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Solway Las Cruise
Great Barrier Reef
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Australia Rail & Cruises

Explore Australia in style by rail or sea

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Australia Rail
Australia is a vast country and a rail journey is the perfect way to explore. Relax in style as you wind your way across this expansive and diverse country, watching the scenery glide by from the comfort of your luxury carriage.

•   The Ghan rail journey takes you from the picturesque garden city of Adelaide through Alice Springs and the burning Red Centre to the 'Top End' and Darwin.
•   The Indian Pacific route is epic, linking three of the world's great oceans. Your journey takes you from cosmopolitan Sydney, through rural New South Wales to Adelaide, then on across the vast and empty plains of South and Western Australia to Perth. Both rail journeys are also available in reverse.

Australia Cruise
Australia is blessed with beautiful coastlines and the stunning Great Barrier Reef, so explore it from the water on one of Kuoni’s selection of cruises. Choose to sail the idyllic Whitsunday Islands on a vintage tall ship or explore the Great Barrier Reef on a modern boutique cruise ship with Coral Princess Cruises.

Australia Rail Journeys & Cruises Highlights
•   Try an exciting night dive to gain a whole new perspective on life under the sea.
•   Visit uninhabited islands, feel sand beneath your toes and kick back with a beach barbecue before boarding the boat for the night.
•   Step off Indian Pacific train in isolated Cook and the historic mining towns of Broken Hill and Kalgoorlie.
•   Experience the burning Red Centre on board the iconic Ghan.

Australia Tailor Made
Don’t forget that with Kuoni, you can tailor make your own dream Australian itinerary.

Simply:
•   Browse our online portfolio, or request a copy of our fantastic Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific brochure.
•   Call our knowledgeable Australia sales team who will help guide you through your options and prepare your detailed holiday quotation.
•   Submit an online quote request form

Australia Facts

For further information, inspiration and holiday ideas:
•    Our comprehensive list of Australia facts and information.
•    Our i-travel articles for Australia.

Capital city

Canberra
Population

Australia has a population of 19.5 million.

Time difference / local time

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 Austr
Language

English is the official language even though they do have their own vocabulary for certain words! The aborigines do have their own language but it is not widely spoken.

Currency

Australian Dollar ($). Approx. exchange rate AUD 1.61 = GBP 1 (27 January 2011) comprising of 100 cents = $1.

Safety

As in most countries, it is wise to take precautions against theft, especially in big cities. Keep valuables such as expensive jewellery in the hotel safety deposit box.

Passports and Visas

Visas are required by everyone except holders of Australian or New Zealand passports. Visas can now be booked electronically through Electronic Travel Authority (ETA’s) or by contacting the Australian High Commission. Clients will also require a 10 year passport which needs to be valid for six months after return to the UK. All other passport holders should contact the Australian High Commission as early as possible.

Shopping

Aborigine art is available in all major cities at every conceivable price. Shops selling duty-free goods are available so it’s worth looking at radios, photographic and electrical equipment, as well as clothes and perfumes. Your passport and ongoing ticket will prove that you’re eligible for duty-free although not always asked for. Souvenirs include the cuddly koala, boomerangs and the  Australian wide brimmed hat.

Climate / season

Rule of the thumb is that the seasons in Australia are opposite to those in Europe. Spring & Summer is October to March with most of the country being warm or hot, the north being more tropical and the south having milder nights. Autumn and winter is April to September where the north and central Australia is clear, with warm days and cool nights. The south experiences cool days with occasional rain.

Electricity

220/240 volt AC. Three round pin plugs are used therefore an adaptor is required

No compulsory vaccinations but recommended vaccination is Tetanus.

Clothing

For warmer weather light weight cotton garments are advisable and for cold weather a jumper or jacket is useful especially for cooler evenings.

Tipping

If you feel that you have received an excellent service and wish to show appreciation for this then a discretionary tip of 10% may be given.

Climate data for this region

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