Exploring Weird Australia

While a lot of  Australia travel visa holders prefer the usual sights in the country, there are those who are more interested in finding strange places here. Luckily, there are actually tons of them in the country. Here are some of them that you might want to head out to for your next trip.

Nowhere Else, Tasmania

This quaint Tasmanian town is really not that different form other small towns in the country. However, what makes it different is the name of the town itself. The name Nowhere Else seems to imply that it is the only one of its kind in the country. Oddly enough, it is actually not the only one, as there is actually another town named Nowhere Else in the country, this time around located in South Australia..
 
Devil's Marbles, Northern Territory

This park in the Northern Territory is quite popular for its rugged terrain. Close to the famed Uluru, the park has also been a tourist destination in the country. However, aside from the trails and environment, many people visit the park to get a glimpse of the so called Devil's Marbles, large, almost perfectly rounded boulders that are scattered all over the place. They are formed from underground and were brought to the surface through erosion of the surrounding area. Many people are quite amazed as to how these rocks got there.

Principality of Hutt River, Western Australia

This little farm might look like, well, an ordinary farm. But do you know that this is in fact a separate country on its ow. Well, sort of. The territory was formed when Leonard George Casley was not able to settle a dispute with the Western Australian government in the 1970's. Since then, the farm has “declared” independence from Australia, with Casley crowning himself of Prince Leonard I. Though the claim is not recognized by the Australian government, this is enough to attract a lot of visitors to the area. If you are lucky enough, you might even get an honorary citizenship as a souvenir. 

Ozenkadnook, Victoria

As you read that name, you are likely not the only one having a hard time pronouncing it. You see, Australia is actually full of such odd sounding names. Many of these are derived from Aboriginal Australian languages. So what's the English translation? You might be Surprised, but it's actually “big, fat kangaroo.”

There are still a lot more interesting places in the country. And you will definitely enjoy finding all of them our during your trip. 

Is Australia Really A “Dumb Blonde”?

Because of all the things that have said about Australia, travel visa holders are often very excited to go to the country. Indeed, Australia is considered as one of the best travel destinations in the world today. However, not everything in Australia are what they seem.

As it turns out, there are actually a lot of things that Australia is currently facing. And according to some observers, these are the things that can not be easily handled through elaborate promotional campaigns and advertisements. Thus, they have urged the country's leaders to closely rethink the policies that they are coming up for the country.

One of the most scathing commentaries about Australia was given by British branding expert Simon Anholt during a talk organized by IDP education last month. IDP Education is one of the country's largest international student recruitment companies. In his talk, Anholt noted that the country is often referred to as a “dumb blonde”.

Anholt explained that this is mainly due to the observation of some groups that, while the country is indeed a beautiful one, it really doesn't offer anything much other than that. He cited the lack of materials that showcase more of what the country can offer. He added that the country's tourism agencies often focus more on creating fancy slogans instead of developing the areas that would showcase its cultural achievements more.

He also gave the current status of the Australian foreign student industry as another example. He noted that the number of international students enrolling in the country's schools have dropped significantly in the last few months. Anholt explained that this can be attributed to the negative image that the country has received because of the several incidents that a lot of international students encountered. Anholt argued that, instead of trying to solve the root cause of these situations, the Australian government instead tried to cover it up to elaborate campaigns. 

Anholt also noted that Australia is also severely lacking the means to promote its culture more.. he said that, while the country has indeed a lot of tourism campaigns, these are not enough to promote Australian culture. He said that the country need to work on the programs that will better establish Australia's presence in the international scene.

However, the expert said that these comments are not meant to put the country down. He said that Australia has lots to offer, only it needs to work on them a lot more. 

Australian Travel The Thrifty Way

One of the biggest hassles that a lot of Australia travel visa holders often face is the shortage of money for going around the country. Indeed, while there are a lot of places to explore in the country, this is often the most common thing that prevents you from seeing them. And this will definitely be a disappointing experience.

However, having only a small travel budget doesn't always mean that you won't have much fun out of your Australian vacation, In fact, you can actually make the most out of a small budget if you just know how. Here are some useful tips that you can keep in mind when traveling.

