Australia Travel Guide
Australia is a natural wonderland of beautiful beaches, crystal blue waters, amazing ancient rock formations and pristine rainforests. It has 16 world heritage listed properties with its historic townships, bustling cities, vivid landscapes and exotic flora and fauna all adding to its unique appeal. Much of Australia' s exotic flora and fauna cannot be found anywhere else in the world and the lifestyle is one second to none.
Sydney
Soak up Sydney's gorgeous harbour, seductive outdoor lifestyle and great natural beauty. Kayak under the Sydney Harbour Bridge or wave at the Opera House as you ride a ferry across the harbour to Manly. Learn to surf at Bondi Beach or swim in the calm waters of Coogee. Lose yourself in the cobblestone cul-de-sacs of The Rocks or in the markets, boutiques, cafes and pubs of Paddington. As well as a world-famous harbour and more than 70 sparkling beaches, Sydney offers fabulous food, festivals and 24-7 fun.
Byron Bay
You can sum up Australia's easternmost town by saying it's a melting pot of surf culture, alternative philosophies and hedonistic indulgence. Or you can explain its magic in images: humpback whales cruising past the headland; rainbows on the mountains across the bay and hang-gliders coasting above the lighthouse. Our new-age paradise is known for its sweeping surf beaches, trademark lighthouse, lush rainforests and colourful mix of people. It's the place to try yoga on the beach at sunrise, massages and mud wraps at hinterland retreats and some of Australia's best regional dining.
Blue Mountains
Marvel at natural attractions like Wentworth Falls and the Three Sisters - a trio of rocky pinnacles named after an Aboriginal legend. Explore the underground rivers and chambers of Jenolan Caves, then walk the historic Six Foot Track to Katoomba. In amongst the sandstone outcrops and eucalypt forests you'll find great dining, luxury retreats, the world's steepest railway and a vibrant community of artists.
Explore Sydney Harbour
There are many historic sites around the Harbour, such as The Rocks under the Bridge in Sydney Cove, the site of Old Sydney Town. Ancient grain stores and customs houses are now restaurants, shops and art galleries. The Rocks Market is (along with the Paddington Markets) one of the city's best for art.
And if your schedule permits, between Christmas and New Year is an ideal time to do the Harbour. On Boxing Day the Sydney to Hobart yacht race begins, a remarkable sight. On New Year's Eve, the water hosts the world's largest annual fireworks display. Not to be missed.
Did you know?
Sydney Harbour boasts not one, but two excellent aquariums - the Sydney Aquarium at Darling Harbour, and Oceanworld in Manly.
The Rocks
The new meets the old near Sydney's central business district. The Rocks, which is area of the first settlement, is full of old buildings that remind you of the early days in Sydney. Nearby you will find tall modern skyscrapers similar to many U.S. cities and other wonderful original structures such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Today, The Rocks is a great place to explore Sydney's past, shop for Australian merchandise or to just sit at a harbourside restaurant where you can try the local food and a glass of the local wine.
Sydney Opera House
Opposite The Rocks, you will find the Sydney Opera House. It is situated on Benelong Point and was designed by a Danish architect, Joern Utzon. The project was budgeted at A$7.5 million but the project cost grew to the final A$100 million. The pressure from officials eventually caused Utzon to flee back to Denmark. Today the Opera House is open for tours and obviously for the performing arts. It is an easy walk from The Rocks.
Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is located in the Municipality of Waverley in east Sydney. The beach, roughly a kilometre long, is enclosed at the north and south by headlands. Every day of the year lifeguards patrol the beach between the yellow and red flags. Take a stroll along the beachside promenade. Away from the beach there are numerous cafes and restaurants, as well as hostels, hotels and a great variety of shops.
Manly Beach
Manly, the first of Sydney's Northern Beaches, sits on an isthmus that separates the calm waters of Sydney Harbour from the ocean swells of the South Pacific and is easily accessible from downtown Sydney by ferry.
