Visit Australia with me

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 1:52 pm

Whitsunday Coast Towns

Queensland (QLD)

Airlie Beach

The delightful coastal village of Airlie Beach is the mainland centre for the Whitsunday Islands. Surrounded by the Conway Range National park to the west and the Whitsundays at its front door Airlie beach is holiday destination in its own right. There are many popular rainforest walks through the lush valleys of the Conway Ranges which take in waterfalls and some of the oldest surviving rainforest in the world. Daily 4WD tours are also available into the heart of the rainforest where visitors can experience the spectacular flora and fauna which includes:- red and white cedars; exotic wild orchids; enormous strangler figs and famous brilliant blue Ulysses butterfly. There are many stunning beaches around Airlie. Earlando and Dingo beaches are favorites for fishing and beachcombing while Funnel Bay, 4km from the village is one of the most picturesque spots on the coast.

Townsville

Townsville, the capital of North Queensland is the the third largest city in the state. Located in North Queensland's 'dry tropics', enjoying an average of 320 days of sunshine each year. The city is the perfect stepping off point for tropical islands and the Great Barrier Reef, Magnetic Island being only 20 minutes away by high speed catamaran. Also close by are many National Parks the outback and magnificent rainforests . Townsville sits on the shores of Cleveland Bay where Captain Cook sailed in the Endeavour on June 5 and 6 1770. The first wharf was built at Ross Creek in1864 and after a report on dredging and construction the Townsville Harbor Board was formed in 1896. Today it is Northern Australia's premier port shipping over 6.5 million tonnes of cargo a year. Townsville's heritage has been retained with much of the Central Business District and waterfront areas now housed in magnificently restored historic buildings, adding character and charm to the city heart. The city centre is framed by The Strand Waterfront and the looming pink granites of Castle Hill. Tropical Flinders Mall, museums, attractions and eating places ranging from the sophisticated through to alfresco style contribute to the character of this precinct.

Mackay

Mackay, located halfway between Brisbane and Cairns is surrounded magnificent beaches and country charm. The streets are lined with towering Royal Palms and ferns with colouful parrots giving the town a unique tropical appearance. With a population of 40 000 the town is an important centre for the sugar industry shipping almost one third of Australia's total production. There is easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, and beautiful mainland beaches and the spectacular Eungella , and Hillsbourough National Parks are close by.

Charters Towers

Charters Towers in is situated 135km south-west of Townsville, with a population of almost 10 000 In its "hey day" as a gold-rush town it maintained a population three times that of the present. From 1871, and until 1911, some seven million ounces of gold were extracted from the region. The enormous gold reserves prompted the building of Australia's first regional stock exchange. This magnificent heritage building has been fully restored in recent years. Grand hotels, banks and public buildings of that era are still in use today giving the visitor a glimpse of what life must have been like back in the boom times. The major industry for the region is now cattle, however renewed interest in mining has attracted many companies to the area, the remaining gold being reached only by modern mechanised methods.

Ravenswood

Located 123 kilometres south-west of Townsville, the historic town of Ravenswood once boasted more than 50 hotels in the booming gold rush days of the turn of the century. Today Ravenswood is classified as a heritage town through the National Trust of Queensland. The Ravenswood Restoration and Preservation Society actively works to coordinate the preservation of the array of historic buildings. The town is a short 90 minute drive from Townsville, and gives a fascinating insight into the history and heritage of the areas gold rush era. A booklet is available on five heritage trails which incorporate the many heritage buildings of the town, historic mining sites and the "White Blow", an outcrop of white quartz located several kilometres out of the town. The impressive Imperial Hotel. Built in 1902 is magnificently restored complete with swinging saloon doors, a red cedar hand carved bar in the shape of a horseshoe and beautiful leadlighting.

Bowen

Bowen situated on a peninsular in the shores of Port Deninson is Northern Queensland's oldest town. With a colourful past stretching back to 1770 the town was proclaimed in 1861. The historical museum and the Bowen Murals are some attractions

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 1:57 pm

I would love to feel the warmth of the late spring sun!:-6

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 2:19 pm

That's some neat information! I wouldn't mind visiting one day.

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 2:35 pm

Awesome, MrsK!! And I can recommend the sea temperature at Sydney beaches right now too. Last weekend was blissful.

pantsonfire321@aol.com · Thu Dec 06, 2007 1:08 am

MrsK, Heather:yh_hugs:yh_hugs my lovely lovely friend.... it's great to see you back:yh_bigsmi

Chezzie · Post by **Chezzie** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 1:11 am

Thanks Mrs K, excellent post:-6

Oh I would dearly love to visit Oz and NZ and Canada, they are my 3 top fav destinations that I must visit one day. My work mate lived out in Oz (melbourne) for a while and I hear all good stuff from her.

