Back to Australasia

Australia

Flight time

17-23 hours 

Time difference

+8-12

Speak to someone that's been

Helen Giddings

Here’s a tip:

Christmas is a fabulous time for Brits to travel to Australia and accommodation gets booked up early especially Sydney at New Year  for fireworks - so preparation is the key! Be ready to book early. Remember to give yourself plenty of time it’s such a large country- the further you go the more you’ll see and the more you’ll discover and getting the running order correct is key!    Our Aussie experts will help you plan and prioritise!

When to go: This is a tough question to answer as the weather can vary across the county. High season in Australia is from November to March.

Getting to Australia: In March 2018 the first direct service from London to Australia was launched with a London Perth direct!

Over 50 international airlines travel to Australia which means there are ample option for stop overs en-route. The most popular are Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur – but more unusual stops such as India, Korea and the Philippines are growing in popularity!

The diverse natural and cultural landscape of Australia is inspiring. Every corner of the country offers you something different- the spiritual heart of aboriginal Australia - Uluru to the deep blue crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef. 

Western Australia

The main attraction here is the capital city of Perth. Since the launch of Qantas’ direct flight from London Heathrow it’s made to much easier to reach this fun filled city. A short 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle you’ll discover a natural wonder and Australian icon- Rottnest Island, where you can try and get up close and personal with a quokka- an animal that’s native to this tiny island! Bicycles can be hired, and routes allow you witness the white sands fringed with the Indian ocean. A couple of hours drive from Perth you’ll find Bussleton, Bunbury and Margaret River- these make a great escape from the busyness of the city.

It’s easy to fall in love with Margaret River as its home to spectacular surf, lush forest and the largest diverse wine region in Australia. The far north-west is a remote wildness you can stay in luxury or camp out under the stars. If you want a thrill-seeking adventure you could head out four-wheel driving across the vast desert or hike through the gorges million years in the making.

Northern Territory

Stretching from the spiritual red centre, up through some of the most unspoiled areas on the planet to the shores of Timor Sea and Arafura Sea of Indonesia!

See wildlife, waterfalls and one of the world’s largest areas of accessible rock art in Kakudu National Park- rich in Aboriginal history and rugged natural beauty.

The world heritage listed Uluru lies at the heart of the red centre. To really feel like you are getting back to delving not he intriguing culture enjoy a walk around the base of Uluru with an aboriginal guide. Witnessing a sunrise and sunset is a magical experience.

Darwin is the capital of NT surrounded on the sea on three sides with world class wilderness area it is an excellent base for exploring.

South Australia

What’s not to love about South Australia long summers, stunning beaches that stretch for as long as the eye can see, vast outback landscapes and vibrant cities.

The coastal city Adelaide boasts some amazing colonial architecture. It delights in its historical position as a convict free original settlement where the churches were plenty and a more conservative city evolved than its funkier counterparts in New South Wales! The city has a free tram service making it easy to explore – and is well loved by Brits.

One of the main attraction from South Australia is Kangaroo Island. It is a uniquely Australian Sanctuary for wildlife. Around one third of the island is native bush land mostly preserved as national parks and reserves. Watch the sea lions as they bask on the sandy white beaches, while the koalas doze in highs of the eucalypts trees. You can swim with dolphins, snorkel and watch the penguins waddle up the beach at the dusk.

Queensland

You can have a holiday within a holiday in this state!

Visit one of the many islands that lies off this tropical coastline. The largest being Fraser Island- extremely popular with people of all ages! Dense rainforest covers the northern tip so if you would like to experience Bush walks this is the ideal place!

A must whilst you are in Australia is to visit (and snorkel) in the Great Barrier Reef. The 74 Islands that make up the Whitsunday Islands are simply stunning and can be easily reached by boat or sea plane from the mainland.

Brisbane is a thriving city that has its own man-made beach in the centre. A huge array of restaurants and bars to choose from. A short car journey away you have the bustling beach resort of Surfer Paradise on the Gold Coast. For the thrill seekers out there, you can ride the waves and enjoy the nightlife! For families Queensland ticks the box as its home to Australia’s major theme parks- Movieworld, Dream World, Wet n wild and Sea World.

New South Wales

Possibly the most iconic state in the whole of Australia as its home to one of the world’s most famous cities. From the Blue Mountains, hunter valley to the Sydney harbour. With endless unspoilt beaches, breath-taking scenery there’s plenty to occupy you in New South Wales. To the north of the state you find the heart of Sydney’s surf culture Byron Bay- a definite must for backpackers, great little market with an array of stalls that pop up of an evening time.

Sydney is the gateway to many attractions from the harbour bridge, opera house and a short ride away from Bondi Beach. There are some great little restaurants down in the Rocks area. My advice to anyone going to Sydney is make sure you jump on the hop on hop off bus it’s a great way to see the city. The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is a great way to spend a day and you can meander around the little coves, there’s plenty of the rest stops on the way too.

Victoria

Home to the Great Ocean Road one of the world’s most scenic roads, and hands down Australia’s trendiest city- Melbourne!

There’s so much to see and do around this fun city. To the south of the city the Mornington Peninsula is where you’ll find great beaches, wineries and golf courses.

Watch the penguin parade on Phillip island one of the most popular tours from the city ! 

Along Southbank you have the Crown Casino which is a cool hang out

Not only do you have all these great attractions, but you also have the beautiful bay of St Kilda. Where the beach stretches for miles!!

Tasmania

The only state that is an island and sits just at the southern east tip off the coast of Victoria.

The wonders of Wineglass Bay and the miles of pristine wildness are all within reach of the two largest cities, Hobart and Launceston.

On the Tasman peninsula one of the 19th century penal colonies is no an interesting open-air museum giving a real glimpse not the colonial past of this tiny island.

Food is a big deal here and you’ll find many home producers and small holdings selling their wares along route – be sure to take time to stop and sample – the welcome will always be warm. Many independent restaurants feature local produce and the food scene continues to evolve! 

The climate in Tasmania is cooler than other states, so if you want to see Australia but are worried about the heat in the height of summer Tasmania could give you a welcome reprieve