Travel Photo of the Week: Stunning canola fields in the Goulburn Valley, Australia

A Facebook friend was recently in the Goulburn Valley region to do a video gig, that’s his thing. That evening he shared this image and others on Facebook from his trip to north/central Victoria and this one in particular caught my eye. I just love it. A simple scenery comprising of 3 elements only but so effective. I cheekily asked if it was OK to share the image and was happily given permission. I hope you enjoy the photo of ‘big sky’ country as much me!

Photo courtesy of Mick Russell from Linchpin Studios

Concrete jungles may have their monumental sky-scraping beauty, their ever-changing culture, and as life bustles between the streets of a city, day and night, this cultivated environment can eventually feed up and bore its citizens, because what we truly feel connected to is nature and all her wilderness. So if you want to unwind, get yourself in tune with your senses and surroundings, an open road can get you anywhere, and Australia is full of places to visit, landscapes to behold. All you need is a good car, a spare tire and, let’s face it, a decent amount of fuel, because this continent is vast. Since travelling cleanses the soul, here are some of the most rewarding driving experiences Australia can offer…

The Great Ocean Road, Victoria

This coastal route lives up to the reputation as one of the greatest areas to drive by and relish the natural scene. The 12 Apostles stand like sculptured static giants, as they stick out from the coast to greet the passers-by. Alongside beautiful beaches, there are also countless historic shipwrecks, magnificent rainforests and places to grab some good food and relax.

Road from Sydney to Melbourne

Simply follow the ocean between these two populated urban zones and you will find yourself passing through a string of coastal towns, rich with turquoise colored lagoons on one side of the road and lush preserved national parks on the other. This region is full of fishing spots, birdlife, Aboriginal culture, camping spots and wild scenery, as kangaroos pose for photographing, especially at Pebbly Beach.

The Nullarbor Plain, Western Australia

You will definitely need a four-wheel-drive vehicle for this adventure if you plan on abandoning the highway, because the road to Perth, or should I say – all the way to the shores of the Indian Ocean, is an expanse that’s dry and harsh for newly-bred adventurers. Bear in mind, this is not entirely a desert, but series of plateaus covered with bluebush and wedge-tailed eagles that soar the skies.

The Heritage Highway, Tasmania

Way down south, on the island of Tasmania, between Hobart and Launceston are a series of stone villages, emitting an old atmosphere in the lovely green countryside. Excellent local food can be found here, even though, historically speaking, this region was established and built by convicted gangs and criminals who preyed and looted on these highways.

The Alpine Way, New South Wales

If you ever wanted to camp among wombats and wallabies near the Snowy River, this is the place! The hills of Corryong in Victoria are an alpine sight to behold, especially when the snow melts and spring awakens nature from its slumber. Then you can ride mountain bikes to hurtle through the scenery, or grab a good walking stick to explore the forest trails by foot.

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

You can board a ferry with your car from Adelaide to reach this island full of wild animals – kangaroos (obviously), fur seals, penguins, koalas, etc. Alongside remarkable flora and fauna in Flinders Chase National Park, you can also visit rock formations which have been sculpted by wind-erosion. This is where nature is kept in its most pristine state, so explore its beauty at your leisure.

Great Alpine Road, Victoria

From Wangaratta you can embark this trip on a previously used railway track, which is now a haven for bicyclists and reach valleys full of wineries and alpacas. Up on Mount Buffalo you can mount a horse to witness the specific rock formations and waterfalls, while at the bottom, along Ovens Rover you can find many local breweries.

Uluru to Kings Canyon, Northern Territory

Now this is a real treat, because if you want to cross this red earth with your car, you should supply yourself for a multi-day drive. Make sure to choose from wide variety of tyres if you ever wish to challenge yourself on the road. This journey starts off at Alice Springs, in the middle of the continent, and for five days you can stop at old towns and ancient sites where Aboriginal art is displayed on the rock walls. Also, watch out for wild camels, because they can pop out of nowhere along the route.

Grand Pacific Drive, New South Wales

Not far from Sydney, you can find the Royal National Park if you follow this route. Beautiful beaches, white sands, blooming blowholes at Kiama, cliffs and mesmerising lookouts. Nothing could be more perfect, since this raw nature is really close to an urban jungle and doesn’t require much strain and preparation to get there.

I’m sure you’re pretty much familiar with all of these locations, but words can never fully describe what eyes can witness. So prepare your car, or rent an appropriate one if terrain requires such conditions and go get your lifetime experience. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the natural beauty Australia possesses, since it’s undisputedly, without much needed discussion, one of the leading continents in terms of biodiversity and uniqueness.

We all knew a Sydney or two in high school, and girls with this name were usually real heartbreakers. However, this story is not about a girl and it is definitely not a heart-breaking one. This is a compilation of experiences and great memories that I had during my stay in Sydney, Australia. During those couple of days this incredible city won my heart and I know that I will try to go there as many times as I can.

Divine climate and shiny happy people 

The first thing that strikes you as you arrive at the Sydney Airport and get off your plane is the sun. I have been to many countries but the Australian sun is different from anything I have seen and felt so far. The Australian climate is definitely among the most enjoyable ones in the whole world. Of course, I am not talking about the arid climate that prevails in the inland, but the cozy and mild conditions in New South Wales, where Sydney is situated. The climate in this part of Australia is the most similar to the Californian and the Mediterranean climate and it goes without saying how beneficial it is for our health and mind.

