Australia and New Zealand, located
in the Southern Hemisphere, are islands. Australia has many beautiful beaches, the Outback, and the Great Barrier Reef, the largest living coral reef in the
world. Australia’s unique wildlife includes the kangaroo, the koala, the Tasmanian Devil,
and many others. Visit the Outback and learn about the Aboriginal people. Beautiful pearls
are found in Australia’s waters. Diamonds and Opals are mined within Australia and can be purchased
quite economically. New Zealand is comprised of several islands. Its indigenous people are the
Maori who are considered Polynesian. The scenery of New Zealand should seem familiar as the
Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed in New Zealand. All types of water sports are available,
along with hiking, caving, birdwatching, and visiting the volcanic areas.
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TRAVEL TO AUSTRALIA
Australia’s nickname is ‘the Land Down Under’.
It is located on a continent that is an island. Australia is renowned for its variety of landscapes.
There are cosmopolitan cities, beautiful golden beaches, deserts (The Outback), and the
largest coral reef in the world (The Great Barrier Reef). Australia is a large country whose
size is comparable to the size of the continental United States. Australian beaches are famous
for their surfing. When swimming at the beaches, only swim in areas marked as currently patrolled
by lifeguards. Jellyfish, sharks, and crocodiles are found in Australia’s waters so practice
water safety by only swimming in designated areas. Make sure to take your sunscreen.
Australia is very close to the Ozone hole and the sun’s rays are very strong.
Travel to Sydney: Sydney is the oldest
European settlement in Australia. Known as ‘the Harbour City' Sydney is considered
one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Sydney has stunning scenery with its beautiful
harbour, golden Pacific beaches, and nearby Blue Mountains . The two most famous
landmarks of Sydney are the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Other places worth visiting include the Sydney Aquarium, Taronga Zoo,
Koala Park Sanctuary, and Darling Harbour.
Try taking a walking tour of Sydney where you will see The Rocks (a historical district),
Circular Quay, the Sydney Observatory, and the Royal Botanical
Gardens. Don’t forget to visit some of the many famous beaches including Bondi Beach,
Coogee Beach, Cronulla Beach, or Palm Beach.
Travel to Melbourne: Melbourne has stunning
Victorian era architecture. Melbourne claims to the ‘cultural capital of Australia’
since many cultural events are held in the city throughout the year. There are many fine museums,
galleries and large open parks in the city. Melbourne’s population is quite diverse and almost every
type of food imaginable can be found here. Melbourne also has an extremely active live music scene.
Shopping opportunities abound throughout the city with a variety of malls, boutiques, and funky
stores available.
Travel to Perth: Perth is located in far South Western
Australia. It is quite remote and is actually closer to Jakarta than to Sydney
or Melbourne. Due to its isolation, Perth has unique local music scene
with interesting combinations of various styles. The local music venues have helped dub the city
‘the new Seattle’. Make sure to visit the Perth Mint, the Perth Zoo,
and Kings Park. Visit the beaches, although strong sunscreen is advised. As the beaches
are on the open ocean make sure to only swim within the marked areas that are actively being
patrolled. Perth is located near the Swan Valley wineries.
Visit a winery for wine tasting. Broome pearls, Argyle diamonds,
and Perth Gold are all available for purchase in Perth.
Travel to Cairns: Cairns is a small city
focused on tourism. Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree National
Forest, Port Douglas, and the Atherton Tablelands. Tours to the Great Barrier Reef
depart from Port Douglas and Cairns. Great Barrier Reef tours can include snorkeling or
scuba diving the reef. Daintree National Forest, the world’s oldest Rainforest, must not
be missed. See Mossman Gorge, view birds and other wildlife, take Aboriginal walking tours. At
Cape Tribulation, also in Daintree National Park see beaches, mangroves, and
swamps. This is where the tropical rainforest meets the Coral reef. Take a tour
and see many interesting features including a river which is saltwater on one side,
freshwater on the other side. View crocodiles, some over 30 feet. The Atherton Tablelands
is a slightly elevated region whose climate is green, cool, and quite fresh. Visit the market in
Yungaburra or the woodcraft village of Tolga. Visit Chillagoe and
see the limestone caves and old copper mines. Take a tour of the Waterfall Circuit
starting in Millaa Millaa.
Travel to The Outback : The Outback
is a large region of desert land unsuitable for farming. Some marginal areas are used
for sheep and cattle farming. Alice Springs is a launching point for local
attractions. Visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and see Uluru, formerly known
as Ayers Rock. This area is considered sacred by the Aboriginal tribes, so
watch signs carefully and only climb or hike in allowed areas. Take a helicopter ride or a balloon
ride. Take a hiking tour or even ride a camel. Stargazing is quite popular in
the Outback. The area is so remote there is very little light pollution, making star gazing
quite successful. Many mines exist throughout the Outback. Visit Coober Pedy, the ‘opal capital
of the world’ . Take a mine tour of an overworked mine. Due to the excessive heat, many people
in Coober Pedy live in caves. Visit the Greek Orthodox Church and the
Catholic Church, both located in caves. Many scenes from Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome
were filmed in Coober Pedy.
TRAVEL TO NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand
extends over several islands. The North Island is the location of the Auckland.
The South Island is the location of Christchurch and is more rural. New Zealand is perfectly
suited for all types of outdoor adventures because of its stunning landscapes. Outdoor adventures
available in New Zealand include hiking through volcanic regions, caving, and white water rafting.
Take a train through the countryside to see the striking countryside. All kinds of water sports
are available including swimming with dolphins, surfing, diving, sailing, and whale watching.
Several months of the year winter mountain sports are available including skiing, snowboarding,
glacier skiing, and glacier walks. There are many wineries in New Zealand that produce world class
wines.
Travel to Auckland: Auckland,
located on the North Island, is known as ‘the city of sails’ due to the large number
of yachts that anchor nearby. Auckland is also the largest city in Polynesia.
In Auckland make sure to visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Zoo,
Stardome Observatory, and the Otara Flea Market.
Three hours drive from Auckland is Rotorua, built over a geothermal hot
spot. Rotorua is in the middle of the Taupo Volcanic Zone and there are many
hot springs and geysers. Visit Okere Falls, the Wkakarewarewa Thermal Village,
Te Puia, Rotorua is famous for its Maori culture and many local crafts
are available for purchase.
Travel to Christchurch: Christchurch,
located on the South Island, has a distinctive old English feeling. The River Avon flows through
the city. Trees grow so freely throughout the city and suburbs that it is also called ‘the Garden city'.
When in the city visit Christchurch Cathedral, the Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens, the Canterbury
Museum,the International Arctic Centre, and Orana Wildlife Park.
