Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House is one of the most unique buildings in the world. The building is located in Sydney, New South Wales, near the Sidney Harbour Bridge are both equally become an icon of Australia.
The shape is unique, which is designed like a conch shell. Designed by Jorn Utzon, a Danish citizen who won the Sydney Opera House design competition in 1955.
The building also has other functions, as a variety theater, ballet, and also a variety of other arts display. The building is managed by the Opera House Trust has become the headquarters for the Opera House, Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Sydney Theatre Company.
Sovereign Hill, Ballarat
It is an attractive tourist destination. Sovereign hill is a city of gold in Australia, from the mid-1800s that have been reinvented to become a tourist attraction that takes you into the past.
In this place you can see houses and the quaint shops on the dirt road that passed people dressed in 19th century models with their horse trains. You also can attend school, which is similar in that era (even learning to write with a dip pen), to see how the old-fashioned steam engine (which still runs perfectly), panning for gold in the river, to see the Chinese immigrant camp, and others.
Don’t forget to taste the caramel fudge and lollipops that sold in a candy store on the main street. If you want to test your panning gold skills, don’t go to Sovereign hill at winter because the water is so freezy.
Old Melbourne Gaol
Old melbourne gaol is the first prison in Australia. In this place, Ned Kelly, who was called Robin Hood from Australia imprisoned and eventually hanged. What I do not like it is a creepy place. The cells are very moist.
There was also a whip (which had been soaked with salt water to make it more pain when used for whipping), tools for punishment, even the head mold from the prisoners who had been executed were made from plaster. The mold used for criminal behavior study, which were related to the head shape.
Healesville Sanctuary
Want to see koala from up close, or shake hands with a kangaroo? Well, you have go to Healesville Sanctuary.
Different with melbourne zoo, in this place all the animals are allowed to live freely, they do not put in the cage, so you can interact directly with all the animals (except the koala because they sleep 20 hours a day).
Do not feed the animals there because they generally have a specific diet.
Taronga Zoo
The zoo is located on Bradleys Head Road Mosman, Sydney, New South Wales, first opened on October 7, 1916. This zoo offers an interesting alternative.
In addition to having over 26,000 animals, Taronga was decorated with a beautiful thick foliage.
You will be involved directly on investigation and conservation of animals. Don’t worry, because Taronga provide special officer for this facility.
For tourists who want to play around with the koala, Taronga provides superior picture taken with the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus).
Gold Coast
Gold Coast is a tourist spot that became an tourism icon in Queensland. This place is an urban area that stretches from Beenleigh in the north to the south, to Coolangatta with the white sandy Pacific Ocean beach.
Gold Coast is equipped with several tourist resorts, like Paradise Point, Southport, Currumbin Beach, Surfers Paradise and Burleigh Heads. The warm and exotic beach, big wave, a strategic position (close to Brisbane and border State of New South Wales), make the Gold Coast as an international standard designed resort.
In addition, you can see the Great Baririer Reef of the Coast, which is the world's longest coral reef. This coral reefs have become one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Not only beach, Gold Coast also offers tours, known as the Gold Coast Hinterland. In this place, you can find various types of interesting attractions besides the beach, such as rain forests, mountainous landscape, Australian flora and fauna, cultural festivals, and more. Mount Tamborine and Springbrook, Lamington Plateau Rainforest and mountain resorts of Binna Burra and O'Reilly's is one of the attractions in this area.
Phillip Island
If Sidney has Taronga Zoo, Melbourne has a Phillip Island as one of the best attraction. This island is about 2 hours from Melbourne. This place also has a complete entertainment facilities.
One of the main attraction is the Penguin Parade. The place is located in the southwest of Phillip Island. Here, every sunset, you can see the group of hundreds penguins emerge from the sea to the land. You may not take pictures, but you will not be disappointed, because you can get lots of souvenirs here.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
The park has beautiful landscape and one section of the park has spectacular scenery, such as the city of Perth and Swan River, the river that became an icon of the city, and divides the north and south of Perth. In addition, there are a playground for families in the park.
There are two main playground in accordance with the age of your child. One area for toddlers up to 7 years and other areas for bigger and older.
Bell Tower and Barrack Square
If Paris has the Eiffel Tower then Perth has a Bell Tower. The building is unique and still works. The shape and design like beak of goose, colored green dominant and most sides are made from glass. Visitors can go inside to see how the bell works.
