Australia is the smallest continent, and one of the largest countries on Earth. Lying between the Pacific and Indian oceans in the Southern Hemisphere. Australia has been called “the Oldest Continent,” “the Last of Lands,” and “the Last Frontier.
Overseas tourists are drawn by Australia’s sunshine, sandy beaches, the vast outback, rainforests, the Great Barrier Reef, unique flora and fauna, the Gold Coast of Queensland, and the attractions of the cities, Australia’s friendly, multicultural society, and the safe and welcoming environment.
Australia’s Capital Cities
Sydney
A city of iconic attractions and brilliant beaches, Sydney is a destination you'll never forget.
Sydney is home to must-visit icons like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, but this Harbour City is constantly evolving. New rooftop bars, theatre shows, and designer shops pop up at every turn, and the urban excitement is perfectly balanced by afternoons spent lying on the sand. Plus, with diverse destinations at its doorstep, Sydney is the perfect base for day trips and weekends away.
Discover
Sydney Opera House. Dine at a world-class restaurant, see a performance or step behind closed doors for a tour of backstage areas, complete with informative history and fun celebrity anecdotes
Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge. For the best views of Sydney Harbour, take in the magic of twilight or see the city come to life as the sun rises.
Explore the charm of the Blue Mountains. Quaint villages, towering rock formations and ancient forests await you less than two hours from the city.
Sydney’s best beaches. From hitting the surf at famous Bondi Beach to finding secluded spots to stand up paddleboard the calm waters of the harbour, you’ll be spoilt for choice with Sydney’s beautiful beaches.
Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia's mecca for all things trendy and tasty. The city offers up exquisite dining, exhilarating sport and abundant opportunities to experience art.
A perfect blend of rich cultural history and new age trends is waiting for you in Melbourne. As the sun goes down, the city comes to life with a vibrant dining scene as well as events and exhibitions. Explore its bustling laneways, trendy neighbourhoods and sophisticated foodie scene to get a taste of what Melbourne is all about.
Discover
Wander through Melbourne’s laneways. Lose yourself in a wonderland of colourful street art, al fresco cafes, intimate wine bars, and quirky boutiques.
Within an hour or two from inner Melbourne, you can be exploring renowned wineries, charming seaside towns, natural hot springs, unique wildlife and much more.
Federation Square - Explore galleries, pop-up, bars, special events, cultural exhibitions and a plethora of shopping and dining, all at Fed Square.
The city’s Aboriginal culture - Melbourne is a melting pot of cultures and characters. Hear the stories of the local Aboriginal community, the Kulin nation.
Perth
Embrace the best of both worlds in Perth, where soft-sand beaches and scenic parks meet a thriving metropolis of small bars, creative restaurants and curated street art.
Australia's urban oasis of Perth is nestled within the vast nature of Western Australia.
Discover
Perth's beaches - This stretch of coastline offers white sand beaches, calm waters, snorkelling sites, surf waves and quaint cafés. With many idyllic escapes just minutes from the city, you can stay until sunset and easily make it back to your accommodation.
Rottnest Island - is teeming with lush vegetation, turquoise waters and outdoor adventure and where you can snap a quokka selfie. (a short-tailed scrub wallaby)
Swan Valley – a 25-minute drive from Perth is one of the closest wine regions to a capital city in the world.
Fremantle - The charming port town of Fremantle might be Perth’s most historic neighbourhood, but among the heritage buildings you’ll find incredible street art, buskers, breweries and al fresco cafés.
Hobart
The Tasmanian capital of Hobart is a dynamic city that surpasses expectations at every turn. Australia’s southernmost capital is brimming with history and bursting with creativity
Discover
Tasmania’s towering sea cliffs and neighbouring islands inspire adventurers of all ages. Slide through narrow gaps on purpose-built boats, spot dolphins and seals or pluck fresh seafood straight from the water.
Mount Wellington - Cycle, walk or drive up to the summit of kunanyi/Mount Wellington and you’ll be met with astounding views. Take in the city, Bruny Island and the Tasman Peninsula as the sun rises and the mist dissipates.
Explore the city's hidden laneways and market stalls for unique souvenirs that reflect the city’s history, culture and style.
Meet Tasmanian Devils- get up close to Tasmanian devils and learn what makes this, and other native species, so special.
Wander Hobart’s historic waterfront. Stroll the winding cobblestoned streets past old sandstone warehouses, explore galleries and markets.
Brisbane
Queensland’s sunny capital offers up laidback charm and urban energy with a dash of adventure. Brisbane is a city that lives up to its sunny potential with a strong focus on the outdoors. Here you will find dynamic cultural precinct, abundant wildlife and easy access to nearby icons like the Gold Coast and Great Barrier Reef, and you’ve got a destination you can’t say no to.
