Port Phillip And Westernport Bays
Two semicircular stretches of bayside land curve south from Melbourne to circumscribe Port Phillip and Westernport Bays: the Bellarine Peninsula to the east and the Momington Peninsula to the west. This was the site of the first white settlement in Victoria, a squalid effort that failed within a few years. By the later 19th century, however, its spectacular bay views and sunny, temperate climate made it the site of choice for summer homes of the goldfield-spawned nouveau riche. With the exception of Phillip Island and its way-popular fairy penguins, this area remains largely a haunt of the hoity-toity, a fact that deters most backpackers. Too badthere are plenty of budget opportunities here that allow everyone to enjoy the awesome scenery, sandy beaches, excellent surfing, and outdoorsy fun.
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Eyre Peninsula
In the driest state on the driest continent on Earth, the Eyre Peninsula provides a welcome belt of lush countryside, sandy white coves, and pounding, fish-filled surf—all uncrowded and removed from anything resembling urban bustle. A popular vacation spot for South Australian residents in the know, the population burgeons during vacation times. The peninsula covers a huge area stretching nearly 1000km from Port Augusta and Whyalla in the east to the border with Western Australia. Projecting into the Southern Ocean and circumscribed to the north by the Gawler Ranges, the main, genuinely peninsular part of the Eyre is traversed
Wauchope
Wauchope is just another country town but for nearby Timbertown, a re-creation of a typical 1880s, well, timber town. Once a convict settlement, Port Macquarie is now the major holiday resort on the coast. There are excellent beaches, resorts, nightlife, golf, fishing and coastal walks. You will need to book ahead in peak periods. Wauchope is surrounded by forest, the pretty little village of WAUCHOPE (pronounced War-hope), 22km west of Port Macquarie, makes an enjoyable contrast to the coast. Through working exhibits, the open-air museum of Timbertown , 3km from the village on the Oxley Highway (daily 9.30am-3.30pm; free),
YORKE PENINSULA
On this peninsula west of Adelaide, rolling farmland is punctuated by sandy coves, and sheer cliffs plunge into sheltered bays of the Southern Ocean. The northern half of the Yorke primarily features copper mining history. The towns of Kadina, Moonta, and Wallaroo comprise the Copper Triangle, about a 90-minute drive from Ade¬laide's center. These towns offer the most to see and do, with beach access for when you get tired of mining lore. Many travelers head further south, however, for the spectacular ocean views, pleasant surfing beaches, and gorgeous camping of Innes National Park. The Yorke's southern tip is
The Domain, Art Gallery & Botanic Gardens
The Domain is a large grassy area east of Macquarie St which was set aside by Governor Phillip for public recreation. Today it is used by city workers for lunchtime sports and as a place to escape the bustle of the city. On Sunday afternoons, it's the gathering place for impassioned soapbox speakers, who do their best to entertain or enrage their listeners. It is also the venue for free events held during the festival of Sydney in January and the popular Carols by Candlelight at Christmas. The Art Gallery of New South Wales
Red Hill Lookout and Waking Trail, Kambalda
Of the two centers Kambalda East is the most interesting because of the Red Hill Lookout which offers superb views over Lake Lefroy, a vast 510-square km salt pan which stretches to the horizon and is rarely laden with water. The route to the lookout is not signposted from the main road and visitors have to enter the town, ignore the sign to the town centre, and continue along George Adams Road. Travelling on this road you eventually reach a sign to the lookout.
Although it cannot be seen from the lookout there