As you get bathed by the silky touch of Sydney sunrays, the next thing that you notice are people, who seem so happy and relaxed that you wish at once to stay there for a long period of time. It is probably partly due to the climate, but most probably because of the great economic and social system of Australia. It is not wonder that Australia is one of the best countries to live by the quality of living criteria.

Wonderful sights and affordable accommodation

As you travel from the airport to the city centre, you stay breathless due to the beauty and cleanness of the whole city. As you get to the center, you will see the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which are a part of every itinerary for foreigners. However, I would like to recommend visiting other interesting sights in the city centre, such as Macquarie Street, which is a host to many interesting attractions such as the Parliament House and the Old Mint. In addition to this sight-adorned street, every first-time Sydney visitor has to see Circular Quay, which is the central point of the Sydney Harbour and a real tourist hub with restaurants, a promenade and street musicians.

When it comes to accommodation, if you have a substantial budget for this trip, you can choose from a wide range of center-based hotels. However, if you would like to save some money on accommodation and have more assets for museums and other sights, you could try a boutique hotel Sydney accommodation facility in Randwick. This is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Sydney and from here you can easily get to Bondi or Coogee and many other beaches and parts of the city by bus.

Follow in the Olympic footsteps

Thanks to the Summer Olympic Games that were held in Sydney in 2000, today you can go and see a vast array of attractions left behind the games. Some of them still have their primary role for which they were built, while some others have a different purpose now.

The Olympic tour should begin at the AZN Stadium, where the opening ceremony of the 2000 Olympics took place. This monumental edifice is still an arena of numerous sports battles which attracts both local sport enthusiasts and tourists.

On your tour de Sydney Olympics sights, you should not miss the Sydney Aquatic Center, where all the swimming and water polo events of the Sydney Olympics took place. Also, there are numerous memorabilia from famous Australian swimmers. For further sights and interesting venues, have a look at the Sydney Olympic Park website.

The already fabulous impression of this marvelous city would be even more fantastic if I had a pleasure of meeting a Sydney-named Aussie girl to show me the Sydney foreigners rarely get to know. For the time being and the first stay in Sydney, I am still swept by the charm and good vibrations that Sydney, its sights and beaches and shiny happy people send to tourists from the whole world. There are still many attractions that I am yet to visit on my future travels to this gem of Australian coast.

When you are reading various traveling blogs and stories, there is one thing that you can notice and that is the absence, or at least a very small percentage of advice and tips for single people, either women or men. Somehow it is always about what couples can do, what families can do, what newlyweds can do.

Well, this little guide to Sydney is going to be a bit different as it will be mostly aimed at single guys who visit Sydney for whatever the reason – you might be visiting family or friends or you might be on a business trip. Or you might just be a single guy who wanted to see one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in the world. So, what to see? What to do?

In the morning

Morning is perhaps the best time to start exploring any city, Sydney included. The crowds are much smaller, the cafes are much emptier and in Sydney at least, the sun is always shining. Morning hours are the perfect time to really go exploring the city.

The first step should always be the Sydney Harbour which is famed as one of the most beautiful in the world with the focal point definitely being the Sydney Opera. Yes, you have seen it innumerable times on TV and in photos but the real thing still leaves quite an impression. Also, since we are doing this for the single guys; you are also likely to find plenty of tourist ladies in the harbor.

You can also climb the Sydney Tower in the morning; check out the entire city sprawled beneath you. It is an amazing view and you will definitely get to know the city a bit more by seeing it from above.

In the afternoon

The best way to start off the afternoon is by finding a nice spot in one of numerous restaurants in Sydney. The choice for outdoor seating is simply endless and before you know it, you will find that perfect spot with the perfect food and why not a drink? A good idea would be to inform yourself in advance, ask local people because you can truly find some amazing restaurants in Sydney.

After a delicious meal, nothing is better than a nice walk and the Bondi beach is the perfect place to do it. It is one of the most famed beaches in the world and even though it does not captivate with its breath-taking beauty in the more strict ‘beachy’ sense; it is still clean, with clear water and it is always packed with young crowds. If you happen to surf, you will feel right at home there. If not, pick a spot in any of the innumerable bars there and relax.

In the evening

The nightlife in Sydney is world-famous and once you experience it, you will understand why this is the case. Sydney is a relatively young city in terms of the population age and all of the clubs and bars are packed full all night long. The list of the best nightlife places in Sydney is an extensive one and with a bit of research, you will find your personal favourite in no time. Keep in mind that the drinks in Sydney do not come cheap.

The next morning

The next morning, we recommend visiting the Sydney Aquarium. There is something about aquariums that goes well with a hangover; something almost medicinal. After the visit, you can rent out a car and take a drive outside of Sydney to the Hunter Valley where you will find the best winemakers in all of Australia, as well as some amazing restaurants. If you are not sure about your left lane driving skills, perhaps take a safer driving course, let them know you are used to driving on the right.

With a city as huge as Sydney, this is just scratching the surface and we are certain that you will be coming back to this amazing city, its people and its places. Perhaps next time you will not be a single guy? Not that there is anything wrong with being one.