Cairns is one of Australia’s biggest adventure sports capitals, and there is a long list of things to do to get your adrenaline pumping and tick off more than just a few bucket list experiences.

Here are 5 reasons why you should visit Cairns next time you’re in Australia…

Ballooning

If you’ve attempted Ballooning before but had to cancel due to bad weather, your next try should be Cairns. It has some of the best weather for ballooning in the world, trips are rarely canceled and you can do it year-round.

Seeing the landscape of the region from above is definitely a unique experience, and it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to do it. Hot air balloon rides in Cairns are the cheapest in the whole southern hemisphere.

Tropical Wines

North Queensland is one of many wine regions in Australia, but what sets them apart is that you won’t find your standard Chardonnay or Shiraz there, because the winemakers are instead looking towards the use of tropical fruits to create their wine.

Rather than vineyards, you will find fruit orchards with mangos, bananas, passion fruit and pineapples.

Cairns is known as the world’s first tropical fruit wine region, and it’s well worth a visit to try their unique wines and liqueurs.

Great Barrier Reef

Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and many choose to base themselves in the city and take trips and tours from there.

Even those who don’t base themselves there and arrange Cairns holiday packages, still often go to Cairns first as the tour operators often offer tours to the Great Barrier Reef that are cheaper than elsewhere in the country.

Tip: Whether you’re going snorkelling or diving, the smaller dive boats provide the best experiences. Sure, the larger ones often have better food, more activities and faster boats, but the actual underwater experience is not as good as the areas these large boats visit are heavily overused and ruined.

White Water Rafting

When going white water rafting in North Queensland you get to ride through the world’s oldest continuously growing tropical rainforests on rivers that still run totally wild.

There are different routes in different levels, you can choose from half-day rafting or full-day rafting and some routes like the Barron River tour only takes 20 mins to reach from Cairns.

Whale Watching

Once you have swam amongst the small colorful fish in the Great Barrier Reef, it might be time to see some big fish.

From may to september (with the peak season running from July to September) it’s possible to go whale watching.

The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area is an important breeding sanctuary for approximately 30 species of cetaceans (whales and dolphins), which is around 35% of the world’s total living cetacean species.

The Humpback Whales, Dwarf Minke Whales and Bottlenose Dolphins are the most commonly spotted on whale watching tours.

(photo credit: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4)

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If you are visiting Australia, there are some drives that you absolutely must try. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. If you rent a car or go with a friend, travel in a vehicle that is comfortable and robust. A durable SUV is recommended.

If you are ready to view Australia at its finest, consider these Australian scenic drives. Here are my top five favorites.

1. Blackall Range Tourist Drive

If you want an exquisite view of Sunshine Coast, explore Glasshouse Mountains Road and Blackall Range Tourist Drive. There are some of the views that give the full range of the mountains to the coast. This can be viewed for Maleny.

The drive takes you through the towns of Montville and Mapleton. The end of the drive ends in Nambour, which is a popular town in Australia.

2. Eyre Peninsula Drive

Eyre Peninsula Drive is an impressive 745 kilometres that spans the entire peninsula. Most people are impressed by this scenery.

3. Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road allows drivers to travel along one of the most spectacular portions coastline. The scenic road begins in Melbourne. Along the route, you will travel through some incredible seaside towns. Along the way, you will view The London Arch, The Grotto, 12 Apostles and The Blowholes. The limestone formations of the 12 Apostles are also memorable.

Great Ocean Road is also an old war memorial. The road is 1000 kilometers in length. Many people travel to the area to walk along the waterfront and to take long walks. Mount Gambier can also be reached from this scenic drive. Some of the best wineries are also along this route.

4. Mornington Peninsula

Mornington Peninsula is only an hour away from Melbourne, Australia. The scenic drive is an ideal place to drive. Along the drive, there will be vineyards, olives groves and sandstone cliffs.

Many people enjoy this drive and consider it to be one of the best. Try the Mornington Peninsula and take time to try some of the best Australian wines along the way.

5. The Great Tropical Drive

If you want to be engulfed by lush and tropical greenery, try Great Tropical Drive. This stretch of road from Cairns to Townsville is lined with rainforest and beaches with palm trees. Drivers will pass through Port Douglas and Daintree. The famous Great Barrier Reef and Mission Beach is also along this route.

These top five scenic drives in Australia can be calming and awe-inspiring. If you are impressed by the landscape of Australia, these five scenic drives will provide a cross-section of the splendor that Australia has to offer.