Bell tower located on the barrack square, on the banks of swan river. Some packages cruise to Fremantle and Rottness Island and also to the south of Perth by ferry departs from here.
Northbridge
This area is used as a cultural center with the Art Gallery of WA, WA Museum and Central Library (State Library) that are adjacent to each other. If you love art, this place must be visited.
State Library also provides a variety of activities for the kids such as rhyme time, story telling, face painting and crafts. All materials are provided free, but you are encouraged to give gold coin donation ($ 1 - $ 2).
Caversham Wildlife Park
For tourists, visiting Caversham Wildlife Park is a great way to see Australia's national icons and other uniquely Australian animals such as koalas, Tasmanian devil, dingo, kangaroo and owls.
One thing to do here is touching wombats and may carry him! Your kids would love to ride a camel and try milking a cow. Caversham Wildlife Park has more than 2,000 animals, a fun vacation for families who want to enjoy nature and wildlife.
Swan Valley
In Perth, you can visit different types of farm which produce the best wines, Swan Valley is one of the best. You can enjoy a leisurely walk along the rows of vineyards, and stay in the hotel with all the accommodations offer.
If you have more time, make sure to do a romantic trip down the Swan River to enjoy the view of the entire valley.
City Beaches
The west side of this city is directly adjacent to the sea, so that there are a lot of beaches are worth to visit. Soft white sand and clean beaches with blue waters will make you feel free and relax.
City Beaches is one of the popular tourist location for families because the waves are not too high so it is safe to swim here. Scarborough, Trigg and Cottesloe beach is famous for its rows of cafes, good waves for surfers even suitable for fishing.
But note the rules if you want to get into Swanbourne beach, because the beach is special for visitors who want to enjoy the beach naked (nudist).
Perth is easily accessible and has great weather all seasons. Spring starts in September, and December to late February is summer.
Narrabeen Beach
One of the most popular location for surfing. Located 23 kilometers from Sydney's central business district. Narrabeen name comes from an Aboriginal language "Narabine" meaning goose.
There are four beaches are joined in a single line into clusters Narrabean coast, the North Narrabeen, Narrabeen, South Narrabeen and Collaroy beach. Collaroy is now separated, but still remain in the shoreline.
For safety, here provided Surf Life Saving Club which will help safety and provide first aid if something happens.
Location: Narrabeen Beach, Ocean Street, Sydney Suburbs, New South Wales, 2101, Australia.
Collaroy Beach
Located at 22 kilometers north of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Collaroy Beach is one of the best tourist destinations for surfers.
Initially, this beach is a part of Narrabean, but in 1881 a ship called the SS Collaroy aground on the beach. Since then, the name was changed to Collaroy beach.
This beach has 3.4 kilometers long. Because the waves are really big, it provided some relief team like North Narrabeen SLC, SLC Narrabeen, South Narrabeen SLC, and Collaroy SLC. Not only surfing, here also opened Salvation Army's education center, which can accommodate up to 440 people.
Collaroy Beach and the surrounding area is home for several species of birds and marine animals are protected as endangered category. For example, are albatrosses Birds, Pelicans, Yellow-crested Cockatoo, dolphins, and whales.
Location: Collaroy Beach, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Avalon Beach
The beach is located not far from Barroenjoey Road. Avalon Beach is a favorite destination for surfers, because it has waves up to 5 meters. Not only surfing, you can also try other sports, such as jet skis.
If you don’t like beach sports, here you can sunbath with a more privacy. While the south coast can serve as swim arena because the waves tend to be safe. Next to the beach is also provided special pool if you can’t surf.
Mona Vale Beach
The beach is located in the north of Sydney. This beach is actually two beaches separated by a reef. Located 28 kilometers from the Sydney CBD. This beach has a variety of natural beauty which includes the whole scenery. The water is blue, tend to be wavy, fine and white sand, but the whole landscape tends rocky.
This beach is well known by the surfers because of high waves. However, if you want to swim can still do it safely in the pool that has been provided. There has been a rescue team that is always on patrol in the region.
Balmoral Beach
Based in Mosman, Sydney. Given the same name as a castle in Scotland, this beach does have a variety of luxurious beauty that covers the entire landscape. The water is blue, tend to be wavy, fine and white sand, but the whole landscape tends rocky.
So much you can do here, from biking, rollerblading, jogging, playing sailboats, beach volleyball, and of course surfing. Not only that, visitors who come with families can picnic in the space provided.
