A Nifty Gold Coast Travel Guide

In Australia, travel visa holders often would want to head to the Gold Coast in Queensland. And why not? This little city near the capital Brisbane has plenty to offer to tourists. And in order to enjoy your stay more, here are some useful tips that you can keep in mind when in the Gold Coast.

One thing that you will definitely like about the Gold Coast is that, like Brisbane, it has a relatively mild climate. Thus, you will be able to spend more of your times outdoors, without worries of being cooked under the sun. Also, since the city is near the ocean, you can expect to have a cool ocean breeze hugging your face in the morning.

The Gold Coast is also very easy to get to for travelers. There are many roads that connect it to the city of Brisbane and trains also make a frequent journey between the two. There are also several routes that will take you tro the cities of Sydney and Melbourne. As for those planning to take to the air, the Coolangatta Airport located within the city is a hub for low cost airlines. Also, the Golden Coast's harbors are now being opened to cruise line traffic, as well as other watercraft. 

Whale watching is also another popular attraction for many Gold Coast tourists. The whale watching season in the city begins from June and lasts to early November. There are many points where you can get a good view of the humpback whales that frequent the area, as well as tours that take you to the action.

On the other hand, if you don't want to get wet but still want to see marine creatures, then head to Sea World them park. Sea World is a branch of the world famous Sea World line of them parks. There are also other theme parks in the city that you and your family will surely enjoy.

Once you get to the city, finding a place to stay in is also quite easy. There are many affordable hotels scattered around the city's main business district. And if you find these a bit crowded, you can always head to the suburbs like Coolangatta, which also has accommodations and resorts for tourists.

One useful tip for any would be traveler to the Gold Coast is to book all you accommodations and transportation in advance. There are many booking agencies based in the city and they will be able to get you the best ones at affordable prices. Also, instead of having to look for everything during you first day of stay, you will be able to get right to the fun part if you book your vacation beforehand.

And since the idea of fun has already been touched, there are indeed many fun things that you can do when in the Gold Coast. The beaches, in particular are the most common tourist spots for visitors. Surfers' Paradise is perhaps one of the most popular of the long line of beaches in the city. Though not really ideal for surfing (the winds are not that strong to make large waves) many still flock the area to enjoy a surfer's life at the beach.

Sources:

Gold Coast Australa Travel Tips

http://www.gold-coast-australia-travel-tips.com/

Gold Coast, Wikitravel article

http://wikitravel.org/en/Gold_Coast

Image Source:

http://www.smh.com.au/photogallery/queensland/on-board-steves-whale-one/20090618-cift.html?selectedImage=10

Sydney among the Top child-friendly Cities in the World

Just recently, a travel guide book released its list of the top ten cities in the world that can be a very good place to visit with children. And one of the cities mentioned is Sydney, Australia. If You'll take an Australia tourist visa, you'll find the city on the south west part of the map.

Sydney was selected not only because of clean beaches, but mainly because of its high-tech aquariums and natural wildlife parks

Lonely Planet Publications or Lonely Planet is a distinguished international travel guidebook. It is one of the largest among all travel books. AS of 2008, the publication has published more than 500 titles in 8 languages. They also have their own TV programs, magazine, podcasts and websites. These makes them a reliable source to announce what are the top and ideal cities that families can visit as a treat for their children.

To complete the list here are the following cities:

1. Oaxaca, Mexico

This colorful Mexican city is pint-sized, charming and fun to explore on foot. A central plaza provides plenty of run-around space for kids and there's a vibrant market.

2. Istanbul, Turkey

With its mosques, palaces, museums, bazaars, multicolored carpets, food markets, Bosphorus cruises and sweet apple tea, the children will be fascinated and enchanted at every turn.

3. London, UK

In summer don't miss out on playing in the fountains at Somerset House where there's an outdoor ice-skating rink in the winter.

4. Los Angeles, US

A good destination for teenagers – choose between the original Disneyland, Universal Studios and Santa Monica. There's heaps to see and do in this sprawling city that encapsulates the American Dream.

5. Vancouver, Canada

The most liveable city in the world. There's lots of water as well as beaches, a huge urban park (Stanley Park) and numerous hiking and biking trails. All the attractions of the Rocky Mountains are just over 100 km (62 miles) away.

6. Lisbon, Portugal

With trams trundling up to a castle, a state-of-the-art aquarium and a fascinating museum that explores Portugal's great seafaring past, this city captivates kids. The fairy-tale town of Sintra, too, is also likeable for kids.

7. Copenhagen, Denmark

Oozes old-world charm, with a compact city center, a lively waterfront and pedestrian-only zones. Thrilling rides at Tivoli Gardens and Bakken, a royal palace and museums designed especially for children will keep you busy.

8. Singapore

Singapore is a gentle introduction to the cities of Southeast Asia – and an excellent jetlag-busting pit stop on the long haul between Europe and Australasia. Also, Sentosa Island with its beaches, butterfly park, dolphin lagoon and underwater world has to be seen to be believed.

9. Sydney, Australia

If beaches, swimming pools and numerous ferries aren't enough, there's Sydney Aquarium, Taronga Zoo and the Koala Park Sanctuary, which are all huge hits with the young ones.

10. Rome, Italy

Italy's best gelato, the impressive Colosseum and Castel Sant-Angelo, spooky catacombs under Via Appia Antica and the green spaces of Villa Borghese.