When most people think of Australia they first thing that they think of is the Outback, the Outback is mainly in the Australia Northern Territory. Darwin is by far the largest city in the very sparsely populated Northern Territory, and it is famous for some of the most beautiful and rugged terrain in the entire southern hemisphere. The thing that will stand out the most to you about Darwin is that is built upon a slight buff offering the whole city some stunning views.

One of the most important aspects of any accommodation is the location, and Star City Darwin does not disappoint on this front. With its glorious surroundings on an incredible 18 acre beach front property Star City Darwin is more a world class resort than a stuffy old casino. And considering it is only 15 minutes from the airport and easy walking distance to the centre of the city of Darwin you can be sure to find your Darwin casino vacation is focussed on enjoyment rather than being in transit.

One of the key parts of your Darwin casino vacation seeing the many attractions that are within a short distance of the casino;

• The world famous Charles Darwin National Park

• The quaint outdoor deck chair cinema

• National Trust listed Kakadu National Park

• The iconic Ghan Railway

• The dramatic Katherine Gorge

When people tell you that it gets Darwin, they are wrong, it’s extremely hot, but trust me that is a very big part of Darwin’s appeal. The average temperature during the really hot period is 89 °F whilst the cooler months it averages around 74 °F. Not surprisingly the majority of tourist activity in Darwin happens during these cooler months. In all honesty it’s hard to imagine a better place for your casino vacation in Australia than a great modern casino on the beach in a Tropical climate.

The gaming that is on offer at Star City Darwin is a well conceived combination of the old favourites and more modern games, but both will get your blood pumping. You can try your luck with Baccarat, Roulette, Caribbean Stud Poker, Blackjack, Two Up, the Money Wheel, Perfect Pairs, Dice and with so many games you are sure to find one that you can win big on.

One of the benefits of Star City casino Darwin being such a hit with international tourists is that they provide many conveniently located foreign currency exchange stores. So there is no need for you to waste your time searching for a place to change your money over to good old Aussie dollars.

One of the most memorable parts of your Darwin casino vacation will be the incredible variety and freshness of the food. From silver service fine dining, to an authentic Asian feast or even an indulgent seafood buffet, you can be sure that Star City Darwin has the perfect culinary delight for you No matter what your appetite; after all it is your Darwin casino vacation.

One of the best features of Darwin is the lively nightlife and the party starts at Star City itself, and this party atmosphere has made it famous amongst tourists all over the world. While you are enjoying a relaxing drink you can be sure that the locals will join you too to discuss the local culture and tell you the history of the local indigenous communities. And when you consider the warm climate it’s always a smart idea to drop into a bar to cool down and re-hydrate.

The hotel accommodation in Star City Darwin is best summed up in one easy word “resort” after one look in the lavishly appointed rooms and at the views of the tropical rainforest surrounding the hotel you will be convinced that you have found paradise. No hotel will improve your holiday if it doesn’t have the right facilities, and Star City has everything that you need including the fitness centre, tennis courts, a putting green, a glorious pool, a nine-hole golf course and don’t forget the brilliant walking paths that lead right into the forest next door.

Star City Darwin is considered by those in the know to be one the most picturesque casino in Australia, with its perfect location, great facilities and easy access to some of the most amazing world heritage listed parks it’s easy to loose yourself and really enjoy your Darwin casino vacation, aussiecasino07.

By: Sam Philp

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The Hawksbill Turtle (eretmochelys imbricata) typically occurs in tidal and sub-tidal coral and rocky reef habitats throughout tropical and sub-tropical waters.

Sponges make up a major part of the diet of Hawksbills, although they also feed on seagrasses, algae, soft corals and shellfish.

The Hawksbill turtle has a distinctive parrot-like beak. Other characteristics include:

• 4 pairs or more of large scales on either side (coastal scales)

• Thick overlapping carapace (protective, shell-like covering on the back of the turtle) scales

• Carapace low domed with upturned edges

• Adult carapace approx. 0.8m

• Colour olive grey


In Australia the main feeding area extends along the East Coast, including the Great Barrier Reef. Other feeding areas include Torres Strait and the archipelagos of the Northern Territory and Western Australia, as far south as Coral Bay and Shark Bay.

