Top 5 Places to Live in Australia

Those looking for jobs in Australia often wonder where the best places are to live. This nation covers an area of 7.6 million square kilometres. It has a population over 22 million. The populations tend to live on the coastline since much of the interior is either desert or semi-arid land. Australia is the driest permanently settled continent on the planet - Antarctica is the only one that is drier. When looking for a place to settle and work, you can look to several areas.

Melbourne is a very popular option for people looking for jobs in Australia. This is the second most populous city in Australia boasting about four million people within its greater geographic area. Melbourne sits on the far south-eastern point of Australia and is the capital of the state of Victoria. Many experts rank this as one of the best cities to live in around the globe. It is number three on the Economist Intelligence Unit's list of World's Most Liveable Cities. It is a modern city with hints of its colonial past. It is also a cultural centre for Australia's film, television, and art venues.

Sydney is another popular destination for people looking for jobs in Australia. The state capital of New South Wales, this city is the largest one in Australia. It sits on the southeast coast on the Tasman Sea. Sydney boasts an international population. Two of the most famous Australian attractions, the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, are common tourist attractions. On the other side of the continent, Perth offers a bit of different style. It ranks as the eighth of the World's Most Liveable Cities according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. It is also one of the more isolated major population centres in the world.

The largest city in South Australia is Adelaide. The original city started out with a planned design. However, it has outgrown the order offered by the original grid layout. The city is well known for its many art festivals and sporting events. If you want to experience a true multicultural city outside the majority of Australia's populations, you can try Darwin. This is the capital of the Northern Territory. This smaller city only has a little over 120,000 people. It is a modern city after a major rebuilding occurred after Cyclone Tracy hit in 1974. It also has the highest proportion of Aborigines in its population when compared to other large cities within the continent. These cities are good destinations for people looking for jobs in Australia.

About the Author

Kelly White is a business analyst who is currently researching Jobs in Australia

Sydney: An Area Rich In Tradition And Culture

So many people travel to Sydney to see the Opera House and walk the streets of this lovely city. It is a tourist attraction most people have either visited, will visit, or at the very least have on their list of lifetime accomplishments. Most find upon arriving that Sydney is not only a wonderful holiday destination but an area that is rich in tradition and culture. Essentially Sydney is a historical wonderland.

There are two different peoples whose culture stands throughout the region. Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders are the two groups and there are many different attractions you can visit while you are in Sydney that can help you truly experience all the history that is contained across Australia.

Cadigal Place is a wonderful gallery which is dedicated to the indigenous people of Australia and in particular those that originate in the region of Port Jackson. This is a museum that allows a full Aboriginal experience during which you can really see the differences in their art and culture, before and after their contact with other groups. Cadigal Place, at the Museum of Sydney, is a place to explore the traditional life of the original people of Australia.

If you are looking for an adventurous way to learn more about the original cultures of Australia , then you will most definitely want to hop aboard the Deerubbun. This is a Harbor cruise that allows you to ride aboard with the crew from the Tribal Warrior and learn more about the world and history from an aboriginal perspective. The Aboriginal Harbor Cruise is known as the Bangabaoui and works in association with Sydney Learning Adventures and the Tribal Warrior Association to provide these cruises. Cruises are intended for groups and are extremely educational.

Of course, there are many other Aboriginal displays and attractions throughout the Sydney region including The Rocks Discovery Museum, the Edge of Trees public art display, the Yiribana Gallery, and the Yaama Dhiyaan. Most of the Aboriginal attractions are open to the public and offer free admission a welcoming break for tourists who are looking for fun on a budget as well as an enlightening experience about the history of this fine region.

There is a lot of enjoyment to be had on a holiday to Sydney and some of the best events and attractions are not only educational but free as well. No matter what you choose to see on your Sydney vacation this holiday will certainly be a memorable one.

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When you are attempting to book a sydney accommodation it is much easier then you think, even if you know nothing about the area. All you need to do is visit www.sydneyinformationcentre.com.au and all the information that you need on hotels sydney cbd is there for you.

Australia Famous Beaches

Australia country first time was founded in 1606 by Dutch explorers Willem Jansz. Australia is a beautiful country and separate from other country land border because Australia is covered around by sea water. Because Australia covered around water so Australia has natural sea shores long list. Country developed some beaches for tourist in big cities. Country most famous beaches located in Gold coast, Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne etc.

