About Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol (literally “sun coast”) is a long stretch of Mediterranean coastline in the Andalucia region of southern Spain.

The Costa del Sol stretches for over 150 km, for 54 km east of Malaga, and as far as the provincial border of Cadiz, some 100 km south west of the city.

The eastern Costa is highly developed, but not nearly as much so as the south western part, which has been constantly developed and redeveloped since the 1960s and is geared wholly towards international tourism.

The Costa del Sol is on the Mediterranean sea, and the average water temperature is 18ºC (24ºC in August).

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About Malaga

Málaga is a large city in the southern Spanish region of Andalucia. Situated along the Mediterranean, it has a temperate climate and is also the birthplace of the artist Picasso. You can see the entire city in a couple of days, including a variety of activities such as the beach, hiking, architectural sites, art museums, shopping and cuisine. More laid back than Madrid or Barcelona, Malaga offers a relaxing yet enriching reprieve on any European city tour.

See

• Castillo de Gibralfaro and Alcazaba. Moorish castles which are interesting to see, the former giving the visitor an incredible view of the city and neighbouring suburbs. Together, these two attractions will cost an adult about €3. If you only have time for one, make it the easier to access and more decorated Alcazaba; the Castillo is a hefty hike up the mountain (or take bus number 35). Free Sunday afternoons after 2PM, Closed on Mondays.
• Interactive Museum of Music. Has one of the largest collections of musical instruments in Europe.
• Picasso’s birthplace, Plaza de la Merced, City Centre with loads of objects and some paintings that the most famous artist of the 20th century created during his childhood. Entrance €1.
• Picasso Museum Maximum cost €8. Exclusive paintings, and exhibitions. Check the opening times stated by its website, which are sometimes ‘economical with the truth.’
• Centro de Arte Contemporáneo located in a former wholesale trade market, it houses a good collection of works of art and installations. Guided visits. Free entrance. Closed on Mondays.
• Catedral de Malaga. This is located right in the heart of the city centre and is well worth visiting. It costs €3.50 to enter. Opening times: Mon-Fri 10AM-5:30PM, Sat 10AM-5PM, Closed on Sundays and Holidays.
• Plaza de Toros de la Malagueta, Paseo de Reding. Malaga’s bullring. Opening times: 10AM-1PM and 5-8PM, closed Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.
• La Conception Botanical & Historical Garden (Botanical Garden), Camino del Jardín Botánico, nº 3 – 29014 Málaga, ☎ +34 95 225-2148. 9:30AM – 8:30PM. Botanical and historical garden located in Malaga city. €4 is the basic price, but there are also guided visits and special prices for children. Beautiful contrast into the city from this garden and worth a visit. 4€.

Do

Cycle. Hire a bicycle or take a bicycle tour.

• Bike2Malaga, (c/Victoria 15 court yard (Victoria Street) just few meters from Picasso birth place.), ☎ +34 650 677 063. bicycle rental, maps, information
• Malaga Bike Tour: Tiny back streets and pass through hidden plazas that most visitors never get to see.The cost of the approximately 4-hour tour is 23 €. reservations: tel: (+34) 606 978 513, email: info@malagabiketours.eu.

Rock Climb. There is lots of great rock climbing in and around Malaga. The amazing El Chorro gorge is 50 minutes drive to the North West and this also features the ‘Kings Walkway’ – an amazing pathway suspended high above the gorge. There is also Via Ferrata and rock climbing at El Torcal near Antequerra.

Beaches: The nearest beach to the centre is La Malagueta – this is fine for a day’s sunbathing although quieter and prettier beaches can be found further east. It can be a nice (if rather long!) walk along the waterfront to reach these beaches, otherwise you could get a bus from near the bull ring in the direction of El Palo (e.g. line 33).

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About Seville

Seville (Sevilla) is the capital of Andalucia, the cultural and financial centre of southern Spain. A city of just over 700,000 inhabitants (1.6 million in the metropolitan area, making it Spain’s 4th largest city), Seville has much to offer the traveller.

