The film camera sweeps across the landscape, taking in flat plains, gushing waterfalls and a dusty country town. The color is brilliant, the emptiness palpable, and the soundtrack soars dramatically as warplanes bomb a city.
Various tour operators have begun offering tours of the Kimberley region in connection with the movie.
This is "Australia," the new movie by award-winning director Baz Luhrmann. The World War II-era romantic epic, which opens later this month, has already been hailed for its cinematography and its pairing of Australian film stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.

But tourism promoters claim the real star of the movie is the country itself.

Tourism Australia, the national tourism board, has launched a $26 million international advertising campaign based on the movie, highlighting the wilderness of Western Australia state and encouraging tourists to refresh themselves by getting away from bustling cities and their busy daily lives.

"We knew that this huge film would create a wave of publicity that would put the country in the spotlight around the globe," said Geoff Buckley, managing director of Tourism Australia. "And we found that the film's story had a remarkable resonance for what we do marketing the country as a travel destination."

The movie premieres Tuesday in Sydney -- where the stars will attend -- as well as Darwin, Bowen and Kununurra. It opens internationally on November 26.

The film follows the story of a noblewoman on a cattle drive in Australia during World War II. The movie was filmed largely in rugged Western Australia, notably in and around the small town of Kununurra, a three-hour flight north of Perth, and in the California-sized Kimberley wilderness region.

If you go ...

By air: Travel to Australia is 13 hours from Los Angeles to Sydney, longer for travelers coming from New York or those traveling beyond Sydney to Western Australia. Lowest round-trip fares showing up on Kayak.com from LAX to Sydney average $1,300, but the Qantas.com site lists some pre-holiday flights at $810. Qantas is also introducing an "Aussie AirPass" for $1,200 that covers round-trip fare from Los Angeles, San Francisco or Honolulu, plus three domestic Australian flights including Darwin, Sydney and Kimberley.

Currency: The Australian dollar has declined in value against the U.S. dollar nearly 50 percent since July. In early summer, the two currencies were nearly equivalent, but now one U.S. dollar is worth more than $1.50 in Australian money.

Other film sites include working cattle stations at El Questro and Home Valley, the sandstone escarpments of the Cockburn Range and the striped mounds of the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The movie's World War II scenes were mostly filmed in the northwest city of Darwin, where Japanese raids in 1942 and 1943 killed more than 900 people. Visitors to real-life Darwin can see a war memorial related to that attack as well as Stokes Hill Wharf, which provided the backdrop for some of the harbor scenes.

Other movie scenes set in Darwin were shot in Bowen, Queensland, a beach town north of the Whitsunday Islands. The real-life Strickland House at Vaucluse on Sydney Harbour, a historic 1850s villa and garden estate, served as the location for filming the movie's "Darwin Government House."

Various tour operators have begun offering tours of the Kimberley region in connection with the movie, and the state of Western Australia has begun its own $1.4 million tourism campaign of cinema, print, online advertisements and in-flight television.

"We want to make sure that moviegoers who are inspired to visit the region know that it's actually WA's stunning landscapes and outback adventure they're longing for," state tourism minister Liz Constable said in a statement last week.

The Northern Territory, where Darwin is situated, has also launched a $393,000 tourism campaign in the wake of the movie, touting the territory as "the real outback."

Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Hnderson said the movie "really is going to put us on the map."

The national tourism campaign, dubbed "Come Walkabout," includes two commercials directed by Luhrmann, an Australian. The commercials, broadcast in 23 countries, feature busy professionals who are visited by a young Aboriginal child who sprinkles red dust into their hands.

"Sometimes, we have to get lost to find ourselves," the child whispers. "Sometimes, we gotta go walkabout." The overworked businessperson is then transported to a moonlit picnic under a baobab tree, or a refreshing swim in a billabong.

The ethereal campaign was criticized by erstwhile Australian celebrity Paul Hogan, of "Crocodile Dundee" fame. Decades ago, he starred in the "Throw Another Shrimp on the Barbie" tourism ads, which Hogan said highlighted the hospitality and friendliness that Australians are known for.