Bronte Beach
Located on the east coast of Sydney, Bronte Beach has beautiful scenery and cool air. The location is just 2 kilometers to the south of Bondi Beach, and in the north there is Cooge Beach. All three beaches are connected by a pedestrian track filled with gravel. So if you've been to Bondi Beach or Cooge can also come to Bronte Beach.
This beach is popular with surfers because it has the high waves. If you want to swim, you can do it safely in the south pool.
Queenscliff Beach
Located to the north of Manly Beach, Queenscliff provide different atmosphere from the other beaches on the north peninsula. Here you can easily find many professional surfers. This beach has a very high waves, sometimes up to 8 meters.
Besides surfing, you can also snorkeling, parasailing and windsurfer on this beach. In the afternoon, usually you will find some groups who play beach volley.
Newport Beach
This beach has the waves from all directions. The rocks are located 250 meters to the south coast has become one of the high waves racing resource that enables professional surfers doing hobbies.
In November until April visitors will find only small waves. Meanwhile, between May to October there will be a bigger wave. Although the waves tend to be high, you can still swim in the pool that has been designed to secure, so adults and children can still swim safely.
Freshwater Beach
This beach has a 300 meters long. This beach has calm waves, making it very safe for swimming. Not just swimming, here you can also do snorkeling on the north shore. This beach also has white and large sand, so that more people are choosing to sunbathe.
Various water sports can also be done here, such as jet skiing and parasailing. If the waves tend to be high, so visitors can also do surfing. Freshwater Beach is a pioneer on the Hawaiian "Duke" Kahanamoku. Duke demonstrated how to surf in 1915. Until now, his image can be found on the north shore.
Palm Beach
This beach is the most luxurious and exclusive beach in Sydney. Named according to the number of coconut trees in the vicinity, Palm Beach is a peaceful and tranquil beach. Located on the northern route of Sydney. Access is easy and can reach with any vehicle.
Palm Beach is one of the main tourist destinations in Australia. Like most beaches in Australia, the beach is also a favorite location for surfing. The beach is also suitable for swimming in the spot that has been provided along 35 meters. One side is rocky and ideal for children, but rather the other side and is ideal for adults.
Location: Palm Beach, Sydney Suburbs, New South Wales, 2108, Australia.
Coogee Beach
This beach has calm waves among other beaches in Sydney, so it became a favorite place for swimming. In certain months, the waves were a little higher but still safe to use for swimming and play area.
The sand is soft and yellow. There is an area for walk to enjoy the beautiful panorama around the coast. Coogee is a great area to begin the journey to Bondi Coastal Walk.
Location: Coogee Beach, Arden St, Sydney Suburbs, New South Wales, 2034, Australia
Long Reef Beach
Because it is located in the north, the beach has calmer waves, and also is not too strong wind. Because the waves are more friendly, this beach is recommended as a convenient place for swim.
From the beach, if you are go the ocean, there is a much larger reef and has a 1.6 miles long to the south coast of Dee Why.
Location: Long Reef Beach, Sydney Suburbs, New South Wales, 2097
Bondi Beach
This beach is the most popular beach in Australia. Bondi Beach is one of the main tourist destinations in Sydney. Bondi Beach is visited by more than 2.5 million tourists every year.
In any Sydney guideand travel books , Bondi beach is always named as a 'must to do' destination. If you want to go to this place, it is not difficult because some bus lines pass through this beach. Including the Sydney tour bus, Bondi Explorer.
Like most beaches in Australia, Bondi Beach has a high sea waves, so many tourists to surf on this beach. If you don’t bring your surfboard, you can rent, there are some rental places for surf board, complete with a wet suit.
This beach is located on the east coast and there are a series of other beaches that stretch along the coastline, such as Bronte, Paramatta, and Coogee.
Manly Beach
This beach was named Manly Beach by Sydney first Governor, Arthur Phillip in 1788. Located at North Steyne, Sydney Suburbs, New South Wales, 2095. This beach is located near the city. Although surrounded by skyscrapers buildings, but you can still see the beautiful scenery here.
If you love surfing, then you can go to an area called Queenscliff Bommie, 1.5 kilometers from northern this beach, the waves can reach 5 meters. If you want to reach this area, you can rent a boat.
Cronulla Beach
Cronulla Beach is located on Bate Bay, on the coast south of Sydney, Australia. This beach is the only beach that can be reached by train.
