Australia - Sightseeing

Embedded in the extensive natural harbor of Jackson Bay, sunny, cosmopolitan, modern, exciting, vital:... Sydney (close to 4 million inhabitants) is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Living here, you enjoy a lifestyle between business and beach life. Ferries and excursion boats start from Circular Quay. On board the ships you have a magnificent view of Sydney's two most famous landmarks: the Opera House with its spectacular architecture and the elegant Sydney Harbour Bridge. In the oldest district of Sydney, The Rocks, small cafés and shops lie hidden in beautifully restored houses from the time of the first settlers. Modern office towers dominate the city center, but you can also discover some well-preserved evidence of the Victorian era. The once dilapidated docks and warehouses of Darling Harbour are today home to many restaurants and shops as well as the Sydney Aquarium, the National Maritime Museum and many other cultural and entertainment facilities. Not far from Darling Harbour, Australia's largest museum, the Powerhouse Museum, features spectacular science, technology, art and design exhibitions. After a city tour the beautiful beaches in and around Sydney await you. The most famous one is Bondi Beach, where it's all about sun, sports and the cult of the body. more

Everyone has seen pictures of Australia's most famous attraction, but the actual sight of the huge 354... m high Uluru, which rises in the middle of the sandy plains of the Australian outback, is breathtaking. Depending on the position of the sun, the mystical rock presents itself in colors ranging from bright red to dark brown. At sunset (observed from the Sunset Viewing Points), the monolith almost seems to glow. Uluru is the sacred rock of the Anangu tribe, many mythic paths cross here. Visitors should respect this and refrain from climbing the mountain (which is not without danger). Instead you can join an informative tour guided by the Anangu, showing you water holes and caves with rock paintings in the area. No less fascinating than Uluru, although less known, are the Kata Tjuta (Olgas), 36 giant red-domed rocks located 32 km to the west. more

The largest coral reef on earth is often called a wonder of the world and the UNESCO declared it a World... Natural Heritage site: The Great Barrier Reef is over 2,000 km long and reaches from Papua New Guinea to the islands south of Rockhampton. Scuba divers and snorkelers are overwhelmed by the spectacular underwater world with more than 400 coral and 2,000 fish species. However, the corals must not be touched and it is strictly prohibited to remove anything from the reef, in order not to destroy the already endangered, delicate balance of this unique natural wonder. The islands of the Great Barrier Reef are more beautiful than any Caribbean poster. On many of them you find luxury resorts that leave nothing to be desired. Divers particularly appreciate Lizard Island and Heron Island with their spectacular diving spots, nature enthusiasts are drawn to Hinchinbrook Island, the largest island national park in the world with mountains, forests and beautiful beaches. For swimming and water sports the Whitsunday Islands are popular among families. On Whitsunday Island, the 440 m high Whitsunday Peak towers over the snow-white Whitehaven Beach. On Hayman Island, Orpheus Island, Double Island and Green Island you enjoy pure luxury. more

While Sydney is mostly about sports and fun, the eternal rival Melbourne boasts its culture, shopping... streets and gastronomical variety. Australia's second largest city (3.7 million inhabitants) is located along the banks of the Yarra River. From the observation deck on the 55th floor of the Rialto Towers you can get a good first impression. To explore the inner city, it's best to start at Flinders Street Station, the most beautiful train station in Australia. From here it is not far to the shopping streets Swanston Street, Collins Street and Bourke Street with their beautiful passages. St. Paul's Cathedral, Windsor Hotel and the Parliament House are reminiscent of the city's Victorian roots. On the other side of the Yarra River the Victorian Arts Centre houses a concert hall, a theater complex and the National Gallery of Victoria. Right next to the large park Kings Domain you find the Royal Botanic Gardens, one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. And after the city tour you should definitely try one of the over 3,000 restaurants in the cosmopolitan metropolis. more

