Is This the World’s Best Beach? Trip Advisor Readers Think So

Want more valuable information on Australia?

Here’s great news!  My new book “How to Discover the Best of Australia” is now available on Amazon Kindle and can be accessed on your Kindle Reader, iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, Android devices, PC and Mac.

It was written by backpackers and singles for those who want to discover the adventure and excitement of the REAL Australia. If you love adventure and meeting others just like you, you’ll love the secret places and experiences in this special report.

Here’s more good news! As a special introductory offer it is available for the ridiculously low $8.97!  Don’t miss out. Go here NOW!

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Are you looking for a beach that satisfies all your requirements for the near perfect relaxing holiday location? A tropical beach with warm, crystal clear turquoise water and clean  white sand. A beach where you could walk for ages and hardly ever see another person.  A place with no high rise apartments or huge hotels to block the pristine, unspoilt landscape. Does this little piece of paradise really exist or is it a dream? Read on to find out.

Cable Beach Broome as the sun sets into the Indian Ocean

My wife Ros and I live in Perth Western Australia and we wanted to go somewhere warm and relaxing to celebrate a special birthday. It was late July, midwinter in Australia and Perth was cold and rainy.

We chose Broome, a popular spot for Aussies wishing to escape the cold of their southern Australian cities but virtually unknown to international vacationers.

It is in the remote and pristine Kimberley region of Western Australia and competes with Tropical North Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef for the Aussie tourist dollar. It also competes with Bali, Australia’s Indonesian neighbour to the north.

Broome’s  big advantage is that it is uncrowded and clean. No high rise apartments, no pollution, no touts flogging fake Rolexes to bother you. Just a laid back tropical resort with a beautiful beach called Cable Beach.

Three hours after leaving Perth, we were in Broome. The weather was warm and the sky was cloudless. Relaxation and 5 days of bliss had started. Cable beach is just a short bus ride away from the town centre and our accommodation was a 5 minute walk from the beach.

We arrived at the beach just as the sun was setting in the Indian Ocean and we celebrated with a cocktail special at the Cable Beach Resort situated alongside the beach.

The following morning we decided to walk along part of the beach (it is 22km long!) from Guantham Point back to the resort. It took us 2 hours walking in the sunshine and paddling in the clear warm water and during that time we passed no more than 10 people. To us that was true holiday bliss and a total contrast to the noise, crowds and pollution of many of the world’s best beaches.

Camel rides at sunset. Broome Western Australia

To finish the day Ros took part in one of Cable Beach’s world famous attractions—a sunset camel ride. She loved the experience of lurching along the edge of the water on one of 10 camels but I was happy to take photos and enjoy watching the silhouette of the camel train in the sunset.

The world’s best beach?  Debatable.  I actually prefer Trip Advisor’s second choice, Whitehaven Beach in the Queensland Whitsundays. I rank them as the 2 best beaches in Australia.

The world’s best relaxing beach experience?  Show me a better one!

July 13, 2011 by graeme in Uncategorized
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Why is Perth Australia a Magnet for Vacationers and International Students?

Dear AustralianTravel Lover,

I hope you enjoy this travelblog on the best of Australia. Many thousands of positive comments from readers indicate a huge interest in Australia, either to travel there or simply enjoy the stories on my homeland.

I have had numerous requests from readers to start a Facebook fan page so that I can share my travel stories and secrets with you on my wall. These discoveries and insider tips are completely FREE and are sent to you automatically when I make a new post.

I would love you to be a fan on my NEW page. Here is the link:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Travel-Tips-Australia/216346415871

Simply click “Like”. Nothing to buy. Just FREE information.

PS. Read what others have to say about my new book. 

“Graeme, I have just been reading your complimentary Australia for Backpackers which I received when I purchased your Travel Tips E-Book. What a fabulous publication, chock full of relevant information with links for the most up-to-date information. I am recommending this to my American friends for their upcoming trip to Australia. Although we are well over the typical ‘backpacker’ age, we all like to get value for our travel $ and your publication certainly assists with this. The different State sections are really well laid out and easy to read. Thank you.”
Beryl Morris, Perth, Australia

Get it all right now at: http://www.traveltipsaustralia.com 

Now sit back, relax, grab yourself a coffee, and enjoy the story on Perth, Australia’s sunniest capital.

Warmly,

Graeme.

Cottesloe beach near Perth, is ranked as one of the 10 best in the world

 

Did you know that in a recent survey conducted by “The Economist”, Perth was ranked in the top 10 of the world’s most liveable cities?

Visitors to Australia, including backpackers and international students, consistently rank Perth as their favourite Australian destination.

Apart from being the closest major Australian city to Asia, it also boasts numerous attractions to make it a magnet for visitors worldwide.