The city is situated on the banks of the smooth, slow Guadalquivir River, which divides the city into two halves: Sevilla and Triana. The river head is located much further West, and its basin is very large. The river mouth is in Sanlúcar de Barrameda and crosses the Doñana National Park (one of the most important wetlands in Europe, breeding ground to many species of birds).

The Guadalquivir (known as Betis by the Romans and as Betik Wahd-Al-Khabir by the Arabs) has had a major impact in the history of the city. The location of Sevilla is roughly coincident with the point where the Guadalquivir stops being useful for navigation.

It is at this point that the cereal producing region of the Guadalquivir Valley starts, and Sevilla has acted as a sea-port for commerce of agricultural goods produced further West. Intense trade existed in the area from Roman times, continued under Muslim rule, and exploded as Seville monopolized the new trade with the Americas. As the monopoly was broken Cádiz largely took Seville’s place), the city entered a period of relative decline.

Seville has played host to two international exhibitions – the Ibero-American Exhibition in 1929 and the International Exposition in 1992.

Inhabitants of the city are known as Sevillanos.

About Madrid

Madrid is the capital of Spain, as well as the capital of the autonomous community of the same name (Comunidad de Madrid). It is Spain’s largest city, with a population (city) of 3.228 million (July 2005) and 5.843 million (metropolitan area). Madrid is best known for its great cultural and artistic heritage, a good example of which is the El Prado museum. Madrid also boasts some of the liveliest nightlife in the world.

Madrid is located a little north east from the geographical center of the Iberian Peninsula, in the middle of the Spanish central Castillian plateau (Meseta central), at an average altitude of 650m. Nearly all of the most famous tourist areas are located in the historical center of Madrid, middle south of the city: Puerta del Sol in the middle, Plaza Mayor a bit to the south, Palacio Real to the west, and Plaza de Colón to the north-east. Some of those hot spots spread up past the Gran Via, which is one of the main streets in Madrid (the largest one being Alcalá Street, followed by the Paseo de la Castellana).

The climate of Madrid is continental; mainly dry and quite extreme at times, with frequent rain in winter. Madrid sees perpetual sunshine and a characteristically hot temperature in the summer, but with a fairly cold temperature in the winter. Spring and autumn are fairly temperate with most rainfall concentrated in these seasons, together with winter. Spring is definitely the best time to visit, especially the months of April, May and June. Rainfall occurs sporadically, and snowfall is not something that happens every year in the city, but there is abundant snowfall in the adjacent mountain ranges nearby.

About Barcelona

Barcelona is Spain’s second largest city, with a population of 1.5 million people, and the capital of Catalonia. The city is on the Mediterranean coast, and has a wealth of unique historic architecture. Barcelona emerged as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe during the 1990s.

It’s a beautiful city, full of markets, shops, museums and churches, and great for walking around. There’s an area called “La Rambla” where people like walking. It’s a favorite tourist attraction because there are flower sellers, street performers,paintings and restaurants. However, you can go to the beach, which is near, or you can walk around.

In 1992 Barcelona hosted the Olympics and the Games were very well organized. However, some time before the city was prepared for that, and the transformation was very important; new areas were made and the city was opened to the sea. This transformation and the games made the city known all over the world, and increased the tourist flow, as well as the naval traffic, with numerous ships docking in Barcelona’s port.

About Brisbane

Brisbane is the capital of the state of Queensland. It has a population of about 2 million people, making it the third-largest city in Australia.

It’s a positive attitude and creative confidence that makes Brisbane a genuine new-world city. Also, even though Brisbane is rapidly developing and forward-thinking, it maintains a youthful enthusiasm and has what is arguably the most vibrant, laid back warm atmosphere of any east-coast capital city.

Gaining international exposure during the 1982 Commonwealth Games, the 1988 World Expo and the 2001 Goodwill Games, Brisbane’s year-round warm climate, spectacular scenery and pleasant locals has been the draw-card for many domestic and international visitors, making Brisbane the fastest-growing city in Australia.

