Australia

What You Should Know More About Australia

• Q. Drinking Laws

  The legal drinking age in Australia is 18 years.  

  
  

• Q. Our Recommendations: What you can’t afford to miss?

  Wilpena Pound, South Australia
  

  The fascinating amphitheater of mountains is indeed the most important outback here. The key activity that engages most of the visitors here is bush walking. Visitors can opt from the different levels - climbing to St Mary Peak, undertaking a walk for few hours or camping. All of these are aimed at admiring the lush surrounding views.  

  
  The Great Ocean Road, Victoria
  

  The Green Ocean Road stretches for a vast length of 243 km. It goes along the ocean and is regarded as the National Heritage. You can find some spectacular sights here such as the Twelve Apostles which are the limestone formations on the beach.

  
  The Kimberley, Western Australia
  

  The Kimberley region in Australia has a fascinating coastline. It can be beautifully viewed from a boat or a helicopter. Here the landscape is a little rugged. This can be seen in the Purnululu National Park. Here the flora and fauna found is variable and very rich.

  
  Lake Hillier, Recherche Archipelago, Western Australia
  

  Meserizing lake Hillier is nestled on the Middle Island. This is indeed the pinkest lake of the world.  The pink color of the lake is permanent and just doesn’t fade away even when the water from the lake is taken in a container. It is a mysterious lake that even bewilders the scientists. This is one sightseeing attraction in Australia you cannot miss.   

  
  Wineries
  

  Australia is a home to 50 wineries in its Yarra Valley. This valley produces supreme quality Pinot Noirs, Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays. Hunter Valley which is the oldest wine region of the country also demands your attention.  

  
  Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
  

  The Kakadu National Park is spread over a huge territory. It is a home to several spectacular landscapes and exotic and rare species. Do check the woodlands, habitats, and wetlands here. Checking out kangaroos and crocodiles is a popular activity here.

  
  Uluru, Northern Territory
  

  Uluru is a sandstone rock that is one of the most known attractions in Australia. The stone is regarded as sacred by the locals here. It is believed that the spirits reside in this area. Right

  
  The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
  

  The Great Barrier Reef is the biggest coral reef structure of the world. It indeed has a striking coral life -  sharks, sea stars, turtles and corals are some creatures found here. For those who wish to do deep sea dividing, this is your go to place.

  
  Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Queensland, Australia
  

  It is an exceptionally white and a sandy beach that is embellished with crystal clear waters that assure a majestic landscape. This is indeed a divine place to relax and unwind in Australia.

  
  

• Q. What will like you like there?

  Natural Wonders
  

  Mystical, Strange or Utterly Beautiful – these are the three words that describe the natural wonders of Australia. However, rare they may, they are all fabulous in every way. Right from the popular Great Barrier Reef of the Queensland that exemplifies the only living piece that is recognizable from the space to the sacred and the spectacular, Uluru, there are an umpteen number of incredible sites that demand your attention and ought to be enjoyed at least once in a lifetime. Besides this, the other breathtaking places in Australia are the MacKenzie Falls, the impressive Fraser Island, Pinnacles, amazing tropical biodiversity, sandstone area of the Bungle Bungle Range and the breathtaking Blue Mountains. All these natural wonders are important sightseeing locations of the Australia.

  
  Fascinating Lifestyle of the Aussies
  

  The cultural diversity of the inhabitants, vibrant art scene and the charming yet lazy atmosphere pf the people along with their friendly nature, make Australia a beautiful and a welcoming country. You just cannot help but fall in love with the relaxed and laid back way of life of the Aussies, their passion for outdoor sports and their liberal mentality. This indeed makes it an important tourist attraction.

  
  Beaches
  

  Australia takes immense pride in its beaches. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration if we say that Australia does have some of the finest beaches on the planet. Right from the pristine stretches of the white sand to being the mecca for the surfers, the action packed beaches of Australia are indeed the important places to see in Australia. There’s simply nothing that you cannot find in this country that boasts of a massive coastline of about 37,000 km and features no less than 11,011 beaches. Each one only better than the other. Some of the most dazzling beaches in Australia are Hyams Beach, Cable Beach in Broome which are both renowned for having the whitest sand in the world, fashionable Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas, the legendary Kirra Beach, magnificent Shelly Beach of Sydney and the Whitehaven Beach near the Great Barrier Reef.  

