Australia

Summary

Australia immediately conjures images of the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, big-wave surfing, miles of Outback and a rather strange, and endearing, assortment of animals. While the country’s main cities offer charm, glamour, unique festivals, a well-preserved historical heritage, fabulous beaches and fun events, it’s also a land of immense contrast and captivating nature. The nation offers something for just about everyone – from water lovers, desert wanderers and canyon climbers, to arts and culture buffs, historians, and foodies. The country’s vast size makes it almost impossible to take it all in during a single visit, but you can pick and choose a perfect holiday according to your personal preferences.

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Idyllically located on the Great Barrier Reef, among the exquisite Whitsundays Islands, Hamilton Island is one of Australia´s most outstanding and desirable holiday destinations. The island is best known for its spectacular white-sand beaches and the amazing coral and marine life which can be seen while snorkelling or scuba diving just offshore. While a small portion of the island has been developed as a tourist destination, the majority of the land remains untouched and offers scenic landscapes inhabited by an array of Australian animals and bird life. Must-see attractions include the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, which is the most photographed beach in Australia due to its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand. Popular activities on offer include golf, swimming, sailing, and watersports as well as discovering the island’s numerous cultural exhibitions and performances.

Resting on the Limestone Coast of South Australia, at the southern end of Guichen Bay, the historic seaside town of Robe is known for its long stretches of unspoiled beaches, its numerous historic sites and museums, and its famously delicious crayfish. The town’s main street features a charming shopping strip lined with some wonderful old buildings, tasteful art and craft galleries, lovely boutiques and a few excellent restaurants, cafes and pubs. A number of secluded beaches are conveniently located close to the town centre providing countless opportunities for outdoor activities including fishing, swimming, surfing and even leisurely beach drives along Long Beach – a sandy 12-kilometre stretch, which is one of only a few beaches in Australia that is accessible by car.

When you reach the end of the Great Ocean Road you’ll find the fishing village of Port Fairy at the mouth of the Moyne River. It is the last destination on Victoria's popular Shipwreck Coast and is situated four hours’ drive west of Melbourne along the Princes Highway. Leisure options include lazy walks from street cafes to used book stores and eclectic shops, fresh crayfish, abalone and catch-of-the-day feasts at the local restaurants, or visits to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, nestled inside an extinct volcano. The social highlight of the year is when the village plays host to one of Australia’s largest musical festivals, the Port Fairy Folk Festival.

Nestled along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay is known for its panoramic views of coast and parklands, and as the gateway to the lush rainforests of the Otway Ranges. The town prides itself on its fresh seafood industry and restaurants specialise in local oysters, crayfish, mussels and ocean fish, while the local markets sell luscious organic produce and dairy products. Galleries, teahouses, museums and cafes host regular social gatherings, adding to the town’s creative vibrance. Apollo Bay is the perfect getaway for families, groups or couples who are interested in kayaking, treetop adventures, hangliding, horse riding and deep sea fishing. From here travellers can explore the Great Ocean Walk, which weaves through national parks, nearby rainforests, waterfalls and beautiful beaches, as well as the iconic limestone pillars called The 12 Apostles.

The Mornington Peninsula is a stretch of farmland and natural bush south-east of Melbourne that separates Western Port from Port Phillip Bay. The area is known as "the food bowl of Victoria" and is a destination renowned among foodies the world over. Here you will find five-hatted restaurants within a short drive of local markets, olive groves, berry orchards and vineyards. Sorrento, in the east of the peninsula, is one of Australia’s most fashionable towns and also the site of the first European settlement in Victoria. Visitors flock to the many swimming beaches along the peninsula to enjoy perfect summer breaks, while the Dandenong Ranges National Park is a favourite hiking area, famous for its fantastic walking trails.

Located in the south of Australia’s Northern Territory, the remote town of Yulara lies only 18 short kilometres from the sacred world heritage site, Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock. This isolated town serves as a service hub for the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and offers some welcome comfort in the harsh Outback landscape. Visitors use it as a base when exploring the park and viewing the main attraction in the area, Uluru. This epic sandstone formation stands almost 350 metres high and measures 10 kilometres in circumference featuring hidden caves, ancient rock art and otherworldly fiery hues at sunset. Other popular attractions and activities include: the Field of Light Uluru, the Desert Awakenings Tour and the Wintjiri Arts & Museum.

Palm Cove is a charming beach town on the coast of Queensland. Restaurants, cafes and hotels are dotted along the length of the Esplanade, while palm trees line the beach and pathways. There is a huge much to do in this town – highlight attractions include the Skyrail, cable water skiing, go-kart racing, snorkelling, diving, cruises and more. Haycock Island and Double Island are situated northeast of Palm Cove and offer beautiful views of the inlet. Take a trip to see the magical Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, or travel to the Great Barrier Reef for an unforgettable underwater experience.

