Australia Holidays

Why visit Australia with Original Travel ?

Our team of specialists love Australia so much that they keep going back for more. There’s always something new to discover from the sixth largest country in the world, and with so much to take in, our expertise and team of in-country Concierges are well equipped to create the perfect trip for any preference, in any season. We work closely with Aboriginal guides and operators to provide immersive and authentic cultural experiences from Darwin to Melbourne. With properties ranging from rustic outback shacks all the way up to luxury lodges, we can find the perfect spots for you to rest your head on your Australia holiday.

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Travel to Australia by Region

Queensland & The Great Barrier Reef

Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef holidays are perfect for travellers wanting to enjoy the best that nature has to offer. Queenslanders will tell you that their state is the best of Australia all rolled into one, and this is a sublime state with so much to offer, whether you want to get active on hikes inland, try your hand at surfing, or road trip along the stunning coast line with stops for island hopping. While Brisbane is the state’s cultural hub, with amazing food, wine and galleries, Cairns - further up north - is one of the top spots for anybody visiting Australia as it’s the jumping off point for the Great Barrier Reef. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has 3,000 reefs and 600 islands and an underwater world that’s top of the list for many divers.

South Australia

South Australia holidays are the ultimate way to break free from the frenzy of Australia’s east coast, with its otherworldly landscapes, adrenaline fuelled festivals and first-rate food, as well as fine wine, of course. It is brimming with diversity, from the rust-red Southern Outback to multicultural Adelaide and the wildlife wonder of Kangaroo Island. On the mainland there is the wild coast of the Southern Ocean and the Great Australian Bight, as well as the rugged beauty of the Flinders & Gawler Ranges which cover 80% of the state and yet are home to just 1% of its population. Whether you want to explore the big sky and wild landscapes of the coast, hop aboard a river cruise or stumble from cellar door to cellar door trying some of the region’s finest wines, our South Australia holidays have something for everyone.

Sydney

City, beach, countryside; culture, food, relaxation - Sydney holidays have it all. Sydney city centre - called the CBD (Central Business District) - is a hive of activity. From the designer shops to elegant bars and gourmet restaurants that line the streets, to the beauty of the Circular Quay area where you can look out at the striking Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney’s glamour is everywhere. Head just a little east out of the city, however, and you’ll find yourself on one of the most amazing coastlines in the world. All of this with almost-guaranteed good weather for eight months of the year, and you’re on to a winner.

Tasmania

Tasmania was the last part of the Australian continent to separate from the great southern landmass of Gondwana 45 million years ago. This, together with 10,000 years of isolation from mainland Australia, has resulted in Tasmania's environment becoming significantly different to the rest of the country, with granite peaks, Tasmanian wildlife, heath-covered mountains and beautiful lakes. For a truly original experience, we think you should seriously consider either tacking on a Tasmania holiday to a longer Australia trip, or taking your time and just exploring Tasmania.

Uluru and the Northern Territory

Uluru and Northern Territories holidays are the ideal way to see another side to Australia. At the heart of this continent-sized country is the 'Red Centre', a dry, sparsely vegetated and even more sparsely populated region of the country. The landscape is starkly beautiful and renowned for its chameleon-like quality as it changes colour many times between dawn and dusk. At the centre of this ancient landscape is the extraordinary natural wonder of Uluru (formerly known as Ayer's Rock). To the west, the equally impressive Kata Tjuta is a spectacular collection of 36 weathered red domes separated by narrow valleys. Original Travel can arrange your Uluru and Northern Territories holiday itinerary to include exploration of this desert scenery and the dynamic ecology that exists in this harsh and barren environment, or to discover the cultural relationship between the aboriginals and the surrounding land - their medicines, music, customs, legends and art that have adapted to suit this arid environment. Then head to the so-called 'Top End' of Australia, the Northern Territory, home to huge quantities of wildlife and impressive bird life across thousands of square miles of national parks - including the magnificent Kakadu National Park - criss-crossed by waterways, spectacular gorges and valleys. In Kakadu's neighbouring Arnhem Land there is also a labyrinth of caves and rock overhangs with rock paintings that date back an estimated 50,000 years. We can organise a guided tour through the Northern Territory to discover the ancient Aboriginal heritage of the area with Sab Lord, the best local guide. This is Australia at its finest and both the Northern Territory and Uluru are well worth including on your holiday itinerary.

