Home > Travel Guides > Australia Travel Guide

Introduction to Australia

Brisbane is another modern city on the east coast. The neighbouring Gold Coast region is a popular holiday spot for both Australians and foreigners. Many will also choose to venture north to the Great Barrier Reef – the largest of its kind in the world, stretching over 2,000km.

Another of Australia’s most important aspects is its wildlife. Many species seen in few other places can be found here, like the kangaroo, koala, wombat, dingo and platypus, and these draw many visitors in their own right.

Australia can be seen in bite-sized sections, or on one large journey. Its size and distance from Europe and America means it’s best to take your time and make the most of your visit. There is lots to see, but it’s thankfully easy to get around and there are even some luxurious travel options to make the journey that bit more enjoyable.

History of Australia

If you are visiting the Great Barrier Reef, the best places to stay for easiest access are Cairns, or the smaller town of Port Douglas, where boat tours originate.

Brisbane is another modern city with a built up centre and plenty of decent hotels. However, 40 miles away is the resort city of Gold Coast which has long, sandy beaches and many hotels and resorts to choose from.

In central Australia, Alice Springs is one of the larger centres of population and it is well used to accommodating visitors. Thanks to its many hotels, plus golf courses and nearby desert resorts, it is a comfortable place to stay, despite being so far from the populated coastal regions.

Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is similarly remote and it’s not really worth trying to do in a day trip from Sydney or Melbourne as you should try to spend time taking in its majesty and enjoying a sunset or sunrise. It is located in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, so the local town is not built up. But there are some country hotels and resorts nearby, like those at Yulara.

Perth is a city largely on its own in the south west of Australia. It is large enough to offer all kinds of accommodation, with the city centre having the best options.

When looking for country B&Bs and farmstays (including working farms that provide accommodation), most can be found on popular travel websites and agencies.

Like many countries, there is a growing trend for eco-friendly hotels and Australia is no exception. Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley in the Blue Mountains was the first to be accredited as carbon-neutral, and the Ramada Eco Beach Resort near Broome has various experiences, from glamping to luxury villas with ocean views.

Among the best hotels in Sydney are the Shangri-La with views of the harbour, or the classic style of the InterContinental. In Melbourne try the Langham Hotel or Crown Towers, where a complimentary bottle of wine will be waiting.

In Perth COMO The Treasury is a 48-room hotel in an elegant former State building with balconies, a pool, restaurants and library at the heart of the city. At Ayers Rock, Longitude 131 is a desert retreat with lodges, spa treatments and some of the world’s best sunsets.

For a resort experience, highly regarded options include Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge in Tasmania, the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort in Queensland, Qualia on Hamilton Island, near the Barrier Reef, and Jackalope in the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria.

One of the easiest ways to experience the great outdoors from Sydney is in the Blue Mountains National Park. This is a magnificent region of great canyons, waterfalls and forests of eucalyptus trees stretching as far as the eye can see; the droplets of their oil mixed with water vapour gives the air over the park its blue hue.

Melbourne is Australia’s second largest city and experiences a different climate. It has monumental buildings, an important art and coffee scene, wonderful museums and botanical gardens, and fantastic shopping. You can even experience the country’s largest air show each spring at nearby Avalon.

From Melbourne you can take the Great Ocean Road – a 243km coastal route passing through small towns and beach resorts like Lorne, the Great Otway National Park, the famous Twelve Apostles ocean stacks, and ending at the lighthouse in the small town of Port Fairy.

Further along the south coast is Adelaide with its large botanical gardens and zoo, café culture and shopping.

The east coast is dominated by Brisbane and Gold Coast – two modern cities and beach resorts famed for relaxing and enjoying the sea. Heading further north you’ll come to Cairns – a gateway to both the Great Barrier Reef, and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest, where Australia’s tropical zone begins. You can enjoy snorkeling and diving, island-hopping cruises, rainforest hikes, or time enjoying the region’s amazing seafood.

Along Australia’s northern coast you’ll find a quieter region. This is off-the-beaten-track Australia, where you’re unlikely to see many people on the beaches, or high-rise resorts. It is a region where you can arrange tours to offshore islands, wildlife areas, or parks like Garig Gunak Barlu or Kakadu National Park. Many visitors arrange helicopter tours to see as much of this territory as possible, and enjoy the civilization of cities like Darwin and Broome.

Perth is a major city, but sometimes feels all alone. But don’t let that stop you visiting as it has a lot to offer (and the benefit of non-stop flights from the UK). At its heart is the Swan River which meanders to the Indian Ocean at Perth’s busy port. The city clings to its shore, with the width of a lake in places, and you’ll find lovely walks, cultural attractions and views to enjoy.

The King’s Park Botanic Gardens sit by the river, and in the middle is Heirisson Island where you can see a population of kangaroos right in the middle of the city. And in Perth’s western suburbs you can try out Cottesloe Beach where surfing, swimming and views of the sunset are enjoyed.

