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.
Sandwiched between Mount Marathon and the glistening waters of Resurrection bay, this scenic city is surrounded by lush rain forests and is easily accessible from Anchorage. The neighbouring wilderness makes Seward an ideal base for kayaking, hiking, fishing, whale-watching, and glacier-viewing excursions. The city also serves as the gateway to the impressive Kenai Fjords National Park which offers magnificent landscapes and a remarkable variety of marine life. Take a day cruise along the coast south of Seward to watch glaciers calve into the sea, and spot seals, sea lions, and whales frolic in the waters. More adventurous travellers can rent a kayak and spend their afternoons paddling among sea otters, and their nights soaking in the clear night skies. This small, sparsely populated, 21.5-square-mile city is the perfect place to call home for a few days while you explore all of the breathtaking natural wonders of the wider area.
With ample annual snowfall, close to a hundred cycle trails and thousands of skiable acres, Mt Alyeska is a prime location for adrenaline junkies. Forming part of the Chugach mountain range, Mt Alyeska is accessed via the town of Girdwood, a resort town lying just south of Anchorage, Alaska. Visitors can look forward to experiencing the spectacular views of Turnagain Arm, a spectacularly scenic waterway running into the northwestern part of the Gulf of Alaska. The Seven Glaciers restaurant and bar is accessible by taking the 60-passenger scenic aerial tram. Other popular activities in the Alkyeska region include mountain biking, for which training courses and gear are provided, rock climbing and paragliding. Don’t miss the once-in-a-lifetime exhilarating experience of riding a dog sled on a glacier.