"If I go to your house for a visit and I want to come back, it's because I enjoyed your company, not your furniture," he told reporters recently. He complained that the new campaign ignored real Australians to instead focus on impersonal nature.

But if the campaign works, it wouldn't be the first time that a movie spurred tourism. Annie Dundas, U.S. regional manager for Tourism New Zealand, said that "The Lord of the Rings" movies were among "the biggest contributors to awareness for New Zealand from '03-06." She estimated that tourism numbers rose between 3-5 percent in each of the years that movies in the trilogy were released.

"We called it our three-hour commercial," she joked, adding that the blockbuster films "put New Zealand on the map for a larger proportion of Americans than we could have hoped to achieve through just advertising."

Australian tourism boards, meanwhile, are counting on the country's natural beauty to lure moviegoers across the seas.

Another lure? Kidman has spoken in interviews of the "fertility waters" of Kununurra, saying that she and six other women on the film became pregnant after swimming among the waterfalls outside the town.

cnn.com

Easy things you can do on your next vacation to give the planet some well-deserved R & R, too

Be choosy when booking a bed.
Rooms in all price ranges are on the green bandwagon. Many Holiday Inns use CFL lightbulbs, and they all serve Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee. Marriott, InterContinental, Kimpton, Fairmont, and Sandals offer environmental programs; go to www.environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com or www.greenhotels.com for more green options.

Go paperless with your PDA.
Save a tree — and your back — by downloading travel guides, maps, and even boarding passes onto a handheld device. Lonely Planet sells travel content in “Pick & Mix Chapters” downloads, allowing you to buy only the information you need and view it on your PDA, and Rough Guides provides free downloads of cultural audio “iToors” for iPods. On domestic flights, Air Canada offers paperless tickets featuring scannable electronic bar codes that are sent to your cell phone or PDA. Continental Airlines is currently testing this technology.

Streamline your suitcase.
Even 10 extra pounds per passenger translates into the need for extra fuel, which can then lead to more carbon dioxide emissions. Pack light.

Towel off twice.
Use only the towels you need, hang them to dry, then reuse. Likewise, why have your sheets changed every day? Leave a note for housekeeping to skip changing the sheets and towels. Opting to use them again can save up to 30 gallons of water a day.

Bring your own shampoo — or take theirs.
Hotel soaps and bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and lotion that have been opened — even if just for one use — are routinely tossed in the trash. Carry your own amenities in reusable travel containers. If you open one of theirs, toss it in your bag to be finished off at home and refilled for future trips.

Eat locally.
An American meal involves food flown in from, on average, five different countries, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. Minimize food-transport pollution by choosing a restaurant that utilizes regional ingredients.

Drink locally.
If the tap water is safe, go ahead and drink it. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, while public water gets tested for contaminants thousands of times a year, bottled-water facilities may not test their products as frequently. Plus, a discarded plastic bottle can take years to biodegrade.

Walk, ride, or rent a hybrid.
Too far to walk? Hop on a bus or the subway. Most cities’ transportation-authority websites have a route-planner function; also try www.hopstop.com or www.subwaynavigator.com. If your trip requires a car, rent a hybrid (choose “hybrid” under “car options” at www.kayak.com) to reduce emissions by up to one-half. The next best option? Find a “green” car at www.hybrids.orbitz.com.
Written by Nicole Alper, Elizabeth Jenkins, Kate Merker, and Lori Seto

Night life in Bali starts late, which means around midnight. Many visitors wonder where crowds of expats suddenly come from around 1:00 in the morning – even when all of Kuta has been very quiet during the whole evening, the IN-places often become crowded after midnight.

There's a simple explanation: during the early evenings many of Bali's night owls either still work, visit friends at home, or simply sleep. Most of them visit pubs, bars, or discos only in the early morning hours. Therefore, if you plan a night out don't start your dinner too early. Between 9:00 p.m. and midnight there are not many places we can recommend.

