We looked at all sports of places when planning our honeymoon

Honeymoon Story: By Tom

We looked at all sports around Australia when planning our honeymoon. A very popular option is the Northern Territory. Although it is little bit expensive. We fly from London to Australia.

Getting Around the Northern Territory

Unless you have got plenty of time, making at least some of your journeys by air is the best way to deal with the vast spaces of the Northern Territory. You can easily fly between Darwin and Alice Springs and Yulara (the airport that serves Uluru (Ayers Rock)), and there are also small airlines that offer flights to Arnhem Land and other remote regions.

A trip on the Ghan from Alice Springs to Darwin or vice versa is also an experience not to be missed. There are also bus and coach services linking the NT with other major centres, and there are local buses running from Darwin and Alice Springs into the immediate areas.

There are three main roads that serve the Northern Territory, and deviating off these highways may only be possible if you have a 4WD vehicle. The Stuart Highway head south to Adelaide, the Barkly Highway east to Queensland via Mount Isa, and the Victoria Highway, which heads westwards towards and unsealed road into Western Australia.
 
 
It’s absolutely fascinating and was our best ever trip experience. Just make sure you do it in some comfort and avoid to going any restaurants and you'll love it. We use Air tickets travel agents to organize everything, from being picked up at the airport to arranging tour guides etc - it avoids the hassle that can come with travelling in Australia.
 
 

Fast Facts Northern Territory

State Capital: Darwin

Population: 200,000 (50% in Darwin)

Area: 1.42 million sq km (548,640 sq miles)

Climate: The dry season in the Top End lasts from April to September and the wet from October to March. The heaviest rain falls between January and March. The highest humidity occurs in April and between October and December. This part of Australia is the most prone to storms and Darwin has more than 90 “thunder days” a year, between September and March. In the Red Centre, temperatures can fluctuate wildly, from below freezing on winter nights (June to August), to the mid 40s on summer days (November to March). The best time to visit the NT, both the Red Centre and the Top End, is in June and July.

Time: GMT +9 ½ hours

Weekend Breaks to The Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is the least populated of the Australian states, being home to just 1% of the total population, yet it covers 1/5 of Australia’s landmass.

The Northern Territory can be divided into its Red Centre, where you will find the iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Alice Springs, the Top End, a tropical wetland of National Parks, the territory capital Darwin, and loosely the “bit in between” which connects Alice Springs with the coast.

Officially, the Northern Territory is not a state – previously it has come under the administration of New South Wales and South Australia, and by the Federal Government but has been self-governed since the late 1970s, though Canberra does take more of an active part in the administration of the Northern Territory than it does in that of the other states.

The Northern Territory can be split into distinct regions – Darwin and its surrounds, The Top End (Kakadu and Arnhem Land), Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, and the Red Centre

To learn more about Northern Territory and book your flights, accommodation, attractions and touring then visit Cheap Tickets to Australia or Air tickets to Australa

Cities

• Alice Springs
• Arnhem Land
• Darwin
• Gulf of Carpentaria
• Kakadu
• Katherine Region
• Litchfield National Park
• Tennant Creek and the Barkly Region
• Tiwi Islands

Port Stephens - honeymoon getaways

Blue water paradise, the name often given to Port Stephens, goes a long way to explaining why this region of New South Wales is hot on the list of destinations for those visiting Australia. The name was adopted because of the stunning marine surroundings of the area.

The first known inhabitants of Port Stephens were the aborigine Worimi tribe. This tribe had some strange customs, for example all women of the tribe had the first joint of their little finger removed, which was then dropped in local fishing waters, in the belief that fish would be attracted to the hand of those whose fingers it belonged to!!! Interestingly, the first Europeans to live amongst the tribe were 5 escaped convicts in the late 1800s. The Worimi tribe befriended the convicts and offered them wives, by whom some had children, a far cry from the dismal life the convicts would otherwise have faced!!

On the East Coast and about 2 and a half hours north of Sydney, Port Stephens is more than a stop over, it is a first class destination in its own rights. Port Stephens has its finger on the pulse, but in a more laid back way than its more crowded neighbour Sydney. The only essentials to pack for a trip here are your sunnies, thongs and a pair of fins for snorkelling or diving.


What to do in Port Stephens
Beaches: With over 19 miles of pristine sandy beaches, you’d be forgiven for doing nothing more than settling down for a day on the beach, reading this summer’s bestseller and placing a ‘do not disturb’ sign next to your beach towel. If you’re really ready to let it all hang loose, you could pop over to have a swim at the local nudist beach!

