With its abundance of mountains, deserts, reefs, forests and stretches of beautiful golden beaches, it is not hard to see why people visit Australia time and time again. However it is not only these elements that draw people to this diverse country; one visit to Australia will only just scratch the surface of what this amazing country has to offer, but we can help maximise your itinerary.
1. Don’t try to see it all at once
Australia is a huge country with a vast array of attractions. However, dependent on the time you have there, it is impossible to see it all in one trip. Decide on an area of the country in which you would like to focus your travels on, the attractions you would like to visit first, and from there you can build your itinerary around these.
2. Be prepared for long distances
Distances can be long and tiring. If you are self-driving, we recommend planning en-route stops along the way in order to break up long journeys. It also provides an opportunity to see different areas of the country which you may not have thought to experience and often provides the most memorable experiences!
3. Experience the great outdoors
Australia is fantastic for outdoor activities. Therefore a visit is not complete without taking part in some outdoor pursuits, whether it be trekking in the Blue Mountains, surfing on Bondi Beach, travelling the Great Ocean Road, or discovering the nature of Litchfield National Park – it is an essential part of experiencing Australia. A particular highlight is the ‘Sound of Silence’ dinner in Uluru National Park.
4. Get off the beaten track
There are many well known attractions in Australia like Sydney Opera House and Ayers Rock (Uluru), however some of the best experiences are those that are off the beaten track. Western Australia provides a very authentic taste of Australia with rich Aboriginal culture throughout the region.
5. Plan your route
Focusing on a particular area of Australia to visit ensures that your time is well spent experiencing all that the area has to offer. However, in order to make the most of your time it is worth mapping out a route and pre-booking any attractions which you plan on visiting. Our experienced travel consultants can offer advice on the best times to visit attractions to ensure you have a memorable experience.
6. Twin centre
Many people choose to twin-centre their holiday to Australia. There are many options available, the most popular being New Zealand and the South Pacific. If you are planning a honeymoon or travelling for a special occasion, we certainly recommend a stay on a South Pacific island, in which you can relax and unwind after touring all that Australia has to offer.
7. East vs west
The east coast of Australia is a very popular destination for tourists, however the west coast of Australia with its beautiful climate and deserted beaches often gets forgotten about. It has some of the most amazing scenery and beaches, which you can often have to yourself to spend a sunny Australian afternoon.
8. Bucket list
Australia is full of opportunities to achieve life ambitions to tick off your ‘bucket list’, whether it be diving in the Great Barrier Reef, sky-diving over it, driving along the Great Ocean Road, or even a hot air balloon ride over the Hunter Valley wine region. Australia has it all.
9. Get to know the locals
A trip to Australia is not complete without experiencing traditional Australian hospitality. Famed for their barbecues, particularly on the beach, Australians are warm and friendly people who are very proud of their country, so it is recommended to incorporate a homestead stay into your itinerary to get a taste of typical Australian hospitality.
10. Upgrade flights
A flight to Australia is between 20 and 22 hours depending on routes and stop-overs, so we recommend upgrading your flights wherever possible for your comfort. Premium Economy boasts larger seats and extra leg room as well as bistro menus on-board selected airlines. Or why not upgrade to business class on-board? The majority of airlines offer the comfort of flat beds in business class, allowing you to rest in comfort, ready for your Australian adventure.
Call Carla to plan and book your holiday to Australia on 01543 258 632 or email vip@rbcollection.com.