Sydney Opera House at night Festival

Simply mentioning Sydney conjures images of the Sydney Opera House, one of the city's world-renowned icons. While it's a great spot for photo opportunities, there's a lot more to see around this magnificent building after sunset. All year-round, the building plays host to an incredible variety of live performances, from contemporary music and theatre to comedy, ballet, and classical music. Not in the mood to watch a show? Walk a few steps down to the edge of the harbor and enjoy a drink or bite to eat at Opera Bar.

Get ready to check out the Sydney Opera House on your next Australian adventure. I'd love to help you plan! Give me a call or send an email when you're ready to start planning!

 

The Gold Coast

Built for pleasure and committed to the sun and surf, the Gold Coast might just be Australia's most famous holiday destination. When viewed from afar, the coast's skyline seems almost make-believe. There's a 52 kilometer stretch of pristine sands, breathtaking sunsets, pleasant water temperatures, 300 sunny days a year, and a vibrant culture to be found in the Gold Coast. You'll find unique, charming neighborhoods, flourishing culinary scenes, and laidback local flavor all around town. Be sure to visit the lush, subtropical forest of the hinterland while you're there!

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Fun Facts about Sydney

Are you ready for some intriguing facts about Sydney?

Did you know that Sydney is not the capital of Australia? In 1788 Sydney was founded as a colony that officially became a city in 1842. Sydney locals are often jokingly tagged as "convicts" by the rest of the world. Sydney is still referred to as "Sin City" for its "convict" past.

When the Sydney Harbour Bridge was created, it needed so much paint that the original color was grey, which was the only color available in such a large quantity. At 1,149 meters long, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is considered to be the world's largest steel arch bridge.

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Uluru

Ayers Rock is a unique geological feature in a remote location, about 462 km from Alice Springs. Standing high above the Northern Territories' spinifex plains like some continental giant, this massive sacred rock of Uluru is probably the ultimate most majestic icon of the Southern Land.

Watching as Ayers Rock changes from vibrant hues of terracotta to crimson at sunset over the Pitjantjatjara's tribal lands is a marvelous, unforgettable sight!

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The 12 Apostles

View the rugged beauty of the famous 12 Apostles, a splendid rock formation 275 kilometers west of Melbourne along Great Ocean Road. Approximately 10 to 20 million years ago, the stormy Southern Ocean and the mainland's powerful winds eroded soft limestone, forming caves in the cliffs, which eroded further to become arches. When the arches collapsed, enormous rock piles up to 45 meters high remained, looming above from the shore. Soaring magnificently from the Southern Ocean on Victoria's dramatic coastline, the 12 Apostles seem to change color from sunrise to sunset, from dark and foreboding in shadow to dazzling, sandy and golden under the full sun.

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A Country Big Enough for Long Road Trips

The most significant way to appreciate Australia's sights and culture is by taking a road trip! Trekking across Australia's expanse is safe and reliable for travelers. You'll find regular gas stations, hospitable towns, several roadhouses and restaurants, and some of the world's most breathtaking scenery along the way.

An Australian road trip should be at the top of your list! However, even with a top-notch AC system, your belongings might melt if you decide to lace up your hiking boots and explore on foot for a bit anytime in the summer.

Let's work together to plan your next road trip through the Land Down Under. I'd love to help! Give me a call or send an email when you're ready to start planning!

 

Great Destinations for Vegetarians and Vegans

Whether you're a vegan, vegetarian, or just cutting down on your meat and dairy intake, Australia's cuisine won't make you compromise! Many Australians live the vegetarian lifestyle, so finding a great vegetarian or vegan meal is easier than you think.

Australia's proximity to Asia and other multicultural influences have contributed to a growing zeal for ethically-raised, cruelty-free, fresh, meatless dining trends. Some eateries even accommodate by offering a separate dining menu for vegetarians and vegans.

Let's work together to plan your next culinary adventure. I'd love to help! Give me a call or send an email when you're ready to start planning!

Surfers and Beaches in every State

Australia boasts some of the world's supreme surf spots, with perfect conditions for beginners and pro surfers alike. Some beaches famous for their beauty, as well as their break, include Sydney's world-famous Bondi Beach, Cabarita Beach, Manly Beach, Maroubra, Australia's National Surfing Reserves, Superbank, and Rottnest Island.

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Kangaroo Fun Facts

Australia is known for its adorable kangaroos, which are mainly found in Australia and New Guinea. There are four kangaroo species, including the red kangaroo, eastern grey, western grey, and antilopine. These mammals can hop quickly on two legs or stroll on all fours, but they can't walk backward. A kangaroo's robust legs are used for defense as well as mobility. They can jump up to 3x their height.

