Australia
ULURU: Early in the morning as the sun turns it bright red
Australia is like nowhere else on earth. A place where the world’s largest island and the world’s smallest continent, superlatives and expectations collide, where an ancient past is inseparable from the modern present with hyper-sophisticated cities rise glittering into the clear blue of the Antipodean sky.
The Barrier Reef, off the Queensland coast, is one of the world’s natural wonders, protecting a mountain coast draped with untouched rainforest. In the vast inland deserts, mountains, valleys, rivers and plains, the ancient Aboriginal cultures add a spiritual dimension to timeless landscapes.
The Outback is dominated by mighty Ayers Rock, a towering monolith with mystical tales of the Aborigines and where centuries-old rock paintings are waiting to be discovered. Further north to the wilds of Kakadu National Park, see the rugged Australian beauty at its best.
The southernmost state of Victoria offers dramatic coastlines along one of the world’s most travelled roads, leading to Adelaide with its multitude of churches and the renowned Barossa Valley where you can induldge in a tipple of fine Australian wine.
Last, but by no means least, is the largest state of Australia, Western Australia. Home to the quokka, a furry little marsupial that will delight even the most experienced nature lover.
Flights & Facts:
Fly to: Sydney (British Airways/Cathay Pacific daily)
Flying time: 21 1/2 hours, one stop
Time difference: GMT + 10 hours
Visas: Visa required for UK passport holders
Health requirements: Yellow Fever certificate if arriving from an endemic area
Best time to travel: Varies across the country, your A&K consultant will advise you
Weather:
Australia is great year round but the best months to visit are September and October, when it is often still warm enough to hit the beach in the southern states and cool enough to tour Ayers Rock. The humidity and rains have not yet arrived in Cairns, Port Douglas and the Top End (although it will be very hot by Oct). As an added bonus the wildflowers are in full bloom in Western Australia.
A&K Recommends
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Australasia and South Pacific | Australia
Duration: 14 days
Sydney (3nts) - Ayers Rock (2nts) - North Queensland (2nts) - Lizard Island (3nts) - Brisbane (1nt)
• Australia’s highlights
• Rainforests and Great Barrier Reef
• Dynamic Sydney
Culture
from £3,549 per person
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Australasia and South Pacific | Australia
Duration: 18 days
09 April 2009 - 26 April 2009
•Outstanding snorkelling and diving opportunities
•Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nan Madol
•Spot prolific birdlife
•Snorkel with the Pacific green turtles of Pohnpei
•Meet master Polynesian canoeists and mariners
Active | Culture | Wildlife
from £6,375 per person
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Australasia and South Pacific | Australia | South Australia | Barossa Valley
8 rooms
Abbotsford Country House is situated in the iconic Barossa Valley. The eight suites are each individually decorated in true Australian country style. The dining room is open to guests only ...
Family Friendly
from £67 per person per night
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Australasia and South Pacific | Australia | Northern Territory | Alice Springs
139 rooms
What many refer to as the best accommodation in town, Alice Springs Resort combines efficient and friendly outback service with modern, comfortable facilities. Low rise architecture and lush green lawns ...
Family Friendly | Sporting Activities
from £41 per person per night
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Australasia and South Pacific | Australia | Western Australia | Broome
213 rooms
Set against the beautiful and dramatic Cable Beach, the 213 room, iconic Cable Beach Club Resort is an indulgent oasis in Broome, Western Australia. Luxurious villas, elegant suites and deluxe ...
5mins From Beach | Family Friendly | Sporting Activities
from £50 per person per night
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Australasia and South Pacific | Australia | Western Australia | Margaret River
22 rooms
On the banks of its own private lake and with famed Margaret River vineyards all around, Cape Lodge has 22 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, including the newly refurbished main ...
Family Friendly | Sporting Activities
from £81 per person per night
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Australasia and South Pacific | Australia | Tasmania | Cradle Mountain
86 rooms
Cradle Mountain Lodge is a unique wilderness retreat on the edge of a World Heritage listed National Park. This is a superb escape with breathtaking scenery, cosy cabins rich with ...
Family Friendly | Sporting Activities
from £50 per person per night
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Australasia and South Pacific | Australia | Queensland | Daintree Rainforest
15 rooms
A private, boutique accommodation in an ecological environment of exquisite natural beauty. Nestled in a lush rainforest valley, the 30 acre property is surrounded by the World's oldest living rainforest; ...
Family Friendly | Sporting Activities
from £105 per person per night
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Australasia and South Pacific | Australia | New South Wales | Sydney
531 rooms
Stunningly situated overlooking Sydney Harbour in the historic Rocks district. The Four Seasons Hotel offers 531 rooms and suites, elegantly decorated in a luxurious contemporary style. It is vibrant and ...
SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Early Check-in
SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Upgrades
Family Friendly
from £85 per person per night
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Australasia and South Pacific | Australia | Queensland | Great Barrier Reef
245 rooms
This resort boasts three swimming pools, a full range of sporting facilities and watersports. Snorkel, fish or dive on the reef. The 245 rooms and suites are set amongst ...
5mins From Beach | Family Friendly | Sporting Activities
from £130 per person per night