Alice Springs Desert Park, at the foot of the MacDonnell Ranges is a botanic garden, a zoo, a centre for Aboriginal culture and an environmental conservation institute, all rolled into one. Hundreds of species of plants and animals found across Central Australian deserts can be seen including the opportunity to experience desert habitats as they are at night. From free-flying birds of prey in the nature theatre to rare and endangered animals in the spectacular nocturnal house and the interlinking world of plants, animals and people, the experience leaves you with new stories, skills and some of the secrets of the desert.

Uluru/Ayers Rock is considered one of the great wonders of the world and one of Australia’s most recognizable natural icons. The large sandstone rock formation is more than 318m high and 8 km around. The colour of Uluru changes from purple at sunrise through to rusty browns and red in the golden sunlight. Kata Tjuta consists of 36 steep sided monoliths, which, just like Uluru, look most impressive at sunrise and sunset. There are a number of guided walks in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Kings Canyon is the biggest attraction inside Watarrka National Park, which protects the George Gill Range that contains a massive gorge, with red sandstone walls that rise over 100 metres to a plateau of rocky domes and other sandstone formations.

The West MacDonnell Ranges close to Alice Springs has attractions you would not want to miss. Simpsons Gap is a gap in the ranges with a colony of Black-footed Rock-wallabies that lives on the rocky slope. Standley Chasm 50 km west of Alice Springs is privately owned and there is an entry fee to the narrow but spectacular chasm. Ellery Creek Big Hole, 91 km from Alice Springs is the deepest waterhole in the West MacDonnell Ranges and great for swimming.

Car hire companies in Australia include Europcar, Thrifty, Avis, and Budget.

Australia is often of the several regions in this world which is specially designed by the omnipotent almighty for those people who love adventure and fun in their life. For those people whose life is none other than a never ending party or along vacation, it is mandatory for them to go and visit Australia at least once in their life time. This place has so much to offer to the tourist that one can never resist the temptation to get settled in this region for the rest of his life only to fall in love with this place.

One of the prime modes of transport in Australia for tourists has been rental cars. Only rented cars gives the freedom of traveling to the remotest places in Australia with out bearing much of a hassle and one can enjoy the freedom of traveling where ever he feels like. The comfort and convenience along with a sense of adventure has attracted several tourists who have come to this lace only to get a glimpse of the never ending fun and excitement related to this place.

Some of the popular car rental companies have concentrated their business in Australia and have earned huge profits due to the inflow of tourists, through out the year. Some of the hot shots in the business who have been voted to have the best consumer satisfaction rate are Avis, Thrifty, Europcar, Budget and Hertz, Discovery car hire is one of famous car companies specialized in renting out cars of luxury class. These cars have several features which consist of air conditioned and furnished interiors, a radio and telephone facility, a DVD and music system, GPS and LCD TVs in some cases. The rents for these sorts of luxury class cars are hence pretty high and are not easily affordable for the middle class.

When we talk about the land of kangaroos, what we have to discuss is the never ending natural beauty of Australia. Australia is such a place that is sincerely gifted with all delicacies of nature that includes great beaches, lush green forests, snow capped mountains, green field covered with grasses and vast deserts. Being one of the prime regions for vast bio diversity, Australia is also considered one of the hot favorite vacation spots for Asians, Europeans and several Americans. Most of the tourists who have visited Australia know that it is impossible to survive in this region if you do not have a car near your hand. Now one can not take a car along with him on his vacations. Hence the best option is hiring a car for rent if you really want to explore the vast unexplored territory in this region. There are several facts about car hiring in Australia. Among the various famous car companies who are efficiently running their business in this region, Hertz, Avis, Alamo, Budget, Europcar Hire and Thrifty has taken their business sky high. These car companies have several rules and regulations that they follow. One of them being the famous one way car hire in Australia. The one way car hire is a system of hiring a car for rent where you pick up a car from one car hire location and return the car to another location. The rent mainly constitutes of the cost of returning the car to the original place by the company. Again there is are several car companies in Australia ho are working with various non government charitable organization which sanctions monetary funds to those people who suffer from poverty and are deprived from living a happy life. The car companies will take your consent and only then, a portion of your rent will be contributed to the charity for continuing their noble work.

“God save the Queen/King” was Australia’s National anthem until 1984.

January 26, Australia day, is the anniversary of ships arriving in Sydney carrying a load of Convicts.

In 1838 swimming at public beaches during the day was declared illegal; this law was revoked in 1902.

Australia was the second country in the world to give women the right to vote.

The Australian Lyre Bird is able to mimic the calls of 15 different species of birds and the sound mobile phones.

