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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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