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How to Truly Enjoy Cairns

The largest part of the Australian land still remains unknown for both Australian tourists and foreign visitors. While the majority of people go to Victoria and South New Wales or the Great Barrier Reef, Australia generously displays a variety of other natural and historical spots. The beautiful town of Cairns is one of such places. Its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and a strategic location on the coast of the Coral Sea make it a perfect place for visitors striving for peace and natural beauties.

A culinary tower of Babel

Like many other Australian towns and cities, Cairns is a blend of people from different parts of the world. This is why restaurants and bars here offer a wide range of different cuisines, fusing them together into a unique melting pot of various cultures. Therefore, if you want to try something tasty from that pot, you can choose from a wide range of traditional Australian restaurants, as well as places that offer Greek, Italian, Thai food and other specialties.

As for unusual local meals to try in Cairns, you should go for smoked crocodile, a kangaroo burger and various delicacies made from emu meat.

Beach relaxation

As for the beaches, the most logical choice in the town centre is Lagoon, placed inside the Esplanade, which is a strip of hotels, restaurants, bars and recreational facilities. You can observe the Great Barrier Reef from this promenade, especially if you choose one of the accommodation units in this part of the town. Also, swimming in the sea by Trinity Beach is a great in-Cairns experience.

Alternatively, tourists can visit dozens of breath-taking beaches outside Cairns. The most famous one is Palm Cove, which is actually a fancy resort, about 25 miles north of Cairns. On the other hand, if you’re less into luxury spa beach resorts and more into long, soothing beaches, continue driving another 20 miles to the north and indulge yourself with the gold sands of Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas.

Learning about the Aborigines

Visiting this part of Australia has to be accompanied by several educational courses on the Aboriginal culture. Hence, when in Cairns, do as the Aborigines did. Learning more about one of the oldest cultures in the world will take you back to the times when people were a rare species on this planet – about 40,000 years ago.

So, the tourists that want to see how the Aborigines lived should apply for The Bama Way. This journey from Cairns to Cooktown is enriched with various features of the Aboriginal way of living. In addition to learning about their customs and beliefs, you’ll have a chance to hunt animals with a spear and collect bush food.

Moreover, don’t miss the Mossman Gorge Center – the home of the indigenous Kuku Yalanji people – as well as the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, which will expand your knowledge of Aboriginal stories, dance and music.

Hail the giant – The Great Barrier Reef

The peak of your Cairns adventure should be a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Visible from space, this enormous coral reef consists of about 3000 smaller, independent reefs, spreading to about 130,000 square miles.

The most economical way to see this giant of nature is a daily boat trip from Cairns or Port Douglas. Most operators offer snorkeling and diving in this coral realm, which should be more than enough for a drained wallet.

On the other hand, a higher budget will allow you to book a helicopter tour and observe the reef from above or stay a night in one of the hotels placed on the islands inside the Reef.

Adding North Queensland to your Aussie itinerary will give you a chance to meet Australia as it once was, due to numerous Aboriginal sites. Also, the natural attractions and the urban coziness of Cairns should let you have a relaxing and affordable holiday.

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North Queensland: A Kayaking Paradise

Australia definitely has a soft spot when it comes to water sports. From Perth to Brisbane, from Darwin to Adelaide, the entire coast of Australia provides hundreds of stunning places for kayakers, surfers, divers and other water enthusiasts. However, there are slight differences that make some places more suitable for certain activities than others. North Queensland is a place that can freely called a kayaker’s paradise, with many splendid sites dedicated to this exciting water activity. Although non-kayaking water activities are also available.

Snapper Island

Situated some 90km north of Cairns and reachable from Wonga Beach, Snapper Island is a breath-taking kayaking venue. It is about 2km far away from the coast. You can get there from the mainland in two ways: by kayak or by boat. Once there, you can rent a (glass-bottom) kayak and enjoy the amazing coral strings at the bottom of the sea as well as a wide array of Queensland fish once you start cruising around the island. Also, consider fishing on days when you are taking rest from kayaking. Find out more about fishing in this part of Australia here.

In addition, when on Snapper Island, it would be a shame not to stay a few days at the West Point campsite and feel the friendly Snapper Island ambience.

Dunk Island

About 250km south of Snapper Island, kayakers can spend some great leisure time on Dunk Island. This paradise situated about 4.5km off the Queensland mainland, about three-quarters of this island enjoys the same level of protection as national parks. When you get aboard your kayak, you can take easy rides round the island and enjoy the wonderful view of crystal sea depths and some rare animals, such as dugongs or local turtles. In addition, you should set free your adventurous spirit and explore the beautiful bays with azure water and lovely sandy beaches.

