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March 3, 2017

Touring Government House in Sydney

Front view of Government House Sydney The most sophisticated example of a Gothic Revival building in New South Wales, Government House has been home to over 27 Governors over the years, and marks a huge difference to the canvas tent that the very first Governor had to pitch in 1788. While Government House today is home to the current Governor of New South Wales, it is also a living museum, meaning that parts of this historic building are open for the public to tour and explore.

Getting to Government House
Located alongside the Royal Botanic Gardens, Government House is best accessed from the Botanic Gardens themselves, or from Macquarie Street. There are many public transportation options available too, and Government House is just a five minute stroll from these, but if you are already in the area, it is easy enough to get to Government House on foot.

Public Tours
The public tours are the only way to explore the interior of Government House, and since this is a living museum, only certain areas of the building are open to the public tour. The tours are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, between 10:30am and 3pm, and last for 45 minutes each. If you would simply like to explore the gardens around the grounds instead, these are open every day and do not require a guide.

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Tour Highlights
The state rooms on the ground floor of Government House are definitely one of the highlights of the tour. These lavishly decorated rooms feature an incredible collection of historic artwork and furnishings, including opulent Vice Regal furniture, from the 19th and 20th century, all of which would be right at home in a world-class museum. When it comes to the exterior of Government House, the Eastern Terrace is a beautiful sight to see, with stunning views over Sydney Harbour. This spot has been used to entertain important visitors, such as members of the British Royal Family, since it was created in 1862. While the Eastern Terrace has experienced substantial wear and tear, as well as other bits of damage, over the years, there are conservation projects in place that will help to keep it as the centrepiece of Government House.

Shops and Cafés
There is only a small on-site shop at Government House, but you will be able to find everything from guidebooks to souvenir postcards here, although this is only open at the same time as the public tours are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. While there may not be a café within the grounds of Government House, there are several to be found just a few minutes walk away, with the nearest being located at the Botanic Gardens, as well as the Conservatorium of Music.

Sydney’s Government House has been a significant part of the city’s history and the public tours that are offered here are well worth taking. From the historic artwork that lines the grand state rooms, to the spectacular views to be had from the gardens, a tour of Government House will not only be educational, but also extremely memorable.

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March 1, 2017

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Visiting Sydney’s Hyde Park Area

Hyde Park

The oldest public parkland in Australia, Hyde Park can be found in Sydney’s central business district, and stretches out for just over 40 acres. Whether you are seeking some history and culture, or simply want a breath of fresh air away from the bustle of the city, here are some of the highlights of Sydney’s Hyde Park and its surrounding area.

Archibald Fountain and War Memorials
The Archibald Fountain is most definitely the centerpiece of Hyde Park, with wide fig tree-lined pathways leading up to it, which in itself is quite the spectacle. The fountain commemorates the collaboration between Australia and France during World War I, with the Greek mythology creatures surrounding the fountain emphasizing this. The park is also home to a few war memorials, such as the Anzac War Memorial, which is Art Deco in style, and features a photographic exhibition on World War I, as a tribute to the Anzac soldiers who died at this time. On the western side of the park is the 22-meter tall Obelisk, which was erected in 1857 and is decorated with delicate Egyptian features. Another interesting monument can be found at the south of the park, and is titled Yinimadyemi – Thou Didst Let Fall. This public artwork piece is an acknowledgment to the services provided by Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders in the Australian Defence Force.

A Game of Chess
Located at the St. James Station side of the park, the giant chess set has always been popular, and is a throwback to the park’s original sporting days. This life-sized board, along with its life-sized pieces, are perfect for a quick and social game of chess, whether you bring your own partner along, or challenge one of the other players already there.

Fountain

The Australian Museum
Just off of the east side of Hyde Park, the Australian Museum is the oldest museum in the country, and has quite the international reputation when it comes to anthropology and natural history. The museum’s permanent collection is vast, with some of the exhibit highlights including Indigenous Australia, More Than Dinosaurs, Mineral Collections and Insects. There are also always rotating temporary exhibitions held here, meaning that there will always be something new to see each time you visit.

