Architecture, Perth

The summer residence of South Australia’s early governors, Old Government House, sits in the heart of Belair National Park. The house is an excellent example of Victorian architecture and is set amongst magnificent gardens. It was built on the Government farm as the former summer residence of several early Governors of South Australia. The cottage is an excellent example of Victorian-style architecture. It is looked after by a dedicated group of volunteers and the Friends of Old Government House in conjunction with DEWNR. http://www.communitywebs.org/FriendsOldGovernmentHouse/about-the-house/

Set within a beautiful park in front of the Bali Governor Office in Renon, Denpasar, this massive cultural monument was built in order to mark the struggle of the Balinese people throughout history. The Bajra Sandhi Monument features a three-tiered black stone structure with a tall tower that’s surrounded by courtyards. There’s a spiral staircase that leads up to the top of the monument offering 360-degree views of Denpasar, including the surrounding government buildings and the towers of the Denpasar Cathedral. On the building’s second floor, a series of 33 dioramas trace Bali’s long and unique history: prehistoric times, the introduction of Hinduism, Dutch colonialism, and its independence. https://www.thebalibible.com/details/bajra-sandhi-monument-15058

Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s directional temples, and is situated on a rock in the ocean, just offshore. From all the beautiful temples on Bali, Tanah Lot is quite special and for many one of the "must-things-to-do". It is said that Pura Tanah Lot has been built on the recommendation of an important Hindu priest Danghyang Nirartha in the 16th century, who has shaped Bali's Hinduism and religious architecture for the centuries to come. Tanah Lot is a very important site for pilgrimages and plays an important role in Balinese spiritualism and mythology. The rock that the temple sits on has been eroded by the ocean over the centuries, and is now undergoing a process of restoration. https://www.bali.com/temple_Tanah-Lot_Pura-Tanah-Lot_81.html

Her Majesty's Theatre is one of Australia's most historic theatres. Opened in 1875 Her Maj is the oldest purpose-built theatre building in Australia to have been continuously used as a live theatre venue. The building boasts a beautifully renovated double-balconied auditorium recently re-seated to offer both comfort and elegance while boasting state of the art theatre equipment. The Theatre offers an annual season of touring professional theatre productions, representing a selection of performances from some of Australia's leading theatre companies. Since 1965, Australia's largest and longest-running eisteddfod, the Royal South Street Competitions, have called the Theatre home and occupy the building between mid-August and early November every year. Her Majesty's has been owned and operated by the City of Ballarat since 1990. Today around 300 performances are presented each year. https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/goldfields/things-to-do/art-theatre-and-culture/performing-arts/her-majestys-theatre-ballarat

Located just 300 metres from the beach, the Portarlington Mill was constructed in 1856 with rough local sandstone and Baltic Pine floors. The interior spaces are quintessential mid 19th century industrial style: large open spaces with heavy timber posts and beams enclosed by natural stone. The Mill is one of the few remaining and preserved Victorian flour mills. https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/geelong-and-the-bellarine/things-to-do/art-theatre-and-culture/architecture-and-design/portarlington-mill

Not much remains of the once powerful 13th century East Java kingdom of Singosari. An unfinished temple and two giant statues that once stood guard in front of the palace are the only traces left of this great kingdom. http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/point-of-interest/singosari-temple

Located on the Southern bank of the Yarra River, Crown is Melbourne's premier entertainment venue. Featuring one of the largest casinos in the Southern Hemisphere, Crown is also home to three world-class hotels each with their own vibrant and sophisticated setting. Crown Towers, the benchmark for luxury hotels in Australia, Crown Metropol, contemporary indulgence and Crown Promenade, stylish, award winning and thoroughly modern. http://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/Melbourne/Things-to-do/Entertainment/Crown-Melbourne.aspx

