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Tuesday, October 03, 2023

A Journey Through the Most Basketball-Obsessed Countries

A Journey through the most basketball obsessed countries

Are you a big fan of basketball? If you are, this is your chance to find out about the countries that love basketball just as much as you do! Let's use this 1xbet site as a guide and go on an amazing journey together to explore some of the world's most basketball-obsessed countries. Get ready to learn about their unique cultures, all united by a shared love for this fantastic game.
1) Lithuania: A Country Full of Basketball Love

In Lithuania, everyone loves basketball. It's more than just a game. It’s a way of bringing people together. Young or old, the excitement for basketball is in everyone's heart.

What to Do in Lithuania:

a) Visit the Rytas Vilnius Arena: Experience the energy of a local basketball game and feel the strong spirit of Lithuanian fans.

b) Lithuanian Basketball Hall of Fame: Take a journey through history and honor the legends who have made Lithuania's basketball so special.

Explore Lithuania:

Discover hidden basketball treasures in Lithuania. Talk with local fans and learn about the famous games and great players that have made the country's basketball history so rich.

2) Philippines: Where Basketball Brings Everyone Together

In the Philippines, you'll find basketball everywhere, from the busy streets to the peaceful islands. The country’s basketball association, PBA, is a source of pride and unity for the community.

What to Do in the Philippines:

a) Play Pickup Basketball: Enjoy friendly games of basketball and experience the warm Filipino hospitality.

b) Attend a PBA Game: Feel the thrill of a PBA game and join in the contagious excitement of the passionate crowds.

Discover the Philippines:

Explore the world of Filipino basketball culture. See how basketball brings joy and unity to every part of Philippine life.

3) Spain: Enjoy the Thrill of Basketball

In Spain, basketball is celebrated with a lot of excitement. The Spanish league, Liga ACB, shows off the best of Spanish basketball talent.

Traveling in Spain:

a) Explore the exciting world of Spanish basketball

b) Enjoy the lively games of Liga ACB and visit famous places like the Palau Blaugrana in Barcelona

c) Talk with local fans and learn about Spain’s love for basketball

4) Australia: Where Basketball is Growing Fast

In Australia, more and more people are falling in love with basketball. The growing National Basketball League (NBL) is a sign of the nation’s increasing passion and talent for the game.

What to Do in Australia:

a) Watch an NBL Game:  Dive into the world of Australian basketball and enjoy exciting NBL games.  

b) Visit the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame:  Walk through the history of basketball in Australia and celebrate the people who have helped basketball grow in the country.

Discover Australia:

Explore different parts of Australia’s basketball world. Find out about local programs and communities that are helping basketball grow in the country.

Conclusion: A Fun Worldwide Basketball Adventure

In this exciting journey, each country has its unique basketball story to tell. Your exploration is more than just watching games. It’s about making new friends and sharing the joy of basketball with them. The world of basketball is a big, welcoming place full of different cultures and histories.

So, let's go on this grand adventure through the world’s most basketball-obsessed countries. Enjoy the mix of experiences, stories, and friendships that the global basketball community happily shares. Let this worldwide basketball journey fill your travels with exciting adventures, fun stories, and the warm embrace of the global basketball family.

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Thursday, August 10, 2023

10 Top Motorcycling Routes in the World

Top 10 Motorcycle Trips in the world

The joy of feeling the wind on your face, smelling the air, watching mother nature’s scenery go by while feeling your motorcycle engine roar below you is something that can be related by every single motorcycling afficionado around the world. It doesn’t matter whether you are a teenager riding his first motorcycle, someone going through their mid-life crisis or if you are an elderly pro who loves being on two wheels, each one will connect with this motorcycling love.

Such love can be felt while exploring these 10 top motorcycling routes across the world. Not only are some of these the most adventurous routes in the world, some of them happen to be the most scenic too. All you need to do is get your motorcycle in top condition, obtain an international driving permit, pack all your motorcycling travel gear and be ready to hit the road.

