When the polar caps started to melt, the world’s sea levels began to fluctuate dramatically. At that time, the sea level around Australia was about 120 metres lower than it is today and our continental shelf, which was then a dry coastal plain, began to flood and then drain again, as the sea level rose and fell.

Coral that was living on the edges of the shelf, began to grow higher to keep pace with the rising water level. Coral can increase in diameter by up to two centimetres a year and grow vertically as much as 15 centimetres a year; so very slowly, over thousands of years, an incredible transformation began to take place.

When the water rose, the hills of the continental shelf became islands, many of which were then completely covered. Coral then overgrew these submerged hills to form reefs, while those corals that couldn’t keep pace became drowned reefs and perished due to lack of sunlight.

The actual Great Barrier Reef is about 500,000 years old, while the reef we see today is only about 8,000 years old. Numerous reefs have grown and receded on the continental shelf as the sea level rose and fell and today’s reef is built on the bones of those that have come and gone in the past.

As any of the Great Barrier Reef tours will tell you, the reef is comprised of 3,000 individual reefs and 1,000 different islands. That’s an amazing achievement when you consider the size of its creators.

A coral polyp is a tiny animal resembling a sea anemone. No more than a few millimetres across, it has a tubular body and a mouth surrounded by tentacles, which it uses to capture food drifting past in the currents. This living food is called zooplankton and the polyp captures it by shooting tiny poisonous spears from the stinging cells on its tentacles.

The polyp’s skeleton is made of argonite, which is a form of calcium carbonate, much like chalk or lime. It is formed during the process of photosynthesis by algae in the polyp’s tissues. This algae has a symbiotic relationship with the polyp, receiving shelter amongst the coral in return for providing the means for growth.

Ideal conditions for growth are warm, clean, shallow water (no less than 18 degrees Celsius), with adequate sunlight for photosynthesis.

One coral polyp then connects to another coral polyp and their skeletons are sealed together with the same calcium carbonite. All these couplings then cluster together to form larger colonies, which ultimately go on to become reefs.

A reef builds vertically until it reaches the surface, where the coral cannot survive, and then begins to grow horizontally and spread out.

Today, there are around 400 different species of coral in the Great Barrier Reef; something to keep in mind the next time you’re on one of those Barrier Reef tours.

As you’re snorkelling along and you pause to marvel at a particularly colourful formation, spare a thought for all the time and hard work that went into making what is now one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

How the Great Barrier Reef Formed is a post from: Travel & Destinations Tips

From the sky, you can take in all its glory aboard a scenic charter flight or grab a tow and parasail high above it. If you have a spare million or two, you could even admire it from the upper atmosphere, as it’s the only living thing that can be seen from outer space.

Closer to the surface, you can glide across its brilliant corals in a glass-bottomed boat, cruise its many channels and islands in an authentic sailing ship, or paddle amongst its brightly coloured fish in flippers, mask and snorkel.

From below, you can marvel through the windows of a semi-submersible, or if you’re a little more adventurous, strap on a tank and become one with the marine life on a scuba diving charter.

Whichever way you choose to explore it, here are some of the best places to start:

Cairns

Cairns is the mecca for Great Barrier Reef tours, with dozens of different trips and charters departing every day. Choose from short scenic tours, all day adventures with lunch included, or several days if you want to experience the reef at night.

Whether you want to swim, snorkel, scuba dive or just kick back and enjoy the tropical sunshine, Cairns offers something for everyone who visits the reef.

Green Island

Just an hour from Cairns by boat, Green Island is a fantastic introduction to the reef. You can snorkel amongst beautiful coral just by walking a few yards off the beach and it’s a great way for the whole family to enjoy the reef in complete safety.

Green Island is also home to hundreds of green turtles and harmless stingrays, which you can swim freely amongst in the seagrass beds.

Townsville

As well as offering reef cruises and fishing charters, Townsville is home base for one of the world’s best diving experiences. The wreck of the SS Yongala lies 30 metres below the surface in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, just 45 minutes by fast boat from Alva Beach near Townsville.

