Eastern Australia Travel Options
Sydney, Surfer's Paradise, and Cairns Provide Unique Experiences
Apr 4, 2009
Eastern Australia from Sydney to tropical Cairns in northern Queensland provides spectacular adventures. Beginning in Sydney, the cosmopolitan “sister city” of San Francisco, visitors should travel north to Surfer’s Paradise and then fly on to Cairns. Some escorted tours make the trek from Sydney to Cairns by motor coach, stopping at such pristine locations as Fraser Island, but the long ride may preclude the actual benefits.
Beginning the Journey Down Under in Sydney
Sydney may be one of the safest and cleanest major cities in the world. It’s a metropolis of hard working but highly friendly people. It’s not unusual to start friendships with inhabitants eager to showcase their community to visitors.
The two iconic images of Sydney are, undoubtedly, the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge. Daily guided tours of the Opera House end, with good reason, at the ticker counter. Visitors are generally impressed enough to shop for a ticket to a concert or play during their stay in the city.
The Sydney Harbor Bridge may be a chief conduit of traffic into the city from the suburbs, but it also offers several fascinating tours that are not for the faint of heart. The “Bridge Climb” may be Sydney’s most popular attraction. Though costly, the benefits of seeing the panoramic view of Sydney, preferably at dawn or at night, will fill a lifetime of noteworthy adventures.
Sydney offers many other notable experiences like the harbor cruises, of which there are many to select from including dinner cruises, a visit to Darling Harbor, China Town, several museums highlighting Australian cultural and aboriginal history, and Bondi Beach.
From Sydney to Surfer’s Paradise
Surfer’s Paradise may be Australia’s answer to Miami Beach or Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. Miles of beaches, superb shopping, an array of hotels representing any budget, and exciting nightlife make this a tourist destination for all interests. Local surfing schools will teach the novice how to master the waves and for a truly different and completely unique night experience, visitors should book a table at Dracula’s, the premiere cabaret dinner theater.
Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef
Cairns may be the best kept secret in the South Pacific. Gateway to both the Great Barrier Reef and the rain forest, it’s a lively city that still exhibits the charm of a bygone era. Spending a day on the reef is a “must” for all visitors, whether booking with a large operator like Quicksilver or a smaller company. Ending the day at the Red Ochre Grill, a Cairns culinary landmark, is a great way to sample local meats and seafood.
Cairns is also the doorway to the Kuranda aboriginal community in the surrounding mountains, accessible either by the old Kuranda Rail or “Sky Rail,” an unforgettable gondola ride above the massive rain forest. Kuranda reminds the visitor of an old pioneer town, full of interesting shops that sell everything from aboriginal artifacts to leather goods. The Kuranda market offers most all “tourist” souvenirs at prices well below other vendors.
For the intrepid adventurer, Cape Tribulation is only a few hours north of Cairns. Here the rain forest meets the Great Barrier Reef. It is a place civilization does not intrude upon. Cell phones don’t work; most resorts have no television or internet connections in guest rooms. It is a place to experience nature, both beautiful and wild. The fortunate visitor might sight a cassowary, a flightless yet dangerous bird on the endangered list. It is also the place to book a Daintree "croc-spotting" cruise.
Eastern Australia offers visitors memorable experiences that will continue to tug at the wandering spirit long after the trip is over and the pictures have been posted on-line. It is no wonder that first time visitors vow to return and experience more of a unique and exciting culture.
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