  
  Adventure Opportunities
  

  Australia is a mecca for all the adrenaline driven adventure freaks. Right from exploring the outback wilderness of the county to enjoying water sports like surfing along the vast coastline, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef and sailing in the Whitsundays Islands. When it comes to such activities, you’ll naturally be spoilt for choice.  

  
  Dazzling Cities
  

  Given the fact that the geographical spread of the Australia is larger than Europe and a population density lower than several other countries of the world, there’s no surprise in the fact that about 85% of the Australians reside in the city. Flamboyant, urbane and dispersed between the rivers, oceans, wilds, mountains and the beaches, the metropolitan areas of Australia do assure some phenomenal city holidays. From the alluring beach lifestyle of Melbourne to the pulsating ambience of Sydney and the charming European flair in between, there’s something really exciting and fascinating about each of the Australia city. Other hot spots in Australia include Canberra, Alice Springs, Darwin, Cairns, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Perth and Hobart

• Q. When is the best time to visit Australia

  Australian climate is enormous with wide range of climate. It varies from summer to winter all around the year. Though the best time to visit is spring, you can also consider visiting Australia during other times of the year too.

   

  • Summer is from December to February which is the ideal time to visit to soak in the sun and enjoy the beach while during winter from June to August you can't enjoy much due to heavy snow.

   

  • March to May is Autumn which is pretty cozy and relaxing while September to November is spring which is the best time to enjoy and explore the various treasures of Australia.

• Q. How to reach Australia?

  Australia is easily reachable and has more than one way by which you can reach the place. But the way in which you reach depends if time, money and place.

  • The most convenient and easiest mode of by airplane. You will find direct and indirect flights from most cities around the world.
  • Sydney and Melbourne act as the main terminals for most flights.
  • Qantas airways is the official carrier while other airlines like Thai airways, Emirates, Cathay Pacific also fly to Australia.
  • Another means is by booking a boat. Many cruises across pacific will help you reach Australia during the months of November to February and you can return back during the ferry’s return journey.

• Q. Do I need a visa for Australia? How does one get a Australian visa?

  Like most countries, you will definitely need a visa to enter Australia unless you are an Australian Citizen or a New Zealand passport holder.

  • The category of visa you wish to get solely relies on the purpose of your visit.
  • If your country falls under the Electronic Tourist Visa (ETA), you can directly apply online and get it linked to your passport.
  • Otherwise the visa application has to be lodge early as possible keeping in mind that it might take time. Find Visa facility of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website will navigate you to the application page where you can register for the Visa.
  • The Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection scrutinizes you before sanctioning the Visa.

• Q. What is the currency of Australia and where can I get my money exchanged

  Australian current is the Australian Dollar. You have many available options to each age your currency.

  • You will find exchange centers within the airport where you can get your currency exchanged with transition rates.
  • There are many exchange outlets within the city which will get your currency exchanged within minutes.
  • Another option available is exchanging currency online at better rates.
  • Recently introduced travel option cards from your banks can be used to make transactions which will help save your exchanging time and money.

• Q. Which are the major tourist attractions in Australia?

  Australia is a land of wonder with amazing attractions to see and explore. From the pristine beaches, Great Barrier Reef to deep desert you will find many places to add to your list.

  • The Great Barrier Reef: It is a must visit world heritage site.
  • Beaches: Whitehaven Beach Whitsundays, Turquoise Bay Exmouth,Cable Beach Broome, Bells Beach Victoria, Burleigh Heads Beach Gold Coast, Four Mile Beach Port Douglas are a few beaches that is perfect for your getaway.
  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: It's astonishing red monolith centerpiece is a world heritage site for which people gather around it to watch the transformation of the shifting light.
  • Sydney: The famous opera house and the Harbour Bridge are two important famous icons.
  • Great ocean road: A National Heritage stretch of road of about 243 kms. It is along the south-eastern coast of Australia is a must visit.

• Q. What are the things to do in Australia?

  You can do a variety of things in Australia during your visit. Being a land of immense wonder, you will have a list of things to do in Australia.

   

  • Day tours and excursions: You can go on Day tours and excursions like blue mountain day tours, great ocean tour, Phillip island tour, city tour and many more organized by various tour providers.
  • Adventurous activities: You can get your adrenaline pumping by experiencing thrilling zip line rides, skiing, bridge climbing and many more adventurous activities.
  • Enjoy city life: You can take a stroll along Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and enjoy the beautiful skyline of these multicultural cities.
  • Treks: You can also go on a trek to many rich lush and enriching national parks for an adventurous experience.

