Why you should visit Australia

Why Visit Australia ?

Australian vacations are very popular because you can visit this country and see a little bit of everything. Grand streams and rivers, breathtaking ocean views, and rough and rugged terrain that is full of wildlife and extreme adventures.

Every area of the country offers something a little bit different, and the differences are palpable from town to town. There are cities and towns of all sizes, some that the average person has heard of and others that have never been heard of by anyone other than the locals. It is a beautiful country that has something for everyone, and that is why travel to the area is becoming more and more popular all the time.

Some of the amazing parts of and sites in Australia includes:

Northern Territory

Australias Top End is one of the last great secrets of adventure travel, this is where you will find magnificent, unspoilt natural beauty.

Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, is serviced by international airlines and also by the Ghan railway which connects southern Australia to Darwin via Alice Springs in Central Australia. Darwin is closer to Asian cities such as Jakarta and Singapore than it is to southern Australian cities such as Melbourne and Sydney. Temperatures in Darwin and the Top End hover around a comfortable 30 degrees C (85 degrees F) all year round. Like most tropical areas, the Top End year is not defined by ‘summer’ and ‘winter’ weather events but by what Top-Enders call ‘the wet’ and ‘the dry’.

Among the many magnificent attractions found in Northern Territory are Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, and Katherine Gorge. Closest to Darwin is Litchfield National Park, approximately an hour’s drive south. All three destinations can conveniently be visited in succession, travelling from Darwin in either a clockwise direction (Kakadu, Katherine Gorge, Litchfield) or an anti-clockwise direction (Litchfield, Katherine Gorge, Kakadu).

Kakadu National Park

This is a World Heritage listed park located approximately 250 km east of Darwin. While a return day trip from Darwin to Kakadu is possible, a few days should be allowed in order to fully experience Kakadu’s magic. The name Kakadu is the name of the indigenous language spoken in the north-western section of Kakadu National Park.

Apart from a few areas, Kakadu does not consist of dense tropical rainforest but rather of flat tropical savanna woodlands. The abundant birdlife and other wildlife which flocks into Kakadu’s wetlands during the dry season demonstrates how important the area is for local flora and fauna, and in fact Kakadu’s World Heritage listing was based primarily on its importance as a wetlands area. Kakadu contains over 1000 plant species, one quarter of all freshwater fish species found in Australia, and one third of all bird species.

Kakadu National Park covers over 6000 square kilometres, and comprises several distinct sub-regions. The floodplain subregion lies to the north of the plateau and receives the full force of wet season monsoonal rains from November to March, when the region becomes a vast expanse of water. In the dry season the Kakadu floodplain is characterised by permanent billabongs. This area of Kakadu is famed for its waterlilies and edible lotus lilies. The plateau subregion is a rugged sandstone formation which rises sharply to 250 metres from the lowlands to the north and offers some of the most memorable scenery in the park. The escarpment extends for some 600 kilometres and is the site of many major waterfalls and deep gorges. The lowlands subregion is a vast eroded plain with many rocky outcrops to the north of the escarpment. The tidal flats subregion is a coastal area characterised by mangroves and rainforest which can survive on saline sandy soils. Finally, Kakadu’s southern hills subregion is located at the southern most point of the park where the headwaters of the South Alligator River run through stony woodland country.

Litchfield National Park

This park is located about 130 kms south of Darwin, is visited by more than 250,000 visitors annually. Visitors are attracted by the lush monsoonal rainforest, permanent spring-fed waterfalls, magnetic termite mounds, weathered sandstone outcrops and historic ruins. Litchfield can be comfortably explored in a one day drive from Darwin, although there is plenty of accommodation in the region for those who wish to stay longer. Litchfield has its major attractions linked by sealed road, although a 4WD vehicle may be necessary to visit more remote areas.