A variety of different landscapes can be seen in Australia's largest national park on an area of 20,000... km². It covers almost the entire drainage area of the South Alligator River. Monsoon rain forest, eucalyptus forests and arid rocky hills are home to more than 300 bird species, 75 reptile species, many mammals and countless insects. During boat trips on the Yellow Water Lagoon you have the chance to observe the unique bird life - and if you are lucky, you might even get to see a saltwater crocodile. In the southeast of the park you find the impressive waterfalls Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls with a height of 200 meters. Further west at Waterfall Creek the film "Crocodile Dundee" was shot. The park is administered by the Aboriginal people who also live in this area. Their rock drawings, which are up to 20,000 years old, are still preserved in many areas of the park. The drawings at Ubirr Rock for example are extremely interesting - the "X-ray images" show skeletons and inner organs of humans and animals. The Bowali Visitor Centre is open from 8 am to 5 pm. more

A modern metropolis "in the middle of nowhere": 2,700 kilometers lie between Perth (1.5 million inhabitants)... and Adelaide, the nearest Australian city. The Indonesian capital Jakarta is closer than Canberra, which is 4,000 km away. In the 1890s, due to the gold rush, Perth experienced its first boom, but it was the discovery of vast mineral deposits in the 1970s that brought the growth and prosperity the city on the Swan River is characterized by today. Some buildings from the British colonial period are still intact around St. George's Terrace, for example, The Deanery, Government House, Old Court House and The Cloisters. In London Court you can go shopping in Tudor style. In Kings Park, a piece of natural bushland in the middle of the city center, you can relax on an area of 400 ha. The charming suburb of Fremantle ("Freo"), Perth's port, is known for its beautifully restored Victorian buildings. You should not miss the trip over to Rottnest Island with its idyllic beaches and beautiful diving spots. The island is a nature reserve and cars are not allowed. The most famous inhabitant of "Rotto" are the Quokkas, small marsupials, which have their last refuge here on the island. By mistake, the Dutch, who first landed on the island, took the Quokkas for rats, hence the name Rottnest (rat's nest). more

In southeastern Australia, 300 km of breathtakingly beautiful coastal landscape reach all the way from... Torquay to Warrnambool. From Torquay, which is very popular among surfers, via Anglesea you reach the beautiful old seaside resort of Lorne. From Apollo Bay you get to Otway National Park with its many eucalyptus trees and Cape Otway, where a white lighthouse from 1848 guards the coast. Now we head towards the most spectacular section of the Great Ocean Road: Port Campbell National Park. In the course of millennia, the wind and the ocean have shaped bizarre rock formations from the soft sandstone. The most famous ones are the rock cones called the Twelve Apostles (by now four of them have fallen victim to erosion). Gibson's Steps lead down to the beach, where you can admire the apostles from up close. To see the sunset against the beautiful backdrop of the red-hued rocks and the Indian Ocean is an unforgettable experience. No less impressive than the Twelve Apostles are Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge near Peterborough. In the busy resort of Warrnambool, a visit to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum with replicas of ships and ports from the 19th century is worthwhile. more

Paying a flying visit to Tasmania as part of a trip to Australia is almost a sin - an entire vacation... could easily be spent on the green, unspoiled island with its many natural attractions. There are 19 national parks, ideal for hiking, mountain biking and canoeing. From Sydney or Melbourne you reach Devonport by ferry. From there it is not far to Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, which hikers can explore on the 80 km-long Overland Track. In the three adjoining national parks Walls of Jerusalem, Franklin-Lower Gordon Wild Rivers and South West you experience stunning wonders of nature. UNESCO declared the entire area, one of the last great rain forests of the world in temperate climates, a World Heritage Site. The picturesque city of Hobart in the southeast of the island has one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the world and features numerous well-preserved colonial buildings. When visiting the ruins of Port Arthur you can still imagine the bloody past of the once notorious penal colony. The pretty fishing village of Stanley, Freycinet National Park and the Tasmanian Wine Route are other highlights on a trip to Tasmania. more

