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Guide to
Australia
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Each of the following regions may be selected for full
information and details of holidays that visit that region.
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Australian Capital Territory
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Canberra, Australia's Capital Territory, is around three hours by road from Sydney and seven hours from Melbourne, or short flights of 45 minutes from Sydney and one hour from Melbourne. In many ways ACT is a microcosm of Australia's culture, history and way of life reflected in the the national museums, galleries and institutions of Canberra. It is a city in a park, landscaped beside Lake Burley Griffin with attractive gardens and architecture that reflects the modern, young nation that is Australia.
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New South Wales
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New South Wales and its capital, Sydney, are almost always on the itinerary of first time visitors to Australia. Together they offer a great mix of holiday choices, a wide range of activities centred
on cosmopolitan Sydney and its beautiful harbour plus several up-country NSW experiences all within a two hour drive of Sydney - the Blue Mountains, the Hunter and Port Stephens make great short breaks from the city and add another dimension to your holiday. If Brisbane or Melbourne is you next destination and your time permits, driving the Pacific Coast Road, north to Brisbane or south to Melbourne can also be an attractive alternative to flying.
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Northern Territory
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Australia's Northern Territory has two distictly different environments, the tropical Top End, around Darwin, the capital city, in the north and the vast outback area of Central Australia, often referred to as the Red Centre, to the south. The Top End is famous for its wetlands, thundering waterfalls, unusual rock formations and dramatic changes between its wet and dry seasons. In the Red Centre lies the outback town of Alice Springs, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and a magnificent wilderness empty of people but full of ancient Aboriginal heritage.
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Queensland
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Queensland, often regarded as Australia's most popular holiday destination, is a Mecca for sun worshippers, nature lovers and those just seeking a relaxing holiday in beautiful surroundings. Beautiful tropical islands and forests abound with crystal clear water and friendly cities and townships, Brisbane (the state's capital) and Cairns being perhaps the best known.
With a coastline that stretches for over 4,350 kms (over 2,700 miles), Queensland divides into several areas of distictly different character. Cairns and Townsville provide access to tropical North Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef and the wildlife and tropical rainforest of the Daintree and Cape Tribulation World Heritage National Parks. Near Cairns the resorts of Port Douglas, with its friendly village atmosphere, or Palm Cove are also good spots to base yourself. Further south Brisbane is the state capital and provides access to resorts of the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast, Fraser Island and other sand islands of Moreton Bay.
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Queensland
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South Australia
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Australia's 4th largest state is perhaps less well known as a holiday destination but offers many experiences that are synonymous with Australia and several unique features that make it a real attraction for many visitors. The friendly people, an attractive "garden" city as its capital, amazing wildlife, sun and surf, fascinating Aboriginal culture, great food and wine - it's all there, and more. South Australia is gateway to the Australian Outback, at the southern end of the Explorer's Way from Adelaide to Darwin and the legendary Ghan rail journey from Adelaide to the Red Centre and recently extended to Darwin itself.
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Tasmania
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Tasmania, Australia's Natural State, is a delightful, remote temperate wilderness with over 40% of the island protected in reserves and national parks. Tasmania is an island for nature lovers and the nature is accessible too. Step out of your car into primeval forests, or drive to some of the most beautiful beaches on earth. With a rich colonial history, thriving food, wine and arts scenes and stylish hotels and lodges, Tasmania is a haven for a rejuvenating journey.
Separated from the mainland by rising waters of the Bass Strait some 12,000 years ago the island's Aboriginies lived on, hunting, fishing and making art, until the first permanent European settlement in 1804. Between then and 1852 seventy thousand convicts were shipped to the island.
That convict history, plus its whaling and maritime days now form part of Tasmania's heritage.
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Victoria
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Victoria is one of Australia's smaller states but has a wide variety of attractions for the visitor. Melbourne, the capital, is a stylish, cosmopolitan city with a history of wealth, immigration and trade resulting from 19th century goldrushes. Rattling trams, wide streets and beautiful 19th and early 20th century architecture contrast attractively with contemporary designs and state of the art developments alongside the Yarra River and at Docklands, Melbourne's stunning new waterfront suburb.
Away from the city the Great Ocean Road is a fabulous drive taking in such landmarks as the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge and Loch Ard Gorge. The Gold Rush town of Ballarat and nearby Sovereign Hill are well worth a visit as are the Yarra Valley Wineries, while the fairy penguins coming ashore every evening on Phillip Island are always a favourite.
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Western Australia
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Western Australia in area takes up one third of the Australian continent stretching from the tropical north to the temperate south. Its population is 1.6 million with the majority, 1.2 million, living in the capital, Perth. Western Australia is big, beautiful, full of contrasts, amazing landscapes and wide open spaces with much to explore, which will take you much more than just one visit. But now is a good time to start before others find out! The capital, Perth, is the main gateway and the least distant major Australian international airport from the UK, an ideal point to start or end your Australian holiday.
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The following list displays all
holidays within this Area of Australia.
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- To display holidays of a particular type
in this area, please select a type from the box opposite:
- To view holiday details, click on the title
of the holiday.
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