Victoria

On Victoria holidays you can enjoy Melbourne's cultural scene, take to the Great Ocean Road on a road trip and follow bushwalking trails. State capital Melbourne, as well as being a cultural hub offering a year round programme of festivals, major art exhibitions and theatrical events, is also particularly cosmopolitan, providing a great contrast to other Australian cities. Wider Victoria features spectacular coastal drives, some of the richest pastoral land in Australia and magnificent bushwalking country.

Western Australia

Western Australia holidays will delight anybody who loves to be outdoors in nature. This huge state is mostly arid Outback, but along the coast you’ll find oases such as Perth, Margaret River and Broome, among others. Spend your holidays wandering along beaches and past thundering waterfalls with no one else for miles and miles. For a getaway overflowing with glorious nature and pinch-me moments aplenty, this is the place. The state's capital Perth is an easy-going place with a chilled out café culture, and for wine lovers the south-west famously boasts world class wineries. In the far north-west, the Kimberley is an ancient landform of rugged ranges with deep, spectacular gorges and pristine sandy beaches that fringe the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, and for great marine life, Ningaloo Reef will not disappoint.

Travel Advice & Information

Australia Travel Advice & Information

Australia Testimonials

4 reviews

4.8 / 5

"Pre-booking phone call and emails were very helpful in planning our itinerary. As our trip involved travel and flights within Australia our Concierge was regularly in touch to check on our progress. The Original Services enabled us to relax. Our 4-week holiday in Australia was fabulous. We particularly enjoyed the two multi-day hikes, Spicers Scenic Rim Trail and the Arkaba Walk. We certainly would consider using Original Travel again."

Pamela - Edinburgh
Published on 24th April 2025

"The Concierge was super helpful and very responsive to our queries throughout. All arrangements ran extremely smoothly throughout. There were many highlights and we particularly enjoyed our time in Tasmania."

Andrew - London
Published on 24th March 2025

"We wanted to say a massive thank you for your help and hard work in putting together your part of our Australia adventure. We had such a wonderful time and Orpheus was the highlight - we loved it. All the arrangements worked brilliantly and it couldn't have been more perfect. Your recommendation was spot on."

Alexander - Birmingham
Published on 1st April 2019

See all Australia reviews

Useful information for your Australia holiday

What is Australia known for?

Australia is known for its vast landscapes, extensive coastline (one of the world’s longest, stretching over 16,000 miles), unique flora and fauna (much of which is endemic), and rich cultural history.

What is the food like in Australia?

Food is a big part of the Aussie culture, whether it’s home-cooked or at a restaurant, pub or cafe. Healthy living is widely embraced in Australia, so you won’t struggle to find fresh, wholesome dishes, and menus are typically well catered to travellers with restricted diets.

You’ll find many native ingredients on the menu, such as lemon myrtle, bush tomatoes, lemon aspen, hibiscus and wattle for flavouring. The meat options are plentiful too, from emu and kangaroo, to crocodile and ostrich. Many eateries have international influences, and some chefs fuse these with traditional Antipodean flavours.

Barbecue is the most famous Australian cuisine. It’s no overexaggeration to say that the Aussies love their barbecue and take it very seriously. Burgers and ‘snags’ (sausages) are typically served alongside fresh salads and vegetables.

What is the drink like in Australia?

The Aussies are known for their drinking and take their libations seriously. The craft beer scene in Australia is excellent, with more and more small breweries popping up. If you have a hankering for more mainstream beer, Carlton Draft, Toohey’s and VB (Victoria Bitter) are the most prevalent labels in bottle shops. You’ll find most places don’t serve Fosters (despite what the adverts would have you believe).

Wine is also a popular tipple, and one of the country’s biggest exports (Australia is the world’s fourth-largest exporter). Each region has its speciality and specific climate so try something from each state to find your favourite grape variety and brand, whether that’s white, red, rosé or sparkling wine.

Melbourne is also passionate about coffee, and you’ll find a big coffee culture wherever you go. Many forego the major chains and instead opt for smaller, locally-run cafes.

Do I need to tip in Australia?

Tipping is at your discretion and not expected, but a tip of 10-15% for great service will be appreciated. Many bars don’t have table service, so you’ll see tip jars on the counters where you order your food and drinks, but again there’s no tip expected here.

Some restaurants, pubs and cafes will include an optional service charge on the bill, and it’s standard to pay this, but if you feel strongly about it then you’re able to get it taken off the bill without fuss.

