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Australia, Travel Tips

Australia’s East Coast Highlights

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Australia’s East Coast Highlights

Words: Len Rutledge Images: Phensri Rutledge

Australia continues to attract many visitors because of its animals, lifestyle and sunshine but just about all are surprised at its size. Australia is larger than Europe so don’t expect to be able to see the whole country in one visit unless you are planning on a three month vacation or a two year working holiday. The East Coast is the most populated area so this is not a bad place to start. From Melbourne in the south to Cairns in the north is around 3000 kilometres but there are several great places to visit in between.

Melbourne

We start in the World’s Most Liveable City and quickly see why it has scored this award for several years. Melbourne is Australia’s sporting, coffee, restaurant and arts capital. Depending on your interest you can attend the Australian Tennis Open, the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, the AFL Football Final Series, the Melbourne Cup Horse Racing Carnival and international cricket tests. A recent study found Melbourne hosts over 60,000 live concerts annually, making it one of the live music capitals of the world. The city has more theatres and performance venues than anywhere else in Australia. There are approximately 5000 cafes and restaurants in the city, the highest per capita in the world. Many are top class.

East coast

Flinders Street Railway Station, Melbourne

Canberra

Australia’s little-known capital is well worth a visit. There is nothing old here but there are modern buildings aplenty. Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Library of Australia, the National Science and Technology Centre, the National Zoo and Aquarium, the National Museum of Australia and more, will have you extending your stay.

east coast

Looking towards Parliament House from the Australian War Memorial, Canberra

Sydney

Located on the East Coast of Australia, Sydney is the oldest and largest of the Australian cities and today the city’s attractions are dominated by the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. There is a guided walking tour of the Opera House and you can join a guided ascent of the bridge. Between these two is Circular Quay, the city’s main ferry terminal and just nearby is The Rocks where more than 100 heritage sites and buildings jostle along the narrow streets. Elsewhere, Darling Harbour is a waterfront pedestrian precinct packed with shops, restaurants, museums, exhibitions, and entertainment venues. Sydney is famous for its beaches from tiny harbourside strips of sand to Bondi, Coogee, Bronte, Tamarama, Maroubra, Manly Collaroy, Dee Why, and Narrabeen on the Pacific Ocean.

east coast

Circular Quay with fountain, Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney

Brisbane

Once it was called a big country town but Brisbane has now grown up. Across the river from the CBD, South Bank is home to the Cultural Centre with its world-class galleries and entertainment. You can climb the Storey Bridge, cuddle a koala at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, while Morton Island is the place to feed wild dolphins and snorkel around an old ship wreck. One hundred kilometres to the south is the famous Gold Coast with its excellent beaches, theme parks, restaurants and nightlife. To the north is the Sunshine Coast for more beach activity.

east coast

South Bank artificial beach looking towards Brisbane CBD

North Queensland Islands

With rugged coastlines and surrounding reefs bursting with life, you are spoiled for choice when choosing an island off the coast of North Queensland. Many are wholly or partly National Parks and many have nature viewing, snorkelling and sailing opportunities, and bush trails. Quite a few have accommodation. Some are very up-market such as One & Only Hayman, Hamilton, Orpheus, Badarra and Lizard while others have a range of rooms from excellent to budget. Magnetic Island off Townsville is the easiest to reach with ferries and car barges making the crossing multiple times a day.

east coast

Visitors to our room on Daydream Island

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is blessed with the breathtaking beauty of the world’s largest coral reef. This is one of the seven wonders of the natural world, larger than the Great Wall of China, and the only living thing on earth visible from space. A visitor can enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving, aircraft or helicopter tours, bare boats (self-sail), glass-bottomed boat viewing, semi-submersibles and educational trips, whale watching, and swimming with dolphins. Townsville is the headquarters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and it is home to the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium. Reef trips leave from many other northern towns including Cairns and Port Douglas.

east coast australia

The headquarters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville

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Travel Tips

Must Visit Places in Sydney for Foodie Travelers

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Avid travelers know that there is nothing better than waking up in an unusual new place and enjoying the best tiny adventures that completely push you out of your comfort zone. One of the destinations that many have on their ultimate bucket list is one of the most beautiful cities in Australia, Sydney. As a matter of fact, Sydney is considered to be one of the most loved cities in the whole world and it is not difficult to see why. With its renowned attractions such as Harbour Bridge and Opera House dominating books, billboards, and the media, it is a must-visit for anyone wishing to experience life at its fullest. However, one of the greatest joys of traveling to a new place is getting a taste of the delicious cuisine of new land, and in this case, Australian food takes the medal. Most importantly, Sydney is considered the top destination for foodies worldwide. A word of caution: Hopefully, you are not reading this article on an empty stomach; its contents will leave you absolutely starving! Here are some of the must-visit places in Sydney for the foodie traveler.

1. Seafood haven

“The Quay” is the official name of Sydney’s main ferry terminus, and it is located in the very centre of Sydney Cove. Its main purpose is connecting tourists to the city’s main attractions-Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Rocks. Also, this area in Sydney is one of the oldest and most attractive ones. The iconic restaurant on Sydney Harbour called the Quay is where many tourists enjoy spending their free time. Even though it was closed for renovations, it reopened in 2018 with a brand-new menu and fabulously designed dining room. One of the new gastronomic challenges which the restaurant undertook is the so-called “oyster intervention.” The oyster intervention concerns creating the perfect texture by combining a silky oyster cream with a sort of crackling from the frill. The dish is topped with a serving of caviar and presented on a beautiful and authentic ceramic oyster shell. Also, locals recommend trying out the delicious dessert called White Coral; without revealing too much, it is safe to say that it features white chocolate ganache at its finest.

