Australia stands as a vast and captivating nation, celebrated for its breathtaking beaches and a wealth of sun-drenched days. Queensland, often hailed as the "Sunshine State," invites you into a realm of tropical rainforests, unspoiled shorelines, and crystalline azure waters teeming with vibrant marine ecosystems. It's a place where many wanderers opt to indulge in a few nights in Sydney, immersing themselves in its picturesque harbor, enchanting beaches, and an abundance of diverse dining options, before embarking on journeys to discover other corners of this remarkable state or even the entire country. Meanwhile, Tasmania, with its magnificent mountainous landscapes and the freshest air on the planet, has recently emerged as a captivating destination that captures the hearts of travellers. The country's diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultural experiences make it a top destination for travelers seeking adventure, natural beauty, and cultural immersion.
Daintree Rainforest: Immerse yourself in the lush, ancient Daintree Rainforest in Queensland, home to unique wildlife and pristine landscapes. Explore the dense jungle, walk along pristine beaches, and discover the local Aboriginal culture.
Great Barrier Reef: Explore the world's largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel or dive to witness vibrant marine life and coral formations in the crystal-clear waters of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Great Ocean Road: Drive along the scenic Great Ocean Road in Victoria, which offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and famous rock formations, including the Twelve Apostles.
Kangaroo Island: Head to Kangaroo Island in South Australia to experience remarkable wildlife encounters. The island is home to kangaroos, sea lions, koalas, and diverse bird species, making it a nature lover's paradise.
Sydney Opera House and Harbour: Visit the iconic Sydney Opera House, a marvel of modern architecture, and enjoy the stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Explore the vibrant city and its beautiful harborside neighborhoods.
Uluru (Ayers Rock): Witness the awe-inspiring Uluru, a massive sandstone monolith in the heart of the Australian Outback. Its changing colors at sunrise and sunset are a sight to behold and hold deep cultural significance for Indigenous Australians.
Australia welcomes visitors throughout the year, but our preferred months for travel are from April to June and September to October.
Currency: Australian Dollar
Language: English
What makes it special: Australia offers a remarkable variety of landscapes, from the stunning coastal beauty of the Great Barrier Reef to the rugged Outback, the lush rainforests of Queensland, and the vibrant cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Australia's laid-back lifestyle, diverse wildlife, and indigenous culture make it one of our top travel destinations.
Weather: Australia is a year-round destination. Summers (December to February) can bring scorching heat in many regions, while winters (June to August) offer milder temperatures. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) provide pleasant weather for travel.
Social customs: In Australia, it's common for people to have a relaxed and friendly attitude. Australians are known for their love of outdoor activities and sports, including cricket, rugby, and surfing. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory, and it's customary to greet people with a friendly "G'day." Australians are welcoming hosts, often hosting barbecues and gatherings, and it's considered polite to bring a dish or drink to share when invited to someone's home.
It is hard to grasp just how vast and beautiful this wild and remote region is! One excursion we were excited to take from Wyndham was a flight over the Bungle Bungles - truly amazing spectacle! It made me want to also explore this region more. Many fellow clients had incorporated a land tour or self drive stay in the region as well as the cruise to see its features on the coast. It is worth making the most of being in that region at the time.
The Kimberley’s has really interesting World War Two history as well as Aboriginal history, culture and rock art dating back thousands of years. It also has exciting wildlife [and an abundance of it!], but its biggest drawcard is the stunning landscapes and features you don’t find anywhere else in the world.
The Montgomery reef, 400 sq. kilometres of reef [ the largest inshore reef in the world] gets exposed twice daily by the extreme drop in tide [ one of the largest in the world] to create a magical phenomenon of sight and sound! Truly unique and exciting experience.
Also there is the Horizontal falls in Talbot Bay – a natural wonder from tidal surges again that is unique.
Kimberley is vibrant colour in the landscapes, sunsets and sunrises, the sights and sounds of the exciting wildlife that is in abundance, the warmth of the sun, the cultural interest to see and hear and so remote it feels untouched at every turn.
I can’t wait to go back and see more.
Michelle S (an excerpt my Ponant cruise review, see Cruise section)
