Federation Square is a popular meeting place

Federation Square is the center of the Melbourne CBD, a spectacular meeting place and a square that encourages carefree hanging out. Federation Square’s modern architecture divides opinions: Melbourneers either love or hate their well-known landmark.

Opened in 2002, the square is worth a visit to watch the hustle and bustle of the city. Federation Square also often hosts a variety of events and programs, and there are also restaurants and cafes on site.

Opposite Federation Square is Melbourne’s second landmark, the Victorian Flinders Street Rail Station.

Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. Fruits and vegetables, meat dishes and seafood can be bought at markets known for their fresh and high-quality ingredients. The square also has an area dedicated to arts, jewelery and handicrafts.

The Suzuki Night Market, the food market held during the Victorian summer months, is held on Wednesday evenings from mid-November to the end of February. The lush food market serves flavors from Italy to India and from Turkey to Senegal. Walk around the stall and sample Belgian waffles and Spanish sangria. Here you are guaranteed not to go hungry!

See the city from the heights

Eureka Skydeck is the highest vantage point in the southern hemisphere open to the public. From the 88th floor of the Eureka, visitors have a spectacular panoramic view over Melbourne. Located at an altitude of 285 meters, the Lookout Point is an impressive place to visit both in daylight and after evening twilight.

The most adventurous is also appealed to by The Edge , a protrusion that stands out from the building itself, where you can really get tested as your head starts to feel dizzy. Eureka Skydeck is centrally located along the River Yarra.

The Royal Botanic Gardens is a lush oasis

Melbourne Botanical Gardens is one of the most popular attractions in the state of Victoria, attracting over a million visitors each year. In the garden you can either relax in your own peace or take part in guided tours. The garden, which covers an area of ​​more than 36 hectares, features more than 50,000 different plant species.

The garden near the center has plenty to do for the whole family, and children are also catered for. You can go on site to learn something new or just take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a cup of coffee.

FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN MELBOURNE

No direct flights to Australia

The journey to distant Melbourne naturally folds through a bend if any other. Flights booked via Finnair operate to Melbourne via Singapore. The total number of flight hours to the other side of the globe is about 20. The prices of a round-trip flight ticket vary by 1,500 euros on both sides.

Melbourne Airport is also known as Tullamarine Airport. Australia’s second largest airport is just over 20 miles from the city center.

The choice of accommodation is plentiful

Melbourne has a metropolitan range of accommodation – everything from luxury five-star hotels to affordable inns. You can get a mid-priced hotel night for about 100 euros. There are also a huge number of hostels in the city favored by backpackers.

When choosing a place to stay, you should look for your favorite area. St Kilda is the center of Melbourne’s beach life, with not only sandy beaches but also plenty of restaurants, shops and nightlife. The Central Business District of Melbourne, on the other hand, has a metropolitan atmosphere.

It is convenient to move around the big city

The most convenient way to get around Melbourne is by tram, which is a clean and ecological ride. Of course, there are also buses and commuter trains in Melbourne. The city’s public transport network is comprehensive and functional, so for a tourist, car rental is only profitable on trips outside the city. For longer stays in the city, you should buy a Metcard travel card.

You can also rent a bicycle if you wish – filleting is a great way to see the city and its surroundings.

Attractions in the state of Victoria are not limited to Melbourne. It is therefore advisable to rent a car and take a trip to the Great Ocean Road, known for its wonderful natural places. The Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula are popular wine tasting destinations.

Cairns is the center of the tropical north. The city of Cairns in Australia is the pulsating heart of North Queensland tourism. Tropical Cairns attracts tourists with its year-round warmth and relaxed vibe. The city is a great base for exploring the area’s numerous natural sites.

Escape the Ausswinter north

Cairns, located in the state of Queensland in northeastern Australia, is an absolute destination for many because it is the best base for excursions to the Great Barrier Reef. However, with its vibrant tourism, lush tropical Cairns has become a vibrant city with plenty to do.

The heart of the city’s smaller downtown is the Cairns Esplanade, whose cheerful hustle and bustle of restaurants attract tourists. The nearby Cairns Marina harbor area offers high-end hotels, a casino and the modern shopping mall, The Pier.