SuzyB · Post by **SuzyB** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 1:46 am

chonsigirl;733921 wrote: I would love to feel the warmth of the late spring sun!:-6

^^^^That would be lovely!

Mrs K, I would love to be there right now, I think I am allergic to Englands winter months. :-6

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 1:35 pm

I am pleased you enjoyed.I will post more.

If you are ever in Australia you are all welcome to visit.

You will get all the warm you want where I live.

It is supposed to be 44.c here today,hot,hot,hot:-6

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 1:39 pm

pantsonfire321@aol.com;734287 wrote: MrsK, Heather my lovely lovely friend.... it's great to see you back:yh_bigsmi

:yh_hugs:yh_hugs:Good to be back & see and hear from a lot of friends:yh_hugs:yh_hugs:

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 1:43 pm

The Great Ocean Road

Victoria (VIC)

Take an unforgettable journey along Victoria's Great Ocean Road, the world's most inspiring coastal drive. Follow its winding trail through the lush Otway rainforests, to the breathtaking, windswept drama of the Shipwreck Coast.

For much of the way the road clings to the coastline, twisting and turning, with every bend revealing a sight more spectacular than the last. See the grand architecture where the ocean has carved mighty arches, caverns and coves from the rock. Then follow its trail past soothing estuaries and gentle bays.

WonderWendy3 · Post by **WonderWendy3** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 1:46 pm

That is breathtaking Mrs. K!! Absolute paradise!!

It is SO SO good to see you here!! I did my own little super hero happy dance when I first saw you!!:-4:-4:-4

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 1:52 pm

WonderWendy3;734796 wrote: That is breathtaking Mrs. K!! Absolute paradise!!

It is SO SO good to see you here!! I did my own little super hero happy dance when I first saw you!!:-4:-4:-4

We are lucky to live in such a fantastic country.

It's great to be chatting to you again as well:-4

I hear my son was talking to you on a couple of occasions;)

WonderWendy3 · Post by **WonderWendy3** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 1:57 pm

mrsK;734807 wrote: We are lucky to live in such a fantastic country.

It's great to be chatting to you again as well:-4

I hear my son was talking to you on a couple of occasions;)

NUH UHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I have been wanting to know for MONTHS whose son he was!!!

Mystery solved!!! What a sweetheart you are!! And HIM too!!:-4:-4

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 4:28 pm

The Grampians

Victoria (VIC)

There's a place in Victoria where time seems to have stood still. A place of dreamtime legends. Where you can see and experience one of the greatest national parks in Australia. Stay a while. Experience this place the Koories call Gariwerd. A place you've known as The Grampians.

Even from a distance you're struck by the way the mountains rise up abruptly from the flat plains below. It is the most western point, the grand finale of the Great Dividing Range, which runs down the coastline of eastern Australia.

As you get closer, the massive rock outcrops and deep gorges become more apparent. The exposed faces, carved and engraved by millions of years of wind and rain, create a unique natural backdrop to the surrounding bush.

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 6:52 am

Thanks Mrs. K, Australia is beautiful. Plan to visit one day when I finally retire. Keep posting more info:-6

Welcome back Mrs. K...we missed you:-6

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 4:34 pm

Kathy Ellen;736226 wrote: Thanks Mrs. K, Australia is beautiful. Plan to visit one day when I finally retire. Keep posting more info:-6

Welcome back Mrs. K...we missed you:-6

I bet I know who you will be visiting too;)

Thank you for the welcome back:-6

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 4:37 pm

Outback

New South Wales (NSW)

This is where I live.In the Outback not far from these places.

Broken Hill

The largest town in the west Broken Hill stands on the richest silver-lead-zinc deposit yet discovered and has so far yielded minerals worth over 1.5 billion dollars. The town, situated in one of the driest areas of Australia is surprisingly green and leafy thanks to water piped from the reservoir at Lake Menindee 110km away.

Broken Hill was named in 1844 by explorer Sturt but the mineral riches were not discovered until 1883 by Charles Rasp after which a town grew almost instantly to a population 20 000 within eight years.

