Australia is known for its Aboriginal heritage, vibrant mix of cultures, innovative ideas and a thriving arts scene.  Click below for cheap flights to Australia, holiday package deals in Australia and your essential Australia Travel Guide including weather, people, things to do, places to stay and books to read.

What's the Best Time to Visit Australia?

Any time is a fine time – and definitely before 1788 when Europeans arrived.

What are the best things to do in Australia?

Watching the dramatic changing colours of sunrise of sunset over Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Exploring the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef

Sampling the exquisite wines of the Barossa Valley

Discovering the natural beauty of tropical Fraser Island by 4WD

Viewing Sydney Harbour after climbing to the top of the “coathanger”, Sydney Harbour Bridge

Meeting the native wildlife on Kangaroo Island

Getting Under the Skin...

Read remembering by David Malouf, a compelling insight into the social dynamics of early-colonial Australia; Bruce Chatwin’s controversial Songlines for a look at the Aboriginal lay of the land

Listen to Slim Dusty’s ‘Pub with No Beer’, a classic Australian country tune; Paul Kelly’s Songs from the South greatest hits compilation

Watch The Castle, about an ‘Aussie battler’ who takes on the big guys and wins

Eat Kangaroo or emu – if you can bring yourself to eat the animals represented on Australia’s coat of arms! Try the fresh seafood – local specialties are always your best choice

Drink ice-cold beer; Australia’s superb wines, in particular shiraz and chardonnay

In a Word...

G’day mate!

What are the Aussie trademarks?

Bronzed Aussies; dangerous creatures; endless beaches; friendly locals; Outback pubs; sizzling barbecues; Aussie Rules football

Surprises...

Kangaroos don’t hop down city streets; it isn’t always hot and sunny; it has the oldest continuing culture in the world