Gold coast: Gold coast city is located in Queensland state second largest city of this state. Gold cost is world famous for its beaches. This city has nearly 30 sea shore and total lengths of these beaches are 40km.

Brisbane: Queensland state political capital is Brisbane city. Brisbane city located in east of Australia. Brisbane famous beaches are Streets Beach which located on south banks. Streets Beach is a man made beach and covered around 2000squre meters area. Perth: Perth city is only biggest business, harbor and political place in west of Australia country. Brighton Beach, beach on Rottnest Island and Scarborough Beach are most beaches.

Sydney Beaches: Sydney city is center of all biggest activities of Australia country sea shore this is a riches city of country. City most beaches located at Pacific Ocean. Sydney sea shore are divided into two parts on is Northern and second southern. Northern side beaches are Palm Beach, Warriewood, Turimetta, Colla, Whale Beach, Avalon, Bilgola, Newport, North Narrabeen, Narrabeen, Bungan, Mona Vale and Long Reef etc. southern beaches are Bondi, Little Bay, La Perouse, Phillip Bay, Tamarama, Clovelly, Bronte, Maroubra, Malabar, Coogee, Lady Robinson Beach, Kyeemagh and Brighton Le-Sands.

Country has numbers of world famous beaches. Every year millions foreigner tourists come to visit Australia sea shore and other landmarks. Australia Travel Company provides Australia tour packages which may be cheap to travel all famous places in one package along with accommodations facilities.

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Kangaroo land is famous for hospitality because Australia hotels provide royal touch hospitality. Australia honeymoon is good destinations because country has beautiful memorable places Australiahotelsinfo.com.

Beware of Crocodiles

"You can see their eyes if you shine the torch over there.." said my tour guide.

I was in the Top End of Australia on board a 3 day kakadu tour and we were about to set camp in an area named Jim Jim Billabong where years before, an unlucky german backpacker was taken by a large crocodile.

"Those little lights in the water are reflections of the crocodiles eyes that are submerged" he said.

The tour guide stood holding a torch shining it into a nearby billabong where literally hundreds of little eye balls gleamed back at us from the torch light. Its true what they say, anywhere you go swimming in the topend of Australia will most likely have a crocodile in it, and from the amount of eyes staring back at me, I believe it.

Kakadu National Park, one of Australia's highlighted attractions is home to hundreds of thousands of crocodiles. In years passed there have been a number of unlucky travellers and locals who have been taken. The park is filled with wetlands, river systems and billabongs where these ancient reptiles live. Locals arent allowed to hunt them either as they are a protected species that, over millions of years are one of the last examples of what the dinosaurs might have resembled.

For those travelling around the Topend of Australia, in particular on a Kakadu tour, here are a few steps which my tour guide told me to avoid getting too close to Crocodiles.

Always looking out for Crocodile Warning Signs when thinking about swimming. If travelling in remote/unknown areas, don't go swimming at all! Dont camp near waters edge in billabongs, rivers or lakes. If camping near a water system, dont live food laying around. Crocodile are very fast runners in short distances, so be careful. Always play it safe and use common sense. So remember, when travelling around the Topend or on a Kakadu tour, play it safe, ask locals where to swim, and remember that where ever there's water.. there is likely to be a croc!

More on Kakadu Tours and Kakadu National Park

About the Author

Michael is a designer who predominantly specialises in travel related products. Having been born, raised and worked in touristy Darwin/Australia, he has had much exposure to the tourism world and its characters and stories.

The Most Famous Melbourne Cup Winners

The Melbourne Cup is known as the race that stops a nation. You can't get greater glory in Australian horse racing than becoming one of the Melbourne Cup winners.

For a lot of people around the globe, racing horses is such a pleasurable activity that they will go and travel to different countries to be able to compete in one of the top races of the world. They don't get bothered even it would cost them a lot since to compete with the best and hoping to win against them is such an exciting venture that should not be missed by anyone who loves to race horses. One such event that brings the whole world together to watch it is called the Melbourne Cup. This is one race that brings the nation into a halt. Race horses coming from different countries compete with each other for the most coveted cup of the Spring Carnival racing season.

