Beginners guide to Australia

Australia is simply vast. Nothing will quite prepare you for the sheer size of a drive across the outback, or the view from the top of one of the Blue Mountains, and the staggering size means that whatever your interests, you are certain to fall in love with a part of Australia, if not all of it. The only problem is finding your particular slice of Australian heaven! Many people have spent many, many months looking for theirs, and thoroughly enjoying every moment, every beach and every town they find along the way.

There is a new campaign in Australia called the New 7 Wonders of Nature, which tries to give a natural snap-shot of the most spectacular and valued natural places to explore during a holiday in Australia. Of course, for many, it is the hidden corners of the natural landscape which hold the true beauty, but for those looking to start their exploration of this vast nation, the New 7 Wonders is a fantastic place to start. Included among the list are Ayres’ Rock (Uluru) in the Northern Territory, the Great Barrier Reef, the Blue Mountains, Fraser Island and The Twelve Apostles. The list is still being compiled, cut down from 13 sites to the 7 which will be included, and if you head out on an Australian holiday before November 2011, you too can have a say in which of these spectacular places will be included.

Best Australia Holiday Accommodation

Top 5 Australia Holidays

Australia Holidays in Queensland

Queensland is home to many of the iconic images of Australia; the Great Barrier Reef, huge surfing beaches which stretch into the horizon and the vast rainforests of Northern Queensland. Be sure to explore Brisbane, the state’s capital if you take a trip to Queensland.

Australia Holidays in New South Wales

New South Wales is a hugely diverse state, home to Sydney, as well as the vast wilderness of the outback and the most beautiful corner of Australia, the serene Blue Mountains. You can enjoy anything from lazy days on a city beach in Sydney to an outback adventure in New South Wales.

Australia Holidays in Western Australia

Western Australia is simply beautiful. It is almost completely untouched by human hands, with astonishing scenery which could only be found in Australia. Hiking the coastline, which is known as the marine life capital of Australia is a once in a lifetime experience that cannot fail to inspire.

Australia Holidays in Victoria

Victoria encapsulates the very best of Australia. The food and wine is certainly the best, and the natural landscapes are extraordinary. The Great Ocean Road and the Great Alpine Road are absolute joys to drive, attracting many lucky visitors every year. Phillip Island is a particular treat for nature lovers.

Australia Holidays in South Australia

South Australia is vast. Surfers and beach lovers will know about South Australia, which is both exceptional for its beach life and wonderfully deserted most of the time. There are a huge number of national parks in South Australia, protecting the beautiful natural and historic landscapes.

Australia’s cities are all as unique and interesting as the country’s wildlife. Sydney, the international culture centre is the most visited, with the famous Opera House the tip of the cultural iceberg, as opera, ballet, theatre and concerts can be found throughout the city. Melbourne is a shopping haven, whilst Canberra is known as the historic and national culture centre. Slightly less accessible, but possible even more fascinating, as the like of Hobart in Tasmania and Darwin in the Northern Territory, both of which have an almost village atmosphere yet with big city facilities! Always worth the journey.

Australia is a totally unique place to visit. You can do things here that you simply cannot do in any other country in the world. Not only are there species of animal and plant that are totally unique to the country, but there are parts of the culture which are totally unique too! Where else in the world could you play on a golf course that stretches over 1365km, surf on a group surf board or land huge marlin from the shore? Australian holidays truly are unique, fantastic fun and totally unbeatable!