Who doesn’t love the wonders of Australia? I for one adore it inside out. The attractions, the cities, the people, and ultimately, the wildlife are absolutely breathtaking. Everyone here loves snorkelling, swimming, diving, fishing, biking, and more. That’s why I think this place is divine. I’ve been traveling to Australia for 5 years now. Every year I try to uncover destinations and attractions that go beyond the conventional. Here are some of my favourites.
Western Australia – The Kimberley
Credit: Jon Connell on Flickr
It’s time to start dreaming! The Kimberley is one of Australia’s most iconic travel destinations; the original Australian Aborigines first came to this territory nearly 40,000 years ago. I love the historic allure of the place; the culture, the people, and the overall vibe of the surroundings. I always get a feeling of isolated romanticism when I come here. It’s such a rugged, untamed destination that I personally find luxurious, but in a different sense of the word.
The Kimberley is vast. It spans on 420,000 sq. km, however only 40,000 people live here. If you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind far away from the hustle and bustle of Australia’s big cities, this is it. Whenever I tell my friends I’m going to the Kimberley, they always ask me why do I like it so much if there’s no really much you can do here; I always give the the same answer: “I love going back to the roots, and explore the sheer-side mountain regions; regions that very few have had the chance to explore”. Among some of the Kimberley’s most memorable sights, I have to bring up the waterfalls; the gorges, and the beautiful rivers.
“The first time I was in Melbourne I was surprised to find out that there are so many parks and green lands…”
Queensland – Great Barrier Reef
Credit: Kyle Taylor on Flickr
The Great Barrier Reef is destination like no other in this world. I’ve never been to space, but I’ve heard it’s one of the largest and most vast living structures on Earth. The ecosystems present underneath the waters are breathtaking. I enjoy snorkelling a lot, so I often explore the under waters whenever I feel that I need to relax and unwind. Over 3,000 coral reefs and 600+ continental islands are in the area.
The park spans on 2,300 km, about the distance between Vancouver and Mexico just for you to have a broader perspective. Whenever I think of luxury travel destinations in Australia, I always prefer the wildlife instead of the luxurious resorts. There’s something about rugged terrains and unexplored territories that entices me, and makes me want to see more. This year, I plan on renting a glass bottom boat so that I can have a closer look at the tropic fish, turtles, corals, and overall sea life of this place. I’m sure it will be an experience I will remember for a lifetime.
Blue Mountains National Park
Another World Heritage Site in Australia that I’m deeply fond of is Blue Mountains National Park. It is located about 80 km away from Sydney, and it got the name because of the blue haze that comes from the eucalyptus trees in the area. Over 660,000 acres encompass the beautiful park. The first time I came, I just wanted to trek and explore the premises all day long. I’ve seen incredible waterfalls, dramatic gorges, plenty of tricky trekking and hiking trails, and of course, the main attractions of the park: the Three Sisters; a towering sandstone formation of rocks that simply took my breath away.
Melbourne, My Love!
Australia has its fair share of outstanding cities and metropolises. I prefer Melbourne because it packs amazing theatres, restaurants, beautiful resorts, galleries, and restaurants; I also love the vibe the city gives me. It’s energetic and sophisticated, especially close to the Yarra River area. The first time I was in Melbourne I was surprised to find out that there are so many parks and green lands spread across the city. The Royal Botanical Gardens and the National Gallery are two of my favorite spots.
Whenever I feel the need for some extra luxury, I head to the Royal Arcade, or explore the Melbourne Central Shopping Centre. Every now and then, I go for a jet hire to see the outskirts of the city and have a broader picture of Australia beauties.
Driving a truck can be quite risky and hundreds of truckers are killed in this profession every year. A huge percentage of injuries and fatalities are caused by collisions and engine malfunctions. Experienced truck drivers acknowledge how important it is to follow safety tips, trends and laws to ensure that they avoid accidents.
As someone who has driven trucks before, I want to share my knowledge on road safety so that we can prevent useless accidents. Take a look at our list below to have a safer driving experience.
