The quaint rural town of Narrandera is located in the Riverina region of New South Wales, about a four-and-a-half hour drive from Sydney. With streets lined with cedar trees and Victorian style two-level buildings complete with balconies and verandahs, this is a beautiful place to escape from the hectic pace of Australia’s urban centers.
Established as a village in 1863, the area was originally home to the Wiradjuri Aboriginal people. As a noted historical center, be sure to follow the self-guided historical walk to explore some of Narrandera’s oldest buildings. Pamphlets can be picked up at the visitor center, which, incidentally, also has a six meter guitar that can actually be played. The local Narrandera Park and Miniature Zoo is a great place for a picnic, and also is home to a Tiger Moth plane commemorating the pilots that were trained there in World War II. Other places to stop at in town are the Parkside Cottage Museum and the Hankinson ceramic fountain that was built by Royal Daulton.
For nature lovers, the area is best known for the Bundidgerry Walking Track, a trail following the wildlife reserve located just outside of town. The area is home to a large colony of koala bears that are part of a new regeneration project. Tours can be set up through the Narrandera Koala Regeneration Reserve. Additionally, the area is home to kangaroos and parrots, as well as many other species of birds. Try taking a walk early in the morning for optimal wildlife viewing.
The town itself is home to a diverse collection of shops, and hosts many festivals throughout the year, including the John O’Brien Folk Festival that celebrates the famed poet who called Narrandera home. With several hotels and many bed and breakfasts in the area, you’ll find Narrandera to be a very comfortable stop on your Australian vacation.
Hosting an Olympic games leaves an indelible mark on a city, and Sydney is certainly no exception. Beginning as an urban renewal project in the 1980s, the original site contained the Australia Center, Bicentennial Park, and Sports Center. Now however, the 640 hectare site is a full township built with green initiatives including solar powered light standards and narrow streets designed for pedestrian use.
The park remains a favorite destination for tourists to the city who want to capture for themselves some of the excitement of the Olympics. Because of the size of the park, the best idea is to stop off at the visitor center first to obtain information, maps, and book your guided tours. One of the best ways to start is with the self-guided audio tour that acquaints you with the major attractions and also includes entry into the Aquatic Centre and the 17th Floor Observation Deck where visitors can take in some astonishing views of the area. This tour can also be combined with a bike rental if you prefer to get around on two wheels rather than on foot. Other unique tours include a tour of the Aquatics Centre where you can test the pool out for yourself, the Explorer Tour which highlights the way the area has been designed, and the Games Trail Walking Tour that explores in more depth the Olympic heritage of the venue. Be aware that you’ll need to call ahead to pre-book some of the tours.
In addition to the tours, visitors can also check out the multiple recreational opportunities, including the trapeze lessons that take place near Telstra Stadium. The park contains quality accommodations and dining options and is also home to many fantastic arts and culture events. For those who prefer the natural world, bring a picnic and enjoy some birdwatching. With no shortage of things to see and do, the Olympic Park is an excellent destination for anyone visiting Sydney!
Dingoes are Australia’s wild dogs, and it’s just as hard to imagine the native Australian bush lacking these tawny canines as it is to imagine it without koala bears or kangaroos. A medium-sized dog, the dingo belongs to a primitive variety of canines that breed only once a year. Puppies are born in the spring, usually in litters of three to five. You’ll rarely hear a dingo bark, but they do make many different kinds of vocalizations. In some ways they are more like cats than dogs in that they are extremely agile, enjoy viewing their surroundings from a high vantage point, and will use their paws almost like hands. Although primarily carnivorous, dingoes will also eat insects and plants when the need arises.
A great place to view these magical creatures is at the Dingo Sanctuary at Bargo, just outside of Sydney. Run by the Australian Native Dog Conservation Society, this sanctuary is home to over forty dingoes. The Society works to protect the dingo in the wild and is also working on a DNA test to help distinguish true dingoes from similar looking mix breeds and hybrids.
The facility welcomes visitors, but does require that you contact them ahead of time to arrange a guided tour. Helpful tour guides show you around the property, introduce you to the dingoes, answer any questions you might have, and can also arrange a video presentation as well. The grounds are a beautiful example of natural Australian fauna, and provide a lovely, natural home for the dogs. All trails are flat and easily accessible for those with limited mobility. A shop is available for souvenirs and cold drinks, and visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch – gas barbecues are provided.
For those that would like to take a dingo home with them, the Society offers dingo sponsorships where donors can sponsor a particular animal and receive regular updates on their animal’s activities.
