Do you want to travel to a country where you will find breathtaking coastlines that stretch for miles and miles; lush rainforests with very diverse and unique wildlife; metropolitan cities filled with arts, culture, trendy cafes, restaurants, and boutiques; inspirational and jaw-dropping architecture and landscape; and when you walk by each and every stranger, they look you in the eyes with a warm smile and politely say “G’day?” If the answer is yes, then you must travel to the distant lands filled with kangaroos, surfers and delectable pies known as Australia.
It is home to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and to Ayers Rock, a spiritual rock formation located in the ‘outback,’ which is sacred to the Indigenous People, and a World Heritage Site. It also boasts one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives along the Great Ocean Road.
Australia is a sports mecca, and every year the country hosts sporting events, including the Australian Open and surfing events and competitions. Many Australians participate in popular global sports like cricket and rugby and have a huge following nationally, playing Aussie Rules and Lawn Bowls.
In addition, this culture is rich of gambling. You can gamble at any pub or lawn bowling club in the country and bets can be made on anything: horses, dogs, sports, fights… you get the point. The Melbourne Cup is the biggest horse race of the year. The entire nation will be betting on horses on this day whether they are physically at the cup or at local bowling clubs.
I was lucky enough to spend a year living, working and travelling along the East Coast of this great country. There are so many hidden treasures at every crevice. A mere walk would end up at secluded beach or waterfall. A mere drive would end up at a cliff overlooking the vibrant town below, while in the ocean you would see a school of humpback whales transiting through. Not everyone will be able to take a year to travel this vast country, although I think a minimum of 3 to 3.5 weeks is what you owe yourself, in order to see the best of Australia.
I would suggest flying into Cairns and working your way down by car and plane to Melbourne, stopping along the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Lennox Head and Ballina. Flights are cheap within Australia and can be booked locally with Easy Jet or Virgin Blue.
When you fly into Cairns, you will think that you have just arrived into Tahiti. This tropical North Queensland region of Australia is hot, highly humid and feels like an island of its own. The minute you step outside you will know that you are in the exoticism of the South Pacific.
Spend a couple of days relaxing and enjoying this city. There are plenty of shops, bars, cafes and cool restaurants to visit. Also book a tour on the Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway while there. You are in the region of one of the natural seven wonders, the Great Barrier Reef. There are many tours offered from Cairns but the best parts of the reef are seen from Port Douglas. Rent a car and drive 1 hour north to this remarkable seaside town and catch a tour from here. The best time to travel to Cairns and Port Douglas is September to November.
After your adventures in Cairns, take a flight to Brisbane, New South Wales (NSW). Flying into Brisbane is incredible. You see the tall city buildings amidst the admirable coast line. Brisbane is amazing anytime of the year. The big highlight, of course, is the infamous Treasury Casino, and even if you’re not a huge gambler, you will be impressed. This is a 19th century six-story heritage building boasting five restaurants, numerous bars and great entertainment each night. Also, check out the Brisbane Museum and the Queensland Art Gallery, they are both exquisite and walking distance from the casino.
Rent a car and drive to the Gold Coast, you will feel as though you are in LA. The beaches are packed with joggers, surfers and sunbathers, and there are many trendy eats and shops around this area. If you like adventure stop off at Movie World, Dreamworld, and Wet ‘n’ Wild, Queensland’s theme parks. Go to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary where you will see incredible wildlife and even feed a few kangaroos. Continue your drive to Byron Bay but make sure you stop of at Humble Pie Company, which serves the best Aussie pies on the coast.
Byron Bay is like no place on earth. Full of hippies, surrounded by blinding white sand beaches, packed full of vans with surfboards tied to the roof racks, spiritual shops full of beads and stones, and of course, the main attraction is the Byron Lighthouse. You can either drive up to the top or hike. If you choose to hike go down to Wategos Beach and take the trail up to the lighthouse.
You are at the most easterly point in this country! Head to Lennox Head, which is a popular but quieter surf town. Have a beer at the Lennox Head Pub and just enjoy the views, the vibe and the people! En route to Ballina, you will see additional breathtaking views. Take a stroll along the river or visit the naval/maritime museum.
Fly from Ballina to Sydney, NSW. Flying into Sydney is beautiful. On a clear day you can see the entire city laid out for you! The population of Sydney is 5 million. Don’t be alarmed when you land there and all of a sudden, there are people everywhere! There is so much to do in Sydney, firstly the iconic Opera House, which is the first thing that comes into mind when we even say Australia. Secondly, get a public transit day pass and visit Darling Harbor, the Botanic Gardens, Sydney Aquarium, Manly Beach and China Town. There are many things to do and see here, take your time and enjoy this great city.
Once you have explored Sydney, its time to head back into that car and drive to Melbourne, Victoria, along the Great Ocean Road, however I cannot guarantee that you will not shed tears admiring the beauty that is to come. Take lots of pictures!
Melbourne is chic, its hip, its trendy it’s definitely the place to be. Plenty of spas, and restaurants, and markets and shops I can go on and on. This is the home of the Australian Open and the famous Melbourne Cup. Ride the city train and visit Fitzroy, St. Kilda, Federation square and you must visit the city laneways, where you will definitely find hidden treasures.
This is a land of mystery, intrigue and pleasure. I hope this article helps you discover Australia in your own unique way in which you can share and cherish your amazing memories for years to come.
By Seema Chandra