The actual beach cannot be found in the center of Cairns. It will be replaced by Cairns Lagoon, a public swimming pool by the sea. There is no entrance fee to the pool area, and both tourists and locals are swimming, grilling and moving around.

Good to know about Cairns

Everyone in Cairns enjoys whatever their age. Young people gather in backpacker pubs, there is plenty to do and see for families with children, and peaceful Cairns with its stylish restaurants is also suitable for older travelers.

The rainy season in tropical Cairns runs from November to May, so the best time to visit the city is during the Australian winter months from June to September. Tourists flock north to enjoy the sun when winter prevails in more southern Australia. However, monsoon rains may also occur during the high season in Cairns. The temperature usually stays high all year round.

The lively city offers entertainment

Cairns has numerous souvenir shops for tourists, but the most interesting place to buy souvenirs is the night market. In the covered space you can go shopping, enjoy an evening snack or even have a massage. The best place to shop for clothes is the large shopping center on the outskirts of Cairns Central.

In the evenings, the Cairns Esplanade’s restaurants and bars are filled with people and a lively line of speech. You can go either in the casual pubs or even in the stylish casino.

Rainforests and mountains in the tropical north

Flecker Botanic Gardens is Cairns Botanical Gardens, where it’s nice to retreat to relax. On site you can admire the rainforest as well as various plants and flowers. Guided two-hour tours are also organized in the garden.

Sporty tourists should head for a hike to Mount Whitfield, a mountain by the airport lined with rainforest.

An easy day trip from Cairns goes to the idyllic little town of Port Douglas. About an hour’s drive along the boardwalk offers spectacular scenery, and in Port Douglas you will find sandy beaches, high-end boutiques and quality restaurants.

FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN CAIRNS

Long flights ahead

The best route from Finland to Australia is through Asia. A direct flight from Helsinki to Singapore can be supplemented with a connecting flight to Cairns. There are also plenty of flights to the city from all the major cities in Australia.

Cairns Airport is located about seven kilometers from the city center. The airport is served by both domestic and international flights and has good public access to Cairns.

Accommodation in all star categories

Cairns has plenty of accommodation options with all kinds of star ratings. Most Cairns hotels are located in the downtown area, next to the Cairns Esplanade and the Marina. More affordable motel-type accommodation can be found on the outskirts of the city center.

Cairns is also a favorite destination for backpackers, and there are several hostels in the city. Many of Cairns ’hostels are built in comfortable Queenslander-style wooden houses.

For working holidaymakers staying longer in Cairns, the Cairns Sharehouse is a good accommodation option.

My feet are doing well

Cairns is a fairly small town with good access to the city center on foot. If necessary, local buses and taxis take you to more distant destinations.

Car hire is a good idea if you want to explore the surrounding area of ​​Cairns. In fact, navigating the city on a bicycle is a more convenient outlet.

ATTRACTIONS OF CAIRNS

Memorable Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world. Cairns offers a huge variety of excursions to the Great Barrier Reef: in the scenery of the coral reef, tourists can dive, snorkel or just admire the view from the deck of the ship.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most popular attractions. It is listed both as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and among the seven wonders of the world.

The most famous landmark of the Great Barrier Reef is the heart-shaped coral formation of the Whitsunday Islands. It can even be admired from a helicopter flight.

The Great Barrier Reef has several tropical islands for guided tours. There are also some luxury resorts on the islands that are suitable for an unforgettable honeymoon, for example.

Aboriginal Tjapukai Cultural Park

The center, run by Australian Indigenous peoples, allows tourists to learn about Aboriginal culture. The place’s own theater presents the history and culture of indigenous peoples through drama, music and dance. The program also includes face painting and didgeridoo music. You can buy arts and crafts from the shop in connection with the center.

Tjapukai is Australia’s largest center of Aboriginal culture. The location is outside the city, but Cairns offers excursions both day and night. The bus, on the other hand, runs to the site every hour.

Cairns Tropical Zoo

While Cairns Zoo isn’t very big, you can find all the Australian animal favorites like Koalas, Kangaroos and Vompats. Cairns Tropical Zoo is less than half an hour’s drive from central Cairns. In addition to a rental car, the site can also be reached by bus or excursions organized by travel agencies.

