Desert and Outback Trip (2-3 days)
Recommended Vehicle: Powerful 4-wheel drive
If you like the idea of powering through the deserted open roads with a pair of sunglasses on and some music blaring out of your speakers, it’s not just USA holidays that can fit the bill. This is a classic Australian road trip on which you can take in some incredible landscapes. Start in Alice Springs, a lovely town to explore, and make your way to Watarrka National Park, where you can observe the scenic Kings Canyon. Your next stop is the world-famous Uluru National Park. Finally, make your way back to Alice Springs via the Kata Tjuta rock formations.

Reef and Rainforest Excursion (3-4 days)
Recommended Vehicle: Powerful 4-wheel drive
Start your journey in Cairns, where you can drive through the popular reef resort of Port Douglas. Spend a day here having a look around and getting some lunch at one of the many great restaurants. Your next stop is the Daintree Rainforest, where you can expect a completely different experience of interesting wildlife and nature. Be careful, though – crocodiles lurk in the fresh water. After making your way through the rainforest, you will come into Cape Tribulation, where you will be able to see the Pacific Ocean and go for a swim.

Coastal Adventure (2+ days)
Recommended Vehicle: Convertible sports car
Easily the equal of any road trip Florida offers, an adventure along the east coast of Australia will have you soaking up the sunshine and taking things at your own pace. Start off in Sydney and spend some time enjoying the laid-back cafe lifestyle. After this, you can take in as much or as little as you want along the coast. Some of the highlights include Byron Bay, Brisbane and Port Macquarie. But one of the most enjoyable things to do is explore and find your own favourite places.

Flights to Melbourne are fairly affordable currently. Packages are available for under $2,000 that includes the flight, accommodations and guided tours. Currently, you can take advantage of numerous vacation specials offered online.

Melbourne Nightlife

While visiting Melbourne, you will find numerous night clubs and bars to can enjoy the company of others and engage in premium libations. Music may also accompany these night time excursions.

Art and architecture is a major part of the Australian culture. Architectural influences are often present in the night clubs. Wide screen televisions often display digital art to the patrons of the club.

Party buses are also common in Melbourne. You can hop aboard a party bus and be transported from venue to venue to enjoy the festivities. You can party and enjoy your libations safely in the party bus.

Walking Art Tours

Melbourne inspires artists, writers and musicians by putting all art forms on display for artists. Local artists may display their artistry on the laneways, byway and art walks. The Circletram ride is a popular tour for tourists that enjoy city streets. An expert is available to guide tourists by foot or by tram. The Yarra River is a great background for art displayed on the streets of Melbourne.

Winery Tours

Australian wines are becoming popular. Try the wineries to relax and unwind in Melbourne. The tours may be enjoyed with a significant other or perhaps, a group of friends. Several wineries may be combined in one tour. A host will accompany you on the tour.

While on the tour, you will be transported by party bus or by other shuttles. Games, prizes and other giveaways may accompany the experience. Taste some of the best wines Australia has to offer on these wine tours.
Gourmet food and a walk through the vineyards are often paired with the winery tours. The meals may either be one course or two courses depending on the tour and winery. Guests receive a full experience while on tour.

Shopping Tours

Shopping tours allow you to purchase some of your favorite designerís fashions. From jewelry to homeware, you will be immersed in the local culture and find numerous of items to take back to your native country.

Outlet tours are popular because the prices are more reasonable, and there are more stores available. Chauffeur driven tours are also available, if you desire a luxurious, stress free experience.

Chocoholics tours are popular, if you cannot live without your daily chocolate fix. Queen Victoria Market allows visitors to partake in the local fresh produces and vegetables. Tours may last between two to seven hours depending upon your personal preference.

Water Sports

Though surfing is more common in other parts of Victoria, guests enjoy the nearby beaches and water ways. Canoeing, kayaking and surfing are common water sports that visitors of Melbourne enjoy. The surf in most parts of Australia is world renown. Nearby Melbourne beaches will not disappoint surfing enthusiasts.

Camping and camping gear are available, if you want to completely immerse yourself in the Australian outdoor life. Many overnight packages are all-inclusive. Experienced tour guides are available if you prefer a structured experience. Walking tours of the beach area are preferred by most guests. Transportation from your hotel accommodations to the tour is available if necessary. Gear transfer is typically included in the tour price.

