Aussie Guide & Map Autumn Winter 2017

AUSSIE

GUIDE & MAP SYDNEY, BYRON BAY, CAIRNS

FREE MAPS

THE

AUSTRALIA

BUCKET LIST

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NOOSA, QLD

KANGAROO IS, SA

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Kakadu

Cape Tr i b u l a t i o n

Mission Beach Whitsundays

Kimberley

Airlie Beach

1770

Fraser Island

Kings Canyon Uluru

Exmouth

Noosa

Hervey Bay Rainbow Beach Gold Coast

Byron Bay Coffs Harbour Port Macquarie

Coober Pedy Blue Mountains

Esperance

Kangaroo Island

Great Ocean Rd

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AUSSIE

AUSTRALIA

GUIDE & MAP Welcome to Australia

7 20 Travel Maps Australia Pty Ltd have been producing tourist maps and guides of Sydney since 1993.

This Guide is distributed FREE in over 500 hotels, best value accommodations, transport hubs and international colleges in Sydney.

Other titles include: THE WORD Sydney Map THE WORD Desktop Maps Edition: Autumn/Winter 2017 Views expressed in this guide are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Images: Supplied by Tourism Australia, Destination NSW.

Australia 5 Your Bucket List 6 New South Wales 8 Queensland 12 Northern Territory 20 South Australia 21 Features Adventure 7 Byron Bay 10 Noosa Everglades 13 Fraser Coast 14 Whitsundays & Airlie Beach 15 Cairns & Cape Trib 16 Kangaroo Island, SA 22

Published by Travel Maps Australia PO Box 7023, Warringah Mall, NSW 2100 Tel: 02 8338 0842 contact@thewordaustralia.com.au Publisher/Editor: Mike Barrow Managing Editor: Chris Harrison Design/Production: KYSO.com.au Administration: Narelle van Leeuwen Customer Service: Martin Sisolak Advertising Enquiries sales@thewordaustralia.com.au Tel: 02 8338 0842

Cover Image: Cape Du Couedic Lightstation, Kangaroo Island.

OPEN 7 DAYS 6.00AM TO 6.00PM

This guide is printed by Offset Alpine. Offset Alpine are committed to continuous environmental improvement by using environmental management systems, introducing environmental initiatives and benchmarking to globally recognised standards and monitoring. Paper fibre is from PEFC certified forests and controlled sources.

WE’RE MOVING Till March – April 2017 at 13 Eddy Avenue, Central Station From May – June 2017 opp. Platform 1, Grand Concourse, Central Station

Call 9281-9366

Welcome to Australia! our vast country, which is also a continent, and often considered to be the world’s largest island. Australia’s vast size gives rise to a variety of landscapes, from lush ancient tropical rainforests in North Queensland, to mountain ranges along the New South Wales and Victorian border and to the dry, desert country in the centre, known as ‘the Outback’.

Most of us (25 million Aussies) live along the coast.

Sydney is the largest city (4.8million), but Melbourne (4.4 m) is catching up fast, Brisbane

(2.3 m), and Adelaide (1.3 m) are also large. Where as Darwin is a capital city (of the Northern Territory) but has only 140 000 people, and the national capital (Canberra) has only 350 000.

Australia is a wealthy country, ranking second in the world (after Switzerland). Australia also has a history of extensive immigration. In 2011, 25% of Aussies were born overseas and 43% had at least one overseasborn parent.

It’s a very beautiful and diverse country and a friendly country with its own unique sense of good humour. It’s a sport-crazy, full of golden sandy beaches, blue skies and clean air. In short, a great place to live, travel, study and work.

As a traveller with money and/or time constraints, try to travel as much as you can. Do as much on your bucket list (following page) as possible.

Visit lots of golden beaches and mix with lots of friendly locals.

Above all, have fun and enjoy this great country. After all that’s why you came here, right?

www.sydneycoachterminal.com.au

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 YOUR BUCKET LIST  New South Wales  Cruise Sydney Harbour  Tour Sydney Opera House  Bondi Beach  Manly  Blue Mountains  Byron Bay

ADVENTURE SKYDIVING

Tasmania  Hobart  Cradle Mountain  Port Arthur  Freycinet

BY CHRIS HARRISON

Victoria Northern Territory  Darwin  Kakadu National Park  Litchfield National Park  Uluru  Katherine Gorge

 Melbourne  Great Ocean Road  Grampians  Phillip Island

Looking for the ultimate rush while you are travelling? Now is the perfect time to do those things you normally wouldn’t do back home.