Nothing you have ever experienced will prepare you for the awe inspiring views from the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere at Melbourne's Eureka Skydeck 88. Eureka Skydeck 88 is Melbourne's must see attraction. Two dedicated lifts propel visitors to level 88 in under 40 seconds. Only Skydeck 88 can take you to The Edge, a switchable glass cube which slides out from the building, with you inside. Apart from the unforgettable panorama, Skydeck 88 entertains the entire family with a host of activities and fascinating facts. Located in Southbank, Eureka Skydeck 88 will change the way you look at Melbourne and beyond. http://www.visitmelbourne.com/regions/Melbourne/Things-to-do/Art-theatre-and-culture/Architecture-and-design/Eureka-Skydeck-88.aspx

Flinders Street Station, apart from being the hub of Melbourne's transport system, is one of the city's great landmarks and icons. Opened in 1884, the station dominates the intersection of Flinders and Swanston Streets. The steps under the station's famous domed clock tower has long been the most popular meeting place for Melbourneans coming into the city. http://www.melbourne.com.au/flinders.htm

The palace court with its grand and elegant Javanese architecture lies in the center of the city. Prince Mangkubumi founded the palace in 1755. http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/yogyakarta/keraton.html

The Sailendra dynasty built this Largest Buddhist monument in the world between AD 780 and 840. It was built as a place for glorifying Buddha and a pilgrimage spot to guide mankind from worldly desires into enlightenment and wisdom according to Buddha. http://borobudurpark.com/en/temple/borobudur-2/

Settled on a hillside plateau, overlooking Prambanan temple complex and with a view to Mount Merapi behind Prambanan Temple complex, lie the remains of a once grand palace. The palace (kraton) is named Ratu Boko after a King Boko of local folklore, but the real owner of the palace is more likely to have been a king of a local dynasty. http://indonesia-tourism.com/blog/ratu-boko-temple-yogyakarta/

An impressive “Changing of the Guard” ceremony takes place at the Ballalompoa Museum, the former Palace of the Sultan of Gowa. Wearing resplendent bright red costumes, “soldiers” involved in the “Changing of the Guard” at the former Gowa Palace will perform their drill for the public to watch every morning at 09.0 am, promised the Bupati (Regent) of the district of Gowa. Built in 1936, the Palace of the Sultan of Gowa, formerly also known as the Sungguminasa Palace, is a large wooden structure built on stilts and has an imposing roofed staircase that leads to the reception room. It has five wooden panels in the gable of the roof, which denotes royalty and may be used only by the Sultan. The Ballalompoa Museum today houses the resplendent treasure and regalia of the former Sultan of Gowa, among which the Gowa gold crown, bracelets with precious stones, royal swords, keris and gold jewellery. Every year a special ceremony called “Acera Kalomponag” is held to cleanse and weigh the gold crown, which is believed to have been inherited from the first female ruler of Gowa, called I Tanisamanga. According to belief, the crown never weighs the same each year it is weighed. When its weight increases it is a good omen that all will be well in the region. https://www.indonesia.travel/gb/en/destinations/sulawesi/makassar/ballalompoa-museum

Taman Mini Indonesia Park is a must-try for families visiting Jakarta or anyone looking to schedule one day in their city holiday plan to appreciate the rich arts and cultural diversity of the whole Indonesian islands. It’s one of the most unique amusement parks in the world and offers a great break away from the hectic metropolitan scenes. The park boasts multiple pavilions, each representing the unique architectures, traditional costumes and performing arts of the different islands. From the arching roofs of traditional Sumatran houses, eloquent moves of Javanese and Kalimantan traditional dancers, to the ornate wood carvings and heritage textiles from the Nusa Tenggara Islands. http://www.indonesia-holidays.com/jakarta/attractions/taman-mini-indonesia-park.htm

