As the shopping mecca of Australia, Melbourne is a must see city for any serious shoppers traveling through the area. With countless pedestrian malls and lanes each with its own personality and distinctive shops, Melbourne is a true joy to explore.
If you enjoy outdoor markets, be sure to visit the Sunday Market at the Arts Center on Southgate Road. Many talented artists and craftsmen gather here to sell their wares, but the market is diverse enough that you can also find inexpensive souvenirs. The Queen Victoria Markets are the largest open-air markets in the southern hemisphere, and with over one thousand merchants selling their products there truly is something for everyone. Melbourne is home to many shopping arcades, some with true historical significance. The Royal Arcade is the oldest of them all, having been built in 1869, and contains the famous Gaunt clock and its statues of Gog and Magog. The Block Arcade is even more elegant, with murals on the ceilings and mosaics on the floor. Built in 1891, this continues to be Melbourne’s premier shopping arcade and a popular place for tourists.
Bourke Street is another popular shopping destination since it is home to both the Bourke Street Mall as well as Melbourne’s Chinatown district. Melbourne’s major department stores are located on Burke Street, and if that wasn’t enough to draw in visitors, the area abounds in street entertainment and buskers. Finally, the Southgate area is another prime shopping and leisure area. The neighborhood underwent a revitalization project and reopened in 1992, and has been popular ever since. Southgate has a fantastic food court located right on the river, and is home to many unique stores, restaurants and bars. As a popular walking place, visitors can also enjoy the many street performers that liven up the area.
As the world’s largest exporter of coal, it may be somewhat surprising that this cozy little Australian city is such a favorite with tourists. Located in the Port Stephens region, Newcastle is only a two-and-a-half hour drive north from Sydney. If you prefer, a train also connects Sydney and Newcastle and can be a great way to travel. A ferry takes visitors from Newcastle to the very popular Stockton Beach, located just across the harbor.
With five beaches as well as its famed Ocean Baths, Newcastle is a swimmer’s paradise. The Ocean Baths were created in 1922 in the art deco style, and remain very popular to this day. Canoe pool is appropriate for young swimmers, and was once decorated on the bottom with a relief map of the world. Bathers Way is a five kilometer walking track that connects the lighthouse at Nobby’s Headland to the Merewether Ocean Baths.
Perhaps the area’s most significant landmark, Nobby’s Headland was at one time an island. Now, however, it has been connected to the mainland via a breakwall that today can be traversed to reach the lighthouse on the island. The Foreshore promenade extends from the Nobby’s Headland and is a popular coastal walk. Inside the city, you can choose from a variety of experiences. The Beaumont Street area is upscale and trendy, while the Darby street area has funky pubs and an innercity vibe. The city is home to the Civic Theatre, built in the 1920s, as well as the Newcastle Region Art Gallery. The Honeysuckle Market is a popular shopping destination. If you are looking to see signature Australian wildlife such as kangaroos, wombats, or koala bears, try visiting the Blackbutt Reserve, where you can enjoy many walking tracks and picnic sites.
Billed as the Blue Water Paradise, Port Stephens is an incredible holiday centre located just a two and a half hour drive north of Sydney. With white sandy beaches, turquoise blue water, and resort-like hotels and dining, Port Stephens is the perfect destination for travelers looking for a luxurious beach vacation.
Port Stephens is actually a region on the Tomaree Peninsula. A marine activity center, be prepared to take advantage of all the region has to offer when visiting. If you love dolphins, this is the area to see them – with over one hundred and fifty resident dolphins in the port, Port Stephens is known as the dolphin capital of Australia. Additionally, in May to July and September to November, humpback, grey and killer whales can be seen on their seasonal migration routes. There are many tour companies in the area who also offer hovercraft rides, windsurfing, kayaking, parasailing, surfing, scuba diving, and more.
For those who prefer to stay on land there is still a lot of things to do and see in the region. Visit the lighthouses at Point Stephens and Fingal Bay and see how these two heritage buildings kept sailors safe. Stockton Beach is a favorite destination for those looking to four-wheel-drive or try a quad or motorbike. While you’re there, don’t miss the Sygna shipwreck that sits just off the beach. Golfing and horse-back riding are also popular activities in the area.
As a tourist center, the region is has many different types of accommodations. The little coastal towns that make up the region are full of eclectic shopping and dining experiences, and there are several wineries in the area as well. Whether you are looking for the adrenaline rush of an adventure sport, the connection with nature in watching the whales go by, or the restful relaxation of just laying on the beach, Port Stephens is the perfect place for you.