1) Ladakh, India

Scenic Pit Stop near Tang Lang La Pass, Ladakh

Home to some of the world’s highest motorable roads, the mountain roads of Ladakh in India’s Western Himalayas is for the die hard adventure enthusiast. Rarefied mountain air, stunning mountain panoramas, tough weather, gorgeous culture and lush valleys, the Himalayan roads of Ladakh has everything that a cold high altitude desert can offer and more. These roads are the mecca for all motorcyclists from across the world as they are home to some of the highest motorable passes in the world. Serene looking high altitude mountain lakes, 2nd highest astronomical observatory in the world, rich Buddhist culture are the icing on the cake. Below are some of the high mountain passes that you can visit in this region:

a) Khardung La – 18,380 feet – one of the most popular motorcycling routes in India

b) Marsimik La – 18,314 feet

c) Photi La – 18,124 feet

d) Kaksang La – 17,842 feet

e) Chang La – 17,586 feet

f) Tanglang La - 17,481 feet

g) Wari La – 17,216 feet

h) Umling La – 19,302 feet – getting a permit to ride on this road is tough due to its strategic location and proximity to the line of actual control between India and China.

2) Pacific Coast Highway, USA

Pacific coast highway, California, USA

The legendary Pacific coast highway covering over 900 kilometres of California’s rugged and beautiful coastlines takes you all the way from San Francisco to San Diego near the Mexico border. It is one of the world’s most astoundingly scenic roads and is meant to be explored slowly, while gasping at the mountains, towering trees, surfing villages, expansive beaches, local wine, Hollywood glitz and endless sky. Starting in San Francisco, the Pacific Coast highway takes you through:

a) Felton – a drowsy mountain town nestled among Redwood trees

b) Santa Cruz – a friendly beach town with a university, gorgeous redwood trees and waves that surfers from all over flock to ride

c) Big Sur – rugged mountains blanketed with dreamy redwood forests that drop into dramatic coastline

d) Cambria – a charming seaside village home to rocky shorelines, bluffs and tide pools teeming with sea life

e) Morro Bay – a small city by a large bay and estuary that is home to a diverse range of fauna including blue herons, monarch butterflies, hummingbirds and sea otters

f) San Luis Obispo – a mellow college town that is famous for its nearby wineries and lighthouse

g) Solvang – mini Denmark that is home to many Danish bakeries

h) Los Olivos – rustic charming town that is surrounded by expansive wineries

i) Santa Barbara – a city where beachy casual meets glitz

j) Los Angeles – home to Hollywood glamour, hipster cool, Disneyland and old fashioned food markets

k) San Diego – a border city famous for its Mexican food, surfing spots, a military outpost and a world famous zoo

3) Amalfi Coast, Italy

Amalfi coast, Italy

Originally built by the Romans, the intense 70 kilometre Amalfi coast road is cut into sheer rock face. On one side is the beautiful blue sea crashing beneath and on the other side is the massive rock face that you find yourself clinging to. Connecting the towns of Sorrento and Salerno, the Amalfi coast highway snakes and winds through endless hairpins and up and over steep hills. The famed Amalfi coast is exactly as you have always pictured: rugged coastline dotted with seaside towns whose classic, balconied buildings overlook the turquoise Tyrrhenian sea. The highlights of this route include:

a) Riding past vineyards that dot the countryside

b) Riserva Statale Valle delle Ferriere – a protected area with several waterfalls and lush plant life

c) Church of Santa Maria Assunta – offers views of opulent villas along the coast that hug the steep mountainside above a petite, sandy beach

d) Duomo Ravello – historic cathedral in Ravello with shops, lodging and dining nearby

e) Impossibly photogenic coast between Minori and Vietri Sul Mare

f) Lattari Mountain National Park – a great ecotourism site that offers some of the most stunning views in all of Italy

g) Fjord of Furore – special place fo artisans

h) Amalfi Cathedral – gorgeous 9th century building bearing the crypt of St Andrew

i) Sirenuse – a cluster of small islands off the coast, fulfilling all your idyllic beach dreams

j) Cetara – small fishing village located between the sea and lush green hills and that is home to affordable stay options and great dining avenues