In Western Australia, Hawksbills generally have smaller annual nesting populations of tens to hundreds of turtles. However, they have an extended nesting period and may nest at any time of the year. Their peak nesting period is between October and February. They often share the nesting beaches mid-season with other species of turtles, but commence breeding much earlier.

Confirmed northern Gascoyne region nesting locations include Ningaloo beaches from the Coral Bay area north to the Muiron Islands. There are no records of Hawksbills nesting at more southerly locations.

As at December 2005, a total of about 2,500 nesting females had been tagged and released for population studies.

There is a widespread belief that the Hawksbill can be poisonous. Australian Aboriginal people believe this, and usually harvest only the eggs at coastal sites. Some minor illegal trade in Hawksbill turtle shells has been detected in recent times but there is now no evidence of organised or substantial trade within Australia. Historic external trade did occur.

This page not only has a lot of information about marine turtles, but have a look at my other related topics including:

• Life-cycle of Marine Turtles

• Green Turtles

• Loggerhead Turtles

• Marine Turtles at Coral Bay, Ningaloo Reef

By: Ian Molloy

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It doesn’t matter if you are travelling from Ayers Rock, Adelaide, Darwin or Tennant Creek, all roads lead to Alice Springs, and with two majestic ranges on either side it is so worth exploring the wilderness just outside the city. Only one hundred kilometres to the east from Alice are the breathtaking Eastern MacDonnell Ranges. Although not as well known as the ranges to the West, they offer incredible walks, magnificent views and a diversity you will find hard to match. The natural gorges are the drawcard to this rugged wilderness, with Ruby, Trephina and Ndhala Gorges all equally spectacular, and plenty of incredible landmarks accessible by campervan.

If you would prefer to base yourself in Alice, the MacDonnell Range Holiday Park is one of the best you will find, with every convenience and extra facility to make your holiday even more relaxing. Just a few kilometres out of town, there are playgrounds, bike tracks, go carts, swimming pools, games room and spacious grounds so you can get settled in style before you start exploring.

To get to the East MacDonnell Ranges, head south from Alice Springs and turn into the Ross Highway. There are enough signs along the way, as well as a few nature parks well worth a visit.

Starting with Trephina Gorge Nature Park, you could spend a good week here exploring the winding creeks, clear waterholes and panoramic lookouts. Eagles dominate the skyline, and there is plenty of wildlife for nature lovers. It would be easy to feel like you had already experienced the diversity of the ranges with so much to offer in this gorge alone. It is one of the most popular of the gorges, being the nearest to civilisation, with five beautiful walks suitable for most fitness levels ranging from under an hour to over six hours.

One of the most popular destinations for many travellers to this remote spot in the Territory is Ross River Resort, the
ideal base for all your adventures, or a chance to unwind with the eagles and wilderness for company. Along with cosy log cabins, there is a fantastic caravan park which is ideal for a night or two in rich outback territory. For the adventurous there is camel riding and horse riding available, or for those who would prefer to keep their feet on the ground, fossicking for gold is an enjoyable past time as this area.

Head another fifteen kilometres into the ranges and you will reach N’Dhala Gorge Nature Park. This is perfect for lovers of aboriginal history, with rock carvings everywhere you look within the walls of the gorges. This area is mostly accessible but some roads require a four wheel drive.

Another popular camping spot is the Gemtree Caravan Park. With lush grounds and plenty of room to move, it’s a great place to set up camp and enjoy nature at its best. Take another fossicking tour, or enjoy a campfire and billy tea. There is even a golf course for those who feel like a hit.

Ruby Gap Nature Park is another forty kilometres away, and only accessible by four wheel drive. It is worth the trek, if you can get there, and an overnight camping experience here is one of life’s pleasures you would find hard to beat as this region is one of the most beautiful in the Northern Territory.

