From a high-end patisserie to a small corner bakery, a tempting array of pastries and cakes in Vienna will satisfy even the sweetest of teeth.
Saturday, January 11
The 7 most stunning castles in Austria that will blow your mind
If you are avid of art and unique architecture, these 7 most stunning castles in Austria will definitely have you falling in love at the first sight.
Embrace the majestic beauty of Angkor Wat
These days, seeing sunrise at Angkor Wat means jostling the crowds and dodging death by selfie-stick. However, it’s well worth it if you’re lucky enough to catch a beauty, with the sky plunging into a palette of color as the sun peaks from behind the iconic temple’s spires.
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Angkor Wat is the prized temple and showpiece of what is now known as the Angkor Archaeological Park. The city of Angkor itself was built in the 12th century to be an unparalleled Khmer capital for King Suryavarman II. When built, the ancient city extended over 400 kilometers, which makes it the largest pre-industrial city in history. While guesses about the city’s population vary wildly, some prominent historians suggest that the population could have been as high as one million people. Mysteriously, archaeologists are still unsure of what actually happened to this vast empire and its people.
WHEN TO GO
As a tropical Southeast Asian destination, Angkor doesn’t experience four seasons but more of a pattern of dry and wet seasons. That being said, the temperature does vary throughout the area, going from mild and pleasant to hot and humid. Ultimately, the best time to visit Angkor is when it is both cool and dry which means the months of November through March. Naturally, this is also the peak of tourist season in Angkor Wat and Siem Reap so consider the time carefully if you’d want to avoid the crowds.
Outside of those months, you may have to deal with the heat, monsoon rains, or both. Angkor is at its hottest from April to June and sightseeing in the early afternoon can be draining, especially by bicycle. The heavy rains from May through October shift from sudden downpours to more constant rain as the months go on, which is also not the best conditions for sightseeing, especially on minor dirt roads. Coming out of peak season has its advantages though, from fewer tourists at the temples to more affordable room rates in Siem Reap.
HOW TO GET AROUND
By Tour Van
As the most comfortable means of seeing Angkor, sightseeing with a tour van is also the most expensive option. Sitting inside an air-conditioned van, you’ll comfortably get from Siem Reap to Angkor and then go from one temple to the next. As you go around, you’ll have a tour guide explaining the history behind each of the places you visit. Costs will vary depending on what is included and whether you choose a private or shared tour.
By Tuk Tuk
If transport is all you’re after then hiring a tuk-tuk for the day is a great way to see Angkor. The driver can take you from one temple to the next and wait around while you go see the temples. What’s more, you have the freedom to customize your visit to suit you as you go along. Sightseeing with a tuk-tuk offers a great balance between cost and convenience, and hiring one for the day should cost around $15-20 depending on your negotiation skills.
By Bicycle
If you prefer to be active as you sightsee, then you might want to consider renting a bicycle for the day. For a few dollars, you can pedal your way over to Angkor from Siem Reap and go about as you please along the flat roads. Although the cheapest option, it’s also the slowest and can be really tough when the weather is hot. Keep in mind too that cycling through traffic in Siem Reap after sunset is not advisable.
WHERE TO STAY
J7 Hotel
A 5-star hotel with huge rooms that have been gorgeously appointed in wood. Besides excellent service, guests can expect complimentary breakfast and a private balcony area. While all guests have access to the outdoor swimming pool, some rooms even have private outdoor jacuzzis.
Damrei Residence & Spa
It’s hard to find better value for money than at this surprisingly affordable 5-star hotel. While there is a swimming pool and on-site bar and restaurant, the beautiful and spacious rooms, as well as the staff and breakfast really make it one of the best places for accommodation.
Onederz Siem Reap
Just a short walk from Pub Street and the center of town, staying at this hostel you’ll be able to enjoy the service from the friendly staff, and the clean, comfortable rooms. Not to mention the awesome rooftop pool where you can watch the spectacular sunset.
BEST PLACES TO VISIT
Angkor Wat
This temple was built by Suryavarman and is considered the biggest Asian pyramid. It is over 200 feet high and divided into several layers. This temple is the largest in the whole complex and is where the historic site gets its name. The central temple complex has 2,600 feet of bas-reliefs.
The Bayon
Built by Jayavarman VII, the temple stands in the center of Angkor Thom. With its 54 towers and 216 faces of Avalokiteshvara, this temple looks best in the morning just after sunrise or at the end of the afternoon. The temple was built on 3 levels: the first 2 are rectangular, while the 3rd is circular.
Ta Prohm
Still covered by the jungle, this place is exactly as they found it. Ta Prohm makes it easy to imagine how the whole complex looked when it was re-discovered in the 19th-century. If you come early, you can avoid the crowds who arrive mid-day. It’s the second-best complex behind Bayon.
Banteay Srei
This temple is located about 12 miles north of Angkor. The name means “Citadel of the Women” and refers to the size and delicacy of the decoration. Unlike the major sites at Angkor, this was not a royal temple. There are exquisite decorative carvings in pink sandstone with miniature proportions.
Ta Som
This temple has the same style, structure, and founder as Ta Phrom. It is almost like its little brother. The major feature that sets it apart is a huge tree that grows atop the eastern Gopura. It is slowly destroying the building, but it makes for amazing photo opportunities.
WHAT TO EAT
Bai Sach Chrouk
Bai Sach Chrouk is sold by roadside food stalls and local markets in downtown Siem Reap for less than US$1. This simple yet popular Cambodian breakfast staple comprises juicy pork slices, scrambled eggs, and rice.
While the dish typically calls for raw pork that’s slow-cooked over a charcoal stove, there are several Khmer restaurants that marinate the meat with coconut milk or garlic for added flavor.
Once it’s cooked, the pork is thinly sliced and arranged atop a bowl of broken rice, sliced scrambled eggs, pickled cucumbers, and daikon radish. A bowl of chicken broth, scallions, and fried onions are also served together with Bai Sach Chrouk.
Fish Amok
Fish amok is a freshwater fish fillet that’s steamed with curry and banana leaves, resulting in a soft mousse-like texture. Unlike most curries in Asia, it exudes a fragrant flavor rather than a spicy one due to the combination of coconut milk and kroeung, a Khmer-style curry paste that contains garlic, lemongrass, turmeric root, Chinese ginger, kaffir lime, shallots, and galangal.
Fish amok is traditionally eaten during the Water Festival, but travelers can enjoy this classic dish (with a big plate of rice) any time of the day at local restaurants in Siem Reap.
Lok Lak (Stir-Fried Beef)
Lok lak or stir-fried beef varies from one cook to another, but it’s usually accompanied by fresh lettuce, tomato, red onion, and cucumber slices. To produce its distinctive flavor, the meat is marinated overnight with a unique combination of fish sauce, soy sauce, lemon, pepper, and oyster sauce.
If you’re not a fan of beef, most restaurants can easily substitute it with venison, pork, chicken or even tofu. As with most local dishes in Siem Reap, Lok Lak is served with rice, fried egg, tangy brown sauce, and a side of fresh lettuce leaves.
