Exploroo Blog

If you find yourself traveling down the east coast of Australia on the picturesque Bruce Highway, take some time and explore Frank Guerra’s hometown, Innisfail! Located just over 1,000 miles away from Brisbane, this traditionally agricultural region is branching out and developing burgeoning fishing and tourism industries.

With a very small population of just under 10,000 people, Innisfail offers a quaint village feeling with friendly people and lots of sights to see and exciting activities to partake in.Innisfail is well kwown for 3 great rugby league players lional Williamson, Kerry Boustead and Current Australian representative player Billy Slater in 2008 he was voted best player in the world, to catch up with the local rugby league team go to http://www.brothersinnisfail.com.au/

Originally inhabited by aboriginal people for thousands of years, a shipwreck off the coast in 1872 forced Europeans ashore to seek shelter. Dazzled by the beauty of this area as well as it’s abundance of natural resources, the Europeans decided to settle here. The settlers started developing the sugar industry, which was the driving force behind the eventual development of this town. More and more European immigrants began to settle here, helping to further develop the sugar cane and banana industry. There are large populations of Italians, Greeks, and many other ethnic groups who form a diverse and culturally compelling community here.

If you are an avid fisherman, or just want to spend some time on the water, Innisfail does not dissapoint. Located near two major rivers and relatively close to the ocean, Innisfail offers some of the best freshwater as well as saltwater fishing anywhere in Australia. You can charter a small fishing boat with a guide to take you offshore, but there are also numerous locations on shore that offer action packed fishing.

A great attraction to visit while around the Innisfail area is the Paronella Park. Just outside of town, this Spanish inspired tourist location has survived fire, several floods and a cyclone to continue wowing visitors with it’s beautiful botanical gardens and multiple waterfalls. This is a beautiful place to wander through and soak in the sights. You can go exploring alone, or take one of the many daily guided tours of the grounds.

Innisfail gained worldwide notoriety when in 2006, Cyclone Larry ripped through the town causing severe damage. Not only were many homes severely damaged or destroyed altogether, the banana and sugar crops, which are the main economic drivers of this small community, were wiped out.  And the town has since made a very strong recovery.

Innisfail is a great town to visit. To really understand what Australia is all about and to appreciate locations off the usual tourist path, you should really spend some time in small towns like Innisfail. You will gain a greater appreciation of the history and importance of the area!

A lot of people who visit Australia go looking for rare wildlife and vegetation at one of the various sanctuaries or botanical gardens located around major cities. While this is a sure way to make sure you will see all the animals and plants you are looking for in a safe environment, it is a lot more interesting to go looking for them yourself in one of Australias many National Parks.

If you are near the northern part of Australia, the Kakadu National Park is a fantastic place to visit. Located 171km southeast of Darwin, the Kakadu is over 7500 square miles of Australian wildife and botanical adventure.

The wildlife that you might encounter in the Kakadu National Park varies greatly.  If you are near one of the many small bodies of water, you might encounter a freshwater crocodile, one of two species that call this park home. While it might be hard to see some animals during the daytime, due to their nocturnal nature, if you visit in the early morning or later at night, you may be able to spot a wallaby or a kangaroo.

Not only are the animals in the Kakadu National Park interesting, the plants and vegetation that surrounds them is also worth noting. With over 1700 different species of plants, you are sure to find something beautiful everywhere you look. Vibrant, colorful flowers and oddly shaped trees make the landscape of the Kakadu National Park just as beautiful and compelling as the wildlife that frolic around it.

For the art lover, Kakadu contains some of the most exquisite and detailed aboriginal rock art in Australia. Nowhere else in the world will you find as many precious examples of this centuries old art. Located at various points around the park, this art depicts hunting scenes, religious figures and complete stories, passed down through the generations of aboriginal people who used to live here.

If you are a little intimidated by the vast size and mystery of the Kakadu, there are many services available to help make your experience enjoyable. There are tour guides available that are very knowledgeable about the park, and can even take you on a guided tour. You can also drive around alone if you choose.

Kakadu National Park is a great place to go and check out. Even if you are not into wildlife or the outdoors, you will be amazed at some of the things you will see.

When most people travel to Australia, they go and visit the beautiful beaches, enjoy fabulous food at the numerous world-class restaurants in large metropolitan areas and may take a short trip to the outback. But you never hear about people traveling to Australia to explore it’s rich cultural history and investigate the humble beginnings of this beautiful continent.

A great place to break away from the typical tourist activities and actually learn about the country of Australia is Alice Springs.

Located almost 1000 miles north of Adelaide, Alice Springs is a rarely visited desert town with a very rich cultural history.

Surrounded by numerous gouges, water holes and mountain ranges, Alice Springs and it’s surrounding area has been inhabited by aboriginals for over 50,000 years.

In the early 1860’s, European explorers passed through the area while looking for a location for a repeater station for a telegraph line. Satisfied with it’s location between Darwin and Adelaide, the site was chosen and settlement began to occur. As time went on, Alice Springs became more valuable, due to it’s location at almost the exact center of the continent. The introduction of a rail line between Darwin, Alice Springs and Adelaide further sped up development and economic productivity. Alice Springs has continued to develop into a town of almost 28,000 inhabitants at the present time.