The East MacDonnell Ranges is the ultimate oasis in the desert. Although often compared to the popular Western MacDonnell Ranges, it is appealing that there are not as many tourists and more locals. The scenery is rugged and magnificent, and if you are looking for adventure and wildlife at its best than this is one place you need to find yourself.

A Northern Territory adventure couldn’t be easier to organise, with our campervans available for pick up and drop off in Darwin or Alice Springs. The freedom to come and go as you please makes a campervan adventure one of the most enjoyable ways to travel. And the East MacDonnell Ranges have never looked better.

By: Jenny Brewer

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Drinking litres of water, brushing away the sticky flies, wiping the sweat from your hot face are the consequences of driving during summer from Mount Isa, Queensland to Barkly Homestead, Northern Territory. We are suffering in 43 degree heat (110F) in our Mazda T3500 which tows our 18ft caravan.

Red soil country surrounds the hot bitumen road, and is dotted with termite mounds and black and white gnarled shrubs, which sprout light green leaf. White rock reflects off red hillsides and an old bitumen road runs beside the new road for several klms. A cow carcass lies amongst the patches of spinifex grass and we pass a few old abandoned cars and a rusty windmill.

Yesterday, we drove 75klms from Mt Isa and parked the night in a rest stop. We were rewarded with a bonus of a spectacular sky. Not only trillions of bright twinkling stars, but a wonderful show of flash lightening. Overhead, an unusual dark cloud floated, which we suspected could be a plague of locusts. The lightening was low on the horizon, so it was not coming from our cloud. But we did notice several locusts dropping in.

We have been traveling Australia and house sitting randomly for 6 months, but are still getting the gliches sorted with our bus and caravan. Fortunately, my hubby, Larry, is able to fix anything that needs fixing or building – be it a small table in the front to set my laptop on, and to fasten a fan on it to cool me down. He also fit 12 volt accessory plugs, which run to the battery in the bus, to allow the fridge, fan and my laptop to operate.

This he did after refitting the bus and caravan, placing an exhaust fan in the bus roof to draw out the hot air, lining all the interior, making the bus and van dust proof etc.

We belong to a house-sitting site and can choose any area. We have house-sat in Townsville and Mount Isa and now are heading to Alice Springs NT for a two month house sit. How good is that? And no rent to pay!

We have just stopped at Camooweal for a cold drink at the hotel. We would stay for lunch but it is only 11am and lunch isn’t on until 12.30pm. Since we have a 12 volt fridge to keep cold, we had better keep going.

I click away with my camera and get some great shots of a few brolgas in the wet paddocks and a wedge tailed eagle that is swooping on roadkill. Hold on, the 12 volt power just cut out. Oh well, Larry will have to go back to the drawing board.

Finally found a place to stop but immediately attacked by hordes of flies. Or is that a cluster? Group? Gathering? Plethora? Swarm? Well,it is my story so I will call them a mob of flies. You must eat with your mouth and eyes closed or one will go down with the sandwich while another bites you in the eye.

We are on the road again, and oh! is it hot! By the way, Larry did fix the wiring, which had a bad connection. Just as well as it could cost us a fortune to have all this work done. However, we would need to find an available tradesperson first.

After thinking that the world was about to catch fire with this terrible heat, we have found a cool spot under shady trees. Whoops! Here comes a threatening thunder storm, so we will have to take the van into the open.

Ah! At last. We have just had a very refreshing shower in the bus. The water from our tanks is almost boiling from the road heat, so had to let it cool in the portable shower container. After welcome rain, the hot conditions are cooling, so we take a walk along a bush track.

We find a Canadian cyclist who has pitched his tent. He tells us of his ride from Darwin to Perth, across the Nullarbor, up through the centre and in only 3 months. He is almost into Queensland. What an amazing feat.

