Australia

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 its 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 favourite songs from my teenage years – Down Under by Men At Work! What more could you ask?

Key Information

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 Griff 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 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

Blue Mountains National Park
The Blue Mountains, a stunning natural wonder 80 km west of Sydney, Australia, captivate visitors with their rugged beauty and lush wilderness. Renowned for their distinctive blue haze created by eucalyptus oil in the air, these ancient mountains are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Discover breathtaking landscapes of towering cliffs, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls as you explore winding hiking trails and scenic lookouts. Immerse yourself in the rich Aboriginal heritage and explore hidden caves adorned with ancient rock art. Whether bushwalking, abseiling, or simply enjoying the serenity, the Blue Mountains offer an unforgettable escape into the heart of nature.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kakadu National Park
This is the largest national park in all of Australia and is teeming with wildlife, rainforest, swamps, and ancient rock paintings.

Kangaroo Island
Easily combined and accessed from Adelaide this is a nature lovers’ paradise.

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.

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!

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
The Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a natural wonder of unparalleled beauty and biodiversity. Stretching over 2,300 kilometres along the coast of Queensland, Australia, it is the world’s largest coral reef system, comprising thousands of individual reefs and islands. Home to an astonishing array of marine life, including colourful coral formations, vibrant fish species, and majestic sea turtles, the reef offers unparalleled opportunities for snorkelling, diving, and eco-tourism adventures. As a vital ecosystem, it plays a crucial role in supporting global marine biodiversity and is a testament to the awe-inspiring 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.

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?