Australia

Pictures of Australia

Make no mistake, Australia is vast and diverse. Read all you like about this captivating country, watch endless documentaries, but nothing can prepare you for what you are about to experience.

Of course without doubt it has some of the most energised cosmopolitan cities in the world. But when it comes to the great outdoors, Australia is world class. From sub tropical rainforests, to pristine uncrowded island beaches, and from the biggest monolithic rock known to man, to thousand of miles of outback desert country... all yours to explore!

Then there's the animal and sea life – prepare to fall in love and be totally charmed by all sorts of delightful creatures!

We have put together a collection of holidays which are truly inspirational. Whether you choose a fully escorted tour with your own local guide, or go it alone on one of our self drives, we know that you will be inspired.

Information Australia

Country guide
Capital city Canberra
Population

21,450,000

Area

Australian cities

We have a wide selection of tours which call in at many of the biggest and best Australian cities. Adelaide will make you feel right at home with its Victorian architecture and refined air. Then for a very different city, Darwin right up at the Top End offers incredible sunsets and is surrounded by the fantastic natural world. Out on the east coast, Brisbane is one of the most desirable places to live in Australia and no wonder! It has fantastic beaches, nearby idyllic islands and a laid back atmosphere. And further up the coast, chilled out Cairns provides the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Let’s not forget though cultural and sophisticated Melbourne, offering fantastic

theatre and dining experiences. The capital, Canberra, is also worth a visit and brings the Australian story to life.

Sydney

A sophisticated and very cosmopolitan city with a wealth of tourist attractions. Climb the Harbour Bridge, see a performance at the Opera House, explore the historic Rocks,

or stretch out on one of the city’s famous beaches, including Manly and Bondi. Also, nearby the Blue Mountains and the Hunter Wine Valley are not to be missed. And, when you’ve built up your appetite and thirst, the city’s restaurants and bars will have you spoilt for choice.

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

A must see sight. This monolithic rock has great Aboriginal significance and can be seen from all angles… in the air, around its base. Whether viewed at sunset or sunrise the colour changes will have you talking about them forever.

Kakadu National Park

Right up there in the Northern Territory is Kakadu, the country’s largest national park and World Heritage listed site. Much of the land is Aboriginal owned and the rich, long history here is everywhere to be seen. In particular the best collections of Rock Art are in the Nourlangie Area and Ubirr. The flora and fauna won’t disappoint you either and is diverse, including some rare and endangered species. But all the favourites are here too from crocodiles and kangaroos, to dingoes, bats and wallabies.

Great Barrier Reef

One of the seven wonders of the natural world The Great Barrier Reef is the only living thing on earth that can be seen from space! It has over 3,000 different reef systems and coral cays and it is here that you can see rays, dolphins, 1,500 tropical fish types and when the breeding season starts, humpback whales! Nothing can prepare you for this – so don your mask, snorkel and fins or view it from a glass bottom boat or submarine – you’ll be enthralled!

Climate
Climate / season

Australia’s summer is from December - March and its winter from June - August. Much of Australia is warm or hot throughout the year, and even along the cooler southern coasts the winters are mild rather than cold.

Sydney, Melbourne and Perth

Summers are hot with average maximum temperatures of 25 - 29C. Winters are generally mild (average maximum temperature 13C - 18C). Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year in Sydney and Melbourne, whereas Perth experiences lower rainfall levels in the summer months.

Central Australia

Alice Springs and Uluru (Ayers Rock) have comparatively little rainfall throughout the year. Hot and dry days are the norm throughout the summer (average maximum 30C - 35C). Winter days are pleasantly warm, with cooler temperatures at night.

Tropical Queensland

Cairns experiences a typically tropical climate. Summers are warm, wet and humid - resulting in beautiful lush green vegetation. Winters are still very warm, but significantly drier.

Culture
Politics

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd since 2007

Clothing

Casual dress is generally worn throughout Australia. Lightweight clothing is recommended for the summer, and warmer clothing during the winter months,  especially in the southern states.

Sunglasses, sun hats, and sun block lotion are recommended year round.  Comfortable walking shoes/sports trainers are advisable when visiting the Red Centre. Laundry facilities are available if required.

Australia 

Other destinations

Egypt

Egypt

Here is one of the world’s oldest civilizations, ...

South Africa

South Africa

Here is a country like no other – enter the exoti...