Sydney Harbour, NSW - Business Events Australia

Perth, WA
Cover - Sydney Harbour, NSW
2
The Grampians, VIC
G’day
There’s nothing like Australia. Our home is a land of adventure
and surprise, of the strange and the wonderful. A place where
you’ ll quickly appreciate the feeling of space and the fresh
informal attitude that shapes our way of life. A place where
you’ ll be welcomed like a local and invited to join in.
In the following pages we’ve gathered together a guide to
the experiences that really make a holiday in Australia unique
– from our energetic cities and the magical outback, to our
relaxed coastal lifestyle and inspiring Aboriginal heritage.
So what are you waiting for?
There’s nothing like Australia
Outback
Our heart and soul
6
cOaStaL
Taking the plunge
10
FOOD aND WINE
Indulging your tastebuds
14
cItIES
Being part of the action
18
NatuRE
Surrounding yourself in nature
22
abORIGINaL
Sharing our spirit
26
JOuRNEYS
Feeling free to roam
MaP OF auStRaLIa 30
5
EVENtS
34
GEttING HERE aND aROuND
36
tRaVEL tIPS
38
Thecontentsofthisbrochurewereaccurateatthetimeofprinting.
Formoreup-to-dateinformation,pleasevisitaustralia.com.
Gold Coast, QLD
3
MaP SYMbOLS
At a glance
Australia’s many and unique experiences make for a
memorable, fun and exciting time. We have excellent food
and wine for you to enjoy. A red outback punctuated by
stunning greens, purples and an endless blue sky. Cities
that brim with vibrancy. Beaches that sparkle and invite.
Rainforests that started their life thousands of years ago.
Roads to be driven, paths to be walked. Unique animals
to behold. And an ancient Aboriginal culture that explains
how it all came about. It’s yours to explore and to enjoy.
Featured experiences
Outback (pg 6)
Nature (pg 22)
1
FlindersRanges,SA*
25 GreatBarrierReef,QLD
2
MungoNationalPark,NSW
26 PhillipIsland,VIC
3
GlenHelenGorge,NT*
27 TasmanianRainforests,TAS
4
BungleBungles,WA
28 NingalooReef,WA
Longreach,QLD
29 KangarooIsland,SA*
5
coastal (pg 10)
6
30 Kakadu,NT
ByronBay,NSW
aboriginal (pg 26)
MargaretRiver,WA
31 Uluru-KataTjutaNationalPark,NT*
8
Whitsundays,QLD
32 MonkeyMia,WA
9
WineglassBay,TAS
33 Kimberley/Broome,WA
7
10 TheGoldCoast,QLD
11 MorningtonPeninsula,VIC
Journeys
HighwaysandMajorRoads
OtherRoadsandTracks
MainRailwayLines
MajorAirports
MarineParks
D
NationalParksandReserves
N
AboriginalLand
Broome 33
Port Hedland
Onslow
Exmouth
28
RUDALL RIVER
NAT PARK
KARIJINI
NAT PARK
Carnarvon
32
Geraldton
Kalgoorlie - Boulder
Fremantle 16
34 TheDaintree,QLD
YALGORUP
NAT PARK
35 Coorong,SA
Bunbury
36 Kakadu,NT*
Journeys (pg 30)
13 SalamancaMarkets,TAS
37 SavannahWay,QLD,NT,WA
14 BarossaValley,SA
38 GreatOceanRoad,VIC*
15 Manly,NSW
39 RedCentreWay,NT*
16 FremantleMarkets,WA
40 WhitsundayCruising,QLD
cities (pg 18)
17 Sydney,NSW
National Landscapes
42 AustralianAlps,VIC,NSW
19 Canberra,ACT
43 CoastalWilderness,VIC,NSW
20 Darwin,NT
44 GreenCauldron,NSW,QLD
21 Brisbane,QLD
45 GreaterBlueMountains,NSW
22 Adelaide,SA
*Experiencesmarkedwithan
asteriskalsomakeupAustralia’s
NationalLandscapes.
23 Hobart,TAS
24 Perth,WA
Albany
41 PacificTouringRoute,NSW,QLD
18 Melbourne,VIC
State abbreviations:AustralianCapitalTerritory(ACT);NewSouthWales(NSW);
NorthernTerritory(NT);Queensland(QLD);SouthAustralia(SA);Tasmania(TAS);
Victoria(VIC);WesternAustralia(WA).
Flinders Rang
4
Esperance
7
Food and Wine (pg 14)
12 YarraValley,VIC
24
PERTH
es, SA
Mt
Borradaile
20
DARWIN
36 30
Elizabeth
River
KAKADU
NAT PARK
Katherine
DRYSDALE
RIVER
NAT PARK
LAKEFIELD
NAT PARK
Wyndham
GREGORY
RIVER
NAT PARK
37
DAINTREE
NAT PARK
STAATEN RIVER
NAT PARK
4
Port Douglas
34
Cairns
PURNULULU
NAT PARK
25
LAWN HILL
NAT PARK
Tennant Creek
Townsville
40
8
Mt Isa
Mackay
41
3
Alice Springs
Kings
Canyon
31
5
DIAMANTINA
NAT PARK
39
Wilson
Island
Rockhampton
Gladstone
SIMPSON
DESERT
NAT PARK
Uluru/
Ayers Rock
Bundaberg
WITJIRA
NAT PARK
Maryborough
Sunshine Coast
LAKE EYRE
NAT PARK
Toowoomba
21
10
BRISBANE
44
6
Bourke
oulder
NULLARBOR
NAT PARK
1
Parachilna
FLINDERS
RANGES
NAT PARK
Whyalla
Dubbo
Port Pirie
2
Orange
14
Mildura
22
erance
Tamworth
Broken Hill
29
Wagga Wagga
35
Kangaroo
Island
Bendigo
The
Grampians
Mt Gambier
0
100
200
300
100
400
200
500
600
300
700
400
JOuRNEY DIStaNcES Road
800 KILOMETRES
500 MILES
air
Road
air
kMS MILES HRS
From – to
508
315
1.10
Darwin–Kakadu
200
124
n/a
Adelaide–AliceSprings
1533 952
2.00
Melbourne–Hobart
610
378
1.10
kMS MILES HRS
454
1.05
Adelaide–Perth
2706 1680 3.10
Melbourne–Adelaide
731
Adelaide–Brisbane
2045 1270 2.45
Melbourne–Perth
3434 2132 4.00
AliceSprings–Uluru
443
Sydney–Adelaide
1412 877
Uluru–Cairns
2886 1789 2.30
Sydney–Uluru
2870 1779 3.35
Brisbane–Sydney
965
Sydney–Canberra
286
177
0.45
Brisbane–Cairns
1716 1065 2.05
Sydney–Melbourne
872
542
1.10
Darwin–AliceSprings
1489 924
Sydney–Perth
4110 2552 4.00
600
1.20
1.55
SYDNEY
Wollongong
Goulburn
CANBERRA
SNOWY
RIVER
From – to
0.40
Hawks Nest
Newcastle
Bathurst
17 15
NAT PARK
Ballarat
18
Geelong
MELBOURNE
38
43
12
11
26
Torquay
Adelaide–BrokenHill
275
19
Albury
42 KOSCIUSZKO
NAT PARK
Wodonga
45
BLUE
MOUNTAINS
NAT PARK
Griffith
ADELAIDE
ADE
Lord Howe
Island
WOLLEMI
NAT PARK
1.40
CRADLE MTN LAKE ST CLAIR
NAT PARK
Gordon
River 27
Launceston
23
9
13
HOBART
FACT
In land area, Australia is
the sixth largest nation in
the world.
Australiacompared
withEurope.
5
There’s nothing like
our heart and soul
From red deserts to lush green waterholes, open spaces and sky
that goes on forever; Australia’s outback is a place where a new
adventure awaits at every turn.
It’s vast. It’s red. It’s welcoming. It’s magical. It’s not difficult
to lose yourself in the heart of this country, its people and its
stories. That’s the thing with the Aussie outback – when you’re
here, it becomes your story; your time and place.