The town is a fascinating place to visit and has been described a "living museum" or a "museum without walls". The town and area can be explored by following "The Silver Trail - A Guide to the Heritage of Broken Hill" available at the Information Centre which has a detailed guide to the walk and drive trails. The walk trail covers most of Broken Hill's central business district and is fully sign-posted. The drive trail is over 40km long, features 113 points of interest and will take over two hours to complete.

A favorite place for photographers are Keenan and Block 10 lookouts with impressive views over the city. Excellent aboriginal art can be seen at the Aboriginal site at Mootwingie, in the Bynguano Range. Many excellent artists have also grown from the area and have become known as the "Brushmen of the Bush".

Silverton

Situated 25km north-west of Broken Hill this once thriving community of over 3000 is now a ghost town.

The gaol, which closed in 1943 has now been restored as a museum and houses many interesting relics from the past.

The town is also a popular place for film-makers having been the location for Mad Max 2, A Town Like Alice and Razorback.

White Cliffs

Born from the discovery of seam opal in the 1890's this is Australia's oldest commercial opal field. This unique area resembles a moonscape with over 50 000 craters, the result of 100 years of mining. The population, once 5000 in its heyday, now fluctuates and most inhabitants live underground in dugouts to escape the summer heat and winter cold.

A fascinating place to visit attractions include tours through the dugout homes, opal showrooms, and the historic opal fields.

Menindee

Situated on the banks of the tree lined Darling Menindee is an oasis in the Outback. Menindee sits amongst the Overflow lakes that form the Menindee Water Storage Scheme. The lakes, at maximum capacity hold three and a half times more water than Sydney Harbour and covers an area some seven and a half times greater.

The lakes and river offer excellent water skiing, sailing, safe swimming and good fishing whilst being home to a great variety of waterbirds. The lakes and surrounding wetlands are an important breeding habitat.

Wilcannia

Once the third largest inland port in Australia Wilcannia was once known "Queen City". Sandstone was quarried during the boom years of the 1880's and several beautiful buildings still remain as a remnant of that era. The court, goal and post office are all of interest as well as the Red Lion Brewery housed in the golf club house.

Tibooburra

This tiny, remote township, the hottest in Australia on most summer days is perfect to experience what the outback is all about. Surrounded by the Sturt National Park there is an abundance of wildlife and wildflowers (in a good season).and many attractions including the old courthouse, Mt Stuart Aboriginal Artifact Collection and Tiboora Outback School of Air Distance Education.

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 1:22 pm

North East

Victoria (VIC)

Ned Kelly, "Mad" Dan Morgan and "Bogong Jack" are some of the Bushrangers from the goldrush era of this area now made famous in Australian folk law.

The area around the upper Murray is the first in the country to be irrigated and has been transformed into rich farm land producing citrus fruits and world-class wine.This is also a great place for a summer holiday with many water-sports to enjoy including;- fishing, sailing, waterskiing and swimming.

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 1:16 pm

Eastern Region

Tasmania (TAS)

An area of history, picturesque beaches, rugged gorges and headlands, and tranquil forests. From the adventure of fantastic white water rafting to relaxing or swimming on a sheltered secluded beach the East Coast offers a wide variety of attractions.

There are five National Parks in the region, Tasmania's biggest ski resort, at Ben Lomond, and some of the oldest sandstone buildings in Australia. Some of the most scenic coastal walks in Tasmania are in this area along with incredible fresh and saltwater fishing.

WonderWendy3 · Post by **WonderWendy3** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 2:27 pm

Thank you for sharing Mrs. K....I am really enjoying this thread.

I have ALWAYS wanted to visit Australia....I appreciate you posting this...:-4:-4

JacksDad · Post by **JacksDad** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 4:07 pm

Let's make a plan, Wendy.

We can arm wrestle Magenta.

:p

WonderWendy3 · Post by **WonderWendy3** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 4:34 pm

JacksDad;737674 wrote: Let's make a plan, Wendy.

We can arm wrestle Magenta.

:p

DEAL!!:)

You Arm wrestle her first!!

:yh_rotfl

I'll be the judge!

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 9:32 pm

WonderWendy3;737607 wrote: Thank you for sharing Mrs. K....I am really enjoying this thread.

I have ALWAYS wanted to visit Australia....I appreciate you posting this...:-4:-4

Not a problem,now you can visit through these pages.

If you ever do get here you are welcome to visit:-4:-6

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 1:51 pm

Outback South Australia (SA)

The outback contains 80% of the states area and less than 0.75% of its population. Whichever way you travel Port Augusta at the tip of the Spencer Gulf is the largest concentration of people you will see until Alice Springs or Roxby Downs.

