H eadlines
Australia: Two Weeks of the World Down Under
T RAV EL
JILL PERLIN | JE FEATURE
AUSTRALIA IS A LAND
of many cities, cultures and
climates. Since it’s so far away,
and it takes a long time to get
there, it’s best to plan at least
two weeks.

Here’s a sample itinerary, in
which you can visit two large
cities — Sydney and Melbourne
— and two other popular sites
— the Outback and the Great
Barrier Reef. It’s important
to remember one thing —
Australia is in the Southern
Hemisphere. So, the seasons
are opposite those of the U.S.

You can begin in Melbourne.

To get a sense of the city, head to
the Melbourne Skydeck. You’ll
ascend 88 floors in less than 40
seconds. Once you enter the
Skydeck, take in 360-degree
views of Melbourne through
floor-to-ceiling windows. If
you are a tennis fan and visit
Melbourne in January, you can
take in the Australian Open.

Outside of Melbourne is
Phillip Island Nature Park,
which has the largest little
penguin colony in the world.

You can watch the penguins
waddle home from the ocean
at night.

No trip to Australia would
be complete without seeing a
koala. You can do that at the
Koala Conservation Reserve,
which is approximately 20
minutes from the park.

There is also the Great
Ocean Road. This 150-mile
stretch of road is known for its
scenic views, as well as surfing,
wildlife, and hiking and biking
trails. Start early in the day to
avoid large crowds.

From Melbourne, fly to
Alice Springs, where you’ll
learn about the heart of the
Outback culture and ultra-re-
mote living. Start at the Alice
Springs Telegraph Station.

Established in 1871, it was
built to aid in communications
10 FEBRUARY 24, 2022
within and outside of Australia.

The Royal Flying Doctor
Service is one of the largest and
most comprehensive health
care services in the world and
focuses on residents living in
small, rural areas. Lastly, the
School of the Air is a one-of-a-
kind school for children there,
where a teacher can be a day’s
drive away.

From Alice Springs, head
to Ayers Rock, which is a
4½-hour drive. Also known as
Uluru, Ayers Rock is actually
a massive sandstone monolith
in the heart of the Northern
Territory’s arid “Red Centre.”
Uluru is sacred to indigenous
Australians and is thought to
have started forming around
550 million years ago.

Take a sunrise walk around
the 7.5-mile base trail, and
stare in amazement at its
incredible size. At night, take a
stargazing tour and learn about
the southern night sky. Lastly,
do a camel ride and learn how
camels were introduced into
Australia in the 1840s.

Next, fly to Cairns, the
gateway for the Great Barrier
Reef. It provides some of the
world’s best snorkeling and
scuba diving. Many local
companies offer half-day and
full-day excursions. Even if you
are a novice, you’ll be wowed
by the clear water, colorful fish
and abundance of coral.

Outside the city, head to
Kuranda. Take the Skyrail
Rainforest Cableway to the top,
and observe wildlife, experi-
ence the rain forest and hike
one of the many trails. Ride the
scenic railway back down.

The final stop is Sydney.

You can fly direct from Cairns.

There is so much to see in this
vibrant city.

Take a backstage tour of the
Sydney Opera House. Beyond
observing the Sydney Harbor
Bridge, climb it! It’s one of
this author’s all-time favorite
travel experiences. Visit Bondi
or Manley Beach, which are
The Sydney Opera House is
one of the most iconic sites in the
world. Uluru is an awesome sight at any
time of the day.

accessible by public ferry.

About two hours outside
of the city, through a scenic
ride, are the Blue Mountains.

One highlight is the famous
Three Sisters, an unusual rock
formation in the mountains.

Legend has it three sisters fell
in love with three men but were
forbidden to marry.

Throughout Australia, there
is a wide variety of great food
and drink. Seafood is always
fresh and plentiful. Australia
also has several wine regions
worth visiting.

Lastly, Australia is well
known for its zoos — Toronga
and Australia Zoo, in partic-
ular. If you’re a fan of the late
Steve Irwin and his family,
Australia Zoo will be familiar.

There is no shortage of
things to do in Australia. Many
local tour companies can help
you get from place to place and
with individual excursions. So,
you can choose to see the sites
on your own, or have someone
else do the planning.

JEWISH EXPONENT
Either way, you’ll find that Must-Sees and Dos
Australia’s people, attractions, for a Short Trip:
cuisine and history make it In Sydney:
a wonderful destination. It’s • Take a backstage tour of the
Sydney Opera House.

worth the long flight and jet
lag. And you’ll surely want to • Visit the Sydney Harbor
Bridge (if adventurous, do
return. the Bridge Climb).

Getting Around:
• Go out to the Blue Mountains.

• By air – There are direct In Cairns:
flights to Melbourne and • Snorkel or dive the Great
Sydney from the West
Barrier Reef.

Coast of the U.S. Within • Pay a visit to Kuranda.

Australia, you can generally
fly to and from major cities. If You Have at Least
• By train – Australia has a Ten Days:
large network of rail service In Sydney:
within and outside of the • Take the public ferry to
large metropolitan areas.

Bondi or Manley Beach.

• By cruise – Several cruise • Use public transportation
lines offer sailings to
to visit the Taronga Zoo.

Australia. Some longer In Melbourne:
sailings also include New • Use a local tour operator to
Zealand. visit Phillip Island.

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