4) Ceuta to Marrakesh Loop, Morocco

Motorcycle Trip - Atlas Mountains, Morocco

This 2,570 kilometre long exotic route offers an adventure of a lifetime. It takes you through a series of ancient citadels, souks, tall mountains and oodles of vibrant desert culture. The route starts in Ceuta (a Spanish island city on the north coast of Africa), passes through the Rif Mountains through Fez and then through the Atlas mountains to Erfoud and the mighty Sahara desert. From here, you pass through the Todra gorge to the palm groves of Ouarzazate and finally the city of Marrakesh where you get to experience the real flavour of old Morocco. From here, it is a short ride through the Tizi n’Test pass down to the Atlantic coast at Agadir, from where you can visit Casablanca and then Tangiers before returning to Ceuta.

Overall, it is a stunning desert ride where you can enjoy oodles of off roading, twisties and wide open roads, while experiencing the rich desert cultures of Morocco.

5) The Great Ocean Road, Australia

Great Ocean Road, Australia

This is an Australian National Heritage listed 240 kilometre stretch of road along the South Eastern coast of Australia. The Great Ocean Road traverses rainforests, beaches, cliffs, natural limestone and sandstone rock formations to give you an experience of one of nature’s best spectacles. This motorcycle route starts at Torquay and travels westward to finish at Allansford near Warrnambool. Following are the highlights of the Great Ocean Road:

a) Surf coast – gorgeous coastline between Torquay and Cape Otway

b) Shipwreck coast – stunning coastline between Cape Otway and Port Fairy that is home to the famous limestone formations called the Twelve Apostles and that provides views of the Bass strait and the Southern ocean.

c) Anglesea – surfing town renowned for its eastern grey kangaroos, Coogoorah Park and the Angair wildflower festival

d) Lorne – seaside town on the Great Ocean Road popular for family bathing, surfing and fishing. It is known for its Falls Festival, 1.2 km Pier to Pub swim, the Great Otway National park, Otway Ranges National park and the Lorne Pier.

e) Apollo Bay – coastal town on the Great Ocean Road that plays host to the annual Apollo Bay seafood festival, Winter Wild and the Great Ocean Road Running festival. Southern right whales and humpback whales are spotted off the coast from winter through spring.

f) Port Campbell – coastal town on the Great Ocean Road that is famous for the following natural limestone and sandstone rock formations located in the Port Campbell National Park and around: Loch Ard Gorge, The Grotto, London Arch and the Twelve Apostles.

6) Kathmandu, Nepal to Lhasa, Tibet

Mount Everest North Face seen from Tibet

This 1,250 kilometre ride will take you to the rooftop of the world while offering some surreal views of the Eastern Himalayas. The ride begins in Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu and goes to Lhasa in Tibet while crossing scenic Tibetan landscapes, nomadic villages, snow capped mountains, pristine blue lakes, ancient Buddhist monasteries, historical cities and some of the highest mountain passes in the world. The motorcycling route would be:

a) Kathmandu to Shyabrubesi (125 kms and Elevation of 1,140 m) – Long journey through the remote areas of Langtang National Park

b) Shyabrubesi to Kerung (42 kms and elevation of 2,750 m) – Border crossing into Tibet and acclimatization day

c) Kerung to Tingri (244 kms and elevation of 4,300 m) – Ride to the highest plateau in the world and enjoy breath taking panoramas of Himalayan ranges: Mt Cho Oyu (8201 m), My Xishapagma (8012 m) and Mt Everest (8848 m)

d) Tingri to Xegar (185 kms and elevation of 3900 m) – Ride through the beautiful Tibetan countryside, explore Ronbuk monastery – the highest Buddhist monastery in the world and enjoy the day at Everest Base Camp

e) Xegar to Shigatse (244 kms and elevation of 3900 m) – Cross high altitude snow covered mountain passes and beautiful panoramas to arrive at Shigatse, the second largest Tibetan city

f) Shigatse to Gyantse (95 kms and elevation of 3950 m) – Head to Gyantse while visiting Tashilumpu monastery, Kumbum stupa and Phalkor monastery

g) Gyantse to Lhasa (261 km and elevation of 3650 m) – Full day picturesque drive crossing over Karola (5010 m), Kambala (4749 m) , colourful Yamdrok Tso lake and the Tibetan lifeline Brahmaputra or Yarlung Tsangpo river

