About
Australia is the largest country in Oceania, and it covers a wide range of landscapes within a single journey. Visitors can move from coastal cities to red desert country, and from tropical reef waters to the quiet interior, without ever feeling that the country has run out of things to see.
What the country offers
- Cities: Sydney and Melbourne are the best-known urban centres, each with its own character and a lively cultural scene.
- Wildlife: Australia is known for animals found almost nowhere else, and seeing them in their natural settings is a highlight for many travellers.
- Great Barrier Reef: One of the country's major destinations, a vast reef system ideal for those who want to spend time on or in the water.
- Uluru: A striking rock formation in the centre of the continent, often visited as part of a trip into the red heart of the country.
- The Outback: Remote inland country that suits travellers who want open horizons and a slower pace.
Planning a visit
Because the country is so large, it helps to choose a few regions rather than trying to cover everything. A trip might combine a city stay with a coastal or reef visit, or pair a desert journey with time in the cities. Distances between destinations are often considerable, so allowing extra time for travel between places will make the trip more enjoyable.
Australia suits a wide range of visitors, from those drawn to city life and food to those who prefer nature, wide spaces and wildlife. Deciding which of these appeals most is a good first step in shaping an itinerary.