Consider taking several scenic drives when visiting Australia.

Written by Alex Kurt
Alex is a motor enthusiast. He has recently purchased his dream car, a BMW M5, online from www.cars4saleaustralia.com.au and is ready to bid farewell to his old Honda. He also loves vintage car and organizes vintage car shows in his local area

(photo credit: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 -  5)

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Attending local festivals when traveling is one of the best ways to get an insight into the people and the culture of the place you’re visiting – you get to try the local traditional food, listen to their music, watch performances and mix with local people who are all there to enjoy themselves.

Becoming emerged in the culture and traditions of festivals, I’ve often found myself dealing with culture shock after culture shock, but having fun doing it.

If you have the chance of staying in Australia for a longer period, you might be able to fit one of these festivals into your itinerary, because attending a festival gives you that opportunity to really find out what the country is all about…

Melbourne Food & Wine Festival

Food – not only from East Asia, but from all over the world – is obviously the focus of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival – it’s a definite highlight for all gourmet travelers interested in the art of cooking and quality cuisine from every continent.

Whet your appetite, and regale your taste buds with regional victuals, international recipes, and the creations of global stars in the kitchen.

From Indonesian ikan panggang (grilled fish in banana leaf) over French-inspired méli mélo of veggies, herbs, and flowers to tropical coconut risotto with nori seaweed – there’s literally something for every taste!

National Folk Festival

If you need to get rid of all those superfluous calories, perhaps you should arrange a visit to the National Folk Festival in the Australian Capital Territory.

As the name implies, it features plenty of musical acts with various ethnic roots and inspirations: Aboriginal performers, Klezmer ensembles, Celtic fiddlers, Cajun musicians, brass marching bands…

Moreover, the folklore festival will get you moving, too. It’s also famous for its numerous dance performances, venues, and workshops.

If you have ever wanted to take part in an Irish Ceili, unleash your passion in a sensuous Argentinean tango, or try historical “bush dancing” at an Australian Colonial ball, this is your chance.

Twilight Parade

In 2012, the spectacular Twilight Parade with its projections, lanterns, and illuminated floats attracted over 100,000 enthusiastic onlookers, and Sydney aims to make next year better than ever.

On the following days, you can cheer on local teams in the Dragon Boat Races, shop for Chinese gifts and crafts among numerous market stalls, or taste authentic dishes from Sichuan.

This Chinese province is renowned for its joie de vivre and spicy food, like hot pot, Mapo tofu, or Dan Dan noodles – yum!

The National Multicultural Festival

The National Multicultural Festival in Canberra has grown from a smallish event organized by the local Ethnics Communities council into a three-day celebration of multiculturalism in Australia.

In February 2013, the representatives of other a dozen African nations, of South Asian associations, of Greek and Turkish immigrants, of various Latin American performance groups, several EU member states, and the indigenous population will come together to showcase their respective heritage in Australian society.

The Greek Glendi with its food market and the famous live acts at the opening concert are particular favorites.

February 2013 also marks the passing of the Year of the Dragon.

All over Australia, East and Southeast Asian communities are going to welcome the Lunar New Year, which ushers in the Year of the Snake. Among these many celebrations, the Chinese New Year in Sydney is probably the best-known.

Have you been to any of these festivals?

(photo credit: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4)

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Go to Paris, you have to see the Eiffel Tower – go to India, you have to see the Taj Mahal – go to San Francisco, you have to see the Golden Gate Bridge – go to Egypt, you have to see the Pyramids.

Australia is such a vast country that being able to see all the “must visits” is difficult even for those living in the country, but when planning your trip to Australia, try to include at least a few of these places…

Uluru

Located in the Red Centre, Uluru has to be one the most iconic sights in Australia.

Here you can learn more about the cultural significance of the area, you can do a base walk and meet some of the local wildlife (get ready for the ever-persistent Australian face fly), and you can take more photos than you thought possible – accommodation ranges from budget to luxury, or there is even camping – if you’re brave!

Fraser Island

Want to meet a dingo? while it’s not recommended that you get too close, there are dingoes a-plenty on Fraser Island. As the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island is perfect for 4WD nuts and nature lovers alike.

Swim in the amazingly blue freshwater lakes, go fishing, explore the Maheno Wreck, climb sand dunes and go wildlife spotting. Camp out on the beach, or stay in a luxury resort – the choice is yours!