2. Exotic dishes

The giveaway sign of a truly phenomenal dish is when you reminisce about it months later! In fact, this is how a lot of tourists feel after visiting the Momofuku Seiobo at The Star. The restaurant is a truly unique addition to Sydney, and it can all be traced back to the 14-course menu inspired by the spirit of the Caribbean. When visiting, start off the feast with scrumptious slices of tender abalone directly from Batemans Bay paired with the freshest Jamaican bread. One of the specialties of the house is the plantain tarts which are skillfully presented with the use of snail meat. However, if snails are not your preference, then why not try out the cured rice with crab? If you are only interested in mouth-watering desserts, then the restaurant recommends the roast coconut ice cream with cocoa nibs and a cashew crumb. If this does not make your mouth water, then nothing will!

3.  Food paired with entertainment

Looking to have a memorable night with your friends or a place to party and enjoy delicious food? If so, then definitely check out Diggers Miranda RSL. Located in southern Sydney, it is truly a must-visit for anyone who likes a bit of entertainment when dining out. Also, there is the option of becoming a member of the Miranda RSL Club, which grants benefits such as discounted food and drinks, and a great chance to win amazing prizes (among other benefits). The Bistro is open every day of the week, and it features a wide array of delicious dishes, such as Chilli angel hair with king prawns and Peri Peri marinated chicken breast burgers. If you have a hard time choosing from the lengthy menu, then consider picking something from the weekly specials.

4. Something for the French cuisine fans

Are you interested in tasting some of the most decadent French specialties available in Sydney? Do not fret, because Restaurant Hubert in downtown Sydney has got you covered. According to guests, the French restaurant has a true sense of theatre as soon as you step foot in it. The restaurant is truly one of a kind since there are a stage and a theatre located in the dining area. At night, talks and events are hosted whilst the guests enjoy their delicious meals paired with the finest wines available. In addition, even though Hubert is a walk in the venue, it is possible to make reservations. When it comes to recommendations, a lot of guests rave about the Escargot and Boudin Noir, so take it into consideration next time you visit.

All in all, there are many great hot spots for foodie lovers in the beautiful city of Sydney. However, if you are looking for the absolute best Sydney has to offer, visit some of the mentioned places, you will not be disappointed.

Australia, Destinations, Editor's Picks, Travel Planning, Travel Tips

5 Interesting Places to Visit in Sydney

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With its outstanding skyscrapers towering against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, Sydney, Australia, is considered by many as one of the most beautiful metropolitan areas in the world. Sydney is bustling with life and energy and provides a broad range of attractions and activities in which visitors can indulge when on holiday. Tourists can choose from a variety of options with something to please everyone. Below are five fun things to do in Sydney city:

The Sydney Opera House

Sydney

Sydney boasts one of the world’s most renowned theatres, called the Sydney Opera House. Here, more than 1,000 performances take place on an annual basis. The Opera House, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to multiple stages where performances occur every day of the year. Anyone visiting the city will not want to miss a trip to this outstanding theatre.

The Harbour Bridge

Sydney_harbour_bridge_new_south_wales

The Harbour Bridge, which is arguably Australia’s most well-known symbol, is another attraction holidaymakers should place on their must-see list. This one-of-a-kind structure can be used as a viewing platform from where visitors can take in the spectacular landscape that surrounds the bridge. Walking across the famous arch is a popular activity among local residents and holidaymakers alike, and such an experience will never be forgotten.

Shopping and Nightlife

Across_Circular_Quay

Sydney is also considered one of the world’s most fashionable cities by numerous designers across the globe. Australian Fashion Week, which is hosted by the city each year, is a favourite event of both consumers and those who own shops, boutiques, discount outlets or other apparel establishments. The city is also well known for its exciting and boisterous nightlife, where something can be found to please all travellers, from trendy nightclubs to traditional restaurants and bars. Kings Crossing and Circular Quay are two of the best areas for nightlife and shopping opportunities in Sydney.

Sydney’s Darling Quarter

Sydney_sunset_darling_harbour

The Darling Quarter should not be overlooked by any Sydney visitor, as a trip to this interesting and beautiful area is sure to be an intriguing experience. Sydney’s Darling Quarter is a new and vibrant community created by local builders and architects. It features beautifully designed buildings in contemporary style, as well as green open spaces, a vast array of cafés and bars, a wide selection of eateries featuring cuisine from around the world, and numerous children’s playgrounds and recreational areas.

The Rocks

Sydney_The_Rocks

Situated in the Circular Quay area is the city’s oldest and most beautiful colonial district. Often referred to by local residents as “The Rocks,” this part of the city is home to numerous pubs, shops, restaurants, art galleries and even a small museum. Settled at the end of the 18th century, The Rocks is a terrific starting point from which holidaymakers can begin a day of sightseeing and shopping.

With all the fun things to do in Sydney city, it is easy to find something to please any type of traveller. For this reason, a sojourn in this lovely and engaging Metropolis is guaranteed to be a one-of-a-kind experience.