Planning to visit Australia? Looking for Australia travel tips on where to go and what to do?
You've no doubt got a few places in mind like Ayers Rock, Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef. To make your holiday extra memorable, you should incorporate some hidden gems that only the locals know about. Quite rightly, they want to keep these places all to themselves, but I'm breaking the code and offering you some beautiful places that you can add to your trip.
The Beaches around Sydney
Most people think of Bondi Beach when you mention Sydney Beaches. So go ahead and tick it off your list. If you want to get a bit more out of Bondi, head up Hall Street.(Ravesis is on the corner.) The main strip behind the beach is called Campbell Parade and is slightly over priced and despite its recent face lift, can still be a bit grungy. Get off the main street and up the side streets and you'll find some lovely cafes selling exceptionally good coffee and food.
Head for the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk - you won't be disappointed. The walk hugs the coast line and cliff edges so you get to see beautiful coastal views for the entire walk. There's a few hills and steps so its best not to attempt this walk when it's really hot. Stop off at the local's favourite beach, Bronte This beach is generally full of locals and has a great green area behind the beach where you can play ball games or enjoy the free BBQ facilities. You must go for brunch or a coffee at the strip of cafes. Swell is the more sophisticated but expensive cafe. Bogey Hole and Jennie's offer more affordable options.
If you fancy getting out of the city then you really should visit Sydney's Northern Beaches. There is a bus that does the route all the way to Palm Beach and the journey will take you about an hour and a half. Best bet however is to hire a car. That way you can stop off along the way. I'd recommend Dee Why for its beach and cafes, Avalon for its boutique shops, a stop off at the Newport Arms - a classic Australian pub overlooking Pittwater River.
My favourite beaches up there are Whale Beach and Palm Beach. There is a restaurant at Whale beach called Jonah's. It's expensive and is strictly for a special occasion, but the view is stunning. Palm Beach is where "Home and Away" is filmed and has very orange sand. There's Barren Joey Lighthouse that you can climb and I recommend having lunch at Barren Joey's Guesthouse. The interior is delightful and the there are glimpses of Pittwater opposite.
Tasmania's Bay of Fires
Tasmania itself is a hidden gem as most tourists fail to make it here. That's a big mistake as this state offers dramatic scenery. Some would say its the best scenery in Australia. The key tourist sites are Cradle Mountain and Wine Glass Bay. Head north though and visit the Bay of Fires. A protected area, the sand here is so white, it's blinding and the waters are bright blue.
To really appreciate this area, consider doing the 4 day Bay of Fires Walk. You get to see amazing scenery and stay in some wonderful accommodation. The most famous of which is the Bay of Fires Lodge. If you don't want to do the walk, you can still stay in the lodge providing that it's outside the walking season. Dates the lodge is available is between 9th May and 15th September.
That's just two hidden gems. There are lots more! If you want to know more then visit realaustraliatravel.com
You've no doubt got a few places in mind like Ayers Rock, Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef. To make your holiday extra memorable, you should incorporate some hidden gems that only the locals know about. Quite rightly, they want to keep these places all to themselves, but I'm breaking the code and offering you some beautiful places that you can add to your trip.
The Beaches around Sydney
Most people think of Bondi Beach when you mention Sydney Beaches. So go ahead and tick it off your list. If you want to get a bit more out of Bondi, head up Hall Street.(Ravesis is on the corner.) The main strip behind the beach is called Campbell Parade and is slightly over priced and despite its recent face lift, can still be a bit grungy. Get off the main street and up the side streets and you'll find some lovely cafes selling exceptionally good coffee and food.
Head for the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk - you won't be disappointed. The walk hugs the coast line and cliff edges so you get to see beautiful coastal views for the entire walk. There's a few hills and steps so its best not to attempt this walk when it's really hot. Stop off at the local's favourite beach, Bronte This beach is generally full of locals and has a great green area behind the beach where you can play ball games or enjoy the free BBQ facilities. You must go for brunch or a coffee at the strip of cafes. Swell is the more sophisticated but expensive cafe. Bogey Hole and Jennie's offer more affordable options.
If you fancy getting out of the city then you really should visit Sydney's Northern Beaches. There is a bus that does the route all the way to Palm Beach and the journey will take you about an hour and a half. Best bet however is to hire a car. That way you can stop off along the way. I'd recommend Dee Why for its beach and cafes, Avalon for its boutique shops, a stop off at the Newport Arms - a classic Australian pub overlooking Pittwater River.
My favourite beaches up there are Whale Beach and Palm Beach. There is a restaurant at Whale beach called Jonah's. It's expensive and is strictly for a special occasion, but the view is stunning. Palm Beach is where "Home and Away" is filmed and has very orange sand. There's Barren Joey Lighthouse that you can climb and I recommend having lunch at Barren Joey's Guesthouse. The interior is delightful and the there are glimpses of Pittwater opposite.
Tasmania's Bay of Fires
Tasmania itself is a hidden gem as most tourists fail to make it here. That's a big mistake as this state offers dramatic scenery. Some would say its the best scenery in Australia. The key tourist sites are Cradle Mountain and Wine Glass Bay. Head north though and visit the Bay of Fires. A protected area, the sand here is so white, it's blinding and the waters are bright blue.
To really appreciate this area, consider doing the 4 day Bay of Fires Walk. You get to see amazing scenery and stay in some wonderful accommodation. The most famous of which is the Bay of Fires Lodge. If you don't want to do the walk, you can still stay in the lodge providing that it's outside the walking season. Dates the lodge is available is between 9th May and 15th September.
That's just two hidden gems. There are lots more! If you want to know more then visit realaustraliatravel.com
About the Author:
Jennifer Schellington has nearly 5 years of experience in traveling Australia and has recently had a baby. Her site, http://www.realaustraliatravel.comgives useful information for planning your visit to Australia as well as what to do and where to go. Click here for more information on Australia's Hidden Gems
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