Red Centre Way,
6
NT
Uluru, NT
7
Prairie Hotel, Parachilna, SA
Y
ou don’ t have to venture far before
discovering our outback. Brimming with
‘ true-blue’ characters, quaint country towns,
quirky mining communities, cattle and sheep
stations, Aboriginal culture and a ‘roo or two,
a journey into the outback is a journey into
our heart and soul. There’s so much to see and
do that you’ ll never run out of inspiration and
things to try.
Pubs and characters
There’snothingthatAussieslikemorethantocrack
opena‘coldone’onahotsummer’sday.It’satthe
localpubthatyou’lldiscoverwhatmakesouroutback
characterstick.Whileyou’rethere,catchauniquelocal
eventsuchascamelracing.
Station life
Becomea‘bushy’inyourownrightbyexperiencing
cattlestationlife.AsaJackarooorJillarooyoutoocan
tryyourhandatroundingupcattle,fixingfences,
drivingatractor,unloadingbalesofhay,shearing
sheep,andbecominganexpertatcrackingastockwhip.
Then,beforeyoubunkerdownforthenight,youcan
joininacampfiresing-alongwhilesittingunderthe
SouthernCross–abeaconinablanketofamillionstars.
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Outback waterways
Australiamightbethedriestcontinentonearthbut
thelandiscriss-crossedbyvastwebsofriversand
waterways.Whiletheymightbedrythemajorityof
thetime,theyspringtolifeafterrainandbecome
aninstanthavenforbirdsandwildlife.Afteryearsof
beingwaterless,you’llwonderhowthefishandfrogs
suddenlyreappear.
Travel and adventure
Withavastnetworkofsealedroads,regularfuel
stopsandlotsofaccommodation,ajourneyintothe
Australianoutbackiseasy.Ifyouprefer,goby4WD,
andtraversesomeofthebestdeserttracksintheworld.
Ortakeyourpickofadventuresalongtheway–from
trainridesacrosslegendarypioneerroutestohiking,
rockclimbing,hotairballooningorcameltrekking.
Surprising luxury
Surroundyourselfwithbreathtakingruggedness,
thenliebackandhaveyourstressesmassagedaway.
Fromfive-starcampingtoresort-stylehomesteads
andstationsthatofferindulgentspatreatments,
ourbackyardisfilledwithtop-notchexperiences.
Flinders Ranges, SA
Bungle Bungles, WA
Mungo National Par
k, NSW
Longreach,
QLD
Waterhole swimming, NT
s
e
c
n
e
i
r
e
p
x
e
k
O utbac
Flinders Ranges, South Australia
Takeascenicflightandgazeinwonderas
themonumentalsplendouroftherock
basinofWilpenaPoundrollsoutbeneath
you.Explorethelegendarywaterholesof
theFlindersRangesandthen,ifyoufeela
bitpeckish,headtowardsafriendlypub
andtaste-testsomeofthearea’sfamous
‘bushtucker’whileswappingstorieswith
thelocals.
Mungo National Park, New South Wales
Explorethisancientlunarlandscapewith
localAboriginalpeopleandlearnabout
their50,000yearsofhistoryandculture.
Discoverplaceswhererainandwindhave
uncoveredfireplaces,hearths,artefactsand
stonetools,andseeforyourselftherock
formationthatlookslikeagianttidalwave.
Glen Helen Gorge, Northern Territory
SlicingthroughtheMacDonnellRanges,the
GlenHelenGorgewaterholeisbroad,cool
andrefreshing.Andifyou’relucky,aftera
refreshingswimorwhilepitchingyourtent
tosleepunderthestars,youmightseea
black-footedrockwallaby.
bungle bungles, Western Australia
Stripedorangeandblackandloomingup
fromthedesertfloor,theBungleBungles
areasightlikenoother.Standingamongst
thetall,domedsandstonerockformations,
similartogiganticbeehives,rising300
metresaboveyouintotheoutbacksky,
youdiscoverhowhumbling,yetmajestic,
ournaturalworldis.
Longreach, Queensland
Joinacampfireandhearthepoetryofthe
outbackpeopleatthespiritualhomeland
oftheAussie‘bushy’.Hereyoucanlearn
aboutthehistoryoftheoutbackandthe
peoplewhocallithomeattheStockman’s
HallofFame.Homeoftheworld’sfirstflying
surgeonandthebirthplaceofournational
airlineQantas,there’smuchtodoinand
aroundthislegendaryoutbacktown.
FACT
The world’s longest
continuous fence, known
as the ‘ d ingo fence’, is
1.8 metres high and runs
through central
Queensland
for 5,531
kilometres.
9
There’s nothing like
taking the plunge
They’re uncrowded. Unspoilt. Our white, sandy beaches go on
forever and have helped define our identity.
We love them. Revel in them. Play, party, eat and laze on them.
Swim, fish and sail by them. We find them so enticing that
the majority of us live within a short drive from them.
Like us, you too will find that something magical happens the
closer you get to the beautiful oceans that surround our country.
Perhaps it’s the gentle sea breeze. The laughter, the smell of
fresh air, the casual atmosphere or the sound of crashing waves.
Whatever it is, you will be spellbound by our coast.
Byron Bay, NSW
10
Ningaloo Reef, WA
11
Esperance, WA
S
tretching almost 50,000 kilometres,
World Heritage wonders
Australia’s coastline offers one sandy beach Withsomeofthemostdiverseandunspoiltcoastlinein
for around every five kilometres. Our continent theworld,wehavemorebeachesthananyothernation.
There’severychanceyou’llbeabletofindoneortwoall
is, after all, the world’s largest island. And with toyourself!Buttherearealsosomereallyspecialspots
more than 80 per cent of our population living thatmaytemptyouforreasonsotherthanswimmingand
relaxingonthesand.OurtwoWorldHeritagelistedmarine
parks–theGreatBarrierReefontheeastcoastandShark
within 50 kilometres of the coast, the beach
Bayonthewestcoastofferastunningkaleidoscopeofreef
has become an integral part of our laidback
lifeaccessibletoeveryone;youdon’thavetobeascuba
lifestyle. Our coastline is also where you can see divertocomeface-to-facewithaclownfish.PutyourfourwheeldrivingtothetestatWorldHeritagelistedFraser
our wildlife and interact with native animals
Island,thelargestsandislandintheworldandaparadise
and marine life. The coast is where mountains, ofbeaches,freshwaterlagoonsandrainforest.
rainforest and the outback meet the sea – where Aboriginal encounters
YoucaneasilycombineanAboriginalculturalencounter
land and ocean become one.
withmarineandbeach-basedadventures:spearfishing
bymoonlight,awalkingtourwithAboriginalguides,or
More than a beach
rescuingendangeredturtles.
TheAussiecoastlineismorethanjustwhite,glorious
beaches.Smalltownsandhugecitiesbustleatthe
shore.There’saccommodationtosuityoureverymood
(andbudget)–grandhotels,humbleholidayshacks,
caravanparksandcampinggrounds.Withblissful
sceneryandavastrangeofactivities,youcandoas
muchoraslittleasyoulike.Indulgeinretreats,spasand
fivestarluxury.Ortryyourhandatsurfing,snorkelling,
sailingandscubadiving.Takeawhalewatchingtouror
joinagameofbeachcricket.Thenkickbackwiththe
freshestfishandchips.
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Food and wine on the beach
Diningalongourspectacularcoastlineisoneofour
favouritethingstodo.Joinusforamealatafivestar
restaurantoramorecasualbeachbarbecue.Share
abottleofcool,crispwhitewine,asyousavourthe
stunningbackdropofcrashingwavesandthefreshness
ofthecleanoceanair.
Retreat to the beach
Sliponyoursarong–it’stimeforatreat.Whetheryou
takealifestyleretreattuckedawayinthehinterlandor
optforaluxuryseasidespa,theAustraliancoastprovides
theperfectbackdroptoyourretreatDownUnder.
