Now let’s have a quick look at the History of Australia

More than 40,000 yrs before is when this continent turned out to be subdued as well as that was by the aboriginal Aborigines or Australians, as they are acknowledged at the moment. Following incredibly haphazard and infrequent visits, which was occurred by numerous people for example fisherman as well as explorers in addition to merchants preliminary in the late 17th century, some where around the year 1770 the area in the eastern half, of this continent was alleged by the British. Moreover they had officially established as the single penal colony of the state of New South Wales in the year1788 on January 26th. The residents grew and fresh areas were exposed as well as explored.

A little more about History of Australia

It did not happen until the year 1901 when the six colonies were federated as well as that the country of Commonwealth of Australia was after that formed. Seeing as at that time Australia has preserved a steady liberal as well as democratic political system, in addition to nowadays they even hang about in the Commonwealth.

Even though several people when inquired would take for granted that Sydney is the capital city of Australia, because it is over and over again the most complained and recognized. Their up to date population that is in fact some where around 20.5 million citizens, is positioned for the most part in the coastal cities and not in Canberra, to your surprise is the capital city of Australia. These following cities have the principal population in Australia: Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth as well as Adelaide.

It is believed that the foremost record of human locale in Australia occurred was somewhere around 42,000 – 48,000 yrs previously, these foremost foreigner Australians were the precursors of the aforesaid up to date indigenous Australians. Moreover it is as well believed that all of them came to the regions of Australia through land bridges as well as short sea crossings, which were fashioned from what are at the present day the areas of Southeast Asia. The greater parts of these people were gathers as well as hunters.

I hope that few of your questions regarding the history of Australia have been by now cleared.

However, things have changed now. Along with exquisite holidays, Australia also offers adventurous holidays, which is gaining lot of attention these days. The variety offered by this continent ranges from beaches to islands to nightlife, which is more than enough to define a complete holiday package. An Australian Holidays is a remarkable blend of nature and manmade experiences.

Travel enthusiasts seeking an active holiday should definitely consider Australia while planning their vacation. This continent probably has maximum number of beaches and beautiful locations around the world, which draws millions of tourists every year. Due to it’s positioning, Australia is considered to be the last frontier of our contemporary planet.

Some of the popular cities in Australia include Sydney, Victoria, Cairns, Melbourne, Brisbane, Darwin, and Adelaide. Due to it’s vast variety, Australian Holidays can be considered as a vacationing option by individuals of any age. Along with its diverse accommodation facility, cuisine here is scrumptious assortment of food from all over the world.

It offers some of the best white sand beaches, coral reefs, rain forests, lofty mountains, azure lagoons, arid deserts, and several isolated locations. Moreover, the presence of Great Barrier Reef (only living thing that can be seen from space) gives this continent more significance.

This continent is surrounded by water from all the sides and encompasses over 10,000 miles of coastal area. Great Barrier Reef is definitely one of the most amazing attractions. It is an inevitable part of Australian Holidays. However, other attractions in Australia cannot be overlooked. The beaches, especially with white sands entice people from all over the world. This category itself offers a vast variety. Few beaches are rich in adventures because they offer several water sports like surfing. Some seashores are known for its tranquility and serenity.

From remarkable azure blue sky to pure white sand on the beach, from awesome natural minerals to superb, immaculate coastline, and from dense rainforest to coarse mountainous range, this continent has it all. Along with its natural beauty, Australian also has a huge diversity of structures and wonders made by man. With a huge shopping opportunity, Australia is a land to splurge and squander. It is a place of endless possibilities and unlimited pleasure.

Visa is definitely required to enter this tourist heaven, but not if you are a New Zealander. Travelers need a full visa. However, few passport holders from OECD and people from some East Asian countries are permitted to apply through a simple procedure adopted by Electronic Travel Authority.

Along with the presence of beautiful panoramas and exciting adventure opportunities, the government has also taken much effort to promote Australian Tourism. Many commercials are published in every corner of the world that highlights attractions of Australia. Few publicity activities are also based on the laid back attitude of the country. And few campaigns are also influenced by its bold and cheeky behavior.

This country makes sure that every year many advertisements must be released in most of the countries around the world because Australian tourism is a major contributor to its GDP.

People from many countries visit this island. However, there are few countries that primarily contribute to the growth of Australian industry. The top ten countries from where people visit this island are – New Zealand, Japan, United Kingdom, United States, China, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Germany.

Although it’s difficult to differentiate the number of people visiting Australia for business meetings and that for tourist activities, it can be appropriately said that the former is greater than the latter.