Taxis, delivery drivers, hotel porters and guides do not expect a tip but, again, if you want to reward particularly good service then you can give a few dollars extra.

What else do I need to know about etiquette in Australia?

Outside of tipping, Australia’s etiquette aligns quite closely with the UK and the USA, such as queuing, manners and punctuality, so there’s unlikely to be much of a culture shock.

How long is a flight to Australia?

The flight to Australia takes around 23 hours from London if you fly direct, which is a relatively new development. It takes between 20 and 27 hours if you stop along the way, depending on how long the stopover is and whether you’re heading to the east or west of the country. Common stopover destinations include Singapore, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Delhi, Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur.

How big is Australia?

Australia measures around 2.9 million square miles. It’s no secret that this country is big, but it’s difficult to appreciate its vast size until you arrive (or you realise how long it takes just to fly from one side to the other).

Is it easier to take a domestic flight when travelling in Australia?

You need to cover some serious ground to experience Australia’s varied regions – so you’ll likely need to fly. Travelling from Melbourne to Sydney to Brisbane requires easy and short domestic flights, as does exploring the East Coast.

What are the options if I’d prefer not to fly?

You might want to rent a car if you’d prefer not to fly. You’ll pass quaint coastal towns and villages along the way, but you’re in for a lengthy journey.

Although travelling using public transport within Australian cities is easy, trains between destinations aren’t great, as the distances are just too huge. You do have options such as The Ghan, which travels north to south, or the Indian Pacific, which travels east to west.

What plugs do they use in Australia?

The standard plug is type I (three flat pins arranged in a triangle), so you need to use an adapter. The standard electricity supply is 230V.

What’s the time difference between the UK and Australia?

Australia has three time zones:

Western Standard Time is eight hours ahead of GMT and covers Western Australia.
Central Standard Time is nine hours ahead of GMT and covers the Northern Territory and South Australia.
Eastern Standard Time is ten hours ahead of GMT and covers Queensland, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and Tasmania.

Daylight saving is observed in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and Norfolk Island, where on 2nd October, the clocks go forward one hour. When the clocks go back in the UK at the end of October, there will be an additional two hours’ difference on top of the time differences listed above.

Daylight saving is not observed in Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Christmas Island or the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

What is the capital of Australia?

The capital of Australia is Canberra.

What is the population of Australia?

The population of Australia is 26,957,120.

What languages are spoken in Australia?

The main and official language in Australia is English, so all road signs, menus and important information will be in English. However, with such a diverse population, you’ll also hear a variety of other languages spoken including numerous Aboriginal languages (there are over 250, as well as approximately 800 dialects).

There’s also a chance you’ll hear and read Greek, Italian, Lebanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and Japanese from the many migrant families who have settled in Australia since its colonisation.

What is the main religion in Australia?

Christianity is the dominant religion in Australia, but the country is diverse, and the religious influence is less prominent than in other destinations. In fact, in the most recent Australian census, 38.9% of respondents said they had no religion.

What is the currency in Australia?

The national currency is the Australian dollar (AUD), which is comprised of 100 cents. Notes are available in denominations of five, ten, 20, 50 and 100 dollars. One-cent, two-cent, five-cent, ten-cent, 20-cent, 50-cent, one-dollar and two-dollar coins are also used. ATMs are widely available.

Credit and debit cards are accepted in almost all places, from supermarkets and newsagents (called milk bars in Aussie lingo) to bars and restaurants. However, some smaller markets or cafes – especially if you’re in The Outback or a small village shop – may be cash only.

When are shops and amenities open?

In general, shops open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday; on Saturdays, some may close at 12pm. Depending on the region, some shops may open on Sundays, particularly in larger cities. Banks usually open from 9.30am to 4pm from Monday to Thursday and until 5pm on Friday.

What side of the road do they drive on in Australia?

Vehicles drive on the left in Australia.

What are the visa requirements for Australia?

British citizens need a visa to travel to Australia. The best way is to get an eVisitor visa (no fee) from the Department of Immigration & Border Protection.

Should you require a different type of visa, please contact the Department of Immigration & Border Protection or the Australian High Commission in London.

Do I need to provide any other information when I arrive?

New arrivals into Australia are often asked to provide a return/onward ticket and proof of finances to support their stay in Australia, so make sure you have this information handy.