Lately we have seen some international success with winners coming from different countries such as Japan and New Zealand. A lot of countries have already proven their worth in contributing to the steep competition that the sport has now to offer. In Melbourne, you can expect the whole city to stop on its usual busy routines since almost every one will go to places where they can watch the thoroughbred horses compete against each other on the race track. People will often go to bars where they televise the event live, stay at their place for a live feed, and most of them would prefer to watch it live at the horse racing track. The Cup day is considered to be a day off for all the people in the Melbourne CBD, but also for many businesses in Victoria. There are not that many countries declaring a public holiday for a sports event, so this says something about the significance of sports for Australia!

This is the day where you will see people betting their hearts out on their favorite horses. In fact millions and millions of dollars are actually placed on bets at this particular day in Melbourne. There are always straight out favourites, but unlike many of the shorter races, they don't often turn out to be the actual winners! So a great day to have a punt and try to get away with some winnings. With our family we always put some money on seven or eight horses. We often back the final winner, but because we support so many it is not a profit generating enterprise...

Being a winner of this race then brings a certain level of honor for the trainer and the owner of the horse. The first ever declared Melbourne cup winner was a horse named Archer in the year 1861.

It is interesting to know that a lot of enthusiasts would say that it was the slowest Melbourne cup ever run in history however, the same horse also was declared winner of the cup the following year. After which many horses from around the world followed his footsteps and made themselves famous as well.

1930 was the year when the most famous and most loved Australian race horse won named Phar Lap. He finished landing on the second spot the previous year and landed on the eight spot the following year. His body is found today at the Melbourne Museum where you can read his story.

There was actually a bit of a controversy surrounding his death. It happened on US soil after winning a very prestigious international event. He was allegedly poisoned. Now the common theory however is that the poison in his body was given to him by his trainer. The special potion he received to optimally prepare him for races contained poisonous substances in too large quantity. Other famous horses include Kingston Rule who won the cup in 1990 in a record 3:16.3 which is still a record that has not been surpassed; Makybe Diva who was the first horse to ever grabbed the cup in three consecutive years 2003, 2004, 2005; and in 2006 the first ever Japanese horse named Delta Blues won the event.

A very successful horse trainer is Bart cummings. Many people bet on his horses under the credo "don't back the horse, back the trainer". He has prepared multiple Melbourne Cup winners and has been successful in the other Melbourne Spring Carnival races. These are some of the notable Melbourne cup winners recorded in the history books. When it gets to that first Tuesday in November, get a taste of the action, have a bbq with your friends and place a bet or two. You only have to put in a few dollars to make the race a lot more interesting. Let's hope you back one of the Melbourne cup winners!

About the Author

Want to find out more about the Melbourne Cup? Check out this page about the history of the Melbourne Cup on I Love Melbourne. I-Love-Melbourne.com is your website for anything Melbourne.

Wildlife Travel in Sydney Australia

Interested about Wildlife in Australia? If you are landing in Sydney, a couple of places are distinguished for this purpose. Discover furry koalas, skipping kangaroos and shy platypus in zoos and wildlife parks just minutes from the heart of Sydney city.

Don't expect to see kangaroos or reptiles when you have landed in Sydney, if you do, you must have landed somewhere else. Many tourists still reckon Australia as a land with kangaroos everywhere, but that is not the case. Most kangaroos are seen in bushes because they are herbivorous; in it is where they feel safe.

The easiest way to experience fauna in Sydney is to transport to the zoos, the largest collection of the city's wildlife is at Taronga Zoo located in the near north of Sydney, its size and years of serving visitors make it a spectacular place to discover wildlife. Getting there can be accomplished by a twelve minute ferry from Circular Quay and the Central Business District. If you prefer a scenic view, transport through one of the cable cars of Sky Safari that operates from the Top Entrance to the Ferry Wharf from 9.30am to 5.00pm daily. Want to self drive? Campervan hire in Sydney is as easy as renting a regular automobile, there are many campervan depots in Sydney.

Some people wishes to discover Australian wildlife up close in their habitat. One way of doing this is hiring a 4WD, depending on your intended wildlife location; some areas can be accessed by a regular campervan. Why not, if you have more than a day and would love to do other stuff like hiking, camping, etc, this is a call for adventure. Handle some safety while doing this and always as a local about animal behaviors.

A famous wildlife haven in Sydney is the Sydney Wildlife World located just a few walk from the main centre. It is an ideal place to see wildlife given the limited time. Sydney Wildlife World is adjacent to Sydney Aquarium, between Cockle Bay and King St Wharf. Also consider Featherdale Wildlife Park, located in the western Sydney suburb of Doonside, about 40 minutes by road from the Sydney centre.

