The Journey Genie

The Lucky Country. The Land Down Under. Oz.
Australia was the first place to capture my heart, and is truly the place I feel happiest and most at home.
Here is a small taste of what this magical country has to offer!

This page is dedicated to my cousin Peter, who helped foster my love of Australia. Gone too soon, but never forgotten. xx

All photographs are the exclusive property of The Journey Genie. Not to be used or reproduced without permission.

Top Tips for an Awesome

Aussie Journey:

1) Australia is a big country, and it's not fun to travel great distances by bus. Check out Qantas' Aussie Airpass for great, fast travel options around the continent.

2) In Sydney, try the Y Hotel Hyde Park. It's a short and interesting walk from Circular Quay, The Opera House, downtown and all the action. It's budget accommodation but with style!

3) For inexpensive souvenirs and a great shopping experience, check out the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne, and Paddington Markets in Sydney. I've found leather Akubras and crested polar fleece jackets there for less than half the cost at touristy shops elsewhere. Check hours.

4) Make the trek to see Uluru in the Red Centre of Australia. For a memorable night out, the Sounds of Silence Dinner and astronomy night is worth looking into. It is, without a doubt, one of the best things I've ever experienced!

5) There are tons of excellent wildlife parks throughout Australia, but three I can personally recommend are:

* Australia Zoo - Steve Irwin's legacy lives on. Worth the $$$ for a full day of fun!

* Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary - Get up close and personal with some of Australia's iconic animals.

* Alice Springs Reptile Centre - See some of Oz's deadliest snakes...from the safety of a display case!

6) I like to get the feel for places before I go there, or to relive the experience afterwards, by reading as many books as I can. Here are my top picks for literature about Australia:
*** In a Sunburned Country
* Down Under All Over
* Steve and Me
* The Dog Fence, by James Woodford
* Tanami
* One for the Road
* Thumbs Up Australia, by Tom Parry
* Still in the Bush, by Len Beadell
* Head Over Heels, by Sam & Jenny Bailey
* Cold Beer and Crocodiles, by Roff Smith

* The Thornbirds, by Colleen McCullough
(fiction)

The Journey Genie

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Australia