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Writer's pictureEmma Andrews

A Brief Guide to Australia


The world has been waiting two years to get Down Under for a holiday and I have put together a brief guide of the country and what you’ve been missing.


WESTERN AUSTRALIA



Surrounded on three sides by the bluest of waters, Western Australia is home to some of the world’s most precious natural phenomena, including the stunning Ningaloo Reef, the 350-million-year-old Bungle Bungle range and the famous Margaret River wine region.

Top 3 Experiences

  • Pinnacles, Kalabarri & Monkey Mia Dolphins

  • Perth’s Famous Wine Cruise

  • Swim with wild dolphins

Don’t leave without ...

Watching the sun setting over 22 kilometres of pristine white sand whilst catching a ride on a camel train, Cable Beach.


Must Try Restaurants


The Flying Scotsman – trendy local where you’ll find a generous offering of local and imported beers, including boutique drops such as St. Arnou and Beez Neez.


Amuse – behind an unassuming red brick façade, on a quiet East Perth street, lies Restaurant Amusé. Established in 2007, Restaurant Amusé prides itself on refinement without pretension delivering an ever-changing degustation menu inspired by the West Australian growers.


Miki’s Open Kitchen, Margaret River – serving Tempura style Japanese cuisine this restaurant features an open kitchen with a uniquely entertaining aspect as you can watch the chefs’ theatre-like performance serving up dishes


NORTHERN TERRITORY



Stretching from the tropical north right down to the rugged Red Centre of the Outback, Australia’s Northern Territory is an incredible land where red-gold desert contrasts with verdant rainforest, where wetlands teem with native Australian wildlife and stunning rock formations have to be seen to be believed.


Top 3 Experiences

  • Uluru (Ayers Rock)

  • Kings Canyon

  • Kakadu National Park

Don’t leave without …

Enjoying a glass of sparkling wine and canapés as the sun slowly sets over Uluru on the wonderful Sounds of Silence evening tour.


Must Try Restaurants


Mayu à la Carte, Uluru Ayers Rock Resort – this premier dining experience, takes the traditional and ancient Pitjantjatjara name for flavour and serves up a truly innovative and modern menu.


Pee Wee’s, Darwin – a premier restaurant inside the East Point Nature Reserve with first class food and wine.


Hanuman Restaurant, Alice Springs – located in the Hilton hotel, Hanuman invites you to step into Asia, serving an array of elegant Thai and Indian dishes


SOUTH AUSTRALIA



Renowned for its regional produce, South Australia contrasts city life with the Outback and sprawling vineyards with secluded islands. From indulgent Adelaide, offering fine wines and superb food, a short hop to Kangaroo Island takes you to see koalas and kangaroos in one of the world’s finest natural habitats.


Top 3 Experiences


Barossa Valley Wine and Flinders Range self-drive

Morning Central Market Tour

Highlights of Kangaroo Island


Don’t leave without …

Visiting Kangaroo Island to see the seal colonies.


Must Try Restaurants


Orana, Adelaide – one of Adelaide’s newest fine dining experiences, this 25-seat restaurant takes diners on an immersive journey into the real tastes of Australia


Penfolds Magill Estate, Adelaide – the original home of Penfold’s Wines, offering stunning views over the vines and contemporary, seasonal fare


Star of Greece, Port Willunga – overlooking the ocean, the restaurant offers fresh seafood and local produce presented with impeccable visual flair


QUEENSLAND



Tropical North Queensland is home to many of Australia’s most famous attractions, including the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef, the spectacular waters of the Whitsundays and the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. With a pleasant climate year round and great flight access, this state is a popular choice time and time again.


Top 3 Experiences

  • Discover the largest natural wonder of the world – Great Barrier Reef

  • Experience the Outback

  • Cruise the Whitsunday Islands

Don’t leave without ...

Visiting the Daintree Rainforest.


Must Try Restaurants


Wasabi, Noosa – watch the fish swim past as you dine on Japanese cuisine of the highest standard.


