Australia’s a holiday destination like no other. Unique animals like koalas and kangaroos are understandably on a tourist’s must-see list, as are the oft-photographed Sydney Harbour Bridge and the red glow of Uluru (Ayers Rock). But for those who travel all that distance, there are countless other incredible sights to see.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge and red Ayers Rock are well-known symbols of the Land Down Under, and every tourist comes home from Australia with a collection of photographs of kangaroos and koalas. But there are hundreds of other things to see and do in Australia: swim with dolphins, walk around in the red desert, or even watch penguins returning to their homes at night.
In and Around Sydney
Everyone knows Sydney, but not everybody knows that “The Rocks” area in the center of Sydney is a real-life walkthrough of where the city started. Back on 26 January 1788, this was the place where sailors from the First Fleet landed and established the first British settlement. This day is celebrated every year as Australia Day, although it is now also remembered that Australia has been inhabited for much longer than this two hundred odd years, with the Aboriginal people having lived in Australia for many thousands of years. “The Rocks” includes many historical buildings that are well preserved and cared for, although they are now usually operating as bars or cafés rather than old shops. Millions of tourists and locals alike visit “The Rocks” every year, and the area is easy to find as it’s next to the ferry docks and that famous coat hanger, the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
If you travel nearly two hours inland from Sydney, you’ll find the Three Sisters. No ordinary sisters, these ones are in fact made from rock. The three natural structures jut out from a cliff and the scenic view of the valley and national park around them makes it a very popular destination. The best part, however, is the story behind how the Three Sisters got their name. An old Aboriginal legend tells that there were once three sisters who fell in love with three brothers from another tribe – yet unfortunately the tribal law stated they couldn’t marry men from a different tribe. The brothers began a battle and tried to capture the sisters, but a witch doctor tried to protect the sisters by turning them into stone. During the battle, the witch doctor was killed, and as nobody else had the powers required to turn the sisters back from stone, the three sisters still stand there today, as a reminder of this battle over love.