7) Namibia, Southern Africa

Sand Dunes of Namib Desert, Nambia, Africa

Namibia is a jewel of Southern Africa. The vast expanses of Namib and Kalahari deserts offer remote solitude that is perfect for off-road adventure travel that includes national parks, impossibly tall dunes, rugged canyons, lush rivers, spectacular coastline, savannah, desert and much more. With the highest dunes in the world located in the legendary Namib desert, the infamous Skeleton coast and the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park, there’s something for everyone in Namibia. Following are the best motorcycle routes in Namibia:

a) Kaokoveld to Skeleton coast: Opuwo –> Palmwag –> Bergsig –> Cape Cross –> Swakopmund: 674 kms, good gravel roads

b) Around the Brandberg: About 220 km, all unpaved, very sandy in the Ugab river

c) Bosua Pass: Windhoek –> C28 –> Swakopmund: 322 km, all unpaved, but good gravel roads

d) The D707: Betta – Junction C 27/D707 – D707 to end/junction with C13: ~150 km, all unpaved, initially gravel, then sand

e) C13 along the Orange river: Rosh Pinah –> Sendering Drif –> C13 to Aubenkehr: 105 km, all unpaved, but good gravel road

8) Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan

Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan

The legendary Pamir mountains sit amidst the Hindu Kush, Karakoram, Himalayas and the Tian Shan mountain ranges, all whispering to and luring adventurers for thousands of years. The ancient Pamir highway runs between Termez in Uzbekistan and Kara Balta in Kyrgyzstan. The majority of the road however runs through the highlands of Tajikistan, cutting through the Pamir mountains. This gorgeous ride clocks in over 2000 km and climbs to a height of above 15000 feet at Ak-Baital pass. The entire route is one of the higher motorable routes in the world and hence altitude sickness is quite common. It is part of the ancient silk road and is rich in history, adventure and danger. 80% of the roads are paved and about 20% are gravel. The people of Tajikistan are very hospitable and will always help the tourist (musafir) even in the remotest or corners in Tajikistan.

The Pamir highway route is as follows: Dushanbe –> Qal’ai Khumb –> Khorog –> Bibi Fatima Hot Springs (Yamchun) –> Murgab –> Ak Baital Pass (4655 m) –> Khorog –> Qal’ai Khumb –> Dushanbe

9) North East India to Vietnam

Bell shaped pagodas of Bagan, Burma

A few years back, the Indian government opened the India-Myanmar border for overland travel. This opened the possibility of a lush forest motorcycling route spanning 5,200 kms and 5 countries. Starting in Siliguri in the Northern part of West Bengal, this route meanders through the dense jungles and tropical forests of North East India before entering Myanmar at Moreh. In Myanmar, the roads are mostly dirt tracks or gravel roads with wooden and metal bridges till you reach Mandalay. From Mandalay, you cut across Inle lake and into the mountainous province of Myanmar and Mae Hong Son in Thailand before you reach Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand. From here, you follow the Mekong river and head towards Luang Prabang in Laos. Then, you head further north into the mountainous region of Laos before you enter the Sapa region of Vietnam. From Sapa, you travel east to Hanoi and then kiss the coast to travel south all the way to the capital city of Ho Chi Minh city. This entire route is a lush tropical paradise. Except for parts of the India-Myanmar border, most roads are paved or in the worst case are good quality gravel roads. You criss cross mountains, rivers, forests and cities to explore this gorgeous part of the world.

