Edward Holdsworth
Visiting Australia
Australia is far away and it takes a long time to get there. For
someone like me, who has not been before, it was a real eye opener.
We all have preconceived ideas on what to expect and mine were no
different to most. That is, kangaroos in abundance, warm days and people
wearing hats with corks dangling. They also talked in a peculiar way.
I had visions of very long trains that travelled for miles and miles
through vast areas of wheat fields and went slowly over huge timber
bridges which spanned steep gorges with white foaming fast running
rivers below. But I was amazed and surprised to experience a feeling of
ease and satisfaction as I journeyed along the freeways (motorways),
which were so clean and well laid out. Most of Australia has these
freeways which, on both sides, have huge areas of virgin land and this
gives a never ending feeling of peace and wonderment.
The electric trains, as in France, run alongside the outer freeway lane.
At most junctions there are separate lights for turning right or left
and their own lanes. Also separate lights (blinking) give advance
warning of imminent light change. These roads are a pleasure to drive
on. There is no rush, everything runs smoothly, maybe because there are
unmarked police cars patrolling. Trains are a dream, always spotless.
The lines have no gaps in them and, being electric, the ride is smooth
and silent. Every stop is announced and security police patrol every
train. Friendliness and courtesy is very prevalent in Australia on all
public transport, even during peak hours. Three or four people will
offer to give up their seats whenever elderly people board. Children of
all ages are very well behaved. Shops are mostly in precincts, which are
all air conditioned.
I observed that most people, when not using a barbie (barbecue), eat out
and they love doing it! There are many food outlets catering for all
tastes and nationalities. There are plenty of attractions for visitors,
including boat trips to see whales and dolphins. We visited a gold mine,
including an underground tour and demonstration. There was also a visit
to an open cast gold mine, which was breathtaking.
Surprisingly, on the plane, time passed fairly quickly, thanks to the
personal monitors which showed where in the world our plane was as our
journey continued. Singapore Airlines did us proud, with plenty of free
food and drink. Kangaroos and parrots are in abundance. Roaming free,
especially in all public parks. Many roos meet their end on the
freeways. Parrots often visit the house gardens, all of which grow
palms, lemons, dates and tomatoes; quite easily in the hot environment.
House prices are very much cheaper than Britain. A plot of land is
bought then the house built to your own specification. They are nearly
all bungalows with drive-in garages, and a swimming pool and sauna. I
would willingly go and live in Australia. The standard of living is
great. The elderly well cared for and people everywhere are friendly,
helpful and very sociable.
Ted Holdsworth (with the help of wife Kath)
Australian Tourist Board Official Website click here Australia
click back button on your browser to return to our website