Pristine beaches, rugged mountains, sprawling vineyards and verdant rainforests: Australia has it all. This massive country opens you up to a diverse range of experiences, whether you are seeking adventure or a relaxing break from routine. If you are wondering where to start, our Oceania specialist, Mark Larwood, has some excellent tips and recommendations for you.
Australia is huge, so it’s a good idea to restrict yourselves to just one part of the country, depending on what your interests are. First time visitors could consider using cities such as Sydney and Melbourne as a base to explore beaches, vineyards and more. I recommend including Uluru in your itinerary, in addition to the two cities.
Mark Larwood
Our experts suggest spending at least five days in each of your chosen cities so you get enough time to explore the region, at your own pace. From offbeat tours along the meandering lanes of Melbourne to exclusive dining experiences under a starlit sky in Uluru, our destination specialists have handpicked their recommended activities in three of their favourite places.
Sydney
Best for: Culture, History, Food & Wine
Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is a delightful city, and the perfect place to begin your Australian adventure. There’s much to see and do here, but let’s start with the city’s most iconic attraction – Sydney Opera House. Our Exclusive Sydney Opera House Private Tour allows you to delve deeper into the history of this performing arts centre, with immersive multimedia projections and a seasoned guide who will take you through some of its legendary acts.
Go back in time to trace the origins of this cosmopolitan city on our Private Essential Sydney Tour. From visits to the country’s first church and Parliament House to leisurely strolls down the esplanade of Bondi Beach, this tour lets you savour the city, one landmark at a time.
If you want to add a dose of adrenaline, our Ultimate Bridge Climb activity might just do the trick. Climb up the Sydney Harbour Bridge with experienced guides and safety measures in place, and take in sweeping views of the Blue Mountains and the limitless Pacific Ocean. This activity requires a moderate level of fitness, but it is also among the most loved experiences, going by our guest testimonials!
Sydney is also an excellent jumping off point for experiencing wine country. Hunter Valley is among Australia’s oldest wine producing regions, and is just about three hours away from Sydney by road. Sign up for a decadent wine and cheese experience at some of the boutique wineries in the region, tour the estates and sample some of the valley’s finest wines.
As your time in Sydney draws to a close, embark on a dinner cruise on a stately catamaran down the harbour, on your last night in the city. Enjoy a lavish dinner spread with seafood, salads and desserts as you glide along the waters. Watch the twilight sky slowly fade into an inky black canvas, as the city lights flicker in the distance.
RECOMMENDED ITINERARY: Our Australian Signature Highlights Tour gives you plenty of time to soak up the best of Sydney including Hunter Valley and the Blue Mountains. The 20 day tour also takes you to the Australian Outback and the Great Barrier Reef.
Melbourne
Best for: Food, Beaches & the Outdoors
With plenty of green spaces and easy access to beaches and vineyards, Melbourne makes for a great base to explore southeastern Australia. Nestled on the banks of the Yarra river, this city is a gastronomic hub: a melting pot of flavours from across the world. One of the best ways to experience the culinary diversity of the place is to sign up for our Foodie Discovery Walk. Stroll down Delgrave Street and Hardware Lane as you stop to sample everything from the city’s famous coffee to flaky pastries in hole-in-the-wall bakeries and steaming hot Chinese dumplings!
If you’d like to go further down this path, you could unearth the city’s hidden gems on our Lanes and Arcades Tour. Discover the city’s best kept secrets as you swing by quirky bars and pubs for a quiet drink or two, and visit vibrant art galleries and independent design studios. Learn more about the city’s distinct local culture through its architecture, food and street art on this walking tour.
In keeping with the food and wine theme of your Melbourne holiday, we recommend an excursion to Yarra Valley, one of the country’s premium wine regions, just an hour outside the city. Go on an epicurean adventure as you sample premium wines curated exclusively for you, and enjoy a leisurely lunch featuring organic, seasonal produce.
Driving down Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is an experience of a lifetime, and Melbourne is perfectly positioned as a starting point. Considered among the world’s most scenic drives, this road skirts the southern coast, punctuated by cliffs, waterfalls, charming hamlets and secluded beaches. Our self-drive tour of this iconic road gives you the flexibility and freedom to discover the route at your own pace. Stop to take in the raw beauty of the 12 Apostles – limestone stacks that seem to rise from the ocean. Gaze in awe at the big waves at Bells Beach, and find out more about its surfing culture. Elsewhere, along the Kennet river, you might catch koalas swimming, if you’re lucky!