Route map: Siliguri, India –> Moreh, India –> Mandalay, Myanmar –> Chiang Rai, Thailand –> Luang Prabang, Laos –> Hanoi, Vietnam –> Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

10) El Camino de la Muerte, Bolivia

Death Road, Bolivia

Last, but not the least in this list is the world’s most dangerous road. Known as the ‘Death Road’, this 69 km winding road stretch connects the world’s highest administrative capital of La Paz in Bolivia to the small Amazonian rainforest town of Coroico. The journey begins at 12,000 feet high Laz Paz with its mix of indigenous and modern cultures. The winding route with a single lane ascends to La Cumbre pass (about 15,000 feet high) in the Andean mountain only to dip back down into the Amazon rainforest over the course of 65 kilometres. The road weaves back and forth as it descends, and the thick forest below tends to obscure the steep drop below. The road is a mix of paved, dusty to loosened rock. Extreme weather is the think to stay aware of. At the top, you might face blinding fog and bone chilling weather, while in the rainforest, you can face high humidity and/or pouring rain. The sheer diversity and extreme route makes it a special motorcycling route of the world.

Photo Courtesy: Some of the photographs in this article have been borrowed from wikipedia.org under the creative commons license. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.

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Friday, May 19, 2023

6 Top Fishing Spots in the world that are a must try

6 Top Fishing Spots in the world that are a must try

The world's many water bodies, from serene lakes to raging rivers to the ocean's depths, offer anglers much more than just a chance to reel in a catch. These areas are typically stunning and perfect for those who like nature.

You may spend a few hours casting a line, or you can organize your whole holiday around pursuing a record-setting game fish. You may cast a fly from the banks of a river, put your line through a hole in the ice, take a charter boat out to the open sea, or even dive in with a spear. Those who like fishing will likely find spending the day on the water relaxing and fun, even if they don't catch anything.

Whether you're a complete novice or a seasoned veteran, you want to optimize your chances of landing a fish by fishing in the areas with the highest concentrations of fish. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains, and beyond, we've compiled a list of some of the world's top fishing destinations fishermen prefer.

1. USA – Colorado River

We're not naming a state for the Colorado River since it's so large and full of excellent fishing areas. It begins high in the Colorado Rocky Mountains and flows through Utah, Nevada, Arizona, California, and Mexico.

Fly fishing enthusiasts enjoy Glenwood Springs, Colorado, owing to an abundance of hungry trout - brook, brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout, to be specific. Just remember to bring some essentials for fishing from Reliable Fishing and a few flies.

Further downstream, the Colorado River and its dams create enormous lakes such as Lake Mohave and Lake Mead. Striped bass may grow to reach over 40 pounds in this area, and there is also plenty of catfish and trout. If you don't have your equipment, hire a boat with a local expert to hunt the largest bass on Lake Mohave.

2. USA - Florida - Key West

The southern coast of the United States provides easy access to the fish-rich waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. You may go fishing in Key West, but that's not all it’s good for: the island is also a popular tourist destination.

You can cast your line off the Key West coast, but you'll have greater success on a short boat trip out in deeper water. The several types of snapper that inhabit the reefs off the coast are among the most sought-after fish in the area. Other exciting tropical species to pursue include triggerfish, porgies, amberjack, and wahoo.

The Blue Marlin Motel is only one of several excellent lodging options in the Key West area. You may reserve a space on a fishing boat for a large party, complete with captain, bait, and fishing guides. You can also hire a private charter to take you on a hunt for the elusive prize you've been after.

3. Australia – Great Barrier Reef

For scuba divers and snorkelers, the Great Barrier Reef is akin to a natural wonder of the globe. Fishing, especially for large species, is among the best in the world here.

There are plenty of places to wet a line along the reef's length of almost 1,400 miles. It's hard to miss Lizard Island. Even while you may catch a wide variety of fish here, including trevally, mackerel, queenfish, grouper, coral trout, and many more, the gigantic black marlin is the real draw between September and December.

