Highlights
Outdoor Adventure
Australia’s kaleidoscope of landscapes – comprising centuries-old forests, pristine marine environments and widespread areas of outback – create an idyllic natural playground for outdoor adventures. A few highlights include surfing in Victoria, sailing in the Whitsundays, diving off the Great Barrier Reef, long-distance walking in the Blue Mountains, 4WD safaris around Uluru, white-water rafting in Tasmania, and much, much more!
The Outback
Each state has a small patch of outback, but Northern Territory’s ‘Red Centre’ lies slap bang in the middle of Australia, home to Uluru or Ayers Rock, the country’s sacred heart. This massive Australian Outback is a wilderness in the truest sense, a landscape that changes from barren to deserted to rugged, with orangey-red, sandstone monoliths protruding from the sun-parched ground. These huge, dust-swirled spaces reveal the stories of exploration, settlement and the country’s wonderful pioneering spirit. Enjoy 4WD adventures, walks through spectacular gorges, tours to Aboriginal sites and extraordinary stargazing.
Wildlife & Nature
Australia’s topography is uniquely diverse and wherever you go you’ll find unusual wildlife in magnificent settings - including a plethora of national parks and World Heritage-listed areas. Wildlife-lovers should head to Kakadu National Park in Australia's Northern Territory, a sprawling region of stone country, floodplains, coast and woodlands abundant in wildlife and birds – species include wallabies, dragonflies, frogs, fish, dingoes, flying foxes, snakes, crocodiles, 280 species of birdlife and many other animals. Thrilling ways to explore include airboat tours, river cruises and 4WD safaris. Other highlights are, of course, the Great Barrier Reef for sea turtles and Phillip Island for penguins.
Wine Country
Australia is home to over sixty wine regions, in which iconic wineries produce premium wines known across the world. Connoisseurs may wish to explore the Margaret River region south of Perth, blessed with wonderful vineyards, a host of micro-breweries, as well as boutique producers of cheese and chocolate. Alongside the Yarra Valley close to Melbourne, the Barossa Valley in southern Australia is famous for its top-class wineries and farmer’s markets selling local produce. Wherever you choose, there are plenty of opportunities for wine-tasting or wine-paired lunches amid breathtakingly beautiful scenery.
Aboriginal Culture
Unearth the secrets of Aboriginal life, an intriguing culture that goes back at least 50,000 years. The Northern Territory is a great place to find out more, offering a range of fascinating sights and tours. You can walk around the base of Uluru with a local Anangu guide, look at Aboriginal artwork in Alice Springs and visit rock art galleries in the World Heritage Kakadu National Park. Otherwise, you can follow recommended driving routes, like the Red Centre Way or the Savannah Way, that are dotted with alluring Aboriginal sites. Or, why not plan your luxury escape around a festival of Aboriginal arts and culture? A fabulous way to immerse yourself in this unique way of life.
Coast & Islands
Australia offers a prime collection of coastal attractions. The star of the show is the iconic Great Barrier Reef, world-recognised for sensational diving and snorkelling, whilst the Great Ocean Road in Victoria is one of the most spellbinding coastal routes on the planet. There are city-front spectacles, like Sydney Harbour, as well as stunning golden sand beaches along the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. For a taste of tropical paradise, head to the Whitsunday Islands or Lord Howe Island, each blessed with turquoise waters and pristine sands. Tasmania is ringed with impressive coastal scenery and this pretty island state makes an interesting stopover, featuring fine illustrations of Australia’s colonial and maritime past, as well as wonderful wildlife.
The Blue Mountains
Combine a city stay in Sydney with the sublime Blue Mountains, a sweeping and breathtakingly scenic landscape of lofty forests, deep canyons, gushing waterfalls and sandstone cliffs. A listed World Heritage Site, the misty blue horizon of the eucalyptus trees promises to awe you as you set out on an outdoor adventure. Join Aboriginal guides on bushwalks along 140km of trails, listening to their stories along the way.
Cities
Sydney is a colourful coastal city, boasting a wealth of sightseeing attractions and activities. Chill out on the beaches, sample superb cuisine in award-winning restaurants, or venture under the sails of the iconic Sydney Opera House for world-class music, dance and theatre. For lovers of the arts, Melbourne is home to numerous galleries, tours and festivals, as well as an incredible line-up of international sporting tournaments. On Australia’s quieter western shores, the cosmopolitan city of Perth offers a blissful mix of trendy restaurants, flamboyant street art, beautiful parks and unspoilt beaches.