Know where you want to go
one of the most common thing that can easily strip out both a big and a small budget out is visiting too many places at any game time. Often a lot of tourists get too excited that they would visit too many places at once. While your purpose here is to, of course, explore and enjoy, this would not be a good idea, as it can cost you a lot of money.

Instead, it would be a good idea if you set up your itinerary before you actually head out to Australia. Consider only the places that you want to head to the most and add them to your list. Also, you can go and avail of the various travel packages that are available. Again, remember that you need to choose the ones that you really want to go for.

Use discounts

If you are a frequent traveler, it is likely that you have racked up a lot of frequent flier miles. If you are on a vacation, then it is definitely the time to make use of these. While most airlines offer ticket discounts in exchange for these flier miles, there are also others that give away other privileges, so you definitely would want to collect them also.

Discount cards and coupons would also be useful when traveling. If you are a member of a travelers' club then it is likely that you are already familiar with all the promos that they give away. Make sure that you regularly avail these and look out for others. There are also discount coupons that you can collect from products that you use.

Try alternatives for your travel

As has always been said, there are many ways to explore Australia,. And you will be surprised to find out that a lot of these, such as biking, will definitely save you a lot. So be sure to learn more about them for you trip.

Travel Australia On Just One Ticket

When going to Australia, travel visa holders would often want to get the most out of their trip. Thus, it is actually very common for them to be on the lookout for bargains that would make their trip even lighter (moneywise, that is). So it is likely that their heads will actually turn around when they hear that they can go and tour Australia on just one ticket.

Actually, this one is indeed true. And here another interesting bit, there are actually many ways that you can do this, so you will have plenty of options. All you need to do is to simply plan out your trip carefully. And here is a simple how to guide on how you can travel with just a single ticket.

The first thing that you need to know here is knowing the peak travel seasons in the country. Since the climate is reversed to that of the northern countries, the peak travel seasons here usually falls during December to January for summer travelers sand August to October for those on a winter trip. So, why familiarize yourself with the peak seasons? Since these are the periods where there are a lot of people traveling to Australia, the fare rates are actually much lower.

And now fo the actual one ticket trip. There are actually several travel companies that offer such tickets to travelers, but Qantas Airlines' Aussie Air Pass is the most internationallly recognized. This pass allows you to travel continuously to several cities in any given zone (as designated in your package. Also, you can actually use this one with the other travel packages being offered by the airline including car rentals and hotel accomodations.

On the other hand, Rex Regional offers something for those on a backpack trip, the aptly name Backpacker Pass. For this one, you will be given an unlimited amount of air travel time for either one or two months, depending on your choice. What's more, these packages are actually very affordable, costing you only less than a thousand grand for the two month pass.

Additionally, the country's numerous railway companies also give out passes for travelers. These allow you to ride the railways for an unlimited number of times. These are actually good if you want to visit all the scenic spots in Australia but don't have the luxury of money for several trips.

Aside from these, travel agents themselves also provide plenty of cheap packages for travelers like you. These cover everything from accomodations, activities and even souvenir items. These are good if you are on a tight wallet.

Image Source:

http://studentdiscountplanetickets.com/images/travel_tickets/travel_tickets_250x251.jpg

The City That Is Alice Springs

One of the places that many Australian travel visa holders would often want to visit when in the country is the city of Alice Springs. In fact, it has been considered as one of the top destinations in Australia. But you might still be wondering as to what this small city in the middle of nowhere has to offer.

That would definitely be a good question. And the answer is actually pretty much expected. Alice Springs has so many interesting attractions. And you will definitely enjoy your stay here right in the middle of Australia (yes, the city is located right smack in the geographic center of the country).

But before you proceed on, here's a little bit of history about the city. The area around which is now Alice Springs has actually been inhabited continuously for 50,000 years by the Aboriginal Arrernte people. It was only in 1872 that a settlement of white people was established in the place as a result of the construction of a telegraph station that linked Adelaide to Darwin. Back then, the town was referred to as Stuart. It was only in the 1930's that the name Alice Springs came about.

Now that you are a lit bit familiar about the background of the city, its now time to get to know about its attractions. And as have been said previously, you will be delighted to know that there are actually a lot to see in this area.