What do visitors say they love about Perth?

Here are their 7 favourites.

  1. The sunshine and warm climate.
  2. The Beaches.
  3. Kings Park
  4. Rottnest Island
  5. The uncrowded and laid back lifestyle.
  6. The wildlife.
  7. The Swan River and Belltower.

 The sunshine and warm climate.

Perth is Australia’s, sunniest capital city   and even in the depths of winter when it rains the most, the days are mostly crisp, fine and clear. The summer months from December to February are almost rainless, enabling its citizens and visitors to enjoy a great outdoor lifestyle.

See also: “Discover the magic of Perth, city of festivals and summer sunshine.”

The Beaches.

The Indian Ocean coastline close to Perth and Fremantle has some of the finest beaches in Australia. Some say in the world. Beaches like Scarborough and Cottesloe are popular with swimmers, surfers and sun lovers, have great entertainment and dining and are easily accessible to the city.

Cottesloe has been ranked as one of the top 10 beaches in the world.

Kings Park.

The Kings Park Festival celebrates the floral beauty of Western Australia

Situated on the city’s doorstep with commanding views of Perth and the Swan River, Kings Park is a “must see” destination for all visitors. Numerous walkways allow you to enjoy this special place at your leisure.

A particular feature of Kings Park is the wildflower festival conducted each year in the spring. It is an amazing floral display of blooms normally seen in Outback Western Australia and this feature alone attracts visitors worldwide.

For more on wildflowers, see my separate travelblogs “Discover an amazing wildflower festival on the doorsteps of Perth Australia” and “Is this the world’s biggest wildflower garden?”

Rottnest Island.

Backpackers and International Students love the laid back lifestyle of Rottnest Island

Situated in the Indian Ocean, just a short ferry ride from Fremantle on the mainland, Rottnest is the favourite holiday destination for West Australians.

From the moment you leave the ferry, you enter a different world. For starters there are no private motor vehicles and you can walk or cycle the near empty roads in complete safety.

The beaches are clean and pristine and if you love snorkelling and sharing the numerous bays with colourful fish and coral, this place is a paradise.

Rottnest has often been compared to the Greek Islands “without the crowds” and on a recent visit, swam at a beach called “Little Salmon Bay” It was a beautiful warm, sunny day and I had the beach entirely to myself! 

Rottnest is the only home to a unique Australian animal called a Quokka. A distant relative of the kangaroo, it is very tame and can be viewed at close quarters on special tours conducted by Rottnest Island Voluntary Guides.

See also: “Does this magical island have the world’s best beaches?”

The Uncrowded, Laid Back Lifestyle.

Visitors from polluted cities, particularly international students from Asia, consistently remark on how clear, fresh, clean and unpolluted the air is in Perth. They love the lack of crowds and casual, happy, laidback lifestyle. One remarked: “At night you can actually see the stars twinkling”. 

The Wildlife.

Kangaroos on a golf course? Only in Australia

Visitors to Australia love to see the wildlife. I have already mentioned the Quokkas, but there are numerous opportunities to see unique Australian birds and animals in the wild. In fact, if you play golf your fairway may be blocked by a mob of kangaroos peacefully grazing.

See also: “Playing with kangaroos on a golf course? Only in Australia.”

 

 

The Swan River and Belltower.

The Belltower sits on the banks of the majestic Swan River

A feature of Perth is its location on the banks of the majestic Swan River. To enjoy this river, you have many options.

You can take the short ferry ride across the river for a meal, enjoy the city skyline or visit the South Perth Zoo. You may choose to go up river for a conducted winery tour or take a ferry ride to Fremantle.

To check out these options, go to the ferry terminals at Barrack Square, just behind the Bell Tower.

The Bell Tower houses bells donated by the city of London.  This is a great place to visit for amazing views of the city and river. Try to be there at chiming time. It is an experience you will never forget! For the full story see my separate travelblog “What happened to London’s famous bells of St Martin in the Fields?”

5 Comments
June 6, 2011 by graeme in 7 of the best in Perth Australia
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How to Enjoy these Amazing Views of Melbourne Australia

Dear Australian travel lover,

I hope you enjoy this travelblog on  the best of Australia. Many thousands of positive comments from readers indicate a huge interest in Australia, either to travel there or simply enjoy the stories on my homeland.

I have had numerous requests from readers to start a Facebook fan page so that I can share my travel stories and secrets with you on my wall. These discoveries and insider tips are completely FREE and are sent to you automatically when I make a new post.

I would love you to be a fan on my NEW page. Here is the link:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Travel-Tips-Australia/216346415871

Simply click “Like” and if you choose, write on my wall.

