Hi All,

Small "Vid" on where a couple of Macquarie University students would like to go on there break.
Enjoy!!!

 Link hosting for You tube: http://youtu.be/Y5_qKyjsiQM

Byron Bay

http://gvbyronbay.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/byron-bay-beach-front.jpg

Located on the far north coast of the central east state of New South Wales, Byron Bay is a holiday destination that few Australians would not recommend. The town has a population estimated to be about 30,000 but this significantly increases during the summer months as people flock from all over to enjoy a holiday here.

The tip of Cape Byron is the furthest point one can travel east on Australia’s mainland.

http://www.byron-bay.com.au/1.JPG

With beautiful beaches, nearby national parks and an overall beautiful landscape combined with great culture and a lively nightlife. Byron is sure to give a great experience for all those after a combination of fun, adventure and relaxation. The costal town is suited to provide entertainment for people of all ages.

For those after a surf, Byron has several popular surf beaches and about 30km worth of beaches in total to choose from. It also offers, scuba diving, sky diving, horse riding, hot air ballooning and is well known for its wildlife, including things such as whale watching

http://www.accommodation24x7.com/images/location/byron-bay-2.jpg

http://www.accommodation24x7.com/images/location/byron-bay-1.jpg

With a collection of resorts, hotels, motels, houses and apartments for rent, backpacker’s lodges and caravan parks, Byron is accessible to anyone willing to travel the distance.

By Sam Shumack

Cairns

http://www.cairns.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2008/04/18/Lagoon-walkers-&-stroller.jpg

Located in tropical North Queensland, the city of Cairns has a population of about 160,000 which makes it Australia’s 14th largest city. Cairns is a beautiful holiday destination with close proximity to the Daintree rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef and many more attractions, every year Cairns draws visitors from all over the country and the World.

Other than a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, visitors can enjoy things such as white water rafting, skydiving, fishing, sailing, rainforest walks, wildlife and native bird tours, golf, spas and much more.

The city itself has a range of nightclubs and a casino which features live music, as well as dinner cruises, waterfront dining and dinner shows. All up this makes for a thriving nightlife that can entertain people of all ages.

Holiday makers can get there by plane, and once there have the ability to hire a car for their stay. With plenty of accommodation for all budgets, The city of Cairns and everything surrounding it makes for a fantastic holiday for anyone.

http://www.driveaboutcampers.com.au/images/campervan-hire-cairns.jpg


By Sam Shumack

The Hunter Valley

A part of the large Hunter Region area, The Hunter Valley is a spot well known for its wine production and viticulture. Only a 2 hour drive from the main city of Sydney, and only an hour away from Newcastle, the hunter valley is an easy to access area, that will provide many fun activities and sights to see for families, couples and large groups.

http://www.newcastleinfotech.com.au/design/hunter-valley-web-design/

Best known and recognised for it's wine, the Hunter Valley region is home to hundreds of small and large scale wineries, producing some of the best wines in Australia, but also highly regarded worldwide. The wineries in the region have become a huge tourist attraction, with many companies now offering day trips for wine tasting, organising buses to take you to all the best spots in the area, and better yet, you don't have to worry about driving!

The vineyards and wineries however, are not all that the Hunter Valley has to offer. The region is also famous for sports such as golf, with many high quality courses or even aqua golf; guaranteed fun for the family! It is also common for the area to host many music festivals or concerts, which is another reason for this area to be high on the list of places to see! With endless activities, The Hunter Valley is a must see for all, making it the perfect weekend getaway!

http://www.luxuriadestinations.com.au/signature-tour-south-itinerary.html

By John Granger

Gold Coast

If you are looking for a trip with lots of action, beautiful weather and beaches, and possibly a bit of partying, Australia’s Gold Coast is your answer! Located in Queensland on the East Coast of Australia, and only an hour south of main city Brisbane, the Gold Coast is the ultimate getaway that is sure to keep you entertained for your entire stay.

