Page 12 - Explore Your AAA – AAA Southern Pennsylvania – Spring 2022

If you want to get away to Australia, talk to your AAA Travel Agent at 1-800-222-1469, go to AAA.com/Travel, or stop by your local AAA office.
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EXPLORE | DESTINATIONS SPRING EDITION 2022
AUSTRALIA:
A World of Wonders Down Under
Australia, the smallest continent on Earth, is geographically comprised
of some of the most diverse regions, ranging from tropical forests in the north to the Great Barrier Reef
along the eastern coast to the fertile farmlands of the south and the arid deserts of the Outback.
With an area of approximately
2.9 million square miles and 16,007
miles of coastline, Australia nearly
reaches the size of mainland
U.S.A., excluding Alaska. Within its
boundaries, the country is rich
with extraordinary fauna, flora and
coral reefs. Add to this some of the
most unusual rock formations possibly created by gods competing for the ultimate prize, and you have the wondrous Land Down Under.
Within its six states and two territories, Australia’s has some of the world’s most unique creatures. It is home to about
386 species of mammals, including koalas, kangaroos, wombats and Tasmanian devils. There are four species of kangaroos, some which stand taller than a man, others almost as small as a cat. Additionally, 850 species of birds are found in Australia.
QUEENSLAND
Stretching 1,429 miles along the Queensland coast, the Great Barrier Reef is comprised of 3,000 individual reefs and about 300 coral cays. It is a sensational underwater attraction. Over 900 islands form the reef, which is home to more than 1,600 species of fish.
Giant zebra fish play hide-and-seek within vast underwater mazes, while fluorescent yellow fish make stately promenades through submarine castles. The variety of fish and coral found here make it one of the world’s premier diving and snorkeling spots year round. But it can also be explored by glass bottom or semi-submersible vessels.
Although the reef is a main attraction for all who visit Australia, Queensland also has tropical rain forests. Be sure to take the Skyrail gondola, which glides along the rain forest canopy. Traveling at treetop level, you’ll get a wonderful bird’s eye view of the tropical rain forest.
MELBOURNE
Melbourne, Australia’s second largest city, is known for its style, fashion, food, theater, art galleries and gardens. Your first impression of Melbourne will probably center on
Aleksandar Plavevski | iStock
xavierarnau | iStock
the city’s magnificent Victorian architecture, a reflection of its gold rush heritage. A great way to enjoy all of the city’s architectural delights is to ride one of Melbourne’s signature tram cars.
Aside from many lush gardens, Melbourne Victorian Arts Centre on the banks of the Yarra River is the premier performing arts venue in town and the focal point of Melbourne’s social and cultural scene. The Melbourne Cup is one of the major sporting events held in this city.
SYDNEY
Visitors to the city of Sydney are enthralled by its energy and beauty. This splendid city of nearly four million residents stretches around the edges of its vast, picturesque harbor, which is distinctly marked by the renowned Sydney Opera House, myriad waterways and golden beaches extending north and south.
Sydney has a reputation for being a city of hedonistic pleasures, and Sydneysiders take the almost year-round sunshine as a birthright. Naturally, water sports are an integral part of life here, and throughout the year the beaches and bays are playgrounds for swimming, surfing, fishing and sailing.
But Sydney is also a place where shopping, restaurants, theaters and art galleries, harbor side gardens and architectural treasures from a bygone era are hallmarks of tradition. Despite its incredibly large size, getting around Sydney is made easy by an efficient bus, ferry and train network.
Sydney is also the ultimate starting point for visitors wishing to explore the countryside of New South Wales.