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Time Business News
07-05-2025
- Time Business News
First Time in Australia? Here's What to Know Before You Go
Source: Australia is one of the countries that is probably on everyone's bucket list. It's a place that feels like a world of its own. You get to look at wild landscapes, adorable (and sometimes terrifying) wildlife, and multicultural cities. It's stunning, welcoming, and way bigger than most people expect. So, if it's your first time visiting Australia, a bit of preparation goes a long way in making sure your trip is smooth, unforgettable, and full of fun. Here are a few things you should know before you begin planning for the trip: One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is how spread out everything is. Australia isn't a place where you can casually road trip from city to city in a day. Flying between major cities is normal here, so domestic flights are your best bet if you're short on time. Pick your regions carefully. If you're only visiting for a couple of weeks, don't try to cram in every city. Focus on the east coast (Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane), or go for a nature-focused trip up north around the Great Barrier Reef. Australia's seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer is from December to February, and winter starts from June to August. Plus, the climate can vary a lot between states. Sydney, for example, has pretty mild winters, while Melbourne is known for its weather mood swings. It's also normal to get four seasons in one day in Melbourne. If you want beach weather and long days, spring (September to October) and autumn (March to May) are perfect for exploring without the summer crowds and high prices. Yes, there are spiders and snakes, but honestly, you're more likely to see a kangaroo on the roadside or sleepy koalas in trees. Australia's wildlife is one of its biggest draws. Don't miss the opportunities to see koalas in the wild, penguins in Victoria, and whales along the east coast. If you're really into animals, check out wildlife parks like Featherdale near Sydney or Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria. Most international visitors land in Sydney, and for good reason. It has iconic spots like the Opera House and Bondi Beach, plus vibrant food, art, and nightlife experiences. And if you want a more relaxed way to soak in Sydney's coast charm, try taking one of the many cruises from Sydney that explore nearby areas like the South Pacific islands, New Zealand, or even tropical Queensland. It's the perfect way to combine adventure with relaxation, and they're ideal for first-time visitors who want to see a lot without the stress of planning. Melbourne is your go-to for culture and coffee. If you love street art and food markets, you'll fall for this city fast. You can also visit historic sites and Victorian buildings. Brisbane is a popular city among tourists and visitors all year round because of its pleasant weather. One of the must-visit places in Brisbane is the Queensland Art Gallery. If you want a quieter and less crowded place to enjoy, Perth is the perfect city. With a lower population and popularity compared to the other cities, it's ideal for beach lovers who want a calmer experience. The currency is AUD (Australian Dollars), and tipping isn't expected like in the US – though rounding up or leaving tips for good service is appreciated. Credit cards are widely accepted. Aussies are generally friendly, but also big on personal space and calling things how they are. So, make sure you're polite and patient when chatting with the locals. They're also very friendly and informal, so don't be surprised if a stranger calls you 'mate' at the bus stop. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Meet the bird that can kill with a kick and it's closely related to dinosaurs
Imagine being on a tour to northern Australia or New Guinea and while walking through the dense, humid rainforests you find yourself at the crossroads amid sudden rustle of leaves and next you catch a glimpse of a tall bird with electric-blue skin, fiery red wattles, and jet-black feathers. This might be one of the most scary experiences of your life and might seem to be a scene from a lost world, but this was the most dangerous bird that stood your way. The bird is so ancient-looking, that it seems to be picked up from the pages of prehistory and is often called a 'living dinosaur'. Apart from that it is also known to be one of the most fearsome survivors of the world. The most dangerous bird! Cassowaries are known as the most dangerous bird in the world, not because they feed on human veins but because their powerful kicks are sufficient to put a man downl. While the title may sound exaggerated, that is only until one learns of its weapon-like claws, bursts of explosive speed, and capacity to defend itself with killing force. In fact, the bird's lineage traces directly back to the age of dinosaurs, and its features and behaviors seem similar to that of the primeval past. Where are Cassowaries found? Cassowaries are flightless birds that are native to Northern Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands. Despite their shy nature, cassowaries are known to be the most lethal birds on Earth, largely due to their huge size, strength, and defensive instincts. While they rarely attack unprovoked, the damage they can do is no joke. In 2019, a tragic incident in Florida showed their potential danger when a cassowary fatally injured its keeper at a private bird collection. What makes them dangerous birds? Standing up to six feet tall and weighing as much as 160 pounds, the Southern Cassowary is the largest of its kind. These powerful birds are not only fast, in fact they are capable of sprinting up to 31 miles per hour and can also leap 7 feet into the air and swim with ease. But what truly makes them formidable are their legs, which are 'used for delivering strong kicks,' and their 4-inch, dagger-like claws that can 'slice and puncture any animal that is a threat, including humans' , according to Cassowaries mainly feed on fallen rainforest fruit but are known to eat insects, fungi, and even carrion. Interestingly, they have a unique method of fishing, which is sitting in streams and spreading their feathers to trap fish. Beyond their physical power, cassowaries play an important ecological and cultural role. Indigenous Australian groups often include cassowaries in traditional ceremonies and Dreamtime stories, and now are also a part in conservation efforts using both ancestral knowledge and science.
