Feature

Our top ten Major Events to do in Australia

In this latest edition of Paul’s Picks, I am featuring Australia.

As always in my Top 10 lists, you will find links to information about the things to do, see, and eat in each location. I started doing lists in college to help me learn and study easier so that’s why I use them when I’m helping people learn about all the great things they can do when they travel.

Where do I get my information? It’s a mix of studying for certifications, personal experience, research, or client recommendations.

Have something more that people should know about this location? Add your thoughts in the comments below.

1. ROLEX SYDNEY HOBART YACHT RACE

“It’s one of the biggest and brightest ocean races in the world, and is an iconic Australian event that attracts huge interest locally and afar thanks to comprehensive media coverage. Everyone from weekend racers through to huge maxi yachts will compete in the competition, which kicks off on December 26 in Sydney Harbour’s Neilsen Park. The fleet will travel 628 nautical miles before finishing up in Hobart’s Derwent River.”

2. AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW

“Fasten your seatbelts as this is sure to be one hell of a ride! This weekend sees the Australian International Airshow 2017 open its gates for a thirteenth time at Avalon, showcasing unrivalled power, precision and the latest in aviation and military heavy metal.”

 3. SYDNEY MARDI GRAS PARADE

“Fashion and Mardi Gras go hand-in-hand, so in the words of Madonna, express yourself. Cover yourself in glitter and body paint and be just as colorful with your outfits. But keep in mind that there will be a lot of people and it is the middle of summer, so make sure you are comfortable and wearing something breathable. You don’t want to spend all night being bothered by your outfit.”

 4. VIVID SYDNEY – LIGHT, MUSIC AND IDEAS

“Vivid Sydney is brightening up your winter nights and setting your Instagram feed alight. Vivid Sydney is certainly impressive in person whether you’re visiting from nearby or afar. It’s also one of the most snap worthy events of the year.

From a 16m tall mega-bot to a shimmering field of fireflies, here are ten light installations that will have your friends and followers ooh-ing and ahh-ing, wishing they were doing Vivid Sydney with you.”

5.  MELBOURNE FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

“Indulge your senses, and your tastebuds, over ten days as you encounter award-winning wines, long lunches and dinners, and some of the country’s most avant-garde culinary creations at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.”

6. MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL

“It’s time to get your giggle on because the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

With over 630 shows from Australia and around the world, the festival is the third largest in the world, behind the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Montreal’s Just for Laughs.

Whether you want to see local favorites like Lano and Woodley Fly back to the stage, International headlines such as James Vietch (known for the Scamalot videos on Mashable), or support newcomers new to the stage, like YouTube star Alex Williamson in So Wrong, It’s Wrong; there’s bound to be something that will tickle every type of funny bone, including plenty of shows for kids at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival!”

 7.  SANTOS TOUR DOWN UNDER

“FROM STREET PARTIES TO GOURMET GALAS; REGIONAL EVENTS TO FAMILY ACTIVITIES; THERE’S SO MUCH TO DO IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA DURING THE SANTOS TOUR DOWN UNDER.”

 8. SYDNEY FESTIVAL

“The Christmas craziness and New Year’s frenzy have finally come to a close – the ’20s are here (again)! Sydney Festival is back and better than ever, so get ready to kick off the decade with a little bit of  art, music, dance and so much more. There’s reallysomething for everyone, no matter where you are in Sydney.”

 9. AUSTRALIAN OPEN

“Dubbed ‘Australia’s Greatest Global Sporting Event’ the Australian Open brings the world’s Tennis elite Down Under, in the first of four Grand Slam tennis events for the year.

First held in 1905 the event, known then as the Australasian Championships, was seldom entered by foreign players at the start of the 20th century.

Today it is a multinational competition showcasing the best talent in tennis from across the globe.”

 10. HAMILTON ISLAND RACE WEEK

“Hamilton Island Race Week is one of Australia’s favourite yachting events and a firm fixture on the international sailing calendar. Competitors, family and friends come together to enjoy the convivial atmosphere and unique camaraderie of the event’s on-water and off-water carnival. Every August, spectators and yachties from around the globe sail to Hamilton Island for Hamilton Island Race Week – Australia’s largest offshore keelboat regatta.”

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Northern Territory Top 10

I am often asked how I have chosen the top 10 list, that I put up on my blog.  While in college I found it much easier to create a list when I started studying for a test or writing a term paper. Knowing that it is easy to understand why I create a top ten list, now as to how do I decide what goes on the list, simply put it is things I would like to do or have done in Northern Territory.  I have chosen things on this list either because I have come across them while studying for certifications, personal experience, research, or client recommendations. Each of the item on the top 10 has a link, which will open a new window for more information.

 Let us know what you think of our list in the comments below the list. 

1. Fish for the famous silver barramundi

2. Sunset at Uluru

 3. The Kangaroo Sanctuary, Alice Springs

 4. Drive the Red Centre Way

5. Glen Helen Gorge

6. Yellow Water Billabong Cruise, Kakadu

 7.   Aboriginal Rock Art in Kakadu

 8.  Termite Mounds, Litchfield NP

 9.  Mindil Beach Markets, Darwin

 10. Mataranka Hot Springs

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Barramundi With Lemon Basil Sauce

History

As found on Wikipedia

Barramundi is a loanword from an Australian Aboriginal language of the Rockhampton area in Queensland[3] meaning “large-scaled river fish”.[4] Originally, the name barramundi referred to Scleropages leichardti and Scleropages jardinii.[5]

However, the name was appropriated for marketing reasons during the 1980s, a decision that has aided in raising the profile of this fish significantly.[5] L. calcarifer is broadly referred to as Asian seabass by the international scientific community, but is also known as Australian seabass.