After a restful night, except when woken by loud claps of thunder and a vivid display of lightening, we are on the road towards Barkley Homestead. It was hot this morning but after a light shower of rain, it has cooled considerably.

As we travel along, there is plenty of evidence of heavy rain through the night. Just what is needed here. The highways can be cut for several days or weeks during the wet season of November to March, so it is best to always take a good supply of food and water.

After driving through flat country dotted with Mitchell grass, we have arrived at Barkly Homestead which has a caravan park, restaurant and fuel available. Due to its isolation, cost of fuel is extremely high, so we use the supplies of fuel that we carry until the next stop at The Three Ways Roadhouse, which is 180klms further on at the intersection of the Barkly and Stuart Highway.

The distance from Mount Isa to Camooweal is 188klms, Camooweal to the Qld border is 13klms, then it is about 80klms to Barkly Homestead Roadhouse.

The best time to travel through this area is during the winter months of April to late October.

By: Patricia Lilly

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Here are ten suggestions for Australia tourist attractions that we have found to be fascinating, educational or just plain fun. Just in case you get this question the next time you play trivia: Australia is the sixth largest nation in the world. It’s smaller than Brazil and is the only continent nation that owns the entire continent. There are six states or territories in Australia: Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales.

Canberra Australia is the national capital of Australia, similar to Washington, D.C. in the U.S. Take in the history of this nation by visiting the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, the Australian War Memorial and the nation’s Parliament House.

Gold Coast Australia can be found in Queensland and is home of the Australian Outback Spectacular, a fantastic dinner theater. You’ll also want to check out Australia’s most favorite theme park; Dreamworld. To cool down spend the day at Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World.

Located in New South Wales, Sidney Australia is a cosmopolitan city with plenty to do. Visit Sydney Wildlife World to see and learn about Australia unique flora and fauna.

Ayers Rock Australia is a sacred landmark to the Uluru aborigines and is also the largest and most recognized monolith in the world. A visit will educate you about the role this large rock plays in the Dreamtime legend.

Adelaide Australia can be found in South Australia and offers many memorable attractions for visitors. While you’re there, visit the Adelaide Botanic Garden, the Aboriginal Art Gallery and the Adelaide Central Gallery. Take a winery tour of Aldinga Bay Winery, dine at the Aldgate Pump Hotel, and then head over to the Ambra Limoncello for a delicious after-dinner Italian lemon liqueur aperitif.

While you are in Albany Western Australia visit the historic whaling station, Whale World. There you’ll learn about the origin of the small city of less than 40,000 residents.

Probably the most interesting thing you can do when in Darwin Australia is to participate in Aquascene. Every day during high tide wild fish swarm toward shore where they allow people to hand feed them bread. Can you say “spoiled”?

On Tasmania, the island off the coast of Australia, one will find the city of Hobart. While there you’ll get a kick out of the Alpenrail Swiss Model Village and Railway. This is a large miniaturization Switzerland laid out in an area the size of two average houses.

Melbourne Australia is a modern city located in Victoria. Visitor there often visit the Aboriginal Heritage Walk where they get a real understanding of the history of this great city.

By: CL Hendricks

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Being a Tourism writer most of time is spent on planes and in chauffeur driven cars, or even taxis. Unfortunately for me one of my greatest passions in life is driving. So my dream holiday has always been to drive around Australia, considering the size of the country that is quite a big dream to have. So I decided to follow my dream and to keep a record of it as a guide to any tourist’s domestic or international that would like to try the same thing.

As I said I’ve always wanted to take a long holiday in a beautiful place with lovely weather and long seemingly endless roads where I would be able to drive to my heart’s content. This year I’d decided to finally take the long awaited holiday around Australia and I’m glad I did.
Being an Australian there is a certain amount of patriotism involved in this venture. But it is such a massive and beautiful country that the only way to really appreciate it is to drive across the whole damn thing.