Standing majestically at the western coast of Makassar, South Sulawesi. Fort Rotterdam is recognized as the city’s most iconic landmark. With historical traces dating back to the Kingdom of Gowa from the 16th century to colonization by the Dutch, this Fort has silently witnessed many episodes in Makassar’s history, playing a most essential role in its development. Its magnificence and authenticity has always captivated those who set eyes on it. Originally called Benteng or Fort Jumpandang or Ujung Pandang, the huge complex was first built in 1545 in the era of Imanrigau Daeng Bonto Karaeng Lakiung or Karaeng Tunipalangga Ulaweng, the tenth King of Gowa. Initially, the fort was made from a mixture of Stone and burnt clay, and took the shape of a typical square Portuguese architectural style. The fort was also expanded and took on a new shape resembling a sea turtle, thus the fort gained a new name, Benteng Pannyua (Penyu) or Fort Sea turtle. The shape is not only unique, but also contains deep meaning. For just as a sea turtle lives both on land and at sea, the glory of the Gowa Kingdom also stretched on land as well as over the seas. https://www.indonesia.travel/gb/en/destinations/sulawesi/makassar/fort-rotterdam

Among the many and various curiosities that greet those arriving in Hobart, one that literally towers above the rest, is a distinctive brick chimney standing over the highway on the city centre's eastern edge. Built for the Hobart Gas Company, this grand two-tonne stack is square-based yet octagonal through its upper reaches. Built more than a century ago, it was used for barely a dozen years. Its significance is less about longevity, however, than it is about science; this handsome construction represents the technological underpinnings of modern Hobart and the innovative steam, gas and electric energy that powered it. At its base, the handful of original gasworks buildings are now a restaurant, convenience store, bottle shop and offices. Above them, the stack remains, a quiet reminder of an industry that once was -- and a unique signpost for those visiting Hobart. Hobart Gas Company was formed in 1854 to light the city streets. Processed from imported coal – the local product was of poor quality – the new 'town gas' impacted the young city of Hobart like nothing before it. Gaslighting in factories, homes and streets replaced oil lamps and candles, so that working hours lengthened, streets became safer, and the convenience of gaslighting and cooking came to homes. https://www.discovertasmania.com.au/about/articles/hobart-gas-company

Tasmania's Theatre Royal, in Hobart, is Australia's oldest working theatre and one of its most beautiful treasures. 2019 is a very exciting year for the Theatre Royal. Construction work on greatly improved facilities is well underway. When completed, there’ll be a new public entrance providing equitable access, new foyers with bars and new public toilet facilities on every level, a new Box Office and cloakroom facilities. The building works will continue throughout most of 2019, however, the Theatre Royal's exciting Season 2019 is underway! Season 2019 will proudly showcase the best of Australian performing arts companies as well as the best Tasmanian talent. They have a varied program on offer with theatre, ballet, circus, family fun, high drama and comedy. https://www.discovertasmania.com.au/attraction/theatreroyal

The main Sudirman-Thamrin avenues in Jakarta lead to the Merdeka Square, where in its center stands the National Monument (also known as Monas or Monumen Nasional) which houses the first red-and-white flag flown at the Proclamation of Independence on 17 August 1945. This flag has now become threadbare, and so nowadays on Independence Day ceremonies, the original flag is taken out but only to accompany the replica flag to be flown in front of the Merdeka Palace. The 137 meter tall National Monument is obelisk shaped, and is topped with a 14.5 meter bronze flame coated with 32 kilograms gold leaf. Within the pedestal is a museum depicting in diorama Indonesia’s fight for Independence as well as the original text of the Proclamation of Independence. A lift takes visitors up to the look-out platform at the base of the flame for a grand view of Jakarta. Surrounding the Monument is now a park with a musical fountain, enjoyed by the Jakarta public on Sundays for sports and recreation. Deer roam among the shady trees in the park. https://www.indonesia.travel/au/en/destinations/java/dki-jakarta/national-monument

Located on Medan Merdeka Barat, the National Museum is the pride of Jakarta, providing visitors an insight into Indonesia’s long history in cultural heritage from prehistoric days up to today. Having recently been expanded, the museum houses an impressive collection of no less than 109,342 objects covering Indonesia’s Prehistory, Archaeology, Ethnography, Numismatics-Heraldic, Geography and Historical Relics. Here are statues and stone inscriptions discovered on sites throughout the archipelago starting from the first century AD, a complete collection of batik cloths and woven textiles produced through the years in the different islands. While on the top floor one finds displayed the collection of gold and silver ornaments and jewelry once owned by the rajahs and sultans of the archipelago. https://www.indonesia.travel/au/en/destinations/java/dki-jakarta/national-museum