Great Barrier Reef, QLD
Surfing, QLD
Byron Bay, NSW
Freycinet, TAS
Mornington Peninsula, VIC
Coastal experiences
byron bay, New South Wales
Learnhowtobetrulylaidbackwithavisit
toByronBay.Famousforitsgreatsurfing
beaches,Byronisalsoknownforitsmix
ofbohemianchic,alternativelifestyleand
hedonisticindulgence.
Margaret River, Western Australia
Headtooneofthe75surfbeachesthathug
the130kilometrecoastlineofthisfamous
wine-growingregion.Don’tforgettofill
thebootofyourhirecarwithfull-bodied
wine,lusciousoliveoil,deliciouscheesesand
hand-madechocolatestomakeyourdayof
indulgenceevenmorespecial.
Whitsundays, Queensland
TuckedinsidetheGreatBarrierReefand
theCoralSea,theWhitsundayscomprise
74scenicislandswaitingtobeexplored.
Withonlyeightislandsinhabited,youcan
besuretofindonewhereonlyyour
footprintstouchthesand.
Wineglass bay, Tasmania
Ratedasoneoftheworld’s10bestbeaches,
WineglassBayonthestunningFreycinet
Peninsulawillenteryoursoulandstay
withyouforever.Thebay’sperfectcurveof
whitesand,setagainstthejaggedrangeof
pinkandgreygranitepeakswilltakeyour
breathaway.
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
SetontheeasternsideofPortPhillipBay
withtheSouthernOceantothesouthand
baysandshelteredsandybeachesoneither
side,theMorningtonPeninsulaoffersevery
kindofaquaticactivity.Sail,surf,fishand
swimwithdolphins.Takeacoastalwalkpast
dunes,beaches,cliffsandlighthousesand
stopandenjoyamealatoneofthemany
cafésoverlookingthepicturesquebay.
the Gold coast, Queensland
Knownforits70kilometrestretchofrolling
surfandsandybeaches,andcelebratedfor
itssurflifesavers,sophisticatedshopping,
world-classthemeparksandunforgettable
events,theGoldCoastoffersalaidback
lifestylededicatedtohavingfun.
FACT
The Great Barrier Reef is
the world’s largest coral reef
system. It is as big as the
total combined area of the
United Kingdom and Ireland.
13
There’s nothing like
indulging your
tastebuds
We’ve learnt from the best and our chefs and wine makers have
bent the rules and created a food and wine style all of our own.
They’ve blended, chopped, shaken and fused nature’s sun-kissed
produce to create a delicious melting pot of cuisine and award
winning full-flavoured wines.
It’s Australia’s love of freshness and spontaneity that inspires
our people to do great things with food and wine in
wonderful settings.
Kangaroo Island
14
, SA
Barossa Valley, SA
new Tasmania shot
15
Byron Bay, NSW
W
hether you’re in the mood for a perfectly Sensational locations
Half the fun of eating and drinking is where you do it.
cooked steak, Asian-fused modern
cosmopolitan cities and country wine estates, to
cuisine, a racy Riesling or a crocodile sausage, From
the beaches and the bush and wine regions, the choices
are endless. Add to this an excellent climate and you
Australia is the place to be. Australia has
have the perfect recipe for outdoor dining. Whether you
a food and wine style all of its own. From
dine in a quaint outback pub or a buzzing café, under the
mouth-watering European and Mediterranean desert sky or in an ancient rainforest, you can taste the
best of our food almost anywhere.
influences through to the tantalising spices
of Asia and the Middle East, and exotic bush Learn to cook Aussie style
Grab an apron and roll up your sleeves. Adding a cooking
tucker from our own backyard, the choice is
school to your itinerary allows you to immerse yourself in
our gourmet wonderland. Join locals and travellers alike
vast and delicious.
You will find us welcoming and knowledgeable hosts,
offering a service style that blends sophistication with
a dash of Aussie informality. As Australia is one of the
world’s leading wine producers, you won’t have any
problem finding a delectable red, white or rosé to share,
or a friend to share it with.
Great quality
You won’t believe the sheer quality and variety of Aussie
food. That’s because we’ve got so many different climates
to shape, bake and add zest to our produce. We’ve got
the tropical heat in the north to ripen our mangoes,
avocados and macadamia nuts and the brisk cool of the
south to season our herbs, mussels, tuna and Chardonnay
grapes. Taste the best of each region by visiting roadside
stalls, markets, food festivals, gourmet deli trails and
farms. Then there are restaurants, bistros, cafés and pubs
to tempt your taste buds and boutique breweries and
vineyards to quench your thirst.
16
at a local fish market cooking school in a fun and friendly
environment. At the end of the class, enjoy the fruits of
your labour and tuck in for a feast over great conversation.
At the end of the road
All roads in Australia lead to food, wine and relaxation.
With more than 1,800 wineries and 60 wine regions,
you’ll be spoilt for choice as you wind your way through
the countryside. Watch out for our food producing districts
specialising in quality beef, veal and lamb, dairy products,
cheese, fruit and veggies. Or head along the coast to find
some of the world’s most succulent salmon, trout, lobsters,
bugs, barramundi, oysters, mussels, crabs and yabbies.
A little more
Our food and wine experience is more than… well, food
and wine. It’s about hot air ballooning, country walks,
cycling, horse drawn carriages and old steam trains.
It’s about art, heritage and culture. Big bands and gentle
opera. Making your own wine and picking your own
produce. Being involved, relaxation, laughter and fun.
Torquay Marke
Bay of Fires, TAS
t, VIC
Seafood
Canberra, ACT
Barossa Valley, SA
s
e
c
n
e
ri
e
p
x
e
e
in
w
d
n
a
d
o
Fo
Yarra Valley, Victoria
Justbehindthefringesofthemajestic
cityofMelbourneliestheYarraValley.
AworldthatisreminiscentofFrenchand
Italianwinegrowingregions.Aplaceof
unspoiltpristinebeauty,crispcleanwater
andfriendlyambience.Aplacewhere
55wineriesclustertogetherbehindrolling
hillsofvinesandwheregourmetrestaurants
beckonyoutotheircuisine.
barossa Valley, South Australia
HometosomeoftheoldestShirazvineyards
intheworldaswellasacclaimedRieslings,
theBarossaValleyisoneofourbest-known
wineregions.Asyouwillsoondiscover,
theBarossaisaboutmorethanjustwine.
Thisisatruegourmetlover’sparadise,
enrichedwithastrongculturalheritage
thatisreflectedintheregion’sproduceand
closelylinkedtownsandvillages.
Salamanca Markets, Tasmania
Hotbakedpotatoesonacoldwinter’sday,
crisporganicveggies,brightredtomatoes,
localdelicaciesandfreshlyharvested
oysters.SinkyourteethintoTasmanianlife.
Breatheinthearomas.Tastetheflavours
anddiscoverHobart’sbest,everySaturday
morningatSalamancaMarkets.
Manly, New South Wales
Surroundedonthreesidesbywater,Manlyis
theperfectdestinationtositandwatchlife
goby.ThisisoneofthebestspotsinSydney
toenjoyamealbythesea.Fishandchips,a
cupofcoffeeormouthwateringfareatone
oftheworld’sgreatestbeaches.
Fremantle Markets, Western Australia
Experiencealltheexcitementofthislively,
bustlingweekendbazaar.Fillyourhamper
withavastassortmentoffreshand
interestingfoods,fantasticcraftsand
handmadegifts.Thisisnotjustamarket,
itisawayoflife.Aculturalexperiencerich
inhistoryandtraditiondatingbackover
110years.
FACT
Australia is the fourth
largest wine exporting
country in the world and
is the number
16 wine
drinking
country.
17
There’s nothing like
being part of
the action
Colourful. Vibrant. Sophisticated. Welcoming.
Our cities are filled with culture. Each completely different
from one another, but still distinctly Australian. There are parks
to walk in, waterways to sail on, amazing sporting and artistic
events to see, interesting food to taste and markets to explore.
With easy access to hundreds of surrounding regions, we
welcome you to use our cities as a springboard for your Down
Under adventure.
