Australia travel guide
Table of contents
Australia is the only country that is a whole continent. World famous for its natural wonders and wide open spaces - beaches, deserts and the Outback. Australia is even so one of the world's most urbanised countries and well known for the cosmopolitan attractions of its major cities, such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart and the capital Canberra.
Australia is also a major tourist destination and is one of the world's wealthiest countries. The country is renowned for its vast, untouched landscape and unique culture. Most visitors to Australia also visit New Zealand while on vacation.
Places to go in Australia
Queensland's Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is the destination to head for if you want sun, sand, and sea. This stretch of Queensland coastline is great for surfers and sun worshippers. It includes Caloundra, Noosa, Maroochydore and Mooloolaba. This is also your base for the Great Barrier Reef.
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is a coral formation, the largest in the entire world. It's located off the Pacific coast of Queensland. It is home to a spectacular array of marine life and offers awesome diving opportunities. You'll get here by flying to Cairns and taking a boat or short hop flight to the islands of the reef.
The Outback
Australia's red centre. There are two very important facts to keep in mind about the Outback: it has very few inhabitants and very little water. You should follow standard safety precautions for desolate regions:
- tell someone where you're going and when and where you should arrive; they should have instructions to raise the alarm if you do not appear soon after your intended arrival time
- carry immense amounts of water
- travel in a sturdy vehicle
- have clothes that can protect against cold, as well as clothes suitable for extremely hot weather
Keep in mind also that the Outback is very large, much larger than desert regions in most other Western countries. You could easily end up twenty hours' drive away from emergency help.
Uluru
Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, located in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a gigantic wind-swept rock. The easiest way to get to the Uluru is to drive, catch a bus or join a tour from Alice Springs.
You can also fly from most capital cities to Connellan Airport, which is located just outside the park. Contact your travel agent for more details. Car hire is available from the airport and is best arranged through your travel agent before arrival.
Another option is the Ghan Train from Adelaide to Darwin via Alice Springs. The nearly 3,000 km train ride does take a few days though.
Tasmania
Tasmania was once known as the Apple Isle and, is the smallest of Australia's states. It is located off the south eastern tip of the mainland. We recommend the Launceston to Hobart highway for a great coastal drive. To get to Tasmania, either take an internal flight to Hobart or the ferry from Melbourne to Devonport, Tasmania, with Spirit of Tasmania.
Australia's major cities
- Melbourne - Australia's second largest city and the nation's first capital city. Melbourne is a huge sporting and cultural capital. Melbourne is Australia's most European city
- Canberra - the purpose-built, planned national capital of Australia
- Adelaide - the City of Churches, a relaxed South Australian alternative to the big eastern cities
- Brisbane - sun-drenched capital of Queensland, fastest growing city in Australia (and the Southern Hemisphere) and gateway to beautiful sandy beaches
- Gold Coast - a large, beach city south of Brisbane. Known for its beaches, high rise apartments and its amusement parks
- Cairns - gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas, the Atherton Tablelands, Daintree National Park, and many beautiful beaches and resorts. A great place for people to getaway to and relax
- Darwin - Australia's smallest and northern-most capital, at the top of the Northern Territory
- Hobart - small and quiet capital of Tasmania
- Perth - the most remote continental capital city on earth, on the south-western edge of Western Australia
- Sydney - Australia's first and largest city, the capital of New South Wales
