A vibrant young country with an ancient heart, Australia will fascinate you with the sheer vastness and variety of its landscapes.
From the distinct, dusty red of the outback, to the wet tropics of Far North Queensland and the dynamic culture of its cities, Australia is a country of contradictions, where history and modernity sit side by side. To really experience this you have to be prepared to travel far, but you will be richly rewarded with awe-inspiring landscapes on a scale that is barely imaginable. Australia’s colonial heritage can still be seen amongst the contemporary buildings of its cities, and in the Red Centre Aboriginal traditions and history are intrinsically linked to the dramatic scenery. Surrounded by 18,000 km of beaches, this is a nation that thrives on the outdoors, whether it be surfing on Cactus Beach, Aussie Rules football or skiing in the Snowy Mountains. You will be charmed by the passionate esteem that the Australians hold their country in, and their warm and easygoing nature. Indeed, it is not difficult to see where this passion comes from, for it is hard not to be moved by the immense beauty and diversity of the land.
Facts
Capital
Canberra
International airports
Sydney, Melbourne, Perth are the main gateways
Currency
Australian dollar
The climate
Australia’s size results in a variable climate. The expansive interior is hot throughout the year but can often be very cold at night. The southern third of the country enjoys warm summers (December – March) and mild winters (June – August), although there are extremes of this, such as in the alpine country of New South Wales and Victoria where winters are a lot colder. The far north of the country has just two seasons because of its position on the monsoon belt – hot and wet, and hot and dry.
Getting out and about
The vast size of Australia means that a substantial amount of travelling is required if you wish to explore it, regardless of whether you choose to fly or drive. It is possible to drive all the way around Australia and through the centre from Darwin to Adelaide, without leaving sealed roads. However, to really see the outback you will need to venture off this. Whilst a 4WD is not usually necessary, you will need to prepare yourself for the lack of facilities by ensuring that your vehicle is in good condition and that you have a tow rope so that you can be pulled to the nearest garage if need be. Because of the heat, it is advisable to ensure that you have a plentiful supply of water, and you should avoid travelling on the toughest routes during the hottest parts of the year. The domestic air network is well served by Qantas, and this provides an easier option for travelling long distances. Routes include between Perth and Sydney, Hobart and Alice Springs, Melbourne and Cairns. A daily boat service is operated in the evenings between Melbourne and Devonport (Tasmania) and three times a week between Sydney and Devonport.