Australia
CAPITAL CITY
Canberra
BEST TIME TO GO
September – November
March – May
TIME ZONE
GMT +10hrs
GETTING THERE
Flights from London Heathrow to Sydney via Singapore, 22hrs 30mins
Australia is the destination for those with a little more time, owing to the vastness of the country, and the range of options available. Truly a land of contrasts with the lush greenery of the wine regions to the west and the south, the dessicated red centre and the abundance of marine life on the Great Barrier Reef. The big cities are sophisticated, the skies are huge, and the wildlife is unique. Satisfy your cultural side with some opera or Aboriginal art, your inner David Attenborough with a trip to Kakadu National Park, or your cowboy cravings on a working cattle ranch. Whilst your foodie fantasies can be satisfied sampling Melbourne’s or Sydney’s sophisticated restaurant scene and your wine cravings with a tour of Margaret River or Barossa Valley. Or for an adventure in big space, the vast Outback offers a glimpse into a raw and rugged Australia, where the people are tough and hardy, and the pubs are full of character. Go walking with the Aboriginal people, discover some ancient rock art, see wild kangaroo, fish for barramundi on an outback river and spend the night under canvas or in an outback lodge.
For a more bite-sized adventure, why not head to Tasmania which has history, wine, beaches, hiking, wildlife, interesting accommodation, and great food on offer. Otherwise head to one of the beautiful remote tropical islands, for endless white coastal beaches for some hard-earned R&R.
Planes, trains and automobiles are all options to travel around this huge country, while helicopters add a whole new layer of fun and flexibility, and are widely available. Don’t try and do it all, unless you have four months to spare, it’s better to focus on one or two areas and really enjoy them.