The Hyde Park Barracks Museum
Originally designed by a convict architect in 1818, the Hyde Park Barracks Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that teaches the public about Australia’s convict past. Many of the exhibitions here are interactive, and there are several designed specially for children, such as the Unlocking Heritage program, which allows them to wear convict clothing and sleep in the hammocks in the barrack, to help them really experience what life was like at this time.

At one point in time, the land on which Hyde Park sits was a racecourse and sporting ground, filled with action and noise throughout the year. While its sporting days may be long over, the park still holds a place in the heart of locals, providing a green oasis in the heart of the city.

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February 27, 2017

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Exploring the Top Sights in Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour is at the heart of the city, and is home to some of its most iconic sights. From the legendary Harbour Bridge to the naturally spectacular Sydney Harbour National Park, these are some of the must-visit sights in and around Sydney Harbour.

Sydney Harbour Bridge
The magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge first opened in 1932, and is considered to be quite the engineering feat. While the majority of first-time visitors choose to explore the bridge by walking or cycling over it, one of the most memorable experiences to be had is climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. No climbing skills are necessary, as there are ladders to take you up to each section, and the three and a half hour journey is definitely worthwhile when you take in the incredible 360-degreeviews of the city from the top of the bridge.

Sydney Harbour National Park
The Sydney Harbour National Park was created progressively from 1975 onwards, and today comprises of 392 hectares of certain parts of the harbour, as well as its islands and foreshore. There are so many different things to see and do here, depending on your own personal interests. From exploring pockets of bushland that once encompassed the whole city, to touring the 1801 forts, and their surrounding tunnels and gun pits, to relaxing on Cobblers Beach with a picturesque view of the cove, the National Park is where you will find some of the most enchanting parts of Sydney Harbour.

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Sydney Opera House
Considered to be one of the wonders of the modern world, the Sydney Opera House can be found on the Sydney Harbour, and is one of the most iconic spots in the country. Its incredible architecture makes it a highly photographed landmark, and, if you want to explore the interior of the Opera House, there are one-hour guided tours available.

Cockatoo Island
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in the middle of Sydney Harbour, Cockatoo Island can be reached by just a short ferry ride. This is the largest island in the harbour, and is significant because it is the only remaining dry dock in Australia that was built using convict labour. Whether you take a guided or self-guided tour, this island has played a huge role in the country’s history, making it well worth exploring.

The Rocks
Tucked away at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks is considered to be the foundation point of Sydney and Australia, and many would describe it as being an outdoor museum. The oldest spot in the city, its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and Old World charm remain, but it has also experienced quite the transformation, and is now a thriving, cultural part of the city, with an enchanting selection of independent restaurants, shops and stalls.

Sydney is a vibrant and dynamic city, and the Sydney Harbour is at the heart of all of this. Its attractions are varied, from the cultural to the natural to the historical, but, by exploring each, you will learn so much more about the city.

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December 9, 2016

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The 2017 Sydney Festival

Sydney festival fireworks
First established in 1977, the annual Sydney Festival is one of the most important arts festivals in Australia, and is held every January for three weeks, with the dates for this year being the 7th to the 29th. Featuring a mixture of visual and performing arts, with everything from concerts to exhibitions to workshops, here are some of the highlights that you can expect to see in the 2017 Sydney Festival.

Music
The music acts being showcased at the 2017 Sydney Festival are definitely diverse, as they are each year, and there are quite a few performances that music buffs will not want to miss. PJ Harvey, an English singer and songwriter, will be performing on the 22nd of January, giving you the chance to hear her ninth studio album live, while Americana artist Dori Freeman will be performing her Australian premiere at the festival. 1967: Music in the Key of Yes will be a significant show to attend, as it focuses on the way in which Aboriginal people have been discriminated over the years, with some of the most legendary songs of the civil rights movement interpreted by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stars.