You need to fill in an Incoming Passenger Card – these are given to you on the plane before you land – and declare any goods considered a risk, then dispose of them at the airport.

What are the passport requirements for Australia travel?

Passports must be valid for the duration of your time in Australia. If you are stopping off in, or transiting through, another country on your way to or from Australia, check the passport and visa requirements for that country.

Do I need any vaccinations before I visit Australia?

You must be up to date on your vaccinations for life in the UK. If you’re travelling from a country listed as a yellow fever transmission risk, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.

Are there any notable luggage requirements?

Australia has strict regulations around carry-on luggage. Liquids, gels and aerosols must be put in a single clear, re-sealable plastic bag. Individual items must not exceed 100ml in capacity and weigh no more than 100g. The four sides of the plastic bag must not total more than 80cm when added up (i.e. 20x20 or 25x15).

For powders, travellers are limited to 350g per person (excluding organic items such as baby formula and food), which must be in containers with a maximum capacity of 350ml. Powders in carry-on luggage must be presented at security but do not need to be within your re-sealable bag alongside your liquids.

These regulations apply to all travellers who are transiting through Australia, departing internationally from Australia or travelling domestically within Australia but from an international terminal.

Visit the Australian Home Affairs website for further information.

Who is Australia best for?

With cool cities, gorgeous beaches and innumerable culinary hotspots, Australia holidays are ideal for honeymooners. Sail off to the Whitsunday islands and find a romantic paradise, where you can explore tropical rainforests, enjoy beach picnics and cruise to secret swimming coves. The country is also ideal for families - the whole gang will be blown away exotic wildlife and stunning scenery. In Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, take a cable car ride to see wombats, koalas and gorillas up close. Journey further afield to Kangaroo Island - the whole island is a protected sanctuary for wildlife such as the tammar wallabies, southern brown bandicoots, brushtail possums and short-beaked echidnas. Australia’s intriguing and spectacular landscapes make for exciting outdoor adventures whether it’s camping under the stars with direct views of Ayers Rock, or helicopter safaris over the enormous crater-like Wilpena Pound. Divers will be champing at the bit to get stuck into the Great Barrier Reef. The World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef is also well worth a trip, between March and July you can snorkel with whale sharks.

What can you find in Australia that you won’t find elsewhere?

Rich Aboriginal heritage in the ochre-coloured plains surrounding Uluru. Here you’ll find traces of Australia’s indigenous people - 50,000 year-old rock art and wild territories, that are still utilised by Aboriginal families today. Discover immense natural beauty from Tasmania’s rugged wilderness to Queensland’s dreamy white-sand islands that largely remain unspoiled. Visit some of the most iconic beaches in the world such as the world-famous sands of Bondi and laidback Manly - popular with families. Great surf, sand and restaurants make Sydney a highlight for most Australian holidays. And there’s good reason to visit Western Australia, which is home to the up-and-coming city of Perth and vineyards as far as the eye can see.

What are the best ways to discover Australia?

If you have time, consider exploring Australia’s vast landscapes on a road trip. Before you go, we’ll give you maps, tips and our little black book so that you can pause, linger and explore as you please armed with the best intel. Perhaps you’ll choose an eco-lodge, glamping or a swish hotel with all the bells and whistles. Sweep through the country to experience the highlights - an ideal trip for first timers would cover Sydney, Kangaroo Island, Ayers Rock and the Great Barrier Reef. If you are an absolute foodie yet love to surf to shed the previous night's shrimp barbecue (sorry- couldn't resist), then maybe we'd suggest the cosmopolitan highlights of Melbourne combined with a jaunt on Australia's Western coast for, let's face it, first class surfing. And if you have more time, why not ponder a trip to New Zealand? Just leave the logistics to us.

Queensland

Australia has seven states, all as different as the next. Queensland boasts pristine beaches, tropical rainforests, the stunning Whitsunday islands and the diving Mecca that is the Great Barrier Reef. Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Cairns are the three main towns/cities in Queensland, and each to their own they have very individual characters, whilst retaining the laid back personality of Queensland.

New South Wales

New South Wales is where you'd find that popular city some call Sydney, as well as the beautiful Blue Mountains, wineries, tablelands and miles of undulating bushland. The beaches in this area of Australia are wild and not to be missed. A particular favourite of travellers and luxury holiday makers alike is Byron Bay, a surfer's retreat with a slow pace of life and quirky little cafes and restaurants.