tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361060552024-02-08T09:24:44.484-08:00Travel Destinations | Travelogues | Travel Guide | Travel Blogs |Travel TipsTravelogues, Travel Blogs, Travel Tips and Travel Guides on Destinations around the WorldAjayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01337926360753065165noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36106055.post-34277180338934260382007-09-25T21:46:00.000-07:002007-09-25T21:55:36.463-07:00Planning your trip to Denmark<strong>Entry Requirements</strong><br /><br />Americans and Canadians need only a valid passportto enter Denmark, and are entitled to stay forup to three months without a visa. (This includes thetotal amount of time spent in Denmark, Finland,Iceland, Norway, and Sweden in any six-month period.)<br /><br /><strong>Making Travel Plans - </strong><strong>Selecting Your Hotel</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Really, Copenhagen doesn’t have the best choice ofhotels. Very few have opened in recent years, andmost of those are expensive. Of the city’s older properties,there are just two five-star hotels, an array offour-stars of varying quality, and a number of threestarhotels; many of the latter are clustered in thestreets to the side of the railway station, a neighborhoodthat is not always pleasant. In general, pricesare high – there are few bargains to be found, and, asis standard in Scandinavia, the rooms are often onthe small side. Our price scale is based on a doubleroom, double occupancy, and reflects the highestlisted rate at the time of publication as quoted byHORESTA(see The Star System, below). But this isonly an estimate, and rates can be reduced by asmuch as 50% at various times.<br /><br /><strong>The Star System</strong><br /><br />Since 1997, all hotels that are members of the Associationof the Hotel, Restaurant and TourismIndustry in Denmark (HORESTA), and have morethan eight rooms, have been classified on a scale ofone to five stars, based on specific criteria. Visit theHORESTA website, <a href="http://www.danishhotels.dk/">www.danishhotels.dk</a>, to lookfor special rates, for information about hotel groups,and to view the criteria used in classification. A HotelGuide is also available from any Danish TouristBoard office, <a href="http://www.visitdenmark.com/">www.visitdenmark.com</a>.<br /><p><strong>The Copenhagen Card</strong></p><p>You can purchase the very useful Copenhagen Card.This discount card offers unlimited travel on busesand trains in metropolitan Copenhagen and to manyneighboring towns and cities; free admission to majormuseums and sights in and around the city; andup to a 50% discount on ferry routes connecting Zealandwith Sweden and on hydrofoils between Copenhagenand Malmö. You can purchase a card that isvalid for one day (DKK 155), for two days (DKK 255),or for three days (DKK 320); cards for children under12 are available at a 50% discount. For more information,<a href="http://www.visitcopenhagen.dk/">www.visitcopenhagen.dk</a>.</p><strong>Stay & Eat With The Locals</strong><br /><br />MEET THE DANES<br />Nyhavn, 65<br />Tel: 33-46-46-46, fax 33-46-46-47<br /><a href="http://www.meetthedanes.com/">www.meetthedanes.com</a>, <a href="mailto:info@meetthedanes.dk">info@meetthedanes.dk</a><br /><br />Housed in authentic 17th-century offices at Nyhavn,this organization can help you book hotel and private accommodation, either in advance or after you arrive in Copenhagen. The group also offers, among other things, cultural lectures, dinners in private homes, and walking, cycling and sailing tours. From May 1 to mid-September, open Monday to Sunday, 9 am to 9 pm; the rest of the year, open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm; and on holidays, 10 am to 7 pm.<br /><br /><strong>What To Wear in Copenhagen</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Casual clothes are appropriate for nearly every occasionin Copenhagen, including theater and most restaurants.Only in top-class hotels, restaurants andclubs, and then not uniformly, will men be requiredto wear a tie in the evening; in these establishments,women do not look out of place in something dressy.Summer evenings are long and light, but often chilly,so a sweater or cardigan is essential. Bring alightweight overcoat or raincoat, too, in additionto ordinary summer clothes – the weather has anawkward habit of changing unexpectedly. On the beach, you can go as bare as you like.Spring and autumn have many hours of sunshine,but cooler temperatures; and winter can be downrightcold. Pack plenty of warm clothes in those seasons,plus a raincoat. Comfortable walking shoes areessential at any time of year, as it is certain you willspend a good deal of time on foot, especially in Copenhagen.<br /><br /><strong>Electricity in Denmark </strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Electric current in Denmark is 220 volts, 50Hz AC,and requires standard two-pin, round continentalplugs. Remember to get an adapter set before leavinghome, or at the airport.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36106055.post-70081921343080470682007-01-04T18:44:00.000-08:002007-01-04T18:45:06.706-08:00Places to See in Zurich<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;">The grossmünster</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">The tall twin towers of Great Minster dominate the Zurich skyline. It was from this place that the humanist Ulrich Zwingli preached the Reformation.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Address: Grossmünsterplatz</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Station: Rathaus , 4/15</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Tel: +41 442525949</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">www.kirche-zh.ch</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;">St. Peters Church</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">The largest clock in europe is situated on the tower of St. Peters church and it has a diameter of 8.7 meters.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Address: St. Peter-Hofstatt</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Station: Rathaus</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Tel: +41 442112588</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">www.st-peter-zh.ch</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;">Kunsthaus</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Switzerland’s greatest art gallery contains several important works of art ranging from medieval religious paintings and old Dutch masters to impressionist and post-impressionist paintings. contains paintings by Van Gogh, Picasso, chagall and Monet.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Address: Heimplatz 1</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Station: Kunsthaus</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Tel: +41 442538484</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">www.kunsthaus.ch</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;">Le Corbusier haus</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">One of the last projects designed by the famous architect before his death in 1965 is home for a graphic art museum.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Address: Höschgasse 8</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Station: Höschgasse</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Tel: +41 443836470</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">www.centre-lecorbusier.com</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;">Chinagarten</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">The chinese garden was given to the city as a gift from the chinese town, Kunming, which is twinned with Zurich. The garden contains several plants and ornaments typical of the chinese art of creating a garden.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Address: Bellerivestrasse</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Station: Chinagarten, tram 2 and 4, bus 33, 912 and 916.</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">www.chinagarten.ch</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;">Zurichsee</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">This stunningly beautiful l lake stretches an amazing 40 kilometres from Zurich to the foot of the Glarner Alps. Daytrip boats give tourists a possibility to explore several villages and towns along the lakeshore. Main landing in Zurich is at Burkliplatz. contact Zurich Schiffahrtsgesellschaft</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Meeting place: Bürliplatz</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Tel: +41 444871333</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">www.zsg.ch</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36106055.post-74763855752881517132007-01-04T18:41:00.000-08:002007-01-04T18:44:01.949-08:00Zürich<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;">General Information</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Population:</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">350,000 inhabitants.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;">Currency :</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">1 Swiss franc = 100 Rappen</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;">Opening hours:</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Most shops are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6.30pm. The opening hours on Saturday are</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">8.30am to 5pm.