Saturday 29 June 2019

Top 25 Best Places to Visit in Australia


Australia is the only country in the world that is known as a continent glittering like a rare jewel between the Indian Oceans and South Pacific. This wild and gorgeous country is wrapped with surprises that will awestruck travelers, starting with the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Cairns. The prime tropical rainforest of Queensland’s Gold Coast Hinterland, the coastal cities of Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and the arid mountains and savannahs of Australia’s red sand are some major highlights for Australia tour packages from India.

Top 25 Best Places to Visit in Australia


Here are 25 places that must be added in your travel lists.

1. Sydney

Sydney is Australia’s favourite city and finest destination for international travelers across the globe. This engaging city has numerous attractions such as hearty dining opportunities, fascinating shows and entertainment, serene beaches, and a wild nightlife. Cultural attractions include the unique light sculptures of Vivid Sydney and the renovation Sydney Opera House. Sydney Olympic Park, home of the 2000 Olympics is a must visit for all adventure lovers. Nature enthusiasts will be charmed by many enchanting national parks and attractions, including free tours of the Royal Botanic Garden.

Sydney


2. Gold Coast

Gold Coast is extremely beautiful for Australia honeymoon packages with Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, and Surfers Paradise top most visiting destinations. Broadbeach is Gold Coast’s swanky, waterfront neighborhood where tourists relax at Kurrawa Beach, fancy shopping at Pacific Fair, and try your luck at the Jupiter Casino. Burleigh Heads is the ideal place for experiencing surfing with international pro events. Other places are Burleigh National Park, Burleigh Beach Tourist Park, and David Fleay Wildlife Park. Surfers Paradise is the hidden treasure of Gold Coast with the shops and cafés of Cavill Avenue, and the Q1 building with the SkyPoint observation deck.

Gold Coast


3. Melbourne

Melbourne is a great metropolitan city giving the gateway to Victoria’s natural springs, awesome wineries, alpine villages, peninsulas, and charming coastline. The city offers as a culture and arts epicenter with happening bars, covert boutiques, quirky cafes, and lively restaurants found at every corner. The Southbank precinct is definitely the favorite place for artists featuring The Arts Centre, Recital Centre, MTC Malthouse, and the National Gallery of Victoria.

Melbourne


4. Cairns

Cairns is a calm city where travelers will admire the great outdoors. A necessary visit is the Great Barrier Reef known as the largest coral reef system in the world. Whitsunday Islands and Hayman and Lizard Islands are also some prime features. The Daintree Rainforest is worth visit and an inspiration for the movie Avatar, and the world’s oldest rainforest. For Adventurer lovers they have lot to offer such as whitewater rafting, tubing, bungee jumping, and skydiving.

Cairns


5. Adelaide

Travelers planning for a cosmopolitan Australian experience should begin their journey in Adelaide. A hearty food and wine destination, the city also gives a chance for a fun foodie in the Adelaide Laneways, a former warehouse district repurposed into fancy bars and shops. The ideal way to discover the Central Market by leisurely walk through its hormone-free meats, seafood, and farm-fresh produce. History enthusiasts will love walking ancient Port Adelaide. Adelaide offers numerous beaches such as retro-bohemian Semaphore, surf happy Glenelg, laidback Henley, and quiet Grange.

Adelaide


6. Brisbane

Brisbane is an evergreen city and part of Australia honeymoon packages offering visitors variety of experiences such as the outdoor urban fun of Riverlife Adventure Center, the magnificent gardens of Mount Coot-tha and the City Botanic Gardens, the subtropical rainforests of D’Aguilar National Park as well as the Australia Zoo. Redcliffe Jetty Markets artisanal market and James Street’s boutique retail shops is surely a shoppers paradise. Those who have a way for history surely discover Brisbane’s convict and World War II history. Travelers can enjoy breathtaking views above the Wheel of Brisbane or climb Story Bridge, cruise the Brisbane River, or take a brewery tour to explore the city.

Brisbane


7. Broome

If you adore different cultures then Broome and the Kimberley are the destinations to know about Aboriginal culture. It is situated in the northernmost corner of West Australia, the Kimberley is home to sailing charters that redefines the Buccaneer Archipelago. You can try Horizontal Falls by boat or seaplane, tour a pearl farm at Willie Creek, or have a complete guided jeep tour of Dampier Peninsula with the excellent James Price Point beach. The other must-do activities in Broome are the futuristic hovercraft flights out to sea, and the adventurous camel rides on the beach during sunset.

