Much of
Australia's exotic flora and fauna cannot be found anywhere else in the world
and the lifestyle is one second to none.
| Five
fundamental freedoms |
| Freedom
of speech |
| Australians
are free, within the bounds of the law, to say or write what we think
privately or publicly, about the government, or about any topic. We do not
censor the media and may criticise the government without fear of arrest.
Free speech comes from facts, not rumours, and the intention must be
constructive, not to do harm. There are laws to protect a person's good name
and integrity against false information. There are laws against saying or
writing things to incite hatred against others because of their culture,
ethnicity or background. Freedom of speech is not an excuse to harm others. |
| Freedom of association |
| We are
free to join any organisation or group if it is legal. We can choose to
belong to a trade union or to a political party. Having and debating points
of view allows for a healthy and strong democracy. |
| Freedom
of assembly |
| We are
free to meet with other people in public or private places. We can meet in
small or large groups for legal social or political purposes. Being able to
protest and to demonstrate is an accepted form of free expression. Protestors
must not be violent or break laws such as assaulting others or trespassing on
private or public property. People can change governments in a peaceful way
by elections and not by violence. |
| Freedom of religion |
| Australia
does not have an official or state religion. The law does not enforce any
religious doctrine, however, religious practices must conform to the law. We
are free to follow any religion we choose. We are also free not to have a
religion. |
| Freedom of movement |
We can
move freely to and from all states and territories. We can leave and return
to Australia at any time. Some migrants may have conditions placed on their
visa until they become Australian citizens.
| Many
Cultures |
| The
people of this nation value their success at building a tolerant and
inclusive society that is rich in culture from many lands. We have come from
many parts of the world yet we have many common values and principles uniting
us. We live by the Rule of Law. Religions and cultural practices from all
parts of the world exist side by side with the secular legal system we have
in Australia. |
We all
should have a duty to our nation's interests and future. While we are all
different, our shared future and duty to harmony unites us. Within this point
of view, each of us, by ourself or as a group, is welcome to contribute to
the common good. Our success as a society is largely due to all of us living
together without letting the past affect duty to our nation and its future.
|
| Rights |
| We can
vote in or stand for an election. Voting gives us the right to choose a
representative in Parliament, and to influence how they run our country. An
Australian citizen who is qualified has the right to stand for an election.
Our democracy gives us the right to change ruling parties on a regular and
peaceful basis by the use of elections. |
We are
all entitled to equal rights and to equal respect. Our laws make sure that no
one is subject to discrimination because of their race, their colour, their
religion or gender. Each of us has a right to participate in our community
and achieve our full potential, no matter what our background is. All
Australians have the right of freedom of speech, freedom of association,
freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, and freedom of movement.
|
| Values
and Principles |
| In
return for the rights and freedoms, all of us should have an overriding duty
to Australia. We are to accept the principles and civic values of our
community. They are: |
| The
rule of law |
| The
democratic principles of government (and institutions such as the
Constitution and parliamentary democracy) |
| Acceptance
of cultural diversity (tolerance) |
| Equality
of sexes and ethnic backgrounds |
| Equality
of opportunity |
| Freedom
of speech and religion |
English
as the national language
|
| Tolerance |
As a
community, we agree that to express one's own culture and beliefs means that
we accept the right of others to express their views and values. It is
unlawful to insult, humiliate, offend or intimidate another person or group
in public because of their race.
| Top
Places in Australia |
1.
Checking out the Great Barrier Reef is one of the must-do activities in
Australia. The variety of bio-diversity that this reef supports has to be
seen to be believed. The Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin, Dwarf Minke Whale,
Flatback Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle and Salt Water Crocodile are some of the
species found here. There are a wide variety of birds living near this reef.
It’s one of the greatest heritage sites in this continent country. Located
off the Queensland coast, the Great Barrier Reef is in the Coral Sea and is
the largest coral reef in the world. ‘Live aboard’ is a floating guest
facility that is offered in many places along the coast. A scuba diver would
find this reef really fascinating. You could also try snorkeling and diving. |
2.