Numerous presentations and performances are organized in the zoo – it is worth listening to the conversation of the animal keepers.

Train route to Kuranda

Cairns has a tourist train to the nearby village of Kuranda. In addition to the stunning scenery, passengers can follow the history of the route on each screen found on the trolley.

Just about 30 km from Cairns, Kuranda is a charming village next to the mountains and rainforest. Admire the shops, markets and natural places of Kuranda to easily spend the day. In Kuranda, it is also possible to experience the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a glass cable lift that takes you high above the rainforest.

THE BEST OF CAIRNS

• Spend the sun on Cairns Lagoon – everyone else is there
• Take part in an excursion to the Great Barrier Reef
• Stroll around Cairns nightlife market
• Take a day trip to the cozy little town of Port Douglas
• Travel by rustic scenic train to the village of Kuranda

Alice Springs is the gateway to the red heart of Australia. Located in the heart of Australia, Alice Springs is a wilderness city that serves as a gateway to mystical Uluru. In secluded Alice Springs, the traveler finds a rare backyard atmosphere.

A city of fun raptures

With around 27,000 inhabitants, Alice Springs is the center of Australia’s red heart, with a long journey everywhere. The small town in the Northern Territory is built next to the handsome MacDonnell Ranges. It is worth hiking or sitting there even for a picnic. A memorable way to see red-glowing Central Australia is to take part in a hot air balloon trip.

There are a number of interesting events taking place in Alice Springs. The Alice Desert Festival showcases the rugged beauty of the desert through art and culture. The Beanie Festival, on the other hand, offers beanie shopping, and the city also has its own waterless regatta event on a dried river. In the Camel Cup, camels compete for speed.

Take an excursion to Uluru

Most tourists arriving in Alice Springs are in town because they want to see Uluru, a mystical red rock formation. However, many are surprised to realize that there is still more than 400 kilometers to the red stone from the city. Alice Springs has numerous travel agencies that organize guided tours of Uluru’s scenery.

While Alice Springs itself has no attractions like Uluru or Kata Tjuta, it’s worth spending a few days on a trip to Central Australia to observe this special kind of wilderness city. Interesting personalities and the small town’s way of life make Alice Springs exotic. Here, the tourist is really far from modern Sydney or trendy Melbourne.

Good to know about Alice Springs

Central Australia is an interesting destination for adventure travelers who enjoy cultural history, nature and outdoor activities. Lively resorts on the east coast are better suited for families with children.

The traveler should be aware that it can be very hot in Central Australia. Christmas, January and February are the hottest months of the year, when meter readings can hurt to 40 degrees. It is more pleasant for the tourist to visit the area during the local spring or autumn, although then the largest tourist crowds are on the move.

June and July are the coolest times of the year, when night temperatures may drop near zero. The days are still usually pleasantly warm.

Due to long distances, certain imported goods such as fruits and vegetables are expensive in Central Australia.

In the Aboriginal area

The state of the Northern Territory is traditionally an area inhabited by Aboriginal people, or the indigenous peoples of Australia. As the second largest city in the state, Alice Springs forms a major aboriginal center. It is estimated that nearly twenty percent of the city’s population is Aboriginal.

Alice Springs has several places to learn about Aboriginal culture and history. Art galleries and shops, on the other hand, display Aboriginal art and handicrafts.

FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT AT ALICE SPRINGS

Arrive via two stopovers

There is a long way from Finland to Alice Springs – on the other hand, there is a long way to the city from almost everywhere. You can even fly from Helsinki via Singapore to Sydney or Melbourne , and continue your journey to Alice Springs.

Alice Springs Airport is approximately 15 miles outside the city and is served by flights from all major Australian cities. From the airport to the city you can continue either by bus or by rental car.

You can also travel to Alice Springs on buses favored by backpackers. Packages sold by travel agents are popular. Another interesting form of travel is the Ghan train, which runs through Australia from Adelaide to Darwin.

Modest hotel offer

The Alice Springs hotel selection is quite modest. For travelers who want to take in the sights and sounds of Uluru, Ayers Rock Resort is the perfect choice.