The north coast is Elouera and Wanda beaches, is a favorite surfing destination. Interestingly, here there surfing courses from beginner level to advanced level.
Parramatta Park
Parramatta Park is one of the famous parks in Australia. To get to this place, you can use public transportation and then stop between Corner Pitt and Macquarie Streets.
The park was built by Governor Arthur Phillips after the arrival of British colonial army. No wonder so many parts inside which inspired European designs such as Old Government House, Elizabeth Farm, St John's Cathedral, the Lancer Barracks and the Linden House Museum. Initially, the land was used as a market selling basic needs, gradually turned into a social and cultural interest.
For children, there are two play areas where they can bike safely. then there is also a beautiful rose garden contains a variety of unique and rare species of roses. Not only that, there is also a curator buildings built since 1800’s.
Sydney Tropical Centre
The place holds many bred tropical plants. Sydney Tropical Centre is in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs Macquarie Road.
The building is also dubbed as the Glasshouse Pyramid provides education about tropical plants with an attractive display and you can directly touch or take pictures with different varieties of plants from around the world.
Some are native plants from Australia. All of these plants have become responsibility of NSW government.
Rodd Island
Located on the Parramatta River in Sydney, name "Rodd" is taken from the owner, Brent Clements Rodd. The family lived in west Iron Cove, which is now known as Rodd Point.
In the 1850's, he tried to buy land from the government. Until finally the island was transformed into one of the first recreation facilities in Australia. The island was first used as a laboratory Scientists to monitor the rabbit population in Australia that is not plagued cholera microbe.
There is a summer house with a capacity up to 25 people, while the total capacity of this island is only 100 people.
Thirlmere Lakes National Park
This place is part of the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Site. Thirlmere Lakes National Park is home for many species.
There is a lake in the middle of park, which is the life place of some rare aquatic species, such as Watershield (Brasenia Schreberi), wooly frogsmouth lily (Philydrum lanuginosum. There are also some rare trees like the rough-barked apple (Angophora floribunda), sydney peppermint (Eucalyptus piperita), red bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera), and many more.
Thirlmere Lakes National Park is managed by the government since 1972. Many experts claim that a natural forest park is formed due to geological processes that occurred about 15 million years ago. At that time, the land rises and eventually cause cracks on the bottom, and because of a variety of factors ultimately going great niche, and eventually into the lake.
Royal National Park
Discovered by Sir John Robertson, Royal National Park is the first park was proclaimed as a national park in Australia and is the second in the world after Yellowstone, USA.
The park is recognized as a national park on 26 April 1879 and included in the Australian National Heritage List in December 2006. There are 3 places in this park, that Audley, Maianbar, and Bundeena.
Royal National Park is the habitat for many animals and plants. Most of the plants that grow in the mountains is a native Australian plants and not imported from somewhere else, so there are some species that are categorized as endangered. Therefore, the Australian Government through the National Parks and Wildlife Service was inspired to use this land as a breeding area.
Heathcote National Park
Located 35 kilometers south of Sydney central business district, Heathcote National can be an additional reference for you if you want to see the natural beauty of Australia. There is no vehicle access to get to this place, but visitors can arrive here by train via Illawarra line.
Just like the Royal National Park, Heathcote National Park is a habitat for many animals and plants. Some species included in the endangered category. Therefore, like Royal national Park, the Australian Government through the National Parks and Wildlife Service was inspired to use this land as a breeding area for several endangered plants.
Cockatoo Island
This island is the largest island in Sydney Harbour. Here you can see an artificial garden, old school, workshop, to prison. The island has been recognized in several cultural heritage, such as National Heritage, Commonwealth Heritage and World Heritage. Interestingly, here provided accommodation, package tour, a picnic area and bBBQ, business outlets, and the food stalls.
Previously, the island was used as a place to repair ships during World War II. At that time, it can repair up to 250 ships including the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth.
Warragamba Dam
Warragamba Dam is the largest dam in Australia, even reputedly the largest in the world. The height reached 142 meters with a 351 meters length, located 40 miles or about 65 kilometers west Sydney, coursing Warragamba River which is a tributary of the Hawkesbury River.
To build the dam area takes up to 3 million tonnes of concrete were placed in the middle of the Warragamba River interblocking to form 4 times larger than Sydney Harbour. This dam can supply power up to 50 MW.
