Read + Write + Report
Home | Start a blog | About Orble | FAQ | Sites | Writers | Advertise | My Orble | Login

Travel Australia - by Craig Hill

More





Travel Australia

Circular Quay, Sydney

May 1st 2009 23:29
The bigest tourist destination in Australia is Sydney, and one of the favourite spots of regular travellers to Sydney is Circular Quay. It is also a favourite spot for Australians.

Sydney was the site of Australia’s first established European settlement, in 1788, when the First Fleet arrived in New South Wales. This consisted of soldiers and convicts, the latter having been deported from England for atrocious crimes such as stealing a loaf of bread (seven years deportation). Australia was seen as an alternative to the prisons, which were grossly overcrowded.

Sydney Harbour Bridge


Circular Quay is near The Rocks, the first colonial settlement in Australia. Captain Arthur Phillip chose this site because of it’s unique deepwater facilities. Sydney Harbour is generally regarded as one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. Formed by glaciers during the last Ice Age, when sea levels were 100m lower than today, the harbour offers spectacular views and natural walkways around the harbour foreshores. It is today adorned by the architectural magic of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge

Circular Quay is the hub of Sydney. It was the site of the first permanent European settlement, and even today, it is the place where most Sydneysiders congregate for special occasions. The New Year’s Eve Fireworks are a particular attraction of worldwide note that are centred on Circular Quay.

It is relaxing to walk around the area, and enjoy the relative tranquillity much of it has to offer, just a short walk from the hustling CBD.

Nearby are also the Botanic Gardens, Hyde Park, The War Memorial, and many striking buildings, both modern and historical. My personal favourite is the Australia Square Tower, once Australia’s tallest building, but now relatively dwarfed by many other skyscrapers built since.

Sydney is located on Australia’s South East Coast, and has a temperate climate. It is the largest natural harbour in the world, and boasts 70 beaches in the urban area, including the famous Bondi Beach.

Sydney is a major tourist destination, and has one world-class airport and sea port facilities. Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin fly frequently between Sydney and all major centres in Australia. Most international airlines fly regular routes to and from Sydney.

45
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Sydney
   


Airlie Beach, Queensland

May 1st 2009 06:58
Australia is home to some of the best holiday spots and beaches in Australia. Amongst the top spots, few surpass Airlie Beach, in the Whitsunday Islands.

Airlie Beach is a totally tourist town. It exists only for that purpose. It is located about 20° South on the north east coast of tropical Australia, about 1,100 km north of Brisbane. It is in the heartland of the world famous Whitsunday Islands, a chain of 74 islands, mostly holiday resorts, on the Great Barrier Reef.

Airlie Beach


Airlie has the lot: sailing: hiking: swimming: fishing; flights over the Whitsundays and Reef; parasailing, to name but a few. Even in summer, when the beaches are prone to deadly box jelly fish, there is still the beautiful man-made lagoon on Airlie Beach itself, where swimmers can swim in complete safety in the oceans water.

There are weekend markets at the lagoon, the many boutiques, the night clubs (the main street seems to have a never ending stream of them), and getting pampered at a relaxing day spa. There is fishing, where one can just relax, and contemplate.

The Whitsundays have an interesting history. They were discovered by Captain James Cook in 1770. He named them thus because he mistakenly believed he was passing through them on the Christian holy day Whit Sunday, the International Date Line not known about back then . The locals at Airlie have a Blessing of the Fleet each Pentecost (Whit Sunday), to honour Cook’s discovery.

Shute Harbour Sunset
Nearby Shute Harbour at Sunset


The trip between Airlie and Brisbane can be made in several ways. There is a 17 hour train trip on Queensland Rail. The train stops at Proserpine (a sugar producing community nearby), and then a bus shuttles everyone who wants to go over to Airlie. The Jetstar and Qantas flights to Proserpine are much quicker, but if the traveller has the time, go by train.

Airlie is that it is a first and foremost a party town, and secondly it is a retirement place, particularly for retired sailors. There is not a lot in the way of theatre, arts, fine restaurants or the like, so if you are looking for that, forget it

But it's a hell of a good party, and well worth while visiting.

