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Sydney’s Beach Culture
November 6th, 2009 by Jennifer Schellington, under Travel and Leisure. No Comments
If you are heading to Sydney during in November then make sure the Sculpture by the Sea is on your must do list. This is an important Sydney event and is only here for a short time. The last date is 15th November.
This unique event combines some of the most amazing sculptures with probably the best coastal walk in Australia. During the first two weeks of November, the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk comes alive with fascinating and often querky sculptures to delight all ages.
The competition has been running for 12 years and attracts over half a million visitors. There are 9 different prizes up for grabs and over 100 different sculptures to appreciate. All of the sculptures respond in some way to the beautiful coastal setting.
Mark McCelland’s won the prestigious $30,000 prize last year for his “She Thought” which was a large bronze sculpture with a key hole where visitors could see the ocean horizon.
If this is your first time to the exhibition, take some advice from the locals. Try to go early to beat the crowds. It gets VERY busy and it makes the experience so much better if you can linger and admire the artwork on your own rather than part of a huge crowd.
Make a day of it. Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte all have BBQ facilities. Bring your own food and enjoy the views. Alternatively there are plenty of cafes in both Bondi and Bronte for you to take a well deserved rest. Some venues put on special events to coincide with the exhibition. Many run their own Sausage Sizzle and BBQ in hidden away terraces.
If you want to find the right place to enjoy the views and food, try the Bondi Icebergs RSL for some cheap eats with amazing views. Don’t forget to bring some photo ID with you otherwise you will be refused entry no matter how old you are. For something a little more sophisticated, try Icebergs Dining Rooms where you’ll be greeted with a sumptuous BBQ.
In Bronte the small row of cafes offers something for everyone. SWELL is a good choice for those wanting something more upmarket. Jennies is a good all rounder but particularly good for those of you who like coffee.
You’ll also be able to pick up brochures at key points along the walk, which will help explain a little more about the sculptures. Whilst you may be lucky and get free drink samples, make sure you take plenty of water with you as the walk is still strenuous in places with hills and steps. It makes it a difficult walk with young children or those of you with prams and strollers.
If you do miss this event in Sydney then why not consider going to Perth in March to see it? This event takes place just outside of the city on Cottesloe Beach and is almost identical to the Bondi exhibit.
Make sure this event is on your Sydney TO DO list. What are you waiting for? Get up early and go mix culture with some classic Sydney Beach action.[I:http://supermaxshuttle.com/airportblog/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/JenniferSchellington8.jpg]
Jennifer Schellington has nearly 5 years of experience in travelling Australia and has recently had a baby. Her site, www.realaustraliatravel.com gives useful information for planning your visit to Australia as well as where to go and what to do. Click here for more details on Sydney and it’s attractions
Australia’s Best Beaches
September 19th, 2009 by Jennifer Schellington, under Travel and Leisure. No Comments
Australia is a huge country which means it boasts one of the largest coastlines in the world, and with that comes some amazing beaches. There is literally a beach to suit everyone here in Australia. Picking the best beaches is no easy task as there really are hundreds to choose from.
Here are just three of the best beaches of Australia that have been taken from my Top 10.
Cable Beach, Broome
Broome, on the West Coast of Australia is best visited in the dry season between May and October. Travel outside of these times is certainly possible but expect rain and high humidity levels.
Cable Beach in Broome is a wonderfully long beach with fabulous sand. Try to get here between March and October where you can witness the “Staircase to the Moon” To catch this view you will need to be here for a full moon which generally gives you just three days of the month when you can see it. (Usually the very beginning of the month.) The spectacle takes place at Roebuck Bay where the mud flats at low tides give the illusion of a staircase right up to the moon.
Another must do here in Broome is to witness the sunset. There are some great ways to experience a sunset but perhaps the most novel is sitting on top of a camel. Enjoy a camel ride followed by a proper Aussie BBQ and watch the sun set over the sea.[I:http://supermaxshuttle.com/airportblog/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/JenniferSchellington18.jpg]
Whitehaven Beach, The Whitsundays
If your beach heaven is pristine white sand and warm turquoise water then there is nowhere quite like the Whitsundays.
The Whitsundays are a set of 74 islands, most of which are uninhabited. There are a few that have their own resort on them and it is probably one of the most stunning areas in Australia. It is also one of the most expensive!
Whitehaven Beach is part of the Whitsunday National Park and so you have to come here on a day trip or cruise here on a boat. There is no accommodation on this island. Even just spending a couple of hours here is amazing. Bring your own picnic and enjoy some peace and quiet on this beautiful beach.[I:http://supermaxshuttle.com/airportblog/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/JenniferSchellington17.jpg]
Bondi Beach
No trip to Sydney is complete without a trip to Bondi Beach. Its about a 20 minute bus ride out of the city and the place that the locals and tourists like to hang out on a hot day.
Most are surprised by the size of Bondi. It is a large crescent shaped beach and great if you love surfing. It’s not the place I’d choose to learn to surf though as the waves are pretty big. Why not sit and watch the experts instead.
Walk to either end of the beach and you will find an RSL Club. This stands for “Returned and Serviced League Clubs” but aren’t just for those who have served in the Australian Defence Services. You’ll fnd RSL clubs throughout Australia and they are generally great value for food and drink. Here at Bondi, both offer amazing views of the beach. You’ll need some photo ID to get in.
Perhaps you have your own favourite beach of Australia? Perhaps you would like to explore the other 7 Best Australian Beaches? There really is the perfect beach waiting for you in Australia.
Jennifer Schellington has nearly 5 years of experience in traveling Australia and has recently become a new Mum. Her site, www.realaustraliatravel.comoffers useful information for planning your visit to Australia as well as where to go and what to do. Click here for more details on Australia’s Best Beaches