This guest post is brought to you by Shandos of Travelnuity, who shares her top things to do in Darwin, Australia. When most visitors to Australia consider what cities to visit, generally the big cities of Sydney and Melbourne firstly spring to mind. But up north, closer to the cities of South East Asia, is a very different Australian city: Darwin. If you’re wanting to head out on a road trip to Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, exploring their natural beauty and Aboriginal culture, Darwin will be your launching point. But it’s also worthwhile exploring its attractions for a couple of days. Six of the Best Things to do in DarwinSome of Darwin’s top attractions explore its short but turbulent history, from being bombed in World War II to being destroyed by Cyclone Tracy on Christmas Day, 1974. Other Darwin activities and attractions take advantage of its beautiful tropical weather and surroundings. These are my top picks for what to do in Darwin. Head to Mindil Beach Sunset MarketOne of the favorite experiences of both visitors and locals in Darwin is heading to the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. It’s held at Mindil Beach, just outside of the city center, next to Darwin Casino. The market runs during the dry season (from late April to late October), and is held every Thursday (kicking off at 5 pm) and every Sunday (starting at 4 pm). There’s plenty of stalls selling everything from Aboriginal artifacts and handmade souvenirs to dresses and clothing from Thailand and Indonesia, but the real highlight are the food stalls. Perhaps start with some fresh oysters, before continuing on to a variety of dishes reflecting Darwin’s multicultural population. Options usually include Indonesian, Chinese, Thai and Indian. Plus there’s distinctive Australian dishes on offer, such as kangaroo and crocodile. Enjoy your dinner on the beach, hopefully taking in a beautiful sunset over the harbor, before wrapping up with dessert. Visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern TerritoryLocated along Darwin’s long waterfront just outside the city centre is the impressive (and free) Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, one of Darwin Australia’s points of interest. Don’t miss the chance to explore their large collection of indigenous art, from bark parkings to ceremonial poles, perhaps catching the yearly National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards. Another highlight of the museum is the interactive display about Cyclone Tracy and the impact it had on the city, including a darkened room where you can listen to its monstrous sound. Don’t also miss the stuffed body of Sweetheart the crocodile. This mammoth 5 meter long, 780 kg beast was killed locally after it attacked several fishing boats. You can even see live crocodiles on a local jumping crocodile tour, though likely none as big as Sweetheart. Visit the Darwin Aviation Heritage CentreJust south of Darwin is the Aviation Heritage Centre. Due to Darwin’s isolation plus strategic military importance, aviation has always played a key role in Darwin’s history. The museum isn’t just for aviation buffs, but for anyone interested in history or just seeing an impressive collection of planes. The stand-out attraction of the museum is its B52 bomber. It was predominantly based in Darwin by the US Airforce during the Vietnam War era and has since been donated on permanent loan to the people of Darwin. It’s one of only two such aircraft outside of the USA, and it’s huge bulk looms above everything else in the air hangar. Other aircraft on display are a mixture of military and passenger craft, including Spitfire planes, Tiger Moth biplays and helicopters. There are also interesting displays on the Australian Royal Flying Doctors service and aircraft involved in WWII and Vietnam. Explore the Impact of World War IIDarwin was on the front-line during World War II, particularly after the fall of Singapore and the Japanese invasion of what’s now Papua New Guinea. The city was bombed multiple times and there are a multitude of sites around Darwin and further south linked to WWII. Examples include old airfields, military installations, bombing sites and memorials. For a good overview of the WWII history of Darwin, visit the Defence of Darwin Experience and Darwin Military Museum. Both are located at the East Point Military Precinct. The Defence of Darwin Experience features numerous interactive, multimedia displays, culminating in a 20-minute show. Another important site located just over 100 km south of Darwin on the main highway is the Adelaide River War Cemetery. It’s the only war cemetery on Australian soil, and includes a poignant memorial. Chill out at the Waterfront LagoonsDespite its tropical weather and large harbor, unfortunately the beaches of Darwin are largely a no-go zone for swimming, due to the presence of salt-water crocodiles and many sharks. If you’re wanting to cool off, head instead to the Wave Lagoon and Recreation Lagoon located on Darwin’s waterfront. The Wave Lagoon produces 10 different wave patterns, with a 10-minute rest in between each 20 minute session. The Recreation Lagoon meanwhile has a sandy beach and stinger-filtered seawater. Both are patrolled by lifeguards. Entry is free to the Recreation Lagoon, while a fee is charged at the Wave Lagoon. Go Wild at Berry Springs Nature ParkFor a swim in more natural surroundings, consider heading to the Berry Springs Nature Park. It’s just over 50 km south of Darwin, located on the Cox Peninsula Road just off the main highway. Entry is free and there are multiple meandering pools to