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;">Emergency number:</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Ambulance 144</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Police 117</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Fire Brigade 118</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;">Tourist office</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Zurich Tourism</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">At Main Train Station</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Tel: +41 442154000</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">www.zuerich.com</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">In the summer, tourist informationis open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 8.30pm and from 8.30am to 6.30pm on Sundays. From November 1st until April 30th the closing hours is 7pm during the week and 6.30pm on Sundays.<br /><br />The charming metropolis, Zürich Downtown Switzerland, offers first-class quality of life. Zürich is distinguished by its unparalleled selection of stores lining the world-famous shopping mile, the Bahnhofstrasse, not to mention its broad choice of leisure activities. Numerous gastronomic establishments in the surrounding region pamper food lovers with all manner of culinary delights. After dark, some 500 bars and clubs provide a wide variety of entertainment. Zürich is also the ideal departure point for all kinds of excursions, such as to the Rhine Falls, a chocolate factory, or the snow and perpetual ice on the Titlis mountain.<br /><br /><br />The River Limmat divides the city of Zurich into two distinct halves and it makes more sense to speak about the two banks rather than the new town / old town split. Niederdorf on the east bank is full of shops and cafés and is also home to the twin towers of the Grossmunster and the grandiose architecture of the university. The west bank is the old part of town which is centred around the Lindenhof area where the streets are characterised by fashion outlets and offices. The beautiful spires of St. Peters church and the Fraumunster church decorated by Marc chagall are nearby as well. The curving Bahnhofstrasse follows the course of the ancient<br /><br />city walls and is one of europe’s most prestigious shopping streets. As Switzerland has cultivated a stability and neutrality during both World Wars, the country has built up a reputation for its banking system which for decades has been one of Zurich’s biggest industries. It is also for these reasons that today the stock market in Zurich is the fourth biggest in the world.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36106055.post-1164443622866700072006-11-25T00:32:00.000-08:002006-11-25T00:33:46.686-08:00What to Do Villach<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Special Tours</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Villach Alpine Highway * * * * *</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">10-mile road southwest of Villach, s (04) 242- 24-44.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This modern mountain road traverses wooded areas and contours across the rugged face of the Dobstrach massif. Marked turnouts offer breathtaking views of the Gail Valley and Julian Alps to the south. Turnout numbers 2, 5 and 6 offer particularly beautiful vistas. Near Turnout 6 is an Alpine botanical garden, open mid-June through Aug. daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. At the roadway's end, a chair lift carries hikers from 5682 ft. (1731 m)to a spot near the summit 7107 ft. (2166 m). From the lift, continue on foot, but be prepared for a high-altitude, two-hour walk. Your reward at the hike's end is a stunning panorama that includes the jewellike Carinthian lakes.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36106055.post-1164443553098222842006-11-25T00:31:00.000-08:002006-11-25T00:32:33.540-08:00Where to Eat in Villach<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Bleibergerhof *****</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Moderate</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Bleibergerhof. South of Villach on Route 86, Untere Fellach.</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Tel: (04) 244-2205-0.</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Specialties: Game, beef, veal, freshwater fish.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Reservations required. Jacket at lunch, jacket and tie at dinner. Reached by car or bus from Villach, this restaurant is a hidden delight that is considered one of the top establishments in Austria. Known for its impeccable service amid tasteful surroundings, it serves both international and Carinthian specialties. The ever-changing menu contains soups, light first courses, and a variety of meat and game dishes. The wine list offers vintages from around the world.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Postillion *****</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Moderate to Expensive</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Hauptplatz 26. (In the pedestrian zone.) </span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Tel: (04) 242-26101.</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Specialties: Venison pates, stews and soups, boiled beef, schnitzels.</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Credit Cards: V, MC, DC, A.</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Outside dining, own baking, reservations required.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">With recipes adapted from cuisine served to aristocracy in the 1800s, this hotel restaurant transports guests to another era. Famous in the region for its venison, it prepares an array of specialties dressed with cheeses, butter and cream. Those more health-conscious should consider the selections of lighter fare. In July and August, guests can be seated on the flower-filled courtyard, where piano music and candlelight create a special atmosphere.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36106055.post-1164443416913527382006-11-25T00:28:00.000-08:002006-11-25T00:30:16.980-08:00Where to Stay in Villach<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Romantik Hotel Post * * * * *</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">http://www.romantik-hotel.com/</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Moderate</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Hauptplatz 26. In the Pedestrian zone, old town.</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Tel: (04) 242-26101.</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Credit Cards: MC, DC, A.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Secluded garden atmosphere, sauna, balcony or patio, in-room minibars, fitness center.Once the town palace of one of the richest families in Carinthia, this hotel still retains its regal air, with vaulted ceilings, an arcaded courtyard and a baronial fireplace. The exterior is extravagantly decorated with stone columns, carvings and wrought iron. Built in 1500, the manor has played host to kings and archdukes as well as an empress. There are 76 rooms and one suite; all have elegant decor plus sitting area, satellite TV, tile or marble bath (half without tub).</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Warmbaderhof *****</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">http://www.warmbad.at/englisch/ index.htm</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Expensive</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Kadischenallee. "^ Two and one-half miles south of Villach.</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Tel: (04) 242-30010.</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Credit Cards: V, MC, DC, A</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Taking "the cure" draws many to the Warmbad-Villach area, and this 100-year-old hotel provides a comfortable retreat. Set in flowering gardens, south of Villach, the hotel has its own indoor swimming pool, housed in a large vaulted building, plus covered passageways that lead to the warm springs. Accommodations include 116 rooms and 12 suites, most in the hotel's modern wing; all are pleasantly furnished and have satellite TV, combination bath, robes. The hotel offers walking tours of the town and evening dances on its outdoors terrace. Closed one week in Dec.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36106055.post-1164443304303489292006-11-25T00:27:00.000-08:002006-11-25T00:28:24.370-08:00Villach (Austria)<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">This bustling town serves as a railway junction linking Carinthia to Italy and Slovenia. Straddling the River Drau, Villach is within easy driving distance of Lake Ossiach, Spittal and Velden. In July and August, Villach hosts the Cannthian Summer Festival. Nearby Warmbad offers radon-laced thermal baths for those seeking "the cure." Situated in serene gardens in the center of Warmbad, the Warmbaderhof is the largest of the hotels in the area and exudes an air of quiet comfort.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36106055.post-1164443233328380442006-11-25T00:25:00.000-08:002007-01-04T18:41:07.943-08:00What to Do in Carinthia<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Magdalensberg *****</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">http://www.landesmuseum-ktn.at/ magdalensberg.htm</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Category : Inexpensive</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Address : Outside St. Viet an der Glan South of St. Viet, north ofKlagenfurt on</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Route 83. W (04) 224- 2555.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Special Hours: Open from May through Oct.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Long before the Hapsburg Empire rose to power, Austria was a part of the vast Roman Empire. </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Magdalensburg is considered the oldest Roman settlement north of the Alps. Romans occupied </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">this site the last century before Christ, and today excavations have revealed a Roman villa </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">(complete with central heating), public baths, temples and a forum. Admission.