Most kangaroos eat grass. A group of kangaroos is referred to as a "mob," "troop," or "court." The red kangaroo is the biggest marsupial in the world. Some males have been known to reach over 2 meters tall! In the wild, their life expectancy is six years old.

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Burleigh Heads Gorgeous Beaches

Burleigh Heads is between Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta. Burleigh is a lovely, charming area along Australia's Gold Coast. On picture-perfect days, the beach's population doubles. On days with less-than-perfect weather, when the waters get a little squally, there is a protected swimming area.

Let's work together to plan your next adventure to Australia's Gold Coast. I'd love to help! Give me a call or send an email when you're ready to start planning!

 

Opera House Fun Facts

Located on the Bennelong Point, the Sydney Opera House is truly fascinating. The original construction was estimated to be around $7 million. When finished, the final bill was $102 million, mostly paid by a State Lottery. Precisely 233 designs were submitted to the Opera House's international design competition in 1956. Denmark's Jørn Utzon received ₤5000 for his winning design. The construction took 14 years, ten years longer than expected!

American entertainer Paul Robeson was the first performer at the Sydney Opera House. Approximately 10.9 million people visit the Opera House each year. Did you know that the Opera House is cooled by seawater that is taken directly from the Sydney Harbour?

Let's work together to plan your next adventure to visit the Sydney Harbor. I'd love to help! Give me a call or send an email when you're ready to start planning!

 

Things to do in Sydney Harbor

To Sydney-siders, Sydney Harbour is an aquatic playground with roughly 240 kilometers of sandy shoreline accented by pristine beaches, lovely gardens, and swaths of natural bush. The harbor is also home to some of Australia's big-name attractions, such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

There's so much to do in Australia. You can reach the summit of Sydney Harbour Bridge, check out the landmarks, take a dip in the water, have a picnic on Harbor Island, sail on a ferry, island-hop, meditate at the Royal Botanic Gardens, or visit The Rocks Discovery Museum.

Let's work together to plan your next thrilling Australian adventure. I'd love to help! Give me a call or send an email when you're ready to start planning!

Australians Love to Grill

Australia's people take every opportunity to enjoy the country's beautiful summer weather by visiting its spectacular beaches to ride the ocean waves, play a game of cricket or football, or grill some tasty barbeque in the company of friends!

Australia's sunny, warm days are always the perfect opportunity to "put another shrimp on the barbie." Be a part of the Australian tradition! Let's work together to plan your next exciting adventure in the Australian sun. Give me a call or send an email when you're ready to start planning!

Sydney Harbour Bridge Fun Facts

Would you like to learn ten fun facts about the Sydney Harbour Bridge?

Sydney Harbour Bridge opened to the public in 1932. At 1,149 meters long, it is the world's largest steel arch bridge. It contains 6 million rivets, driven by hand! The four arches at either end are entirely decorative.

The steel used to construct the Harbour Bridge weighs an astounding 52,800 tonnes. The steel was 79% imported from England and 21% from Australian sources.

In 1932, 96 steam locomotives were prepared to test the bridge's load capacity. When it opened, it cost a car six pence to cross. A horse and rider cost 3 pence. It now costs $3.30 (no horses allowed).

Let's work together to plan your next memorable adventure in Australia. I'd love to help! Give me a call or send an email when you're ready to start planning!

Great Barrier Reef

Australia is home to the famous Great Barrier Reef, undoubtedly one of the world's most remarkable gifts. The reef's 3000+ individual systems and coral cays are brimming with precious marine life and hundreds of impressive tropical islands boasting breathtaking golden beaches. Because of its unsurpassed natural beauty, the Great Barrier Reef has become a world-famous tourist destination.

Appreciate the reef's beauty up close while you snorkel, scuba dive, or swim with a dolphin! Who knows, you may want to take to the skies for an aircraft tour. Explore the reef in a glass-bottomed boat, open boat (self-sail), or during a semi-submersible educational trip. Of course, cruise ships and whale watching tours are also exciting options.

Let's work together to plan your exciting coral reef adventure. I'd love to help! Send an email or give me a call when you're ready to start planning!

The Ultimate Guide to Australia

The Ultimate Guide to Australia

Put Australia on your bucket list.

