Category Archives: Sydney

Top Most Interesting Museums to visit in Australia

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Discovering the rich history, culture and social constitution of Australia remains a key tourist activity and a visit to some of the country’s most famous museums will help you do that. Read on to know more.

National Museum of Australia, Canberra

Established in 1980, National Museum of Australia is one of the country’s most well known museums. Preserving a major chunk of the native indigenous past of the nation, it is home to a wide range of collectables and valuables that explore the key issues, people and events that have shaped the country. Postcards, public records, pictures, chronometers, Gouache paintings, placards, drawings and portraits are among the museum’s most famous exhibits. Lectures and interactive sessions are held regularly here.

National Gallery of Australia, Canberra

Featuring over 166,000 beautiful works of arts, National Gallery of Australia is the largest art gallery in the country. Established in 1967, this beautiful complex is home to the widest collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures and artworks by prominent artists. Mount Wellington and Hobart Town from Kangaroo Point by John Glover, Afterglow by Fredrick McCubbin, Interior in Yellow by Grace Cossington Smith, The Red Lady by William Dobell and Boy with Cat by John Perceval are few of the well-known masterpieces put on display here.

Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney

Established in 1991, Australian National Maritime Museum is yet another terrific attraction that’s loved by the visitors. It is famed for its splendid array of exhibits like ships, vessels and maritime equipment. HM Bark Endeavour Replica, the destroyer HMAS Vampire, and the submarine HMAS Onslow are the three popular vessels displayed at the wharves outside the complex.

Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney

Housing an incredible collection of artworks and paintings, Art Gallery of New South Wales is the oldest and one of the most visited art museums in the country. Established in 1861, it features works of prominent artists including Bernini, Picasso, Manet, Canaletto, Constable, Correggio, Degas, Gainsborough, Gentileschi, El Greco, Memling, Modigliani, Ribera and Rodin. The Man of Sorrows in the arms of the Virgin by Hans Memling, Doge Pietro Loredano by Jacopo Tintoretto and An officer of the 4th Regiment of Foot by Thomas Gainsborough are among the top paintings displayed here.

Museum and Art Gallery of the North Territory, Darwin

Founded in 1981, Museum of Art Galley of the North Territory remains one of the country’s most famous museums. It is renowned for its collection of over 3000 works of art and around 1.2 million natural history specimens. Indigenous artworks, scared objects, animal fossils, mineral specimens, paleontological items, rock art and paintings are all on display here. A giant 5-meter long crocodile named Sweetheart is a major highlight of the museum.

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney

Located on the edge of the famous Sydney Harbour, Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the most beautiful art museums in the country. Established in 1991, it is home to over 4000 works of prominent artists such as Vernon Ah Kee, Tony Albert, Simryn Gill and Denise Green. Inceptor Surf Sequence and The Price is Right are two of the most beautiful paintings displayed here.

Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Hobart

Established in 1843, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is the second-oldest museum in the country. Featuring the broadest collection of historic goods, artistic and scientific items, this place is well-known attraction among people of every age group. Decorative items, photographs, research documents, pictures, sculptures, and specimens of flora and fauna are displayed at the museum.

South Australian Museum, Adelaide

Home to an interesting collection of natural and cultural artefacts, South Australian Museum is among the most visited museums in Australia. Established in 1856, it displays skeletons of birds, fishes, mammals, marine invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians and terrestrial invertebrates. Besides the exhibitions, there’s a discovery centre and mobile museum within the complex.

Top 5 Experiences in Australia for a Fun-filled Holiday

With multiple theme parks, pristine beaches, unique wildlife and the largest coral reef on the planet, Australia is a hotspot for international travellers.

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Below, we have mentioned some of the fun-packed experiences that’ll make your trip to the country truly remarkable!

Skydive in Mission Beach

Mission Beach is an ideal location for adventure buffs wanting to skydive. Over 60 seconds of free-fall allows participants to enjoy the spectacular views of the Great Barrier Reef, tropical islands and rainforest all at once! This 14000 feet free-fall is accomplished with the guidance of first-class tandem masters. People should be wearing comfortable clothes and closed-in shoes. Children below 12 years of age are not allowed to participate in this activity. Experienced individuals can fly their own parachute.