Dune boarding and quad bikes: Stockton Beach has sand dunes over 30 metres high! Just imagine the blood pumping through your veins as you hurtle down them at breakneck speed with nothing but a sand board between you and the dunes. This is so much fun it should be illegal! Never fear, this is one place you’re guaranteed a soft landing!! Local operators also hire out quad bikes and sand buggies to climb the giant dunes.

Camel Treks: If you’d rather sit back and view the scenic vistas in a relaxing way, then a ship of the desert is just the thing for you. Camel treks are available from local tour operators, ask at the visitor information. The only dilemma you’ll need to think about is ‘one hump or two?!’

Dolphin and Whale Watching: Port Stephens is known as the dolphin capital of Australia. There are between 150 to 200 resident bottlenose dolphins in the bay and they’re even friendlier than the locals! You are almost guaranteed to see them and many take a dip in the warm waters with them. As if that wasn’t enough, over 500 humpback whales swim through the area on their annual migrations, providing ample opportunity to observe these graceful giants of the sea. Organised whale watching tours operate throughout the migration seasons, usually May to July and September to November.

Australian Shark and Ray Centre: A once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with sharks and rays. Don a wetsuit and snorkel amongst Port Jackson sharks or swim amongst the rays that seem to glide effortlessly around you. The resident Tawny Nurse shark is likely to check you out, but only to see if you’re up for a friendly pat! Time your visit for ‘Feeding Frenzy’ and you’ll be sharing the water with large numbers of sharks and rays all looking to pick up a tasty morsel – but don’t worry, you’re not on the menu!

Wildlife: In addition to the wonderful sea life, Port Stephens is home to a large number of different animal and bird species that you’ll be pushed to find elsewhere. This is an animal lover’s paradise. As you walk, keep one eye on the ground to spot the mouse sized Brown Antechinus. You’ll be hard pushed to spot one in winter time though, as the male of the species die in mid-August, after a mating frenzy! Other amazing animal facts include the Northern Brown Bandicoot, also found in Port Stephens, which has the shortest gestation period of any mammal in the world, their young are born just 12 days after conception!

Keen bird watchers could also be in for a treat, as the rare and endangered Peregrine Falcons live and hunt around the region. Just as rare are the Goulds Petrels, who can be found on Cabbage Tree Island, the only place in the Southern Hemisphere where these birds nest. Other nesting birds in the area are the Mutton birds, which congregate on Broughton Island in their hundreds in November, where each year they choose the same partner to mate with and lay their eggs in the same burrow as previous years! Also breeding on Broughton Island are the Fairy Penguins, although they can be seen throughout the year in other coastal areas within the region.

Galleries and Museums: There are a host of local galleries and museums, including Port Stephens Shell Museum which holds a fascinating array of rare and exotic shells.

Walking: This is a wonderful way to get around the region. Choose from coastal walks around the bay, bush walks through the national parks, or best of all take a ‘koala walk’ through Mallabula to see these iconic cute and cuddly creatures in their natural habitat. If you want to exert yourself a bit more, try walking up Gan Gan Hill, Port Stephen’s highest lookout, for stunning views right across the region. There are numerous scenic walks in and around Port Stephens, some are heritage trails that will educate you in local history as you walk between historical sites (try the Nelson Bay Heritage Trail), or take a walk to the lighthouse at Nelson Head, where you can explore the walls within and then settle in with a cup of cha with views overlooking the bay.

Native Flora: Port Stephens is blooming with different flora in beauty and abundance! For example, did you know that the area has 45 species of known native orchids? At certain times of year the Pixie cap orchid covers the ground in some areas in thousands. You will see native wild flowers in most bush and coastal areas of Port Stephens, but to really focus on them, what better way than to take a trip out to the Native Flora Gardens at the crest of Fly Point Park, take a walk round, breathing deeply to take in the scent of your beautiful surroundings, alive with native flora.


Whether you choose to laze on the beach, hurtle down the sand dunes, or take it easy in the local cafes, Port Stephens offers a beautiful serene backdrop and a year round temperate climate to explore all the possibilities. It’s no wonder it’s such a favourite amongst residents of Sydney who travel here on holidays to escape the crowds of their home town.

Holidays to Newcastle - Holidays for Couples

Newcastle is Australia’s sixth largest and second oldest city, which in itself indicates just how much it has to offer.

Historically, Newcastle started out as a coal mining centre when large coal deposits were discovered by a party out hunting escaped convicts. Needless to say, if any convicts in nearby cities caused disruption they were sharply transferred to Newcastle to mine the coal!