It’s been noticed that Japanese travelers make up a unique and extensive part of Australian tourism sector. These tourists visit Australia specifically to witness the magnificence of iconic places like Gold Coast, Cairns, Sydney, and Uluru. Again, almost every tourist’s schedule involves exploring the country’s wildlife especially koala.

Another major contributor to this industry is the backpacker population. This group of people are young and mostly from North America and Western European countries. These travelers spend much more time in Australia than any other tourist. Many of these backpackers visit this country on a working holiday visa that enables them to spend more time in the country. This visa is for people in the age group of 18-30 years, who like to work and spend for a year in Australia.

It can also be inappropriate to say that Australian tourism is completely driven by international tourists. Australians are very keen on traveling especially domestically. And why would someone like to travel to other countries when Australia itself is remarkably beautiful with white beaches, abundant national parks, and audacious adventures.

The Australian Museum is Australia’s oldest museum.  Located in College Street, Sydney, the museum is famous worldwide in the fields of natural history and anthropology.  One can find collections of vertebrate, invertebrate zoology, mineralogy, mineralogy, palaeontology and anthropology.  This museum is also popular for its exhibitions; indigenous studies research and community programs.

History

The Museum was founded by the then Secretary of State for the Colonies, Earl Bathurst on March 30, 1827.  On June 16, 1829, William Holmes was appointed as the first chairman of the museum.  The Museum was originally known as the Colonial Museum or Sydney Museum.  Later, in June, 1836, a resolution in a sub-committee meeting led to the renaming of this historical monument.

The initial location was in the Colonial Secretary offices.  The next 30 years saw the museum move to various other locations in and around Sydney finally settling to the present day College Street location in 1849.  The museum was designed by renowned New South Wales Colonial Architect James Barnet and in May 1857, it was thrown open to the public.

In the early years, collecting was the main priority of the museum. Specimens were traded on a large scale with English and other European institutions.

The museum was under direct control of the colonial government till June 1836.  Later a committee comprising political rulers and the scientific elite of Sydney took over the helm of affairs.  The committee was abolished in 1853 and later in the same year, the Australian Museum Act was incorporated and a Board of Trustees, comprising 24 members was established. William Sharp Macleay served as the Chairman of this committee.

Naturalist, George Bennett, holds the distinction of being appointed the first curator in 1835.  He was the first to catalogue the Museum’s collections.  He later resigned in 1841. Rev. W.B. Clarke took over from Bennett and served till 1843, and later William Sheridan Wall took over.

Curator Gerard Krefft, who served till 1874, established the scientific statue of the museum. Edward Pierson Ramsay took over from Krefft and increased the recruitment of scientific staff and as a result was able to start the Records of the Australian Museum publication in 1890.  This publication continues to the present day. Ramsey served as Curator till 1894.

In the early years galleries were limited to large display cases with artifacts and specimens.  Over the years, displays increased and some prominent inclusions were dioramas, which highlighted the habitat groups of the 1920s.

Overall the Museum largely remained unchanged during this period starting from Robert Etheridge Jr. (1895-1919) curator ship to 1954.  During the tenure of John Evans additional buildings were constructed and several galleries were entirely renovated. A new Exhibitions department came into existence and education staff also increased.

The Museum’s success in scientific research reached new heights under Frank Talbot. Talbot had succeeded Evans in 1966.  A new department of Environmental Studies came into existence in 1968.  The year 1972 saw the establishment of TAMS (The Australian Museum Society and a year later, the Lizard Island Research Station (LIMS), came into existence near Cairns.

In 1918, the Curator post was renamed Director and Curator and from 1921, it was renamed Director.  In 1948, similarly the Scientific Assistants (scientific staff) were renamed Curators and Assistant Curators. In 1983, Curator was changed to Collection Manager.

The Australian Museum Exhibition Train was launched on 8 March, 1978.  This 2-carriage train was fitted with exhibits by the Museum.  While, one carriage covered topics such as evolution of the earth, man and animals, the second carriage was a lecture and display area.

Director Des Griffin, who succeeded Talbot, worked towards extensions to the original building.  This process was complete in 1988.  This phase saw greater cooperation with Aborigines leading to new exhibitions, policies and repatriations of artifacts.

A commercial consulting and project management consulting group, Australian Museum Business Services (AMBS) was established in 1991.  To the present day, this group specializes in ecological, Australian Aboriginal archaeological, exhibitions management consulting projects and historic heritage and archaeology.