One of the first places you can explore is the Pyndan Camel Tracks. Yes, you've heard it right, camels. And you have probably thought that they can only be found in the Middle East. Here you will be able to hitch a ride with one of these creatures, as well as get the chance to hand feed them. You will also be able to interact with other creatures, like kangaroos (a camel and a kangaroo, that would surely be an interesting one). The Tracks also offer overnight camping opportunities for those who want to experience what it's really like living in the desert.

Another great Alice Springs tourist attractions is the Alice Springs Reptile Center. The Center is home to over thirty different species of reptiles, ranging from small lizards to the massive crocodiles. Both kids and adults alike will certainly enjoy the very educational tour, plus they will also be able to hand feed some of the creatures, which will definitely be something to look forward to.

But perhaps the biggest attraction of Alice Springs is Uluru. This massive rock formation lies just around 300 kilometers from the city proper itself. What makes Uluru a popular destination is the sheer size of the rock as well as its scenic beauty.

Image Source:

http://images.travelpod.com/users/texaspeyton/1.1242610980.welcome-to-alice-springs.jpg

Preserving The Great Barrier Reef

One of the most popular destinations that many Australia travel visa holders would want to visit is the Great Barrier Reef. This natural wonder has so many interesting things to offer that tourists will surely love. Thus, it is not surprising that many would often have this on top of their lists when they vacation in the country.

However, in spite of it being a seemingly an eternal paradise, the Great Barrier Reef Is, in fact, in danger of being lost forever. There are many threats that are affecting not only the reef itself, but also all of the creatures that depend heavily on its existence. Thus, everyone is encouraged in protecting this Australian treasure.

One of the biggest threats that trouble the Great Barrier Reef ironically comes from the tourists themselves. As the tourism business continues to grow in the areas covered by the reef, more and more people come in to visit the place yearly. Eventually, they bring in all sorts of things that can destroy the reef, including pollutants. The activities that many tourists do in the area can also cause damage to the reefs.

Aside from tourism, other human activities can also affect the reef's quality. Considering that the reef is within the boundaries of some of the country's major cities, the effect of human activities are even greater here. Overfishing is another major problem that the Australian government has to contend with in protecting the reef. Since the reef is also within the major shipping routes, this is also another threat. It is not uncommon to encounter incidents of ships accidentally beaching on the reefs, or worse, spilling oil in the water.

The Australian government has taken many drastic measures in order to protect the Great Barrier Reef. One of the things that they have called upon is sustainable management. Here, establishments within the area are required to come up with solutions that not only will benefit their businesses, but will also help in preserving the reef. Another program that has been vigorously encouraged by the government is that of eco-tourism. In eco-tourism, tourists are still very much encouraged to explore the reef's wonders, not only for leisurely purposes, but more so to gain a better awareness on the environmental issues that greatly affect the area, as well as participation in conservation efforts.

Tourists themselves, can play a big part in saving the Great Barrier Reef. One can start by simply following the rules on travel here. Though this one might indeed be small, it will nevertheless contribute greatly on the effort. Also, they are encouraged to participate in the many conservation organizations the are helping preserve the reef. 

Image Sources:
http://cdn.wn.com/ph/img/6e/ec/359b30244939ef3d3dd16b22307e-grande.jpg
http://www.concierge.com/images/ideas/endangered_places/ideas_endangeredplaces_008p.jpg
http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200710/r189329_709751.jpg
 

The Best View Of Brisbane

Once you get your Australia travel visa, then you are definitely in for one great adventure. Since there are many places that you can go to in the country, you will surely have a lot of great time. And one place that you definitely must miss to visit is the city of Brisbane.

You see, the Queensland capital has plenty of attractions for any kind of tourists. The city itself has a wide variety of places to offer, from great restaurants and hotels to both indoor and outdoor activities that you can try out. And if you are a bit bored with the main city, then you can visit Brisbane's many suburbs.

One suburb that you must include in your list is the Mount Coot-tha suburb, also often referred to as only Mount Coot. This suburb is located in Mount Coot-tha (hence the name of the place), six kilometers to the west of Brisbane's central business district. The mountain is around 287 meters high and is a prominent landmark in the cityscape.