Litchfield’s most popular attractions include Wangi Falls, twin waterfalls that cascade into a large pool amid lush rainforest, and Buley Rockhole, a chain of small pools linked by small waterfalls. Both locations are popular swimming places. Other attractions include the spectacular Tolmer Falls, the fantastically-shaped sandstone towers known as the Lost City, and the magnetic Termite Mounds, thin two-metre high towers aligned north-south to keep the inside of the mound cool in the heat of the sun.

Nitmiluk National Park

This park lies about 300 kilometres south of Darwin. It is one of the most spectacular areas in the Top End, winding 12 km through 13 separate gorges with walls more than 70m high. The park is rich in Aboriginal rock art representing the spiritual ‘dreaming’ of the Jawoyn people, the traditional owners of the land. For bushwalkers, Nitmiluk National Park has more than 100 kilometres of meandering walking tracks, including a challenging five-day trek to Edith Falls.

Uluru, Ayers Rock

Uluru has been the rock’s official name since the 1980’s, although many people still refer to it as Ayers Rock.

Uluru is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most widely recognised icons both nationally and internationally. It is also one of Australia’s most popular tour destinations, and for very good reason. Set in the stunning red desert landscape of Central Australia, it is a magnificent and magical sight that should form part of any Australian tour itinerary.

Uluru is located within the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park about 400 kilometres southwest of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory of Australia. The largest monolith in Central Australia, Uluru is more than 318 metres high and 8 kilometres around, and extends 2.5 kilometres into the ground. Famous for appearing to change colour as light conditions change throughout the day and seasons, Uluru is a particularly remarkable sight at sunset. Composed primarily of sandstone, Uluru is infused with minerals such as feldspar that reflect the red light of sunrise and sunset and make the rock appear to literally glow in the right conditions.

The Australian Government returned ownership of Uluru to its traditional Aboriginal owners in 1985, leasing it back for 99 years as a National Park. The traditional owners request that visitors respect the sacred status of Uluru by not climbing it.

Kata Tjuta, also known as The Olgas, is a group of 36 rounded rock formations situated about 30 km west of Uluru within the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. The tallest dome of the group, Mt Olga, actually stands taller than Uluru at 457 metres. Kata Tjuta, which means ‘many heads’ in the local Pitjantjatjara language, is as sacred to the indigenous traditional owners as Ayers Rock. Traditional ceremonies are still conducted at Kata Tjuta, particularly at night, and many Pitjantjatjara dreamtime legends are associated with both Ayers Rock and Kata Tjuta.

Victoria

Some of the most popular cities in Victoria includes:

Melbourne

Capital of Victoria and Australia’s second-largest city, Melbourne is often voted the most livable city in the world. For one thing, it’s sited on the Yarra River and scenic Port Philip Bay. Plus, it’s Australia’s vanguard city for sport, fashion, shopping, cuisines, music and nightlife, and is home to a host of museums, galleries and theaters, and large parks and gardens.

South Australia

The South Australia vacation cities are Adelaide, Adelaide Hills, Riverlands, and Kangaroo Island. Adventurers can explore the Eyre Peninsula, Clare Valley, Yorke Peninsula, or the Flinders Ranges where the Outback awaits. Travelers will plan some time in the Fleurieu Peninsula, the Limestone Coast and Barossa Valley and know that they have tasted the best of what the South Australia region has to offer.

Some of the most popular cities in South Australia includes:

Adelaide

Much of Adelaide’s charm comes from its location. It sits on the narrow Adelaide Plains between Gulf St Vincent on the Southern Ocean and the eucalyptus-covered hills of the Mount Lofty ranges. Today’s Adelaide is famous for its festivals, arts, sports events and wine from nearby vineyards.

The Barossa Valley

The Barossa is located only 70 kilometres North East of Adelaide and is easily accessible by road in just over hour from the state capital. Self-drive tours to the Barossa Valley are popular. Road conditions are generally good and distances between the region’s towns are small.

This is one of Australia’s most significant wine regions. Its thriving community retains strong links to its rich European heritage with superb Barossa specialty foods and historic architecture. Historic churches, stone buildings and cottages abound, while walking trails, reserves and forests offer easily access to breathtaking landscapes and scenery.

