Perhaps one of the densest cultural backgrounds in history, the giant continent of Australia has a fair number of lures up its sleeve.
It is here you can enjoy the sunshine any day of the year, especially Christmas.
You can discover the indigenous aboriginal culture of its ancestors that continues to live strong today. And visit a range of the most iconic buildings and natural spectacles to have blessed the Earth.
Welcome to the adventure-fuelled country of crocodiles and tales for years gone by. These are the 11 best things to do during your stay:
Australia’s sea is known to hold the most famous coral reef in the world. Featured in blockbuster hits like ‘Finding Nemo’, the Great Barrier Reef easily found its place on the UNESCO list.
As the 20 million-year-old, largest living organism in the world, there are stacks of things you will want to explore. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, it is crucial you visit with caution and a knowledgeable guide.
Lying off the northeast coast, popular starting points for your dive include the Whitsundays, Cairns and Fitzroy Island. Keep your eyes open for the close-to-extinction large green turtle.
You can explore the reef in a diving group, by a snorkelling stop on a boat trip and even catch it from outer space.
The country is recognisable for a number of assets. Another famous feature is the city of Sydney, bragging about a beach lifestyle, nightlife and a whole host of restaurants and bars to suit every palette.
Get amped on world-famous Bondi Beach and catch the curls that drag surfers of all ranges. Watch the action from one of the world’s most impressive bridges, Harbour Bridge and glimpse the UNESCO Sydney Opera House in all its glory.
Top all that with a slap-up Pan-Asian feast on the water’s edge and get your party shoes on for a classy night out in a buzzing city.
A big part of the culture in Australia hails from the Aboriginals. If you reach for a souvenir store, chances are you will come across a dozen boomerangs, kangaroo fridge magnets and painted dotted pieces.
But look further into the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park to find the Red Centre Museum, where you can learn the A to Z of aboriginal culture.
It is here you will discover the art of Dreamtime (which the natives believe to be the start of the world). You can admire the spotted artwork in a whole new light.
Master the art of the didgeridoo through live performances and lessons with the pros. Music fanatics even get the chance to take home their own shiny new toy!
Can you toss a boomerang like the locals? Head to a throwing event to discover the truth behind the tool. They are much more than just fun memorabilia.
Come head to head with an aboriginal sacred site. Uluru is an enormous ancient sandstone, landing place on the UNESCO World Heritage list for the Australian heritage which surrounds it.
Also referred to as Ayers Rock, the spectacle is known to be one of the biggest of its kind, globally. Though you can no longer climb the mountain, the fascinating Uluru base walk is still granted, in which you can touch parts of the rock.
It is advisable to visit either dawn or dusk when the sunlight hits the stone and its red mineral flecks cast a bold glow. Do not miss the opportunity to explore its ancient caves with sacred aboriginal paintings and visit the cultural museum located within the national park.
To make the most of the trip, we highly recommend a road trip through the wild outback, to truly set the scene. Whilst challenging, it is worth every mile you will drive. And the starlight views are phenomenal. Just do your best to keep your mind from ‘Wolf Creek’.
If you manage to grow tired of the endless hues of turquoise aqua, natural Lake Hillier takes a spectacular turn of shade. Feel free to swim and float around in this salty strawberry lake.
Much like the Dead Sea, Hillier’s salt content makes it incredibly simple to float around on its surface. It is perfectly safe for swimming, with no large predators or fish – and despite its unusual pigment, the water is perfectly harmless.
You can find this marvel on Middle Island, which is just off the Southern Coast of Western Australia.
Want to know where all the cool kids hang out? Byron Bay in the north southwest of Australia is where you can find the unmistakable Cape Byron Lighthouse and the remarkable outback paths that lead up to it.
This is the spot to go for all your surfing desires, nightlong beach parties and organic markets. Why not pick up your veggies, visit the dolphins by kayak and ride some waves like the locals?
If you’re after your full zen, consider kicking off the day the right way with a sunrise yoga session as the tide laps in. Community plays a giant part in the spirit of this area, so you will never feel left out, no matter what you’re up to.
Enter with caution as this hippie town is bound to reboot your opinion on all other beaches. Once you visit, you may never want to leave again!
The southeastern state of Victoria is renowned for its Great Ocean Road and the natural sights that surround it.
As a place of natural beauty, al fresco dining is some of the finest kind here. As is the coffee – which brands Victoria the Coffee Capital of Australia. Enjoy a brew at a pavement cafe or roof terrace bar in the cool afternoon glare.
National parks are plentiful here, with Port Campbell in the lead with its rugged coastline and Twelve Apostles rock highlight. Bring your board as surfing is a favourite here. And pay attention to the cultural festivals and art museums in Melbourne’s state capital. The Melbourne Museum is not to be missed.
Australia has an overwhelming amount of islands surrounding its main country – more than 8000 to be specific.
Each island has its own spectacular topography and character. Many are available to visit via boat trips from larger harbours. It is important not to miss these special opportunities, as they often provide greater culture than the main island itself.
The 74 islands of the Whitsundays are easily the most popular of them all. Marbled snow-white sands, turquoise water and dense jungles bless their coasts, making them phenomenal spots for hiking, sailing and camping.
Lord Howe provides a break from the universe and reconnects you with nature like never before. The biodiverse hiking island is known as Australia’s Galapagos; you have to be committed as bookings are limited to 400 people at a time.
Meanwhile, the Torres Strait Islands are where you’ll wish to head for a feast of aboriginal culture. Festivities, cuisine and local way of life can be admired authentically here.
It is no surprise Australia’s wildlife comes as a giant point of interest.
The cute and tiny koala bears to the bold and feisty great whites. The Aussies are known to have it all. While you’re not dodging inches-long whistling spiders, keep looking for the countless wonders this mini-world has in store.
Spot roos in the wild and enjoy the beach sunshine with them at Lucky Bay. Adorable turtles can be witnessed hatching on the sand between mid-January and mid-February and you can help out at the sanctuary on Fitzroy Island.
Just beneath the water’s surface, you can swim with dolphins, seals and whales. And don’t forget to look up to see the koalas contently munching away in trees.
With close to a thousand species of bird, birdwatching is immensely popular in Australia and groups can be joined for spotting birds and whales.
If you are pushed for time with all the other activities, wildlife sanctuaries take out the leg work and teach you about the best of the wildlife from one location.
Kimberley in Western Australia is the place where nature takes over. Welcome to the bush, where secret beaches, ancient rugged coastlines and aboriginal rock art run free.
This luxury destination is best explored by cruise, where you can sail by its secluded sands, isolated waterfalls and weaving rivers, without the delightful challenge of picking your way through.
Once you arrive at your private oasis, with an almost certain view to take your breath away, unpack your bags and pull on your long socks. There is a whole world out there to be explored, composed of soaring limestone cliffs, ochre sand and natural croc-populated pools.
And it’s not just nature that will astound you. The gastronomy in Kimberley is something to hold onto. Gorge yourself on crocodile tails, bush herbs and freshly caught fish in a host of unforgettable settings.
South Australia is often overlooked, though if you head to Adelaide you will find Australia’s official best restaurant, beach, wine and hotel.
So if you seek a holiday in one, Adelaide is the place to head. The city is also known for its bustling live music scene, sporting events and festivals. We promise you will find something you love.
Cricket fans should attend a game at the Oval, known as one of the best grounds the world has seen and should consider doing a tour of the grounds.
Savour the taste of refined Bossa Valley wine or even head across to fresher Kangaroo Island for something experimental.