Theater
For those that enjoy watching theater performances, there are many to choose from in Sydney in January. Ladies in Black is a smash hit musical by Tim Finn that will take you back in time to the late 1950’s, while The Encounter makes use of 3D audio technology to tell the story of when a National Geographic photographer became lost in the Brazilian rainforest in 1969. For a performance that combines theater with sport, Prize Fighter promises to be a thrilling show to attend, as it features live boxing alongside compelling storytelling, featuring the tale of a young Congolese boxer who becomes quite the rising star. Those that are familiar with Australian theater will know all about Urban Theatre Projects, who host performances in unusual locations. This year, for the 2017 Sydney Festival, they will be hosting a play called Home Country, in a multi-level car park in Blacktown.

Visual Art
Sydney transforms into a visual arts spectacle during the Sydney Festival, with exhibitions, shows, and installations scattered throughout the city. A few of these installations are ideal for the entire family, such as The Beach, which features 1.1 million recyclable polyethylene balls that create a giant ocean into which you can literally submerge yourself, and the House of Mirrors, a disorientating labyrinth created entirely from mirrors. In addition to these interactive installations, some of the other visual art highlights of this year’s festival include Nude Live, which makes use of highly emotional choreography, and Another Day in Paradise, which is Myuran Sukumaran’s first major installation and will be accompanied by pieces from other prominent Australian artists.

For those that are planning to travel to the city for the 2017 Sydney Festival, it is imperative that you book your trip as soon as possible, as everything from hotels to restaurants become much busier during these three weeks. This is a festival that beautifully transforms the city into a creative paradise, and is well worth making the trip to Sydney for.

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December 7, 2016

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Great Spots for Swimming and Snorkeling in Sydney

When choosing from Australia‘s spectacular snorkeling spots, destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef are usually the first to come to mind. However, many do not realize that snorkeling in Sydney is actually a fantastic opportunity, with some of the best sites in the entire country.

Little Bay
With dramatic rocky headlands that provide great protection from the waves of the Pacific, the water at Little Bay is always calm and quiet, making it ideal for those who are new to snorkeling, as well as a perfect swimming spot with one of the cleanest beaches in the city. When it comes to marine life here, you will see a range of quite delicate creatures, such as black urchins to squid to huge schools of tiny colorful fish.

Clovelly Beach
Clovelly Beach feels almost like a giant ocean pool, with concrete platforms and staggered steps that take you deeper into the water. This is a great spot for both swimmers and snorkelers, as it has gentle waves and feels almost like swimming in an aquarium. One of the marine highlights here is the blue groper fish, which is known for befriending snorkelers, so if you are lucky, you may find yourself accompanied by one.

The Basin
The Basin, which lies within the shelter of Pittwater, is only accessible by water, meaning that snorkeling and swimming happens from the boat itself. The main appeal of this area is the fact that seagrass beds lie beneath the water, which creates an underwater wonderland that is so different from other parts of Sydney. Everything from sea horses to cuttlefish to starfish can be found here, as well as a few tropical species during the warmer months, making it the perfect spot for those who want a sighting of something slightly more unusual.

Shelly Beach
A family friendly north-facing beach, Shelly Beach is perfectly sheltered, so the water here is always clear and calm. Swimming, as well as floating on lilos, is a popular activity here, and there are many lilo rental vendors to be found along the beach. In terms of snorkeling, the right hand side of the beach is home to a spectacular reef that is just waiting to be explored.

Cabbage Tree Bay
Cabbage Tree Bay, which is located right next to Shelly Beach, is an aquatic reserve that spreads out for about 20 hectares, and because of all of its natural diversity, makes for a gorgeous swimming spot. In terms of snorkeling, the range of creatures that you will see beneath the water is definitely impressive, with everything from sharks to flounder to goatfish to fiddler rays. Due to its location near Shelly Beach, it would be well worth planning a trip that combines both of these top snorkeling spots.

Sydney has some incredible swimming and snorkeling sites, with different areas suitable for each ability level. With over 500 species of creatures roaming around the harbor and its surrounding areas, you never quite know what you will see on each snorkeling trip, with this selection also changing with the seasons, making each trip even more exciting than the last.

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December 5, 2016

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Touring the Australian Outback

The Australian Outback is legendary, and refers to the vast and arid interior of the country. Many would argue that the true Outback lies well beyond the outskirts of any city, but, if you happen to be visiting Sydney and want to experience a small taste of the Outback, these are a few areas that you can tour.