See

• Alma Park Zoo. About thirty minutes north of the city centre. The Zoo Train can be caught from the city on the Caboolture line.
• Brisbane City Hall and King George Square. Located between Adelaide and Ann Streets, this is the city’s most significant historical landmark. City Hall often hosts free concerts throughout the year. There is a restored lift that can be taken to the top of the clock tower for free. The lift opens at 10PM and stops running at 3PM (2:30PM on Saturdays) daily except Sundays. There is no access to the clock tower outside of these hours.
• City Botanic Gardens. 10 to 15 minute walk from the city centre and Central or Roma Street railway stations. Walking and cycling tracks. Exhibits. Open 24 hours. Free.
• CityCat. take the CityCat river taxis up and down the river. A great couple of hours to see the city at speed. It’s also very cheap, less than $5 for a daily combined transport ticket (which includes all citycat/ferry/train/bus).
• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. 15 minutes drive from the city on Jesmond Road in Fig Tree Pocket (via the Western Freeway). Catch the hourly 445 or 430 buses from the city or the Mirimar boat cruise from South Bank at 10:20AM. Tel: +61-7-3378-1366. World’s first and largest koala sanctuary, with over 130 koalas. Cuddle a koala any time, hand feed kangaroos and encounter a large variety of Aussie wildlife, all in beautiful, natural settings.
• Manly Boat Harbour. Located 20 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD, Manly Boat Harbour is the nearest access point from Brisbane city to Moreton Bay. Nestled beside the Manly Harbour Village, it is Brisbane’s gateway to the Moreton Bay Marine Park with its pristine waterways and fascinating islands. Manly Harbour Village has a great range of dining and shopping options overlooking the marina.
• Mt Coot-tha. Brisbane’s tallest mountain (which isn’t actually a mountain). A popular make out spot with a great view and good but overpriced cafe and restaurant. Also home to one of the Botanical Gardens and a Planetarium.
• Museum of Brisbane. In King George Square. Features one floor of exhibits about the history of the city, and another floor for exhibitions of local artists.
• New Farm Park. This historic park is famous for the long line of jacaranda trees, shady picnic areas and its large rose gardens that contain hundreds of variety of roses, and over 40,000 individual plants.
• Queensland Cultural Centre – including The Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Museum, Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) and State Library of Queensland – located on Grey Street in South Brisbane. The site can be accessed via various types of public transport, which include bus Route 333, 66, 183, 172, 192, 300, 105, 107, 108, 460, 425, 430, 140, 306, 322, 120, 135, 202 etc. The Queensland Conservatorium and the Queensland College of Art are also located on Grey Street. The recently opened GoMA regularly hosts exhibitions featuring internationally famous artists (such as Warhol and Picasso) as well as many local contemporary artists.
• Roma Street Parklands – is the world’s largest subtropical garden in a city centre and home to 1800 unique species of plants. Experience the theme gardens such as the topiary maze, rain forest walk, lake, celebration law and amphitheatre with many public artworks to admire.
• South Bank – Formerly the site of World Expo ‘88 this relatively recent development is across the Brisbane River from the heart of the city and features an artificial beach surrounded by extensive parklands. Also in South Bank are the shops, cafés, restaurants and cinemas of the Grey Street precinct. A great place to hang out on a hot day and swim for free. Suncorp Piazza within South Bank often hosts free live events and movies.
• University of Queensland – One of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious institutions situated on a bend of the Brisbane River. Its majestic sandstone buildings are surrounded by ornamental lakes, Jacaranda lined boulevards and some of the finest architecture. Visitor attractions include the Great Court, the UQ Art Museum at the James and Mary Emelia Mayne Centre, the Eleanor Schonell Bridge, the Schonell Theatre, the lakes and Wordsmiths Bookshops. The university can be reached by bus from George St on bus numbers 412 and 109 or via the City Cat.
• Wheel of Brisbane – (Located At South Bank) is a Ferris wheel that allows you to observe the city from 60 m to give views across the Brisbane River. The trip is a 15 minute ride in an enclosed, climate controlled gondola. Open 7 days a week from 10AM – 10PM, tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children 12 years and under, $2 for children aged between one and three.