relax in, surrounded by natural forest. There’s also plenty of picnic tables and some short walking trails. Before heading south during the wet season (from October to April), double check that the pools are open. They may be closed if conditions are deemed unsafe, including due to crocodiles (the rangers check for their presence each day). Author BioShandos Cleaver is an Australian blogger who is currently travelling around Europe with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel. She blogs about dog-friendly travel (mostly) on her blog, Travelnuity. She first visited Darwin while travelling around Australia at the age of nine, and is looking forward to returning to Australia soon and exploring more of the country, this time with her dog. Follow her adventures on Facebook or Instagram. Do you have any favorites for what to see in Darwin? Let us know! from The Barefoot Nomad http://www.thebarefootnomad.com/australia/the-best-things-to-do-in-darwin/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/173707561543
0 Comments
Learn why the Cabarete Reef is important and how we can protect itCabarete Bay, formed by a barrier coral reef, is situated on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic. This small coastal community of roughly 15,000 full-time residents has a thriving tourism-driven economy. Often called the Adventure Capital of the Caribbean, Cabarete is famous for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and wave surfing thanks to year-round warm water, consistent trade winds, and predictable waves. The location, topography, and reef combine to create these perfect conditions. But there is more to the Cabarete reef than watersports. In this post we will explain why the reef is so important and how we can protect it. Reef Ecosystems And Why They Are ImportantThe shallow waters off the Cabarete coast are blooming with coral reefs. Reef ecosystems are often referred to as the rainforests of the marine environment, and for a good reason. In much the same fashion that rainforest ecosystems house countless terrestrial species, the reef structures provide homes to roughly 25% of our oceans marine biodiversity. In fact, there are some within the scientific community that believe reef ecosystems have the highest biodiversity of any single ecosystem, even more so than tropical rainforests. These rich ecosystems also play a significant role in protecting coastal communities. Reef structures essentially serve as natural buffers between the sea and adjacent coastlines. They are in fact the most effective natural barriers between the sea and the coast. Coral reefs dissipate wave energy. Essentially meaning they cause friction or turbulence to slow and even stop waves from continuing on their initial trajectory. Imagine a human-made seawall, like those used to protect coastal communities from high tides and tsunamis. Reef ecosystems provide the same wave stopping power but without the need for human intervention. This protection is particularly crucial in a coastal community such as Cabarete which is exposed to strong winds for much of the year. Why Reefs Are Important To The Local EconomyBut these flamboyant tropical biomes offer other economically vital services, such as providing an income for local fisherman. Cabarete has a small-scale local fishing community that is supported by catching reef dwelling species such as red snapper, grouper, lobster, octopus, and squid to restaurants in Cabarete. This working relationship between local fisherman and restaurants is awesome because not only is the seafood ultra fresh, it’s always nice to know exactly where your food is coming from. Ultimately, the consumer is supporting the local economy by both consuming locally caught seafood and by dining in Cabarete. Protecting the ReefCabarete’s reef ecosystem is inarguably a valuable natural asset to both its marine environment and the local economy. The Dominican government has recently made significant strides to protect and conserve this natural resource. In 2017 officials in the Dominican Republic began working with Global FinPrint since banning the commercial harvesting of shark and ray species in Dominican waters. Global FinPrint is a three-year survey of reef sharks and rays around the world. In 2017, the Dominican Government also implemented a two-year ban on the harvesting of parrotfish. These species are vital to keeping the corrals clear of algal growth, but while munching away with its bird-like beak, it also chunks off coral from the reef and crushes it with grinding molar teeth to get to the algae-filled polyps inside. Much of the sand in the parrotfishes territory is the ground-up, undigested coral they excrete. With these small yet vital steps, Cabarete’s reef ecosystem will continue to attract visitors from around the globe and create income for locals. Did you know you can adopt a reef through Reef Check?What Can I Do To Protect The Reef?Even if you live far from coral reefs, you can have an impact on reef health and conservation. Rad and share this infographic from the National Ocean Service: Photographer and Diver Bill PassmoreA quick shoutout to Bill Passmore who has dedicated much of his time to documenting our local reefs. The photos in this article are just a tiny sampling of his work from his many years of diving in Cabarete and Sosua. If you like what you see, his prints are available through his webstore. The post Why We All Should All Love and Protect The Cabarete Reef appeared first on Better Than a Hotel – Cabarete Palm Beach Condos. from Better Than a Hotel – Cabarete Palm Beach Condos