Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is the architectural and cultural focal point of the metropolis of Sydney. Offering five venues for the performance of the arts, including the Opera Theatre, the Concert Hall and the Drama Theatre, the Sydney Opera House always hosts events for the interested traveler. The Concert Hall serves as the home of several different orchestras and choirs, and offers a never-ending plethora of concerts. Designed with plays in mind, the Drama Theatre hosts a variety of performances throughout the year including those from the Sydney Theatre Company, spoken word artists and international traveling shows.

The Harbour Bridge

The Harbour Bridge of Sydney is an imposing and impressive structure, whether views during day or night. Built from steel, it allows passive of rail, cars and pedestrians, offering the tourist a ‘Bridge-Climb’ that leads visitors up the southern side of the bridge for a summit to the top of the structure, rewarding the victorious with views of the city and bay.

Daintree National Park

Consisting of magnificent beaches, cloud-covered mountains and tropical rainforests, DaintreeNational Park is a breathtaking park seventy miles North Cairns. A National Heritage Site stretching from the outback to the Great Barrier Reef , the park is home to large birds, fruit bats, green frogs and butterflies. You will also have the opportunity to see saltwater crocodiles living in the park’s many rivers, and the mysterious Northern Brown Bandicoot. Daintree Park also has spiritual significance to the Aborigines, and is a place where indigenous culture and species collide in a mesmerizing experience for tourists.

Great Ocean Road

A scenic road that cuts through southwest Victoria, the Great Ocean Road begins in Melbourne and passes by beaches, ports and groves. Stop by Apollo Bay, a sleepy village in the shadow of the Otways that offers activities from surfing to antiques. The Great Ocean Road passes through Geelong, a town that homes many historical buildings and offers the tourist an opportunity to unwind with a local wine tasting.

One of the best coastal routes all over the world, the Great Ocean Road passes by villages, lush waterfalls and forests, and serves as one of Australia’s best roadways to see experience the best this nation has to offer.

The Gallery of Victoria

This architecturally-astounding building serves upone of the best Australian art collections. Located in Melbourne, this museum marries Australian gems with international acquisitions. With works from Van Eyck, Tintoretto and Rembrandt, the Gallery of Victoria remains a little known home of some of the greatest paintings in the world. A break outside allows the museum-goer to bask in the southerly sun near the many water features or under the great stained-glass ceiling. But both the artworks and the architecture are uniquely Australian, and solidifies this nation’s constant connection with its European ancestors.

Have fun out there on Australia’s East Coast. It’s certainly worth the trip, especially when you can get flights for great price.

-        Rudyard Kipling

Rudyard Kipling was on to something when he said that it was hard to leave San Francisco – it happens to be one of the most beautiful cities in the United States, with plenty to see and do.  It is a city that can be fun in any season, but the best time to visit will undoubtedly depend on one’s preferences when it comes to trekking.

The basics 

So, when is the best time to plan a trekking trip to San Francisco?  Though much of the time will be spent on the hike, many visitors like to take in the fantastic attractions the city has to offer.  One will find the city to be the most crowded in the summer, with spring and fall also fairly busy, but not nearly as crazy.  The least crowded – and most affordable for that matter – time of year is the winter.  Why not book a night at the Fairmont San Francisco for a cozy evening before the trekking adventure?

The weather is consistent and pleasant, but it isn’t filled with sunny skies and warm weather 365 days a year.  In fact, San Francisco is often foggy and temperatures warmer than 80°F are often considered a serious heat wave.  Though it does rain in the winter, it is fairly dry throughout the rest of the year.  Most individuals get the most out of trekking adventures in San Francisco during the spring, fall, and summer months, but don’t forget to pack warm clothes, as the evenings are still quite chilly.

The trails

Although most people might think of Silicon Valley and technology when San Francisco comes to mind, the San Francisco Bay Area actually offers a number of excellent hiking trails for all skill levels.  Some of the best treks on the west coast are actually in this region.

The hike from Stinson Beach to Mt. Tamalpais (or Mt. Tam as it is known locally) is a must for anyone interested in seeing the best of the area.  It is a rewarding hike with many hidden treasures along the way.  Starting at sea level at Stinson Beach, head up through the trees along the rolling hills with San Francisco as the backdrop.  Upon reaching the top, the fantastic panoramic view of the Bay Area is simply breathtaking.  Plan on a day for this hike and don’t forget the water and protection from the wind.

Another popular trek, which is also an excellent adventure for novice hikers, is the Muir Woods.  Thanks to preservation laws, the Muir Woods are filled with groves of ancient California redwoods up to 250 feet tall and 14 feet wide.  The trail, which boasts scenery most visitors to San Francisco never see, is usually not crowded.  A good way to begin is downhill at the north end of the park and head south.  The Ocean View Trail is particularly breathtaking and winds its way down the hillside through plenty of groves and over babbling brooks.

Being so close to Napa Valley and Sonoma, two of California’s most well-loved and famous wine regions, wine lovers can also enjoy an excellent trekking adventure.  To hike through wine country in California is to experience the region in a way unlike any other.  Catching a glimpse of vineyards, rolling hills, and mountains, hikers walk from inn to inn through quaint towns and charming villages only to finish each day with a luxurious meal and some of the best wine in the world.  Though it is possible to embark on a self-guided hike, there are several wineries and trekking tour companies that can plan out a bespoke itinerary.