Visitors looking for company don't need to worry. Wherever you go in Sanur and the Kuta area, there are many other single travellers with the same problem around – day and night. In Bali's discos you'll meet also many "kupu kupu malams" ("night butterflies" or working girls) and young boys who compete with the females and service all sexes. All taxi drivers know the more popular karaoke bars and massage parlours in Kuta and Denpasar, and the various "Houses of ill Repute" in Sanur's narrow back lanes.

As reported in the BALI travel FORUM: "Prostitution is illegal in Bali. However, like in many countries, everyone turns a blind eye. Many girls can be found in nightclubs and bars in most areas. They look usually just like the girl next door, albeit with a bit more make up on, and they usually dress to please the eye. For the most part, they are gentle, easy to be with, and a lot of fun if you want to dance, drink and have a little fun with. Most will be yours for the whole night for about 300,000 Rupiah although prices range from 100,000 Rupiah to 1,000,000 Rupiah and more – depending on the season, the time of night, the situation and the quality of service".

SANUR & NUSA DUA

Some quite popular places in Sanur are the BORNEO PUB on Jalan Danau Tamblingan and the TROPHY PUB in front of the Sanur Beach Hotel. Both, however, close around 1:00 a.m.

The JAZZ GRILLE, located at the Komplek Pertokoan Sanur Raya No. 15/16 at the By-Pass opposite the Radisson hotel, was opened in February 1999 and attracts tourists and locals alike with live bands (from 9:30 to 12:00 p.m.), a smallish menu, and a billiard table upstairs. KAFE WAYANG in the same building has life music with a good local band and jam sessions with foreign guests every Friday – no wonder it's very popular with many residents. JANGER is currently the only disco in Sanur. Most tourists and even the expats living in Sanur prefer to go to "Kuta" if they look for some fun.

The discos and pubs in Nusa Dua's 5-star hotels are often rather empty. They are mostly frequented by those visitors who stay in-house and are too tired to make the 30 minutes drive to Kuta.

THE "KUTA" AREA

Everybody looking for some action and fun in the evening goes to "Kuta" which nowadays means the area extending about 4 miles or 7 kilometers North from the original village of Kuta and includes now Legian, Seminyak and even Basangkasa. Here are most of the better entertainment places offering EVERYTHING single male or female visitors as well as couples might be looking for.

There are several places such as CASABLANCA etc. – down-market open-air pubs and very noisy discos full of stoned Aussies courting Javanese "Kupu Kupu Malams". PEANUTS Discotheque on Jalan Raya Legian at the Jalan Melasti corner (about the border between Kuta and Legian) has been re-opened very soon after it was gutted by a fire. The huge (air-conditioned) dance floor is often crowded, guests are a mix of locals and younger foreign visitors.

Closer to the center of Kuta you find the BOUNTY SHIP with a noisy, over-air-conditioned disco in the basement and the re-built PADDY'S not far from the original PADDY'S. Much more "IN" nowadays is the newer M-BAR-GO which features really good music and a better crowd than most other places. SKY GARDEN is also on the main road and an interesting place to go. The bar is on the top floor, the three storeys below feature all different lounge areas. The menu is huge but the food is often disappointing. When most places close around 2.00 or 3.00 in the morning, night owls of all kinds continue drinking at nearby MAMA'S until sunrise.

For a somewhat more civilized evening out, you can have dinner and a couple of drinks at the bar at either TJ's or KORI in Kuta, at POCO LOCO in Legian, at the open street side bar at NERO Bali right opposite AROMAS Restaurant in Kuta, at the re-built MACCARONI CLUB in Kuta, at MADE'S WARUNG in Basangkasa (see BALI - Restaurants to Enjoy), or at the trendy HU'U Bar & Lounge near the Petitenget temple, LA LUCIOLA and THE LIVING ROOM.

One of the most trendy venues in Bali is KU DE TA right on the beach adjacent to the Oberoi hotel. This is the place to see and be seen, and from late afternoon on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays there is a DJ providing rather noisy entertainment for Bali's beautiful people. Hot contender is SUNSET ON SIX (SOS) on the sixth floor rooftop terrace of the up-market ANANTARA RESORT — set right on the beach next door to GADO GADO and opened in May 2008. Both places are great to watch Bali's famous sunsets, but expect to pay for a cocktail around US$7 and more.