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:26 pm

Perth, Fremantle Mandurah

Western Australia (WA)

Fremantle is one of the best preserved 19th century seaports in the world, with over 150 buildings classified by the National Trust.

Straddling Fremantle Harbour on the edge of the Indian Ocean the town is rich in maritime history, the Western Australia Maritime Museum boasting an internationally important collection of shipwreck relics some dating back to the Dutch sailors of the 17th century. Still a world famous sailing destination Fremantle was once home to the America's Cup

The best way to get a feel for Fremantle is to relax at one of the many alfresco cafes on the cappuccino strip in South Terrace - one of the most cosmopolitan streets in Australia.

You'll be entertained by a pavement sideshow of buskers, that is if your eyes are not drawn to a painting by one of Fremantle's many talented artists first.

For pure Australiana, you can breast the bar at a superbly renovated gold boom pub and sample local boutique beers with quirky names like "Redback" and "Dogbolter"

When Fremantle hosted the 1987 America's Cup, the city was treated to a facelift, and the festivities have never really stopped.

So bring a healthy appetite for rib-sticking food, great times and good friends - and discover the port of fun.

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 1:14 pm

Sydney

New South Wales (NSW)

New South Wales offers a unique range of nature-based holidays. Travel the State and discover dense forests hiding a complex mosaic of plant and animal life. Alpine country with mountainsides covered in snow gums. Sun-scarred desert parks that metamorphose into a kaleidoscope of wildflowers in spring. Untamed coastal country with kilometres of golden-sand beaches and bays on the North Coast. There are many travel operators who specialise in tours designed to provide visitors with a taste of the great Australian outdoors in either thrill-seeking, adrenalin-pumping activities or in more gentle pursuits. Top of the list in adventure experiences are mountain bike riding, white water rafting, para gliding, caving, canyoning, rock climbing, abseiling, tandem skydiving and hot air ballooning over the Central West's wheatfields. On the milder side, there are a whole range of nature tours that focus on birdwatching, nature viewing, bush walking and still- water canoeing. On the other hand, luxury lovers can take their wilderness with champagne and canapes. All this and more can be done on an adventure tour from Sydney.

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 1:28 pm

Canberra

Australian Capital Territory(ACT)

Canberra with a population of nearly 300 000 is Australia's capital and only major inland city. It is unique in having every detail of it's construction planned from the beginning, then being built halfway between Sydney and Melbourne after a dispute over which would become the nations capital.

The nerve centre of Australian national government, is just a three hour drive or a 45-minute flight south-west of Sydney. Set in a broad valley in the southern tablelands of New South Wales, Canberra is a well-planned lakeside city of parklands, impressive restaurants, beautiful bushland and leafy suburbs. Many of the public buildings display some of Australia's most innovative architecture including those housing our major, and most impressive, national attractions.

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 1:24 pm

Perth Western Australia (WA)

Nestled on the banks of the Swan River, Perth is one of the most isolated cities in the world. The city has a very relaxed style with beautiful protected beaches and many art galleries, museums and parks as well as some fine examples of convict built architecture.

Boasting a Californian climate unspoiled by smog there are lots of outdoor activities to be enjoyed including sailing and windsurfing on the Swan, surfing and fishing off the beaches or a visit to Rottnest Island the home of the Quokka.

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 1:36 pm

Melbourne

Victoria (VIC)

Melbourne is a diverse and cosmopolitan city .The town is home to some of Australia's biggest shopping complexes and sophisticated boutiques, glorious food halls and elegant restaurants, with a wide range of ethnic foods being readily available.

It is regarded as one of the cultural, culinary, sporting and shopping capitals of Australia with a great selection of events and festivals to entertain locals and visitors.

A short drive out of the city is the Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne's summer playground and the Dandenongs,which locals claim has "the very best nature has to offer".

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 11:26 pm

Border Ranges National Park

38 km west of Murwillumbah. off the Summerland Way or Murwillumbah-Kyogle Road. World Heritage listed. Rainforest park nestled against the Queensland border on the rim of the Tweed Volcano.

Tel: (066) 28 1177.

Dorrigo National Park

2 km east of Dorrigo. World Heritage listed. Rainforest spilling over the Great Dividing Range inland from Coffs Harbour. Excellent walks and Visitor Information Centre.

Tel: (066) 57 2303.

Mount Warning National Park

12 km south-west of Murwillumbah off Murwillumbah-Kyogle Road, Lismore. Heart of one of the earth's great ancient volcanoes, Mount Warning offers a fantastic walk. There is rainforest at the bottom, a steep climb and dazzling views at the top.

