Australian Folklore: The Three Sisters

Towering over New South Wales’ Jamison River are the sisters Meehni, Wimlah, and Gunnedoo—sandstone formations shaped from years of erosion by wind, water, and the surrounding cliffs crumbling around them. Many Australian campfires have heard the old fable of three sisters who fell deeply in love with men from a rival tribe. When marriage was forbidden, havoc ensued between the tribes. In order to protect the three lovesick sisters, an elder turned them to stone—but died before he could turn them back.

Photo Credit: The Three Sisters, Blue Mountains, New South Whales, Australia (Brooke Whatnall)

Melbourne's Maritime Tradition

Derived from the Old English for mill stream—Mylla Burn—Melbourne’s ancient name speaks to its prized location at the confluence of Port Phillip Bay and the Yarra River, which feeds into a network of tributaries used as important trade routes in the 1800s. Modern-day Melbourne still honors its maritime tradition, with green development at the waterfront and an abundance of parks and gardens along the bay.

Photo Credit: Melbourne, Australia (Tourism Victoria)

Trip Idea: Port Campbell National Park, Australia's Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles, located about 150 miles southwest of Melbourne and undoubtedly the most recognizable feature of Port Campbell National Park, are a series of huge limestone outcrops separated from the coastal cliffs by centuries of erosion. Once referred to as the "Sow and Piglets," these rugged sentinels alongside Victoria's Great Ocean Road stand as testament to the power of the tumultuous southern seas.

Photo Credit: Port Campbell National Park, Australia (Australian Tourist Commission)

Must See: Sydney's Harbour Bridge and Opera House

The Harbour Bridge and Opera House make the Sydney skyline one of the most recognizable in the world. In 1957, the government of New South Wales conducted an international competition for the design of its new opera house, selecting the now famous entry of Danish architect Jørn Utzon. In 1973, the performing arts complex, conceptualized by Utzon like “a Gothic church,” was finally completed.

Photo Credit: The Harbour Bridge and Opera House (Australian Tourism Commission)

Top 4 Affordable International Trips

Taking a trip to another continent isn’t cheap, but you can save money with these ideas:

Paris
Visit between November and April for the best rates on accommodations and airfare. For free or low-cost fun, plan on doing a lot of sightseeing in the historic public areas and parks. Don’t worry about tipping, as gratuities are often added to your price automatically. But definitely splurge on the world-famous food.