• Great Barrier Reef
  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Green Turtle, Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef

Lush rainforests, tropical white sand beaches and a natural wonder

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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.

On the mainland, laid-back cities are linked by scenic coastal roads and provide an excellent base for exploring the surrounding World Heritage Sites.

Kuoni's wide range of Great Barrier Reef holidays include:
•   Cairns
•   Palm Cove & Northern Beaches
•   Port Douglas
•   Great Barrier Reef islands
•   Whitsundays

Great Barrier Reef highlights
•   Explore vibrant, tropical Cairns with its restaurants, bars and seafront lagoon
•   Stop to admire the views along the spectacular coastal road between Cairns and Port Douglas
•   Island-hop, snorkel and discover rainforest wildlife on a Great Barrier Reef cruise:
    o  Coral Princess Cruises travel by catamaran, purpose-built to explore the reef
    o  Explore Whitsundays offer experiences on a vintage tall ship or traditional schooner
•   Experience a true island hideaway in the paradisiacal Whitsunday Islands or any of our Great Barrier Reef island resorts.

Great Barrier Reef Honeymoons
All of our Great Barrier Reef hotels make for fabulous honeymoon settings, but we have specially labelled a few of our favourite, most romantic retreats that we think make the most perfect settings for your dream honeymoon in Australia.

Australia Weddings
As a weddings abroad specialist we at Kuoni are the ideal choice to help you plan your perfect wedding in Australia. We offer an extensive selection of wedding packages in Queensland's tropical north, perhaps marry on spectacular Hamilton Island or perhaps at secluded Thala Beach Lodge. For further information please see our dedicated Australia weddings pages or request a copy of our Weddings Brochure.

Australia Tailor Made
Don’t forget that with Kuoni you can create your own dream Australia holiday by customising your trip, choosing different combinations of nights, hotels and resorts.
•   Request a copy of our superb Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific brochure
•   Call our Personal Travel Experts on 01306 747002 who will be happy to talk you through your requirements and provide a personalised quotation
•   Request a quote online

Find out more about Australia with our Information and Facts.

Read our i-travel articles for more inspiration and ideas.

Capital city

Canberra
Population

Australia has a population of 19.5 million

Time difference / local time

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

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.

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.

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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