Shark Cage Diving in Port Lincoln

Shark Cage Diving is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and totally unmissable! Participants are put into the ocean with Great White Sharks. Generally, the male sharks are 11 to 13 feet while the female sharks are 15 feet to 16 feet. During this dive, people are protected by only a cage! There are two main diving areas viz. North Neptune and South Neptune Islands, situated 30-40 Nautical Miles from Port Lincoln. These are the only islands in Australia that are permitted to perform Shark Cage Diving.

Drive on the Great Ocean Road

Travellers hoping to admire the beautiful views of Australia’s south coast must enjoy a drive on the iconic Great Ocean Road. This 243-kilometre stretch of road lies between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford. Tourists can check out the art, and natural and cultural attractions located near it. For example, huge oceanic waves can be seen on Bell’s Beach. People can treat their taste buds at different restaurants and cafes of the region. Few of them are Fisho’s Torquay, Rebecca’s Cafe and Ice Cream Shop, Logan’s Cafe Restaurant, and Fen Restaurant.

Daintree River Cruises

Daintree River supports a stunning variety of marine life. While cruising down the river, people can spot saltwater crocodiles! A well-informed guide will share his knowledge about the predator, native plants and other natural surroundings. Solar Whisper Wildlife Cruises and Bruce Belcher’s Daintree River Cruises are two of the services that are being run here.

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

Visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view of Sydney from the well-known Harbour Bridge that carries rail, vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic between the Sydney central business district and the North Shore. Starting from the Climb Base below the Bradfield Highway, individuals will have to reach the top after passing Bridge’s outer arch on the Opera House side. All in all, there are 1,332 steps to climb.

Five Off-beat Attractions in Sydney

The state capital of New South Wales – Australia, Sydney has several world famous tourist attractions such as Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks and Circular Quay. Visitors will be truly amazed with these iconic monuments, landmarks and their surroundings.

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While most travellers are aware of such must-visit attractions, the destination also has spectacular locations that are often considered as hidden gems. You will definitely like the tranquil and beautiful atmosphere of these places.

Vaucluse House

Vaucluse House is a 19th century estate, built in Gothic Revival style. It features a house, kitchen wing, stables and outbuildings bordered by a beautiful garden. In1915, this mansion became the first official house museum of the country. Today, it hosts many events and exhibitions such as Sydney Harbour Icons, Autumn Harvest Festival, culinary tours and photography awards. Vaucluse House provides a fun cultural learning experience to all the visitors.

Bundeena

A village in the peripheral area of southern Sydney, Bundeena is the centre of attraction for artists and adventure-seekers. This peaceful place has numerous local galleries, family-friendly beaches and an attractive market. One may participate in activities such as kayaking, fishing and stand-up paddle-boarding. Bundeena can be reached by both car and ferry.

Museum of Sydney

Developed on the ruins of Arthur Phillip’s home, Museum of Sydney hosts many exhibitions that allow people to discover both colonial and modern Sydney. The goods and chattels from the city’s convict era are on display here. This is perhaps the best venue for travellers wishing to know about Sydney’s background and its advancement over the years.

Darook Park

Darook Park is the perfect picnic location for families and friends. The lush green gardens, shady corners and still waters for swimming attract travellers to the location. This little piece of heaven offers spectacular views of the sky during sunset. The serene ambience allows visitors to rest, relax and enjoy their time here.

Boa Voyagem for Homebush Bay!

Homebush Bay is a unique spot where visitors can get a chance to witness several ships that were abandoned here when the ship-breaking yard was closed. The most stunning spectacle is the more than a century old ship, which is covered with innumerable mangrove trees and rich vegetation. Its majestic presence is simply awe-inspiring.

Top Five Sunset Points in and around Sydney, Australia

People from across the globe visit Sydney to experience its magnificence and beauty. Sydney is one of the finest tourist destinations to experience tranquillity at its best.

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Book your tickets and fly down to the city of endless picturesque vistas and spectacular sunsets. Check out the top five sunset points we have shortlisted for you.

Camp Cove Sunset view at Watsons Bay

The fascinating short walk from Watsons Bay ferry wharf will surely enchant you. Walk along the blue waters and bay and admire picture-perfect sunset views along with crystal clear waters and white sands. The Watsons Bay is also a great family picnic spot. At Camp Cove one can go swimming, snorkelling and paddling.

