Both the world’s smallest continent and largest island, Australia or ‘The Land Down under’ calls travellers to its shores time and time again. Surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans, blessed with tropical tranquil waters, pristine beaches, ancient eco systems and arid desert plains, you can experience remote wilderness and staggering coral reefs while never being too far from bustling metropolitan cities. Whether kangaroos and koalas 0r cricket and tennis have tempted your travel, this destination does not disappoint.
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Adelaide
AdelaideSouth Australia’s capital Adelaide is a slower paced, cultural city, surrounded by the Flinders Ranges and the Barossa and Clare Valleys, which boast some of Australia’s finest wineries. Visit Glenelg, Hahndorf and Kangaroo Island.
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Brisbane and The Gold Coast
Brisbane and The Gold CoastCapital of Queensland and gateway to the Gold Coast, Brisbane is a vibrant city set amongst rivers, lagoons and Moreton Bay. Cruise the Pacific Highway to Sunshine or Gold Coast and explore Surfers Paradise and fabulous theme parks.
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Broome and Kimberley
Broome and KimberleyWestern gateway to Kimberley, Kununurra, Bungle Bungle and Pernululu National Park; Broome is a great base for the remote North-Western peninsula. Take a sunset camel ride or go outback off-roading through the rugged landscape.
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Cairns and Port Douglas
Cairns and Port DouglasGateway to Tropical North Queensland, Cairns and Port Douglas begin the trail through the Daintree Forest, Kuranda, Atherton Tablelands and Cape Tribulation and out to the Great Barrier Reef. This lush coastal corner is teeming with wildlife.
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Canberra
CanberraOften overlooked, Australia’s capital city Canberra is a growing urban destination that is worth a stop en route. It is surrounded by parklands, native bushland, reserves, alps and Jervis Bay, whilst the centre is full of galleries and museums.
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Darwin and Kakadu
Darwin and KakaduDarwin is the base to explore the magic of the ‘Top End’- the Northern Territory. It’s the gateway to Litchfield National Park, Kakadu, and Arnhem Land. Discover World Heritage parks, cross continent train journeys and rich Aboriginal culture.
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Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier ReefThe largest coral reef on the planet, the Great Barrier Reef stretches over 2000 kms along the Eastern Coast and can be seen from outer space. Swim, snorkel, dive, sail or island hop through this astonishing eco-system.
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Great Ocean Road
Great Ocean RoadThe 400km drive from Melbourne to the border of South Australia along the majestic windswept Southern Ocean boasts an incredible range of landscapes. Take in dormant volcanoes, mossy rainforests, dramatic cliff tops and the famous 12 Apostles spires.
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Melbourne
MelbourneCapital of Victoria, Melbourne is a thriving metropolis of cafes, craft breweries, fashion, art and chic boutiques. Home to the Australian Open, Grand Prix and MCG Cricket. Take a day trip to St Kilda, Yarra River, Mornington Peninsula or Phillip Island.
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Ningaloo & the West Coast
Ningaloo & the West CoastThe Indian Ocean drive along the West Coast from Perth to Ningaloo follows coastal towns, fishing villages, marine parks and the infamous Pinnacles and Monkey Mia. Spot whale sharks and dolphins at Ningaloo, and enjoy the unique wildflowers of this corner.
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Perth
PerthHead West to the less crowded and more secluded beaches and bays of Perth and the Margaret River. Tour the wine region, sample Swan Valley’s local produce, then explore Rottnest Island and Freemantle.
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Queensland Coast
Queensland CoastThe picture postcard Queensland Coast is an idyllic archipelago of world heritage listed islands. Island hop through Fraser, Whitsundays and Hamilton Islands, Mackay, Hervey Bay and Airlie Beach. This is luxury tropical beach life at its finest.
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Red Centre
Red CentreOne of Australia’s most sacred sites, the Red Centre is the quintessential outback experience, with dusty deserts, weathered rocky gorges and ranges and the incredible Uluru-Kata Tjuta rock formations. Start in Alice Springs, then venture to Kings Canyon.
