Within Nooks of Bodrum City

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Embrace the extravagance and refinement found in the graceful city of Bodrum with its gentle grandeur found on its beaches, clubs and fancy hotels.

Not only does the place translates magnificence, but it also exudes serenity and peacefulness that still fit for those who are seeking for sweet escape in an exquisite kind of way.

Location

Bodrum, formerly called Halicarnassus, is in the southwest of Aegan Turkey. This city is 557 square kilometers in size and houses one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Climate

Bodrum des have a Mediterranean climate. July is the hottest month while January is called to be the month where the city is at its coldest.

Summers are hot and humid while winters are mild and mostly sunny.

Transportation

There are three airports in which Bodrum can be reached. These are Bodrum-Milas, Dalman and Izmir. The city can also be reached through seas via Kos and Rhodes ferry boats.

Bus is another means of transportation. Intercity buses operate within some of Turkey’s key cities like of Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, Adana etc.

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Attractions

Castle of St. Peter

Founded in 1402 by Knights of John, this tourist spot is composed of five towers English, German, Italian, French and Snake.

With dimensions of 590 x 606 feet, this wonderful architecture also serves today as one of famous places where events and gatherings are being held.

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Beaches

Bodrum peninsula is gifted with beaches and blue waters. Aside from the aqua blue seas, cruises and boat rides are other attractions on the coasts of this city.

There is enough amount of beach resorts found in this area and anyone who loves the sun will never go short of options in this haven where seaside is in rich supply.

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Myndus Gate

This 7-kilometer long wall has been the scene of one of the bloodiest battles during the time of Alexander the Great.

This historical site has been restored to preserve the heritage of this ancient historical spot.

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http://laurenceourac.com/within-nooks-of-bodrum-city/

Images
(1) http://www.charterworld.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Bodrum.jpg
(2) http://www.mappery.com/maps/Bodrum-Town-Map.jpg
(3) http://abjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/DSC09446.jpg
(4) http://cdn3.thomascook.com/crop?imageUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.thomascook.com%2FH0%2F00%2F34%2F58%2FTCUK_STEP51_v2_c2a326a71e1c70baa720033a270e730e.jpg&maxWidth=800&maxHeight=600
(5) http://www.nostalgia.gr/image/Bo/mindos.jpg

When In Manaus

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Catch the luscious greeneries in the middle of urban living in the attractive city of Manaus.

The variety of culture and nature come into a combination that makes this city a truly unique tourist destination in its own distinctive form.

Have a touch of the metropolis while embracing the breath of greeneries in a Manaus way.

Location

Manaus is a city in northern Brazil that covers 11, 401 square kilometer of land. It is also one of the most populous city in the Amazonas with the estimate population of around 1.7 million.

It was formerly called Lugar de Barra do Rio Negro and is located at the junction of Rivers Negro and Solimoes.

Climate

Manaus has ha tropical monsoon climate. Driest month is in August while the most amount of precipitation transpires during the month of March.

The lowest average temperature occurs in January.

Transportation

Most familiar routes when travelling by plane is through either the cities of Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. Sea lovers can also get through this wonderful city by getting into cruises and boats roaming in the Amazon River.

Tourists coming from Colombia and Peru can go this route, however travel time is longer that can take up to 5 days the maximum.

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Attractions

Teatro Amazonas

An astounding opera house founded in 1884, the majority of this architecture was designed and executed by Italian designers.

It was noted that the first ever performance had occurred in 1884 by the then famous singer Enrico Caruuso.

Finally, after 90 years of hiatus, the government has decided to open it again in 2001 inviting performances and artistic appearances.

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Mindu Park

Primarily where the endangered pied barefaced tamarins are being preserved, this park is a 33-hectare space that comes with eight intersecting trails.

Now this is not an artificial park since it is comprised of natural flora and faunas well as wide trails and river running through the park.

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Meeting of the Waters

This picturesque tourist destination of Brazil is an obvious evidence of how beautiful the fusion of things can be.

