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7.12.11
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Australia Vacation – Walk on the Wild Side!
Travel is great isn’t it? And when you get home you organize all your pictures and souvenirs. And you think, “wouldn’t it be great if I could find a beautiful Australian Flag to remember my vacation by that doesn’t cost too much to add to my whole vacation experience?” Well, I’ve found a great site that sells great looking flags for not a lot of money and their shipping is super fast – www.FlagWave.com .
Now, for vacation ideas, I highly recommend Australia! Here are a few tips and facts to help you on your way to this vacation paradise.
Money
You should not carry too much cash on you when you travel here. That said, you are not going to be able to use a credit card or write a check when you are visiting Australia. A sensible way to make sure that you have enough money is to get travelers checks. This is a way that you will be able to get what you need and then some and also have the added security of knowing that you are covered if they are lost or stolen. Australian currency is decimal with the dollar as the basic unit. There are exchange shops where you can cash in and get the local currency that you will need.
Climate
The climate is moderate and there is not as hot as some people might thing. The temperate will depend on what time of the year you are there. Usually you will find nice temperatures and a great weather pattern. You will want to bring lightweight clothing for your trip and a couple of sweaters or sweat shirts just in case.
Customs
Laws prohibit any drugs, firearms, or any other foreign objects. They have these laws to protect the wildlife and citizens of their country. Unlike some foreign countries, there is not limit on the amount of Australian cash that may be brought into or taken out of Australia.
Tipping
Unlike the United States, tipping is not expected and services charges are not automatically added to hotel and restaurants. For any special services, a tip of ten percent is good. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but will appreciate anything that is offered to them. Feel free to tip when you feel you’ve had great service.
Information centers
You will find local tourist information and free advice in most places in Australia. Look for the signs that have an "I" on them. This will guide you to get the information that you need. Have a great vacation!
Travel is great isn’t it? And when you get home you organize all your pictures and souvenirs. And you think, “wouldn’t it be great if I could find a beautiful Australian Flag to remember my vacation by that doesn’t cost too much to add to my whole vacation experience?” Well, I’ve found a great site that sells great looking flags for not a lot of money and their shipping is super fast – www.FlagWave.com .
Now, for vacation ideas, I highly recommend Australia! Here are a few tips and facts to help you on your way to this vacation paradise.
Money
You should not carry too much cash on you when you travel here. That said, you are not going to be able to use a credit card or write a check when you are visiting Australia. A sensible way to make sure that you have enough money is to get travelers checks. This is a way that you will be able to get what you need and then some and also have the added security of knowing that you are covered if they are lost or stolen. Australian currency is decimal with the dollar as the basic unit. There are exchange shops where you can cash in and get the local currency that you will need.
Climate
The climate is moderate and there is not as hot as some people might thing. The temperate will depend on what time of the year you are there. Usually you will find nice temperatures and a great weather pattern. You will want to bring lightweight clothing for your trip and a couple of sweaters or sweat shirts just in case.
Customs
Laws prohibit any drugs, firearms, or any other foreign objects. They have these laws to protect the wildlife and citizens of their country. Unlike some foreign countries, there is not limit on the amount of Australian cash that may be brought into or taken out of Australia.
Tipping
Unlike the United States, tipping is not expected and services charges are not automatically added to hotel and restaurants. For any special services, a tip of ten percent is good. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but will appreciate anything that is offered to them. Feel free to tip when you feel you’ve had great service.
Information centers
You will find local tourist information and free advice in most places in Australia. Look for the signs that have an "I" on them. This will guide you to get the information that you need. Have a great vacation!
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From all over Australia people take their vacations on the Gold Coast, which has rightly earned itself the number one vacation spot in the country. With it's temperate climate the Gold Coast is an all year round vacation spot.
With a choice of accomodation that is mind boggling, catering from backpackers to 5 star luxury, motel style to apartment buildings 50 storeys high everyone is catered for.
