Australia: Overview

Why go?

Australia is a vast land of immense natural beauty, climatic extremes, unique flora and fauna, cosmopolitan cities, coral reefs, arid desert-scapes, ancient rocks, tropical and temperate forests, and some of the most stunning and least spoiled coastline to be found anywhere. Its natural splendour is complemented by friendly laid back people, excellent cuisine, and a very civilized approach to having fun.

It is surprising perhaps, given all this fantastic topography, that over 85% live the Australian Dream near the coast - this is the most suburban country on earth. Although agriculture and mining are still important, tourism, leisure and construction are also big business. The influx of immigrants since the 2nd World War, firstly from the Mediterranean countries and more recently from Asia (23% of Australians are foreign born), has resulted in a very multi-cultural population. The colonial legacy, while still evident, has been outstripped culturally and socially as the country grows in self-identity. The national obsession with sport is well known, as is the relaxed lifestyle and good humour. Now a player on the global stage in terms of the arts, performance, entrepeneurial activity as well as sport, this is a confident and exuberant society. Not for nothing is Australia known as the Lucky Country.

Any Downsides?

The distances are enormous, so don't try and do all the country in one trip, and you may have to be selective within each region. Public transport is not great outside the cities, and driving for hours to get to remote destinations is not much fun (though you can use light aircraft).

With Christmas and New Year falling in the middle of summer holidays, this is an expensive time to visit, with availability at a premium. The heat and humidity can be fierce; carry water with you at all times. If you are spooked by sharks, crocodiles, snakes, poisonous jellyfish, spiders and other beasties, you might want to avoid the remoter areas (though actually they are rarer than is often made out). Finally, the Great Australian Salute (waving your hand in front of your face because of the flies and mosquitoes) is well-named - extra-strength repellent is often required.

Current Weather - Time:

Sydney:

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Activities

*The Red Centre: The Central Desert is truly mythic and unique - ancient, wild and absolutely beautiful; its vivid colours sear the memory, especially the extraordinary formations of Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and the McDonnell Ranges near Alice Springs.

*National Parks: Get close to fabulous wildlife and magnificently diverse landscapes in over 500 protected parks. Spiritually significant Kakadu near Darwin claims to be the oldest continually inhabited place on earth; its lush wetlands teem with birds, crocodiles and wondrous sandstone escarpments. Fly over the sandstone domes of the Bungle Bungles in the Kimberley; explore the tropical rainforests of Queensland's Daintree National Park; see amazing wildlife on Kangaroo Island; drive along the Great Ocean Road to view Port Campbell's Twelve Apostles (pictured); swim in turquoise lakes on the world's largest sand island, Fraser Island; hike up Kosciusko, the highest point on the continent.

*Outdoor Activities: Try bushwalking in the Blue Mountains outside Sydney, skiing in the Snowy Mountains, camping in the desert under the stars, trekking across Cradle Mountain, kayaking down Katherine Gorge, birdwatching all over, white-water rafting in Tasmania, rock-climbing in the Flingers Ranges, swimming with dolphins in Western Australia, sailing through the Whitsunday Islands, mining for opals in Coober Pedy, surfing the breakers, canyoning in the gorges, trail riding along the Murray River, and of course diving and snorkelling on Queensland's Barrier Reef - at 2000km, the planet's biggest reef system. The colourful diversity of life forms from fish to corals is breathtaking; Cairns, Port Douglas, Heron Island and Lizard Island are all good entry points.

*Cosmopolitan Cities: Each state's multi-cultural capital has its own charm. Sydney (NSW) is the most visited for its panoramic harbour, great beaches, food culture and party image. Melbourne (Vic) prides itself on its classy heritage, stylish shopping and being the sporting capital of Australia. Canberra has interesting architecture and food, Brisbane (Qld) is the fastest growing, Perth (WA) has a relaxed lifestyle and great beaches, Hobart (Tasmania) is the second oldest city with an attractive waterfront, and festive Adelaide (SA) is renowned for its art.

*Indigenous Culture: For years dismissed as Stone Age people, the fascinating Aboriginal culture is at last achieving recognition, through its vibrant art and an understanding of its complexity and wisdom.

*Food and Drink: Tropical and temperate climates, marine-rich seas, perfect conditions for wine-growing (now the Number One drink) and inventive chefs have combined to excellent effect in world class restaurants.

	Overview
	Places to Stay
	What's Where
	Western Australia
	New South Wales
	Victoria
	Queensland
	Background Info
	Travel Tips
	Getting There
	Getting Around
	When to Go
	Visas/Money