There are some hostels in Alice Springs – these affordable accommodations, often favored by backpackers, often include private rooms. For many, camping is a preferred option in Central Australia.

My own ride in the wilderness is a must

Many tourists arrive in Alice Springs on a package tour – in which case transportation is usually included in the price of the tour.

For the self-employed traveler along the distances in Central Australia, the best means of transport is a rental car. It’s worth thinking about what kind of terrain you’re going to drive, as sometimes renting a four-wheel drive truck may be necessary.

Buses serving passengers traveling without a pass. Taxis are expensive in and around Alice Springs.

ALICE SPRINGS ATTRACTIONS

Ayers Rock aka Uluru

Anyone planning a trip to Central Australia may wonder why they want to travel thousands of miles to see one big rock. From others, Uluru is not seen for this reason.

The skeptic gets his answer when he sees Uluru fluttering in red, which is at its most beautiful at sunrise or sunset. Then all shades of red seem to glow with a huge rock formation surrounded by a mystical atmosphere. For Aboriginal people, Uluru is an important spiritual place.

Tourists can walk around the rock, climb along it, or view it from an airplane. However, climbing to Uluru is worth considering: the route is quite difficult, and the locals are not very supportive of climbing the sacred rock.

Kata Tyuta National Park

Kata Tjuta National Park, also known as Olgas, is located about 50 km from Uluru. Kata Tjuta, consisting of 36 rock formations, is closely associated with the Aboriginal legend alongside Uluru. The highest peak of Kata Tjuta rises higher than Uluruak, and many consider the place to be the most impressive attraction in Central Australia.

There are also various hiking trails on the outskirts of Kata Tjuta.

Watch the stars in the desert

A traveler staring at the sky in the deserts of Central Australia can be downright shocked by the number of stars. The uninhabited areas of Central Australia form a huge unlit area with incomprehensible views of the Milky Way. A traveler vacationing in Alice Springs should head outside the city to admire the star splendor.

THE BEST OF ALICE SPRINGS

What to do in Alice Springs

1. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of the wilderness city
2. Hike the MacDonnell Ranges
3. Take an excursion to Uluru
4. See Kata Tyuta National Park
5. Visit Alice Springs Desert Park

Sydney is one of the largest cities in the country of Australia.

Shopping in Sydney

The most archetypal Australian souvenirs you will see anywhere are kangaroo and koala characters of all sizes, boomerangs, didgeridoos and caps with caps hanging from the brakes. Yes, it is clichéd and meets all expectations or prejudices tourists have about the country. But Australians don’t mind, and tourists want to buy it, so everyone is happy.

You will also find plenty of outlets offering Aboriginal art, especially in the Sydney Harbor areas. Some of these are beautiful craftsmanship of exquisite quality, while others are scrap pieces that fall apart if you look hard at it. In other words, be careful what you buy and where you buy it. Another specialty in Sydney is opals. But again, be aware that there are many cheap impersonations on the market, so be sure to buy this from a reputable dealer.

Those looking for exclusive designer products can head for Elizabeth Street or Castlereagh Street, while others will prefer the more popular shopping and shopping centers in the Central Business District, such as Pitt Street and George Street. For example, try The Galleries Victoria or Queen Victoria Building.

In Hay Street / Thomas Street, you’ll find the Market City factory outlet, and here is Sydney’s largest and liveliest marketplace, Paddy’s, where you can buy most of affordable clothing, books, CDs and LPs, fruits and vegetables, flowers, birds and fish.

General information
Most of the shops in Sydney defined by AbbreviationFinder are open from 10am. 0900 to 1730 on weekdays, with long hours open until 10am. 2000 or later on Thursdays. Saturdays close some earlier. Sundays are mostly closed everywhere. Don’t forget that you pay 10% VAT and on all purchases over $ 300, or approx. 1450 NOK, you can get a refund of VAT on departure. Not every business practices this scheme, so look for the Tax Free Shopping badge at the entrance if you are going to buy some more expensive items and bring a completed and stamped form and receipt.