Once your settled in it's time to play. Spend it up at Jupiters Casino with the high rollers or head of to one of the many restaurant, nightclubs or bars.
The Gold Coast is home to the theme parks. Seaworld, Dreamworld, Movieworld and Wet'n'Wild are all within reach of your accommodation. Swim with the dolphins, get up close to a Bengal Tiger or have the thrill of a lifetime on some of the awesome rides.
Down on the water catch a world class wave or a try your luck at a spot of game fishing. If your worn out from the night before you can sunbake under the sun one of the many Gold Coast beaches, just don't forget to swim between the flags.
If you are after a vacation jam packed full of fun you can't pass up the Gold Coast.
With a choice of accomodation that is mind boggling, catering from backpackers to 5 star luxury, motel style to apartment buildings 50 storeys high everyone is catered for.
Once your settled in it's time to play. Spend it up at Jupiters Casino with the high rollers or head of to one of the many restaurant, nightclubs or bars.
The Gold Coast is home to the theme parks. Seaworld, Dreamworld, Movieworld and Wet'n'Wild are all within reach of your accommodation. Swim with the dolphins, get up close to a Bengal Tiger or have the thrill of a lifetime on some of the awesome rides.
Down on the water catch a world class wave or a try your luck at a spot of game fishing. If your worn out from the night before you can sunbake under the sun one of the many Gold Coast beaches, just don't forget to swim between the flags.
If you are after a vacation jam packed full of fun you can't pass up the Gold Coast.
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Australia is a very diverse country geographically and a hot spot for tourism. If you are thinking about heading down under, here is some information on Australia.
An Overview of Australia for Travelers
Australia is its own continent, the only country in the world that can say as much. It covers roughly 3 million square miles and is about the size of the continental United States. The capital is Canberra, but Sydney is the biggest city with 4.2 million people. The climate of Australia is extremely dry inland with more temperate conditions along the coast. The population centers are primarily along the coast due to soaring temperatures inland.
Australia was originally inhabited by Aboriginal tribes. In 1770, Captain Cook claimed the land for Great Britain. In 1788, the first colony was established in New South Wales. Most of the colonists were convicted criminals from Great Britain. Gold was discovered soon thereafter and Australia became a destination for immigrants seeking fortune and a new start in life.
On the far northern coast, Australia is home to one of the amazing sites in the world. The great barrier reef is a water enthusiasts dream. With incredible plant life, the reef is world renowned as a diver’s paradise. A watchful eye is advised given the presence of the Great White Shark in the area.
Australia is a Commonwealth. The federal powers are mapped somewhat after those in the United States, but no bill of rights exists. Unlike the U.S., the individual territories retain significant authority over their own affairs.
People in Australia are called “Australians.” The country has a population of just over 20 million, and the population is growing at a rate of 1.1 percent a year. Australians ethnicity is 92 percent European, 6 percent Asian and 2 percent Aboriginal. No religion dominates, but 27 percent of Australians considered themselves Roman Catholics. Life expectancy for males is 78 years while females live to 83 on average. Literacy rates are a surprisingly low 85 percent.
Australia was often considered the forgotten country. Long distance transportation changed that designation. Now it is one of the hottest tourist destinations year in and year out.
An Overview of Australia for Travelers
Australia is its own continent, the only country in the world that can say as much. It covers roughly 3 million square miles and is about the size of the continental United States. The capital is Canberra, but Sydney is the biggest city with 4.2 million people. The climate of Australia is extremely dry inland with more temperate conditions along the coast. The population centers are primarily along the coast due to soaring temperatures inland.
Australia was originally inhabited by Aboriginal tribes. In 1770, Captain Cook claimed the land for Great Britain. In 1788, the first colony was established in New South Wales. Most of the colonists were convicted criminals from Great Britain. Gold was discovered soon thereafter and Australia became a destination for immigrants seeking fortune and a new start in life.
