“The Land Down Under” has a great diversity from animals to human kinds, from places to experiences. Considered as the sixth largest country in the world, this land has many things to offer: rare animals such as kangaroos and koalas; famous Aussie celebrities like Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman; and places such as beaches and ski resorts.
Though we only visited few places in Australia, it didn’t make our trip less exciting. We spent most of our stay in New South Wales, where the nation’s most populous Sydney is located.
NSW is about 10% of Australian continental land mass with an area of 800, 642 sq kms. Also considered to have the longest border among the all other Australian state and territory, measuring 4,635 km.
THE CITY
One of the highlights of our travel is, of course, going around Sydney—the capital of New South Wales.
A trip to Australia is never complete without visiting the two iconic structures in Sydney: The Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, and if you are seeking for an extra thrill, you can climb the Harbour Bridge. (See my previous post Sydney Opera House for more photos)
The Sydney Opera House.
The Sydney Opera House upclose.
The sister landmark, the Sydney Harbour Bridge
There are many ways to get around the local area: through public transportation, by cycling, or simply just by walking.
Saint Mary’s Cathedral
Sydney Tower Eye
We had a great lunch at the Sydney Fish Market located at Bank Street & Pyrmont Bridge Road. Make sure to try their cold seafood platter.
Sydney Fish Market
View of the Aznac bridge from Sydney Fish Market
THE NATURE
Aside from the massive iconic structures, Australia is also known for its nature reserves.
The Kiama, a 90-minute drive south of Sydney, is known for its unspoiled picturesque setting. It has the world’s largest Blowhole, a hole where a spout of water shoots up into the air.
Kiama Harbor Light
Kiama Blowhole
The Three Sisters, an unusual rock formation is the most spectacular attraction of Bluemoutains. Located at Echo Point Katoomba, the formation represents the three sisters turned into stone according to Aboriginal legend.
View of Blue Mountains
Tourists at viewing deck
The Three Sisters
THE WILDLIFE
When we hear the words “animals” and “Australia” in one sentence, the first thing we think of is either the late Steve Irwin or a “nope creature”. We might hear terrifying stories about their wild life, but what makes Australia unique is it boasts a variety of rare species. Currently, they have a count of 379 species of mammal, more than 750 species of birds and some 800 species of reptiles.
Koala bear
A smaller kind of kangaroos
A majestic peacock
Dingo
THE FUN
When was the last time you did something for the first time?
On our last day in NSW, we spent it by trying out snowboarding—September was a bit late for winter but snow was still good in Perisher Valley. Perisher is a ski resort in Snowy Mountains, a 5 to 6 hour drive South East of Sydney. Snowy Mountains is the highest point in Australia’s Great Dividing Range with an average temperature of – 6 degrees Celsius in July, and 21 degrees Celsius in January. The mountain weather can be unpredictable and it is advisable to check the weather forecast first before heading there.
Snowboard gears. Thanks cousins!
There are gear rentals along the way, so do not worry if you do not have any equipment with you. Lockers can also be rented if you need to store your stuff.
The lift
Cousins. Photo from Ray Balitactac
at the top! Photo from Perisher Valley
‘Snow’ trooper
You don’t need skills to enjoy this activity, the experience of trying it is fun enough. Snowboarding is absolutely a bucketlist crusher
Photos taken: September 2013
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