https://cabaretecondos.com/cabarete-reefs/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/173696108063 Learn why the Cabarete Reef is important and how we can protect itCabarete Bay, formed by a barrier coral reef, is situated on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic. This small coastal community of roughly 15,000 full-time residents has a thriving tourism-driven economy. Often called the Adventure Capital of the Caribbean, Cabarete is famous for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and wave surfing thanks to year-round warm water, consistent trade winds, and predictable waves. The location, topography, and reef combine to create these perfect conditions. But there is more to the Cabarete reef than watersports. In this post we will explain why the reef is so important and how we can protect it. Reef Ecosystems And Why They Are ImportantThe shallow waters off the Cabarete coast are blooming with coral reefs. Reef ecosystems are often referred to as the rainforests of the marine environment, and for a good reason. In much the same fashion that rainforest ecosystems house countless terrestrial species, the reef structures provide homes to roughly 25% of our oceans marine biodiversity. In fact, there are some within the scientific community that believe reef ecosystems have the highest biodiversity of any single ecosystem, even more so than tropical rainforests. These rich ecosystems also play a significant role in protecting coastal communities. Reef structures essentially serve as natural buffers between the sea and adjacent coastlines. They are in fact the most effective natural barriers between the sea and the coast. Coral reefs dissipate wave energy. Essentially meaning they cause friction or turbulence to slow and even stop waves from continuing on their initial trajectory. Imagine a human-made seawall, like those used to protect coastal communities from high tides and tsunamis. Reef ecosystems provide the same wave stopping power but without the need for human intervention. This protection is particularly crucial in a coastal community such as Cabarete which is exposed to strong winds for much of the year. Why Reefs Are Important To The Local EconomyBut these flamboyant tropical biomes offer other economically vital services, such as providing an income for local fisherman. Cabarete has a small-scale local fishing community that is supported by catching reef dwelling species such as red snapper, grouper, lobster, octopus, and squid to restaurants in Cabarete. This working relationship between local fisherman and restaurants is awesome because not only is the seafood ultra fresh, it’s always nice to know exactly where your food is coming from. Ultimately, the consumer is supporting the local economy by both consuming locally caught seafood and by dining in Cabarete. Protecting the ReefCabarete’s reef ecosystem is inarguably a valuable natural asset to both its marine environment and the local economy. The Dominican government has recently made significant strides to protect and conserve this natural resource. In 2017 officials in the Dominican Republic began working with Global FinPrint since banning the commercial harvesting of shark and ray species in Dominican waters. Global FinPrint is a three-year survey of reef sharks and rays around the world. In 2017, the Dominican Government also implemented a two-year ban on the harvesting of parrotfish. These species are vital to keeping the corrals clear of algal growth, but while munching away with its bird-like beak, it also chunks off coral from the reef and crushes it with grinding molar teeth to get to the algae-filled polyps inside. Much of the sand in the parrotfishes territory is the ground-up, undigested coral they excrete. With these small yet vital steps, Cabarete’s reef ecosystem will continue to attract visitors from around the globe and create income for locals. Did you know you can adopt a reef through Reef Check?What Can I Do To Protect The Reef?Even if you live far from coral reefs, you can have an impact on reef health and conservation. Rad and share this infographic from the National Ocean Service: Photographer and Diver Bill PassmoreA quick shoutout to Bill Passmore who has dedicated much of his time to documenting our local reefs. The photos in this article are just a tiny sampling of his work from his many years of diving in Cabarete and Sosua. If you like what you see, his prints are available through his webstore. The post Why We All Should All Love and Protect The Cabarete Reef appeared first on Better Than a Hotel – Cabarete Palm Beach Condos. from Better Than a Hotel – Cabarete Palm Beach Condos https://cabaretecondos.com/cabarete-reefs/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/173695528818 This is a guest post from Nicoleta, who shares her best tips for how to manage the true cost of volunteer work abroad, whether you’re trying to volunteer abroad free or just cheaply as possible. While volunteering is a wonderful way to give and visit the world at the same time, there’s often a cost associated with volunteering overseas, and she shares her insight into how much it costs to volunteer abroad. This is part of our series on jobs you can do as you travel the world and teaching English overseas. I truly believe that travel is one of the best things that anybody can do with their lives. Seeing amazing countries, learning about different cultures and having the freedom to explore whatever you want is a liberating and exhilarating experience like no other. For those looking to add another dimension to their travel, spending some time as a volunteer can be an excellent