Broome


8. Byron Bay

Byron Bay is located on the northernmost coast of New South Wales. A famous Australia packages from India destination filled with beaches and hinterland. The temperate climate here is suitable for outdoor activities. Cape Byron Headland Reserve has been known as one of the most beautiful places on Earth, with rugged cliffs and unbeatable views of both the ocean and hinterland, rainforests, and vast sandy beaches. It highlights Cape Byron Lighthouse, Australia’s most easterly and most powerful lighthouse. Offering more than seven nature reserves, tourists will search plunging waterfalls, rainforest communities, endangered species, isolated beaches, places for rock scrambling and bird watching, and much more.

Byron Bay


9. Canberra

If you are planning to have best things to see and do in Canberra, then you only need to checkout Lake Burley Griffen. The lake is in the heart of the city and most of the prime features ring its shoreline, such as the boomerang-shaped New Parliament House that lays on its shore, forming one side of the Parliamentary Triangle. The National Carillon with 55 bronze bells is placed on Aspen Island, one of six islands in the lake’s center. Other highlights are the solemn Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery, Questacon – the National Science and Technology Center, and many different sites.

Canberra


10. Darwin

Darwin is known as the laidback capital of the Northern Territory with Asian and Aboriginal inspirations. You will see Aboriginal art in remarkable museums and galleries here. The Nightcliff suburb gives the chance to enjoy a lively food van scene with Asian, Greek, and other cuisines. The beachside neighborhood is ideal for wandering along the jetty or a dip in the shaded waterfront pool. Mindil Beach os ultimate for enjoying sunset market with international food stalls, crafts, street performers and music. You can also try the journey from Stokes Hill Wharf for a sunset harbor cruise.

Darwin


11. Fraser Island

Fraser Island has been the world’s largest sand island. The World Heritage-listed island offers over 100 freshwater serene lakes, towering rainforests, sand dunes, a shipwreck, and splendid sandstone cliffs. This is the destination for eco-tourists and shore anglers. Tourists can try island cruises to know about the western side, guided island tours, and self-drive tours. Anglers will adore the fishing off Kingfisher Bay Resort jetty, Sandy Cape, or Indian Head. There are various rides such as hot air balloon, helicopter, and airplane tours; nature and wildlife tours; ranger-guided four-wheeler tours; secluded beaches; and crystal-clear lakes. Lake McKenzie is the most awe inspiring of them all and a must-see.

Fraser Island


12. Grampians National Park

For nature enthusiasts who also love a good bottle of wine, Grampians National Park is the destination that will serve your senses. This nature reserve in Victoria is recognised for its rugged sandstone mountains, ideal for knowing dramatic rock formations, ancient Aboriginal rock art, and ultimate waterfalls via mountain biking, four-wheeling, or trekking. Wildlife can be witnessed in abundance here including kangaroos, koalas, and emus. Some of the prime places are Mackenzie Falls, Reeds Lookout and the Balconies overlooking Victoria Valley, The Gap Vineyard, Baroka Lookout overlooking Fyans Valley and Halls Gap – gateway to the park.

Grampians National Park


13. Great Otway National Park

Great Otway National Park starts from Torquay to Princeton and ends up towards Colac after passing through the Otways hinterland. The vast park gives majestic rugged coastlines, rock platforms, clear sandy beaches, and a windswept heathland. Towards the north, tourists will provide a complete varied landscape of towering forests, serene lakes, thundering waterfalls, and ferny gullies. The park includes The Great Ocean Walk, around 55 miles from the stunning resort town of Apollo Bay to the Glenample Homestead, which neighbors the 12 Apostles. Nature lovers will have fun discovering the area on a mountain bike or via horseback and also picnicking at the numerous waterfalls.

Great Otway National Park


14. Hobart

Hobart is the tiny, spectacular, capital city of Tasmania boasting huge city sights, a hearty food scene, bold art, and many natural attractions. A Foodies paradise where they can try a wealth of dining experiences from the lively restaurant strips in North Hobart or ancient Salamanca to the waterfront restaurants along the city’s docks. Visiting the MONA would be great cultural experience being the continent’s largest privately owned museum constructed within sandstone cliffs and be amazed by an eclectic collection of Old and New World art that just can’t be missed.

