Australia immediately conjures images of the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, big-wave surfing, miles of Outback and a rather strange, and endearing, assortment of animals. While the country’s main cities offer charm, glamour, unique festivals, a well-preserved historical heritage, fabulous beaches and fun events, it’s also a land of immense contrast and captivating nature. The nation offers something for just about everyone – from water lovers, desert wanderers and canyon climbers, to arts and culture buffs, historians, and foodies. The country’s vast size makes it almost impossible to take it all in during a single visit, but you can pick and choose a perfect holiday according to your personal preferences.
Circular Quay lies on beautiful Sydney Harbour. With ferries, trains and buses arriving and departing the quay, this is the perfect place to begin adventures to world-famous attractions near the city. Visitors can enjoy water taxis, jet boats and harbour cruises, creating memorable photographic opportunities. One of the most popular things to do here is to spend a leisurely day strolling along the harbour foreshore to the iconic Sydney Opera House and the gorgeous Royal Botanic Garden. Among the many things to do, art lovers should head to the enthralling Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, on the western side of the quay. Some of Sydney's best restaurants are located here, too.
Located in the south of Australia’s Northern Territory, the remote town of Yulara lies only 18 short kilometres from the sacred world heritage site, Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock. This isolated town serves as a service hub for the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and offers some welcome comfort in the harsh Outback landscape. Visitors use it as a base when exploring the park and viewing the main attraction in the area, Uluru. This epic sandstone formation stands almost 350 metres high and measures 10 kilometres in circumference featuring hidden caves, ancient rock art and otherworldly fiery hues at sunset. Other popular attractions and activities include: the Field of Light Uluru, the Desert Awakenings Tour and the Wintjiri Arts & Museum.
Situated near the border between the Northern Territory and the Kimberley region in Western Australia, Keep River National Park is a relatively small park known for its diverse landscapes. The park offers visitors a view of some dramatically different geological wonders, including numerous striking sandstone formations and steep escarpments. The unquestionable highlight is the towering striped sandstone structures best viewed on the popular 7-kilometre Jarnem Walk. Visitors can look forward to an array of outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, birdwatching, wildlife spotting and viewing ancient Aboriginal rock art with over 2000 amazing drawings. Don’t miss the beautiful Cockatoo Lagoon, a bird sanctuary teeming with life.
Once a sleepy sugar-milling town, Cairns in North Queensland is now a vibrant cosmopolitan city and a premier destination for sailing, diving and snorkelling. Its tropical waters are home to the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, and lush rainforests cover the surrounding areas. Make the most of this coastal paradise by cycling along the 14 kilometres of sandy beachfront, or rafting through rapids to view the ruins of Mission Beach. Other popular activities include visiting Cooktown for a taste of history or taking a scenic drive through the farmlands, stopping at village markets along the way. In the town centre, visit the Tiapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park for a musical and dance interpretation of Aboriginal history, or relax at Cairns Esplanade for a perfect seaside dining experience coupled with a romantic sunset.
Located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, Lizard Island offers visitors barefoot luxury at its best. The island features crystal-clear turquoise waters lapping more than twenty white-sand beaches that meet a beautiful forested interior. Visitors can look forward to spending a day boating, frolicking in the gentle waves and snorkeling through the underwater wonderland that is the Great Barrier Reef. Spot turtles and shoals of multicoloured fish, enjoy a network of easy hiking trails, sample the island’s world-class cuisine, or treat yourself to a relaxing beachside massage. Other popular activities include stand up paddleboarding, fishing, and picnicking.