In 1995, new research centers in Biodiversity, Conservation, Geodiversity, Evolutionary Research, and People and Places were established.  Later in 1998, the djamu gallery was thrown open to the public at Customs House, Circular Quay.  This was the first major venue beyond the College Street site. The gallery finally closed at the fag end of 2000.

Frank Howarth is the current director of the Australian Museum.

Traveling in a bus is neither cheap nor comfortable. It is quite sluggish, congested, and unlikable especially for protracted journeys. On the other hand, aircrafts are very expensive and so quick that you cannot observe even a single landscape accurately. Trains here are quite suitable to travel around the continent. Although not so fast, they have comfortable seating, ample of vacant space to ramble, including lounges, dining & smoking compartments, bathing facility, and hygienic lavatories. All of these at extremely reasonable costs!

You can choose your kind of ambiance depending on the level of privacy and cost you can afford. The ‘Gold Kangaroo’ class offers a personal cabin, eatery and bar facility, and a private shower. If you think, traveling without a bar and shower will do, go for the ‘Red Kangaroo’ class that offers only a cabin. Or opt for the regular seats. Tourists can buy a Great South Railway Pass (GSRP). This pass permits you to travel any number of times (only seats), the cost of which is AUD$ 590 for adults and AUD$ 450 for students.

I started from Sydney toward Adelaide, then to Perth which is located in Western Australia, back to Adelaide, then to the desert land of Alice Springs, and finally back to my starting point Sydney. I was so engrossed in the journey that I didn’t realize I covered 8,700 miles. Obviously I took the affordable GSRP and I am not a student.

A railway pass means you cannot lie on a sleeping berth. You get a lounger or a ‘day/nighter’ to travel around, which is broader than an economy class airplane seat. The leg-space is also quite comfortable. However, let me admit that a journey Sydney-Perth of over 66 hours on this adjustable seat was not very comfortable and pleasing. But what else can you expect when you are not ready to pay more. You get better seats and facilities in the Gold Kangaroo class, which are far too expensive. I love traveling, but only if it’s economical.

The Indian Pacific train takes you through the scenic panoramas of Sydney along the coasts of Pacific Ocean toward the picturesque Perth besides Indian Ocean. The train is 18-carrainge long made up of aluminum with a locomotive at either side.

The few Gold Kangaroo class compartments carries pasty, obese, and aged people wearing short pants with luggage heavier than their weight. While, passengers resting on the economy seats are ordinary people from the continent and some immigrants like me. You can get down at any stop while traveling. However, remember that you won’t get another train for few days. So, get down only if you know someone there or have enough money, or your seat is broken.

I occupied a seat besides a glass-sealed window at Sydney. The Indian Pacific train left the station at 4 pm. Six hours later I examined the map and realized we are now 1 cm away from Sydney (1cm in the map). I was in moderately thin clothes and the air conditioning seemed to be freezing the compartment. Moreover, my warm clothes were relaxing in the luggage compartment with the perfumed bags of passengers from Gold class. However, I shivered, pulled back my seat and managed to sleep. I was awaked by placid sun rays when my watch which said ‘7:01 am’. An emu starred at me from the window while I was bust watching the graceful jigging of the tanned kangaroos.

It took more than 20 hours from Sydney when the train reached the first stop of Broken Hill, a place full of flies, sweltering heat, and dust. Few were genuinely busy shopping around the vivid stores. Others were dawdling under the dappled walkways.

Few hours later, the map informed me that we were still in New South Wales when I heard the clattering crowd. The train was unhurriedly trying to halt at Adelaide. The train halted there for nearly a hour which I utilized by having a short, swift taxi ride around the town, quick walk near the shops, and a beer at the local bar. It is a gorgeous stony settlement with population of over a million. To the north is the legendary Barossa vineyard and the Southern Ocean gushes in the south, which makes this city looks extremely handsome with such flanking natural panoramas.

The locomotive pulled the train toward Perth. I saw new faces seated besides me having home-made food. Feeling hungry, I immediately headed toward the dining car. The train offers hygienic, reasonable food. Breakfast, tea, soft drinks are always within the reach. For dinner, you can opt to have rice, stew, noodles, or vegetarian food for better digestion. Few people bring their own food like my neighbors. However, such people miss the opportunity to stretch their legs or interact with other people. Luckily, I had a beer while I was in Adelaide. It’s seriously overpriced in the train.

After having scrumptious dinner, while I was trying to pierce through the side-glances of the passengers, I realized the train was almost full. We had many new passengers from Adelaide. Among them was a bunch of nauseating Koreans, who kept making loud dins. They did it intentionally and it was clearly visible. An Elvis imitator sat right behind me who was dressed in similar clothes, but lacked the voice and looks.

