The Australian & Pacific continent is the smallest and lowest-lying human inhabited continent on this globe, having a total land area of 8,560,000 square kilometres (or 3,305,000 sq. mi.). Australia has according to the latest count 29.4 million people.

Sydney

Sydney is the capital city of the south eastern Australian state of New South Wales. The city has a population of 4 million people, and covers almost 700 square miles. Many travelers may think Sydney is the capital of Australia but its not, the capital of Australia of Canberra.

Sydney is Australia’s oldest, largest and most diverse city, with its outrageously superb looking harbor. There’s no way to describe the Sydney experience, it’s physical. Drunk yourself on the Bondi and Manly surf situated north and south of Sydney Heads, sail on gigantic yacht through the harbor or ride through Centennial Park on a horseback. Australians love to be outside, on warm days the beaches, cafes and terrace are packed with locals and tourist enjoying a cold Foster Lager.

It’s easy to move around in this remarkable city, an excellent public train, bus and ferry service connects all districts and areas. Regardless, most of the tourist attractions are within the central city area and the harbor. Suggested is to spend time walking around the CBD (Central Business District) area, visiting The Rocks and relaxing a day in the harbor on a sunny, with a clear blue sky day.

Travelers to Australia are required a valid passport and visa. Citizens from US, Europe and Canada automatically receive a ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) visa, as long the stay does not extend 1 year (or until the passport expires, whichever comes first) and permit multiple entries into Australia for a stay of up to 3 months on each visit.

Hobart

Hobart is the capital city of Australia’s southernmost state of Tasmania. It is also Tasmania’s most populous city and Australia’s second oldest city. Hobart has a small town charm but it also possesses the ingredients that make up a thriving city. This means that you can enjoy casinos, theaters, restaurants, and the works while still enjoying a laid back atmosphere and just joke around with the locals. It is home to over 200 thousand people.

Just as Hobart is able to combine the relaxed attitude of a small town with the modernized look of a city, some of the city’s attractions are known for their old-world charm. It is home to the second oldest botanical gardens in Australia, The Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens. Hobart is also a popular stop for the yacht-sailing crowd. Locals and tourists can mingle at the port during the festival appropriately named “Taste of Tasmania” because of the variety of International dishes available.

To visit Tasmania, you need to book a flight to another Australian state. From there you can fly via Qantas airlines to the southernmost state. Other airline options are Jetstar and Virgin Blue. Within Hobart, you can get around by bus, tram, or taxi. Taxis have metered fares and are highly available along busy tourist areas. If you want to drive yourself around, you can rent a car or even a motorcycle. When you rent a vehicle, you can already ask about parking rates within areas you are interested in. Hobart experiences extreme temperatures. So, choose whether you want to experience the hot or the cold side of the city. Very hot days can mean a temperature as high as 104 degree Fahrenheit and cold days can mean a below zero temperature.

You need a valid passport for the duration of your stay in Hobart, Tasmania. Instead of a visa, you will be given an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which is an electronically verified visa. An ETA allows the holder to stay in Australia for three months.

Wellington

Wellington may be New Zealand’s capital but it is constantly challenged by Auckland. Still, because it is rich in culture and art, Wellington continues to prove its worth. Even with a small population, the city is packed with theaters, shops, and galleries. Local artists and tourists alike can enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the city’s numerous cafes. Wellington city is home to about 180 thousand people while the whole Wellington region is occupied by 450 thousand citizens.

Considered as a “home” to Lord of the Rings trilogy director Peter Jackson, Wellington is considered home to New Zealand’s film industry. Even without the film prestige, however, Wellington is home to glorious sights and important artistic events. This means that a visit is still worth bringing a camera for because Wellington offers a keepsake of memories. Wellington is also a safe place to visit. However, remember to drive on the left side of the road if you rent a car.

To visit Wellington and other parts of New Zealand, you have to book a flight, or a series of flights, ending at the Wellington Airport. To get around the city, you can travel by bus or by train. Twenty-eight percent of Wellington’s residents actually use public transport services to get around. Note that you can save money by booking your trip online. If you like warm weather, visit during the summer when temperature peaks at 24 degree Celsius and dips at only 66 degree Fahrenheit. Winter temperature is usually at its lowest at 50 degree Fahrenheit.

