Posts under ‘Australia’

If you are a regular reader of Tripandom you have probably noticed we have a soft spot for ‘Big Things’ and we have found another, and guess what it’s in Australia (they seem to have their fair share of big things). This time its a giant Murray Cod it can be found in Swan Hill in North Western Victoria along the mighty Murray River. The fish is 11 metres in length and 6 metres wide, it was actually built as a move prop for a film called ‘Eight Ball’ and the locals liked it so much and found a home for it. Swan Hill is the gateway to inland fishing in Australia and their is no mightier fish to catch than the Murray Cod which lives along the fallen river gums on the Murray.

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Before the days of cars the river was the lifeblood of the country and just as the Paddle steamer on the Mississippi opened up the USA the paddle steamer also opened up Australia along its mighty Murray River. The Cumberoona at the twin cities of Albury and Wodonga is a unique experience to step back in time an imagine the days the paddlesteamer ruled the trading world and also get to experience the mighty Murray River with its huge river gum trees. The Cumberoona offers trips up the river during from about October to April when the river is high and the cooler moths the craft is docked at Noreuil Park on the river, where it is open for dining and special events including some fantastic jazz and blues nights.

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Tamworth the Country Music capital of Australia in central New South Wales is home to a novel ‘big thing’ the giant Golden Guitar. Standing 12 metres high and weighing half a ton the massive guitar is a major icon in this country music loving town. The guitar was unveiled by Australia’s King of Country Music the Late Slim Dusty back in 1988, which was a fitting moment to celebrate Australia’s bicentenary. The Golden Guitar is modeled of the “Golden Guitar Award” which is given away in Tamworth every Australia Day weekend, Slim infact won more guitars than any other artist and his music loved not only in Tamworth but worldwide. The big Golden Guitar statue makes up the entrance to the Golden Guitar centre which houses tourist facilities, a country and western wax museum , gem shop and cafe, it is well worth a look when visiting central New South Wales.
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Back in 1917 the Cat and Fiddle Inn stood in an alley off Hobart’s Elizabeth Street. The inn unfortunately is long gone but the legend continues. The alley now a shopping arcade in the centre of Hobart, the capital of Tasmania. The Cat and Fiddle arcade is a favorite shopping destination or place to relax over a cup of coffee before hitting the streets for more shopping. At the centerpiece of the arcade is a lovely cat and fiddle artwork which has animated characters which perform on the hour. The arcade was one of the first in Hobart and dates back to 1962 when it was opened by the the Lord Mayor of Hobart Sir Basil Osborne.

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Every Saturday morning in Hobart Australia, Salamanca Place on the historic waterfront attract thousands of locals and tourists alike to a huge street market which sells just about everything. Located beside restored historic sandstone shipping ware houses this is one of the most beautiful settings you will find anywhere in the world. The market has a huge array of products from fresh produce, take away gourmet food including some tasty local sausages, crafts from pottery, jewelry and beautiful Tasmanian woolen items. Plants books, antiques and the cities best selection of souvenirs. There is always some great street entertainment and plenty of fun for all ages. This market is not to be missed for any visitor to Hobart. Read the rest of this entry »

Australia’s Great Ocean Road is home to one of the world’s most spectacular coastlines and the mighty Twelve Apostles is the highlight of any road trip along this magnificent coastal road. The huge limestone monoliths standing up to 45 metres high are constantly pounded by the fierce Southern Ocean. Only a few years ago one of the apostles fell into the ocean and was destroyed after centuries waves and wind crashing onto the rocks. The Twelve Apostles make up the centerpiece of the Port Campbell National Park and is a popular destination for photographers, bushwalkers and hundreds of day trippers from Melbourne or Geelong. Read the rest of this entry »

Ned Kelly and the Kelly gang were bushrangers who ruled the Northern Victorian highlands holding up towns, banks and even murdering over two years between 1878 – 1880. Ned Kelly has since become Australia’s most known historical character and at the time was a legend who although did some very bad things was the inspiration to many Irish Australians of the time. Such was his legendary status that over 30,000 people unsuccessfully petioned for him not to be executed for his crimes and be pardoned. Today the towns of Glenrowan, Beechworth, Jerilderie, and Mansfield all celebrate the Kelly Legend. There are plenty of exhibitions and history to see along with plenty of souvenirs of Ned ranging from tea towels to artwork. These towns give you an insight into the man and these hard times when convict stock, immigrants, different classes and the English rule struggled to co-exist- but these times were the times which shaped Australia and Kelly and his gang what ever you opinion of them really helped give Australia its national identity.

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With one of the world’s most beautiful pieces of real estate Luna Park on Sydney Harbor is more than just a good time. The park opened in 1935 on Milsons Point near to the northern western pylon of the Sydney Harbor Bridge, and has had a controversial and sometimes tragic history but today the park has been restored and new attractions added making it the biggest fun park in New South Wales. The park is popular for weddings, functions and even home to music festivals throughout the year. The huge smiling face is actually the 8th face to grace the entrance it was based on the face at Melbourne’s Luna Park at St Kilda and the Steeplechase Park in the USA. Read the rest of this entry »

The Sydney Harbor Bridge opened in 1932 and has become one of Australia’s most loved icons and is recognized all around the world and you can walk this massive steel structure for free. Sure you can drive across it for $3 or take the train or even climb the arch for a fee but if your budget is tight and you still want to see the magnificent harbor from a different perspective then put on your walking shoes and go for a stroll. The bridge is 1149 metres long making it still one of the worlds greatest bridges. For an even better view from the bridge and for under $10 take the two hundred stairs up the south pylon and see the view from 87 metres above the harbour. There are some fascinating displays and you never know who you might see along the way, even the Cookie Monster, Elmo and Bob the Builder have braved the stairs for a look at the Sydney skyline.

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Legendary rock group Kiss will be the star attractions along with the best of Formula One motorsport and the mighty Australian V8 Supercars at the Australian Grand Prix held in Melbourne, March next year. The band has had a long history of playing special concerts in Melbourne, they recorded a television special there a few years back with a one of concert with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra with classical music set to their greatest hits. The Melbourne Grand Prix is the first event on the 2008 Grand Prix calendar and promises to be huge with several hundred thousand people attending over the four day event. Held beautiful Albert Park with sweeping views of the city the Grand Prix is regarded one of the world’s best and with next years special guests Kiss it promises to be even better.

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