Hobart


15. Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is one of the grand nature reserves in the world and also listed in World Heritage Area for both its natural and cultural heritage. There are plenty of distinctive experiences available within the park, like trying the spectacular natural rock art galleries featuring over 50,000 years of Australia’s rich heritage. You can try the most popular Yellow Water Cruises through Kakadu’s wetlands and four-wheeler tours to unique areas like Boulder Creek, Twin Falls, and Gubara Rock Pools.

Kakadu National Park


16. Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is placed in South Australia stretched over 300 miles of picturesque coastline highlighting many pristine beaches. It’s the perfect place to watch wildlife in the bushland while enjoying various adventures. The island gives natural attractions like Admirals Arch, Flinders Chase National Park, Hanson Bay Sanctuary, and the Penneshaw Penguin Center, suitable for witnessing the local wildlife. For adventure lovers will try sandboarding, quad biking, adventure caving, and horseback riding.

Kangaroo Island


17. Kuranda

Kuranda is a breathtaking mountain village around 15 miles northwest of Cairns in Far North Queensland. It is a World Heritage-listed tropical rainforest and also recognised for having an energetic arts and craft culture due to its artisan inhabitants. There is too much to see in Kuranda like the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Kuranda Koala Gardens, Birdworld Kuranda, Rainforestation Nature Park, and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. You must be at the Kuranda Scenic Railway, for visitors going on a journey through the scenic Barron Gorge National Park as they glide by spectacular waterfalls, dense rainforest, and steep ravines.

Kuranda


18. Margaret River

Margaret River is located in Western Australia about a 3-hour drive from Perth; it’s known for its isolated beaches, wine, and adventures. The area gives visitors over 90 local tours like whale watching, horseback riding, hiking, and diving, as well as cultural and heritage activities. A travel lover will go to the cave and lighthouse tours, which helps you exploring underground beneath the surface of the Leeuwin Naturaliste Bridge where more than 150 special limestone-decorated caves reside. Beyond the touring experiences, head to the world-class restaurants, microbreweries, relaxing beaches, natural jewels, and towering forests.

Margaret River


19. Perth

It is situated on Australia’s west coast, the bright city of Perth seamlessly combines together scenic green parks and clear beaches with a small, thriving metropolis having various dynamic restaurants, lively bars, and amazing street art. There are plenty of things to do here, wandering through leafy Kings Park, touring the Swan Valley vineyards, or discovering nearby Rottnest Island. For your travel packages major attractions that must be added are swimming in the translucent waters of Cottesloe Beach, touring St. Mary’s Cathedral, swimming with dolphins in Rockingham and visiting Fraser Avenue Lookout.

Perth


20. Phillip Island

Phillip Island is the best family holiday destination for those planning trip to Australia. The island is home to many white beaches, exciting wildlife, and hi-octane motorsports. Wildlife watching is a bliss, where you can see koalas and penguins in their natural habitats. It’s also a great place to enjoy the water with many sheltered swimming beaches, a rugged coastline best suitable for surfing, ultimate fishing hot spots, and also whale witnessing from May to October.

Phillip Island


21. Port Douglas

The gorgeous Port Douglas almost takes an hour to reach north from Cairns. In this favourable climate where balmy days turn into tropical evenings with clear starry skies there are unlimited things to do. It’s the only attraction in the world having two natural gems on the World Heritage List, including the rainforest of Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef. Cape Tribulation is a quaint village where these two special places meet, a hidden treasure all of its own.

Port Douglas


22. Royal National Park

The Royal National Park is a Sydney Heritage-listed park constructed in 1879 and also the second largest national park in the entire world. It’s an outstanding day-trip excursion that gives endless things to do like bushwalking, fishing, bird watching, and whale watching. Appreciated by locals as “the Royal” or “Nacho,” is where you will get everything from sandy beaches to rainforest, wandering amongst fascinating plants, watch native wildlife, surf, and cycle. It’s also most suitable for camping, barbecuing, and picnicking.

Royal National Park


23. Townsville

Townsville is a major gateway to the Wet Tropics, Queensland outback, and Great Barrier Reef, providing visitors over 320 days of sunny skies each year, green tropical gardens as well as national parks that are on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This youthful city highlights Federation-style architecture, alfresco dining, boutique shopping, and calm beaches. With plenty of things to do, it could be difficult to select from where to start, but you can begin with this prime feature like the SS Yongala – the country’s biggest unblemished shipwreck – should be in your lists.