Brisbane (1.8 million inhabitants), capital of the Sunshine State Queensland, is located on the banks... of the Brisbane River. For a long time the city had to struggle with its reputation as a backwater, but today the Brisbaneites proudly call their city "big, bold and beautiful". The center extends over a peninsula in the Brisbane River. At its top you find a green oasis - the Botanical Garden. Although Brisbane's skyline is now dominated by modern office buildings, there are also a few beautifully restored buildings from the Victorian period, like the Parliament House, the Treasury Casino and The Windmill. People go shopping on Queen Street Mall (pedestrian zone). The south bank of the Brisbane River, with the Queensland Cultural Centre, offers a wealth of culture and spending time at the artificial lagoon Kodak Beach in the South Bank Parklands is a lot of fun. 12 km southwest of the city center, in the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (worldwide the largest of its kind), you can feed and pet the cute animals. Popular weekend destinations for city dwellers are Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Island, which can be reached from Brisbane by ferry. more

Do you think of paradise as an endless beach with palm trees and eucalyptus forests and freshwater lakes?... Then you will find it off the coast of Queensland on Fraser Island. The largest sand dune in the world (184,000 ha) is a UNESCO World Heritage site. To explore the island, you need a permit and a 4WD vehicle - there are no paved roads on Fraser Island, you drive on sand only. Much of the island is occupied by Great Sandy National Park in the northeast. On the east coast 75 Mile Beach with the impressive colored sand cliffs of Rainbow Gorge and the Cathedrals is located. The different colors are caused by minerals in the sand (iron oxides). Due to the undercurrents and the sharks, swimming is not advisable at the beaches of the island, but the 42 freshwater lakes in colors ranging from crystal clear to tea brown more than make up for this: the water in all lakes is clean enough to be used as drinking water. The lush vegetation in the interior of the island is home to numerous animal species. more

Larapinta Drive leads from Alice Springs into one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. The view... of the MacDonnell Ranges is filled with red stone walls and shady canyons filled with white ghost and gnarled eucalyptus trees. Red eucalyptus trees turn the narrow canyons around Rungutjirpa (Simpson's Gap) into something magical. The stone walls of Standley chasm reach up to 80 meters (263 ft) and only allow the sun to reach the valley for just a few minutes during the afternoon. You can reach the Serpentine Gorge by taking Namatjira Drive. Many different rare plants can be found while taking a walk through the Gorge. The most highly recommended hike is the one to the lookout which lasts roughly 1 and a half hours. The Ellery Creek Big Hole offers great swimming opportunities during the summer as well as Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helel Gorge, which not only offer picturesque canyons with the swimming hole, but also beautiful rare flora. more

The Stuart Highway leads from Darwin through the Outback to Katherine, the third largest city of the... Northern Territory. From here it is only 30 km (19 miles) of paved road to the tourist center of the Nitmiluk National Park. Over time, geological faults of sandstone formations and the erosion due to many monsoon rainfalls have caused water-filled canyons to appear. These can be travelled on by boat and individual canoe tours, depending on the time of year. Hiking paths of different lenghts run along the rock faces of the canyons. which sometimes reach up to 60 m (200 ft) high. Here one can hike through different vegetation areas to many lookout points. The abundant bird world is very fascinating. The Visitor Centre offers important information for thoses wishing to see this (+61-889-721-253). more

Roughly 100 km (62 miles) south-west of Adelaide lays Australias' third largest island. The settlement... was started by European immigrants in 1836 in what is today Kingscote. Today 4,500 people live here from agriculture and tourism. The island is worth the trip alone for its vast, undisturbed landscapes and its abundant fauna. The Seal Bay Conservation Park is definitely a worthwhile adventure to see Australian sealions from very upclose! Open daily from 9 am-5 pm and in the summer break until 6 pm (http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/sanpr/sealbay). Seals can also be seen on Cape du Couedic, which can be reached on the road from Rocky River. Kangaroos and tammar wallabies live in Flinders Chase National Park (http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/sanpr/flinderschasenp). The Kelly Hill Conservation Park offers tours of the island's underworld (http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks.snapr/kellyhill). The caverns with their red stalactites were first discovered in 1880. Admirals Arch and the Remarkable Rocks which were formed from wind and waves are definitely something for people who enjoy unique rock formations. more