Discover
Wine and dine at Howard Smith Wharves. Located beneath the Story Bridge on the banks of Brisbane River. This is the place to be for riverside drinks and dining.
Climb Story Bridge - one of Brisbane’s most iconic structures, and you can climb to the very top. The panoramic views of the city and sky-high adrenaline are unforgettable.
Brisbane’s islands - Brisbane’s idyllic coastline is dotted with islands waiting to be explored. Seek out secluded snorkelling spots, hand-feed a wild dolphin and discover a shipwreck beneath the sea.
The markets and designer boutiques - Wander along pedestrian-only shopping streets, small neighbourhood boutiques and bustling market stalls for a unique find.
Cuddle a koala -Koalas are some of Australia’s cutest creatures. And near Brisbane you have the rare opportunity to hold one.
Adelaide
Colourful cultural events, a thriving restaurant and small bar scene and fine wine make Adelaide your next must-visit destination.
The bustling city of Adelaide is brimming with events that excite, restaurants that inspire and beaches that make you feel at ease. What’s more, Adelaide sits right at the foot of three incredible wine regions that produce both world-renowned and under-the-radar wines.
Discover
Take in the views with Roof Climb. Head to the Adelaide Oval and embark on an adventure as you scale the roof of this iconic structure. A 360-degree views of Adelaide, from the coastline to the hills and beyond.
Wine tasting - South Australia is the country’s wine capital. Discover the best locations for mouth-watering wines, lazy long lunches and bucket list cellar door experiences.
Seek out a hidden gem -Just when you think you know Adelaide, there’s something new to experience. Sunken ships, American-style bars and secret Japanese gardens are just the beginning.
Get outdoors - Adelaide is a great city for outdoor adventure. Mountain hikes, beachside cycling and wildlife-filled conservation parks mean there’s always a reason to embrace the outdoors.
Canberra
Find a mix of history, art and the outdoors in Australia's capital city. The small-yet-mighty capital of Canberra is a city that punches far above its weight. Well-known museums and historical sites are just the beginning. Dig a little deeper to find bustling brewpubs, hidden gems, quiet nature and family-friendly attractions. Head just outside the city to relax and unwind in a scenic cool-climate wine region that produces some stellar drops.
Discover
Keep the kids entertained - Canberra is the ideal family destination. From kid-friendly ski slopes to a museum dedicated to dinosaurs, your little ones will never get bored on a trip to the national capital.
Get adventurous - Surrounded by forests and mountains, the Canberra region is an adventure playground. Mountain-bike down famous trails, hike mountains, raft rivers and hit the snow.
Take a hike in Namadgi National Park - An hour's drive from Canberra will bring you to the remote wilderness of Namadgi National Park. Explore forested woods, impressive rock formations and Aboriginal heritage sites.
Soar over the city in a hot air balloon - Canberra is one of the only places in the world where you can board a hot air balloon and float right over a capital city.
Darwin
Darwin, located in the Northern Territory. Along with its crocodiles and cruises, you'll find rich Aboriginal cultures here, evident through the vibrant Aboriginal art that fills the city's galleries, museums and streetscapes. The city's proximity to Asia means you'll also find strong Asian influences, especially in the energetic food scene and buzzing night markets.
Discover
Go crazy for crocodiles- Get a closer look (safely) at a saltwater crocodile on a jumping croc cruise or get your heart racing on a diving encounter.
Explore the national parks - Surrounded by an abundance of natural wonders, this tropical city is perfectly located for day trips and adventures. From World Heritage-listed national parks, to islands, wetlands and waterfalls.
Sail on a sunset harbour cruise - One of the best ways to experience this harbour city is on the harbour itself. Bask in the glow of golden hour on a sunset cruise or prolong the experience with a dinner.
Beat the heat at a waterhole - With family-friendly waterparks and lagoons in the city and natural waterholes and waterfalls nearby, there’s no shortage of places for a refreshing dip in Darwin’s balmy climate.
Australia’s Seasons
Australia's climate varies greatly throughout the eight states and territories; there are four seasons across most of the country and a wet and dry season in the tropical north.
Summer - December - February
In summer, the average daily temperatures range from about 20°C to 37°C (68°F to 99°F) in the major capital cities.
Autumn - March - May
Things start to cool down slightly in autumn, with temperature averages slipping to between 17°C and 35°C (63°F and 95°F).
Winter - June - August
The winter months see average temperatures that range from 11°C (52°F) in the south to 30°C (86°F) in the north.
Spring - September - November
Spring boasts average daily temperatures from 17°C and 35°C (63°F and 95°F), from the south to the north, respectively.