This is a point where Rio Solimoes and Rio Negroes meet that creates a distinct boundary between sandy and dark colored hues of water.

This also serves as the start line the beautiful Amazon River.

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Ponta Negra Beach

The place offers an up close view of the sunset. This is also one of the major places where festivities are being held.

The white sand and blue waters are nothing but a fulfilled promise of relaxation and fun. The beach is fully developed that it even offers shops, restaurants and night clubs that will serve best for visitors who want to get a vacation the modernized way.

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Praia da Lua

This is one of the best beached in Manaus. The white sand and fine water are very ideal especially for those who want to get a piece of tranquility and relaxation.

This is a more silent option compared to Ponta Negra’s party vibe. Get enticed with the solace this place promises and enjoy the sumptuous cuisine offered by local restaurants.

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http://laurenceourac.com/when-in-manaus/

Images
(1) http://www.amazon-village.com.br/images/01gatewmanaus.jpg
(2) http://www.hot-map.com/images/tn/Stadtplan-Manaus-7799.jpg
(3) http://www.pull-in.com.cn/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Teatro-Amazonas_Emanuel-Pires-Correa.jpg
(4) http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/8193708.jpg
(5) http://top10.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Meeting-rivers.jpg
(6) http://www.majesticnatal.com.br/r/guia-natal/praia-da-redinha-g.jpg
(7) https://blogdocaboco.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/948686433_8be3e24f45.jpg

Limassol Situation: More than Sun and Seas

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Characterized by its coastlines and beaches, Limassol is more than just another summer destination. This uprising tourist destination has more to offer past its shorelines and brimming sunny days.

Aside from boasting seas, Limassol’s heart can be found in its architectures and historical sites. This is where nature kisses culture. Come, explore and experience Limassol.

Location

Limassol (Lemesus) is located at the southern coast of Cyprus. This is the second largest city in the country and amongst the busiest ports in Mediterranean transit trades.

The land covers 38.47 square kilometers and is one of the most populous cities in Cyprus.

Climate

According to Koppen-Geiger classification, Limassol possesses a hot Mediterranean / dry-summer subtropical climate. It has warm to hot summers and mild winters.

Amongst the Mediterranean territories of the European Union, Cyprus in general has the warmest climate and winters. July is said to be the hottest month while January is the coldest.

Rainfalls mostly occur in the month of December while August is the friendliest month to go for swimming due to average sea temperature historically.

Transportation

The city can be reached by two possible plane routes. Either through Larnaca or Paphos International Airports. From these two airports, a 40-minute drive shuttle travel is available to reach Limassol.

It can also be reached by riding a bus. Green buses operate through different cities like of Troodos, Larnaca, Pafos and Nicosia.

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Attractions

Kourion

This historical site was said to be built during the second century BC. This is one of the major cities in ancient Cyprus.

Get the feel of the Roman period as the location feasts with amphitheaters that were believed to be the haven of musical and theatrical events of the ancient epoch.

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Kolossi Castle

This 15th century castle became the in between edifice of Limassol’s trade industry during the ancient times.

It was surrounded by plantations that are primary source of the city’s export products during mid ages.

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Amathus Archeological Site

Another historical gem of the medieval era, this spot served as one of the main locations for trade and gatherings during the early age.

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Beaches

Let us not forget that the city’s location is boasting with shores and beaches.

The city is also known by its beautiful shorelines and blue seas that are being visited by tourists whole year round.