Oskars on Burleigh, Burleigh Heads – feel the ocean salt spray while dining on the Gold Coast’s freshest local catch at this innovative, multi-award winning restaurant


E’cco Bistro, Brisbane – this award winning restaurant is known as one of the state’s best, serving visually stunning Australian cuisine from chef Philip Johnson


NEW SOUTH WALES



New South Wales is the oldest state of Australia. Venture out from the vibrant state capital, Sydney, and you’ll find the spectacular Blue Mountains, the verdant vineyards of the Hunter Valley and stunning coastal scenery.


Top 3 Experiences

  • Sydney Opera House Tour

  • BridgeClimb Sydney

  • Captain Cook Harbour Story Cruise

Don’t leave without ...

Visiting the Blue Mountains.


Must Try Restaurants


Quay Restaurant, Sydney – with the most spectacular views of Sydney Harbour, Quay’s menu has earned three hats under the direction of Chef Peter Gilmore


Stunned Mullet, Port Macquarie – with a coastal setting, relaxed atmosphere and serving Australian classics with a contemporary twist, this traveller’s choice winning restaurant is not one to be missed


Cicchetti Byron Bay – this award winning Italian restaurant provides tapas-like dishes in a modern environment


VICTORIA



Famous for The Great Ocean Road along its dramatic coastline, Victoria has a unique landscape and individual heritage. As well as the phenomenal scenery, visitors also flock here to watch such world-class events as the Formula One Grand Prix, the Australian Tennis Open and the Melbourne Cup.


Top 3 Experiences

  • Lanes and Arcades Tour

  • Yarra Valley Wine Experience

  • Phillip Island Ultimate Tour

Don’t leave without ...

Flying over the Twelve Apostles.


Must Try Restaurants


Attica, Melbourne – at Australasia’s best restaurant, chef Ben Shewry focuses on the integration of native ingredients such as Lilly Pilly and illawarra plum pine


Brae, Great Ocean Road – renowned globally, Dan Hunter showcases seasonal ingredients from his extensive gardens and farmland at this in-demand new property


Lake House, Dalesford – overlooking Lake Dalesford, this award winning venue offers exquisite cutting edge and seasonal dishes with service and venue to match


TASMANIA



With a fifth of the island devoted to lush National Park, Tasmania is outstandingly beautiful and unspoiled. Majestic mountains and rugged wilderness conjure a real sense of awe and the unique plant and wildlife will delight.


Top 3 Experiences

  • Bay of Fires Lodge Walk

  • Freycinet National Park

  • Visiting Hobart’s Salamanca Markets

Don’t leave without ...

Visiting the MONA.


Must Try Restaurants


The Source, Hobart – innovative French-inspired cuisine situated next to the famous Mona museum with an on-site heritage vineyard and a boutique brewery


Saffire Oyster Shucking and Dining Experience – experience an exclusive fresh local oyster shucking adventure or dine in the Palate Restaurant


Bayviews, Burnie – located right on the beach, Bayviews provides a stunning setting to e


THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE PLANNING A TRIP


Flight time: Approximately 21 hours


Time difference: GMT +8 hours West Coast, +10 hours East Coast


Currency: Australian Dollar


Visas All UK passport holders need a visa - this can be done online CLICK HERE


Climate: Australia being in the southern hemisphere, Australia’s seasons are the reverse of Europe and America.


Spring: September to November;

Summer: December to February;

Autumn: March to May;

Winter: June to August.


Southeast Australia, incorporating Sydney and Melbourne, experiences a temperate climate typified by warm summers and mild winters.


Central Australia, The Red Centre area, has a harsh desert climate with extremely hot summers reaching 40°C, and warm winters reaching 25°C.


Western Australia is mainly arid desert, similar to Central Australia, however Perth and the coast find it more comfortable as summer temperatures are lower.


A tropical climate prevails in Northern Australia, as being close to the equator, temperatures are high year round with little seasonal fluctuation and more abundant rainfall.


Getting around: Australia is a vast country, but one which is surprisingly easy to get around, with a huge number of travel options to suit any budget. Self-drives are hugely popular in Australia, as are expertly organised escorted tours, or simple transfers for those who just want taking from A to B.


Interested in visiting Australia? Borders are now open!!!


Fully vaccinated visa holders can travel to Australia quarantine-free, without the need to apply for a travel exemption.


They just need a negative rapid antigen test within 24 hours of departure or a PCR Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure.


Don’t Go Small. Go Australia. Contact me today for a quote.

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