AustraliaA G U I D E T 0
Australia is a vast land of discovery and adventure, with everything from incredible
red deserts and rock formations to coastal beauty and thriving urban centres.
Stretching from the Indian Ocean in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east, Australia is divided into six states and two territories, each with its own amazing sights, sounds and scenery to offer. Australia’s six states are Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, which are joined by the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory.
Australia's eight states and territories are home to a plethora of UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites, cities jam-packed with global icons, shorelines studded with golden beaches stretching as far as the eye can see and stunning natural attractions including tropical rainforests and colourful coral reefs.
Climate
Due to Australia’s large size, the country has several climate zones. Northern Australia tends to have a tropical climate with hot and humid summers and warm, dry winters. The southern areas are generally more temperate to warm with summer daytime temperatures in the late twenties, and mild winters with temperatures around 5 to 10°C. Weather in the desert and bush areas of the outback is more extreme, with temperatures sometimes reaching the fifties and rain a rare occurrence.
Population 24.6 million
Capital Canberra
National anthem Advance Australia Fair
Currency Australian Dollar (AUD)
Official language English
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Introducing
AustraliaAustralia statistics
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
23 23 22 19 16 14 13 14 16 18 20 22
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE IN SYDNEY (°C)
Western Australia
Tasmania
Australian Capital
Territory
South Australia
New South Wales
Victoria
Northern Territory
Queensland
Australia's territories
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Gold Coast
Did you know?
• Australia has over 750 different reptile species – more than any other in the world
• Outside of Greece, Melbourne has the largest Greek population of any city in the world
• 80% of the animals here are unique to Australia from cuddly koalas and kangaroos to wombats and the spiky echidna
• Australia is the world's sixth-largest country by area but 90% of Australians live on the coast
• Australia has over 60 separate wine regions and most of them are in New South Wales and Victoria – ideal stop-offs during a Sydney to Melbourne road trip
• Australia has more than 10,000 beaches. If you visited one beach a day, it would take over 27 years to see all of them
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Travel Counsellor Katie Griffin journeyed to Australia’s Red Centre with her family and gained some unforgettable memories:
This was my third trip to Central Australia but the first for my partner and kids. We were travelling between Christmas and New Years which is the hottest time of year to visit the region, but we had perfect weather. Our guide Emily from Belgium had been taught by the local Anangu owners of the land and knew all kinds of wonderful stories about Uluru and its history. After a wonderful morning, the rest of the day was spent enjoying the swimming pool and just hanging out. The following day, we took a sunset scenic flight over Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Lake Amadeus. The area had just had the most rainfall over a two-day period for 30 years and the normally dry salt lake was full and stunning – we were so lucky. Our final tour was the sunrise Kata Tjuta tour which the kids absolutely loved.
Travel Counsellor Angela has a lot of love for 'underrated' Perth:
We spent a week in Perth, one of Australia's more underrated cities. The botanic gardens and river were stunning, and dinner overlooking the Indian Ocean at the Blue Duck at Cottesloe Beach was absolutely lovely.
Travel Counsellor Sarah set sail in Australia:
We flew up to Hamilton Island in the Whitsunday Islands, and we were fortunate to have perfect sailing weather. We helped raise the sails and learned about sailing boats before watching the sunset. We also went snorkelling and saw some amazing marine life.
Our recommendations
Hamilton Island
Perth
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Our Travel Counsellors know the world better than anyone else. Here, they share their top recommendations for a unique experience down under…
Ayer's Rock AKA Uluru
Wondering how much spending money you’ll need during your time in Australia? To help you plan your trip, here’s a rough guide to the cost of some of the things you might be buying whilst you’re there!
Spending money
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3 attractions adult pass:
$85
Coffee:$4.36
One-way bus ticket:
$2
Small bottle of water:$2.76
Bottle of beer: $8
1 litre of petrol: $1.50
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€1
= $1
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AUD
favourite sights
Western AustraliaBungle Bungle Range & Perth
Australia’s largest state encapsulates the entire west coast and is best known for its spectacular landscapes. The stunning Bungle Bungles is a collection of tiger-striped sandstone domes which are best viewed from above, and the acclaimed Margaret River wine region offers a beautiful balance of fine wines and glorious beaches. The lively urban hub of Perth has plenty to keep you entertained too, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Freemantle Prison and a wealth of a w a r d - w i n n i n g restaurants and stunning rooftop bars.
Queensland Great Barrier Reef
No visit to Queensland would be complete without exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Stretching from over 2,000km, this is the world’s largest coral reef and it’s home to a plethora of beautiful marine life. Whether it’s snorkelling, scuba diving or an aircraft tour, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy and discover this incredible natural wonder.
New South Wales Sydney
New South Wales really does have it all, from cosmopolitan cities to majestic mountains. In the state capital of Sydney, visit the iconic white-sailed Opera House, whilst thrill seekers won’t want to miss the BridgeClimb, where you’ll be guided up to the top of the legendary Sydney Harbour Bridge for stunning panoramic views across the city.
