“Sydney Harbor” by Michael McDonough is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
The ocean. People groups and explorers have dealt with it for millennia. While every ocean separates people and continents throughout the world, it also uniquely connects us with experiences. And the experiences that force us to travel great distances to live in – and to learn from – seem to also have greater value in our memories.
In this Armchair Traveler series, we will be doing a bit of dreaming, and wandering a bit as we cross the ocean. As J.R.R. Tolkien said, “Not all those who wander are lost.” As we travel virtually on this wandering path of the Pacific Ocean, let’s dream a little and go Down Under!
In this series, we will visit 3 different countries: Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. With a combined population of under 40 million people, these countries have less than 0.5% of the world’s population. Which makes their more remote location even more enticing to those willing to wander a bit.
In this first of two series posts, we will visit some of the more recognizable places in several major cities of these three countries, and hopefully experience a piece of their history and culture along the way.
AUSTRALIA
The island-continent has many dynamic cities, filled with architectural, historic and cultural destinations.
Sydney
Perhaps the best-known city in Australia, it’s a natural first stop on our urban journey around the country. One must-see sight on a first-day city tour is the iconic Sydney Opera House. Check in with an official tour guide for a quick tour. If you’re more interested in viewing the landmark from outside, check out the views at sunrise.
If opera isn’t your cup of tea, and you’re not afraid of heights, take a hike. Up a bridge. The top of a bridge. Namely the Sydney Harbour Bridge. At 440 feet in height, it is the tallest steel arch bridge in the world. The view is simply stunning, making the three-hour hike on the bridge climb worth the effort. If you’re like me and get a bit squeamish with such things, perhaps taking in the view of the city and harbor by live webcam is more to your liking.
A third option, back safe on terra firma, is to explore the city on a tour. A 20-minute version should do nicely to round out your visit here.
Melbourne
“Maelstromic Melbourne” by ccdoh1 is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
As the capital of the state of Victoria, Melbourne is the second-largest city in Australia. Occupying a prominent piece of the coast, the city borders Port Phillip Bay before spreading inland. Hop on a one-hour narrated bus tour from the second level of a double-decker bus. If you’re looking for a quick jaunt before heading elsewhere, this shorter tour might be more to your liking. Getting your bearings from the top of the 975-foot tall Eureka Tower might be in order. If you’d rather not, just “check in” to see a live view across the city.
Canberra
“War Memorial – Canberra” by Georgie Sharp is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
No visit would be complete without a stopover in the nation’s capital. A fully planned city layout, the result of an international design competition, the city has developed in stark contrast to the more heavily populated and more well-known coastal cities. As you visit, make sure to check out the classically splendid first capital building, along with the current capital complex and its green roof – literally! The country’s War Memorial museum and Commemorative Area is movingly worth a visit and is just minutes from the city’s center. If you appreciate music, or just want to escape some of the bustle of downtown, stop by Aspen Island to take in the city from the centrally constructed National Carillon bell tower, which is in the midst of a nearly completed expansion project.
Brisbane
“Brisbane” by Christolakis is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
The third most-populous city in the country, Brisbane sits squarely in the center of the east coast of Australia. A very diverse city, with nearly one-third of residents being foreign-born, the core of Brisbane’s business district has developed over the site of the original European settlement. From free museums to the scenic views from a classic (and very tall) ferris wheel, stopping for a tour of this city is a must. A ferry ride on the Brisbane River might set a more leisurely pace for your visit.
NEW ZEALAND
This multi-island nation is a short ride away by airliner, but a bit longer by boat. As is the case with Australia, several cities make our must-see list in this “Armchair Traveler” series.
Christchurch
“Antigua Boat Sheds. Christchurch NZ.” by Bernard Spragg is marked with CC PDM 1.0
This well-developed city received extra attention after being hit by several earthquakes, the 2011 event being the most destructive. Rebuilding efforts have been ongoing, and it has strengthened the residents with a common purpose. I’ll let them tell you why you should visit. As the largest city on the South Island, Christchurch has grown along both banks of the Avon River, and developed a splendid urban park along its banks. In addition, be sure to check out the International Antarctic Centre, complete with Antarctic storm simulator, as Christchurch is one of the key departure cities for Antarctic explorations.
Auckland
“Auckland, New Zealand” by szeke is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Visiting the most populous city in New Zealand, this urban center of about 1.5 million people sits on the west coast of the larger North Island. With the largest Polynesian population in the world, experiencing the people and the city by walking tour is a must! Get a fantastic view of the urban center and the nearby countryside from the observation deck of the SkyTower. Or if you’re more the “I’m just curious” type, look in on the city by panoramic live webcam that slowly pans 360-degrees.
Wellington
“Beehive and Parliament house, Wellington, New Zealand” by Lens_Flare is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
As the island-nation’s capital city, Wellington is a hub of much of New Zealand’s cultural, historic, governmental, and economic life. Museums abound and are worth exploring. But let’s take a more rounded tour throughout the city to focus on some of each of these areas of interest. A tour of the Parliament building, part of which is affectionately referred to as ‘The Beehive,” is definitely a must-do item on our list.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
“Solomon Islands Papua New Guinea 112” by rapidtravelchai is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Sharing half the island of New Guinea with island-nation Indonesia, Papua New Guinea is gradually becoming more of a tourist destination – though parts of the country (including its capital, Port Moresby) have a reputation for being more sketchy for traveler safety. Fortunately, your virtual visit is not impeded by these concerns!
Port Moresby
Located on the southern coast of the island, Port Moresby is the largest city in the South Pacific that is also outside of New Zealand Australia. Not discovered until the 1870’s, its heritage is deeply rooted in being inhabited by the Motu-Koitabu people. Quickly growing into a trade center, the city and island were a focal point of conflict during World War Two. Fortunately, someone else has recorded a nice travel report for us to enjoy on our Armchair Travel visit.
Recommended Reading
The Library has many different items available about the history, people, and stories of these three countries. Some e-resources are also available to borrow and enjoy. You can search for these items and place a hold.
Iwaki, Kei. Farewell, My Orange. Translated from Japanese by Meredith McKinney
In Australia, an English class serves as the meeting place for two immigrants from Nigeria and Japan. While becoming friends, tragedy strikes. Will the new bond of friendship hold and help sustain them?
Moore, Peter. Endeavor: The Ship That Changed the World
This nonfiction work delves into the history of the ship that defined exploration, and in part the British Empire. From the discoveries of what is now New Zealand and Australia by the ship’s captain, James Cook, to its witness of events in America’s war for independence, this unique work will not disappoint.
Druett, Joan. Island of the Lost: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World. eAudio
Auckland Island lies 285 miles south of New Zealand, and is home to extreme and inhospitable weather. Amazingly, two ships are wrecked on opposite ends of the island – at the same time. The survivors make life-changing decisions, fatally deciding who might live … or eventually die. (Yes, some eventually escape the island and are rescued. But you have to read it to find out how!)
McCullough, Collen. Bittersweet. 2014 book
Set in 1920’s Australia, the four Latimer sisters are extremely close, in part because they are two sets of twins. But their dreams cannot be more different. Each must make decisions that will impact their futures. What does each of them value the most?
Next week: We step out of the urban centers to experience the natural beauties of these three countries, both above and below the ocean’s surface. Wander some more with us!
This program supported by
