Traditionally neglected by visitors to Australia, Tasmania’s pure environment, wilderness adventures, unique wildlife and boutique lodges are attracting more and more Brits all the time. Here are five top reasons to make the trip to Australia’s own emerald isle.

1. The world’s cleanest air and water

Rid your lungs of accumulated toxins and breathe the air that Nature intended you to breathe. The oxygen hit will invigorate you for the adventures ahead, and the natural tap water will save you heaps on bottled water.

2. The food (and wine)

Fresh local produce in a gourmand's paradise

Tasmania is Australia’s cheese capital, so try some of the wonderful European-style cheeses produced from herds reared on pure, organic, super-fertile grassland. Then there’s the apples – try Tasmania’s cider – and cold-climate wines produced in small-scale Tassie vineyards. Yum! Meat-eaters will relish the fresh lamb and seafood that grow from these unpolluted shores, and the whole lot is packaged into a uniquely Tasmanian cuisine that’ll have you eating out constantly.

3. The wilderness

Tasmania's thickly forested western wilderness can be seen from space

Here’s one big difference between the UK and Tassie: while we chopped down our native forests thousands of years ago, over a third of Tasmania’s landmass remains unspoilt and protected as National Park. Find peace in its thick, verdant forests, dripping with ferns and splashing gullies, ravines and chasms – such as the 1.38 million hectare Western Wilderness, much of which is so impenetrable that it’s tempting to believe that the officially extinct Tasmanian tiger survives out there still.

4. The boutiqueness of everything

Boutique Hotels are a Tasmanian specialty - this is Cradle Mountain Lodge

Tassie is a different universe from the gleaming skyscrapers and malls of Sydney, or the glitz and crowds of the Gold Coast. It’s about half the size of England but with only half a million people, meaning there’s plenty of space, peace and quiet for all. This also means that mass production is not Tasmania’s thing.

Tasmania's small-scale wine producers are worth a visit!

Everything is on a delightfully small scale: think artisan and boutique.Boutique guest houses and hotels, boutique wineries and micro breweries, boutique boat-yards, markets and shops. Individual attention to customers is a pleasant by-product, and visitors are struck by how quickly they feel welcomed as part of the Tasmanian clan.

5. The history

Australia's unique convict history is laid bare at sites like Port Arthur

Other Australian cities have been redeveloped and rebuilt so many times, that their first settlers would not recognise them. Not so among the Georgian terraces of Hobart, where rumbling stone warehouses line the quaysides today just as they did in 1800. Out at Port Arthur, Tasmania’s notorious convict settlement still stands, eerily deserted, as a reminder of the colony’s 18th century beginnings. In the countryside you’ll find little arched bridges, stone barns, rustic farmhouses and windswept fishing villages – and yet the atmosphere is not English – it’s pure colonial Australian frontier.

Here, the settler spirit is still alive and visible, and the ghosts of the vanquished Tasmanian Aborigines still beg for discovery – their culture was unique and their torch is still carried by what’s left of their descendants. Here, the history of modern Australia is still visible – everywhere. There is much to learn.

• Discover Tasmania here

• For boutique accommodation ideas click here

With declining jobs for students and graduates, it’s hard to believe there are places out there that still offer endless possibilities. Australia is one of the very few countries at the moment to have an increasing number of jobs available – not to mention the added benefits of the gorgeous weather, clear sandy beaches and exotic wildlife.

If it all sounds appealing and you are under 30 years of age, it might be your cue to try an Australian Working Holiday Visa, which enables you to work and earn money whilst enjoying a trip of a lifetime.

Backpacking your way around Australia is the ideal way to meet lifelong friends, learn skills which could help in future careers, become more independent and most importantly have the time of your life.  YHA Australia is a perfect partner with over 110 hostels around the country, most having swimming pools or spas, and all having great quality sleeping accommodation and lively social areas here are a few places to help with your planning.

Sydney Central YHA

Start at the five-star Sydney Central YHA which has been awarded Australia’s best backpacker accommodation for the third year running. Boasting an in-house cinema, panoramic views of the city from its rooftop and a heated pool and sauna it’s close to major attractions including Darling Harbour and Chinatown. The central location means its ideal for those wanting to find work, meet other travellers, enjoy the nightlife and explore the city.   All of this can be a reality on a budget too – with prices starting from just $20.80 per person, per night (multi-share).  If you are a YHA member you will receive a minimum 10% discount on accommodation, tours and attractions.

Bungalow Bay YHA

When you are ready for a break from bustling cities, then visit award-winning Queensland hostel Magnetic Island YHA set in a beautiful nature reserve complete with a Koala Sanctuary. You can explore 23 secluded beaches, snorkel on reefs or perhaps experience the once-in-a-lifetime sea kayak tours to spot dolphins, turtles, coral reef fish and sea eagles. For those who want to mix nature, relaxation and entertainment, there is a pool, plus a bar and restaurant that offers regular activities for backpackers – which is a great chance to meet and socialise with fellow travellers. Accommodation at the resort consists of A-frame private bungalows that start from $16.25 per night.

For vibrant city life combined with outdoor activities and plenty of entertainment, state-of-the-art Brisbane City YHA is ideal. Backpackers can enjoy a rooftop pool, games rooms and an enviable, central location. From prices starting at just $17.05, this hostel is a prime example of how gap-year travellers can enjoy the pleasures of Australia for as little as possible – in keeping with a set budget. Other activities whilst staying in Brisbane could include visiting Australia’s favourite theme park (Dream World) which not only offers great rides and attractions but a complete water park, a lion lair and Tiger Walks.

