How to experience Australia without leaving your couch
Sydney
Image: Cultural Attractions of Australia
Did you know you can check out wonderful livestreamed Sydney Harbour and Opera House views and a whole bunch more from the comfiest spot on your couch? Or were you aware that the live feeds of Taronga TV lets you see what the iconic zoo's animals are up to at all hours of the day, while their website has tons of online resources to help you learn all about local and exotic animal species? That's not all – Sea Life Sydney and Wild Life Sydney also have a whole section of their website dedicated to letting you experience Aussie animals and sea creatures from home. There's plenty to explore, and it's all free!
Melbourne
Image: Visit Victoria
Melbourne – the culture capital of Oz, the land of flat whites and lattes, the land of iconic street art, the land of crate-digging vinyl enthusiasts and a banging underground music scene, But if all the buzz of Victoria's capital is beyond your reach, fear not. This bustling metropolis has plenty to offer those who prefer to take it all in horizontally.
For the artistically minded, spend your free time taking virtual tours and asking questions to museum experts at Museums Victoria, which offers a full online experience! Dive into the many learning resources and get inspired.
Did you know that you can enjoy a club experience with quality DJ sets from the couch? During the pandemic OneSixOne did a series of livestream shows that you can still watch. Grab yourself a nice drink, and get that virtual houseparty going!
The Victoria Zoos 24/7 livestream is the place to be if your passion is animals. From fairy penguins going for a swim, to snow leopards heading out in the evening, there's never a dull moment on these video feeds.
Say goodbye to cheap beer and hello to a fine wine tasting, straight from the Yarra Valley! Winemakers Innocent Bystander are holding livestreamed wine tastings. If you're keen to partake in a tipple, you can pre-order a bottle to your place before the event to learn about all the best ways to enjoy these award-winning wines.
Explore more while staying at home
There's plenty more ways to be a virtual tourist in Australia. Here are just a few:
‣ Join David Attenborough on a tour of the Great Barrier Reef.
‣ Let Australian culinary queen Maggie Beer teach you a thing or two about cooking from her Facebook page.
‣ If you've got some spare funds lying around, learn from the very best at Sydney Dance Company.
‣ Dance along to the Australian Ballet's most well-loved performances thanks to Ballet TV.
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