The city is built right on the coast, making for spectacular scenery, and meaning it is only a short walk to the beach from where you stay. During summer, the gold coast is gifted with high average temperatures and water temperatures, making it a perfect location for anyone’s beach holiday

http://haejoo.com.au/2010/01/gold-coast-considers-artificial-reef/

The Gold Coast is also famous for being home to some of Australia’s most amazing and thrilling theme parks. Only a short drive away from the city, you have the choice of over 5 different theme parks, which are sure to provide days full of entertainment. For the younger travellers and more daring, the Gold Coast also has many clubs and places to go out at night, with parties often kicking on til early hours of the morning.

http://blog.queensland.com/2010/10/31/themepark-time/

The Gold Coast must be high on the list of places to visit in Australia, and given the entertainment it provides, it will not disappoint!

http://www.ride-extravaganza.com/thrill/enterprise/enterprise-dreamworld-meisho/

By John Granger

Taronga Zoo

Australia is home to some of the most fascinating wildlife in the world, and there is no better way to see it than at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo. Located in the North Shore suburb of Mosman, the zoo is built on the shores of Sydney Harbour, providing some spectacular views and an overall great atmosphere.

http://sydney-eye.blogspot.com.au/2010/12/from-me-to-you.html

Once inside the Zoo, you are able to navigate yourself around the 8 different regions, seeing over 2,600 animals that call this place home. The zoo boasts hundreds of different types of animals such as native Australian animals like the Emu, but also many animals from other parts of the world. The zoo puts on daily animal shows such as seals and dolphin tricks, and the best part is they are all included in the price of just the one ticket.

http://sidneymorgan.hubpages.com/hub/sydney-wildlife

With so much to see and do, and with many cafes and restaurants in the zoo itself, Taronga Zoo is a great place for families and friends to spend a day, taking in the Australian wildlife and having an experience they will never forget!

By John Granger 

Aquarium

Sydney Aquarium is at the top of the list of Sydney attractions and one of the leading visitor attractions in Australia.

At Sydney Aquarium, explore through the unique freshwater and marine aquatic environments and discover an incredible 13,000 animals from 700 different species - including the world's largest variety of sharks and rays.At Sydney Aquarium, you will get the opportunity to venture through 14 newly-themed zones including a new Shark Walk, a tropical Bay of Rays, an interactive Discovery Rock pool, Mangrove Swamps, a shipwreck and the new ocean tunnel walk-through - Shark Valley!

Nevertheless, the SEA LIFE in Sydney also has some of the world's most incredible animals, including the bizarre but beautiful dugongs - 2 of only 5 on display anywhere in the world - huge sharks, massive stingrays, majestic turtles, jellyfish, platypuses, penguins, sea dragons, thousands of tropical fish, enormous crabs and much, much more. A trip to Sydney Aquarium takes you around Australia's coastline, out into its oceans and up into its waterways - all without leaving the city! Therefore, this truly cannot be missed while exploring the vibe of Australia.

 http://www.sydneyaquarium.com.au

 http://www.informationcentres.com.au/information/sydney/entertainment/sydney-night-attractions.html

http://www.idntourism.com/sydney-aquarium/
 By Shabzz shah

Blue Mountains

Blue mountains

Another breathtaking site that cannot be missed while on vacation in Australia is the “Blue Mountains”. The Blue Mountains is a magical place at any time of the year. Glowing in autumn, cool in winter, colorful in spring and refreshing in summer. The Blue Mountains offers spectacular scenery, plant life and wildlife. The mountains reach a height of 1100m, and have been given their name due to the blue haze that hovered above the mountains produced by the oil from the plentiful Eucalyptus trees.

This huge park boasts more than 140km of trails and walking tracks and there are great places to go camping, including Euroka or Blue Gum Forest where you can pitch your tent beneath the shade of a majestic eucalypt. The views from the park’s lookouts are magnificent; you’ll look out over hazy blue forests, waterfalls and interesting rock formations. Echo Point at Katoomba is a popular spot, offering full views of the iconic Three Sisters, and at Sublime Point in Leura, you’ll be able to see 29km away on a clear day. Take a picnic lunch or thermos so you can stop for a while to admire the view. The Greater Blue Mountains was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2000 and was one of 15 World Heritage places included in the National Heritage List in 2007.

 

http://www.bluemountainsdaytoursaustralia.com

http://goaustralia.about.com/od/nsw/tp/Blue-Mountains-Australia.html

http://goaustralia.about.com/od/nsw/tp/Blue-Mountains-Australia.htm

http://www.sydneytouristattractions.com.au/blue-mountains-tours/938936-skyway-blue_mountains_national_park

By Shabzz Shah

Watsons Bay on a Sunday

Watsons Bay on a Sunday

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Watson Bay is located just 12 Km from the Sydney, on the South Head of our magnificent Harbour. Every weekend people, or should I say every Sunday is a buzz with locals, Australians and international visitors. It comprises of sandy bays and green parks, plus and enclosed natural saltwater swimming enclosure on the southern side. I should also mention the famous Doyles restaurants, one on the beach, and one on the Wharf, with a take away fish shop also as an extension of the wharf.