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Explore more wonders in Australia through a Campervan hire. Compare rates and features. Or check out more info about Campervan hire Sydney.

The Top 5 Beaches Around The World

Surf, sand and sun. Whether you love relaxing on a warm tropical beach or just want to swim in turquoise waters, the top five beaches in the world can offer you all this and more. For those who want it all, multi centre holidays are the perfect way to enjoy the best beaches all in one trip. Exotic, secluded and fun these beaches have a variety of features each making them their own little paradise.

5: Fraser Island, Australia. Rainforests, exotic animals, hiking, and beautiful beaches make Fraser Island the largest sand island in the world and the #5 top pick of travelers across the globe. Just over 160 kilometers off the coast of Brisbane Fraser Island offers beautiful weather all year long.

4: Lanikai Beach, Hawaii. The White sands of Lanikai Beach in White are truly paradise. Calm waters from an off shore reef make this beach a must visit for those seeking a relaxing vacation. Beautiful emerald waters and more than half a mile of pristine sand are surrounded by a forest of tropical flowers and plants. Palm trees kiss the edge of the surf, shading travelers. The beach waters offer wonders snorkeling and diving, thousands of tropical fishes and coral lie just a few meters off shore. Whether you want to explore the water or simply soak up the sun, Lanikai beach is Hawaii.

3: Bora Bora, Tahiti. The perfect place to get away from it all, Bora Bora is small, secluded and pristine. White sand beaches cover this tiny island in the south pacific, no more than 28 kilometers in length. A romantic paradise, Bora Bora is one of the few places that still feels like an exotic lost island in the south pacific. Small bungalow and cottages dot the landscape, keeping the island low key and private.

2: The Maldives. Luxury resorts, pampered beaches and sparkling waters teeming with fish and ocean life make the Maldives one of the best places on earth to visit. Located southwest of Sri Lanka, the Maldives are a group of more the 1000 islands and 26 atolls, each more beautiful and exotic then the next. Private boats, sailing from island to island offer travelers exclusive and captivating moments, as they explore lush jungles, dive in warm blue green waters and relax like never before.

1. The Seychelles Islands. Pink sand beaches covered in fragrant tropical flowers, cinnamon groves nestled amongst smooth volcanic rocks and an unmatched beauty make the Seychelles the number one beach destination in the world. Hidden amongst the shallow turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean the Seychelles Islands enjoys warm sunny weather all year long. A paradise of seclude coves and beaches offer privacy to visitor like no other place. Black granite, smooth and soft daubes the beaches of the 115 islands of the Seychelles. Walk off shore, explore the warm sands as you swim in untouched surf; relax at night blanketed by thousands of stars away as you drift off to sleep on the beach in the Seychelles Islands

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Whale Watching and the Adventure Fraser Coast Campaign

There is more reason to stay longer, and enjoy more of your Fraser Coast vacation. It is the whale-watching season in Fraser Island as promoted by the newly-rolled out Adventure Fraser Coast Campaign encouraging visitors to stay longer in the World Heritage Fraser Island. It is the Whale Watching capital of Australia where visitors can almost touch and feel these sweet creatures. It is one experience to have an up-close and personal encounter with the giant humpback whales starting July until September.

With this most-sought after tourism activity, the Adventure Fraser Coast Campaign was launched encouraging the backpackers market in this area to stay longer on the island. The new Adventure Fraser Coast Campaign features an online and brochure campaign. The Fraser Coast offers a complete-package vacation for backpackers as one can take advantage of adventure activities like skydiving, jet-skiing, kite surfing, camel safaris, guided tours around the island, and so much more!

Owning one of the most diverse ecologies on planet earth, Fraser Island is regal fusion of rainforests with some 40 freshwater lakes, plus amazing sand dunes of up to 224 metres in height. One can sight its beach shores with whales, dolphins, sharks, and turtles from this elevation.

With this most-sought after tourism activity, the Adventure Fraser Coast Campaign was launched encouraging the backpackers market in this area to stay longer on the island. The new Adventure Fraser Coast Campaign features an online and brochure campaign. The Fraser Coast offers a complete-package vacation for backpackers as one can take advantage of adventure activities like skydiving, jet-skiing, kite surfing, camel safaris, guided tours around the island, and so much more!

