About Australia
Our information pages are constantly being updated. Please find information on the following:
Australia is a vast country of nearly three million square kilometres, stretching from the tip of tropical Cape York Peninsula in the Coral Sea down to the cold wilderness at South East Cape in Tasmania, from the beautiful beaches and semi-tropical forests of Cape Byron to the arid Steep Point in Western Australia by the Indian Ocean. Most Australians live on the coastline of Australia, between the forests and the beaches, where the climate is warm in the summer and temperate in the winters. In the interior Australia is a vast desert, home to the 'Red Centre' and some of the most dramatic and barren country on Earth.
Information about Victoria
Melbourne
The capital of Victoria and Australia's second-largest metropolis is a city of style, of Victorian architecture, trams, fashion, food, theatres, art galleries, and leafy gardens. The city offers easy access to the Victorian Alps and the Grampians, and fabulous coastal scenery. It's not far either to desert plateaus, fertile river valleys, vineyards, historic goldfield country, and untouched rainforests.
Great Ocean Road
One of the world's most spectacular coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road winds along beside quiet bays, pounding surf beaches, tranquil rainforests, caves, gorges and blowholes, and starkly beautiful columns of rock set in the ocean. Stretching for some 106 kilometres, the route also takes in historic shipwreck sites and plenty of wildlife.
Phillip Island & Gippsland
Fairy penguins, koalas, Australian fur seals, migrating birds, diving, and spectacular coastal cliffs are just some of the reasons to visit Phillip Island, an easy day trip from Melbourne. The Gippsland region is a natural wonderland of lakes, forest, dramatic coastline, historic townships and gourmet food.
Yarra Valley & the Dandenongs
Just under an hour from Melbourne are the rolling hills and vineyards of the Yarra Valley, popular for cellar-door tastings, good food and peaceful scenery. Visit the Dandenong Ranges for a steam-train ride through forests and fern gullies, or browse antique shops, cool-climate gardens, craft shops and tea houses.
Information about New South Wales
Sydney!
Sydney is Australia's largest city and is rich in history. The white-sailed Sydney Opera House, caught mid-billow over the waters of Sydney Cove, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are the pride and joy, but there's far more on offer. Discover the harbour, the city's historic enclaves, restaurants and cafes, beaches, museums and art galleries, and the national parks and wildlife within the city and on its fringes.
Snowy Mountains
The Snowy Mountains is ideal for a snowfields holiday.
Adventure activities, from winter sports to cycling, caving, rafting, kayaking and horse riding – plus bracing mountain walks – make your stay exhilarating. Australia's highest mountain, Mt Kosciuszko, looks down on sub-alpine snowgum woodlands and tall forests of alpine ash and mountain gum.
In winter you can go night skiing, downhill or cross-country skiing, snowboarding or tobogganing. All resorts cater for novices and experienced skiers as well as families.
Blue Mountains
Less than two hours by car or train west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains National Park is a World Heritage-listed site - a spectacular area of dramatic canyons and caves, sheer-cliffed valleys, pretty stone and timber towns, and world-class guesthouses.
North Coast
Northern Rivers and Tropical New South Wales is an area of natural wonderland on the most northern stretch of coast in New South Wales. Its beauty lies in its unspoilt beaches, volcanic mountains, lush countryside and World Heritage listed national parks. In all, it's a laid-back but adventurous paradise.
Hunter region
The Hunter Valley conjures up images of lazy days, fine-wine tasting at the cellar door, romantic retreats, quality eateries and gorgeous farming country. Add on a dolphin- or whale-spotting cruise at nearby Port Stephens and you have a trip to remember.
Information about Queensland
Gold Coast
Queensland's Gold Coast, an hour south of Brisbane, is famous for its fine, white beaches, but that's just a part of the story. With a cluster of theme parks, great shopping and restaurants, it is the place for travellers who want to do it all - quickly!
Tropical North Queensland
Tropical North Queensland is where rainforest meets the reef. Visit the vibrant city of Cairns and travel out to The Great Barrier Reef, or travel north to the lush rainforests of the Daintree.
Brisbane
Step into Brisbane and your worries lift gently off your shoulders. Here the mood is light, the sun warms your face and the people are among the worlds friendliest. Add superb dining and a vibrant nightlife and you'll find a destination you won't want to leave.