Perth is also great for wandering along its streets of historic buildings, enjoying shopping and eating out at the many great cafes and restaurants which the city has to offer.

An easy trip north of Perth is Nambung National Park, also known as the Pinnacles Desert. It has thousands of limestone pillars, sandy beaches, and scenic drives and walks to enjoy.

Australia’s interior is vast and inhospitable, but it does have two gems which attract many visitors. Alice Springs is a modern town with good cafes, restaurants and art galleries showing off Aboriginal and desert art. Then there’s Uluru, known to many as Ayers Rock, rising out of the desert like it was planted on purpose. It is a significant place for the Aboriginal population, and one of the world’s greatest sights.

Finally there’s Tasmania – Australia’s island state off the southern tip. It has a more agreeable climate and is a renowned producer of wine, beer, oysters and cheese. You can visit many of these producers on a tour, or simply enjoy a break in Hobart or an eco-friendly rural stay.

Seeing more of Australia away from the cities is something easily achieved on a road trip or organized tour. All along the coasts of the country, emanating from its main cities, are coastal routes taking in beach resorts, clifftop vistas, national parks and resorts. Most famous of these is the Great Ocean Road, but you can also try similar routes from Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Darwin.

Australia is also about the great outdoors. From pursuits like hiking, rockclimbing and cycling, to enjoying fine golf courses, there is something for everyone. In coastal areas surfing, windsurfing, canoeing, sailing, snorkeling, diving and swimming are popular and can be enjoyed on beaches and in many resort hotels.

Along with outdoor regions, many visitors love to witness Australia’s animals. While there are city zoos, nothing beats meeting them (at a safe distance) in their own habitats. Places like Kangaroo Island in South Australia, Daintree Rainforest or Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Queensland, or the Great Barrier Reef itself are worth experiencing.

Seeing more of Australia is easily possible by utilizing the frequent domestic air routes to cities large and small all around the country. You can visit top attractions like Uluru, or remote museums like the Qantas Founders Museum at Longreach, full of heritage aircraft including two jumbo jets!

Another way to get around is on one of Australia’s long-distance train journeys, which are a leisurely and comfortable way of traversing the country in style.

Australian traditional fare is complemented in all major cities and tourist areas by a range of world cuisines in some fantastic restaurants. The country is not on the Michelin star rating guide, but there are many that would be deserving of the honour, like Attica and Vue de Monde in Melbourne (the latter on the 55^th floor with amazing city views); Restaurant of the year Orana in Adelaide; Italian restaurant Otto in both Brisbane and Sydney, and Aria (with Opera House views) in Sydney; or excellent Japanese chain Nobu in Perth.

Let’s not forget Australia’s wine. As one of the world’s largest exporters, it makes up a significant portion of the country’s economy. There are major wine growing regions in South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia and New South Wales, with the climate suiting it perfectly. You should try some of the produce when dining in Australia.

Rail is another important means of transportation in Australia. There are local commuter services in and around Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Light rail systems also exist in Sydney, Gold Coast, Canberra and Newcastle. Melbourne has a tram system, and the Sydney Metro is the only Australian underground rapid transit system.

Long distance trains in Australia link the main cities. There are a few ultra-long services which area a great way to see the country and enjoy some luxury on board. They are the Indian Pacific from Sydney to Adelaide and Perth, The Ghan across the interior from Adelaide to Alice Springs and Darwin, The Overland from Melbourne to Adelaide, and the Great Southern from Brisbane to Melbourne and Adelaide.

The best time to visit Australia’s main cities – Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, is between November and March, where warm days make it pleasant to be outside or enjoy the beach. December can be a wet season for certain areas, and Christmas can be a busy holiday time on the beaches and in hotels.

Tasmania is often cooler than the rest of the country, particularly in June and July, whereas the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns and Darwin are warmer throughout the year.

Owing to the time taken to traverse this great island, Australia’s long-distance train routes are more of a vacation in their own right and fit perfectly with those seeking a luxury journey. The trains on Indian Pacific, The Ghan and The Overland in particular are geared towards enjoying this slow pace, offering fine dining, sleeper cabins and good service on board. They also stop at popular towns and attractions along the way, allowing you to see more of the country.

Luxury chauffeured wine tasting tours can be organized from most Australian cities. Some of the best are Hunter Valley or Margaret River regions close to Sydney and among some amazing scenery, or Yarra Valley and Rayners Orchard near Melbourne.

In all regions you will find luxury hotels, both large and boutique. In remoter regions there are luxury lodges, and near the beaches there are luxury resorts. Many offer amenities such as spas, pools and on-site restaurants serving the best local cuisine.

Australians in general are light-hearted, friendly and love to make jokes. They often love being outdoors, enjoy sport and socializing, and prefer a simple hand shake and first name greeting to anything more formal.

Weather in Australia

Visiting Australia soon? See below for the latest weather forecast for Australia.

AUSTRALIA WEATHER