Back in the 19th century, Newcastle actually gained a reputation as a particularly nasty place to be due to its arduous penal regimes. It contained NSW’s major prison, housing over 1000 convicts. Ralph Rashleigh, one of those ex-convicts, wrote a book in 1840, in which he describes dung-eating, flogging and murder as regular occurrences at the Newcastle penal colony!

The city has changed hugely since the older coal mining days and now represents a stark contrast between historic and contemporary buildings vying for attention alongside each other and providing an interesting landscape. It is not only the architecture that provides an unusual backdrop, Newcastle is also the only Australian city centre that stretches out into the sea, creating an environment where beaches and cityscape exist closely side by side, together with a vibrant working harbour that gives a buzz to the city. Add to the mix a large number of elegant parks and gardens, together with stylish bars and restaurants that would be at home in the likes of Sydney and Melbourne and you have a very exciting destination.

What to do in Newcastle
Beaches: The area is home to some very well known beaches, including Nobbys and Stockton. It would be worth coming for the beaches alone, although they really are just a small part of what Newcastle is about. However, this stretch of coastline is stunning and the locals thought so too, so they created a 5km coastal walkway that takes in the beauty of the area and called it Bathers Way. Walking ‘Bathers’ is a must do!

Surfing: Newcastle is yet another NSW surf highlight – this province has been blessed with conditions that excite the local surf brigade. Don’t worry if you’ve never set foot on a surf board, there are plenty of local schools who make it their mission to get you out on the waves!

Harbour Attractions: You really don’t have to go very far to enjoy the delights of Newcastle as the harbour itself offers so much. Being a working harbour, it is very much the hub of activity and a great place to hang out with a coffee in one of the waterside cafes and watch all sorts of colourful characters! The activity is on several levels: alongside the workers you will find that the locals also flock to the foreshore to jog, cycle, roller blade, fly kites or meet with friends. It is a truly sociable place! What’s more, it is surrounded by large park areas perfect for family picnics. A trip to Newcastle would not be complete without checking out the harbour foreshore!

Art and Culture: It is perhaps a well kept secret but art is to Newcastle what Bondi is to Sydney! Newcastle has a thriving arts and cultural scene. Not only does it have a fabulous selection of art galleries that hold both resident collections and impressive travelling exhibitions, but it is also a place that international artists, performers and entertainers regularly include in their tours. As for local talent, Newcastle has a lot to shout about, with a wealth of home grown talent emerging across all genres, making a name for themselves and increasing the city’s reputation. There is always the chance to get involved and nurture your own talents too. The city’s Livesites offers over 100 days of free cultural events, demonstrations and workshops, so why not spice up your life with a course in belly dancing?!

For an off the wall approach to art, why not visit and marvel at the ‘weird echo spot’ at the corner of Watt St and King St! Marcus Westbury, founder of the local ‘This is Not Art’ annual arts and media festival in Newcastle, discovered this architectural spot where you can experience strange echoing audio effects and accoustics by standing on one particular brick! Not surprisingly, the weird echo spot made it into the festival’s ‘Alternative Guide to the City’. Go check it out and be amazed!!!!

Bushwalking: Combine walking with nature at Blackbutt Nature Reserve, only 10 minutes outside of the city. There are numerous walking trails through the reserve, where you will see the local wildlife in their natural habitats. For a closer look, the reserve also has special facilities for close ups with all the iconic aussie creatures, including koalas, kangaroos and wombats which makes it a perfect family day out. And if you’ve still got energy left over, continue on to Glenrock State Conservation Area, a large expanse of native coastal bush land with rocky trails leading over creeks and waterfalls to the beautiful Glenrock lagoon.

The Bogey Hole: Newcastle’s Bogey Hole is the name given to NSW’s oldest ocean bath. At the foot of Shepherd’s Hill and King Edward Park, this bath was built in the 1820s for the personal use of Commandant James Morrisset but has since been enlarged and is now used as a public swimming area.

Museums and Heritage Buildings: For the history buffs amongst you, Newcastle will not disappoint! There are numerous museums and heritage buildings to explore. Start with Fort Scratchley and the Maritime and Military Museum and from there on take a tour of Christ Church Cathedral. Then on to Customs House, previously a lumber yard and now one of Newcastle’s most architecturally impressive heritage buildings. Finish off by hopping onto the famed city tram that takes you through a historical tour of the city.

Getting to and from Newcastle

By Air: Newcastle Airport is the fastest expanding regional airport in the whole of Australia and currently offers direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, The Gold Coast and Brisbane.