Mount Coot-tha has an interesting history as to how it got its name. The early settlers in Brisbane called the mountain “One tree hill”, referring to the single eucalyptus tree that was left behind when it was cleared for settling. On the other hand, the local Aboriginal people knew the mountain as simply the place where they get ku-ta,or honey in their language. When the site was declared a public reserve in 1880, the name Mount Coot-tha (derived from the native word) replaced the former name. 

Mount Coot-tha is perhaps best known as being a great vantage point for seeing the city. Here, you will be able to get an almost 360 degree panoramic view of the whole city, as well as the outlying areas. There is actually a lookout point in the summit where you can go to get the best glimpse of the city. And it would be a good idea to bring in a pair of binoculars with you to better see the whole city.

And once you finished enjoying the view, you will surely be a bit hungry. Luckily, just adjacent to the lookout is the Summit Restaurant and Kuta Cafe. They serve really good food and also cater to large groups (through the function hall nearby), so you can hold celebrations here.

Aside from the lookout, there are other attractions on the mountain. The Mount Coot-the Botanical Garden is a must see for those who love plants. The garden is located st the base of the mountain. Also, the mountain itself is included in the Mount Coot-tha Reserve, which is an ideal place for hikers.

The mountain is very accessible to tourists. You have to option of either hiking to the top or using a mountain bike. There are also several bus services that will take you to the lookout point quickly. 

Sources:
Brisbane Lookout
http://www.brisbanelookout.com/
Australian Explorer
http://www.australianexplorer.com/brisbane_mt_coot_tha.htm
Image Source:
http://www.sacsdevoyage.fr/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/mount-coot-tha-brisbane.JPG
 
 

Having A Sip Of Australian Wine

When going to Australia, travel visa holders would surely want to have a taste of good wine. And the country is noted for the quality of wine produced in its wineries. In fact, the wine industry is so popular that it has also become a major tourist attraction.

As a bit of history, the Australian wine industry began in much the same time as the country itself. The first grape vines were planted in New South Wales in 1788. however, wine production from this initial plants turned out unsuccessful. It took more than thirty years before wine made in local plantations would be available for widespread distribution.

In the 1830's the wine industry has began its fast development that it was soon able to export its product to other countries. In the mid-1850's, Prussian immigrant began settling in what is known today as Barossa Valley, one of Australia's top wine producing regions. Today, Australia is one of the top suppliers of wine to the US market, delivering more than 20 million cases annually. The country is also at the forefront of developing modern wine making procedures.

At present, the Australian industry uses around 130 varieties of grapes for wine production. The most popular of these varieties are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, with Shiraz being the top choice among planters. Many of the top plantations in the country has pioneered a lot of grape planting and growing techniques that are now being used in wineries elsewhere around the world. Australian production has also become the benchmark for quality testing many different varieties of grapes.

As mentioned, one of Australia's top wine producing centers is the Barossa Valley. It is located about 80 kilometers northeast of the city of Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. The valley is a major agricultural region, with grapes for wines being one of its main crops. And with that, it is not surprising that you will be able to find some of the biggest wine making companies in the country here.

One such company is Penfolds Wines which operates three plantations in the valley. They are most well for being the makers of Penfolds Grange (though the brand is now owned by the Foster's Group), considered as Australia's most famous wine. It is also considered as one of the most expensive in the country, with a bottle of the 1952 vintage selling for more than AU$ 50,000 to collectors. What makes the Penfolds Grange unique is that it is made from fruits harvested from a wide area rather than coming from a specific place, as is most expensive wines.

But for those, such as most of us, who can't afford such expensive wines, Australia's wine centers is still pretty much a tourist destination. Here, you will be able to tour the wine making facilities, as well as see first hand how it is processed. You might also be lucky enough to get a free taste of some of the best wine samples, which is certainly more than enough to quench your thirst.

Source:
Australian Wine, Wikipedia article
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_wine
Image Source:
http://www.clickforaustralia.com/Graphics/WineMap.gif
 

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

Enjoying Brisbane

When visiting Australia, travel visa holders would often want to head to the city of Brisbane. This one is surely a good choice, as the city has many things in store for the tourist. Here are some of the things that you might want to get your hands on when you arrive in the city.      