Read what others have to say about my new book:

“Graeme, I have just been reading your complimentary Australia for Backpackers which I received when I purchased your Travel Tips E-Book. What a fabulous publication, chock full of relevant information with links for the most up-to-date information. I am recommending this to my American friends for their upcoming trip to Australia. Although we are well over the typical ‘backpacker’ age, we all like to get value for our travel $ and your publication certainly assists with this. The different State sections are really well laid out and easy to read. Thank you.”
Beryl Morris, Perth, Australia

Get it all right now at: http://www.traveltipsaustralia.com 

Now, grab yourself a coffee, and enjoy the story of Melbourne’s best views.

Warmly,

Graeme. 

I love Melbourne.

Australia’s second largest city is a bustling place with a huge variety of attractions for all visitors.

The Shopping and the Coffee.

My wife Ros, particularly loves the shopping. She enjoys visiting the boutiques in Collins St, Myers and David Jones in the city, Chapel St and Toorak Road in South Yarra and Bridge Road in Richmond.

She also enjoys Melbourne’s vibrant coffee culture and loves nothing more than exploring the arcades and side streets to enjoy a coffee.

The Sport.

My interests are different.

I love the sport in Melbourne and on a recent visit went to Albert Park to enjoy the testosterone buzz of the world’s fastest cars at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.

There was also a race for highly modified Australian sedans called “Supercars”. Petrol heads in Australia  (yes,I am one) love these races between the V8 sedans of Australia’s 2 major car manufacturers, Ford and Holden.

But the major sporting attraction in Melbourne, particularly in the Winter months is Aussie Rules football. It is quite common for the 2 major football venues in Melbourne to attract over 70 000 excited fans for a game between the most popular clubs.

Fine Dining.

We also enjoy things together, including meals at 2 very popular places for visitors as well as locals. For an Italian dining experience, try Lygon St in Carlton. To enjoy amazing city views and great meals, try the numerous restaurants and bistros that line the banks of the Yarra River at Southbank.

The View from the Top. An Experience Above All Else.

Your experience starts at Southbank on the banks of the Yarra River

Southbank is also the home of the best views in Melbourne and on our last visit decided to explore its attractions.

It sits on the top of Melbourne’s tallest building and the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing platform, the Eureka Tower. The views from the top are breathtaking. Even the express lift that takes you from the ground floor to the observation deck, 89 stories and 300 metres above in seconds, is an amazing experience.

How do you get there?

Start at the Tourist Office in Federation Square, cross over the Swanston St bridge alongside Flinders St Station, turn right, down the stairs and follow the path at Southbank for about 200 metres. Look for the gold coloured bees a short distance from the waterfront. The entrance to the tower is just behind.

And ends with these amazing views of Melbourne Australia

Suggestion. Ask if you can have tickets for the day views and night views. As these photos show, you will see the city from two different aspects. If you’re game you may even try the outside viewing platform, called appropriately, “The Edge”!

For further info, visit this link:  http://www.eurekaskydeck.com.au

 

 

 

 Your comments.

Love them, but only if you are genuinely interested in Australia. No computer generated self promotion please. To show you are genuine, please start with “Hi Graeme” or “Graeme”.

1 Comment
June 4, 2011 by graeme in Best views of Melbourne Australia, Uncategorized
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Michael Buble Continues his Love Affair with Australia

Dear Australian travel fan,

I hope you enjoy this blog on some of the best of Australia. Many thousands of positive comments from readers indicate a huge interest in Australia, either to travel there or simply enjoy the articles on my homeland.

I have had numerous requests from readers to start a Facebook fan page so that I can share my insights and discoveries with you on my wall. This informative material is free and is sent to you automatically when I make a new post.

I would love you to be a fan on my NEW page. Here is the link:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Travel-Tips-Australia/216346415871

For 3 special FREE reports on Australia, email me at graeme@graemelanham.com 

Michael Buble makes no secret of his love of Australia. His mentions it frequently in his Australian summer concerts and the joy he experiences in escaping the winter cold of Canada for the warmth and beaches of Australia.

Judging by audience reactions to his concerts, it is pretty obvious Australian concert lovers share the same empathy with him. Sell out concerts throughout Australia are testament to that.

Michael Buble charms the audience at his Perth concert in the grounds of a Swan Valley vineyard

I was privileged to be at one of his Perth concerts.

On a balmy summer’s evening, I joined 12 000 others on the expansive lawns of Sandalford  Estate, a winery situated on the Banks of the Swan River, a short distance from Perth.

Buble weaved his magic with the captive audience.

They loved his jokes and sometimes risque comments on sexuality, life and fellow musicians. But most of all, they loved Michael, the singer, showman and artist. They also loved his refreshing audience contact.