Do

• Kangaroo Point – the walls along the Brisbane River are a popular spot for rock climbers and give an excellent view of the CBD skyline just across the river. Activities carry on after dark, when the walls are well-lit. Abseiling and rock climbing classes on the cliffs with an instructor are available from Riverlife Adventures, as well as kayak, kick-bike, rollerblade and bicycle hire. There are also barbecue and picnic spots in the area.
• Story Bridge Adventure Climb – offers the opportunity to scale the top of Brisbane’s iconic bridge. Enjoy 360 degree views of Brisbane, the mountain ranges and Moreton Bay Islands at dawn, afternoon or night.
• Jan Powers Farmers Markets  – Buy the freshest fruit, crispest vegetables and leanest cuts of meat from one of the many farmers markets across Brisbane including the Powerhouse at New Farm, Manly, Mitcheleton and the newest market at Reddacliff Place at the top of the Queen Street Mall.
• Balloons over Brisbane- Gain an aerial perspective as you float over Brisbane in our hot air balloon. It’s often possible to see as far off as the magnificent Glasshouse Mountains; to the fabulous Gold Coast and out to the islands of Moreton Bay.
• Cruise the Brisbane River – There are many tours available that cruise the Brisbane River and will help you take in the sights of the city.
• Live Music Scene – Brisbane has been named one of the world’s top 5 hotspots for music by the influential US entertainment bible Billboard magazine. A night out in Brisbane is not complete without experiencing some of the live music on offer.
• Explore Brisbane’s Moreton Bay and Islands – Located only 25km from the Brisbane’s CBD and stretches from Bribie Island to the Southern Bay Islands. Enjoy sand tobogganing, four-wheel driving, diving or snorkelling or go marine watching and spot turtles, dolphins, dugongs and even whales.
• Explore Greater Brisbane Country – Take a day trip to the surrounding regions around an hour from Brisbane and discover wineries, national parks, lakes and country living. The Scenic Rim including Ipswich, Beaudesert and Boonah is a vast region of mountains, rainforest and valleys embracing the World Heritage wilderness of the McPherson Range. The Lockyer Valley provides a perfect blend of town and country living, with experiences ranging from guided tours and bush camping to hot air ballooning and sky-diving.
• The Scenic Rim – This describes the large arc of mountains, to a height of 1375m, from the Mistake Ranges (south of Gatton) across the Main (Great Dividing) Range to the MacPherson Range that terminates at Currumbin on the Gold Coast. Despite some well known locations on the Rim, such as Binna Burra and O’Reilleys guesthouses, Springbrook and Cunningham’s Gap, the largest proportion of these ranges are unspoilt and much of it near-wilderness. Many forest areas were previously logged, but the forest recovery has been excellent, and virtually all the logging tracks have disappeared except for those still used for foot access. At the previously mentioned sites, graded paths offer a taste, but for the more adventurous there are many hiking possibilities from day trips to sustained multi-day exercises. More information can be found on the web. Parties should be properly prepared and conversant with navigation in difficult country and the rules of National Parks.
• Riverlife Adventure Centre. Brisbane’s riverside adventures. Kayaking, Abseiling the Kangaroo Cliffs, a rollerblade session and bike rentals. They also organise evening activities such as Kayak paddle and prawns.

About Atherton Tablelands

The Atherton Tablelands are a fertile plateau which is part of the Great Dividing Range in Queensland, Australia.

It is located west to south-south-west inland from Cairns, well into the tropics, but its elevated position provides a climate suitable for dairy farming.

It has an area of around 32,000 km² with an average altitude between 600 and 900m AHD. The fertility of the soils in the region can be attributed to the volcanic origins of the land.

The principal river flowing across the plateau is the Barron River, which was dammed to form an irrigation reservoir named Lake Tinaroo.