Something more outrageous and only for open-minded people is HULU CAFE in Garlic Lane between Jalan Padma and Jalan Melasti in Kuta/Legian, a place which calls itself the "only real gay bar in all of Bali" with drag shows starting at 11:00 p.m. three times per week. The performances are actually kind of funny!

You'll find a large and quite popular HARD ROCK CAFE right at the beginning of Kuta's beach road with live music from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Expect to find many singles of all kinds here looking for company. If you think this is too noisy, too crowded, or the air-conditioning too cold for you, try the CENTER STAGE at the HARD ROCK RESORT located in the back of the CAFE. As the name implies, the band performs on a raised stage in the middle of the huge round lobby bar until 11:00 p.m. Both HARD ROCK outlets are expensive by Bali standards.

The JAYA PUB on the main road in Seminyak features also live music and attracts many Indonesian customers who don't mind the chilling air-conditioning and the sometimes horrible bands and singers.

Seminyak's best place to have a drink and some fun at night are nowadays probably OBSESSION World Music Bar and SANTA FEE Bar & Grill, Jalan Abimanyu (also known as Gado Gado Road or Jalan Dhyana Pura). Life music, reasonably priced cocktails, a surprisingly good wine list (you have to ask for it, but the prices are very low for Bali standards), and a menu offering local, Mexican, and Japanese dishes as well as a choice of pizzas around the clock and the friendly service attract many visitors until the early hours. If you feel too hot downstairs, you can move to the small air-conditioned "Wine Lounge" upstairs where you find also a rather good choice of wines to take home.

Other popular night spots nearby in the same street are SPY BAR, LIQUID, Q BAR ("for the alternative lifestyle"), SPACE and THE GLOBE. New bars and "Chill-Out Lounges" are opening all the time, and most of them feature DJ's and/or live music on certain nights. Just walk down the road and check them out !

Later, from 2:00 a.m., it's party time at the SYNDICATE, BACIO and DOUBLE SIX, a large open-air disco with several bars, big dance floor, and many tables. All three are located next to each other on the beach in Seminyak and charge an entrance fee of 30,000 to 100,000 Rupiah (depending on the day) for which you get a voucher for a free drink. Here and in nearby DE JA VU you'll find most of Bali's night owls drinking and dancing the night away until 4:30 a.m. or so. (The legendary GADO GADO Disco has been re-converted into a restaurant.)

Also, watch out for notices and small posters in Kuta and Seminyak announcing special events such as Full Moon Parties, House Warming Parties, Body Painting Parties, etc, etc. If these "parties" are announced to the public (even if only by word-of-mouth), they are open for everybody. You'll have to pay for your drinks, therefore, don't be shy.

UBUD

Don't expect too much here. We are not Ubud nightlife experts, but names frequently mentioned include PUTRA BAR, Jl. Monkey Forest (every night live music ranging from Reggae to rock), MAGIC BAR, Jl. Monkey Forest (live music and sometimes great atmosphere), JAZZ CAFE, Jl. Tebesaya (live music and jam sessions on different nights), EXILE BAR (Saturday nights only, great music), and FUNKY MONKEY (early hours cafe).

www.baliguide.com

When planning a Safari, the starting point is to think about the time of year you wish to travel; the anticipated duration of your trip; the type of accommodation you prefer; your budget and any special interests you wish to pursue. The more we know about your aspirations for the trip the easier the planning.

Before even contemplating the different safari areas and the camps/lodges within them, it is helpful to consider the broader context within which the safari areas exist. The first question to ask your self is whether you want the high end exclusive safari destination or a low cost destination. This immediately helps to focus on specific countries, for instance if you are looking for the high end market you may start focusing on Botswana or Namibia, if you are looking for bargain safaris, you may want to focus on South Africa, Zambia or Zimbabwe. By comparing the relative strengths between countries, your choice is further narrowed. The final step is to compare the safari areas within specific countries to decide which is/are most likely to provide the safari experience that you are looking for.