Visiting the Land Down Under and experiencing all that it has to offer is hardly possible in one trip, yet overdoing the itinerary for your visit to this island nation is not advisable. Before you stack your list of “things to do” up too high, we’d like to provide some further insight on the highlights of Australia. That way, as you and your travel agent discuss your itinerary, you can fill it full of exploration without feeling pressed for time and causing more unnecessary stress.

Sydney

Sydney is one of Australia's largest and most beloved cities. It is a beautiful place to begin your first 4 to 5 days on the island, especially if you are traveling between June and August. With lots of natural beauty and invigorating city life, there's so much to explore. Some places you should visit include the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Blue Mountains, Circular Quay and the Harbour, Royal Botanical Gardens, and, last but not least, the beaches.

Melbourne

It's easy to feel captivated by the beauty of Melbourne, so we suggest spending at least 4 to 5 days here, too. You could honestly get lost forever in all of its wonders. Although it's nowhere near as busy as Sydney, Melbourne has a bustling scene of its own. In the city, you can dine at one of many delightful restaurants or shop at any of the unique boutiques. However, the best way to get a feel for it all is by touring the entire city. Be sure to visit Federation Square, Flinders Street Train Station, the Yarra River, Chinatown, Bourke Street Pedestrian Mall, and the ever-so-popular Queen Victoria Market.

Great Ocean Road

Travel along Great Ocean Road for some of the most amazing sites in Australia. This coastal road stretches for 151 miles and makes the perfect 2-day trip. Take your time to soak in the views and be sure to stop at the 12 Apostles, London Bridge, all of the beaches and forests situated alongside the road.

Ayers Rock (Uluru)

Take 2 or 3 days to visit Ayers Rock if you can squeeze it into your itinerary. Unless you fly, it will take a few days to get to the famously massive sandstone, but it's well worth it. Some of the most magical moments can be experienced at Ayers Rock, including sunrise, sunset, and stargazing.

Great Barrier Reef

One of Australia's most quintessential tourist attractions is the Great Barrier Reef. Since the reef stretches from below the Tropic of Capricorn way up to the northern tip of Queensland, there is plenty of opportunity for scuba diving and snorkeling. Plan to spend 3 to 4 days here, visiting Cairns, The Whitsunday Islands, Lady Elliot Island, and Cape Tribulation.

To come up with an itinerary that matches your budget and interests for a trip to Australia, send us an email, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We would love to discuss all of the possibilities and great things there are to explore this gorgeous Oceania island.

Contact us when you're to book your Australian Vacation. 

What are the Offerings that You will see Everywhere

As Hindus, the Balinese people partake in a daily ritual called canang sari. They carefully construct an origami-like hand-sized box made with palm or banana leaves and fill it with colorful flowers. These offerings can be found anywhere from sidewalks to stairwells to temples all over the island and are a symbol of gratitude to the Hindu gods. The time and effort it takes to create these beautiful offerings, sometimes daily, may be what makes the Balinese people always smile and exude peace and joy.

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Temples and Doorways

Bali is home to over 20,000 temples, and no trip to Bali is complete without visiting at least one. The holiest of all temples is Pura Besakih in east Bali. It dates back to the 10^th century and is located near the top of Mount Agung. Another sacred spot is Pura Luhur Lempuyang, where the tall, massive temple gate overlooks a beautiful view of Mount Agung. The royal temple of Pura Taman Ayun is surrounded by a moat that gives the illusion that it is floating on water. For the ultimate experience, plan your trip to any temple during an odalan, or temple festival.

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Snorkeling in Bali

Bali is part of the "coral triangle," making it a perfect spot to enjoy marine life. For those who aren't comfortable with scuba diving, snorkeling is an excellent way for beginners to experience underwater wildlife. In addition to seeing beautiful reef fish, manta rays, and sea turtles, these ultimate snorkeling spots offer views of shipwrecks and even an underwater temple. These areas of pristine blue seas allow for the perfect view while swimming with the animals.

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Rice Fields Fun Fact are Great for Photos

Rice is a staple in Balinese cuisine, and the rice fields are some of the most beautiful spots to visit there. They are found all over the island and offer a gorgeous, lush green view that is excellent for photo opportunities. The perfect, terraced steps of the fields are not just beautiful with their intricate layers but are also a necessity for decreasing erosion and supporting irrigation, which is required to grow rice successfully. 

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Monkey Encounters

Bali offers terrific opportunities for animal lovers to get up close and personal with beautiful creatures. Monkey encounters are exciting and fun, and there are multiple places you can go to experience interacting with them. The Sangeh Monkey Forest is not only home to a sacred temple and covered in nutmeg trees, but it is home to hundreds of friendly Balinese monkeys. The Ubud Monkey Forest is similar but more extensive and has a focus on educating visitors about the importance of conservation of natural and cultural resources.