The area was originally explored for its mining potential where deposits of tin and a little gold were found.

About Arthur River

Arthur River is the name of both a river and a small township on the northern part of the West Coast of Tasmania, Australia. At the 2006 census, Arthur River and the surrounding area had a population of 121.

It is south of the town of Marrawah. Named after Sir George Arthur, Lieutenant Governor of Van Diemens Land (1824-36), the river is fed by several tributaries including the Frankland River, which was named after its discoverer, then the colony’s surveyor-general. The region has been exploited commercially for timber and fisheries, but today is mostly a centre for tourism.

On the coast near the mouth of the Arthur River is a plaque titled The Edge of the World. North West Coast Tasmania, and a poem by tourism pioneer Brian Inder, who coined the term, referring to the coastline at Arthur River which is regularly lashed by the gales of the Roaring Forties.

About Armidale

Armidale is a small city (population 21,300) in the New England region of the Australian state of New South Wales. The picturesque city is noted for its colonial-era architecture, centres of education and culture and the nearby wilderness and gorge country.

Armidale is a place of four seasons. The winters are very cold, with snow sometimes falling in the winter months and extremely low overnight temperatures. The old English-style gardens in the area blossom in Spring, as the firs, willows and oaks in town and in the University of New England grounds sprout new leaves.

In Autumn, the town celebrates the changing colours of the trees with an Autumn Festival, which includes a street parade down the main boulevards. But it is summer that is arguably the best time to visit Armidale. Due to its altitude, the town is rarely humid, and even days where the temperature reaches 35°C are tolerable.

See

• Stroll in Armidale’s many parks and gardens.
• Visit the area’s historic churches.
• Visit the New England Regional Art Museum, home to the Howard Hinton collection.
• Catch a movie at the Belgrave twin cinemas.
• Feed the deer and kangaroos at the enclosure at the University.

Do

• Swim at the heated outdoor pool on Dumaresq Street from October to March.
• Work out at the excellent sporting facilities at the University of New England.
• Blow the froth off a couple of coldies at the New England Hotel

About Ararat

Ararat is known as the Gateway to the Grampians. It is situated in western Victoria, Australia about 200 km northwest of Melbourne. It has a population of around 10,000. Ararat is the centre of a sheep and wheat farming area and is becoming well-known for its burgeoning wine industry.

Get in

200 km West of Melbourne in Victoria, on the Western Highway. Accessable by road, rail or bus . V-Line have train services 3 times daily (M-F) or 2 times daily (S,S) from Melbourne’s Spencer Street Station. There are 3 trains weekly to and from Adelaide (The Overlander). V-line also have buses to towns further west such as Stawell, Halls Gap and Horsham.

Get around

Beware, it rained here once! The locals vaguely remember it – there was water in the lakes! The ground was soft and green.

See

With huge horizons, it is a spectacular place for sunrises and sunsets. It has views:

• East to Mt. Langi Ghiran, Mt.Cole and the Pyrenees ranges.
• West there are dramatic hillscapes preceding the Grampians.

Do

• Check out the lookout on One Tree Hill, and for a different perspective also the lookout on Flint Hill.
• Swim in Norval Dam.
• Check out Rocky Point.
• Go to the World Rabbit-Skinning Championships at Moyston.
• Drive the Pyrenees Highway from Ararat to Avoca and back, there are few more enjoyable drives in the country.
• Take a tour of the old “J Ward” – former home of the criminally insane.
• Revisit Ararat’s Chinese heritage at the Gum San Museum in Lambert Street
• Eat at least once at Sicilians restaurant.
• Fish in the Hopkins river.
• Watersports, fishing and swimming at Green Hill Lake.
• Walk up the track to Langi Ghiran reservoir.
• Cycling at the Velodrome.
• Go Soaring at the airport
• Quiet roads make the district an excellent area for exploring by bicycle.
• The Ararat Regional Park has old gold mines and is excellent mountain biking territory.