One of the most famous natives of Alice Springs is the world-renowned artist Albert Namtjira. Born in 1902, Albert was raised as a Christian, but at the age of 16, he returned to the outback and began embracing Arrernte (Australian indigenous culture) tradition. Through his experiences with the beautiful Australian outback, he developed the ability to reproduce the beautiful scenes he has witnessed through painting. He shared his paintings with others who could not witness the beautiful things he saw. After other people saw the incredible detail and unique perspective of his paintings, he began to gain wealth and fame. He continued to paint beautiful scenes and help support his fellow Arrernte until his death in 1959.

Exploring the history of often forgotten areas of Australia and unique people that make these areas special is an experience that should not be ignored. If you travel to Australia, take some time, stray away from the normal tourist attractions and explore the history and important people that helped Australia develop into the beautiful place it is today.

Do you like fish and other marine wildlife? Do you want to see something so large and beautiful it will make your jaw drop? If so, and you are traveling to the state of Queensland in Australia, you must visit the Great Barrier Reef.

Known as one of the seven natural wonders of the world, The Great Barrier Reef is the largest underwater coral reef system on the planet. Contrary to popular belief, the Great Barrier Reef is not just one giant piece of coral, but a system of almost 3,000 individual reefs and 1,000 small islands. It is over 1500 miles long and houses over 1000 different species of wildlife. It truly is an incredible sight!

One of the great features of the Great Barrier Reef is the diverse marine wildlife that calls this area home. From rare and colorful fish, to ancient sea turtles and various species of whales, the Great Barrier Reef is a great place to visit for someone who is interested in rare and endangered wildlife.

One of the best ways to actually see some of this wildlife is to go scuba diving. You can swim right up to some of the wildlife and get an up close look at some of the most rare species of fish and turtles on earth. If you have never taken scuba lessons or just don’t like swimming, don’t worry. You can go on a glass bottom boat, which gives a fantastic view from above, all while keeping you dry and safe.

Want to get a birds eye view of the Great Barrier Reef? No Problem! There are numerous companies that arrange helicopter tours over the reef and the surrounding area. Remember, you can see the Great Barrier Reef from outer space, so imagine what it looks like from just a few thousand feet above the water. I promise, it is like nothing you’ve ever seen!

It would be a huge mistake to take a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and not visit some of the surrounding islands and shorelines. Beautiful beaches filled with even more interesting species of wildlife (some exclusive to this area of the world) create a beautiful tropical setting for spending an afternoon wandering around or working on your tan.

If you are visiting the Queensland area of Australia, you must take the time to go visit the Great Barrier Reef and the surrounding islands and beaches. You won’t be sorry!

The Australian outback has some of the most beautiful and unique geological features found any where in the world. The outback is a splendid mix of flat, dry land with diverse vegetation and wildlife and areas with giant protruding rocks and interesting land formations. The Olgas, and the nearby Ayers Rock are two of the most famous land formations in the Australian outback.

The Olgas are located about 365km’s southwest of Alice Springs. This group of 36 rock formations, composed of mostly basalt, granite and sandstone, rises 1066m above sea level at its highest point.

Ayers Rock is located 335km’s southwest of Alice Springs. Like the Olgas, this rock formation is made primarily of sandstone. While not as tall as the Olgas, Ayers Rock rises 863m above sea level.

The land formations are beautiful to look at, but the surrounding vegetation and wildlife should not be ignored. There are usually locals around who are more than willing to tell you about the surrounding area. From rare and almost extinct plants to species of animals that only live in this part of Australia, the surrounding Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park has something interesting for everybody. And if you are worried about the heat in the Australian outback, just make sure you don’t visit this area in the middle of the day. It can get pretty warm, but if hot temperatures are not for you, just visit these areas in the morning or in the beginning of the evening. The climate should not deter you from visiting this beautiful site, though.

There are a few things that you should know about Ayers Rock and the Olgas before you go and visit. Since these rock formations (especially Ayers Rock) are spiritual symbols to the local aboriginal people, you must treat them with respect and not just as a tourist attraction. There are a few places you can take pictures of Ayers Rock, but many places forbid or strongly frown upon photography. Also, it is best to just look at the rock formations from the pre built observation decks, and not try to climb them. Not only is it a safety issue, but the local aboriginals don’t want tourists crossing a sacred dreamtime track that the path crosses. These limitations do not decrease the amount of enjoyment you will receive from viewing these incredible masses of land. It is just good taste to respect the locals and their traditions.