 On a number of occasions he moved down with the audience to sing his songs. He was of course accompanied by guards. There was a natural fear that this heart throb would be mobbed by his army of female fans .The number of knickers waved in the air and thrown onto the stage was testament to that.

Buble is known affectionately as “Sinatra’s heir” and as he sang, he reminded me very much of “Old Blue Eyes” singing an upbeat version of “My Way”.

The visual impact on the huge stage is spectacular

He’s a class act who loves to entertain through music and engaging conversation.

His performance was enhanced by the quality of the musicians in his band and the stunning visual effects.

Facebook comments:

“The best concert I have ever been to, bar none. A brilliant night”

“The whole evening was something special. From the ideal venue to the band and spectacular lighting to the man himself, the whole show oozed class. A night  to remember”.

Footnote.

Perth's Cottesloe beach is ranked as one of the top 10 beaches in the world

In his spare time, Michael likes to go shopping and visiting the beach with his fiancée Luisana Lopilato. As they frolicked and cuddled in the surf at Perth’s Cottesloe beach this week and soaked up the summer sunshine, they could have been just like any other engaged couple.

Except for the fact that he’s sold over 25 million albums word wide and she’s one of Argentina’s most well known dancers, actors and singers.

Dear Friend,

What if you could discover the very best experiences and adventures in Australia from the comfort of your own home?  The Australia Michael  Buble loves! Well now you can and best of all, it’s FREE! Why this generous offer? You see I have a passion for my homeland and love sharing its beauty and secrets with my readers. So for a limited time, I am offering this FREE Gift to you. Don’t miss out. Grab your free copy (valued at $79) plus other special  FREE bonus gifts now at http://www.traveltipsaustralia.com  Warning! This offer could be withdrawn quicker than a croc attack on a Northern Australian river. 

March 7, 2011 by graeme in Michael Buble in Australia
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Melbourne’s Best Backpacker and Singles Accommodation

Want more valuable information on Australia?

Here’s great news!  My new book “How to Discover the Best of Australia” is now available on Amazon Kindle and can be accessed on your Kindle Reader, iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, Android devices, PC and Mac.

It was written by backpackers and singles for those who want to discover the adventure and excitement of the REAL Australia. If you love adventure and meeting others just like you, you’ll love the secret places and experiences in this special report.

Here’s more good news! As a special introductory offer it is available for the ridiculously low $8.97!  Don’t miss out. Go here NOW!

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I do a lot of travelling around Australia in my job as a travel writer. Actually it’s not really a job, it’s a pleasure. I get to see some fantastic places in this land of mine and meet some interesting people.

Almost all the travellers I meet want fun and adventure and experiences that make them HAPPY!

Do you know a major contributing factor to this?

A safe, comfortable place to stay, with good clean facilities and that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. A place where you can meet fellow travellers, enjoy a drink and share travel experiences. A convenient location close to transport and shops is a bonus.

As a backpacker, these are the places where I love to stay.

Melbourne is Australia’s second largest city and is very popular with backpackers and singles. It is a vibrant city with a great night life and lots to see and do. If you love sport, you will love the place. It is home to Aussie Rules football, the Australian Motor Racing Grand Prix and the Australian Open Tennis Championships.

Melbourne is the base for tours around Victoria including The Great Ocean Road and the Victorian High Country. If you love skiing, you will particularly enjoy this spectacular part of Victoria.

So where are the best places to stay in Melbourne?

I’ve stayed in quite a few and now offer my recommendations.

Here are 3 of the best: (not in any order of preference)

Urban Central.

The name says it all. It is centrally located within walking distance of Melbourne CBD and very close to the vibrant nightlife, hotel and restaurant area of Southbank. Recommended visits are to the Crown Casino and the Skydeck on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower. Take your camera as the views of Melbourne are stunning!

Urban Central has won numerous awards and has been described by Lonely Planet travel guide as “The perfect package”

The staff are helpful and friendly and can arrange tours for you either as an individual or part of a group booking.

I particularly liked the atmosphere of the downstairs bar. It is a great place to meet people and to start or end the night.

An additional bonus is free breakfast, free tea and coffee and a free meal every Monday night.

You’ll love it!

http://www.urbancentral.com.au

Melbourne Metro YHA.

Another great place to stay. It has a friendly atmosphere in a quiet suburban atmosphere on the city fringe and easily accessible by tram from the CBD. Catch tram 55 heading north in William St.

It is close to the popular Victoria Markets and the restaurant area of Lygon St Carlton. If you love Italian food, a visit to this area is a “must” and it’s within walking distance of your accommodation.

I enjoyed my stay here. The staff are friendly and there is travel agency for tour bookings. The licensed cafe sells quality food at a reasonable price. It also has a swimming pool and rooftop barbeque area with 360 degree views of the city.