In this article I will highlight the most important factors that you need to take into consideration or think about when planning a safari. I intend to write some sequels focusing in detail on the safari options in different southern African countries, including South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

1. Do some research

Start by reading articles or books about African safaris and the ‘big five’ Visit tour operator and travel agency websites to compare information. Make sure as part of your research you get a safari video to have a preview of what to expect.Through your research you will decide if you will go for a packaged tour or a self drive or a combination of both.

2. Cost of a Safari

Various factors play a role in one's choice of safari destination and, for most people, cost is one of the many criteria that influence this important decision. The explanation for cost differences between safari destinations, and between camps/lodges within the same areas, is multi-faceted and complicated. The safari market in southern Africa is highly competitive and driven by supply and demand; for instance, right now, Zimbabwe safaris are at a bargain because of the low demand resulting from the political and economic crisis in the country and the uncertainty as to whether or not the general elections coming in March 2008 will be peaceful. It is important to note that in most cases the cost of a safari excludes international flights to/from Africa; visas; passports; vaccination costs; excess baggage charges; optional excursions; spending money; tips; local and airport taxes.

3. Game Concentration

For most people, an African safari is not complete when they do not see the big five – elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and leopard. These animals are concentrated at different places. Please be aware that your trip might bring you into close contact with these wild animals, which can be a threat to your safety and your health. Many of the safari camps are unfenced and particular care must be taken. It is essential that you always follow the advice of your guides, do not walk out on your own and do not touch any plants, animals or insects. You should understand the risks involved and take responsibility for your own safety. Please note that most safari lodges will require you to sign a personal indemnity form and you must be prepared to sign these.

4. Camp/lodge experience.

The level of style and luxury in accommodation, the quality of food and service, facilities and amenities are all important factors to consider when planning a safari. The more expensive properties invariably excel in these elements of the overall experience.

5. Wilderness and exclusivity.

As a rule, the larger and more private the concession /reserve, the higher the premium. Botswana (where private concessions are typically 100,000 acres or larger) is the most prominent example of this model of 'low volume / high value' eco-tourism. Zambia is an 'emerging' safari destination heading towards this model.

6. Remoteness.

The further from civilization a camp/lodge, the more expensive it is to supply and operate, and the higher the access costs for guests. Zambia's three major National Parks are very different and fairly far removed from each other. This makes a Zambian safari a very diverse experience, but travel costs are a little higher than in Botswana for example. Namibia, home to some of southern Africa's most remote camps, is perhaps the most pronounced example of this type of safari.

7. Convenience.

Camps/lodges with private airstrips that are close to camp offer increased convenience due to shorter transfer times between the airstrip and camp. This means less time in transit and more time on safari or relaxing. Such airstrips, in addition to being expensive to build and maintain, are desirable to guests and attract a premium.

8. Political situation.

The biggest factor influencing the discounted rates in Zimbabwe is the negative perception surrounding the government of Robert Mugabe. Without doubt this regime has had a very negative impact on the lives of local Zimbabweans but, as a safari destination for foreign visitors, it is still a good deal destination.

9. Passports & visas.

A full passport is essential and must be valid for at least six months after your return. Generally, visas are not required in South Africa and Botswana for United States and United Kingdom passport holders. Visas are required for Zimbabwe and Zambia.

10. Insurance.

It is a condition of booking for most safari tours that all passengers have insurance cover. Your insurance should be fully comprehensive and include 24-hour emergency medical cover and repatriation along with general cover for travel cancellation and theft of valuables and personal items.

11. Health.

You should consult your doctor at least six weeks prior to travel. If guests have any medication requirements an adequate supply should be brought from home, as it might not be available locally. Anti-malaria medication is essential. It is recommended that visitors bring plenty of insect repellent and sun cream.

12. Safety & security.

In general, people in Africa have an enviable reputation for being friendly and welcoming. Along with most countries around the world, mugging can be a problem in certain towns and it is advisable that you do not walk at night unless you know the area well. If you are driving yourself it is sensible to arrive at your destination before dark as a myriad of animals enjoy lying on the roads at night. It is always sensible when traveling to take precautions against theft. By far the best precaution is to avoid taking valuables with you on holiday. If you do carry valuables ensure you are discreet. Do not leave any valuables or luggage unattended in a vehicle, unless in a locked trunk.