When visiting Australia, many people focus on the outback and traditional Australian culture. They want to see things like the Olgas, the Great Barrier Reef and Kangaroos hopping down a dirt road. But the truth is, Australia’s metropolitan areas have just as much beauty and are just as exciting. One of the most beautiful areas to visit is the Southeastern coast of Queensland, more specifically Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Brisbane is a very large tropical paradise with almost 2 million residents. With a very warm climate and beautiful weather, Brisbane is a destination of choice for many people who visit Australia. There are many attractions to see and many different ways to soak in the Australian culture. Why not rent a bike for the day and ride around the almost 30 km of dedicated bike trails that follow the Brisbane river? If that’s not your thing, head over to the botanical gardens and check out the beautiful and colorful plants they have. Do you like wildlife? Take a trip to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the first of it’s kind anywhere in the world. Not matter what your interests are, Brisbane has something that will keep you amused.

It does not take that long to travel from Brisbane down to the Gold Coast. All you have to do is hop in a car or on a bus, and take a very short trip south.

The Gold Coasts largest attraction are its beaches. Meticulously groomed and always busy with beautiful people, the beaches are a great place to relax all day, work on your tan, and even go surfing. There is nothing like spending time in the nice, warm sun, splashing around in the water and forgetting about the stressful life that awaits you when your vacation is done.

After a day of hanging out on the beach, the Gold Coasts many incredible restaurants and lounges are a great way to finish off the day. With so many different choices, you’re sure to find something you like. From traditional Australian food, to Asian fusion, and upscale French restaurants, The Gold Coast has it all. Don’t worry about finding a place to stay overnight. The Gold Coast has many trendy hotels in many different price ranges that will definitely satisfy your needs.

If you are looking for some metropolitan fun in Australia, Brisbane and The Gold Coast is where you want to be.

One of the most exciting and interesting things you will see when you visit Australia is the diverse wildlife that resides there. Whether it be in the outback, on the Great Barrier Reef, or in one of the many protected wildlife reserves or sanctuaries, the wildlife that you encounter will amaze you, and it will be an experience you will never forget. Don’t forget you camera, because you’ll want to share these photos with all your friends!

When most people think of Australian wildlife, they think of Kangaroos. While it is true there are an abundance of kangaroos in Australia, there are also many different species of land animals that call the Australian outback home. How about the Koala, the Dingo or the Tasmanian devil? The diversity of land animals in Australia is second to none. Even better, most of the land animals are endemic to Australia (they only occur there), so nowhere else in thee world will you see a red kangaroo, a spotted quoil or a southern hairy-nosed wombat!

There are over 800 species of birds and other flying creatures that call Australia home. Did you know that the Emu, which is native to Australia, is the second largest bird in the world, second only to the ostrich? This is just one example of the many interesting birds that you will find in Australia. Birds are a little harder to find in the outback, because they like to hide in trees and out of sight of tourists, but if you look hard enough or head to one of the numerous wildlife sanctuaries and take a guided tour, you might be able to spot a few.

The Great Barrier Reef is home to many different species of marine animals. Not only are there turtles, dolphins, whales and numerous fish, there are actually a wide variety of species that only occur on the Great Barrier Reef, and not anywhere else in the world. The best way to see these creatures is to go scuba diving or go for a tour in a glass bottom boat. It is important not to forget to check out the surrounding coastline for even more interesting species, like the Saltwater crocodile, the largest species of crocodile in the world.

No matter what region of Australia you travel to, you are sure to find some interesting species of wildlife that you will not find anywhere else in the world.

It’s always a great time to plan a trip to Australia. The weather is beautiful, the beaches are amazing, and there is always something exciting to do. There’s no reason not to go and enjoy yourself!

Before you leave, though, it is probably best you learn a little bit about Australia and what to expect on your trip. This way, it will be easier for you to immerse yourself into the local culture and experience the beauty Australia has to offer as if you were a local, and not one of those uneducated tourists who just visit the major attractions and miss out on the vibrant local culture. (You know who I am talking about, the people with huge cameras, floral print shirts and multiple colorful drinks with tiny umbrellas in them!)

What is the social scene like in Austalia?
Australians love to have fun, all the time! Whether it is a major holiday or just another Wednesday night, there’s bound to be a party somewhere! Depending on your interests of personal tastes, you can head to a big city like Sydney and experience the cosmopolitan charm of the land down under, or you can head closer to the outback and enjoy a more traditional experience. (Maybe even Vegemite and some ‘Roo meat!)

An even better idea is to try and meet some people who will be traveling to the same area of Australia as you before you leave and make plans with them. That doesn’t mean you will have to spend the whole trip with them, but meeting up with someone who has traveled to Australia before and knows their way around can really add to the overall experience. There’s nothing like meeting up with someone who knows the best small pub on the outskirts of Sydney that no other tourist knows about and mingling with the locals all night long. Those are life experiences you can tell your grandkids about!

A very easy way to meet people who will be traveling to Australia and make plans to meet up is to head over to the social networking travel website, Exploroo! There, you will find a vast array of active travelers who share their photos of past trips, write in their blogs about their experiences and possible future travel plans, and are looking for people just like you to meet up with on their next trip to Australia.

If you are planning a trip to Australia, it is best to educate yourself on their local culture and meet up with more experienced travelers who can guide you around the best spots that guidebooks never mention.