With the world becoming more and more environmentally aware, travelers are also becoming more interested in seeing how other countries tackle the difficult challenges that come with finding ways to be more environmentally sensitive. New South Wales’ second largest city is proudly taking a leadership role in developing ways for their citizens’ to lessen their ecological footprint.
Futureworld Eco-Technology Centre is a pioneer in sustainable technologies. The organization has a six-and-a-half hectare site that houses their Eco-Technology Exhibition Centre. Exhibits focus on renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction, water conservation, and waste reduction, and exhibits are fully interactive. Highlights include full-scale wind turbine blades and a power generation unit, a water wave tank demonstrating wave energy, a model of a solar powered ferry, a waste minimization and recycling facility and a miniature eco-house demonstrating ways to make your home more environmentally friendly. The exhibits are located both indoors and out.
In addition to being so environmentally progressive, Wollongong has much to offer tourists. While in the area, you might be interested in stopping by the Wollongong Science Centre and Planetarium. Here, families can enjoy star and laser shows in the planetarium and view the sky in the observatory. Popular exhibits focus on archaeology, energy, and Antarctica, and the centre also runs several science themed shows at their theatre.
As would be expected in such an environmentally friendly city, Wollongong is home to many parks. MacCabe Park is located inside the city, and features a playground, war memorial, and amphitheatre. Greenhouse Park was formerly a waste dump, but since 1992 has been under restoration to create a green corridor within the city. Sitting next to the wetlands of Tom Thumb Lagoon, the park is a great example of land reclamation.
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.