By Road: Only a 2 hour drive north of Sydney, Newcastle is accessible from the main highways of F3, Pacific Highway, New England Highway and the Golden Highway.

By Rail: There are regular return services daily from Sydney and other NSW cities, Newcastle being part of the NSW City Rail Network. There are also country link trains connecting to other major cities nationwide.

By Coach: Hop onto one of the Greyhound coaches for destinations all over Australia.

We've got just the right places for Couples Holidays. So come and dip your toes in unique destination for romantic holiday. Book cheap tickets Australia and air tickets to Australia now!

Hunter Valley a Romantic getaway

Hunter Valley is one of Australia's premier wine growing districts
Whoever said Australia was all about beach and bush had clearly never been to the Hunter Valley region! How does mile after mile of vineyards sound for starters? Having now captured your attention, sit tight for a ride through Australia’s oldest wine growing region.

Only a 2 hour drive from Sydney, the Hunter Valley is home to an estimated 120 wineries, offering a vintage suited to every wine connoisseur’s palate, not to mention those of the novices! Here you will find everything from boutique to internationally acclaimed vineyards, offering the full spectrum of Chardonnays through to Shiraz, with a particular speciality in Semillons (which has been described as ‘Australia’s unique gift to the world’!).

What to do in Hunter Valley

Wine Tasting: It is suggested that you put at least a whole day aside for tasting, but then again why stop at 1? Once you get started you’ll probably wish you’d saved 3 days to sample the local grape. For hard core tasters, the doors of many wineries open at 9.30 in the morning, plenty of time to take a tour and even to cycle from one winery to another, stopping for lunch in between. See if you can cycle in a straight line by the end of the day!

Eating: The surroundings are a rural delight but the attractions do not end at the cellar door. Not only is the Hunter Valley a wine lover’s paradise, but it is also ‘foodie’ heaven. Good food and good wine have always gone hand in hand and the Hunter Valley is no exception. Expect to find cheese factories, delis, organic farm shops selling an eye boggling array of chutneys, jams and jellies, alongside numerous other culinary delights. The restaurants range from classy to rustic, but the general theme that runs through all is apparent - first class food and wine (although there is a good range of locally produced beers too!) served up in the mild climate and spectacular rural backdrop of the Valley. There are opportunities to join local wine and cooking schools too for wannabe Gordon Ramsays. To top off the day’s over-indulgence, it is a must to call in at the Hunter Valley Chocolate Factory, to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Music: Often with wine, comes sophisticated culture. Make your trip even more memorable by combining it with one of the many scheduled fairs, festivals, markets and events that are put on throughout the region annually. Carrying names such as ‘Opera in the Vineyards’, Tamburlaine Twilight Concert’ and ‘Jazz in the Vines’, who could fail to enjoy an alfresco evening in the company of fine wine and music?

Leisure Activities: The region offers far more than just gourmet delights however. To expunge the morning’s muzzy head, why not play a round of golf, or take a leisurely ride out through the Valley on a four footed friend, run by one of the local horse trek operators? The Upper Hunter area around Scone is one of the largest horse breeding areas in the world. You’re more likely to get a sure footed Dobbin than a fast paced Shergar for your trek, but that is probably not a bad thing. Alternatively, cruise down Hunter River in a canoe, or go bushwalking in nearby Barrington Tops National Park and mingle with the local birdlife. Better still, fly high above the vineyards in a hot air balloon, leaving at sunrise for full effect.

Shopping, Art and Relaxation: Or perhaps just meander lazily around the antiques shops and local artist’s studios and galleries. There is a real community feel and a slow pace of life that is infectious. At the end of a long but quite frankly relaxing day, why not indulge in further relaxation by booking into one of the region’s health spas. Can anybody have too much of a good thing?

With all of the above and more, it’s no wonder the Hunter Valley is Australia’s 6th most visited place according to tourism figures! It’s the perfect place to wind down, which is, after all, what a holiday should be all about.

Looking for Hunter Valley romantic retreat for two? Cheap Tickets and Air Tickets provide great deals on Hunter Valley romantic getaways.

Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley Travel planner

• Day 1.
  Sydney to Katoomba (2 hours 130 km). After the buzz and excitement of Sydney, head to the Blue Mountains, named for their distinctive blue haze caused by oil evaporating from millions of gum trees, and home to over 1500 species of plants and plenty of birds and wildlife. There are several small attractive towns along the way and the area is well set up for visitors — it’s a favourite spot for Sydney ciders to get away to in the weekends. Go bushwalking, see waterfalls, visit the antique shops, take a rail car ride ride up the mountains or a horse trek.