Owning one of the most diverse ecologies on planet earth, Fraser Island is regal fusion of rainforests with some 40 freshwater lakes, plus amazing sand dunes of up to 224 metres in height. One can sight its beach shores with whales, dolphins, sharks, and turtles from this elevation.

Fraser Coast is one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. It is 120 kilometres in length created by 800,000 years of long shore drift. Blessed with pure-to-perfect fine sandy shores, pristine beaches, and fantastic lakes and forest hikes, the Fraser Coast can't be second priority to any backpacker. With whale watching in Fraser Coast, there is more reason to stay longer in the island.

About the Author

Palace Adventures remains to be one of the leasing Fraser Island 4wd hire and Whitsunday sailing tour operators. They have been offering quality hostel/apartment accommodation for backpackers staying in Hervey Bay, as well. Contact details: Palace Adventures 184 Torquay Road, Scarness, Queensland 4655, Australia 1800 063 168: palaceadventures.com

Australia Rough And Tough History

Aussies are famous for the laid back attitude and their fun loving spirits however, did you ever think about why it is that they have this type of reputation? Well, honestly you may very well uncover that the roots of this spirit lie deep with in the history of the region its self.

Certainly, it seems that when you think of Australia, from any other country across the world you think about the regions of Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, which are in fact the three biggest cities in the country. Looking at a map, however, the capital of Australia is situated somewhere in between Sydney and Melbourne due to the fact that both wanted to be the capital city yet it was determined that neither was suitable, in the eyes of the government, simply because both cities had an association with the criminal population.

As a matter of fact, even though Sydney was Australia's very first and largest city it was also often known as Sin City on account of its associations with convicts and since Melbourne was established by a son of a criminal neither was take into consideration as an option for the capital of Australia. Canberra was agreed upon on account of its convict free reputation as well as for its location in the middle of these two much larger cities.

The island state of Tasmania is not bettering the reputation of Australia as it is known as the world's biggest supplier of opium associated goods. The government maintains intense control over the processing and harvesting of opiates and because this is an island state, it is kept away from the general population.

Of course, it is easy to see how the majority of this region has received a reputation for their partying and relaxed way of life. Beaches, alcohol, drugs and convicts make for a very free lifestyle, although these are just a few fun and fascinating things to learn about the region. It is in actuality the perfect vacation destination if you are searching for a great time and if you feel badly about the adverse influences in this region you can always pay a visit to Adelaide, which is a much more family oriented city. This city has never accepted convicts and is well known for its elaborate churches, so you can always stop in and say a prayer if you feel the need for balance on your Aussie vacation. Although, enjoying the beach, the sun and the fun does not mean that you need to join in anything illegal or against your morals.

About the Author

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Sydney's Secret Beaches

Shhhh - it's certainly no secret that Sydney is infamous for its prolific beach culture. Tourists from all over the world flock to Sydney hotels to check out the surf and sand at Bondi, Manly or Palm Beach - one of the best known playgrounds for Australia's rich and famous. You can surf, swim, snorkel or just be seen with the beautiful people.

However, for those who are looking to get away from the crowds - there are plenty of lesser known shores throughout the area that are perfect for a more quiet and relaxing beach time. If you're a Sydney local or a traveller that's after something a little bit off the beaten path - or you're looking to get a little sun down there, consider heading to one of these more tranquil destinations:

Tamarama Beach
Just down the road from iconic Bondi Beach, Tamarama Beach is a smaller and cosier beach boasting some great waves. This hidden gem has been building its name so it can get a little crowded during peak travel season, as it is often considered to be a great place for “celebrity spotting”. For those who are looking to keep a lower profile while staying at luxurious Bondi hotels, this spot is a must visit.

Shelley Beach

Just a kilometre south of Manly and Sydney's northern beaches, is the little protected area of Shelley Beach. Shelley makes a great swimming beach as it's well shielded from the winds and the rough surf conditions that Manly is known for. Shelley has long been considered one of the easiest to find and popular “secret spots” of Sydney and close to breathtaking Manly accommodation.