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Luxury Accommodations in Bali

Bali is beautiful almost anywhere you go on the island, but nothing says "perfect vacation" than luxury accommodations. Many hotels and resorts have their own unique beauty that you can enjoy when not perusing the beaches and temples. These luxury resorts often mimic the look of Balinese villages with peak-roofed villas or beach houses and offer spas, fine dining, and infinity pools. Spectacular views of beaches and mountains are also common luxurious features that make your stay in Bali perfect.

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Interesting Fact about Volcanoes

Bali is a volcanic island home to two major volcanoes: Mount Batur and Mount Agung. Volcanoes around the world can be distinguished as active, dormant, or extinct based on their activity, and those in Bali are considered active. Volcanoes can also have a significant impact on climate, and Bali experiences this with Mount Agung. This volcano takes water from the clouds as they pass, making one side lush and green while the other is dry. Volcanoes in Bali are considered stratovolcanoes, which are characterized by their conical shape and the type of lava and ash it is made up of.

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How Friendly the Locals Are

In Bali, the most authentic and friendly interactions with locals are away from the tourist destinations and deeper into the island. The local Balinese often enjoy sharing information about their culture, such as their art, crafting, and food. With a smile, they are always willing to lend a hand. The warm smiles of the locals are contagious, making the trip out of the popular areas worth the effort.

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Nourish Your Mind Body and Soul - Fresh Fruit Everywhere

In Bali, fruit is sold fresh the day it is picked, and is not sprayed with chemicals or genetically modified. A native paradise fruit is durian, a thorny fruit popular with locals. Jackfruit is a sweet fruit found everywhere on the island and is often used in local desserts. Guava is also widespread around the island and is used locally for herbal medicine. Despite the variety of paradise fruits, bananas are extremely popular and important in Bali. With at least 42 varieties, bananas are not just eaten peeled, but they can be fried and served with honey, and the stem is even used in dishes with spicy meat.

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Bali Festivals

Bali is host to many festivals, both religious and secular. The Balinese new year, Nyepi, takes place on March 25^th and is preceded by a celebration in the streets before a day of silence and fasting. The Bali Spirit Festival lasts for seven days and includes concerts, markets, and workshops for yoga and dancing. To enjoy the vast Balinese cuisine, attend the Ubud Food Festival, where local and international chefs share the culinary culture of Indonesia. Kite lovers will enjoy the Padang Galak Kite Festival, where Balinese kite-flyers show off their colorful designs.

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Day Trips with Lots to Do and See in Bali, Indonesia

Though Bali offers endless beauty and fun, taking a quick flight to the main island of Java can enrich your experience in Indonesia. There are several temples you can visit, such as Borobudur and Prambanan, to enjoy a piece of Indonesian culture. For the perfect look into Indonesian history, visit the 300-year-old city of Jogyakarta, where the oldest palace, "The Kraton," exists. As the cultural center of the entire country, Jogyakarta offers the sights and sounds of Indonesian art, crafting, and dancing.

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Best Hidden Beaches

Some of Bali’s best attractions are its beaches. Common beaches can be crowded, so if you are looking for something off the beaten path, there are many hidden beaches to discover. Balian Beach in the north boasts black, volcanic sand that contrasts with the bright blue sea. Green Bowl Beach gets its name from the moss-covered rocks that line the beach at low tide. It can be reached by descending hundreds of steep steps, and even has a cave with a large population of bats. The white sands of Nyang Nyang Beach are worth the adventure of getting there, as this beach also offers a secret wild garden of flowers.

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Balinese Fun Food Facts

Balinese cuisine commonly consists of rice, meat or fish, vegetables, and spices. Since the island is mostly Hindu, beef is never or rarely consumed. The people of Bali enjoy a cuisine that demonstrates indigenous traditions such as offering pork, duck, and turtle meat in specific religious rituals. Balinese restaurants, including small, family-owned establishments called warungs, specialize in particular foods like crispy duck or mixed rice. Many dishes include the Balinese 8-spice, consisting of white pepper, black pepper, cumin, nutmeg, and more.

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Balinese Dance Fun Facts

Dancing is an important part of Balinese culture as it is used for both religious and artistic expression. Sacred dances are usually reserved for performances in Hindu temples, but Balinese dancers have created variants that can be performed for tourists. Some of the famous Balinese dances for entertainment include costumed and masked dancers depicting the stories of fabled heroes and myths. Children begin to learn to dance with their hands before they can walk, and official training as a Balinese dancer can start as early as age 7.