• Day 2.
  Spend the day exploring the towns of Leura and Katoomba. Visit the Wentworth Falls and take a drive to the Jenolan Caves to see the limestone formations. Have a picnic lunch somewhere in the park, or in one of the many private gardens open to visitors, or perhaps a game of golf at one of the five courses in the area before returning to your accommodation.

• Day 3.
  Leaving the Blue Mountains area travel to the Hunter Valley wine region via the pretty towns of Richmond and Windsor to Cessnock (2 hours 160 km). The drive takes in some typical Australian countryside and you are likely to see some wildlife along the way. From here you can explore the Hunter Valley wine region.

• Day 4.
  Pick up a wine country map and visit the vineyards for tasting and purchasing wines — there are over 50 wineries in the lower Hunter region. There are also plenty of cheeses and other specialty foods available and some outstanding cafes, antique and craft shops. There are several festivals held throughout the year as well so you may get the chance to enjoy opera in the Vineyards, Art Festivals, Jazz in the Vines, Harvest or Budburst festivals (check with the local Tourist Information Services). Visit the towns of Scone, Maitland, Pokolbin, Broke and Kurri Kurri.

• Day 5.
  Cessnock to Port Stephens and Sydney via Pacific Highway (200 km 2.5 hours) Drive to Port Stephens and Nelson Bay where you can go on a dolphin watching cruise and visit a koala habitat. Return south to Sydney down the Pacific Highway.

Holidays to Byron Bay

In the previous topic, i was discussing about "Adelaide outdoor cinema guide".
I am now in "Byron Bay" and my plan is to stay here and spend my last week in Byron Bay and enjoy the nature. I believe there is much “germs” in the air of Byron Bay.

In the 1970s, Byron Bay was well and truly put on the map by surf junkies and it has firmly retained its foothold as a surfing mecca ever since. In keeping with the 1970s, Byron Bay also gained a reputation for being a hippie hangout. Even today, the Bay tends to attract the less conventional beach goer, but this only adds to the peaceful, laid back vibe of the place, which in itself is one of the main attractions. No city slickers in suits here. Just a relaxed way of life where the most difficult decision you need to make in a day is whether to ride a wave, swim with dolphins, or lay back and enjoy one of the many therapeutic massages on offer. It’s a tough life but someone’s got to do it!

The Bay itself is located on Cape Byron, the most easterly point of Australia, about 600 km north of Sydney and 140 km south of Brisbane.

So escape the high rise cities and take yourself down to the most laidback bay in Australia, for some down time, superb undeveloped beaches, chill out music and surf galore. Like many before you, you may find that you never want to leave this unspoilt slice of paradise.

What to do in Byron Bay

Surfing: There is an inevitable emphasis on water activities, not surprising since this is where temperate and tropical waters merge, making it an absolute pleasure to sink deep into the bays watery womb. But what if you don’t know your rips from your swells? Never fear, for if there is anywhere in the world to learn surfing, this has got to be one of the best! So hang ten and join one of the many surf classes on offer and before you know it you’ll be off on the crest of a wave (if you can hang onto the board long enough!).

Diving: For those who prefer the beauty of what lies beneath, head to Julian Rocks, a short boat ride from Main Beach for some thrilling underwater encounters. Hard core divers have rated Julian Rocks amongst the top 10 dive sites in the whole of Australia – go there before the news gets out!

Boating and Whale Watching: If you prefer to be ‘on’ the water rather than ‘in’ the water, head out on a boat charter or even hire a sailing yacht if you’re willing to take the helm! At certain times of year, Cape Byron is a passageway for humpback whales migrating north and there are spectacular opportunities to enjoy the awesome experience of whale watching. The size of these magnificent mammals has to be seen to be believed. If you’re unlucky enough to miss out on the whales, you are almost certain to spot pods of bottlenose dolphins that frequent the bays almost daily.

Walking: Perhaps you never discovered your sea legs and you’d rather remain on terra firma? Why not just relax in one of the hip cafes overlooking the bays, treat yourself to a leisurely lunch and then walk it off by taking the 5km walking trail up to the headlands to see the famed lighthouse, looking downwards at the jaw dropping scenes. On your way back down you can take in the splendour of exotic palms and flowers in the nearby lush sub-tropical coastal rainforest. Reward yourself for the effort by stopping in at one of truly luxurious health retreats on offer and let someone else soothe the aches and pains away, while you dream of supper overlooking the bay at sunset.