As for non-kayaking activities, the 5.5km ascent of Mount Kootaloo is a true challenge for every nature enthusiast, which makes visiting Dunk Island a great mixture of kayaking and mild trekking.

Goold Island

Some 25km southward from Dunk Island you will come across Goold Island. Although it would be a real adventure, it is not recommendable to kayak the distance between those two islands. It would be smarter to start your kayak trip to Goold Island from Cardwell instead. The distance here is 17km, which is a great paddle training session for every well-trained kayaker. When kayaking around this island, you can find shelter in its secluded beaches, enclosed by unusually high sea cliffs.

Another thing that makes this island more interesting is its mixture of climates; a borderline case of continental and rainforest climate. If you like this island so much that you would like to stay there for a few days, you should try camping in Goold Island National Park.

Hinchinbrook Island

The southmost isle in this string of best kayaking places off the Queensland coast, Hinchinbrook Island is a huge island that offers a wide array of different activities. Of course, you should first try all the kayaking features this island has to offer. For instance, you can start your adventure in Cardwell, paddling to Macushla Camp, all the way across Missionary Bay and Hinchinbrook Channel. If you still haven’t had enough of kayaking, you can proceed to Cape Richards and Nina Bay. Finally, you can finish your kayaking trip in Lucinda – a town on the Queensland mainland.

Spending your holiday kayaking around Queensland islands is a unique opportunity to see an immense number of breath-taking coves, bays, forests and mountains. What’s best, you can now rent a free car and embark on an effective recovery session for your stressed body and soul, which will show you why this part of Australia is among the most attractive areas Down Under.

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Get Ready for the Whale Watching Season Down Under

As the largest sea creatures, whales awake people’s curiosity wherever they show up. If the area in which they can be observed is also a tourist destination, whale-spotting becomes an important attraction, and Australia is among the top destinations where people can witness the migrations of these stunning mammals, usually from May to October, due to colder conditions off the Australian south coast in that period. Here are the best spots, along with a few extra tips, to help you have the ultimate whale watching experience Down Under.

From Perth to Broome

Although Western Australia is less popular than its fellow states in the east and the southeast, you can still find some extraordinary spots along its coast. The best area to observe whales in this part of Australia is definitely Exmouth Gulf in the north of Western Australia, as well as different spots along Ningaloo Coast and Kimberley Coast.

If you want to see humpback whales in dozens of herds, you should visit Exmouth Gulf between August and October. As the deep ocean area here gets pretty close to the coast, whales can be observed from a reasonable distance, and if you are lucky to go for a whale tour during the high season, whales might come close to your boat and pose for some amazing selfies, too.

Albany is also worth recommending, in the far south of Western Australia. The highest probability is that you will see good old humpbacks there in the period between June and November, as they like the shelter provided by the local bays. As for the area surrounding Cape Leveque, the northernmost tip of the Dampier Peninsula, the best time for whale watching is in August and September.

East Coast whale strip

When the near-Antarctic waters become too cold, whales start moving northwards along the Australian East Coast. The end goal of their migrations along this route is the Great Barrier Reef. Here they stay throughout their mating season.

The most crowded area whale-wise in the east is the Gold Coast, especially the region between the Whitsunday Islands and Eden (home of the Killer Whale Museum). Tourists who want to observe the incredible migrations of these sea giants should also know that they can do it twice; the first time when they are moving northwards and the second time when they are moving back to the south, at the end of the season.

The thing with whales is that they are not too eager to move unless they do not have to. Therefore, you have to ‘chase’ them to take a closer look. You will probably manage to get the most of your whale trip if you visit Point Danger, North Stradbroke Island or Byron Bay as your destination for this whale-watching quest.

Expert tips

When it comes to whale-watching trips, people should set their priorities before they opt for one of the numerous options. If you only want to be able to see the migrating whales from a safe distance, going on a comfortable yacht excursion should be enough for your taste. Such offers can be found along both coasts.

However, daredevils will not be satisfied with such average tourist offers. So, if you would like to get closer to the whales to get the big picture (literally), finding a less crowded excursion on a smaller boat would be a more reasonable. Also, those who want to get a better insight in whales’ behavior and habits can use a time lapse Brinno camera and make some outstandingly realistic photo stories.

Watching whales off the coast of Australia can be compared to observing condors in the Andes or elephants in Kenya. It is one of those unique miracles that this planet can offer. So, if you are a nature lover, you should definitely rent a free transfer car and check out Down Under between May and October to feast your eyes on the emperors of the mammal world. d.

