Australia
From Sydney's iconic Opera House and the breathtaking views from the Harbour Bridge to the stunning Ayer's Rock (Uluru) and the pristine beaches of the tropical North, Australia is an exciting and distinctive continent full of adventures that will leave you craving more.
Located "Down Under" between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific, Australia ranks among the largest countries on the planet, a grand island celebrated for its cities, varied landscapes, outback, beaches, and remarkable wildlife. While it offers rich fertile land and dense tropical rainforests, over one-third of Australia is desert.
In the Southeast, explore the shopping and café-lined streets of Melbourne, along with the iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods in Sydney. In the North, Port Douglas offers convenient access to ancient rainforests and the lively Great Barrier Reef. South of Perth, you can discover the vineyards, farms, and beaches of Margaret River. From any city in Australia, you can quickly escape to another world, whether it’s the incredible wildlife parks near Brisbane and Darwin or the colorful and majestic Great Barrier Reef. Savor the enchanting beauty of New South Wales, admire the Blue Mountains, and wander through the lush hills of Hunter Valley.
Australia is a fantastic destination for those traveling with children. From beaches to reefs, sailing to snorkeling, zoos to wildlife sanctuaries, and amazing street art, there are many tour options for all ages. Depending on your child’s age, you can cruise out to the enormous Great Barrier Reef and snorkel with schools of fish, cuddle with koalas at a wildlife sanctuary, dip your toes in the warm sandy waters, cycle along palm-lined beaches, or get a behind- the-scenes zoo experience with wondrous creatures.
Sydney stands as the largest city in Australia, celebrated for its sunny weather, stunning turquoise beaches, and friendly locals. It's a destination you'll want to return to time and again, as the elegance and vibrant energy surrounding the picturesque harbor are truly awe-inspiring.
Among Sydney's most renowned landmarks are the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Nestled beneath the grandeur of the Bridge, you can wander through the historic Rocks District, filled with charming old cottages, pubs, and churches.
Head out to Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach, known as the most popular beach in Australia for an iconic surfing experience. Bondi is home to trendy open-air restaurants, urban-style shops, the famous Sunday markets, wide- open park greens for picnicking or relaxing, festive beach-vibe bars and more.
Investigate Sydney’s rich and layered background at The Australian Museum.
Take a guided tour of the 19th and 20th-century Australian Collections at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Taronga Zoo: Situated on a hillside overlooking Sydney Harbour and home to many native Australian animals, enjoy an exclusive VIP behind-the-scenes tour and meet some of Australia’s unusual wildlife.
Luna Park Sydney is an entertainment precinct of many faces. In the 21st century, Luna Park is still one of Sydney’s major leading tourist attractions. Offering state of the art entertainment venues, thrilling rides and amusements of all kind, theatrical food and great accessibility by road, rail and from the sea, Luna Park is one of those essential odysseys that, once experienced, is never forgotten.
Ferry to Manly: Take a ferry from Circular Quay across Sydney Harbour, one of the world's great natural harbours, to Manly. The 30-minute journey includes the Heads, the harbour's spectacular entrance. In Manly, enjoy the famous beach, hire a bike and visit the Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary.
Coogee to Bondi Walk: Head off to enjoy one of Sydney’s most iconic walks, Coogee to Bondi, taking in beautiful beaches, cliff tops, rock pools and great cafes along the way. The 3.7-mile walk takes an easy two to three hours, depending on how many photos you will take.
From May to November, humpback whales migrate along the coast near Sydney, creating a prime opportunity for whale watching. The Coogee to Bondi walk, Botany Bay, and guided tours provide enhanced chances to see these magnificent creatures.
Explore Beyond Sydney at Blue Mountains National Park.
- Wander through the region in search of wild kangaroos and diverse birdlife.
- Then, embark on a journey to the stunning Kings Tableland for breathtaking views of the Jamison Valley.
- Make your way to Wentworth Falls, a picturesque waterfall located between Blue Mountains National Park and Kanangra-Boyd National Park.
- At Eagle Hawk Lookout, admire the iconic Three Sisters rock formation.
Finally, visit Narrowneck Plateau for additional remarkable viewpoints.
Melbourne is the state capital of Victoria and the second most populous city in Australia. The city rates high in wealth, education, entertainment, health care, development, tourism, sports, football, art, music, theater, and well.....almost everything!
Highlight’s include:
St. Paul's Cathedral
Parliament House
Royal Exhibition Building
Queen Victoria Market
National Gallery of Victoria
Hosier Lane
Block Arcade
ACMI
Royal Botanic Gardens
The Dandenongs
Visit Federation Square, a complex serving as the city's civic center, featuring museums, restaurants, cafes, an amphitheater, and various markets.
Explore St. Kilda, home to the Victoria-styled fairground Luna Park and St. Kilda Sea Baths. Walk down Aceland Street. Continue to St Kilda’s beachfront, and enjoy panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay.
Explore Phillip Island, known globally for its commitment to environmental conservation.
Here, you can encounter masked lapwings, spoonbills, ibis, herons, and black swans.
Make sure to visit the Koala Conservation Center, which houses a protected koala colony.
Discover Swan Lake, the island's largest freshwater lake. Just under a mile offshore lies Seal Rocks, home to Australia's largest colony of Australian Fur Seals.
Don't miss the breathtaking Penguin Parade at dusk, where Little Penguins return to the beach in groups after a day of fishing.
