08 Oct 08 Gold Coast things to do
The Gold Coast is one of the most famous places in Australia, and millions of people visit the Gold Coast every year. There are a lot of reasons behind this strong trend of people visiting The Gold coast. Australia is a beautiful continent. Some parts of Australia are extremely beautiful and attract the attention of the travelers and visitors coming from all parts of the world. The Gold coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia. The popularity of the Gold Coast as a popular tourist destination in Australia is dependent on a number of factors. One of the important reasons of the popularity of the Gold Coast as tourist resort is that it is possible for you to enjoy your life fully as a tourist while in the Gold coast. There are a lot of activities which you should do while in the Gold coast. The top five are listing below.
Surfing: The beaches of the Gold Coast are known for surfing and other water sports. People from all parts of the world come to visit the Gold Coast due to this reason. The Gold Coast beaches are naturally suitable for surfing. The government has also paid all due attention towards these beaches and now these beaches are world’s best known places for surfing. While visiting the Gold Coast, this is something which you must not miss. Go surfing. Even if you are new to this field, there are life guards and other surfers’ services from where you get help to get started.
Dinning: The second best thing about the Gold Coast is the variety of cuisines which are available here. You will find Chinese, Italian, Thai, Japanese, Indian and Mediterranean cuisines served here along with the traditional Aussie food. A variety of Gold Coast Dinning options make dining out on the Gold Coast a nice experience and one you’ll truly enjoy.
Night life: Another popular thing which you should do while staying at the Gold coast is to enjoy the night life here. There are a lot of Gold Coast Nightclubs and bars, some of these bars are known for the collection of drinks which they have to serve the guests, while others are known for the stripped dances.
Shopping: Being one of the most visited regions of the world, there are a lot of Gold Coast shopping centers for locals and tourists alike. The Gold Coast region is a very populated and prosperous one. You can find some nice Aussie souvenirs here.
Visit Places: There is a lot to see and do on the Gold Coast. You can visit the land marks and the famous theme parks of the Gold Coast. There are many natural parks here as well. There are many Gold Coast entertainment options for visitors to the region. You can also visit the art galleries.
These are few of the activities which you should undertake while in the Gold coast. The place is full of life and it offers you a lot more than that.
01 Oct 08 Gold Coast Annual Events
The Gold Coast is a city which is full of life. Life here at the Gold Coast is fast and enjoyable for the visitors. A number of tourists visit the Gold coast every year. Tourism industry happens to be the best developed industry of the Gold Coast. There are many reasons of the popularity of the Gold Coast as an important tourist destination. The natural beauty of the region and the modern facilities of the developed metropolitan in combination attract the tourists from all round the globe. Another major attraction of the Gold Coast is the events that take place here. The place in general is so much full of life. You can enjoy a lot while staying here. All of the events which take place here at the Gold coast are fun filled and lively. The tourists enjoy visiting the Gold Coast in the festivity season more.
Aussies are true sportsmen. They are fond of almost all kinds of sports and that shows in the list of the annual events of the Gold Coast. Lexmark Indy 300 is an annually held event. This event is related to car racing. The track includes the streets of Surfers Paradise. Some streets of Main Beach are also used as the track for this race. Lexmark Indy 300 is not only a car racing event, it also includes many other events. Miss Indy competition is also held under the same umbrella. Indy Undie ball is another event which takes place in the same days as Lexmark Indy 300 car race. Another event, V8 Supercars, uses the same track as the Indy 300.
A carnival which is very important and is celebrated with true spirit of enjoyment in the Gold Coast is the Magic Millions. This carnival has everything to do with horse sales and horse racing. The local people here are very much into horse racing. People of the Gold Coast enjoy horse racing a lot. Magic Millions is thus a very popular event. Gerry Harvey was the person who started this carnival along with John Singleton. Both of these are entrepreneurs. The plan of building a new race track is under consideration for this event now. The race track will be built in the Palm Meadows.
