The land of kangaroos and koalas, Sydney, Australia

by lindamura review

► added on 4th of March, 2008

The ultimate experience in the land down under, Australia.

Australia is the only country in the world to occupy a single continent and is one of the oldest continents. Located south east of Asia, it consists of two territories and six states:

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is home to the capital city Canberra with the Parliament House offering guided tours to educate visitors, also open to visitors is the national museum, war memorial and botanical gardens.

Northern Territory is a place of contrast presenting a visitor with a variety of sights and activities. Darwin is the largest city in the Northern Territory, most of the sights are outside of the city. One can start with exploring Kakadu National Park an 8,000 square mile park situated in the Top End with over 75 reptile species. Moving on to Alice Springs, the other main city, to take in some of the natural wonders of Australia. Take in breathless views at Katherine Gorge. One of the most famous features of Australia can be found here, Uluru or Ayers Rock. It is a single rock of sandstone, which is famous for it’s ability to change colors throughout the day from purple, to black to red or orange depending on the weather.

New South Wales is about the same size as California. Here you can explore Sydney the commercial and financial center of Australia. Take photographs of the Sydney Opera House one of the most outstanding buildings of the 20th century, visit Taronga Zoo to see the kangaroos, emus, wombats and koala bears, then take a stroll on Bondi Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world.

Queensland is also know as the Sunshine State as it satisfies the sun seeker with it’s warm days and cool nights. This is also home to the Great Barrier Reef with over 1,5000 species of fish; it’s no wonder that it’s one of the ultimate dream destinations for divers.

Victoria with Melbourne as the capital and epicenter is a paradise for shoppers and offers an exquisite culinary experience. For those seeking the outdoors, visit the Dandenong Ranges National Park and take a ride on Puffing Billy, Australia's century-old steam train.

Western Australia has so much to offer from the untouched and wild Kimberleys in the north, to Monkey Mia to watch the famous dolphins, or the whale sharks and turtles at Ningaloo Reef then of course there is the city of Perth, offering a cosmopolitan vibe with white sandy beaches and great spots for snorkeling and fishing.

South Australia, it’s capital city Adelaide though seemingly peaceful and mundane offers an enchanting setting with the ranges of Mount Lofty offering majestic views and wildlife on Kangaroo Island. Every two years it also hosts the “Tasting Australia” festival that showcases international food and wine.

Tasmania is as far south that you can travel in Australia and boasts one of the most magnificent yet undiscovered natural wonders with breath taking mountain ranges. Visit Cradle Mountain, the Gordon and Franklin Rivers and Lake Pedder.

The wonders that Australia has to offer are as vast as the country itself and if you just can’t wait to say G’day, start packing your bags for a journey down under to Australia.