Sydney’s Sights

With the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, it’s hard to beat the stunning Sydney skyline.

Sydney is packed with things to do, from museums and art galleries, to Taronga Zoo, Luna Park, and the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium. You can shop in designer stores or find a bargain at the markets.

You can picnic in the Botanic Gardens or sip cocktails 37 stories up. You can stay in an expensive suite, a unique hotel, or a cheap and cheerful hostel. Sydney hotels offer endless choices.

Melbourne’s Laneways

A big city that has kept its small-town appeal, Melbourne is full of unique laneways and out-of-the-way bars and restaurants.

Listen to the best live music, drink in a bar with honest-to-goodness atmosphere, and marvel at the tightness of jeans worn by Melbourne’s hipsters.

Here you can find vintage fashion, vintage vinyl, and a rocking alternative scene. Stick with the theme and stay in a funky hotel, save some money in a B&B, or live it up in a fancy hotel.

Great Barrier Reef

If you’re heading up the East Coast as far as Cairns, then a visit to the Great Barrier Reef is a must. A true natural wonder, this Australian icon can even be seen from space!

Swim, snorkel or scuba dive the coral reefs to discover an array of sea life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and more than 1500 species of tropical fish. You can stay in a campervan beside the beach, or go all out in a resort, you could even take a cruise and sleep in your very own yacht.

What is your favorite place in Australia?

(photo credit: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5)

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Nathan, who is from New Zealand, can’t count how many times people have asked him if New Zealand and Australia are the same country, if there is a bridge between the two (yes, people have asked if you can drive between the two countries), and even if they’re joined together.

The list goes on, but one thing is clear – many people don’t realize just how different Australia and New Zealand are from each other.

The only thing they have in common is that they’re far away from the rest of the world, and that the people are very easy-going, laid back and friendly.

So when you’ve gone all the way down for holidays in Australia, you should definitely consider visiting New Zealand as well.

Australia

Australia is world famous for its beaches, surfing, outback and cosmopolitan cities like Sydney – there are so many things to see and do here that you will find it incredibly hard to get bored.

Here are some things that Australia offers…

Great Barrier Reef & Beach Life

A large part of Australia has a tropical climate and some of the most beautiful beaches and clear waters in the world.

The lifestyle on by the coast is all about beach-life, and the warm clear waters are perfect for surfing & diving.

You also have the Great Barrier Reef, a huge coral reef unlike any other in the world, where you can dive and snorkel among exotic fish, corals, sharks and more.

You won’t find anything like this in the cold waters of New Zealand.

The Outback

Making a generalization, Australia is a desert country, while New Zealand is a garden – completely different, but equally fascinating.

Australia’s outback is an adventure like no other, with termite mounds tall as houses, cooling gorges, canyons, national parks, and of course the impressive Ayers Rock and Alice Springs.

The sunsets you’ll experience in the red deserts of Australia are breathtaking, and looking out over a huge wide open space of “nothing ness” with a horizon stretching way out in the distance, is a big contrast from the usual “ocean sunsets”.

Play With Dangerous Animals

When it comes to wild life, Australia and New Zealand are as different as they can be – Australia has more dangerous animals than you could count, while New Zealand doesn’t have any dangerous animals at all.

In Australia you can dive with sharks, go on crocodile safaris and visit numerous places showcasing the creepy spiders and snakes you can find in the bush.

On the flip side, it also has cute koala bears and other cuddly animals.

New Zealand

Despite its small size, on holidays to New Zealand you will find stunning diverse nature with everything from active volcanoes to steep fiords.

It is completely opposite from Australia when it comes to wildlife as well, where many birds naturally evolved into wingless birds because of the absence of predators.

Here are some things that New Zealand offers….

Hot Springs, Volcanoes & Geysers

Bathe in the healing waters of natural hot springs, watch geysers exploding several meters in the air in Rotorua, or dig your own hot water jacuzzi in the sand at Hot Water Beach in Coromandel.

There are many ways to enjoy the hot springs in New Zealand, but whatever you choose you’re up for a fun, unique experience.

While Australia has some hot springs, they’re not famous for them, perhaps because it’s too hot there to enjoy them anyway!

The country also has many dormant and active volcanoes and a volcanic island (White Island), with a beautiful green crater lake.

Ngaruhoe is the volcano featured as Mt. Doom in the Lord Of The Ring Movies.

