A country bigger than all those in Western Europe combined and approximately 31 times the size of the UK, Australia is enormous, so for a first visit, where on earth do you start in choosing what to see and do?
From the reef to the rainforest and valleys to vineyards, the land down under is like nowhere else on earth. A combination of natural wonders and changing colours, unique wildlife and underwater wonderlands, pristine coastlines, fabulous food and wine, 40,000 years of indigenous history, vibrant cities and laidback locals make for an idyllic backdrop and an eclectic array of experiences.
Although vast in size, it is surprisingly easy to get around, thanks to travel options that suit any budget. Self-drives are hugely popular, as are simple transfers or escorted tours.
Ultimately, your first Australian experience will come down to how much time you have and what are the things that you most want to see and do. Once this is established, I can piece together appropriate suggestions, stopovers and exciting itineraries.
As a basic starting point, my recommendation would be to take a couple of weeks to visit three of the most iconic sites and regions: Sydney in New South Wales, Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the outback of Central Australia and the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland.
Sydney
Start your adventure with a five-night stay in one of the world’s great cities...
Most people know what the Sydney Harbour Bridge looks like, but when you walk across it, as many commuters do each day, you'll not only get wonderful views of the harbour but a sense of how integral the bridge is to Sydney life. It connects the city's skyscraper-filled centre with the neighbourhood of Kirribilli, a suburb with some of the city's best views.
Stop at the historic The Rocks, before walking over the bridge from the city to explore Kirribilli's many cafés and restaurants and if you're feeling more energetic, a climb to the top will provide unrivalled views of the sparkling harbour.
The Sydney Opera House is an equally recognisable landmark and architectural marvel, but it is also the heartbeat of the city’s cultural life, hosting plays, talks, concerts and, of course, opera, and you can also get behind the scenes.
A backstage tour provides access to the corridors and green rooms of the Sydney Opera House reserved for musicians and performers.
You'll also learn why the building is such a focal point for Sydneysiders and secrets that wouldn't be discovered by simply photographing the bright white sails.
After your tour, grab a drink or a bite to eat right on the waterfront or on the water itself with a cruise around the harbour or maybe catch a ferry across to Taronga Zoo.
It's unusual for a city to have such an abundance of stunning beaches so close to its centre, but in Sydney, you can find yourself swimming at a famous stretch of sand such as Bondi Beach or Manly Beach within 25 minutes of leaving your city hotel.
Beaches are an integral part of life here with many residents waking up, grabbing a coffee and a dip in the ocean before going to work in the morning.
I would also highly suggest leaving the city for a day tour either west to the world heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park or north to the beautiful Hunter Valley wine region.
Uluru
In the vast inland deserts, the ancient Aboriginal cultures add a spiritual dimension to the timeless landscapes and experiencing them should be top of every visitor's list.
The arid outback in Central Australia is dominated by the mighty Uluru, a towering monolith awash with mystical tales and centuries-old rock paintings.
From Sydney, fly to Alice Springs and spend a night in this fascinating remote outback town before travelling by coach to Uluru, taking in the rugged desert landscapes and passing through the beautiful MacDonnell Ranges.
Spend a couple of nights at Uluru where you will experience the amazing colours of sunset and sunrise, from blazing oranges to deep, dark reds, and many shades in between.
A sunrise camel tour, a sunset dune walk or enjoying dinner under the stars with the supreme standing stone as your backdrop will provide plenty of opportunities to capture the moment.
The Great Barrier Reef
For your final six nights, fly up to Cairns and head for the laidback, coastal town of Port Douglas, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree National Park.
There are many ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef – you can snorkel or dive around its beautiful coral, fly over it by helicopter or seaplane, sail on its clear waters in a catamaran or motor yacht, and even sleep on it. Each provides a unique and memorable way to see the stunning colours and marine life of the area. I took a full day outer reef cruise with lunch included and the opportunity to snorkel which was truly unforgettable.
The region's beautiful beaches and islands include Green Island, Mission Beach, Low Isles, Vlassof Cay, Palm Cove and Four Mile Beach, any or all of which are fabulous to explore.
Out of the water, there are plenty of other memorable things to do. The mountain village of Kuranda can be reached via a gondola ride that glides peacefully over the rainforest before returning on the spectacular Kuranda Scenic Railway, a two-hour journey through the forested hillside with a stop at the spectacular Barron Falls.
Set back from the Great Barrier Reef, you'll find the pristine wilderness of the Daintree, a 165 million years old tropical rainforest. There are many picturesque walking tracks and even a zip wire to zoom through the lush canopy. You can take a crocodile-spotting cruise along the Daintree River, swim in the clear, mint-green waters of Mossman Gorge (a crocodile-free area) or take a bushwalk and learn about the local history with an Aboriginal guide.
Although additional time is necessary, I wouldn't be doing my job if I omitted mention of what may well be the highlight of the coastal landscapes, Cape Tribulation, where the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef meet.
I’m aware this is merely a suggested taster menu of a first introduction to Australia and there are numerous other gems worthy of exploration such as the country’s capital of coffee and sport – magnificent Melbourne, The Great Ocean Road, Kakadu National Park, Adelaide and the wine region of the Barossa Valley, Tasmania, or Ningaloo Marine Park and Fremantle in Western Australia to name but a few.
I look forward to helping create your dream trip Down Under.