Doyles Family Restaurant

 View of the sandy stretch of beach

  

 Children Playing down by the beach at Watsons Bay

The Doyles family originally started a small fish shop back in 1845 and now it has grown to brand name recognised around the world. If you like to just sit in the local Pub on a Sunday treat and yourself to a seafood lunch and have a Jug of beer, whilst watching the sunset over the skyline of the city of Sydney well go ahead it so relaxing and an enjoyable place to hang out with friends or bring the family. The Watsons bay area also is accessible by car, bus and ferry. But I suggest taking a ferry from Circular Quay or a bus from Edgecliff train station, due to the limited parking that is available, also if you have had a few beers, the cops will be hanging around doing breathalysing checks, don’t drink and drive and a wonderful Sunday Afternoon.

Images and words by,
Paris Spellson

Melbourne

 Melbourne

 (http://www.wridgways.com.au/images/Melbourne_pano.jpg)

This is my home town, and is very dear to me. I would recommend it to anyone coming down under who is after a hit of culture and entertainment. It’s located in the south eastern state of Victoria, it is Australia’s second largest city after Sydney with a growing population of over 4 million.

Known as the sporting capital of Australia; Melbourne offers a range of major sporting events all year round, from the Australian Open Grand slam tournament (tennis) in January, to the Australian formula one Grand Prix. Melbourne has also hosted the Olympics (1956) and more recently the Commonwealth Games (2006). Melbourne’s and indeed Australia’s greatest sporting ground – The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and the other stadiums scattered around the city each year play host to millions of spectators at things like the Boxing Day Test and the AFL Grand Final. Melbourne is the home and birthplace of Australian Rules football; this particular sport is one of the beating hearts of this city, it is a thriving passion of the residents and an essential part of the culture. So is the spring racing carnival, which includes one of the world’s largest horse races – The Melbourne Cup.

Melbourne Cup

 (http://livedownunder.info/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/mcg1.jpg)

Melbourne is also known for its arts and music culture with countless live shows and exhibitions throughout the city. It’s known for amazing food, and great coffee, as well as fantastic shopping for all people’s tastes. The city is scattered with hidden treasures such as cool little cafes and shops that can be found in cool laneways and basements. There are great bars and restaurants throughout and a thriving nightlife for those looking for a great night out.

(http://www.goway.com.au/images/citybreaks/melbourne-cafes350.jpg)

(http://images.smh.com.au/2010/02/12/1115805/Melbourne-laneway-420x0.jpg)

For those after some sight seeing, Melbourne is home to the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere – the Eureka Tower – and there is currently a ferris wheel under construction to rival that of London and Singapore. Melbourne only an hour’s drive from the beginning of the great ocean road and is driving distance from Philip Island – another beautiful location. With plenty of places to stay throughout the city from 5 star hotels to back-packers lodges, Melbourne is a must visit for anyone looking for a great experience.

By Sam Shumack

The Great Barrier Reef

It is one of the most spectacular sights in Australia, and being a world heritage listed sight, the Great Barrier Reef is an Australian tourist hotspot that attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year. Made up of over 2,900 individual reefs, and stretching 2,600 kilometers down the east coast of Australia, it is a must see for anyone visiting Australia, and even those that call this country home.

The Great Barrier Reef contains over 2,500 different species of fish, thousands of other animal species and hundreds of coral species. They all display a diverse range of beautiful colours, which is really what makes it such an amazing place to visit, as there are always new things to see. Sightseeing on The Great Barrier Reef can be done in many ways including snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing tours or even helicopter flights to see an amazing birds eye view.

Getting to The Great Barrier Reef has become very simple through emergence of many new companies providing daily tours to the reef. The two best Queensland towns to get there from are Cairns and the Whitsunday's due to their close proximity to the reef and easy accessibility due to many boating companies providing a range of tours, taking only an hour or two to be out at one of the most amazing sights in Australia. Therefore, due to the spectacular sight that it is, The Great Barrier Reef is a must see and something you will not regret!

