Going to Australia: What to Pack

What to pack and what to wear on your holidays in Australia?

You basically want to create a small yet versatile capsule wardrobe. On holiday less is always more so make sure you take only the clothes you really love to wear. And keep it casual. 

1. You are likely to be exposed to intense sunlight wherever you go in Australia, therefore remember to pack sunglasses, a sunscreen with an SPF of 30+, a broad-brimmed hat and long-sleeved shirts with higher neckline to prevent burning. And a good moisturizer will be a nice relief after a day in the outdoors. 

2. It is very casual in Australia and you can even wear jeans to casinos but if you plan to visit restaurants, smart casual attire is the winner. If you plan on experiencing the nightlife of Australia's major cities, also pack some evening wear and dress shoes, as many clubs and bars have dress codes and will turn away if wearing sneakers or thongs.

3. For women, a little summer dress comes in handy in the evening. For a smarter look for sightseeing or shopping during the day, take a lightweight jacket.


4. Natural fibres will work better in the heat (for me linen is always a winner) and it is worth popping in a lightweight cardigan and a scarf for cooler weather or overly fierce air conditioning. 

5. Complete with Accessories. Take a few nice statement pieces of jewellery which you can throw on in the evening to feel a little bit more dressed up but it's not wise to take anything too valuable - suitcases have a tendency to go missing.

6. For men again the word is casual and calf-length shorts/ board shorts and casual shoes will be perfect. But in the evening a jacket, long pants and covered shoes 

7. Packing a rain jacket, ideally with a detachable lining, is also a good idea. 

8. Outside of the main cities, do not bother with dressy wardrobe.

9. Take comfortable, lace-up footwear for all the walking, thongs for the beach and sandals for going out.

10. You can buy all your toiletries here and best shopping malls to do that are David Jones and Myer but beware as you might find that they are cheaper in your country

11. And don't forget your swimsuit if you plan to spend some time on the beach. You might even consider learning to surf when visiting Bondi Beach

When arriving in Australia make  sure you are NOT carrying food of any description in your suitcases or hand luggage. The dogs at the airport have a very sensitive sense of smell and they will find it and you may be fined, which is not a great way to start your trip.

7 Great Walks of Australia

Australia is a world-class walking destination. The collection of great walks located in stunning settings includes seven high-end Australian walking journeys:

The Arkaba Walk in South Australia  

Traversing the ancient Flinders Ranges in outback South Australia is an experience that immerses you in the story of the land. 600-million years of geological history echo through the stratified layers of Wilpena Pound and the Elder Range. Large numbers of Red and Western Grey kangaroos, wallaroos and emus are regular sightings along the walk, and the country is littered with the stories, and often heroic failures, of early pioneers who tried to eke a living from the harsh but beautiful country.  

Bay of Fires Lodge Walk in Tasmania

At the edge of Mt William National Park in north-eastern Tasmania, the magnificent coastline known as the Bay of Fires provides dramatic landscapes, ecology, and wildlife. Immerse yourself in one of the most pristine environments that Tasmania has to offer; walk the soft sandy beaches, explore coves, kayak the Ansons River and enjoy the uncomplicated luxury of our accommodation at the Forester Beach Camp and award winning Bay of Fires Lodge.


Freycinet Experience Walk in Tasmania

The Freycinet Experience is the original guided walk on Tasmania’s east coast, taking you through the pink granite Hazard Mountains and rich coastal forests, and the purest of white-sand beaches including the world-renowned Wineglass Bay.









The Great Ocean Walk in Victoria 
Discover beautiful Victoria on the striking Great Ocean Walk coordinated by the good people at bothfeet. Stroll through the seaside village of Apollo Bay, continue on through cool-climate rainforest, remote beaches and coastal cliff tops, concluding with a Twelve Apostles scenic helicopter flight. 







Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory

Soak up the ethereal scenery of vast flood plains, razorback rocky outcrops and the glorious scale of this ancient land, walking the high ridgelines of the West MacDonnell Range, led by your guides at World Expedition.









Maria Island Walk in Tasmania 

Maria Island is a delightful blend of rare wildlife, convict heritage, and elegant accommodation. On the multi-award winning Maria Island Walk, you’ll enjoy gentle walking by day and candlelit gourmet dining at night.









Cradle Mountain Huts Walk in Tasmania

Discover one of Australia’s most spectacular World Heritage Areas while trekking the world famous Overland Track in the peaceful and exquisite terrain of Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania.








 
Source: http://greatwalksofaustralia.com.au/

The full glory of earth’s total solar eclipse, only in Australia

Around 25,000 tourists from all over the world are expected to descend upon northern Australia next month, in readiness for what will be just the second solar eclipse of the year.

The total eclipse will only be visible from Northeast Australia © PiLensPhoto - Fotolia.com

This time round, Australia is the only populated landmass in the world that will be treated to a total eclipse of the sun – and even then, only the smallest sliver of its northernmost coastline will be in for the treat, hence, Australia is where it’s at for thousands of astronomically-inspired tourists.

Authorities are getting ready for a massive influx of visitors, with more than 50,000 visitors expected to arrive to see the magical event, roughly half of whom will travel from overseas. As well as the eclipse itself, tourists will be treated to a wide program of events to mark the occasion, including the world’s first ever Total Solar Eclipse Marathon, and hot air balloon rides for an even more magical experience.

The majority of tourists are expected to head to Cairns and Port Douglas in Australia’s northeast, which are the only two cities that will get to enjoy the full two minutes of the moon fully obscuring the sun. A partial eclipse will be visible from much of the South Pacific howver, including Australia and New Zealand, southern South America and parts of Antarctica.

Organizers will be offering a unique perspective of the eclipse, from a hot air balloon © Dmytro Shevchenko - Fotolia.com

The number of eclipses varies, with anywhere from two to five visible each year. This year’s only other eclipse took place back in May, and even then it was only a partial event. Previously, in 2011, there were four partial eclipses. Only very rarely are we treated to five eclipses in one year – the last time this occurred was in 1935, and it won’t happen again until 2206.

Source: http://www.argophilia.com/

Shell Beach in Western Australia. Stunning.

Australia | Shell Beach in Western Australia is made up of millions of tiny shells which are up to 10m deep and stretch for over 120km ... OUCH!