Sydney Harbor is a natural harbor and it provides the backdrop for the
breathtaking Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge. At the Opera
House, you’ll find performances by local music groups as well as foreign
productions. The architecture is modern with its conceptual ‘shells’ forming
the roof. The ‘Coat hanger’ or the Harbor Bridge is another image that
represents Australia to most of the world. The pyrotechnics on New Year’s Eve
are splendid. |
3.
The
‘Natural State’ Tasmania has an endearing air to it, all thanks to its as yet
unspoiled natural beauty. The ‘Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race’, the ‘Road rally
in Tasmania’ and a host of music events make it a popular destination. ‘Falls
Festival’ has drawn crowds for many years now. Around the time of Christmas,
‘Carols in the candlelight’ is another well-known event. The food festival
has food and wine that attracts people by the thousand. Wines such as
‘Cascade’ and ‘Boags’ are popular in mainland Australia and across the world.
Cheese and dairy products are also a hit with the tourists. Cradle Mountain
is another place in this state where scenic beauty may be seen. This mountain
in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is made of dolerite
columns and the vegetation in this area is mostly alpine. At Cradle Mountain,
you could even start off on the ‘Overland track’ that would take you across
the mountain terrain for six days. You could take walks around the bush and
with the Lake Dove in the vicinity, Cradle Mountain must be visited. On a
nocturnal visit, you could even run into animals such as Pademelons,
Wallabies and Possums. |
4.
The
rugged terrain of Kimberley in Western Australia is sure to have you
perplexed. The cruise around this region is splendid as it offers views of
waterfalls, red cliffs, rivers and some rainforest as well. King George Falls
and Mitchell Falls have some of the most breathtaking views. This region also
houses some major art centers. While the works of many foreign artists are on
display, local artists are also encouraged and these art shows are
internationally recognized. Kimberley is also famous for its diamonds. The
‘Bungle Bungles’ or Purnululu National Park is another attraction. However
this is closed for some months every year. You can start off on your
Kimberley cruise either at Broome, Darwin or Derby. If you are planning to
drive down during the wet months, you’ll need to check if the roads are
closed. |
5.
In
the Snowy Mountains there is the Mount Kosciuszko which can be explored
either by foot or by ski if you are going in winter. There are guided tours
for different age groups and depending on how fit you are, you could opt for
any of these hikes. This, the highest mountain in Australia has Alpine
flowers which could be blooming if you go at the right time of the year.
Ningaloo Reef, another reef in the West Coast off Australia is a white sandy
lagoon. You can actually walk to this coral reef. Swim along with the many
species of fish and other water creatures. Also, make time to visit the
Ningaloo Marine Park. Glen Helen with its Ormiston Gorge, and Pound National
Park in Australia’s Outback Northern Territory is along the legendary Finke
river. The walks in the park can range anywhere from a thirty minutes right
up to a three days. You’ll find that the accommodation is more than decent
and the presence of other attractions makes this place very tourist friendly,
and Alice Springs are close by. | 6.
No
holiday can be truly complete without a fair amount of shopping thrown in. In
Melbourne, go to the Chapel Street or Greville Street for some chic clothes
and leather goods. (Try Melbourne City Shops for a list of shops
around Melbourne) The fancy bistros and the designer boutiques make for a
compelling reason to check out this city. Chapel Street alone has more than a
thousand shops along a two kilometer stretch. Between July and August, the
city also plays host to Melbourne Film Festival and screens some of the
finest movies, both local and foreign. There are souvenir shops scattered all
over the city. St James Old Cathedral takes you back to the Victorian times
with its quaint architecture. |
7.
As
befits a location famous for its fine alcohol, the lovely grape-growing
valley of Barossa is proud of its industry. It is located less than fifty
kilometers northeast of Adelaide and offers everything you’d expect from a
famous wine region in Australia. In 1850, English immigrants and European
farmers came to the valley and began to turn it into one of the world’s most
renowned, for its wine, good food, and European architecture. The valley
offers unique food, many festivals, events all year long, historical
architecture, art galleries, and antique shops. |
8.