People come from all over the world to dive this wreck, which has an incredibly large and diverse population of marine life from sharks and giant wrasse to sea snakes, rays and loggerhead turtles. It’s not an easy dive due to the strong currents, but well worth it if you’re visiting the reef.

Whitsundays

The Whitsunday Islands are a very popular part of the Great Barrier Reef, with holiday resorts on a number of the 74 islands and the opportunity to view the reef in a variety of different ways, including the option of island-hopping in your very own chartered yacht.

Black Island in the Whitsunday group also gives non-snorkellers a unique viewing option. The Yellow Submarine is a semi-submersible ship that offers a panoramic underwater view of the spectacular coral and marine life.

There are affordable tours and charters available along most of the reef’s 2,600 kilometre length, and hopefully this article has given you an idea of some of the best places to begin as you set off on your Great Barrier Reef adventure.

Best Places to View the Great Barrier Reef is a post from: Travel & Destinations Tips

Hunter Valley Wine Tours

This activity is a great one as it is sure to please everyone. Hunter Valley Wine tours can be quite kid friendly and you’ll be exploring one of Australia’s most beautiful areas. You might have to get one of the adults to agree to go easy on the wine tasting, though apart from this you will all be sure to learn lots and have a great day.

Sydney Harbour Cruises

Rather than drag your kids around the foreshore to check out this beautiful harbour, make life easy of everyone and jump on one of the many awesome harbour cruises. Your kids will love being out on the water and getting a unique look at the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, and you never know, you might get lucky and spot some dolphins or a whale! This is one family activity where you can all relax and enjoy it without having it cost you the earth.

The Great Ocean Road

This is one of Australia’s most spectacular stretches of road and is guaranteed to wow everyone in your family. If you have a few days, take your time and see it all, and stop at some of the great family friendly tourist parks along the way. This is most definitely one of those family trips that you will all remember forever.

MONA

If you and your family are in Hobart don’t leave before you have all gone to the fantastic new Museum of Old and New Art. This incredible new hot spot can be accessed by a short boat ride from the Hobart waterfront and there is plenty to keep you and your kids amused once you get there. Everyone will love getting their own ipod that explains all of the works and while there isn’t much that’s interactive, the sheer variety will have you all leaving quite impressed.

The Australia Zoo

Just north of Brisbane is an absolute must-do activity for every family; that is of course the incredible Australia Zoo. For a close up look at all of Australia’s most iconic animals as well as quite a few from elsewhere, this is an experience of a lifetime. Get there early so you are sure to catch some of the cute animal feedings and depending on what day you do there are often chances for the kids to get up really close and pat some of the animals. This is one of the world’s most respected zoos, so make your next family trip easy and check this one off your must-do list.

Trips and Activities For Families in Australia is a post from: Travel & Destinations Tips

Sydney Harbour Cruises

One of the big highlights of the Australian outdoors is the magnificent Sydney Harbour and the best way to see it is to get out on one of the Sydney Harbour Cruises. This is a harbour unlike any other in the world and a lot of its special parts can only be seen properly if you get out on it. So if you find yourself in Sydney and want to see something amazing, get out on a cruise and get a close up look at what is truly one of Australia’s outdoor treasures.

Hunter Valley Wine Tours

One type of outdoor setting that most people forget we have in Australia are the beautiful and charming valleys like those of the Hunter Valley, and what better way to explore them than by getting on a wine tour and doing a bit of wine tasting. Spending a day roaming around this beautiful part of Australia is guaranteed to have you wanting to move here, as it is the perfect combination of a magical setting and some of the world’s best wines. Treat yourself to an awesome outdoors experience and head to the Hunter Valley.

Surfing

Obviously a huge highlight of the Australian outdoors are the thousands of beaches, so you are sure to find yourself being drawn towards them anytime the weather tops twenty degrees. For a real Aussie way to experience the beaches of here, why not have a go at learning to surf? You can catch a surf lesson at many beaches around the country, so regardless of if you are in north western Tasmania or relaxing in Cairns, give surfing a try, it really is an incredible experience.