For those adventure-seeking backpackers, that want something a little unique to add to their travels, Crocodylus Village YHA in Cape Tribulation is a perfect solution. Nestled under the rainforest canopy, travellers can experience the tranquillity and splendour of the World Heritage National Park. With rooms beginning at a very affordable $14.30 per night, per person, Crocodylus Village is an amazing opportunity to travel and explore the jungle. Animal lovers can involve themselves in organised night walks where you can spot possums, snakes, rainforest dragons, tree frogs and lizards – far more memorable than just looking at photographs back at home. You could organise your own ‘Celebrity Get Me out of Here’ style challenge – complete with a ‘Bush Tucker Tour’ offered by local tour companies. For those who enjoy a wild experience but are comforted by the idea of a little luxury, the hostel offers a pool, BBQ and restaurant complete with the added bonus of a choice of single, twin, double and multi-share rooms.

Diving enthusiasts should head to Yamba on the north coast of NSW as it is surrounded by white sandy surf beaches with crystal clear water, rivers, bush land and national parks.  The world famous surfing beach, Angourie, is 10 minutes away and Byron Bay is nearby.  Some of the best dive sites in Australia can be found here. It also has fantastic weather all year round.   Yamba YHA is a brand new, state-of-the-art hostel right in the centre of Yamba and close to the beaches.  There is a mix of multi-share and private rooms, plus bar/cafe, rooftop pool and deck. You can hire surfboards, body boards or bikes, or perhaps try whale watching, ocean kayaking or even involve yourself in one of the festivals that take place throughout the year.

Alternatively, if you like the idea of staying in a homely, bohemian town in a renovated beach house Port Elliot YHA in South Australia could be the place. From just $16.25 per night, you will be just across the road from stunning beaches and great harbour nightlife. The hostel itself has a 270 degree view of a stunning peninsula and is in perfect proximity to local amenities, popular restaurants, a surf school and whale watching tours. When on your gap year travels, it is great to indulge in fun filled activities but it is equally great to visit somewhere that you can unwind and breathe in the fresh sea air – Port Elliot YHA allows you to do just this.

As well as the award winning website www.yha.com.au, YHA Australia now also has a mobile website (m.yha.com.au) making it easier to book into a room or a bed at one of the YHA hostels, whilst on the go.

Australia is not just home to ancient wonders,it has some of the best spas in the world

Thinking of making the move down under, or maybe taking the trip of a lifetime? If so then you will probably need to unwind, get pampered and take a moment to absorb everything. So, to get you started here are some of the best spas Australia has to offer.  

The Woodman Estate

Woodman Estate is a luxury country house hotel just an hour from Melbourne and set within 50 acres of rolling pasture and bush land on the Mornington Peninsula. The hotel has extensive formal gardens and sweeping lawns leading down to its own private lake where you can relax in the sun or stroll beneath the stars.

The spa provides a range of massages, skin care and beauty treatments in a peaceful setting. All the rooms are doubles so that couples or friends can share the experience. There are a number of packages including spa and restaurant packages and pregnancy packages.

The Lyall Hotel and Spa

The Lyall Hotel and Spa, situated in South Yarra, one of the most cosmopolitan areas in the region is Melbourne’s only privately owned 5 star hotel. The hotel has 40 suites in a contemporary oriental style and a luxury spa that offers an urban oasis to retreat to after you have hit the nearby designer shops.

The Lyall Spa is arranged over three levels with eight treatment rooms, areas designated for hydrotherapy and indoor/outdoor relaxation areas and uses the prestigious Sodashi and Payot.

The Spa offers a number of exotic spa rituals in keeping with the oriental aesthetic as well as a comprehensive menu of therapeutic treatments and beauty treatments that are designed to treat stress. The Spa also offers advice and prescribes programs so that guests can continue to feel the benefits long after leaving.  

A full list of treatments is available on the hotel’s website.

The Richardson Hotel and Spa

The Richardson Hotel and Spa in West Perth offers an urban haven where guests can relax and completely forget the outside world. The Spa uses the best techniques from around the world combined with prestigious ESPA skin care products to give luxurious treatments and unbeatable results.

The Richardson Spa’s Ultimate ESPA Body Wrap is as the name suggests the ultimate in pampering. First you will experience a full body rub with aromatherapy oils, a full body exfoliation with lymphatic skin brushing followed by a complete body wrap using Algae, Marine Mud or Oshadi Clay. The whole experience is completed with relaxing Oriental head massage. The body wrap slowly raises the temperature to sweat toxins out of the body.

There are a number of body wrap treatments available, all with exceptional results as well as a menu of therapeutic and beauty treatments.

Lilianfels Blue Mountain Resort and Spa

just outside Sydney, Lilianfels offers a break from the hustle and bustle

The 5 star Lilianfels Blue Mountain Resort and Spa is situated in the spectacular Blue Mountains a short drive from Sydney but completely secluded from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The historic mansion set in two acres of gardens and overlooking some of the most beautiful country New South Wales has to offer.

Lilianfels Spa has an extensive range of body and beauty treatments on offer using their locally produced IKOU products and Payot from France. After you have been pampered why not take a dip in the indoor of outdoor pools and savor the majestic surroundings.      

Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa

For a different approach to relaxation take a trip to the Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa where you can stay in one of 15 unique private houses in the middle of the rainforest and enjoy the spa that will aim to bring you closer to nature.

Daintree Spa offers a comprehensive list of treatments including body wraps and massages that will help you relax and rejuvenate in tranquil surroundings where you can listen to the sounds of the rainforest all around you. As well as treatment rooms the Spa has a covered outdoor pool with sundeck where guests can enjoy relaxation alongside nature.

The local Aboriginal people, the Yalanji tribe call Daintree ‘Wawa-Karrba’ which means healing of the spirit and the Spa tries to exceed guests’ expectations of just that.

The Reef House resort and Spa

The Reef House resort and Spa in Cairns, Queensland is an award winning boutique resort with a nationally renowned restaurant. The Spa has been named as the number one spa in Australia and the South Pacific by Conde Nast Traveller UK.