Prahok Ktiss (Pork Dipping Sauce)
Prahok Ktiss is a traditional condiment in Siem Reap which uses fermented fish paste as its main ingredient. While most prahok-based dishes have a very strong, pungent flavor, this dipping sauce is palatable to most visitors thanks to the addition of sliced pork belly or minced pork, eggplant, coconut milk, and kroeung (Khmer curry paste).
Served with plenty of freshly sliced vegetables such as carrot, cabbage, cucumber, and long beans, prahok Ktiss is typically enjoyed as a snack or side dish to noodles or rice.
BEST THINGS TO DO
Admire the majestic beauty of the Angkor temples
Begin your trip with a visit to the enigmatically iconic Angkor complex. Despite many other things to do in Siem Reap, a visit to the Angkor temples is still priority number one. And a full day at Angkor absolutely doesn’t disappoint. Spread over at least 390 square miles, this massive complex is considered the world’s largest religious monument.
Once inside, you can find many beautiful towers and artwork with the classical style of Khmer architecture, which makes it a popular tourist site. The best time for photography is sunrise at Angkor Wat, so you should plan to go early and be sure to make it to Bakan Sanctuary – the temple-top viewing area closing at 5h30 pm. Because the scale of Angkor Wat is overwhelming, plan at least half a day to explore the whole complex.
Pay a visit to the Landmine Museum
About 25 km north of Siem Reap, The Landmine Museum is a perfect choice for those who want to learn more about Cambodian history. The museum was founded by a former child soldier whose parents were killed by the Khmer Rouge. It houses a unique collection of landmines and tanks, which have been left behind by more than two decades of conflict. In the present day, there are still 4-6 million pieces of unexploded landmines and remnants of war – left in the ground here.
The entrance fee of $5 is to help victims affected by landmines. You can book guide tours every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 am to 3 pm, in English and Japanese.
See Authentic Life at Kampong Phluk floating village
If you want to escape from the touristy Siem Reap, then head to one of the nearby floating villages for a touch of authentic local life. About 16 km southeast of Siem Reap, Kampong Phluk is a fishing village built on stilts around Tonle Sap, Cambodia’s largest lake. Till now, only a few tourists have made the journey to Kampong Phluk, which helps the village retain much of its authenticity. While visiting, you’ll see what a traditional fisherman’s life is like over water. They are busy doing laundry, cooking, or fishing on the wooden boats. The only way to reach the village is by boat with the price of $18 per person.
Wander through the Angkor National Museum
Opened in 2007, the Angkor National Museum is considered “the jewel” of Cambodia, as it is home to a comprehensive collection of relics from the ancient Angkor Empire. The highlight of the museum is a gallery of 1000 Buddha images and hundreds of sculptures of wood, jade, and metal. All are put together to tell a coherent narrative of the Angkor Empire’s beginning and eventual downfall.
When you’re done visiting, stop by the Museum mall along the northern side of the museum. There is a variety of locally-made silks, lotus fiber cloth, and lacquerware that you can buy to take back a little part of Angkor.
Eat bugs at the Old Market
Opening Hours: Daily 7 am – 8 pm
Locally known as Psah Chas, the Old Market is the oldest Khmer market in Siem Reap, where you can get a feel for a real Cambodian market. Most of the locals come here to shop for a wide array of fresh vegetables, seafood, meat, and household items. There’s also a number of stalls located close to the entrance that offers traditional souvenirs like silverworks, T-shirts, sculptures, jewelry, handbags, and art…
Wanderlust Tips
Cambodia: The amazing empire of temples
Travel to Cambodia to experience a slice of intoxicating history, meet the incredibly friendly Khmer people, and take in the country’s breathtaking natural beauty.
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Cambodia, or the Kingdom of Cambodia, is located in the Indochinese peninsula, between Vietnam (to the East), Laos (to the North), and Thailand (to the West). The country occupies 181,035 km2 and has a coastline on its southern part of 443 km on the Gulf of Thailand. Cambodia has a population of more than 14.7 million inhabitants divided into three major ethnic groups. The vast majority of the Cambodian population is of Khmer origin with 87% of the total population (a large number of Khmer people are of Chinese or Vietnamese origin).
The powerful Khmer empire once ruled Cambodia (along with contemporary Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam). Remnants from those days can be found scattered throughout the country in the form of ancient monuments, most notably the temples of Angkor. However, Cambodian travel isn’t solely about the past. The country’s capital city of Phnom Penh is bustling, noisy, and seductively chaotic, bursting with quality restaurants and lively nightlife.
BEST TIME TO GO
Figuring out the best time to travel to Cambodia depends on what you plan to do when you arrive. Cambodia is warm all year round, but it has a rainy season too.
If you visit Cambodia between March and May, the temperatures and humidity are higher. Visiting at this time can still be a good choice if you are hitting the coast. If you are traveling to Cambodia to explore the temples, the season between November and February is cool enough for sightseeing. December and January can be the most popular time for tourists.
Travel Cambodia in the rainy season, and you’ll find the countryside at its lushest. Traveling around Cambodia during this season can present some practical challenges and flooding is commonplace. However, the mornings are usually dry as the rain mainly falls in the afternoon. If you do choose to visit the country in the rainy season, you’ll avoid the crowds too.
WHERE TO STAY IN CAMBODIA
Some of the best hotels in Phnom Penh
The Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh’s grand dame, a colonial beauty with slick, Art-Deco interiors, haute cuisine, elegant, lively bars, two swimming pools, the scent of frangipani everywhere, and exceptional service.
It might surprise you that with 70 rooms The Plantation is one of the largest hotels in Phnom Penh. Its rooms are generously proportioned, though, and housed in a combination of colonial-era and Khmer style low-rise villas. The pool is one of the best in town, and they have a spa. Location-wise it’s hard to beat: just behind the Royal Palace.
The Rambutan Resort is a wonderfully revamped 1960s villa with 19 rooms in trendy Beung Keng Kang I. There’s a pool surrounded by tropical gardens, a spa, a reputable restaurant, a fun, and friendly vibe, and some great contemporary art on the walls.
For ancient Cambodia treasures
The Shinta Mani Shack is only seven kilometers away from Angkor Wat and makes for a very easy stay if you want to temple hop to your heart’s content. There are 75 colonial-themed rooms, a really striking pool, and a spa.
The FCC Angkor is a grand affair, formerly the residence of the governor under French rule, and now a chic, 31 room hotel. There are some beautiful traditional remnants in the large rooms with their floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies, but there’s also all the mod. cons. and some great modern art.
For families
If you’re traveling to Siem Reap with your kids in tow you’ll need somewhere for them to relax after their jungle treks to ancient temples, and the Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa offers just what they need, a huge pool and landscaped gardens — with a crocodile pool! And there’s a cooking school and other activities, and a Cambodian and French menu.
For great value family accommodation in Siem Reap consider La Niche D’Angkor, a simple, modern hotel with 36 rooms that range in size through to triples. As well as a big pool in a jungle setting, this hotel serves Western as well as Cambodian dishes and offers complimentary babysitting.
Families traveling to Phnom Penh might like The Kabiki, a haven of child-friendly happiness located on the same street as the Cambodian Prime Minister’s house. There are 18 simple rooms and suites, a children’s pool as well as a pool, a well-fenced garden for playing, and children’s organized activities.
