Australia
Top Tips
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; 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.