Archive for February, 2015

Places to Visit in Sydney, Australia

Monday, February 16th, 2015

Sydney is a beautiful city with so many places to visit ranging from museums, monuments, beaches, botanical gardens and large shopping malls to huge adventurous city outskirts.

Sydney Opera House:

Sydney Opera House is the emblem of the city and the most beloved architectural construction of Australia. When in Sydney, this is one of the must to visit places as it is an incredibly beautiful building. It has a very original design and is one of the most photographed building in Australia.

Sydney Opera House

Sydney Harbour Bridge:

Sydney Harbour Bridge is located right in front of the Opera house. For a breathtaking aerial view of Sydney, visitors often climb the metal beams that make up the arches of the bridge but it costs around $250. Another option, much cheaper, is crossing the bridge by walk through the pedestrian zone. You will get the same view, but from little lower angle. This Australian monument is a major tourist attraction and is often counted as must-visit places.

The beaches of Sydney:

Sydney is a cosmopolitan city surrounded by magnificent beaches, approximately 50 beaches. The most popular and known beaches are Bondi and Manly. Manly is a quieter but equally touristy than Bondi Beach. While both the beaches are packed with parks, pubs and barbecue areas, Bondi is largely popular among surfers in and around Sydney.

bondi beach

Chinatown:

Chinatown is located in the south of the city center. For the Chinese community, it is the commercial and cultural center. When in Chinatown a stop at one of the famous and largest markets Paddy Market, is often recommend. You can find everything here and it is also very affordable too.

chinatown

Taronga Zoo:

Main city zoo, Taronga Zoo is located about 15 minutes from downtown and is easily accessible by the ferry which you can take from Circular Quay. You will see many species of Australian animals as well as from Asia and Africa. The zoo is home to more than 350 species of animals, ranging from the gorillas, elephants, kangaroos, giraffes, leopard, seals etc. The sky safari in small cable cars that go around the zoo to give a panoramic view is very popular.

There is so much to see and do in Sydney that you will never get bore here. You can visit the city any time of the year as it enjoys good weather all year round. It’s a beautiful place to visit with family or friends.

Best Things to See & Do in Melbourne

Friday, February 6th, 2015

Melbourne is one of the most livable cities in the world. It is also the capital of Victoria and the second largest city in Australia with a population of 4.4 million. Melbourne is full of attractions and activities, but we have shortlist 7 best things to see and do in Melbourne

Trams

It is impossible to take a picture of the streets of Melbourne when no tram appears. Electrical cables make it completely a retro city. Trams work well and are very helpful in moving from one end to another. However, they are very expensive (3.76 AUD per ticket), but there is a “tourist” tram (City Circle Tram) which is free and goes around in a circle through the center of the city.

Melbourne Tram

Free Walking Tours of Melbourne (I ‘M FREE)

A good choice, if you have some time, is to get a free guided tour of the city. These guided tours are offered by a group “I’M Free” and like other free tours, they work with tips. It is a walking tour of about 3 hours where a local guide will show you the main attractions of the city and tell you a little history through anecdotes. At the end of the tour, you can leave a tip whatever you’d like.

Queen Victoria Market

Opened in 1878, it is one of the largest market in Australia. Here you can buy and taste the best of local cusine, fresh dairy products, Fruits, vegetables, as well as clothing, jewelry, souvenirs and crafts. It is also a meeting place for locals and tourists, especially on Sundays. That day the shopping area is closed and the market becomes a lively terrace with street artists in the area.

Queen Victoria Market

Chapel Street

Chapel Street is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Melbourne with youngsters, outdoor markets, dining and street art. If you go on a Saturday at noon, it will be overflowing with good atmosphere. Chapel Street and High Street are the main streets. To get to Chapel Street, take tram from route 6(High Street to Chapel Street), 72(Commercial Road to Chapel Street ), 78 and 79.

The Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens

Melbourne Zoo is the oldest zoo in Australia since it was opened in 1862. In total of 22 hectares, there are 5,200 animals from over 350 species from around the world. The animals are distributed according to their bioclimatic zones and you can see gorillas, baboons, seals, penguins, hippos and all kinds of animals. The Butterfly House and the Trail of the Elephants are very interesting exhibits. You can also make a night tour.

Melbourne Zoological Garden

Royal Botanic Gardens

It lies close to the center of Melbourne, along the Yarra River and covers an area of ​​38 hectares. Founded in 1846, in its collection you will see trees and plants from every continent. Inside, there is also National Herbarium of Victoria with over one million plants. It is surrounded by the Tan Track, where many tourists and locals come to do some sports. A great place to stroll, relax or for lovers of botany.

Yarra River

The Yarra River is one of the most iconic images of Melbourne. Do not be carried away by its grayish color, it is not dirt but its muddy character. Nothing better than walking around, starting at Princess Bridge and continue along St Kilda Road, full of trees and greenery, and a Riverside Park. There is always a great atmosphere to enjoy.

These are few of the best things, you’ll find in Melbourne and must not to be missed.