Ingredients

You can find the recipe below and at this link

4 (4 ounce) fillets barramundi (Asian sea bass, 1 tablespoon olive oil, or as needed, ½ teaspoon seafood seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon lemon zest, 1 pinch dried thyme, 1 cup melted butter, ¼ cup lemon juice, ¼ cup white wine, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, or to taste

  • Step 1Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Step 2Brush fish with olive oil.
  • Step 3Mix bread crumbs, seafood seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon zest, and thyme together in a bowl. Press fish in bread crumb mixture to coat all sides. Arrange coated fish on a baking sheet.
  • Step 4Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Flip fish and continue baking until fish flakes easily with a fork, about 10 minutes more.
  • Step 5Stir butter, lemon juice, white wine, and basil together in a bowl; drizzle over cooked fish.

A different recipe by video

Top ten

Australia’s Major Events Top 10

I am often asked how I have chosen the top 10 list, that I put up on my blog.  While in college I found it much easier to create a list when I started studying for a test or writing a term paper. Knowing that it is easy to understand why I create a top ten list, now as to how do I decide what goes on the list, simply put it these are  events I would like to do or have done in Australia.  I have chosen things on this list either because I have come across them while studying for certifications, personal experience, research, or client recommendations. Each of the item on the top 10 has a link, which will open a new window for more information.

 Let us know what you think of our list in the comments below the list. 

1. ROLEX SYDNEY HOBART YACHT RACE

2. AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW

 3. SYDNEY MARDI GRAS PARADE

 4. VIVID SYDNEY – LIGHT, MUSIC AND IDEAS

5.  AUSTRALIAN PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

6. MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL

 7.  SANTOS TOUR DOWN UNDER

 8. SYDNEY FESTIVAL

 9. AUSTRALIAN OPEN

 10. HAMILTON ISLAND RACE WEEK

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5 Big Reasons to Visit Australia

reposted from Travel away

There’s no doubt Australia is one of the most remote, fascinating, and highly developed countries in the world.

Endowed with a myriad of natural wonders, plenty of wildlife, dazzling beaches, cosmopolitan metropolises, and large expanses of the outback, it’s easy to see why this captivating country is such a complete travel destination. It not only matches every taste, budget, age, or interest out there, but it also delivers some unique experiences almost impossible to find somewhere else. From amazing sightseeing to fabulous land and aquatic adventures, there’s absolutely nothing you can’t do during your holiday in Australia.

However, as often happens in life, good things are the hardest to come. Obviously it’s not easy to decide on visiting one of the world’s most remote countries – long way, short time, and sometimes pretty expensive flights. Nevertheless, according to those who’ve already taken the plunge, all these are nothing compared to the wonderful Australian experience. Once you’ll be in, you’ll never want to leave. Besides, Australia is so much more than just a paradise for adventure seekers, it is a delight for foodies, art lovers, and budget travelers.

Here are 5 big things that hopefully will bring you to Australia someday soon:

The Natural Wonders

Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

Some are mystical, others strange or utterly beautiful, but one thing is for sure – Australia is home to some rare, fabulous natural wonders. From Queensland’s famous Great Barrier Reef, which embodies the only living piece of Earth noticeable from space, to the spectacular, sacred Uluru, there are countless such amazing sites worth seeing and enjoying Down Under at least once in a lifetime.

Other magnificent places to visit in Australia include the Pinnacles; the impressive Fraser Island; Kakadu, with its amazing tropical biodiversity; the MacKenzie Falls; the astonishing Blue Mountains; and the sandstone area of the Bungle Bungle Range.

The Fascinating Aussie Lifestyle

Surfing in Australia

The vibrant art scene and charming laid-back atmosphere, along with the cultural diversity of its inhabitants, their friendly nature, and the high quality of life here, make Australia a wonderful, welcoming country. You simply cannot help falling in love with the Aussies’ relaxed way of life, their liberal thinking, or their passion for outdoor activities.

The Beaches

The Twelve Apostles

Among the most beautiful Australian beaches are the dazzling Cable Beach in Broome; Hyams Beach – renowned for having the whitest sand in the world; the legendary Kirra Beach, with its gorgeous rolling waves; the fashionable Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas; Whitehaven Beach near the Great Barrier Reef; as well as Sydney’s magnificent Shelly Beach, to name but a few.

The Amazing Adventure Opportunities

Hot air ballooning in Australia

Australia is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts. Whether you choose to explore the country’s outback wilderness, surf along its incredibly diverse coastlines, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, sail in the Whitsundays, or try something in between, you will certainly be spoiled for choices in this adrenaline-pumping destination.

Its Shimmering Cities

Sydney at sunset

With a land area larger than Europe and an incredibly low population density, it’s no wonder up to 85 percent of Australians live in the city (and along the coast).

Scattered between mountains, wilds, rivers, and ocean, Australia’s metropolitan areas deliver some pretty extraordinary urban experiences. From Sydney’s pulsating ambiance, vibrant culture, and enticing beach lifestyle to Melbourne’s charming European flair and unsurpassed coffee culture, there are a plethora of amazing things you can do, see, and experience in Australia’s shimmering cities.

Adelaide is a charming coastal city with gorgeous beaches, lovely parks, and lots of entertaining opportunities, while quiet, remote Darwin in Australia’s lush north has some excellent local markets. Laid-back and sophisticated, Perth combines beach fun with great food and a booming arts scene.

Cairns’ enviable location between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef makes it an ideal destination for adventure seekers, and Canberra – the nation’s cool little capital – is a feast for design and architecture lovers, with world-class museums, large open parklands, and wide, tree-lined avenues.

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Aussie Specialist Agent

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