The greatest public-relations building since the pyramids.
Billy Wentworth, MP on the Sydney Opera House
Australia holiday experts at WEXAS will tailor-make all aspects of your itinerary to create a Australia holiday, personal to you.
Australia - consider it for a moment or two and you’ll have images of Sydney’s Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Uluru, cork-adorned hats, and yellow triangular signs warning of the dangers of kangaroos crossing popping into your head. Such images may not be truly representative of the country - big enough to fit in half of Europe - but they do indicate that this is a land like no other.
If you’re hoping to travel around all of Australia over two weeks, forget it. This place is too big. And it’s largely empty, with its 19 million people mostly living in the coastal cities - Darwin, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth - or just inland, in its small capital, Canberra. Each with its own mix of beauty, friendliness and calm.
But if its space you’re after, then you’ve come to the right place. Head to the Outback for humungous semi-deserts and tropical wetlands - explore Kakadu National Park to spot wildlife and Aboriginal rock art and Kata Tjuta National Park for a display of the changing colour of Uluru (Ayers Rock) as the sun sets (or rises). Elsewhere, its worth taking a hike through tall forests and a dive to examine the coral and sea life at the Great Barrier Reef.
Culturally there’s much to choose from too, from Aboriginal corroborees and Adelaide’s Festival of Arts, to full moon parties and Sydney’s notorious Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Experts in Australia holidays, WEXAS will tailor-make all aspects of your itinerary to create a stunning holiday, personal to you.
Consider this fabulous country for a moment or two and you’ll have images of Sydney’s Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Uluru, cork-adorned hats, and yellow triangular signs warning of the dangers of kangaroos crossing popping into your head. Such images may not be truly representative of typical Australia holidays - since the country is big enough to fit in half of Europe - but they do indicate that this is a land like no other.
If you’re hoping to travel around all of Australia over two weeks, forget it. This place is too big! And it’s largely empty, with its 19 million people mostly living in the coastal cities - Darwin, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth - or just inland, in its small capital, Canberra. Each with its own mix of beauty, friendliness and calm.
But if it’s space you’re after, then you’ve come to the right place. Head to the Outback for humungous semi-deserts and tropical wetlands - explore Kakadu National Park to spot wildlife and Aboriginal rock art and Kata Tjuta National Park for a display of the changing colour of Uluru (Ayers Rock) as the sun sets (or rises). Elsewhere, it’s worth taking a hike through tall forests and a dive to examine the coral and sea life at the Great Barrier Reef.
Culturally there’s much to choose from too, from Aboriginal corroborees and Adelaide’s Festival of Arts, to full moon parties and Sydney’s notorious Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Australia facts
Capital: Canberra
Language: English.
People: European 95%, Aboriginal, Asian and other peoples.
Religion: Roman Catholic 26%, Protestant 24% and smaller minorities of all other major religions.
Size (sq km): 7,692,030.
Population: 21,263,913.
Population density/sq km: 3.
Etiquette
An informal atmosphere prevails. As the locals say, 'no worries mate'.
Shopping
Local wines, wool, clothing, leather, precious stones, modern art, tribal objects, boomerangs.
Food & drink
High quality local produce and seafood. Asian cookery has contributed to the lauded Pacific Rim cuisine. Top quality wines are produced in many areas. Indigenous meat like kangaroo is very tasty if prepared well.
International Airports
Sydney (SYD), Adelaide (ADL), Melbourne (MEL), Perth (PER), Brisbane (BNE), Darwin (DRW), Hobart (HBA), Cairns (CNS), Townsville (TSV).
Internal travel
Air travel is fastest. Well served by rail, although only one service goes from coast to coast (The Indian Pacific). Driving off major roads in the Outback is difficult from November to February because of summer rain. Car hire available to those over 21.
Red tape
Visas
(UK/US) Required.
Vaccinations
Hep B, Y. Fever2
Driving requirements
International Driving Permits for those who's country's official language is not English. International Driving Permit only valid with a valid national licence.
Reps in UK/US
UK: Australia House, The Strand, London WC2B 4LA, tel (020) 7379 4334, fax (020) 7240 5333, email firstenquiries.lhlh@dfat.gov.au US: 1601 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036, tel (202) 797 3000, fax (202) 797 3331, email public.affairs@austemb.org.
UK/US reps in Australia
UK: Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT 2600, tel (2) 6270 6666, fax (2) 6273 3236, email bhc.canberra@uk.emb.gov.au. US: Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600, tel (2) 6214 5600, fax (2) 6214 5970, email info@usembassy.gov.
Currency
Aus dollar (A$) = 100 cents.
Finance
Major credit cards and traveller's cheques in major currencies accepted.
Business hours
0900-1700 Mon-Fri.
Safety & life expectancy
Safety information
Safe (except for virulent poisonous wildlife).
Life expectancy
Life expectancy: M 77.75, F 83.63.
Useful websites for travel
Too many to list them all, but try www.australia.com, www.australia. org.uk, www.tourism.australia.com, www.about-australia.com, www.britaus.net, www.travelaustralia.com.au, www.sydneyvisitorcentre.com, www.discovertasmania.com.au.