Gear Up for a Safe Ride
As a truck driver, one of the first things drivers that I do is prepare my vehicle for a safe ride. Even before I go on the road, I always make sure that my truck has all the necessary safety features. Seatbelts should be in good condition and the truck should have impact protection like bull bars or air bags. It is also important that the trailer and stability controls are working perfectly.
Pay Close Attention to the Road and Be Alert at all Times
While I’m driving my truck, I also make sure that I’m alert and aware of everything that’s happening around me. It is essential to pay close attention to the road and around the rig. When driving on a highway, especially when the traffic’s heavy, you should think of an ‘escape route’.
When I say ‘be aware of everything’, it also means that you have to be aware of the vehicles in front of you, behind you and beside you. In this way, you will be able to respond accordingly when the situation calls for it.
Before going on the road, I also make sure that I have enough rest to ensure that I am in my best condition at all times. My tip is to have an electronic logbook system so that will help you monitor your condition properly. If used accordingly, this system will help you become well-rested before and during your drive.
Review the Weather Forecast
“When you are tired, acknowledge your condition. Keep in mind that it is more reckless to drive when you’re tired than when you’re intoxicated.”
Another thing I find useful for safety is reviewing weather forecasts. This is an important part of a driver’s safety as weather conditions can affect the driving experience. During the winter season, you should allot longer driving hours because you have to slow down to avoid accidents. At times, inclement weather conditions may even require you to drive below the speed limit.
As Much as Possible, Try to Stay in your Lane
One of the best ways to avoid accidents is to stay in the same lane for as much as possible. If changing lanes cannot be helped, a signal should always be used to inform other drivers of your next move. As someone who has driven trucks before, I always remember to look for blind spots. Always remember that frequently changing lanes increases your chances of getting into an accident.
Be Considerate of Other Drivers
Keep in mind that just like you, other drivers on the road are trying to get to their destination. It goes without saying that you should always respect other people and share the road with them. For instance, when you give other drivers enough space, you can avoid dangerous collisions.
When I first drove a truck, I learned that it does not have the same brake ability as my SUV or other smaller vehicles I’ve driven in the past. So, it is advisable that as a truck driver, you have to keep a proper distance from other vehicles to prevent potential collisions.
Utilise a Trucker-centric GPS
In the market, there are GPS’s that are specifically designed for truckers. If you’re driving a truck, you can significantly benefit from this tool, especially when you are driving in an area for the first time. Using one will enable you to learn about important information like the distance before the nearest exit, the best time to change lanes and traffic reports, among others. It goes without saying that these GPS units are worth your money.
Have a Roadside Assistance Gear Ready
For your safety as well as for other drivers’ safety, you have to have a roadside assistance gear ready. If the situation calls for it, you can use it to alert other drivers on the road. Make sure that you have enough items that visually communicate your situation. When I was driving a truck, I always made sure that I had flashers, cones and road flares, among others.
Personally Review Delivery Spots
This is a trucking tip that most drivers ignore. Before you park the truck, you should remember to review the delivery spots on foot. It is not enough to scale the area by eyes while you’re inside the truck. You have to get off the truck and use about five minutes to check out the place.
There are many truck drivers who say that they’ve been to their delivery spots plenty of times before so they claim to know the place well. However, doing so might make you miss obstructions that will limit your truck once you decide to leave. I’ve made this mistake before and I usually had a hard time properly manoeuvring my truck because I missed some posts, low fire hydrants or ditches.
A huge percentage of truck accidents occur when the driver backs up. I too am guilty of this. As a truck driver, I too had delivery deadlines and I try to find ways to save time. So, I would usually make the mistake of taking a mental picture of the area without properly scaling it. Most often, I would miss the hazards and simply drive in. Of course, this resulted to parking accidents. Keep in mind that even parking accidents can be costly to everyone and they can even tarnish your driving record.
Things to Remember for Long Haul Driving
Avoid tailgating. While long haul driving also means spending several hours on the road, remember to keep your emotions in check and always be patient.