Set along Australia's southeastern coast, Sydney is one of Australia's largest cities and serves as the capital of New South Wales. No matter what you fancy – shopping, the arts, the outdoors – you’re likely to be bewildered by the scope of choice available here. First up, there are the must-sees – Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Tower for its 360-degree views of the city, the waterside hubs of Darling Harbour and Circular Quay, and the Rocks district for shopping. After dark, the glitzy city comes alive with a larger-than-life food and music scene that extends into the early hours. For more laid-back diversions, head down to the beach or hop on a ferry for an extensive tour of the Sydney Harbour, the Parramatta River and numerous locations lying waterside.

This national treasure is part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area – listed for its remarkable geographic and botanic features, and rich Aboriginal culture. It’s an easy day trip from Sydney but there are camping areas (Euroka or Blue Gum Forest) if you wish to spend a night or two. The park boasts 140km of scenic hiking tracks, with hundreds of lookout points from which to view hazy blue forests, waterfalls and rock formations – the most famous of which is the Three Sisters. There are opportunities for canyoning, rock climbing, cycling and horse riding. Get your fill of wild flowers and birds on the popular Cliff Top walking track, before settling down for a picnic complemented by beautiful views.

Once known as the ‘City of Churches’, today Adelaide is better recognised for its sophistication, charm and cosmopolitan feel. South Australia’s capital is a hub of festivals and art galleries; it enjoys a vibrant nightlife and live-music scene; plus there’s plenty of shopping (including gorgeous opals) to be done, and gastronomic delights to be enjoyed. Pop into the Art Gallery of South Australia to view indigenous art, or the South Australian Museum devoted to natural history; take an amble in the Adelaide Botanic Garden; or if you’re up for a hike, find out about the trails on the Mount Lofty Ranges.

Kangaroo Island (“Ki” to the locals) is Australia’s third largest island and a well-known haven for wildlife enthusiasts seeking a retreat. The island lies around 112 km southwest of Adelaide and is almost two thirds protected by reserves and national parks. There are also many cafés and restaurants that serve fresh local fare. The island’s main focus is on eco-tourism and you’ll find flawless beaches along the coastline such as Vivonne Bay, which was crowned Australia’s best beach in 2003. Island Beach is another remote oasis, where kangaroos, seals, dolphins and various birds are found in abundance, while the west coast of Flinders Chase National Park is home to the iconic granite boulders known as Remarkable Rocks.

Melbourne is a modern metropolis located on the banks of the Yarra River and known for its many gardens, parks and open spaces, which together occupy almost one-third of the city. There are more than 50 000 plant species in Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens and this collection gives insight into the rich indigenous flora found in the city and its surrounds. The town is also becoming an increasingly popular culinary destination, with the Southbank and Arts Centre buzzing with restaurants, bars and live entertainment. 'Doing the block' is a well-known phrase for an exploration of the hidden lanes and alleyways around Bourke, Collins and Flinders streets, while Queen Victoria Market is a popular shopping spot that has been selling clothing, art, toys, crafts and vegetables for over a century.

Owned by the Anangu Aboriginal people and jointly administered by Parks Australia, the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in Australia’s Northern Territory holds a deep cultural significance for its traditional curators. It is home to the World Heritage listed Uluru – a searing sandstone monolith that stands 348 metres high and is inscribed by ancestral indigenous people. Visit the Cultural Centre to hear the stories, see the art, and chat to the Anangu guides who will escort you around Uluru base, take you to Kantju Gorge (where you’ll see Anangu rock art) and the Mutitjulu waterhole. This place will take your breath away!

A sleepy fishing village in the 60s, Port Douglas has evolved into a sophisticated modern town, and a more serene alternative to nearby Cairns for exploring the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Hailed as a scuba-diving and snorkelling paradise, this resort destination on the Coral Sea in North Queensland offers miles of pristine palm-lined beaches, and plenty of shopping, wining and dining experiences. A short distance out of town, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge are not to be missed.

Once a sleepy sugar-milling town, Cairns in North Queensland is now a vibrant cosmopolitan city and a premier destination for sailing, diving and snorkelling. Its tropical waters are home to the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, while lush rain forests cover the surrounding areas. Ways to make the most of this coastal paradise include cycling along the 14 kilometres of sandy beachfront, or rafting through rapids to view the ruins of Mission Beach. Other popular activities include: visiting Cooktown for a taste of history or taking a scenic drive through the farmlands and popping in at the various village markets along the way. In the town centre, visit the Tiapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park for a musical and dance interpretation of Aboriginal history, or relax at Cairns Esplanade for a perfect seaside dining experience coupled with a romantic sunset.

The Whitsunday Islands are an archipelago of 74 tropical islands at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef are surrounded by the tranquil, temperate waters of Australia's Coral Sea - which are perfect for sailing or exploring the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and its coral fringe reefs. The islands range in style from down-to-earth and the laid-back Hook Island, to luxurious resort destinations such as Hayman and Hamilton. Exquisite beaches are dotted throughout the Whitsundays, but without a doubt, the most spectacular is Whitehaven Beach, widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Pacific, it features snow-white sand and translucent aquamarine waters.