Down Under Travel

If you knew exactly what was going to happen on your vacation, you’d have no problem packing light, would you? You’d only take the clothes you knew you needed. The reason we all pack too much stuff is because we include a whole lot of things we might need.

So, that’s the first secret to packing light: understand where you’re going and what you’ll be doing, as far as you possibly can. Don’t just look at the names of the places you’ll be visiting and admire the photos – find out if there’s a detailed itinerary and study it. Google the weather at your destination. Don’t assume that just because you’re going to Sydney, it will automatically be hot.

What activities will you be undertaking? Knowing your activities, and how often you’ll do them, should help you decide your priorities. For instance:

• If you’re doing lots of long walks, you absolutely must have proper walking shoes. But if you’re mainly touring by coach or car in summer, it doesn’t make sense to pack a pair of heavy shoes and bulky socks for the sake of one or two walks. A pair of good walking sandals is a sensible compromise, and much easier to pack.

• If you’re on a casual holiday, you may pack one or two smart outfits “just in case” you have a nice dinner out one night. But if you’re going to be in big cities and you’ll have time for shopping, it may make more sense to leave the glad rags at home, and go out and buy a nice dress if and when you need it. The bonus is that dress then becomes a lovely memento of your trip.

• For travel to Australia in summer, pack more than one swimsuit and more than one sarong – you’ll be using them frequently! In winter, one swimsuit is enough – people sometimes forget the weather gets cool here, too!

The principal cities of Australia are the six state capitals, Darwin, and Canberra, the federal capital. All the state capitals are located near the coast, and all are major ports. Each capital is the commercial and cultural center of its state.

Sydney, the capital of the state of New South Wales, is the oldest city in Australia and the hub of the continent’s largest urban area. The city center is small. It is located on beautiful Port Jackson, or Sydney Harbour. Most of the inhabitants of Sydney’s urban area live in suburbs that ring the city. The Sydney metropolitan area has a population exceeding 3 million. Sydney is an important shipping and air terminal, as well as the site of many major commercial, business, and industrial establishments. Sydney is also the leading cultural center of Australia. The unique sail-like shapes of the Sydney Opera House is well known abroad.

Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, is the hub of the second largest urban area. It is a major processing and manufacturing center and a focal point for domestic air services and shipping. The population of the Melbourne metropolitan area is 2.6 million.

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is the chief port and administrative center for a rich farming hinterland.

Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, was founded in the 1830s, and exemplifies fine early urban planning. Since World War II it has drawn many new industries.

Perth, the capital of Western Australia, has an attractive setting and a mild climate. Its port, Fremantle, is the debarkation point for many new settlers arriving from Europe.

Hobart, the capital of the island state of Tasmania and the smallest of  the Australian state capitals, is noted for its fine harbor.

Darwin is the administrative center and only major seaport of the Northern  Territory.

Canberra, the national capital and the seat of the federal Parliament, was laid out early in the 20th century. It is located in the Australian Capital Territory, an enclave in New South Wales, and it spreads across a broad valley in the foothills of the Australian Alps.