Essential oils and the evaporation of countless eucalyptus leaves, which surround Sydney's local mountains,... give off a blue mist, which is what gave them the name "the Blue Mountains". The sandstone plateau rises 1,100 meters above the city to the west with bizarre spires of rock, steep cliffs and impressive waterfalls. The best time to go hiking is early in the year when the wild flowers begin to bloom. The Cliff Drive, located between Leura and Katoomba, offers a fantastic panorama view of the Jamison Valley. It is there where one has the famous view of the rock formation "The Three Sisters" from Echo Point. "Scenic World" in Katoomba offers three exciting possibilities to explore the canyons: a steep descent with the Scenic Railway, a cable car "Scenicscender" on its way into the Jamison Valley, or a more popular choice; the skyway which reaches up to 275 meters (902 Ft) high. They can be reached at +61-247-800-200 or at http://www.scenicworld.com.au). more

A visit to the Barossa Valley is not just a highlight for wine lovers. The North Para river created a... flat valley in the Mount Lofty Ranges, 50 kilometers north-east of Adelaide, in which 50 different wineries make many of the country's top wines. The first large settlement is Gawler with its beautiful Victorian buildings. The Chateau Yaldara winery does not only spoil the palate of real wine connoisseurs, but also the eye with its buildings crowned with battlements. It is located along the Gomersal road coming from Lynodoch. The cemeteries of the three historical churches are home to gravestones of the German settlers, who brought the first grape vines to the settlement. Those who wish to find out more about these historical moments need go no further than the Barossa Historical Museum in Tanunda. The museum offers original artifacts from these times including wedding dresses and carriages. It is located at 47 Murray Street and open Mon-Sat 10 am-5:30 pm and Sun 11 am-5 pm. You can also visit their website at: http://www.barossamuseum.com.au more

When travelling from Cairns along the Captain Hook Highway towards the north, you arrive at the rain... forrests of the Wet Tropics. More than 1,000 types of plants, 4,000 types of insects, many different mammals, reptiles, and birds can be found here. The Daintree River, which can be crossed with a ferry, runs north of Mossman, the center of the sugar cane plantation region. Visitors can book boat tours to travel along the river and observe the salt water crocodiles. The individual levels of the rain forest can be discovered on a 23m (75 ft) high tower and the Aerial Walkway in the Daintree Discovery Centre. It is open daily from 8.30 am-5 pm and can be reached at http://www.daintree-rec.com.au. A major destination of many of the day tours is the Cape Tribulation where the coral reef meets the rainforest. The hiking opportunities range from a stroll throught the rainforest to several hours of mountain climbing. For those who wish to stay over night, can do so in one of the stylish eco-resorts. more

Fremantle, the harbor of Perth, lays 13 km (8 miles) away from the city center at the mouth of the Swan... River. Many of the victorian buildings, which decorate the townscape were built during the time of the gold rush. The Round House located at 10 Arthur Head is actually dodecagonal(twelve sided) and because of its massive limestone walls, was used as a prison. Today it is the home to a museum of the history of the building. Open daily from 10.30 am-3.30 pm. The people get their supplies of fresh fish, fruit and vegetables in the historical market halls of the Fremantle Market. Jewelry and hand-made pieces of art are also on sale here. Artists and craftsmen present their works in the studio of the Art Center located in Finnerty Street, open daily from 10 am-5 pm (http://www.fac.org.au). The Mediterranean flair of the city can be found in the area around Bannister Street where many Greek and Italian immigrants call home. This is a great place to enjoy the street cafes and taverns. more

The capital of the Northern Territory with its 106,000 inhabitants is one of the most important export... centers in Australia as well as an important mining site. Darwin has also quite a bit to offer to tourists. The cool morning hours are the best time to take a walk through the Smith Street Mall, which is Darwin's pedestrian zone with countless arcade shops. The Lyons Cottage (1924) is a beautiful example of British colonial architechture and open daily from 10 am-4.30 pm. The neighboring Old Admiral House (1920), an old wooden building is also a sight worth seeing, not only because it has withstood all types of hurricanes that have destroyed Darwin in the past. The remains of the Christchurch Cathedral has been integrated into a harmonic new building, and the ruins of the Old Town Hall now hold an open-air theater. Even the present day Theater Browns Mart has seen tumultuous times being a stock exchange, brothel and even a police head quarters in the past. Hidden behind the modern governmental building, the Northen Territory Parliament House, is the white colonial Government House and directly across is the residence of the Gonveneur, called "the Old Court House". A trip to the Wharf Precinct is definitly worthwhile, especially for the sea aquarium and the pearl exhibition. more