Gedung Kesenian Jakarta is a heritage building from Dutch colonial days, where artists regularly perform traditional and modern drama, concerts, and musicals. Built in 1821 its construction is in neo-renaissance style and was called the Theater Schouwburg Weltevreden or the Pasar Baru Theater since it is located just across the popular Pasar Baru shopping center. http://jakarta-tourism.go.id/2015/content/jakarta-performing-art-theater

Australia's stories come alive at the National Museum of Australia, on the shores of Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin. The Museum's stunning architecture provides an extraordinary place to explore the rich and diverse stories of Australia and its people. https://visitcanberra.com.au/attractions/56b23afad5f1565045d7fc53/national-museum-of-australia

See democracy in action at Australia’s iconic Parliament House high on Capital Hill. During Question Time see the country’s elected politicians make the big decisions on behalf of the nation. Take a guided tour, visit the popular Queen's Terrace Cafe and view historic documents and see an impressive collection of Australian art including one of the world’s largest tapestries based on an Arthur Boyd design. https://visitcanberra.com.au/attractions/56b23afa266140594567dc94/parliament-house

The original Cathedral for the Archdiocese of Canberra Goulburn is now referred to as Saints Peter and Paul's Old Cathedral. Recognised by the National Trust of Australia the former Cathedral and Bishop's House are significant items of the city's cultural and architectural heritage. Several types of stone were used in the Cathedral's construction. The most significant of these was diorite porphyrite, a very hard green stone from a quarry on the Bungonia Road. The use of the green porphyry stone makes this the only Greenstone Cathedral in the world. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/country-nsw/goulburn-area/goulburn/attractions/saints-peter-and-pauls-old-cathedral

The stunning belltower, soaring windows and massive stone work are the first impressions one has of St Saviour's. The Cathedral dominates Bourke Street and interrupts the through flow of Montague Street. Royal Letters Patent issued by Queen Victoria on March 14, 1863 established the Diocese of Goulburn giving Goulburn city status and making it Australia's first inland city. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/country-nsw/goulburn-area/goulburn/attractions/st-saviours-anglican-cathedral

Tana Toraja is safely protected beyond the lofty mountains and rugged granite cliffs of the central highlands of the island of Sulawesi and the home of the Toraja people. 'Discovered' and opened to the world from their long isolation only since the beginning of the last century, the Toraja today still adhere to their age-old beliefs, rituals and traditions. The nobility of Toraja are believed to be descendants of heavenly beings who came down by a heavenly stairway to live here on earth in this beautiful landscape. To keep up the energy of the land and its people, the Toraja people believe that these must be sustained through rituals that celebrate both life and death, which are attached to the agricultural seasons. Tourists to Toraja, therefore, are either attracted by its unique culture and rituals, most of which are mostly centered around graves and death ceremonies. While others prefer to avoid the morbid images and go trekking through the spectacular, almost untouched Toraja countryside visiting remote villages, or exhilarate in rafting the Sa'dan river rapids. https://www.indonesia.travel/au/en/destinations/sulawesi/tana-toraja

Visit or stay at Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere. Nan Tien is very different from most tourist attractions because there is so much on offer. The visual delights of grandeur architecture, art and culture including unique exhibitions and festivals, Buddhist festivals, vegetarian culinary delights, educational and healthy lifestyle classes and retreats, accommodation, top class conference and auditorium facilities. There is also the spiritual and religious experience that is unforgettable, and even life changing for some. Pilgrim Lodge, Wollongong's most unique accommodation setting is a 100 room facility, which is open all year round and located in the grounds of the Temple. The lodge overlooks the lotus pond, the peaceful Temple, splendid gardens, the beautiful rolling hills, and famous escarpment of the Illawarra. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/wollongong-and-surrounds/wollongong/attractions/nan-tien-temple

