Byron Bay

Cape Byron is Australia's most easterly point, 153° 39´ east, located on the north coast of New South Wales . With its numerous beaches, unspoilt hinterland, and relaxed lifestyle, Byron Bay is a popular tourist destination.
With average summer temperatures of 21C - 28C, and average winter temperatures of 15C - 21C, both locals and visitors are able to enjoy plenty of outdoor activities including the many festivals throughout the year.
Byron Shire has a population of close to 30,000, while the town of Byron Bay has a population of about 9,000.
Byron Bay is located just off the Pacific Highway, 800kms north of Sydney, 175kms south of Brisbane. Airports are located in Ballina (30mins south) or Coolangatta (60mins north) and busses and trains arrive regularly.

New Zealand Way

Bondi Icebergs Club

 

The world famous Bondi Icebergs Club is located above the Bondi Baths swimming pool at the south end of Bondi Beach, New South Wales, Australia.
Famous for their winter swimming, the Icebergs was founded in 1929 by a group of local men and has since grown to be one of Sydney's famous icons.
The Bondi Icebergs Club is the only licensed swimming club in the world and has a panoramic view of Bondi Beach.

Fareworks

 

SYDNEY'S FAREWORKS

Queen Victoria Buildin

The Queen Victoria Building, now affectionately known as the QVB, was designed by George McRae and completed in 1898, replacing the original Sydney markets on the site. Built as a monument to the long reigning monarch, construction took place in dire times, as Sydney was in a severe recession. The elaborate Romanesque architecture was specially planned for the grand building so the Government could employ many out-of-work craftsmen – stonemasons, plasterers, and stained window artists - in a worthwhile project. Originally, a concert hall, coffee shops, offices, showrooms, warehouses and a wide variety of tradespeople, such as tailors, mercers, hairdressers and florists, were accommodated.
Over many decades, change saw the concert hall become the city library, offices proliferate and more tenants move in, including piano tuners, palmists and clairvoyants. Drastic 'remodelling' occurred during the austere 1930s and the main occupant was the Sydney City Council. As recently as 1959 the Queen Victoria Building was threatened with demolition. As it stands now, in all its glory. It is testimony to the original vision for the building and the superb craftsmanship of the artisans who put it all back together again.
The QVB fills an entire city block bound by George, Market, York and Druitt Streets. The dominant feature is the mighty centre dome, consisting of an inner glass dome and an exterior copper- sheathed dome. Glorious stained glass windows and splendid
architecture endure throughout the building and an original 19th century staircase sits alongside the dome. Every detail has been faithfully restored, including arches, pillars, balustrades and the intricate tiled floors thus maintaining the integrity of the building.
The visual message of Sydney's coat of arms, on the cartwheel stained glass window, is that the beehive depicts business, the sailing ship - trade, and the dolphins - the harbour. Panel 1, on the left hand side, represents the Council of the City of Sydney, and symbols of architecture, while the letters I.G.B. on panel 3, on the right, represent Ipoh Gardens Berhad, the Malaysian company who restored the QVB.
The symbols are of property developers - the builders. The bottom central panel represents the heraldic symbol of a finished building and the joining of two hands denotes the fusing of two cultures. There are many interesting and charming exhibitions and attractions throughout the building, along with portraits of the Queen. There is also a letter from Queen Elizabeth II to the Citizens of Sydney to be opened and read by the Lord Mayor of Sydney in the year 2085. Outside the QVB, on Town Hall Place, facing The Town Hall are the Royal Wishing Well and Queen Victoria's statue.

Northern Territory - Kings Canyon

Set within Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon features ancient sandstone walls, modeled by the elements and rising up 100m to a plateau of rocky domes. This scenic landscape of rugged ranges, rock-holes, and moist gorges act as a refuge for many plants and animals, thus making the Park a significant conservation area as well as a major attraction of central Australia. Watarrka National Park is also home to many waterholes and areas of lush vegetation, which contain more than 600 plant species, 100 bird species, and 60 species of reptiles.

The park is located about 330km southwest of Alice Springs and can be reached by 4WD vehicles. Major walkways include The Kings Creek Walk, which is a 1.3km walk leading to the Kings Creek lookout point and The Kings Canyon Walk, a 6km walk leading to the stunning views of the buttressed domes of the Lost City and the Garden of Eden. There is also The Kathleen Springs Walk, a 2.6km walk leading to a spring-fed waterhole and The Giles Track, which is a 22km overnight walk traversing the top of the range from Kathleen Springs to Kings Canyon.

Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is located in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is one of the most distinctive and famous 20th century buildings, and one of the most famous performing arts venues in the world. Situated on Bennelong Point in Sydney Harbour, with parkland to its south and close to the equally famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, the building and its surroundings form an iconic Australian image. To some, the spherical-sectioned shells are reminiscent of the flotilla of sailboats commonly cruising there. It is a major tourist attraction even though most visitors have little interest in attending performances.

As well as many touring theatre, ballet, and musical productions, the Opera House is the home of Opera Australia, the Sydney Theatre Company and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. It is administered by the Opera House Trust, under the New South Wales Ministry of the Arts.