Whether it’s skydiving, hot air ballooning, flyboarding or surfing we have done all the research for you.

Skydiving is one of those adrenalin activities on many peoples‚ to-do list. With excellent training and operator safety levels, Australia is the perfect place to finally take the leap.

For most travellers, tandem skydiving is the way to go. A tandem skydive only requires 15 – 20 minutes of practical training. A qualified instructor is then strapped to your back and all you have to worry about is enjoying the ride!

Skydive with? Easy.

Sydney Skydivers CALL 1300 759 348

Western Australia

Queensland  Gold Coast  Fraser Island  Whitsundays Islands  Great Barrier Reef  Cairns

South Australia  Adelaide  Kangaroo Island  Swim with Great White Sharks  Barossa Valley 6 THE WORD Australia Aussie Guide & Map

 Perth  Pinnacles  Monkey Mia  Broome  Kimberley  Ningaloo Reef

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匀礀搀渀攀礀✀猀 挀氀漀猀攀猀琀 猀欀礀搀椀瘀攀 眀眀眀⸀猀礀搀渀攀礀猀欀礀搀椀瘀攀爀猀⸀挀漀洀⸀愀甀

䈀䔀匀吀 匀䔀刀嘀䤀䌀䔀Ⰰ 嘀䄀䰀唀䔀 䄀一䐀 䘀唀一 @wordaustralia 7

NEW SOUTH WALES

Sydney is the first port of call for most young travellers arriving in Australia and it’s no exaggeration to say that the cosmopolitan atmosphere combined with coastal lifestyle experience on offer is unmatched by any major city in the world.

Bondi, Coogee and Manly are each around half an hour from the city, which makes it so easy to tap into Aussie’s beach culture from the moment you get off the plane.

Do remember that if you get the train to Bondi Junction you will still need to get a bus to the beach, so just catch a bus from the city and don’t forget your sunscreen.

On the sea side of Bondi Golf Course, stands a substantial panel of Aboriginal rock carvings depicting various fish species.

Sydney Opera House, with its distinctive sail-like design is awe inspiring. While Darling Harbour and The Rocks are hubs of tourism, with the towering arch of the Harbour Bridge and rightly esteemed 8 THE WORD Australia Aussie Guide & Map

Royal Botanic Gardens both nearby.

West about 45 mins is the renowned Featherdale Wildlife Park, this lets you get up close and personal with some friendly locals – koalas, wallabies, bilbies and a BIG CROC.

Further afield Port Stephens boasts 30km of bays and beaches, with Nelson Bay home to a huge pod of bottle-nose dolphins; while Fingal Bay and Anna Bay beaches are great places to hang out.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Opal Opal cards are free smartcards you reload and reuse to pay for travel on public transport. Simply add value to your card then tap on and tap off to pay your fare on trains, buses, ferries and light rail – from the Blue Mountains to Bondi and Kiama to the Hunter Valley.

Pick up an Adult Opal card at one of more than 2,100 retailers, including at Sydney Airport and at Transport Shops at Circular Quay, Town Hall, Central and Wynyard. To find your nearest location visit retailers.opal.com. au or look for the Opal symbol at shops near you.

For more information visit opal.com.au

Ferries Most operate from Circular Quay and run throughout Sydney Harbour, including Darling Harbour, Manly and Taronga Zoo, Eastern Suburbs, and up the Parramatta River.

River service stops include Cockatoo Island and Sydney Olympic Park.

Trains and NSW TrainLink Sydney Trains operate throughout the Sydney CBD and metropolitan Sydney. Intercity, regional and interstate train services are provided by NSW TrainLink (nswtrainlink.info).

To find out more about public transport in Sydney, or to plan your trip visit transportnsw.info or call 131 500. @wordaustralia 9

BYRON BAY

Once a major hippy town and an escape from the hustle of city life, Byron is now a cosmopolitan and thriving seaside resort. It’s still very laid back and has a cruisey lifestyle. One of the ‘bucket list’ East Coast destinations, Byron has lovely long, golden beaches and all year round swimming.

Byron Bay township is quite small with a few bars and heaps of cafes. It’s easy to walk everywhere or you can hire a bike. Many hostels rent out surf boards or you can take a surf lesson.

Top 3 Byron Bay Lighthouse Take a walk to Australia’a most easterly point and watch the sunrise. Look out for humpback whales passing on their annual migration (April to November).

•

Unbeatable location

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Amazing new hostel in the heart of Byron

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50m from the town’s Main Beach

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Modern, safe and very clean

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Enormous kitchen and chill out terraces

Dolphin Watch Take a kayak trip and spot the resident dolphin pod. Sightings are almost guaranteed.

