Australia

Great Ocean Road

Every country, big or small, has a road that over the years has both   inspired and become the ultimate bucket list item for travel enthusiasts. From the California Coastal Highway in America to the Cinque Terre in Italy or the Great Ocean Road in Australia, each offers travelers the chance to explore locations only accessible by car. The Great Ocean Road, however, should most certainly be on the bucket list of any traveler that sets their sights on Australia.   The road is aptly named, as it is a 245 km stretch of highway located just outside   of Melbourne. The route starts in Torquay and ends in Allansford. The Great Ocean Road showcases some of the most diverse natural elements the south-east coast of Australia has to offer making it perfect for a weekend getaway. Drivers and passengers will enjoy traversing ancient rainforests, sandy beaches and limestone cliffs.    Along the route travelers will also be greeted by some of the most beautiful towns and friendly people you could hope to find anywhere. The road originally started as a ‘make work’ project for returning veterans after WW1. It was envisioned by its builders as a way to connect the isolated communities along the coast and open up the area to logging and settlement.

Today the Great Ocean Road is both a National Heritage site as well as a War Memorial. However, for many travel enthusiasts it remains the   ultimate driving challenge. What makes the Great Ocean Road remarkable is how it gently hugs the coastline. This allows drivers to view dramatic cliff like drops to the Southern Ocean floor where waves continually crash into the rocky outposts. Stretching along the coastline are remarkable views of open   ocean and rugged cliffs made of sandstone. Each view will provide the   perfect moment for taking pictures.  Along this marvelous highway are many unique spots to pull over and   explore. The coast offers travelers a chance to refresh their mind   and body by walking its many scenic routes, including the   awe-inspiring beauty of the Twelve Apostles and the eerie beauty of   Shipwreck Coast. Experience Victoria by joining an eco-tour and   observe Australia’s wildlife in their natural environments. Take to   the skies in a helicopter or seaplane for a bird’s-eye view of the   stunning southwest coast before retiring to dine at one of the local   restaurants. Be prepared to be served mouth-watering delicacies and   wines that any foodie would be excited about. For the more adventurous   traveler, don’t miss out on a chance to sway from treetops along   Otway Fly Treetop Adventures’ ‘treetop canopy’ walkway or experience   the adrenaline rush of joining their Zip-line tour. If the ocean is   more your taste, dive into Torquay’s local surf culture, ancestral home of Rip Curl and Quicksilver. For those looking for the perfect wave, Bell`s Beach will offer some of the best in the world for advanced riders.  So grab your overnight bag, a picnic lunch and your favorite CD before hitting the road for an experience like no other.

Top responsible travel tips

  1. Be considerate of Australia’s customs, traditions, religion and culture.
  2. Always dispose of litter thoughtfully, including cigarette butts.
  3. When camping or visiting national parks, refrain from feeding native animals or leaving food out.
  4. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead.
  5. Try to use public transport wherever possible.
  6. Shop for locally made products. Supporting local artisans helps keep traditional crafts alive.
  7. Refrain from supporting businesses that exploit or abuse endangered animals.
  8. Please ask and receive permission before taking photos of people, including children.
  9. Refrain from touching or interfering with ancient monuments, relics or historic sites.

Field of Light

Imagine an event twenty years in the making. A place where as the sun sets and darkness quickly descends, Uluru, the spiritual heart of Australia is gently illuminated as far as the eyes can see with gentle rhythms of color including white, blue and a deep violet.

Welcome to Field of Light the newest art installation from renowned artist Bruce Munroe. His goal was to create an illuminated field of 50,000 spindles of light like that of dormant seeds in the desert would burst into bloom at dusk with gentle rhythms of light under a blanket of stars.

These lights with their stems gently swaying in the breeze, seem almost in tune with an unknown concerto. This is Australia, this is your Field of Light and it all ends in 2020.