Glaciers And The Southern Alps

While Australia does have some skiing, it simply can’t compare to the Southern Alps in New Zealand.

Many people are surprised that skiing is even possible in these countries, but the truth is that New Zealand has some amazing glaciers and over a dozen ski fields for you to enjoy.

With much colder water temperatures, New Zealand is not always the best place for water activities, but there are two that truly stand out in all their glory; the incredible fiords in the South Island, and the opportunity to go whale watching.

There are many other differences between these two countries, but these are the first that come to mind – what differences do you think of when comparing Australia and New Zealand?

(photo credits: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 )

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Long have rail journeys inspired our cultural consciousness with their allure. Since the brothers Lumiere took inspiration and captured one of the first, and most potent pieces of film in 1895 – The Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat Station, rail travel has embodied the principles of invention, curiosity and discovery which drove the industrial revolution nearly 200 years ago.

Inexorable as their motion, trains as a mode of transport continue to captivate.

What could be more thrilling than to explore the Australian wilderness ensconced in a streaking bullet lined with comfort, pausing only for the culture and excitement of its various stops along the way on one of many rail tours now available to the public?

The Ghan Railway

Racing through the heart of a vast and incredible continent, traveling on the Ghan railway unlocks scenes which elude the motor vehicle, and shrink in significance thousands of feet below aircraft.

An abbreviated version of its former title, ‘The Afghan Express’, The Ghan is so named in honour of the Afghan cameleers who once traced a route across some of Australia’s most inhospitable territories.

Slicing through diverse panoramas of earthy, russet plains, soaring mountain ranges and traversing both dry, arid landscapes and verdant tropical climates, the Ghan enables anyone to power past scenes of diverse and thrilling natural beauty, bisecting the continent on its trip from Adelaide to Alice Springs.

The Sunlander Journey

The Sunlander is Australia’s most popular rail journey, flying from Cairns to Brisbane, achieving 1681 kilometres in less than three short days.

Once a steam-hauled locomotive, it was converted into a more comfortable, air conditioned vehicle in the 1950s.

The stops on offer vary from tour to tour, although popular destinations include Sydney, Adelaide, Cairns, Alice Springs, Port Douglas and Barossa Valley.

The Telegraph Station Cultural Reserve in Alice Springs tells the story of how the painstaking process of the overland telegraph line was first put down across the continent –anyone on a rail trip will already have an interest in such things!

Barossa Valley is one of the world’s greatest wine regions, bursting with green, sun-drenched vineyards and hosting annual Wine Shows.

The National Aboriginal Cultural Institute in Adelaide exhibits authentic artwork, as well as hosting didgeridoo and dance performances for its captivated guests.

Then, for more rail-related education, The National Railway Museum in Port Adelaide has giant steam locomotives to clamber inside, huge models of the switches used to change tracks and maps spread to show the principal routes across the country.

Best of all, it has a giant model railway, which shows in miniature the journeys traced across Australia by its formidable rail network.

Have you traveled by train in Australia? What did you think of the experience?

(photo credit: 1 - 2 - 3)

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Sydney, Australia was the last stop for my friend and I after 5 months of traveling around South East Asia.

Although it was strange to be in a more Westernised environment again, we soon found our feet sampling all the restaurants and bars that our purse strings could possibly handle.

If you enjoy live music I would highly recommend the Lansdowne Hotel – this is an iconic venue, which is very much part of the underground scene and hosts an eclectic range of different bands each night.

Not only is the music great but the drinks are also relatively cheap and they have a 2 4 1 cocktail hour every night from 10pm-11pm, which we took full advantage of!

However for a real clubbing experience that truly demonstrates the essence of Sydney’s nightlife I would suggest the Tank nightclub in Bridge Lane.

Many DJs come from around the world just to play here and you can understand why the second you enter the underground clubber’s paradise.

Everything has been taken into consideration: a stunning sound system, mesmerizing lighting and even interactive live-mixed video projections, which are always entertaining after a few drinks!

The music is usually funky house, and the drinks are not too pricey and well worth the visual audio experience.

For the morning after the night before, there are hundreds of great restaurants to nurse the hangover - for an experience to remember, Universal Restaurant is definitely worth a try, with its unique and beautifully presented food.

I chose the seared sea scallop with lotus root samphire and wasabi avocado, which is every bit as delicious as it sounds! The great thing about this restaurant is that you’re never completely sure what you’re ordering, but once you’ve eaten it you’re glad you didn’t go with the usual.