Eating in Sydney

Traditionally, Melbourne has been considered Australia’s culinary capital, but in recent years both the quality and quantity of Sydney’s restaurants has increased dramatically. The best eateries usually serve French, Italian or Asian cuisine, but you will also find all possible nationalities represented in the diversity. Mexican, Persian, South African, Chinese and Swiss restaurants are available, as well as all the fast food chains and American specialties such as TGI Fridays and Hard Rock Cafe.

It is difficult to give examples of typical Australian food, since most Australians are from a different place and have brought the food culture from their roots, but barbecues are strong across the continent. Most parties and social gatherings at one time or another include the ritual grilling of juicy steaks. Almost all parks have large gas grills, where you can get gas for a cheap money, and the grilling of most Australian animal species starts. Kangaroo, camel, crocodile, rabbit or emu, everything has to be grilled and gnawed at the Great Aussie Barbeque.

Fortunately for vegetarians, there is almost always an offer for them as well. There are several clean vegetarian restaurants in Sydney, and most eateries have vegetarian dishes on the menu. You can check recommended vegetarian eating places on the website of the Australian Vegetarian Association.

You will find many nice restaurants in the old town of The Rocks, and especially the seafood restaurants are of high quality in Sydney. It’s also a very special experience to have dinner 250 meters above ground level in Sydney Tower while the restaurant slowly rotates 360 degrees.

Wine and beer in Australia
Australian wines have in a short time gained a solid popularity around the world, and wines such as Lindemans and Jacob’s Creek are among the top sellers in Scandinavia and Australians are also very loyal and patriotic towards their beer, and they bright arrow marks Fosters and Castlemaine XXXX are sold worldwide, also in Norway, can be ordered via the vinmonoploet if your local store does not have it in their range. In the Sydney area, the local beer Tooheys is the strongest among the locals.

A strange phenomenon seen with Norwegian eyes is that restaurants that do not have a license to serve alcohol are happy to advertise with BYO (Bring Your Own). You can then bring your own beer or wine and pay a small symbolic sum to the restaurant for the use of glasses and openers.

Perth is one of the largest cities in the country of Australia.

Shopping in Perth

Western Australia doesn’t really have much else to offer than natural products and animal products. Gold, pearls and opal jewelery are among the most common tourist purchases, as are sheepskin jackets and boots. Artisans of the Sea is a shop on the corner of Marine Terrace and Collie Street that specializes in jewelry of pearls from Australia’s South Sea, with great success.

Perth defined by AbbreviationFinder has many shopping malls, several of which are connected to each other by walkways that allow you to stay indoors with air conditioning. Hay Street Mall is the first stop. It has been reserved for pedestrianized pedestrians since the 1970s. Here you will find hundreds of booksellers, music stores, jewelers and jewelers, duty free shops, clothing stores and designer outlets. All while musicians and street performers entertain on the street outside.

In the past few years, new pedestrian streets in Murray Street / Forrest Place have become a competitor to Hay Street, with its terraces, shopping malls, small stalls and entertainment areas. If you prefer to shop in markets, you also have many options in Perth. Subiaco Pavilion Market in Robeky / Roberts Road sells Indian-inspired articles and great leather goods. Station Street Market is popular with artists and bohemians, where you will find crystals, antiques, crafts, books and separate garments.

Every Sunday, Canning Vale Market is held at Randford and Bannister Road, and among over a thousand different stalls, you can look for your own treasure in the piles of used books, clothes, plates and old dusty basements and attics.

Most stores in Perth are open from 8am. 0900 to 1800 on weekdays. On Saturdays, the shops often close a little earlier. Sundays are mostly closed everywhere. Remember that you pay 10% VAT, and on all purchases over $ 300, or approx. 1450 NOK, you can get a refund of VAT on departure. Not every business practices this scheme, so look for the Tax Free Shopping badge at the entrance if you are going to buy some more expensive items and bring a completed and stamped form and receipt.

Eating in Perth

If you are going out and eating in Perth, you are likely to end up in the Northbridge district, which is just across the Horseshoe Bridge from the city center. This is a relatively quiet area during the day, but when darkness falls, it is transformed into Perth’s nightlife and entertainment center. Here it is teeming with pubs and bars, nightclubs and cafes, tattoo shops and bowling alleys.

