Australia is the sixth largest country in the world - more or less the same size as mainland USA. This vast land however also has the lowest population density in the world, with only two people per square kilometre.
Australia is politically divided into six states and two territories, each one offering a different experience for the traveller. There is the drama of the remote Outback, the colourful spectacle of the Great Barrier Reef and its coral islands, the excitement of the cosmopolitan cities, the sun and surf at some of the best beaches in the world, and the tropical rainforests of Western Australia. The list is endless in this diverse land of adventure, which boasts 2,000 national parks and 14 World Heritage-listed areas, along with more than 7,000 beaches.
Australia is a land of character too, with its melting pot of cultures. For more than 50,000 years the Aboriginal people lived and thrived in the continents unique environment. It is believed the Aboriginals are the worlds oldest civilisation, and in recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in keeping the Aboriginal culture alive and flourishing.
The vast continent at the bottom of the world was the last landmass to be discovered by European explorers. Captain James Cook arrived in Botany Bay in 1770 and sparked off generations of emigration to Australia, which for some time served as a penal colony. It was not until 1860 that two explorers - Robert Burke and William Wills - became the first Europeans to cross Australia from south to north. The country remains a magnet for modern explorers and adventurers and has a great deal to offer tourists and holidaymakers.
It may not be an ancient monument, but the
architecturally distinctive Sydney Opera House epitomises the city
as much as does the Great Pyramid in Cairo or the Acropolis in
Athens. Situated on Sydney harbour at Bennelong Point, this
intriguing white-sailed landmark is no white elephant. It is a
fully functional performing arts centre in constant use. The
complex consists of a massive Concert Hall that seats more than
2,500 people and has the finest acoustics in the world; a smaller
Opera Theatre, also used for ballet performances; a Drama Theatre,
seating about 500 people; the smaller Playhouse; and the Boardwalk
dance and music venue. The building, designed by Joørn Utzon, was
completed in 1973 and cost over A$100 million, most of which was
raised with a series of national lotteries. There was so much
controversy involved in its construction that the Danish architect
returned home without ever seeing his finished product. Free
performances of various types are given outside on the boardwalks
around the Opera House on Sunday afternoons.
Excursion: No Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney Harbour Telephone: (0)2 9250 7111 (general information Monday to
Friday) Website: www.sydneyoperahouse.com Transport: Buses, trains and ferries go to Circular Quay, which is
a five-minute walk to the Opera House Opening Time: Guided tours daily 9am to 5pm (one hour); Box office
for tickets to performances open Monday to Saturday 9am to 8.30pm,
on Sundays two hours before the scheduled performance
time Admission: Guided tour: A$35 (adults), concessions A$24
The site of the 2000 Australian Millennium Olympic
Games, built on a former garbage dump, has become a favourite
tourist attraction (there are afternoon bus tours from Circular
Quay in central Sydney). Call at the information centre first for
information, maps and tour guides. The marvellous Stadium
Australia, built for the Olympic track and field events, is
currently the venue for Australian rugby and soccer matches. Tours
of the stadium are available. The Aquatic Centre is open to the
public for swimming. A great view of the eco-friendly Olympic Park
and city can be had from the observation deck of the Novotel
Hotel.
Excursion: No Address: 1 Showground Road, corner of Showground Road and Murray
Rose Avenue (Olympic Park Visitor Gateway) Telephone: (02) 9714 7888 (24-hour recorded
information) Email: info@sydneyolympicpark.com.au Website: www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au Transport: Serviced directly by buses, trains and
ferries Opening Time: Daily 9am to 5pm. Sydney Olympic Park Visitor
Gateway: 8am to 5pm daily Admission: Free. Aquatic Centre pool entry: A$6.20 (adults), A$5
(children 4-15 yrs); general admission/spectator fees to the pool
are A$3.10
The aquarium is one of the most popular attractions at
Darling Harbour, and is one of the biggest and most impressive in
the world. More than 5,000 Australian fish are displayed in their
natural habitats, along with Australian sharks, rays, platypus,
seals, fairy penguins, crocodiles and much more. Underwater
walkways give visitors an authentic view of the unique aquatic
environment. The Great Barrier Reef exhibit has live coral and many
tropical fish, and visitors can take a glass-bottomed boat ride to
see 10 dangerous sharks from up close.
Excursion: No Address: Aquarium Pier, Darling Harbour Telephone: (0)2 8251 7800 Website: www.sydneyaquarium.com.au Transport: Sydney Explorer Bus Stop 22, ferry from Circular Quay,
or monorail to Darling Park station Opening Time: Daily 9am to 10pm. Feeding times vary
daily Admission: A$28.50 (adults), A$14.50 (children 3-15). Family
tickets, Combination tickets, and other concessions available. Save
10% by booking online
Sydney Tower, or the AMP Centrepoint Tower, is the
tallest free-standing building in the city, and the second tallest
in the country. Situated above the Centrepoint office building and
shopping centre, the tower is one of the main attractions in Sydney
for its 360-degree views and Tower Skywalk platform. The
observation deck is 820 feet (250m) above the city, with an
enclosed viewing platform with information on the points of
interest. OzTrek takes visitors on a virtual adventure, where
diverse Australian landscapes are brought to life with a unique
integration of 3D holographic technology, animated models and
scenic art. The Sydney Tower Skywalk platform sits above the
observation deck at 853 feet (260m) above the ground, twice the
height of the harbour bridge, and harnessed to the glass-floored
platform, daredevils can hang out over the city far
below.
Excursion: No Address: 100 Market Street, Centrepoint Building Telephone: (0)2 9333 9222 Website: www.sydneytower.com.au Transport: Sydney Explorer Bus Stop 14, monorail to City Centre
Station Opening Time: Daily 9am to 10.30pm, open until 11.30pm on
Saturdays Admission: A$25 (adults), A$15 (children 4-15). Concessions
available
The Hunter Valley region is a 60-mile (100km) drive
north of Sydney. It is a region already known to the world for its
high quality wine, but is also fast becoming famous as an
eco-tourism destination. Besides its vineyards and eateries, there
are a myriad places of interest like Lake Macquarie, a glistening
lake with magnificent beaches about 12 miles (19km) south of
Newcastle; the beautiful Myall Lakes; and the attractive stretch of
surfing beaches near Newcastle. Nearby is the Barrington Tops World
Heritage Wilderness Site, which, at 5,203 feet (1,586m) above sea
level, contains some of the highest untamed natural bushland in
Australia. One of the most popular coastal destinations in the
region is Port Stephens, renowned for its crystal clear water and
golden beaches. The harbour of Port Stephens is home to about 80
dolphins and many cruise boats offer close up views of these
animals. Port Stephens coastline is also a wonderful vantage point
for whale watching in season.
Excursion: Yes Website: www.huntertourism.com
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