Hobart, TAS
18
Melbourne Laneways, VIC
new Tasmania shot
19
Sydney Harbour, NSW
O
ur vibrant cities blend the Australian
Go outdoors
laidback lifestyle and cosmopolitan culture TheAustralianweatherisperfectforkickingbackand
enjoyingthegreatoutdoors.Mostofourrestaurantsare
perfectly. You can see it in our architecture,
gearedforalfrescoeatingandwithparklandsgalore,
there’salwaysanopportunitytoenjoyapicnic.Asmost
experience it in our stylish precincts, shops,
majorcitiesarelocatedalongthecoastline,it’ssimpleto
theatres and bars and taste it in our food and
headtothebeachforalazyafternoon.Thereareoutdoor
marketstoexplore,lanewaystomeanderthroughanda
wine. Sitting naturally alongside the ocean
vastarrayofadventurethrillsandsportingactivitiesto
and the bush, it’s all about Australia’s famous
keepyouhealthyandfit.
“no worries” approach and embracing the outdoor People to meet
lifestyle that makes our cities so unique.
PeoplefromallovertheworldcallAustraliahome:
Sydney,forexample,ishometopeoplefrom180different
Things to do
countries.AndwithAustralia’sdiversityofpeoplecomes
Ifthere’sonethingweknowhowtodowell,it’show
tothrowaparty–andyou’reinvited!Anyexcusefora
partywilldo,soit’snotsurprisingthattheAustralian
calendarisfilledyear-roundwithahugearrayoffestivals
andevents.There’ssport,music,arts,foodandwine,
festivals,danceparties,theatre,operaandcultural
heritagetocelebrate.Watchamovieunderthestars,
enjoyaconcertintheparkandexploretheriverways.
Younameit,ourcitieshaveitinabundance.
20
afantasticvarietyoffoodandculturesandpointsofview,
alladdingtothegreatAustralianwayoflife.
FACT
The Sydney Opera House
took almost 15 years to
build. It was officially
opened by Queen
Elizabeth II in 1973.
Brisbane, QLD
Per th, WA
Womadelaide Fes
National Gallery, Canberra,
tival, SA
ACT
Mindil Beach Ma
rkets, Darwin, NT
City experiences
Sydney, New South Wales
Someofthemostamazingthingsthat
happeninSydneyhappeninandaroundthe
harbour.Jumponaferryandsailpastthe
OperaHouseandundertheHarbourBridge;
paddleakayakanddiscovertheforeshore
andenjoyapicnicatasandybeach.Thisis
aworkingharbour,apartydestination–
aplacethatyouwillnevertireofexploring.
Darwin, Northern Territory
Feelthetropicalbreezeinyourhairasyou
cruisethebalmywatersofAustralia’sTop
Endatsunset,orlearnabouttheareafrom
Darwin’straditionalowners,theLarrakia
people.Darwinisafascinatingblendof
cultures,withanamazingmixoffestivals,
beachsidenightmarkets,museums
andnightlife.
Melbourne, Victoria
Melbourneboastsgreatevents,apassion
forfoodandwineandafabulousartsscene.
Knownforitsstyle,Melbourneishome
toboutiquefashionhouses,hiddenbars,
year-roundfestivals,finediningandamazing
sportingandartisticevents.
brisbane, Queensland
Lushparksandgardensandsandstone
cathedrals,steelandglassskyscrapers
makeBrisbaneafascinatingmixofold
andnew.Spendthedaywalking,cyclingor
rollerbladingalongsidetheBrisbaneRiver
whichsnakesitswaythroughthecity’sheart.
canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Ourmodernculture,historyandwayoflife
isreflectedinthemanymuseums,galleries
andactivitiesthatCanberraoffers.The
cityprovidesaninsightintotheAustralian
characteranddemocracyandmarksour
journeyfromanAboriginalcontinenttoa
modernnation.
adelaide, South Australia
Wanderthebroadstreets,admirestunning
colonialarchitecture,stopforapicnicat
oneofthemanyparklandsorabsorboneof
Australia’sfinestAboriginalartcollections
inour‘CityofChurches’.Thecityisperfectly
positionedtoexplorethesurroundingwine
regionsofSouthAustralia.
Hobart, Tasmania
Runyourhandsalongtherough-hewn
sandstonebuildingsofHobart’scolonial
pastandcastyoureyesoverbright
spinnakersonthewater.Samplethe
delightfulproduceandsiponalocal
wineunderthestripedumbrellasat
SalamancaMarkets.
Perth, Western Australia
FeelthewarmthofPerth–aplacewhere
activityabounds.Youcangoyachtingor
parasailingoverthesparklingSwanRiver,
visittheuncrowdedbeaches,strollthrough
KingsParkBotanicalGardensandrevel
inperformancesfromallareasofthe
artisticspectrum.
21
There’s nothing like
surrounding yourself
in nature
Australia is a country where boundaries blur. Where ancient
rainforests and National Parks skirt modern cities. Where coral
reefs lap the shore and stunning colours contrast the craggy red
earth. Where strange creatures dwell in perfect harmony on land
and in the sea.
From the smallest wonders of our tropical fish, rare plants,
birds and reptiles, to some of the largest World Heritage sites
on the planet, Australia offers a spectacular canvas of nature’s
finest work.
Nature abounds everywhere. You can get up close even in the least
expected places, and it’s yours to touch and immerse yourself in.
Bay of Fires, TA
22
S
Kangaroo Island, SA
23
Kakadu, NT
I
t took the forces of earth, wind, fire and
water 250 million years to create the
spectacle of nature in which we live, work
and play. And as she wove her magic, Mother
Nature created a place like no other on Earth.
A place where you will find spectacular beauty
and breathtaking scenery. Strange creatures,
colourful birds and vibrant fish. Snow-capped
mountains and salt-encrusted lakes. Bush and
desert. Rivers and gorges.
We respect and cherish our land and waterways,
protecting our most sensitive and unusual areas with
World Heritage or National Park status. So take a walk
with us and explore a land unlike any other.
Amazing landscapes
Australia’s vast wilderness, ancient landscape and natural
beauty are best described in colour: red sandy deserts,
luscious green forests, white sandy beaches and rich blue
oceans. A holiday in Australia is a feast for all the senses.
And, with most cities located on the coast and fringed by
natural environments, even city dwellers have easy access
to beaches, bushland and National Parks.
24
Unique flora and fauna
You’ll regularly bump into the unusual and the unique
in Australia. Golden wattle, kangaroo paw and Sturt’s
Desert Pea. Kangaroo, koala and platypus. Cockatoo,
kookaburra and emu. These are a mere handful of the
thousands of living things that can only be found here
– in one of the most eco-diverse countries on the planet.
Up close and personal
Pack your walking shoes as there’s really no better
way to take a good look at our country than on foot.
Australia’s contrasting landscapes offer some of the
best walks in the world. From short jaunts around the
city, lengthy walks through alpine ranges to the 1,000
kilometre Bibbulmun Track, we’ll keep you fit. There are
valleys to explore and craggy peaks to climb, rugged
deserts to navigate and lush rainforests in which to
retreat and Aboriginal guides to keep you company
and in touch with nature.
Phillip Island, VIC
Gold Coast, QLD
Gordon Rive
ri
Great Bar
LD
er Reef, Q
Kangaroo Isl
r, TAS
and, SA
Nature experiences
Great barrier Reef, Queensland
Oneoftheworld’sgreatestnaturalwonders,
theGreatBarrierReefisanexplosionof
colourthatstretchesfor2,600kilometresoff
theQueenslandcoast.Crammedfullofthe
mostastonishingmarinelifeandcoralreefs
imaginable,thisWorldHeritagelistedmarine
wonderlandisamazeofreefsandislands.