Manly Ferry Trip to Sydney Harbour Bridge Sunset

Manly Ferry ride will take you to the Harbour Bridge for a beautiful sunset view. The total cruise will take around an hour’s time. Viewing the sunset over Harbour Bridge is very popular among locals and tourists alike. Also don’t miss fun activities and local Aussie cuisine on arrival at Manly.

Echo Point Lookout at Katoomba

Echo Point Lookout is an exciting trip for nature lovers. Enjoy a truly breathtaking view at the iconic ‘Three Sisters’. It is indeed a breathtaking smooth and playful trip, perfect for everyone. Echo Point garden is a part of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk and provides panoramic views of the southern Blue Mountains, Kanangra-Boyd Wilderness and the iconic Three Sisters.

Balmain Sailing Club Sunset near River Street

The Balmain Sailing Club is one of the most popular sunset points in Sydney. Visit the place to enjoy the tranquil ambiance in the lap of nature. Tourists come here to simply relax under the brilliant orange sky. Balmain Sailing Club is also famous for boating and you may watch the setting sun from a boat.

Leichhardt Park Sunset Point

The Leichhardt Park welcomes everyone with its greenery. The bay walk from Callan Park at the north and Leichhardt Oval at the east or La Montage at the south is a refreshing experience. There is ample space for walkers, joggers and cyclists. One can sit and relax at the cafe and enjoy tea and coffee with snacks. Truly, it’s a great place to gaze at the sunset.

Renowned Kid-Friendly Attractions at Darling Harbour, Sydney

Darling Harbour is one of Sydney’s most popular tourist attractions, especially for families with kids. There is so much for kids to see and do at Darling Harbour that a day is just not enough!

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Darling Harbour is always open, always welcoming and always offering bigger and better ways to have fun. Read on to know about a few must-visit attractions when you travel to Darling Harbour with kids.

Darling Harbour Children’s Playground

This is probably one of the best playgrounds your child has ever visited. Darling Harbour Children’s Playground offers some of the best of water games, climbing ropes, swings, slides and flying foxes in Australia. Enough to keep the tiny ones entertained for hours! The best part is that you don’t even have to pay a penny for all this fun. To satiate hunger pangs, dig into the various delicious snacks as well as healthy meals served at the Danieli Kiosk located on the edge of the park.

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

Home to diverse sea creatures like sawfish, stingrays, Japanese spider crabs, and a lot more, Sydney Aquarium is certainly going to be an exciting experience for the young ones. The aquarium displays nearly 700 species across 14 themed zones. You will also spot barramundi and lungfish that hold the distinction of breathing air. Murray cod, platypus, yabbies, turtles, Sea Dragons, Pineapple Fish, octopus, moray eels and little penguins are among the other species to be seen at the aquarium.

9D Action Cinemas

Located in the Darling Drive opposite Hard Rock Café, 9D Action Cinemas brings you a thrilling multi-dimensional, movie experience that your children would simply fall in love in with. The stimulating and exciting 3D movies with surround sound, ‘active motion’ luxury seats, and dramatic effects such as rain, fog, lightning, wind, snow, touch, feel and more proves to be an overwhelming experience for kids. These movies are specially filmed for 9D to create distinctive visual effects.

Five Fascinating Things to Do and See in Sydney for Free

sydneyThe largest and most glamorous of all cosmopolitan cities in Australia, Sydney usually attracts well-heeled tourists. However, this doesn’t mean that the Harbour City has nothing for holidaymakers on a limited budget. In fact, Sydney offers so much to do and see, either for free or at very affordable costs that many travellers end up facing the problem of plenty! Here is a list of some wonderful, yet free activities and attractions that you can enjoy in this beautiful Australian metropolis.

Bondi to Tamarama Coastal Walk

This part of Sydney, known for its spectacular costal beauty and the nesting colonies of seabirds, is truly a walker’s paradise. In late spring, you may visit the ‘Sculpture by the Sea’, an annual free-to-the-public outdoor sculpture exhibition.

Amble Around the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Take in the captivating views of the harbour and the Sydney skyline, relax at al fresco picnic places, and if you’re lucky, spot a whale or two – there is a lot to enjoy around the iconic Sydney Harbour without paying a penny. Additionally, a few of the bars around the harbour offer free live music each night and on afternoons during weekends.