Few hours passed while I was still noticing the Koreans and trying to understand their motive, we reached the limestone desert land of Nullarbor. It means ‘no trees’. This plateau located in the southern-central Australia was a flat land with no end on either side. Occasionally I saw small clump of Spinifix (pastel jade outback plants), which are also called ‘porcupine grass’.

The train halted at Cook, an isolated town in the heart of Nullarbor, to switch driver, I guess. It was noon time, and the heat outside was unbearable. Once a flourishing railway town, Cook now shelters only five families that wanders through the deserted schools, 560 houses, sand-filled water pools, and a couple of hospitals.

Next, we halted at Kalgoorlie positioned in Western Australia for 2 to 3 hours. However, at 7 pm there isn’t much you could do except gulping a couple of beers and twirling your legs any of the taverns. Horny passengers opted to go at the celebrated whorehouse, which is frequently shown in the travel programs. For the macho people working in this mining town, the pubs are quite macho and adventurous.

In a corner of the High Street was the lavish Grand Hotel, where men ate hefty meals from plates that looked like huge beer-carrying trays. My eyes followed every step of Melanie, who wore the flimsiest thong you could find and a see-through teddy that hung till the thong. She wasn’t one of the entertaining girls who keeps dancing and brushing against the men. She was busy serving beer and food that rested on similar large trays. My heart pounded faster when she came close to me, but the dropped the tray on my table, smiled and left without uttering a word. I stared no more, ate silently and left.

After the dawn, when I woke up the backdrop outside my window was transformed into a undulating countryside with jade pastures, cows and sheep.

The Indian Pacific train, as a final point, arrived at the East Perth station in the morning, after 66 hours of incessant traveling. It seemed like I was about to take my first step in the outside world after a 2-year confinement. My legs had become rigid. While getting down the train, I saw drunk, tired, and sleepy places all over the station. The journey might not have been the best of their lifetime, but I certainly enjoyed the jaunt.

Trip Tips

If you buy a one time ticket from Sydney to Perth and back, it may cost you AUD$ 1026. It’s wise to buy a Great Southern Railway Pass (GSRP) which is much more affordable. And you don’t have to hire a travel agent or book the pass in advance. You get acquire it at Sydney Central station or any other major ones. However, remember to carry your passport, because such passes are available for non-Australian tourists only. And if AUD$ 590 pass is a bit expensive for you, here is what you can do to save some more bucks. Cross the road from Sydney Central station and become a member of Youth Hostel Association (YHA) by paying just AUD$ 35. Displaying the YHA membership card at the station can avail you a AUD$ 140 discount on the pass.

This YHA membership card will also help you to avail many travel and accommodation discounts at many places.

December 26 is Boxing Day and hence a national holiday in Australia, which is celebrated in a number of ways. One of the adventurous and stylish ways to do it is sailing from Sydney to Hobart on a yacht piercing the turquoise water of Bass Strait. However, you won’t be alone celebrating the day. Therefore, you have to compete with many other contestants taking part in the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

You don’t really have to be one of those yacht-sailing-maniacs to get pleasure from the race. You can simply watch the energized participators competing, with a barbeque, picnic, or while cruising on the Sydney Harbor. Celebrate the New Year eve while the competitors reach the finish line in Hobart.

This Australian summer sport is amongst the top ranking events of the world like the national events of Davis Cup and Melbourne Cup Horse Race. However, no other sport attracts such huge media coverage as the yacht race does.

Watching the start of this race is a Boxing Day ritual followed by the Australians. To get the best views, secure a front seat or a standing spot anywhere on the racing harbor line. The race starts from Rushcutters Bay, Sydney toward the Western Bay and the jagged crags of the South Head. If you don’t get a seat there, don’t fret because you can watch the competitors from Cremorne Point, Clifton Gardens, Bradley’s Head, or Manly while they move to North Head.

The participants have to sail 628 oceanic miles that starts from Sydney Harbour, through Australian east coast, Bass Strait, Tasmanian East Coast, Storm Bay, jerky Derwent River, and at last the finish line in Battery Point in Hobart, Tasmania.

The initiation in 1945 and the success thereon of Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is due the shared efforts of Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania. So they rules have been set by them. However, these rules have been altered a number of times to offer a fair chance to the handicaps. So, even if you cross the finish line first with a good margin over the second contestant, don’t be astonished if you find that the Overall Winner is a participant who was fifth, sixth or even tenth. Numerous handicaps take part in this race, so they get some grace seconds and an edge over the others.