The Reef House Spa is recognised internationally as a luxury health and relaxation experience that will renew and rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. Occupying a freestanding two-storey building, the spa includes three treatment rooms, two dual treatment rooms with private Jacuzzi’s.

The Spa offers a full list of treatments using aromatherapy and herbalist principles along with Li´Tya products.

Mansion Hotel and Spa

The Mansion Hotel and Spa Retreat at Werribee Park in Melbourne is just half an hour from the city centre and set within 10 acres of park and gardens. The hotel is a 5 star Italianate mansion built in the 1870’s and now has 91 guest rooms.

The Spa boasts a 17 meter indoor pool, steam rooms, gymnasium, relaxation lounge and 8 treatment rooms with Vichy showers which offer a full menu of body and beauty treatments that are uniquely tailored to each and every guest in order to see the best results.

The Spa uses an extensive range of high quality products including Decleor and Ilcsi brands.

So wherever you go and whatever you do, whether it’s exploring the Great Barrier Reef or hitting the shops in one of Australia’s thriving cities you can rest assured that total relaxation is never far away.

If you’re thinking of tying the knot but don’t want to do it the traditional, wet, British way, read on for our guide to getting hitched down under where you will almost certainly have perfect weather for those all important wedding day snaps.

Location

The first thing to do when considering a wedding in Australia is to look at locations. Unlike the UK where you only really have one choice; hotel or… well, hotel, because of the weather, Australia offers a whole host of outdoor venues that you couldn’t even dream of back home.

• The Sydney Opera House is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and perfect for a lavish wedding.
• Since 2008 The Sydney Harbour Bridge has been a unique location for those who want to feel on top of the world on their special day. The bride and groom as well as a limited number of guests, BridgeClimb Sydney offers packages for either 4 or 10 guests, complete a 4 hour climb which culminates in the wedding ceremony held on the Sun Deck, a viewing platform which offers unbeatable 360 degree views of the harbour.

Because of the dangers involved in climbing the bridge which stands 134 metres above the water, anyone taking part in the climb must be completely sober and all participants have to wear Bridge Suits and safety equipment. Because of the high demand during peak season, Wedding Climbs cannot be booked between December 24^th and January 11^th. It is also important to remember that BridgeClimb require a 50 percent deposit which is non refundable.

• If you’re not the adventurous type then take a look at some of Australia’s 11,000 beaches in our Ultimate Australian Beach Guide. For memorable wedding in a vibrant setting you might consider The Gold Coast. In 1999 Surfers Paradise was voted ‘Best Beach in the World’ in a survey conducted by America’s leading travel channel, beating Hawaii, Mexico and Jamaica.

Another stunning place to tie the knot is Whitehaven, a beach that boasts the whitest sand in the world, making truly spectacular photos.

• If you want to have your special day in a place that has history stretching back long before the colonisation of Europe look no further than Ayers Rock, or Uluru as the aboriginal people (who have lived around the area for an estimated 40,000 years) call it.
• If you aren’t feeling too adventurous there are hundreds of high quality hotels around Australia, most of which have the facilities to host weddings. This may be an easier option as the hotel will supply the food, the function space and will often throw in a night in a suite for the happy couple.

Wedding Dresses

Throughout Australia there are hundreds of bridal wear boutiques that offer high quality dresses and accessories as well as men’s wedding wear, with Spurling being one of the most well known bridal and formal wear companies with stores all over the country.

Henry Roth is Australia’s longest running fashion house. The family team have studios in Sydney and New York. Their bridal-wear is stocked throughout Australia and is generally accepted as some of the most beautiful gowns available.  

Wendy Makin Bridal Designs is widely recognised as one of Australia’s most respected bridal fashion designers. Wendy has been recognised by the Australian Bridal Industry as the number 1 Couturier in Australia. Her dresses are sought after in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

Wedding wear in Australia costs roughly the same as in the UK although if you go for designer labels or couture expect to pay accordingly. If you are stuck for ideas there are bridal fairs across the country, throughout the year that are guaranteed to bombard you with fashion, food, invites, flowers, favours, Photography and Cakes.  

Food

Australia is well known for its fresh, local produce and some of the country’s most popular dishes are lamb and blue fin tuna and Australians are also crazy about their seasonal vegetables. There are catering companies that can supply food for weddings and hotel food is generally better than in the UK.

In our City Guides you will find details of some of the best restaurants in Australia, of course the majority of the top restaurants are clustered around Sydney but there are gastronomic delights to be found wherever you go. 

Honeymoons

And since you’re already in Australia on what may be a once in a lifetime trip make sure you plan your honeymoon to take full advantage of Australia’s stunning natural landscape and vibrant cities.

For a few ideas take a look at our City Guides which will walk you through some of the choices available to you. There are luxury hotels, spas and restaurants to enjoy. There is also a wealth of entertainment available in the form of the arts, sports and cultural events.

If a city break is not your idea of the perfect honeymoon and you’re not afraid of heights you might want to consider a balloon ride across some of Australia’s geographical wonders, there are dozens of hot air balloon companies all over Australia. HOT AIR is one such company that offers flights from Cairns, the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Port Douglas and to make the experience truly memorable there is the option of a champagne breakfast while on board. Balloon rides last for 3 hours and prices are around $240.

If you don’t fancy taking to the air then the great expanse of the outback might be to your taste. There are many tour companies that offer wilderness experiences so you can be with your newly beloved beneath the stars in the most unspoilt landscape on earth. It is always advised that you go with a tour company and never venture out into the outback alone. For some ideas about where to go and what to do in the outback, check out our guide to the Red Centre. 

Photographer

To make sure you capture the day forever it may be wise to invest in a decent, well known photographer. One such photographer is Jonas Peterson who takes absolutely breathtaking pictures that not just capture moments but tell the story of the most important day of your life. Prices start at $4500 and go way beyond $6000 for a comprehensive wedding shoot.  

