Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland

The Great Barrier Reef of Australia is an extensive complex of islets, shoals and, of course, coral reefs. It is located off of Australia’s northeastern coastline in the Pacific Ocean. The Reef expands over 1,250 miles to the northwest-southeast, at about 10 to 100 miles offshore, and is about 135,00 square miles in area. This wonder has been characterized as the biggest structure that living creatures have ever built. There are actually 2,100 reefs and 800 fringing reefs around the Great Barrier Reef. All of the reefs, however, share a common origin. They have all been formed from the skeletal waste and skeletons of a living marine organism mass over the course of millions of years. The framework of the reef is formed from tiny creatures’ calcareous remains, which are known as hydro corals and coral polyps, and bryozoans and coralline algae are what holds it all together. At the Great Barrier Reef, at least 300 different species of hard coral, worms, sponges, anemones, crabs, prawns, crayfish, lobsters, gastropods, and a wide variety of other fish, as well as birds, can be found. The crown-of-thorns-starfish is actually the reef’s most destructive animal, which has decreased the attraction and color of much the reefs due to feeding on a lot of the coral that is alive.

 

 

Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is situated in Sydney, Australia. The opera house was made a part of the UNESCO, World Heritage Site in 2007 and is said to be the world’s most distinct 20th century buildings. It is also considered one of the most famous performing art centers in the world. The Sydney Opera House was built by an architect Jorn Utzon and also received the Pritzker prize in the year 2003. The synopsis of the quotation that was written on it said that the opera house is one of the masterpieces designed by this architect and will be considered the icon of the 20th century not only for this city but also for the country & continent of Australia.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Officially the largest reef system on earth, the Great Barrier Reef has almost 3,000 reefs encompassed within the 2,600 kilometre area of land that it covers. Although the Great Barrier Reef is clearly visible from space, it is when looking at it from underneath water when it truly appears to be beautiful and somewhat magical. Over 1,500 types of fish call the Great Barrier Reef home and in excess of 400 types of coral can be viewed in the area, meaning if you get chance to visit the area, you should make sure that you take along an underwater camera.

Uluru (Ayers Rock), Alice Springs, Australia

The massive Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a sandstone rock formation in central Australia. Officially located in the Northern Territory, Uluru is an inselberg (literally “island mountain”) which is a leftover section of a mountain range after erosion has removed the original mountain range. The formation is home to ancient wall paintings, springs, and caves. Uluru stands 348 meters (1,142 ft) tall. It is popular with photographers during sunset when it appears to glow red. Many visitors opt to enjoy a steep hour-long climb to the top of Uluru. Uluru is located inside the Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park and visitors must pay a $25 fee to enter the area. There is a nearby airport for those interested in a short and easy visit to Uluru. Visitors wishing to stay longer can find accommodation in the nearby town of Alice Springs.

Sydney, Australia

With 4.5 million residents, Sydney is the largest and most populous city in Australia. The city is located on the Southeastern coast of Australia on the Tasman Sea. Sydney is well known for being an international center of commerce, culture, entertainment, and tourism. The city features many iconic places, structures, and parks, including the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, Hyde Park, Luna Park, and the Royal Botanical Gardens. The city is also known for its stunning architecture in a variety of both classic and contemporary styles. Sydney is also famous for its love of sports, the most popular being rugby. Visiting the city is a breeze with an impeccable public transportation system and a massive range of accommodation options.

Perth, Australia

Monkey Mia

Monkey Mia means one thing: interacting with dolphins! Wild dolphins have been swimming up to greet visitors at Monkey Mia for decades, often arriving twice a day to be fed and photographed by the excited crowds. To discover the ins and outs of dolphin behavior, visit the dolphin information center at Monkey Mia. While you’re in Monkey Mia, take the opportunity to go on a wildlife-spotting cruise to see more dolphins as well as turtles, dugongs, and sharks. Snorkeling and diving are also popular activities, along with camel rides, Aboriginal culture bushwalks, boating, and outback golf.

 

Cottesloe Beach

Cottesloe Beach’s Indian Ocean waves and sugar-like sand make you forget quite easily that you're in the middle of a major Australian city. When you’re lying on a beach towel, gazing out at the clear turquoise water, listening to kids splash around and feeling the soft white sand beneath your fingers, you’d almost think you were on a tropical Caribbean island. That’s the magic of Perth – all the urban features you need and idyllic beaches to get away from it all. Cott, as it’s affectionately known, is anchored by Indiana, a restaurant housed in a beautiful building where you can sip a cocktail and enjoy a spectacular Indian Ocean sunset.

 

Swan Valley

It’s easy to indulge in gourmet food, great wines and river scenery on a great day out from Perth by taking a trip to the Swan Valley. Right on Perth’s doorstep, the Swan Valley kick-started the state’s flourishing wine industry. The best way to experience the Swan Valley’s wineries, food outlets and scenery is by car or tour coach, following the Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail.

Pinnacles Desert

The eerie limestone shapes of the Pinnacles are a popular day trip from Perth, rising out of the desert floor like something from a lunar landscape. The weather-worn pillars were formed by zillions of seashells blown here from the sea many thousands of years ago. The surrounding landscape is made up of desert and dunes. Bottlenose dolphins can be seen in nearby Hangover Bay, and in the park you’ll also see gray kangaroos, emus, cockatoos and other birds.

 

Rottnest Island

If it’s the weekend, it’s time to get down to Rottnest Island, Perth locals’ number-one island getaway. Perfect for family holidays or a relaxing break right on Perth’s doorstep, ‘Rotto’ is ringed by perfect beaches for swimming, fishing, boating and surfing. Cycling is also popular on Rotto, as cars are banned here. Other than whiling away the day on your beach of choice, you can hire a bicycle and take a cycling tour of the island’s heritage buildings.

 

Fremantle

Freestylin’ Fremantle (‘Freo’) is Perth’s laid-back little sister, an alternative, relaxed port city of cafes, funky shops, pastel-hued pubs and yachtie ambiance. Visit the Old Fremantle Prison to hear tales of Freo’s convict and bushranging past, then take in the seafaring history displayed by the port at the Maritime Museum. You’ll see submarines to fishing boats and the America’s Cup-winning yacht, Australia II. For more seagoing adventures, don’t miss the Shipwrecks Galleries.

 

Margaret River

Margaret River is Western Australia's food, wine, surfing and leisure playground. It’s also one of the most scenic and lush regions in the state, graced with a mix of coast, forest, vineyards and farmland. Superb wines are grown in these parts, and vineyard visits for wine tastings and meals at winery restaurants are some of the most popular pursuits.

 

Perth Zoo

Perth Zoo is a leader in conservation and research, with natural, spacious exhibits and an important breeding-for-release program for threatened native species. You’ll see more native species here than at most other zoos in Australia. Highlights include the nocturnal animal enclosure, allowing visitors to see normally sleepy critters up and about, and the Australian bushwalk sight and sound experience through eucalyptus and other native flora.

Aquarium of Western Australia

The outstanding Aquarium of Western Australia surrounds you with all the fishy creatures of the Southern Ocean. Innovative underwater tunnels and walkways get you up-close and personal with the turtles, fish, sharks and rays swimming overhead. Other attractions include playful seals and reefs of coral, wiggly jellyfish and graceful sea dragons.