Two Days in Australia’s Cities and Two Hours Beyond
-Part Two-
Lush rainforests, a day at the races and watching fantastic sunsets are just some of the things waiting for more than
136,500 Kiwis who visit Australia in spring.
“New Zealanders can hire a car, take a short flight or travel by boat from the cities to a totally different part of the
region, and this makes Australia a great destination.
“Taking advantage of a short trip out of the main cities is both easy, and a great way to explore the country,” says
Tourism Australia’s Regional Manager, Vito Anzelmi.
Below is part two, of a two part series, on Tourism Australia’s suggestions for great things do in two days, and two
hours beyond the cities of Adelaide, Cairns, Melbourne and Perth.
Two Days in Adelaide and Two Hours Beyond
Watch local designers and artists at work in Australia’s leading centre for production and design, the Jam Factory,
located just off North Terrace in Adelaide. Visitors can watch artists in action building furniture, blowing glass or
turning ceramics, wander through the exhibitions and purchase contemporary craft.
For those wanting to stay longer, Kangaroo Island is a nature experience often referred to as ‘one of the earth’s last
unspoilt refuges’. Rent a seaside cottage or relax in a clifftop cabin, Kangaroo Island is the ultimate place to spend a
few days, or a week, relaxing, exploring and encountering the native wildlife including seals, goannas, platypi and of
course kangaroos. Travel to the island on a 30 minute flight from Adelaide, or enjoy a two hour drive through
countryside to Cape Jervois and take the Sealink ferry on a short 50 minute trip across to Kangaroo Island.
Two Hours in Cairns and Two Hours Beyond
Discover the secrets, sights and sounds of the rainforest at Cairns Wildlife Dome, located in the heart of Cairns on the
roof of the Reef Hotel, or venture out to Kuranda, known as the Village in the Rainforest, and take in the view of the
rainforest canopy from the Skyway cable car, only 10 minutes from the city.
For a truly amazing experience head north, just under two hours drive, to the Daintree Rainforest, an area that couldn’t
possibly be explored in just one day. This lush rainforest, spanning approximately 1200 kilometres, is home to the
largest range of plants and wildlife in the world. Join a tour, or go it alone and walk one of the bush tracks or enjoy
the amazing view from the balcony of one of the many luxury resorts.
Two Days in Melbourne and Two Hours Beyond
Put on your best hat and try your luck at the Spring Carnival Races in Melbourne, October 5 to November 23. Cross the
bay to Williamstown on the Schooner Enterprise, a replica of the ship that first brought settlers to Melbourne. Or,
immerse yourself in the culture of Melbourne by taking an ‘Art from the City Circle’ tram ride or a behind the scenes
guided tour of a local art workshop or city theatre.
Take some time and head out on the infamous Great Ocean Road which follows the coastline and takes you past the world
famous Twelve Apostles, Otways Rainforest and Bells Beach. Spend a night in one of the fishing villages along the way
experiencing true Australian seafood and mingling with the friendly locals.
Two Days in Perth and Two Hours Beyond
Perth is the only Australian city where the sun sets over the ocean, so make the most of a sunset at one of the local
beaches. Explore over 1000 acres of bushland right in the heart of the city at Kings Park. See the world’s latest
sporting phenomenon as custom-designed planes race above the Swan River in Australia’s first Red Bull Air Race World
Series, November 17-19.
See the pristine beaches, go snorkelling, learn to surf or go boating, Rottnest Island with its Mediterranean style
climate and blue waters is just under two hours, by ferry, from Perth. Hire a bicycle and spend two days, or a week,
touring the island at your own pace. Stay at the Rottnest Island Lodge, which started out as a colonial barracks and
prison 150 years ago, or hire a tent and sleep under the stars.
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