Phillip Island, Victoria
EverydayatduskonPhillipIsland,youcan
witnessMotherNatureatherbest.As
thesunstartstosinkandnightdescends,
SummerlandBeachcomesaliveasthousands
oflittlepenguinscomehomeafteralongday
offoragingforfoodintheicywatersofthe
BassStrait.
kakadu, Northern Territory
Ruggedescarpments,lushwetlands,
plunginggorgesandcascadingwaterfalls
existsidebysideinWorldHeritagelisted
KakaduNationalPark.Takeyourtimeto
exploreourlargestnatureparkwherethe
sceneryandwildlifewilltakeyourbreath
away.Witnessthemillionsofmigratory
birdsamongstthewetlandsorwatchthe
crocodileslazilysuntheirprimitivehideson
thebanksoftheAdelaideRiver.
tasmanian rainforests, Tasmania
Whensteppingintothegrandeurthat
istheTasmanianrainforest,youstepback
60millionyears.With40percentofthe
islandprotectedasNationalParksand
reserves,youwillneverbefarfromunspoilt
wildernessandvastpristinelandscapes.
Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
HeadtoWorldHeritagelistedNingaloo
ReefbetweenMarchandJuneandswim
withthewhalesharkswhilethesebus-sized
creaturesfeedgentlyatthecoralreef.
kangaroo Island, South Australia
Ourthirdlargestislandishometorareseals,
sealions,koalas,wallabies,bandicoots,
platypusandmanymorespecies.Native
wildlifeontheislandissoabundantthatit
islikelyyouwillencounterthesewonderful
creaturesonthebeaches,inthebushland,
NationalParksorclusteredaroundyour
islandaccommodation.
FACT
Of more than 700 bird
species listed in Australia,
400 are found nowhere
else in the world.
25
There’s nothing like
sharing our spirit
Open yourself up to Aboriginal Australia and connect with
the story of our land, its spirituality and wonder.
Ours is the oldest story on earth. Aboriginal Australians are
the custodians of the world’s most ancient living culture,
which is expressed through art, story-telling, dance, music
and the land itself. Today, this culture is articulated through
a fascinating mixture of traditional Aboriginal practices and
contemporary interpretations, urban living and dreaming.
With more than 250 distinct language groups and around
650 dialects, Aboriginal Australia is one of the most
linguistically diverse cultures on the planet.
Janganpa Dancer, NT
26
Mt Borradaile, NT
new Tasmania shot
27
Mt Borradaile, NT
L
isten to the stories of the Dreamtime
and be captivated by the music, dance,
art and stories that have been passed down
from generation to generation for more than
50,000 years.
Aboriginal life
Food and medicine
ThepossibilitiesofexperiencingAboriginalculture
aremanyandvaried.Aboriginalculturalprograms
andexperiencesareaboutgettinginvolvedbutalso
understandingandrespectingcustoms,traditions
andceremoniesthatdatebackthousandsofyears.
Takeaguidedbushwalkontraditionallands,stayin
anAboriginalcamp,playadidgeridoo,weaveabasket,
mastertheartofdotpainting,orhearaboutthe
settlementofAustraliafromouroriginalinhabitants.
Participateintraditionalorcontemporarycultural
festivalsorstorytellingthroughinterpretativeexhibitions
anddance.Therearehundredsofexperiencesthatyou
canenjoytobringyouclosertothespiritofourland.
There’snoshortageofherbs,spices,fruits,berries,
seeds,animals,fishandinsectsinAustralia.Wecall
it‘bushtucker’,andnowithascomeofage,with
nativefoodsappearingonmenusacrossthecountry.
Commerciallyproduceditemsarefoundonour
supermarketshelves.So,whetheryoutaketothe
outbacktohuntfortraditionalbushtucker,learnabout
bushmedicines,eatbushtuckerinarestaurantorbuy
somenativeproduceatalocalmarketorsupermarket,
don’tmisstheopportunitytotastetheworld’s
oldestflavours.
The Dreamtime
Aboriginalexperiencesareavailableinallourcapital
cities.CheckouttheamazingcollectionsofAboriginal
artatmuseumsandgalleriesacrossAustralia;watcha
performanceofcontemporaryAboriginaldanceortake
aninterpretivetourwithanAboriginalguidethrough
theheartofacity.Nomatterwhatyouchoose,eachwill
bringyouclosertothisamazinganddiverseculture.
AboriginalAustraliansexplaintheirheritagebytelling
storiesaboutthelandandanimalsaroundthem.
Theyarespirituallyconnectedtothelandandusethe
Dreamtimetotellthestoryofcreation.TheDreamtime
isacomplexreligiousorspiritualbeliefsystem.Itisthe
periodofcreationwhentheworldwasafeatureless
28
voidwheretheancestralspiritsinhumanandother
lifeformsemergedfromtheearthandtheskycreating
alllivingthingsandthelandscapeweseetoday.These
creation(Dreaming)storiestakemanyformsand
includegraphicdescriptionsoflandforms,cataclysmic
events,featuresinthecelestialsky,distinguishing
characteristicsofplantsandanimals.TheDreamtime
encompassesthepast,presentandfuture.
Urban experiences
Kata Tjuta, NT
Daintree, QLD
Rock art, NT
Bush Tucker
Mt Borrad
aile, NT
s
e
c
n
e
i
r
e
p
x
e
l
a
n
i
Aborig
uluru-kata tjuta National Park,
Northern Territory
DominatingtheRedCentreisoneofthe
fewWorldHeritagelistedareascitedforits
culturalandnaturalvalues.Themonolithic
rockofUluruandthedomesofKataTjutaare
twonaturalwondersnotedfortheirunique
colour,presenceandspiritualimportance
totheAnangupeople.Joinaguidedwalkto
learnabouttheDreamingstories.
the kimberley, Western Australia
Featuringvasthorizonsandancientgorges
theKimberleyregionisoneoftheworld’s
lastgreatwildernesses.Hereyouwillfind
Wandjinafigurespaintedincavesand
themysteriousGwionGwionpaintings.
Learnthecreationstoryabouttheorange
andblackbeehivedomesofthePurnululu
NationalPark(BungleBungles)andstayin
Aboriginalcommunities.
Monkey Mia, Western Australia
StrollwithanAboriginalguidealongthe
beautifulsanddunesofMonkeyMia,
onSharkBay–orGutharraguduasitis
traditionallyknown.Trackanimals,identify
nativefoodandmedicinalplantsandlearn
aboutthecreationofthismagicalplace
throughNhandaandMalganaeyes.
coorong, South Australia
Kayakalongthelagoonsandwaterwaysof
theCoorong.YourNgarrindjeriguidewilltell
youaboutbushtucker,traditionalmedicines
andtherichculturalheritageofthisamazing
landscape.AtnightmarvelattheMilkyWay
whichfortheNgarrindjeriisthecanoeofthe
greatancestralhunterNgurunderi.
the Daintree, Queensland
Morethan135millionyearsold,stunning
DaintreeRainforest,hometotheKuku
Yalanjipeople,istheoldestrainforestin
theworld.Searchforuniquebirdsand
otherwildlife,manyofwhicharenotfound
anywhereelseonEarth.
kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
Amongstextraordinarywetlandsand
richculturaltraditions,WorldHeritage
listedKakaduNationalParkhasoneofthe
highestconcentratedareasofAboriginal
rockartsitesintheworldreadilyaccessible
tovisitorsinmajorpublicsites,orthrough
speciallyarrangedtripswiththelocal
Aboriginaloperators.
FACT
Aboriginal people in Australia
generally believe they have
always been here and their
human origins lie in the
creation period we call
the Dreamtime.
29
There’s nothing like
feeling free
to roam
Inspired by the footsteps of our early explorers and Aboriginal
ancestors, Australia is a place of awesome journeys. Across and
around our massive land and its 12,000 islands, countless
possibilities connect endless unique experiences.
Whether setting off on foot to find yourself in the bush,
watching the rugged landscape dance and transform itself,
from the window of a fast-moving train; or navigating a
car up stunningly beautiful coastline as the sun sinks into the
ocean – you can create your own stories. Stories as diverse,
extraordinary and inspirational as Australia and the people in it.
It’s not about getting from here to there. It’s what happens
along the way.