Townsville


24. Uluru-Kata National Park

Uluru-Kata National Park is listed as World Heritage destination and one of best Australia’s attractions within the country’s Red Centre. This royal ochre-colored desert landscape is rich with Australian indigenous spirituality and culture, giving tourists many ways in which to discover it. You can wander with an Aboriginal guide while knowing about ancient traditions and tales from Dreamtime. Riding across this lovely desert landscape while on the back of a camel, or trying through behind the handles of a thundering Harley Davison, is also a great option. Visitors can experience the high skies via a hot air balloon or helicopter to take in these beautiful surroundings.

Uluru-Kata National Park


25. Whitsunday Islands

Just off the Queensland Coast in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef are 74 fascinating and admirable island wonders, the Whitsunday Islands. These islands include Hamilton Island, Hayman Island, Daydream Island, and Long Island. These Queensland resort islands offer welcoming, activity-based, eco-friendly, luxury, foodie-inspired and all-inclusive accommodation options. Visitors can try activities like sailing, swimming at isolated beaches, rejuvenating spa treatments, jet-skiing, helicopter sightseeing and skydiving.

Whitsunday Islands




Tuesday 18 June 2019

Top 22 Things to Do in Dubai


Dubai is a city full of contrasts - from the tranquility of the desert to the city hustle bustle, there’s plenty to see and do! The major highlight of this city is the Dubai shopping festival. Dubai is the finest city to have fun for a few days, here are some of the special things to do in the city!

Top 22 Things to Do in Dubai


1. Enjoy breathtaking Views from the World’s Tallest Building - Burj Khalifa

The ideal way to begin your journey to Dubai honeymoon packages are to head to the top of the world’s tallest building - the Burj Khalifa. From here you can watch the magic of the entire city! Sunrise and sunset are also splendid times to visit and find yourself on top of the clouds!

Enjoy breathtaking Views from the World’s Tallest Building - Burj Khalifa


2. Swim in a glass pool at four seasons Dubai International Financial Centre

The hotel swimming pool will help you feel refresh for the day. Four Seasons DIFC is the home to Dubai’s only glass pool with an extraordinary view of downtown Dubai.
You must add this in your Dubai travel packages.

Swim in a glass pool at four seasons Dubai International Financial Centre


3. Head to Al Maha Desert

The city of Dubai offers numerous activities, but if you want to find tranquility there’s nothing great than the desert. The Platinum Heritage steps their guests to a private desert reserve known as Al Maha. This reserve is home to the royal family who own a weekend home here and also have a part of the tour company who are popular for offering the most authentic and interesting desert safari to travelers.

Head to Al Maha Desert


4. Explore the Talise Spa at the Burj Al Arab

One of best experiences for Dubai tour packages have been stepping inside at the Talise Spa, situated on the eighteenth floor of the Burj Al Arab. This hotel is recognized for being the world’s only 7 star hotel. The spa is a world of mosaic tiles surfaced with millions of them including gold ultimate to see!

Explore the Talise Spa at the Burj Al Arab


5. Head to the Spice and Gold Souks

You can reach souks through a short taxi ride out of the way. It gives a nice way to get a feel for “old Dubai”, especially if this is your first visit to a souk. They provide nothing on the experience that you can have Muscat (Oman) or Marrakech (Morocco), but they’re considered still an experience nonetheless.

Head to the Spice and Gold Souks


6. Watch the Dubai Fountain Show

Each evening just outside of the Dubai Mall and underneath the Burj Khalifa, travelers to Dubai can experience the famous Dubai fountain show. While it might not sound that much, however the show is too speccy and cool to watch, with the sparkling lights of the Burj Kahlifa in the background.

Watch the Dubai Fountain Show


7. Visit Skiing indoors at Ski Dubai

The ski experience is just nonetheless! They offer one chairlift and one full run, but if you love adventure and want to watch what all the fuss is about, then this is an ideal way to spend a couple of hours in the Mall of the Emirates.

Visit Skiing indoors at Ski Dubai


8. Try Dune Bashing in the Desert

If a 4:00am wake up call for a hot air balloon ride is in your bucket list , dune bashing will definitely be a little more to your taste. There are around many tour companies offering afternoon dune bashing excursions, so be aware to pick one that finest suits your style.

Try Dune Bashing in the Desert


9. Overload on Arabic Pastries

Still one of the best part of a trip to the Middle East is to taste all of the mouthwatering Arabic pastries! A must try would always be the old and faithful baklava, however there are so many variations around the continent that you can choose according to your taste buds!