Tel: (066) 281 177

Broadwater National Park

Situated 3 km north of Evans Head, Broadwater consists of beautiful beaches, heathlands, undisturbed swamp forest. saltmarsh and 60 000 year old sand-dunes.

There is a barbecue area and lookout off the Broadwater - Evans road.

Bundjalung National Park

Situated 50 km south of Ballina, Bundjalung stretches from near Evans Head south to Iluka. This park covers large areas of swamp and heathland, mangrove mudflats, cypress swamps, and one of the last wild coastal rivers, the Esk.

Attractions include rare rainforests at Woody Head, canoeing on the rivers and lagoons and excellent surfing and fishing.

Camping is permitted at Woody Head (booking ph: 066 466 134) and Black Rocks.

Yuraygir National Park

Situated 50 km east of Grafton just south of Yamba, Yurragir National Park includes two former small parks: Angourie and Red Rock making it the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in NSW. The park comprises of long sandy beaches, heathlands, paperback swamps and lagoons. There is excellent bushwalking, surfing, fishing as well as canoeing in the lagoons and creeks.

Camping is permitted at Red Cliff/Lake Arragan, Sandon River, Illaroo and Station Creek.

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 1:45 pm

Tropical North Coast

North Queensland (QLD)

http://www.atn.com.au/graphics/waterfall7.jpg

The Tropical Coast stretches from Tully in the south with its world famous river rafting to Port Douglas in the north where two World Heritage areas merge on this tropical paradise. Fishing for Black Marlin, diving on the Barrier Reef or relaxing on a tropical Island are all within easy reach.

Take a cruise up the Daintree River into the world acclaimed Daintree Rainforest National Park or visit the Atherton Tablelands, with World Heritage listed areas of rainforests, rivers, spectacular waterfalls, and lakes in extinct volcanoes.

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Sat Dec 22, 2007 12:17 am

North East

Victoria (VIC)

http://www.atn.com.au/graphics/farmstay.jpg

Ned Kelly, "Mad" Dan Morgan and "Bogong Jack" are some of the Bushrangers from the goldrush era of this area now made famous in Australian folk law.

The area around the upper Murray is the first in the country to be irrigated and has been transformed into rich farm land producing citrus fruits and world-class wine.This is also a great place for a summer holiday with many water-sports to enjoy including;- fishing, sailing, waterskiing and swimming.

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Sat Dec 22, 2007 4:28 pm

Kakadu National Park

World heritage listed Kakadu National Park is the gateway to Arnhemland. Kakadu National Park covers almost 20,000 square kms, is an Australian icon and is only 250 kms east of Darwin the capital city of the Northern Territory. It is an easy three-hour drive on the Arnhem Highway. It is renown for its diverse environment from towering escarpment containing aboriginal rock art to the floodplains of the South Alligator River with its amazing array of birds and wildlife.

Depending on the season you may see crocodiles, wallabies, dingos, goannas and many of the myriad of bird species that inhabit the national park. The flora is also magnificent and changes dramatically from the tropical summer season to the dry season in May to November.

You can stop at the Bark Hutt Inn, stand next to the towering cathedral termite mounds that abound along the road. There are a lot of Kakadu Tours from Darwin in the NT that depart daily. They range from a day to a week and can be Kakadu accommodated or camping tours. Travel can be anything from a private chartered limousine or private luxury 4WD, through large touring coaches to small coaches and 4WD buses or troop carriers. You can drive yourself in a self-drive car or camper. There is a Kakadu tour to suit every budget and need.

Kakadu tours such as camping tours or 4WD adventure safaris are a good way to experience what the Kakadu National Park has to offer if you enjoy adventure. There are a variety of campgrounds in the park as well as some exclusive sites for camping tour operators.

When booking Kakadu tours, Northern Gateway will make your holiday experience a memorable one. Northern Gateway specialise in travel to Australia, in particular Northern Territory holidays.

Stay in the Kakadu accommodation such as the Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn in the township of Jabiru. Gagudju Cooinda Lodge also offers Kakadu accommodation, and is the boarding point for the Yellow Waters Billabong cruise and also the Warradjen Cultural Centre.

The Aurora Kakadu Resort in a magnificent park like setting, is near the South Alligator River and is the closest Kakadu accommodation to Darwin. Kakadu Lodge and campground is in the town of Jabiru.