The Hunter Valley Wine Country
As the NAPA Valley is to the U.S., the Hunter Valley is to Australia. A mere two hour drive north west of Sydney, Hunter Valley Wine Country is much more than just wine. There are vineyards, bed and breakfasts, hotels, tours and more. This is the site of Australia's first vineyards which were started in the 1830's producing fortified wines. Today, the Hunter Valley is the home of some of the world's best and most famous wines such as Lindemans, Rothbury Estates and Tyrells vineyards. The town of Cessnock is the gateway to the Hunter Valley and is home to the Hunter Valley major visitor center. There are many cafes and restaurants in the town of Pokolbin and many of the wineries have restaurants as well.
Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay is just 2.5 hours from Sydney and 3 hours from Canberra. Its is famous for it's beautiful sandy beaches and clear blue waters. These waters are home to bottlenose dolphins and the opportunity to sight the dolphins is one of the major features that make this area a popular spot for nature lovers. Whale sightings are also possible in and around Jervis Bay.
Port Macquarie
Located on the New South Wales Holiday Coast at the mouth of the Hastings River, Port Macquarie boasts some of the most pristine waterways and magnificent beaches in Australia. With an abundance of things to do, beautiful nature reserves, and a colourful history, Port Macquarie is a coastal resort town that has something for everyone. The climate is noted for being one of the best in Australia with average temperatures ranging from 20C - 32C in Summer, and from 8C - 21C in Winter.
Lord Howe Island
Lord Howe Island is a little known paradise to many visitors to Australia and to many Australians also. Rising out of the sea off the NSW coast is one of Australia's tiniest treasures the dreamy, crescent-shaped Lord Howe Island. Just 11 kms long and 2 kms wide curved round an aquamarine lagoon, the island was World Heritage listed in 1982 for its unique beauty and rare collection of flora, fauna and marine life.
Tourism Australia
Tower 2, 201 Sussex St Darling Park 4
Tourism Australia is the government body charged with improving foreign tourist relations. A good place to start some pre-trip research is the commission's website, which has information in 10 languages (including French, German, Japanese and Spanish).
Sydney Whale Watching
The only thing that might beat seeing Sydney Harbour would be to see a Whale and Sydney Harbour. Preferably, both at the same time.
West Head - Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park
West Head is yet another 'must see'. A half hour drive through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park will take you to West Head for sensational views out to Lion Island, Pittwater, Broken Bay and Palm beach - stunning blues, and greens against the canopy of an endless sky...yeah its worth the drive and there's a variety of walks to choose from.
South Head And Watsons Bay
South Head's imposing Sandstone Cliffs guard the southern entrance to Sydney Harbour. In case the Cliffs weren't scary enough the army placed armaments on the Headland to ward off invaders. The whole set up was so scary that the only incursion into Sydney territory was from Japanese miniature submarines in WW2 and odd group of Melbournite's following their local footie team.
Church Point
There is something a little special about Church Point. As you drive along Pittwater Road your eyes may be drawn towards the gentle Pittwater waves lapping over the Mangrove mud flats and against the petite sandy beaches. More likely perhaps, you'll focus on Scotland Island, monarch of this little slice of paradise.
Taronga Zoo
Everybody loves the zoo - well maybe some of the lions might look a little fed up with it but most humans seem to enjoy it. Taronga Zoo also boasts classic views across Sydney Harbour including the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Catch the ferry from Circular Quay.
Open Air Cinema
The Open Air Cinema is another must. The Open Air Cinema, close to Mrs Macquaries Chair in the Royal Botanic Gardens, is the most expensive, hardest to get into and the most 'must do' of a number of outdoor cinemas in Sydney. With a drink in hand, big screen with the Sydney City Skyline, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge as a backdrop it is hard to beat. If the movie is getting dull just watch the fruit bats fly off to feed or admire Sydney at its best - at night. Sadly, the Open Air Cinema is only open during the summer.
