Visiting Australia

The huge coast of Western Australia is well worth a visit - but you need several weeks at least to see it properlay - there are so many picturesque places, historical places, and just wonderful scenery that it would be impossible to see it in a short time.

Dongara is around 3 hours drive north of the capital city, Perth.  It is an area with a lot of history, and spectacular views.

This extra ordinary lake often has no water in it - it is generally a salt lake pan that was the scene of a famous land speed record.

As it turns out 2009 saw it fill with water - for the first time since 2007, and it just so happened that I was flying from Brisbane, in Queensland to Perth in Western Australia on March 24th, 09. I knew that the lake had water in it and wondered if I would be able to see this amazing Lake Eyre from the plane. My husband suggested we'd be too high up, and when I saw the cloud cover around central New South Wales as we flew over, I thought my chance of seeing it was zero.

And as it happens I dozed off - something that I seldom do even on much longer flights. When I woke I peered out of the window (I always have a window seat), and there below was a mass of blue water.

I was in awe. I knew it was big - but had no idea it was this big. It appeared to have beautiful white sandy beaches along the shore - but I suspect it was just the salt on the edge of the lake. I wondered if my little Nikon digital camera would do justice to the spectacular views below - especially as I had to take the shot through the not so clear plane window.

Below are some of my photos. We took well over 45minutes to fly over this lake. It was enormous and I am thrilled that I had the opportunity. Right time - right place.

International flights into Australia can land the passenger at any number of cities - Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane being the most popular.

Brisbane is one of the best places to start an Australian adventure as the state of Queensland has such diverse places - from the dry west, to the tropical north, the many islands off the coast, rainforests.

Getting to places around the state is relatively easy as public transport - planes, trains, buses and boats can take the visitors every which way, but many find renting a car to be the ideal solution. Driving in the city can be a challenge, and driving on the open road can be exciting - but beware. There are always stupid drivers on the roads, so take care not to drive for long periods especially if you are not used to long distance driving.

I always choose to do a full or half day tour of a city that I arrive in. It does help get one's bearings and you often find places you would like to return to, and with commentary one hears information that is very interesting.

I have found catching trains to be an easy way to get around. Generally inexpensive, a with a variety of destinations to choose from, it is a good place to start. You might even get to chat to a local.

From Brisbane the train can take you to Longreach, up north to Cairns (top trip), the Gold Coast, up to the Sunshine Coast hinterland, as well as local destinations, (Sandgate, Ipswich, Cleveland).

Buses do the same trips - but I prefer trains.

Boat trips are local tourist adventures. From Brisbane you can go to Lone Pine Sanctuary to see kangaroos and koalas close to the city, or from Brisbane, Cleveland, Redcliffe and various other bases there are trips to the islands off the coast.

Visit one of the Visitor Information centre's for more information about Brisbane, and tourist details.

Australia is a popular destination. It is a vast country - fairly easy to travel around and a variety of transport modes available. We have tropical areas, and desert areas, bush, farming, cities and suburbs. Seaside resorts, and inland resorts. It is all here waiting for the intrepid traveller. In general it is a safe place - but as always one needs to be careful in certain places at certain times. There are some great guides available. I'm going to talk about places from personal experience as I have had the opportunity to travel widely. Any questions? Need to know more? Ask in comments.

Come and visit!!!!

Australia is an island - a BIG island. The only way to get to Australia from any country in the world is by air or by sea. The major airports are Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with Perth, Adelaide, Darwin also having international facilities.

By sea the major ports are the same, as above, however, if you come by small boat, there are many smaller ports around the coast lines.

Aussies are great travellers too, overseas and within the country itself. One of the things that often folk from smaller European countries don't understand is the vast distances between major cities in Australia.

I remember working for a medical organisation and two of our doctors (husband and wife team) from the UK, decided to drive to Cairns for their two days off. They rented a car and set off. It took them more than 24 hours of non-stop driving to get there, and only to realise that it was time to turn around and return to Brisbane. They didn't get to see much more than was on the main road between the two cities. They were shocked to discover that it was such a long way.

Qantas is Australia's airline. (Though currently subject to a takeover bid whichmight take it from Australian ownership). Qantas with the flying kangaroo on the tail is recognised world wide as the Aussie airline. Qantas has domestic and international flights, and is well known for it's safety record.

Many airline companies fly into and out of Australia - but why not fly with the Aussie icon. I've flown internationally and domestically on Qantas and they certainly are my preference. More information on Qantas at their webiste. Qantas

Australia is quite a multicultural society - so you will see folk from a wide variety of races and backgrounds. Essentially Aussies are a pretty friendly and compassionate group of people - but we do have some folk with dark intentions. English is our main language, but it is generally Aussie English which is somewhat different to American English or British English! We have our own slang, and our own unique way of saying some things.

By and large pretty safe, but all tourists need to take care - the same sort of precautions in any big town or city.

Come on down - Down Under! We will welcome you.

Sydney is the largest capital city, and is on the east coast of Australia and a good stop off point for visitors. This large city is built around a most beautiful and spectacular harbour and you could easily fill in a few weeks looking around Sydney!

There is plenty to do and see and all interests should be catered for. Two famous icons on the city include the Sydney Harbour Bridge (take a tour to the top of the bridge for a fantastic 360 degree view of the city. Also near the city is the Sydney Opera House. It is mostly flat so if you like walking, there's plenty to see.

Ferries ply the harbour, there's plenty of other public transport options too - trains, buses, etc. It is an easy city to see around.

It is not far from the Blue Mountains, and there's much to see not far from the centre of the city.

Visit one of the tourist information centres to get the latest news and information for tourists.

Many Queenslanders have not visited this lovely island that is only 10 minutes by ferry from the mainland. To get to Coochie Mudlo Island, one can drive to Victoria Point to catch the ferry - take your car on the car barge too.

Via public transport, you need to catch a train to Cleveland and then get to Victoria Point by bus.

This week I visited the Cow House one of the many places to stay on the island. The Cow house is one of four "Quirky Cottages" on the island, and is quite a fun place. The cottages are in a group, there is vacant land for children to play, and a play area with toys for the children, as well as a hen house with chickens and two ducks. You can even collect the eggs!

There's good fishing, good walking, good swimming and boating. There is a kiosk, and a restaurant on the island, but if you are staying purchase as much as possible before getting to the island.