There are no entry barriers depending on nationality, experience level, or size of yacht. You would notice few minute 30 feet yachts, some mid sized and some as big as 90 feet. Sailing enthusiasts from all parts of the come here on every 26th December despite the saddening death of six competitors in 1998 caused due to a cruel storm. The waves on that day were as high as 10 metres. Out of 115 competitors, only 44 successfully crossed the finish line. Others were rescued by life-saving helicopters.

However, a single incident is not enough to rupture the inspiration of sailing buffs. In 1999, in spite of warning issued by the weather department, 79 sailors competed in the race.

So, if you are among the ones who can sail the breezy waves better than the others, grab your yacht and reach the pictorial Sydney Harbour at 1300 hours this 26th December. Don’t fret if you cannot be the first one to race through the finish line because much better entertainment awaits you beyond that line. Attend the winner declaration on Constitution Dock of Hobart just after the race and enjoy the New Year celebration on the water front. Watching the fireworks above the Sullivians Cove with a glass of Tasmanian wine is indeed a pleasurable experience.

Canberra not only exhibits a spectacular array of eye-soothing natural vegetation, but also opens its arms for exploring the rich legendary past, ethnic culture and traditions and lifestyle. Canberra remains to be the esteemed political seat of Government of Australia and one can sneak a peak into its political past and modern democracy as Government sites such as Old Parliament House, Parliament House and other prominent government agencies find a safe haven here. In addition to all this, Canberra also basks the glory of nestling social and cultural institutions of nation’s significance, few of them namely are Australian War Memorial, National Museum of Australia, National Library of Australia and National Gallery of Australia. Similarly, Canberra also possesses most of the prominent national monuments and institutions. Virtually, Canberra is a tourist paradise as it proffers anything and everything for its lovable tourists.

Art and historic buffs can appease their senses with the venerated heritage sites, whereas fun lovers can indulge in exciting and sporty events. Get into the National Institute of Sport and Science for checking in-depth descriptions about the nationally acclaimed sportspersons. Get informative and crispy insights in National Science and Technology Centre at Questacon. After an educational outing, it’s time to chill-out in the stunning marvel. Step in the plush verdure and enjoy the one of the world’s planned cities applauded lakes, indigenous vicinity of bush land and amusing parklands. Past all the fun and frolic, it’s the time for gulping healthy brunch. Downside the verdant surroundings are Canberra’s finesse hotels and restaurants, move there to savor the delighting taste of delicacies. And, enjoy in the hip bars and get choosy in the swanky boutiques. Also, become a part of Canberra in its fun celebrations and festive events.

A very small place concentrated in small strip of Darlinghurst Road between Baywater Road and Barncleuty Sq. which will get you attracted and as well resist the actions of The Cross. It’s a heaven for all the students as they can find cheap, low priced, economical, discounted backpackers and hostels in Sydney.Most of Australians and students from abroad come here to taste the evil’s apple of Adam.

Easy availability of accommodation for students and travelers, it makes a destination in Sydney to be. Being one of the greatest tourist attraction of Sydney that sings the praise for its nightlife and adult entertainment. A walking distance to Sydney Opera House, also to other notable sites in the city center.

With development of Sydney as education hub there are hostels available which are known ‘Backpackers’ in here. They are affordable, reasonable and within the means. The four larger and famous ones are

• The Globe Backpackers
• The Original Backpackers Hostel
• Great Aussie Backpackers
• Travelers Rest for Backpackers

These backpackers offer varied facilities like

• Dorms/twins/doubles/singles/triples/family rooms
• Security lockers
• Large, sunny, friendly courtyard
• Laundry facilities
• Linen supplied
• Female only dorms
• Beautiful, clean, cool, comfortable and well maintained building
• Regular pub & club nights.

The Kings Cross is also The red light District, having strip clubs, topless waitress, sex toyshop,tacky night clubs,adult bookshops. You may come across streetwalking prostitutes too. The place has gone over changes over the past few years and has come  with trendy cafes with the Upcoming of souvenier stores,internet shops, fastfood outlets and little restaurants that makes it better city life.This makes the place better and approved for the visit. It’s very safe in the day time and its better to be cautious during night.

It is one of the richly vibrant part of city and caters to entertainment and enjoyable experiences for the visitor.

Caution needs to be taken even though. Things to take care about

• bag snatchings. Pick pocketing.
• Muggings and beatings occur here if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time.
• Don’t travel alone.
• Negotiate your deals.

Cross enhances your visiting experiences bringing you the merriment, exuberance, pleasurable joys to your stay in Australia.