Australia (by Chris)
by Chris Thompson
I had always wanted to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge. A strange but true admission! Hailing from the north-east I felt an affinity to the bridge born in my hometown. Thankfully neither the bridge nor Sydney or indeed Australia disappointed me at all.
Sydney is in a superb setting. You can enjoy criss-crossing the harbour, enjoying lunch at Bathers Pavilion surveying the action (some action!) on Bondi Beach. Eating is now a major pastime in Sydney with world class restaurants offering a vast choice of eating options, I am always happy to advise clients on the latest places to eat - having a huge interest in the subject!
Do not let the size of Australia intimidate you. Divide it into experiences. Depending on your own interests I suggest you think of outback, rainforest and reef to fully explore the uniqueness of this country.
Personally I loved the outback; Uluru (Ayres Rock) is as amazing from the ground as the air. The Aboriginal background lends itself to wonderful stories - take a guided tour and you will take away much more than a fabulous photograph. Also, should you venture to the Top End of the Northern Territory you will understand the Aboriginal links to the Kakadu World Heritage site. This is a superb place to visit from Darwin if you wish to view Aboriginal cave paintings, do a bush tucker walk and spot crocodiles!
The rainforest area inland and north of the Cairns/Palm Cove/Port Douglas area is another area to consider for a few days away from the coast and reef. The Daintree National Park, Cape Tribulation and Atherton Tableland are all accessible, the later by the scenic Kuranda railway.
The reef, what can you say? Pristine sand backed by lush greenery, easy access to the Barrier Reef the resorts of Palm Cove and Port Douglas have it all. A number of trips too numerous to mention will allow you to explore every part of the area below, on or above the water!
Melbourne offers some great scenic drives (how about driving from Sydney?) with a stunning coastal drive viewing the Twelve Apostles to the west of the city. Sydney and Melbourne are great rivals; Melbourne feeling it is far more cosmopolitan than its neighbour. It does have a great choice of restaurants, museums, and sporting events and is very close to a great wine area!
Oh I forgot to mention the Olgas, Katherine Gorge and Margaret River - who said Aussies are obsessed with Sheila? You can explore the Bungle Bungle range, visit a diamond mine and fish for barramundi in the same day. It really is a land of plenty.