When Captain James Cook’s British Fleet arrived at Botany Bay in 1788, he brought with him nearly a thousand convicts from Great Britain to establish a penal settlement, which became the small colony at The Rocks that would sprout into Sydney. At this time, aboriginal people had inhabited the area for over 30,000 years and were largely killed off or retreated into the Blue Mountains. The surrounding area is still full of stone carvings that visitors may view today; travelers may also partake in the growing recognition and celebration of indigenous culture. In addition to the largely Anglo-Celtic population, the 20th century brought to Sydney a new wave of immigration from Croatia, Lebanon, Argentina and Turkey to name but a small fraction and today the city is a culinary and cosmopolitan cornerstone of the globe not to be missed!

Harbor Hopping and Ferry Frolicking
Sydney occupies the largest natural harbor in the world and offers divinely picturesque sunset views from nearly any of the 70 harbor beaches in the metropolitan region. The best way to see the harbor is by taking a ferry from central Sydney to the Toronga Zoo, where koala, platypus and about 3,000 other endangered or rare species enjoy prime oceanfront property. The Royal Botanical Garden in central Sydney is also quite remarkable, featuring the preserved site of the colony’s first paltry vegetable patch. To the southwest, Bondi Beach is Sydney’s sandy seaside escape, complete with gelato vendors, funky pubs and an overall air of relaxation.

There are even more ways to enjoy the city proper when you travel to Sydney, including one of the open-air performances on the Opera House terrace during the summer. The iconic Harbour Bridge, known as the ‘coathanger’ among locals, is an adventure in itself. Climb the stairs of the southeast pylon for an unimaginable view of the harbor or pay a bit extra in money and adrenalin and spend a few hours actually climbing the bridge through a certified company. For the more earth-bound, the Museum of Contemporary Art is a point of interest, if only for the terrific Art Deco building in which it resides, and the Art Gallery houses an impressive collection of 18th and 19th century works. Following a long day of harbors, beaches, art and amusement, King’s Cross is just the perfect blend of trendy class and underground subculture for a fine meal, chichi cocktail or gritty groove.

In many ways, Sydney is the heart and soul of Oceania. A true melting pot of cultures, ecology and histories, Sydney is the capital of Australia in every respect but title. Discover this fascinating part of the southern hemisphere from the pleasures and treasures of Sydney, a remarkably diverse, mature and modern metropolis.

About the Author:

For more information on international travel and discount airfare to Sydney, visit www.cfares.com, your source for cheap airfare on the web.
Read more articles by: Frank Johnson

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The railway line began its colourful life as the Northern Railway in 1878, at the height of a national railway boom, in the hope of developing the pastoral and mining potential of the Australian interior. Soon becoming known affectionately as The Ghan, by 1891 the line reached from Port Augusta to the outback town of Oodnadatta in northern South Australia. Oodnadatta remained the end of the line for the next forty years.

In 1895, in an effort to advance construction of the line, it was stated that “the interior was not all desert, but had extensive areas of good land fit for cultivation and a variety of tropical products”. The line was finally extended to the Central Australian town of Alice Springs in 1929, and remained there until 2003 when a major project to extend the line through to the Northern Territory capital, Darwin, was completed.

Until 1929, almost all goods to Alice Springs were transported by camel trains driven by Afghan tribesmen adept at handling these hardy ‘ships of the desert’. The camel trains would meet the train at the railhead in Oodnadatta and carry goods ranging from pianos, motors, and furniture to food supplies, mail, newspapers and clothing on to Alice Springs. The arrival of the camel trains was always a time of great excitement. The camels remained a viable means of transport in Central Australia for so long because the development of motor transport was hindered by a lack of well formed roads and the reliable availability of fuel supplies.

Part of the Ghan’s legendary reputation derives from the many mishaps which occurred during the early years of its operation. The 1520 km journey from Adelaide to Alice Springs passed through some of the driest and most difficult country on earth. Normally dry rivers would frequently flood after a downpour and run several kilometres wide, sweeping railway tracks, bridges and other infrastructure away in their path. Sometimes the train would not arrive for weeks or even months. At one point during the 1970′s the Ghan was not sighted in Alice Springs for 3 months and essential supplies had to be flown into the town daily.