HOW TO GET AROUND CAMBODIA
Buses and minibusses – The easiest and cheapest way to travel around Cambodia is by bus. A bus will take you everywhere and anywhere you want to go, no matter how far. The backpacker trail is so worn that there is a very well-established tourist bus system to take you anywhere. Cambodia’s bus network in particular has improved quite a bit in recent years. Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville are the main hubs. Bus rides from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap start at 10 USD one way, while ones from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville start from 10 USD. Other routes, like Siem Reap to Sihanoukville, are a bit pricier at 15 USD one way and can go up as high as 35 USD.
Taxis and tuk-tuks – Tuk-tuks (small shared taxis with no meter) will require a bit of haggling and cost more than local transportation. Taxis and tuk-tuks are normally double to triple what the local transportation is and you often have to haggle for the price. Shared taxis for long-distance travel is a good idea if you have a group of 3-4 people.
Trains – There’s one train that runs between Poipet to Phnom Penh every second day, with stops in Battambang Pursat. Tickets cost $5-7.
Boat – You can take a boat between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and Siem Reap and Battambang. This isn’t the most efficient or cost-effective way to travel, however. That being said, the 6-hour ferry ride from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh starts at just $7 USD, and $6 USD between Siem Reap and Battambang and is super scenic.
WHERE TO GO
The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh
The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh are the city’s finest examples of twentieth-century Khmer-influenced architecture. The Royal Palace is set back from the riverbank on Sothearos Boulevard. You can stroll through this complex of regal structures and perfectly manicured grounds. While there, you will gain an insight into Cambodia’s past and present. A blue flag flies when the King is in residence. While the palace itself is off-limits, it’s possible to visit several buildings within the grounds. The Silver Pagoda is named for its floor which is covered in gleaming silver.
Temples of Angkor
The Temples of Angkor are world-renowned and house some of the country’s finest monuments. More than one hundred Angkorian monuments lie spread over some 3000 square kilometers of the countryside. The best-known monuments are the vast temple of Angkor Wat and the walled city of Angkor Thom. During the Angkorian period, the ruling god-kings built imposing temples as a way of asserting their divinity. They left a legacy of more than one hundred temples constructed between the ninth and fifteenth centuries. The full magnificence of Angkor Wat represents the height of Khmer art. The pretty tenth-century temple of Banteay Srei is unique, made from unusual pink sandstone and with intricate ornamentation.
Koh Ta Kiev
Peaceful Koh Ta Kiev is one of the southern islands, and it’s a tropical paradise retaining a real castaway vibe. There are several types of accommodation to choose from, and you can even camp or sleep in a hammock between two trees over the sand. There is limited electricity on the island and no wifi. Spend your days’ jungle trekking, snorkeling, or experiencing authentic Khmer cooking.
Battambang
Battambang is Cambodia’s second-largest city, but it’s often overlooked. It’s a bustling city that is both welcoming and laidback. Its lush surrounding countryside is ideal for bike rides, and it’s easy to get out on the water by kayak. You can whizz past rice paddies and rattle over bridges when you ride the quirky bamboo railway too.
Kampot
The riverside Kampot is one of Cambodia’s most appealing towns with the backdrop of the misty Bokor Mountains. At Kampot, you can potter along the river for a swim or sunset cruise. You could also head into the mountains to explore caves. Kampot is also a base from which to explore the region’s famed pepper plantations. Bokor National Park is home to an abandoned 1920s hotel and casino. Kampot has a friendly but low-key nightlife.
WHAT TO EAT
Fish amok
Fish amok is held in esteem as Cambodia’s signature dish, and the creamy curry can be found in abundance on menus in tourist hubs. Diced fillets of freshwater fish are smothered in coconut milk, eggs, fish sauce, and palm sugar. Kroeung — a paste made from pounded spices and other ingredients, such as turmeric, kaffir lime, lemongrass, and shallots — is also added. The traditional way to cook the dish is by steaming it in a banana leaf shaped into a bowl, within which it is served.
Kuy teav
This popular street food dish is how most Cambodians start the day. Kuy teav — or noodle soup — is made from pork or beef bones and rice vermicelli. The flavorsome broth is topped with fried shallots and garlic, bean sprouts, green onion, and aromatic herbs. Pork or fish balls are added. Sides include chili paste, half a lime, and hoisin sauce.
Beef loc lac
Also seen as a signature dish, beef loc lac consists of stir-fried strips of tender beef served atop a bed of lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and rings of raw onions. Often, a fried egg is placed on top. The prize to this dish is the dipping sauce of lime juice and pepper — make it Kampot pepper to make the flavors truly pop.
Khmer curry
Milder and much less spicy than the curries found in Thailand and India, Khmer curries tend to use more herbs than spices and are milder and sweeter in taste. While recipes vary, the curry normally features chicken, coconut cream, and milk; fish sauce; herbs and diced sweet potatoes; garlic; shallots; turmeric and ginger. It is accompanied by rice or a baguette.
Nom Banh chok
This is one of the most common street foods and is readily available across Cambodia. Made of thin rice noodles, shredded banana leaves, beansprouts, cucumber, mint, and basil, topped with green fish curry, it is often made and sold by women balancing a pole on their shoulders containing the ingredients on either side.
WHAT TO DO
Explore the temples at the Angkor Archeological Park
No trip to Cambodia is complete without visiting the Angkor Archeological Park, which is home to the ruins of over a thousand temples. The sheer size of the area will require at least three days from visitors who want to explore each and every structure there. However, if time will not permit you to visit all of these, make sure to dedicate at least a day to explore the main structures there: Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm.
Angkor Wat is the crowning glory of Cambodia, so much so that it appears on the country’s flag, which is why a visit here should not be missed. The temple provides hints of the Buddhist and Hindu history of the country, as evidenced by the magnificent bas-relief walls depicting various scenes there, which include the levels of heaven and hell, and even scenes from the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Biking – Explore Siem Reapon a bike
Considering that the country is all about lush greenery, pristine temples in Cambodia, and a quiet, relaxed atmosphere, travelers like to keep it that way when they’re exploring it. Cycling tours are thus a convenient way of sightseeing and one of the most popular things to do in Cambodia for backpackers. Riding through quiet trails of the countryside amidst breathtaking natural scenery lets travelers escape the crowd and busy roads These tours typically include sightseeing of Ta Prohm, Elephant Terrace, Bayon, and other prominent Angkor temples. Exploring this wonderful country on a bike is one of the cool things to do in Cambodia.
Apsara Dance – Witness the Khmer performance
For lovers of art, theatrics, & dance, the Apsara Show, or the traditional Khmer performance, is one of the best things to do in Cambodia. This cultural dance form draws its roots from the mythological courts of kings and Gods, from where it has developed into its modern, unique form that we see today. The Khmer dance revolves around a storyline which it narrates through the attractive, flexible movements of the performers and their colorful, eye-catching attires, which is why it is among the top things to do in Cambodia.
