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.
When gold was discovered in Melbourne in 1852, it prompted a gold rush that had far reaching effects – immigrants in Britain purchased more tickets to Melbourne in 1852 than to any other place worldwide. It also had far reaching effects on the city, and to get a taste of how the gold rush impacted Melbourne you’ll want to take the Golden Mile Herigate Trail.
The trail starts in Federation Square at the Melbourne Museum. Guided tours are available daily, but be sure to call ahead for bookings. You can also explore the trail on your own with a booklet purchased from the visitor’s centre, an option that provides a very flexible way to enjoy the city. The trail is an easy walk of about four kilometers, taking about two-and-a-half to three hours and explores the so-called ‘golden mile’ of outstanding architecture built when the city was flush with money from the gold rush. With thirty-three stops, there is really no better way to begin exploring the sights of Melbourne.
As you make your way along the route, your tour guide will share stories of colorful characters and historic places. The trail opens with the Immigration Museum, which was the old Customs House. Further along you’ll see the La Meridien Hotel, formerly the Rialto, which was created by its architect to look like a Venetian building. Enjoy Melbourne’s equivalent of England’s Chancery Lane, and in the financial district marvel at the gothic architecture of the ANZ Banking Museum. In the Parliament area you’ll notice several prominent statues, and you can explore the supposedly haunted Princess theater. The tour ends at the Royal Exhibition Buildings where visitors can head back to the museum or enjoy a stroll around Carlton Gardens.
Created in 1879, Royal National Park is the world’s second oldest national park. The sixteen thousand hectare park is located just thirty-two kilometers south of Sydney, making it a perfect day trip for those tired of Sydney’s urban excitement.
One of the most popular places in the park is Audley, a remnant of the Victorian era when picnicking and carriage rides in the park were popular. The grassy parklands located on the riverside are full of beautiful willow trees, and are the perfect place to relax and picnic. Different types of boats can be rented and taken out onto the water, a fabulous way to enjoy this area of the park. Also at Audley are the dance hall and the picnic pavilion, both Victorian-era buildings that have been lovingly restored. One of the original carriage tracks, the Lady Carrington Drive is a popular place for walkers and cyclists.
Fishing is another popular activity, with fishing available along the coastline and in the Hacking River estuary. Be sure to obtain a valid fishing license prior to your arrival. Surfing and swimming are also enjoyed in the park, just be sure to check with Harbourwatch to ensure pollution levels are safe. For those looking for a more private, secluded beach, take the Werrong Beach Track to the park’s only nude sunbathing area.
The Dharawal people were the first to inhabit the area now protected as the Royal National Park, and for those wanting to know more about the Dharawal’s history and culture, Discovery tours are available that explore the ways that the Dharawal people survived off the land. Tours of Dharawal rock engravings are also available at Jibbon Point.
Camping is available in many places in the park, and the park service also rents out a unique three bedroom cabin located right on the Hacking River. Day passes are required for park use and cost $11 per vehicle.