Wintersun Festival is another popular festival of this region. This festival is hosted by Coolangatta. This festival revives the music and magic of the 1950s and 60s decades. Bands play the music of that era in this festival. There is a lot of fun and entertainment in this festival. There are restored cars and hot rods alongside the traditional music. This festival is generally a two week long event. Wintersun festival is celebrated each June.
Gold Coast Marathon takes place in the month of July every year. Around 16,000 people participate in this event. This marathon actually consists of 6 events. It is one of the best known sorting events that are held in the gold coast. It is known the world over for being one of the best marathons arranged in the world. The longest track is of 42.2 km, while 21.1 km half marathon, 10 km run and 7.5 km walk is also included in this event. The tracks for the kids are even smaller in length.
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24 Sep 08 Australia’s Capricorn Region
The Capricorn region of Queensland. Australia is uniquely located at the Tropic of Capricorn. Expectedly, it offers the most unique of places, people and experiences. There are a number of things here that one can never find anywhere else. The diversity that this region possesses promises only the most exciting holiday.
National parks, heritage buildings, craft markets, state forests, international resorts and island treats - in the Capricorn Region, one need not go far into the area to find the type of holiday. The starting point of any journey in the region is the vibrant city of Rockhampton, which is its proud capital. Rockhampton has long been regarded as the Beef Capital of Australia. The city promises and represents much of the diversity and richness of the entire region. One can, for instance, enjoy its rich history by walking through the streets of Quay Street, which is the longest stretch of National Trust Heritage in the whole country.
Venturing north of Rockhampton leads to the Capricorn Coast, which boasts of its 13 beautiful beaches located along the most scenic coastline from the Emu Park to the Yeppon. Heading east leads to the deep blue waters of the Pacific which lap the Capricorn Coast which is home to the Great Barrier Reef and semi-tropical islands.
Going south will take one to the heritage trails and the reminders of bygone years at Mount Morgan, which is an old gold mining town. South-west lies the primary industries of the region where the best cattle in the country are bred and raised that provide for the growing local, national and even international markets. Located west of Rockhampton is the outback territory of Australia - where the region’s most amazing gem fields and the most resplendent towns of the region: Emerald, Rubyvale and Anakie, to name a few.
Travellers who head for the inlands are just as surprised with the natural wonders that can be found here. The Carnarvon National Park has Aboriginal art paintings on rocks as well as delicate ferns that run amidst the many towering sandstone cliffs. This breath taking view is supplemented by the Blackdown Tableland National Park which is proud of its 600 meter sandstone plateau, one of a kind lookouts and the picturesque Rainbow Falls. Of course, there is the Capricorn Caves, where visitors can tour the Bat Cleft at Mount Etna in the summer. The Koroombit Tops National Park and Mount Scoria as well as the Byfield National Park are home to a magnificent rainforest, local artisans and canoe facilities on the Byfield River. These national parks are also home to some of the very best sunsets that can be witnessed in Australia.
The Capricorn region is an ideal place for hitting the beach, enjoying the warm sunshine with a glass of cold drink. The more adventurous can go through cave explorations and fossil digging, or fossick through the most precious sapphires. There are so much more treasures that lies on this unique region. To those who love history and culture, exploring the area can give insights and attractions that can not be seen anywhere else. Mountain climbing, waterfall bathing, 4WD adventures, bush walking and sleeping under the stars - all these are possible in Capricorn. There are also a wide range of Queensland accommodation available to make one’s stay even more enjoyable, ranging from luxury hotels to roadside motels, cozy cabins to romantic Bed and Breakfasts, camping grounds and caravan parks.
17 Sep 08 Bondi Beach & Sydney Beaches
With an excellent climate all the year round and over 30 pristine beaches within 30 minutes of the city’s CBD by public transport, Sydney is an obvious tourists’ delight.
Bondi Beach is a jewel in the crown of Sydney Beaches. Located 7 kilometres east of Sydney CBD, this one-kilometre long beach has excellent surf. Bondi is a modern coastal resort with many cafes and restaurants to keep you interested. This sandy beach is ideal for family vacation with kids and old people enjoying the pleasant climate and fun games on the beach. The Beach also has splendid parkland to relax, play and enjoy a walk. Sports enthusiasts can look forward to adventure activities, like roller-blading, skating and cycling. The northern headland of the beach has some great Aboriginal rock engravings and the southern headland has a fabulous coastal walk that has a number of smaller coves all along.
