Traveling to Australia is a huge deal as there are so many wonderful things to see and places to visit. For those who are planning a trip to Australia, the best thing to do is to plan now for what you want to see and visit, that way you never miss out on anything, and you are sure to enjoy your trip to the area. Continue reading
Within New South Wales, Australia, there are several towns in the area that are great for visiting and learning more about. Hay is located in the southern region of New South Wales and is considered the agricultural center of the area for most of those who live here. Hay is also an important transportation center as it is between Sydney and Adelaide. The town is situated on the riverbank of the Murrumbidgee River, which was an important aspect for the city several centuries ago. Continue reading
It’s no surprise that Australia is a vast country. It’s pretty large, but more than that, a large portion of the country is untouched, specifically the central part of the continent. For this reason, telecommunications across the country are sparse. They simply haven’t had the chance to lay significant telecommunication lines throughout Australia. Sure, you can call from one side of Australia and reach the other side, but it’s usually expensive, and the signal isn’t always great.
For this reason, there has been a flux in ham radios in the recent years. It’s cheap, it’s easy, and people can use them to communicate to people all over Australia and all over the world.
Ham radios operate on frequency and they bounce signals off of towers to relay signals and communication between the radios, so you can essentially talk to anyone in the world as long as they have a ham radio and they are using the same frequency as you are.
Since the majority of central Australia is untouched, it’s difficult to communicate with people when you are in the outback. There is rarely a moment where you will have a cell phone signal, you most likely wont find wifi, so sometimes the only method of communication is ham radios. They allow you to pick up a signal from anywhere and communicate with others around you.
This is essential if you are going to be big game hunting, or even if you aren’t, you’ll still need a way to communicate with the outside world in case of an emergency. And when you are in the Australian outback, you are very likely to run into an emergency!
Also, Australia is just know to have all sorts of creepy critters and large unknown animals. It’s important that if you have children, they have a way to communicate with you while they are out playing with their friends. They are likely to stumble across something unsavory during their mini expeditions, so it’s important to have a good, established communication system with them. As cell phones aren’t always reliable, it’s a great idea to have walkie talkies or ham radios with them and you so you’re able to communicate effectively.
Lastly, hunting is big in Australia. You will likely find yourself or a friend hunting in the Australian outback. If that is the case, I highly recommend you have ham radios. This will allow as a fail proof system incase they are in a position where they won’t be able to use cell phones or other means of modern communication. Additionally, things can turn dangerous very quickly in the outback. It is best to be prepared for anything that comes up.
I hope this helps! We truly believe in the tried and trusted ham radio system. We think if you give them a try then you will too. If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please feel free to leave us a comment below! Happy hunting!
Australia is a country of never ending beauty, anybody who has visited can tell you that. We have diverse landscapes, desert to rain forests, the largest coastal reef on the planet, and the largest rock too! Our culture is just as diverse as well, pulling traditions and influence from different pockets of people all around the globe!
Neighbouring New Zealand is just as much of a gem in its own right too!
While New Zealand might be known for things like being the landscape for The Lord Of The Rings movie franchise, the best lamb in the world, and for producing the world’s safest trampoline, it is also a country full of natural beauty and caring people!
New Zealand is comprised of two main islands, commonly referred to as the North and South islands, which make up “the mainland”. The majority of the 4.45 million people who live on the islands inhabit these two islands, with many smaller islands forming 9 island groups around the country.
Auckland is the country’s largest city, with almost a quarter of the country’s people choosing to call this city home. It is located on the north end of the north island and is known for it’s great shopping, fantastic dining and beautiful scenery.
The city backs onto a beautiful rainforest that meets the black sand beaches along the stunning sea of the west coast, and gorgeous white sand beaches along the east coast!
Near the city you’ll find a total of 48 volcanoes which dot the skyline, the most famous of which being on the island of Rangitoto, a fabulous day trip only half an hour from downtown by ferry ride. This is a perfect spot to enjoy the day walking or taking in nature with friends and family.
Another stunning attraction of the North Island is the Bay of Plenty on the east side of the island. Named after the first impression of explorer Thomas Cook, who upon arrival, was greeted with the sight of endless plantations and agriculture, the Bay of Plenty features the last active marine volcano of the islands. Quite a sight to behold!