Tips to Help You Feel Like a True Local in Brisbane

Brisbane might be the most typical city when it comes to the Australian way of living. The eastmost city of Australia, this wonderful place is a home to 2.3 million people and an attractive tourist destination. What you need when visiting Brisbane is not to be dragged around like a lost tourist, but to taste and feel the real Brisbane. Now you will learn some tips on how to behave the way Brisbanites do.

Enjoy South Bank

Brisbane is an aquatic city, since it is not only situated on the shore of the ocean, but the Brisbane River also flows through this city. Its South Bank is one of the coziest places in Australia. Here you can ride your bike or go for a walk by the river.

South Bank is also known as a perfect mix of entertainment and leisure. Everybody who wants to see what the citizens of Brisbane do in their free time should visit this area, rich with artistic venues, as well as park areas, restaurants and bars. It is the hub of fun and recreation in Brisbane. Here you can have a look at the calendar of forthcoming events in South Bank.

A touch of vintage Brisbane

Real enthusiasts are sick and tired of mass tourism items and mainstream activities. It would be much more exciting to witness some genuine Brisbane art and buy souvenirs manufactured by local artists. Those who want to see some original Queensland art should visit the Stanley Street Plaza, the central cultural point of Brisbane. Its collective markets are brimming with authentic jewelry, made by local artists and influenced by old and new customs of Queensland. You will see hundreds of young designers and artists talking about their work and introducing tourists to the remarkable art tradition of Brisbane.

Wine and dine like a Brisbanite

When you feel that your feet need a rest, it is time to try some local food and drinks. Brisbane offers so many great restaurants that recommending any of them would be unfair. You’d better have a look at this list of the best restaurants, compiled by the Gourmet Traveler Magazine and see what suits your needs. If you want to eat like a local Queenslander, try local fruit, like pineapple, avocado and mango. Also, seafood is very popular with local people.

On the other side, you should not experiment too much with drinks. Australia is famous for its wines, so just go and try some splendid red wine specials to give your taste buds a real treat.

Swim in the heart of the city

Although an artificial beach on the Brisbane River, Streets Beach is a perfect choice for the people who want to feel the real Brisbane beach pleasure. The water area looks like a lagoon and the beach itself is covered with gold sand. It is a great place to recover after a long afternoon stroll around Brisbane. However, if you want to swim in the ocean and see the surrounding area, you should visit the beaches presented in this overview, published by the Brisbane Times.

Brisbane does not fall behind Sydney and Melbourne in any sense. On the contrary, it has a sort of that cool charm that those two biggest Australian cities do not have anymore. It offers its residents and visitors exciting entertainment hubs, classy museums and galleries and vast parks meant for recreation. All these features definitely make Brisbane a city of future that everybody going Down Under should visit.

Text by Lillian Connors and Photos creative commons.

Upcoming Indigenous Art Events You Shouldn’t Miss

Australia is bursting with scenic regions filled with some fine examples of the art and culture of its indigenous people. Here’s the list of the main events in case you are up for a truly cultural road trip.

Barunga Festival (June 10^th-12^th)

Barunga Festival is a quintessential community gathering held in Katherine region over the Queen’s birthday weekend. During the festival, visitors are invited to camp in the area and actively participate and experience the culture and traditions of its Aboriginal community. Cultural activities range from didgeridoo workshops and performances to bush tucker tastings. Aside from these, there are also performances by popular contemporary artist, as well as team sport events (football, basketball, softball).

There is an entry fee valid for three for days (wristbands must kept during the festival) and includes camping fees. For visitors who prefer hostel/motel options, accommodation is available in the nearby Katherine area.

Alice Spring Beanie Festival (June 24^th-27^th)

Alice Spring Beanie Festival, a community-oriented gathering which celebrates Australia’s best known artifact, is certainly one of the most unique events in Australia. Established in 1997 by a group of volunteers to support and promote the sales of beanies crafted by local Aboriginal women, it has since grown into an event that connects artist and promotes cultural and art exchange.

The festival is a weekend filled with music concerts, a Beanie Olympics, and various textile workshops. Visitors can expect to see both sensible and hilarious knitwear, in addition to experiencing a true sense of community. The entry is free of charge for all events.

Garma Festival (August 29^th July-1^st)

Garma Festival was originally developed as an Aboriginal equivalent of the World Economic Forum. Presented by Yothu Yindi Foundation (YYF), Garma brings together business and political leaders, intellectuals and academics to discuss preservation of the traditional Aboriginal culture and knowledge, cultural exchange between indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, and develop economic opportunities for the former.