Jerry Ghionis is widely regarded as one of the 5 best wedding photographers in the world and he is based in Melbourne. Ghionis has won too many awards to be listed here and has travelled around the world to photograph weddings for discerning and ambitious clients.

If you don’t have the means to hire one of the best then there are thousands of other, good quality photographers that will photograph your special day.

Wherever you decide to get married and however you do it, for the experience of a life time make sure that it’s down under.

Australia has a population of over 22.5 million and due to the vast central expanse of semi-arid desert known as the outback an estimated 85 percent live less than one hour from the coast, of which there is nearly 37,000 Km. Australia has over 11,000 beaches, many of which are among the best in the world however the majority are both unnamed and uninhabitted.

 Darwin, Cairns, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth are all right on the coast. Because of this the beach is an integral part of Australian life.

Bells Beach

Bells Beach in Victoria is a surfing Mecca with everything geared around the industry. Rip Curl host a number of events at Bells Beach each year and several major surfing companies have their operations based in the area as well. 

Byron Bay

Byron Bay is the most easterly point in Australia and is popular for surfing, with an alternative reputation. Tallow Beach is a stretch of perfect golden sand that from the viewing platform at Byron Lighthouse seems to go on forever.   

Bondi Beach 

Bondi Beach is probably Australia’s most famous beach and draws sun worshippers and surfers alike. Its location, just five minutes from Sydney, makes it the ultimate beach destination for those who want everything close by. There is a great deal to do at Bondi, there are restaurants and cafes right on the beach

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is one of the most popular holiday destinations for beach goers in Australia. Found in Queensland, just an hour from Brisbane it has something for everyone from the great expanse of golden sand on Main Beach, ideal for holiday makers to Surfers Paradise and beyond. There is shopping, wildlife sanctuaries, golf courses and rainforests to keep the whole family entertained.

Ninety Mile Beach

Ninety Mile Beach in Victoria is approximately 94 miles long. It separates The Lakes National Park, the three largest being Lake King, Lake Victoria and Lake Wellington from the ocean. Because of the length of the beach the surfing is poor and there are strong cross current and rip currents, making swimming dangerous.     

Hyams Beach

Hyams Beach is the middle of three beaches in Jervis Bay and hosts a small seaside community. Hyams Beach is named in the Guinness Book of Records as having the whitest sand on Earth.

Palm Beach

Palm Beach is one of Sydney’s northern suburbs and is one of the most exclusive in the country. The area is home to many celebrities, the hills at the southern end of the beach are dotted with mansions and estates. It is also used for filming the exterior of the soap Home and Away and is iconic in Australian popular culture.

Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven beach is found on Whitsunday Island, the largest of the Whitsundays archipelago which is made of 74 islands and is found near the Great Barrier Reef. The beach is four miles long and has some of the most pristine white sand in the world with shallow, stunning azure waters that are perfect for snorkelling.

Cable Beach

Cable Beach in Broome is commonly known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It has 14 miles of perfect white sand bordering the dazzling Indian Ocean. The beach has a daily tidal fluctuation of nine metres, meaning that every single day the beach is washed clean.    

Cable Beach also has one of the most beautiful sunsets on Earth with the sun sinking slowly over the Indian Ocean and this in itself has become a tourist attraction.

Now please read on for your safety, you may even learn a thing or two.

General Beach Safety

Australia’s busy beaches have strong safety procedures; they are well equipped with safety flags to mark out swimmable zones, warning signs and highly trained life guards. Always check what the flags mean and if you’re not sure, check with a life guard as there are often strong rip tides.    

Sharks

Despite the image of the man eating shark made popular by the movie Jaws, sharks generally do not attack people. There are on average less than one fatality a year from shark attacks while 1.7 are killed by lightning strike. Most of the major beaches are netted to prevent sharks from moving close to shore.   

Jellyfish

Deadly Box Jellyfish can fill the coastal waters off northern Australia between November and March and it is advised that people should not swim during this period.

A Final Word of Warning

If you are a sun worshipper and are planning a holiday in Australia, be sure to follow these tips in order to fully protect yourself. Firstly remember that the sun in Australia is much stronger than in the UK, especially during the middle of the day when the sun is so powerful that even with a high SPF sun cream you will burn, start ageing prematurely and be at high risk of developing skin cancer. To be safe and to achieve a golden tan that will not cut your life short try to sunbathe before 11am and after 3pm.

Now that you know what you’re doing and where you’re going, get on with it! Have some fun, you have our permission.

Uluru, The Red Centre itself

Millions of years ago the whole world was connected in a giant single continent that gradually split apart and Australia drifted south, turning what was once a lush rainforest into what it is today. Australia’s outback is a vast expanse of desert and dry scrub with Uluru (Ayers Rock) a beating ochre heart at its centre. With the major cities around the coast the outback is largely uninhabited making it an excellent place to see ancient history preserved, an array of creatures unlike anything anywhere else on earth and some of the most incredible natural wonders in the world. In this article I’ll be looking in particular at those services based around Uluru.

 Tours.

There are a number of tour operators that specialise in outback excursions.

Wayoutback offers a Safari that gives small groups (a maximum of 16) a chance to visit the outback and to experience the unique geological wonders that Australia has to offer. Based in Alice Springs, they use remote camp sites so that you can sleep under the stars and cook food by campfire far away from the noise and light pollution of tourist areas. By taking small groups into the bush the safari operator can give tourists a real idea of the way in which Aboriginal people lived and an appreciation of the land. Because of this Wayoutback is one of only a few Advanced Eco-Tourism Accredited tour companies operating in the outback.

A 5 day red centre tour experience includes a tour of Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), Watarrka (Kings Canyon), Palm Valley and West MacDonnell Ranges. The tour costs just under $1000 per adult, varying slightly in low and high seasons.