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With six states to explore, it made sense to pick out must-see highlights for each. Here’s what you can’t afford to miss in any of these regions.
Bungle Bungles
Our top 6
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Victoria Melbourne
Victoria is home to Australia’s cultural, shopping and sporting capital of Melbourne. This laid-back metropolis is the place to take in some of the country’s key sporting events such as the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and the Australian Open. A ride on one of the signature burgundy-coloured City Circle trams is recommended too – they’re free and a great way to get your bearings as well as explore the inner city.
South AustraliaAdelaide
The vibrant capital city of Adelaide is home to the Art Gallery of South Australia, the Oval RoofClimb and amazing street art. Visit between
February and March to experience a month of cabaret, circus and comedy at the Adelaide Fringe Festival, while in late April and early May, the focus switches to local food and wine when Tasting Australia comes to the state. Speaking of which, South Australia is also one of the world’s premier wine-producing areas, with more than 200 wineries and 18 major winemaking regions.
TasmaniaHobart’s ghosts
The island of Tasmania is both intimate and beautiful. Its capital city of Hobart offers a diverse range of activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy. Drink in the incredible views from Mount Wellington, visit the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens or explore one of the several UNESCO-listed penitentiary buildings, which tell the story of almost 50 years of convict life in the 19th century. The most notorious settlement can be found in Port Arthur, and if you’re feeling brave, stick around for the nightly ghost tour.Adelaide
Sydney
Try something different
QueenslandHumpback whale watching
Hervey Bay’s safe, sheltered waters make it one of the world’s best places for whale watching between July and November. This is when humpback whales travel north along the Queensland coastline from Antarctica to the warm waters of the Whitsundays, stopping in Hervey Bay to breed and nurse their young.
New South Wales Blue Mountains
Australia is a land full of national attractions, but few are as spectacular as the Blue Mountains. This UNESCO World Heritage Area has a wealth of natural beauty and offers excellent hiking, spectacular scenery and quaint towns and villages, making it a popular getaway from Sydney’s big city life.
Take a walk to the foot of the Three Sisters rock formation on the 998-step Giant Stairway or glide between clifftops on the Scenic Skyway cable car.
Australia can feel familiar due to the cultural background. Yet it’s home to a vast range of unique experiences that don’t occur anywhere else on the planet. So, what can each Australian state offer that you probably haven’t done before (or will never get the chance to do anywhere else)?
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Whale watching
Western Australia Meet the super-friendly quokka
How do you like the sound of swimming with giant whale sharks off Ningaloo Reef? Or riding a camel along the extraordinary Cable Beach as the sun sinks over the horizon. What about a walk through the canopy of the rainforest at Walpole’s Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk? If none of those sound appealing, there’s the chance to get a selfie with Australia’s most photographed marsupial – the super-friendly quokka – on the laid-back Rottnest Island.
Victoria Gold rush adventure
Discover the history and culture of the Goldfields region, spending a day at the recreated goldmining town of Sovereign Hill, which brings to life the highlights of Australia’s 1850s gold rush era. Here, you can meet costumed characters, pan for gold and learn from skilled craftsmen. Alternatively, invigorate your body and mind in the natural mineral springs and the historic villages of the Daylesford Macedon Ranges region, which sits just 80 minutes outside of Melbourne, and soak in thermal waters at spa and wellness retreats.
TasmaniaMeet the Tasmanian devil
Get up close and personal with the state’s emblematic animal, the Tasmanian Devil, in one of the many wildlife parks. Take a night tour at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and you’ll get to feed the devils in a futile tug of war or join a Devi Tracker on the Tasman Peninsula to help monitor wild populations.
Valley of the Giants
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Three Sisters, Blue Mountains
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QueenslandSeafood – King prawns, scallops, barramundi
Seafood reigns supreme here, with the region’s culinary offerings relying heavily on its favourable coastal position. King and tiger prawns, mackerel, sea scallops, fresh barramundi and Moreton Bay bugs are local favourites, while the native Macadamia nut can be found in all kinds of food including desserts and salads.
New South Wales Wine of the Hunter Valley
NSW is home to the Hunter Valley wine region, which has more than 120 wineries, gourmet restaurants and luxury retreats. A convenient two-hour drive north of Sydney, you can sample a diverse variety of wines in Hunter Valley, as well as delve into delicious tasting menus at acclaimed restaurants.
What’s the best way to treat the tastebuds during an Australian adventure? We’re dipping into each of the six states once again to highlight the finest food and drink from around the country.
A taste of Australia
Hunter Valley vineyard
Barramundi steak
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Western AustraliaBlack truffles
As one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world, Western Australia serves up a fusion of fresh local flavours, succulent seafood, highly prized black truffles, handcrafted beers and world-class wines across nine sensational wine regions. Perth has more restaurants per capita than any other Australian city, many of which have been awarded for food excellence.