Botany Bay
Botany Bay National Park is a tourist destination for the traveler who visited New South Wales. Historically, this land is home for Aborigin people since 5000 years ago. Aborigin people have a sub-group called Eora were settled between two rivers that pass through this area. Then James Cook landed in Australia and gave name to this land “Sting Ray Harbour”, because of the large jellyfish captured in the plains. Then in 1800’s, the name was changed to Botany Bay.
There are several beaches near the park, such as Brighton beach and Le-Sands beach. These areas are demarcated for national conservation on the orders of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Interestingly, the marine life is very diverse here, so a bunch of tiny sea dragons can be found at dive sites.
Shark Island
Named Shark Island, because this area is very dangerous to pass by the sailors. This island landscape could make high waves, making the sharks came around the island. But things have changed since 1880 and 1975 when this small island to be a place for animal quarantine, public recreation, and for storage of goods.
This island has 1.5 hectares area. Located only 1 mile from Rose Bay. From here you can see the beautiful view of Sydney Harbour, complete with Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.
Sydney Harbour National Park
Initially, this land is home for the Aborigines. However, during the World War, it turned into a military base. In fact, this place also had functioned as a place to quarantine animals affected by disease because of a virus.
Later, Neil Nielsen who became governor of NSW, finally bought this land in 1965, and the park was inaugurated as Sydney Harbour National Park 10 years later.
The most interesting is the amazing ports, such as North Head, Manly to the Spit, Middle Head, Bradleys Head, the Harbour Islands, Neilsen Park and South Head. This park has incredible natural wealth, you can find thousands species of flora and fauna here.
Bare Island
If you've seen Mission Impossible 2, then you must have seen Bare Island. Yes, it does seem isolated island, but had an amazing view. No wonder, if some Hollywood director makes Bare Island as a background.
The island is located in southeast Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 16 kilometers to south of central business district, very close to Botany Bay.
Previously, the island was used as a residence for Aborigin and Gweagal. But in 1770, James Cook discovered it, and since that's the name of Bare Island is often used to refer to this land. In 1877, the colonial government decided to build a fortress and was completed eight years later, this project had spent at least 34.000 pounds.
History rolled on, until in 1967 Bare Island incorporated as the New South Wales Parks and Wildlife Service in the category of museum and family entertainment park.
Freres Crossing Bushwalk
The park is located 18 kilometers northeast of Sydney. Being one with the Georges River National Park, Freres is a small part of this nature. The entrance is located at Georges River National Park, which is at the Henry Lawson Drive, that is the main road in south Sydney.
Freres Crossing Bushwalk is a habitat for some animals and plants. Most plants are grown is a native from Australia, some are rare plants such as Gymea Lilies, fuchsia heath and grevilleas. Therefore, the Australian Government through the National Parks and Wildlife Service was inspired to use the land as a breeding area.
Neilsen Park
This park is part of Sydney Harbour National Park. Nielsen Park is a coastal area that has been conserved. That's the interesting side of this park, which combines elements of beach with natural forests.
Since 1914, this beach has become a tourist destination. Originally, this area was owned by William Wenworth and named Wenworth Estate. However, since his beloved daughter died, this area has never been used again and finally opened for public.
The park is managed by government, with a total area nearly 23 hectareares (57 acres). The view is very beautiful here, where you can see the harbor and Shark Beach, the best beach in this area.
Headland Park Mosman
The park is located in Mosman and is the newest park in Middle Head peninsula. The park is taking Middle Head, Georges Heights and Chowder Bay lands. In earlier times, this area was used as a military area to train the army. There are many historical relics in this place, such as ports, tunnels, old buildings, to some military equipment.
This park has not much been touched, so it looks balanced and sustainable without any pollution. In the pedestrian area, you can see a lot of birds, carved statues, some former war equipment used military training, and some of the spots that can be used as an event location.
La Perouse
La Perouse is located 14 kilometers south-east of Sydney's central district. This place has an amazing ocean view. Starting from Congwong Bay Beach, Little Congwong Beach, to swim in the natural area at Botany Bay. But not only that, here are some beautiful natural place, which is used as a viewpoint and background pictures.
Named as a French navigator, Jean-Francois de Galaup, comte de Laperouse (1741-88). King Louise XVI ordered Laperouse to sail to Asia.
You can get around by following the walking track. For example the route between Endeavour Lighthouse and La Perouse museum will be presenting a lot of awesome scenery. This peninsula connected by a small bridge to Bare Island.