By 1980 the Ghan’s route had been relocated a considerable distance to the west, and the line upgraded from narrow gauge to the wider Australian standard gauge. In the process, many new bridges and earth works were completed, and the Ghan’s reputation for unreliability became history.

Today the modern Ghan is a world-class luxury railway and renowned attraction for travellers wishing to experience the real Australia in comfort. The 3000 km journey from Adelaide to Darwin via Alice Springs takes two days, and passes through just three other towns of any size, Port Augusta in South Australia and Tennant Creek and Katherine in the Northern Territory.Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Miguel Scaccialupo writes regularly on Australian travel topics such as Northern Territory Travel and Central Australia Travel.

Also known as Uluru, Ayers Rock is located within the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park about 400 kilometres southwest of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory of Australia. The largest monolith in Central Australia (and the second largest in Australia), Ayers Rock is more than 318 metres (986 feet) high and 8 kilometres (5 miles) around, and extends 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles) into the ground. Famous for appearing to change colour as light conditions change throughout the day and seasons, Ayers Rock is a particularly remarkable sight at sunset. Composed primarily of sandstone, Ayers Rock is infused with minerals such as feldspar that reflect the red light of sunrise and sunset and make the rock appear to literally glow in the right conditions.

The Aboriginal community of Mutitjulu is located near the western end of Ayers Rock, which is sacred to local indigenous people. The rock is surrounded by springs, waterholes, rock caves and other features that figure prominently in dreamtime stories for the Ayers Rock area. Uluru is the name used by the local Pitjantjatjara people for the rock, which was named Ayers Rock by European explorers after Henry Ayers, a 19th century Premier of South Australian. Uluru has been the rock’s official name since the 1980′s, although many people still refer to it as Ayers Rock.

The Australian Government returned ownership of Ayers Rock to its traditional Aboriginal owners in 1985, leasing it back for 99 years as a National Park. The traditional owners request that visitors respect the sacred status of Ayers Rock by not climbing it. However, they do not prevent people from climbing the rock, which remains a popular activity with many visitors. In 1980, Ayers Rock made international headlines when baby Azaria Chamberlain disappeared while her family were camping nearby. Her mother Lindy Chamberlain claimed that her daughter had been taken by a dingo (a wild dog), initiating one of the most widely publicised legal trials in Australian history.

Kata Tjuta, also known as The Olgas, is a group of 36 rounded rock formations situated about 30km west of Uluru within the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. The tallest dome of the group, Mt Olga, actually stands taller than Uluru at 457 metres. Kata Tjuta, which means ‘many heads’ in the local Pitjantjatjara language, is as sacred to the indigenous traditional owners as Ayers Rock. Traditional ceremonies are still conducted at Kata Tjuta, particularly at night, and many Pitjantjatjara dreamtime legends are associated with both Ayers Rock and Kata Tjuta.

Ayers Rock is located about 20 kilometres from Yulara, a modern tourist town of 3000 inhabitants situated just outside Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park precinct. Yulara is well provisioned with quality accommodation, shops and services, and also has an airport serviced by major airlines flying directly from most Australian capital cities.

Few regions of the world can match the astounding beauty of the Central Australian desert landscape, its unique flora and fauna, and natural features like Ayers Rock and Kata Tjuta. Whether you prefer to travel in lavish luxury or on an authentic four-wheel-drive safari adventure, Ayers Rock and Central Australia have something for everyone.Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Miguel Scaccialupo writes regularly on Ayers Rock Travel topics including Ayers Rock Tour destinations and Ayers Rock Tour itineraries.

Access to the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges is via the Ross Highway east from Alice Springs. The road is sealed for the first 75 kilometres, with an unsealed road continuing to the Ross River Homestead and Arltunga. The unsealed road is maintained in good condition and is suitable for two-wheel-drive vehicles and caravans. Many tracks in the region, such as those extending from Arltunga to Ruby Gap Nature Park, and from the Ross River Homestead to Ndhala Gorge, are suitable only for four-wheel-drive vehicles.