Milk Beach

This little gem of a beach is well tucked away amongst the shrubbery of Nielsen Park in Vaucluse and is great for swimming. It’s also a lesser known picture perfect viewing spot for Sydney's iconic harbour fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

Obelisk Beach

If you're looking to experience something a little different, Obelisk beach is the place to be "seen" sun bathing au natural. There are actually a number of nudist beaches dotting the Sydney Harbour. You can access Obelisk via Middle Head, and a path takes you partway through the Sydney Harbour National Park. Definitely a great beach for those who aren’t shy about showing off what God has given them.

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Great Places That You Must Explore In Australia

For many on a holiday visa, Australia is often one of the places that they would want to visit. However, since a lot of them probably have been in the country a few times. They have probably seen some of the more popular sights. Thus, many of them are wondering if there is anything more to see in the country.

So the question remains, is there still something to discover in the continent? Well, the truth is, there is a lot more. Australia is a large place, so you will have a lot to explore. But if you are still a bit confused as to were to go, here's some suggestions that you must try out.

The Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory is certainly a good place where you would want to start your exploration. Here, you actually have a lot to visit, since the park is definitely huge, about the size of the country of Slovenia. And you will definitely feel like you are traveling to several different lands, as the landscapes here, and even the climate, vary a great deal. Furthermore, you will also be able to encounter a lot of interesting wild animals that can only be found in the country.

On the other hand, the Daintree Rainforest in Queensland is another good place to visit for those looking for something even more interesting. One bit of information that will definitely get you in wanting to see this is the fact that the entire forest is actually more than one hundred fifty million years old. Furthermore, it has remained virtually unchanged for all those years, so you will surely feel that you are traveling back in time when exploring the forest. And as you come out of it, another wonderful place that would greet you is Cape Tribulation and its clear waters, which would definite be a relaxing sight.

As you go down south of the continent, one place that you definitely would not want to miss is The Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Though the road is already frequented by so many travelers, there is still a certain allure to it that attracts them to cross it time and again. Here, a good stop would be the Twelve Apostles (there are actually twenty of them), a group of free standing limestone formations that you will marvel at.

And as you wind up to complete your tour of Australia, a good final stop is the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. This one is a must of you want to explore the state's marine area. Here, you will be able to encounter gentle giants like whale sharks and manta rays. And since the place is pretty much unexplored by tourists, you will have a lot in your hands.

There are actually a lot more places that you can explore in Australia. And the best thing about this one is that you will be able to find something that will suit your tastes. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get started in exploring the country.

About the Author

PrincipalVisas provides advice and assistance on applying for an Australia visas. Use this website to find all the information and guidance you will need when visiting Australia.

History of Yulefest in the Blue Mountains of Australia

In 1980 a small group of Irish came to the Blue Mountains in their search for the crisp and clear winter climate they were used to back in Ireland. And as they drank and relaxed in front of the warming roaring log fires they glanced out through the frosted window panes and admired longingly with nostalgia the snowflakes dancing in the wind. Their thoughts turned to their homeland. At this point in time the Irish group turned to their host and the owner of Mountain Heritage and lamented that celebrating Christmas in Australia in the heat of summer did not "feel quite the same". This became a defining moment in the history of the Blue Mountains and Australia.

The name of Mountain Heritage was Garry Crockett. And as he quietly listened to his guests, Gary was reminded of his childhood and the stories of a white Christmas his own father Bill used to tell him. And as he thought of the traditional Christmas cards so many Australians send and receive depicting sleigh rides, frosted windows, Christmas feats of turkey and hams and mince pies with steaming plum puddings, the snowman and the choiristers joining together singing the joys of the festive season. As the images of a Northern Hemisphere Christmas unfolded in this mind Garry offered to re-create for his Irish guests a similar festive Christmas atmosphere at Mountain Heritage. And so the famous Yulefest in the Blue Mountains was born.

So preparations for the great feast began as everyone enthusiastically started the hanging of decorations throughout the hotel. Even a Christmas tree was put up. Some observers were a bit sceptical and thought this was just another Irish joke as no one has ever heard of a Christmas in the middle of the year. As Garry explained how important this occurrence was for a group of homesick Irish people, word began to spread far and wide, about the most unusual festive event at Mountain Heritage and enquiries from other interested parties, who also wanted to enjoy such a wonderful occasion, began flowing in.

And as time came to pass Chritmas in July was born on a cold wintry night at the Mountain Heritage. Today the tradition has become known as Yulefest and lives on throughout the Blue Mountains in the winter months of June, July and August. Many other regions have tried to imitate but none have succeeded like the Blue Mountains. Today the Yulefest celebration brings together people from all over the country and the world to enjoy a Christmas feast during the cold winter months.