Snorkelling Great snorkelling at Julian Rocks with a huge array of marine wildlife including sharks and rays. Great Scuba diving.

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Terrace Café and Bar selling local coffee and beers

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Free Wifi throughout the Hostel and TV lounge

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Uber cool Tour and Travel Desk

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Bikes and Boards on site

Byron Bay Beach Hostel 23 Lawson Street Byron Bay

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Tel: 02 6685 8750 Email: book@byronbaybeachhostel.com www.byronbaybeachhostel.com

QUEENSLAND

Queensland offers some magical places to visit that are both distinctive and captivating.

Discover and experience its endless wonders from tropical rainforests, pristine beaches, World Heritage sites, outback and of course its adrenalin adventures.

Queensland has nearly 300 days of sunshine a year and so with the ideal all-year-round climate, it’s no wonder that its one of the hot backpacking destinations around the world.

Blue skies and warm weather have given Queensland the slogan ‘Beautiful one day – perfect the next.’

Your travel options include nature-based and/or adventurebased activities, cruise & sail or rail and driving holidays.

12 THE WORD Australia Aussie Guide & Map

NOOSA EVERGLADES

Queensland’s capital – Brisbane, has grown over the past 15 years and is now regarded as one of Australia’s most liveable cities.

While the Gold Coast is such a great place to live or visit that is has become the fastest growing urban area in Australia.

The world famous ‘Great Barrier Reef’ can be accessed from many resorts along the north coast of Queensland, including Cairns, adventure capital of the north.

Finally, all along the Queensland coast are some of the world’s most beautiful islands. From South Stradbroke Island in the south, through Magnetic Island off Townsville to Green Island and its turtles in the far north. You may not stay on any island, but you can visit many by ferry, launch or sailing boat.

BY MIKE BARROW If someone asked me where are the Everglades, my initial reply would be Florida, USA. A tropical swamp full of alligators, birds and some strange swamp people.

So, when I heard about the Everglades in Noosa, Queensland I had to investigate.

I discovered there is a wetland full of birds and animals, a unique ecosystem where I could take a canoe and go camping for a few days.

But then we were on our own and underway across Lake Cootharaba. With two people paddling in a kayak, it took a while to coordinate our paddle strokes to avoid going around in circles.

Our first port of call was the Kinaba Information Centre, a purpose built facility on the edge of the lake. Inside this grand structure there was plenty of information about the Cooloola River and the biodiversity of the Upper Noosa River. With all our new information we headed up river to explore the Noosa Everglades.

The overwhelming feeling of paddling slowly was a sense of serenity. Other than the intermittent chirping of birds, there were no car noises, no

My partner and I flew from Sydney to Noosa, shopped for all the necessary gear and joined our host at their base in Boreen Point. We packed the kayak and took some instructions about where to go and listened to the mandatory safety briefing. @wordaustralia 13

music, no people… nothing, just the gentle swaying of the paperbark trees in the breeze.

Arriving at our designated camping area, we set up our supplied tent and relaxed as the sun went down over the river.

Brush turkeys made a point of raiding our food at every opportunity.

Using this site as a base we explored up river for the next few days, seeing only a few fellow kayakers. We also paddled through a lake full of waterlillies and Pelicans.

This pristine waterway is easily navigable, the tranquility being a welcome change from any city.

From our base we could walk to the Cooloola Sand Patch, watch a beautiful sunset and get back to our tent before dusk.

But all good things must come to an end. The slow and gentle return journey was only marred by a sudden storm which whipped up the lake’s surface into mini frenzy of waves which crashed over our kayak. But we pushed on and got back to our landing point to be met by the team from Kanu Kapers.

Kanu Kapers offer guided and self-guided kayak adventures. Contact: info@kanukapersaustralia.com

WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS & AIRLIE and the water colours shift from bright blue to aquamarine. oceanrafting.com.au Stand Up Paddle Boarding

We all know that the Whitsunday Islands are the place to go sailing and Airlie is really, well, party central.

How about something a little different? Check out the following to whet your appetite and stay an extra few days in this tropical paradise.

Ocean Rafting

FRASER ISLAND

A favourite for many tourists and travellers Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island and Fraser Island’s was officially acknowledged in 1992 when it was accorded World Heritage Area status.

Fraser Island is home to an abundance of wildlife.

On land you’ll find over 325 species of birds as well as 14 THE WORD Australia Aussie Guide & Map

gliders, wallabies, possums and dingoes. Dugongs, turtles and dolphins can be spotted playing in the Great Sandy Straits and Platypus Bay, and between August and November humpback whales with their young pass the western side of the island.