Overload on Arabic Pastries


10. Relaxing Day at Jumeirah Beach

If a lay-in-the-sun kind of visitor is your thing, then you’ll surely admire Jumeirah Beach. Just a city within a city, this area owns some extraordinary people-watching cafés, sociable bars and some of the favorite restaurants in Dubai. The entire day, you’ll find many joggers taking advantage of the marina views and behind the Address hotel you can also discover through Dubai ferry out to sea, which passes the elegant Atlantis Hotel.

Relaxing Day at Jumeirah Beach


11. Step inside Marine Wildlife at the Dubai Aquarium

Marine wildlife conservation and education is the biggest strength here in Dubai, with both including Dubai aquarium and the Lost Chamber at the Dubai Mall having two very large and admirable aquariums. If you’re traveling with kids this is a great thing to educate them including entertainment.

Step inside Marine Wildlife at the Dubai Aquarium


12. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Desert

On our last morning in Dubai we woke up at 4:00am to take a hot air balloon ride over the desert. This was my third hot air balloon experience but definitely the most memorable. Compared to other hot air ballon rides, the scenery and landscape of the desert was incomparable!
Location: Dubai Desert.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Desert


13. Go Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

Another incredible spa to try if you like to pamper yourself is at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. The property is few out of the way if you’re not staying near the palm, but the spa is definitely worth visiting!

Go Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray


14. Stay Overnight in the Desert

Another way to discover the Dubai desert for those searching for a real adventure is to stay overnight at a traditional Bedouin Camp. You can witness a safari tour in the late afternoon, followed by a night underneath the twinkling stars and a morning waking up to a tradition bedouin breakfast.

Stay Overnight in the Desert


15. Check out the Palace Hotel Downtown

One of the magnificent hotels in Dubai is also one of the most beautiful to go check out, even if you’re not staying there. The Palace Hotel Downtown is well connected to the Dubai Mall via the Souks, so add it in your list to wander along if you want to see the symmetry of the hotel’s exterior. The lobby is also truly marvelous and non-hotel guests can go for a drink or meal at one of the restaurants.

Check out the Palace Hotel Downtown


16. Take a journey through Boat Ride at Madinat Jumeirah

If you love to spend a time on Jumeirah beach, then surely decide to drop by the Madinat Jumeirah for a traditional thrilling boat ride along the waterfront. There are plenty of fancy restaurants in this area and exotic beach clubs to stop by and enjoy a drink.

Take a journey through Boat Ride at Madinat Jumeirah


17. Book a Room with a View

One of the finest way to see Dubai is from your hotel window or balcony, thus request a room with a view! Some of the interesting views are often found in the Dubai financial district, which is not generally a first choice for leisure travellers. This breathtaking view is from the Shangri-La Downtown Dubai, which has more of a business hotel feel to it, but undeniably one of the favourite views over the city!

Book a Room with a View


18. Eat a Milkshake for Lunch

This tiny gem must be in every foodie bucket-list in NYC, but now you can find that ultimate Black Tap had opened a restaurant in Dubai. While they are most popular for their milkshakes they also do a really tasty burger.

Eat a Milkshake for Lunch


19. See Dubai from Above

One of the experiences of Dubai and gaining lot of popularity these days - a helicopter flight over the glittering city to watch the Palm from above. This will get you a great birds-eye view of the city.

See Dubai from Above


20. Spot Wildlife in the Dubai Desert

Another activity to witness in the vast desert is to join a wildlife safari and watch the spectacular Oryx and Gazelle. It would have to be one of your personal favorite experiences!

Spot Wildlife in the Dubai Desert


21. Check out the Atlantis the Palm Hotel

It is known as most iconic structures in Dubai, the Atlantis Hotel is at the top of most visitors’ Dubai packages. If you are going as a non-hotel guest, you’ll be allowed at restricted areas including the Aquaventure Park, Lost Chambers, shopping area and fancy restaurants.

Check out the Atlantis the Palm Hotel


22. Make a Day Trip to Abu Dhabi

With such close and great connectivity between the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, your trip would be incomplete without making at least a day trip to to nearby Abu Dhabi. Visiting the Grand Mosque will be a delight for your eyes, Emirates Palace would also be a treat and desert would be icing on the cake.

Make a Day Trip to Abu Dhabi