You’re never too far away from a beach, when Melbourne is your base. Head out to Brighton Beach and take in the contrasting colours of the azure blue waters and the eye-catching beach huts. Proceed further to Phillip Island as part of our engaging guided ranger tour, wherein you’ll get an opportunity to watch fur seals and the famous penguin parade! At around sunset, you’ll see colonies of little penguins with blue and white feathers cross the shore.
RECOMMENDED ITINERARY: Our Melbourne and Tasmania holiday lets you experience the best of both worlds: the liveliness of the city and the idyllic island life. The tour also includes a drive along the Great Ocean Road with a chance to soak in the stunning beaches and national parks of Tasmania.
The Red Centre
Best for: Nature, Culture, Art
Uluru or Ayers Rock, the sandstone monolith in Australia’s Red Centre, is one of the country’s foremost attractions, and with good reason. The region is of key significance to the Anangu people who have lived here for thousands of years, and consider the rock and the surrounding national park, sacred. Our tours to the region are mindful of the environment and the beliefs that its residents hold close.
Watch the sunset over the domes of Uluru Kaja Tjuta National Park as part of our Uluru Highlights Tour. If you’re keen to experience the region at dusk, sign up for our Sounds Of Silence Dinner or Tali Wiru Dinner. Uncork a bottle of champagne or wine as you sit down under a star-studded desert sky for a sumptuous meal, inspired by the bush.
It is absolutely worth waking up before dawn to catch the first rays of the sun light up the domes of Kata Tjuta with a distinct red glow. Our Kata Tjuta Sunrise Tour lets you bask in the glorious sight, as you savour a delicious picnic breakfast.
Besides the magical quality of its sunrises and sunsets, the Red Centre is also a hotbed of art – both ancient and modern – with the spotlight on aboriginal heritage. The region abounds with art galleries that pay homage to the rich tradition and culture of the people and the land. Experience one such ethereal art installation, Field Of Light, by celebrated artist Brune Munro, on our Night At Field Of Light Tour. Walk down an illuminated field at dusk, as thousands of spheres of twinkling lights come alive in the sprawling wilderness against the majestic backdrop of Uluru.
RECOMMENDED ITINERARY: Our Darwin To Uluru Tour gives you a taste of the Australian Outback. From Darwin’s picturesque harbour in the Northern Territory to the deep gorges and sandstone monoliths of the Red Centre, this holiday takes you through some of the most unusual landscapes.
What To Know Before You Plan Your Holiday To Australia
- Australia is so huge, you could easily fit in about 30 Englands! Zero in on just one part of the country, for a more fulfilling holiday.
- You don’t have to necessarily go to Kangaroo Island to spot kangaroos, or the Great Barrier Reef to see reef life. For example, if Sydney is on your itinerary, you could get your fill of nature at the Blue Mountains or hop over to Kangaroo Valley for some wildlife viewing.
- Find ways to pack in diverse experiences without travelling the length and breadth of the country. A Sydney-Melbourne-Uluru holiday, for instance, will not only give you access to beaches, vineyards and city experiences, but also let you contrast it with the starkness and remoteness of the Red Centre.
- The seasons in Australia are very different from the ones in the UK. The best time to visit northern Queensland, Central Australia and the Western coast is between May and October. It’s best to avoid Queensland and the Northern Territory from November to March, as it’s too hot in the desert at that time, and it’s wet season in the tropics. With increased instances of flooding due to climate change, it’s a good idea to steer clear of coastal regions during the rainy season.
- Plan your holiday eight to 12 months in advance to ensure you get the best prices on flights and hotels.
Australia has something for everyone, whether you are seeking wildlife experiences, beach getaways or food and wine holidays. While our itineraries give you a starting point, we will tailor your Australia experience to your personal taste and pace. Speak to our destination specialists today, and they’ll curate the perfect trip for you, packed with exclusive experiences based on your preferences.
Check out these sample itineraries
Australian Wildlife Panorama
Gold Coast Australia Holidays
Highlights of Australia
Western Australia Tour
Australia inspiration
For more exciting destination ideas, browse these Australia pages and start planning your next adventure.
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