However, though this is a wonderful place with amazing food, it is quite expensive for people on a budget.

For a delicious place to eat in Sydney that won’t burn holes in your pockets I would recommend Jasmin’s in Haldon Street.

This is one of the best Lebanese restaurants I have been too! The falafel was to die for and the bread and humus was not far behind.

My traveling buddy loved the meat too, particularly the lamb kebab, which came with some yummy salad and vegetables.

I would really advise giving this place a visit if you enjoy Lebanese cuisine, but be warned it can get very busy – eating in Sydney is a wonderful experience that definitely hits the stop when your tummy grumbles, and the nightlife is just as wonderful!

It’s a very good life down under, one I would truly recommend to anyone considering such an adventure!

Guest Post By Jessica Carmody.

(photo credits: nedoho - Hamza Daoui - xiquinhosilva)

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Brisbane is for many people the perfect place to live and they say it offers the best lifestyle. When we were there, we found it a really lively place, big enough to have the nightlife, shopping, awesome restaurants and markets, but still small enough to be intimate and down-to-earth & you can also find so many great flights to Australia.

Another plus is of course that it’s only 1.5 hours away from Queensland’s awesome beaches, and never far away from the adventurous stuff.

So before you head off on your diving and sailing adventures in Queensland, make a stop over in Brisbane – it’ll be worth it.

Here are some things to do in Brisbane that we recommend:

Check Out The Brisbane Landmarks

There are quite a few “landmarks” in Brisbane that for one reason or another that really sum-up Brisbane.

Take a photo, join the events or learn the history. Pick and choose from these:

Batman Building = From the right angle (south-east or north-west) the State Law Building looks just like the Batman building in Gotham city, take a photo!

The Gabba = Watch cricket at its best at Brisbane’s international cricket ground.

One of Brisbane’s 3 Bridges = The bridges of Brisbane are very famous landmarks, and you can enjoy them in different ways; walk, climb or photograph. However, the best time for photos is at the annual Riverfire event, in the beginning of the Riverfestival in September, when the bridges light up in big fireworks for half an hour.

Jan Powers Farmer Market

This market is a mouth-drooling event. 120 stalls selling local, seasonal, home made and organic food: wine, cheese, berries, fruit, veggies, fish, meats, jam… you name it.

This is the perfect market to stock up on some food for the pic nic basket, though not the cheapest food, you pay for the quality.

Roma Street Parkland

If you’re staying at a hotel near Roma Street Parkland you will find this park a perfect place to go in the morning for morning work out or afternoon walks (free entry).

16 hectares of green gardens and parks, this is the world’s largest subtropical park in a city. It’s a pretty new park opened in 2001 and has been very well looked after.

You will find a large lake and a few waterfalls in the park, and if you like guided tours there is a free one every day between 10 am an 2 pm.

There are cafes in the park, but you can also bring your own food and have a pic nic or have a Barbeque at the BBQ area.

West End Markets

If you’re staying in any Brisbane hotel close to West End, you cannot miss a visit to the West End markets – Every Saturday from 6 am to 2 pm you’ll find the West End Markets at Davies Park on Montague Road.

The West End is one of Brisbane’s most interesting and diverse suburbs. It used to be one of the poorer working class areas where migrants and artists lived, but today it’s a popular place to come, especially for cafe and restaurant visits, as there are so many to choose from, in all kinds of cuisine.

Enjoy FREE entertainment at Brisbane Powerhouse

Every Sunday night Brisbane Powerhouse shows free entertainment like music concerts and stand-up comedy shows.

There are often free events on during the weekdays as well, so if you won’t be there on a sunday you can always check out their website to see if there is some free entertainment sheduled.

This will keep you busy during your trip, hope you have a great time and find a good hotel in Brisbane close to the activities you want to do.

(photo credit: brewbooks - paul’s parking – 0uT$!d£r - Andy_Mitchell_UK)

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Travel Photo – Sydney Opera House (The Best Angle) - There are so many different angles to view the Sydney Opera House, I am not sure which is the best angle, but for me it was while taking a ferry over to Manly Beach – You get to see the arches which have come to best symbolize the Sydney Opera House – if you have visited Sydney, which is your best angle?

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Travel Photo – Sharks In Australia - Sharks are such eery and mysterious creatures, that is why I love the light which captured this shark and I think added to the drama and beauty while we were in Sydney, Australia.

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