Tri State Safaris is an award winning company that provides outback tours ranging from single days to eighteen day tours. The tours cover a range of locations and are all undertaken in comfortable four wheel drives with expert guidance from owners Michael and Joanne McCulkin who have many years experience of running tours and have connections with the aboriginal community in the Tanami Desert.

There are a wide range of tours available so for a four day Corner Country Safari expect to pay $1510 per person based on two people sharing accommodation. If you’re looking for a more in depth excursion take a look at the 18 day safari which takes you from Alice Springs to Broome. Along the way you can enjoy some of Australia’s untouched countryside including Geike Gorge and the Gibb River. For the full 18 days including 8 days of camping you will need to empty your wallet to the tune of $6875 per person based on two sharing.     

Other tour and safari operators include The Best of the Kimberley which operates in the North West, Adventure Tours Australia which covers not just mainland Australia but Tasmania and New Zealand Outback Aussie Tours and Spirit Safaris which takes a more spiritual look at Australia’s natural landscape and long history that predates much of Europe.

Hotels

If you want a taste of the outback but don’t want to go the whole way you might want to consider Ayers Rock Resort. Desert Garden Hotel has four red stars so you can relax in comfort by the pool and in the evening make your way to one of the many viewing platforms to watch the sunset and Uluru transform. There are a number of packages and deals available, particularly when booked in advance. Prices range from $490 to $590 depending on the room and time of year.

If you wish to stay in more contemporary surroundings move over to the funky 3 ½ star Lost Camel Hotel which features a bold lobby, sleek bedrooms with well designed bathrooms and a modern exterior.

To stay in luxury go to the resorts premium hotel Sails in the Desert which boasts sumptuous rooms and Ayers Rock Resort’s Kuniya Restaurant. There are three room types; standard, spa and deluxe.  Prices range from $480 for a standard room through to $950 for a deluxe suite in peak season.

If you’re planning a group excursion take a look at the Emu Walk Apartments, these 4 star self contained apartments can cater for up to six people and are close to all the amenities the resort has to offer. There are 60 apartments, all of which are spacious, stylish and well equipped. One bedroom apartments (catering for 4 people) cost between $398 and $498 depending on time of year.  For two bed apartments (catering for 6) add $100 to the price respectively.

The resort offers a number of tours of the surrounding wilderness, always with the luxury of knowing that you have all the amenities of the resort to go back to at the end of the day. And if you’re looking for a truly spectacular wedding venue then look no further. Imagine saying “I do” with a 40 million year old World Heritage Site glowing in the setting sun behind you.

As well as the phenomenal geological wonders that litter Australia there are a wide variety of animals to discover. Look out for Koalas, Kangaroos, Wallabies, Wombats, Platypuses and many more. There is also a wealth of fossils that illustrate Darwin’s Theory of Evolution unlike anywhere else on Earth.

However you decide to see the outback make sure you check out our Australian Visas Page for information on how to get there

When planning a holiday down under it is important that you choose your travel carefully. There is an abundance of websites offering cheap deals but be careful to make sure that your flight includes meals and transfers.

Flights with British Airways cost around £647 one way in economy class, £5527 in business class and £9005 in First Class departing from London Heathrow and arriving at Sydney. Flights to Melbourne cost between £20 and £30 less per flight. Costs may vary across the seasons and various ticket types can be purchased such as flexible fares which allow you to make stop over’s.

Flights with Qantas cost roughly the same and offer a number of deals such as the fully flexible one way ticket which allows the purchaser one stopover and the complete journey can be completed in anything up to 12 months.

Virgin Atlantic also offer flights to all major Australian cities for roughly the same price however the levels of service as widely publicised are much higher.

Due to the types of aircraft needed for such long distance flights, the only UK airports that offer flights to Australia are Heathrow and Manchester.

The flight from London to Sydney takes 21 hours and 35 minutes and Sydney is 11 hours ahead, meaning that a person leaving London will effectively be in the air 32 hours and 35 minutes so if you were to leave at 4pm you would arrive at 4.35am two days later. You will be covering roughly 10,500 miles and passing through 11 time zones.

Because of the combined effect of time difference and the long haul flight it is important to plan your time in the air so that your body clock is readjusted ready for landing in your new time zone. Perhaps the best way adjust is through planning your time in flight. Consider a stopover in Singapore which most flights offer and can be beneficial for your body clock.

When you’ve made it Australia, consider how you are going to be moving between locations. Travelling by car is out of the question unless you want to do a grand tour of the country, travelling by train is okay if you don’t mind a bumpy ride.

The easiest way to travel between cities is by plane. The main domestic airlines are Jetstar, Virgin Blue; a subsidiary of Virgin Atlantic, Qantas and Tiger Airways. When you look at the prices of domestic flights don’t be shocked because while you may be travelling within a country you are often travelling further than a flight into mainland Europe. Sydney to Melbourne for example is a little over 442 miles and Sydney to Darwin is almost 2000 miles.

With Virgin Blue the Sydney to Darwin flight can cost anywhere between $299 and $859 depending on class and all journeys make a stopover at either Melbourne or Brisbane. The same flight with Qantas costs between $225 and $1588 again depending on class.  

Before you even think of booking a flight make sure you check out our Australia Visas page as there are a number of different visa types for you to choose from. All the details are there including how to apply for them.

Remember to check airline policy on hand luggage as this changes regularly and when planning a trip to Australia make sure you check what you can and cannot take into the country as the list is extensive and many tourists find themselves being detained for carrying something they consider safe but the Australian border police do not.

So remember to be prepared, shop around (you can often find great last minute deals) and above all, enjoy.

Prices correct as of November 2010.

See Melbourne in the striking first light.

