Australia luxury holidays

Click on a place name below to find out more. Alternatively, to start planning where to go in Australia, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0614.

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

East Coast

Gold Coast

Melbourne

New South Wales

Northern Territory

Perth

Queensland

Red Centre

South Australia

Sydney

Tasmania

Top End

Victoria

Western Australia

The Practical information displayed here is taken from The Traveller's Handbook, published by WEXAS (2009). While all possible care was taken to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, we are aware that situations change, so for the latest information and up-to-date visa requirements, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0614.

Weather

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.

Festivals

The Festival of Sydney, in January, features open air concerts, street theatre and fireworks. Sydney hosts the Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, in February/March. Each March, Adelaide hosts Womadelaide, an outdoor festival of world music and dance. Melbourne holds a Comedy Festival in April, the world’s biggest Writers’ Festival in September and the Melbourne International Festival in October. Aboriginal arts and culture are celebrated at the Stompen Ground Festival, in Broome in October and the Barunga Wugularr Sports & Cultural Festival, near Katherine in June.

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.

Etiquette

An informal atmosphere prevails. As the locals say, 'no worries mate'.

Safety

Safe (except for virulent poisonous wildlife).

International airport

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.

Visa

(UK/US) Required.

Vaccination

Hep B, Y. Fever2.

Driving

International Driving Permits for those whose country's official language is not English. International Driving Permit only valid with a valid national licence.

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

7,692,030.

Population

21,263,913.

Population density

3.

Life expectancy

M 77.75, F 83.63.

Currency

Aus dollar (A$) = 100 cents.

Finance

Major credit cards and traveller's cheques in major currencies accepted.

Business hours

0900-1700 Mon-Fri.

Time difference

North-east/south-east +10, central +9.5, West + 8.

Voltage

220/240 AC, 50 Hz.

International dial code

61.

The itinerary ideas listed below are designed to give you a flavour of the things to do in Australia. We can adjust any element and tailor-make your trip though, to suit your individual needs and available time. To start planning your trip, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0614.

14 nights Sydney, Whitsundays & Brisbane

Discover the South-West 7-day self drive

Discover Australia 18-day escorted tour

Sydney, Uluru & the Great Barrier Reef

Sydney to Brisbane Boutique Self Drive

8-day Great Southern Touring Route Self-Drive

11-day Southern Queensland Self-Drive

Bill Peach Journeys – Passage through ancient cultures

The Mysterious North

Spirit of the Outback

[See all itinerary ideas in Australia]

The places to stay listed below only represent a handful of the accommodation options available in Australia. We can also recommend and arrange accommodation to suit your personal tastes and budget. To start planning where to stay in Australia, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0614.

The Langham, Sydney

Cicada Lodge, Northern Territory

Bamurru Plains

Longitude 131, Ayers Rock

The Byron at Byron Resort & Spa, Byron Bay

Henry Jones Art Hotel

Pullman Resort Bunker Bay, Margaret River

Arkaba Station, Flinders Ranges

Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef

Saffire Freycinet Tasmania

Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island

[See all places to stay in Australia]

The types of holiday listed below are just a flavour of the experiences available in Australia. We can also suggest and plan alternative types of holiday to take into account your individual interests. To start planning what to do whilst away, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0614.

Activity & adventure holidays

History and culture

Spa breaks