If
there is a paradise, it undoubtedly looks like Whitsunday’s islands in
Queensland. Most trips to the islands start from the town of Airlie Beach,
known mainly for cheap alcohol and its pubs and discos. You can go on an
organized cruise from Early Beach to Whitsunday’s and choose different
packages. Some sleep on board, while others stay at vacation villages near
the island, where you can also find five star hotels. During the cruise, you
can take part in various activities such as snorkeling, diving, swimming or
lazing around on deck with a cold drink and staring at the amazing view. The
island’s most famous beach is Whitehaven Beach, seven kilometers of white
sand, and one of the most photographed beaches in the world. |
9.
The
highlight of a visit in the middle of the Australian desert is doubtlessly a
visit of Uluru (or Ayers Rock). It is three hundred and forty eight meters
high with a nine kilometers circumference. It is the world’s largest
monolith, made of sand stone which changes color in the course of the day
from light brown to deep red. It is especially beautiful at sunset and
sunrise. Uluru is also called “The Heart of Australia” and is one of
Australia’s most famous symbols. The giant rock is of supreme importance to
the Aborigines, who have marked its holiness by many rock drawings for ten
thousand years. |
10.
The
Great Ocean Road, one hour drive east of Melbourne, runs along the southern
coast of Australia and is one of the most beautiful driving roads on earth.
Its length is two hundred and fifty kilometers, and it starts at the Trecky
surf resort, ninety kilometers from Melbourne. The road was built in 1930 in
memory of soldiers who fell in WWI; it passes by magnificent cliffs and
lonely beaches. Main attractions include the resort towns of Loren, Apollo
Bay, and picturesque Port Fairy. Otway National Park offers hiking paths
through rain forests, rivers, and amazing waterfalls. Campbell National Park,
on the western side of the road, is located in an area known for its rocks
jutting out of the ocean, the most famous of these being called “The Twelve Apostles.”
11.
| Kakadu
National Park is the largest national park in
Australia and is situated in the north east corner of the Northern Territory.
There is something for everyone here, from outback adventure and nature
activities to aboriginal culture. |
| The
park is ideal of those wishing to know more about Aboriginal culture as it
contains the highest number of aboriginal rock art sites in the world, the
most famous of which are at Nourlangie Rock and Ubirr. |
| The
Aboriginal people have occupied this area for at least 40 000 years and there
still remains wholly aboriginal land such as Arnhem Land, steeped in
aboriginal culture and history and also home to diverse wildlife and stunning
landscapes. |
| Kakadu
Park is certainly a wildlife haven with no less than 68 species of mammal,
120 reptiles, 26 frog species, 10,000 insect species, 290 bird species and
2,000 types of plant. There are still species yet to be discovered. |
| The
popular wetlands provide the most visual attractions, filled with sleepy
saltwater crocodiles and colonies of herons. Feral horses, pigs and water
buffalo can all be spotted here. |
| The
landscape also has many treats in store, including the spectacular twin falls
in Arnhem Lane; Yellow Water, the famous billabong that is literally crammed
with wildlife and Gunlow Plunge Pool which combines beautiful waterfalls with
a crystal clear and cool plunge pool. |
Best
time to visit is October to December or April to June when the weather is
cooler and the wildlife more abundant.
12.
| Daintree
National Park is about 3 hours north of Cairns. Within the park you”ll find
one of the oldest rain forests in world, a mere 135 million years old!