On the far northern coast, Australia is home to one of the amazing sites in the world. The great barrier reef is a water enthusiasts dream. With incredible plant life, the reef is world renowned as a diver’s paradise. A watchful eye is advised given the presence of the Great White Shark in the area.
Australia is a Commonwealth. The federal powers are mapped somewhat after those in the United States, but no bill of rights exists. Unlike the U.S., the individual territories retain significant authority over their own affairs.
People in Australia are called “Australians.” The country has a population of just over 20 million, and the population is growing at a rate of 1.1 percent a year. Australians ethnicity is 92 percent European, 6 percent Asian and 2 percent Aboriginal. No religion dominates, but 27 percent of Australians considered themselves Roman Catholics. Life expectancy for males is 78 years while females live to 83 on average. Literacy rates are a surprisingly low 85 percent.
Australia was often considered the forgotten country. Long distance transportation changed that designation. Now it is one of the hottest tourist destinations year in and year out.
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The town of Alice Springs is located in the middle of the Australian continent and is the unofficial but undisputed capital of the Australia's vast outback. This unique town is rich in history and natural features, and is the perfect base from which to explore Australia's Red Centre which includes world famous features such as Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon and the MacDonnell Ranges.
Alice Springs is nestled in the MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia. Roughly equidistant between Adelaide and Darwin, it lies almost at the geographical centre of Australia, approximately 1500 kilometres from any major Australian city in any direction. The highest mountain in the Northern Territory of Australia, Mount Zeil, rises to 1,525 metres out of the West MacDonnell Ranges about 200 kilometres west of Alice Springs. The town has a growing population of around 28,000 and is today a thriving regional centre where an amazing variety of tours, accommodation and activities for every taste and budget are available.
The history of Alice Springs began in 1871 with the construction of a telegraph repeater station, one of several such stations built between Adelaide and Darwin as part of the historic Overland Telegraph. Originally known as Stuart, this name was never really popular and in 1933 the town's name was officially changed to Alice Springs. Development was initially slow, with the original dirt road to Adelaide not being replaced until 1987. Until then, travellers including train travellers on the historic Ghan railway followed the same route north as that followed by early Scottish explorer John MacDouall Stuart, north from Port Augusta in South Australia to Alice Springs via the outback towns of Oodnadatta and Finke. Today, the Stuart Highway which runs from Adelaide to Darwin is a first class highway suitable for any vehicle.
Development in Alice Springs accelerated greatly in the 1980's, and the town today is a modern, moderate sized municipality with a wealth of resources and facilities compared to similar sized Australian towns. The Ghan Railway played a significant role in the town's development, first arriving in 1929. The railway line was recently extended north to Darwin, with the resulting route across the centre of the Australian continent from Adelaide to Darwin now representing one of the world's great train journeys.
A variety of historic buildings can be found in the centre of Alice Springs, including the original hospital in Adelaide House, the John Flynn Museum and Church, the Old Courthouse, the Residence and the Stuart Town Gaol. The original Telegraph Station is located in a reserve a short distance outside Alice Springs to the north. On the eastern side side of the normally dry Todd River, which runs through the centre of town, is the Olive Pink Botanic Garden, an arid zone botanical garden located right in the heart of town.
Alice Springs is located in a predominantly dry region, with glorious cloudless blue skies from April to September. Rainfall is unreliable and intermittent, but can normally be expected during the warmer summer months from October to March. During summer, temperatures of 40 degrees C (104-108 F) are common, while in winter (June to August) overnight temperatures often fall below freezing point. Winter days are typically bright and sunny, making this the most popular time of year for visitors.
Information about the Arrernte people of Alice Springs can be found at the Strehlow Research Centre, where many fascinating artifacts are displayed. The Araluen Arts Centre maintains a large collection of paintings by Aboriginal artists from the Alice Springs area, including renowned the watercolour painter Albert Namatjira. Many other activities are available in and around Alice Springs, including hot air ballooning, horse and camel riding, cycling, and excursions to nearby natural attractions in the MacDonnell Ranges. Alice Springs also hosts a variety of events and festivals in the cooler months between May and September.