ATTRACTIONS
Ellery Creek Big HoleNamatjira Drive, 96km west of Alice Springs18 metres of cool, deep relief, complete with camping and picnic facilities, its high red cliffs, large waterhole and sandy creek fringed by river red gums, make this one of the West MacDonnell’s most popular spots.Glen Helen GorgeGlen Helen GorgeNamatjira Drive, 136km west of Alice SpringsHere the mighty Finke River squeezes between sandstone walls at the start of its journey to the Simpson Desert. The lodge situated on the edge of the Gorge offers accommodation, a restaurant and other facilities. A Conservation Commission information shelter provides you with details of the Gorge.Ochre Pits Namatjira Drive, 118km west of Alice SpringsThis natural ochre quarry was once mined by Aborigines. The ochre was used for traditional ceremonial body decoration and other paintings. Signs in the Information Shelter explain the traditional uses and how it was mined and prepared.Ormiston Gorge and PoundOff Namatjira Drive, 142km west of Alice SpringsOne of the most spectacular features of the West MacDonnell Ranges, it has a deep waterhole, a walking track, a small general campground and a larger one for big groups and coach tours.Palm ValleyVia Finke River bed, 21km south of Hermannsburg.

The famous Palm Valley is best known for its population of the rare palm Livistona Mariae or Red Cabbage Palm. The palms, all 3,000 of them, exist nowhere else in the world and have survived in this location for at least 10,000 years. It is an oasis in the midst of barren rock and is only accessible by driving down the (usually) dry bed of the Finke River, thus requiring a 4WD vehicle.Redbank GorgeNamatjira Drive, 170km west of Alice SpringsIcy waters permanently block this deep, narrow cleft in the range discouraging all but the most determined swimmers. Ghost gums growing on the steep slopes along the creek contrast with the scrubland and spinifex around the carpark. One of the popular treats available to visitors on a tour to this peaceful gorge is floating gently on a raft as you enjoy the remoteness and the scenery.Serpentine GorgeNamatjira Drive, 107km west of Alice SpringsThis narrow, winding gorge cutting through the Range, gives visitors access to its semi-permanent waterholes and beautiful gorge scenery. There are well marked walking trails and an abundance of wildlife.Simpsons Gap.

Off Larapinta Drive, 18km west of Alice SpringsSimpsons Gap is an excellent introduction to the West MacDonnell Ranges. With steep-sided ridges, huge ghost gums, timbered creek flats and scenic rocky gaps it is best seen on foot. Several walking tracks give you a choice of short or longer walks. The long distance Larapinta Trail can be joined from here.Standley ChasmStandley Chasm. Off Larapinta Drive, 54km west of Alice SpringsA spectacular 9 metre break in the MacDonnell Ranges, 50km from Alice Springs. The Chasm’s sheer walls blaze red with colour in the midday sun. An inspiration regardless of the weather or the time of day. The walk is about 1,500 metres along the creek bed where spring fed pools attract a large variety of plants and wildlife. Full range of take-away food and souvenirs. Entry fee applies.Tnorala (Gosses Bluff) Conservation ReserveVia Namatjira Drive, 202km (via Larapinta Drive, 177km), west of Alice SpringsThis spectacular crater was formed 130 million years ago when a comet crashed into the earth and today is jointly managed by the Conservation Commission and the Aboriginal custodians and owners. The Aboriginal legend about the formation of the crater is told on a sign in the Reserve. Tours vary in length from half day trips to extended camping and safari tours or personalised itineraries to suit individual needs. Specialist tour guides help you experience the breathtaking gaps, gorges and chasms.

TOURING
There are a wide range of touring combinations to this region visiting just a few or many of the major locations – which tour you choose will probably depend on the time you have. Tours vary in length from half day trips to extended camping and safari tours or personalised itineraries to suit individual needs. Specialist tour guides will help you get the most out of your trip. Tours range from sightseeing in a coach, to 4WD and camping under the stars, guided evening walks and day tours with dinner – just to mention a few. If you can, plan to spend a few days touring the West MacDonnell Ranges.TransportTransport ranges from small air-conditioned coaches, 4WD and chauffeur driven limousines to luxury coaches and scenic flights (fixed wing and helicopter). RoadsTouring is easy with every location except Redbank Gorge accessible by sealed roads. With the region well signposted, self-driving is an enjoyable option. Head west out of Alice Springs via Larapinta Drive and Namatjira Drive – just follow the signs.