Do not neglect taking breaks. It would also be advisable if you can find an area where you can momentarily stop and get out of the truck. Doing so will keep you alert and fresh during long hauls.
Remember that you’ll be sitting for hours so it is important that you wear comfortable, loose clothing. Wearing tight clothes can affect blood circulation and can cause serious health problems in the long run.
When you are tired, acknowledge your condition. Keep in mind that it is more reckless to drive when you’re tired than when you’re intoxicated.
Trucking regulations limit hours of driving per personnel to 11. Make sure you follow this rule and give your body enough rest.
It is undeniable that truck driving can be a risky profession. However, there are some guidelines that we can follow to ensure safety. Always remember that accidents can affect a lot of people, so it is better to prevent them by strictly following road safety rules.
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Before my trip to the Snowy Mountains, I never had any experience with snow, besides the occasional encounter with over-frozen fridges. Thus, I was looking forward to having a busy day with any activities available for visitors to the winter destination.
Australia is a notoriously beautiful and amazing place but, truth be told, much of the country has been left relatively unexplored. Almost larger than the continental United States, there should be little surprise that there are many areas of natural splendour that have not yet been made popular tourist destinations.
If you are planning a trip ‘down under’ and want to stray from the usual tourist spots, consider checking out a few of these totally beautiful but relatively uncommon destinations.
Esperance
Credit: Chris Fithall on Flickr
Home to Australia’s whitest beach, Lucky Bay, this area on the southern coast of Western Australia was a dream come true for a beach lover like me. The stunning seascape has views of the 110 islands of the Recherche Archipelago. I was looking for adventure and picturesque coves and bays for swimming, snorkelling, and surfing — and I found that all in Esperance. The cobalt blue water, dramatic coastlines, and vibrant wildflower-filled landscapes were some of the highlights from this heaven on earth.
Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is located just south of Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, and was the perfect place to escape from everyday life. Luckily, I have a friend with a house there so I was able to experience some of the 500 kilometers of coastline last year. I was almost overwhelmed by the abundance of amazing activities including culture tours, eco adventures, and sanctuaries to visit. The pristine beaches, bushland, wildlife, and flora and fauna of the land were unlike any other in the world. Easily one of the most gorgeous destinations in Australia, Kangaroo Island was an awesome place to explore.
Wilsons Promontory National Park
I was in serious need of a weekend spent outside of the city and fortunately Wilson’s Prom is only a short drive from Melbourne. This quaint but plentiful national park is the epitome of natural beauty. Fern gullies, salt marshes, mountainous forests, granite ranges, and pristine beaches? What more could you want? Wilsons Prom is also inhabited by a variety of wildlife. I didn’t have to go to the zoo to see emus, reptiles, birds, amphibians, wombats, wallabies, and kangaroos, this national park has got it all.
Glasshouse Mountains National Park
Just an hour north of Brisbane, this national park was like a dream come true for me (and other nature lovers). I would recommend devoting enough time to truly be able to experience the many rainforests and magnificent hiking tracks. Glasshouse Mountains National Park will forever have a place in my heart for the breathtaking panoramic views that I was able to see. This heritage-listed national park is certainly a one-of-a-kind destination and I can’t wait to go back.
Magnetic Island
After crossing the Great Barrier Reef off my bucket list, someone suggested that I head north to Magnetic Island, just off the coast of Queensland. This island is a truly hypnotic destination that boasts an average of more than 320 days of sunshine per year. While I was there I fell in love with the natural parks, some with pockets of rainforest — all with opportunities for adventure. I spent the day exploring the various walking tracks and checking out the spectacular lookouts. In the evenings, I relaxed on one of the stunning beaches while watching the beautiful and colorful sunset.
Bay of Fires
While this state is relatively underrated and unknown to even many Australians, Tasmania was and forever will be one of my favourite places in the world. This region of Tasmania is home to breathtaking white beaches that are a backdrop for even more beautiful crystal clear blue water and rocks covered with brilliantly coloured orange lichen. The Bay of Fires was so isolated and remote that I felt like I travelled back in time. Surrounded by reserves and national parks, this is an ideal and magnificent location to camp, hike, fish, swim, walk, surf, bird watch, or simply take in all the natural wonders that the northeastern coast of Tasmania has to offer.