Cedar Creek Falls
Nearby Cedar Creek Falls
48
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Craig Hill - Category: QLD non metro
   


Canberra Parliament House

March 1st 2009 07:26
The most striking and readily recognisable feature of Canberra is Parliament House. Parliament House replaced Old Parliament House, and was officially opened on 9th May 1988 by Queen Elizabeth II.

Much of Parliament House is buried beneath Capital Hill. Though security has tightened since the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US, Parliament House is still reasonably open.

Tourists can access the foyers, adorned with matching portraits of all Australia’s former prime ministers. Access is also available to the House of Representatives, and the Senate Building.

Access to the roof is also available, with sweeping views of the city.

Canberra Parliament House



23
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: ACT
   


Goulburn Waterworks Museum

November 5th 2008 22:59
Goulburn's Waterworks Museum is a picturesque historical building, set on the banks of the Wollondilly River at Marsden Weir in Goulburn. It is the only working engine powered water supply in the Southern Hemisphere, that is still in it's original location.

Goulburn Waterworks Museum
Historic Goulburn Waterworks Museum at Marsden Weir, on the Wollondilly River


Goulburn Waterworks became operational in January 1886, to provide a reticulated water supply to the growing City of Goulburn. Before 1886 the residents of Goulburn would have collected water in tanks or wells, or purchased supplies from a carter. The demand of the growing city resulted in the Rivers and Harbours Board installing a waterworks on the Wollondilly River at Rocky Point powered by a steam operated beam engine. Water was pumped from the river to a filtration plant and reservoir, then gravity fed to residents of the city.

The original 1883 Appleby Bros. steam engine, situated inside the pumphouse, was one of four installed in Pumphouses around NSW. The others were at Wagga Wagga, Albury (both scrapped in 1936) and Bathurst . The steam engine is known as a beam engine because of the large overhead rocking beam that transmits motion from the pistons to the cranks.

This great beam engine, of the type first invented by Thomas Newcomen in 1712, is an example of the powerhouse that drove the Industrial Revolution. Originally designed for pumping water out of mines in the UK it was improved by Watt, Smeaton, Maudsley and other engineers of the steam age until it became a very efficient and reliable engine.

Apart from mines and water supplies, many thousands were used to drive factory machinery in the 18th and 19th centuries - some four operated in factories in Goulburn - until they were superseded by electric motors in the early 20th century.

The Goulburn Waterworks engine is of medium size and produces 120 horse power. It has compound cylinders and a jet condenser. The fly wheel is 5 metres in diameter and at 18 r.p.m. the pumps delivered 660,000 litres of water per hour.

Goulburn Waterworks Museum
The Five Metre Fly Wheel At Goulburn Waterworks Museum


The two boilers that produce the steam that powers the engine, are located in the western wing of the building.

Fired by wood or coal, they produce high temperature steam that is piped through to the beam engine in the central part of the building. Only one boiler would have been operational at any one time. The other being shut down for regular cleaning and maintenance.

Steam from the boilers enters the valve chest on the cylinders from where it is transmitted to the cylinders by means of a valve mechanism. The action of the steam on the pistons causes them to reciprocate. Rods connect the pistons to the beam at one end, and to the crank at the other. This converts the 'rocking' motion to rotary motion which makes the flywheel turn, giving a smooth and continuous action

By 1918 the beam engine had became obsolete when electric motors were installed. Idle for many years, Goulburn's Beam Engine was restored in 1958.

The east wing of the building houses a horizontal steam engine, the Hick Hargreave (see separate page) and the early dynamo room with its electric pump.

The Waterworks is notable not just for its historic steam engine, but for the elegant Victorian building that houses the beam engine and boilers. Only metres away further up the hill stands the original fireman's cottage, also of Victorian design.

From 1968 the Goulburn Waterworks operated as a museum of engines. It was during this period that a grant was made available under the Regional Employment Development Scheme (1975) which saw some of this funding used for the installation of the Hick Hargreaves engine now on display and operational on steaming days, in the annexe of the pumphouse.