option. Can you volunteer abroad cheap or for free? The real costsAs a volunteer, you not only get all the benefits of regular traveling, like seeing new places and meeting new people, but you also get a uniquely intimate insight into a culture and the chance to give something back. If you’re considering becoming a volunteer, then you might be wondering how much it’s all going to cost. The truth is, there is no straight answer to this question, as different companies charge vastly different amounts. However, there are some general common factors that can help you to know how much to budget. If you do it right, volunteering can actually save you money when compared with more traditional forms of travel, such as staying exclusively in hotels and moving around every day or two. So, here are the basic costs of volunteering abroad, broken down for you to better understand and plan effectively. How much does it cost to volunteer abroad?The costs to volunteer overseas include the volunteer project fees, flights and transportation, meals, accommodation, visas and more! The volunteer project itselfBy this, I mean the fees that the volunteer organization charge, and it’s this that is likely to have the largest effect on your budget. Project fees depend massively on the individual organization, as well as the location of the project, and various other factors. At the upper end of the scale, you may be expected to pay hundreds of dollars per day, and at the lower end, you may only need to cover a fraction of that. It’s vital to look at what’s covered by the fees and whether there will be any additional costs. You should also check out things such as the quality of the accommodation as well as reviews by past volunteers, which are available through any good organization like uvolunteer. The only way to accurately find out the cost of the project is to do some research and shop around. Flights and transportation for volunteeringThe cost of your flights is likely to be another significant expense for any low cost volunteer abroad vacation. Obviously, the actual costs vary depending on how far you need to fly and the season, so this will be something you need to figure out before committing. In terms of general transportation costs, many organizations will cover the most vital costs as part of the program fees. For example, good organizations will cover airport transfers, as well as any transport needed as part of the project. Food and drink while volunteeringThis can be another hidden cost, with some organizations failing to provide any food despite high fees. If you don’t want to shell out for every meal, then try to look for a company that covers some of your meals as part of the program fees. For example, you may have lunch provided while you are working. Drinks and alcohol are likely to be something you need to account for too. Volunteer placements are inherently social, and you can expect to be surrounded by other young volunteers who are up for having a good time, so you’ll probably end up going for a few drinks now and then. Sightseeing and traveling after your volunteeringVolunteering is by no means all about work, and with the right organization you will have plenty of time to yourself. As you’re in a foreign country, it’s a good idea to use at least some of this time to explore the area. So, if you’re wanting to travel to other areas and go sightseeing on your weekends, then you’ll have to factor in the costs. As the countries with the most legitimate projects are usually in developing parts of the world, these costs are going to be lower than at home. For example, if you’re working as a volunteer in Thailand, then getting around, sightseeing and accommodation will all be very affordable. Visas for volunteeringVisa costs for volunteering are rarely going to set you back a huge amount, but it’s still something that’s worth factoring into your budget. For most countries that you are likely to go to, volunteering visas will generally not cost more than around $50 for a month or so, if anything. However, you will need to look carefully at the precise rules surrounding visas and volunteers, as some countries class volunteering as work. In these cases you may need to acquire a working visa, which can be a more complicated process and cost significantly more. Plan ahead to avoid being hit with any surprise volunteering costsThe secret to accurately judging the costs for a volunteering trip is to plan ahead, so you don’t catch yourself asking why is volunteering abroad so expensive? Choose a good organization, figure out exactly where you want to go, for how long, and whether you want to continue traveling afterwards. Taking your time with this part of the process will help you to budget effectively, and save money in the long run. BioNicoleta Radoi is the resident content blogger for uVolunteer. Nicoleta is an avid linguist, speaks fluent English, Chinese, French, Spanish and native Romanian. She spent a decade working in China in the education sector and working with major international development institutions. She currently lives in Vancouver, Canada and is passionate about volunteering, sustainable travel and has a soft spot for ethnic food. Connect with her on Instagram – Twitter from The Barefoot Nomad http://www.thebarefootnomad.com/travel-tips/can-you-volunteer-abroad-cheap-or-free-the-real-cost-of-volunteering-overseas/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/173488551498 |
AuthorLearn about traveling and living in the Cabarete, Dominican Republic. Good places to visits and fun things to do in Dominican Republic. Archives
October 2018
Categories |