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Neuer Plato *****</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Category :Free</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Address : Neuer Platz. Near the Town Hall, New Town. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Tel : (04) 63-53-72-23.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Don't miss seeing the Lindwurm, or Dragon Fountain, that dominates the square. Carved by Ulrich Vogelsang in about 1590 from a single block of grey schist, this snarling beast is the heraldic emblem of the city. The tale goes that Klagenfurt was built on a swamp favored by the dragon, and safety was finally ensured once the creature was slain. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36106055.post-1164443074310962432006-11-25T00:21:00.000-08:002006-11-25T00:24:35.416-08:00Where to Stay in Carinthia<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br />Hotels and Resorts</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Romantik-Hotel Musil</span> * * * * *</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Category : Expensive</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Address : Oktober Strasse 14. Town center, near Neuer Platz.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Tel : (04) 63-51-16-60.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Credit Cards: V, MC, DC, A.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Balcony or patio, in-room minibars.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Comments : Pricey but intimate (some say a bit dusty), this small hotel has earned its reputation, and rooms are booked months in advance. Located in the heart of town, the building features an oval courtyard with inward-facing balconies. The 16 rooms are unique, the eclectic decor includes Baroque, Biedermeier and rustic furnishings. Each has bath and TV with hookup to BBC news.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Schloss Hotel Worthersee</span> * * * * *</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Category : Inexpensive to Moderate</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Address :Villacher Strasse 338. Head west from the center for 2 miles toward</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Villach.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Tel : (04) 63-21158.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Credit Cards: V, MC, DC, A.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Beach location, water sports, balcony or patio.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Built as a private villa in 1845, this hotel features a tunnel that leads to a private beach and shoreline promenade on the eastern banks of Lake Worther. The yellow mansion is trimmed with ornate woodwork and has jutting towers and balconies. Inside, the 29 rooms and five suites are modern and well-ftirnished; the best views, of course, are from those overlooking the lake. The hotel has its own dinner restaurant, a bar and a cafe. Closed Jan.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bistro Musil</span> * * * * *</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Category : Moderate</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Address : Oktober Strasse 14, W (04) 63-51-16-60.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Credit Cards: V, MC, DC, A.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Dine by candlelight in this locally popular hotel where Klagenfurters come to celebrate. Owner Bernhard Musil has been named the top pastry chef in central Europe, so be sure to try out the luscious desserts and sweets. Regional favorites, such as calves' brains and venison medallions, are served along with fresh fish.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cafe Moser Verdino</span> * * * * *</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Category : Inexpensive</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Address : Domgasse 2. North of Domkirch. Located at Moser Verdino.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Tel : (04) 62-57878.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Specialties: Pastries, light meals, snacks, coffee, wine, beer.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Cafestop, own baking, reservations not accepted. Not the oldest, but certainly a favorite with residents, who stop by for espresso and dazzling pastries. This unpretentious cafe is decorated with framed lithos and filled with marble, brass accents and lots of plush, upholstered furnishings.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Strohschein's Heuriger</span> ****</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Category : Moderate</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Address :Villacher Strasse 338.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Head west toward Villach. Located at Schloss</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Worthersee.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Tel : (04) 63-21158.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Specialties: Lamb, fish, beef.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Credit Cards: V, MC, DC, A.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Closed: Sun.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Reservations recommended, jacket required. This formal restaurant's kitchens are supervised by the hotel's family owner, and the menu features regional dishes served with elegance and flair. The six-course fixed-price dinner is a superb way to tour the tastes of Carinthia. Desserts are extravagant and well worth the splurge.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Ratings on Hotels (in US$)</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">-------------------------------</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Category</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Very Expensive: @$300+ per night, double occupancy</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Expensive: @$200+ per night, double occupancy</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Moderate: @$125-$200 per night, double occupancy</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Budget: @$50-$125 per night, double occupancy</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Restaurants and Other Dining Establishments</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Very Expensive: $150+, dinner for two not including wine or dessert</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Expensive: $100+, dinner for two not including wine or dessert</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Moderate: $50-$75, dinner for two not including wine or dessert</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Inexpensive: $25-$50, dinner for two not including wine or dessert</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Refer to the following quality chart when making your selection:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">**** Extraordinary</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">*** Very good</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">** Good</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">* Very basic, good value</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36106055.post-1164441539562601402006-11-24T23:55:00.000-08:002006-11-24T23:58:59.783-08:00Carinthia (Austria)<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Klagenfurt</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">This is the provincial capital of Carinthia, the region that borders Italy and Slovenia. Carinthia's sunny weather and numerous lakes make it a summer tourist center, though it seems to be visited little by North Americans. Known for its rings of streets along its former city walls (the walls were destroyed in 1809 during Napoleonic invasions), Klagenfurt lies near Lake Worther, a popular place for water sports.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36106055.post-1164426553464381152006-11-24T19:46:00.000-08:002006-11-24T19:49:13.600-08:00Restaurants in Austria<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I am providing the listings which include samplings of Restaurants in a variety of price ranges, with an emphasis on the unique or special. A night's stay at a renovated castle, cloister or former brewery will make your trip especially memorable. Throughout Austria, most prices include breakfast. During the winter, ski resorts and snow-destination hotels often include "half-board" rates in their prices. Some resort hotels require half-board when you book three days or more. Guests are provided with breakfast and either lunch or dinner in the Restaurants dining rooms. This practice is reflected in serving times at nearby nonhotel restaurants—many are not open for lunch.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Food and Drink</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Each region has its specialty, with influences coming from Italy, Slovenia and Germany. Much of traditional Austrian food relies on simplicity—meat schnitzels (cutlets) are served with salads and potatoes, sometimes with soups beforehand. Tafelspitz, or boiled beef, is the most well known national specialty, although, if you are after something more unusual, you could try the Styrian specialty, bloodand- liver sausages. Game and fish are often prepared using old aristocratic recipes. The more famous Austrian chefs have taken theseold dishes and interpreted them in new exciting ways. From the most exclusive elegant dining room to the smallest stube or gasthof, there's much to enjoy.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Tip : IF YOU FIND YOURSELF TRAVELLING THROUGH THE BUCOLIC AUSTRIAN COUNTRYSIDE (OR OUTSIDE THE CITY IN ANY COUNTRY, FOR THAT MATTER), LET THE LOCALS BE YOUR CULINARY GUIDE. VERY OFTEN, THEY WILL INTRODUCE YOU TO LOCAL DELICACIES AND DISHES THAT YOU WOULD NEVER HAVE THE OPPURTUNITY TO TRY IN THE CITY.