Here is also an excellent selection of restaurants, which truly reflects Perth’s position as the crucible of all nationalities and cultures. You can pick and choose from Italian, French, Vietnamese, African, Thai, Chinese, Mexican or Turkish cuisine, and because of the fierce competition, most restaurants are reasonably priced.

It is difficult to give examples of typical Australian food, since most Australians are from a different place and have brought the food culture from their roots, but the grilling is strong. Most parties and social gatherings at one time or another include the ritual grilling of juicy steaks. Most parks have large gas grills where, for cheap money, you get connected to gas, and the grilling of most Australian animal species starts. Kangaroo, camel, crocodile, rabbit or emu, everything has to be grilled and gnawed at the Great Aussie Barbeque.

Australian wine and beer
Australian wines have in a short time gained a solid popularity worldwide, and wines such as Lindemans and Jacob’s Creek are among the best sellers in Norway. Australians are also very loyal and patriotic to their beer, including the bright arrow brand Fosters, which is sold all over the world. In Perth, residents are particularly loyal to their Emu, Swan and the darker Red Ant.

A strange phenomenon seen with Norwegian eyes is that restaurants that do not have a license to serve alcohol are happy to advertise with BYO (Bring Your Own). You can then bring your own beer or wine and pay a small symbolic sum to the restaurant for the use of glasses and openers.

According to AbbreviationFinder, Gold Coast is one of the largest cities in the country of Australia.

Shopping in the Gold Coast

Gold Coast is an Eldorado for shopping enthusiasts, and does not stand behind what you can find in e.g. Sydney. It is packed with shopping centers and specialty shops. In addition, there are several large and exciting markets to visit. Several of them are pure tourist magnets.

Souvenirs in the Gold Coast

As a tourist, maybe you are looking for souvenirs? It is not uncommon for people to buy some of the local specialties in the category of alcoholic beverages. Tamborine Mountain Distillery, tucked away in the hinterland region west of the Gold Coast center itself, is Australia’s best-known distillery. Here you can buy good liqueurs, snapps and vodka. The address is 87 – 91 Beacon Road, North Tamborine Queensland. Open all days except Sundays from 1000 to 1700.

Craft products are always popular souvenirs. If you are lucky enough to visit the Gold Coast when the Coolangatta Art and Crafts market is open (the second Sunday of the month), then take a tour. Here you buy jewelry, interior products, leather goods, toys or food. Much of what is sold here is not something you find in the store! Open from 088 to 1430. The address is Marine Parade in Queen Elizabeth Park in the suburb of Coolangatta 24 kilometers south of Surfers Paradise.

Surfing Paradise and Shopping

The Gold Coast shopping center can be found in Surfers Paradise and Cavill Avenue Street. If you are looking for different types of products then the Centro Surfers Paradise center in just Cavill Avenue is a sure winner. If you want to look at expensive haute couture and maybe buy a bag from Prada or Louis Vuitton, you will find these stores on Elkhorn Avenue in Surfers Paradise. Also visit the High Street for everything in food and fashion.

Markets in the Gold Coast

Every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evening there is something called Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets. If you are a small (or big) treasure hunter then this is the place. There are more than a hundred market stalls offering everything between heaven and earth. Entrance at The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise Beaach.

Carrara Market goes for being the largest permanent market in Australia. Here there are more than 400 sales stalls spread over a large area and you can buy everything you didn’t know you wanted. Carrara Market also has facilities such as mini golf, toilets, restaurants and much more. Open 7 days a week from 0700 to 1600. The address is Crossing Gooding Drive and Manchester Road in the Carrara district, about 11 km southwest of Sufers Paradise.

Outlet shopping in the Gold Coast

Australia’s largest outlet center is on the Gold Coast. Specifically, at the intersection of Gold Coast Highway and Oxley Drive in Biggera Waters, about 9 miles north of Surfers Paradise. The outlet center is called Harbor Town and has more than 220 stores and offers brands with at least 30% off normal retail price. Open every day of the week from 0900 to 1900 (1700 Sundays). For the shopping mad, Harbor Town has the medicine. You bring it with you in bags home to the hotel.