Australia, So Much to See and Do

Posted on Monday, January 09, 2012

Australia's spectacular coastlines, offshore islands and natural beauty make it among the best in the world for water lovers. The world’s largest island (and smallest continent) overflows with exciting opportunities. There is the famous Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef in the world, only a short distance off the country’s northeast coast; Western Australia’s stunning beaches; South Australia’s gorgeous Kangaroo Island and Tasmania, an island rich in history and beauty. Australia's abundance of coastline, offering everything from iconic surf beaches to exclusive, white sand, palm fringed islands is no secret to the locals. Nearly 90 percent of Australians live near the sea. It’s a mesmerizing, stunning backdrop to explore!

Browse our selection of Australia Tours

Darwin Australia

Posted on Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Darwin is the Capital City of the Northern Territory Where Asia meets the Dreamtime An exciting, eclectic mixture of cultures A place that is truly uniquely Australian while being home for more than 60 different nationalities, people who come from all continents of the globe. A focus for festivals, food and fashion.

Set on a rocky peninsula reaching into one of the most beautiful natural harbours on the north Australian coast. Elevated above the cliffs, surrounded by water on three sides, a city fanned by soft cool breezes that contribute to its tropical charm. The tropical climate encourages outdoor living and locals and visitors alike take advantage of this lifestyle to stroll through Darwin's leafy streets, browsing through the art galleries and enjoying cafe life, discovering little hidden corners of the city. The contrasts are exquisite. A Chinese temple with its statues of the Immortals, the smoke from incense drifting slowly upward, lies only twenty metres behind busy Cavenagh St, but exists in a different world, timeless and peaceful. Darwin - a city of contrasts and tempting tastes. where shady parks suitable for quiet contemplation lie only metres from streets full of shoppers, the smells of food drift on the air from sizzling grills, flaming woks and bubbling saucepans. Darwin - take time to enjoy its wonderful trees that surprise our visitors, exotic flowering trees, frangipani, Pride of India and poincianas, the shady raintrees, banyan and tamarind trees delight the senses and leave images of a truly tropical city. Darwin - A city destroyed three times - first by the cyclone of 1893, then by the bombs of World War II, next by Cyclone Tracy. The spirit of survival undiminished, Darwin has grown and developed to become the modern city of today, a monument to the tenacity and courage of its people.

Australia Travel

Posted on Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Australia's Diverse Ecosystems

There's more to Australia than Crocodile Dundee and putting shrimp on the barbie. It's actually an incredibly diverse country. From cosmopolitan cities, to the immense expanse of the Outback, to the sub-tropical Gold Coast, Australia is a world in a country. Here's a closer look at some Australian states and territories and the unique highlights of each.

South Australia. Home to Australia's picturesque wine country, South Australia enjoys a moderate climate year round. The lovely town of Adelaide, known as "The City of Churches," attracts travelers with a wealth of cultural events and the unspoiled natural habitat on Kangaroo Island.

Northern Territory. Visitors can experience tropical, crocodile country in the north of this large territory and the heart of the Outback in the South. Its most famous attraction is Ayres Rock, said to embody the spirit and strength of the ancient Aboriginal culture.

Queensland. Also known as Australia's Sunshine State, Queensland boasts the captivating Gold Coast, including the Great Barrier Reef. Visit Brisbane, one of Australia's fastest growing cities, and enjoy the tropical rainforests surrounding Cairns, the gateway to the reefs.

New South Wales. Home to the Pacific's pearl city, Sydney, New South Wales enjoys a subtropical climate and a wealth of natural resources.

Victoria. The smallest of the states, Victoria is also Australia's most populous. The capital city of Melbourne combines old European elegance and new-world style.

Tasmania. Known as the "Apple Isle," the abundance of lakes, mountains, beaches and waterfalls make this tiny island appealing to travelers. Initially a prison island, Tasmania is also infamous for the rare marsupial wolf that calls it home-the Tasmanian Devil.

Information obtained from Globus Journeys.

To view Globus Australia vacations, click here.

Australia - the Gold Coast

Posted on Friday, October 28, 2011

Australia’s Gold Coast has been a popular tourist playground for many years. This area stretches about 45 miles, from Labrador and Southport south to Coolangatta in the southeastern corner of Queensland with a long expanse of beaches and a variety of theme parks. The theme parks offer thrill rides, outback experiences, a chance to mingle with exotic animals and a variety of shows, both on land and in the water. Most of the theme parks are on Oxenford or Coomera along the main M1 Pacific motorway running south from Brisbane to the Gold Coast.

Sea World  at Southport is Australia’s largest marine park, where visitors can swim with the Dolphin, as well as watch whales, sea lions and water skiing performances.

For fauna, visitors can head to David Fleay Wildlife Park at Burleigh Heads or the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Gold Coast beaches are beautiful, with wild surf. Swimmers should be aware of the currents and riptides.

There are more than 40 championship and resort golf courses in the region.

Hot Air Balloon rides provide a perspective on the Gold Coast Skyline.

Some of the excellent resorts that have been built are the Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove, the Couran Cove Resort, Royal Pines Resort, Marriott Surfers Paradise Resort and Spa, the Hotel Conrad and the Palazzo Versace.

There is also a vast choice of smaller hotels and apartments.

The center of activity in the Surfers Paradise suburb is Cavill Avenue, with a vast array of cafes and restaurants.

Shoppers are well catered to on the Gold Coast with a number of Plazas and Malls. Pacific Fair  at Broadbeach is Queenland’s largest mall. Marina Mirage Gold Coast at Main Beach is the Gold Coast’s trendiest and most upmarket shopping complex, with lots of designer boutiques.

Whale-watching on the Gold Coast provides a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with the largest living mammals on Earth. Whale-watching season runs from June through November.

Other popular events include the Coolagatta Gold Ironman endurance event in October, the street racing of the Nitro Super-GP in October, the Magic Millions Horseracing Carnival in early January and the Australian Ladies Masters Golf in February.

Australia Travel 2011

Posted on Tuesday, August 17, 2010

With bustling big cities, mammoth stretches of outback, monolithic rock formations, vast rainforests and the world’s largest coral reef, Australia is one colossal adventure.

Head into the outback to stand in awe at the striking color changes of Ayers Rock (Uluru) at twilight, or admire the mystical domes of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Go crocodile spotting on a river cruise in the northern wilderness of Kakadu.  Discover an underwater world teeming with colorful wildlife on the Great Barrier Reef and be amazed by this unique natural wonder.  Venture south to the Great Ocean Road to see the majestic limestone pillars of the Twelve Apostles jutting out of the sea. Or, take an excursions to witness the famous nightly parade of Little Penguins on Phillip Island.

You’ll find Australia’s cities are just as captivating.  Sydney beckons with world-famous landmarks like the Opera House and the harbor Bridge as well as natural treasures like the beautiful harbor itself and magnificent surf beaches.  Cuddle a koala, shop till you drop, dine in style or lose yourself in the city’s art galleries, museums and theatres.  Cosmopolitan Melbourne has a distinctive charm all of its own, with its multicultural cuisines, designer fashions, thriving arts community and rich colonial history. We just received all the new and exciting itineraries for Australia and New Zealand tours for 2011.