Besides Bondi, Sydney has many other gorgeous beaches and most of them have great surf. Sydney’s Beaches are either ocean facing or harbour-beaches. The northern and southern division of ocean beaches is with reference to the entrance to Sydney Harbour.
Coogee, the next popular coastal resort south of Bondi, has some excellent eating joints and offers a pleasant clifftop walk. Palm Beach is one of the high-end northern beaches of Sydney and is famous around the world as Summer Bay from the Australian TV soap Home and Away.
Starting from Barrenjoey Head at the northern tip of Sydney’s north shore and moving south, the main beaches include, Whale Beach, Avalon, Bilgola, Newport, Bungan, Mona Vale, Warriewood, Turimetta, Narrabeen, Collaroy, Dee Why, North Curl Curl, Curl Curl, Freshwater, Queenscliff, North Steyne and Manly. The Manly region has 8 marvellous beaches. South of Manly is Fairy Bower and Shelly Beach.
Besides, there are other popular beaches along the harbour foreshores that don’t have any surf. Some of the prominent ones include Redleaf, Nielsen Park, Parsley Bay and Camp Cove. Sydney also has some less accessible nudist beaches, like Lady Jane and Obelisk.
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10 Sep 08 Free Things To See And Do In Brisbane
You don’t need to spend mind-boggling dollars to enjoy various attractions and events in Brisbane. There are plenty of activities that won’t cost you a cent and yet, give you all the thrill and joys of Brisbane.
Sightseeing in Brisbane can be a pleasure that hardly costs anything. Brisbane is a historically modern city that has no dearth of heritage buildings and modern skyscrapers. If you really want to enjoy the panoramic view of the city, the observation platform in the 85-meter clock tower of the City Hall, located in King George Square, is the best place to flock. Another great site is Mt. Coot-Tha that gives a bird’s eye view of Brisbane and its suburbs.
Some of the best Brisbane sights include Anzac Square, Customs House, Old Government House, Parliament House, Old Windmill, and architectural marvel – Brisbane Casino. Leisure walks around the Brisbane River are always soothing for the body and the soul. You can also relish the Botanic Gardens situated along the river, which are open 24 hours a day with free tours at 11AM and 1PM.
The families like to hang out in the markets and other excursion places during the weekends. Sunday Markets and Farmers Markets are the favorite jaunts for the families and friends to visit often. Besides, there are special annual events and festivals you can look forward to and which are absolutely free to enjoy. For instance, Museum of Brisbane hosts an exhibition titled Brillustration: Children’s Picture Book Illustrators in Brisbane, which profiles eleven Children’s Picture Book Illustrators who live and work in Brisbane.
The suburbs of Brisbane boasts of pristine beaches and stunning scenic beauty that’d hold you captive for many days in the region. With so much on offer for free in Brisbane, you can look forward to an inexpensive holiday at one of the most exotic locales in Australia.
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02 Sep 08 Sydney Events Calendar
Sydney is bustling with events all the yearlong. The city hosts plenty of national and international events besides the usual annual events.
The arts lovers can enjoy quality time in Sydney with host of events lined up for them. Manly Arts Festival in September draws a huge crowd at Manly Art Gallery and Museum. Popular participatory events include the Big Busking Competition and Chalkfest for budding pavement artists. McDonald’s Performing Arts Challenge annually finds newest Pop Idol of Australia. Dobell Prize for Drawing brings the remarkable drawing talents of Australian artists into the public domain at Art Gallery of New South Wales during August-end.
Sydney is a great place for music lovers too. The LIVID Festival, one of Australia’s biggest and longest running rock festivals, during October attracts rock bands from all over Australia and different parts of the world. Homebake, during December, is an immensely popular annual music festival that is exclusively meant for homegrown Australian bands. The Darling Harbour Jazz and Blues Festival, held over the Queen’s Birthday Weekend in June, features the best in jazz, swing, groove, New Orleans, gospel and blues.
Sydney also has plethora of sporting events lined up for all. Sydney Marathon, a.k.a., Blackmores Sydney Running Festival in September attracts over 10,000 runners and features full and half marathons. Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race starts from Sydney on the Boxing Day and is considered as one of the most thrilling ocean races in the world.
Sydney also boasts of hosting numerous religious fests. Handel’s Messiah in Sydney, covering the whole story of Christ, is one of the feature annual operas at the Sydney Opera House in December. Carols in the Domain, during December, is a giant outdoor candlelit carol service in the Domain featuring a spectacular firework display.
Besides, there are host of other events and festivals in Sydney including, Sleaze Ball in September at the Hordern Pavilion, Flickerfest International Short Film Festival at Bondi Pavilion in January, Sydney Writers’ Festival in May-June at Wharf 4/5, Greek Festival of Sydney during March-April, Sydney Royal Easter Show at Sydney Showground in April, Golden Easter Egg Trophy Greyhound Race at Wentworth Greyhound Race Track in April, Sydney Good Food and Wine Show at Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre in June, Aroma Coffee Festival at The Rocks in July, and the Sydney International Boat Show at Darling Harbour in August.
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02 Sep 08 Free Things To See And Do In Tropical North Queensland
Tropical North Queensland, like the rest of the State is a beautiful region with eye-catching scenic environment and lots of activities to indulge in. You need not spend money on many of the activities, which really makes a visit to this region a value-for- money trip.
If you are an art and craft lover, you’ll be just amazed to find this place to your liking. There’s Doongal Aboriginal Art and Artefacts, which has three stores - two in Kuranda and one located on the Esplanade in Cairns. The place has the largest and finest collection of investment art from Central Australia. Located in the beautiful rainforest village of Kuranda is Claire Souter Gallery featuring the paintings of celebrated local artist, Claire Souter. The place also serves as a studio and workshop for local artists. The Centre of Contemporary Arts (CoCA) at Cairns is home to the five famous life-sized jelly baby sculptures by artist Sophie Cadman. Australis Art Gallery at Kuranda features paintings of various local artists.
For adventure and recreation, you can flock to Paradise Palms Country Club at Clifton Beach, Cairns. It boasts of the best and most challenging of Australia’s championship resort golf courses, and also features The Palms Bar and Restaurant. Cazalys is another landmark spot in Cairns. It is home of Australian Football in Cairns and boasts of excellent sporting facilities.
Besides, there are numerous National Parks and Sanctuaries in the region with free entry. Some of the prominent ones include Barnard Island Group National Park, Barron Gorge National Park, Batreach Wildlife Care Centre, Clump Mountain National Park, Black Mountain National Park, Girringun National Park, Mt. Whitfield Conservation Park, Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park etc.
There’s really no dearth of free things that you can do in Tropical North Queensland. The only dearth could be of time at your disposal!
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02 Sep 08 Free Things To See And Do In Sydney
A big city, like Sydney, has lots of free things to indulge in. So, save your precious dollars and explore the following activities that won’t cost you a cent.
The Rocks, a 19th century village hemmed in by Sydney Cove, Campbells Cove and Walsh Bay, is considered as the birthplace of modern Australia. Captain Arthur Philip settled here in 1788 and the modern city of Sydney developed from here onwards. The place also has some excellent restaurants, bistros, pubs, souvenir shops, weekend markets, music and entertainment along its main streets and squares.
Darling Harbour is an obvious halt for any visitor at Sydney. The main attractions at the harbour include Chinese Garden of Friendship, IMAX Theatre, Sydney Aquarium, and Australian National Maritime Museum.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk is a must for Sydney visitors to be a witness to this historical spot. Just take the pedestrian walkway on the eastern side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge roadway from The Rocks at the southern end of the bridge to Milsons Point at the northern end, or you may start at Milsons Point and cross over the bridge to The Rocks.
Circular Quay is the hub of Sydney Harbour and is a stepping-off point for most attractions based around the harbour
The Royal Botanic Gardens are just a short walk around the water’s edge from the Sydney Opera House. The Gardens have some of the most breathtakingly beautiful settings and offer the harbour views from up on the hill. The main features at the Gardens include the hop-on-hop-off train, walkways, and large trees with a wonderful shade canvas.
Government House, located in the Domain and overlooking the Royal Botanic Gardens and Sydney Opera House, is a heritage building and a must-see for all the visitors in Sydney.
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02 Sep 08 Gold Coast Convention Centre
At long last the Gold Coast has its own Convention Centre. Located in Broadbeach, the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) is opposite Broadbeach’s shopping district, restaurants, nightlife, the beach, accommodation and Conrad Jupiters Casino - the ideal location for conference delegates to stay and enjoy the Gold Coast whilst attending a conference.
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Costing a massive $127 million dollars, the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre opened on 29 June 2004 and features a Main Arena, Exhibition Halls, and Meeting Rooms catering for 10 to 6000 people
As Australia’s largest regional convention centre, Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre is widely used for a variety of events such as corporate and association conferences and meetings, national and international incentives, banquets, exhibitions, concerts, sporting and special events.
View the official Gold Coast Convention Centre Website
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02 Sep 08 Dining: Gold Coast Restaurants, Cafes and Alfresco Dining
The Gold Coast is known for its hospitality industry. The tourism in the Gold Coast region of Queensland, Australia has grown at a very fast pace. The economic prosperity of the Gold Coast is too much dependent on the tourism industry. This is the reason of a lot of growth which the region has experienced in general. Like the other famous tourist destinations the Gold Coast has a lot to offer to the tourists. Not only it offers the world’s most popular surfer’s beaches, but also the best dinning places in Australia. The Gold Coast is known for bringing all the delicacies from around the world together. Food that is served in the restaurants and hotels of the Gold Coast comes from a variety of cuisines. Some of the apartments are specialists of local food and serve you the delicacies of the Aussie cuisines. Others specialise in Thai, Chinese, Indian or Japanese cuisines.
There are many restaurants and bars on the Gold Coast. These Dinning places range from roadside diners which are cheap to the world’s most popular multi starred hotels. The food is generally good and every one of these dinning places has few specialties for which people visit them. Enjoy Mediterranean Cuisine at Alto Cucine Bar. This Restaurant and Bar is located in Broadbeach and offers you Dinning in Banquet Style. You can enjoy Mediterranean food here. Similarly, you can enjoy alfresco style cuisine served in the modern ways at Bahia Restaurant. There are many other restaurants in the Gold Coast which specialise in one or the other kind of cuisines.
You can enjoy the Thai Garden bar in Beer Thai Garden. This restaurant specializes in Thai food. Some portion of the dinning area is inside, and is decorated with the artifacts from Thai region. The rest of the dinning area is without a roof and thus you practically eat under the stars. The sky here appears to be really beautiful at night. This is especially true about the moonlit nights. Keeping this in view, a lot of tourists prefer this place for dinner. Bistro Blanc is another place suitable for those who are fond of modern Dinning. Most of these restaurants are also located in Broadbeach. There are a lot more restaurants on the Gold Coast. Some of these restaurants are located meters from the beach. You thus get a chance of enjoying a swim or some surfing after taking a delicious meal.
There are many Italian restaurants in the Gold Coast. Some of the restaurants serve food from the Japanese cuisine. The list of the famous restaurants at the Gold Coast is a long one. Few of the popular names are Pink Poodle Bar and Restaurant, Pancakes in Paradise, Room81-Sofitel Gold Coast, Saks Italian Restaurant and Bar, YellowFin Seafood Restaurant, Raaj Palace Indian Restaurant and Mario’s Italian Restaurant and pizzeria. All of these are known for the good quality food they serve. The prices range from few cheap roadside eateries to the luxurious multi starrer, expansive Dinning places. These Dinning places also differ widely form each other in the culture they profess. Some of these are family restaurants while others like Dracula’s are cabaret restaurants.
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