Experience a kaleidoscope of colour in beautiful Australia, including deep ocean blues, rocky Outback reds, rich rainforest greens and sandy yellows and golds. This vibrant country is built up along the coastline with cosmopolitan cities and glittering resorts to explore. Each boasts its own distinct vibe, from the art galleries and hidden lanes of Melbourne to the glamorous beaches of Sydney. And for wildlife lovers, it’s hard to beat the diversity and scope of Australia’s fauna with its cuddly koalas and not-so-cuddly crocodiles...
From the white sands of Bondi Beach to the modern Harbour Bridge and iconic Sydney Opera House, Sydney’s filled to the brim with exciting destinations to explore! Head up to the top of the Skywalk to admire 360-degree views of the city and its harbour, or take a day trip to the Hunter Valley for wine tasting in the countryside. And for a moment of serenity, don’t miss a trip to the city’s lush botanic gardens.
Art and culture meet a beautiful natural setting in Melbourne. Head to central Federation Square to watch the world go by, or explore the city’s quirky lanes around Flinders Street to discover trendy boutiques and cafes. And in the Melbourne Arts Precinct, you’ll discover cultural gems like the Arts Centre Melbourne and National Gallery of Victoria. Don’t miss a day trip to Phillip Island with its famous penguins!
Perth blends sophisticated urban developments like Elizabeth Quay with a laid-back beach vibe to suit its west coast Aussie style. Spend some time lazing on its sparkling river and ocean beaches, wine tasting in the adjacent Swan Valley, or getting up close and personal with wildlife in the Perth Zoo! Explore the city’s artistic side at the Perth Cultural Centre, or learn about its past at the Fremantle Prison.
Townsville is a must for animal lovers, famous for its beautifully designed Reef HQ Aquarium with its vibrant coral and sea creatures sourced from the Great Barrier Reef. There’s also a hospital for sea turtles, and Magnetic Island national park. Take a day trip to the Billabong Sanctuary to see koalas and wombats, or explore the city centre to see 19th-century architecture and the panoramic views from Castle Hill.
Sunny, tropical weather brings a bevy of exciting outdoor attractions to Brisbane, including its Botanic Gardens, Australia Zoo and the nearby Gold Coast Sea World. Head out on a day trip to lush rainforests in the Canungra Valley or climb up Mt Tamborine. Ready for a bit of culture? The city’s bustling South Bank district features museums like the Queensland Museum and Science Centre and Gallery of Modern Art.
Experience an exciting blend of cultures in Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory. The gateway to Kakadu National Park, it offers outdoor attractions like George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens and Crocosaurus Cove. Tempt your taste buds at the delicious food markets and vibrant nightlife scene in hotspots like Mindil Beach. And for a spot of culture, visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.
Venture back in time to one of Australia’s most notorious prisons, Port Arthur. Take a walking tour to find out more about this World Heritage site, which once housed some of the country’s most infamous prisoners in its cells. You’ll see ruins of the former Convict Church, dormitory rooms, and dockyard where inmates worked and lived, and can take a journey to the Isle of the Dead where they were buried.
Get ready to relax in this laid-back Australian port! Adelaide is known for cultural hubs like the Art Gallery of South Australia, along with its chilled-out atmosphere. Take a wine tasting day trip to the Barossa Valley, stock up on tasty treats at the Adelaide Central Market, or see local wildlife at the Adelaide Zoo. And when it’s time to unwind, have a leisurely stroll around the city’s botanic gardens.
Australia is a year-round destination, drawing visitors in throughout its seasons for fun in the sun. The peak time for travel is between October and April, when waves are at their prime for surfing and beaches fill up with visitors from around Australia and abroad. Prepare for hot weather if visiting in the summer, when temperatures regularly soar into the 30s! The winter months last from June to August, and although some southern states can be cooler you won’t need to bundle up. One thing to be aware of is the cyclone season which peaks in March and April.
Australia is a massive country with heaps of variety on offer, whether you’re after an action-packed Outback expedition or just want to top up your tan on Bondi Beach. Highlights include scuba diving or snorkelling around the Great Barrier Reef, a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can see iconic architecture like the Harbour Bridge and Opera House in Sydney, get up close to the Fairy Penguins on Melbourne’s Phillip Island, view the ancient Uluru Rock, or go wine-tasting in the Yarra and Barossa Valleys. Animal lovers can visit Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo, explore the landscapes of Mt Tamborine outside of Brisbane, and see exotic bird life in Kakadu National Park.
You will need a visa when travelling to Australia, but the good news is that it’s fairly straightforward to apply online. British citizens can apply for the eVisitor visa directly from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website, or get an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) directly from your travel agent. Visitors who are over 75 may need to undergo a health examination before the visa’s issued, so factor in this extra time if you’re enjoying your golden years! Apart from this all you need is a valid passport for the duration of your stay.
Although stereotypical Australian food might conjure up images of vegemite, this country actually offers a very impressive culinary heritage incorporating influences from its melting pot of settlers. There’s a thriving café culture particularly in Melbourne, home to truly impressive avocado smashes on toast and flat whites. One treat you won’t want to miss is the lamington cake, consisting of sponge dipped in chocolate and topped with shredded coconut. Seafood is super fresh, as you may expect from a country with 60,000km of coastline! Pay a visit to the Sydney Fish Market to enjoy the catch of the day. Meat pies are also an iconic dish here, served everywhere from service stations to hipster cafes.
AUSTRALIA
By: Bottomley, Newton Abbot on 25th Jul 2020
We embarked in Southampton and stayed forever, or so it seemed. Everything was amazing. Loads of people were staying on until Perth and it was like a family holiday.
AUSTRALIA
By: Sunderland, Wallington UK on 19th Feb 2020
Saw cruise advertised including 2 nights in Sydney, 10-day cruise on Celebrity Soltice and 2 nights stay in Auckland, all flights and transfers included. Wonderful hotel in Sydney (Ridges).