Stephen Tompkinson may be making ballooning across Australia popular in his new ITV series but travelling around Australia by hot air balloon isn’t a new phenomenon. In fact it’s by far the best way to see Australia! Imagine soaring through the air in a beautiful bright balloon, having an unparalleled 360° view of the magnificent Australian scenery. Unlike a helicopter or an airplane, you are not confined to a metal container, instead you can experience not only the sights of the landscape you are exploring, but the sounds and smells too. Nothing gets you closer to the true Australian experience!

If you go for an outback flight you can get close to the unique Australian wildlife as they carry on with their daily routines completely undeterred by the silent balloon floating above them. See the bright and colourful birds perched atop their treetop canopies, you’ll be so close you could almost touch their feathers! See the desert landscape or rugged mountains like they’ve never been seen before and as you slowly drift along you can take in all the sights without missing a single thing. Few people experience Australia from the air quite like this, so be one of the privileged few!

If you want a city experience then see the sights, hear the sounds and smell the scents of city life with a balloon ride over one of Australia’s major cities. Drift peacefully over Sydney Harbour and get a bird’s eye view of the Opera House. See the city and beyond in all its beauty !

As Stephen Tompkinson finds out, ballooning over Australia is a truly magical and unforgettable experience and whilst exploring the whole continent of Australia by balloon may be out of most people’s limits, experiencing parts of Australia this way certainly isn’t. We give you a summary of some of the best balloon tours on offer around Australia so that you too, can experience the wonders of Australia by air.

Outback Ballooning

Alice Springs is noted for its diverse and beautiful landscapes. Dominated by the great Simpson Desert which is famous for the huge red sand dunes and fascinating rock formations such as Chambers Pillar and Rainbow Valley. To the east and west of Alice Spring lies the rugged and majestic MacDonnell Ranges which are dotted with blue shining rock pools that are popular swimming holes for tourists.

Drift over fantastic Alice Springs territory.

Exploring this region by balloon is an exhilarating experience! Spinifex Ballooning lets you begin your journey just before dawn, so by the time the sun is lighting up the skies and throwing its radiant colours around this most spectacular of landscapes you are gently rising in the air. You can drift effortlessly over the peaks of the MacDonnell ranges, observe kangaroos at close ranges grazing in the morning sun and feel your spirit soaring as you survey the vast landscape stretching out in front of you.

Once you’ve got your breath back from the tremendous experience, your balloon flight will be celebrated with a picnic breakfast complete with sparkling wine so you can toast your success and recount your experience with your fellow travellers. Visit Spinfex Ballooning for more information.

If gliding peacefully over the famous vineyards of Australia is more your cup of tea – or should that be, glass of wine? – then Wine Country Ballooning is for you. Romantics will love watching the sun rise over the Hunter Valley regions with Hunter Balloon Rides. Soak up the majesty of this wine lovers region in an experience not to be forgotten. And what better way to finish off the perfect balloon flight than the perfect glass of bubbly from the very Valley you’ve just been floating over? Hunter Valley Balloons also do special VIP flights which make the perfect gift.

Tropical Hinterlands

See the tropical Gold Coast hinterland as you’ve never seen it before! Beyond the hotels of the Gold Coast lies a tropical paradise that few travellers get to see. 100,000 hectares of National Parks and reserves make up the Gold Coast Hinterland – all teeming with wildlife. The highest mountains in this region are the Tallebudgera Moutaine, Mount Tamborine and Springbrook Mountain. Many of the parks within this region are UNESCO World Heritage sites and are known for their beauty that is unsurpassed anywhere else. Rugged mountaineous regions are broken up by cascading waterfalls and steep valleys as well as 20,590 hectares of rainforest. Now you can see it all from the calmness of the skies. Hot Air do a range of packages that include a champagne breakfast. Whether you want to treat yourself or someone close to you, no gift speaks more than an unforgettable experience like this one!

City Balloon Flights

Sydney may not be the capital of Australia, but it’s certainly the capital of tourism. Here you will find the iconic Sydney Opera House as well as Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanical Gardens and Sydney Tower. The city is vibrant and buzzing with life and all of that can be captured perfectly from the air.

Balloon Aloft have won the travel and tourism awards twice and was the winner of the best adventure tour operator, so you know you are in good hands! The flight takes you from Homebush through the Penrith Valley so you can see the city in all its glory, lit up by the rising morning sun. The Harbour glistens and sparkles as it winds its way through the heart of Sydney and then a breathtaking change of scenery as you catch a glimpse of the Blue Mountains shimmering in the light and the look down at the treetop canopy by the Nepean River as you pass so close you could almost reach out and touch the leaves. As you land back down onto terra firma you get to toast the morning with a champagne breakfast and view your in-flight photos.

Soar like an eagle over Sydney's mountains.

Or if the laid-back and chilled out city of Melbourne is more your style then choose to meander through the city with BalloonoverMelbourne and see the city as it awakes from its slumber along with the beautiful and often rugged coastline on the city’s fringes. As ever you get to finish off the morning trip with a champagne breakfast and then the chance to explore Melbourne from the ground, treasuring the fact that you’ve seen a view of Melbourne that is rarely glimpsed by anyone!

So make your holiday in Australia a truly remarkable and memorable one or treat your loved ones to an experience they will never forget. If I ever draw up a bucket list, a balloon ride over Australia will be on it! Surely it should be on everyone’s ‘must do’ list?

Some of the Barmy Army fans in action.

Now most of us will have heard of the Barmy Army; it’s a term given to a dedicated group of fans who cheer the England cricket team on and are famous for their witty and good-humoured chants and songs. In this exclusive interview the co-founder of the Barmy Army, Paul Burnham, talks to us at Embrace Australia about his predictions for the Ashes series in Australia in November and explains the enduring appeal of the Barmy Army.