It ends at Cape Tribulation where the Daintree Rainforest and the Great
Barrier Reef meet. |
| Cape
Tribulation, so called by Captain Cook because of all the troubles he
encountered there, is now a popular destination for student travellers and
backpackers and there is plenty of adventure still to be had here, whether
it’s in the form of kayaking, snorkelling or climbing. |
| The
Daintree Rainforest also contains smatterings of little residential dwellings
and some of the inhabitents of these villages make a living by offering tours
around their land to visitors. You may be lucky enough to spot a cassowary
whilst you are there. If you want to venture out alone, there are many trails
throughout the forest, including aerial walkways for the brave! |
| The Park
contains the highest number of plant and animal species that are rare or
threatened. You can find out more about them by using one of the interactive
rainforest guided walks that are available. |
| It’s
also the ideal place to try many exotic fruits with such curious sounding
names as the Lemon Meringue Pie fruit and the Chocolate Pudding fruit. These
fruits cannot be transported though because of their fragile states and in
any case, it’s best to eat them fresh, straight off the tree! |
| Riverboat
hiring is also popular so that visitors can spot one of the crocodiles on the
banks of the Daintree River. |
You can
get there by car or bus from Cairns and Port Douglas, but for the energetic
amongst you there are also cycle trails.
13.
| Fraser
Island is the biggest sand island in world at 122 km long and the only place
where sand and rain forest live in harmony. It is a World Heritage Site,
making it a precious part of Australia’s natural and cultural heritage. |
| Imagine
long stretches of interrupted white beaches, clear blue lakes, ancient
rainforests and striking sand cliffs. It is also home to many endangered and
rare animal and plant species including dugongs, turtles, curlews, ferns,
mangrove colonies etc. Its wetlands have been listed by the Convention on
Wetlands of International Importance and are highly protected. Pure bred
dingoes are also on the island, though visitors are advised not to feed them
as they are highly dangerous. |
| Lake
McKenzie is one of the most famous of the lakes on the island. It has crystal
blue waters and perfect white sands. However with fame comes popularity and
it can get crowded in the middle of the day during peak season. |
| Bird
lovers will be in paradise as Fraser Island is home to over 300 species of
bird, including many rare coastal birds such as brahminy kites and pied
oyster catchers. The ground parrot also resides here along with honey-eaters
and cockatoos. |
| The
whale spotters might catch a glimpse of humpback whales migrating from
Antartica between July and August or the occasional Tiger Shark which makes
the inviting seas not so inviting for bathers! |
One of
the best things to do is hire your own 4WD and explore the island at your
leisure. You can pitch up a camping place on the beach, although you will
need a permit. Alternatively you could choose the Youth Hostel or one of the
many lodges.
14.
| Experience
Sydney Opera House - one of the world's most creative and busiest performing
arts centres and greatest triumphs of modern architecture. |
Spend a day at the World Heritage site and
you will be amazed at the life, culture and activity bursting from beneath
the sails. Hop on one of the daily tours and discover the stories, history
and magic of the building plus see the extraordinary interiors surrounding
some of the most magnificent theatres and venues.
15.
| Once
you’ve experienced the spectacular blue-hazed beauty, dramatic cliffs and
deep canyons of the Blue Mountains, you’ll come away refreshed and
invigorated. A string of townships, such as Katoomba and Leura, form a
vibrant cultural community where artists, musicians and writers
flourish. Lithgow is a popular stop for visitors heading
to Country NSW, and has a number of fine public and private
buildings, reflecting its key place in Australia’s industrial history.