Biking: Or you could try an altogether very different way of taking in the Bay’s attractions. Be the envy of friends and family by regaling them with tales of your laid back biker trip round the coastline on the back of a Harley Davidson! You can even see the sights from above by tandem hang gliding – an experienced instructor is of course the recommended buddy! And for those that prefer 2 muddy wheels, there are numerous natural reserves to explore on mountain bike. Feel the adrenalin rush of the steep downhills before stopping off for a well earned beer.

Shopping: It doesn’t end there. After indulging in the natural delights on offer, why not sample the tastes and textures of the local roving markets? Ask any of the locals and they’ll soon give you the low down. Byron Bay’s markets are known for miles around and offer up everything from delicious home-made organic cuisine to new age and local crafts. It’s the perfect place to buy all your travel gifts. There is something for everyone, not least of all the kids who will thoroughly enjoy the face painting artists who can create a visual work of art on even the naughtiest liveliest little devils!

Sleeping

Despite the laid back bohemian feel of Byron Bay, you are not restricted to staying in a ‘PEACE’ painted ‘love bus’ parked at the edge of the beach, there are accommodation options to suit all tastes and pockets here, including some rather up-market suites. Or at the other end of the scale, if you want to feel ‘at one’ with nature, you could head to Broken Head Nature Reserve where the rainforest truly does meet the sea, with pristine sandy beach acting as go-between. This is the only Reserve in which you are permitted to pitch a tent, so why not make the most of it and settle down under the doona to the cacophony of bird calls and cicadas, while re-living the memories of classic scenes from the cult surf movie ‘Morning Of The Earth’, filmed at Broken Head. What better way to end a day? 

Adelaide outdoor cinema guide

ENJOY watching the stars under the stars with our guide to the best outdoor cinemas in Adelaide.

FORD FIESTA MOONLIGHT CINEMA
Snuggle into Adelaide's Moonlight Cinema in the lovely Botanic Park with chairs, blankets and beds available for hire.

Starts: November 20, 2010 - February 25, 2011. Gates open at 7pm; movie starts at approximately 8.00pm

Where: Botanic Park, Hackney Road, Adelaide

Screening: Everything from Lesbian thriller Chloe to Sci-Fi hybrid Monster. Check out the film schedule here.

Price: Adults from $20

Tip: If your group is larger than 20 people, you can get special seating and discounted tickets.


ADELAIDE OUTDOOR CINEMA
Uleybury Wines have teamed up with Adelaide Outdoor Cinema to present "Sunset Cinemas," running all summer on the winery's lovely grounds.

Starts: December 18, 2010 - January 30, 2011. Screenings begin at sunset.

Where: Uleybury Wines, Uley Road, Uleybury

Screening: Loads of family friendly films like The Grinch and Finding Nemo

Cheap Tickets to Adelaide

What to do in Sydney

Sydney Opera House: Any trip to Sydney is not complete without donning your finery and settling in for a night's entertainment at the country's famed Opera House.

Botanic Gardens: On the fringe of the harbour you will stumble across the beauty of Sydney’s Botanic Gardens, home to a large colony of native fruit bats. If you dare to look upwards towards the sky, you might just see a dozen pairs of eyes looking back at you from the tree tops!

Coast: Move a little further from Sydney suburbia and you will discover mile upon mile of unspoilt coastline, World Heritage listed national parks, ancient cave art, tumbling waterfalls and rocky inlets and bays just the ticket for exploring by kayak.

Fishing: Or why not take a boat out to one of the countless fishing spots and kick back with a beer, waiting for the bite. Later on, wow your friends by cooking up the day’s catch on a beach barbie with sundowners. This is Sydney life as the locals know it. You weren’t lucky enough to catch a bite? Don’t worry, just head to Sydney’s daily Fish Market, ranked 2nd largest in the world, home to over 100 different types of fish. Your friends will never know!

Driving: Hire a car the following day to cruise the Grand Pacific Drive from the Royal National Park to North Wollongong through scenic coastal rainforest, via roads flanked with sheer cliffs and across the impressive Sea Cliff Bridge, an awe inspiring journey that show cases some of the local scenic delights, on the way through to quaint little seaside villages.

Relaxation and culture: Follow by a leisurely round of golf on one of Sydney’s many luxury courses, or visit Sydney’s number one tourist attraction, the world renowned Sydney Aquarium and come nose to nose with sharks (through the glass of course!). Anyone for an aria? Inject some culture into your day by taking a backstage tour of the amazing Sydney Opera House, stepping, literally, onto the same stage shared by the world’s most famous singers, dancers and entertainers.

