Australia History
Australian Wines, Mudgee Wine Tours
Man oh Man! What a way to see the country! Mudgee is currently one of the lesser known wine regions of Australia, but it is should soon be shaking that problem. Get there before everyone else discovers what a find it is!
The drinking and driving laws in Australia are extremely strict, in fact the very first thing that occurred upon entering Mudgee was a police stop for a Random Breath Test. Whew! good thing it was on the way into town eh? In order to appreciate the local wines and cellar doors to the fullest the next day, I asked around and several people guided me in the direction of Mudgee Wine Tours, run by Jan and Terry Hill. It was great! I was able to sit back and start drinking wine at 10:00 am and was deposited nice and safely back at my campsite 8 hours later, not a care in the world and loaded with wine….the stuff that I purchased you silly people….oh ok…probably a little loaded after the tastings as well. But since I had Jan to drive me around- it was fabulous!
A true local operator, the husband and wife team provided a quality, clean, and well run vehicle to tote our merry backsides about the countryside. They let the group choose the wineries, dished out cheese and crackers after each stop, gave nice personalized background information about each place we visited, helped orchestrate the group so we could get our tastings in an organized manner, and really just let us the patrons decide how the day went.
Date: February 26th, 2007 | No Comments
Disco Baroque
27th February - 30th March the University of Technology in Sydney is hosting Disco Baroque. The exhibit is described as “a kaleidoscopic synaesthesic experience, a vertiginous rollercoaster ride through the mirrorball realm of glitter and shine.” Now how can you resist that!
Six Australian and international artists engage with contemporary notions relating to the disco culture of the 1970’s merged with the ideas of the historical Baroque period. Disco Baroque is a collision of opulence and decadence cut up with contemporary anxieties provoked by increasing technological change. Hosted in …
Date: February 22nd, 2007 | No Comments
The Australian Museum, 42nd Annual Wildlife Photography Exhibit
Now in its 42nd year, the exhibition at the Australian Museum showcases the winning and commended images from the world’s largest wildlife photography competition which attracted over 18,000 photographs from 55 countries this year.
A remarkable image of the mimic octopus renowned as a brilliant master of disguise has won Sydney-based photographer, Michael Aw, the underwater category in the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2006 competition.
Michael’s stunning image is one of 92 featured in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2006 exhibition at the Australian Museum from 9 December …
Date: February 21st, 2007 | No Comments
Sydney Harbour- Sail on an America's Cup Racing Yacht
Have you always had a bit of a romantic eye for the ocean? Always dreamed of sailing away into the sunset? Envisioned yourself part of a racing team battling the elements aboard a racing yacht? Desired the glamour, the fatigue, the exhilaration, and the emotion of watching the sail billow and the soundless speed of the water disappearing under the bow?
Here’s your chance. Spirit was designed and skippered by Iain Murray as the “people’s challenger” for the America’s Cup race in San Diego in 1992. Spirit boasts …
Date: February 20th, 2007 | No Comments
Sydney- Harbour Bridge Climb
Get ready to don a grey jumpsuit, harness, headphones, and do The Climb of Your Life as you conquer one of Australia’s greatest icons. Since 1998 almost 2 million climbers have taken part in the 3.5 hour guided journey.
Dawn, day, twilight and night climbs are available. The bridge you are getting ready to summit is over 52,800 tonnes and is the largest single span steel arch bridge in the world. In order to reach the 134 metre peak, you will climb ladders, catwalks and staircases. Moderate fitness …
Date: February 19th, 2007 | No Comments
Kangaroo Valley NSW, Canoes, Clydesdales, and Adventure
Touted as one of only 7 totally enclosed Valley’s in the entire world, Kangaroo Valley is a perfect quick weekend away from Sydney. Only a 2 hours drive, it has been described as having a view that no painter could beautify I’ve been all around the region and can vouch that it is gorgeous. However, the tales I’ve heard from fellow travellers and locals alike about Kangaroo Valley specifically, assure me, that with rainforest clinging to the escarpment and the splendour of the river as it weaves its way through the countryside, it is downright stunning.
Situated between the white sands of New South Wales’s Shoalhaven/Jervis Bay area and the Southern Highlands, it is Mainland Australia’s first plastic bag free city, pet friendly, family friendly, adventure and budget traveller friendly, and most importantly- it has plenty to do and see. Here are just a few cool things to check out while you are in the region.
Date: February 25th, 2007 | 1 comment
Sydney Opera House- 10 Days on Earth
There are so many good things going on at the Sydney Opera House, it is hard to highlight just a few. One such event is entitled 10 Days on Earth by Ronnie Burkett. Mr. Burkett is touted as the world’s master of marionettes, and, according to critics, manages to ignite adult imaginations with puppet theatre which pulls at the heart strings. Acclaimed from London to New York and the hit of two Melbourne International Arts Festivals, Burkett finally makes his Sydney debut at The Playhouse of the Sydney …
Date: February 22nd, 2007 | No Comments
Sydney Women, Come Celebrate All Things Feminine
Come to the High Tea Party 23 Feb-25 Feb to help support the National Breast Cancer Foundation at the Sir Stamford Hotel in Circular Quay. Everything from hair and beauty pampering, gourmet indulgences and lingerie fittings to previews and financial planning will leave the guests never wanting the High Tea Party to end!
Free BMW chauffeured cars, indulgent gift bags, and beautiful five star surroundings are just a few of the highlights. Running at $85 for entrance, there are seminars and free samples to be had and …
Date: February 20th, 2007 | No Comments
QM2 and QE2 in Sydney Harbour in Historic Meeting
The massive 151,400-ton Queen Mary 2 will smash the record as the biggest ship of any type ever to visit Australia when she arrives in Sydney at 6.30am on Tuesday February 20, 2007. She was led by fireboats shooting fountains of seawater high into the air from their water cannons, and escorted by an entourage of smaller ships, yachts and boats of all types. Larger than 132 Manly ferries and too big to dock at Circular Quay, the A$1 billion Queen Mary 2 will tie dock at Woolloomooloo.
In an extraordinary event, the giant Queen Mary 2 will be joined in Sydney Harbour during her maiden visit by her famous ‘little sister’ Queen Elizabeth 2 at 7.15pm. The two great Queens will greet each other for this historic first meeting with a “whistle salute” using their 2,000 pound, 7-foot long signaling horns that can be heard over 10 miles away. The dusk spectacle will be the first time two Cunard Queens have been seen together in Sydney since World War 2 when the original Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth visited the city as troop carriers in 1941.
Date: February 19th, 2007 | No Comments
Arrival into Australia- What you need to know about Customs
You did it! You booked your ticket, survived the flight, and are here! You are excited and ready to meet a person who actually uses G’day as part of their everyday speech. All Right…you are still in the Airport… but here’s a few tips on how to get yourself and your luggage out as smoothly as possible. Ready, Set, Que.
Duty Free- If you haven’t managed to be tempted by cheap booze, silk and perfume at one of the outlets in your home country or on the plane, Australia gives you one more chance…..As you arrive, there is a huge Duty Free Store before you even make it to Immigration. Ask about the quantity limits.
Immigration- this line is an interesting place to observe humanity in it’s disheveled, disorientated and unwashed glory. The line does generally move pretty quickly. You will need your passport (with appropriate Visa already in place) and the arrival card that was supplied to you on board your plane. Australian and New Zealand Passport Holders to the left, all Others to the right. You MAY NOT!!!!! use a cell phone in this area. You will be severely scolded if you try.
Date: February 18th, 2007 | 3 comments