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Hill Inlet, Whitsundays
Heart Reef of the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island
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Whitsunday Islands Holidays

Picture-postcard tropical island escapes

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The Whitsunday Islands are shrouded in lush rainforest and fringed by some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, turquoise waters and colourful coral reefs. Bordered by the remarkable Great Barrier Reef, this paradisiacal part of the world has a range of accommodation, from family-friendly resorts to some of the most romantic and exclusive hideaways imaginable.

Stay at one of Kuoni's hand-picked Whitsundays resorts.

Whitsundays favourites
•   Take a helicopter or seaplane trip for unparalleled views of the reefs and perfectly-formed islands
•   Visit Whitehaven Beach - often described as one of the best beaches in the world - and, at low tide, walk up to the lookout at Tongue Point for views of the unique Hill Inlet
•   Indulge in a relaxing and rejuvenating spa treatment at luxurious Hayman Island
•   Snorkel offshore or venture further afield on a diving excursion to the Great Barrier Reef

Whitsundays Honeymoons
All of our Whitsundays 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 including the opportunity to marry on spectacular Hamilton Island. 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.

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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