The venom from an Inland Taipan snake would be enough to kill over 100 people or 250,000 mice.

Australia is the only country which is also a whole continent.

When Kangaroos’ need water, they dig ‘wells’ for themselves, these pits are a common source of water for other animals living in the kangaroo’s environment.

The world’s most deadly spider is considered to be The Sydney Funnelweb spider capable of killing a human in less than 2 hrs.

Sir Don Bradman averaged 99.94 runs during his test cricket career.

The ‘dingo fence’ in Australia is the longest fence in the world, and is about twice as long as the Great Wall of China.

The name Australia comes from the Latin Terra Australis Incognito which means the Unknown Southern Land.

When some of the first white settlers saw this strange animal hopping along and they asked the Aborigines what it was called. They replied with ‘Kanguru‘, which in the native language meant ‘I don’t know’, that’s how the kangaroo got its name.

Car hire companies in Australia include Europcar, Thrifty, Avis, and Budget.

A deal has been signed by the Industry and Trade Minister Jacinta Allan and Premier John Brumby for starting the direct flight services between Delhi and Melbourne, from 1^st November 2010. This move will obviously enable to strengthen ties and relationships between Australia and India.

Brumby has said that Air India has taken this step in order to get the recognition of Victoria as Australia’s premier destination for tourists from India besides creating several job opportunities.

Data from the Tourism Research Australia displays that there was an increase in the number of tourists from India visiting Victoria and also shows that there is a common point of interest between India and Victoria in cricket, education, and film and trade.

The arrival of Air India highlights the competitive strengths with the interstate equivalents of Melbourne airport, which is the Australia’s major international airport generating nearly billions of economic activity each year with the Tourism sector while employing thousands of people.

Melbourne airport, the 2^nd busiest in Australia, serves the Melbourne city and is situated 23km from the city center. With 5 different parking options, it operates 24 hours meeting the specific requirements of passengers. It promotes all facilities like shopping, dining, duty free shopping; ground transportation and car hire services.

The New South Wales or NSW is the most populated state in Australia. However, there is more to it than its population. If you want to tour NSW, make sure that your rent a car so that you will not miss one key destination.

One great stop you should not miss is the Sydney tower. This is a great place to start as it allows you to view the entire city. Being in the Sydney tower means that you are in the highest point in all of Sydney.

If you are an animal lover, then you should not miss the Waterways Wildlife Park. This is the place to be if you want to get up close and personal with the different animals. You will be able to experience how it is to come face to face with koalas and share the environment with the different animals, native in Australia like the kangaroos and possums.

If you plan to stay longer in NSW, then visiting the Breaside Riding School is a great idea. This is a great place for you and your children to learn how to ride horses. Most lessons will last for an hour or so. In addition to riding lessons, you can also join other workshops.

You can also head out to the Oceanworld Manly. You can reach it by car. There are so many things to enjoy there. A main Oceanarium holds different marine lives including sharks, turtles and stingrays. You can even dive in there. It does not matter if you are a beginner or an experienced diver because facilities are provided and instructions are available, with the aid of professional divers, of course.

Aside from marine life, you also be one with the reptiles. You can touch and have your photo taken with the python and baby crocodile.

There are various attractions in NSW. Whatever your interests are, you will surely find something that you would love to do. GP

When planning to visit Australia, include a trip in Queensland and enjoy the different activities and tourist attractions in store for you. You can rent a car to get around the State better and enjoy more places. There are also a lot of activities you can do, so you can be certain that you will not get bored.

The best way to start your trip is to check out the State’s capital, Brisbane. The city has so many things to offer. You do not have to travel far as the City itself is a beauty waiting to be discovered. You will be amazed with astonishing buildings with modern architectural designs. The food is also superb as there is a wide array of restaurants to choose from. Aside from the buildings and modern structures, there are also parks that bring you back to nature.

Visit the Bunya Mountains national Park. It is one of Queensland oldest parks. You can camp, hike or just have fun with friends and family there.

If you do not want to sit around while enjoying the view, you can be more adventurous. Check out the Dreamworld Theme Park.

It is about 40 minutes drive from Brisbane. You will surely enjoy the different rides. There are also several other attractions as well. There is the Australian wildlife and Tiger Island.

There are also water activities and other fun features for families to enjoy.

Sea World is also a great stop to enjoy. You will be able to find new appreciation for marine life. In addition to the marine life, you will also enjoy other attractions in Sea World, just like the Sesame Street. This is definitely a treat for your children.

Queensland offers a lot of activities. All the cities offer a new set of attraction. If you have car hire, you will be able to get to more tourist spots.  GP