If you are looking for a quiet, secure hostel with excellent facilities and secure car parking, this place is for you.

melbmetro@yhavic.org.au

Melbourne Central YHA. 

Called “Melbourne’s hottest new backpacker hub”, it doesn’t get any more central than this. Situated in Flinders St, about half way between Flinders St and Southern Cross stations, its convenient location makes it an ideal venue for visits to all parts of the city.

Take advantage of the FREE city circle tram service and Melbourne Tourist  Shuttle running past your door to explore the city.

Facilities include a licensed travel desk, compact guest kitchens, lounges on 3 floors with flat screen TVs and high speed internet.

Melbourne Central YHA also boasts the Bertha Brown bar for socialising with other guests.

Overall, a great place to stay, right in the heart of the city.

melbcentral@yhavic.org.au

March 5, 2011 by graeme in Melbourne backpacker accomm (1)
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Warning! Don’t Travel in Australia Without Them

Too much exposure to the hot Aussie sun can be dangerous

Are you a backpacker, single or student? Don’t miss out on this limited opportunity to claim your FREE GIFT BOOK on Australia today. Full details at the end of this article. The special section on survival in the Aussie Outback may even save your life!
 

 

Note the broad rimmed hat and sunglasses worn by this Aussie tour guide

I am a tour guide on the holiday island of Rottnest, a backpackers’ paradise just a short ferry ride off Fremantle on the west coast of Australia.

On one of my tours yesterday, I had a girl, perhaps in her mid twenties from the Netherlands. She had left Amsterdam 4 days before and on her departure day, it was snowing, the temperature was below zero and she hadn’t seen the sun for weeks.

She arrived in the middle of the Australia summer.

On the day she visited Rottnest, it was a typical Perth summer’s day. A bright sunny day with the temperature around 36c or 95f.

When she arrived for my tour, she had been cycling around the picturesque island and she was exhausted, red in the face and suffering badly from dehydration.

Do you know why?

  • She was not wearing a hat or any form of head protection.
  • She was not carrying any water.
  • She had no sunburn cream.
  • She was not wearing dark glasses.

It would be like me walking around Amsterdam in mid winter wearing only my budgie smugglers.*

So we gave her some cold water and sunburn cream and she recovered quickly.

But she was lucky.

A German tourist recently perished in the Outback of Western Australia when his vehicle became bogged. He made the mistake of leaving his vehicle  and walking along the bush track.  The temperature was around 45c (125f), he was not wearing a hat and had no water. His body was found 4 days later.

So here are 5 survival hints for visitors. If you’re an Aussie you should bloody well know them anyway!

  • Buy a broad rimmed hat as soon as you arrive. Caps are useless as they offer no protection for your ears and back of your neck.
  • Never travel anywhere ( particularly in summer) without a water bottle and sip regularly.
  • Sunburn cream is essential for skin protection, particularly on your face, arms and shoulders. If you do get sun burned, Aloe Vera gel is very soothing.
  • Dark glasses are essential for protection against the clear, bright light in Australia. It is totally different to Europe and Canada.
  • If you a travelling in the outback, particularly alone, always advise the police  where you are going and how long you will be away. An emergency radio beacon is a good precaution.

Finally, remember Australia is a beautiful, safe and exciting country to visit .

A few precautions such as these can make it even safer.

They might even save your life!

Are you a backpacker, single or student looking for FUN and ADVENTURE in Australia? If so, don’t miss out on my exciting new travel guide written just for YOU. “Australia4backpackers” answers all the questions backpackers and savvy travellers like you, want to know to enjoy the best happy experiences in Australia. You can be viewing it in minutes.

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What readers are saying: “Graeme, I have just been reading your complimentary Australia 4 Backpackers which I received when I purchased your Travel Tips E-book. What a fabulous publication, chock full of relevant information with links for the most up-to-date information. I am recommending this to my American friends for their upcoming trip to Australia. We all like to get value for our travel $ and your publication certainly assists with this.” Beryl Morris Perth Australia.

*A budgie smuggler is a very brief Aussie swimming cossie usually worn by lifesavers on Australian beaches. It is the male version of the brief bikini. Why the name? Use your imagination!

 

February 22, 2011 by graeme in summer hazards
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Australia Starts New Year 2011 with a Big Bang!