The Barmy Army currently has around 300,000 people on their books, with around 4,000 of those being fully paid-up members. Membership of the Army will give you tickets to every England home match, priority bookings, a subscription of their magazine, discount deals and of course an official Barmy Army t-shirt. However you don’t have to be a paid-up member to be a follower of the famous supporters club. The army have supporters as far afield as Pakistan and Sri Lanka and all have one thing in common, they are patriotic, loyal and adventurous, qualities Paul says are needed in order to qualify as a member. But don’t make the mistake of thinking that a cricket fan of the calibre of the Barmy Army is akin to being a football fan, they could not be more different. The Barmy Army appeals to women and families, as well as die-hard cricket fans, because of their good nature and gentlemanly behaviour. Their songs may be loud and catchy but you won’t hear any swearing in them. “We are proud of the way we behave,” says Paul. “You can sit there with young kids without being offended by what goes on.”

So what are the songs that they sing? Well the one entitled simply ‘Barmy Army’ goes to the tune of Lord of the Dance:

Sing sing wherever you may be

We are the famous Barmy Army

And we’ll cheer England on wherever they may be

And we’ll sing them onto another victory …

Other songs poke fun at the Australian fans and players and whilst some of the wording may be quite close to the bone, there is no hint of malice and not a single swear word. These chants are about as far removed from football chants as you can get.

Yet the Barmy Army haven’t always gone down so well with the public, especially with certain broadsheet newspapers. Dominic Lawson from The Independent once referred to them as “boorish chauvinists” and accused them of drinking a “truly stupendous amount of beer” and making so much “incessant din” that “real cricket-lovers” were refusing to attend Test matches. So how does the Barmy Army answer that kind of criticism? “That’s simply not true” says Mr Burnham. He points out that cricket has many sponsorship deals from drinks companies such as Marston’s Pedigree Ale and Victoria Bitter. Yet the Barmy Army does not encourage drinking he says. So what about the singing and chanting? Mr Burnham explained that the singing came about because of the behaviour of some of the Australian fans. “We got fed up of them burning our flag, swearing at us and behaving as some football fans behave” he says, “we take the mickey out of the Aussies without swearing” although he does say that the majority of Australian fans love the Barmy Army, especially the women who can feel uncomfortable with the macho image of Australian cricket fans. 

The Barmy Army predict an England victory.

But the Australians have often found the Barmy Army baffling; “The cricket fans in Australia have always been great adversaries, but they don’t do the singing” explains Paul. However relations between Australian and English fans is generally good-humoured. “The Australians absolutely love us,” says Paul, “whether or not they will still love us when we end up winning the ashes I don’t know.”

Is this a prediction? “I think we’re going to play very well over there, Australia may win one test but England will win two and three and by the time we get to Sydney I think we’ll be watching an Ashes that has already been won and retained and a victory in the series will be brilliant.” You heard it here first!

So what does the England Cricket Team make of their band of loyal supporters? According to Paul they love the Barmy Army. “The cricket team love people jumping up shouting their name, singing songs about them, who wouldn’t?” He says that the support of the fans helps the cricketers on the pitch. “We are just a small group of people in the crowd but the great thing is that we tend to make more noise than the rest of the ground put together and the England boys will know that we’re there.” They certainly will!

But after so many England fans travelled to South Africa to watch a disappointing World Cup, will there be any fans who can stump up the fare to fly out to Australia? “I think a lot of people didn’t go to South Africa because they didn’t like the fact that the accommodation prices, airline and ticket prices were so high.” Paul comments. “With football you want to be there for the semi-final and final but you’d have to be out there for an awful long time and people have got jobs. Fans were holding off hoping England would do a lot better than they did and maybe now they have a bit of money in their back pocket. Once they see how good the cricket is, I reckon there’s a lot more potential for people to book up, but later on than they would have done 4 years ago.” 

Paul’s tip is to go to the Barmy Army website and book your tickets for the Tests and your accommodation as early as possible and leave sorting your flights  until the last minute as many travel agents have held back tickets hoping for a high demand. Nearer the time they will release these fares at cut price deals to try and sell them all, so late bookers could bag a bargain.

Could Sydney be the scene of a glorious England Ashes victory?

The Barmy Army also have their own travel deals on their website which Paul is keen to talk about. “We are not organising flights this time round with our packages so you get the flexibility. You can get transfers at your own leisure and in your own time.” He stresses that tickets and accommodation are booked through Cricket Australia, so travellers are guaranteed security. But even if you don’t book through the Barmy Army you can still go onto their website and have a look at the itinerary, so you can catch up with their antics wherever they are. Speaking of antics, in 2003 a huge England flag was rolled out on the steps of the Sydney Opera House by members of the Barmy Army, so what are they planning for this year? “Normally we organise that type of thing when we are out there. I’m sure there will be some big flags and other out of the box ideas but I haven’t heard of them yet, that sort of thing gets arranged whilst we’re out there and everyone is in a holiday mode. We have our alternative Ashes series taking place against the Fanatics. And this year we will all be wearing pink shirts to help raise awareness and money for the McGrath Foundation, who we are supporting  with all our might…” He’s either keeping his cards close to his chest or the rumours of an England flag made up of supporters is false. We’ll just have to wait and see!

The Barmy Army are also offering members the chance to win the trip of a lifetime to watch the fourth and fifth test matches in Melbourne and Sydney, with all flights, transfers and accommodation, including a Christmas lunch with the rest of the Barmy Army in Melbourne. Log onto the Barmy Army website for more information.

And if you fancy catching up with the Barmy Army in Australia, they are taking bookings as late as November so it’s never too late to get your tickets to what could be the best Ashes series yet and a reason for England to celebrate its biggest sporting achievement.

A lot has been made lately of Australia’s ex Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s vision of a ‘big Australia’, but whilst everyone assumed he was talking about population and immigration – perhaps not? After all Australia is famous for other ‘big’ things that are popular on the tourist trail. They range from the bizarre to the downright silly and we’ve compiled a list of what we think are the best ‘big’ things in Australia!