For amazing entertainment, delicious waterside dining and incredible wildlife, Darling Harbour is the perfect destination in the heart of Sydney. Meet penguins and dugongs at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and get up close to koalas and a giant saltwater crocodile at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. You’ll find plenty more exciting things to do and see, from Sydney Harbour cruises and tall ships at the Australian National Maritime Museum to the Chinese Garden of Friendship, a tranquil haven. You can even walk the red carpet with your favourite star at Madame Tussauds, a wax museum. https://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-city/darling-harbour

With many things to do and see, a great way to see The Rocks is on foot. There are markets, museums, galleries and delicious food and wine experiences. Take a self-guided tour or join The Rocks Walking Tours. The I’m Free Tour starts at 6pm from outside Cadmans Cottage, built in 1816. Dave’s Pub Walks will take you to the colonial pubs in the area. The Rocks Dreaming Aboriginal Heritage Tour provides insights into indigenous culture. In a restored colonial sandstone warehouse is The Rocks Discovery Museum. You can also hire bicycles and pedal around the harbour foreshore. https://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-city/the-rocks

Captain Cook first spotted the area now known as Bare Island in 1770, and referred to it in his journal as 'a small bare island'. The fort was built in the early 1880s to protect Sydney’s back door. It was in operation until 1908, after which time it became Australia's first war veterans' home. http://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-east/la-perouse/attractions/bare-island-fort

Fusing ancient and modernist influences, and situated on a site sacred to the Gadigal people for thousands of years, the sculptural elegance of the Sydney Opera House has made it one of the symbols of twentieth century architecture - a building that, to quote US architect Frank Gehry, “changed the image of an entire country.”https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/our-story.html

The Chinese Temple was built in 1940 by the shire's Chinese population who were drawn to the agricultural industry and the gold rushes of the region. Far North Queensland is a very special part of Australia. It is lush and Tropical with green intrusive mountains complementing the adjoining blue-water Great Barrier Reef. Innisfail is situated in the heart of Far North Queensland, and it is to this area that peoples from across the globe migrated, to share in Nature's bounty. The Chinese were one such small group and contributed to the community with their industrious ways and a subtle spiritual and cultural centre, referred to as the "Joss House", but now more appropriately named as the "Innisfail Temple". https://www.innisfailtemple.com/

South Bank Parklands is Queensland’s premier lifestyle and cultural destination, open 365 days a year. Its world-class entertainment and leisure facilities include South Bank Parklands, Little Stanley Street, Grey Street and South Bank Cultural Precinct. South Bank Parklands covering 17 hectares of riverfront land, the free swimming facilities, walking tracks, licensed picnic areas and more. It is also home to a year-round calendar of events and plenty of eateries, including the award-winning River Quay. Little Stanley Street known as one of Brisbane’s most popular eat-streets, is bursting with more than 30 cafes, bars and restaurants offering an array of cuisines styles including Vietnamese, Italian and more. Like its sister street Little Stanley, Grey Street is a foodie haven - a stroll along the street will offer you plenty of places to eat. Grey Street is also home to the South Bank Cineplex, which is renowned for its cheap prices. The South Bank Cultural Precinct has something to suit all ages. It includes the Queensland Performance Arts Centre; Queensland Museum and Sciencentre; Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art; and State Library of Queensland. https://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/brisbane/things-to-do/shopping/south-bank-parklands?sc_lang=en-au

Whether you are a local or a tourist to Brisbane, a guided tour provides an opportunity to learn something about the art, architecture and history of City Hall. The building known in Brisbane as "the People's Place", City Hall was built between 1920 and 1930. The heritage-listed Brisbane City Hall is seen as the heart of Brisbane and has been the backdrop to many cultural, social and civic events. City Hall is the civic seat of the city and is home to the Lord Mayor and Deputy Mayor, and plays host to community and corporate events daily. City Hall is a bustling, active working building, so you may find that some of the rooms and features are not open to the public on certain days. Accompanied by a professional guide, these tours provide further access to different parts of the building as possible. https://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/information/articles/activities/clock-tower-tour?sc_lang=en-au