UPDATED: Things to do in Australia
(JEH May 24 2010 - after having visited uluru and queensland, i've now updated the list with new notes and priorities)
After having lived (4 days shy of) a year now in Australia, Lisa and I have seen and done quite a lot. Here's a list of some must-do items if you're considering visiting the red continent:
1. Tasmania. I can't stress this enough. this place is other-worldly. Hire a campervan and spend a week just tramping around the state, seeing the pristine beaches, snow-capped peaks, and tropical waterfalls. If you're after a closeup of exotic Aussie wildlife, this is the best place to do it.
2. The Great Barrier Reef. Essential. I've rated Tassie higher because it's such a smorgasbord of awesomeness, but a visit to the reef cannot be missed. We went via port douglas, a beautiful beach town. also check out Cape Tribulation while in the area. (do not base yourself in Cairns. it's ghetto)
3. Sydney. See Darling Harbour (I recommend getting a steak and the Meat and Wine Company), and the Rocks. Do the Bridge Climb. I've also heard great thigns about the Blue Mountains, but we didn't make it there.
4. The Great Ocean Road. It's the stretch of highway from Melbourne to Adelaide. incredible scenery around every corner (and don't miss the Twelve Apostles along the way, at least while they're still there)
5. Uluru (Ayers Rock for you non-PC people) & The Olgas.While I wouldn't call this an essential bit of sightseeing, it is one of the most iconic things in Oz, so if you have time, it's worth a visit. Also, if you're after a more 'cultural' (read: aboriginal) experience, uluru is a place to get an in-depth look.
*** Honorable Mention: Melbourne. While not a whole lot to do in Melbourne, if you're spending an extended amount of time in Victoria, it's worth it to get some world-famous coffee from any of Melbourne's local cafes like Zucchero or dinner at a fine Indian Restaurant. Also, check out Wilson's Promontory (beautiful pristine beaches), the Immigration Museum, it's an interesting bit of Aussie history.
Blog Posts and pictures about Uluru and Queensland coming soon
Also, if spending time more time in Victoria, I can also recommend: The Grampians, Falls Creek, French Island (best place to spot koalas)
Extra Credit Item: New Zealand. It's just a 3 hour flight. I mean, you're already most of the way here. Might as well go see it. I recommend the South Island, in particular.
I've also heard great things about the west coast, places like Rottnest Island, Kimberly. And we wanted to see Kakadu national park in NT but didn't have the time, unfortunately.
After having lived (4 days shy of) a year now in Australia, Lisa and I have seen and done quite a lot. Here's a list of some must-do items if you're considering visiting the red continent:
1. Tasmania. I can't stress this enough. this place is other-worldly. Hire a campervan and spend a week just tramping around the state, seeing the pristine beaches, snow-capped peaks, and tropical waterfalls. If you're after a closeup of exotic Aussie wildlife, this is the best place to do it.
2. The Great Barrier Reef. Essential. I've rated Tassie higher because it's such a smorgasbord of awesomeness, but a visit to the reef cannot be missed. We went via port douglas, a beautiful beach town. also check out Cape Tribulation while in the area. (do not base yourself in Cairns. it's ghetto)
3. Sydney. See Darling Harbour (I recommend getting a steak and the Meat and Wine Company), and the Rocks. Do the Bridge Climb. I've also heard great thigns about the Blue Mountains, but we didn't make it there.
4. The Great Ocean Road. It's the stretch of highway from Melbourne to Adelaide. incredible scenery around every corner (and don't miss the Twelve Apostles along the way, at least while they're still there)
5. Uluru (Ayers Rock for you non-PC people) & The Olgas.While I wouldn't call this an essential bit of sightseeing, it is one of the most iconic things in Oz, so if you have time, it's worth a visit. Also, if you're after a more 'cultural' (read: aboriginal) experience, uluru is a place to get an in-depth look.
*** Honorable Mention: Melbourne. While not a whole lot to do in Melbourne, if you're spending an extended amount of time in Victoria, it's worth it to get some world-famous coffee from any of Melbourne's local cafes like Zucchero or dinner at a fine Indian Restaurant. Also, check out Wilson's Promontory (beautiful pristine beaches), the Immigration Museum, it's an interesting bit of Aussie history.
Blog Posts and pictures about Uluru and Queensland coming soon
Also, if spending time more time in Victoria, I can also recommend: The Grampians, Falls Creek, French Island (best place to spot koalas)
Extra Credit Item: New Zealand. It's just a 3 hour flight. I mean, you're already most of the way here. Might as well go see it. I recommend the South Island, in particular.
I've also heard great things about the west coast, places like Rottnest Island, Kimberly. And we wanted to see Kakadu national park in NT but didn't have the time, unfortunately.
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