Damon Mcknight
Australia is a large country with a diverse range of attractions for visitors. From ancient rainforests and pristine beaches to vibrant cities and unique wildlife, there is something for everyone. The country boasts 2,800 hours of sunshine per year, as well as world-class wine and surfing spots. It is also home to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the most incredible diving and snorkelling sites in the world. However, the long travel distances within the country and the high cost of living may be off-putting to some potential visitors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weather | 2800 hours of sunshine per year |
| Native Scenery | Ancient rainforests, stunning Blue Mountains, bizarre rock formations, pristine beaches, unique marine life, and more |
| Adventure | Skydiving, helicopter pub crawls, abseiling, swimming with sharks, surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, etc. |
| Wildlife | Kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, wombats, platypuses, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, kookaburras, emus, penguins, and more |
| Culture | Aboriginal cultures dating back 40,000 years, including art, music, and local tribes |
| Food and Drink | World-class wines and cuisine that rivals that of Paris and New York |
| Transport | Domestic flights, train journeys through the Outback, and road trips |
| Language | English |
| Cost | Expensive to get to, expensive to stay, and expensive to leave |
| Distance | Large distances between attractions |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Australia's beaches and watersports
Australia is entirely surrounded by the ocean, so it's no surprise that it has a prominent beach culture, which is often considered part of its national identity. With 27 years' worth of beaches to explore, you'll find everything from world-class surfing to unique marine life, striking ocean pools and unbeatable beachside dining.
Beaches
Australia's beaches are known for their bright blue waters, soft sand and incredible surf. Some of the most famous include:
- Whitehaven Beach in Queensland, located in the breathtaking Whitsunday Islands, where the sand swirls with turquoise water.
- Vivonne Bay Beach on South Australia's Kangaroo Island, often dubbed the most beautiful beach in the country. It's an immaculate stretch of sand, with crystal-clear waters home to playful seals and dolphins, and miles of unspoiled bushland.
- Bells Beach in Victoria, located 1.5 hours from Melbourne, is the arena for the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach surf competition, which draws some of the world's most impressive surfers.
- Hyams Beach, where pristine ocean, vivid national park and native Australian wildlife meet.
- Wineglass Bay in Tasmania, located among the wild beauty of Freycinet National Park, is a perfectly curved expanse of white sand bordered by incredibly clear blue water.
- Cottesloe Beach in Perth, a long-standing favourite spot for both locals and visitors, with exciting surf, family-friendly cycling trails and delicious eateries.
- Bondi Beach in Sydney, an iconic sun-drenched stretch of sand where you can try a surf lesson or take a dip at the picturesque Icebergs ocean pool.
Watersports
With 12,500 kilometres of breathtaking coastline, a collection of rivers and spectacular lakes, Western Australia offers a range of adrenaline-fuelled watersports, including:
- Surfing at Margaret River, home to over 40 powerful reef and beach breaks, including Surfers Point, where the world's elite come together at the annual Margaret River Pro.
- Wind surfing at The Bluff in Geraldton, known for its strong sea breezes, thrilling jumps and easy wave riding.
- Windsurfing and kitesurfing in Lancelin.
- Ningaloo Reef offers WA's longest wave rides and perfect flat-water conditions.
- Wakeboarding and water skiing at WA's beaches, rivers and lakes, with many designated zones offering perfect conditions.
- Deep-sea fishing along the Coral Coast, where you can catch enormous snapper, dhufish and coral trout.
- Big-game fishing in Exmouth for marlin, mahi mahi and sailfish.
- Fishing from the shore for King George whiting, tailor, samson fish, giant trevally, pink snapper and more.
- Freshwater fishing in the South West for brown trout, bream, rainbow trout and marron.
- Fishing in the north for the highly prized barramundi.
- Cray fishing for western rock lobsters.
- Crabbing in Mandurah.
- Hunting for huge mud crabs with an Aboriginal guide in the mangroves north of Broome.
Applying for Travel Documents in Australia: A Simple Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Wildlife and nature
Australia is a great place to vacation for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The country boasts a remarkable wildlife story, being home to the world's most biodiverse waters, the highest number of endemic bird species, the highest number of reptiles, and fascinating marsupials.
For those interested in birdwatching, Kakadu National Park is a great option. Ningaloo Marine Park offers snorkelling with whale sharks, while Margaret River is a great spot for whale watching. The Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is a must-visit for its beautiful coral, unique marine life, and diverse ecosystem. It is home to 350 different species of coral, over 1,500 species of tropical fish, 10,000 types of sponges, 125 types of sharks, and 4,000 species of mollusks. The reef also provides an opportunity to swim with turtles and interact with over 50 species of sharks.
The Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island offers unforgettable wildlife tours, including the chance to see wild kangaroos grazing while enjoying premium Australian beverages and tasty "kanapes" at sunset. The Great Ocean Road is another popular destination, where you can spot wild koalas and even go cage diving with Great White Sharks in Port Lincoln.
For a more immersive experience, consider a Sydney Wildlife Safari, where you can venture through the lush bushland of the Southern Highlands with a local guide. Keep your eyes peeled for emus, wallabies, kangaroos, and a diverse range of birdlife, including the Superb Lyrebird. Nocturnal wildlife walks offer the chance to spot night-loving creatures like wombats and brush-tailed possums.
If you're looking for a remote and elusive wildlife experience, consider exploring Tasmania with a private guide to spot echidnas, platypi, and quolls. The Maria Island Walk is a four-day trek that provides frequent opportunities to spot wombats, Cape Barren geese, Forester kangaroos, and Tasmanian endemic birds.
