Susanne Surrounded by the Indian and South Pacific Oceans, Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. With its breath-taking landscapes and its generous hospitality, Australia has become a very popular destination, attracting around 6 million tourists each year. This nation of immigrants boasts numerous tourist attractions which range from vibrant urban centers to amazing wildlife and natural diversity. The good weather in Australia, hot and humid from September to March and drier and cooler from April to September, is another reason that attracts so many travelers every year.
Thinking about spending your holiday in Australia? Let us take you on a virtual tour of this interesting country.
Main destinations:
Exploring Sydney: Located on the southeast coast of Australia, Sydney has a pleasant climate and is set in a beautiful environment. With its interesting history, large population and convenient public transportation services, Sydney is the most important economic, cultural and political center in Australia. There are many interesting and famous sights you should not miss while visiting the city:
- The Sydney Opera House is locatedon Bennelong Point in Sydney Harbour; it is a multifunctional art center and was constructed from large overlapping “shells”. Today it is Sydney’s most iconic building and recognized across the world.
- Harbour Bridge: One of the most popular activities among tourists is a walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which has a total length of 1,150m. From this bridge you can take in the panorama of the entire Sydney Harbour.
- Darling Harbour is the most vibrant tourist and shopping center and is also the location of many major conferences and festivals. Make sure to visit the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, which was one of the venues for the 2000 Summer Olympic Games.
- Sydney Aquarium is the largest aquarium of the world. It contains over 600 species of underwater creatures. Visitors can enjoy this fascinating underwater world in see-through tunnels made from acrylic glass. This aquarium also features a recreation of the Great Barrier Reef.
- The Rocks is a sandstone village located in the city centre, which records the first settlement of Sydney in 1788. Make sure not to miss the Rocks Market, which opens during the weekend and provides a variety of uniquely Australian products.
- Bondi beach: Located 7 km east of the business district, Bondi beach is the most famous beach in Sydney. Its total length is about 1 km. You can participate in different activities such as diving, surfing, beach volleyball etc. An underwater net protects visitors from any shark attacks.
Experiencing Melbourne: the second largest city in Australia has a population of 3.1 million inhabitants. Melbourne is the most European metropolis in Australia. Its European style is reflected not only by the many elegant Victorian buildings of the 19th century in the city centre but also by the atmosphere created by the warm cafés, bookshops and old facades.
- The Yarra River flows through the urban area of Melbourne and irrigates hundreds of green areas around the city. The attractively landscaped gardens and parks provide some peace and quiet and an enjoyable stroll beneath the skyscrapers of the Central Business District, past Victorian-era facades and along tree-lined boulevards by the river allow you to enjoy Melbourne’s quality of life.
- After World War II, like Sydney, Melbourne became the second home for many European Immigrants, especially those coming from Greece. Statistical data show that Melbourne is the thirdlargest Greek city after Athens and Thessaloniki. It is no surprise that you can taste a variety of Greek-style cheeses, meats and vegetables, but you can also sample delicatessen from other countries, even far-away places such as Vietnam and Lebanon. Melbourne is a truly “foodie mecca”.
- One more thing to mention for Melbourne is the “Melbourne Cup”. The “Melbourne Cup” is the international thoroughbred horse race that always takes place in the spring season. Local residents really dress up for this up-scale occasion and women wear elegant hats and dresses. The grounds are adorned with more 200 varieties of fragrant roses.
Brisbane Australia— Located in the southeast coast of Australia, Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland, has a population of 140 million, is the third largest city in Australia. Brisbane is home to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, one of the few places where you can still hold these adorable furry creatures. Fortunately, strict rules limit the cuddling time to no more than 30 minutes a day. Brisbane also offers many parks, gardens and museums to explore.
- The Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens have tropical plants, rain forests and a Japanese Garden. Make sure to visit the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, which is the largest in Australia, ideal for exploring the stars of the Southern Hemisphere.
- South Bank Parklands: located on the southern bank of the Brisbane River, this area features several attractions including the Queensland Conservatorium, the Nepal Peace Pagoda, the Wheel of Brisbane, the Streets Beach and a riverfront promenade. Restaurants and shops add to the popularity of this area which often hosts festivals and special events.
- Brisbane’s City Hall: once the tallest building in Brisbane, this gorgeous Italianate style circular concert hall features a magnificent auditorium whose architecture is based on the Pantheon in Rome.
- Stroll in the Fortitude Valley: Fortitude Valley is one of the northern neighborhoods of Brisbane where you can enjoy a diverse mix of shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
City life in Australia is very vibrant and colorful. However, Australia is also a country full of abundant and unique wildlife. In our next article we will explore the natural side of Australia.
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