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During the Torch's journey, 188 communities staged uniquely
AUSTRALIAN CELEBRATIONS, that everybody
shared and
enjoyed. The Sydney 2000 Olympic Games ran until 1 October, 2000
followed by the Paralympic Games from 18 to 29 October.
A direct rail link runs from Sydney Airport to central Sydney
and OLYMPIC PARK RAILWAY STATION, an impressive, purpose-built
facility capable of handling 50,000 people an hour. Up to
250,000 spectators visited Sydney during the two
weeks of the Games, utilising the RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION
PROGRAM (rented houses and lodging with Sydney families) or
staying in hotels, motels, colleges, recreation centres,
backpacker lodges or cruise ships. Demand for accommodation was high, but this
didn't affect destinations elsewhere in
Australia.
WHAT
TO SEE DURING YOUR STAY IN AUSTRALIA
New
South Wales
The First State. It was the first colony settled in the country.
The tallest buildings and the nation's wealthiest people are
there.
Victoria
Like
sentinels guarding a wild and untamed coastline, the TWELVE
APOSTLES offer one of the most enduring memories of a drive
along Victoria's internationally renowned Great Ocean Road.
The stark beauty of these rock formations is mirrored in that of
the steep cliffs, with their caves, gorges and blowholes - all
found in the PORT CAMPBELL NATIONAL PARK,
an area for discovery and reflection on nature's beauty.
Acknowledged as one of the world's most spectacular coastal
drives, the GREAT OCEAN ROAD winds along beside quiet bays and
beaches, pounding surf beaches, tranquil green rainforests, and
historic shipwreck sites. Penguins, whales and seals are also
feature along the road, which starts in the bay-side city of
Geelong, 75 kilometres from Melbourne, to Nelson in Victoria's
far west.
Tasmania
The Tasmanian Wilderness WORLD HERITAGE Area
covers approximately 20 percent of the land area of Tasmania.
Explore the wide variety of vegetation, the caves and rock
formations or spot the largest marsupial carnivore, the
Tasmanian Devil. Many people just enjoy walking one of the many
trails that wind their way through the wilderness. For all
people who visit the Tasmanian Wilderness there is the
opportunity to be deeply touched by the experience. The values
of the Tasmanian Wilderness extend far beyond those that led to
its national parks being listed as World Heritage
Sites. Its values extend far beyond those that can be assessed
in words.
Northern
Territory
The Northern Territory, stretching from the central coastline in
the tropical north right down to the rugged Red Centre of
Outback Australia. The glittering ARAFURA SEA laps its coastline
while the rugged Outback spans its heart. Vast regions of
red-gold desert contrast with large areas of lush green
rainforest, wetlands teeming with native Australian wildlife,
spectacular waterfalls and stunning rock formations.
Queensland
Queensland, our 'Sunshine State' is the second largest and
boasts perfect tropical weather and the world's largest living
organism - the GREAT BARRIER REEF. Lying on the north-east of
the continent, the azure waters of the Coral Sea and the South
Pacific Ocean lapping its coastline, it is bordering New South
Wales and South Australia to the south, and the Northern
Territory to the west.
With a vast area and a range of geographic and climatic regions
running north and south, Queensland is perfect for visitors who
want to explore different aspects of Australia. The coastal
centres and islands of the Great Barrier Reef, stretching for
2,300km (1200 miles), offer activities such as snorkelling,
diving and sailing. The Great Dividing Range separates the
sub-tropical rainforest coastal areas, from the lush beauty of
the hinterland with its national parks and unique birds, animals
and plant life. Further west the lush vegetation turns into the
arid, stark land of the Outback.
Queensland's capital city, BRISBANE, combines the vitality of a
modern, bustling city with the sociable atmosphere of a country
town. Set on the banks of the meandering Brisbane River, close
to the waters of Moreton Bay, the Queensland capital is a city
of grace and charm with a balmy, sub-tropical climate.
South of Brisbane is the GOLD COAST, a 42km stretch of golden
beaches, superbly equipped with resorts, wildlife parks and
theme parks, sports facilities and a fabulous line-up of
after-dark entertainment. To the north of Brisbane is the
Sunshine Coast, with its marvellous beaches and sophisticated
resorts.
There are over 1 000 islands in the Great Barrier Reef,
accessible from coastal centres of Cairns, Port Douglas,
Townsville, Proserpine, Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone and
Bundaberg. An area of outstanding natural beauty just north of
Mackay, the 74 islands of the Whitsundays offer superb boating
and coral viewing.
Queensland's animal emblem is the KOALA, while the floral emblem
is the COOKTOWN ORCHID.
Lone
Pine Koala Sanctuary
LONE
PINE KOALA SANCTUARY is an Australian native wildlife sanctuary
with a large variety of animals located next to the Brisbane
River at FigTree Pocket.
The Sanctuary has the largest colony of captive koalas in the
world. With over 130 koalas, visitors can cuddle a koala and
have a souvenir photograph taken anytime of the day. Get close
to kangaroos and emus and hand feed them in a large free ranging
enclosure. Educational talks on the animals at the sanctuary are
held throughout the day.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is accessible by Brisbane City Council
bus, Mirimar boat, car and several day tour operators.
Onsite facilities include a cafe, barbeque/picnic areas,
souvenir shop and wheelchair access.
Whilst at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary tantalise your taste buds by
visiting 'Oodles of Noodle' restaurant near the koala cuddling
area. Select from chicken, beef or vegetarian noodles while
surrounded by the native animals of Australia.
Source: Australia's Official Website |