To start things off I organised my car, car hire in Australia is a pretty straight forward process and it wasn’t long before I was all paid up and ready to start the great journey. Driving in on your Australian holiday isn’t that big an issue if you are from the UK or New Zealand as the cars drive on the same side of the road. But for visitors from other parts of the world it can be quite a challenge, but take your time and don’t rush and you can have a great driving holiday around Australia.

My holiday in Australia started out from the gold coast in Queensland where I was staying and decided to move towards the northern territory. This region is a striking study in contrasts. I drove through the lush rainforests of Kakadu and Katherine to the arid red desert of the Red Centre in Alice Springs. I also went to the great rock, Uluru. The land is full of surprises. One minute you’re in a rain forest and the next you’ve crossed into an arid plain. Amazing! I’d never imagined that my Holiday in Australia could be so interesting.

From the Northern Territory I moved south wards to the Southern part of Australia where the wineries are located. I had a fabulous time and really enjoyed this part of my holiday in Australia. I visited a couple of the famous wineries and enjoyed driving through the vineyards.

I was sorry when my two weeks of holiday time in Australia came to an end and I had to come back. I would have loved to extend my holiday in Australia but then work is work.

I’d love to go back. I’m already making plans to take another holiday in Australia and this time I’m going to explore the other regions and the National capital territory.

I had a great time and I’m sure that any one who goes will have a fabulous holiday in Australia.

By: Sam Philp

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The centre of Australia is dominated by millions of square kilometres of sunbaked red earth, punctuated irregularly by geological features that vary in their degree of spectacle from interesting to completely mind blowing. Modern tourists seem to be on a quest for seclusion- as the world gets smaller and smaller we are running out of places to escape the ‘madding crowd’, so we are broadening the scope of destinations we visit. As a result deserts are seeing a surge in the number of annual visitors, as no where else can really offer the isolation and the wide open spaces of a desert. Various spots in the Australian Red centre have benefited from this shift in trends, and one such spot is the Watarrka National Park in the Northern Territory, home to the majestic Kings Canyon.

When in the Alice Springs region a campervan tour to Kings Canyon is a novel way to get out on the road and see some amazing scenery. 350 kilometres south west of Alice, Watarrka National Park lies on the Western Side of the George Gill Ranges, and is characterised by high sided gorges and mountainous rocky landscapes, all showing the same red hue that is seen across most of the outback. As an important conservation area the Park is home to over 600 species of flora and fauna, many of them very rare, and all of them adapted to the desert environment in weird and wonderful ways – think jumping snakes, bearded dragons and thorny lizards!

The main feature of the Park is Kings canyon. At its deepest point it reaches some 270 metres in depth, and its high walls provide protection for the forests of palms and cycads that flourish on its walls and floor. The area has a rich and interesting Aboriginal history, and has been home to the Luritja people for more than 20 000 years. Westerners are relative newcomers to its charms, with the first white man to discover it being Ernest Giles in 1872. Today it is one of the most visited areas in the Northern Territory, and caters towards thousands of visitors a month. There is a visitors centre about 20 kilometres away from the gorge, and although this isnt always manned it provides a good introduction to the history, culture and attractions of the region.

The best way to see Kings Canyon is to take one of the walking trails into the canyon, past the best viewing points and normally away from the crowds. A short and easy walk leads into the centre of Kings Canyon, and is suitable for kids or anyone with mobility difficulties. Theres is a longer one (6 kilometres), which takes about three hours to complete and goes along the canyon rim. From various points on this one you can see such attractions as The ‘Lost City’, which is a series of beehive like rock formations that look like an ancient ruins. Another is the Garden of Eden, a deliciously cool valley with serene waterholes surrounded by lush vegetation.

The Kings Canyon has a little sister too, it lies nearby and is known as Kathleen Gorge. This gorge has a spring fed waterhole at its head known as Kathleen Springs, which are popular amongst bushwalkers looking to cool off after a hot day in the sun. There are a number of bushwalks here that are suitable for children, and there is even one that joins up with Kings Canyon. This should only be attempted by the very fit, and rangers must be notified about your walk before you set out. Many people choose to overnight on this walk, as it is a long distance to cover in a single day.

