Whether it’s visiting family, a dream holiday or a combination of both, Australia has something for everyone and everyone’s trip is unique!
With stunning scenery, weird and wonderful wildlife, stunning beaches, colourful deserts and vivid green rainforests you truly are spoilt for choice.
A great place to start your adventure – just as the founding fathers did – is Sydney. History meets modernity in this stunning city and you should allow time to explore the city by foot and from the water. Travel like the locals and take a boat trip from Circular Quay to admire the spectacular Harbour Bridge and Opera House from the best vantage point.
For those who seek adventure, a Harbour Bridge climb is a once in a lifetime thrill, offering unparalleled views of this beautiful city whilst listening to a commentary about the Bridge’s fascinating history and tales of the people who built it. And for those who seek their thrills on water, a surfing lesson on Bondi beach is pretty special.
Although Canberra is the modern-day capital of Australia, it wasn’t the original. In 1901, following the federation of Australia, Melbourne was given the title and remained the capital until 1913. Recently voted one of the world’s most liveable cities, you only need to spend a few days here to see why so many people love it! Home to the Yarra Valley Wine region, this area is heaven for lovers of fine food and wine (and more recently craft beers and ciders). Take a trip around the hidden laneways to discover local history, designers and craft chocolatiers and coffee along with elegant architecture.
For nature lovers a short trip will take you to Philip Island: nesting site of the beautiful blue penguins. These gorgeous little birds weigh only around 1kg and stand at around 33cm but can still dive to an impressive 73 meters. Every evening you can watch these incredible creatures waddling along the beach at dusk: it really is a very special experience!
Melbourne is also the start of one of Australia’s most iconic road trips: the Great Ocean Road. This Australian National Heritage-listed 243 km stretch of road along the south-eastern coast of Australia was built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 and is the world’s largest war memorial, dedicated to casualties of World War I. It winds along the coast and takes you through beautiful coastal townships such as Lorne and Apollo Bay as well as providing access to several prominent landmarks, including the famous Twelve Apostles limestone stack formations (although, due to sea erosion, only eight Apostles now remain).
When people think of Australia they inevitably think of the Great Barrier Reef. This UNESCO site covers a vast 2,300 square km and is home to countless species of fish and over 600 types of coral.
The area offers a wealth of things to suit all tastes and budgets from backpacker hotels in Cairns to uber-luxury resorts such as Qualia in the Whitsundays.
The beach areas of Palm Cove and Port Douglas are great locations to explore both the Reef and the Rainforest: there really is something for everyone.
Of course, we have only touched the surface of this amazing country and it’s easier than ever to discover Australia, with regular flights from Manchester and a direct non-stop service due to start from London to Perth in March which will only take around 17 hours!
Time Difference: +11 hours (Sydney)
Currency: Australian dollar
Flying Time: 21 hours from Manchester with Emirates via Dubai, or 17 hours direct from London.
Top Tips:
· Book a wine tasting tour and try your hand at blending your own.
· If cuddling a koala is on your bucket list, be aware this is now only possible in Queensland!
· Travel like a local: take the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach for around AUS$10.00.