The Barossa Valley is home to the world-famous Barossa Shiraz and Eden Valley Riesling plus other premium wines, a large range of unique regional produce, and acclaimed restaurants. The Barossa’s vineyards are tended by around 500 grape growing families, many sixth-generation. There are may small boutique wineries where eexquisite wines are sold out within weeks of their launch, along with larger enterprises associated with household names such as Peter Lehmann, Henschke, Seppelt, Yaldara and Yalumba.

The Barossa Valley was named in 1837 by South Australia’s first Surveyor general, Colonel William Light, after Barrosa in Spain. It was first settled in 1842 by English and German settlers, the Germans having fled religious persecution in their homeland. Before long the Barossa developed its own unique culture and life style which has continued until today. Early winemakers established the first Barossa Valley vineyards, but wealthier families with greater financial resources soon took over and developed the wine making industry we see today.

New South Wales

Some of the most popular cities in New South Wales includes:

Sydney

Sydney has so much to offer from the breathtaking Blue Mountains to popular hang out Bondi Beach. Sydney city centre is cosmopolitan and has many attractions including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. This is one of the most attractive cities in the world. The climate in Sydney is mild throughout the year. The seasons are: Summer December to February, Autumn March to May, Winter June to August and Spring March to May.

Byron Bay, the Mecca of surfing.

Byron Bay is a place where surfing is not just a sport or favorite past-time but a lifestyle and local obsession. Set against a back-drop of warm weather year-round and spectacular beaches, Byron Bay is an inviting venue that promises a laid-back lifestyle. Why, you can even go native and be part of a teeming “alternative” community whose ranks are constantly being bolstered by an increasing number of writers, artists and filmmakers.

Queensland

Queensland has fifteen exceptional regions, where people can travel, be with their families and spend a memorable holiday. Its capital, Brisbane is an excellent base for tours. One of the famous holiday destinations at Queensland is the Gold Coast. Famous of its attractive beaches, theme parks and resorts. Just a little farther north is the Sunshine Coast, undoubtedly, one of Queensland’s most scenically beautiful regions.

A couple of hours away from Sunshine Coast is Queensland’s whale watching capital, the Fraser Coast, having the world’s largest sand island. Immerse yourself with Whitsunday’s breathtaking views. See the beauty of different corals at Bundaberg. Experience bush walking and bird watching at Toowomba. Witness the superb touring region of the Western Downs and how about enjoying the delicious fruits of Southern Downs?

Take a glimpse at the stunning beaches of Townsville. See the reefs, islands and mountains of Tropical North. Spectacular rainforest and national parks can be seen at Mackay. Also, don’t forget Queensland’s home of hidden treasures, Capricorn. Take a tour on historic towns and diverse landscape at Outback Queensland. Stopover at the Centre of the Southern Reef, Gladstone, it has sub-tropical climate with islands, waterways and beaches.

Some of the most popular cities in Queensland includes:

Brisbane

This city is relaxed and friendly and a wonderful place to visit all year round due to fantastic weather. The summers are long and hot and the winters mild, perfect climate to enjoy some of the best beaches in Australia and the world. From the North to the South of Brisbane there is a stretch of beautiful coastline attracting plenty of holiday makers. As well as the beach, there are small islands for visitors to explore. Brisbane is home to Steve Irwin’s Zoo, Dreamworld, Seaworld, Movieworld, Wet ‘n’ Wild and much more.

Western Australia

The region offers miles of surfing coastline and secluded beaches to explore. The water provides more attractions with regular sightings of Dolphins and Whales and some fabulous reef snorkelling.

Some of the most popular cities in Western Australia includes:

Perth

This city has the best of both worlds – the city is centre is a hive of activity and attractions, with beaches and countryside all around. Perth centre has rivers and parks which make the city and attractive place to visit.

Tasmania

Tasmania is home to one of the world’s 10 best beaches (Wineglass Bay), the world’s best small town (Strahan) and is rated third in the world for wise management of the natural environment.

More information about Australia