Alice Springs is well serviced with accommodation suited to all tastes and budgets, from backpacker hostels to luxury hotels, and has several good restaurants. Alice Springs is easily accessible by air or bus from all Australian capital cities. To travel in style to Alice Springs, consider the luxurious Ghan train which departs from Darwin, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. Cars can be carried on the Ghan so that your own transport is available when you arrive in Alice Springs.
Alice Springs is nestled in the MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia. Roughly equidistant between Adelaide and Darwin, it lies almost at the geographical centre of Australia, approximately 1500 kilometres from any major Australian city in any direction. The highest mountain in the Northern Territory of Australia, Mount Zeil, rises to 1,525 metres out of the West MacDonnell Ranges about 200 kilometres west of Alice Springs. The town has a growing population of around 28,000 and is today a thriving regional centre where an amazing variety of tours, accommodation and activities for every taste and budget are available.
The history of Alice Springs began in 1871 with the construction of a telegraph repeater station, one of several such stations built between Adelaide and Darwin as part of the historic Overland Telegraph. Originally known as Stuart, this name was never really popular and in 1933 the town's name was officially changed to Alice Springs. Development was initially slow, with the original dirt road to Adelaide not being replaced until 1987. Until then, travellers including train travellers on the historic Ghan railway followed the same route north as that followed by early Scottish explorer John MacDouall Stuart, north from Port Augusta in South Australia to Alice Springs via the outback towns of Oodnadatta and Finke. Today, the Stuart Highway which runs from Adelaide to Darwin is a first class highway suitable for any vehicle.
Development in Alice Springs accelerated greatly in the 1980's, and the town today is a modern, moderate sized municipality with a wealth of resources and facilities compared to similar sized Australian towns. The Ghan Railway played a significant role in the town's development, first arriving in 1929. The railway line was recently extended north to Darwin, with the resulting route across the centre of the Australian continent from Adelaide to Darwin now representing one of the world's great train journeys.
A variety of historic buildings can be found in the centre of Alice Springs, including the original hospital in Adelaide House, the John Flynn Museum and Church, the Old Courthouse, the Residence and the Stuart Town Gaol. The original Telegraph Station is located in a reserve a short distance outside Alice Springs to the north. On the eastern side side of the normally dry Todd River, which runs through the centre of town, is the Olive Pink Botanic Garden, an arid zone botanical garden located right in the heart of town.
Alice Springs is located in a predominantly dry region, with glorious cloudless blue skies from April to September. Rainfall is unreliable and intermittent, but can normally be expected during the warmer summer months from October to March. During summer, temperatures of 40 degrees C (104-108 F) are common, while in winter (June to August) overnight temperatures often fall below freezing point. Winter days are typically bright and sunny, making this the most popular time of year for visitors.
Information about the Arrernte people of Alice Springs can be found at the Strehlow Research Centre, where many fascinating artifacts are displayed. The Araluen Arts Centre maintains a large collection of paintings by Aboriginal artists from the Alice Springs area, including renowned the watercolour painter Albert Namatjira. Many other activities are available in and around Alice Springs, including hot air ballooning, horse and camel riding, cycling, and excursions to nearby natural attractions in the MacDonnell Ranges. Alice Springs also hosts a variety of events and festivals in the cooler months between May and September.
Alice Springs is well serviced with accommodation suited to all tastes and budgets, from backpacker hostels to luxury hotels, and has several good restaurants. Alice Springs is easily accessible by air or bus from all Australian capital cities. To travel in style to Alice Springs, consider the luxurious Ghan train which departs from Darwin, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. Cars can be carried on the Ghan so that your own transport is available when you arrive in Alice Springs.