Palm Beach
35k trip or so up to Palm Beach will make you feel at Home whilst you're Away - if you like your Aussie soaps that is. An hour or so drive from the airport, Palm Beach was my first stop and should be yours to if you love beautiful beaches.
Manly Walks
Manly feels more like a seaside town rather than part of the largest city in Australia. The ocean side is east of Manly ferry terminal (Manly Wharf). Just cross the road and walk the length of Manly Corso.
Great Ocean Road
Take a ride through nature on the spectacular Great Ocean Road, which winds alongside the wild and windswept Southern Ocean from Geelong to Portland. This diverse and dramatic region takes in surf beaches, historic ports, whale lookouts, breathtaking mountain ranges, rainforests and national parks.See monster waves at Bells Beach and laze on the golden sands of Lorne. Visit an important Aboriginal site near Tower Hill or spot shipwrecks near the charming fishing village of Port Fairy. Of course, you can't miss the Twelve Apostles - craggy limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean.
Melbourne
Melbourne is a maze of hidden laneways, opulent bars, exclusive restaurants and off-the-beaten-track boutiques. Here you can soak up culture, hit the sporting grounds, taste the dynamic food and wine scene, dance til dawn or wander the parks and leafy boulevards. Visit Federation Square, the city's landmark cultural space, and enjoy a sunset beer on the St Kilda promenade. Shop till you drop on funky Brunswick Street or upmarket Chapel Street. Wander Southbank's cafes, bistros and bars and get a world tour of cuisines in Carlton, Richmond and Fitzroy. Take an Aboriginal Heritage Walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens and cheer with a capacity crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Gippsland
See your footprints in the sand of endless Ninety Mile Beach. Or cruise Gippsland Lakes, Australia's biggest expanse of inland waterways. Four wheel drive in the Australian Alps and trek the unspoilt coastline of Wilsons Promontory National Park. Trace Aboriginal history more than 18,000 years old. Then connect the vineyards, restaurants, farms and market stalls on a food and wine trail. Welcome to Gippsland, the wilderness coast where tall forests, lakes and beaches connect with Aboriginal history and gourmet delights.
The Twelve Apostles
The Twelve Apostles is a beautiful National Park along the coast of Victoria, Australia. The Twelve Apostles are between the two towns of Port Campbell and Princetown on the Great Ocean Road. From Melbourne you can go there two ways. The quick way or the scenic way.
Mount Hotham
Mount Hotham because places like Hotham prove that Australia is more than a red desert and because the snow skiing accommodates all skill levels and if you look hard enough it is possible to find a quiet slope. The views from the Mount are sensational whether its summer or winter and in certain places you could be forgiven for thinking you were looking at a European village. It's not all skiing though as summer on the mountain offers cycle races, festivals, 4WD tours, scenic chairlift rides and a host of other activities.
Philip and French Islands
Philip and French Islands are worthy destinations in their own right but allied to the fact that they abut Wilsons Promontry with its beaches, wildlife and bushland ensures they get a berth. As the southern most point of mainland Australia the region is full of history and charm and a visit to the islands for a meal of fresh local seafood and a chance to get up close and personal with koalas, seals and penguins tops it off.
Halls Gap, Grampians National Park
No other reason for selection is necessary apart from the sheer magnificence of the landscape with stunning cliffs, rock outcrops, crystal streams and lush valleys. Halls Gap is far enough from Melbourne to still feel rural and not so remote that any sense of Melbourne's great taste and style are lost. Accommodation ranges from camping to B&B to world class. When it comes to dining or locating a bottle of wine the options are plentiful and the quality and service usually superb. Did we mention the views?
Ballarat
Ballarat just takes the honours over Bendigo because of a quick survey on popularity. Both locale offers up a massive dose of history and both trace their origins back to the beginnings of Australia and the Victorian gold rushes. The architecture is inspiring, the surrounding countryside pretty and the services and dining again, typically Victorian terrific.