Hiking

Australia is a hikers paradise, with endless amounts of trails to get you out into the great outdoors. No matter if you want to be checking out the coastline or the forests, there is plenty here to keep you going. For some hiking bliss where you will get to see amazing plants, animals and some fantastic Australian outdoors, head straight to Tasmania for some of the best hiking in the Southern Hemisphere. You can do easy day hikes or take on some great multi-day trails, though no matter what you choose, you are sure to love your hikes down here.

With the weather in Australia pretty much great all year round, you will never be short of an opportunity to be in the outdoors doing something awesome. So no matter where you are coming from, you are in for a real treat.

Experiencing the Australian Outdoors in Style is a post from: Travel & Destinations Tips

Wine Tours

Australia has become quite famous for its wines over the years, so while you are down here, it is almost mandatory that you check out some of the amazing wine regions like the Hunter Valley. Wine tours are a great way to check out the area and ensure you see and taste as much as possible; don’t be surprised if you end up bringing home more than a bottle or two of incredible wine.

Sydney Harbour Cruises

There is definitely no other harbour in the world like Sydney harbour, so for a unique and relaxing experience, get yourself out on the water and see what it’s all about. Whether you go during the day or at night, this magnificent harbour is the perfect place to share a romantic meal, have a couple of beers or even just sit back and watch out for dolphins, so you might want to experience it while you have the chance.

Attending The Mardi Gras

The second biggest street festival in the world, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a festival and a spectacle like no other. Literally a million people line the streets of Sydney to catch a glimpse, and for a display of colour, creativity and politics, it is clearly without equal. The Sydney Mardi Gras is also far and away the best party of the year in Sydney, so if you want to get all dressed up and hit the dance floor, this is the night to do it.

Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest reef and one of the natural wonders of the world, so if you can get here you should. There are fifteen tourist islands near the reef where you can base yourself and the beaches and marine life are out of this world. Snorkelling the reef is the easiest and best way to check it out so either rent or buy a set of snorkel gear and get in on a local tour. It’s unlike anywhere else on earth.

Dive With Sharks

For the thrill seeking traveller, a cage dive with some great white sharks will definitely have your writing home about it. You will have to do a basic scuba course, though you will then have the thrill of being lowered in a cage into shark infested waters, getting a very close look at some of the ocean’s deadliest creatures. Sharks are actually quite placid though you will come out of this experience feeling like you’ve faced down Jaws himself!

Unique Australian Experiences is a post from: Travel & Destinations Tips

Hunter Valley Wine Tours

These are probably the best value for money tours in all of Australia, and will take you through some of the most beautiful parts of the country. You will visit all of the finest vineyards, taste some of the world’s best wines and go home with a far greater appreciation for the effort that goes into making a good bottle of wine. You will want to taste them all, so make it a safe day out, leave the driving to someone else and treat yourself to a great day in the vineyards.

Harbour Tours

There is no harbour on earth like this one, so be sure not to miss out on a great close up look at it. No matter what your budget, there are Sydney harbour cruises to suit everyone and this is sure to be one of the experiences you remember for the rest of your life. Nothing compares to floating on the deep blue waters of Sydney harbour and with the Harbour bridge and Opera house as a backdrop, you will feel as though you are part of a classic Australian post card. Don’t just take the Manly ferry; spend a bit of time on the enormous harbour and really get a taste of it.

Sydney Walking Tours

A great way to learn about the dark and sordid history of Sydney is to do a walking tour through the famous Rocks area. These tours are quite inexpensive and take you through one of Sydney’s oldest and most storied places, giving a real insight into what life was like here over two hundred years ago.

Byron Bay Kayak Tours

For an amazing opportunity to do some kayaking and to see both dolphins and whales, these kayak-based tours will have you cruising off of some of Australia’s best beaches and up close and personal with some of the oceans most special inhabitants. Byron Bay is full of ways to spend your money, though this tour is by far one of the most worthwhile activities on offer.

Blue Mountains Wildlife Tours

For the best chance to see some of those iconic Australian animals, look no further than a Blue Mountains wildlife tour. You are going to want to make sure that you get to see kangaroos, koalas, echidnas and such, so make it a certainty by getting on a tour and having someone who knows show you where all those wildlife gems are at. This is an experience you’ll never forget!