New South Wales

Nestled in the valley beside the tranquil Peel River with the Great Dividing Range in the background is the town of Tamworth, famed for its annual country music festivals that are the second largest in the world. It is in celebration of these country music festivals that the good people of Tamworth decided to build what is now the World’s Biggest Guitar, called the big Golden Guitar. It was built just outside the famous Longyard Hotel in 1988 and stands as a symbol of Australia’s celebration and dedication to country music.

Every year country musicians are honoured in front of the big guitar in a recognition ceremony of their achievements. Each musician is awarded a smaller replica of the Golden Guitar.

The great guitar itself stands some 12 metres high. But unfortunately you cannot play this guitar as it has never had any strings, which is a shame as I’d love to have a go at playing it! So next time you are in NSW, make sure you catch the Tamworth Country Music Festival and join the 3.6 million tourists that have taken snapshots of themselves stood alongside the Golden Guitar.

From big guitars we make a seamless leap to big sheep and to the Big Merino in Goulburn, New South Wales. This giant 15 metre tall sheep contains a wool display (what else?) and a gift shop located on its two floors inside the sheep itself.

The Merino sheep is highly favoured by Australian farmers for its resistance to drought and its fine wool coat. In fact almost all sheep reared in Australia now are 100% merino. Examples of the high quality of the wool can be seen in the wool display where visitors are given a brief tour of the history of the wool trade in Australia and are shown the various implement and methods adopted to sheer sheep. Merino wool products can then be purchased in the gift shop as a lasting souvenir of the great Merino Sheep!

Northern Territory

Well what do you think the biggest thing in the Northern Territory is? Surely one of the most famous and iconic of all landmarks – Uluru.

Uluru, formerly Ayres Rock, is a huge sandstone rock formation that is all the more impressive because it looms out of the surrounding flatlands like a giant blister. It stands at 348 metres tall and measures 9.4km in circumference. Because it is made of sandstone it also catches the light in a truly magnificent and breathtaking way, turning a deep, vibrant red during sunset.

Uluru is of special significance to the local Aboriginal people who view it as a sacred place containing the souls of their ancestors. It features highly in the Dreamtime stories. Visitors to Uluru can still climb the great rock, although the Aboriginal people do frown upon it. There have been calls to ban the climbing of the rock after some tourists have been leaving litter there and generally treating Uluru with disrespect, but so far no ban has been put in place. Tourism Australia recently commissioned a huge walkway to encircle part of the rock, giving visitors fantastic vantage points at varying parts along the walkway. Uluru is now a World Heritage Site and attracts over 4000,000 visitors each year.

Queensland

The sunshine state of Australia and here amid the tropics and dazzling sunshine grows a very special crop – pineapple. So what better way to celebrate the growing of pineapples than to build a giant one that stands 16 metres high?

It all started in 1971 when Mr and Mrs Bill Taylor bought a small pineapple farm at Woombye in Queensland. For reasons known only to themselves, the couple started to erect a huge pineapple that would become the World’s Biggest Pineapple. It took them just six months and the Big Pineapple was officially opened by the then Minister for Labour and Tourism in August 1971.

It’s now a major tourist attraction and features rides, tours of the plantation, a small zoo, a restaurant and a souvenir shop where you can buy everything pineapple related!

South Australia

Larry the Lobster has to be up there as one of the most impressive ‘big things’ in Australia. Every detail is perfect and as you stand there you almost expect Larry to suddenly wave his claws around and make a bid for freedom – which would be quite something as he stands at 17 metres tall – the biggest man made structure we’ve featured on our ‘big things’ so far.

It was built to attract visitors to the lobster visitor centre in Kingston, South Australia and it has certainly helped to do that! The story goes that the original lobster was meant to be much smaller, but that the measurements, which were written in feet, were misread as being in metres. It is modelled on a real lobster that the designer caught and had stuffed especially for the purpose.

The complex now boasts a large restaurant and wine tasting area, a visitors centre and will soon be adding accommodation, so you can boast that not only have you seen the world’s biggest lobster, but you stayed there and possibly even ate a bit too!

Now if you like children’s toys, or you are holidaying in Australia with children you’ll want to go and see the Big Rocking Horse in Gumeracha, South Australia. It stands on the site of a wooden toy factory, wildlife park and cafe and beats the pineapple by 1.3 metres, standing tall at 18.3 metres high, although admittedly some of that is the wooden structure at the base of the horse – so does that count?

Although it is painted to look like it is made out of wood, it is actually made from steel and no, unfortunately it doesn’t rock, more’s the pity. However it does incorporate three viewing platforms at the head, saddle and the rockers, for those who are scared of heights. The views over the town are spectacular and the authentic attention to detail on the horse really is quite something to behold.

Victoria

Now we all know that Winston Churchill was famous for his penchant for good cigars, but I doubt any of them were as big as the Big Cigar in Churchill, Australia. The town of Churchill is in a wonderful location surrounded by the awesome Jeeralangs mountain region south-east of Melbourne. It was originally called Hazelwood but was renamed Churchill after the death of the famous wartime Prime Minister.

The giant cigar was erected as one of five planned to be built around the town, but perhaps they wisely decided to stop at one. It is a replica of the kind that Churchill used to favour and just by the base is a wall plaque that commemorates the names of the first settlers to the town.

So there you go. There are many many more big attractions in Australia, we simply couldn’t list them all! I doubt if Kevin Rudd’s ‘big Australia’ can ever compare to these wacky attractions, but perhaps he thought that since the Aussies were so keen on big things, he might persuade them to the idea of a big Australia. Nice try Rudd. For more holiday ideas in Australia look at our travel section and if you have been to any big attractions in Australia then let us know – send in a picture!

Book a big holiday to Australia this year, home of the ‘big things’!