Cruising – Spot dolphins and enjoy the sunset
Cruising the Mekong is one of the most exhilarating experiences for travelers visiting here. Sailing from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap on a traditional Cambodian boat is one of the most enriching and fun things to do in Cambodia. Other than the relaxing journey, the stunning views of the sunset that one can witness from aboard the cruise are like a cherry on the cake! On the journey, one can also easily spot the Irrawaddy river dolphins in the water, the rarest of all aquatic mammals. Observing these peaceful, friendly creatures in their natural habitat is undoubtedly among the refreshing things to do in Phnom Penh.
Wanderlust Tips
Austria: The journey to find ‘The sound of music’
As the backdrop to the best musical film of the era ‘The sound of music’, Austria – the hometown of the genius composer Mozart is a stunning country bursting with history and culture. With Vienna’s imperial architecture, vineyards spreading out over the country, snowy-capped mountain peaks, and world-class opera and ballet, Austria is a must to add to your bucket list.
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BEST TIME TO VISIT AUSTRIA
With the mild and comfortable weather, spring and fall are a great time to visit Austria. Spring lasting from April to June and Fall lasting from September to October beckon tourists all over the world with the warm climate with fewer crowds. Visiting Austria these seasons, you will have the opportunity to get involved in fantastic outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
If you are a festival buff, the summer months (June – August) are ideal for you to head to Austrian big cities and indulge in the vibrant and colorful atmosphere. This is the peak season for tourism with crowds of people flocking into the big cities like Vienna and Salzburg. Temperatures vary by region and elevation with daily highs around 30°C.
In addition, if you are a big fan of winter sports, the season lasting from December through late March will definitely draw you to the resort towns in the Austrian Alps. You will not want to miss the skiing that is consistently ranked as some of the best in the world.
TRANSPORTATION TO AUSTRIA
Located in Central Europe and bordered by seven other countries around Europe, Austria can easily be accessed by a number of means of transportation.
By plane
Home to six airports with scheduled flights, you can easily access Austria by airplane. The international Vienna airport has connections to most major airports around the world. Schwechat, a nearby town, is the hub of Austrian Airlines, which is currently a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lufthansa. Graz, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, Linz, and Salzburg all have smaller international airports that mostly serve European destinations.
By bus
If you need to travel at short notice or have a lot of luggage, the bus may be the most cost-effective option. Bus travel is particularly appealing to people traveling from the east, as there are numerous buses arriving in Vienna and they are frequently faster than trains. Eurolines Austria is the largest operator and organizer of bus travel in Austria while Flixbus, the biggest fish in the German Intercity Bus pond serves a couple of international routes through and into Austria.
By car
You can also access Austria by car via Europabrücke (Europe bridge) on the A13/E45 motorway between Innsbruck and the Italian border – an important north-south route across the Alps. As Schengen members, Austria and nearby countries in theory have no border controls. If you are planning to get to Austria by car, you should avoid the roads connecting Germany, Austria, and Italy on some Saturdays in July and August as millions of German people go south for the start of their summer vacations that causes traffic congestion.
By train
The train is also a common means of transportation to Austria. Every neighboring country has hourly trains to and from Austria. You can book a train ticket from the ÖBB (Austrian Railways) that offers high-speed ICE and RailJet trains in collaboration with neighboring nations’ railways. Besides, Eurocity trains, as well as Intercity trains that connect larger Austrian cities, are the next quickest trains available. EURegio and Regionalzug regional trains are also accessible from Austria’s eight neighbors.
HOW TO GET AROUND AUSTRIA
Austria’s cities are connected by a rapid and efficient train system, with journeys taking as little as two and a half hours from Vienna to Salzburg. The best ways to get around and explore large cities are to take public transportation (bus and tram), bike, or walk. To drive on Austria’s highways, you will need a toll sticker, which can be obtained at gas stations, post offices, auto clubs, and even in neighboring countries in ten-day, two-month, and twelve-month increments. Besides, do not miss the opportunity to see charming rural areas and high Alpine roads by renting a car and start your journey.
THINGS TO DO
Admire St. Stephen’s Cathedral
As a 12th-century Romanesque and Gothic cathedral in Vienna, St. Stephen’s Cathedral draws a number of visitors with its colorful roof. Visiting the cathedral, you should not miss the tour around the buildings, the catacombs, and climb the north and south towers to take your eyes to excellent views of the city. Besides, the cathedral is also home to chambers holding the remains of 10,000+ people, including important nobility and victims of the plague.
Visit the Museum of Fine Art
As the largest art museum in the country with works from ancient Egypt and Greece through to the 18th century, the Museum of Fine Art is worth a visit. If you are a history buff, do not miss the opportunity to explore over 700,000 items in the collections that will definitely blow your mind. Opened in 1891, the primary collection originally belonging to the Hapsburgs is home to tons of portraits and armor.
Walk the Ring Road
Do not leave Austria without strolling along the historic loop that stretches just over 5km and is brimming with beautiful architecture. Here, you can take a view of the Parliament building, City Hall, both the Museum of Fine Art and the National History Museum, as well as the State Opera. It is a soothing way to soak up the city’s pace and admiring its great history.
Explore Schloss Hellbrunn
As a Baroque palace built in the 17th century in Salzburg, Schloss Hellbrunn is considered one of the most stunning Renaissance buildings north of the Alps. Visiting the palace, you will be attracted to its trick water fountains that are hidden in benches, tables, and around the grounds. Besides, the gardens in the palace will bring you a great place to relax while admiring the charming landscapes around.
Hang out in Innsbruck
Innsbruck, one of the most attractive towns in the entire country, is in the Alps with cobblestone lanes, a medieval center, and a plethora of cafes. Traveling to Innsbruck, you can easily access the nearby Nordkette mountains where you can hike and camp. Golden Roof, a magnificent alcove balcony with 2,657 copper tiles covering its roof, is not to be missed. Visit the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum to discover diabolical wooden masks, traditional costumes, furniture, and equipment from the region. The Court Church and the City Tower, which have stood guard for nearly 450 years, are two noteworthy attractions to see here.
Tour Mozarts Geburtshaus
Located in Salzburg, Mozarts Geburtshaus is the house where Mozart was born in 1756. The house has been turned into a museum, with many letters and mementos from the musician’s life on display. Visiting this spot, you can admire several portraits of Mozart, his own violin and clavichord which he used to compose The Magic Flute.
Relax in Hallstatt
As a tiny yet picturesque town with a swan-filled lake, a waterfall, and nearby mountains that provide ample hiking chances, Hallstatt will make you a great day trip from Salzburg. Come here to relax, eat, and commune with nature. Do not miss the opportunity to take a tour of the nearby salt mines or take a scenic boat ride on the lake. You can also easily access the Salzkammergut region, where you’ll find even more lakes, forested mountains, and historic villages.
WHAT TO EAT
Viennese Apfelstrudel: Austrian National Food
The Apfelstrudel is a flaky pastry filled with apple filling that is a vegetarian Austrian delicacy. The filling is flavored with cinnamon and sugar, and raisins are added. Any foodie will go weak in the knees when they smell Apfelstrudel fresh out of the oven! It’s also a popular part of popular Austrian street cuisine, and it’s readily available for a nibble at any time.
