Australia

Australia is one of those countries that has it all. Thrilling cities such as Sydney and Melbourne offer iconic sights like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as well as some of the world’s best culinary experiences. Along the Gold Coast from Sydney to Brisbane are some 57km of golden beaches, top surf spots and whale watching opportunities. The Great Barrier Reef is home to spectacular coral reefs and castaway islands such as Hamilton where five-star luxury resorts are the norm. And then there’s the ancient rainforest at Daintree and unique Outback lands. Australia’s Aboriginal culture is one of the most fascinating the in world along with incredible natural sites like Uluru in the Red Centre.

Top Accommodation

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  Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa

  Australia

  Managed by Emirates Hotels and Resorts, Wolgan Valley was inspired by the acclaimed Al Maha ...

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  Longitude 131°

  Australia

  Longitude 131°, a luxurious, eco-sensitive and romantic wilderness camp that lies at the gateway of ...

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  Capella Lodge

  Australia

  Located on an enchanting sub-tropical Lord How Island in the Tasman Sea, this boutique lodge ...

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  The Byron at Byron Resort & Spa

  Australia

  This forty-five-acre resort set within a stunning subtropical rainforest has been designed to sit in ...

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Top Restaurants

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  Southern Ocean Lodge

  Australia

  Southern Ocean Lodge is a Southern Australia luxury accommodation icon sensitively designed to float amongst ...

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  Capella Lodge

  Australia

  Located on an enchanting sub-tropical Lord How Island in the Tasman Sea, this boutique lodge ...

  more

  

  0 ratings

  0 reviews

• 

  Longitude 131°

  Australia

  Longitude 131°, a luxurious, eco-sensitive and romantic wilderness camp that lies at the gateway of ...

  more

  

  0 ratings

  0 reviews

• 

  The Byron at Byron Resort & Spa

  Australia

  This forty-five-acre resort set within a stunning subtropical rainforest has been designed to sit in ...

  more

  

  0 ratings

  0 reviews

Australia has two climatic zones: the tropical zone above the Tropic of Capricorn which has a wet summer season and a dry winter season and the temperature zone which has all four seasons. October to March is spring to summer and everywhere is warm or hot.

Transport

Getting around

With distances between cities so great, flying is the most favoured and speedy option, although buses and trains provide a more scenic, if lengthy alternative. Within the major cities, you will find thorough and convenient rail and bus systems.

Getting there and away

Air travel is Australia's best friend, with most visitors taking a long haul flight to get here.

Health & Legal Requirements

Dangers and annoyances

Australia's native creatures can pose some threat and while it is unlikely you will be attacked by one, it is wise to be aware of what you may be tangling with. Box jellyfish, generally found on the northern coast, have venomous tentacles that can grow up to 3m (10ft) long and can deliver a fatal sting. Saltwater crocodiles are also a real threat - observe safety signs or ask locals if rivers and waterholes are croc-free, as they can be found a long way inland as well as along the coast. Venomous snakes and spiders also call Australia home. Should you encounter a snake, do not interfere with it - leave it well alone. The funnel-web spider is deadly while the white-tail and the redback can deliver a painful bite.

Bushfires occur all too regularly in Australia, so be extremely careful with any naked flame, especially on hot, dry, windy days and always respect the total fire ban days. Conversely, bushwalkers should be aware of the risk of hypothermia as even in summer temperatures can drop below freezing at night in the mountains and weather can change very quickly.

While Australia is a relatively safe place, exercise common sense in the cities by locking cars and hotel rooms, not displaying valuables and not accepting potentially spiked drinks in bars.

Take care on unfamiliar roads - potential dangers on the open road include animals, such as kangaroos, leaping out in front of your vehicle, fatigue caused by travelling long distances without a break and tricky dirt roads.