Tours: Firstly decide whether you prefer exploring Fraser island by self-drive or guided tour. Self driving requires a four wheel drive vehicle, maps, permits and camping equipment, which can all be obtained from four wheel drive rental companies. Or join a tour company, tag-a-long and meet some new friends.

Enjoy a thrilling ride out to the Whitsunday Islands and the famous Whitehaven Beach.

Skim fast over the water on an exhilarating ride. These guys do a great job of looking after you, whether snorkelling over natural coral brimming with colourful fish or informing you of the local history. Whitehaven Beach has the whitest sand in the world

The not so new craze has hit Airlie Beach. A really great option to paddle around the moored boats just offshore. whitsundaystanduppaddle.com.au Airlie Beach Skydivers Fancy jumping out of a plane from 14 000 feet and landing on the beach? Then go with Airlie Beach Skydivers, and experience the only beach landing in the Whitsundays. Amazing views and a great experience. airliebeachskydivers.com.au Rainforest Discovery Tour Ride your own Segway through the lush green rainforest and discover Conway National Park. Enjoy delicious morning tea under the canopy of the rainforest and relax by the crystal clear waters of Impulse Creek. whitsundaysegwaytours.com.au

WHITSUNDAYS

Whitsunday Tourism and Business Awards

WINNER

Business of the Year

P: 07 4946 6848 | www.oceanrafting.com.au @wordaustralia 15

Gr e

www.cairnsdive.com.au arrier tB R a

ef e

CAIRNS – THE ADVENTURE CAPITAL OF AUSTRALIA

D I V E CENTRE AUSTRALIA

SO MUCH TO SEE Reef, Rainforest, Lagoon, Markets, Kuranda, Atherton Tablelands, Port Douglas, Skydive, Bungy, Scuba Dive and PARTY!!

DAY TRIPS TO THE REEF Experience the best day out on the Reef with Evolution day boat, offering the ultimate luxury at an affordable price. downundercruiseanddive.com.au SKYDIVE Get high and experience the ultimate rush. Jump out of a plane from up to 17 000ft.

Parachute kindly supplied. tandemcairns.com.au SCUBA DIVING The Great Barrier Reef can only really be appreciated underwater whilst Scuba diving.

Turtles, rays, Nemo and sharks! cairnsdive.com.au PARTY, PARTY PARTY!!

Cairns has great nightlife and party scenes. Try the Woolshed or Gilligans and get down and club the night away.

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• Learn to Dive • Glass Bottom Boat Day & Night Tours • Introductory Diving • Snorkelling • Island Hire - coral viewing

kayaks, snorkel & dive gear, stand up paddle boards & camera hire

Fitzroy Island Dive Centre Ph:

07 4041 0440

www.cairnsdive.com.au CAIRNS DIVE CENTRE

SPECIALISING IN • • • • • •

Day Trips to the Outer Reef Day Trips to Fitzroy Island 2 & 3 Day Liveaboard Trips Snorkelling & Diving Introductory Diving Learn to Dive Courses Cairns Dive Centre 121 Abbott Street, Cairns Qld 4870

Ph:

07 4051 0294

www.cairnsdive.com.au

CAPE TRIBULATION rainforest in the world, Cape Trib is has four main resorts catering to backpackers and upmarket tourists, and some unique rainforest bed and breakfasts.

Two of the Best Ocean Safari Spend a half day on your own private snorkelling reef. Travel on a fast water sports boat.

Cruise around with turtles, nemo and even reef sharks.

Outer Reef Day Tours - PADI Dive Courses Reef & Rainforest Packages

Jungle Surfing Get high in the rainforest.

Swing through the jungle from tree to tree. Don’t worry, you are attached by ropes and harnesses.

Or ‘Cape Trib’ as the locals like to call it, is 90 minutes (or 110kms) north of Cairns and best seen over two days. Right in the heart of the Daintree rainforest, the oldest

CAPE TRIBULATION REEF EXPERIENCE

EVOLUTION GREAT BARRIER REEF CAIRNS

• Great Barrier Reef Half Day ECO TOUR • Quickest tour to the Great Barrier Reef • Stay onsite at Jungle Lodge P: 07 4098 0006 | tours@oceansafari.com.au | www.oceansafari.com.au 18 THE WORD Australia Aussie Guide & Map

The Most Luxurious Reef Vessel in Australia

1300-CAIRNS

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downundercruiseanddive.com.au

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Darwin and Kakadu Darwin is ‘the capital of the NT’ and one of the fastest growing and most cosmopolitan cities in Australia.