• Q. What is the local food of Australia? Which are the best places to taste this food?

  Due to multicultural immigration, Australia had a diversified cuisine which includes pies, pavlova, vegemites, wine and many more. But the most iconic food of Australia is the Meat Pie. A few places where you can get the best meat pie in Australia are:

   

  • Sydney: When your pie-eyed in Sydney then you have to head to Dinky-Di Pies & Pastries, Harry’s Cafe de Wheels or the The upper Crust to get your hands on the best meat pies ever.
  • Melbourne: Dinkum Pies, Red Hill Bakery and Pie in the Sky offer you the best pies in the city.
  • Brisbane: Pie Face, Big Dad’s Pies offer the tastiest pies when your hunger pangs are on a high.

• Q. What is the best public transport to commute around Australia?

  Australia has well connected public transport system that connects its cities for locals and tourists.

   

  • Bus network: The best means of transport all around Australia is the well connected bus network.
  • Suburban Trains: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane has suburban trains that help you commute.
  • Trams: Adelaide and Melbourne has Tram facilities that aid the people in transport.
  • Ferries: Sydney and Brisbane are the only two cities in Australia that uses ferry transport system.
  • Taxis: You will find Taxis all over Australia that is pocket and user friendly.

• Q. Do I need to have any vaccinations before the trip to Australia?

  Vaccination or shots is not a must for people visiting Australia unless you are travelling from a country that has an epidemic outbreak. Few guidelines that will help you stay safe and healthy during your trip are:

  • Eat and drink safely
  • Prevent bug bites
  • Keep away from animals
  • Reduce germ exposure
  • Use safe transportation
  • Maintain personal security

• Q. Which are the best shopping places in Australia and what are they famous for?

  Your Australian shopping experience is incomplete without taking home souvenirs. You will find a lot of high end and local artifacts for your shopping pleasure.

   

  • Melbourne's hidden laneways or trawl Surry Hills in Sydney, Brisbane's Queen Street Mall and stores in Rundle Mall in Adelaide offer exclusive historic souvenirs.
  • Fremantle Markets, near Perth, and the Saturday markets in Hobart's historic Salamanca Place offer exclusive artifacts heading back to the aboriginal periods.
  • Stalls below the breezy palm trees on Darwin's Smith Street Mall also offer a wide range of shopping stuff.
  • Opals are best found at Coober Pedy which is the opal capital of the country. But you can also find good quality ones at Lightning Ridge Opal mines - Victoria, Johnstone Opal- Melbourne, opal minded- New South Wales and Opal down Under- Queensland.

• Q. Here are the best tips Thrillophilia has to offer for your trip to Australia

  Travelling for the first time? Well Thrillophilia offers you a few tips:

  • Australia is huge and extremely diverse hence you will not be able to cover the whole place in your trip.
  • Australia is quite expensive so you need to pre plan your trip.
  • Get acquainted with the local language to help you move easily with the people.
  • Don't always expect to be surrounded by koalas and kangaroos all the time!
  • Don't be generous! You can't tip your servers or bartenders as they get offended.

• Q. Which are some of the famous beaches in Australia?

  Being an island surrounded by pristine clear beaches. All you need to do is get your swimsuits on and head to the beach to soak in its beauty. The famous beaches in Australia are:

   

  • Whitehaven Beach: The 7Kms stretch of beach is found on Whitsunday Island which is accessible by boat, seaplane and helicopter.
  • Cable Beach: Located in Broome it is a 22 Kms stretch of white sand beach in Western Australia.
  • Burleigh Heads Beach: In the Gold Coast of Australia this beach is famous for its surfing adventures.
  • Main Beach, Noosa QLD: This is a wide sandy beach with clear calm
  • Waters that has a huge reserve of natural gardens.
  • 75 Mile Beach, Fraser Island: This is a 75 Mile Beach that stretches along the coast of the island with soothing calm waters.

• Q. Which are must do water sports in Australia?