13. Clothing.

The dress code at all of the camps and lodges is casual and there is no requirement to dress for dinner. We recommend that you wear neutral colors with a good pair of lightweight walking boots for game walks. Evenings are generally spent around a campfire, so a lightweight jumper is advisable. Early morning and night game drives can get very cold, particularly in June/July, so it is recommended that you bring a warm jacket and woolly hat. During the heat of the day a shady hat is essential. A long sleeved shirt and long trousers offer a degree of protection from mosquitoes.

14. Fitness levels.

There is generally no fitness requirement for safaris. On walking safaris the walks are slow and gentle, although the ground is often uneven. Game drives can be bumpy at times and might be uncomfortable for people with back problems.

15. Luggage limits.

A luggage limit applies for light aircraft transfers between camps. Soft bags are recommended for these flights. You will normally be advised of the requirements (if any) at the time of booking.

16. Travel in Africa.

Part of what makes Africa so special is that it is very different from Europe and the USA. Please accept that things do not always happen the way you would normally expect and you must be prepared to adapt your arrangements as necessary. Whilst tour operators make every effort to ensure that your trip goes smoothly it is recommended that you be patient and understanding, accepting a degree of uncertainty and enjoying Africa as it is.

17. Climate.

Although local weather conditions vary, the main weather patterns are the same throughout Southern Africa. Evenings and early mornings can get quite chilly, particularly between May and August. October can be extremely hot and humid (although this is the best time for game viewing as animals congregate around the remaining water). The rainy season is normally between November and March.

18. Currency.

The local currencies in the major safari destination countries are the Zambian Kwacha, the Botswana Pula, South African Rand, Namibian Dollar, Mozambican Metical and the Zimbabwean Dollar. Tourists are expected to use US Dollars in camps, lodges and hotels. For local shopping for souvenirs and sundries you will need local currency. Banks will generally exchange US Dollars, English Pounds, Euros and US Dollars are required for visas purchased at the border posts (take the correct amount as any change will be given in local currency). In most of these countries, especially Zimbabwe, there are black market currency dealers. Changing currency in the black market is illegal, and you can be robbed of your money and valuables. Always ask your hotel staff about exchanging currency.

19. Time.

Zambia, Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa are all 2 hours ahead of GMT.

20. Memories

Get a journal book, camera or camcorder to document your experiences.

Happy safari planning and enjoy the unspoiled African wild!


by: Lovemore Ncube

Sydney, the Harbour City - sunny, welcoming familiar - and why wouldn't it be with all those famous icons. The Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, that soaring skyline. Yet for all its attractions you never lose the feeling that Sydneysiders (as the locals are known) are busy people - commuters outnumber visitors at Circular Quay, after all. Breathtaking views, world-class shopping, cutting-edge dining, and vibrant nightlife - there's no shortage of things to see and do in Sydney.


Day 1: The Heart of the City

Sydney's core is the Circular Quay, with its great views of the harbor, the bridge, and the Opera House; the historic Rocks; and the Central Business District (CBD). You can cover much of this in a day, and you have several options for getting around. It's eminently walkable, though you may want to let someone else do the work. One of the most popular modes is the Sydney hop-on/hop-off bus tour , which from the open top of a double-decker bus gives you a nice panorama. For a different perspective, try a Sydney cycling tour (those hills should give you a workout) or sailing on the Sydney Harbour - the views from the harbor are unsurpassed. Or just splurge and circle the city by helicopter. For heaps of good deals on tours, museums, zoos and more, along with hefty discounts on over 100 places, try the Smartvisit Card.


Perhaps the city's most famous icon is the Opera House - it has after all been nominated as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. And who doesn't yearn to see what's inside those sweeping rooflines (modeled, it's said, on segments of an orange)? There are several ways to find out: first, there's your basic walking tour of the Sydney Opera House, which takes you to places you'd normally need a ticket for; then there's the more exclusive backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House, which starts early before the places fills up with stagehands and prima donnas, and includes breakfast. Finally, when the ballet is in season, you can combine a guided tour with dinner and a dance (by ballerinas, that is).