Being such an isolated spot, accommodation out here is fairly limited. Kings Creek Station is a camel and cattle ranch that has a large and shady campsite where you can park up your motorhome with the other campers. There are also safari like lodgings for travellers who arent into the camping thing! A restaurant and a swimming pool complete the creature comforts, and dont visit here without trying one of their infamous camel burgers!

Your journey to Kings Canyon can go through a number of places. You can include the East Macdonnell Ranges in it, then return to Alice via Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the West Macdonnell Ranges. Research is required here, and you will need to adjust your trip and where you go according to how long you have on your holiday. However long you take and whichever places you visit this holiday is likely to instill a deep affectation for desert environments in you, and be warned it is hard to get rid of. So I guess we’ll be seeing you again next year!

By: Gavin Wyatt

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While planning any holiday and vacation, the main consideration for anyone would be to find a suitable hotel that should be comfortable and it shouldn’t be very expensive at the same time. Often, the customers are keen on saving money on lodging. This is also true and valid in its own way. It looks pretty absurd to shell out a lion’s share of your budget to pay off for a place that would only be used for 8 to 10 hours of the day.

Generally, you state your requirements to your local travel agent and he fixes the deal accordingly. But hotel reservation can also be sought from the World Wide Web and you can have a more detailed choice in selecting the suitable cheap hotel out of numerous, that are available in your desired destination. For this purpose, there are various travel comparison shopping portals that can assist you with your choice. And it is also advisable to reserve your hotel rooms along with a specific travel package as it really cuts down the cost of the reservation that you might have to pay, without the travel package.

The online hotels bookings could also fetch you with a good discount which comes as a privilege to all the netizens. However, there are certain points that one must take into consideration while booking his reservations. There are many phoney travel websites that may not provide you with all the travel facilities as stated. You should also be clear regarding the disadvantages of taking the hotel in the suburbs of the particular destination as you might need to pay a heavy commuting fee for sightseeing. So, the distance of the hotel/resort from the heart of the city should be clearly taken into consideration while you book your stay in a particular hotel.

So, you must be precarious and fully aware about the pros and cons of the cheap hotels that are selected from the World Wide Web. And then you can fully enjoy the benefits of cheap hotels.

By: Adam Jaylin

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From Kakadu National Park to Darwin extends an area known as the ‘top end’ of Australia. It is where warm weather, stunning contrasting outback terrain and delicate vegetation and unique fauna merge, to provide an eco-system vacant of modern society, making it another of the great places to stay in Australia.

Water-lilies drift on billabongs, flocks of magpie geese and cockatoos hang suspended in thermal currents, with caves and rock faces embellished in ancient aboriginal art becoming artefacts from an age passed.

Kakadu – owned by the Aboriginal people – covers approximately 20,000 square kilometres of some of Australia’s most untamed and alluring wilderness. Scattered with rainforest alcoves, forest swamps and dwarf scrubland, Kakadu is home to some of Australia’s most exclusive and rare animal species. However, caution must be taken when exploring this magnificent expanse because the crocodiles that also live here are occasionally prone to chewing on the odd foolish tourist who doesn’t follow their tour guide’s safety instructions!

Ignorant Tourists beware!

Climate ranges from about 19 degrees celsius in July (dry-season) and up to a maximum of about 30 degrees, with a minimum of 25 degrees in January (wet-season) and up to 32 degrees maximum.

Two of the easiest-to-get-to rock-art sites are Ubirr and Nourlangie Rock, with many of the paintings being over 60,000 years old. Luxury travel in the top end is via 4WD with some of the most stunning sites to be seen by pre-arranged and guided safari tours.

