritage List when it won the approval of delegates at a meeting in New Zealand.

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Source: News.Com

The snow-making operations in Australian ski resorts are going on in full swing, as the ski season is going to begin. There have been cold weather conditions and some showers on the upper slopes.

The upper slopes have received 20-cm of snow and it is anticipated that there will be more snow but the natural snow will not be enough for skiing and snowboarding.

The artificial snow is being made on nights with sub-zero temperatures and it will continue until the opening to allow the skiing and snowboarding on Front Valley.

The Alpine area has received snowfall over the last week, which might melt but it is anticipated that enough of it will last until the opening. Though the season is looking promising at this stage but it can’t be denied that this ski season will have to rely much on artificial snow.

Source: Stuff

Abandon yourself to the delights of sandy beaches, clear waters, sailing and many colorful reef fish in Whitsunday’s which are part of the Cumberland Group, the largest group of Coastal Islands on the Australian Coast.

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The Islands were formed around 10,000 years ago when the Ice Caps melted and the sea level rose around 100 meters. The islands are in fact mountaintops.

Sunrise in Hamilton island, Image credit: Prescott Pym

Airlie Beach on the Australian mainland is an ideal spot for all tourists who want to explore the Islands. Ferries cross from Airlie Beach to the islands nearly every hour. Tourists arriving by jet begin at Hamilton Island, the island with the most hotels, bars and restaurants.

The Dent Island Lighthouse, it overlooks over the Whitsunday Islands. Image credit

The best known are Hamilton Island, Hayman Island, Long Island and Lindeman Island, all of which are easily accessible to tourists. They include resorts and hotels that lure thousands of vacationers all year round.

Whitsunday Islands, image credit: Christoph Specht

The Whitsundays provide terrific sailing conditions. Each August, many famous yachts make their way to the Whitsunday’s to race in the Hamilton Island Race Week and Hoggs Breath Regatta.

If you look carefully you will be able to see the far off yatches, Image credit: Shapelive

Humpback Whales visit the Whitsundays from July to Sept each year. During their stay calves are born. Other marine life that we regularly see throughout the year include: Turtles, Dugong, Dolphins, Mantaray, Maori Wrasse and hundreds of different Reef Fish.

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In total, there are 74 islands located right in the centre of the Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Out of which only 17 are inhabited. The rest are reserved for native plants and animals. The Whitsunday group consists of 22 islands, that were named by Captain Cook on his voyage on the Endeavour in 1770.

So do take time out to go sailing in the turquoise, clear waters of these beautiful islands!
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