Broken Hill
While it may take a lengthy train ride to get you there, Broken Hill, in the far west outback of New South Wales, is an isolated mining town surrounded by semi-desert. While there is only one mine still functioning today, it mines for zinc, lead and silver, which is why the town acquired the nickname Silver City. Being a mining community, there are many mining museums to visit, as well as quite a thriving art scene with a sprinkling of small galleries. Broken Hill is known for its spectacular sunsets, and there are many areas of the Outback that provide great vantage points, from the Mutawintji National Park to the Kinchega National Park, both of which are also worth touring in more depth.

Mudgee
Mudgee is a hillside town that features a range of Outback attractions, especially when it comes to walks through the bush. The Castle Rocks Walk is an iconic one, as the views along the way, as well as at the end of it, are quintessentially Australian. From sandstone pagoda features to eucalypt and pine bushland to native bird life, this is a walk that simply has to be taken. The Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve is also worth a visit, as being the second oldest nature reserve in the country, it is steeped in Aboriginal history. For those that want the opportunity to view more of the Outback’s native wildlife, take a tour around the Goulburn River National Park, which is not only perfect for swimming and fishing, but is also home to a variety of wildlife species, from the turquoise parrot to the eastern grey kangaroo to the red-necked wallaby. To inject a dose of history into your trip, stop off at the Gulgong Pioneer Museum, which is home to one of the best Australiana collections in the country.

Mungo National Park
A part of the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area, the Mungo National Park consists of over 120,000 hectares of remote Outback landscape, with everything from looming sand dunes to ancient dried up lakebeds. When it comes to touring the park, there are a couple of options available. If you would prefer a self-guided tour, there is a 65 km drive that can be followed, which stops off at 15 points of interest along the way, enabling you to explore the park at your own pace. Alternatively, you have the option of joining an escorted tour in 4WD vehicles. These are led by local rangers from the three tribal groups of the Willandra Lakes Region, giving you the opportunity to learn so much about the area’s history and culture.

Every Australian state contains a small amount of the Outback, and while this may take a fair bit of traveling from the major cities, this is a journey well worth taking. From the remoteness of Broken Hill to the native bushland all around Mudgee, these are some great places to visit when touring the Australian Outback.

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November 25, 2016

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Exploring South Australia

While it may be most known for being Australia’s food and wine capital, South Australia is a land of dreamy desert-scapes, rugged coastlines, some of the oldest mountains on the planet, and islands that are abundant with wildlife. From cosmopolitan cities to lush, sprawling vineyards, these are some of South Australia’s most popular destinations.

Barossa Valley

Barossa Valley
Originally settled by the Germans in the 1840s, Barossa Valley still retains its German ambiance, and is also famous all over the world for being the oldest wine producing region in the country, as well as one of the finest wine producing regions overall. Winery tours are the most popular activity here, with over 150 wineries, as well as 80 cellar doors, to choose from. A large number of the wineries also have their own restaurants on site, where they make use of the freshest of local produce to cook up innovative and seasonal meals.

Port Augusta
A three and a half hour drive from Adelaide, Port Augusta is often referred to as the crossroad of South Australia, as the roads from here travel all across the region. This area is steeped in history, from the Wadlata Outback Centre, which will take you back to the time when dinosaurs roamed the land, to the Homestead Park Pioneer Museum, which is over 130 years old. For those who want to learn more about the flora and fauna of South Australia’s outback, the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens is the place to go, showcasing a range of drought-resistant plants.

Kangaroo Island, Australia

Kangaroo Island
The third largest island in Australia, Kangaroo Island is, as you would expect from the name, packed with kangaroos, as well as many other native animals, from seals to koalas to penguins. In addition to the wildlife, the island is also home to the Flinders Chase National Park, as well as the Kangaroo Island Farm Gate and Cellar Door Trail, which is a must-do walk for food enthusiasts, as it showcases the incredible fresh foods that are grown in this unspoiled landscape.

