If you are planning to discover the world’s richest coral reef system, than your quest to search the world’s richest coral garden comes to an end at Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the undisputed world’s most important natural assets. It is the largest natural feature on earth that extends more than 2,300km along the northeast coast of Australia from the northern tip of Queensland to just north of Bundaberg. These days, barrier reef is also making headlines because it has been ranked number one snorkeling destination in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The survey was conducted on the top five snorkeling destinations in which more than 4500 readers voted for there preferred destinations. Placed in the seven natural wonders of the world by CNN, the reef features amazing natural attractions, coral formations, fish and other living organisms in a wonderful, colourful marine world that provides an unforgettable experience to travelers. It is worth knowing that Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest marine park that consists of roughly 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands, that stretch for 2,300 km covering an area of approximately 344,400 km.The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in northeast Australia. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park protects a huge part of the reef. Around two million people visit the reef every year that backs economy with $4 billion. The Great Barrier Reef was declared a World Heritage Site in 1981 too.
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Dunk: The Island of Peace and Plenty
Dunk Island is amongst those few islands in both Australia and the world that suits all types of holidaymakers whether they are couples, honeymooners or families. The serenity around the island with seclusion makes it an ideal place for peace lovers. The Island was known to the first inhabitants as ‘Coonanglebah’ – the Island of Peace and Plenty. Now a days, it has earned fame as Australia’s most beautiful rainforest island. With an array of facilities, sports and activities to choose from, it’s tough to decide what to do next. One could start his journey with a rain forest walk and can catch the stunning sights from the peak of Mt Kootaloo. For a change one can try Horse riding along the seashore, guided jet-ski tours, a round of golf, or visiting the Island Farm. However, in between this frenzy of fun, you can pamper your self at the Spa, with treatments customized to revitalize your mind, body and soul. READ
Australia asks its citizens to avoid Lebanon
Citing the current violence in Lebanon Australian government has asked its citizens to avoid visiting country as far as possible. The government has called travelers to avoid public protests and most violent areas. Notably, yesterday protestors led by Hezbollah burned tires and cars and clashed with government supporters, leaving Beirut paralyzed and regions across the Lebanon. According to the reports, 3 people have been killed and 133 were injured in the violent clashes between rival groups. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has issued new travel warning for the nation. In its appeal to nation, DFAT urged citizens to reconsider their itinerary to Lebanon. DFAT said in a statement: You should avoid any large gatherings and demonstrations as these could turn violent. There have been violent clashes between rival groups in different parts of the city. The Australian Embassy in Beirut may close at short notice due to ongoing demonstrations and concerns about the security situation in the vicinity of the embassy. Meanwhile, US has condemned the violence in Lebanon and calls on all parties to settle their internal differences peacefully and constitutional means to debate the political issues before them, and to exercise restraint.Visitors to Australia need a travel visa.Apply online for Australian Travel (ETA) Visa.
Via: TheAge
Gold Coast: The most preferred destination of celebrities
If you always follow trends, kicked off by celebrities or chase their likes and dislikes, their favorite destinations, etc. then this season, you must explore ‘Gold Coast’ in Queensland, one of the most beautiful areas in the world. The world’s famous luminaries such as Paris Hilton, Tara Reid, U2 and Diana Ross visited ‘Gold coast’ that earned top spot for this hottest destination, followed by The Bahamas, Cairns. A survey conducted by travel.con.au on around 2000 customers about their experiences holidaying with celebrities reveal that holiday in Australia is a hot trend for A-listers. Celebrity agent Max Markson says: Celebrities are looking far from home for exotic holiday locations and a total change of pace. Stars visiting Australia for work have also spread the word of the stunning attributes Australia and the Asia Pacific offer. Holidaying down under has fast become a trend for Hollywood’s finest who are opting for unique, secluded getaways in luxurious locations. Here are top ten hot destinations that entice celebrities around the globe. � The Gold Coast � The Bahamas � Cairns � Aspen � Port Douglas � Fiji � St Tropez � Thailand � Bay of Islands � New Zealand � Paris Via: SMH
Blue Mountains, Sydney – A friendly adventure destination
The Blue Mountains is Australia’s one of the greatest rejuvenation areas for those who love to prefer dense forests instead of visiting beaches. The mountains are stretches from Gippsland region of Victoria in the south to the tropical rainforests of north Queensland. A large majority of the Blue Mountains is incorporated in the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Site and its constituent seven national parks and a conservation reserve. Covering around 1436 square kilometers forest area, the mountains is enclosed by several regions that provide a vast array of tourist attractions and places of interest. It is almost difficult for trekkers to explore the entire region in a single day however, one requires around more than one week to truly experience the magic of the Blue Mountains and its environs. The nearness of mountains from bustling city Sydney makes it an ideal destination as far as the trekking of mountains is concerned. It hardly takes 50 minutes to arrive at the entrance Glenbrook/Lapstone form Sydney. Mountain’s climate is somewhat more temperate as compare to Sydney. Usually temperature decrease around 2°C at every 300 meters. And at the crest of mountain temperature drops nearly 7°C. The biting cool air of winter makes the mountain a perfect destination. Nowhere else in the world, you can catch such a bird eye view but the only thing is that you have to take a ride on Skyway. A 720-meter journey 270m above ancient ravines and dazzling waterfalls is a lifelong experience. The ride takes you in the three sisters, katoomba falls, solitary and the never ending expanse of the jamison valley. In short, the Blue Mountains offer a natural wonderland of untamed bush, spectacular rock formations and native wildlife. Read