As you sort through options for accommodations and flights to Sydney, you can fine-tune your travel itinerary. This guide will introduce you to just some of the plentiful offerings of this friendly world-class city, known for its hospitality and laid back good-natured charm.

When you think of Sydney, images of koalas, glorious beaches, and beautiful people grilling shrimp on the barbie might float around your head. There’s a very good reason for that. Sydney is famous for its exotic wildlife and its active, year-round beach-centric lifestyle.

Those adorable marsupials can be found all across eastern Australia. You can quietly witness koalas living in their luscious natural habitat when you visit Koala Park Sanctuary, located just 30 minutes from downtown Sydney. You can also spy emus, kangaroos, wombats, dingos, and other animals as well.

Residents and lucky tourists get to lounge and people watch, surf or swim, and eat and drink on one of the city’s 50 plus beaches and harbour beaches. Bondi Beach is the most well known, but all of them are fantastic for sport or relaxation thanks to Sydney’s temperate climate. This mild weather, along with frequent Sydney flights in and out the city, make this a top destination for any time of year.

Speaking of harbours, Sydney isn’t nicknamed the Harbour City for nothing. It boasts the beautiful and natural Sydney Harbour, which is home to many parks and gardens as well as the famous Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Darling Harbour has numerous shops and restaurants for your enjoyment, along with the Chinese Garden of Friendship and the Sydney Aquarium.

Thrill-seekers and more daring travelers can take advantage of the raw, expansive landscape to experience skydiving, rock climbing, and hang gliding at its most sublime. Outdoor activities such as scuba diving, caving or spelunking, and hot air ballooning are wonderful group endeavors for families with adventurous, older children.

For those who prefer to explore in air-conditioned environments, Sydney has plenty of attractions and nightlife to fit the bill. The Museum of Contemporary Art, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the Australian Museum are renowned for their collections, and should satisfy the most ardent art lover. For the performing arts, the city offers the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Theatre, and the Capitol Theatre.

Bars and pubs are plentiful, as are restaurants. Food options are diverse and span the spectrum, from Indian, Japanese, Thai, French, and Italian to seafood and Australian cuisine. If you are a fan of five star luxury dining, try Bilson’s Restaurant inside the Radisson Plaza Hotel.

There is much to do, see, and taste in the Harbour City. Check early and often for cheap flights, and have fun planning.

The larger islands are North Stradbroke Island (or Straddie as the locals call it), Moreton Island, Bribie Island, South Stradbroke Island, and in Redland Bay area, Macleay, Lamb, Russell, and Coochie Mudlo.Moreton Island is almost all National Park, and is formed entirely of sand except for a small rocky headland.

Access around the island is by four-wheel drive vehicles, and many of the tourist groups have tours for those without their own vehicles. Vehicle permits are necessary, and can be purchased on the ferry. The closest ferry to the island departs from Scarborough, on the Redcliffe peninsular. Bookings on all car ferries are essential.The island was the home of a whaling station, and in the whaling days the bay was almost depleted of these wonderful sea creatures.Today, Moreton Island is known for its tourist and fishing industry – it has a wonderful beach 38 kilometres long, and the highest sandhill in the world, Mt Tempest.On the western side of the island is the tourist resort of Tangalooma, where dolphins come into shore at night to be hand fed. There are wonderful walking tracks, and many fishing spots. Day trippers, or holiday makers without a four wheel drive, can access the island via the “Tangalooma Flier.”