Several of the more well known ones are:

Guliyambi East Alligator River Cruises – which show the stark contrast of the landscape and denotes the scenic river setting Magela Cultural and Heritage Tour – which journeys across isolated and restricted areas and allows you to experience aboriginal culture at its rawest Dreamtime Safaris – Stay with the Tablon tribe as they demonstrate their way of life in an exclusive luxury camp setting which provides alternative accommodation

Should you be a collector of rare Aboriginal art, then several art galleries that you can not afford to miss while in Darwin are Aboriginal Fine Arts, Cultural Images, Ampiji, and Indigenous Creations, while Kakadu has The Marrwuddi Gallery and Warradjan Cultural Centre.

Luxury accommodation in the top end includes a tree-top wilderness retreat in the tropical rainforests on the shore of Seven Spirit Bay and the beachside resort of Skycity in Darwin.

Simply Lush (www.simplylush.com) can direct you to either of these spots, and others still, with the click of a button.

By: James Lush

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Tasmania is an island off the South Eastern coast of Australia, separated from the main land by the Bass Strait. Tasmania is the name of the island as well as being one of the seven Australian states. Sometimes referred to as the Natural State, or the Island of Inspiration, almost 40 percent of Tasmania’s land is preserved as a World Heritage Listed area. This temperate island paradise boasts 20 national parks, and the mild sunny climate makes this a prosperous region for making fine foods and wine.

The capitol of Tasmania is Australia’s second oldest city, Hobart. With the River Derwent running through it and Mount Wellington just behind, Hobart does not lack charm and beauty. Many of the historic colonial houses and buildings in Hobart have been preserved, and are now used as restaurants, art studios, cafes and boutique hotels.

Some of the most popular attractions in Hobart include:

• Bonorong Wildlife Center offers visitors the chance to interact with native animals, including koalas, Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, emus and wombats. Open year round, except for national holidays. Tours run twice daily.

• Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens are located near the city center and are home to historic plant collections and a large number of significant trees, some dating back to the nineteenth century. Open year round except for Christmas day and Good Friday. Admission is free!

• Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is a great place to find out about Tasmania’s history, including its Aboriginal heritage. Also features traveling art exhibits. Open year round. Admission is free!

• Salamanca Place is Hobart’s entertainment hotspot, offering a wide variety of shopping, restaurants, galleries, pubs and nightlife. It is home to the famous Salamanca Market, which is open every Saturday.

• Kayak tours are one of the best, and perhaps most interesting way to see Hobart. Dozens of tour companies offer these tours year round. Most are about 2 hours long.

• Walking tours can be a fun way to see this scenic city. There are many different tour options available, one to suit just about everyone, including historic tours, coastal walks, treasure hunts and ghost tours.

Mount Wellington stands right behind the city of Hobart. When it is not covered in snow, there are many walking trails to explore its heavily forested slopes. Near the top is an enclosed look out which provides spectacular views of the city below.

Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs are located approximately 80 miles south of Hobart. The richly decorated cave is one of the few caves in Australia formed by dolomite. It began forming over 40 million years ago. Admission to the Cave Tour also includes use of the thermal spring pools, changing rooms, hot showers and barbeques for the day. Open year round.

Port Arthur Historic Site is the best preserved convict settlement in Australia. Every feature of this historic site has a story to tell. Besides the historic buildings, Port Arthur also features magnificent gardens, guided tours and a restaurant and café. It is open every day of the year, except Christmas.

The Cradle Mountain – Lake St. Claire National Park is one of the most popular and beautiful natural areas in Tasmania. The park contains a network of walking trails and paths, many of them leading to lookout points with breathtaking views below. There are many picnic areas complete with barbeques throughout the park.

Vineyards and Wineries. Tasmania has over 60 vineyards and wineries, spanning over seven wine regions, mainly on the east side of the state. The wines produced in Tasmania include Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling and Pinot Noir, just to name a few. Many of the wineries offer tours and free wine tastings.

Look for our series of articles on the six other states of Australia including Victoria, New South Wales, Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland.

Contact a Professional Travel Agent today to book your dream vacation to Australia!

By: Trisha Garbrick

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