TRICIA STEVENS
PERSPECTIVES
AUSTRALIA
Australia is the planet's smallest continent and one of the largest countries on Earth. It is rugged yet beautiful and has more kangaroos than people! Only 25% of its species have been discovered (including some of the world's deadliest animals), which leaves 75% that are still undiscovered. Australia offers nature at its rawest.
ABSOLUTE MUSTS
Scuba Dive in the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef in the world with 3,000 separate reef systems spanning a distance of over 2,300 km (that’s larger than the size of Italy). The reef system is so large it can even be seen from space! Listed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World , there is no shortage of marine life in these crystal-clear blue waters. Dive into this underwater world of incredibly colourful reefs, swim with large schools of peculiar-looking fish, and capture its beauty with your own eyes.
Sail in the Whitsundays
The Whitsunday Islands consist of 74 small tropical islands, surrounded by the most beautiful turquoise water. They are also located right next to the Great Barrier Reef which protects the islands from large swells, making them ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sailing. Hire a sail boat for a multi-day tour and explore as many islands as time permits, including Dent Island, Hook Island, Hayman Island, and Hamilton Island. This tropical paradise will leave you relaxed and ready to take on your next adventure (if you ever decide to leave of course!).
Explore the Northern Territory
From Darwin, on the northern coast, to Alice Springs in the center, this region is a wide-open space filled with red hues and aboriginal culture. Visit Kakadu National Park, famous for its aboriginal art sites and the lush Litchfield National Park, with its waterholes and waterfalls. Don’t forget to check out the tomb-like magnetic termite mounds; some of which are up to 100 years old.
Kata Tjuta
(The Olgas)
This large group of ancient rock formations is located approximately 30km from Ayers Rock, in the center of Australia. Kata Tjuta consists of 36 sandstone domes spread over a 20km area and are said to be over 500 million years old. The name Kata Tjuta is an aboriginal word meaning ‘many heads’.
Uluru
(Ayers Rock)
Located in the Northern Territory, Ayers Rock (Uluru) is a sacred site to the Aboriginal tribes. The massive formation is one of the most easily recognized landmarks in the country. Heading out into the outback is truly an Australian experience that is not to be missed. Marvel at this incredible sight during sunrise or sunset for the most magnificent red-hue shades.
Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge
Sydney is home to one of the most photographed structures in the world, the Sydney Opera House. It’s roof appears to resemble white sails or seashells and the Sydney Harbour Bridge creates the perfect backdrop for this magnificent building. Book a sunset or sunrise boat tour through the harbour or take a stroll along the boardwalk for the perfect photo opportunities.
Learn to Surf
Why not learn to surf in surfers paradise?! After some basic dry land training, you’ll be ready to hit the waves off the Gold Coast and (hopefully) you’ll be standing up on your board in no time. This is a workout worth attempting. Spend your afternoon browsing the shops along the busiest shopping strip in Queensland and end the day at one of the many restaurants or bars. You’ll see why this is the center for nightlife activity.
Whitehaven Beach
Known for its stunning turquoise waters and the softest sand your feet will ever touch, Whitehaven Beach is often listed as the best beach in the world. The sand is 98.9% pure silica and spans across the 7km long beach. Silica sand is so fine and clear that it doesn’t retain heat, and the white colour reflects the sun’s rays. Silica sand comes from eroding quartz, so there are questions about where the sand came from, as it is the only area in the Whitsundays that consists of this fine powder. Located on Whitsunday Island, the beach can only be accessed by a small vessel or by air, so the area remains pristine without any overcrowding.