In addition to several spectacular natural features such as Emily and Jessie Gaps, Corroboree Rock, Trephina Gorge, Ndhala Gorge and Ruby Gorge, the East MacDonnell Ranges also offer the opportunity to step back into Central Australia and the Northern Territory’s history at the Arltunga Historical Reserve, and to fossick for zircon, garnet, beryl, apatite and tourmaline at Gemtree. Eastern Arrernte culture has a long history in this region.

Arltunga is located about 120 kilometres east of Alice Springs, and was the first town to be built in Central Australia. Established in 1887, this historic mining town is today a true ghost town. Preserved by the aridity of the surrounding desert environment, many of Arltunga’s original stone buildings remain in excellent condition. Arltunga is named after a subgroup of the indigenous Arrernte people who have lived in the area for over 20,000 years.

Emily And Jessie Gaps are two gorges in the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges quite close to Alice Springs. Both sites are of great significance in the Yipirinya Dreamtime story which describes the creation of the Alice Springs landscape, being the location where the Caterpillar ancestors of the indigenous Central and Eastern Arrernte people met. Both sites are popular local picnic spots. The Corroboree Rock Conservation Reserve is a small reserve about 50 kilometres from Alice Springs. It contains a rock formation of special significance to the Eastern Arrernte people, being a site where traditional initiation ceremonies took place.

The Trephina Gorge Nature Park is located about 85 kilometres east of Alice Springs, and is arguably the most attractive of the many natural features in the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges. Its stunning scenery includes huge River Red Gums, sandy creek beds, semi-permanent waterholes and towering red rock-walled gorges. There are five marked walking tracks in the area, taking from 45 minutes to 6.5 hours to complete. Campers often base themselves at Trephina Gorge, venturing out on day trips to explore other attractions such as Arltunga and Ndhala Gorge. Trephina Gorge is noted for its sheer quartzite cliffs and broad, River Red Gum lined sandy watercourses. Many examples of Central Australia’s unique flora and fauna are abundant in the area, including majestic Wedge-Tailed Eagles which lend their name to the Valley of the Eagles.

Ndhala Gorge Nature Park is located about 98 kilometres east of Alice Springs. It is a significant Aboriginal art site containing over one thousand ancient rock carvings or petroglyphs, sheltered for thousands of years by the rugged red walls of two rocky gorges. The carvings and varied flora can be viewed on a short walk. A number of indigenous cypress-pine trees unique to the Central Australian ranges grow along the exposed slopes. The dirt road into Ndhala Gorge is accessible to conventional vehicles in good weather, but it can be very rough in places and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended.

The Ruby Gap Nature Park is located about 140 kilometres east of Alice Springs. Ruby Gap was the scene of a rush of activity by miners in 1886 seeking rubies which later proved to be worthless garnets. It is one of the most beautiful gorges along the Hale River which winds through the Park, but accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicle only.Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Miguel Scaccialupo writes regularly on Alice Springs Tour topics including Alice Springs Tour destinations and Alice Springs Tour itineraries.

The long parallel ridges of the Western MacDonnell Ranges rise up to 600 metres high above the valley floors, cut at regular intervals by deep gorges carved by ancient rivers such as the Finke and Hugh Rivers which meander south to empty into the shimmering red sands of the Simpson Desert. Although situated in an arid desert landscape, the Western MacDonnell Ranges are home to an astonishing variety of unique flora and fauna, including majestic ghost gums and rare relict palms left over from an age when Central Australia enjoyed a wetter tropical environment many thousands of years ago.

The Western MacDonnells are home to a many very popular destinations which are all easily accessible by road from Alice Springs in the course of a day tour. These sites include Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek, Serpentine Gorge, the Ochre Pits, Ormiston Gorge, Redbank Gorge, Glen Helen Gorge, Roma Gorge, Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) and Palm Valley.