Lithgow is a proud working town that has played a significant role in the
shaping of Australian commerce and industry. |
| Glide
between cliff tops and gaze at the rainforest canopy through the glass floor
of the Scenic Skyway! |
| Suspended
270 metres above ancient ravines, the Skyway provides a unique thrill as
breathtaking views are revealed beneath your feet through the electro-glass
cabin floor. For the less adventurous, seating and solid flooring is also
available! |
| With
360° views, the 720 metre journey provides the best views of Katoomba Falls,
the Three Sisters, and Jamison Valley stretching to the horizon. |
| Disembark
at the Skyway’s east station to access lookouts over the valley along with
bush trails to Echo Point. |
| Discover
panoramic views of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains from the Scenic
Cableway. |
| The 545
metre journey gently descends into the Jamison Valley and also returns
visitors to the top of the escarpment. The Cableway’s fully enclosed cabin is
a unique vantage point for viewing the Three Sisters, Orphan Rock, Mt
Solitary and Katoomba Falls. |
| Disembark
at the bottom station to access the Scenic Walkway and stroll through 2.4
kilometres of Jurassic rainforest. |
| Wheelchair
accessible with a capacity for 84 passengers, the Cableway is the steepest
and largest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere. |
| Discover
the tranquility of ancient rainforest – or simply tire the kids out –
strolling along our 2.4 kilometre Scenic Walkway. |
| Brilliant
in sunshine and even better in the rain, this elevated boardwalk immerses
visitors in Jurassic rainforest on the Jamison Valley floor with minimal
impact on the environment. |
| Along
the way, explore elements of the site’s coal mining history including the
mine entrance, a replica miners’ hut and scale bronze sculpture of a miner
and his pit pony. |
| Learn
about local flora, listen for the native lyre bird or taste pure Blue
Mountains water straight from Marrangaroo Spring. Enjoy a peaceful moment in
the open-air Rainforest Room, or on rest benches located along the route. |
Options
for various walks taking ten minutes or a full hour are clearly signposted,
along with the wheelchair accessible link between the bottom Cableway and
Railway stations.
|
The
Scenic Railway is the steepest cable-driven railway in the world, with a
steepest incline of 52 degrees contained within a total incline distance of
415 metres. It was originally constructed for a coal and oil shale mining
operation in the Jamison Valley in the 1880s, in order to haul the coal and
shale from the valley floor up to the escarpment above. From 1928 to 1945 it
carried coal during the week and Passengers at weekends. The coal mine was
closed in 1945 and it became a permanent Tourist Attraction.
16. 
| Jamberoo is a small picturesque village approx 11 km inland
from Kiama on the South Coast of New South
Wales, Australia in the Municipality of Kiama. At the
2006 census, Jamberoo had a population of 935 people.[1] The
town's name is derived from an aboriginal word meaning 'track'.[2] |
| It is
well known for the Jamberoo Action Park (previously Jamberoo
Recreation Park), Jamberoo Hotel (Pub) and the local dairy
farming community. The Australian Illawarra Shorthorn cattle
breed originated in here. It is the birthplace of politician Joseph
Cullen. |
Kangaroo
Island Development |
| This
approved development will ultimately replace the entire area where our Go
Cart tracks were once situated. While the Go Carts were extremely popular
over the past 20 years they could only service around 250 people comfortably,
the new development, when fully completed, will easily be able to accommodate
4500 to 5000 people. |
| Not only
will the latest in high thrill water based rides and attractions be on offer
there will be a huge reduction in queue times and congestion making for an
even more enjoyable experience for our guests. |
| To be
built in several stages over the coming years the Kangaroo Island masterplan
incorporates; |
| Funnel
Web, Longest Biggest most exhilarating water thrill ride of
its kind... in the World. Clover leaf rafts loop and twist down the hill
before dropping into the huge funnel and shooting out into the splash pool - Completed in December 2012 |
| Banjo's
Billabong - Interactive Play Area - five times the
size of the current Billabong Beach play area -
Completed in December 2012 |
| Behemoth
Bowl - riders whirl in a spiral around the massive bowl before dropping into
a splashdown pool |
| Giant
Rapid River - This river attraction is twice as long as our current Rapid
River and will connect all the rides in the Kangaroo Island Area. When you
finish any of the water slides you will be able to get straight into the
river to work your way around to other rides and attractions. |
| Mammoth
Mountain Raft Ride - Two huge flumes take water rafts twisting and turning
down the mountain |
| The
Rocket - A rocket coaster incorporating maglev technology to propel people
along the tube and up the hill |
| In
addition to these main attractions, the development will also include several
themed highlights including suspension bridges, dripping logs, rock walls,
waterfalls, wave chamber, river tunnel cave, water jets and of course food
outlets, toilets, change rooms and general amenities. |
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| A place
can truly be experienced only by visiting it. The culture, people, and
cuisine are test “lived” and not just read about. Australia is a lot more
than what this article has to say. Check out Australia and be mesmerized by
its mélange of the old and the modern |
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I so love this country, there's so much to do!
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