Wiener Schnitzel: Fried Delight
The Wiener Schnitzel, also known as the Vienna Schnitzel, is one of Austria’s national meals. It’s a delicious fried treat that comes with a side of fried potatoes, sour cream, and onions. This dish may be found anywhere from street food carts to high-end restaurants! Schnitzel is a popular informal lunch option, similar to fish and chips.
Vienna Sausage: Austrian Authenticity
If you are looking for true Austrian cuisine, the Vienna sausage is a must-try. The utilization of meats is prevalent in Eastern European cuisine, and sausage is one of Austrians’ favorite dishes. This sausage is commonly used in main courses or simply fried and served on a hot bun. It is one of the most popular Austrian dishes, and you must try it during your net trip to Austria.
Knödel: Flavorful Dumpling
Knödel is very common in Eastern Europe. Because of its iconic flavor, it is even offered at many Michelin-starred restaurants throughout the world. The Knödel, which is one of the best Austrian dishes and snacks, can be sweet or savory. The savory Knödel is eaten as a side dish or as meatballs in the soup while the best of sweet Knödel is a variety made up of plums.
Tafelspitz: Boiled Beef
Tafelspitz is a traditional Austrian dish served as the main course in a variety of restaurants throughout the country. Beef is simmered in a broth of vegetables and spices in this classic recipe. The meat is then served with horseradish-minced apples or sour cream and chives.
WHERE TO STAY
Your lodging selections, like anywhere else in the world, will be determined by your budget. Austria is not a very inexpensive nation to visit, so staying in a hostel is a fantastic way to save money.
- Wombats City Hostel Vienna: A hostel located in the heart of the city – Naschmarkt which is Vienna’s biggest market.
- Hostel Marmota: a great choice for backpackers travelling around Europe and coming to Innsbruck for sightseeing, sport activities, adrenaline and partying.
Besides, Austria also has many traditional hotel options to offer as well.
- The MEININGER Hotel: A combination of hotel-style and facilities with feel-good hostel vibes. The hotel is home to a sofa-filled lobby, a lounge for slouching and a games room with a pool table as well as a guest kitchen.
- Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten: A small, charming four-star hotel in the centre of the city of Salzburg. The hotel’s name means ‘Four Seasons’ that they look forward to greeting tourists in all the moments of the year.
- Barenwirth Hotel Restaurant: A striking hotel located in the centre of Innsbruck off the Brenner Highway and 2 km from the Patscherkofel Ski Area. Offering en-suite rooms with panoramic mountain views and a restaurant serving typical Tyrolean cuisine, the hotel is worth a stay when travelling to Austria.
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Savor Australian cuisine through these 7 most popular dishes
Trying local food is a major part of any holiday. Whether you’re new to Australia, you’re showing your friends around or you just want to expand your own horizons, Australia has plenty of unique food options to suit all tastes.
[rpi]Chicken Parmigiana
This classic Aussie chicken dish – with roots in Italian-American cooking – is a staple offering on pretty much every pub menu in the country. Originally eggplant-based (and these are still available for vegetarians), it has evolved into a chicken schnitzel topped with tomato sauce, melted cheese, and, if you’re feeling fancy, prosciutto ham. This is typically served with salad and chips, although there’s a split between those who think the chips should be under the party and those who think they should be on the side.
Barbecued snags
It’s no surprise that Aussies love to grill, and nothing is more important to a good barbie than a decent sausage – whether you’re at a mate’s place or at your local Bunnings for a sausage sizzle. Traditional Australian sausages are usually pork or beef, but if you’re feeling adventurous, there are other animals to sample. Wrap a slice of bread around your snag and top it off with some fried onions and your favorite sauce.
Lamingtons
Widely recognized as the ‘National Cake of Australia’ after the National Trust of Queensland voted this sweet treat an Australian icon, named as it was after Lord Lamington, a former Governor of Queensland.
The lamington is a modest square-shaped sponge dipped in chocolate and coated with desiccated coconut. Other variations include two layers and a cream or jam filling – seen by many as a vital addition. They go perfectly with a nice cup of bush tea, or maybe one of Melbourne’s world-famous coffees, and are available in all good bakeries and cafes.
Pavlova
Both Australia and New Zealand lay claim to inventing this famous dessert, created in honor of the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova’s visit to Australia in the 1920s. As a truly Australian after-dinner sweet, the pavlova’s crispy meringue crust, light fruit filling, and whipped cream topping ensure it’s a family hit.
Australian claims to the dish lay in a recipe written by a Perth hotel owner in 1935, however recent research says that the dish began life in Germany before evolving into its current form in the United States. Regardless of where it was created, today’s Australian offerings are perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Barramundi
Forget about Pavlova, feast on fresh Australian barramundi, a name which means ‘large-scaled river fish’ in the Aboriginal language in the Rockhampton area. Grilled, fried, or seared skin-side first, it’s a much healthier alternative to battered fish and a true Aussie meal.
Whether you catch your own or sit back and let someone else take care of the hard work, heading up to Queensland gets you some of the best fish in the country.
Beetroot hamburger
This isn’t a thesis on the joys of beef and bread. Nor is it a study of those other great toppings that often grace Australian burgers: bacon, preferably rashers of the soft and pliable kind; a fried egg with the slow-motion oozing yolk. Instead, let us reflect on the long-life miracle that is canned beetroot, and the distinctly antipodean twang it lends to the hamburger.
The sensation of wandering up from the beach, sun-kissed and salty, ordering from the kiosk, and having beetroot juice run down both arms is as familiar as the buzz of flies or the crash of waves on the shoreline.
Grilled kangaroo
Lean and tasty, kangaroo is one of the healthiest meats around, as well as being a national icon. But you better like your steak blue or at least rare as Kangaroo is notoriously difficult to cook and can dry out quite easily if left on the barbie too long.
Tastewise, this Australian food is closest to beef. However, kangaroo has more protein and iron than beef, and fewer calories and fat content. It’s also a good source of omega-3.
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7 amazing things of Australian culture
Believe it or not, Australian culture looks nothing like the image cultivated by old Foster’s commercials and cheesy 1980’s Hollywood blockbusters. Catch a glimpse of the real Australia by checking out these 7 cultural qualities.
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1. AUSTRALIANS MAIN VALUES SUPPORT EQUAL RIGHTS AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Aussie’s are known for being open-hearted and open-minded and think that everyone has the right to get a fair go. This can be seen in the universal support of publicly funded health care and education systems. Australia is not as socially hierarchical as England and is very multicultural, with most of the world’s religions practiced here. The Australian culture is a unique blend of its own that can’t really be compared to anywhere else.
2. AUSTRALIA’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLE ARE THE OLDEST LIVING CIVILIZATION ON EARTH
Australia is home to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have inhabited the content for 60,000 years. The key elements of Aboriginal culture include a special connection to the land and the commitment to family and community. The rights of different Aboriginal groups to live and manage in certain areas of land are recorded through art, stories, song, and dance.
3. AUSTRALIANS SPEAK A UNIQUE STRAIN OF ENGLISH
The national language of Australia is English and the majority of people speak it, but it might not be English that you have heard before. Australian slang can be difficult for foreigners to understand, with many words abbreviated. Even your own name might not be safe, when Australian’s feel comfortable with you they may give you a nickname which may be a slightly altered version of your name. If you want to understand some common Aussie slang, check out our blog here.