The stunning resort on Lizard Island adds to the island's appeal, although the location and price may deter some visitors. Cairns, a city on the mainland, offers an option with its many hotels and exciting attractions. Charter a boat to explore the Great Barrier Reef or try to capture some of the native barramundi species at a fish farm.

4. Canada - Prince Edward Island

Canada is an angler's heaven due to its abundance of pristine nature and diverse animals. Prince Edward Island stands out because it is close to major fishing destinations like Nova Scotia and New Brunswick yet still manages to keep off the beaten path.

Rainbow and brook trout may be caught easily on flies in the interior rivers of this island. A stocked farm may be found to the east of Ben's Lake. Determine your level of expertise with fly fishing, there are a few excellent excursions that can take you to the greatest areas and provide you with all the equipment you'll need.

And the Atlantic Ocean around the island is full of fish. In these waters, you may fish for cod, herring, Atlantic salmon, and the coveted striped bass. The weather this far north might be brisk, so you might want to pack a sturdy jacket.

5. The Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River

There are many fishing locations here; the area covers two nations and probably has hundreds. Many of the world's largest fish may be found in North America's freshwater lakes and rivers, including the Saint Lawrence River that connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.

Massive Lake Erie is a natural boundary between New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and Ontario, Canada. Yellow perch, trout, flathead catfish, and salmon may be fished from a variety of locations along these coastlines and from boats. But the walleye in this enormous lake are what draw the crowds; they are fierce fighters and the focus of many fishing expeditions.

Cities like Toronto and Niagara Falls provide easy access to other popular destinations like Lake Ontario. If you don't mind fishing through the ice, you can catch monsters like northern pike and lake trout all year long.

6. USA - Columbia - Oregon River

When it flows into the Pacific Ocean, the Columbia River is a natural boundary between Oregon and Washington and one of the greatest coastal fishing grounds in the western United States. Although the river flows farther north, many local experts agree that the finest fishing lies east of Portland, below the Bonneville Dam.

Massive populations of chum salmon, Coho salmon, and king salmon flourish and put up a fierce battle in the coastal estuaries and well upstream. The Chinook salmon that swims in the fall is also a favorite catch. Catching a sturgeon of ten feet or more in length is one of the most exciting things you can do here, but you'll have to let it go before eating it.

In addition to these massive combatants, anglers may catch shad, smallmouth bass, and steelhead in the river and its estuaries. Portland offers many alternatives, including the magnificent Hyatt House Portland Downtown, while many smaller communities along the river have rentals or hotels.

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Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Brisbane: Queensland’s Heart Beat

Story Bridge and the Brisbane River

A crowd favorite in the world of international travel, the continent of Australia happens to be one of my favorites too. And my favorite within this favorite is the lovely state of Queensland that offers us everything from the surreal underwater life of the Great Barrier Reef, one of the oldest rainforests in the world in Daintree rainforest, rich tribal cultures, spectacular coastline in Gold Coast and Sunshine coast, unique wildlife experiences, action packed lifestyle, torrential waterfalls and so much more. Most travelers head straight to the Gold Coast or to Cairns to begin their Queensland sojourn, but I feel it is a great experience to arrive and spend some time at Brisbane, Queensland’s capital.

Reef Islands of the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia

Not only is Brisbane a fantastic gateway to the gorgeous coastline on the East or the stunning reefs, rainforests and waterfalls of the north, the city in itself has all the ingredients for a vibrant holiday. Be it a fabulous riverside, an active lifestyle with energetic people, rich history, an amazing bridge climb, an iconic cricket stadium, many avenues for adventure and even holding a Koala or feeding a Kangaroo, one can do all of this in Brisbane itself long before you head to the well- known destinations of Queensland. So, all you have to do is book your flight tickets to Brisbane, get a solid travel insurance plan, find a good accommodation in the heart of the city and you are ready to begin your dream Australian holiday or maybe even a power-packed long weekend trip to experience the gems of Queensland. A good travel insurance plan not only takes care of unforeseen contingencies including passport loss, baggage loss/delay, flight delay/ cancellation, medical emergencies, which would potentially not only spoil your holiday but also cause serious financial distress. This is especially true in an expensive country like Australia. So find yourself a good travel insurance online to cover all your bases and enjoy a great holiday in Queensland.