  You can get your adrenaline pumping exploring and involving in water sports in Australia. You can either pre-book them online or go and then get yourself a customized package with all the water sport activities. A few must try water sports are:

   

  • Aqua Jetpack Flying: Many water sport organizers have this water sport facility. You can try them out in most beaches in Australia.
  • Surfing: Surfers can head to Burleigh Heads Beach for a mindblowing experience. There are many organizers that help to train first timers as well.
  • Kayaking: Most beaches in Australia offer Kayaking. You will find many Kayak organizers along most beaches in Australia.
  • Stand-up paddleboarding: Stand up paddling is kinda tricky but you will definitely have utmost fun. Many activity organizers offer this sport in all beaches.
  • Kite Surfing: This adrenaline pumping activity is also available in most beaches in Australia.

• Q. Which are best places for wine tour in Australia?

  Australia is famous for its wine. Local Wines have awesome taste and it is mandatory for tourist to go on a wine tour when in Australia.

   

  • Barossa Valley: It is a renowned wine-producing valley in the northeast of Adelaide, South Australia.
  • Yarra Valley: The region surrounding the Yarra River in Victoria, Australia produces world class wine.
  • Hunter Valley: Found in north of Sydney in New South Wales produces Australia’s famous wines.

• Q. Which are some romantic places in Australia for honeymoon?

  If you are a honeymooner travelling to Australia then you will spellbound visiting its romantic places.

   

  • The Whitsundays: You will find many cozy romantic resorts in this area proving to be the best spot for honeymooners.
  • Melbourne: Honeymoon in Melbourne will be exciting as you will find many exciting things like water sports, beaches and couple activities to do together.
  • Queensland: This belated region with sunshine, pristine beaches and paradise island is the ideal place for most honeymooners.

• Q. Can we drive on Great Ocean Road? What things we can do on the Great Ocean Road?

  Yes you can drive in the Great Ocean Road. You can enjoy and do a lot of things in the Great Ocean Road like:

  • Hang ten in torquay
  • Linger over lunch at Aireys inlet
  • Soak up the beauty in lorne
  • Enjoy a gourmet escape in birregurra
  • Go koala spotting at kennett river

• Q. What all we can see and do in Kangaroo Island?

  Overflowing with Natural fauna, this kangaroo island in the mainland of South Australia, southwest of Adelaide is a protected natural reserve. Other than seeing koalas, kangaroos you can enjoy a great deal of things when visiting this island like:

   

  • Duley wines cellar door: Winery where you can taste wines amidst beautiful view of the island.
  • Flinders chase national park: With stunning rock formations this national park is a must visit to see Mother Nature at her best.
  • Clifford's honey farm: Honey farm which will give you the experience of culturing and extracting quality honey.
  • Seal bay conservation park: A wildlife conservation park which is the home to Seals inside the kangaroo island.

• Q. Where can we go for Whale watching in Australia?

  Whale watching is quite popular in Australia. The whales come out only in specific places and in specific times. A few locations where you can spot them are:

   

  • Eden,NSW: Coastal town in New South Wales that has Whale spotting.
  • Hervey bay,QLD: Hervey Bay in southern Queensland, is famous for observing humpback whales during its migration from July to November.
  • Great Australian bight marine park,SA: This is a protected Whale sanctuary located off the coastline of the Great Australian Bight area of South Australia.

• Q. Where to go for wildlife safari in Australia

  Visiting Australia you must definitely go on a Safari to enjoy and experience the vast wildlife habitat that it has. A few places which hosts amazing wildlife safaris are:

   

  • Wildlife safari : Fraser Island in Queensland is the largest sand island in the world which offers exciting wildlife safaris.
  • Camel safari: Enjoy canoe ride and safari along the coast of 90 Mile Beach on East Gippsland’s Lakes Entrance.
  • Whale safari: Kaikoura in New Zealand offers you with the best Whale safari in Australia.
  • Bird safari: New Zealand offers the best bird safaris and is the home to various bird sanctuaries.

• Q. Which are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Australia?

  A world heritage site is one which the UNESCO has listed as a place of special physical or cultural significance and Australia has 19 UNESCO heritage sites that stand out as 3 cultural, 12 Natural and 4 mixed sites.