Dear Reader,

These FREE travel blogs are written to provide you with information you will want to know about discovering the BEST of Australia. Many readers have asked for more detailed info and valuable contacts to places they may want to discover in greater detail. This is provided in my 2 popular easily downloadable reports:

  • Travel tips Australia was written for those who really want to explore the Australia tourist guides don’t tell you about. Australia is my passion and I love sharing this passion with you! It’s packed full of happy experiences based on my personal adventures in my homeland and is available at: http://www.traveltipsaustralia.com 
  • Are you a backpacker, single or student looking for FUN and ADVENTURE in Australia? If so, don’t miss out on my exciting new travel guide written just for YOU. It answers all the questions backpackers and savvy travellers like you, want to know to enjoy the best happy experiences in Australia. It’s available for instant download now at http://australia4backpackers.com 

Here’s great news. You can now purchase, download and read both books using your iphone or ipad. All you need is your credit card and both books will be on your screen in minutes. How good and easy is that?

New Year in Australia is the height of summer.

It is a time for beaches, barbeques and fun in the sun. It is also a time for festivals, celebrations, outdoor concerts and major world sporting events.

Here is how it is celebrated in 4 of Australia’s major cities.

Sydney puts on a spectacular new year 2011 fireworks display

  • Sydney Australia.

Sydney is Australia’s largest and most flamboyant city and it loves putting on a good show. The 2000 Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies in Sydney were spectacular and brilliant!

Sydney continues this spectacular tradition with a New Year’s Eve fireworks display using the harbour bridge as a stage and is viewed by a live audience of over a million people. This breathtaking display is also viewed by a television audience of many millions more.

The harbour city certainly celebrates New Year in style.

  • Melbourne Australia.

Australia’s second largest city is also its sporting capital and it is host to 2 major world sporting events.

The Formula 1 Grand Prix motor racing event is held on the broad streets of Melbourne from March 24-27 2011.It is the first event on the calendar for the 2011 drivers’ championship and attracts the world’s top drivers.

The Australian Open Tennis Championships is held from 17-31 January 2011 and is the first event in the world tennis grand slam for 2011.

Adelaide Australia.

The capital of South Australia is Australia’s festival city and many cultural events are held in the city in the summer months.

Free outdoor concerts are held in Perth during the summer months

  • Perth Australia.
  •  

Perth also hosts a number of events associated with the Festival of Perth. This west coast city enjoys a warm, dry summer and is the ideal venue for a number of outdoor concerts.

The 2 main venues of King’s Park and Esplanade attract audiences of many thousands enjoying these free evening concerts.

My wife and I recently enjoyed one of these free concerts, sitting on the lawn on a warm summer’s evening enjoying a selection of popular classics including the 1812 Overture.

The show concluded with cannons fired by members of the army reserve. The deafening sound of the explosions reverberating against the city buildings finished the evening off appropriately “with a bang”

Did you enjoy this FREE travel blog highlighting the best of Australia?

If so you will not want to miss out on the following valuable info.

  • Keep up to date with my latest blogs by becoming a follower on Twitter at:  http://twitter.com/traveltipsaustr Discover the best of Australia and those selected by my readers as areas they WANT to see and experience. Many were visited by Oprah and her guests.                                                         
  • Want to earn big money promoting “Travel Tips Australia” to your friends on Facebook, forums, and other social media sites? Or even placing ads in newspapers? Simply email me on graeme@graemelanham.com for full details on how to become a Clickbank affiliate.

  It’s quick, easy, you don’t need a website and it’s all done automatically for you!

Finally, no spam please! I love your comments but only if you are genuinely interested any Australia. If you are using this blog to promote your NON TRAVEL RELATED BUSINESS, it will be deleted quicker than a croc attack on the East Alligator River. Check out this article and pics if you want to experience genuine terror!

 

January 11, 2011 by graeme in summer festivities in Australia
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Are These the World’s Best Beaches?

Cottesloe Beach near Perth is ranked as one of the top 10 beaches in the world.

 

 

 

Readers often ask Australian travel expert Graeme Lanham: “What are Australia’s best beaches?” His answers may be controversial, but here they are.

  As I write this article in late December 2010, many parts of the North America, Europe and Britain, are in the grips of the most severe winter in living memory.

New York is snow bound and many airports are closed including those in London and Paris.

It is at this time that people in the freezing Northern Hemisphere think of the warmth and beaches of Australia. It is no surprise that the relaxing outdoor lifestyle of the Australian summer is a magnet for thousands of visitors seeking an escape to warmer climes.

——–

Want more valuable information on Australia?

Here’s great news!  My new book “How to Discover the Best of Australia” is now available on Amazon Kindle and can be accessed on your Kindle Reader, iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, Android devices, PC and Mac.

It was written by backpackers and singles for those who want to discover the adventure and excitement of the REAL Australia. If you love adventure and meeting others just like you, you’ll love the secret places and experiences in this special report.

Here’s more good news! As a special introductory offer it is available for the ridiculously low $8.97!  Don’t miss out. Go here NOW!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005HILMXO 

 

Summer in Australia is a time for the outdoor lifestyle of beaches, barbeques, festivals and fun in the sun. A time when Aussies are on holidays and celebrate the pleasures of a unique lifestyle.

