Australia Travel
Vast and scenically diverse, Australia is an intoxicating mix of cosmopolitan cities, staggering natural beauty and vibrant indigenous culture. From the boundless landscapes of the Outback to the Great Barrier Reef; from Bondi Beach to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in Cairns, Australia offers something for everyone. Let’s not forget the excellent weather, which is another reason why the land Down Under is such a popular holiday destination.
Why we love holidays in Australia
- Australia’s beaches are legendary, whether on the mainland, the Whitsundays, or along the rugged coast of Tasmania.
- Sydney’s famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge are not to be missed.
- The Blue Mountains, so-called because of the blue haze that is visible from all the eucalyptus trees that grow on the slopes.
- The art and culture in Melbourne – and the cake in the coffee shops!
- Australia is home to Uluru, the monumental natural phenomenon called The Rock, which is believed to have magical properties.
- Australian cuisine is outstanding. It’s a delicious fusion of influences, from Asian delights to traditional dishes.
Wherever you go, whatever you want to do, travel in Australia has something for everyone. For families in search of the best beach holidays, Australia delivers. For groups of friends, solo travellers, couples and honeymooners, the wealth of beautiful places in Australia promise unforgettable experiences in 2024.
What To Do In Australia
With so many attractions in Australia, where do you start exploring? The cities of Sydney, Perth, Cairns and Melbourne are always popular choices. But don’t miss out on some of the more far-flung destinations like the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, the charming Whitsundays and the spectacular Nitmiluk Gorge in the Northern Territory, where you can enjoy a wealth of canoeing options.
Go off the beaten track in the Outback to see the Australian wilds, catch the sun on stunning white, sandy beaches, explore lush tropical rainforests and majestic mountain ranges, and spend time in the country’s iconic red desert.
Things to do in Australia
- Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef is a bucket list experience. The best way to explore this magical marine world is from the Whitsundays.
- Visit Western Australia’s Purnululu National Park and fly over the Bungle Bungles, extraordinary orange-striped beehive-shaped mountains.
- Outback adventures await just off the 600km-long Gibb River Road. The challenging terrain is only accessible in a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
- Shop in one of Melbourne’s legendary street markets, before stopping off for cake and coffee.
- Laze on world-famous Bondi Beach near Sydney, with its spectacular scenery.
- Explore Tasmania’s open-air museum, the 19th Century Port Arthur penal settlement.
- Attend the Adelaide Fringe in South Australia’s capital; it’s the largest art festival in the southern hemisphere.
- Travel the 250km-long Great Ocean Road near Melbourne, with its charming villages and stunning white-sand beaches.
- For an all-encompassing adventure, travel from Darwin to Adelaide on The Ghan train, savouring great Australian wine and good food along the way.
- From Darwin, take a day’s outing to Litchfield with its scenic waterfalls and swimming areas.
In Australia, anything is possible. You can pick your passion and find it somewhere Down Under! Once you’ve done that, browse our Australia holiday packages and book today.
Know before you go...
When is the best time to visit?  Â
- In tropical Australia, the dry season from May to October has clear blue skies and sunny days. It’s the time to experience Darwin’s vibrant outdoor markets, movies and festivals.
- December to March is the wet season, which is hot and humid with daily rainstorms. See waterfalls thunder through Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks or fly over Katherine Gorge when its water levels are highest.
Getting there & getting around
- Direct flight time to Perth is 9 hours 20 min from OR Tambo International Airport.
- Direct flight time to Sydney is 14 hours from OR Tambo International Airport.
- Direct flight time to Melbourne is 13 hours 20 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport.
- There are many other options to fly via the Middle or the Far East.
- Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world: how you get from A to B requires some planning. If you're short on time, consider internal flights − they're affordable, frequent and fast between major cities. 
- Buses are frequent and reliable though not always cheaper than flying, however, travelling by bus does give you a better sense of how much distance stands between each city. 
- Trains are slow and expensive but the scenery is fantastic.
- If you would like to explore the more remote areas then hiring a car is your best option.
- Australia’s cities have excellent transport systems as a whole, including trams, taxis, buses, trains and where relevant, ferries.
- South African passport holders do require an Australian visa, which you can apply for online or via the Australian Embassy. Visas must be obtained prior to arrival in Australia. Visa application requires a certified copy of your passport, which must be valid for 6 months after return date. Apply well in advance (at least 4 weeks before your departure).
- Australia has 3 different time zones – Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the East Coast, Western Standard Time (WST) on the West Coast and Central Standard Time (CST) in the middle (South Australia and the Northern Territory).
- CST is half an hour behind EST, and WST is 2 hours behind EST.
- An example of a time frame: Sydney is 8 hours behind South Africa, so when it’s 9am here, it’s 5pm in Sydney.
- Daylight Savings Time is practised from October to March.
- Make sure you know which time zone you’re in when checking flight and airport transfer times.
- Currency: Australian dollars and cents (A$).
- Credit cards are widely accepted.
- Tipping for services in Australia is not expected and most locals are not accustomed to it. Only tip for exceptional service.
English is the official language in Australia.
Christianity is the dominant religion in Australia.
- Drinking water: It is recommended to drink bottled water.
- Health certificates & vaccinations: check with your travel clinic about recommended vaccinations.
What must I pack? Â
- Depending on when and where you visit, lightweight clothing for summer, warm clothing for winter, rain gear and beachwear if relevant. Choose items that can be layered.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Sun Protection. The sun is harsh – pack a lot of sunscreen!
- Mini first aid kit and regular prescription medication.
- Hand sanitiser and insect repellent.
- Camera.
- Travel adaptor. Electrical current is 220 – 240V, AC50
What can I do to be a responsible traveller?  Â
- Wherever possible, buy local food and souvenirs and support local artisans.
- If hiring a car, watch out for wildlife such as kangaroos and wallabies on the road, especially around dawn and dusk if driving on country roads.
- Respect each other's cultures and customs and avoid imposing your beliefs.
- Do not support animal encounters and wildlife activities that are harmful or unethical.
Safety tips
- Always have a map (or app) on hand, especially when travelling at night.
- Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.
- Keep your belongings safe – use the hotel safe for passports and valuables and watch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers when out and about.
What do I do in an emergency?
- For emergencies, dial 000 for police, fire or ambulance.
- Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist.
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