4. AUSTRALIANS LOVE TO DRINK
Enjoying an alcoholic beverage after a day at work, on the weekend, with a friend, with family, or for any excuse really, is a big Australian past-time. According to the World Health Organization, Australia ranks third in the most alcohol consumed per capita each year. With great breweries in each city and great wineries dotting the countryside, it’s no wonder this is an Aussie’s favorite pastime. It is common to clink glasses with your drinking partner and say “Cheers!” before taking the first sip.
5. AUSTRALIANS ARE OBSESSED WITH SPORT
Australian’s can be very passionate about sport and tend to back teams that are local to where you live or grew up. They might not take themselves too seriously, but the same can’t be said when it comes to sport. From massive international events like the Australian Open tennis and the Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne to local leagues like the AFL and the NRL, along with the beloved summer of cricket to all the water sports that miles of golden coastline affords, Australia is a sports lover’s paradise.
6. AUSTRALIANS EAT THEIR NATIONAL SYMBOL
Such vibrant multiculturalism means that Australia doesn’t really share one cohesive cuisine – lamb roast is as common as fettuccine or pho or falafel. But there is one quirky feature of Australian food: kangaroo regularly finds its way onto the menu. With 50 million roos hopping around the country – twice the population of humans – Australia’s national icon is a common meal, in the form of steak or sausages (known as ‘kanga bangers’).
7. AUSTRALIANS ARE CITY SLICKERS AND BEACH BUMS
Despite that stereotypical image of Crocodile Dundee roaming the Outback, Australia is actually one of the most urban nations on Earth. Around 85% of the 25 million population live within 50km of the coast, including 10 million in the two biggest cities, Sydney and Melbourne. Maybe the allure of Australia’s 10,685 sparkling beaches is just too much to resist. Partake in the beach lifestyle and head to one of the thousands of beautiful beaches on the weekend for a swim, a sunbake, or even a spot of people watching.
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7 most Australian luxury hotels to add to your must-stay list
Australia’s luxury hotels are as incredible as the destinations in which you’ll find them. These stylish stays are more than just a place to rest; they’re destinations in their own right.
[rpi]JACKALOPE, MORNINGTON PENINSULA, VICTORIA
Considered one of Australia’s best destination hotels with a string of awards to its name, Jackalope boasts an infinity pool overlooking a manicured vineyard – as well as a day spa offering to scrub and polish you with local pinot grapes (intriguing). Art is front and center, with an imposing black seven-meter tall Jackalope sculpture greeting guests on arrival, busts with agate faces dotting the bar, and ornate lighting installations in the hallways. Doot Doot Doot is the silly name of the hotel’s serious fine-dining restaurant, but if you want something more relaxed, try the cellar door eatery next door (called Rare Hare).
COMO, THE TREASURY, PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
Australia’s first Como hotel, with a Como Shambhala spa, injects luxury into a Perth stay. COMO The Treasury is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Perth, Western Australia, occupying the 19th-century State Buildings. This urban sanctuary is set within the revitalized 140-year-old State Buildings and was designed by Australian Kerry Hill. The 48 rooms are Minimalist, with muted colors and pale wood, and many have original high ceilings and cornicing. It has two restaurants including Wildflower, with a menu driven by Indigenous seasons as well as a bar and lounge while the spa’s holistic pampering is sublime.
SAFFIRE FREYCINET, COLES BAY, TASMANIA
Shaped like a sinuous manta ray, contemporary retreat Saffire Freycinet teams luxury with pure Tasmanian nature. Located midway up the east coast, its 20 suites and gourmet Palate restaurant have floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramas of the Hazards Mountains. Tailored experiences connect guests with the environment, from visiting a marine oyster farm to boating to Schouten Island and going to Wineglass Bay. Team your trip with a visit to MACq 01, a Hobart hotel inspired by the characters of Tasmania.
BAMURRU PLAINS, TOP END, NORTHERN TERRITORY
Bamurru Plains is a luxury lodge in a vast private buffalo property west of Kakadu National Park. A three-hour drive from Darwin, its coastal floodplains and savannah woodlands support diverse wildlife. Guided experiences include crocodile, brumbie, and wallaby spotting. The 10 bungalows have mesh walls so that the surrounding wilderness can be seen and Australian bush-inspired dishes are created by the kitchen. In true Wild Bush Luxury style, Bamurru Plains lodge is rustically chic and utterly exclusive surrounded by an exotic landscape of twisting pandanus.
CAPELLA LODGE, LORD HOWE ISLAND, NEW SOUTH WALES
Refreshingly off the radar, Capella Lodge is Lord Howe Island’s premium luxury retreat, offering the ultimate island castaway escape. Only a two-hour flight from Sydney, Lord Howe Island is a reef-wrapped, subtropical Pacific paradise that’s home to Capella Lodge. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed island is famous for seabirds, and its turquoise lagoons and the twin peaks of Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird can be seen from Capella’s restaurant or infinity pool. Nine suites, styled like a contemporary Australian beach house, offer basalt bathrooms and outdoor decks.
THE LOUISE, BAROSSA VALLEY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
The Louise, a boutique hotel with 15 secluded contemporary suites, offers views of Barossa Valley’s vineyards. Enjoy picnic breakfasts with kangaroos, dine at award-winning locavore restaurant Appellation and go on exclusive tours of local wineries. The hotel offers opportunities to join the chefs gathering provisions at the local markets and to blend your own wine with a local winemaker and then have the kitchen devise a dish to accompany it.
QT MELBOURNE, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA
Channeling Melbourne’s creative spirit, the 188-room boutique hotel QT Melbourne takes its cue from the city’s historic fashion district, with industrial design by Nic Graham and Shelley Indyk. Minibars contain locally sourced produce, while public spaces showcase Australian art. On-site dining options include The Cake Shop, offering native teas; the Pascale Bar & Grill, which uses produce sourced from artisans and a kitchen garden; and Rooftop at QT, a terrace bar serving up cocktails and skyline views.
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The 7 best Australia’s island getaways
While it could be argued that Australia’s best island is, in fact, Australia itself, this country-continent exports some of its best commodities offshore, with its 8000-plus islands offering escapes, adventures and oddities to travelers of all stripes. Underwater, on-land, cultural or quaint: whatever floats your boat, set sail to discover Australia’s best islands for you.
[rpi]FOR WATER BUGS AND SUN-WORSHIPERS: WHITSUNDAY ISLAND
Australia’s islands boast some of the most bonny beaches on the planet: Fitzroy Island’s flawless Nudie Beach, Great Keppel’s 17 serene stretches of sand, and the untouched shores of the far-flung Cocos (Keeling) Islands to name a few. But for a beach so postcard-perfect it’s practically a cliché, drop your towel at Whitehaven Beach on North Queensland’s Whitsunday Island. With 7km of eye-smartingly pure white sand, pristine turquoise water, and a lush jungle backdrop, it’s little wonder Whitehaven has won accolades – best beach, cleanest beach, most eco-friendly beach – from pundits across the globe. And about that sand: its 98% silica content – the source of its blinding whiteness – means it won’t burn your bare feet, even on the hottest of Queensland days.