 Image from - http://phoebettmh.blogspot.com.au/2011/12/australia-welcome-to-great-barrier-reef.html

Image from - http://bookitnow.com/must-see-attractions-in-cairns



By John Granger

Palm Valley, Northern Territory

Everyone has heard of Uluru, the mother of all rocks just out of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. However situated 140km from Alice and accessible only by 4WD, is the remote Finke George National Park, covering 46000 hectares. This Magical place includes Palm Valley were the Finke River, one of the world’s oldest river systems dating back 350 million years runs through this ancient valley, an oasis in the middle of the desert. The main attraction of Palm Valley is the rare red cabbage palms botanic remnants from millions of years ago, which are unique to the area. There is also a number of water holes where you could go for a cool swim. Palm Valley is a wonderful place to experience; camping is permitted with fresh drinking water, showers and toilets. If your into hiking there are many walking trails and lookouts to explore, absorbing all the beautiful views and sandstone formations. I recommend you go and visit the Northern Territory, stop and pay a visit to the Ancient Valley of the Palms.....

Palm Valley in the West MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory, Australia. Image sourced from http://picasaweb.google.com/jefferin.photos

Palm Valley in the West MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory, Australia. Image sourced from www.schoensleben.ch/sur/

Palm Valley full of water (Penelope Bergen)

By Paris Spellson

Sydney Opera House

Experience Sydney Opera House - one of the world's most creative and busiest performing arts centres and greatest triumphs of modern architecture. 


The Sydney opera house is one of Australia’s biggest tourist attractions as it was acknowledged as one of the “Seven Wonders of the World”. The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in Sydney. It was conceived and largely built by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, opening in 1973. Opera House was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 28 June 2007. It is one of the 20th century's most distinctive buildings and one of the most famous performing arts centres in the world.

The Sydney Opera House is on Bennelong Point in Sydney Harbour, close to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It sits at the northeastern tip of the Sydney central business district (the CBD), surrounded on three sides by the harbour.

 

 

http://genc6003.unsw.wikispaces.net

The Sydney Opera House is a fascinating building and definitely the heart of the city's cultural scene. It opened with a concert hall, an opera theatre, a drama theatre and a recital hall, as well as restaurants and bars. There are often concerts held in the house, but getting a tour of the opera house cannot be missed in order to explore the beauty of this stunning building, which will truly be a memorable experience for lifetime.

It is designed in a beautifully unique style! 

 

http://www.ventasalud.com/sydney-opera-house-australia-the-souvenir-from-20th-century-architecture/inside-sydney-opera-house_07/

 

 By Shabzz Shah

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Harbour Bridge is the world's largest steel arch bridge that has become a renowned international symbol of Australia. People who visit Australia wouldn’t want to miss this hotspot and most likely would either like to experience the vibe either by climbing the bridge or simply just taking a walk. The Sydney Harbour Bridge has been assessed as being of State significance. Its approaches are all important elements in townscape of areas both near and distant from it. It is locally known as the "Coat Hanger", and it took eight years to build, including the railway line
The harbour bridge has been designed by Dr J.J.C Bradfield, who was also the Chief Engineer of the bridge. It took 9 years to build the harbour bridge from 1923-1932. Harbour bridge is the tallest steel arch bridge, measuring 134 metres (440 ft) from top to water level. With its 49 meters in width Sydney Harbor Bridge is listed by Guinness Book of World Records as the widest long span Bridge in the world 

http://www.ritas-outback-guide.com/AdventureTravelAustralia.html

  Sydney Harbour Bridge is the world's largest steel arch bridge that has become a renowned international symbol of Australia. People who visit Australia wouldn’t want to miss this hotspot and most likely would either like to experience the vibe either by climbing the bridge or simply just taking a walk. The Sydney Harbour Bridge has been assessed as being of State significance. Its approaches are all important elements in townscape of areas both near and distant from it. It is locally known as the "Coat Hanger", and it took eight years to build, including the railway line   The harbour bridge has been designed by Dr J.J.C Bradfield, who was also the Chief Engineer of the bridge. It took 9 years to build the harbour bridge from 1923-1932. Harbour bridge is the tallest steel arch bridge, measuring 134 metres (440 ft) from top to water level. With its 49 meters in width Sydney Harbor Bridge is listed by Guinness Book of World Records as the widest long span Bridge in the world

  http://www.planetware.com/picture/sydney-harbour-bridge-aus-ausw090.htm

For those people who prefer to simply take a on the bridge there are many sites to explore. On the other side of the bridge, there is a suburb called Kirribilli. You can enjoy the area with many lunch options, including a little seafood restaurant called Garfish. It’s a really now way to enjoy your day for those who are walking on the bridge if not willing to climb the bridge.  Furthermore, the Sydney Harbour Bridge offers various magnificent views of the harbour, the city and surrounding areas. For visitors who want to save time or money, walking across the bridge along a designated pedestrian pathway is an option to the Bridge Climb tour. Starting Point: Gloucester St and Cumberland St stairs in the Rocks area.   