Since its summer this time around in Australia, many people would want to head out to the beaches. And in this regard, Brisbane doesn't lag behind other cities. Being in the Queensland coast, the city naturally has a wide expanse of beaches. One of the most popular beaches that both tourists and local residents frequent here is the South Bank Parklands. This area is very interesting in that it is located right in the center of the city, making it all the more accessible.      

If you are not into beach hopping, then there are other things that you can try here. One activity that you will definitely like is visiting the various parks found in the city. The above mentioned South Bank Parklands itself has a vast park area where you can enjoy yourself after having a dip in the beach. Another park that you might want to head to afterward is the New Farm Park in the southern part of the city. Here, you will surely enjoy the rose gardens, housing more than a thousand rose varieties. Kids and adults alike will also be very delighted when checking out the fig tree playground.    

And if you are looking for something a bit more fast paced, then why not try out motor sports? Brisbane is also home to many racetracks, including Queensland Circuit. Here, you will be able to get a chance to burn the asphalt as you get a tutorial and then a five lap track time around the course. For dirt enthusiasts, there is also the rally course beside the main track that you can try.      

Outdoor enthusiasts will also find bushwalking another good way to spend the day. Here, you will be able to explore Brisbane many natural wonders and wildlife. There are several areas in the city that is very well suited for the activity, and bushwalking clubs will guide you in learning its basics , as well as helping you in your trek.      

And as the night falls, Brisbane is still teeming with things to do for night animals. One area that film buffs definitely would want to visit is The Globe theater, where classic cult films are being shown. There are also plenty of restaurants in the city which serve very delicious meals.   

Sources: Brisbane Australia http://www.brisbane-australia.com/things-to-do.html Our Brisbane http://www.ourbrisbane.com/see-and-do Discover Brisbane http://www.discoverbrisbane.com/things/index.html Image Source: http://goaustralia.about.com/od/queensland/ig/Queensland-Islands/Heron-Island.htm http://www.ridelust.com/category/formula-1/page/2/

Casinos In Australia

When vacationing to Australia, travel visa holders would surely want to have fun during their stay in the country. And one of the places that many tourists would go out looking for is a casino. Luckily for gamers, Australia does have its own version of Las Vegas.

Much like in the US, casino gaming is, in fact, a thriving industry in the country. And like in the States, you will be able to easily find a casino in the cities. Here are some that you might what to check out while you are on your way to your next vacation stop.

For those in the capital city, you might want to check out Casino Canberra. This one is located right in the heart of Canberra's central business district. Casino Canberra is, in fact the first legal casino that was established in the state, having been built in 1994. The casino offers a wide variety of the most popular games, like black jack and roulette. Furthermore, it is the only casino establishment in the Australian Capital Territory that is licensed to operate gambling tables.

There are also several casinos that are being operated by major companies in the country. The Skycity line is one of such companies. It operates one casino each in Adelaide and in Darwin. Both these casinos have exclusive licenses to operate gambling tables in their respective states. Skycity is also known for the many high stakes gamers that frequent their facilities yearly, some of whom are known for betting hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Another major player in the industry is Crown Casino. This is located in the city of Melbourne, and aside from operating the casino, it also runs several hotels and entertainment centers in its complex in the city's business district. The Crown Casino is noted for being the first casino to introduce an electronic roulette system in the country.

And if you are not able to get out of your hotel room, then you can always play your casino games on the internet. Australia actually also has a thriving online gaming industry. One thing that gamers need to know about online gambling in the country is the regulations with regards to it. It is interesting to note that, while it is strictly prohibited for online casinos to operate within the country, players who register here are still pretty much allowed to to go on . Also, there are now efforts to legalize online gambling in the country, which means more freedom for players.

Whichever way you go, you can still find a gaming just right the corner in Australia.

Sources:
Business Mirror
http://businessmirror.com.ph/community/blogs/entry/Australia-preparing-for-online-gambling-legalization
Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex, Wikipedia article
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crown_Casino_and_Entertainment_Complex
Image Sources:
http://national.atdw.com.au/multimedia/actc/outside%20signage.jpg
http://andrewscott.com/AS/images/stories/crowncasino.jpg