North Stradbroke Island too, is only accessible by boat – vehicular and passenger ferries depart from Cleveland and Redland Bay. Straddie has a residential population at three main settlements – Dunwich, where the ferry boats pull in, Amity Point, and Point Lookout.North and South Stradbroke Islands were one island, until a storm in 1896 forced a channel between them. The island was known by the Aborigines as “Minjerriba” (Giant in the Sun). Aborigines lived on the island for thousands of years, and there is still a small population on the island.The Goompi Trail is a one hour guided tour, led by a local Aboriginal guide, gives one insight into the local history of the island.Dunwich was the quarantine station for Brisbane in the 1820′s. Just near the “Little Ships Club” is the historic cemetery where the 28 victims of cholera are buried in the epidemic that raged in 1850. A visit to the cemetery to read the details on the headstones is most interesting.Amity Point is the islands oldest settlement, a sleepy little fishing village, perched on the northwestern tip of the island.Point Lookout, on the northeastern tip of the island, is a popular residential and tourist spot. It is from this area that each June, the migrating whales are recorded, as they head for Hervey Bay, further north.

North Stradbroke Island is known for its mining of mineral and silica sand, which is shipped to the mainland and used for making glass.The island’s economy is based mainly on the mining, tourism, and fishing.There are many wonderful places on the island for the tourist, including the 500 hectare Blue Lake National Park, which is a sanctuary for the island’s wildlife. There are a number of freshwater lakes, and swimming is permitted in the Blue Lake.The island is home to some rare flora and fauna, including Australia’s largest ground orchid, the swamp orchid, and the mangroves at Myora are the home of the false water rat, a rare mammal.

South Stradbroke has some tourist resort activity, with an Eco Tourist Resort. Access to South Stradbroke Island is from Southport and Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast.Bribie Island is the northern most island of the bay, and is approximately an hour’s drive north of Brisbane, with a one-kilometre bridge connecting the island to the mainland.The island is now a thriving community with two main townships, Bongaree on the Pumicestone Passage side of the island, and Woorim on the surfside. Visitors to the island can benefit from the quiet waters of the Pumicestone Passage, or the surf on the eastern side of the island.Much of the island is National Park, and because of the safe calmer waters of the passage, is popular for pleasure craft and fishing.

The parks light up in spring with the wildflowers which include fragrant boronias, bottlebrush and wattle.Mathew Flinders landed on the island in July 1799, and reported a population of 600 Aborigines. Within a century all of these people are gone, and near the bridge on the mainland is a monument honouring the last of the island’s Aborigines, Kal-ma-Mutha who died in 1897.One of the smaller inhabited islands is Coochiemudlo Island – in the southern waters of the Bay. There is a small population, with a resort, a convenience store, and small restaurants. It is popular for holidays and day trippers. Access is by boat, – a regular vehicular ferry services the island from Victoria Point, and a passenger service services the island both from Cleveland and Victoria Point – the latter with the shorter trip and the most frequent.Day trippers picnic on the beaches facing Victoria Point, and swim in the quiet waters of the beach, or fish, or use a variety of watercraft.

A mini bus meets each passenger watercraft, and for a small fee takes the visitor on a round island trip complete with fascinating commentary on the island, or locals to their homes.Other interesting places to visit on the island include the Pottery, and the Dyeworks where fabric is dyed using the local soil. The Aborigines used the red coloured soil to paint their bodies for ceremonies.

The Burnett River is popular for a variety of water sports including fishing, boating, yachting, rowing and water skiing.The river is used for commercial fisherman, dive and charter boats – with trips to The Great Barrier Reef for diving and fishing most popular.The city itself is a mix of the beauty of landscaped gardens and streets, old buildings side by side with modern buildings, and a dynamic economy.Some of the city highlights are the Whaling Wall – an amazing mural featuring marine life, parklands and the Zoo.Further out of the central city area is Bundaberg Botanic Gardens, which features the Hinkler House Memorial Museum, a Historical Museum and the Fairymead House Sugar Museum.

Some of the other places of interest in Bundaberg are the Schmeider’s Cooperage and Art Centre, and the Bundaberg Rum Distillery, and a Winery where the wines are made from locally grown tropical fruit.Bunderberg is in the centre of a huge sugar growing area – and the fields of sugar cane stretch for kilometers around the city. In years past the cane fields were fired to destroy the dry cane leaves, and the vermin that hid midst the canefields, but there is less burning these days as the cane can be cut “green”. It is a spectacular sight to see the cane fields on fire in the early evening in the middle of the year.