When you are in Brisbane, do ensure that you get to indulge in these five special experiences.

1) Climb Story Bridge

Iconic story bridge of Brisbane

Like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Brisbane also has its own iconic bridge in the Story Bridge. It spans the Brisbane River and connects the central business district with the panoramic Kangaroo viewpoint. This heritage listed cantilever bridge is not only a beautiful engineering feat but also offers a well-supported adventure climb similar to the ones offered at the Sydney Harbour Bridge and at Gold Coast’s Sky Point. The Story Bridge adventure climb not only gives you a solid adrenaline rush but also offers you a 360-degree view of Brisbane from an unparalleled vantage point. You get to see the central business district, the Ferris wheel of Brisbane, the mountain ranges and sometimes even the Moreton Bay Islands. This climb is well-secured and there is nothing to worry about when attempting this adventure. All you have to do is feel the adrenaline hit your head, soak in the moment and the panoramic spectacle.

2) Watch a Cricket Match at the Gabba

Feeding a Kangaroo at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

We Indians love cricket. After all, that is one of the few sports that we excel in. The iconic Gabba finds its home in Brisbane. Thus, if you are a cricket lover, it is a no brainer to visit this cricket stadium and watch a live game, whether it is Big Bash League or international cricket. Even if there is no cricket match, you can simply soak in the ambience of its hall of fame, the changing rooms, the player’s pavilion and the overall stadium.

3) Cuddle a Koala and Feed a Kangaroo at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Cuddling a Koala at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

A lot of us love Australia for its exotic wildlife. I certainly do. Just 15 minutes from the city is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Home to over 130 koalas, this is the world’s first and largest Koala sanctuary. Here you can cuddle a Koala and feel how it slowly hugs you back. It is pretty much like holding a baby and that feeling is totally mind blowing. You can even feed a kangaroo with your hand and see other terrestrial wildlife of Australia. Overall, a great wildlife package real close to the city. You could either drive there or take a boat ride on the Brisbane river. If you wish for a more elaborate zoo like wildlife experience, then head to the Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast, which is about a couple of hours out of Brisbane.

4) Walk Brisbane

A Brisbane CBD street moment with the Treasury building in the background

Brisbane is a very pedestrian-friendly city making it perfect for those who love to explore cities on foot. Whether you love art, history, architecture, nature, coffee, gardens, restaurants or just wish to connect with locals, Brisbane by walk is a perfect way to see the hidden charms of this city. You can start at the city’s main landmark, the Brisbane City Hall and King George Square, and make your way through Ann, Adelaide, Melbourne, Elizabeth, Albert and other streets till you reach the riverside on the Central Business District side. Then, you can make your way to South Bank, the Ferris Wheel and all the way to Kangaroo viewpoint and then back to the city centre via the story bridge and the other side of the central business district. All in all, it is a great way to soak in the charms of this city at your own leisurely pace.

5) Indulge in some adventure on the Brisbane River and the Riverside

Sailboats moored on Brisbane River

The whole country of Australia leads a pretty active lifestyle and hence you can see many avenues of adventure sports and other physically indulging activities. If you like adventure sports, then you will definitely enjoy stand up paddling and kayaking on the Brisbane river, rock climbing and abseiling on the cliffs near Kangaroo Point, go roller blading by the riverside or simply go bicycling. The Brisbane river and its banks offers enough adventure for all kinds of people.

Day Trip Ideas

The beautiful beaches of Queensland

For those on shorter trips or on long weekend holidays, Brisbane offers the perfect chance to hit popular getaways such as the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Tambourine Mountain and Moreton Island. Look up this article for the top holiday experiences in Queensland. That might help you plan your Queensland holiday itinerary much better.

Best Season

While Brisbane is a year round city, its summers can be a bit stifling at times. Winter months are the preferred choice for lush green surroundings, head right after the rains.