Sydney Harbour Bridge: For the more active, there is always the Harbour Bridge climb. As you steady your nerves on the climb, spare a thought for the Bridge painters who spend day upon day suspended at terrifying heights in order to maintain Sydney’s famed bridge in all its splendour. The surface area is equal to roughly 60 sports pitches – that’s a lot of paint! Did you know that in the 1970s actor Paul Hogan worked on the Harbour Bridge before finding fame in ‘Crocodile Dundee’?

Adrenalin Activities: If heights aren’t your thing but adrenalin is, then why not cook up a storm amongst the sand dunes in a quad bike or buggy. You won’t see your mates for dust! And if that’s not enough adrenalin for one day, take a white knuckle jet boat ride and experience terrifyingly fast sideways slides and powerful stops from breakneck speed.

Festivals: Remember too that Sydney is host to a whole array of different festivals and events, from the colourful costumes of the Mardi Gras Parade to mellow moods and tunes of Manly Jazz Festival. Organise your trip to coincide and you could be in for a treat.

Sydney - 2011

Once known as ‘Sin City’ for beginning life as a penal colony in 1788, Sydney is perhaps Australia’s most talked about city and for good reason too. Superficially it is stunning. It has been said that if there was a global competition for best beaches, Sydney would be disqualified for unfair advantage! However, there is much more to Sydney than stretches of golden coastline and the iconic Opera House. Sydney is a cultural hot pot bubbling over with colour, excitement and verve. Over 60% of New South Wales’ population resides in Sydney making it undoubtedly the social hub of this sunshine State. If party fever is on the menu then you’ve come to the right place! Scratch the surface however and you will see that Sydney is not all brawn and no brain, it offers so much more than a bronzed body on Bondi beach.

Spilling over from the party central of the CBD, Sydney’s suburbs become less mini Manhattan and more gentrified, offering bohemian houses nestled in leafy locations, hosting a plethora of boutique shopping opportunities that rival London.

Whatever you choose to do, there is truly something for everyone in Sydney, from the sublime to the ridiculous and everything in between. Captivating Sydney, it’s the vibrant world city where it’s all going on.

7 hour stop over in Doha, Qatar

Travel Story : Posted by: Justine

Hay myself Justine i was travelling from London to Melbourne previous month. Flight have stopover in Doha, Qatar for 7 hours. I have already prepared up my mind for sightseeing within 4-5 hours for that i have make a list of tourist place near Doha airport. i hire one car to visit nearest tourist spot but it was my bed luck that traffic was too busy i could not have that much time to go there so i came back to airport although i enjoy it. I have decided to make a tour from London to Doha whenever I got time.