Ellery Creek has beautiful clear, deep waters suitable for swimming, but take care when diving in as the water can be extremely cold below the surface. On the opposite side of the Ellery Creek waterhole is a pristine white sandy beach from where it is possible to further explore the gorge. There is also a pleasant walk from the Ellery Creek campsite through higher terrain and back along creek bed to the main waterhole.

Ormiston Gorge is a spectacular sight and one of the Western MacDonnell’s must-see destinations. The towering red rock walls of the gorge are accessible with an easy 1 kilometre walk to the gorge entrance, but there is also an excellent 7 kilometre Ormiston Pound loop track which is well worth the effort during cooler weather or early morning. Serpentine Gorge has an easy 1km walking track from the car park to the gorge entrance. There is also an optional 600 metre track that ascends rugged cliffs to a lookout offering excellent views of the Western MacDonnells.

Glen Helen Gorge is located on the ancient Finke River, reputedly the oldest river in the world that still follows its original course. It is less than 1 kilometre to the lookout, and only slightly further to the rocks at the waterhole. The entrance to the gorge is behind the Glen Helen Homestead, now a comfortable outback hotel and restaurant and a great spot to stop for a meal.

Camping facilities are excellent throughout the Western MacDonnell Ranges, and particularly so at Redbank Gorge. There are two camp areas, the larger Woodlands area being well provisioned with shady camps and cooking facilities, each site having a shady sandy patch under the trees to pitch a tent in an otherwise rocky area. Redbank Gorge is close to Mt Sonder, one of the tallest mountains in Central Australia and the Northern Territory, and a favourite subject of famous aboriginal watercolour artist Albert Namatjira.

West of Redbank Gorge lies Roma Gorge, a great location to visit but overnight camping is not allowed. Access is along a sandy and sometimes rocky creekbed for 8 kilometres, so this is one of the few locations where a four-wheel-drive vehicle is advisable. Roma Gorge is home to an important site rich in high quality Aboriginal rock art. Further west lies Tnorala (Gosse Bluff), a spectacular crater formed when a comet crashed to earth some 140 million years ago. Local indigenous Arrernte legend tells of a baby falling to earth from the heavens at this site during the Dreamtime.Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Miguel Scaccialupo writes regularly on Alice Springs Tour topics including Alice Springs Tour destinations and Alice Springs Tour itineraries.

Alice Springs is nestled in the MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia. Roughly equidistant between Adelaide and Darwin, it lies almost at the geographical centre of Australia, approximately 1500 kilometres from any major Australian city in any direction. The highest mountain in the Northern Territory of Australia, Mount Zeil, rises to 1,525 metres out of the West MacDonnell Ranges about 200 kilometres west of Alice Springs. The town has a growing population of around 28,000 and is today a thriving regional centre where an amazing variety of tours, accommodation and activities for every taste and budget are available.

The history of Alice Springs began in 1871 with the construction of a telegraph repeater station, one of several such stations built between Adelaide and Darwin as part of the historic Overland Telegraph. Originally known as Stuart, this name was never really popular and in 1933 the town’s name was officially changed to Alice Springs. Development was initially slow, with the original dirt road to Adelaide not being replaced until 1987. Until then, travellers including train travellers on the historic Ghan railway followed the same route north as that followed by early Scottish explorer John MacDouall Stuart, north from Port Augusta in South Australia to Alice Springs via the outback towns of Oodnadatta and Finke. Today, the Stuart Highway which runs from Adelaide to Darwin is a first class highway suitable for any vehicle.

Development in Alice Springs accelerated greatly in the 1980′s, and the town today is a modern, moderate sized municipality with a wealth of resources and facilities compared to similar sized Australian towns. The Ghan Railway played a significant role in the town’s development, first arriving in 1929. The railway line was recently extended north to Darwin, with the resulting route across the centre of the Australian continent from Adelaide to Darwin now representing one of the world’s great train journeys.

A variety of historic buildings can be found in the centre of Alice Springs, including the original hospital in Adelaide House, the John Flynn Museum and Church, the Old Courthouse, the Residence and the Stuart Town Gaol. The original Telegraph Station is located in a reserve a short distance outside Alice Springs to the north. On the eastern side side of the normally dry Todd River, which runs through the centre of town, is the Olive Pink Botanic Garden, an arid zone botanical garden located right in the heart of town.