Heysen Trail
South Australia is home to endless walking trails, but the Heysen Trail is considered to be one of the best of them all. Stretching out for 1200 kilometers, those who want to really explore South Australia will be able to take in all of its natural diversity from the trail, while those who are not such avid walkers can easily hike just a small section instead. The trail passes by everything from the Kuitpo forest plantations to the gorges of the Flinders Desert to the soaring peaks of Mount Lofty, and even the Barossa Valley.

South Australia is a vast region, and there are many different ways in which you can explore it. Whether you spend your days eating and drinking your way around the Barossa Valley, or don your hiking boots and walk the Heysen Trail, South Australia is the perfect destination for those who want to spend some time off the beaten track and appreciate some of the country’s hidden gems.

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September 23, 2016

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Best Oktoberfests Around the World

The original Oktoberfest has been held in Munich every September and October since 1810, and is the largest beer festival in the world. The city welcomes over six million visitors for the celebration, with this year’s event having just recently begun. However, if you are not able to make it to Germany in time for the most authentic Oktoberfest there is, then these are some other Oktoberfest festivals around the world that will still provide you with a similar experience.

Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, Canada
The largest Oktoberfest outside of Germany, Kitchener and Waterloo are twin cities in Canada that have strong German roots, with Kitchener formerly being called Berlin. The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is a nine-day festival that is held over 18 days, and attracts over a million visitors each year. In addition to the beer-related events and entertainment, there are plenty of other Oktoberfest activities held in the two cities, from the Rocktoberfest concert to the Pancake Breakfast to the Oktoberfest Parade, which is the only major parade held on Canadian Thanksgiving Day.

Oktoberfest of Blumenau, Brazil
Held in the Brazilian city of Blumenau, in the region of Santa Catarina, Oktoberfest of Blumenau is the second largest Oktoberfest outside of Germany, and is held at the Germanic Village Park for 17 days. There are numerous traditional German activities held throughout the festival, which is the largest in Latin America, from folk dancing to shooting matches, and, of course, plenty of German food and beer. One of the most highly anticipated events here each year is the National Competition of Chopp in Meter Drinkers, in which competitors have to drink one meter of beer without stopping, with the competition being held each night, and the winner being the competitor who drinks their beer the fastest.

German Bierfest, Hong Kong
Considered to be the best Oktoberfest celebration in Asia, Hong Kong’s German Bierfest is being held this year from October to November, and features a number of different Bavarian events. Officially hosted at the Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel, although many other spots in the city will also be participating, German food and beer is accompanied by traditional folk music from the Notenhobler Band, which has been the official band of Hong Kong’s German Bierfest since 1994. Fun games and activities to look forward to include the strong man competition and the various beer drinking contests.

Oktoberfest Brisbane, Australia
The largest Oktoberfest celebration in Australia, Oktoberfest Brisbane attracts around 30,000 people each year, although they manage to maintain quite an intimate feel to the whole festival. Held over two weekends in October, the festival was first started by two Australian-German families, and while it may have had humble beginnings, it now always promises to be a fun-filled weekend. In addition to the German food and activities, Oktoberfest Brisbane also features traditional German beer that has been brewed specially for their event, and has been held to the exact same standards as the beer that has been brewed for Munich’s Oktoberfest.

There is no denying that for the most authentic Oktoberfest experience, Munich is the place to be. However, there is still plenty of authenticity to be found at the other Oktoberfests all over the world, so whether you happen to be in Hong Kong or Brisbane, you will still be able to enjoy a fun and exciting Oktoberfest.

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May 27, 2016

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Food & Wine in Swan Valley

Swan Valley Vineyard

Less than a thirty-minute drive from Perth’s city center lies Swan Valley, not only one of the oldest wine-growing regions in Australia but also one of the premier food destinations in the country. The Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail stretches for 32 scenic kilometers and is where you will find some of the best wineries, restaurants and cafés in the state.

Wine
A large number of the wineries in Swan Valley were among the first to be established in Western Australia, with the region producing wine for over 180 years now. One of the main charms when it comes to the wineries here is the focus on small boutique wineries, and while there are still some big names to be found, it is the smaller, family-owned vineyards that really shine. Since Swan Valley experiences quite a warm and dry climate, it is perfect for producing some of the best shiraz, cabernet and verdhelo varieties that Australia has to offer, and this, combined with advanced wine making technology and equipment, has given the wines that come from this region a level of perfection that cannot be beaten.