The single cylinder horizontal engine measures 9 metres in length, weighs 17 tons with the flywheel being 4 metres in diameter.

It was originally used to power equipment in a Sydney tannery, becoming discarded in 1961. It was reported that it had been acquired to represent the nest stage of steam engine development after the beam type engine.
33
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: NSW non metro
   


Goulburn Overview

November 2nd 2008 15:31
Goulburn today is a world renowned fine wool area, symbolised in the city by a three story high concrete castrated sheep, but it also has a secret in it’s grand old buildings and magnificent cathedrals, which look like they were transported stone by stone from Britain. But Goulburn also holds the secrets of the settling of Australia, a secret of lawlessness and heritage which goes right back to the First Fleet.

Goulburn Big Merino
The Big Merino, Goulburn


The first settler to set eyes on Goulburn Downs, in 1798, was the freed convict John Wilson, who was deported to Australia on the First Fleet for the heinous crime of stealing nine yards of cloth. It was not until 1863 that Goulburn was actually proclaimed as Australia’s first inland city.

The trip to Goulburn from Sydney used to take 16 days on dirt roads in rickety old horse dran coaches. Many of those making the trip knew already of the lawlessness of the area. There were the two convicted murderers, White and Mooney, who were hanged in Goulburn and left on the gallows for three years as an example to everybody else.

The bushranger Frank Gardiner may have been sentenced to seven years gaol, butt there were others around just as dangerous, such as Ben Hall, or the Goulburn-born The “Duce”.

The trip today is much easier, taking just two hours by air-conditioned train, alighting at the well-preserved historical railway station.

Just down from the railway station is Grafton Street, once the main connecting road between the original settlement (now known as North Goulburn) and the main settlement based around Auburn Street. Grafton Street has reminders of Goulburn’s past, including old stone buildings and a bright red letterbox with a high vertical mail slot, a reminder of the days when the riders on horses could post their letters without having to dismount.

Also around the corner from the railway station is Goulburn Court House, designed by one of the most espected architects of the time, James Barnett (who also designed Sydney General Post Office). A law was passed in Goulburn Court House for all Australia, making it illegal to harbour bushrangers.

Overlooking the city is the Rocky Hill War Memorial, astanding 20 metres tall, which at night is an imposing floodlit monolith, with a sweeping air beacon light which can be seen for many kilometres around. The caretakers cottage at Rocky Hill has been made into a museum, and the names of 2500 residents who served in World War I are inscribed on the tower’s base.

The Wollondilly River runs through Goulburn, and is a favourite palce for barbecues. Belmore Park is in the centre of town, and provides a quiet setting for a peaceful strollor a quiet lunch.

On the outskirts of town is the waterworks museum, which houses the southern hemisphere’s only steam powered water supply.

Goulburn is a two hour drive along the Hume Highway from Sydney, and about one hour north of Canberra.
41
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: NSW non metro
   


City Of Goulburn

November 2nd 2008 15:25
Welcome to the home page of Goulburn City website. This is a collection of stories about the history and sites of the City of Goulburn, Australia's First Inland City.

Goulburn is rich in history, and has many sites to see. For the photographer and artist, there are many old buildings and notable architecture.

Goulburn War Memorial
Goulburn War Memorial overlooks Goulburn from atop Rocky Hill


For the historian, there is a wealth of history, including tales of bushrangers, and a city that is central to the development of inland Australia. Goulburn is the first inland city, and much of the early development of the interior emanated from Goulburn.

For the adventurer, there are many outdoor attractions, such as nearby Wombeyan Caves, and Bungonia Gorge.

For the traveller, Goulburn is ideally located, just two hours from Sydney, one hour from Canberra, and on a crucial junction between Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.

And for the family, Goulburn is just a great place to live.

