Australia

Australia, The Lucky Country, and the world’s 6th largest country has so much to offer, from the quaint suburbs of cosmopolitan Melbourne and Perth to the virtually undiscovered Outback, where cattle stations can be bigger than most European countries.

The first decision that needs to be made is which of the eight states you want to visit, okay, to be accurate two of them are territories. Each state and territory is unique from their cities to the countrysides. If you want to be truly remote, hit the Outback, but be prepared as the temperatures can vary with searing summers at over 40°C (104°F) and freezing winter nighttime temperatures. Summer in the Tropical North of Australia can be humid and very wet, classified as the wet season, and for some not a pleasant time of year.

Considering the size of the country the population is comparatively small (23.5 million people) with the majority of the population living around the edge of the country. If you crave adventure, hit the beautiful red centre -- it can be harsh, and you need to be prepared, but the adventurous can discover the beauty of Alice Springs. Or, head south for an entirely different experience in the mountains of Victoria or Tasmania, especially when it snows!

The real adventure is hiring a 4-wheel-drive and discovering thousands of kilometres of off-road tracks, but be sure to carry plenty of water and don’t rely on your mobile phone, it won’t work!

If you want to see the most spectacular scenery, magnificent wildlife and experience the most diverse of countries, then come to Australia.

Highlights from Australia

Venture off of the mainland to beautiful Tasmania
Swim, snorkel or dive in the Great Barrier Reef
Discover animals unique to the country at the Australia Zoo, Home of the Crocodile Hunter, in Queensland
Visit the Sydney Opera House by Jørn Utzon, or climb the nearby Sydney Harbour Bridge, which boast one of the best New Year’s fireworks shows
See the vast landscape of the Blue Mountains
Take an adventurous roadtrip to Uluru “Ayres Rock” in Northern Territory
Escape up north to the Kimberley’s in Western Australia
Keep an ear out for the beautiful sounds of Australia – the traditional, Aboriginal didgeridoo being one of the better known instruments.

Hints and Tips for Australia

Make sure you obtain the right visa for your visit, Border Security are strict -- especially to protect the local agriculture -- and check out what you are allowed to bring in as there are strict quarantine regulations. If you bring any food or generally prohibited items then declare them otherwise you risk a hefty fine.
Treat everything as if it’s poisonous. Australia is well-known as the home to many of the world’s most dangerous animals in water and on land.
Never swim randomly in any pools without local knowledge and research.
Don’t under estimate the size of the country and the travelling time and distance that is required to experience it fully.