The EA guide to Australia holidays
What do you reckon about Australia holidays? Well, from the words of famous Aussie actor, Chris Hemsworth and Global Ambassador for Tourism Australia
“If I had one bit of advice for people thinking about Australia, I‘d just say hurry up and book. You won’t regret it, it’s a truly unique experience.”
Now this applies to even the locals who may not have explored their own backyards much over the past few years. Now is the best time to escape and explore Australia.
Australia has so many bucket-list worthy destinations and everywhere you go there’s spectacular accommodations, exhilarating activities and truly unforgettable experiences. From glamping in the Northern Territory’s remote Kakadu National Park, exploring Western Australia’s wild Kimberly region to an air safari island hopping along the coast of Victoria.
With diverse landscapes and space to spare, Australia is one of the world’s greatest outdoor adventure playgrounds. You can hike, climb, bike, fly, glide, cruise and canoe to name a few. With a sense of adventure, you can embark on Australia’s best journeys.
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The best time to holiday in Australia
Australia is a massive country and the climate varies significantly from one region to the next. Having said that, it really is the country you can visit at any time of year.
Summer runs from December to February and its bright and sunny across the country. For hot summer beach time, the coastlines of Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia are a must. Bear in mind the tropical north is in its wet season (Nov – April) so areas like Darwin, Cairns and the Whitsundays may have tropical storms and heavy rains.
March to May is Autumn and sees Australia transform from lush greens to orange, ochre and red hues. Victoria’s High Country is spectacular as is Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain National Park.
Winter runs from June to August and believe it or not, Australia even gets snow with some fantastic ski fields in the Australian Alps. The top end is at its best, so explore the Kimberley and Darwin for balmy days and cool nights. It’s also whale season along the east coast of the country with the humpbacks migrating north.
September to November is spring time and the Jacarandas and wildflowers are in full bloom. Native wildlife have been breeding and koalas and kangaroo joeys begin to venture out of their mummas’ pouches. The outback is in its full glory and it’s the last few months of the Northern Territory’s dry season.
November to April is north Australia’s wet season with hectic, hot days thanks to high humidity and monsoonal rains. Kakadu is mainly closed but a helicopter flight over Nitmiluk Gorge at full flow is spectacular! Head to the rainforests throughout Queensland and northern New South Wales to see the rich greens, brimming lakes, rivers and waterfalls at their fullest.
Wildlife in Australia
Australia doesn’t have anything like Africa’s big five or dangerous predators lurking on the open plains, but it sure does have some fascinating wildlife. There’s nothing quite like spotting a wild animal in its natural habitat.
Australia is famous for its marine life on the Great Barrier Reef and its marsupials like koalas and kangaroos. Did you know that almost ninety percent of Australia’s mammal species are not found anywhere else in the world?
Australian Tourism website says “We are one of the few continents to have all three groups of mammals – monotremes, marsupials and placentals – and are home to more than 800 species of birds, including the iconic emu. We’ve got two crocodile species, 4,000 fish species and 50 types of marine mammals.” Now that’s impressive!
Dangerous animals in Australia
It’s true, we certainly have our fair share of dangerous animals. There are more venomous snakes in Australia than any other continent. We have 21 of the 25 deadliest snakes.
Crocodiles both freshwater and saltwater can be found mainly in the far north around Kimberly, Kakadu and Cape York Peninsula.
Australia also has great white sharks in the surrounding oceans. Our largest carnivorous mammal is the dingo or wild dog (pictured courtesy of Tourism Australia) that can cause a threat to campers especially on places like Fraser Island if you do not follow the protocols and rules of camping.
This isn’t about scaring you away, it’s about informing you so when you do visit, nothing is a surprise and you simply follow guides instructions to guarantee your safety.
Queensland
Queensland is known as the great sunshine state with a moderate year round climate making it ideal any time of year!
It’s home to The Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. and the world’s biggest single structure made from living organisms. The reef system is home to over 600 types of hard and soft coral, countless species of tropical fish, dolphins, sharks and turtles.
Head far north to Cairns and a little further inland to Kuranda, known as the Village in the Rainforest. Here, spectacular scenery, indigenous culture and countless adventures await.
Surfer’s Paradise is on Queensland’s Gold Coast and a world-famous destination for beach lovers and surfers alike. Queensland is also home to Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island boasting lush rainforests, freshwater lakes, creeks and picturesque coastlines. With a menagerie of native wildlife and wonderful activities on offer, it’s great for the whole family.
Northern Territory
We’re partnering with camp owners in the Northern Territory so we can bring to you outstanding safari experiences in Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land. Kakadu is home to the oldest living culture on earth and Aboriginal rock art dating back over 25,000 years. This region is spectacular and the waterfall trails are brilliant hiking plus you can swim in boulder creek and take an indigenous-owned cruise through the world-famous, Yellow Water Billabong.
The vast wilderness of Arnhem Land is defined by rocky escarpments, gorges, rivers and waterfalls. Home to traditional landowners, the Yolngu people, you’ll get a brilliant insight into Aboriginal culture, visiting the Injalak Arts and Craft Centre in Gunbalanya and nearby Injalak Hill with its ancient rock art site.
I’d love to chat about Australia
It all starts here, or you may prefer to call us. Either way our extraordinary Africa travel experts are ready to help plan your adventure. Please complete the enquiry form below. Or simply give us a call on (07) 3390 3744 Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.