Australia

Aboriginal Culture in Australia

Australia's Aboriginal people have an age-old history with the Australian landscape. Their people and culture date back 50,000 years. Having survived harsh desert, fire, drought and flood conditions, Aborigines have passed on from generation to generation a detailed knowledge of the plants, animals and water sources.

Shopping

Australia produces a galaxy of goods that are found nowhere else in the world. Speciality stores that deal exclusively in these products - as well as plenty of department stores  are a great place to pick up a distinctive souvenir.

Fashion plus

Australian fashion designers have had a big impact on the international scene. Among the names to watch for are Collette.

What to do

• Spring September- November
• Catch the Puffing Billy vintage steam railway in the Dandenong Ranges
• Watch the nightly parade of little penguins on Phillip Island
• Travel along the scenic Great Ocean Road
• Relive the goldmining past in Ballarat's Sovereign Hill, an outdoor museum.
• Stay on track when bushwalking
• Use public transport if possible
• Recycle packaging and dispose of rubbish thoughtfully
• Use as little water as possible
• Observe local fire restrictions
• Take photographs
• Take care of the coral reefs by avoiding anchoring and resist the temptation to collect corals, shells or other reef species
• Show respect for local people, their culture and ways of life
• Marvel at colourful marine life on the Great Barrier Reef, stretching over 2,000km along the coast. The Whitsundays located right in the heart of this natural wonder features 74 islands. Sail on the azure waters, go snorkelling, diving, parasailing, and windsurfing or enjoy scenic flights over the reef.
• Stay in romantic island resorts dotted along the coast.
• Take the Skyrail from Cairns to Kuranda in the Atherton Tablelands and return on the Scenic Railway
• Visit Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park in Cairns
• Experience rural life and pioneering history in the fascinating outback.

Tasmania

Located south of the mainland and accessible by air and vehicle passenger ferry from Melbourne, Tasmania is known for World Heritage listed wilderness, clean air, lush green pastures and orchards, historic villages with colonial accommodation. The capital city Hobart is a friendly city that boasts colonial architecture and stunning waterfront location on the river Derwent. Take a ride on the Spirit of Tasmania Drive to the top of Mt Wellington for fine views over the city.

Travel along the Heritage Highway between Hobart and Launceston, featuring historic villages Explore Port Arthur, the site of the colony's main penal settlement with many preserved buildings.

Brisbane

Brisbane is the capital with its near perfect climate in a city of open spaces, dotted with parks, wetlands and eucalypt forests.

• Visit Mt Coottha for panoramic views Go shopping for art and craft at Southbank Parklands and Riverside markets
• Hand feed wild dolphins and go sand tobogganing on Moreton Island
• Enjoy theme parks, golden beaches, water sports and golf courses on the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Go camping on Fraser Island.

South Australia

Located centrally in Australia, South Australia is best known for its wine regions, culinary delights, festivals, opals and vast desert landscapes. The capital, Adelaide is an elegant, spacious city surrounded by green parklands, on the banks of the River Torrens.

If the ocean is not for you, try a cruise aboard the paddle-steamers that ply the mighty Murray River in South Australia. They provide a unique look at the Australian countryside, with a range of accommodation and cruise choices. Other fabulous cruising areas include the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria, the dolphin cruises of Jervis Bay and Port Stephens in New South Wales, or the journey that links Tasmania with mainland Australia.

Accommodation

Whether you fancy the homely feel of a bed and breakfast, or being pampered in a five-star luxury resort with superb spa and recreational facilities you'll find something just right for you. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try unrolling a swag (bedroll) and sleeping under the stars. From luxurious five-star hotels to motels, resorts and friendly farm stays, you'll sleep well and wake refreshed on holiday in Australia. Mature travellers seeking a self-drive open-road experience will find Australia offers a wide range of caravan and camp sites. If you'd rather stay in lodgings with a bit of local character, try Bed and Breakfast accommodation which generally offer a high standard of accommodation at reasonable prices. Farm Stays offer meals and accommodation on genuine working rural properties. Your lodgings can range from basic to luxurious -it's a good idea to inquire first. Seniors are sometimes offered discounts, and you can participate in a range of typically Australian activities, including horse-riding, fishing and National Park walks. Prices start at about $A130 per couple. If you're looking for a place with real character (and real characters, in many cases!) don't overlook the pub. Aussie pubs typically offer basic but comfortable accommodation above the bar area  and they can be quite an experience. Local hospitality plus easy access to the bar and dining facilities make a pub stay an option worth considering.

New South Wales

New South Wales is Australia's oldest established and most populous state. Visitors can travel through seaside villages, bushland, forests, vineyards, mountain ranges and desert.

• Walk the foreshore from the Botanic Gardens to the famous Opera House
• Visit the beautiful Blue Mountains
• Go skiing in the Snowy Mountains or enjoy bushwalking and fishing in summer.
• Enjoy the versatile Hunter Region - taste the wines, enjoy watersports, go horse riding and experience rural life
• Travel along the Pacific Coast Touring Route from Sydney to Brisbane stopping at Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay or make sidetrips into the hinterland
• Discover the rugged outback - Broken Hill and national parks featuring wildlife and ancient rock carvings

Australian Capital Territory

• Visit our national monuments - the Parliament House, Australian National Gallery, Australian War Memorial, National Library and the Australian Institute of Sport
• Cycle around the waters of Lake Burley Griffin.
• Enjoy the flowers at the colourful spring festival, Floriade
• Watch the sunrise from the gondola of a hot-air balloon

Victoria

• Enjoy panoramic views from the Rialto Observation Deck
• Take a cruise on the Yarra river
• Try the international cuisine accompanied by Victorian wines from the Yarra Valley, Rutherglen or Mornington Peninsula.
• Go shopping in Australia's shopping capital. Don't miss Queen Victoria Market.
• Visit Melbourne Zoo
• Enjoy famous events - Australian Open tennis; Grand Prix motor racing; Australian Football League Grand Final; surfing competitions; Melbourne Cup horse racing or bieneig
• Take a stroll along leafy North Terrace and in the Botanic Gardens
• Discover the Adelaide Hills, where historic Hahndorf retains the atmosphere of its German settlers.
• Taste excellent vines of the McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Clare Valley and the Barossa Valley
• Go camping in the rugged Flinders Ranges
• Cruise on a paddle steamer or hire a houseboat and travel down the mighty Murray River.

Western Australia

The largest state of Australia has many contrasts — beautiful coasts with long stretches of white sandy beaches, giant karri and jarrah forests and vast desert landscapes. Situated on the Swan River, Perth is a vigorous young city on the coast, well planned and spacious and blessed with an enviable climate and superb location.
• Stroll through Kings Park, and be there for the yearly Wildflower Festival
• Go fishing, diving, snorkelling, swimming and cycling on Rottnest Island
• Travel south to the picturesque wine-growing region of Margaret River, historical Albany and stately forests
• Dive with the whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef
• See the Pinnacles, fossilised remains of an ancient forest
• Drive through the rugged Kimberley, Australia's last frontier.

Northern Territory

• Cruise on the Fannie Bay harbour
• Combine the spectacular sunset with great jazz on the lawns of the casino
• Experience ancient Aboriginal culture in Kakadu, Arnhem Land and the Tiwi islands
• Take a cruise in Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park In the Red Centre
• Experience ancient cave paintings and mystical rock formations in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
• Choose from a range of camel tours in the area - some include lunch or dinner