There’s a lot to do as in any modern city, and a vast array of accommodation, restaurants and other facilities for locals and visitors.At the Port of Bundaberg is the huge sugar silo’s, from where the sugar is shipped around the world.The beaches on the coastline have their own special attractions, and Mon Repos the Turtle Rookery is a must, especially during the months of November to March.

There are a number of varieties of sea turtles and Loggerhead, Flatback, Green and Leatherback varieties use this area to nest.The turtles appear from the sea on dusk – huge beasts pulling themselves slowly up the beach to find a spot in the sand dunes to patiently dig their nest (a deep hole in the sand), over which they balance and lay the eggs. The task must be a huge burden on these animals, it seems to be a slow and perhaps painful and tiring expedition. One by one the eggs drop into the hole, and when she is finished, she flips the sand over the hole until it is totally covered. Then she makes the long trip back to the sea, and never sees her offspring.

Weeks later, the tiny turtles hatch out of their eggs, dig their way out of the sand, and flip their way along the sand to the sea. Sadly many do not survive – as sea creatures including sharks can be waiting off shore, to feast on these new babies.The turtles come ashore all along the coast here, but those that choose to nest in the rookery, are “supervised” and details collected for research. At night, guided tours are conducted by the Rangers, so that these wonderful sea creatures are treated with dignity and respect.This surely is one of the great wonders of the world, and if you visit the area between November 1st and March 31st, make sure that you add this trip to your itinerary.

There also is evidence of the long gone aboriginal people who lived on the island with the remains of a fish trap at Sandstone Point. Bunkers from World War 2 still remain, and a walk along the white sandy beach north from Woorim will reveal some fun emplacements that were erected to protect the city of Brisbane for invaders from the north.The island is relatively unspoiled with most of the island being National Park. There is considerable residential and other development on the southern tip of the island, but vast tracts of bushland still surrounds the townships of Bongaree, Bellara, and Woorim.

The Pumicestone Passage side of the island is lapped by the calm waters of the passage, and is pleasant for picnicking in the many picnic grounds, fishing, boating and swimming. There are many spots ideal for families in the safer waters, complete with the safety of the shade of many trees.The Pacific Ocean laps the other side of the island, so there is surf, sand and sunshine.There are hotels and camping grounds on both sides of the island, and an array of shops – and plenty of take-away food places, as well as restaurants.The attractions include the National Parks, the Marine Park of Pumicetone Passage with around 350 species of birds, and provides sanctuary to dugongs, turtles and dolphins. Cruises operate along the Passage, so that visitors may have a chance to be up close and personal, with some of these wonderful sea creatures.

There’s plenty of things to see and do in Bribie Island, including:

• Bongaree Jetty – fishing or just watching those that do
• Bowls Clubs
• Cinema
• Recreation Centre with indoor bowls, tennis courts, etc
• Whitepatch Art Gallery
• Nature walks
• Cycling along the many cycling paths on the island
• Bushwalking
• Camping
• Fishing
• Birdwatching

There are three special areas of “talking monuments” where you can hear about the history of that area.

• Solander Esplanade, Banksia Beach – you will hear the story of the landing of Matthew Flinders
• Marine Drive, Bellara – you will hear the story of the history of the island.
• Community Arts Centre, Banksia Beach – you will hear the story of the history of the aboriginals on the island.

Do check out Bribie Island, it is beautiful, the climate is sub tropical so is great all year round, and it is unspoiled. Just the spot for a really relaxing holiday on the Queensland coast.Take along with you insect repellent – at dusk you are likely to be visited my some great Ossie Mossies!

It’s worth looking on the internet for special deals, both in advance bookings and last-minute rate reductions. By all means use the sites that compare and present hotels together, but if you have a good idea of the place you wish to stay, go directly to their website and look for a ‘specials’ button. You can often get better deals this way. But be aware that there are popular times of the year, such as around new Year and January, when hotels are fully booked, so forward booking at this time of year is essential.Although Sydney’s CBD is only 7km from the international airport, there are times when a stay at an airport hotel is necessary. Fortunately there are three good options: Hotel Formule 1 Sydney Airport is a good budget option; Ibis Hotel Sydney Airport offers mid-range value, and Airport Sydney International Inn is only a few minutes from the airport, in the quieter suburb of Arncliffe.