Bay of Fires, TA
30
S
Bay of Fires, TAS
new Tasmania shot
31
Mt Borradaile, NT
F
rom the very beginning of our creation,
Aboriginal people knew it was only by
travelling the land, letting nature and spirits
shape the journey, that they could have a true
understanding of Australia. Today this spirit
embraces us all. We welcome you to share our
journey with us.
Ride the rails
TravellingbytrainisagreatwaytotraverseAustralia’s
largeopenspacesincomfortandstyle.Journeyinto
theoutback,throughrainforests,desertsandcitieson
classictranscontinentaljourneysthatspanthecountry
fromcoasttocoast.
Ifyouareafterluxury,Australiahastwooftheworld’s
trulygreattrainjourneys,theGhanandtheIndian
Pacific–epicjourneysthatwilltakeyouthousandsof
kilometresacrossourcountryinstyle.
Drives
Onaself-driveholidayyoucantravelbyroadatyourown
paceandstopatyourleisurewhenandwhereyouwant.
Australiahassomeofthemostbeautifulroadtouring
routesintheworld.Sohireacar,campervan,motorbikeor
caravanandhittheroad.Youcantakeweeksmeandering
throughrollingcountryside,reddesert,rainforestand
sparklingwaterholes.Takeyourtimeexploringwine
regions,wildernesscoast,themountainsandoceandrives.
32
On the water
Onanislandlikeours,richwithwaterways,reefsand
harbours,journeysafloatareanobviouschoice.Youcan
chooseeverythingfromkayaktrips,sailingtoursand
ferryridestospectacularcruisesandluxuryadventures
betweentropicalislandsandwarmwaterreefs.Cruise
alongourendlesscoastline,acrossourwaterwaysor
aroundourremoteanduninhabitedislands.
Take off
IfyouwanttoseeasmuchofAustraliaaspossibleina
shortspaceoftime,travellingbyairisagreatoption.
Youcanhoveroverthehorizoninahotairballoon,takea
scenicflightoverspectacularlandscapes,landonwater
ortakeahelicopterflighttoawinery.Airtravelmakes
ourlandthatlittlebitsmallerbutnolessspectacular.
Something less pedestrian
It’sprobablynosurprisetolearnthatAustraliahassome
ofthelongesttracksandtrailsintheworld–impressive
journeysofathousandkilometresormorethatcantake
severalweekstocomplete.Oryoucanchooseashorter
walkorcyclethatlastsanhouroraday.Whetheryou
likesleepingunderthestarsorwantthecomfortof
accommodationatnight,seeingourvastlandonfoot
isagreatwaytogetupcloseandpersonalwithour
landscapesandunusualfloraandfauna.
Whitsundays, QL
D
The Ghan, Elizabeth River, NT
Great Ocean Road, VIC
Kangaroo Island, SA
Hawkes Nes
t, NSW
s
e
c
n
e
i
r
e
p
x
e
y
Journe
Savannah Way, Queensland,
Northern Territory, Western Australia
Awakenyouradventurousspiritonthe
SavannahWay.This3,700kilometreepic
journeyacrossthetopofAustralialinks
oureastandwestcoastsbycrossingthree
states–Queensland,theNorthernTerritory
andWesternAustralia.Feeltheheartbeat
ofanancientlandwhenanAboriginalguide
showsyouhiddenrockartandexperience
anoutbacksunsetoveracoldbeerata
countrypub.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Rolldownthewindowandletthewind
whipthroughyourhairasyoutraveloneof
themostscenicoceandrivesintheworld.
The300kilometrelongGreatOceanRoad
isaspectacularjourneythatfollowsthe
south-westVictoriancoastlinepastthe
magnificentTwelveApostles.Theroad
windsalongclifftops,upbreathtaking
headlands,downtotheedgeofbeaches,
acrossriverestuariesandthroughlush
rainforestsofferingpanoramicviewsat
everyturn.
Red centre Way, Northern Territory
Journeythroughourredheartand
experiencethesoulandspiritofour
country.Feelthevastnessofthelandand
sky,experiencethegrandeurofitsredness
andharnessthesilence.DriveoutofAlice
SpringsandpastYeperenyeDreaming–the
longcaterpillar-shapedMacDonnellRanges
–onyourwaytosomeofourmosticonic
locations:Uluru,KataTjuta,KingsCanyon
andOrmistonGorge.
Whitsunday sailing, Queensland
GosailinginTheWhitsundays,probably
Australia’sbest-knownsailingregion.
Charteryourownyachtand,afterafew
instructions,takethewheelandexperience
thepurefreedomofnavigatingturquoise
seasdottedwithemeraldislandsfringed
withpurewhitesands.Diveoffyourboat
foraswimorlieonthedeckunderthestars.
Pacific coast touring Route,
New South Wales, Queensland
ThePacificTouringRouteextendingfrom
SydneytoCairnsistheultimatecombination
ofgreatoceanvistas,poundingcoastline
andspectacularhinterland.Dropinonlazy
littlecoastaltowns,beautifulbeachesand
idyllicbaysalongtheway.
FACT
The Nullarbor Plain is home
to the longest stretch of
straight railway track in the
world. In one
section, the
track is dead
straight for
478 kilometres.
33
.
Brisbane Fest
ival, Brisban
e, QLD
Melbourne
Cup, VIC
Floriade, ACT
So what’s happening?
Events are a great way to experience the depth and variety of culture, landscapes and products Australia has to offer.
And Australians love to get involved. Here is just a snapshot of the hundreds of events that will add to your
experience in Australia. To find out more on these and other exciting events in Australia, go to australia.com.
Winter
Spring
Summer
(JuNE–auGuSt)
(SEPtEMbER–NOVEMbER)
(DEcEMbER–FEbRuaRY)
Gold coast Marathon
australian Safari
cricket Season
JuLY
Sweat, adrenaline and
success
Eliteathletesandsports
enthusiastsofallagesand
fitnesslevelspoundalong
thecoursethathugsthe
spectacularcoastline.
SEPtEMbER
ultimate test of man and
machine
Anepicadventurefor
loversofcars,motorbikes
andquads.Thenine-day
safaricrossesabout5500
kilometresofspectacular
WesternAustralianoutback,
takingyouthroughgruelling
terrainfromthetropicstothe
outbackandontothesea.
NOVEMbER–MaRcH
Howzat!!
Withaspectacularprogramof
international,state,andlocal
competitionyouwillbesure
tofindagametoenjoyatone
ofthemanygreatcricketing
groundsaroundAustralia.
the Lion camel cup
JuLY
camel comedy
AliceSpringswelcomes
visitorswholovetolaugh
tothequirky,annualCamel
Cup.Racingcamelscan
proveanightmareforriders
andhandlersbutfantastic
viewingforspectators.
assa abloy Henley-Ontodd Regatta
auGuSt
Who needs water?
HeldinAliceSprings,
thisregattacaptures
theimaginationas
crews‘sail’boatsona
waterlessToddRiver.
Opera in the Outback
OctObER
Nature has the best seats
in the house
Natureresonateswith
stirringperformancesof
operaticgreats,classical
hitsandBroadway
memories.Theeventoffers
twodifferentmusical
programs,takingplaceon
theedgeoftheUndara
VolcanicNationalPark.
brisbane Festival
SEPtEMbER–OctObER
Waterways, heart of city
celebrations
Acelebrationofanatural
landmark,theBrisbaneRiver.
Outdoorrivervenueshost
adiverseprogramofart,
environmentalscienceand
sport.HighlightsincludeRiver
SymposiumandRiverfire.
Floriade
34
SEPtEMbER–OctObER
art in bloom
Canberra,ournationalcapital,
burstsintocolourwith
Floriadeshowcasinggreat
Aussieiconsinanincredible
creativedisplayofoverone
millionfloralblooms.
Red bull air Race
tIMING cHaNGES
aircraft spin and turn
on edge
Watchtheworld’smost
talentedpilotscompeteina
racebasedonspeed,precision
andskillastheyflyadaring,
compactcourseinPerth’ssky.