Crown Entertainment Complex
Home to international fashion boutiques, the glittering Crown Casino, the 5-star luxury accommodation of Crown Towers, 22 restaurants and great views of the Yarra and city skyline, Crown has something for everyone.
Federation Square
Head to the new heart of Melbourne. The size of a city block, Federation Square hosts events and festivals and brings together contemporary architecture, restaurants and cafes, as well as bold new galleries.
Melbourne Cricket Ground
ake a tour of the 'super stage' of Australian sport and entertainment. The MCG is one of the two most important cricket grounds in the world, and will be a Commonwealth Games venue in 2006.
Barossa Valley
The Barossa Valley is arguably the best-known wine-producing region in Australia. It's a beautiful, well-tended area with over 100 wine producers, around 70 of which encourage casual visits for tasting and cellar sales. To fully appreciate the area, get off the main road and take the narrow backroads between settlements.
South Australia 55km (34mi) northeast of Adelaide stretches from Lyndoch in the south west to Stockwell in the north east Barossa Valley
Snowy Mountains
The Great Dividing Range NSW-VIC border Kosciusko National Park
The Snowy Mountains is the highest section of Australia's Great Dividing Range. Kosciusko National Park covers most of the mountains and includes ski resorts, rugged alpine scenery, caves, glacial lakes and forests. Although renowned as a winter playground, the park is also popular with bushwalkers in summer.
Brisbane
Laze in the lush riverside gardens of South Bank, then browse the markets and swim in its lagoon. Bike ride in the City Botanic Gardens and abseil the cliffs of Kangaroo Point. Glide down the river on a majestic paddlesteamer or take a high-speed ferry to vibrant inner-city villages like Bulimba and New Farm. When culture cravings hit, wander the art galleries and museums, watch a performance by the Queensland Ballet, Opera or Orchestra perform or see cutting-edge theatre in the Powerhouse. In the boating hub of nearby Moreton Bay and Islands, you can swim, sea kayak, snorkel coral reefs, toboggan down the world's tallest sand dune, hire a sail boat or tussle with a marlin.
The Great Barrier Reef
Approx 300km (186mi) off the Capricorn Coast Queensland 368km (228mi) north of Brisbane
It stretches more than 2,000 kilometres along the Queensland coast, from the mainland towns of Port Douglas to Bundaberg. Hop between the pristine, palm-fringed islands on top, then explore the rainbow-coloured coral islands and marine life below.
Fraser Island
Four wheel drive next to the coloured sand cliffs of The Cathedrals or planes making joy flights on Seventy-Five Mile Beach. Bushwalk through rainforest growing from the sand and heathlands full of wild flowers and swim in mirrored lakes ringed with gold. Visit Lake McKenzie, picnic next to turtles at Lake Allom and spot whales from Indian Head. Discover the historic Maheno shipwreck in Happy Valley and see kangaroos, wallabies and possums on a bushwalk into the interior. Learn how the island was formed, and about its fascinating Aboriginal and pioneering history. It's easy to see why the Aboriginal owners called Fraser Island K'gari' or paradise.
Cairns
Cairns is a small tropical city in the north of Queensland located between rainforest and mountains and the sea. Its is is the primary gateway to Northern Australia. Cairns is 1,807 kilometres (approximately 1,100 miles) from Brisbane which gives you an idea of how large Queensland is. Islands such Green and Fitzroy Islands are a short trip away. Most of the tourism is based on the Great Barrier Reef and water sports but there is also a Casino and separate Convention Centre as well.
Townsville
Townsville is a tropical city located in the north of Queensland. The climate is warm and sunny with 300 days a year of sunshine. It is a great venue for sailing, cruises, snorkeling and scuba diving. Magnetic Island is just 20 minutes by ferry from Townsville. Magnetic Island is a large continental island lying just off the mainland from Townsville. With a population of 2000 spread out over several villages, it has 23 secluded beaches and coves with fringing coral reefs lying just offshore. Other islands in the Townsville area include Bedarra Island, Dunk Island, Hinchinbrook Island and Orpheus Island.
Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation is an area north of Daintree, which is the end of the paved road. The Daintree Ferry provides access into the Cape Tribulation area. This is accessible by conventional vehicles except during periods of heavy rain. Coach tours and a bus service also visit this area. Some hire car companies insist on four wheel drive vehicles. Cape tribulation is one area where the rainforest runs right down to the water. It is a pristine beautiful area with magnificent beaches. The rainforests here are now protected by World Heritage Laws so tourists have the privledge of visiting unspoilt virgin rainforest. Attractions inlcude rainforest & bush walks, Cape Tribulation Beach, Marrdja Botanical Walk and Coconut Beach & Resort.
The Sunshine Coast
Queensland's Sunshine Coast is located to the north of Brisbane and is made up of several resort towns. It stretches for 25 miles along the coast and is a mix of beautiful beaches and rocky headlands. The Sunshine Coast is not as developed as the Gold Coast and therefore the lifestyle is more relaxed.
The main town on the Sunshine Coast is Noosa. Noosa has a nice selection of restaurants and exclusive boutiques. It is a somewhat fashionable resort. Other towns in the area include Noosa Heads.
The Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is a modern series of towns located on miles of beaches on the south east coast of Queensland. Hotels and resorts are plentiful on the Gold Coast which is located about one hour's drive south of Brisbane.
People come here from all over Australia and the world to vacation in the sun and surf. Not unlike Florida, the Gold Coast attracts thousands of retirees. The warm winter climate makes this suitable for older folks who do not like the southern winters. However, don't be fooled by this, as there is plenty to do for the younger crowd. Clubs, restaurants and pubs are plentiful and outdoor activities such as surfing are ideal on the Gold Coast.
Daintree Rainforest
Between Daintree River and Cape Tribulation. Far North Queensland Two hours north of Cairns via the Cook Highway
The Daintree is the accessible section of breathtakingly beautiful coastal lowland rainforest in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. This dense, lush area hosts amazing pockets of biodiversity with unique swamp and mangrove forest habitats, eucalypt woodlands, native birds and tropical rainforest.
Adelaide
This elegant city is known for its colonial stone architecture, expansive parklands, lively festivals and incredible sense of space. Explore the museums and libraries of North Terrace, dine on dedicated eat streets' or picnic in gardens that sprawl over almost half the city. Go bike riding in Botanic Park or row past rose gardens in Rymill Park. Swim with dolphins or learn to sail in Glenelg or fish from the jetty in Henley. Just beyond the city centre you'll find the picturesque Adelaide Hills and the world-class wineries of the Barossa Valley.
Flinders Ranges
Soar over Wilpena Pound on a scenic flight. Fossick for opals and sleep underground in Coober Pedy. Hike the Heysen trail, mountain bike the Mawson track or four wheel drive steep, razor-edged tracks. Follow the Oodnadatta Track to remote and often arid Lake Eyre. Taste native plants and learn about Aboriginal art with traditional custodians of the land. Explore the area's pastoral history at Wilpena Pound Station. See the rare yellow-footed rock wallaby and an abundance of other native animals and birds in the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. Discover a lost world inside a stone basin, moonscapes and barren lakes, opals and fossils, national parks and Aboriginal rock art.
Kangaroo Island
See pink pelicans wheeling through the sky, sea lions lying on the sand of Seal Bay and sleepy koalas in the trees. Sit in the sand grandstands and watch packs and pairs of little penguins make their nightly pilgrimage to the shore in Penneshaw. Load up on fresh produce - from Ligurian honey to free range chickens and eggs - and wine produced by 30 growers from Cape Willoughby to Kingscote. Stay in heritage accommodation and see some of South Australia's first lighthouses at Cape Willoughby, Cape Borda and Cape du Couedic. Swim on secret beaches at Stokes Bay, surf at Vivonne Bay and fish from Emu Bay. Take a scenic drive to the underground caves of Kelly Hill Conservation Park and the Remarkable Rocks in Flinders Chase National Park.
