Newcastle Australia

newcastle-australia.jpgAs 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.


Lord Howe Island

A World Heritage site, this perfect island getaway is just a two hour flight away from Sydney.  With unparalleled natural beauty, clean and spacious white sand beaches, and all the comforts of a resort town, Lord Howe Island makes a fantastic trip for vacationers from all walks of life.

The island is ideal for marine recreation and offers many fishing tours.  The lagoon that provides such beautiful, unspoiled beaches also is home to an outstanding coral reef with over five hundred species of fish.  You can virtually see the fish right through the water, however Scuba tours can also be taken further offshore.  Bird watching is also popular on the island, as it is home to over one hundred thirty species, including fourteen species of seabirds that use the island as breeding grounds.  Many walking trails cover the island, from leisurely and easy to more strenuous and advanced.  The Mount Gower hike is a world renowned, eight hour trek that is not for the faint at heart but does provide spectacular scenery. 

After a strenuous day trip up the mountain, what better way to soothe tired muscles than a luxurious spa treatment?  The island is home to two luxury spas where you can unwind and relax.  Fine dining and shopping abound, and the island also is home to recreational opportunities such as golf, lawn bowling, and tennis.

 

Only four hundred visitors are allowed on the island at one time, so be sure to book your hotel accommodations well ahead of time.  Camping is not permitted on the island, and you will require proof of accommodation in order to take your flight.  About three hundred fifty people live on the island permanently, and all accommodations are owned and operated by native islanders.  There are few cars on the island, and they travel at a leisurely twenty-five miles per hour. Walking and cycling is the preferred mode of transportation, making this a very safe destination for families.


Bondi Beach

No trip to Australia would be complete without a day spent at one of the world’s most famous beaches. Bondi Beach is a must for all Australian sightseers, and while the sun-worshippers will simply enjoy the white sand and excellent surfing conditions, others will enjoy the laid back atmosphere, funky shops, and fantastic dining.

Although only one kilometer long, Bondi is Sydney’s widest beach. The name “Bondi” is believed to come from an Aboriginal word meaning “breaking waves.” In fact, Aboriginal rock carvings can still be seen at both ends of the beach. Visitors to the beach can also enjoy the Bondi Community Cultural Centre which houses an art gallery, theatre, café, and souvenir shop. For those interested in seeing more of the coast line, a scenic 3.4 kilometer walk makes its way to Bronte Beach and offers spectacular views.

Bondi is home to many popular and fun events, including the annual City to Surf run from downtown Sydney to the beach. Many participants dress up in outlandish costumes for the race, which is held every August. Kites abound at the Festival of the Winds on the second Sunday in September. Sculpture by the Sea occurs in November and brings large installation artwork to the beach. And of course Bondi remains as a popular destination on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

 

No trip to Australia would be complete without a day spent at one of the world’s most famous beaches.  Bondi Beach is a must for all Australian sightseers, and while the sun-worshippers will simply enjoy the white sand and excellent surfing conditions, others will enjoy the laid back atmosphere, funky shops, and fantastic dining.

Although only one kilometer long, Bondi is Sydney’s widest beach.  The name “Bondi” is believed to come from an Aboriginal word meaning “breaking waves.”  In fact, Aboriginal rock carvings can still be seen at both ends of the beach.  Visitors to the beach can also enjoy the Bondi Community Cultural Centre which houses an art gallery, theatre, café, and souvenir shop.  For those interested in seeing more of the coast line, a scenic 3.4 kilometer walk makes its way to Bronte Beach and offers spectacular views.

Bondi is home to many popular and fun events, including the annual City to Surf run from downtown Sydney to the beach.  Many participants dress up in outlandish costumes for the race, which is held every August.  Kites abound at the Festival of the Winds on the second Sunday in September.  Sculpture by the Sea occurs in November and brings large installation artwork to the beach.  And of course Bondi remains as a popular destination on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

As with all trips to the beach, water safety is very important.  Lifeguards do patrol the beach, but it is recommended that swimmers stay within the red and yellow flags, as these are the safest areas in the water and are patrolled by lifeguards.  Because of a shark net about 150 meters off shore, there have been no shark fatalities at the beach since 1937.

Due to the popularity of the beach and the lack of accessible parking available, taking public transit or a taxi from Sydney to Bondi is recommended, particularly during busy summer months.


Newer Entries »