Amajorfestivalinspiredby
theRacefeaturesthehistory
ofaircraftandmuchmore.
Melbourne cup
NOVEMbER
the race that stops the nation
OnthefirstTuesdayof
November,thenation
stopstocelebratethis
majorannualhorserace.
Whetheryouaretrackside
inMelbourne,atapubin
themiddleoftheoutbackor
lunchingatoneofthemany
restaurantsthroughoutthe
country,MelbourneCupis
aneventthateveryonegets
involvedinandisatruly
Australianexperience.
Rolex Sydney Hobart
Yacht Race
tamworth country
Music Festival
26 DEcEMbER–3 JaNuaRY
Yachties face the Great
Southern Ocean
Thisgruelling628-nauticalmileeventisthelegendary
RolexSydneyHobart
YachtRace.Thousandsof
peoplecheerthecrewsas
theyleaveSydneyHarbour
andmorewelcomesailors
onarrivalintoHobart.
Thisracehascaptivated
Australianssince1945.
JaNuaRY
Pull on your boots,
kick up your heels
Youdon’thavetolovecountry
musictohaveagreattimeat
theTamworthCountryMusic
Festival.Theatmosphere,
thefringefestivalsandthe
visitorattractionskeep
everyoneentertained.
the Sydney Festival
JaNuaRY
Summer, music,
performance and art
TheSydneyFestivalisa
culturalcelebrationofSydney
inSummer,presenting
thebestperformingand
visualartsthroughout
thecity.Upto100,000
musicloversdelightin
concertsintheDomain.A
mixtureoffreeeventsand
ticketedshowsensures
somethingforeveryone.
australian Open
JaNuaRY
Stars contest Grand Slam title
TheAustralianOpenbrings
theworld’shottestplayers
toMelbournefortwoweeks
oftennisthrills.Jointhe
vibrantatmosphereinand
aroundthecitywithmatches
broadcastonbigscreens,in
beergardenswithlivemusic.
Santos tour Down under
JaNuaRY
Elite cyclists dazzle
thrilled crowds
Cyclingsuperstarscompete
inasix-dayracetravellingthe
citystreetsofAdelaideand
picturesqueSouthAustralia.
australia Day
26 JaNuaRY
celebrate what’s great
about australia
Whetheryouchooseto
makeasplashatthebeach,
sizzleasausageonaBBQ,
enteralamingtoneating
competition,orplaycricketin
thepark,AustraliaDaybrings
ustogetherandisagreat
waytogetoutandenjoy
thegreatAussiesummer!
tropfest
FEbRuaRY
Outdoor cinema comes alive
through australian film
Nowtheworld’slargestshort
filmfestival,Tropfestshow-
casestheworksofAustralia’s
emergingfilmmaking
talentatfreepublicoutdoor
venuesacrossAustralia.
Australia Day,
AC
T
autumn
(MaRcH–MaY)
Sydney Gay and Lesbian
Mardi Gras
aNZac Day
FEbRuaRY–MaRcH
Gay pride festival and parade
TheSydneyGayandLesbian
MardiGrasfestivalincludesa
packedcalendarofeventsin
theatre,performance,music,
comedy,dance,sportsand
visualarts.Itculminatesina
hugestreetparadeandparty
onthelastSaturdaywhich
isacolourfulcelebration
ofgay,lesbian,bisexual,
andtransgenderculture.
aFL Season
MaRcH–SEPtEMbER
Muscle and might make
aFL legends
ForafairdinkumAussie
experiencegotoan
AustralianFootballLeague
(AFL)game.Afavourite
sportamongstAustralians,
AFLattractshugecrowds
ofvocal,animatedand
loyalsupporters.
alice Springs cup carnival
25 aPRIL
Lest We Forget
OnANZACDay,weremember
youngliveslostandhonour
thoseAustraliansandNew
Zealanderswhohaveserved
inwar.Insmallcommunities,
townsandcitiespeople
riseearlyforsombredawn
services.Then,inatimehonouredcelebrationof
mateship,it’stimeforsharing
ayarnandagameoftwo-up.
ten Days on the Island
MaRcH–aPRIL
biennial arts festival
TenDaysontheIslandis
Tasmania’sbiennialarts
festival–renownedforthe
diversityofitsprogram
acrossvisualarts,writing,
performanceandgoodfood.
TheeventisAustralia’sonly
state-wideartsfestivalin
Australiaandoneofthe
greatestspectaclesisthe
uniquenessofthevenues
wherethefestivalisheld.
aPRIL–MaY
Dusty track to dinner
and dancing
Hooveshammeraround
thedustytrackandtherace
callersingsthewinner’s
nametotheroarofahappy
crowd.Fouruniquerace
daysarepackedintoa
three-weekprograminthe
heartofCentralAustralia.
New Year’s Eve, Sydney Harbour
35
Find
your way
Getting to Australia and travelling around
is easy. Here you will find some useful
information to help plan your trip.
Getting here
Australiahaseightmajorinternationalgatewaysandis
easilyaccessiblefromallpartsoftheworld.Thereare
over40internationalairlinesthatflytoAustraliaandthe
journeyisjustanovernightflightfrommostcountries.
Manyairlinesprovidetheflexibilitytoflyinto,andout
of,differentgatewaysallowinggreateraccesstoalarge
numberofAustraliandestinations.Someairlinesoffer
domesticairpassesthatcanbepurchasedinconjunction
withinternationalflights.
Entry formalities
Passports
Youwillneedavalidpassportorsimilaracceptable
traveldocumentifyouvisitAustralia.Itmustbevalid
forlongerthanyourperiodofstayanditisadvisableto
haveyourpassportvalidforaperiodofsixmonthsafter
leavingAustralia.
Visas
UnlessyouareanAustralianorNewZealandcitizen,
youwillneedavisatoenterAustralia.NewZealand
passportholderscanapplyforavisauponarrivalinthe
country.Allotherpassportholdersmustapplyforavisa
beforeleavinghome.Youcanapplyforarangeofvisas,
includingtouristvisasandworkingholidayvisas,atyour
nearestAustralianConsulate.Formoreinformationon
visas,visitwww.immi.gov.au.
Quarantine
Becauseofournaturalanduniquefloraandfauna,
we’dlikeyourhelptoprotectthisfragileenvironment.
YoumustdeclareonyourIncomingPassengerCard
ifyouarecarryinganyfood,plantmaterialoranimal
productsincludingmeat,dairy,fruit,vegetables,
woodenarticles,seedsandnuts.
Working Holiday Visas
IfyouplantostayinAustraliaforanextendedperiod
oftime,apracticalwaytofinanceyourtripisbypicking
upsomeworkalongtheway.AustraliahasWorking
Holidayagreementswithanumberofcountries.
Theagreementsallowpeopleaged18to30tohavea
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once-in-a-lifetimechancetoworkwhilsttheyholiday
here,supplementingtheirfundsthroughincidental
workforupto12months.
Foryoursafety,drink-drivinglawsapply,anddriversand
passengersmustwearseatbeltsatalltimes.Motorcycle
ridersandcyclistsmustwearhelmets.
YoucanapplyforWorkingHolidayVisasonlineatthe
officialAustralianGovernmentwebsite:www.immi.gov.au.
AninternationalvisitormaydriveinAustraliaonavalid
overseasdriver’slicenceforthesameclassofvehicle.
Getting around
Australiaistheworld’ssmallest,flattestcontinent,
andlargestisland.Itisalsooneoftheworld’smost
urbanisedcountries,with70percentofthepopulation
livinginour10largestcities.Sohowdoyougetaround?
Ifyou’rehereonashorttrip,youmayprefertotravel
byair.Australia’sdomesticairlinesprovideextensive
coverageallowingyoutohopquicklybetweencities
andsights.Ifyoupreferamoreleisurelypace,travelby
railorroad.Australiaalsohasanenormousnetworkof
well-maintainedroadsandhighwayswithsomeofthe
mostbeautifulroadtouringintheworld.