 http://www.concierge.com/travelguide/australia/seeanddo/16825  An exciting adventurous experience while in Sydney is to take on a Bridge Climb. It gives a rare glimpse of the Sydney cityscape, which truly will be unforgettable. Bridge Climb started in 1998 and attracts tourists and locals and is about 3-½ hour guided journey to climb the monument. It takes you along the outer arch of the Bridge on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit, 134 metres above Sydney Harbour. There are day, twilight and night climbs and a group of twelve will leave for a climb every ten minutes. The safety precautions taken include a blood alcohol reading and a Climb Simulator, which shows Climbers the climbing conditions that, might be experienced on the Bridge.
The steady incline to the summit leaves you free to focus your attention on your Sydney experience, with opportunities to witness 360 degree views of Sydney, including east to the Sydney Opera House, west to the Blue Mountains and the Harbour city surrounds. When you reach the top you will have a sense of achievement that you will remember forever- you've conquered an Australian icon recognised the world over!  By Shabzz Shah
 

The Great Ocean Road

This is one of my personal favorites. Located in The south eastern state of Victoria, the road stretches 243km from Torquay (south west of the state's capital, Melbourne) and Warrnambool. It was built between 1919 and 1932 by soldiers returning home from WW1. The road was built as a dedication to the lives lost in the first world war and as such, it is the world's largest war memorial. The road goes along the stunning scenery of what is known as the shipwreck coast, moving through cliffs, beaches, rainforests and numerous coastal towns such as Anglesea, Lorne, Queenslciff, Apollo Bay etc.

Visitors can enjoy a range of activities including whale watching, visiting incredible beaches, surfing, golf, scuba diving, camping, horse riding, walking, hiking, water sports, nature & wildlife, amazing food and wine, theatre, music, museums, spas, cycling and a range of other family activities.

 http://greatoceanroad-torquay.com.au/wp-content/uploads/great-ocean-road2.jpg

 While the whole road and everything it encompasses is essentially one big tourist attraction, two of the main attractions within that are the Great Ocean Walk and The Twelve Apostles. The Great Ocean walk is a connection of walking trails that stretches 104km from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles. The Twelve Apostles is the name given to a group of Limestone stacks that have been eroded out of the cliffs and now stand idle in the ocean, grouped together in close proximity they provide quite the spectacle although not all 12 remain standing today.

 http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor-news/great-aussie-drives-20120824-24rag.html


The Great Ocean Road is a fabulously beautiful location that attracts thousands of visitors every year, with plenty to keep you entertained in every season for all ages I would recommend to anyone making the trip to Melbourne or Victoria that they set aside a few days to see what this region has to offer!

 http://www.victoria.visitorsbureau.com.au/regions/great-ocean-road.html

By Sam Shumack 

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Our Design layout.. for Australian Hotspots  Blog...

Very simple and very effective Blog layout,  no need to put different colours or images in the background. I used a  template called Awesome in Blogger...
I found a spattering black and white effect for the upper corner this gave some contrast to the plain white.
 

Welcome to Australian Hotspots-
Australia is one impressive continent, it’s our island home completely isolated from the rest of the world. However we have everything that one country should have, from Golden Sandy beaches, cosmopolitan cities, small outback towns, rivers, Lakes, Mountains, Deserts and the ancient people from this land, with their creation stories and art forms. Go on have an adventure, go and check out a performance, dine at some of Australia's best cuisines, or go camping, lay back and relax. Let’s take a peek into some of Australia’s hidden treasures, places that you would love to visit, hang out meet some locals eat some great food, and have a cold beer.

Sculptures by the Sea
Bondi Beach is Australia's best known strip of sand, with tens of thousands of people from all round the world visiting, summer becomes one big party town, with great food and a vibrant night life.
One event that occurs every year is Sculptures by the Sea, with its conception in 1997 which ran for one day attracting 25000 people, and was put together by volunteers. It has now grown into one of Sydney major art events, featuring over 100 artists from across the world. This year is the 16th Annual Bondi Exhibition where the 2km coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Tamarama Beach is transformed with over 100 hundred sculptures from around the world, and is one of the world’s largest free public events. Its starts on the 18th October and ends Sunday 4 November check it out !!!! Here is some of the sculpture that where displayed last year

 

Juan Pablo Pinto & Clary Akon, the nail, Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi 2011. Photo Clyde Yee.

 Steve Croquett, heads up, Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi 2011. Photo Samantha Burns.

By Paris Spellson