Moving to the South Island you are presented with a quite drastic change in scenery. The South Island is home to the city of Chirstchurch, where 340,000 people live. Within easy driving distance of the city you can find yourself exploring glacial valleys, enjoying world class skiing or snowboarding amongst the most beautiful mountains on earth, visit botanical gardens, take a wine tour through some of the most celebrated vineyards in the world, go surfing, see whales breaching and so much more! Very few places on earth boast the diversity that the South Island is able to present to you.
Of course, one of the most intriguing attractions this land has to offer is the traditions of the native Maori people. Settlers themselves, the Maori arrived in New Zealand over 1000 years ago and have formed their own culture, which can be respectfully viewed by booking a tour through one of the local touring agencies in Auckland. Enjoy a traditionally cooked meal from one of the ‘earth ovens’, watch their tribal dances and enjoy interacting with these fascinating people while you visit New Zealand!
There is so much to do and see in neighbouring New Zealand, it is a must do while you are down in Australia!
If you’re ready to get away on a great vacation filled with adventure, fun, and relaxation, then you should think about heading to Australia. It really is a great place to visit and, more than likely, it has plenty of things to do for everyone in your family that they will enjoy and remember for a lifetime. Among other things, Australia has great beaches, incredible nightlife, ancient ruins, hiking trails, music, culture, and much more.
To help you plan your trip or convince others that Australia is the place you should go, we have put together our top 5 things to do while you’re in Australia. While there is much more than what’s on this list, it will go a long way in getting you started on your adventure.
5) Take A Trip To Middle Earth
You can visit where they filmed the “The Lord Of The Rings” movies with the many tours of the locations that were used, like the Elf capital of Rivendell or Helm’s Deep. There are countless different tours that are offered to see the sights of Middle Earth. For the true lovers of “The Lord Of The Rings,” you can take a tour where the whole saga began as well. It’s something that children and adults alike will love and enjoy.
4) The Great Barrier Reef
If you go to Australia, it’s almost a requirement to experience The Great Barrier Reef. It’s the world’s largest coral reef system and is home to thousands of different underwater species. There are many adventures you can partake in to see the great barrier reef, from snorkeling tours and cruises to sailing trips. Be sure to visit the reef from different places though, as it can really look completely different from Cairns to Port Douglas.
3) Island Hop The Fiji Islands
You may have heard of the world famous Fiji Islands, but to experience it is a whole other thing. Other than the fact that they have world class beaches, the Mamanuca island chain has beautiful waterfalls, coral reefs to explore, and plenty of adventures to get in on. Honestly, you could spend an entire vacation just in the Fiji Islands and probably have the time of your life. From snorkeling, all inclusive beach resorts, cruises, shark feeding tours, and more, you can fill your days with plenty of leisure and fun.
2) Surf on Bondi Beach
There isn’t much more that screams Australia than being on the beach, looking tan and hanging ten. If you don’t know how to surf, that’s not a problem as you can take surf lessons from local surf pros who will show you the ropes and have you out there surfing up a storm in no time. If you are planning on heading to the beach on your Australian vacation, you may want to think about hitting the gym a few months in advance so you’ll fit right in and look amazing on the beach. Hire a personal trainer, start jogging in the mornings, or, if you really want to boost your results, you may want to look into the best rated crossfit shoes and the best rated testosterone boosters out today. They will help you fuel those heart pounding workouts so you can look your best on the beach.
1) Visit The Sydney Opera House
The iconic Sydney Opera House tops our list as the #1 place to visit while in Australia. While many have visited this famous place, you can be one of the few who actually gets to see it from behind the scenes. They offer guided tours where you can see all the backstage happenings and even the dressing rooms of the stars. They also have off-shore excursions and cruises that run along the opera house, giving plenty to do for everyone in the family.
Australia is known for its stunning wildlife, beautiful cities and friendly people. If you are not living in Australia, taking part in a marathon, or any running event for that matter is the perfect excuse for going to the Southern continent, spending a few days there, not to mention that running will help you keep healthy. As it is currently early July, I thought I would write down the three best running events in the Autumn that take part in Australia. That way you still have enough time to train, get your body and mind ready for the challenge in front of you.