41
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: NSW non metro
   


Bundaberg

October 10th 2008 03:45
Bundaberg QLD


Bundaberg, a city of almost 60,000 people, is located in sunshine Queensland roughly 384 kilometres north of Brisbane and is the gateway to one of the wonders of the world - the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

The city is a bustling provincial capital with beautiful heritage buildings mixed with modern architecture, and famous local icons like the Bundaberg Rum Distillery and Botanic Gardens. This dynamic river city provides visitors with plenty of entertainment, recreation, shopping and dining - there's something for all ages.

Bundaberg Rum Distillery


The Bundaberg Botanic Gardens boasts an eclectic mix of native and exotic plant species in a peaceful relaxing atmosphere. Visitors can stroll the grounds, drive the short circuit or enjoy a ride on the historic steam train through the gardens which houses the Hinkler House Memorial Museum, the original house of the famous aviator, Bert Hinkler, that was removed from England and re-constructed in his hometown. Also situated in the Botanic Gardens is the Bundaberg Sugar Museum and offers an insightful look into the history of the sugar industry and its contribution to the development of Bundaberg Coral Coast.

Bundaberg


Sight-seers will enjoy the walking tour of the city centre featuring Bundaberg's proud history and heritage buildings while a trip to the city is never complete without a trip to the iconic Bundaberg Rum Distillery. The famous rum makers with the polar bear mascot has been producing dark rum since 1888. The distillery tour is an experience for adults only and provides an insightful look into the rum production process. There's video presentations, personal samplings, historical displays and an opportunity to purchase merchandise and unique souvenirs.

A highly recommended leisure activity is coral coast canoeing - a wonderful, relaxing paddle interacting with nature on the beautiful Kolan River at Bucca.

More Bundaberg tourism information can be found here.

Bundaberg Air Show


53
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Arnold - Category: QLD
   


Orange - Australia's 'Colour City'

October 2nd 2008 04:45
Orange


The city of Orange in New South Wales, is located 260 kilometres west of Sydney and has a population of 31,544 people (Census 2006).

The area's mild climate - winter can be quite cold - and close proximity to Sydney gives its favouritism for those looking to escape from their busy cosmopolitan lifestyles for a quiet weekend.

Orange Uniting Church


Orange and the surrounding areas is not short of things to see and do and they include fantastic wine tasting, heritage trails, bushwalking, boating, canoeing, fishing, beautiful parks, the Orange Botanic Gardens, and recreational facilities such as three golf courses.

Orange NSW


The heritage trail shows the city as what it once was with a tour of some handsomely restored 19th century buildings such as the Holy Trinity Church, a beautiful Anglican church which is a great example of high victorian Gothic Revival architecture.

Mt Canobolas


Mt Canobolas is an extinct volcano 1,395m above sea level with spectacular 360 degree views from its summit of Orange and the surrounding countryside with plenty of wildlife on show. Below it is the artificial Lake Canobolas that offers picnic and barbecue facilities as well as a wide range of leisure activities including sail-boating, swimming, fishing and during the warmer months, Paddle boats are for hire.

Lake Canobolas


For those that like to mix leisure with shopping, you will be please to find a wide variety of boutique fashion, antiques and bric-a-brac shops in the CBD as well as two large shopping centres.

More information can be found at the Orange City Council website.

46
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Arnold - Category: NSW non metro
   


Lithgow

September 26th 2008 05:30
Lithgow Wollemi National Park


Lithgow and its surrounding region is located on the traditional lands of the Dharruk, Gundungurra and Wiradjuri Nations, approximately 140 kilometres (~ 2 hours drive) west of Sydney on the western edge of the Blue Mountains.

The city's 20,298 residents enjoys a climate of mild summers and winters with temperature averages hovering around the 25.5 and 10.4 degrees Celsius mark respectively. Lithgow is a scenic wonderland with an abundance of cultural identity and is full of attractions to suit all ages and interests.

Lithgow Blast Furnace Park


Perhaps best known for being surrounded by a varied landscape which includes five national parks, all within an easy drive, such as the Blue Mountains National Park, a World Heritage Area; The Wollemi National Park, the largest wilderness area in NSW and home to the Jurassic-age tree the Wollemi Pine; Turon National Park, featuring open eucalypt forest and river oaks; Gardens of Stone National Park; and Kanangra Boyd National Park, a labyrinth of creeks, rivers and spiney ridges that fall away into deep gorges.