Local media
The main papers are The Australian and the Australian Financial Review, while the biggest weeklies are the Sunday Telegraph and the Sunday Mail.
Tourist boards
UK: Gemini House, 10-18 Putney Hill, London, SW15 6AA. tel (020) 8780 2229, fax (020) 8780 1496, email info@tourism.australia.com. USA: 100 Park Avenue, 25th Floor, New York, NY, 10017 tel (800) 3330199 fax (212) 687 6300.
Below is a selection of some ideas for holidays to Australia. This is simply a taste of what we can offer. If you're interested in a specific Australia itinerary then please call one of our consultants on 0845 643 6548.
This refined and elegant hotel, in the heart of Brisbane, offers finely appointed rooms and suites with breathtaking views....
The ultimate way to see the Barrier Reef, snorkel up to six spectacular reef locations; including Michaelmas Cay, Hastings Reef, Saxon Reef, Normal Reef and Breaking Patches on this two day live aboard adventure with Reef Encounter....
The Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Cairns to Pelorus or Lizard Island return, is a reef and island experience you will never forget. Enjoy 3 nights of discovery and adventure aboard Coral Princess exploring Australia's renowned tropical paradise and world ...
For the water babies of the reef, Silverswift is a custom built, dive and snorkel catamaran departing daily out of Cairns. Throughout the day Silverswift will stop at 3 different dive and snorkel sites (Flynn, pellowe, Milln &/or Thetford reefs) allowing y...
For the water babies of the reef, Silversonic is a 29 metre dive and snorkel catamaran departing out of Port Douglas. Throughout the day Silversonic will stop at 3 different exclusive Agincourt Reef sites allowing you the opportunity to explore the magical Bar...
MV Orion’s 10-night Kimberley Expedition undertakes an in-depth exploration of this remote coastline, from Darwin to Broome or vice versa. Nothing can fully prepare you for the dramatic contrasts of Australia’s northwest, rich in Aboriginal culture...
Combine a 3-night cruise on board Coral Princess with a 4-night stay on an island resort in its own national park and you have the perfect recipe for an unforgettable Great Barrier Reef experience....
Two World Heritage-listed sites in one exceptional package—Lamington National Park, Australias largest sub-tropical rainforest and Fraser Island, the worlds largest sand island....
Kakadu National Park is a mecca for lovers of natural and cultural attractions. Home to ancient Aboriginal rock art, this World Heritage national park features majestic escarpments and cascading waterfalls....
This 3-day safari explores the beautiful perennial waterfalls of Litchfield National Park and the cultural landscape of Kakadu National Park....
A special offer with Cathay Pacific to Asia, Australia & New Zealand. Great fares including China in Economy from £559 and Australia in Business from £2,865.... Please call 0845 643 6548 for price details.
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Discover the delights of Western Australia’s historic south end and the best of Tasmania’s spectacular scenery with this tailor-made self-drive tour, combining two of Australia’s least visited but most rewarding states.... Price from £
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There’s something for everyone on this tailor-made tour combining Western Australia and South Australia. After getting to grips with Perth and Fremantle, you’ll have the freedom of a hire car to tour the vineyards, forests and beaches of the Margar... Please call 0845 643 6548 for price details.
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This is your opportunity to take the wheel on your own Australian Outback adventure. Travelling in the comfort of your own Britz Bushcamper, you’ll join a convey lead by professional, experienced guides as you set out from Adelaide to explore Coober Pedy... Please call 0845 643 6548 for price details.
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It may be a small state but Victoria packs an awful lot in: multicultural Melbourne, the parading penguins of Phillip Island, the country’s greatest driving route, the Great Ocean Road, mountain-cloaked spas and fabulous cuisine.
See it all on this easy... Please call 0845 643 6548 for price details.
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Join award-winning APT on this small-group 4x4 tour of the remote and rugged Kimberley, staying at exclusive camps and lodges. Discover the gorges of the Gibb River Road, the Kimberley’s famous Outback highway.... Please call 0845 643 6548 for price details.
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This comprehensive tour of eastern Australia is beautifully paced to take in all the major highlights while building in time for independent exploration.... Please call 0845 643 6548 for price details.
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This is a hugely popular mix of Australian highlights, opening with an Opera House tour, harbour cruise and scenic flight in Sydney before embracing the surrounding countryside with stays in the Hunter Valley and stunning Blue Mountains.... Price from £
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APT is a family owned, award-winning company with a 98% customer satisfaction rating. Its fully escorted regional mini stays are an ideal way to discover Australia’s Red Centre, featuring local guides, daily departures and accommodation to suit all budge... Price from £
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Discover the delights of Western Australia’s historic south end on this tailor-made self-drive tour of the Margaret River region and south-west coast. From Perth and Fremantle, drive south into award-winning vineyards, giant karri forests, historical tow... Price from £
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If you plan to tour extensively, keep to the southern coasts in summer (December to March) and head north in winter (July to September). Travel to the dry interior during the transitional seasons between April and June or October and November.
GMT North-east/south-east +10, central +9.5, West + 8.
Aus dollar (A$) = 100 cents.
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