When you've exhausted yourself with sight-seeing a bit of retail therapy doesn't go astray does it? Many districts and suburbs have funky shops - vintage clothes in Darlinghurst, surf gear in Bondi, knickknacks in Newtown. Sydney's got shopping centers and chi-chi boutiques, but the queen of them all is the Queen Victoria Building, a domed 19th-century temple of commerce and worth a visit on its own.


You may not have thought of Sydney as an adventure-travel destination but there is a surprising number of options for thrill-seekers. It's not your imagination - those are actually people crawling their way across the top of Harbour Bridge during the Sydney Harbour Bridgeclimb. You can also fight vertigo atop the 268m (879ft) Sydney Tower if you do the Sydney Skywalk (those who prefer to take their views from on high safely behind glass can take an elevator to the enclosed observation deck). If G-forces float your boat, why not do high-speed doughnuts in a jet boat on Sydney Harbour? And if that isn't enough for you, combine it with a seaplane ride over Sydney. Or simply cheat death and dive with the sharks .

Day 2: Exploring Sydney

Radiating outward from the Circular Quay are Sydney's suburbs and beaches, at once bohemian and bronzed. You can go bargain hunting in Paddington, dining in Darlinghurst, or surfing in Bondi. If you don't mind a bit of grit and grime with your glitter and glam you can have a pint in King's Cross and take in a drag queen show. Or you can get the ferry to Manly where you can start with a tour, and watch the surfers on the ocean beach while tucking into some fish and chips.

Get up close and personal with the local fauna. The Taronga Zoo is minutes from downtown by ferry and features platypi, echidnas, kookaburras and other Australian natives, and you can get a personal tour from an expert guide. If you prefer your creatures wet, slimy and/or scaly, check out the Sydney Darling Harbour Aquarium and Oceanworld Manly .


One thing you will not want for in Sydney is good food. You can't swing a cat without hitting a trendy new bistro, trattoria, or noodle house. Start the day with some of the best espresso this side of Rome in Newtown, or heavenly corn fritters in Darlinghurst. Pack a picnic or nosh on nori at the Fish Market, or stuff yourself with fried dumplings in Chinatown. When dinner rolls around you've got no shortage of restaurants, though you might consider taking advantage of Sydney's fine waterfront location and take a dinner cruise on the Sydney Harbour. Or, if you don't mind going in (slow) circles while you eat, admire the view from the Sydney Tower Restaurant.


Sydneysiders have both a penchant for dressing up and throwing a party - or just holing up at their local bar and sipping a postmodern cocktail. There are hip bars and pubs all over town, though perhaps the most unique is the Minus5 Ice Lounge, which is as frigidly cool as it sounds.

Day 3: Excursions


As strong as Sydney's pull may be, there are many places beyond the city limits to tempt you. One of the most beautiful of these is the Blue Mountains, about 50 miles (80km) west-northwest of the city. Heavily forested and teeming with wildlife, a Blue Mountains Day Trip is an excellent way to spend your time. You can also visit the Jenolan Caves, or tool around on a four-wheel drive explorer trek.


Australia is justly famous around the world for its wine, and one of its best regions is the Hunter Valley. This is shiraz and chardonnay country, though you can fine delectable semillon. You can do a Hunter Valley Day Trip to a few local wineries, or spend some time soaking up the local history on the Hunter Valley Wine and Wilderness tour. If you're pressed for time and have the cash, why not take a helicopter to luncheon in the Hunter Valley?

The foregoing should give you an idea of what to get up to in Sydney; for more tips check out Viator's complete list of things to do in Sydney. If you want to extend your trip to other parts of Australia, it's a big country, so you've got lots of choices. You could go north to Brisbane and the Gold Coast and find out why it's called 'BrisVegas'. Or keep going to Far North Queensland and test your mettle with the crocodiles and cassuaries.

You could also hit the other capitals - Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, and the national capital, Canberra. Or go walkabout in the Never Never (ie tour the Outback

yahoo.com