IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Australian passport holders require a visa to enter the United States of America (ESTA).
America (ESTA)
Applications for the United States of America can be done online at http://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta
The sheer size of the US prevents any kind of all encompassing statement about the typical American experience. From the state-of-the-art skyscrapers of New York City to the scenic country lanes of New England, the United States of America is a place of astonishing beauty and extraordinary diversity. Nothing can remotely prepare you for your first glimpse of the glorious Golden Gate bridge, the glistening Empire State building, the neon lights of Las Vegas or the iconic Statue of Liberty. Not to mention the natural treasures on offer - the country’s beautiful national parks are home to some of the world’s most treasured wildlife and landscapes; the west and east coasts are strewn with spectacular beaches, and the Rockies provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. In fact, it is a country of such epic proportions that you could easily spend a lifetime in the US and still feel like you have barely scratched the surface.
Resting on the shore of the idyllic San Juan Island, Friday Harbor is a picturesque marina located in the San Juan Islands archipelago in northwest Washington, USA. This tiny seaport boasts picturesque scenery of elegant antique shops, bookstores, eateries and galleries spread across the winsome waterfront. A meander around this petite port leads visitors to a plethora of attractions that include The Whale Museum, the San Juan Islands Museum of Art, the San Juan Community Theatre and the San Juan Historical Museum. For an exciting outdoor experience, admire sublime views of the Olympic Mountains and Vancouver Island when kayaking on the beach. Explore the myriad trails amidst the exuberant forest that enfolds the island, and observe the island’s magnificent marine life with a whale tour.
Teeming forests cloak the radiant Orcas Island, a rural idyll of such radiant beauty that locals have dubbed it “the gem of the San Juans”. Boasting a sylvan landscape of pristine lakes, charming villages and picturesque beaches, this seaside paradise is a tranquil retreat where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the verdant surroundings of the “Emerald Isle”. Explore the curving roads and trails that wind through the lush forest by hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, horseback riding and swimming in the freshwater lakes of Moran State Park. For sweeping vistas of the Salish Sea and snow-capped Mount Baker, take a scenic trek up Mount Constitution, the highest point on the San Juan Islands. Other popular activities include kayaking, fishing, and enjoy the many restaurants, boutique stores, art galleries and museums that dot the island.
