Australia has always held a special fascination for the British people, with around 640,000 visiting this amazing island every year. This beautiful country has something to delight every tourist, from winter sports enthusiast to nature lover. If your ideal holiday is backpacking through the desert, wandering through a rain forest or lazing on sun-drenched beaches, Australia has it all.
Although Melbourne is considered the cultural capital, Sydney was voted the World’s Best City in 2011 for its ambience, culture, sightseeing and shopping. Our infographic lists the top ten ‘must sees’, voted for by UK backpackers who have toured Australia, to give you some idea of what awaits you ‘down under’.
Whilst Australia does have its fair share of dangerous and poisonous creatures, many people travel to see the indigenous wildlife in its natural habitat. One of the seven wonders of the natural world is the Great Barrier Reef. This is made up of over 3000 individual reef systems and coral cays, with literally hundreds of picturesque tropical islands with some of the worlds most beautiful sun-soaked, golden beaches.
If sport is more your thing, the Australian Alps have resorts which are open from June to October, with more snowfall than Switzerland! Or you could head for the island of Tasmania, which has some of the least uncrowded slopes in the southern hemisphere. Australia’s warm climate and long coastline of sandy beaches and rolling waves provide ideal conditions for water sports such as swimming and surfing.
It’s not only tourists who rave about this country; thousands of Brits enjoy a great lifestyle working in one of the few countries with a booming economy. After the day’s work is done they can enjoy the fabulous city nightlife, or spend the evening on the beach with a barbie and a pint. Just don’t ask for a Fosters if you are invited – Aussies don’t drink it!