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http://laurenceourac.com/limassol-situation-more-than-sun-and-seas/

Images
(1) http://keyassets.timeincuk.net/inspirewp/live/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2014/07/Limassol_Marina.jpg
(2) http://www.larnaca-airport.info/images/larnaca_international-airport.jpg
(3) http://www.dionysostravel.eu/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/07_kourion-3.jpg
(4) http://www.raphael.com.cy/assets/image/imageoriginal/l%20Kolossi%20Castle%20copy.jpg
(5) http://eurocall2016.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Amathus-Archaeological-Site_2.jpg
(6) http://www.simila-cyprus.com/WebTemplates/simila/images/snowy-mountains-and-sandy-beaches-img4.jpg

Submerging Marble caves in glacial waters

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Who says marbles are only good for children’s indoor games, and could only be seen in the cities over man-made structures, pillars of skyscraper buildings how you wonder where else could it be of great use? TRAVEL! Yes, travel! Because one tourist spot in Chile offers you a once in a lifetime experience of having to see this beautiful landscape an island made out of pure marble, structured shaped cave by the wonderful hands of God.

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Location

Marble Cave is situated on Lake General Carrera or Lake Buenos Aires of Patagonia, in Southern Chile. This beautiful Lake is within the eleventh region in Chile and is situated 290 kilometers south of Coyhaique and 112 kilometers Southwest of Chile Chico. This cannot be accessed by land because it is submerged in between the water boarders of Chile and Argentina.

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Climate

The climate in Chile varies and is divided into three major climatic areas such as North experiencing very arid climate, while in the south a more cool and dump humidity and lastly in Central Chile a temperate Mediterranean climate.

The summer months are December- February, and the winter months are from June- August, and the good news is that January- March are the best travelling months to visit this beautiful Chilean landscape and is considered as one of the peak travel months because of its climatic condition during this time.

Although the southern climate in Chile is a bit dumpy and humid but there is a guarantee that the lake itself has a sunny climate.

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Transportation

For obvious reasons the cave itself cannot be accessed via land vehicle because of its location, it is submerged in the middle of the icy turquoise water boarders of Argentina and Chile this magnificent cave can be reached through a car ferry operating in Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez and Chile Chico in the lake borders of Chile so both sides could be an access to this cave but the regular boat tours usually come from Puerto Tranquillo, Río Ibáñez. But the lake could be reached from any point of the country because it is accessible via land and airways.

What to see

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General Carrera Lake is considered as one of the biggest lakes in South America, having a surface of 978 square kilometers.

Because of this, there are also several activities that tourists could do and go to hiking, horseback riding, and the famous sport fishing in this side of the region and so as a flora and fauna photography session due to its nature’s beauty.

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The highlight of the entire tour would be to see the Marble cave also known to their locals as Capilla de Marmol or the Marble chapel.

This wonderfully crafted island is identified as a chapel by the locals because of its dome like structure and normally marbles are being used to build cathedrals but this one is unique than all the other because it has been structured due to the natural powers of the current and waves hitting its floors leading it to look this astounding.

It has been considered as nature’s best artwork because it was naturally built about 6,000 plus years ago forming its beautifully curved tunnels, pillars of marble.

This has become their rare fine jewel, having this ton of beauty at the heart of Chile and Argentina floating through a clear glacier like with turquoise water.

This is to be treasured and preserved through time.

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http://laurenceourac.com/submerging-marble-caves-in-glacial-waters/

Images:
(1) 500px.com
(2) www.wangulen.com
(3) www.worldwildlife.org
(4) toraadventure.wordpress.com
(5) www.worldfortravel.com
(6) commons.wikimedia.org
(7) poetryaw.net
(8) www.youtube.com

Explore Helsinki, Finland

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Helsinki is the capital of Finland and its largest city. It is also known as the pocket-sized European city because of its unique design and high technology. The urban area of the city offers a variety of cultural, historical, and outdoor attractions for exploration.

It is a great city and can be easily explored by a bike or just walking. The design, architecture, culture, and shopping are all great exploration angles. It also has large park, areas, forests, lakes that is perfect for weekend explorations.

As the snow falls, the charming summery of Helsinki turns into completely different city it becomes a great action to take place for summer and winter activities.

The compact of the vibrant city is both highly cultural and incredibly relaxing, with beautiful nature that is close it and offers great possibilities for various and outdoor activities great for tourists’ adventures and vacation.

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Location

Finland is in Northern Europe and has borders with Russia to the East, Norway to the North and Sweden to the West.