The city is also a bushwalkers' heaven with a total of thirteen walking tracks including the Bicentennial National Trail, the longest marked route in the world at 5,300 km (one way). The Trail follows the historic coach and stock routes, old pack horse trails, and country roads and gives access to some of Australia’s wildest, most remote country in the world and provides endless fascination for those interested in Australia's unique flora and fauna.

Lithgow Blast Furnace Park


Other walking tracks in Lithgow are: Berghofer’s Pass, Blackman's Crown, Deep Pass, Eskbank Track, Evans Crown, Glow Worm Tunnel, Lawson's Long Alley, Lithgow City Heritage Walk, Newnes Oil Shale Ruins, Old Coach Road & Pagoda Track, Pipeline Pass, and Zig Zag Walking Track.

Lithgow also offers plenty of Museums and Heritage Attractions such as the Blast Furnace Park, the birthplace of the Australian iron and steel industry; Eskbank House, a fine example of Georgian-Victorian architecture built in 1842 plus many more.

Perfect for a weekend getaway and close enough to Sydney for international visitors, the lure of Lithgow is as strong as ever.

Lithgow


40
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Arnold - Category: NSW non metro
   


Clarence Valley

September 19th 2008 01:30
Clarence Valley


The picturesque Clarence Valley is nestled in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales and boasts astonishing natural beauty, extraordinary cultural diversity, idyllic weather and an abundance of outdoor activities.

The commercial hub of the Clarence Valley is the historic city of Grafton situated on the banks of the Clarence River - the largest river in the region and the link between the rugged highlands of the upper Clarence and the golden beaches that fringe the sparking Pacific and many large river islands.

Clarence Valley


As one of Australia's largest waterways - over 400kms from source to sea - the Clarence can be explored in a plethora of ways including a genteel river cruise, hire boat and houseboat or more extreme methods such as high-adrenalin white water rafting, canoeing and kayaking.

The list of outdoor activities on offer reads like a dream for the adventurous types: abseiling and rock climbing, bird-watching, bushwalking, horse-riding, surfing lessons, tours and water-skiing. The Clarence also has seven golf courses, basketball courts, bowls, cricket, cycling, tennis, hockey and squash. There's even skiing, rowing, boat racing, go-karting, football, equestrian, horse racing, rodeos, car rallies and speedway facilities.

Nymboida


For the more 'indoorsy' types, the Clarence has around thirty-four studios, arts & crafts galleries, antiques and collectible stores while sightseeing lovers will enjoy the stunning examples of colonial architecture that offer a glimpse of early country life at the seven museums.

For more activities available at The Clarence, click here.

41
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Arnold - Category: NSW non metro
   


More Posts
May 2009
2 Posts
March 2009
1 Posts
November 2008
3 Posts
Older Posts
322 Posts dating from January 2006
Email Subscription
Receive e-mail notifications of new posts on this blog:
[ View Blog Summary ] [ Create A New Post ]

Oracle of Delphi's Blogs

106200 Vote(s)
1338 Comment(s)
2113 Post(s)
12890 Vote(s)
224 Comment(s)
161 Post(s)
23919 Vote(s)
205 Comment(s)
365 Post(s)
54175 Vote(s)
859 Comment(s)
758 Post(s)
153 Vote(s)
0 Comment(s)
4 Post(s)
59655 Vote(s)
435 Comment(s)
960 Post(s)
38475 Vote(s)
3343 Comment(s)
386 Post(s)
22 Vote(s)
0 Comment(s)
1 Post(s)
6148 Vote(s)
1 Comment(s)
101 Post(s)
Moderated by Oracle of Delphi
Copyright © 2006 2007 2008 On Topic Media PTY LTD. All Rights Reserved. Design by Vimu.com.
On Topic Media ZPages: Sydney |  Melbourne |  Brisbane |  London |  Birmingham |  Leeds     [ Advertise ] [ Contact Us ] [ Privacy Policy ]