Australia

Australia is the oldest continent on the planet and the land of G’days, no worries and great vibes. Commonly referred to as the land “Down Under,” Australia has over 11,000 miles of pristine coastline, some of the best reefs and lagoons in the world including the Great Barrier Reef, arid deserts, stunning rock formations like Ayers Rock, dense rainforests, and more sunshine than most other places. It’s no wonder 10 million people visit every single year!

Before European settlers arrived on the continent in 1606, the country was inhabited by Aboriginal Australians, whose ancestors arrived from southeast Asia some 65,000 years ago. Although their numbers greatly declined when European settlers arrived, Aboriginal Australians still live in Australia, and maintain some of the longest-known continuing artistic and religious traditions in the world, making Australia a great place to experience true Aboriginal traditions, language, culture, and food.

Although it is the largest country in Oceania, with only 25 million residents, 95% of the country is completely uninhabited! A large swath of Australia is therefore a remote wilderness with an an estimated 250 species of mammal, 550 species of birds, 680 species of reptile, 2,000 species of fish, and, finally, 200,000 different species of insect. Australia’s range of climates and landscapes make for some of the best-evolved animals on the planet, and over 80% of Australian fauna and flora aren’t found anywhere else in the world. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, wallabies, dingoes, wombats, koalas, and platypus.

If you’re looking for tropical rainforests, barren deserts, snowcapped mountain ranges, or endless wetlands –you can find it all in Australia. In fact, between the six states in the country – New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania – you can find every type of landscape imaginable! The southeastern coast, including Tasmania, and the southwestern coast of the country are considered temperate, while the north coast is tropical. The east coast is subtropical, and much of the center of the country is desert or grassland.

Australia is home to some of the world’s most impressive natural wonders, including the 12 Apostles (natural rock formations on the Great Ocean Road near Melbourne), Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock), the Great Barrier Reef (visible even from outer space), Kata Tjuta, and Millaa Millaa Falls. They say you need an entire year to see the whole country without missing the best bits, but six weeks is the magic number for many visitors. It is also home to several amazing cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns and Perth, and world famous buildings and sports venues like the Sydney Opera House, Sydney and Melbourne Cricket Ground, and the Australian Open Tennis Center.

Whatever you are looking for, you can find it in Australia. Don’t take our word for it – come and see for yourself!

Destinations

Key sights to see

Sydney, New South Wales

Sydney, the largest city in Australia, is one of the most famous and visually stunning cities on the planet. Home to the iconic Sydney Opera House, a building that is recognizable all over the world, the Sydney Harbor Bridge, the largest steel arch on the planet, the Sydney Cricket Ground, a mecca for Cricket lovers, Bondi Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world, and world-class culture and cuisine, Sydney offers visitors a dazzling array of unforgettable experiences!

Cairns, Queensland

Cairns is a small city located on the tropical north coast of Australia, in the state of Queensland. It is the fourth most popular destination for international tourists due to its proximity to some of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations including the Wet Tropics of Queensland, the Atherton Tableland, and most importantly, the Great Barrier Reef. The city is also home to a great social scene with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants.

Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef in the world, a UNESCO site, and one of the seven wonders of the world. Located off the east coast of Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef is in fact almost 3000 individual reefs and almost 900 islands covering a vast 344,400 square kilometers. The reef is thought to be between 6000 and 8000 years old and is home to 1500 different species of fish – making it one of the world’s best diving and snorkeling locations.

Kuranda, Queensland

25 km northwest of Cairns, deep in the world's oldest living rainforest, lies the village of Kuranda. Here, visitors can explore the scenic rainforest, visit Birdworld Kuranda, home to over 350 bird species, cuddle with a Koala bear at the Kuranda Koala Gardens, dine outdoors at the many restaurants and cafes, or go shopping at the Kuranda Markets. Most visitors reach the village by taking the SkyRail, a cableway that towers high above the rainforest, or riding the Kuranda Scenic Railway.

Melbourne, Victoria

Love road trips, wineries, rainforests, and wildlife? Visit Melbourne. Located in the state of Victoria, on the south coast of Australia, Melbourne is home to some of Australia’s best-known landmarks, as well as great restaurants and bars. The city also has a handful of quirky, unique beaches and two world-famous sporting venues, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and the Australian Open Tennis Center. It is also the gateway to the Great Ocean Road.

