Population: 20.6 million
Total Area: 7,686,850 km2 (about the same as the continental USA)
Major Airports: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, Hobart and Canberra. Other major cities and regional towns are serviced by Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Blue.
Transport: The public transport in Australia’s major cities and towns is good, with all major air, coach and rail services accessing popular destinations.
When To Go: Australia's climate and the fact that it is the driest continent on earth makes it a fabulous holiday destination all year round, whatever you're planning to do. Given the size of the Australia, temperatures vary significantly from the coast to the outback.
Summer temperatures range from 20-32°C on the coast (south to north) to 40°C inland. In winter, coastal temperatures average 8-20°C (south to north) while inland they average 25°C. See our region profiles for more detail on weather specific to your location.
There's so much to experience in this amazing country that just dreaming of the opportunities will take your breath away! The diversity ranges from bustling cities and endless beaches to the timeless outback and pristine rainforest and coral reefs. Australian cities are all about lifestyle with great shopping, food and entertainment, natural surrounds and cosmopolitan fun. The country’s seemingly endless series of beaches curve to the horizon through many different climatic zones. Outback adventures offer a chance to meet ‘real Australians’ and experience the country’s rich Aboriginal culture. Amazing Experiences? Australia is a land full of powerful experiences just waiting to be discovered. Encounters with our incredible wildlife on land and in the water will truly open your eyes wide in astonishment: Fly in a Balloon over the Yarra Valley, Sail the Whitsunday Islands, Swim with the largest sharks in WA, Abseil down a cliff and into rainforest. If you are after adventure, your choices are limitless. Eating & Drinking? Fine wines and dining are now as characteristically Australian as warm sun and booming surf. Australian sights and sounds of marvellous landscapes will live on in your senses, just as its food and wine will resonate through your taste buds. The rich diversity of produce, restaurants, cafes, vineyards and markets are a feast for the senses.
Shopping & Nightlife? Shopping is a part of any holiday, and a combination of fantastic shopping precincts with exceptional style and markets allow for hours of browsing or buying. After dark, Australians aren't shy of a party and love including visitors. Sport? Whether it's a game of beach volleyball, the emotion of Rugby or Aussie Rules football or the excitement of the Melbourne Cup, there is opportunity to join in with Australians enjoying sport. And for every stylish, thoroughbred event, there's something wacky to enjoy like the Alice Springs Camel Cup. Relaxation? Bliss out in a rainforest, stretch on a tropical beach or watch the snow fall from a spa. Relaxation comes naturally to Australians!