My event of choice for September is probably the biggest even on the list, the famous Sydney Running Festival. This one is a world renown marathon that makes experienced racers come from all around the world. It is probably up there in the three most famous marathons with the London Marathon and the New York Marathon. The good part about this race is that there are racers of different fitness levels, so you don’t have to be a pro in order to take part. You can see people every year who just walk the distance. One problem I see at many marathons is that the slower runners stand in front during the start, which prevents the quicker runners behind them to have the start that their fitness level would enable them to do. This is frowned upon in the running community, a take a position at the start that is appropriate for your fitness level. Another problem I see is that many people don’t use proper running gear. You can’t race in regular clothes, you need compression tights, footwear that fits the occasion, otherwise you run the risk of blisters. Running a marathon is hard enough as it is, don’t complicate matters by suffering preventable injuries. Get proper clothing if you are running a marathon.
The Melbourne Marathon takes place in October. Melbourne is one of the best cities to live in if you are an Australian jogger. The bank of the Yarra River is perfect for jogging, the parks around the city enable you to mix up the location of your running from time to time so that you don’t become bored by doing the same rounds over and over again. The track of the marathon starts out on the Batman Ave, and travels up to the St Kilda Esplanade, and finishes back in the city at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. If you have children, there is an event held just for them. This is a running event for little kids held in the Botanic Gardens of Melbourne. The kids can not only have fun racing, but see various plants from all around the world, staying healthy and learning at the same time. If you have a family, this is the event I recommend, as the large number of restaurants, cultural places and shops in Melbourne offer an excellent opportunity to spend time outside the race.
Another running event takes place in Melbourne a month after the marathon. This is the City2Sea run in November. This is a short event, the entire track is only 14 km long. It is a wilder track than the marathon, as it starts at the Arts Centre, and goes along the forests in St Kild before finishing at the seashore of the same place. If you are a fun loving person, this is the run for you. Many people run in costumes, raise a bit of money for charity, and just have a good time. This is the least competitive, but that doesn’t mean that elite runners are not welcome.
Australia is a wonderful continent with a rich wildlife and places with beautiful scenery. If you want to experience what the continent has to offer, the best places to visit are the national parks, where you can see animals in their natural habitat, and untouched forests. In this post I am going to take a look at the three most beautiful national parks of Australia.
One of the most famous shorelines of the continents is the Bay of Fires in Tasmania. This is the place you have to visit if you are into beach activities and water sports. The white sand of the beach is excellent for suntanning and enjoying yourself. If you are into hiking you must go along the Bay of Fires Lodge walk, where you are led by experienced guides who know all about the area and can teach you about the creatures that inhabit the area. Before you take part in the hike, make sure that you have the right equipment. You must have footwear that lets your feet ventilate, as you will sweat a lot in the hot weather of the Bay. If you left yours at home, it might be a good idea to get some from a website like this one. Another fun activity might be to kayak in one of the many rivers that run through the area. The Bay has plenty of protected sites with aboriginal relics, you must not disturb these sites. In fact the story about how the Bay got its name involves aboriginals. In 1773 Captain Tobias Furneaux saw little campfires all along the beach, hence the name. It turns out they were fires of aboriginals who have been inhabiting the area for long.
The Washpool National Park is famous for its rainforests. It is located in the wast Gondwana Rainforest in Australia. The park in 516 km North of Sydney, and it is a frequent destinations of birdwatchers from all around the world as it is the home to more than 140 species of rare birds, owls and scrub birds among others. However the forest has a rich fauna of protected animals, like the pouched frog or the spotted-tailed quoli, or several species of potoroo. The best way to see all these animals is to go along the 4 km long trail of the Washpool walk, which leads among giant red cedars and coachwood trees.
The Lake St. Calire National Park can be found 165 km Northwest of Hobart. It is famous for the 65 km long trail that joins the Cradle Mountain with the North of Carolina Bay, and runs on the Southern Shore of Lake St. Calire. The park is the home of the tasmanian devil, wallabies and the rare duck-billed polatypus. The trail offers a magnificent mixture of breathtaking scenery of waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and lakes that are filled with fresh mountain water.
Dating in Australia can be different than in the U.S. Australians approach dating how they approach life, with a laid-back attitude. Seldom will you see someone ask another person on a date in the street as they so often do in the States. Instead, Australians find other ways to meet people, make new friends and fall in love. Let’s look at some of the most common dating methods Australians use every day.
This is the most common way people interact and date in Australia. Group dating is particularly popular with teenagers and younger adults. However, even married adults go out in a group setting more often than a solitary engagement with the spouse. Friendship is important to Aussies, and meeting new people is easier and more fun with a few mates by your side.
A woman from Down Under is more likely to ask out a man than in other parts of the world. Not that they’re aggressive, just willing and able to approach a guy they like and initiate the first date. This can mean making all the plans and arrangements as well. Don’t be surprised if an Aussie girl picks the movie or restaurant and pays for it all without a second thought.
Australians are a proud and strong people. They enjoy paying their own way whether they’re in a group setting or with a spouse or significant other. Australians appreciate splitting the bill when on a romantic liaison. They feel it’s a sign of respect when everyone contributes.
“Unlike some countries Australians are a very proud people so do not be offended if your date refuses to let you pay the bill. That is the way they are, see it as a good thing!” – Kezia Noble Female Dating Expert
Australians embrace online and party dating. Many the Aussie has met their significant other through matchmaking websites while just as many have been successful in love through mutual friends. It’s common for Australians to invite a group of singles over for dinner or drinks just to see who might find their soul mate. Online dating websites are also a very popular way for Australians to not only meet a potential lover, but also make new friends as well.
Personal ads are very popular in Australia. Aussies have no problem describing their interests and attributes and explaining exactly what they’re looking for in a love interest. As the population of Australia continues to boom more and more Aussies are using this method to find and meet new people. Be sure that the website is safe and secure before posting personal information.
Those are some of the most common dating methods in Australia. Remember, this country is a laid-back and relaxed society, don’t approach dating aggressively. Rather than coming on too strong, take it slow and strike up a conversation about mutual interests. A simple request to grab a cup of coffee can be a very effective way to break the ice in Australia. As with anywhere, however, just be yourself and be confident, and you’ll find a date with an Aussie in no time
When arranging to go for a trip in Australia, there are certain things that you need to carry along with you, particularly if you are planning on undertaking some outdoor activities like bushwalking. Based on the areas in your tour plan you may require packing a number of footwear. Also ensure that that you leave enough room in your luggage bag(s) for any memento you might wish to carry home. Here are some of the most important things you may want to bring with when traveling to Australia:
As a citizen of any other country or state, you require a valid passport in order to enter Australia. In addition, you will need a visa card, which you can acquire online from the Australia’s Electronic Travel Authority. Carry the original passport and photocopies of the passport, together with a copy of the birth certificate. However, such documents may become very invaluable in the event you misplace your passport or it gets stolen.
It is highly advisable that you at least carry along two kinds of identification. In the event you purchase you buy travelers checks of medium to high amounts of cash, ensure that you list down the serial numbers and store it differently from the originals. Do not forget about your driver’s license in case you are thinking of renting a car while there.
This is one aspect that you need to pay attention to. This is because the types of clothes that you should carry along are dependent on various factors, including the weather condition in Australia. With that in mind, it is important that you know you will be exposed to strong sunlight regardless of where you go in Australia. Hence, it is advisable that you pack a broad-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirts, and not to forget the sunglasses.
If you are considering hiking, then you have to carry along study, lace-up shoes. If you are planning on getting the Australian feel of nightlife in the major cities, you will want to pack evening wear together with dress shoes. This is due to the fact that most bars and clubs have dress codes, and you will be turned away by patrols if you went wearing flip-flops or sneakers. Lastly, if you are seeing yourself spending some time on the Australia’s beaches, which you should, pack a swimsuit. Take into account that certain religious sites in Australia demand modest attire.
To protect yourself from the intense Australian sun, carry along a sunscreen with a 30 or higher SPF. Ticks are also very common in the wilds, and should they bite you, a pair of tweezers will help you get rid of them. Toiletries are easily accessible in Australia, but carry along your own in case you are loyal to a brand. In case you use prescription glasses, pack a spare pair. But if you wear contact lenses, pack extra pairs and a lot of solutions.
Australian pharmacists can’t fill foreign prescriptions, thus if you are taking prescription medication, ensure that you pack enough for the duration that you will be there. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also advices international travelers to carry along a first-aid kit filled with over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-diarrhea medication. Also essential is the insect repellent, especially if you are going to spend time in the Australia’s Rea Centre.
If you are visiting Australia from the United States, it is important that you know the electricity there is 50 hertz, 240 volts AC. Therefore, in case you see yourself utilizing North American electronic appliances while there, you will require a plug adapter, so as to alter the prong shape to flat from round, and a voltage converter.
To capture all your memorable moments and favorite sights, you will need a digital camera together with extra batteries. Nevertheless, if you are considering spending most of your time walking around and exploring different sights and scenes, it is advisable that you stuff your effects in a backpack with an interior frame.
If you are planning on venturing into the beautiful Australian wilderness at all, it is recommended that you have some sort of pocket knife with you as well. There are many different pocket knives available that could get you out of potentially sticky situations. Carrying one is definitely a smart choice. Swiss army knives in particular are great choices.
Pack everything you believe you might require, and then eliminate half of it. This is because you are the one who will carry your pack, thus leave behind at least half of what you believe you require. You will only be limited to 2 pieces of checking baggage and a single carry-one bag on the plane. But, that is already an excess of what you can carry and tag along with comfortably. Huge, hard-sided suitcases are difficult to carry and much more difficult to store.
One of the more frequently-overlooked holiday opportunities is the river cruise. River cruises are versatile trips that can appeal to fans of history, fans of nature, and those just looking to relax and have a good time. Taking a riverboat cruise on the Murray River is a fantastic option you’d do well to consider for your next vacation day.
Why the Murray River?
The Murray River is the longest on the Australian continent. It is over 2,500km long and traverses a vast swathe of Australia, serving as the boundary for several different states. It is fed from the Australian Alps, and is consistently suitable for the passage of boats. This makes it a great holiday location all year round.
The Murray River is overwhelmingly smooth sailing for paddleboats. Individuals who wouldn’t be able to tolerate the motion of an ocean liner will likely find that a paddleboat on the Murray is too smooth to give them trouble. This also makes it an excellent vantage for photography of all kinds.
Because it runs through so much of the Australian continent, the Murray River is a fantastic spot to take a tour of. You can see multiple ecosystems in a single trip, as well as multiple states of the nation. For nature lovers, it will be possible to catch sight of numerous birds and fish native to the river’s environments, as well as wildlife on the shore. History buffs will love the various ports the Murray passes on its meandering way.
Why a Paddleboat?
Paddleboats are well-established as fantastic options for holidays of multiple lengths. Unlike ocean cruise ships, paddleboats can be suitable for day-long excursions or week-long expeditions as your schedule allows. Their smooth, slow ride and multiple levels make them ideal vantages to take in the view of nature. They provide great opportunities both for individuals interested in the sights in the water or on the shore. The history of the paddleboat is quite fascinating, and as these have been used for more than a hundred years on the Mississippi River in America. A cruise on the Murray River would be very similar to a Mississippi River cruise.
Because they are so stable, they’re great for onboard services. High-quality restaurants and bars are common amenities. Paddleboat tours intended for family frequently have activities and day care for children, allowing the parents some time alone. They tend not to be as well-equipped as cruise ships, but for those more invested in a boat ride than a resort, it’s an ideal choice.
Paddleboats strike a comfortable balance between bringing their passengers into a relaxing environment and taking them on a tour through the outdoors. One can enjoy a paddleboat ride exclusively from the inside, so both the harsher extremes of the winter and summer remain viable times for a paddleboat tour, in contrast to camping or hiking tours which become untenable in times of extreme weather.
In addition to these benefits, paddleboats are overwhelmingly safe. One is more likely to encounter danger in their morning drive to work than on a paddleboat tour, so parents with children can bring them with the assurance that everything will be safe and calm. They’re an ideal holiday option for family of all ages.
Australia has a thriving tourism and they want to continue the success of this tourism. For those who are looking to travel here, they will find that Australia often publishes several items on the safety of tourists. For the most part, Australia is considered to be one of the safest areas to visit in terms of crimes rates, as they are very low. In addition, due to the high standard of living in the area, most people feel as though they are visiting an area in which stealing and the like is very unlikely.
So why is tourism safety such a huge issue for Australia? They want to ensure that everyone who visits Australia is going to have a great time, but they want the tourists to be safe as this directly relates to the safety of those who call Australia home. Australia is not only concerned with the safety of the person in terms of crime, they are also looking out for the health safety of the tourist.
Tips Australia Gives
There are several safety tips that Australia wants tourists to read and know. In fact, those who book their trip with an agency are likely to be given a brochure on safety from Australia. Inside, the person will find tips like:
- Wear plenty of sunblock as the sun in Australia is very bright and can burn someone within 15 minutes of being outside
- Drink lots of water as the temperatures and Sun in the area can dehydrate someone very fast
- Watch out for wildlife in some areas, as kangaroos are not meant to be pets, along with others types of wildlife
- Always be aware of where you are, keep your wallets, purses and phones within your reach, never leave these in full view
- If you are disabled, please let people know as there are several transportation methods to utilize that are meant to help you enjoy Australia
- If you enjoy the beaches, be sure that you are not going to into the waters when there are certain flags in play. Lifeguards are going to be there to warn people when it is not safe to be in the water.
Australia often has rules in place that are meant to protect their tourists as well as the land. For example, they want people to obey certain rules when camping due to the high possibility of brush fires breaking out. They also advise people to watch the weather, be prepared for anything that may arise such as flat tires or becoming stranded in more remote areas within Australia.
When most people travel they find that they never really get lists of what they should and should not do, but Australia wants people to know that they are going to be safe when they travel here. Thus, the huge importance of safety they emphasize to those who are visiting the area. All this being said, to protect yourself from possible crime, luggage theft, etc., you will want to check out insurance that is specific to travel. These types of policies can protect you if something goes wrong on your trip. The good news is that most people never have any problems when they visit Australia, because it is a relatively safe area that is not going to result in anything worse than a sun burn.
Australia is the home of beautiful country and a lot of city life, thus it has the best of both worlds for most people. For those who are moving to the area or those who are looking to make a career change, they are going to find that there are some great careers that they can get into within Australia.
1. Medical Field
The medical field is always a great career to get into if you have a love for helping people and tending to those who are sick. However, within Australia, becoming a Registered Nurse is considered to be one of the highest paying careers and a career that will allow you to find a job rather easily. Most large cities have a deficit of nurses to take care of the medical needs within the city, thus it should not be too hard to find something in this field. Surgeons and anesthesiologists are also in high demand throughout Australia. If you don’t want to spend several years in a college setting to become a registered nurse, you might want to consider a career as a phlebotomist, who is a person that draws patients blood. The certification process for phlebotomists is quite short and is definitely a career that is in demand.
2. Mining
The mining field is full of careers, ranging from the actual miners, the engineers, environmental analysts and the like. The need for people entering into the mining field is estimated to continue to grow for several years, as the need for natural resources is becoming more dominant throughout the world.
3. Financial Sector
Within the financial sector, there is a high need for financial accountants, and the need is estimated to continue for quite some time. Those who get into these field must have a love of numbers, and the education to get into a career of this sort. However, there are several companies that are hiring these types of individuals.
4. Business
The business field is full of career choices for those who live in Australia. There is a need for business analysts, business managers, receptionists, executive assistants and the like. There are several new companies who are calling Australia home and they have a need for qualified personnel in the business field.
5. Technology
The technology sector in just about every country is now full of careers that are going to be high paying and easy to find. For example, IT assistants, web designers, and those who can create programs. This field is one that allows for working across several sectors, thus there are many opportunities that will require no travel for work and allow a person to work from home.
6. Tourism Industry
The tourism throughout Australia is becoming more and more publicized, thus there is a great need for those who are well versed in areas to direct tourists. Thus, you can have a career as a guide, a tour organizer or something that is similar. Due to tourism becoming so popular, there is always a need and there will continue to be a need for these people for several years to come.
For those looking for a career in Australia, they are going to find that there are several options. The good news is that several other areas of jobs are always looking for people who have the right skills and experience to be a leader.