Currency
Australia’s national currency is the Australian dollar (AUD). MasterCard and Visa are both commonly accepted in Australia followed by Diners Club cards, accepted in many places, as well as limited acceptance of American Express. Discover credit card is generally NOT accepted in Australia. ATMs are available throughout Australia.
*Before traveling to Australia, be sure to contact your bank and inform them that you will be traveling and using your credit card overseas. If you fail to inform your bank of your travel plans, your card may be put on hold, and you will not have immediate access to your account!
Cuisine
Blessed with a wide variety of climates, from the warm tropical north to the cooler southern regions, there’s little Australia can’t grow or produce.
Vegemite - Vegemite on toast is great for breakfast, lunch or as an anytime snack. Similar to British Marmite, Vegemite is made from yeast extract, and actually not vegetables.
Chicken parmigiana - Chicken parmesan, or chicken parmigiana is a dish that consists of breaded chicken breast covered in tomato sauce and mozzarella, parmesan, or provolone cheese. A quantity of ham or bacon is sometimes added.
Barbecued snags (aka sausages) - Traditional Australian sausages are usually pork or beef, but if you’re feeling adventurous, there are other animals to sample. Wrap a slice of bread around your snag and top it off with some fried onions and your favourite sauce.
Lamingtons - Lamington is recognised as the ‘National Cake of Australia’ after the National Trust of Queensland voted this sweet treat an Australian icon. The lamington is a modest square-shaped sponge dipped in chocolate and coated with desiccated coconut. Other variations include two layers and a cream or jam filling.
Pavlova - Both Australia and New Zealand lay claim to inventing this famous dessert, created in honour of the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova’s visit to Australasia in the 1920s. As a truly Australian after-dinner sweet, the pavlova’s crispy meringue crust, light fruit filling and whipped cream topping.
Drinks
Lemon, Lime, and Bitters (LLB for short) is “Australia’s national drink”. its main ingredients: lemonade, lime cordial, and Angostura bitters. Soda water or lemon squash can be used in place of lemonade. It is frequently referred to as a non-alcoholic mocktail.
Bundaberg Ginger Beer - Bundaberg Ginger Beer is one of the famous Australian drinks. The drink is brewed in the most traditional ways. First, they grind up dried ginger, which is locally grown and able to retain the flavour. This ginger is then mixed with sugarcane and water and heated until the spice from the ginger is released, which is then fermented with a special kind of yeast.
Archie Rose is a true taste of Aussie gin. The flavour is simply great, and you can mix with a good tonic to enjoy the stunning taste of this super smooth spirit.
Tooheys – is an Old Dark Ale and was the first beer of this brand. Now known as Tooheys Old, this drink was an immediate hit in New South Wales and Australia. After more than 150 years, Tooheys Old is still a fan favourite.
Victoria Bitter - Victoria Bitter is, without a doubt, the best alcoholic drink you can explore. It has a gentle hit of fruitiness and a subtle aroma that perfectly complements the lager’s sweet malt and mid-palate bitterness.
Planning your Trip
Australia is one of the biggest bucket list destinations of most travellers. You need plenty of time to plan to make sure this is your perfect holiday. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Know your budget - Budget ahead of time to guarantee a low-stress, relaxing holiday. Australian experiences range from free walking tours to lavish experiences. The amount you’ll need to budget really depends on what your dream itinerary looks like.
Visa’s & Passport – Make sure your passport is in date and give plenty of time to apply for any visa’s needed. Visit the government website to check the latest, and up to date regulations.
Choose your time of year - The next key piece of the planning puzzle is to figure out the best time of year to take your trip. You'll need to take seasons, school holidays and events into consideration, all of which can impact the cost, availability and types of experiences on offer.
Do your research – Or get your friendly independent travel agent to the job for you! Work out what and where you would like to visit. Are there any particular places you want to explore? Do you have any recommendations from anyone that has already visited?
Fun Facts of Australia
The Australian Alps get more snow than the Swiss Alps.
90% of Australians live on the coast.
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest ecosystem in the world. It is made up of nearly 3,000 individual reefs and can be seen from space.
2 km of Uluru is underground.
The world’s largest rock is not actually Uluru, but Mount Augustus in Western Australia, and is actually twice the size of Uluru.
It would take around 29 years to visit one new Aussie beach every day – there are 10,685 of them.
Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world.
There are 1 million camels that roam wild in Australia’s deserts, the largest number of purebred camels in the world, they are exported to the Middle East.
The Australian dollar is considered to be the most advanced currency in the world – it’s waterproof, made of polymer and notoriously hard to counterfeit.
Australia is home to more than 1,500 species of spiders.
The Great Victoria Desert is bigger than the whole of the United Kingdom.
Australia has the world’s longest golf course measuring more than 1,350kms long.
Comments