Australia is a huge country where it’s said that when in Darwin you are closer to Singapore than you are to Melbourne. Along with her size Australia presents the traveller with a diverse array of spectacular destinations from tropical rainforests to arid deserts and pristine coral islands.

During the summer months [December – March] the southern beach destinations are particularly popular as the north becomes hot and humid at this time of year. However if you are planning on visiting the rainforests, the summer months are the best time although hot and humid, for it is during this period that the rainforests are in full bloom and tourists are refreshingly scarce on the ground.

June through August is the best time of year to visit the vast Australian Outback. For the adventurer the Outback presents a never ending stream of activities and experiences. Experience some of the worlds best outdoor living or luxury camping, watch colourful sunsets over Uluru, stay at working cattle ranches or just get lost in wild open terrain.

There are national parks that dwarf some smaller countries and 16 World Heritage Sites along with a host of superlatives such as: The world’s longest coral reef system, its oldest rainforest at Daintree, its biggest sand island (Fraser Island), its oldest forms of art (in the Olary region) and the whitest sand (found at Hyam Beach near Sydney).

Look here for a complete guide to hotels in Australia.

Underwater Experience

Australia is surely one of the great scuba diving destinations of the world. With over 35,000km’s of magnificent coastline, the country boasts superb diving in the tropical waters around the world renowned Great Barrier Reef and North Western Australia, as well as brilliant temperate diving in the southern states of Victoria and Tasmania. Both tropical and temperate marine life are found in the Solitary Islands off New South Wales, popular Byron Bay near the Queensland border, and also the fabulous Abrolhos Islands on the west coast off Geraldton.

Look here for a complete guide to Tours, Activities and Things To Do in Australia.

Transport

Australia has 9 international airports at: Adelaide (ADL) – Brisbane (BNE) – Cairns (CNS) – Darwin (DRW) – Hobart (HBA) – Melbourne (MEL) – Perth (PER) – Sydney (SYD) – Townsville (TVS)

Air travel is the fastest way to travel within Australia due to vast destinations. Train travel is also available throughout most parts of the country, although only one train (The Indian Pacific) runs from coast to coast. Car, 4×4 and camper hire is available at most airports, major hotels and at car hire companies throughout Australia. You must be 21 years or older to rent a vehicle in Australia.

Driving in Australia

International driving permit is required if your country’s official language is not English. Your ordinarily national licence is also required and must be presented together with your international driving permit.

Festivals in Australia

The Sydney Festival happens every January with open-air concerts, street theatre, fireworks and cricket. Sydney also plays host to the annual Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras in February and March. Every March, Adelaide hosts Womadelaide which is a world festival of music and dance. In April, Melbourne hosts the famous Comedy Festival and in September hosts the world’s biggest Writers Festival. The Melbourne International Festival is held every October. In October the Stompen Ground Festival is held in Broome where Aboriginal art and culture is celebrated. The Barunga Wugularr Sports & Cultural Festival is held near Katherine in June every year.

Local Media

The Australian and the Australian Financial Review are the countries main daily newspapers, while the biggest national weeklies are the Sunday Telegraph and the Sunday Mail.

Contacts

www.australia.com
www.travelaustralia.com.au

Links

Sydney & New South Wales – Travel Booking Guide

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