The Great Ocean Road, Victoria

The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most famous scenic road trips. Starting in Torquay, about a 100 km south of Melbourne, and continuing for 243km to Port Fairy, the Great Ocean Road hugs the coast and passes some of Australia’s most beautiful attractions including the 12 Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks off the shore of Port Campbell National Park, hot springs, Mount Gambier, and some great examples of Australia’s wildlife.

Uluru, Northern Territory

Uluru or Ayers Rock is a large sandstone rock formation that is considered one of the most important indigenous sites in Australia. Located inside the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park the area is still inhabited by the Pitjantjatjara people who perform tours around the rock and surrounding area, as well as share their Aboriginal Dreamtime stories. The rock is a photographer's paradise as it glows red at dawn and sunset and changes color throughout the day and during the year.

Kata Tjuta, Northern Territory

Kata Tjuta, or The Olgas, is a large sandstone rock formation located in the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, a UNESCO world heritage park. The formation consists of 36 domes, with the tallest dome – Mount Olga – reaching over 1000 meters above sea level. The rock structure and the surrounding park are considered sacred to the Aboriginal Anangu People who have inhabited the area for over 22,000 years. The rocks change color, appearing to glow at sunrise and sunset.

Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory

Kakadu National Park is a world heritage site located 170 km southeast of Darwin and the second-largest national park in Australia. The ecologically and biologically diverse area is home to over 280 different bird species, 1600 different plant species, and 117 different species of reptile. Kakadu is also home to a rich cultural history with some of the best examples of cave paintings in the world – some of which date back 20,000 years.

Darwin, Northern Territory

Locally known as the gateway to Kakadu National Park, the city of Darwin is the capital of Australia’s North Territory. The city boasts a culture that is a blend of indigenous, European, and Asian influences with a modern cosmopolitan feel and relaxed, easy-going vibe. In contrast, the city is surrounded by some of Australia’s best examples of scenery and wildlife – including crocodiles, the famous barramundi, and – of course – kangaroos.

Adelaide, Southern Australia

Adelaide, the largest city in Southern Australia, is bursting with culture and things to do. Considered the gateway to the Australian Wine Country, the city is home to Australia’s official best wine, best hotel, and best beach. Located between Gulf St. Vincent and the Mount Lofty Ranges, the area has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Visitors can enjoy a range of festivals and events and Adelaide’s ever-expanding restaurant and bar scene.

McLaren Vale, Southern Australia

Love food and wine? Welcome to McLaren Vale. Located 45 minutes outside of Adelaide, in the heart of Australia’s oldest wine country – there are over 80 vineyards to choose from. The area takes pride in local produce, offering some of the country’s best culinary experiences and plenty of great restaurants. McLaren Vale has some of the area’s most beautiful beaches, and several hiking and cycling trails, including the famous Shiraz Trail.

Barossa Valley, Southern Australia

Experience the best of Australia’s Wine Country in Barossa. Located northeast of Adelaide, the Barossa Valley specializes in Shiraz grapes and attracts wine lovers from all over the world. The area is home to over 150 wine cellars. But there is more to Barossa Valley than just good wine. As well as wineries and cellar doors, the valley offers restaurants, cheesemakers, farmer’s markets, festivals, and some of the most beautiful scenery in Australia.

Kangaroo Island, Southern Australia

Kangaroo Island, Australia’s third largest island, is located 13 miles off the coast of Southern Australia. The island is one of the best places in the country to see wildlife. Home to kangaroos, koalas, sea lions, and seals, the island is one of Australia’s most popular tourist attractions – with over 140,000 visitors every year. Kangaroo Island is passionate about produce, producing their own wine, and only eating locally caught and grown produce.

Hobart, Tasmania

Hobart is the capital and the biggest city on the island of Tasmania, and the second deepest natural port in the world. Brimming with local markets, art galleries, restaurants, and bars, the town offers something for everyone, from the beautiful, historic waterfront, to scenic Mount Wellington, and the weird and wonderful Museum of Old and New Art. Sample Tasmanian whiskey, meet the famous Tasmanian devils, or visit one of Hobart’s old convict sites to try something different.

Port Arthur Historic Site, Tasmania

If you’re looking for history, Port Arthur is the right place. Located in southern Tasmania, just 90 minutes from Hobart, the village is preserved as an open-air museum and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic site is home to Australia’s most intact and best-preserved convict sites – with over 30 buildings including a handful of original museums, and is one of Australia’s most popular tourist locations.

Australia

Destinations

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