“Broome is certainly underrated when it comes to all that it has to offer”
Norfolk Island
Credit: Thomas Huxley on Flickr
If tranquil lagoons, picturesque views of pines and ferns, and dramatic towering cliffs are your thing, then Norfolk Island is the place for you. I feel so happy to have heard about this Pacific island, one of Australia’s external territories. Norfolk Island is home to less than 2,000 people and known for its natural beauty (specifically, the Norfolk Pine tree). I felt like I discovered a secret slice of paradise as soon as I arrived and was immediately surrounded by the lush green landscape and stunning beaches.
Litchfield National Park
Credit: Bryn Pinzgauer on Flickr
Located in the Northern Territory, just south of Darwin, the natural park is truly a sight to be seen. I was mesmerised by the countless swimming holes and numerous breathtaking waterfalls. The 1,500 square kilometres of national park offer so many opportunities for adventure and beautiful sights — just thinking about it makes me want to go back right now.
Broome
Although I had heard of this one before travelling here, Broome is certainly underrated when it comes to all that it has to offer. Located in an extremely remote location, it is typically too far for most travellers, contributing more to its appeal as a somewhat secret destination. Broome is home to a rich Indigenous heritage and pristine white beaches. Considered to be one of the world’s last wildernesses, the tropical climate, world-famous beaches and abundant wildlife make Broome one of the most beautiful and unique places I’ve ever been.
Conclusion
As you can see Australia is home to some amazing and beautiful places. So which one are you going to visit first?
Chihuahuas prancing, mastiffs lumbering, German shepherds meandering, pooches of all shapes and sizes proudly parading all across Australia, for the sole purpose of fighting animal cruelty with awareness, fundraising and loads of four-legged cuteness. This annual event is called the Million Paws Walk.
It was an honour and a pleasure for my family, including our two German boxers to take part in this incredible annual event on Sunday, May 21st, to support the cause and make numerous friends for the third year in a row. While our contribution was small, we know that this is a perfect opportunity to make a difference, one paw forward at a time.
A Million Things to Do
Credit: Ruth Ellison on Flickr
Although the walk alone would be a tremendous event, the South Australia’s RSPCA have once again outdone themselves with versatile activities, competitions, complimentary vet checks, and quite a few fun corners for the kids. Our little ones loved the jumping castle and the face paint artists, so they spent most of the walk looking like two extra pooches in our family!
Anywhere you’d look, there was a stand or two with various exhibitors with all sorts of superb dog supplies, from leads, treats, to event-branded merchandise for “hoomans” and pooches alike. The stylish bandanas were my absolute favourite, although we had to get the tees for the whole family as well.
This year’s first, however, was a pre-event challenge that lasted from April 20th to May 20th, to encourage dog parents and their furry comrades to actually take a million steps, in order to promote a healthy lifestyle and further assist fundraising efforts for about 35,000 animals that enter the RSPCA system every year. Every step matters!
A Million Places to be
Credit: Ruth Ellison on Flickr
Tail-wagging started half an hour before nine or an hour later all over Australia in numerous locations, including Adelaide, Wallaroo, Sydney, Perth, as well as our own Brisbane, and we were well on our way to join the happy crowd a solid hour before the 3.5km walk would begin. The sniffing, playful rolling and a choir of various woofs ensued and loudly welcomed us to the 24th annual Million Paws Walk.
“This single event aims to collect enough funds to help this organisation continue fighting for the cause and nurturing the animals in need.”
Refreshments and food were available everywhere, along with dog agility shows, fashion shows, dog trick presentations which you could take part in, but we didn’t dare, as our two young boxers are too playful for words.
Musicians and raffles on and around the main stage made the event even more entertaining, so people and their pooches had a chance to spend time having fun, educating themselves and even use the opportunity to wash their pets with Aussie Pooch Dog Wash!
