Blooming good time in Australia
AUSTRALIAN cities and towns are spectacular when jacaranda trees burst into brilliant purple blooms.
If you have flown in to Sydney in October or November, you may have seen the city at its most spectacular.
Not only does the harbour glisten, the sun glint off the Opera House, and the surf rolls onto endless beaches, the city itself is blanketed in swathes of a distinctive light-purple colour – sometimes known as jacaranda blue.
In jacaranda season, Sydney is not the only place in Australia transformed by these dramatic blooms.
You can visit the Jacaranda Festival in the country town of Grafton, in northern New South Wales or see jacarandas weave magic in Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne, too.
The jacaranda is an iconic tree in Australia.
It can be found across many areas of the continent, but is most famous for its dramatic effect on Sydney, which takes on a dreamlike quality in spring as blossoms blanket the trees and carpet the ground beneath them.
When a famous 88-year-old jacaranda tree collapsed at the University of Sydney in 2016, the event was regarded a catastrophe – it was even replaced by a genetically identical clone in July this year.
“Jacarandas are synonymous with Sydney and planted as an ornamental plant around harbour suburbs,” said senior arborist at Centennial Parklands Peter Butler.
Trees with a Sydney Harbour backdrop, such as an old specimen at the Royal Botanic Garden, can be spectacular.
You will also find jacarandas at the historic Vaucluse House, or just take a stroll through suburbs such as Lavender Bay, Mosman, Cremorne or Camperdown.
If you head down the famous shopping strip of Oxford Street, Paddington, you can combine jacaranda spotting with some retail therapy.
Jacarandas start to flower in early to mid-October in Sydney and generally bloom throughout November.
Family fun on Gold Coast
The Gold Coast offers plenty for those on a family getaway, such as its world-famous sandy beaches, exciting theme parks and the chance to see Australian wildlife up close.
It is a great spot for travelling families with its wide range of activities on offer.
Sure, you can head for the rollercoasters and water slides of the area’s famous theme parks, but you can also do more.
There is plenty to keep the kids and adults amused in Surfers Paradise and surrounds.
The Gold Coast has the best collection of theme parks in Australia, from thrilling rides to gigantic water slides.
Family fun includes a visit to the Sea World for a Storm Coaster ride or check out the sea creatures in Shark Bay and Ray Reef.
Film fans can get up close and personal with Batman’s villains in the Arkham Asylum ride or get a scare on the Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster at Movie World.
Enjoy a splashing good time at the Wet ‘n’ Wild, which has the Flow Rider wave ride.
This coming MATTA Fair, Golden Deluxe offers packages with competitive prices and airfare promotions, combined with quality services from well-trained and experienced team members in the travel industry as the premier Aussie specialist.
There are promotions and deals, like the “Buy-1, Free-1” or 50% off children rates, with day and ground tours available for Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Gold Coast, Perth and Tasmania.
Get cash rebates and gift, courtesy of Tourism Australia, during MATTA Fair.
■ Call 03-2144 6888 / 03-8948 6808 or visit booths 2013–2024 in Hall 2, PWTC, or go to www.goldendeluxe. my or www.facebook.com/ GoldenDeluxeTravel