If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the Australian Outback, how about visiting a commercial opal field and staying overnight in an underground hotel? This might sound like a trip not for the faint of heart, but in reality the White Cliffs area can be enjoyed by just about everyone. Although it is considered the Outback, White Cliffs and the neighboring Broken Hill are only about a day’s drive from both Sydney and Melbourne, making it relatively easy to visit. If you prefer traveling by air, helicopter flights to the area are also available.
The tourist appeal of White Cliffs comes mainly from the fact that the majority of the town’s residents live underground in houses carved out of the sandstone rock so prevalent in the area. Called ‘dugouts,’ these homes require no heating or air conditioning and maintain a very comfortable twenty-two degrees Celsius through summer and winter. Residents dig their homes into the rock using a jackhammer and a wheelbarrow to remove the debris. Once hollowed out they are normally sealed and painted white. There are two accommodations where visitors can stay underground, at the Underground Motel or PJs Underground Bed and Breakfast. The Underground Motel includes an underground restaurant and bar.
White Cliffs was Australia’s first commercial opal mine. Opals are a unique gemstone that have become Australia’s trademark. A visit to White Cliffs should include a mine tour where visitors can even try their hand at finding opal remnants in the mine’s tailings. Several local shops sell quality Australian opals, and there are also several artists in the area who sell beautiful jewelry, photographs, and paintings. Far away from the city lights, the stars here are clearly visible in the wide open skies, so bring a constellation map along for your stay.
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.
