Australia

Australiais big, brash and exciting. Sights are awe-inspiring, food is wonderful and the welcome will be genuine.

It is not just the magnificent scenery which impresses every visitor to Australia; it is the fantastic lifestyle of a country with more than its fair share of fresh foods, world-class wines and glorious sunshine.

You can breakfast in the morning sunshine at a sidewalk cafe, lunch at a waterside restaurant on a platter of fresh seafood and dine on sizzling steaks. If you decide to go native you can sample the original bush tucker of nuts, fruits, herbs and berries, together with some unusual meats such as emu and crocodile!

Australia is a land like no other, with its wide-open spaces and stunning natural landscapes. The sheer variety of scenery is breathtaking, from the buzz of the cosmopolitan cities to the stillness of the Outback, the pristine beauty of the snow-capped mountains to the rugged charm of a wild and spectacular coastline.

From tropical rainforests with abundant wildlife to the delicate coral of the Great Barrier Reef and the majesty of Ayers Rock, there is something for everyone in Australia.

Sports enthusiasts can indulge in sailing, fishing, golf, cricket or try the more daring white water rafting, whale watching or hot air ballooning. Visit a desert oasis by four-wheel drive and meet the Aborigines who have inhabited this land for more than 40,000 years.

Whilst Australia is a treasure house of nature it also offers a rich variety of cultural pursuits, from the rock paintings, dance and music of the Aborigines to today’s thriving arts scene.

The choice of where to go is not easy in Australia. It would take a very long time to see even half the continent, it is so vast. The best way is to take in just some of the highlights, and a surprising amount of ground can be covered if you plan to fly across the country to the main sights. It is often cheaper to book internal flights from the UK before you go, and so plan to break your journey in Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Bali or Fiji if possible.

Sydney with its Darling Harbour and wonderful Opera House is a must, but it is also a great centre to explore the Blue Mountains with their wilderness parks and wonderful waterfalls, and to visit the Hunter Valley wine region.

Canberra is the nation’s Capital city and is an excellent base to see some of Australia’s glorious bush land, whilst Melbourne’s sporting events, music festivals and cultural lifestyle make it a must for those in search of elegance. A melange of Victorian architecture and sweeping modern skyscrapers, the city also has a thriving Chinatown in its midst. It boasts a spectacular coastline, which continues to Adelaide.

Adelaide is situated between South Australia’s wild rugged coast and the dense, ancient forest of the Mount Lofty Ranges. Visit Kangaroo Island with its colony of sea lions or cruise the Murray River, which is studded with deserted islands and white beaches.

Perth is a young and dynamic city on the banks of the Swan River, whose architecture is a fascinating blend of modern and historic. With its unspoilt beaches and clear waters it is the sunshine city of the West Coast. It is also a wonderful jumping off place if you want to venture further into gold-rush country around Kimberley.

No trip to Australia is really complete without visiting the Northern Territory of Darwin and Alice Springs. Join a scenic flight on a seaplane and explore Darwin Harbour and the nearby islands or take a trip to the Territory Wildlife Park. From Alice Springs take in Kings Canyon and Tennant Creek, and go on to the awe-inspiring Ayers Rock resort. You can participate in a 9km walk around the rock and witness aboriginal mythology as well as marvelling at the sheer size of the rock itself. You can also ride pillion on the back of the guides’ motorbike if you dare!

Brisbane, on the Queensland coast, is sophisticated yet laid-back and has a truly glorious climate. This is the gateway to the beautiful white beaches, rolling surf and endless sunshine of the gold coast, Australia’s holiday playground.

The 42km of the Gold Coast is a paradise for holidaymakers, with casinos, surfing and fun parks as well as the natural beauty of the rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef. It continues on to Cairns, set against an amazing backdrop of high mountains ranges covered with tropical vegetation, whose slopes reach almost to the sea. This palm-fringed city is intimate yet elegant, with designer shops and gourmet restaurants, a perfect contrast to the natural paradise of the Reef.

There are world-class hotels from which to choose. I recommend the boutique design Observatory Hotel in Sydney or the Blue Woolloomooloo Bay. Melbourne has the wonderful Lanham Hotel nestled on the banks of the Yarra River and on the Gold Coast classic style can be found at the designer Palazzo Versace. On the Great Barrier Reef I adored the Hayman Island Resort for its pure luxury.

Have a great time and remember me to Oz!