Introducing Australia
Australia – one of the United Kingdom’s sporting rivals with straight-talking, easy-going folk with a great sense of humour. I like Australia.
Australia is huge yet one of the least populated countries based on the size in the world. Getting around is easy on the wide range of internal flights with the only difficulties being the shifting time zones and the different weather patterns.
From its tropical rainforests to its barren dry red deserts, it is a country with so much to offer those seeking adventure, sunshine, beaches, and fun.
The range of cities is impressive with Sydney always grabbing the headlines, particularly over New Year but there is Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide and so many more.
An all-action and outdoor lifestyle is perfect for those wanting to experience the iconic surfing beaches, diving on the Great Barrier Reef, the magnificent Gold Coast, or the rainforests of Daintree. The outback and the indigenous culture and history of the Aboriginal people.
There is the unusual and endemic wildlife from Kangaroos to Koalas and my personal favourite – the Echidna – a kind of Hedgehog with a long snout for digging out those worms.
Finally, and this is a biggie, they have one of my favorite songs from my teenage years – Down Under by Men At Work! What more could you ask!
Key Information
| Continent | Oceania |
| Capital | Canberra |
| Currency | Australian Dollars |
| Language | English |
| Visa | FCO Advice |
| Vaccinations | Vaccination Advice |
| Tourist Office | Australian Tourist Board |
Getting Around
With so much to enjoy about the country where do you start when planning?
If you are touring then the recent documentary on ITV with Gryff Rhys Jones has highlighted the Perth to Sydney train journey called the Indian Pacific. It takes 3 days and sets you back between 900 and 2300 Australian dollars. It’s a great way to understand the vast nature of the country.
Flights are of course available in most key locations and as an idea, the Perth to Sydney route from the west to the east coast is a 6-hour flight.
Of course for those really wanting a taste of Australian life you can take the road and whether it’s in a camper van or a hire car this is a fantastic way to discover off-the-beaten-track gems.
Top Things To See & Do
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
A world heritage-listed park and one of the seven wonders of the natural world.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Deep in the heart of Australia and formerly known as Ayers Rock this is one of the most photographed locations in the world and a world heritage site.
Blue Mountains National Park
Just 80kms west of Sydney this eucalyptus-scented world heritage park provides visitors with incredible natural treasures. These include waterfalls, aboriginal rock paintings, gorges, and miles of hiking opportunities.
Daintree National Park
The biodiversity of this World Heritage site is incredible as the tropical rainforest meets the fine white sands of the Coral Sea.
Kakadu National Park
This is the largest national park in all of Australia and is teeming with wildlife, rainforest, swamps, and ancient rock paintings.
Great Ocean Road
As road trips go this is pretty special. A 300km drive takes you along the southeast coast including Port Campbell National Park and the twelve apostles rock formation.
Bondi Beach
Just a 15-minute drive from Sydney Bondi Beach is the original surfing centre of the world and an iconic location for backpackers and toned beach bodies.
Kangaroo Island
Easily combined and accessed from Adelaide this is a nature lovers’ paradise.
Fraser Island
The largest sand island in the world and a world heritage site where visitors come to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities.
Sydney
Visit the opera house, walk across Sydney harbour bridge, party the new year in or just revel in the cosmopolitan nature of Darling harbour. The beautiful city of Sydney is a must on any visit to the land down under!
Melbourne
Located on the Yarra River, Melbourne is a popular attraction for visitors looking for culture and style as the city is full of restaurants, shops, galleries, and theatres.
Perth
Surrounded by the Australian outback and the Indian Ocean Perth is the capital of Western Australia and boasts great weather and beaches.
Pre-Bookable Excursions
More Information
The Australian Tourist Office provides a wide choice of useful information including places to go, things to do and what you can expect from the weather.
Why not check out my Australia For The Weekend Blog that describes my mad dash to make the Rugby World Cup Final in Sydney in 2003.