Make the most of your time in New South Wales and don’t miss a thing. Tours are a great way to not only see the highlights but also to know what you are looking at, so don’t be shy, sign up!

Top 5 Tours To Do In NSW is a post from: Travel & Destinations Tips

Festivals

One of the best ways to get a good look at all the latest and greatest in food and wine is to get to one of the dozens of festivals held around the country. Two of the best food and wine festivals in Australia are held in Tasmania; the world famous Taste of Tasmania in Hobart and the up and coming Festivale in Launceston. Both are highly respected and totally supported by their local communities, so for a tasty and relaxing way to indulge in the some of the finest delicacies in the country, be sure you’ve got your tickets.

Vineyards

To say that Australia is blessed with some of the most perfect wine growing conditions in the world would be a huge understatement; it simply doesn’t get any better than this. No matter where you go in this huge country you will find quality wines being produced, whether it be the Margaret River region, the Barossa Valley or the Hunter Valley. Wine tours are an excellent way to get a good look at any of these regions and even help you find that special limited edition bottle of wine to take home with you.

Restaurants

The hospitality industry in Australia is close to the best in the world, with chefs here now regarded as some of the finest around.  Sydney and Melbourne are especially great places for enjoying amazing food and wine, with dozens of world class dining opportunities all stocked with wines to die for. For a really special way to enjoy Australia’s great food and wine, book a table on one of the Sydney harbour cruises and enjoy great dinner and drinks while cruising around one of the world’s most impressive harbours.

Markets

Australia is one of those charmed places that has a twelve-month growing season, so while not everything grows year round, there is never a shortage of fresh fruit and vegetables. If you want to find the freshest and best quality produce, the place to look is at the local farmer’s market, where you will usually find locally grown fruits and veggies of a quality you just won’t find in the bigger grocery stores. Buying local is also a great way to support the economy and ensures your food isn’t using up valuable resources travelling thousands of miles to get to you.

If you are travelling in Australia you are in for a real treat; not only is this an incredibly beautiful place but the food and wine is absolutely superb. This will be a holiday you’ll never forget!

Food and Wine in Australia is a post from: Travel & Destinations Tips

Sydney Harbour Cruises

Sydney would be nothing without its amazing harbour so if you only spend money on one main activity while you are here, splurge on a harbour cruise. It’s only when you get out on the water that you really get a sense of the enormity and beauty of the harbour and you will have photo opportunities that you can’t get from anywhere else. There are a number of different cruises on offer, though whichever one you do, it will absolutely be worth every cent.

Botanical Gardens

For a real treat that won’t cost you a thing, head down to the unbelievable Royal Botanic Gardens. This old and massive garden complex has some of the most brilliant displays of flowers, plants and trees anywhere in Australia and is the perfect place to spend the day reading or having a picnic. If you are on a really tight budget and are looking for things to do, the botanic gardens are definitely worth checking out. It’s one of those great places that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

Hunter Valley Wine Tours

One of the best day trips you can do from Sydney is to get out on a wine tour through the beautiful Hunter Valley. Only a two hour drive from Sydney, this amazing area is home to some of the world’s finest wines, so if you enjoy the occasional glass, you will love this tour. If you are looking for a great birthday gift, a romantic day trip or just want to see a classic Australian highlight, get yourself on a Hunter Valley wine tour.

Art Gallery Of NSW

A highlight for any art lover visiting Sydney is definitely the Art Gallery of New South Wales. You will find amazing art from all over the world as well as a great collection of Australian Aboriginal art, all for free! The only cost is if you want to see a special exhibit though you can easily fill a day just looking at the free areas.

Chess In Hyde Park

If you play chess, a great way to spend a few hours is to go to Hyde Park and get in line for a game playing with the human sized chess pieces. This is a fun way to meet other chess enthusiasts and really is a chess experience like no other. You may have to wait for a while to get a game but it is free and totally worth the wait.

Your trip to Sydney will be all the more enjoyable if you feel like you are getting good value for your money. It’s a big city and like anywhere has its tourist traps, though if you do some research and jump on the deals, you can see some great highlights without it costing a fortune.