There are many things to see and do in Kakadu National Park, so you need to allow several days to experience the best of what is on offer. Take a Yellow Waters Billabong or a Guluyambi Cruise, visit Nourlangie Rock and Ubirr Rock art and habitat sites, fly on a Kakadu Scenic Flight over Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls, visit Gunlom or Barramundi Gorge.

To learn more about Kakadu National Park and the aboriginal culture you need to visit the Bowali Centre in Jabiru and the Warradjen Cultural Centre in Cooinda.

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 10:32 pm

Attractions of (ACT) Canberra

Australian Reptile Centre Canberra

Situated at Gold Creek on the Barton Highway, the Australian Reptile Centre Canberra provides a dynamic, professionally presented educational venue of all things reptilian.

Parliament House

Built into the peak of Capital Hill, is the focal point for the whole of Canberra. The interior incorporates Australian artworks and is designed to embody the spirit of democracy. Visitors can take a guided tour, have lunch on the terrace, or view the story of Australian democracy in the theatrette. You are also welcome to observe Australia's political process if your visit occurs when Parliament is in session.

National Gallery of Australia

The National Gallery has the finest modern art collection in the southern hemisphere. It has more than 70,000 works which range from European Old Masters to contemporary Aboriginal artists, and is renowned for its inter- national blockbuster exhibitions and permanent gems such as Jackson Pollock's Blue Poles. A wander through the Sculpture Garden will introduce you to many exciting works by Australia's foremost sculptors, and the wonderful "fog sculpture" shrouds the garden and lily pond in a delicate white mist. Follow a path through land- scaped greenery to Mirrabrook, an outdoor restaurant beside Lake Burley Griffin.

Canberra Railway Museum

The Museum is located at Geijera Place, at the end of Cunningham St, in Kingston, not far from the Canberra Railway Station. Relax at the Museum while you experience the golden age of railways. Open Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays 1 to 4 pm, except Christmas and Boxing Days. BBQ facilities are available at no charge.

National Portrait Gallery

Situated in Old Parliament House and opened in 1994 the gallery is in an early stage of its development. Exhibitions, built around a theme are changed every four or five months and include artworks borrowed from public and private lenders some of which have never been exhibited before.

Questacon

More like a movie set than a museum, Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre, is a hands-on science centre which takes visitors through a maze of scientific knowledge and endeavour.

National Film and Sound Archives

National Film and Sound Archives houses Australia's film, television, recorded sound and radio heritage dating from the 1890s.

Australian War Memorial

Australian War Memorial is a national shrine and museum with a vast collection of exhibits, militaria, relics and paintings documenting Australia's military history.

National Botanic Gardens

On the slopes of Black Mountain, the National Botanic Gardens covers 50 hectares that focus on over 6000 species of native flora. The misted rainforest is a highlight; there's a walk among medicinal plants used by the Aborigines; there are guided tours; and the eucalypt forest numbers over 600 species.

Lanyon Historic Homestead

A visit to Canberra should include Lanyon Historic Homestead, a superb reminder of 19th century rural living, and historic Cuppacumbalong with its art and craft centre, cottages, restaurants, picnic areas and river swimming. Continue on to Namadgi National Park which embraces a region of sublime landscapes including alpine wilderness. It covers more than a third of the Australian Capital Territory.

The Deep Space Communication Complex in Tidbinbilla

Just south of the city, is operated jointly by the Australian Department of Science and NASA. The Visitor Centre features spacecraft models and audio-visuals; there are maps and information on guided walks. Nearby is Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve where emus, kangaroos, koalas and other native fauna can be seen in this natural habitat tucked in amongst the mountains.

National Aquarium Australian Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in the heart of Canberra see colourful living coral, sharks, moray eels, murray cod, crocodiles, kangaroos, waterfowl and much more.

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 4:24 pm

KANGAROO: A marsupial animal found in Australia.

Typically large kangaroos have sheeplike heads, large, movable ears, slender chests and heavy hind parts.

They have short front legs with five unequal digits and long, powerful hind legs with tendons that act like springs for energy-efficient hopping.

A large kangaroo can cover a distance of 9m in a single leap. A large kangaroo, although ordinarily timid, is dangerous when at bay, pummeling its attacker with its forepaws and slashing with its powerful hind legs.

The long, muscular tail is used as a support when the animal sits or walks and for balance when it leaps.

The female kangaroo, have special abdominal pouches. the newly born young, known as a joey, finds its way into the pouch unassisted by the mother. The pouch, in which the joey is kept until it is 5-9 months old contains four mammary glands, of which two at a time are functional.