  Cultural

  • Australian Convict Sites (2010)
  • Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens (2004)
  • Sydney Opera House (2007)

  Natural

  • Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh / Naracoorte) (1994)
  • Fraser Island (1992)
  • Gondwana Rainforests of Australia (1986,1994)
  • Great Barrier Reef (1981)
  • Greater Blue Mountains Area (2000)
  • Heard and McDonald Islands (1997)
  • Lord Howe Island Group (1982)
  • Macquarie Island (1997)
  • Ningaloo Coast (2011)
  • Purnululu National Park (2003)
  • Shark Bay, Western Australia (1991)
  • Wet Tropics of Queensland (1988)

  Mixed

  • Kakadu National Park (1981,1987,1992)
  • Tasmanian Wilderness (1982,1989)
  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (1987,1994)
  • Willandra Lakes Region (1981)

• Q. Which are some best destinations for an Australian road trip?

  Australis is the ideal place to enjoy a road trip. All you need to do is take a nap find a route and go on a trip with family and friends. A few destinations perfect for road trip are:

   

  • East coast: Route from Cairns to Brisbane.
  • Pacific Highway: All the way from Brisbane to Sydney.
  • Great Ocean Road: Along the roads of Melbourne to Adelaide.
  • Adelaide to Darwin: The Stuart Highway is perfect for a road trip.
  • South west edge: All the way Adelaide to Perth will offer you the best road trip ever.

• Q. Why Great Barrier Reef is famous?

  Located in Northern Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is the biggest living thing on the planet which is visible even from outer space.

   

  • The Great Barrier Reef is not one continuous reef, but made up of over 2900 reefs and 900 islands.
  • It is the largest reef structure and marine park in the world.
  • The reef is a breeding region for humpback whales, migrating from the Antarctic.
  • It is also the habitat of a few endangered species like Dugong (Sea Cow) and large Green Sea Turtle.

• Q. Which are best hiking and walking trails in Australia?

  Coming to Australia you must definitely go on a hiking and walking trail.

  HIKING TRAIL

  Hiking trails are so adventurous and the best place for you to experience this in Australia are

  • Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory
  • Bay of Fires Lodge Walk, Tasmania
  • Cradle Mountain Huts Walk, Tasmania
  • Scenic Rim Trail, Queensland

  WALKING TRAILS

  Apart from Hiking, walking trails in Australia are also famous. Places where you can go on a walking trail are

  • The Arkaba Walk, South Australia
  • Larapinta Trail, NT
  • Thorsborne Trail, QLD
  • Australian Alps walking track, VIC/NSW/ACT
  • Fraser Island Great Walk, QLD
  • Wilderness Coast Walk, VIC/NSW

• Q. How far Gold Coast from Canberra is and what are the things to do there?

  Canberra is a beautiful place and Gold Coast has great things to offer right from vast and picturesque beaches to resort and hotel stays and crazy theme parks.

   

  The distance between Gold coast and Canberra:

  • Car: Nonstop drive: Distance is 708 miles with Driving time of 12 hours, 50 minutes
  • Flight: Distance is 560 miles with flight duration being 1 hour, 37 minutes

  Things to do

  • Swim and surf the Gold coast's beaches
  • Visit the Gold Coast's theme parks
  • Explore the Lush Hinterlands
  • Enjoy beautiful Five star resort and hotel stay
  • Hire a bike and enjoy a tour all around the Gold Coast

• Q. How to reach Great Barrier Reef from Canberra and what activities we can try there?

  There are two ways to teach Great Barrier Reef which is to fly and take the ferry which takes about 8 hours approximately or to fly and take the bus which takes about 2 days.

   

  Things to do

  • Cruise over Michaelmas Cay
  • Take a Seaplane over Heart Reef
  • Cruise to Agincourt Reef
  • Take a Speedboat ride around the Great Barrier Reef
  • Snorkel at the Magnetic Island on the Great Barrier Reef

• Q. How is nightlife in Australia? Which are the best places to enjoy nightlife?

  Australia is an incredibly diverse multicultural country. This is reflected in the nightlife of the people. In main cities, like Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, many exclusive bars and clubs keep up with the metropolis standards.

   

  A few best places to enjoy nightlife are:

  • Cairns: It is a high social bar in Queensland to have fun.
  • Darwin: Located in Northern Territory this bar is the best to enjoy nightlife.
  • Adelaide: Situated in South Australia promises you the best night of your life.
  • Hobart: In Tasmania, this bar is the best in the locality to have fun and party .
  • Byron Bay: New South Wales.
  • Celtic Club: An Irish pub in Melbourne promises you the best night ever.
  • Chinese Laundry: Situated in Sydney this Pub is the best in the locality.