Besides the forum which gathers youth of different backgrounds who connect in the attempt to improve the status of the indigenous people, nurture their leadership capabilities and promote young emerging artists, the festival incorporates a variety of music, film, dance and visual art events.

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (July 15^th-17^th)

CIAF is aimed at establishing a platform to promote, expand and support the art industry of the indigenous people of this region. Through celebration of art and culture, the fair promotes artistic development and cultural exchange between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist and visitors.

The program includes a variety of events centered on film, music, fashion and other artistic forms. In addition to this, the event features extensive art market, which attracts both national and international curators and collectors, emerging artist and displays new works in different formats. The tickets are sold separately for different events and some of them include food and drinks.

Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (August 5^th-7^th)

DAAF is an annual fair organized by the Darwin Aboriginal Fair Foundation, a not-for-profit organization of closely connected indigenous-owned Art Centers. Created as an opportunity to connect artist, art patrons and arts industry buyers during a weekend in Darwin, this is a place where visitors can meet established and emerging artists and purchase artifacts directly from the indigenous people. Exhibited artifacts include various art forms, from paintings and sculptures to music instruments and jewelry.

These were just a few national festivals that are taking place throughout Down Under, offering visitors a chance to experience indigenous communities, their culture, art and traditions, and learn more about them. If you decide to visit any of these, don’t forget to get a free car and use this opportunity to enjoy Australia’s stunning countryside.

Article by Lillian Connors, photos creative commons.

Wollongong for the Absolute Beginners

New South Wales imposes itself as one of the most beautiful areas in the Southern Hemisphere. While this Australian state is well-known for Sydney and its famous sights, it can offer much more attractions to curious tourists. One of the most interesting destinations in NSW is definitely the town of Wollongong. Situated about 50 miles south of Sydney, this place is a real heaven on the Australian East Coast.

Coastal walks with scenic sights

Almost a part of the Sydney metropolitan area, Royal National Park is a great place to visit when you are driving from Sydney to Wollongong. Allegedly the oldest national park in the world, this place contains an incredible string of breath-taking beaches, amazing white cliffs, incredible walking paths and scenic views of the ocean.

A visit to Royal National Park should be pre-planned, so that you manage to book all the tickets and the guided tours you would like to take.

Jamberoo

The largest of its kind in New South Wales, Jamberoo Action Park is a perfect destination for a pleasant family trip. Visitors can go on more than a dozen of spectacular, adrenaline-pumping rides, or show their skills at a landscape golf course.

The high season here is from February to April and during some public holidays, so it would be smart to buy tickets online if you decide to visit it during this period.

Symbio

No matter if you are an urban guy living in Sydney or a tourist traveling around Australia, Symbio Wildlife Park will sweep you off your feet. Here you can have a close encounter with some authentic animals, such as red pandas and cotton-top tamarin monkeys, as well as Sumatran tigers.

In addition to this, the park offers different interactive learning experiences and even serves as a party venue, and you should not miss it when coming to Wollongong.

Car trip that soothes the soul

When you hit the Grand Pacific Drive, you will see why this part of Australia is so famous for its natural beauties. If you are coming from Sydney, first you will spot the amazing scenes of Royal National Park on your left. You will be driving through lush rainforests and picturesque villages before you see the spectacular construction of Sea Cliff Bridge.

Also, when getting back from Wollongong to Sydney, it would be wise to visit one of the local bottle shops to grab some specials from this region as a souvenir. Besides, if someone can drive you back to Sydney, you can also enjoy the spectacular view of this area while having a drink.

Craft beer treat

Also, you can try local beers if you spend the night in Wollongong and then drive back to Sydney. So, if you are not driving anywhere on the day of your visit and want to taste a quality craft beer, go and visit the Illawarra Brewery on the Wollongong beach. When paired with a clear view of the ocean and the fresh ocean breeze, Illawarra craft brews will show you Wollongong the way the local people see it.

Gourmet Heaven

As one of Australia’s most culturally diverse places, with over eighty different ethnic groups calling it home, Wollongong wows the palates of dinners as its highly esteemed food culture keeps on evolving, spoiling locals and visitors alike. People who take their food seriously will definitely satisfy their hunger in one of these eating establishments.

When you see Wollongong and its surroundings, you will realize that the traditional attractions tourists are usually offered Down Under have serious rivals in other parts of Australia. Only the drive from Sydney to Wollongong and farther, along the Grand Pacific Drive is spectacular enough, let alone all the other places along the way. Therefore, if you are planning to visit Sydney, rent a free car and come to Wollongong for a couple of days. Explore its brews, beaches and wildlife and enrich your Australian experience.