Australia Travel Info
Vast and diverse, Australia is a land unlike any other. A mass of white sandy beaches, unrivalled scuba diving sites on the Great Barrier Reef and acres of arid outback waiting to be explored, Australia is a traveller's paradise. With the help of an Australia travel guide, visit the cosmopolitan city of Sydney and take in the stunning Opera House at the heart of Darling Harbour, or take a trip to the trendy city of Melbourne - whatever you're after, Australia has it all.
What to see
Sydney
Sydney is a stunning city boasting world famous beaches such as Bondi, Manley and Cogee right on its doorstep. Bursting with life, Sydney’s trendy bars and restaurants are buzzing with atmosphere whist the iconic Sydney Harbour simply oozes sophistication.
Melbourne
Voted the most liveable city in the world, it’s not difficult to see why. Edgy bars, sophisticated restaurants and grungy clubs, Melbourne is all about lifestyle. Bursting with character, Melbourne is truly the city that never sleeps.
Cairns
Located in far north Queensland, Cairns is a party town known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. With access to one of the world’s most impressive diving areas in the world, there is a permanent holiday atmosphere in Cairns and the town is bursting with tourists. With easy access to the quaint town of Port Doulas en route to Cape Tribulation, Cairns is a great place to stop over for a few nights before embarking on your onward adventure.
Top experiences / sites of particular interest
Fraser Island
Fraser Island has become a must do for all travellers exploring Australia’s east coast. Famed for its wild dingo’s, glistening lakes and expanses of open beaches for driving along in 4*4’s, Fraser Island is an adventure park for adults.
The Whitsundays
Cruise through The Whitsunday islands aboard one of the many sailing boats taking in the stunning secluded beaches and breathtaking viewpoints. With crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and gorgeous weather all year round, the Whitsundays is often described as paradise on earth.
Cape Tribulation Area
‘Cape Trib’, is where two World Heritage areas unite, The Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Explore the beautiful wildlife of the rainforest on self guided trails, guided walks or go wild and jungle surf across the tree tops. Visit the village of Port Douglas on your way, a tiny town boasting stylish boutique shops, upmarket and trendy restaurants as well as the stunning four mile beach.
When to go
Weather & Seasons: Due to its size, it is quite possible to literally chase the sunshine around. When winter begins in the south, the summer is only getting started in the northern hemisphere. Summer months are beautifully sunny with costal breezes and winters are cold but bearable. In contrast, the north of Australia experience wet summers as monsoon season begins (October to April) bringing tropical cyclones, heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. Dry season consists of clear skies and warm weather however humidity levels can be quite high in the lead up to wet season. The seasons in Australia are the opposite of Europe making it an ideal destination for a Winter break.
Getting there / around
Flights: There is no denying that its is a very long way to Australia usually taking approximately 20 hours from the UK on a long haul flight. Within Australia itself it is often best to use internal flights to get around due to the long distances between large cities.
Car: However many travellers hire or buy vans and take to the open road to experience the delights of the outback and road trip adventures that Australia has to offer.
Bus: Alternatively catch the Greyhound, a popular choice for backpackers on a budget.
Potential itineraries
Short Trips: Due to the sheer size of Australia as well as the time it takes to adapt to the time zone down under, it is advisable to spend at least 3 weeks in Auz. If you don’t fancy rushing spend a week exploring the city of Sydney and its beaches.
Longer Trips: To really experience all Australia has to offer you’ll need closer to 6 weeks. Travel the east coast all the way up to Cape Tribulation before catching a flight over to Perth.
Our Recommendations
Guides
With such an immense country as Australia, from Melbourne to Darwin and from Sydney to Perth, it’s no wonder Stanfords stocks a vast range of Australia maps and travel guides for every kind of journey you plan to make Down Under. Below are our top guides:
Maps
We have a huge range of maps for Australia available including road maps, city maps, regional maps and even wine maps! Below are our top choices:
Sight & Sound
Music: On your trip to Auz you will no doubt hear the sound of the iconic didgeridoo, a wind instrument created by indigenous Australians. Many famous names are born out of Australia such as world famous Kylie Minogue, Crowded House, the Bee Gees and many more.
Pre-Trip Practicalities
Language
English
Currency
The Australian Dollar
Visas
Every visitor to Australia requires a visa with the exception of citizens of New Zealand.
Health issues
No particular vaccinations required however it is advisable to carry insect repellent particularly if you are travelling to the Northern Territory.
Safety, FO travel advice
Generally safe
Useful Telephone Numbers
Australian country representatives can be found
in the UK at
The Strand, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 4LA. Tel:- 020 7379 4334and in the US at
1601 Massachusetts Ave, Washington DC, District of Columbia NW 20036-2273. Tel:- 202 797 3000.There is a tourist board
in the UK at
Australia House, 6th Floor Melbourne Place/Strand, London, WC2B 4LG. Tel:- 020 7438 4601and in the US at
6100 Center Drive, Suite 1150 Los Angeles CA 90045. Tel:- 310 695 3200.For more information visit: http://www.uk.embassy.gov.au , http://www.tourism.australia.com or http://www.australia.com .