Information about Northern Territory
Darwin
The capital of the Northern Territory and the Top End, is a delightful surprise. The vibrant waterfront city offers visitors a cosmopolitan blend of urban delights amid luxuriant tropical scenery.
Australia's Aboriginal people have lived in the rugged, ancient landscape of the Northern Territory for at least 40,000 years. From the tropical Top End to the starkly beautiful red centre, almost every geographical feature is significant to local Aboriginal people.
Litchfield National Park
Just two hours' drive from Darwin is one of the most idyllic havens on earth, Litchfield National Park, home of cascading waterfalls, inviting plunge pools amid lush rainforest and exquisite scenery.
Kakadu
Stunning Kakadu National Park is a tapestry of contrasts: dramatic gorges and luxuriant rainforest pockets, thundering waterfalls and tranquil pools, ancient Aboriginal rock art and showy waterlilies.
Uluru
The world largest monolith stuns people with its majesty. Yet the sense of mystery of Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is greater still. There are many ways to enjoy this land 450 kilometres from Alice Springs.
Information about Tasmania
Hobart
Hobart is the capital of Tasmania, Australia's island state. It combines heritage charm and cultural diversity in a setting of exceptional beauty. Within 90 minutes' drive of Hobart are a range of attractions, from the pristine waters of Bruny Island to the mesmerising history of Port Arthur.
Cradle Mountain & Lake St Clair
This area is the best known of Tasmania's National Parks. Its alpine landscape of glacial valleys, jagged peaks and littering lakes contrasts with pockets of lush rainforest.
Freycinet National Park
The park is famous for Wineglass Bay, just one of its white sandy beaches and the pure clear turquoise waters that are perfect for sea kayaking, swimming and scuba diving. The Hazard Range offers climbing, abseiling and mountain walking, and the coastal heathlands have wonderful day walks.
Information about Western Australia
Perth
Perth is the capital of Western Australia and Australia's western most city. Perth offers offers a mix of vibrant contrasts ranging from the splendour of the coast to the depths of the forest, from the uncrowded beaches to the lively city streets.
There are plenty of places to dive or snorkel along the Western Australian coastline. One of the highlights is a swim alongside the world's largest fish - the whale shark - which feeds at Ningaloo Marine Park.
Goldfields & South East
The Western Australian Goldfields are a land of contrast. Here you'll find cosmopolitan Kalgoorlie with its giant goldmine and other towns rich in heritage and pioneering history, all set in vast expanses of spectacular saltbush arid country.
Whale and dolphin magic
The Western Australian coastline is one of the best places in the world to watch whales and dolphins. Each year southern right and humpback whales breed in the clear waters and dolphins get so close they brush up against you.
Kimberley
The wild and remote Kimberley is one of the world's last great wilderness areas, with vast horizons, ancient gorges, weird rock formations, welcoming rock pools and golden beaches that will create lasting memories. A place of immense beauty and diverse climates, the Kimberley is like nothing else on earth.
Information about South Australia
Adelaide
South Australia's capital is an elegant city of wide streets and gracious colonial architecture surrounded by beautifully laid out parklands for cycling, walking, sports, and picnicking. Its residents pursue a cultural lifestyle with galleries, museums, festivals including one of the world's premier arts festivals, a casino and a vibrant pub, cafe and restaurant scene.
Barossa
Relax and enjoy the rhythm of the changing seasons and the strong community spirit established by the English and German settlers 160 years ago.
Flinders Ranges & Outback
From the deep red gorges and richly vegetated hills of the southern Flinders Rangers to the starkly beautiful deserts and dazzling salt lakes of the north, this is adventure country.
Information about Australian Capital Territory
Canberra
Canberra is full of fantastic experiences for visitors. Set within leafy surrounds, this modern city offers fun for the kids, a busy calendar of events and festivals, as well as stylish restaurants, bars and shops.
Australian Institute of Sport
Find out what it takes to become an elite athlete with a behind-the-scenes tour of the AIS. You can experience the world-class sporting precinct led by an elite athlete. You may see our gymnasts in training or some of Australia's top swimmers doing their laps.
Australian War Memorial
The Memorial commemorates the sacrifice of Australians who have died in war. It helps Australians remember and understand through maintaining the Roll of Honour and conducting national commemorative ceremonies. The Memorial's galleries showcase one of the world's greatest military collections. The displays provide direct evidence of the lives, actions, and fate of the men and women who served and died for Australia in war and military operations.