FOR WILDLIFE-LOVERS: KANGAROO ISLAND
Macropods, sea lions, and koalas! Kangaroo Island, 13km off the South Australian coast, is often touted as ‘a zoo without fences’ thanks to its hefty tally of wild, roaming animals. From the waddling colonies of Seal Bay to endemic echidnas to the ‘roos that give it its name, the island – Australia’s third-largest – attracts fauna fans in droves. Rottnest Island is another world-beater on the wildlife front, thanks to its native population of about 10,000 goofy-smiled quokkas; over in the far east, Fraser – the world’s largest sand island – is home to a large population of pure-bred dingoes.
FOR INDIGENOUSNESS ADMIRERS: BREMER ISLAND
Off the coast of Eastern Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, beguiling Bremer Island is a Top End treat, both culturally and visually. Remote and largely untouched by modern life, Bremer is home to the Yolngu people, who partner with the island’s only accommodation – Banubanu Beach Retreat – to give visitors a taste of local indigenous customs and traditions, from basket weaving to crab catching. To the northeast, Thursday Island and the other 100-plus islands of the Torres Strait offer an immersive insight into Torres Strait Islander life and culture.
FOR DIVING ENTHUSIASTS: HERON ISLAND
Renowned as one of the world’s best scuba spots, Heron Island (90km off the central Queensland coast) is a diver’s dream, with warm clear waters teeming with sharks, rays, sea turtles, whales, and more than 900 tropical fish species. The World Heritage-listed marine national park offers aquatic adventures for everyone from beginners to experts; an island-based research center offers insights into Heron’s unique underwater world.
FOR SNORKELING BUFFS: LADY ELLIOT ISLAND
The Great Barrier Reef is no slouch when it comes to stupendous snorkeling, but you’ll find arguably the best of the best at Lady Elliot Island. As one of the Reef’s most remote coral cays, you’ll need to hop on a charter flight to get here, but the abundance of manta rays – an estimated 700 in the waters surrounding the island – turtles, dolphins, whales, and hundreds of other marine-life species make the journey oh-so-worth-it. Corals here – hard and soft – are healthy, colorful, and thriving, thanks largely to Lady Elliot’s location in a marine-park ‘Green Zone’, which offers its sub-aquatic species the highest protection.
FOR URBAN LIFE EXPLORERS: COCKATOO ISLAND
Not all of Australia’s islands are paradisiacal jewels and palm-studded getaways: Sydney’s Cockatoo Island is a gritty historical complex that’s been an 1800s convict prison, a reform school for girls, a rough-and-ready shipyard, and a naval base. Today, the Unesco World Heritage site is a slightly creepy – and highly photogenic – a destination that welcomes visitors with evocative tours of its heritage buildings, plus cafes, bars, live performances, and overnight accommodation ranging from stays in an erstwhile fire station to waterfront camping. On a quest for quirky? Rival city Melbourne offers itty-bitty-island carousing at Yarra River watering hole Ponyfish Island.
FOR LUXURY TRAVELERS: HAGGERSTONE ISLAND
Lizard Island, Orpheus Island, Hayman Island, Hamilton Island… Australia is spoiled for choice when it comes to luxury. But for the ultimate in island indulgence, remote Haggerstone Island – a two-hour private charter flight from Cairns – is where it’s at. And ‘it’ means: voluptuous villas and huts, exclusive access to pristine reefs, feasts pulled straight from the sea, custom adventures, and pampered privileged privacy. For the most splendid isolation, splash out and hire the entire island for yourself.
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Lost in Australia: The land of kangaroos
Famous for beautiful beaches, lush national parks, unique wildlife, and vibrant cities, Australia is a must to add to your bucket list.
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Australia, or Aussie, is the smallest continent and one of the largest countries on Earth, lying between the Pacific and Indian oceans in the Southern Hemisphere with a population of around 25 million people. With a spectacular natural environment, high quality of life, and great diversity, Australia is a sought-after destination for international tourists. From breathtaking tropical rainforests in the north to the spectacular red deserts of the center, from the splendid snowfields of the southeast to the marvelous Australian Antarctic Territory, it is a vast and varied land.
Australia has many World Heritage sites including the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and the Sydney Opera House. Moreover, this interesting country is home to one of the world’s oldest living cultures, with Aboriginal communities established nearly 60,000 years before European settlement. Today, Australia is one of the world’s most multicultural countries, rich in Indigenous and immigrant cultures.
WHEN TO VISIT AUSTRALIA
Considering Australia is such an enormous country, the climate and temperatures change from place to place. Overall, the most popular time to visit Australia is from April to September. The weather is lovely and mild, and most of the country is dry and warm. All the popular attractions will be open too. In Southern Australia, March to May (autumn) is a great time to visit. On the other hand, the crowds of tourists can be intense, and prices will be much higher than in the off-season/shoulder season. You’ll have to book many things in advance!
If you’ve come to Australia to take advantage of hiking, winter (June to August) is a nice time to visit.
The low season is from October to March when temperatures are too hot and humid, and unbearable to most people – especially in the Red Center and around most of Western Australia. The plus side: discounted travel rates! Especially at hotels and hostels.
From October to April is also “jellyfish season,” making waters unsafe for swimming or any other water sport. If you’re planning on enjoying Australia’s coast, this probably isn’t the best time to come. The season lasts from October to April in Northern Australia, and then November to March elsewhere.
HOW TO GET AROUND
Here in Aussie offers various ways for you to travel around the country.
Flying is the best way to cover Australia’s large distances in a short time. Australia’s domestic airlines – including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Tiger Airways, and Rex – serve all state capital cities and many regional cities, making it an easy way to travel between Australia’s iconic destinations. Competition between domestic airlines means that some great value fares are available, especially if you book in advance.
Coach and bus travel in Australia is comfortable, efficient, and reasonably priced. Long-distance coaches generally have air conditioning, reading lights, adjustable seats, and free wifi. Australia’s national coach operator, the Greyhound, offers hop-on, hop-off passes for popular routes, short trip passes, and flexible passes based on the number of kilometers you wish to travel.
Train travel is a convenient, affordable, and scenic way to explore Australia. TrainLink runs services between Sydney and the regional centers of New South Wales, and along Australia’s east coast to Melbourne, Brisbane, and Canberra. V-Line trains connect Melbourne with regional hubs in Victoria, Queensland Rail covers Queensland and TransWA crisscrosses through Western Australia. There are also spectacular rail journeys such as The Ghan and Indian Pacific, which sweep across the continent, offering comfort and a sense of nostalgic romance.
WHAT TO EAT IN AUSTRALIA
Kangaroo meat
Many people think that kangaroos are super cute national animals, and eating them is not for everyone, but it’s so Australian! You can try kangaroo steak, burger, jerky, sausage, or ease into the experience by eating it in a stew, on a pizza, or in a pie.
Burgers
World-renowned for its beef, Australia serves some of the tastiest burgers in the world. However, Australians actually do something with their burgers that no other country does: They put beetroot in their burgers. This may help make it healthier, and the taste is amazing to your biggest surprise!