Helsinki is the capital of Finland and it is situated by the Baltic Sea with a 100 kilometer long shoreline and with 300 islands around it.

Climate

Helsinki is part of the world’s northernmost capitals and with the long winter season from November to March, dark and freezing. Its winter average temperature is -5°C. The wind chill makes it even colder and the snow falls only intermittently and often melts into gray slush.

Summer in Helsinki is pleasant, but short it starts from the months of June until August. The average temperatures are 22°C and sometimes climb over 27°C and with lows usually ranging between 10 to 20°C.

Due to the northern latitude, the daylight hours in Helsinki are unusually long in summer season with sunsets very late in the evening, and virtually no darkness at night from the months of early June until mid-July.

Transportation

All flights whether it is an international or domestic lands in Helsiki-Vantaa International Airport.

It is located in Vantaa which is 18 kilometers to the north of central Helsinki.

What to See

Posti Museo

This museum is very famous in Helsinki because it showcases the history of postal service in Finland. It will show tourists the evolution of mail service from sleds and ships to modern postal service today.

The museum also shows a lot of details about how it evolved through the Swedish Rule, then Russian and to the present modern Finnish.

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Uspenski Church

This is the large red church and it is hard to miss when you visit Helsinki because it is located on a hill overlooking the city.

This is also an Eastern Orthodox Church that is very massive and impressive with its large domes and gold crosses and the interior is very extravagantly decorated too with a typical Eastern Orthodox designs and icons.

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Central Market

This is located right down by the harbor. This is a market where you can find everything and do lots of souvenir shopping, eat local food, buy fresh vegetables and even fresh sweet berries during summer.

This place is famous and usually swarming with tourists. There is also a covered part of the market where you can find and eat pastries, meat, cheese, and fish.

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The Island of Suoemlinna

This is an old bastion fort where tourist can spend half of a day walking. It was first constructed by the Swedish in 1748 as a defense against Russians.

And now it is considered as a park and functioning residential area. There are also lots of interesting buildings that is good for a lovely walking tour.

Finns also come here to hang out during the summer to relax and have picnic.

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http://laurenceourac.com/explore-helsinki-finland/

Images:
(1) www.blogs.helsinki.fi
(2) www.travelfeatured.com
(3) https://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helsinki
(4) www.c1.staticflickr.com
(5) www.cdn3.vtourist.com
(6) www.static1.visitfinland.com
(7) https://machita75.wordpress.com/2011/10/15/daytrip-to-suomenlinna-fortress-in-the-helsinki-archipielago/

Be Pleased with Kazan

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Location

Situated at the junction of the rivers Volga and Kazanka, Kazan is the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan in Russia. The area covers 425.3 square kilometers and is considered as one of the most populous cities in Russia.

This city is also hailed as the ‘Third Capital of Russia’ next to Moscow and Saint Petersburg due to its economic reach and wealthy culture and deep-rooted history.

Climate

According to Koppen-Geiger classification, Kazan’s climate is tagged as humid continental. It is described to have severed winters, no dry season and warm summers.

It is ideal to visit this city during the months of May, June, July, August and September because of the average temperature being experienced during these said months.

Months outside what’s mentioned tend to be cold and chilly.

Transportation

The city’s major airport is Kazan International Airport situated 30 kilometers southeast of the proper city. From the airport, travelers can hail a taxi to get to the city center. Kazan is also accessible by train. Most routes are to and from Moscow and St Petersburg.

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Attractions

Kazan Kremlin Tartar

Fortress and an important place of pilgrimage. Kazan Kremlin is a group of astounding buildings from 16th and 19th centuries.

Architectures found on this tourist destination boast the rich art styles that were formed in the progression of earlier times.

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Kul SharifMosque

This recently completed mosque was named after an imam who died in front of cunning troops of Ivan Terrible in 1552. Inside is a museum that narrates the history of Islam on Volga.

It also has manuscripts, furniture and women’s costumes.