The Fleurieu Peninsula
Twenty miles south of Adelaide, you will find The Fleurieu Peninsula. There are wineries, beaches and 940 miles of hiking trails. One of the wine regions here is McLaren Vale with over 50 wineries. For hiking, strolling along the beach or trying some of the local wines, the Fleurieu Peninsula is a great attraction.
The Eyre Peninsula
The Eyre Peninsula is for people who love the water. It is a popular area for surfing, whale watching and fishing. As with Kangaroo Island, there is a population of seals and sea lions and dolphins. In fact, you can take some tours that will allow you to swim with the dolphins in the wild.
Coober Pedy
One of the more famous towns in this region is Coober Pedy which is the opal mining capital of the world. You may or may not know but Australia produces over 90% of the world's opals and they are much deeper in colour that the ones available in the United States.
The Murray River
The Murray River is the second longest river is Australia after the Darling River. It originates in the alps in New South Wales and has played a major role in Australia's history much like the Mississippi River in the United States. It has been used for irrigation and for transport although much of the transportation today is for recreation. Many vacationers have houseboats and you are also able to cruise on a paddlesteamer not unlike St. Louis and New Orleans. That will probably be the only likeness however as South Australia is largely unpopulated, at least by humans.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Tasmania's best-known national park has spectacular mountain peaks, deep gorges, lakes and wild moorlands. It's one of the areas affected most by glacial activity in Australia. There are plenty of day walks, but it's the spectacular 80.5km (50mi) walk, known as The Overland Track, between the Cradle Valley and Cynthia Bay regions that has turned this park into a bushwalkers' mecca.
Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park 144km (90mi) from Launceston and 83km (51mi) from Devonport Derwent Bridge
Freycinet
Capture the perfect contours of Wineglass Bay on your camera. Then swim, boat, fish, snorkel and scuba dive from the dreamy white beach. Go abseiling in the Hazards and four wheel drive to Cape Tourville Lighthouse, where the view will make you dizzy. Surf from Friendly Beaches and sea kayak next to dolphins in Honeymoon Bay. Meet wetland birds in Moulting Lagoon and spot migrating humpback whales on a boat cruise. Bushwalk past Aboriginal middens and learn about the French explorers who first discovered this paradise. At the end of the day, relax in a lodge overlooking Great Oyster Bay with a meal of fresh seafood and glass of wine made from local vines.
Perth
Cruise the Swan River past parks and skyscrapers to 40 vineyards in the Swan Valley or the Perth Zoo. Visit Rottnest Island, where you can explore history, bike ride to secret beaches and kayak to secluded bays. Feast on seafood and soak up the carnival atmosphere in historic Fremantle. Discover the lookouts, landscaped gardens and Aboriginal heritage of huge Kings Park. Swim, surf, fish, windsurf and sail on clean and uncrowded beaches such as Cottlesloe or Scarborough. Then skip between the sunny boardwalks, beaches and marinas of the Sunset Coast.
Ningaloo
Join the tropical-coloured party at Ningaloo Marine Park, home to 200 species of hard coral, 50 soft coral and over 500 species of fish. Ningaloo is one of the world's largest fringing reefs, stretching for 260 kilometres off Western Australia's mid north coast. What's more, its closest point is within 100 metres of shore so you can join the festivities just by stepping off the beach.Swim with the docile whale sharks, the world's largest fish, who visit between April and June. Watch humpback whales between June and November and see rare turtle species hatch on guided, eco-interactive trails in January and February.
Margaret River
Bronzed surfers and wine-quaffing city slickers rub shoulders in this buzzing tourist hub that offers some of the best surfing in Australia and some of its most delicious wines. Wild coastal scenery, sophisticated restaurants, internationally acclaimed vineyards and a string of fascinating limestone caves are real crowd-pleasers.