South AustraliaExplore Adelaide Central Market
Head to Adelaide Central Market. With more than 80 great stalls, it’s a fantastic place to pick up fresh produce and there’s no shortage of mouth-watering eateries either. Adelaide is also home to the oldest family-owned chocolate maker in Australia. Go on a tour of Haigh’s Chocolate Factory and see for yourself how it produces these tasty treats.
Victoria Wine of the Yarra Valley
Eat and drink your way through the state of Victoria, from the renowned wineries of Yarra Valley to Melbourne’s trendy pop-up restaurants. Enjoy fine-dining restaurants such as The Lake House, a trailblazing farm-to-table restaurant and spa resort in the Daylesford Macedon Ranges, and savour long lunches at winery restaurants overlooking vineyards in the Mornington Peninsula.
Tasmania Oysters
Seafood comes no fresher than in Tasmania, where you can take a boat from the docks at Hobart for a banquet pulled straight from the ocean. Embark on a Tasmanian Seafood Seduction trip, a day-long tour towards the coast of southern Bruny Island where you’ll harvest oysters and feast on barbecued crayfish and abalone caught by your guide.
Black truffles
Wine of Yarra Valley
Discover two vibrant cities and two natural wonders with our tour of unforgettable Australia.
Sydney, Rock and Reef
Australia has a wealth of natural attractions begging to be explored, from the monolithic
rock at Uluru; the wild, untamed and unforgiving Outback; and the colourful wonder of the Great Barrier Reef off Queensland’s sunsoaked Gold Coast. Australia possesses some unique and unforgettable sights.
Days 1-4: Sydney
Arrive in Sydney and be driven by private car to the Parkroyal Darling Harbour for a four night stay. Discover this iconic city by taking in attractions like the Opera House, Bondi Beach and Harbour Bridge, visiting its trendy Oxford Street shopping district and enjoying its chic cafés and restaurants.
Days 5-7: Melbourne
Fly to Melbourne for three nights at a centrally-located boutique hotel. Immerse yourself in Melbourne’s vibrant energy by visiting sites like the Brighton Beach bathing boxes and the Eureka Tower, shopping at Queen Victoria Market and sampling multicultural dishes in foodie district Lygon Street.
Sydney
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Itinerary
The Great Barrier Reef
Days 8–9: Ayers Rock
Your next stop is Ayers Rock a.k.a. Uluru. Explore sites like Kata Tjuta – a 500-million-year-old rock pile which holds great significance in aboriginal culture, or ride across red sand dunes at the local camel farm. On your second day watch the sun rise above Uluru, creating a spectacular light display.
Days 10–13: Cairns
Cairns is your last destination, and you can use it as a base to discover Australia’s natural heritage. The Great Barrier Reef – one of the world’s best diving sites, Daintree National Park and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary are just a few of the natural sites which await. Fly home on day 13.
Kata Tjuta
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Brighton Beach
best beaches
Bondi BeachSydney
With more than 70 beaches in Sydney, competition is rife in the capital but Bondi Beach (below) is perhaps the most iconic. Often ranked amongst some of the world’s best beaches, the beach's immense popularity is down to its easy accessibility (sitting just 7km from the city centre), consistently good waves, and its trendy café precinct and it is just so damn gorgeous.
Whitehaven Beach Queensland
Stretching for 7km along Whitehaven Island in the Great Barrier Reef, the sand here is composed of 98% pure silica. This means it is whiter than any beach you’re ever likely to see and so soft that it squeaks when you walk on it. It doesn't get hot either.
There are more than 10,000 beaches dotted along Australia’s 25,760 km of coastline, and naturally, some are better than others – but which are the best?
Australia's
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Bondi Beach
Whitehaven Beach
Wineglass Bay Tasmania
Australia’s southernmost state may not be where you instantly think of when it comes to expectional beaches, but Wineglass Bay is postcard perfect with its pink granite peaks and clamshell-shaped beach of powdery sand.
Cable Beach Western Australia
Not far out from the city of Broome is Cable Beach, promising 22km of white sand and Australia's fieriest sunsets. Its position on the west coast of the country means that it's a great spot for watching the last flickers of the daylight descend, and many choose to enjoy the setting sun from the back of a camel.
St Kilda BeachMelbourne
The attraction here isn’t the sand and sea itself, but more prospect of penguin spotting and people watching. There’s the promise of stunning sunsets and the amazing cake shops, and its city centre location on the tram line makes it super-handy too.
That’s just a handful of Australia’s amazing beaches. Tell us about yours by sharing your photos on social media with the hashtag #TCexperience.
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Wineglass Bay
We hope this destination guide inspires you to head down under to Australia time and time again, uncovering even more of this breathtaking country’s beauty with each visit.
Your local Travel Counsellor is ready to build your perfect Australia itinerary, tailor-made just for you. We’d also love to see your photos and stories on social media, so please share your memories using #TCexperience.