Art Gallery of NSW

An outstanding collection of Australian art, including a significant indigenous section, makes this premium art institution a much-loved attraction among tourists arriving in Sydney. It is one of the largest art galleries in Australia and entry is absolutely free. Furthermore, a range of free guided-tours, talks, and films on different themes and in various languages promises visitors a thought-provoking experience, well worth their time.

The Rock Discovery Museum

A must-visit attraction for history buffs, the Rock Discovery Museum showcases the rich heritage of the Rocks area of Sydney. A variety of exhibitions display unique archaeological artefacts, ancient paintings, and other items that narrate the story of the area from the pre-European days to the present. Entry to the museum is free; but you need to buy tickets for the guided tours.

Shelly Beach

This picturesque beach is located in Manly, a suburb of Sydney, and is a great place to see plenty of marine life in its natural habitat. With a maximum depth of approximately 12 metres, the shallow waters of the beach prove it to be an enchanting attraction for divers and snorkellers alike. The area around the beach boasts spectacular natural vistas, along with many eateries, cafes, and picnic spots.

Blackmores Sydney Running Festival 2014 – Another Example of Australia’s Sports-Fanatic Society

The final countdown has begun for the 2014 edition of Australia’s most talked about sports event, Blackmores Sydney Running Festival. All set to take place on September 21st, 2014, this gala celebration is expected to lure scores of sports enthusiasts form different parts of the world to look for cheap tickets on flights bound for Sydney. The previous editions of this amazing festival have already created enough buzz and hype. Moreover, the immense popularity of this carnival has earned it a Silver Rating in the International Sports Council. The festival will feature four distinct events that will cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge allowing the holidaymakers to explore the astonishing picturesque views of the city. Here’s a quick titbit over the event giving all the necessary details to visitors taking flights tickets to Australia to participate in the carnival.

Events

This much-talked about athletic extravaganza will feature four different events that will start in Bradfield Park, Milson’s Point further travelling over the main deck of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and finishing at the Sydney Opera House. The different participants fighting tooth and claw for racing may compete in the following events.

Marathon

Especially tailored for true running enthusiasts and athletes, this is indeed amongst the most scenic marathon festivals in the world stretching over 42.195 kilometres and covering some of Sydney’s most historic and striking landmarks.

Half Marathon

Half Marathon by Angus Fraser/ CC BY

Half Marathon by Angus Fraser/ CC BY

This 21.0975 kilometres stretch invites the travellers to raise high till the challenge and take on the course to relish sites like Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Bridge Run

The 9 kilometres event is meant for first timers and is an easily achievable challenge taking in the visitors through the lovely sights of Sydney, including Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair just before finishing at the famous Royal Botanic Gardens.

Family Fun Run

No matter you prefer walking or running, partake in this fun run and enjoy a day out with family and friends while travelling the different parts of the city.

Vivid festival 2014: Lighting Up Sydney!!

Harbour-Lights

All roads lead to Sydney. Even all flights are coming to Sydney!

It’s rhetorical, ladies and gentlemen, so relax before you jump off your flight to Cairo or cancel your air tickets to India, fearing it may actually be leading you to Australia!! But then again being in Australia right now is not a bad proposition after all, considering Vivid Sydney, country’s favourite festival of light, music, art and ideas, is in full swing across the city.

Vivid Sydney is among the most unique annual events in Australia. It celebrates light, music and ideas. Creativity is the name of the game as a riveting free public exhibition of outdoor lighting sculptures and installations offer a spectacular experience to visitors. It is currently underway and will go on for a week more till 9th June, 2014.

Photo Credit : THE BUDGET WANDERERS

Photo Credit : THE BUDGET WANDERERS

Vivid Sydney 2014 is turning out to an amazing spectacle. Great, eclectic music performances and spectacular light displays are taking place all over Sydney and are mesmerizing the tourists who have been prudent enough to net tickets to the city, beforehand. However, all is not lost and travellers can still enjoy the myriad offerings this great festival has brought to the metropolis. This edition of Vivid Sydney is being billed as the biggest ever as thousands of Australians and foreign tourists are expected to here for the carnival.