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Leaning Suyumbike Tower

This is one of the most prominent buildings found in Kazan. The seven-story tower is surrounded with legend that adds to the beauty of the said architecture.

Apparently this tourist attraction is not open to the public in near sight.

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Temple of all Religions

An impressive architecture that represents the fusion of some of the major religions in the world.

The place is owned by Ildar Khanov, an artist who believes that all religions are equal.

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Black Lake

The park got its name from the lake that has been in the place for a very long time. Most of the times, fishermen go to the place to unwind and enjoy.

The place is famous for its clear water and wonderful fountain. Nowadays, the park is famous for people of the town and most visitors.

Through various public events, young ones usually meet here and socialize. Lots of benches, slides, swings are there for people to indulge in.

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http://laurenceourac.com/be-pleased-with-kazan/

Images
(1) https://karim74.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/kul-sharif-mosque-in-kazan-russia-sunset.jpg
(2) http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1589832
(3) http://kazantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/kazan-kremlin.jpg
(4) http://english.kazantravels.ru/wp-content/uploads/Kul-Sharif-Mosque-in-Kazan-2.jpg
(5) http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/19878959.jpg
(6) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/29/All_Religions_Kazan_Temple_115.jpeg
(7) http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/91189148.jpg

Take the Beach Life in Coff’s Harbour

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Beach and the kind of life that it offers always has been one’s indulgent dream. The swaying leaves of tall coconut trees, the waters splashing on the shore, the gritty sand as it crunches below your feet and the euphoric aura that is being exuded just by the mere sight of the sun setting on the horizon — all of these, a part of the beach life picture.

Retirees and other vacationers who have set out of the country always look for something that is connected to the blue aquatic diorama of an island and one name that’s coming to mind is a small town in Australia called Coff’s Harbor.

Location

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Specifically and suitably located on Australia’s coastal tips, Coff’s Harbour is a small town in New South Wales and is on its northern edge.

Sydney and Brisbane are at about 540 kilometers and 390 kilometers respectively.

Coff’s is also surrounded by small towns such as Bellingen, Coramba, Nana Glen, Corind, Dorrigo, Karangi, Sawtell, Woolgoogla and the Nambucca Valley Region.

Coff’s Harbour is said to have almost 71,000 as recorded in 2012.

Climate

According to the Koppen Climate Classification, all of Coff’s Harbour is under the humid subtropical class which equates to more sunny days and clear skies.

Suitably, the beach is always touched by the rays of the sun since the town receives an estimated 122 days of sunlight. Winters, on the other hand, is not as strong as its nearby cities and is usually damp.

Transportation

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If getting along public transportation, you have a lot of choices for bus systems like Busways, Sawtell Coaches, Beaumonts, Newcombe and Ryan’s Bus Services.

All of the aforementioned runs within the veins of the city and have regular stops at Coff’s Harbour and inner city points.

For train systems, the town is being catered by the services of NSW Trainlink Railway Services and has a specific stop at the town’s main terminal.

For air travel, Qantas, Tiger Airways and Virgin Australia will be your top bets for safe and sound travel.

The main entry and exit point would be at Coffs Harbour Airport, which offers domestic, interstate and international flights.

What to See

Big Banana

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For outdoor and indoor recreation, put Big Banana on your checklist for activities like ice skating, mini golf, toboggan rides, plantation tours and be immersed in validating that the ‘Big Banana Experience’ is worth all your efforts, not money, as admission to this park is free.

Diggers Beach

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Just a turn off away from Big Banana, surfers and exhilaration addicts would find Diggers Beach the best for the sport as it promised surf-suitable tides on the range of 1 meter to 1.5 meters depending on the weather once you’re there.

Coff’s Harbour Regional Museum

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Experience the vintage nautical world through visiting artifacts harnessed from Coff’s Harbour locals which depicted the sea life.

Jetty Beach

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In contrast to Diggers Beach, Jetty is for those who want a tranquil beach visit.