Now many venues offer the traditional Christmas style celebrations, when you can experience warm Mountains hospitality with many establishments offering Winter Yulefest Packages. Typically you can expect a sumptuous six course dinner including the usual after glass of port; a cabaret show; a visit from Santa and caroling around open fireplaces and an atmosphere of Christmas that December really can't match. And you never know! Perhaps even a hint of snow on a cold winters night! It really is a Christmas celebration but without the stress.

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Darwin - The Top End of Australia

Overlooking Timor Sea in Australia's northern coastline is Darwin, the capital city of the Northern Territory. Darwin has a permanent population of around 110,000 people, but really comes alive during the Dry Season when the tourists flock to the city. Because of Darwin's warm weather and tropical climate, the nightclubs and hotels are buzzing with activity each night as the people enjoy a relaxed outdoor lifestyle. If you want to experience some true Australian cuisine then make sure you try Kangaroo, Barramundi and Mud Crabs, or for the real experience try some Buffalo or Crocodile.

On the 19th of February 1942, the Japanese raided Darwin with 188 planes attacking the city, dropping more bombs than were dropped on Pearl Harbour. Along with the 15,000 Allied soldiers that were based in Darwin at the time to support the war, there were also 2,000 permanent residents, down from its original 5,000 due to the war. Darwin came under attack another 58 times during 1942 and 1943, but none were as devastating as the original attack. Today you can still see remnants around the city from World War 2.

With Darwin being so far north in Australia, it has 2 very distinct seasons, one being Wet, and the other being Dry. The dry season tends to run from April/May through to October, with the wet season seeing most of the rain fall between December and March. Darwin sees very little rain falling between May and September, and come November the days become very hot and humid in the build up to the wet season. Don't be put off from Darwin in the wet season though as the days are warm and the stunning waterfalls and rivers are at their best in the Kakadu National Park.

Darwin is a good base to explore the Top End of Australia with good access to the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, Litchfield and Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Parks, the Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land. Try your hand at fishing for Barramundi with one of the many tour charters from Darwin, or experience the crocodiles out in their wild habitat on one of the jumping crocodile tours on the Adelaide River. Head to the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets and watch the sunset over the ocean, and afterwards have dinner from an array of food stalls while looking over the arts and crafts from local artists.

There are many other attractions in Darwin, with some of them being:

- Crocodylus Park is a crocodile museum displaying everything you need to know about the Crocodile. There are breeding and rearing crocodile pens, plus many other animals on display such as lizards, snakes, wombats, dingoes, birds and buffalo.

- Visit Acquascene at Doctor's Gully to witness the fish feeding frenzy. At particular times during the day when the tides are right, wild fish come in to be fed.

- Darwin Crocodile Farm is a breeding ground for crocodiles to be farmed for their skins as the leather is highly durable and unique with its individual patterning. The crocodile farm is also open to tourists, with the best time to visit being feeding time.

- The Territory Wildlife Park is a 400 hectare open range sanctuary situated 56kms outside of Darwin. It is on natural bushland and contains animals and plants native to the Northern Territory, including an aviary, an aquarium, natural lagoons and a nocturnal house.

- Majestic Orchids houses Australia's largest tropical orchid farm, set across 2 hectares and with over 300,000 blooms.

- Windows on the Wetlands is on the Arnhem highway overlooking the Adelaide River floodplains. It offers spectacular views across the Top End Wetlands, with the Wet Season the floodplains are under water, and the Dry Season they are baked in the sunlight.

- The Darwin Wharf Precinct is a great place to relax and enjoy your dinner at a restaurant overlooking the water. There are also tours that go through old World War 2 tunnels.

- Operating over the Dry Season, the Deckchair Cinema overlooks Darwin Harbour creating a stunning backdrop to enjoy a glass of wine and watch a movie.

- The Myilly Point Heritage Precinct is made up of 4 houses set in their original location and are perfect examples of pre World War 2 Darwin architecture.

- The Darwin Botanic Gardens have displays of orchids that thrive in the humid conditions, along with baobab trees, palms and mangroves.

About the Author

The Darwin article was brought to you by Lyndon Sparrow: Australian Outback Travel Guide