For American citizens, no visa is needed. When coming from a visa-free country, you would have to present proof of further travel such as travel tickets and evidence of sufficient funds for the entire trip. As for the passport, it must be at least three months valid after your last day in New Zealand. You also have to prove that you are leaving the country at an appointed time. Not only that, you also have to show that you have enough funds per person for each month of stay. The good thing is that your visa may cover your spouse and your dependent children.

Honiara

Honiara is the capital of the Solomon Islands and the Guadalcanal region, although it has a separated administrative town. Its situated on the north shore of the mountain island Guadalcanal. The capital was previously called ”Nagoniara” but the English colonialists found it to hard to pronounce, Nagoniara meant ‘in front of the wind’ in the Guadalcanal language.

The city of Honiara, and the Solomon Islands in general are popular travel destination for snorkeling and scuba diving lovers. Even for those who enjoy diving but don’t have their certificate, this is the place to learn it. The waters are surprisingly warm so there’s no need for wet suits, its underwater vision is extremely clear so you wont have to miss a second of the wonderful sea life. Coral and fish of every description and imaginary color swim around as a few lazy moving sharks pass you by. Honiara and the Solomon Islands are among the most beautiful dive sites world wide.

Honaira is a small city with a bay used as harbor, with a population of 50 thousand people its a small city yet the biggest on the Solomon Islands. The city is crossed by the 18.5 miles long Kukum Highway running from Hederson Field in the east to the village White River in the west. From the harbor ferries leave every thirty minutes to the provinces, night clubs and restaurants. The houses in the city are combined by slums and houses at the waterfront, and the neighborhood settlements away from the shore.

Most nationals do not require a visa to enter the Solomon Islands, just a valid passport as long the stay does not extends 30 days. The average daily temperature is 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit year round, the sea water temperature on average is 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Honiara is a safe travel destination, petty crime and theft are not common against tourists and locals.

Majuro

Majuro is capital and largest city of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and has a small population of 25 thousand people. Its main business district, banking and tourism are great importance for Majuro. The major population center is the D-U-D community, which are the Delap, Uliga, Djarrit islands combined (listed from south to north).

Majuro has a pleasant feel of tropical lassitude and is home to expert fishers, navigators, divers and surfers. The blue wind and waves of the Pacific determine the life of the islanders, as traditional boat building still pass on from father to son, as well the wisdom of sea and stars. The nation’s historical connections with various American, Asian and European powers are nowadays still visible, for example the availability of international foods and museums left behind.

The Marshall Islands consists of 64 islands and has several shopping districts, hotels, a port and international airport. Majuro has the best climate December through March. Yet, the true charm of the Marshall Islands lies in the surrounding islands, where you can find world class underwater sights.

Travelers to Marshall Islands require a valid passport and visa. American citizens are required a passport, with return ticket if the stay does not extends 90 days. Majuro is a safe travel destination, petty crime and theft not common against tourists and locals.

Avarua

The Cook Islands group is separated in 15 islands in the southern part of the pacific ocean, the Cook Islands just like the Tokelau Islands and Niue are part of the parliamentary democratic freedom with New Zealand. Avarua is the capital city of the Cook Islands, located on the island of Rarotonga. Its populated with 2600 locals who make a living of tourism, trade and fishing.

In many ways the island Rarotonga / Avarua is a miniature Tahiti, without French nationals. It somewhat has the same landscape, jagged peaks and steep valleys, sugar white beaches all round and a extended coral reef till 1/4 miles (.5 kilometer) offshore. Its nearby island, Aitutaki is a substitute for Bora Bora on the Cook Islands with nearly surrounded large lagoon full of beautiful sea life. Spending a day on Aitutaki is recommend and the guaranteed highlight of a trip to Avarua.

The Cook Islanders enjoy having a good time, their lifestyles, religion are traditions and haven’t changed in years. The Cook Islands have enough activities to schedule a trip for at least two weeks, including snorkeling, scuba diving, shopping, sightseeing and night out in the region’s bars and dance shows.

Most nationals don’t require a visa to enter the Cook Islands, only a valid passport and a return ticket as long the stay does not extend 31 days. In the summer months which run from April to October, with average temperatures at 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avarua is a safe travel destination, petty crime and theft are not common against tourists and locals.


Directories