Alice Springs is located in a predominantly dry region, with glorious cloudless blue skies from April to September. Rainfall is unreliable and intermittent, but can normally be expected during the warmer summer months from October to March. During summer, temperatures of 40 degrees C (104-108 F) are common, while in winter (June to August) overnight temperatures often fall below freezing point. Winter days are typically bright and sunny, making this the most popular time of year for visitors.

Information about the Arrernte people of Alice Springs can be found at the Strehlow Research Centre, where many fascinating artifacts are displayed. The Araluen Arts Centre maintains a large collection of paintings by Aboriginal artists from the Alice Springs area, including renowned the watercolour painter Albert Namatjira. Many other activities are available in and around Alice Springs, including hot air ballooning, horse and camel riding, cycling, and excursions to nearby natural attractions in the MacDonnell Ranges. Alice Springs also hosts a variety of events and festivals in the cooler months between May and September.

Alice Springs is well serviced with accommodation suited to all tastes and budgets, from backpacker hostels to luxury hotels, and has several good restaurants. Alice Springs is easily accessible by air or bus from all Australian capital cities. To travel in style to Alice Springs, consider the luxurious Ghan train which departs from Darwin, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. Cars can be carried on the Ghan so that your own transport is available when you arrive in Alice Springs.Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Miguel Scaccialupo writes regularly on Alice Springs Tour topics including Alice Springs Tour destinations and Alice Springs Tour itineraries.

When Captain James Cook’s British Fleet arrived at Botany Bay in 1788, he brought with him nearly a thousand convicts from Great Britain to establish a penal settlement, which became the small colony at The Rocks that would sprout into Sydney. At this time, aboriginal people had inhabited the area for over 30,000 years and were largely killed off or retreated into the Blue Mountains. The surrounding area is still full of stone carvings that visitors may view today; travelers may also partake in the growing recognition and celebration of indigenous culture. In addition to the largely Anglo-Celtic population, the 20th century brought to Sydney a new wave of immigration from Croatia, Lebanon, Argentina and Turkey to name but a small fraction and today the city is a culinary and cosmopolitan cornerstone of the globe not to be missed!

Harbor Hopping and Ferry Frolicking
Sydney occupies the largest natural harbor in the world and offers divinely picturesque sunset views from nearly any of the 70 harbor beaches in the metropolitan region. The best way to see the harbor is by taking a ferry from central Sydney to the Toronga Zoo, where koala, platypus and about 3,000 other endangered or rare species enjoy prime oceanfront property. The Royal Botanical Garden in central Sydney is also quite remarkable, featuring the preserved site of the colony’s first paltry vegetable patch. To the southwest, Bondi Beach is Sydney’s sandy seaside escape, complete with gelato vendors, funky pubs and an overall air of relaxation.

There are even more ways to enjoy the city proper when you travel to Sydney, including one of the open-air performances on the Opera House terrace during the summer. The iconic Harbour Bridge, known as the ‘coathanger’ among locals, is an adventure in itself. Climb the stairs of the southeast pylon for an unimaginable view of the harbor or pay a bit extra in money and adrenalin and spend a few hours actually climbing the bridge through a certified company. For the more earth-bound, the Museum of Contemporary Art is a point of interest, if only for the terrific Art Deco building in which it resides, and the Art Gallery houses an impressive collection of 18th and 19th century works. Following a long day of harbors, beaches, art and amusement, King’s Cross is just the perfect blend of trendy class and underground subculture for a fine meal, chichi cocktail or gritty groove.

In many ways, Sydney is the heart and soul of Oceania. A true melting pot of cultures, ecology and histories, Sydney is the capital of Australia in every respect but title. Discover this fascinating part of the southern hemisphere from the pleasures and treasures of Sydney, a remarkably diverse, mature and modern metropolis.Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

For more information on international travel and discount airfare to Sydney, visit www.cfares.com, your source for cheap airfare on the web.