A Single Common Goal
Credit: Ruth Ellison on Flickr
Ever since the early 1824, the RSPCA has been fighting against animal cruelty and for improving our pets’ legal rights, by providing lectures, advocating for their rights and providing shelter and care for numerous abandoned, injured or ill animals. This single event aims to collect enough funds to help this organisation continue fighting for the cause and nurturing the animals in need.
Although the fundraising began prior to the event, the Walk is the perfect way to celebrate such a powerful bond and the sense of community that is strengthened each time every one of us makes a selfless contribution towards a world that will treat our furry friends with love and respect they deserve.
Moreover, even those who simply love dogs but don’t share their lives with one can take part in the event both online, or by walking alongside thousands of loyal dogs and their loving parents.
For a single day, tens of thousands of animal-loving souls and their four-legged halves have gathered under the skies of Australia to support this noble cause and ensure a brighter future for our pooches.
Now as I look back on the day, I hope that not too far in the future, we will maintain this wonderful tradition, but only to commemorate our love for our canine companions and teach our kids what animal cruelty was, but never will be again.
Sydney is an amazing city with world renowned monuments such as the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and The Rocks. You can check out the great markets in the area, sip on a cappuccino and enjoy the beautiful views of the harbour.
There’s so much to take in and if you’re new to the city it can be pretty overwhelming. With countless events happening, many locations and displays to see, it’s easy to waste time walking around.
Last year I had the pleasure of exploring the lights, and this is my guide to enjoying Vivid Sydney in a timely manner.
Starting Off At Martin Place
Credit: Kate Ausburn on Flickr
Martin Place is just a quick bus or train away from most stations around Sydney. Martin Place has a great open plaza where lights stretch for multiple blocks.
Walking down the stretch of events I saw interactive lights and companies looking to show off their cool toys. I found myself sucked in. From trying Microsoft’s Virtual Reality (VR), dancing on light patterns, to playing video games on a 10 meter high screen, it was well worth stopping by to see the lights up close.
Credit: Lynda on Flickr
Next Stop Circular Quay
After enjoying the lights of Martin Place, I hoped back on the train and headed a quick 5 minute train ride to Circular Quay.
By Allison Lee (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Getting off the train, I was immediately greeted by the lights. They were turning the water in a beautiful dancing display. From the Harbour Bridge, ferries, and the Opera House, the lights were bolstering great displays that made me stop and appreciate the beautiful night.
The Rocks
Not far from the station, The Rocks offered many of the most popular displays that are easy to visit in a short span of time.
By Allison Lee (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Next to the MCA Canon is offering a free printing booth where you can hand off your SD card and get Vivid Sydney pictures printed off on A3 paper. Canon is also offering a ticketed event, where they loan you a camera and take you for a walking tour designed to give you a great view of the lights.
Past the MCA, I ventured to the historic region of The Rocks, exploring the alleys and cobblestone paths where lights and displays hung from above, running into giant skeletons that looked like they belonged in the Dia de Muertos parade in Mexico.
This year The Rocks is hosting 25 displays to check out, so it’s a must stop on your Vivid Sydney venture.
Royal Botanic Garden & Opera House
After The Rocks, I headed back towards the Opera House to get an up close view. I then visited the Royal Botanic Garden.
By Allison Lee (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
The paths full of lights in the Botanical Garden offered a unique tropical atmosphere. This area was a little less crowded than the Opera House itself, so it was nice to have a little quiet time.
As the night started to come to a close, I hopped on a ferry from Circular Quay to Darling Harbour. Lounging in the front area of the ferry, I got to see all the magnificent lights of the harbour, all the lit up ferries and Luna Park bolstering its normal bright light display.
As the ferry got closer to Darling Harbour, fireworks started to erupt, illuminating the sky. This is a fairly common occurrence on the weekends at Darling Harbour, although so much better with the added Vivid Sydney experience.
Once I arrived I found a fire and laser show displayed out on the water. Accompanied by music, the show and fireworks were a great way to end the night.
If you’re in Sydney for longer than a quick trip, there are many one day events that are definitely worth checking out. You can find all the events listed on the Vivid Sydney page.
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