How to Reach

Brisbane has an international airport that is well connected with the rest of the world. In case you need an alternate airport, look at the Gold Coast airport.

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Tuesday, June 06, 2017

5 Beautiful Reasons to Hit the Road and Go to Western Australia in Autumn

Ningaloo Reef - Western Australia

Photo Credit: NingalooWhaleSharkFestival.com

When the weather starts to change and Australia’s hot summer starts to fade away, the amazing colours of the fall begin to emerge and Western Australia is the best place to be to take full advantage of the beautiful fall colours and spectacular weather. Our 5 must see places in Western Australia in autumn are Kununurra, the Blackwood Valley, Rottnest Island, Margaret River, and Ningaloo Reef. This is a lot of ground to cover, so be sure to hire a vehicle from Budget Australia to help you get around the state while touring the best spots in the fall.

1) Kununurra for the Ord Valley Muster

Ord Valley MusterOrd Valley Muster Road Trip

Photo Credits: OrdValleyMuster.com.au

Kununurra is located in the remote Kimberley in northern Western Australia. For 17 years now, it has been home to The Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster. This festival celebrating the business, culture, Aboriginal history, and beautiful scenery takes place each May.  You can experience one of the most remote places in the world when you visit Kununurra and the Kimberley. It is one of the stops on the legendary road trip known as the Gibb River Road. In this region, you can see some of the most spectacular and dramatic scenery including gorges, waterfalls, hot springs, and national parks. In the fall, the Kimberley is just heading into the dry season which is the best time to visit because the weather is still warm but less humid than in the summertime. 

2) The Blackwood Valley


Blackwood Valley, Western Australia
Photo Credit: AustraliasSouthwest.com

The Blackwood Valley is located west of the Margaret River Region and about a 3 hour drive south of Perth. The valley is carved from the Blackwood River, the longest river in Western Australia. It is a wonderfully picturesque region filled with quaint bed and breakfasts, small businesses that show off the amazing local craftsmanship, local galleries, delicious food and wineries. In the fall, the leaves start to turn colours and the weather begins to cool down making for a lovely getaway.

3) Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island - Stunning getaway in Western AustraliaRottnest Island - Great beach holiday in Western Australia
Photo Credits: ExperiencePerth.com

Rottnest Island is a vacationer’s dream island located off of the coast of Perth near Fremantle. It is great any time of the year, but in the fall it is even more special because the summer crowds have diminished but the warm and sunny days have not. There are beautiful white sand beaches, snorkelling, boating to be had all along the perimeter of the island. The interior is filled with local wildlife. One of the most popular animals are the Quokka. These are adorable and friendly marsupials that are native to Western Australia. If you look up #QuokkaSelfie on social media, you will see just how friendly and how cute these little guys are!

4) Ningaloo Reef

Swimming with a Whale Shark - Ningaloo Reef - Western Australia

Photo Credit: VisitNingaloo.com.au

Ningaloo Reef is located near Exmouth and is the largest fringing reef in Australia. A fringing reef means that the reef begins right off of the beach. It has some of the best snorkeling in Australia, but is most well-known for being one of the few places in the world where you can actually swim with the largest fish in the ocean, the whale sharks. They migrate to Ningaloo Reef between April and July. In May is the annual Whale Shark Festival in Ningaloo, and is a prime opportunity to go snorkeling before the waters get too cold. Swimming with these gentle giants is a chance of a lifetime. There are plenty of other things to do in this vacation town with resorts, restaurants nearby. Plus, the desert and some fascinating scenery is just a short drive away.

5) Margaret River, Western Australia


Rich Colors of Margaret River in Autumn

Photo Credit: MargaretRiver.com
 
Margaret River is a region south of Perth located on the coast of the Indian Ocean. It is one of the top spots in Australia for wine, so there is delicious foods and excellent wines to sample at the vineyards of the region. However, there are also beaches, national parks, forests, and caves, so there is something for everyone in Margaret River! During the fall season, the weather is beautiful and the panoramic scenery all around is lit up in beautiful colour.

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