Top Attractions of Vivid Sydney

Harbour Lights: Sydney Harbour is a must-visit in any case but it is the Vivid that is going to light up the place like never before. Ferries, cruise vessels and water taxis are all brightly illuminated, offerings a kaleidoscopic visual pleasure to sightseers.

Photo Credit : THE BUDGET WANDERERS

Photo Credit : THE BUDGET WANDERERS

Lighting of the Sails: This one is actually one of the most anticipated events at the Vivid Sydney 2014. Sydney’s most iconic structure, the Sydney Opera House is going to be set alive by three-dimensional light display!

Vivid Live: Vivid Live at the Sydney Opera House is sure to soothe the souls of music lovers who are boarding flights to the city. Different performances by various artists and groups are going to keep people entertained till June 9th.

Five Free Attractions to Enjoy While in Sydney, Australia

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Sydney is a beautiful city that has built a legacy of its own in the world of tourism. There are very few cities around the world that can boast the kind of numbers this Australian city has in terms of tourist-centric attractions. Sydney offers a lot to all, even to budget travellers who are not too willing to spend even a penny on their sightseeing here. Check out top five free things to do in Sydney, Australia!

Art Gallery of NSW

Money is not the criterion to access the incredible Art Gallery of NSW, but interest is!! People can enter this majestic art institution free of cost and can check out the large number of displays that are found here. Free films are also thrown in on Wednesdays. Surely, budget travellers couldn’t have asked for more, well…maybe cheap return flights, if one insists!

Shelly Beach

Marine life lovers who are apprehensive of the Sydney Aquarium’s soaring entry fees can instead check out the sea creatures at the Shelly Beach, in their natural habitat. One can take Manly ferry to get to the beach. Gordon’s Bay is not a bad place either to spot seal life.

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

This is another interesting avenue for budget travellers in the country looking for some grub to feed their artistic souls! Museum of Contemporary Art overlooks the Circular Quay, and offers free access to its enormous permanent collection. Featured exhibitions, however, are available only for a price tag.

The Rocks Discovery Museum

Holiday makers who are interested in the regional history of Australia, including the Aboriginal heritage, can do so by visiting the Rocks Discovery Museum. No fee is required to enter the museum, something that’s sure to sound music to the ears of holiday makers who aren’t prepared to spend a lot after having invested on flights to sydney.

Peruse Paddington Markets

Shopping at the Paddington Markets may not be free but the opportunity to take in the region’s local flamboyance is sure is! Check out the market for interesting souvenirs!

Shopping is always Fun on Sydney Holidays

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A shopping spree in Sydney extends far from world-beating centres to colourful markets. The experience of trendy shopping in a boutique drastically segues into the fun event of haggling at beach side shops. Not surprisingly, a good number of travellers who take Sydney bound flights and make a point of indulging in an orgy of retail therapy. Here is a rundown to some of the top stamping grounds that rank high on their itinerary.

Pitt Street Mall and the Strand

Pitt Street, in the city centre, offers an amazing collection of outlets and shopping boulevards including the Strand, Centrepoint, the Skygarden and the Glasshouse with the Strand being the star of the lot. The arcade was rebuilt in its original designs with elaborate wrought iron lace balconies and the Victorian age arcades. It is packed with plenty of shopping dealing in clothing, ornaments and accessories in addition to food speciality shops. On the other hand, Skygarden and the Glasshouse boast a vast range of high-class shops. With all this and much more, the place is frequented by good lot of international tourists who take Sydney flights.

Market Street

Market Street is another famous haunt among shoppers. The retail therapy at Grace Brothers as well as David Jones (Market and Castlereagh Streets) provides ample opportunities to get hands on finest products from Australia and around the world. All in all, the experience lives up to every penny invested on Sydney bound flights and holidays.

Darling Harbour – Harbour side

It is one of the reasons that make shopping, a must-do activity in Sydney. Much more than a shopping destination, it is the hunting ground where tourist can take pleasure in the best of entertainment and food. With dozens of shopping outlets, eateries and entertainment options, it leaves you gloating over the decision of taking flights landing at Sydney.

The Rocks Market

Located in the Rocks Historical District, The Rocks Market is a paradise for those seeking a vast collection of antiques, art, fashion and mementos in addition to indigenous crafts. Visitors can also find wide choices of bookstores to suit every taste and budget