Barramundi
This fish gets its name from the Aboriginal language and translates to “large-scaled river fish,” or many visitors like to call it: delicious. It’s the most popular fish in Australia – probably because it can be fried, baked, grilled, and barbecued.
Here are some highly recommended places for dining out in the land of kangaroos:
The Deanery (13 Bligh Place, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia)
The Point Albert Park (Aquatic Drive, Albert Park Lake)
Sails on the Bay (15 Elwood Foreshore, Elwood Victoria 3184, Australia)
Opera Bar right at the foot of Sydney Opera House.
Hurricane’s Grill: seafood and beef steak restaurant, located at Darling Harbor.
Pancakes on the Rocks: an extremely well-known restaurant in Sydney, one at Darling Harbor and one at The Rocks.
Sydney Fish Market: the largest market in Sydney and the third on the planet.
WHERE TO STAY
If you want an affordable trip to Australia, you should book in advance for 1-2 months prior to the trip. Some extremely useful and top-rated websites that offer detailed information of numerous hotels and hostels in Australia such as HotelsCombined, Wotif, 10Travlr, etc. can make it easier for you to decide your accommodation.
Sydney: there are great options such as Jolly Swagman Backpackers, Western Backpackers, and Lamrock Lodge Backpackers on Bondi Beach. The average price ranges from $20 to $25 per night.
Adelaide: you can take these hotels into consideration: Country Comfort Motel Adelaide, Grand Chifley Adelaide, Carrington Gardens. The price is about $65 to $90 per night.
Melbourne: it’s advisory to book at some hotels such as Miami Hotel Melbourne, Seasons Heritage Melbourne, Atlantis Hotel. Each night at these places will cost you around $65 to $90.
PLACES TO VISIT
Whether you’re into sipping delicious shiraz, hiking around lush green wilderness, or getting the most out of our unspoiled coastlines, there’s a destination to suit any and every taste in this country.
Sydney: Almost picture-perfect, Sydney is a fantastic city with a lot going for it. A modern city with a long history, Sydney is defined by its scenic harbor. The region’s first inhabitants lived along the harbor’s bank for thousands of years. The harbor was also the landing site for convicts sent to Australia during the 1780s. Today, ferries take visitors for cruises under the famed Sydney Harbor Bridge and past the iconic Sydney Opera House.
Uluru and the Outback: The most famous landmark in Australia is Uluru. This sacred rock is in the middle of the Outback, as Australia’s vast desert interior is called. It takes a couple of days to get there by car and is expensive, but anyone you speak to who has visited it says it is worth it. Most backpackers are drawn to the Outback because of the promise of adventure: you’ll drive for days without encountering anybody else, sleep under the most beautiful starry sky you’ll ever see, and feel at one with nature the whole time.
Byron Bay: If you’re traveling by bus from Sydney, then your next stop will probably be Byron Bay. Known to be a little hippie stoner town, its reputation has grown so much that people say the moment you drive into the city, you become high. Maybe it was like this years ago but now it’s much more of a tourist-friendly destination. It’s still wonderful and has serious hippy vibes, but it’s also more commercial. Make sure to visit the lighthouse at the top, it will give you a fantastic view.
Gold Coast: The next stop is something entirely different: Surfers Paradise. The main reason backpackers stop here is to party: join a pub crawl in your hostel and you’ll probably end up in Sin City, the club where the bartenders work in their underwear. But there is so much more to the Gold Coast than partying. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the regions, such as the very Instagramable sunflower fields in Allora or lush waterfalls at Tallebudgera Valley.
WHAT TO BUY AS GIFTS FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Akubra Hat
Akubra hats are wide-brimmed, designed to ward off the burning Australian sun, and typically have a thin leather band around the base of the crown. This is sometimes substituted for a bullet belt by the real outback “Aussies.” Akubra hats range in price from AU$110 to AU$164, depending on the style. This interesting souvenir can be found for sale in a variety of locations across Sydney, including the lively shopping street of Chinatown.
Opals
Australia is famous for the quality of its opals and Sydney is home to a large variety of opal products, from investment gems to delicate jewelry. The mesmerizing colors of opal are always shifting and changing with the light to reveal new dimensions. Expertly set in Australian gold, a pair of opal earrings makes a special gift that will be treasured. For a pair of studs, prices start around $AU 79.00 and go upward, depending on the size of the gem and the gem quality.
Ugg Boots
Ugg boots are iconic Australian footwear. Made from the highest quality sheepskin, Ugg boots are warm and comfortable, and are a staple in most Sydney households during the chilly winters. You can get a pair of this fabulous footwear at Ugg At The Rocks, Shop 2 Clocktower Square and they may cost you from AU$80.
Some suggested places for your best shopping experience in Australia:
Queen Victoria Market (in the center of Melbourne).
The Rock Market: here you can find various artworks, handicrafts, and gemstones for sale; it opens on the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays), from 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM.
Canberra Centre: here you can find anything from the most anti-yuppie to the most expensive brands such as diamonds, luxury accessories, etc.
Melbourne Central: This is a center of numerous famous fashion brands from all over the world.
WHAT TO DO
Snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders which makes it an absolute must-do while you’re in Australia. While there, you can explore the underwater world via snorkeling or scuba diving and get to know the colorful marine life that characterizes this part of the world.
Get a Quokka Selfie on Rottnest Island
Quokkas are one of Australia’s cutest critters, and you can get up close and personal with them on Rottnest Island. Cycle around the unique landscape and keep your eyes peeled for little Quokkas to take a selfie with as you go.
Go for a swim at Bondi
Bondi Beach is probably one of the most famous beaches in the world. Here, you can surf with the best of them, kick back and relax on the pristine stretch of sand, or go for a dip in the stunning ocean.
Drink some Aussie wine
Head to one of Australia’s premier wine regions like the Hunter Valley, Yarra Valley, Margaret River, Barossa Valley, and McLaren Vale to try some of the country’s famous tipples.
HIGHLIGHTED FESTIVALS
From music festivals to food and wine events to hot air balloon celebrations, there is an experience for everyone.
Vivid Sydney
Every year in May/June, Sydney is transformed into an epic outdoor art gallery and festival for Vivid Sydney. As part of the event, you can expect art installations, sculptures, musical performances at the Opera House, talks, and more.
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
If you’re planning a trip to Melbourne in March, don’t miss this major gastronomic event. It’s one of Australia’s biggest food and wine festivals and showcases some of the best wineries and eateries in the nation. It’s a great way to enjoy local food and drinks and mix and mingle with locals.
Adelaide Fringe Festival
The Adelaide Fringe Festival is one of the largest cultural events in Australia and one of the biggest fringe festivals in the world. Since 1960, this month-long spectacle brings together a mix of vibrant performances including comedy, theatre, music, circus, cabaret, and more. If you find yourself in South Australia in February or March, be sure to check Adelaide Fringe out!
Queenstown Winter Festival
Queenstown rings in winter the right way with their annual Winter Festival. The 10-day event has all of the regular festivities like live music, comedy shows, parties, and fireworks, but they also put their own Kiwi spin on things with special events including polar bear lake plunging.
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