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Sydney
SydneyOne of the world’s most vibrant cities, Sydney is home to sun drenched beaches and a sparkling harbour, with the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley on its doorstep. Superb restaurants, surf, beach trails and rainforest canopies; no wonder it’s so popular.
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Tasmania
TasmaniaTucked away on a separate island from the mainland, Tasmania has a unique wildness that sets it apart. The untamed rivers, flora and fauna, rugged nature of Cradle Mountain and historical settlements provide great self drive and walking trails.
Australia is such a vast country that no two itineraries that we’ve put together for clients have ever been the same. Call our consultants and we’ll send you some ideas based around the season you plan to travel, how long you wish to stay and your personal interests.
Planning your trip
There are no direct flights to Australia so you will have one or two stops dependent on your starting point to get there. Common stopovers include Singapore, Dubai and Los Angeles. There are many connections so you can make the most of your flight itinerary. Dependent on the type of trip that you are doing, different modes of transport such as private car, motorhome, train, boat or local airlines will be used to get to your destination. Self-drive is one of the best ways to explore this great country, however there are fantastic pre-planned itineraries with a range of excellent tour providers.
Quick country facts
- Recommended airlines
Qantas fly via Asia and the USA. Singapore Airlines fly via Singapore. Emirates flies via Dubai. - Flight time
Minimum flight time is 22 hours. Depends on the length of connection and transit destination. An overnight stop in one or both directions is recommended if time permits. - Time zone:
ACT/NSW GMT +11 QLD/TAS/VIC GMT +10 NT/SA GMT +9:30 WA GMT +8 - Visa requirements:
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or E-Visitor Visa required.
Useful Links
Entry Requirements & safety
UK Foreign Office Travel Advisory
Australian High Commission in London
Health & immunisations
NHS Fit for Travel
General country information
BBC Country Profile
Lonely Planet
Weather
Weather2Travel
BBC Weather
Accommodation and costs
There are plenty of options across Australia with something to suit all types of budgets and itineraries planned. A mix of luxury, boutique and larger hotels with more facilities, motels and apartments for self-catering, backpackers both upscale and budget, hostels, bed and breakfasts, campsites and motorhomes. Due to the strong economy and currency, costs of accommodation, food and fuel (if self-drive), should be considered carefully to ensure your budget and expectations are met. If travelling in peak seasons, especially around the Gold Coast during Australian school holidays, International sporting and events in Melbourne or Christmas time, you may wish to investigate pre-booking accommodation, self-drive vehicles and popular sightseeing to avoid disappointment or a lack of availability.
How long to stay
With the time taken to get here, 14 days would be about the minimum we’d recommend in Australia although shorter city stop-overs are also possible. In two weeks a fairly comprehensive itinerary can be achieved, with three to four weeks needed if combining areas. To see nearly everything you would need several months, but the beauty of Australia is that each part is so unique that each region according to the different states can be parcelled up into manageable chunks, and then visited on separate trips. The average itinerary visits either the East or the West Coast. Northern Territory can be combined with the North- East Coast or the North West Coast. Tasmania can be combined easily with Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Cairns. 2-3 night stays are recommended in each chosen location. For longer circuits, Australia also makes a great combination with Indonesia or New Zealand.
Weather and when to go
With the time taken to get here, 14 days would be about the minimum we’d recommend in Australia although shorter city stop-overs are also possible. In two weeks a fairly comprehensive itinerary can be achieved, with three to four weeks needed if combining areas. To see nearly everything you would need several months, but the beauty of Australia is that each part is so unique that each region according to the different states can be parcelled up into manageable chunks, and then visited on separate trips. The average itinerary visits either the East or the West Coast. Northern Territory can be combined with the North- East Coast or the North West Coast. Tasmania can be combined easily with Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Cairns. 2-3 night stays are recommended in each chosen location. For longer circuits, Australia also makes a great combination with Indonesia or New Zealand.
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- Best
- Good
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- NOT ADVISED