One of their top priorities is the beaches and as a travel writer, I have the opportunity to sample some of the best. Here are a few of my favourites. If you have your own choices, please email me at graeme@graemelanham.com Your letters may be included in future travel blogs.

Sunset at Cable Beach Broome Western Australia

  • Best Tropical Beach: Cable Beach, Broome.

Picture this. You are walking along a warm sunny beach on Australia’s tropical West Coast. The sun is just setting in the Indian Ocean and you see before you the silhouette of a camel train walking along the water’s edge. The riders are enjoying a ride along the beach in one of the most idyllic and pristine areas of Australia.

Earlier in the day, you had enjoyed a swim in the warm waters of a clean white beach over 10 kilometres long, followed by a cocktail at the Cable Beach Resort, situated right on the waterfront. You think to yourself: “It doesn’t get any better than this”

Other favourites: Palm Cove near Cairns, Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays and Noosa, a short drive north of Brisbane.

See also “Riding camels on a tropical beach at sunset. Only in Australia”>>>

  • Best City Beach: Cottesloe, near Perth.

Cottesloe has it all. Ranked as one of the world’s top 10 beaches, it is safe and clean with clear turquoise water and good surf. Great restaurants, coffee shops and entertainment, make it popular for all age groups.

My wife and I often enjoy a swim in the late afternoon, followed by fish and chips and of course a glass of local white wine. We sit on a grassed area overlooking the beach and watch the sun disappear into the Indian Ocean.

Other favourites: Bondi and Manly near Sydney, St Kilda near Melbourne, Glenelg near Adelaide and the Gold Coast near Brisbane.

See also “Is Sydney’s Bondi Australia’s most popular beach?”>>>

The Basin is one of many pristine beaches on Rottnest Island.

Best Island Beach: The Basin, Rottnest Island.

Rottnest Island, off the coast of Western Australia, near Fremantle abounds with clean, pristine uncrowded beaches, but The Basin is my favourite. It reminds me of the beaches of the Greek Islands, but without the crowds.

The water is clean and warm and very safe for all ages. There are times when you might even have the entire beach to yourself!

Other Favourites: Great Keppel Island Queensland, Norfolk Island NSW, Kangaroo Island South Australia and the Islands of the Whitsunday Group in Queensland.

See also: “Does this magical island have Australia’s best beaches?”>>>

  • Finally, a favourite Aussie sport, beach cricket.

Australians love their sport and in Australia in summer, cricket is king. In fact many Aussies regard Australia’s cricket captain Ricky Ponting as more important than the Prime Minister!

Fun in the sun. Beach cricket at Rottnest Island.

From the time I was a kid, I can remember playing beach cricket. All you need is a set of stumps, a bat and a ball and a wide beach.

Many young men of course use it as an opportunity to show off their skills to their girlfriends. Some things never change! 

 

 

January 2, 2011 by graeme in World's Best Beaches.
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Oprah’s Guests in Australia Wanted to See Kangaroos. Here They Are, But………

When Oprah and her guests arrived in Australia in December 2010, two items were on the “must see” list. Kangaroos and beaches.

Kangaroos on a golf course? Only in Australia! A golfer takes his shot --with caution!

Kangaroos can be seen all over outback Australia and when they are in the wild, generally have little contact with humans, although they can be a hazard on country roads at night. Motorists have been badly injured when their vehicles collided with kangaroos.

Guardians of the green. 2 big buck kangaroos blocked our path to the green --

But —- there is another place, where kangaroos can be a hazard and that is on golf courses. They love golf courses because of the abundance of water and lovely green grass to chew. In fact, sometimes they think they own them and that can cause problems for golfers.

—–

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On some fairways they refuse to move, so golfers have to take steps to avoid them.

On one occasion recently, our golfing group came across a couple mating in the middle of the fairway. (kangaroos that is!). We didn’t want to interrupt their shameless conjugal activities, so gave them a wide berth. They were blissfully unaware of our presence!

But the biggest hazard is when there is a mob on the fairway. The big bucks in particular can be very aggressive in guarding their does and when they start beating and scratching their chests — watch out!

This was the dilemma I faced recently when playing golf  in a group of 4 at Marangaroo, a golf course not far from the Perth CBD in Western Australia.

As we approached the final green, our path was blocked by a mob of 14. They were grazing contentedly and refused to move. To add to our concerns, 3 huge males were thumping their chests and watching us menacingly.

So we took the only sensible course of action.

We picked up our balls, walked around the mob, took a no penalty drop and continued on to the green.

---while other members of the mob grazed peacefully on the fairway.