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">And don't forget dessert—Austria is noted for its pastries, chocolates and cakes. Each afternoon, most citizens take a break, stopping at cafes or small sweet shops for a pastry served with coffee. Sachertorte is a staggeringly delicious, dense chocolate covered cake and is not to be missed (especially if you can get it at the Cafe Sacher in Vienna). The </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms;">apple strudel</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> is an absolute must, as is the Salzbttrger Nockerln (a souffle heaped to resemble the three mountains surrounding Salzburg). Coffee is served in any conceivable concoction; espresso lovers will believe they are in paradise.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Vineyards and breweries keep Austrians well supplied with an array of wines and beers. </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Klosterneuburger </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">is perhaps the best white wine. Other choices include the popular Gumpoldskirchern and Welschrieslinjj. Red wines include Bluer, Protuffieser and Zweigelt.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">In Vienna and Lower Austria, take time to visit a heuriger, or "new wine" garden. Found principally in Grinzing and other regions near the Vienna Woods, these establishments sell "new wines" made from the grapes of the current year. These full-bodied, potent wines were beloved by Joseph II. A trip to one of these family-owned taverns is a must for anyone who appreciates wines.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Of the beers, Gosser Brau is a rich brew made in Styria. It's fullbodied and fine, available in light or dark. Schwechater is tops in Vienna. Imported liquors are often exorbitantly priced,but local schnapps and fruited brandies can be found at prices that won't hit your wallet too hard. On the ski slopes, schnapps (often flavored with fruit juices or spices) warms up chilled bones. Finally, popular— especially in Vienna—bowk is a delicious summer punch made of cognac, white wine, champagne or curacao and fresh fruits, served from a bowl.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Tipping</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">For the waiter (the person who serves you, not the headwaiter), 5 percent extra above your total; bartender, 10 percent of the drink cost; hotel housekeeper, $5 per night; washroom attendant, $2; taxi driver, 10 percent of fare; doorman, $1; porter and bellhop, $2-$5.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Telephone</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">The international access code for both the United States and Canada is 001, followed by the area code and seven-digit local number. To telephone Austria, dial 43; time difference (Eastern Daylight) plus 6 hours.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36106055.post-1164426369119782132006-11-24T19:42:00.000-08:002006-11-24T19:46:09.480-08:00Transportation in Austria<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Airlines</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">With change sweeping away old borders throughout Europe, Austria has become an important airport hub. Since 1989, Austrian Airlines (toll-free W (800) 843-3002 http:// www.aua.com/) has offered nonstop service from New York or Chicago to Vienna. Although flight schedules vary, many U.S. carriers require passengers to change planes in London or Frankfurt. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">International carriers, such as Lufthansa and British Airways, also feature extensive Austrian service. Inside Austria, its national airline provides service throughout the country, Europe and points beyond. Austrian Air Services (a subsidiary of Austrian Airlines) and Tyrolean Airways (jointly owned by the national carrier) link Austria's cities.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Trains</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Comprehensive service, efficient schedules and competitive fares make train travel the hands-down choice for thousands of Austrians and visitors alike. If you don't want to drive, the trains will carry you almost anywhere in Austria, plus the schedules are designed to mesh with bus lines, cable cars, and even boat tours. Eurail Passes (http:// www.eurail.com/)are valid in Austria, and senior citizens (women over 60, men over 65) can ride at 50 percent reduction in first- or second-class. Cars and bicycles can be rented through rail agents, and returned when you're finished at a dozen Austrian stations.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bus</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bus lines maintain service over 19,000 miles of roads, linking rail stations with outlying villages. Buses ferry passengers (plus their luggage and ski equipment) from the valley floor to the loftier ski resorts and alpine hamlets. Discounts for children are substantial.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Taxis</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">In the cities, taxis are designated by official seals on the taxi meters. Surcharges are to be posted in the vehicle, and supplements are charged for luggage stowed in the trunk. Set charges are the rule in many resort areas.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Driving and Roads</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Austria is easily accessible by car. Main roads are hard-surfaced, and four-lane autobahns link Salzburg and Vienna, while a six-lane autobahn links Vienna with Ediltz. Mountain driving is the main challenge, with steep gradients (6 to 16 percent, or even more). Although the impressive Arlberg tunnel (nearly 9 miles long) makes it easier to reach ski destinations, even if you are an experienced alpine driver, you may want to take the train or bus to reach points at higher elevations.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Car Rental</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">To rent a car, present a valid driver's license, your passport—and for convenience—a major credit card. BUT YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT CAR RENTALS ARE SUBJECT TO A WHOPPING TAX, AS HIGH AS 21.2 PERCENT. In addition, you must figure in airport surcharges (6 percent for any car rented at a municipal airport). When shopping for rates, make sure you know whether the price includes all applicable taxes. Budget-Rent-A-Car, Avis, and Hertz all offer vehicles in Austria. For about $21 a day (added to the rental costs), you can purchase a "loss-damage-waiver" that allows you to waive all financial responsibility for eventual damage to your car, even if you are at fault. Drivers who pass up this coverage may be liable for up to the full value of the car in the event of an accident. Some credit cards offer loss-damage-waivers as a benefit, which could create a savings for you. The best advice is to plan your car-rental strategy well in advance.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Boats</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Touring Austria by boat is a splendid way to take in the scenery. Cruising the Danube can be accomplished by luxury craft, steamship, or ferry. Enjoy a seven-day tour, a riverboat shuttle or an evening dinner cruise. Other possibilities include trips on the Rhine, the Drau, or on one of Austria's lakes. For luxury cruises on the Danube, contact Europamerica Cruises, toll-free (800) 221-4770 http://www.deilmann-cruises.com/). For excursions on Lake Constance, Tel:(05574) 42868. Lake Wolfgang and its sights are linked by the Austrian Federal Railway boat system; (06138) 2231.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bicycles</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bicycle touring through the cities on miles of designated paths is a great way to see the country. From the beginning of April until November, you can rent bikes and procure passes to take your bike on most trains (the bikes ride in a special car). The cost is under $10 a day, with substantial reductions if you're taking the train to your destination. Rented bikes can be returned to almost any train station, simplifying the logistics.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36106055.post-1164426105616923842006-11-24T19:39:00.000-08:002006-11-24T19:41:45.806-08:00Arts and Cultural Events in Austria<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Music and Austria have been intertwined for centuries. Vienna is the birthplace of the waltz, and Salzburg is the ancestral home of Mozart. Austria's musical contributions to the world</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">include the vast repertoires of Schubert, Strauss, Haydn and Wagner, to name</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">only a few. Today the country is filled with musical festivals, from the renowned Salzburg Festival to countless music weekends held in small villages at the height of summer. Visiting Austria without sampling its music is like leaving without enjoying an apple strudel.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">The Salzburg Festival runs from late July to the end of August, and celebrates Mozart, Strauss, Verdi and others. The Festival brings together a splendid array of concerts, instrumental recitals, Mozart matinees, serenades, ballet and sacred music. Virtuosi, duets and chamber music groups perform in the numerous halls and salons nearby, often with several events happening at once. But you won't get into the top concerts or operas without confirmed reservations made well in advance. Tickets for headline events sell out a year ahead. Plan ahead, too, to attend the Easter or Whitsun festivals.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">For comprehensive information on the Festival, write directly the box office, Salzburg Festival, P.O. Box 140, A-5010, Salzburg, Austria, (0662) 8045 rtittp://www.salzburgfestival.com/ index2.html). Don't forget that, during Festival time, lodging Salzburg is at a premium—if you can't get hotel reservations, you might find room in the surrounding suburbs. Or try writing Salzburg tourist information office(Mozartplatz 5, Salzburg, Austria, (0662) 846568) to find accommodations with a local family.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Vienna hosts its own Festival from mid-May to June, while Bregenz has a July Festival that features performances on a gigantic floating stage on Lake Constance. Graz comes into its own during the Styrian autumn, featuring an arts festival with an avant-garde accent, while the area around Feldkirch honors Schubert with both spring and autumn festivals that draw famous performers from all across Europe. For information on these activities, consult the Austrian National Tourist Office, P.O. Box 1142, New York, NY 10108-1142, (212) 944-6880 (http: //www.austria-tourism.at/).</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36106055.post-1164425620214040152006-11-24T19:30:00.000-08:002006-11-24T19:33:40.936-08:00Outdoor Activities in Austria<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Skiing, both downhill and cross-country, is synonymous with Austria. During winter, you also </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">have your choice of ice-skating, curling and tobogganing, not to mention the romance of a </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">horsedrawn sleigh ride. In the summer, visitors and residents alike hike, stroll, or ride on </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">horseback or mountain bikes. Schools and instructors teach beginning and advanced </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">techniques in almost any sport.<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">In Austria, challenging mountaineering treks are offered near all the major peaks, and almost every town </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">and hamlet provides guided hikes and alpine tours. Golf and tennis are also popular. In the </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">lake districts, trout fishing and water sports, such as swimming, sailing and windsurfing, </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">prevail. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36106055.post-1164370535185480232006-11-24T04:11:00.000-08:002006-11-24T19:36:07.363-08:00Austria - Europe's Charm<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Austria</span> has it all—sophistication, rustic simplicity, antiquities, </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">riches, excellent restaurants, music festivals, towering mountains, </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">green valleys, flowers during the summer and world-famous snow </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">during the long winter season.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Geographically, three-quarters of the country is covered with </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">mountains. The Alps cut a curved swathe across <span style="font-style: italic;">Austria</span>'s<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>face, sparing </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">only sections in the south and eastern regions. Lush valleys flank </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">the river courses, the most famous being the River Danube, </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Europe's longest. <span style="font-style: italic;">Austria's</span> other rivers—the Inn, the 111, the Drau—</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">as well as its many lakes also are extremely scenic.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Austria </span>is bordered to the north by Germany, to the west by </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Switzerland and Liechtenstein, to the south by Italy, Slovenia (formerly </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">part of Yugoslavia) and Hungary, and to the east by the Czech </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Republic. <span style="font-style: italic;">Austria </span>itself is divided into nine regions or states:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Voralberg, Tyrol, Salzburg Land, Upper Austria, Lower Austria, </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Vienna, Burgenland, Styria and Carinthia.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">In </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Austria </span></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Snow begins in late November and continues through May in the </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">higher regions. Summer (which means from Easter to mid-October) </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">brings warmer temperatures, with periodic rains.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">High season depends on your itinerary. For skiers, peak times run </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">from December through April. Many ski resorts and hotels close </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">down during some or most of the warmer months. For </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Austria </span></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">city touring, </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">any time is fine, but beware that in July and August Salzburg is inundated</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">with music lovers who come each year to its famous festival. </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">During all the major holidays (Christmas, New Year's, Easter weekend), </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">throngs invade the cities and popular ski spots.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Off the beaten track, the smaller towns provide all the charm </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">without the crush of people. Away from the major hubs, daily life </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">retains its rustic rhythms, preserving old- world customs.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36106055.post-1163852343582658062006-11-18T04:16:00.000-08:002007-01-01T19:22:58.886-08:00Fifty Money - Saving Tips in Australia<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">GENERAL TRAVEL</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">1. Even if you never set foot in a youth hostel, an all-time great buy is membership in the Australian Youth Hostels Association (AYHA), or its U.S. counterpart, Hostelling International—American Youth Hostels. It entitles you to a huge array of discounts. See “Youth Hostels & Backpacker Lodges” in “Tips on Accommodations” later in this chapter.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">2. Try to buy a discounted ticket.Many companies, particularly airline ticket consolidators (“bucket shops”) that buy tickets wholesale, and some Australian tour companies, offer discounts for booking direct with them, rather than through a travel agent, to whom they must pay commission. Do check with the travel agent, too, to make sure you’re getting the best deal, or if you have complex traveling needs. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">3. When booking a hotel room at a major chain or renting a car from a major agency, be sure to ask whether you qualify for frequentflier miles. If you have acquired a load of frequent-flier miles, they may be redeemable for award travel, lodging, and other travel needs.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">4. If you are a senior or student, ask about discounts at every chance— when booking your airfare, hotel, rental car, or sightseeing tour; buying theater tickets; or visiting museums or attractions.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">5. Full-time students should arm themselves with an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which offers substantial savings on rail passes, plane tickets, and entrance fees. It also provides you with basic health and life insurance and a 24-hour help line. The card is available for $22 from STA Travel (& 800/781-4040 in the U.S.—if you’re not in North America there’s probably a local number in your country; www.statravel.com), the biggest studenttravel agency in the world.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">6. If you’re no longer a student but are still under 26, you can get an International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) for the same price from the same people, which entitles you to some discounts (but not on museum admissions). </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">7. Before you purchase travel insurance, check that you do not already have it as part of your credit card agreement or existing health insurance policy. Check to see if your current health insurance covers you fully for medical treatment and evacuation anywhere in the world and if your credit card company insures you against travel accidents if you buy plane, train, or bus tickets with its card (see “Health & Safety” later in this chapter). Your homeowner’s insurance should cover stolen luggage. However, if you have paid a large portion of your vacation expenses up front, it might be a good idea to buy trip cancellation insurance.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >AIR TRAVEL</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">8. In terms of airfare, the off-season runs from mid-April to the end of August. This is not only the cheapest time to fly from America, but it’s also the best time to visit Australia! That’s because Down Under winter (June, July, and Aug), when the days are balmy and nice, is more pleasant than the too-hot summer (Dec, Jan, and Feb).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">9. Traveling on certain days of the week can save you money. Monday-to-Thursday departures can shave an extra US$60 off your airfare.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">10. Consider a package. Whether you opt for an independent or group tour, package deals are terrific values because they typically include airfare (usually from Los Angeles), decent accommodations, some or all meals, tours, transfers, and other extras. The per-day price of a package (including airfare) can work out to be about the same as a night’s accommodations in a midrange hotel.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">11. Look for travel agents and consolidators specializing in cheap fares to Australia. See “Getting There” later in this chapter, for a list.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">12. The quickest way between two points is not always the cheapest. Sometimes airlines and travel agents release spot specials for people prepared to travel via a lengthier route, or at short notice. If this is you, scour the travel sections of newspapers, and visit airline websites for the latest deals.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">13. The cheapest fares are usually the ones with the most restrictions. With Qantas’s 21-day advance purchase fare, for example, you must pay for the ticket within 21 days after booking, stay at least a week, and no more than a month in Australia; you can’t make stopovers, and you cannot change the routing once you have paid for the ticket. For many people, these conditions are fine for the trip they are planning.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">14. Flying within Australia is expensive—but not if you pre-purchase Qantas coupons. The coupons can cost less than half the regular fares. Only non-Australians can buy them, and you must buy them before you leave home.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">15. Because air travel within Australia is so expensive, Qantas offers discounts of around 30% off regular fares for non-Australian passport holders. To obtain the discount, quote your passport number when booking your flight. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">16. If you belong to a frequent-flierclub, use your miles to contribute toward your airfare, or take advantage of any offers to buy miles at a reduced rate to reach an award level. If you are not already a frequent flier, join when you buy your ticket. The flight to Australia may earn you another trip!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">17. To get even more frequent-flier miles, pay for your airline ticket on a credit card that gives you miles for every dollar you spend. Just be sure you don’t get zapped with sky-high interest charges.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >ACCOMMODATIONS</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">18. Airfare and accommodations will take the biggest bite out of your budget, so look for package tours that include both plane ticket and 5 or more nights’ accommodations—often at substantial savings for both.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">19. If you get an apartment with a full kitchen, you can save money by not eating out at every meal. Australian cities and holiday destinations are awash with this kind of accommodations. Even if you only make breakfast every morning, you could save enough to splurge on a really special meal.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">20. Try to avoid visiting Australia during the country’s school holidays (see the “When to Go” section later in this chapter). Hotel and apartment rates in popular vacation spots like the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, and Cairns in Queensland soar during the Australian school vacations.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">21. Many accommodations chains offer discounted rates for customers of a particular car-rental company with which the hotel chain is partnered. When making your reservation or checking in, it never hurts to ask whether you qualify for a discount.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">22. Bed-and-breakfasts are a friendly alternative to a cheerless motel room, and in Oz they’re often quite cheap. Many pretty B&Bs charge A$75 (US$49) or less for a double room with breakfast—about the same as a motel room without breakfast. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">23. Youth hostels and backpacker lodges are not just for the young. Some are almost as good as resorts, with a pool, a tour desk, and Internet access, and they often offer inexpensive meals. Many have basic but clean private rooms for under A$50 (US$33) for a double. As long as you can handle sharing a bathroom, these rooms are often the cheapest comfortable beds in town.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">24. YWCA has comfortable budget hotels in Sydney, Melbourne, and Darwin with private rooms, dorms, and family rooms—a cut above the average backpacker digs.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">25. Many pubs, especially those in the country, offer lodging. Staying in a pub can be a money-saving option if you don’t mind sharing a bathroom (some have private</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">bathrooms, but don’t expect it) and coping with the din of drinkers in the bar downstairs (often until midnight Fri–Sat). The quality varies, but most rooms have a measure of historical charm. Rates can be as little as A$40 (US$26) for a double and are rarely more than A$75 (US$49); most include breakfast.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">26. Most hotels accommodate kids up to age 12 (and even older) free of charge in your room if they use existing beds; if a hotel does charge extra for a child, it’s usually only A$10 to A$20 (US$6.50–US$13) at most.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >LOCAL TRANSPORTATION</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">27. Bus travel in Oz is quite comfortable— the buses are clean, the seats are comfortable, and you sometimes even get a video onboard. Passes from the two national coach companies, Greyhound Pioneer and McCafferty’s, represent great value, especially as some of them include tours.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">28. Train fares in Australia cost about the same as bus fares, if you travel in a sitting berth (the seats recline somewhat). If you want a sleeper cabin, fares get expensive fast.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">29. Countrylink, which oversees rail travel in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, offers advance-purchase discounts of up to 40%. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">30. Before you book a rental car in Australia, consider whether you really need one. In major tourist towns like Alice Springs and Cairns, travelers fall into the trap of renting a car and then letting it sit outside their hotel the whole vacation, because every local tour company picked them up at the door. If you need a car only to drive into town for dinner, take a cab.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">31. Fill up your rental car at a nearby gas station before you return it, not at the much-more-expensive car rental depot’s pump.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">32. Gas in cities is often cheaper on Mondays because most people fill up their tanks before the weekend.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">33. Whether you go by air, rail, bus, or car, try not to backtrack. In a country as big as Australia, you can waste a lot of money retracing your steps.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">34. Don’t buy maps. Most visitor centers dispense free or next-to-free maps of the area. If you are a member of an automobile club with which the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has a reciprocal agreement, you can often obtain free state, regional, and city road maps. The American Automobile Association, and the Automobile Associations in the</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">U.K., Canada, and New Zealand, have such an arrangement with Australia. Pick up the maps before you leave, or collect them at the AAA offices in Australia. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >WINING & DINING</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">35. The letters to look for when dining out in Oz are BYO, which means Bring Your Own: Buy wine or beer at the cheapest bottle shop (“liquor store” to Americans, “offlicense” to Brits) you can find, and take it with you to the restaurant. That way you avoid the markup of 100%, 200%, or more that restaurateurs are so fond of adding. All you pay is a corkage charge of about A$1 to A$3 (US65¢–US$1.95) per person.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">36. Go ethnic and you’re almost guaranteed great food at low prices— Indian, Cambodian, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Italian, and Thai are all pretty sure bets. The smarter Chinese restaurants are good, but often a tad pricey, and not always BYO.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">37. An advantage of going out for Asian food is that dishes are usually shared, so small eaters can get away with not ordering a whole meal for themselves (great for families). Because one Asian main course is often enough for two people, the golden rule is to order and eat one dish first, then order a second if you need it. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">38. In cities, head to an Italian sidewalk cafe for tasty pasta and stylish sandwiches. A focaccia sandwich with salami, provolone cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and arugula will set you back around A$8 (US$5.20) and keep you going ’til dinner.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">39. Backpacker lodges, youth hostels, and universities almost always have restaurants or cafes attached, which serve up big portions of tasty, healthy food for not much money.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">40. Tipping is not necessary, although it is common to tip 5% to 10% in restaurants and round cab fares up to the nearest A$1 (US65¢). Plenty of Aussies don’t tip, so</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">don’t feel embarrassed about hanging on to your coins.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">41. If you are traveling by car, keep a box of cereal and long-life milk in the trunk and use the hotel coffee cups as bowls. It beats paying A$10 (US$6.50) for the same thing in the hotel restaurant.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">42. RSL (Returned and Services League) clubs and League clubs (as in Rugby League football) serve hearty meals—along the roast, chicken Kiev, and steak lines, with vegetables or salad, and bread and potato included—for around A$10 (US$6.50). You will have to sign in before you enter the club and put up with their uniquely lurid brand of neon-lit decor, but that’s part of the fun. Kids’ meals are about A$5 (US$3.25).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >TOURS & SIGHTSEEING</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">43. Australian city councils are big on providing free entertainment—for example, Sydney has free dance performances or concerts at Darling Harbour many weekends, and free lunchtime concerts in Martin Place most days; Brisbane has street performers at South Bank Parklands most weekends; and Darwin has free Sunday Jazz by the sea at the MGM Grand Casino in Dry Season. Check local newspapers for details.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">44. You can often get half-price theater tickets on the day of the performance. We’ve listed halfprice ticket agencies in the “After Dark” sections of each chapter, where relevant. Matinees are often around A $8 (US$5.20), cheaper than evening shows. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">45. Walking tours can be half the price of bus tours, and they give you a good close-up view of the city and sights.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >SHOPPING</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">46. Skincare products, cosmetics, perfume, electronics, imported designer accessories, liquor, cigarettes, and other luxury items attract high duty in Australia. If you need to buy these products, get them in duty-free stores, which can be found in capital cities and major tourist destinations. You will need to show your airline ticket and passport to buy.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">47. If you buy anything expensive— jewelry, for example—ask if there is a tax-free price for international travelers. Most non-duty-free stores selling high-ticket items offer tax-free prices to international travelers who show their airline ticket and passport. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">48. Aboriginal artifacts make great souvenirs and gifts, but look for the shops just a block or two away from the center of town, which sell the same items a good bit cheaper than the ones on the main streets.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >NIGHTLIFE</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">49. There are no cover charges at pubs, and drinks are cheaper than in nightclubs. Some have live entertainment, pool, and sports video screens.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">50. Aussies love beer any time, but it never tastes better than during happy hour, that period from around 4 to 6pm when many city bars and pubs mark drinks down to half price or less. Happy hours are especially common Thursday and Friday, but any time of the week you are never far from a pub that makes an art form of brandbased specials.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36106055.post-1163852004880803732006-11-18T04:13:00.000-08:002006-11-18T04:13:24.973-08:00Australian Safari - The $50-a-Day Premise<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />Can’t believe you can really travel and stay comfortably around this huge country for as little as $50 a day? It can be done. Australia’s abundance of family-run motels, authentic country pubs, friendly B&Bs, and inexpensive ethnic restaurants offer a wide variety of great eating, welcoming accommodations, and some of the most amazing sights you’ll ever see, without sacrificing fun, comfort, and adventure to a budget.<br /><br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The “$50-a-day” premise is based on the assumption of two adults traveling together who, between the two of them, have at least US$100, or US$50 per person, to spend per day on accommodations and meals. (We used a calculation of A$1 equals US65¢.) But fluctuations in the value of the Australian dollar against the U.S. dollar in recent years may mean you will get even more value for your money at the time you travel. Sightseeing, entertainment, and transport costs are extra, but we have unearthed loads of free and next-to-free ways for you to see the sights and get around without breaking the bank. Because airfare is likely to be the most expensive part of your trip, we provide tips on finding low-cost deals and packages.<br /><br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">But make no mistake: This isn’t a backpacker’s guide to Oz. Although the book includes the best backpackerstyle accommodations and hostels, its aim is to suggest the best places to stay and dine at the best price. In fact, if you frequent the places recommended and follow our money-saving tips on transportation and sightseeing, you’ll be traveling the same way most average Australians do. They would rather stay in a mid-priced country guesthouse that has a bit of charm, and eat at the cheap, fabulous Thai nosh-house, than pay a fortune to sit around a five-star resort’s swimming pool eating $15 hamburgers. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36106055.post-1163511903989531422006-11-14T05:44:00.000-08:002006-11-14T05:45:04.606-08:00Tasmania<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Last stop before Antarctica is the island state of Tasmania. Visit the Apple Isle for its beautiful national parks, stretches of alpine wilderness and gloomy forests, fruit and lavender farms, the world’s best trout fishing, and an exquisitely slow pace of life rarely experienced anywhere else. If you’re up to it, you could tackle the Overland Track, an 85km (53-mile) hiking trail between Cradle Mountain and Lake St. Clair that passes through highland moors, dense rainforests, and several mountains. A more leisurely option is a visit to the picturesque stone ruins of Port Arthur, Australia’s version of Devil’s Island, where thousands of convicts brought in to settle the new British colony were imprisoned and died. All of Tasmania is spectacular, but you haven’t seen anything until you’ve experienced Freycinet National Park, with its pink granite outcrops set against an emeraldgreen sea. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36106055.post-1163511863529414622006-11-14T05:43:00.001-08:002006-11-14T05:44:31.533-08:00Australian Capital Territory (Act)<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Surrounded entirely by New South Wales is the Australian Capital Territory. The ACT is made up of bushland and the nation’s capital, Canberra, a planned city similar in architectural concept to Washington, D.C. Many Australians consider the capital boring, but Canberra will surprise you. It has some of the country’s best museums and great restaurants, so don’t automatically exclude it from your itinerary. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36106055.post-1163511826265178432006-11-14T05:43:00.000-08:002006-11-14T05:43:46.343-08:00Victoria<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Australia’s second largest city, </span><st1:city style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Melbourne</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;">, is the capital of </span><st1:state style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Victoria</span></st1:place></st1:State><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;">. </span><st1:city style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Melbourne</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> is more stately and “</span><st1:place style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Old World</span></st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;">” than </span><st1:city style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Sydney</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;">, and offers an exciting mix of ethnicity and the country’s best fashion shopping. Nearby </span><st1:place style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><st1:placename><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Phillip</span></st1:PlaceName><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><st1:placename><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Island</span></st1:PlaceName></st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> is famous for its Penguin Parade, where hundreds of tiny penguins dash up the beach to their burrows at dusk; and, the historic gold-mining city of </span><st1:city style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ballarat</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> is not far away. </span><st1:state style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Victoria</span></st1:place></st1:State><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> is also the site of one of </span><st1:country-region style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Australia</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;">’s great road trips, the </span><st1:street style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><st1:address><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Great Ocean Road</span></st1:address></st1:Street><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;">, which stretches for 106km (66 miles) along the southern coast, where the eroded rock towers named the Twelve Apostles stand tall in the sea. Then there’s the inland “high country,” The Man from </span><st1:place style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><st1:placename><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Snowy</span></st1:PlaceName><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><st1:placetype><span style="font-size: 10pt;">River</span></st1:PlaceType></st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;">’s stomping ground.