Wineries
Carilley Estate is a family-run vineyard in Swan Valley and has been producing wine for over fifty years. With picturesque gardens featuring majestic greenery, this is definitely one of the more scenic of Swan Valley vineyards, and the lush surroundings add a whole new dimension to the wine tasting. Sandalford Wines is one of the oldest and largest family-run wineries in the state, and is also one of the most sustainable in the country, making their techniques well worth viewing. Talijancich Wines was established in 1932, and has quite the reputation for their award-winning wines, with gourmet cheeseboards available to accompany tastings.

Restaurants and Cafés
With over 90 different restaurants and cafés on the Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail to choose from, each of them making use of regional produce and fresh ingredients in their own way, it can be extremely difficult deciding which to visit! Broads Café, which can be found at the Upper Reach Winery, puts their own twist on their fresh, gourmet food by serving it up tapas style, and focussing on a selection of tasting plates that beautifully accompany the wines from their vineyard. Another fantastic restaurant is situated in the historic Valencia Vineyard, with the owner cooking up fresh and delicious homemade food. The Cheese Barrel is another popular spot on the trail, because, as can be guessed from their name, they focus on specialized wine and cheese pairings, making use of both local and international cheeses.

Australia has a number of different regions that are known for their outstanding food and wine, and Swan Valley is at the top of that list. While it is possible to take a day tour of the region and visit a select number of wineries and restaurants, it really is worthwhile to spend a few days here, taking in the unique aspects of each vineyard, as well as the rich natural beauty all around.

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May 25, 2016

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Kings Park and Botanic Garden

EA Given / Shutterstock.com

Located on Mt. Eliza, overlooking the Swan River and the city of Perth, Kings Park and Botanic Garden is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, attracting over 6 million visitors each and every year. Spread out across 400 hectares, two-thirds of the park is natural bushland, playing home to over 300 species of native plants, as well as 80 species of wild birds. The remainder of the park consists of cultivated gardens and recreational areas, making the entire park a tranquil green oasis in the very heart of the city.

Western Australian Botanic Garden
The Western Australian Botanic Garden was opened in 1965 and consists of 17 hectares that showcase the best of Western Australia’s natural biodiversity. The Conservation Garden features some of the state’s endangered plants growing in their natural habitat, a sight that most people would otherwise not be able to see, while the Banksia Garden features impressive relics from the super-continent of Gondwana. The Giant Boab is always a popular attraction here, as this iconic tree, weighing 36 tonnes and estimated to be around 750 years old, is the largest mature tree ever to be transported across land, which it was in 2008 when it was moved from Warmun to its current location at Kings Park and Botanic Garden in Perth.

Bushland
With two-thirds of Kings Park being protected bushland, the park attracts a diverse array of wildlife, and this is always a joy to see when visiting the park. There are two walking and cycling trails through the bushland that visitors can take, one which is relatively easy and only takes 25 minutes to complete, with the other consisting of a few steep sections and taking approximately an hour to complete.

Fraser Avenue
Leading up to the entrance of the Kings Park and Botanic Gardens, Fraser Avenue is one of the most visited sites in Perth, as well as one of the most photographed. Rows of red flowering gums were planted here in the 1800’s, with more being added in 1929, and the result is a magnificent canopy that creates a shaded avenue, and an exquisite entrance to the park.

Synergy Parkland
Situated on the west side of Kings Park, the Synergy Parkland is a recreational area for the entire family. Children absolutely love the playground, which boasts an island fort, a water misting forest, and impressive large-scale replicas of extinct Australian fauna. While the children play, adults can sit back and relax with a bite to eat, and a delicious coffee, from the café located here, while the area proves to be just as popular during the summer evenings, when it turns into an outdoor cinema.

The Kings Park and Botanic Garden works hard to conserve the nature and wildlife that is native to Western Australia, so that generations to come can also experience this. These ongoing efforts have helped the park earn itself quite the reputation, and it is now considered to be one of the city’s best attractions.