It is steeped in rich history, from its Aboriginal roots to its modern WW2 heritage.

Mindil Beach Markets they are open every Thursday and Sunday and are well worth a

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

visit for food and cool stuff to buy. Watch the sun setting from the beach. mindil.com.au Kakadu National Park is the main attraction of the region. Discover the remarkable landscape, wildlife and rich culture.

Uluru and the Red Centre Uluru (Ayers Rock) stands alone in the middle of the Australian outback, 348 metres high it’s a massive sandstone rock formation.

Visit Uluru with The Rock Tour FREECALL 1800 246 345

Adelaide is a city of music, festivals, culture and creativity and is the gateway to some of Australia’s best wine country. It wasn’t named one of the Great Wine Capitals of the World for nothing!

Adelaide has a blend of historic buildings, booming small bars, eclectic cafes and

food markets. It’s also aptly known as the “20 minute” city, the airport is seven kilometres away, while the closest wine regions are only an hour away.

There is a Free City Connector Bus and the tram is also free within the city between South Terrace and the Entertainment Centre.

Half Day Tours with Adelaide Sightseeing are a great way to learn about the history and layout of the city and include a visit and tastings to Australia’s oldest chocolate manufacturer, Haigh’s.

For more details visit adelaideisightseeing.com.au

QUOTE ‘WORD10’ TO *

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SEE, TASTE & EXPLORE Adelaide’s longest running day tour company welcomes you to South Australia. Your one-stop-shop for half & full day tours to: Adelaide • Barossa • McLaren Vale • Kangaroo Island Murray River • Hahndorf • Adelaide Hills

Call 1300 769 762 or visit adelaidesightseeing.com.au *Conditions apply. Price valid to 31/3/2018.

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@wordaustralia 21

Wilderness Explorer

2 Days of Fun & Adventure!

KANGAROO ISLAND OR ‘KI’

Less than one hour south of Adelaide is the excellent wine region of McLaren Vale, with its dazzling countryside and over 70 cellar doors.

Indulge in food and wine experiences on a day tour with Adelaide Sightseeing.

Then just 45 minutes by SeaLink ferry is KI. The third largest island off the coast of Australia and one of the best places to see Australian wildlife up close and personal.

The island’s Kangaroos are a unique sub-species of the Eastern Grey. Other native animals include echidnas, Tammar wallabies, Southern Brown bandicoots, koalas and an amazing array of birds and marine life.

One of the most spectacular activities is a guided walk on the beach amongst a colony of wild Australian Sea-lions, a must do experience.

If you have your own car (or a hire car), you can take it on the SeaLink ferry. There are some great packages including return coach and ferry transfers, 22 THE WORD Australia Aussie Guide & Map

one or two days of touring, with accommodation and some meals included. For more details visit sealink.com.au If its adventure you are looking for, Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours offer an exciting two day tour full of fun and adventure. See Rob’s Shearing and Sheep Dog, Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, Seal Bay, Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Flinders Chase National Park, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, great beaches and much more.

Stay at Vivonne Bay Lodge, set on 206 hectares of natural Australian bushland, one kilometre of beach frontage and 10 kilometres of sign posted walking trails.

For more details visit kiadventuretours.com.au

• Return coach & ferry tran sfers • Visit Rob’s Shearing and She ep Dogs, Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distiller see Australian sea lions at Sea y, go sandboarding at Little Sah l Bay, ara, Vivonne Bay, Koala Walk at Han Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Flinder son National Park, Remarkable Rocs Chase ks and Admirals Arch • Accommodation at Vivonne FREE use of kayaks, bikes andBay with WiFi • Meals include 1 breakfast, 2 lunches and an Aussie BBQ dinner • From $445 per person*

Phone 1300 795 447 and qu ote ‘WORD10’ for a 10% discou nt!

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kiadventuretours.com.au

Vivonne Bay Lodge Vivonne Bay Lodge is set on 206 hectares of natural Australian bushland with 1km of beach frontage. Cook your own BBQ in the outdoor deck area and enjoy the great on site facilities and comfortable rooms. Holiday packages include: • • • •

GREAT VALUE! 3 DAY/2 NIGHT

SELF-DRIVE PACKAGE FROM

$17750PP*

Return SeaLink ferry travel with your car (up to 5m) 2 nights in a twin or four share private room with continental breakfast Adventure ticket for use of bikes, kayaks and sandboards Free WiFi onsite

*Conditions apply. Based on four share. Price valid to 31/3/2018.

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