Public transport
AllcapitalcitiesinAustraliaareservedbyawidevariety
ofpublictransport,includingtrains,buses,ferries,
monorail,lightrailandtrams.Fromaferryonthe
sparklingwatersofSydneyHarbourorBrisbaneRiverto
atramridethroughtheelegantstreetsofMelbourne,
you’llfindpublictransportefficient,clean,reliable
andaffordable.
Inadditiontoregularflights,gettingtoandfrom
Tasmaniaismadeeasywithapassengerandvehicle
ferryservicebetweenMelbourneandTasmaniathree
timesaweek.
accessible travel
ExploringAustraliaisnoproblemfortravellerswitha
disability.Byair,bus,train,ferryorcar,ahostofservices
andtailoredoptionsareavailable.Letyourtravelagent
knowanyspecificrequirementsyoumayhave.
bus/coach
TravelbybusorcoachinAustraliaiscomfortable,
easyandeconomical.Coachesgenerallyhaveairconditioning,readinglights,adjustableseatsandvideos.
Servicesarefrequent,affordableandefficient.
Domestic airlines
Australia’sdomesticairlines–Qantas,Jetstar,VirginBlue,
Skywest,Rexandtheirsubsidiaries–operatelargefleets
ofaircraftservingallcapitalcitiesandregionalcentres.
Theyprovidefast,comfortableandreliableservicesand
moderndomesticterminalsinallmajorcities.
trains
ThesizeanddiversityofAustraliamakesforfabulous
trainjourneys.Youcantravelacrossglorioustropical
stretchesofQueenslandortothevastheartofthe
continent.Railtravelisavailablefrombudgettoluxury,
andarangeofaffordableandflexiblerailpassesgive
youtheopportunitytoseelargeregionsofAustralia.
Competitionamongstdomesticairlinesmeansthat
greatfaresareavailable.
Self-drive
Rentalcarsareavailableatmajorairports,centralcity
locations,suburbsandresorts,aswellasarangeof
rentalcompanies.Whynotconsideracampervanasa
greatwaytoexploreAustralia?
Driving laws
Australiansdriveontheleft-handsideoftheroad,with
thesteeringwheellocatedontheright-handsideof
thecar.Themaximumspeedlimitincitiesandtownsis
60kmanhour.Somesuburbanareashave50kmanhour
zones.Oncountryroadsandhighways,themaximum
speedisusually110kmanhour.
For journey distances and times, please refer to the map
on page 4.
Mostcapitalcitieshavefastandreliablecommuter
trains.Regional,interstateandkeyrailjourneyservices
alsooperatefromthemajorcities.
taxis
Taxischargeaccordingtotheirmeterandyoushould
notbechargedforeachpersonifyoutravelasagroup.
aussie Specialists
Forassistanceinplanningyourvisit
toAustralia,whynotcontactone
ofourAussieSpecialists.These
travelagentsreceiveextensive
trainingfromTourismAustralia
andmosthavetravelledthroughout
Australiasoareideallyplacedto
provideadviceandassistyouinyourholidayplanning.
FordetailsofyournearestAussieSpecialistpleasevisit
australia.com.
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Local knowledge
We want your trip to Australia to be sensational, safe and hassle free.
Here are some tips to help make it happen.
Accommodation
Fromluxuriousfive-starhotelsandresorts,tomotels,
hostels,bedandbreakfastsorfarmstays,Australiahas
accommodationtosuiteverybudget.
Forthemoreadventurous,self-drivecaravansanda
multitudeofcampsitesarealsogreatcosteffective
waystoexplorethecountryonyourowntime.
Weather
Australia’sclimate,andthefactthatitisthedriest
continentonearth,makesitafabulousholiday
destinationallyearroundwhateveryou’replanning
todo.
IntheAustralianwinteryoucanskiinthesouthern
statesonedayandbedivinginthebalmywatersofthe
GreatBarrierReefthenext.Suchtemperateconditions
makealfrescodining,daysonthebeach,outdoor
barbecues,andahugevarietyofsportsawayoflife
here.Australia’sseasonsaretheoppositetothoseofthe
NorthernHemisphere.
Currency
TheAustraliancurrencyisdecimal,withthedollaras
thebasicunit.Notescomein$100,$50,$20,$10and$5
denominations.Coinscomein5c,10c,20c,50c,$1and
$2denominations.
Exchangefacilitiesareavailableatinternationalairports
andchangingforeigncurrencyortraveller’schequescan
bedoneatmostbanks.
ThemostcommonlyacceptedcreditcardsareVisa,
MasterCard,AmericanExpress,DinersClub,JCBand
theiraffiliates.
Goods and Services Tax
AustraliahasaGoodsandServicesTax(GST)of10per
cent.YoumaybeabletoclaimarefundoftheGST
paidongoodsboughthereifyouhavespentAUD300
ormoreinonestore,nomorethan30daysbefore
departingAustralia.
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TouristRefundSchemefacilitiesarelocatedinthe
departureareasofinternationalterminals.
Shopping
Largedepartmentstores,arcades,malls,giftand
souvenirshops,fashionboutiquesandspecialty
storesaboundinAustralia.Goodbuysincludequality
Australianopalsandotherpreciousorsemi-precious
stones,pearls,sheepskinsandleathergoods,Aboriginal
craftsandpaintings.
MarketssuchasSalamancainHobart,MindilSunset
MarketsinDarwin,Adelaide’sCentralMarket,Queen
VictoriaMarketinMelbourne,TheRocksinSydney,
FremantleMarketsinPerthandRiversideinBrisbane
aregoodplacestoshopforlocalarts,crafts,souvenirs,
clothingandfreshfruitsandvegetables.
Tipping and bargaining
Whenitcomestotipping,servicechargesarenotadded
toaccountsbyhotelsandrestaurants.Inup-market
restaurants,itisusualtotipwaitersupto10percent
ofthebillforgoodservice.Atanytime,tippingisyour
choice.BargainingisnotthegeneralcustominAustralia.
Emergency assistance
Ifyouneedthepoliceoranambulance,orifthere’sa
fire,theemergencynumberis000.
Health
Youwillencounterfewhealthhazardswhentravellingin
anypartofAustralia.Standardsofhygienearehighand
itissafetodrinktapwaterinmostAustraliantowns.
Medicare
MedicareisAustralia’spublichealthcaresystem.
Eligibilityisgenerallyrestrictedtopermanentresidents.
ChecktoseewhetherAustraliahasareciprocalHealth
CareAgreementwithyourcountry.
Surf and water safety
Popularbeachesareusuallypatrolledbyvolunteer
lifesaversfromOctobertoApril.Alwaysswimat
patrolledbeachesbetweentheredandyellowflags
whichmarkthesafestareaforswimming.
Bay of Fires,
TAS
Lifesaver
Language
Australia’snationallanguageisEnglish.However,
beingamulticulturalnation,withasignificantmigrant
population,wealsoenjoyatremendousdiversityof
languagesandcultures.
Time zones
Australiahasthreetimezones;EasternStandardTime
(EST)fortheEasternStates,CentralStandardTime
(CST)fortheNorthernTerritoryandSouthAustraliaand
WesternStandardTime(WST)forWesternAustralia.
CSTishalfanhourbehindESTandWSTistwohours
behindEST.
Electrical power points
Ourelectricalcurrentis220–240volts,AC50Hz.
TheAustralianthree-pinpoweroutletisdifferentfrom
someothercountries,soyoumayneedanadaptor.
Telephones
Australia’scountrycodeis61.Localcallsfrompublic
payphonesareuntimedandchargedatAUD0.50.
Mobile,longdistanceandoverseascallsareusually
timed.Mobile(cell)phonenetworkcoverageisavailable
acrossAustraliahowevercoveragemaybelimitedin
someremoteareas.
Postal services
Postofficesareusuallyopen9am–5pm,Mondayto
Friday,withsomecitypostofficesopenonSaturday
morning.Travellerscanarrangetocollectmailatpost
officesthroughoutAustralia.
Great Barrier Reef, QLD
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Nothing beats exploring Australia in person,
but there is a next-best thing – australia.com.
Travel Agent: