Travel Australia Articles

Are you in Sydney and getting sick of having to dress your best to simply go do the grocery shopping?

There are a great many road trips people embark on in Australia that look quite breezy on a map, but turn out to be many, many hours.

January 26, 1788. The first British settlers arrive in Australia, on the western side of Circular Quay in Sydney. They arrive at an area now known as 'The Rocks'.

The oldest astronomical center in Australia, the Sydney Observatory has a long and glorious history of scientific endeavors. Now converted to a museum and educational facility, it's officially part of the Powerhouse science museum complex.

Just a short walk from Sydney's world-famous opera house is the equally impressive, and much older, Royal Botanic Gardens. Like many other attractions in the area the gardens have a spectacular view of Sydney Harbor. The harbor is technically referred to as Port Jackson, you may see it listed this way in some brochures and on some websites.

Officially known as Port Jackson, Sydney Harbor reaches 20km (12mi) inland, where it joins the mouth of the Parramatta River. But on the ocean side of the harbor is a much more interesting sight: the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

Established in 1827, the Australian Museum was the country's first major collection of natural artifacts. First opened to the public in 1857, the Australian Museum is Sydney's premier offering in the arena of Natural History.

The gallery is as individual as the country of Australia itself. Housing every style from 16th century landscape to the latest fad-with-no-name, this Sydney museum offers something for every taste.

The Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia has a long and glorious history. Set on over 50 acres since the turn of the 20th century, the Zoo looks out over the magnificent harbor. Views of the old bridge and the new Opera House dazzle the eye, along with the green hills and blue sky.

Like many large public projects, the building of the Sydney Opera House was bathed in controversy. But the final result is nonetheless breathtaking. While the interior has many flaws, such as the stage being blocked from portions of the seating area, inside and out it's an architectural marvel.

Located on the eastern side of Darling Harbor, the Sydney Aquarium displays more than 650 species in a unique setting. Even discounting the extraordinary views outside, the more than 6,000 individuals aquatic creatures are housed in unusual style. Many are visible through the walls of large glass tunnels and some of the tunnels even have glass floors.

A part of Sydney for over 125 years, the Powerhouse Museum has housed science and technology exhibits at the present site since 1988.

Whether your taste runs to the modernist or whether you prefer classical, Sydney's Historic Houses Trust has a sample that will enlighten and entertain.

The Sydney Harbor (technically, Port Jackson) offers a number of stunning views. But how much more delightful to see them from a different angle on the water, while moving at top speed in a jet boat, or cruising along on a sailboat.

As the natives say, the ANMM is chock-a-block full of things to see and do, all relating to Australia's relationship with the sea. The contents are no big surprise, considering that 90% of the descendants of European ancestry that settled this island live within about 60km of the shore.

Melbourne is the trendy metropolitan city of Australia. Known for its cafes, restaurants, stylish shopping and shows, it is an excellent location for a driving holiday with magnificent scenery and attractions all within an hours drive of the city centre.