Famous for the jetty found in this place, travelers would also have the capability of satisfying their stomachs as numerous restaurants dot the immediate vicinity.

Solitary Islands Aquarium

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Originally under the wing and supervision of Southern Cross University, Solitary Islands Aquarium is open for public visit on weekends and is home to an impressive number of marine animals and corals.

http://laurenceourac.com/take-the-beach-life-in-coffs-harbour/

Images
(1) www.fncoffs.com.au
(2) www.mnweightofloads.org.au
(3) www.coffscoast.com.au
(4) www. caravansohyeah.smugglys.com 
(5) www.google.com
(6) facilities.arts.nsw.gov.au
(7) theobservatory.com.au
(8) www.coffsholidayrentals.com.au

Fulfill and Recreate in Burnie

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When a city is thriving hard to rebuild and reinvent, all things pleasant are expected to be seen. From the tangible developments such as road widening, numerous buildings being perched here and there, environment being taken care of and preserved, people busy as bees thinking about how they would be able to make their lives and the place that they reside in a bit better — these are some of the scenarios you would encounter when you visited a place slowly getting up from its ashes.

Had never been a top destination in Tasmania, Australia, Burnie is now being known inch by inch, as the suburb’s City of Makers because of their ceaseless attempts to revamp their lives and the reputation of their beloved place. Be enlightened and witness the changes being carried-out every day, all for the benefit of jolting their city into its deep slumber.

Location

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Burnie is situated in the suburb of Tasmania. It is surrounded by famous and humongous cities like Devonport (47 kilometers away), Launceston (134 kilometers away), Queenstown (296 kilometers away) and Hobart.

With 20,000 residents, Burnie is a melting pot of shopping centers; fine dine restaurants, innocuous cafes and endless interesting galleries. Burnie is considered to be Tasmania’s most western city.

Climate

Due to its proximity and its situation as a port, Burnie is under the oceanic climate type with cooler winters and not so strong heat during summers.

From May to October, Burnie residents experience rain showers and cool temperatures. January to March is considered the hottest months with a maximum temperature of 25-degrees Celsius.

Transportation

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If traveling by air, the main entry point would be the Burnie Airport, which is just a good 20-minute drive from the town’s center. Commerce and trade happen in Burnie Port, which is one of the biggest general cargo ports in the whole of Tasmania.

Several cargo vessels and shipments are being delivered here every day to keep the business going. Expansions to keep the port open for travelers are still In the works and expected completion is by 2018.

Traveling by bus would not be an issue as you can easily ride and alight from the main bus system, Metro Tasmania. The buses would definitely transport you into any point of Burnie. Coaches are also available for longer stretches of transfer.

What to See

Maker’s Workshop

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Located at the western tip of Burnie’s beaches, this museum slash art display slashes creative center is said to be a must-visit as locals and the whole of Burnie’s creative juices are being showcased here.

Hellyers Road Distillery

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If you want to be drunk on broad daylight and yet be well informed how whisky is being made in Burnie, then a short-trip to this place would do you good.

One of Tasmania’s well-reputed liquor maker, Hellyers would definitely give you a glimpse of the technicalities in whiskey making.

Burnie Park

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Be in touch with your outdoors alter-ego and plant your buns into the city’s main park.

Home to one of the oldest edifices in Burnie which is the Burnie Inn; entertain yourself into witnessing day to day activities of Burnie residents, the huge and well-manicured lawn and sports lovers running all over the adjacent sports oval.

Burnie Regional Museum

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Travel back in time and see how Burnie was in the year 1900s.

Fill your craving for a real-life diorama of old Burnie through artifacts involving blacksmith, washhouse, bootmakers and stagecoach depots.

http://laurenceourac.com/fulfill-and-recreate-in-burnie/

Images
(1) www.australia.com
(2) www.electoral.tas.gov.au
(3) www.imagesignsandgraphics.com.au
(4) www.ausemade.com.au 
(5) www.restaurant.australia.com
(6) www.flickr.com
(7) www.tripadvisor.com.au