Top Ten Things to Do and See in New South Wales

• Sydney: Sydney offers a surprising range of attractions and experiences, and you should ideally spend at least five days exploring them! By day, kayak or sail on the harbour, scale the heights of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, or engage in some retail therapy in some of the numerous shopping areas of the city, until it is time to experience Sydney by night – catch a show at the Opera House, or indulge in some of the very best in food and wine, at prices to suit all budgets, and styles to suit all tastes. The city also boasts beautiful beaches, National Parks, and an open invitation to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle.
• Hunter Valley: The Hunter Valley is the oldest wine-growing region in Australia, and is just a two hour drive north of Sydney. Here there are more than 120 wineries nestled in the valleys, many offering boutique accommodation – best to stay overnight so you can sample the produce without worrying about your return journey to Sydney!
• Blue Mountains: Part of the Great Dividing Range, the Blue Mountains comprise a huge sandstone plateau, with plunging valleys and canyons, dramatic cliffs and stunning rock formations. Just a 90 minute drive west from Sydney, they are easily accessible for a day trip, though a longer stay will enable you to enjoy the many attractions of the region – bushwalking, horse-riding, and even abseiling are available. And of course, don’t miss the spectacular Three Sisters rocks at Katoomba.
• Broken Hill – Outback New South Wales: Broken Hill, 725 miles to the west of Sydney, is home to a thriving colony of artists, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and a wealth of friendly Outback characters! The surrounding National Parks are just as diverse and inviting.
• Snowy Mountains: In the Kosciuszko National Park, the Snowy Mountains are Australia’s highest ski areas, though activities here are not confined to winter sports – here you can also cycle, raft, cave, horse ride, kayak or walk. The most well-known ski resort is Thredbo, which offers skiing for all abilities.
• New South Wales North Coast: Running north from Sydney to the Queensland border, the north coast is home to surf beaches, national parks, and a home to many artists and musicians. Port Stephens, just a 2½ hour drive from Sydney boasts 26 unspoilt golden beaches, bays and lakes, and is also known as the dolphin capital of all Australia, thanks to its population of around 150 bottlenose dolphins in the bay – try kayaking with dolphins at Nelson Bay or Soldiers Point slightly further down the coast. Other activities include 4WD on the sand dunes of Stockton Beach, scuba diving at Coffs Harbour, and hiking in the Barrington Tops National Park
• New South Wales South Coast: This is a coastline of unspoilt golden beaches, dramatic cliffs and pretty coastal communities. National Parks give way to lush green farmlands and rainforests and here you can see Australian native wildlife in its natural habitats, including dolphins, whales (September to November), kangaroos, seals, penguins and parrots! All along the coast, unique boutique accommodation and a friendly Australian welcome will greet you.
• Wollongong: 50 miles south of Sydney, Wollongong is New South Wales’ third largest city and is a popular weekend break destination, as it has some superb beaches and a very attractive hinterland. The city and its immediate surrounds are known as Illawarra, and the whole region is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with activities including coastal walks, cycling on purpose built tracks, mountain walks through eucalypt forests, and even beach sky-diving! Also worth a visit are Nan Tien Temple, the biggest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere, and the Symbio Wildlife Gardens.
• Lord Howe Island: For a real get away from it all experience, take the two hour flight from Sydney to Lord Howe Island, where you will be one of only 400 visitors at any one time. The island is World Heritage Listed because of its flora and fauna, and popular activities include bush walking, and trekking, cycling, and snorkelling and diving on the coral reef.
• Canberra: Aus
• tralia’s capital city and located within the Australian Capital Territory, Canberra is 200 miles south west of Sydney and is well worth a visit. It is home to some of the best modern Australian architecture and is one of the best international examples of urban planning. It is also a very green city, with over 12 million trees. There are numerous galleries and museums to explore, including the National Gallery of Australia, as well as the National Botanic Gardens. Also easily accessible from Canberra are Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and the Namadgi National Park, both excellent places for bushwalking and wildlife spotting.

My two days tour in the Whitsunday, Australia

Travel Story : Posted by: Tom

Best time to visit is between November and March Whitsunday,Australia

Hay friends! I want to share my trip with you by this blog. i was in Whitsunday in November and its realy a exotic tour for me.  There is lots of activity which one can do on short tour break. Whitsunday is for water spot lover it was my first time that i go for scuba diving it’s really an existing one.
One can do variant activates, including whale/dolphin watching, helicopter flights tickets, sailing, diving/ snorkeling. And yes do not forget to visit crocodile farm.... yes it really great fun

Getting Around Sydney and New South Wales

Getting around Sydney itself is relatively straightforward and there is a good public transport network, including buses, trains, the underground city circle, the monorail, and perhaps the most enjoyable means of transport, the ferries. The CityRail network covers suburban Sydney and extends out to cover the Hunter Valley, Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands and South Coast.
A good buy for visitors to Sydney is the SydneyPass, which combines travel on the Sydney and Bondi Explorer Buses, the Airport Link Train, and travel on buses, trains and ferries. You can choose between 3, 5 and 7 day options depending on the length of your stay in Sydney. The passes will take you to 46 of the city's attractions and places of interest, including Circular Quay, where you can board the ferry services. The ticket enables you to hop on and off services anywhere along the route.

Alternatively, if you are only planning on using public transport for one day, the DayTripper Cheap Ticket provides excellent value for money and includes unlimited travel on all regular Sydney buses and ferries, and on all CityRail services within the suburban area.

For those seeking a bit more adventure, you can always hire a Harley Davidson for the day!

Self drive is one of the best ways to explore the rest of New South Wales, and it is a relatively easy journey to the major attractions of the Hunter Valley, Blue Mountains and the coastal regions. Your Tour Operator will be able to advise on touring routes and car hire in New South Wales

Hobart is Australia's second oldest city

Hobart is Australia's second oldest city. Founded as a penal colony, Hobart is now proud of it's unique history and heritage. Take a flight to Hobart to experience the unique history first hand. You'll be amazed at the beauty of the city's history. Hobart has today, developed into an exciting and thriving city with excellent restaurants and vibrant nightlife.

Hobart is the gateway to the rugged beauty of the Tasmanian countryside. Give yourself plenty of time to savour this fantastic city and to explore the island state of Tasmania. Book cheap flights to Hobart with Cheap Tickets to Australia now!