</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36106055.post-1163511789198394062006-11-14T05:42:00.000-08:002006-11-14T05:43:09.276-08:00South Australia<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Stretched between Western Australia and Victoria is the nation’s breadbasket, South Australia. The capital, Adelaide, is a stately place known for its conservatism, parks, and churches, and is an ideal base for exploring Australia’s illustrious wine region, the Barossa Valley. Big labels like Penfolds, Seppelts, and Wolf Blass are here, but take time to sniff out the many smaller but no less outstanding vineyards. And it’s less than an hour from the city! Bring your binoculars for the massive water bird sanctuary, the Coorong. Stay in an underground hotel in the offbeat opal-mining town of Coober Pedy (it’s too hot above ground), or order a ’roo-burger at the historic Prairie Hotel in the craggy, ancient lands of the Flinders Ranges in the South Australian Outback. The greatest of South Australia’s attractions (apart from wine, of course!) is Kangaroo Island, the best place in Australia to see native animals. In a day you can spot wallabies, kangaroos, koalas, oodles of birds from black swans to kookaburras, echidnas, and penguins. The beach teems with sea lions. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36106055.post-1163511594134643712006-11-14T05:38:00.000-08:002006-11-14T05:39:54.566-08:00Western Australia<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br />Distance and high airfares work against Western Australia’s tourism industry, which is a shame because this is one of Australia’s most wild and beautiful regions. The seas teem with whales in season, and thrill seekers can swim alongside gigantic but gentle whale sharks on the Northwest Cape every fall (Mar–June). This cape is home to one of Australia’s best-kept secrets, a second barrier reef called Ningaloo Marine Park, which runs for 260km (161 miles), one of the few reefs in the world to grow on a western coast. You can snorkel with manta rays here, and the diving is great. Just 19km (12 miles) off Perth, snorkelers can gaze at corals and fish on Rottnest Island, and in Shark Bay at Monkey Mia, tourists greet wild dolphins (or is it the other way around?).<br /><br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">In the southwest “hook” of the continent lies the Margaret River wine region. Wild forests, thundering surf, dramatic cliffs, rich bird life, and wild ’roos make it one of the country’s most attractive wine regions. The state’s capital, Perth, has surf beaches and a restored 19th-century port with a fun atmosphere and some great museums. One or two hours’ drive from the city brings you to some cute towns, like the Spanish Benedictine monastery town of New Norcia. Inland, the state is mostly wheat fields and desert, but if you have the inclination, head west 600km (372 miles) from Perth to the gold-mining town of Kalgoorlie, where you’ll find the world’s largest open-cast gold mine. With its gracious old pubs lining the wide bustling streets, it’s what an Aussie country town should look like.<br /><br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">In the Kimberley, you can visit the ancient Geikie and Windjana gorges, pearl farms where the world’s best South Sea pearls grow, and the charming (in a corrugated-iron sort of way) beachside frontier town of Broome. This tract of the country is so little populated and so under-explored that most Aussies never contemplate coming here. Getting around can be expensive, because it’s so vast. Near Kununurra, on the eastern edge of the Kimberley, is a million-acre cattle station, El Questro, where you can camp in safari tents, fish for barramundi, hike through the bush to Aboriginal rock art, take all kinds of active tours from horseback riding to 4WD jaunts, and dine every night on terrific modern Oz cuisine. From Kununurra you can hike into the beehive-shaped rock formation of the Bungle Bungles, cruise on the croc-infested Ord River, and tour the world’s biggest diamond mine. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36106055.post-1163511521680234162006-11-14T05:37:00.000-08:002006-11-14T05:38:42.276-08:00The Top End<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The northwest reaches of Oz (from the rocky red ranges of the Kimberley in Western Australia to the northern 3rd of the Northern Territory) encompass what Aussies eloquently dub “the Top End.” This is Crocodile Dundee territory, a remote, vast, semi-desert region where men are heroes and the cattle probably outnumber the people. In this book, we have concentrated on the Northern Territory section of the “Top End,” with the Kimberley included in the Western Australia chapter. Near the tropical city of Darwin, the territory’s capital, is Kakadu</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">National Park, where you can cruise past crocodiles on inland billabongs, bird-watch, and visit ancient Aboriginal rock-art sites. Closer to Darwin is Litchfield National Park, where you can take a dip in fern-fringed swimming holes surrounded by red cliffs— stuff straight from Eden. You can cruise the waterways of Katherine Gorge, a few hours’ drive south of Darwin, or explore them by canoe. Near Katherine you can learn to make your own didgeridoo, and canoe rarely explored, croc-infested inland rivers. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36106055.post-1163511450733318692006-11-14T05:36:00.000-08:002006-11-14T05:37:31.370-08:00The Red Centre<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The eerie silence of Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is what draws everyone to the sprawling ochre sands of the Red Centre, the heart of the Northern Territory. For many, there is the delightful discovery that the lesser-known nearby domes of Kata Tjuta, or “the Olgas,” are even more spectacular (if that’s possible). A half-day’s drive from the Rock brings you to Kings Canyon, an awesomely lovely desert gorge popular with hikers. If you visit the Red Centre, try to spend at least a few days in Alice Springs. This laid-back Outback town has the best Aboriginal arts-andcrafts shopping in Australia, Aboriginal tours, a world-class desert wildlife park, stunning scenery, hikes through the stark MacDonnell Ranges, an Outback ranch to stay at, and even camel rides along a dry riverbed. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36106055.post-1163511389931995572006-11-14T05:33:00.000-08:002006-11-14T05:36:30.080-08:00Queensland<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Without doubt, the biggest draw for visitors to Queensland is the Great Barrier Reef. Ogling the tropical fish, sea creatures, and rainbow-hued corals is a holiday highlight for most people. The Reef stretches more than 2,000km (1,240 miles) along Queensland’s coast, as far south as Bundaberg, 384km (238 miles) north of Brisbane. Alluring island resorts are dotted along the coast; while most are expensive, we’ve found a few that won’t break the bank. Queensland is also known for its white-sand beaches. Many of the best are on the Gold Coast in the state’s </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">south (about an hour’s drive from Brisbane), and the Sunshine Coast, a 2-hour drive north of Brisbane. Cairns and Port Douglas in the north have their fair share of beaches, too, but be warned: Swimming in their waters can be very hazardous to your health. Deadly box jellyfish, or “stingers,” call a halt to all ocean swimming at beaches in the northern third of the country October through May. All patrolled beaches have warning signs, and the lifeguards do regular net drags to see if there are any in the water. If they find any, the beach is promptly closed. But to be absolutely sure, you should stick to the waterfront lagoons at Airlie Beach and Cairns, or your hotel pool this time of year. The jellyfish are mainly found in coastal waters and do not interfere with Great Barrier Reef activities like snorkeling or </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">diving, as these are out of the habitat of marine stingers.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Island swimming is mostly stinger free, but be careful and take advice from the lifeguards before plunging into that inviting water.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">One of the most appealing of Queensland’s destinations is the aquatic playground made up of the 74 Whitsunday Islands in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. These mostly uninhabited islands are a paradise for kayaking, snorkeling, diving, fishing, hiking, watersports, bird-watching, and bareboat sailing.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Another big attraction is the lush 110-million-year-old Daintree rainforest, just north of Port Douglas.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The capital, Brisbane, has Australia’s largest koala sanctuary (you can cuddle one if you like) and you can hand-feed wild dolphins on a day trip across Brisbane’s Moreton Bay. In the Gold Coast hinterland is Lamington National Park, a rainforested mountain region great for hiking and spotting wildlife.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0