This tourist center in north Queensland is characterized by its tropical atmosphere and the residents'... zest for life! The Pier Market Place on the marina is crammed with small shops and restaurants. On Fridays and Saturdays, the colorful Rusty's Market, located between Grafton and Sheridan Street, lures passersby with small stands and cafes. On Sundays, works of art are available for purchase. A trip with the train from Cairns to Kuranda is definitely worth it to see the famous market located in a settlement in the rainforrest. It is open daily from 9 am-3 pm. The colorful butterflies of the rainforrest at the Butterfly Sanctuary lure one in as they majestically unfold. The Sanctuary is open daily from 10 am-4 pm and can be reached at http://www.australianbutterflies.com. The main attraction of the region is still the Great Barrier Reef. There are many chances to see the largest coral reef on earth in Cairns and Port Douglas. Whether on a large catamaran, a small yacht, or with a snorkel, scuba or glass-bottom boat - a trip to see this underwater world is a wonderful, unforgettable experience. more

The most important elements of this city have always been the harbor, trade and shipping and it is here... where the most important collection of Australia's maritime archeological aritfacts are stored in the Shipwreck Galleries. The showpiece of the collection is the reconstructed hull of the trade ship "the Batavia" that was stranded in 1629. The building of the Western Maritime Museum is also in the form of a stranded ship and both can be found on Cliff Street with opening hours from Thur-Tue 9.30 am-5 pm. The museum offers the visitor a view of the world of shipping from then to now. Visitors can see many things such as the methods of navigation as well as the development of sea trade, and the harbor becomes vividly depicted. A visit to the container port of Fremantle is very impressive. From here, huge container ships transport wheat, wool and frozen fish from the "Western Gate" to the whole world. more

The most popular attraction of Darwin's harbor area is the Indo Pacific Marine. This aquarium explains... the eco system of the coral reef of Darwin's coast in its own unique way. Located on Stokes Hill Wharf, it is open from June-Sept from 9 am-6 pm and from Oct-May from 10 am-5 pm. Contact info can be found under http://www.indopacificmarine.com.au. Next door is the Australian Pearling Exhibition where one can learn about pearl diving and the most modern methods of pearl cultivation. It is open daily from 10 am-5 pm. A visit to the other side of the city center is worth it, especially around the area of the Fannie Bay. Here you can escape the midday heat in the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. Open daily from 7 am-7 pm, (http://www.mnt.gov.au/nreta/parks/botanic.The Museum and Art Gallery are close by and also offer an escape from the heat. Located on Conacher Street and open Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm, Sat/Sun 10 am-5 pm. After a visit with "Sweetheart", the legendary crocodile, one can discover all kinds of interesting things about the natural history of Top End as well as the culture of the Aborigines and the devastation of hurricane Tracy in 1974. more

This museums in the historical buildings of the Telegraph Station, Old Stuart Town Goal, Residency and... Old Court House document the development of April Springs from a simple water hole to a modern lively city. In order to ensure the provision of medical care despite the remoteness of the Outback, John Flynn founded the Royal Flying Doctors. To this day, one can observe the daily life of the "Flying Doctors" in their radio tower located on 8-10 Stuart Terrace. Opening hours are Mo-Sa 9 am-5 pm, Sun 1 pm-5 pm. The adjoining museum offers a look into the development of radio technology. Children in neighboring farms are taught about radio technology by teachers of the School of the Air located at 80 Head Street. Here the opening hours are Mo-Fri 8.30 am-4.30 pm and Sunday starting at 1.30 pm. Art and culture of the Aboriginies are the focal point of the Araluen Arts Centre located at 61 Larapinta Drive. Original works of Albert Namatijira, one of the most famous artists of central Australia, can be seen here. more