Posts under ‘Australia’

There is probably not a more recognisable image of Australia than the magnificent sails of the Sydney Opera House, one of the world’s most beautiful and creative buildings. Sitting on the banks of Sydney’s beautiful harbor the Opera House Sydney Opera House recently received World Heritage recognition. It is one of the architectural wonders of the world, designed by Jorn Utzon, the building is truly amazing. The building is going under some extensive redesign with the help of Mr Utzon who after much controversy never had the chance to see the finished building. The building will receive some modernization inside which will also include some original design features which were never built into the building after cost over runs and political involvement. There are always different performances running from opera, jazz, rock, or comedy, ballet or theatre, the theatres are so versatile. But to see the real Opera House a tour is the best idea. Here you can learn about the interesting history of the building and see many of the behinds the scenes things you would never see sitting in the beautiful theatres.

Read the rest of this entry »

As today is Australia Day we thought we would feature a couple of Australian Icons over the next few days. Today’s story is the National Motor Racing Museum at Bathurst. Bathurst is the premier car racing event on the Australian calendar and it is where legends of the track are made. None other than the Peter Brock who’s car is featured on today’s photograph. The vehicle exhibits change regularly and is located next to the mountain’s circuit which is a public road on non race days. The ever changing display at the National Motor Racing Museum showcases an array of motorcycle and vehicles and car racing memorabilia from all over the country, especially featuring the ‘kings of the mountain’ Every October tens of thousands flock to the mountain to cheer on either Ford or Holden in the battle for the best V8 super car.

Read the rest of this entry »

Back in the 60’s and 70’s a popular men’s magazine called Australasian Post featured regular catoons by artist Ken Maynard, they were all based around a few Aussie friends and the happenings at the Ettamongah Pub. Some bright spark in the 1980’s decided to build a Ettamongah Pub and with great detail, right down to the busted up truck on the roof. Today the Ettamongah Pub about 10 minutes drive from the Victorian- New South Wales border town of Albury in Australia is home to the amazing pub. It has been so successful with bus loads of tourists and families other Ettamongah Pubs have sprouted up throughout Australia, with Western Australia and Queensland a few of the states which have now got their own Ettamongah Pub. The pub is more than a pub, it has a great restaurant, souvenir shop and even a lolly shop for the young folk. So if you are near Albury call in for an ice cold beer and say G’day to the locals.

Read the rest of this entry »

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

Read the rest of this entry »

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

Read the rest of this entry »

Tamworth the Country Music capital of Australia in central New South Wales is home to a novel ‘big thing’ the giant Golden Guitar. Standing 12 metres high and weighing half a ton the massive guitar is a major icon in this country music loving town. The guitar was unveiled by Australia’s King of Country Music the Late Slim Dusty back in 1988, which was a fitting moment to celebrate Australia’s bicentenary. The Golden Guitar is modeled of the “Golden Guitar Award” which is given away in Tamworth every Australia Day weekend, Slim infact won more guitars than any other artist and his music loved not only in Tamworth but worldwide. The big Golden Guitar statue makes up the entrance to the Golden Guitar centre which houses tourist facilities, a country and western wax museum , gem shop and cafe, it is well worth a look when visiting central New South Wales.
Read the rest of this entry »

Back in 1917 the Cat and Fiddle Inn stood in an alley off Hobart’s Elizabeth Street. The inn unfortunately is long gone but the legend continues. The alley now a shopping arcade in the centre of Hobart, the capital of Tasmania. The Cat and Fiddle arcade is a favorite shopping destination or place to relax over a cup of coffee before hitting the streets for more shopping. At the centerpiece of the arcade is a lovely cat and fiddle artwork which has animated characters which perform on the hour. The arcade was one of the first in Hobart and dates back to 1962 when it was opened by the the Lord Mayor of Hobart Sir Basil Osborne.

Read the rest of this entry »

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

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

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

Read the rest of this entry »