The first thing that comes to people's mind when Canberra is mentioned, is boring politicians, planned city and lots of roundabouts. There is so much more though, if one were to drive a few minutes. Pictured above is the Mt Stromlo observatory, part of a network of telescopes. About 20 minutes away is the Tidbinbilla Space Tracking Station, which house massive dishes! Few capital cities can have the countryside at their doorstop like Canberra does. Within 15 minutes of the CBD, you're out in the countryside with the kangaroos and kookuburras.
Hard to believe that another year is over, and for many the holiday season is undereway . While Christians the world over ready themselves for Christmas, Asians as well, know that Chinese New Year is less than 2 months away. In Sydney, Australia, Chinese New Year is a big celebration as the streets around Chinatown come alive. What's unique about Sydney city is because of the large population of Asians and breadth of Greater Sydney there are multiple Chinatowns. The Ultimo/Haymarket is the original Chinatown, but areas such as Cabramatta and Hurstville do come alive around Chinese New Year, due to the large number ethnic Chinese in those areas. In 2008, Chinese New Year kicks off on February 7. Bring on the year of the Rat!
Located in the bay side suburb of Brighton are the Brighton Boxes. These colourful and cute structures have been part of the beach/bay scene for over a hundred years. Sadly, these remaining structures are the only bath boxes which are close in proximity to Melbourne CBD.
About half hour from Sydney city, is Manly Beach. Perhaps the second most popular beach in Sydney, Manly sits on the northern side of the city, and is the start of a chain of beaches that span approximately 20km to the tip of the peninsular, and Palm Beach. Annual events such as the Jazz Festival and Food and Wine festival draw thousands of visitors into Manly.