Bridestowe Lavender Farm Purchased
Personally I just love the fragrance of lavender, it soothens and relaxes me. Going to a lavender farm would probably be a dream come true. Bridestowe Lavender Farm is one of the world’s largest single commercial lavender farms, producing the finest quality lavender flowers and lavender oil. It has now been bought by a former industrial manufacturer, Robert Ravens, who wants to further develop its tourist potential. Location: Tasmania, Nabowla, Scottsdale, North East Tasmania Australia. Best time to visit: December to January Located in a perfect picture postcard setting, with mountains rising up in the distance from fertile farming land and thick green forest and to top it all are fields and fields of lavender flowers. That is 120 acres planted in lavender. You could choose a guided half hour tour giving you an insight into the lavender industry. And even if you miss the bloom a visit any time of the year is worthwhile. Image Source: Yahoo news
Kangaroo Island: One of the world’s last great-unspoiled islands
Kangaroo Island, Australia is like a dream come true for any sightseer desirous of traveling to a beautiful nature’s destination. One of the Australia’s great scenic treasures, Kangaroo island is located in 110 km (70 miles) south-west of Adelaide and easily reachable by Ferry or Plane. Blessed with extremely peaceful and unspoiled beauty, the island boasts towering cliffs, windswept plains and twisted coastal scrub, sandy seashores. In good weather, you can also experience calm and clear water. If you are an extreme lover of wilderness and jungle safaris than, Kangaroo island is an ideal destination for you to visit. As Kangaroo island is the third largest island in size in Australia it almost difficult for any visitor to discover its immeasurable splendor in a day. It offers endless opportunities for adventurers, ranging from walking, fishing, diving, camping, surfing, and sailing. In addition, there are protected calm-water coves for picnics and bathing, which are tailored particularly for families. How to get there: One can take 30-minute flight from Adelaide. The airport is hardly 13 km from Kingscote, the most bustling town from where you can hire other transport. A large part of the island remains unspoiled and parks and reserves maintain a good third of the whole region. Why to go: Kangaroo Island is perhaps the most isolated place, which is still far away from the jaws of modern civilization. Its South Coast, Seal Bay Conservation Park is an asylum of around 500 Australian Sea lions. The local tour operators organize jungle safaris, which gives a close look, and personal encounter with these exciting creatures. The Island is home for 15,000 Koalas, several hundred thousand platypuses and possums, and of course Kangaroos. Water bird watching at the Murray Lagoon in Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park is an amazing experience. In short, the island is a fabulous place to stay in and to explore; it has many facets, which can meet the interest of any holidaymaker.
In Photos: Te Matatini
This is the Maori Kapa Haka, Festival of New Zealand. This Kapa Haka, warrior dance competition attracts thousands and remains the finest cultural bonanza of New Zealand. Images
Te Matatini: New Zealand’s Maori Kapa Haka Festival
This biennial fest is a mix of enormous power, beauty and intensity. Te Matatini, a three day Maori cultural festival is a platform for different groups to perform their own type of Haka dance, with awesome music to compliment the dance. It tries to give New Zealanders a sense of pride in their ancient historical roots. As a cultural festival, it includes flax weaving, art works, stalls selling Maori food and Maori arts and crafts, special events for old Maoris and even a special area where Maori kids can play and entertain themselves. Today Te Matatini is an enchanting mix of the traditional/contemporary performance of song,dance, poi within Maori culture which expresses love, passion, defience, pride and many more emotions. The subjects are diverse from political, social, enviromental, to anything life can throw at one, good or bad The main incentive for the haka dance competitors remains an overseas trip for all the forty winning group members. Groups from all over the country have competed in regional finals and the thirty groups which have won their regional competitions come to Te Matatini to compete against each other for the prize of Best National Kapa Haka group. A Kapa Haka comprises a number of songs and dances performed over a space of 25 minutes( flexible). The performance will include a haka, a dance with poi (the coloured balls on strings), as well as a song that has a contemporary theme. These 25 minute performances, each with the same structure but with different songs and dances, continue from 10.00am until 8.00pm for two days. At the end of those two days the panel of judges chooses six groups to compete, on the third day, in the final. Kapa Haka removes the battlefields of Maori ancestors with inherent competitiveness now taking place on stage. Kapa Haka recgonises the strength of diversity among Maori tribes, iwi, hapu, whanau, while equally encouraging all of them to come together and celebrate as one. The New Zealand national football team, the All Blacks have used the blood-curdling roar of the haka which is accompanied by thigh slapping and foot stomping to put fear in the minds of there opponents before a game. The haka they perform is just a glimpse of the real thing. To experience it in essence and in a magical way you must come to Te Matatini, Maori Kapa Haka Festival. Source: The Age
Accolades for Australia’s National Museum
The national museum of Australia claims to explore the land, nation and people of Australia, seems like it’s a genuine claim since its set to receive 500,000th school student visitors today itself! Location: Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula, Canberra Acton Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm, Monday – Sunday every day except Christmas Day Fee: General admission to the Museum is free. Most national and international temporary exhibitions and some special programs have an admission charge. Museum Acting Director Suzy Nethercott-Watson said: Its education programs help students to better understand and appreciate Australia’s history, cultures and environment. Students are encouraged to get hands-on with history through activities which link directly to their school curriculum and are both educational and enjoyable,