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Best View Points of Bali

As a mountainous island surrounded by vast blue seas, Bali offers many spots to enjoy a beautiful view. Many cliffside viewpoints overlook the sea, such as at Uluwatu Temple or Balangan Hill. These provide a bird’s eye view of gorgeous sunsets and rolling waves. Mountaintop temples such as Lempuyant Temple in eastern Bali overlook many other temples that line the path to the top. For a greener view, the rice terraces of Jatiluwih and Tegallalang offer stunning photo opportunities.

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Which Area of Bali is Right For You?

Which Area Of Bali Is Right For You?

Is Bali on your bucket list?

Bali is an Indonesian Island located just east of Java. It was initially a surfer's paradise, and now it is a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia. This ancient island is now a mix of tourist areas and traditional culture. There are many different ways to experience Bali, and it all depends on what you are looking to get out of your trip. 

The Different Areas Of Bali

The different areas of Bali will appeal to different people depending on the type of trip that they are planning. Southern, Central, Eastern, and Western Bali all have their own personalities and beauties for those who decide to visit there.

Southern Bali

The southern coast of Bali is the tourist mecca of the island. This is the area of the island where you will find the tourist hotels, lively nightlife, and the best bars. Various cities in southern Bali will lend themselves to having great offerings for those looking to have the tourist experience.

·       Canggu-

     As one of the more laid-back towns of this region. It has the type of "surfer" vibe you would find in places like Venice Beach, California, and Bondi Beach in Sydney. This is where digital nomads and entrepreneurs choose to live so that they can enjoy artisan beers and organic restaurants. 

·         Seminyak-

A town in southern Bali that is going to have the major resort hotels, high-end villas, and the hippest beach bars. If you are looking for a modern-day vacation in Southeast Asia, this is the area for you.

·     Jimbaran- This town is dotted with white sand beaches and 5-star resorts. This is a great town for kids because many of the beaches in Bali have rough seas and black volcanic sand. This is a great place to go for a family vacation.

·        Uluwatu/Padang Padang-

A surfer's paradise, in the center of Southern Bali. These beaches are situated on the Bukit Peninsula, and experienced surfers should only ride the waves here.

·      Nusa Dua- This area of Bali is located on the southern-most tip of the island, and the beaches here are considered to be the best in Bali. There are two distinct areas in this part of Bali; the resort area and the town of Tanjung Benoa with its’ local shops and restaurants.

Central Bali

The central region of Bali is far more than just the geographical center of the island. The central region is also the cultural, historical, and spiritual center of Bali. It is shown in the natural beauty of this region and the ancient traditions that are still carried out to this day.

·        Ubud- For decades, this town was a sleepy artist village that was then transformed into its’ own little metropolis. The rice terraces and mountains of this town form the backdrop and base in which to explore the temples, museums, and heart of Bali.

Eastern Bali

This section of Bali has a down-to-earth atmosphere. It is far more toned down than, say, southern Bali.

·       Tulamben-

Known for its' scuba diving. There isn't much else to offer in this area. In the sea, just off the coast, is the wreckage of the USS Liberty. This town is also the perfect jumping-off point for those who are headed to the Gili Islands.

·       Sanur- This town is the perfect area for family trips. The beach of this mellow town is surrounded by a picturesque coral reef that keeps the waters calmer and shallower. This creates a perfect place for the kids to play. It is also home to the largest children’s playground and café, Peekaboo.

Western Bali

Western Bali is considered to be the most representative of what “real” Bali is. Most of it is mountains, volcanoes, rice paddies, and tourist-free.

·       Balian Beach-

     Balian Beach is considered to be more of a "secret spot" in Eastern Bali because not many tourists venture there. This black sand beach offers great surfing and beautiful coves to explore with the kids.

·       Nyanyi-

·   The rural area of this section of Bali. If you are traveling here, you are going to want to see the UNESCO Heritage Site of Jati Luwih rice terraces, the Tanah Lot Temple, and Mount Batukaru.  You will want to go to surround yourself with nature and the history of Bali here.

Bali has something to offer for everyone. No matter what type of trip you are looking to take and who is going on the trip, Bali has what you want. Take the time to do a little bit of research and figure out what is going to work best for you. Taking this time will make your trip to Bali perfect and unforgettable.

Be sure to contact us to book your Bali Vacation.