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Australia Snapshot
Being such a large place, Australia has a wide range of climates so all year round there is somewhere great to visit.
Summer (December to February) can get very hot, but is perfect for beach-going and other outdoors activities. In the far north it is also the wet season, which can get quite humid and some beaches may be closed due to jellyfish or 'stingers'.
Winter (June to August) is pleasant and dry in the north but can get quite cold in the south, especially in Tasmania and Victoria where snowfall is common.
Spring and autumn are great times to visit Australia as the weather is milder, but still warm enough for swimming in northern areas.
Regardless of daytime temperatures, nights can get very cold in the desert areas of Central and Western Australia, so prepare accordingly.
The main school holiday period is from Christmas to late January, and is considered the peak travel time within Australia; expect popular tourist spots to be crowded during this time.
Summer (December to February) can get very hot, but is perfect for beach-going and other outdoors activities. In the far north it is also the wet season, which can get quite humid and some beaches may be closed due to jellyfish or 'stingers'.
Winter (June to August) is pleasant and dry in the north but can get quite cold in the south, especially in Tasmania and Victoria where snowfall is common.
Spring and autumn are great times to visit Australia as the weather is milder, but still warm enough for swimming in northern areas.
Regardless of daytime temperatures, nights can get very cold in the desert areas of Central and Western Australia, so prepare accordingly.
The main school holiday period is from Christmas to late January, and is considered the peak travel time within Australia; expect popular tourist spots to be crowded during this time.
Eating and Drinking in Australia
- Fresh Seafood: With such an impressive coastline, it’s no wonder fresh oysters, prawns, mussels and ‘balmain bugs’ are devoured by locals and savoured by visitors. For those on a budget, there’s nothing wrong with eating fish and chips on the beach.
- Wine: Australia creates some of the best wines in the world at South Australia’s Barossa Valley, Western Australia’s Margaret River and New South Wales’ Hunter Valley. Don’t miss the chance to taste some.
- Beer: Whether you’re downing a can of VB in Victoria or sipping micro-brewed ale in Sydney, sharing a beer with mates is a social experience not to be missed when in Australia
- Hot Pies: An Australian classic – savoury meat pies (or vegetable pies for the vegetarians) are best eaten with tomato sauce, and are easily found served in city cafes, country bakeries and football matches around Australia.
Intrepid believes that one of the best ways of experiencing a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. Australia is a land that has been built by immigrants and these multicultural influences are evident in the wide array of food available. In the cities it’s possible to find world-class Vietnamese, Turkish, Italian, Greek, Chinese, Thai, Japanese and Indian restaurants, as well as excellent gastro-pub fare. Head to the outback and you’ll find authentic 'bush tucker', simple campfire meals and sizzling barbecues.
Shopping in Australia
- Indigenous Art: The quality of Aboriginal art is excellent in the Top End and Central and Western Australia. Be sure to buy from reputable galleries and organisations to ensure authenticity and fair prices for artists. Community-run organisations are typically the better choice.
- Opals: If you’re looking for one, Coober Pedy has the best quality and variety on offer.
- Pearls: These precious gems are plentiful in Broome due to the booming pearling industry.
- Modern Art: Melbourne and Hobart are modern art and craft hot spots, making them great places to pick up one-of-a-kind mementos.
From large malls and boutique shopping strips to weekend arts and crafts markets and vintage shops, Australia is a top place to shop. Shopping in Australia may not be cheap, but there are plenty of unique finds and original souvenirs to bring home.
Before heading home, check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to import certain items back into your home country. New Zealand, for example, has strict quarantine laws.
Accommodation
Travelling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.
When travelling with us in Australia you may find yourself staying in a:
When travelling with us in Australia you may find yourself staying in a:
Farmstay
- Get acquainted with the ins and outs of Australian farm life while staying on an impressive rural property.
Bushcamp
- Get back to nature and experience sweet serenity while camping out under the stars in the Australian bush.
Cabin
- Get cosy while staying in cabins nestled in the heart of the Aussie bush.
Transport
Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.
Of course, there are times (like in the wide open spaces of the outback) when travelling in our own custom-built all-terrain vehicle is the most practical and flexible option. Depending on which trip you're on while in Australia, you may find yourself travelling by:
Of course, there are times (like in the wide open spaces of the outback) when travelling in our own custom-built all-terrain vehicle is the most practical and flexible option. Depending on which trip you're on while in Australia, you may find yourself travelling by:
Bicycle
- Hop on a bike and explore the exciting terrain of Victoria’s Grampians National Park to take in spectacular scenery and hopefully spot some native wildlife.
Camel
- Climb atop a camel and ride through the Aussie outback for a memorable adventure like no other.
Kayak
- Enjoy an early morning kayak ride through the pristine rivers of Kangaroo Island, spotting birds and other wildlife along the way.
Shortlist
No trips.
Australia at a glance
- 50
- Canberra (population 307,000)
- 21.7 million
- English
- AUD
- (GMT+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
- Type I (Australian/New Zealand & Chinese/Argentine 2/3-pin)
- +61
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