The joey emerges permanently from -10 months and then stays with its mother, continuing to suckle by placing its head in her pouch, usually until it is 12-18 months old.

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 4:42 pm

I would love you to.:-6

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 7:19 pm

Nice pics FB.

Keep adding more:-6

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 1:45 am

Highlands Snow Country

Victoria (VIC)

This is the Victorian Snow Country and from June to October the Resorts of Mount Buffalo, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mt Buller all provide excellent skiing and snowboarding.

However this a region for all seasons, spring and autumn are magical for vibrant and diverse colours while in summer it is the perfect place for trout fishing and bushwalking in the mountains.

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 9:49 pm

This is for Red,she said she would like to live here.

To bloody hot for me.

Coober Pedy

Fascinating opal town where most of the residents live underground

Of all the opal mining towns in Australia there is none quite like Coober Pedy. It is, for starters, much larger than other notable places like White Cliffs or Lightning Ridge or Andamooka and it is this size which has produced a diversity of people and activities guaranteed to keep the visitor engrossed for at least a day. There's the grassless golf course, the underground church, the noodling for gems on mullock heaps, the tourist shops, the expensive and sophisticated accommodation, the mixture of nationalities, the frenetic searching for wealth. And all this is set against a backdrop of one of the harshest environments in Australia.

Colin Thiele in his novel The Fire in the Stone seemed to get to the essence of the town when he wrote: 'The opal fields lay six hundred miles northwest of Adelaide, midway between Port Augusta and Alice Springs. A flat, bare landscape it was for the most part, with undulations here and there and flat-topped hills and breakaways and wind-swept plains. An old land, eroded and wrinkled, worn down over endless ages, peneplain on peneplain, until even the hills were remnants of ancient plains. And in the sides of the slopes, cut into every knoll and knob, were doorways and entrances and burrows as if the whole place was inhabited by five foot high rabbits walking about on their hind legs.'

Gopher holes at Coober Pedy

Coober Pedy is located 846 km north of Adelaide and 213 m above sea level. It has an average annual rainfall of 139 mm.

About 80 per cent of the population of Coober Pedy now live underground. The reason for this is that the temperature can rise to 50Â°C in summer and it has been known to rise to 60Â°C. To most outsiders the idea of living underground sounds terribly primitive. In fact the motels which have been built underground are as good any built above ground. The floors are tiled and the mechanical equipment which digs out the rooms leaves attractive patterns in the red and white walls which are sealed to prevent dust and decay. There is certainly no likelihood of a sudden cave in. A good, new underground house in Coober Pedy with five rooms can be constructed by a tunnelling machine for around $25 000.

At the moment there are about 4000 people living in and around the town and over 45 nationalities are represented. The majority of the population are Greek, Yugoslav and Italian (the town has a remarkable similarity to a dusty Mediterranean village) with many Chinese buyers of opals.

There are no large companies operating in the area and this has been maintained by the fact that a mining lease can only be acquired for an area of 50 square metres and then the miner is obliged to work at his lease for about 20 hours per week.

The opals at Coober Pedy were discovered by a teenager, Willie Hutchinson (the main street is named after him), in 1915 and by 1916 miners had moved to the area. It is claimed that the first people to live underground where miners who had been soldiers in Europe during World War 1. Used to living in trenches they knew the climatic advantages gained from living in the constant temperature of a dugout.

The town was officially named by the local Progress and Mining Association in 1922. The most widely accepted translation of the Aboriginal name is that 'coober' means either boy, uninitiated man or white man (all of which may well be interchangeable) and 'pedy' means hole or rock hole. Thus Coober Pedy is a description of what the local Aborigines regarded as peculiar activities (both mining and living underground) and so the town means 'white men down holes'.

Progress in the town has been slow. All development has come a bad second when compared to the need to find opals. For example the town has only had a regular water supply since 1985. The water comes from an artesian basin and in 1990 cost $22.00 per 4 000 litres.

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 1:52 pm

Outback

New South Wales (NSW)

Broken Hill

The largest town in the west Broken Hill stands on the richest silver-lead-zinc deposit yet discovered and has so far yielded minerals worth over 1.5 billion dollars. The town, situated in one of the driest areas of Australia is surprisingly green and leafy thanks to water piped from the reservoir at Lake Menindee 110km away.

Broken Hill was named in 1844 by explorer Sturt but the mineral riches were not discovered until 1883 by Charles Rasp after which a town grew almost instantly to a population 20 000 within eight years.