Kangaroos are a common sight on many golf courses in Australia. They are in their natural habitat in the wild, have a regular supply of food and water and if left alone, are generally harmless.

They are part of the uniqueness of Australia.

Did you enjoy this FREE travel blog highlighting the best of Australia?

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December 10, 2010 by graeme in kangaroos on a golf course
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5 Top Tips to Enjoy Australia’s Beautiful Beaches and Avoid the Dangers

Dear Reader,

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Australia has some of the world’s best beaches and they are a magnet, not only for Australians, but visitors from all over the world. In fact many visitors to Australia come in the summer to avoid the bitter cold of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

Sydney's Bondi is Australia's most popular surf beach

It is particularly popular with visitors from Northern Europe, USA, Canada and Britain and almost all want to visit the beaches and enjoy the sunshine. When Oprah and her supporters arrived in Australia in December 2010, beaches were high on the agenda of “must see” sights.

Sadly, unlike most Australians, many visitors from these countries are unaware of the dangers.

This article outlines 5 of these dangers and the steps you can take to avoid them.

  • The sun. Funny isn’t it. Visitors come from all over the world to enjoy the sunshine, but it is one of Australia’s biggest hazards. In fact the incidence of skin cancer and melanoma is the highest in the world.

So what should you do?

Firstly, always wear a hat and rub some form of skin protection cream onto exposed parts, BEFORE going to the beach and don’t overdo your sun exposure time. The middle of the day between 10am and 3pm is particularly hazardous.

Over exposure to the hot Australian sun can cause painful sunburn

If your skin is light and you have had little sun exposure, go to the beach early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you are walking in the sun always wear a T shirt. Shoulders are particularly vulnerable to sunburn.

  • Dehydration. You will notice that many Aussies carry water bottles when at the beach or walking outdoors. You should do the same as extreme dehydration can cause illness or even death.
  • Rips. These are dangerous movements of water at surf beaches and can actually drag you out to sea. If you are not a strong swimmer NEVER swim alone. In November 2010 an English visitor drowned at Esperance in Western Australia. He was swimming alone and dragged out to see by strong ocean currents.

The safest thing to do at Aussie surf beaches is swim between the flags. These are the areas protected by lifesavers. If you do get into difficulties, wave your hands and yell out. Who knows, if you are a female, you may be rescued by an Aussie lifesaver in his budgie smugglers.

  • Stingers. These are dangerous creatures with long tentacle like strands and contact with these can cause nasty rashes. They are usually found in the beaches of northern Australia in the summer and in Cairns they even have stinger nets. The beaches of Broome and Darwin are usually unsafe for swimming in the summer. The best first aid treatment is vinegar and some north Australian beaches have special boxes containing vinegar.
  • Crocodiles. “Oh come on,” I hear you say. But it’s true. Crocs are a major hazard on the beaches of northern Australia and the beach at Broome has been closed because of a visiting croc. Darwin’s Mindel beach is also a croc hazard and you should NEVER, repeat NEVER swim in the inland waterways or rivers of the Kimberley, Northern Territory or parts of North Queensland. The Daintree area is particularly dangerous.

 

Crocodiles are a huge danger in Australia's north, so look for warning signs.

For a graphic and terrifying account of a croc attack, see my blog: “Beware the crocodiles in northern Australia” I should know, I was there!

I didn’t mention sharks. Despite the wide publicity given to shark attacks, they are rare. The key is not to swim alone a long way from the beach. Most major beaches have shark patrols and spotter aircraft and if a shark is sighted, a siren sounds to clear the beach.

Have I put you off swimming in Australia? Like everything else, simple precautions can make your visit to Australia (and its beaches) the holiday experience of a lifetime.

Did you enjoy this FREE travel blog highlighting the best of Australia?

If so you will not want to miss out on the following valuable info.

  • Keep up to date with my latest blogs by becoming a follower on Twitter at:  http://twitter.com/traveltipsaustr Discover the best of Australia and those selected by my readers as areas they WANT to see and experience. Many were visited by Oprah and her guests.                                                         
  • Want to earn big money promoting “Travel Tips Australia” to your friends on Facebook, forums, and other social media sites? Or even placing ads in newspapers? Simply email me on graeme@graemelanham.com for full details on how to become a Clickbank affiliate.

  It’s quick, easy, you don’t need a website and it’s all done automatically for you!

Finally, no spam please! I love your comments but only if you are genuinely interested any Australia. If you are using this blog to promote your NON TRAVEL RELATED BUSINESS, it will be deleted quicker than a croc attack on the East Alligator River. Check out this article and pics if you want to experience genuine terror!

 

December 8, 2010 by graeme in Australia's beaches. Safety tips
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