Head out to Mornington Peninsula, only an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Visit the coastal boardwalks at Cape Schanck. This region is home to well-known vineyards such as Polperro, Pt. Leo and Montalto Estates.
Thala Beach Nature Reserve is situated on a private headland located between Cairns and Port Douglas, Australia.
Activities at Thala Beach Nature Reserve include the following:
- Coconut Odyssey Tours: where you can not only taste and drink from the young green coconut but also discover the lesser-known ‘Coconut Apple’. You will learn about the various health benefits that coconuts offer.
- Bird and Butterfly Walks: Join a bird and butterfly expert to marvel at the vibrant colors and diverse species found at Thala.
- Oak Beach features approximately 2 kilometers of pristine sand, bordered by coconut palms and sheoak trees. Thala Beach Nature Reserve is located at the northern end of this beach, where all guests can enjoy exclusive access to this serene shoreline.
- Stargazing: The night sky at Thala is free from light pollution and teems with millions of stars. Immerse yourself in the sounds of the rainforest and ocean while receiving an introduction to the stunning Southern Constellations from a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide.
There are spectacular rail journeys in Australia, such as The Ghan and Indian Pacific, which sweep across the continent, offering comfort and a sense of nostalgic romance. The Indian Pacific travels between Sydney and Perth, stopping at Broken Hill, Adelaide and Kalgoorlie; the legendary Ghan travels between Adelaide and Darwin, taking in Australia’s Red Centre and the tropical Top End.
Travel Time by Air:
Sydney-Cairns = 3 hours
Cairns-Melbourne = 3 hours 25 minutes
Queenstown-Sydney = 3 hours 20 minutes
Brisbane-Auckland = 3 hours 15 minutes
Auckland-Sydney = 3 hours 40 minutes
Australia offers an array of food and drink experiences. From traditional meat pies to fresh shucked oysters, and menus inspired by worldwide influences, you’ll find something for every appetite. You’ll find bold red wines in Hunter Valley, edgy distilleries in Sydney serving hand-crafted gin and whisky, and a booming craft beer scene across the country. Here are some local items we recommend trying on your trip.
Vegemite
This dark brown salty paste made from various vegetables, yeast extract, and spices is similar to Marmite from the UK. It is popularly eaten on bread or toast with butter, or with avocado, melted cheese, or tomato.
Truffles
In Winter, near Canberra and in the Margaret River region, highly trained dogs search for “black diamonds” in the soil. Find them infused in various menus featuring local items, like salad dressings and sauces.
Pavlova
While originally from New Zealand, Australians have claimed this dessert as their own. This tasty treat consists of fresh fruit and whipped cream on top of a light meringue base.
Meat Pies
A traditional dish often served on top of a bowl of thick pea soup, known as a “Pie Floater.”
Wine
There is no shortage of wine in Australia. For reds, you will find a predominance of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir; while in the white column, you can sample an array of Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc.
Spirits (Gin, Whisky, Rum) – Produced for years but recently booming, there is a wealth of different spirit distilleries, for example in Perth, Adelaide and Tasmania to name a few. They are often creatively infused or produced, like botanical-infused gin and oak-aged rum.
Barramundi
A type of sea bass fish, native to the Indo-Pacific.
Crocodile
More often found in the Northern Territory, crocodile is a white meat with a unique chicken-like flavor. It has become a very popular delicacy both in Australia and overseas.
Kangaroo
While the idea is controversial to some, nutritionists point out that kangaroo meat is organic, lean, high in iron, and free from pesticides and antibiotics. It is available in many restaurants and supermarkets.
Bush Tucker
Also called bushfood, bush tucker is any food, hunted or gathered, native to Australia and eaten by Aboriginal inhabitants; it can also describe any native flora and fauna used for culinary or medicinal purposes. Examples include bush tomatoes, finger limes, kangaroo, emu, lemon myrtle, wattleseed from the acacia plant (dried and roasted), quandong and warrigal greens.
Australia’s climate is extremely varied throughout its six states and two territories; there are four seasons across most of the country, as well as a wet and dry season in the tropical Northern area.
Summer (December-February)
Fall (March-May)
Winter (June-August)
Spring (September- November)
During any season, temperatures can vary throughout the different areas of the country. In general, the Northern region is hot and tropical, while the South is sub-tropical and temperate. Most rainfall occurs around the coasts. Temperatures can range from well below 50°F (10°C) to 122°F (50°C) in extreme cases.
The official Language is English.
In Australia the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The plugs in Australia are Type I, have two flat metal pins shaped like a “V” and some may contain a third flat pin in the center. We suggest a multi-adaptor with different plug configurations. Also, ensure that you have a power converter for any appliances like a straightening iron or curling iron, as the voltage may not be compatible.
The country code for Australia is +61.
Australia's official currency is the Australian dollar( AUD) & Major credit cards are widely accepted. Currency exchange is available at banks, hotels and international airports. Cirrus-compatible ATMs are everywhere, banks line most main streets, and credit cards are widely accepted.
Recommended Films with scenes from Australia....
Australia
Crocodile Dundee
The Crodile Hunter
Rabbit-Proof Fence
Stolen Generations
Seven Worlds, One Planet: episode 4
Bondi Rescue
The Matrix
Ghost Rider
Aquaman
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man tell no tales
Babe
The Man from Snowy River