Western Australia Margaret River 10km (6.2mi) from Busselton, 290km (180mi) south of Perth
Swim with Dolphins
It isn't every day that you get a chance to swim with a mammal that's far smarter than you are, learned to surf way before you did, manages on less sleep than you do and can jump higher out of the water than you can.
Amazingly, these remarkably able beings are prepared without much encouragement to spend some time playing with much less talented beings: we humans.
They do this in a variety of places around Australia. WA's Monkey Mia is probably the most famous (completely wild, no feeding), but it's possible to swim with dolphins in many other places as well these days.
It's a magical and unforgettable experience being smart, they sure know how to get humans to love them.
Did you know?
Dolphins have excellent eyesight, but they can only see in front of and below them, so they sometimes need to swim upside-down to catch fish. Show-offs.
How to get there
Qantas and Virgin Blue offer daily flights to Perth from all major cities in Australia.
Shark Bay, where Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort is located, is an eight to 10-hour drive (850km) from Perth along a sealed road.
Greyhound has regular bus services to Shark Bay.
Skywest Airlines operate direct flights from Perth to Shark Bay airport.
The Kimberley
Western Australia, East along Great Northern Hwy Gibb River Rd via Derby from Broome.
Ride a camel at sunset down Broome's Cable Beach and soar over the towers of the Bungle Bungle Ranges. Cruise huge Lake Argyle and see tides taller than a building in the Buccaneer Archipelago. Four wheel drive the Gibb River Road past gorges and mighty rivers, or follow the red-dirt track from Broome to the remote Dampier Peninsula. Welcome to the Kimberley - a world of vast horizons, ancient gorges, weird rock formations, welcoming rock pools and golden beaches.
Red Centre
You may know it's sacred to the Aboriginal people here, and that it turns some spectacular colours at sunrise and sunset. You might not know that you can experience it through Aboriginal eyes, or that there are many other sacred and breathtaking sites here in Australia's vast centre. Uluru's cousin Kata Tjuta is just 40 kilometres away and you'll find the awe-inspiring Kings Canyon not far from Alice Springs. You might not realise that this landscape has green vegetation and lush waterholes as well as dusty red roads and huge slabs of rock. And what you won't really understand until you get here is the magic, majesty, silence and splendid isolation of Australia's Red Centre.
Kakadu National Park
246km (153mi) east of Darwin Northern Territory Jabiru.
Here in Australia's biggest national park, you'll find rugged escarpments, lush rainforest and rock art galleries up to 50,000 years old. Learn about Aboriginal culture from traditional owners the Bininj/Mungguy people. Witness millions of migratory birds amongst the wetlands. See delicate waterlilies and prehistoric crocodiles, thundering waterfalls and sparkling waterholes. Experience Kakadu's magic in six dramatically different seasons. Kakadu is a tapestry of treasures waiting to be explored.
Arnhem Land
Arnhem Land is located in the far North of Australia's Outback Northern Territory. There's something extra special about arriving as a visitor to one of the Top End's tiny, far-flung coastal communities. Hordes of free-spirited children stop their beachfront acrobatics to mill around and chatter. Friendly ladies in colourful dresses lead you gently by the arm to their favourite museum exhibit.
Katherine
Katherine is a small town located 185 miles south of Darwin on the banks of the Katherine River. It was home for thousands of years for the Australian Aboriginals but is now a tourist town and a spring board to various attractions such as the Katherine Gorge and the Cutta Cutta Caves. Katherine Gorge is 30 miles from Katherine and is a series of gorges running through red sandstone cliffs. These gorges have been cut out by years of rain and they are estimated to be over 1 billion years old. The best way to tour this area is by boat.
Litchfield National Park
Litchfield National Park is located 85 miles south of Darwin and is a great recreational spot for swimming in deep crocodile-free pools. There are waterfalls such as Florence Falls. Look out for the giant termite mounds as a point of interest. The best way to get there is by car from Darwin or take a tour.