Healesville Sanctuary, located near Melbourne in the Yarra Valley Wine Region, offers a unique experience to sample wines and encounter koalas, kangaroos, dingos, pygmy possums, and barking owls.
With its diverse habitats and ecosystems, Australia provides a range of nature and wildlife experiences that are sure to thrill and delight visitors from all over the world.
Foxes in Australia: How Big Do They Get?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Adventure activities
Australia is a great place to vacation, with its sunny beaches, magnificent native scenery, delicious local food, and world-class wine. The country offers a wide range of adventure activities that cater to all kinds of explorers and can be found in every corner of the country.
For those who love the ocean, the Great Barrier Reef is a must-visit. Here, you can come face-to-face with whales, turtles, and over 50 species of shark. Ningaloo Reef, located in the northwest corner of the country, is the world's longest fringing reef and the only place to witness whale sharks swimming close to the coast. Plan a trip between late April and early July to snorkel or dive with these gentle giants.
If you prefer to stay on land, the Blue Mountains offer over 47 hikes, revealing dramatic cliffs, native wildlife, and picturesque waterfalls. Adventure seekers can also try canyoning and abseiling in this World Heritage-listed area, with the Blue Mountains Adventure Company providing a thrilling experience that includes wading, jumping, and abseiling through the rainforest before descending 30 meters (98 feet) down the Empress Falls.
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Australia has plenty of options. You can scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the world's largest steel arch bridge, and take in 360-degree views of the harbour, city skyline, and Blue Mountains. Alternatively, try skydiving from Airlie Beach, where you'll freefall 4,572 meters (15,000 feet) over palm-fringed beaches, with the chance to spot migrating whales between June and September.
Australia also offers unique natural wonders like the Horizontal Falls and the pristine Kimberley region, as well as the wildlife-rich wetlands of the Yellow Water Billabong in Kakadu National Park. The country's vastness means there is always something new to discover, whether it's a new beach, a hike, or a sporting adventure.
The Evolution of Australian Society Post-WW1
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Food and wine
Australia is known for its incredible landscapes, sunny beaches, and delicious food and wine. If you're a foodie, Melbourne should be at the top of your list. Melbourne is considered Australia's cultural capital, with a world-renowned coffee and food scene. Attica, for example, was rated one of the world's best 50 restaurants in 2017 and is considered the best restaurant in Australasia. The restaurant offers 17 courses of Australian flavours in smaller portions.
Another must-visit destination is Hubert in Melbourne, which offers a slice of 1930s Paris with its dark, elegant, candlelit interior and live music. The menu features items inspired by cookbooks predating World War I. Sydney is also home to some excellent restaurants, including the multiple award-winning Quay, which offers excellent views of iconic Sydney sights, dishes made with local ingredients, and a superb wine list.
When it comes to wine, Australia has a lot to offer. Penfolds Magill Estate in Barossa is a household name, offering a wide range of affordable and high-end wines. Mt View is another great spot, offering premium wines, gorgeous grounds, and a friendly atmosphere. And of course, no trip to Australia is complete without indulging in some iconic Aussie food traditions, which focus on quality ingredients and the incredible landscapes in which they're shared.
Australian Government: A-Z of Departments and Agencies
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cost and travel time
Australia is a large country, and getting from place to place often requires a flight, which can be expensive. Domestic flights can range from less than an hour to 5 hours for a coast-to-coast journey. Train journeys are also an option, especially through the Outback. The distance within Australia means that getting between interesting places can take a long time, and with a small population, the public transport infrastructure is not as good as in other countries.
The cost of travelling to and within Australia is a significant consideration when planning a vacation. It is expensive to get to Australia, and the costs of accommodation, food, and activities can add up quickly. The exchange rate may also impact the cost of a trip to Australia. For example, while £1 may equal AU$2, this does not mean that an item that costs £1 in the UK will cost the same in Australia.
Additionally, the time it takes to get to Australia can be a factor in the overall cost of the vacation. A long-haul flight might make people think twice about choosing Australia as a vacation destination, especially when considering the cost and time required for such a trip. The flight time to Australia can be upwards of 24 hours, and the distance between attractions within the country can also add to the travel time.
Despite the costs and travel time associated with a trip to Australia, many people still choose to vacation there. Australia is a popular holiday destination, and its unique attractions, such as the Great Barrier Reef, ancient rainforests, and diverse wildlife, make it a memorable and rewarding place to visit.
Free Calling: 1800 Numbers from Mobile Phones in Australia
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Australia has a lot to offer, from its incredible coastline and beaches to its unique wildlife and ancient culture. The country boasts 2,800 hours of sunshine annually, magnificent native scenery, and delicious local food and wine. Adventure seekers can enjoy water sports, scenic flights, and adrenaline-pumping activities like abseiling and swimming with great white sharks.
Australia is a large country, and the distance between attractions can make travel within the country time-consuming and expensive. The cost of visiting Australia, including flights, accommodation, and activities, can be high compared to other destinations. Additionally, the long-haul flights required to reach Australia may be a deterrent for some travellers.
Australia is known for its diverse and abundant wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, wombats, and more. Tourists can also experience Aboriginal cultural activities, such as learning to play the didgeridoo, throwing boomerangs and spears, and dot painting. The country also offers world-class wine and culinary experiences, with Sydney and Melbourne being notable highlights.