The town is a fascinating place to visit and has been described a "living museum" or a "museum without walls". The town and area can be explored by following "The Silver Trail - A Guide to the Heritage of Broken Hill" available at the Information Centre which has a detailed guide to the walk and drive trails. The walk trail covers most of Broken Hill's central business district and is fully sign-posted. The drive trail is over 40km long, features 113 points of interest and will take over two hours to complete.

A favorite place for photographers are Keenan and Block 10 lookouts with impressive views over the city. Excellent aboriginal art can be seen at the Aboriginal site at Mootwingie, in the Bynguano Range. Many excellent artists have also grown from the area and have become known as the "Brushmen of the Bush".

Silverton

Situated 25km north-west of Broken Hill this once thriving community of over 3000 is now a ghost town.

The gaol, which closed in 1943 has now been restored as a museum and houses many interesting relics from the past.

The town is also a popular place for film-makers having been the location for Mad Max 2, A Town Like Alice and Razorback.

White Cliffs

Born from the discovery of seam opal in the 1890's this is Australia's oldest commercial opal field. This unique area resembles a moonscape with over 50 000 craters, the result of 100 years of mining. The population, once 5000 in its heyday, now fluctuates and most inhabitants live underground in dugouts to escape the summer heat and winter cold.

A fascinating place to visit attractions include tours through the dugout homes, opal showrooms, and the historic opal fields.

Menindee

Situated on the banks of the tree lined Darling Menindee is an oasis in the Outback. Menindee sits amongst the Overflow lakes that form the Menindee Water Storage Scheme. The lakes, at maximum capacity hold three and a half times more water than Sydney Harbour and covers an area some seven and a half times greater.

The lakes and river offer excellent water skiing, sailing, safe swimming and good fishing whilst being home to a great variety of waterbirds. The lakes and surrounding wetlands are an important breeding habitat.

Wilcannia

Once the third largest inland port in Australia Wilcannia was once known "Queen City". Sandstone was quarried during the boom years of the 1880's and several beautiful buildings still remain as a remnant of that era. The court, goal and post office are all of interest as well as the Red Lion Brewery housed in the golf club house.

Tibooburra

This tiny, remote township, the hottest in Australia on most summer days is perfect to experience what the outback is all about. Surrounded by the Sturt National Park there is an abundance of wildlife and wildflowers (in a good season).and many attractions including the old courthouse, Mt Stuart Aboriginal Artifact Collection and Tiboora Outback School of Air Distance Education.

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 8:30 pm

Katherine

Northern Territory (NT)

The saying 'Never Never' comes from the local belief that those who live in and love this country can 'never never' leave it. It was immortalised in the book "We of the Never Never" by Jeannie Gunn.The Katherine Gorge is one of the most spectacular areas in the country, winding 12 km with walls more than 70m high.

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 11:37 am

North Barrier Reef Islands

North Queensland (QLD)

From Lizard Island, the most northern island resort, down to magnetic Island just off Townsville, this group of islands offer a wide variety of natural wonders and attractions for you to enjoy.

Here you can be pampered at one of the most exclusive resorts in the world, relax under the palms on powder white beaches, experience the spectacular scuba diving or fight the biggest game fish of all - the Black Marlin.

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 5:04 pm

The Riverina

New South Wales (NSW)

Griffith

Designed by Walter Burley Griffin, the architect who designed Canberra, Griffith is situated in the heart of the rich farming land created by the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Scheme.There are many market gardens and a strong mediterranean look and feel to the town with half the population of 15 000 being of Italian extraction. There are close to 20 wineries in the area where you can taste the local produce.

Deniliquin

Named by the bushranger Ben Boyd after a local aboriginal leader who was a mighty wrestler, Deniliquin is a town full of stories and relics of a colorful past. The town is legendary in the wool trade being where the Peppin, a bigger framed merino which could stand up to the harsh conditions of the area was born.

Wagga Wagga

Sitting on the Murrumbidgee River, Wagga Wagga is New South Wales' largest inland town and the centre for industry, agriculture, and education in the area. The town boasts a beautiful Botanic Gardens with nine hectares of brilliant floral displays, exotic hothouse flowers and rainforest. In another park is the zoo and the former council chambers house and art gallery.

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 3:35 pm

Southwest Coast

Western Australia (WA)

White sandy beaches, protected from the Indian Ocean by outer reefs, make this coastline great for swimming, windsurfing and fishing. The Serpentine National Park is a great place for camping and bushwalking with forest tracks passing stunning waterfalls and swimming holes.