An enchanting combination of fascinating history and natural splendour, New South Wales is Australia at its most vibrant and accessible. One of the country's smaller states, it nevertheless offers an abundance of enchanting landscapes from glorious beaches to rugged mountains, national parks to world-class vineyards, and an exhilarating range of things to do.
One of my favourite moments in Australia was spending Christmas Day on Bondi Beach, one of Sydney’s many scenic beaches, followed by watching the extravagant fireworks from Sydney Harbour Bridge on New Year’s Eve. The view overlooking the Opera House was amazing. If you have an opportunity to experience a celebration like this in Sydney, definitely seize it and then head to The Rocks for a few drinks where the atmosphere is electric. Sydney is an amazing city with something for everyone including superb beaches, shopping and bars all within easy reach of the Blue Mountains.
Sarah Brown, Operations Consultant
Australia has three time zones:
Eastern Standard Time: GMT +10 Hours taking in Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland
Central Standard Time: GMT + 9 Hours 30 Mins taking in Northern Territory and South Australia.
Western Standard Time: GMT + 8 Hours taking in Western Australia
During the summer things get complicated as daylight saving time does not operate in Western Australia and Queensland, so those states are respectively one hour behind Eastern and Central summer Times.
Canberra
Australian Dollar ($). Approx. exchange rate AUD 1.61 = GBP 1 (27 January 2011) comprising of 100 cents = $1.
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Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific 2013
A microcosm of Australia itself, this oft-forgotten state deserves more attention. Within its borders, visitors can experience everything good about this wonderful nation - fine food and wine, art and culture, natural and Aboriginal history, fishing and diving, cities and outback, rivers and beaches.
6 Hotels, 1 Tour, 4 Experiences
Enjoy the freedom of the open road as you explore Australia at your own pace. From picturesque coastal roads to rolling hills and the arid Outback, you can experience every facet of Australia with you firmly in the driver’s seat. And what better place to try an independent holiday - Australians drive on the same side of the road as the UK and versus what we’re used to, there is very little traffic.
6 Tours
Australia is an adventure waiting to be explored, with scenic roads and diverse landscapes from Outback terrain and the hinterlands to coastal routes and rainforests. Hiring a car or campervan gives you complete independence and, with the added benefit of driving on the left, you can navigate this vast land enjoying total flexibility - and create unforgettable memories at your own pace.
4 Tours
This popular and diverse region is famed for its casual laid-back lifestyle and friendly people, perhaps none more so than in vibrant, tropical Cairns, with its spectacular scenery, great range of restaurants and bars and seafront lagoon. Cairns is also the gateway to two World Heritage areas – the lush Wet Tropics rainforest and, of course, the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef.
15 Hotels, 3 Tours, 9 Experiences
In Australia's tropical north lies one of the world's most remarkable landscapes. Sparkling coral waters of a hundred shades of blue are dotted with picture-perfect islands shrouded in lush rainforest and fringed with unspoilt white sand beaches. Here is also home to one of the seven natural wonders of the world - the incredible Great Barrier Reef.
5 Hotels
The remarkable number of easily accessible attractions in Victoria make it an essential stop in a tour of the country's highlights, or well worth a holiday in its own right. Victoria is home to the Great Ocean Road - one of the world's most spectacular coastal drives, winding through 300km of rugged scenery past the imposing Twelve Apostles rock columns, and the rainforests, waterfalls and walking trails of the Otway range.
6 Hotels, 3 Tours, 7 Experiences
Untamed and beautiful, Australia's Northern Territory is truly a holiday destination with a difference. This vast state - equivalent in area to France, Spain and Italy combined - is a wonderland of dramatic landscapes with natural treasures from lost valleys to meteorite craters, and hot springs to thunderous waterfalls.
10 Hotels, 4 Tours, 8 Experiences
With an area ten times that of the UK, and a population a quarter the size of London, there is no problem finding your personal space in remote and wonderful Western Australia. Famous for its spotless blue skies, natural wonders, an abundance of remarkable wildlife attractions and long, empty roads, this is a truly special part of the world.
10 Hotels, 3 Tours, 8 Experiences
If there's any place on earth that's an untouched Garden of Eden, it's Tasmania's remote, temperate wilderness. With more than 40% of the island protected in reserves and National Parks, this is an island for nature lovers. Separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Strait, Tasmania's natural delights combine with gourmet local produce, historical sites and a range of activities for an unforgettable and adventurous holiday.
4 Hotels, 2 Experiences
Adelaide & South Australia
Australia Self-Drive
Australia Trains, Cars & Campervans
Cairns & Queensland
Great Barrier Reef & Whitsundays
Melbourne & Victoria
Uluru & Northern Territory
Perth & Western Australia
Tasmania
