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.
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.
Located halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, this spectacular park gives visitors an excellent glimpse into life in Australian rainforests. Once used primarily for logging, the land was set aside in 1927 as a wildlife and flora reserve, and was later rolled into Australia’s chain of Rainforest Parks in 1986. It became a true tourist attraction in 1991 with the opening of the Rainforest Center.
One of the park’s best features is its accessibility. There are several easy trails taken over boardwalks that allow visitors to explore the subtropical rainforest, and most of these are also wheelchair accessible. Walk with the Birds is an elevated boardwalk that brings visitors up into the trees to experience the forest as the birds do, and the Skywalk leads to a platform with fantastic views. Other walks showcase the floor of the rainforest. More challenging hikes are also available to visitors who are so inclined. If a car tour is more your speed, consider taking the ten kilometer scenic drive and end with a picnic in the Never Never day use area. Picnics can also be enjoyed at The Glade, where brush turkeys are frequent visitors, and also at the Rainforest Center. The Rainforest Center is a destination in itself with its interactive displays and simulated rainforest environments. There is also a shop onsite where you can take home rainforest related souvenirs.
There are no accommodations inside the park, but the nearby town of Dorrigo contains many nice hotels and bed and breakfasts, and is worthy of a visit in its own right. Sitting right in the heart of rainforest country, Dorrigo is a great home base when exploring the region’s scenic drives and national parks. The best time to visit the park is in the spring when the climate is mild and dry. Be prepared for higher periods of rainfall in the summer months, and cooler temperatures in the winter.