Best Value Things To Do As A Tourist In Sydney is a post from: Travel & Destinations Tips

Hunter Valley Wine Tours

The best way to see this magical part of Australia is to get on a local tour. You will be taken around some of Australia’s oldest and most famous vineyards and learn everything there is to know about them, from their history to how they make their award winning wines. You will be able to indulge in tasting some of the world’s finest wines and if you are looking for a romantic trip to do with your partner, a Hunter Valley wine tour is a sure way to impress.

Jenolan Caves Tours

This incredible labyrinth of caves is some of the most beautiful and accessible in all of Australia. There are a number of tours to choose from, though regardless of which one you pick, you will never forget the total darkness of being deep inside the caves or the stunning beauty of the stalactites and stalagmites. An elaborate lighting system has also been installed in the caves, which does a great job at showing off some of the amazing features of the rocks. All of the tours are quite inexpensive and are a must if you find yourself anywhere near the Blue Mountains.

Sydney Harbour Cruises

One of the great harbours in the world, the only way to really appreciate Sydney harbour is to get out on it. There are lots of cruise options to choose from, with many offering the option of dinner and or drinks. You are a great chance of seeing dolphins and once in a while harbour tours are treated with a close up look at a whale! If you do nothing else in Sydney, be sure to do a harbour cruise.

Perth to Monkey Mia Tours

The best possible way to check out this amazing part of the Western Australian coast is to jump on a tour and make sure you see it all. From the best places to watch the sunrise to hand feeding dolphins and checking out the world’s oldest living fossils, this tour will be one you will remember forever.

Great Ocean Road Tours

These tours include stops at some of Australia’s most incredible landmarks and will have you wanting to come back again and again. You will never forget watching the sunset over the Twelve Apostles or having lunch on the beach at Wye River, so if you haven’t done a great ocean tour yet, what are you waiting for?

Doing a tour is the best way to make sure you see all the highlights, especially if you are limited in terms of time. Getting on a tour will take the worry out of your trip, maybe make you some new friends and you are sure to be getting the best possible look at the area.

Australia’s Most Unforgettable Tours is a post from: Travel & Destinations Tips

On The Harbour

If you have the opportunity to get out on Sydney harbour you absolutely should! Whether you get lucky and are offered a spot on a private boat or get your crew together and head out on one of the Sydney harbour cruises, when you get out there you will probably want to take more photos than ever before. Not only are there dozens of unique photo opportunities but you are also a good chance at seeing some awesome marine life as well. A harbour cruise could be the highlight of your trip, so don’t forget your camera!

Touring The Vineyards

Australia is famous for its beaches and the outback, though some of the most picturesque parts of the country are the wine regions. There is nothing quite like meandering around the vineyards doing some wine tasting and the idyllic setting will have you feeling like you are in the most pleasant of dreams. Hunter Valley wine tours truly are unforgettable, and especially if this is a tour you are doing with your partner, make sure you have your camera so you can capture these moments forever.

The Big Day Out

For an epic concert experience, the Big Day Out in Sydney is an absolute must. With some of the best local and international acts and tens of thousands of people, this is sure to be one of those defining memories of your time in Sydney. Don’t forget your camera, as once it’s over you’ll be pinching yourself and wondering if it was all really real.

At The Zoo

Australia has some of the most bizarre animals in the world, so whether you go to Taronga or the Australian Zoo, you will have the opportunity to see some animals you definitely won’t have come across before. Make sure you have your camera as some of these creatures have to be seen to be believed.

Learning To Surf

There is no shortage of places to learn to surf in Australia so if you decide to give it a go, make sure you have your camera and someone ready to snap a few photos. You will feel on top of the world once you manage to stand up on the board for the first time and will definitely want to have photographic evidence to show your mates.

Some things really do defy description and Australia seems to be full of them, so if you are travelling around make sure you have some type of camera with you. If you are still using disposable cameras, this might be the time to invest in a digital camera as you will want to take lots of photos and a digital camera will save you money in the long run.

5 Times You Definitely Don’t Want To Forget Your Camera is a post from: Travel & Destinations Tips