Australia - Useful Information Our style of holidays The locations we select are remote, often wild and difficult to reach - they are well off the beaten tourist track. We try to ensure that you do not see the coaches and minibuses that sometimes characterise Australia's better known tourist sights. The accommodation is not designed to conform to a checklist of 5 star standards, but is innovative and locally inspired, and hosted with a truly Australian sense of humour. The guides we use are often conservationists in their own right, always local, and share their expertise and passion for Australia's natural and cultural heritage. What we seek to provide is more than just a holiday experience and we know that comfortable accommodation and the best food is fundamental to enjoying a country's natural experiences. We appreciate that it is the little touches that really make the difference - we invite you to become "players in the drama of the bush, not just spectators at the show". Our role in your Travel Plans Australia's size makes it impossible to see the whole country in one trip. It can also be hard to decide which regions, properties and sights you are able to fit into a holiday. We are continually heading out on trips to update our knowledge and in association with our partners in Australia, to discover great places and meet interesting people around the country. This local knowledge and quality feedback will help match our itineraries to your hopes and expectations. Special interest trips If you have more specific travel requirements we offer support on the ground and can arrange special interest, exclusive group and family party trips to enjoy Aboriginal rock art, fishing, wildlife conservation, bush walking or bird watching. Climate Australia's climatic extremes are greater than most countries in the world. The seasons are in reverse to those of the UK and climate differs from region to region. The north is dominated by a wet monsoon in the Summer Months (November to March) so the best months to visit these areas are April to November. The best months to visit most other regions of Australia are November to March The southern and southwestern corners and Tasmania enjoy a Mediterranean climate, receiving their rainfall in the winter months of June to September. In Kimberley, the Top End and the Southern Outback summer temperatures often exceeded 100F/38C. Travel Highlights The cosmopolitan cities are home to a fine selection of restaurants and museums. Most travellers arrive in Sydney, Australia's largest city. After recovering from the flight a walk around the famous Rocks area with its bistros and shops is an ideal introduction. For those who enjoy the performing arts, an outing to the Sydney Opera House is essential - pre booking is recommended. A great way to view the city is from the air, either by light aircraft or helicopter. The Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk has also become a firm favourite. Once you leave the cities the size of the country becomes apparent. The sight of the colours changing over Uluru - formerly Ayres Rock - is one of the most memorable on earth. Combine this with a trip to The Olgas and an Aboriginal art excursion and you will begin to get an understanding of the area. From the "red centre" to the coastal areas, the differences could not be more distinct. A visit to the Great Barrier Reef is a must for all who enjoy snorkelling and diving. The Daintree rainforest possess one of the greatest concentrations of primitive flowering plants in the world and is thought to be older than any other tropical forest. "Don't try to attempt too much", is a useful guide. Personal & Exclusive Everywhere you go, you will experience the genuine warmth and hospitality of your Australian hosts as they welcome you into their homes, show you their properties share their stories and take you to some of the most remote places. You will come away with an experience few other visitors have had, and with new friends from the places you have stayed in along the way. Passionate about the ingredients Australia's food is one of the great surprises of the country....the freshest ingredients, often straight from the sea, whether you are at one of Sydney's famed harbour side restaurants or enjoying a grilled coral trout and chilled beer beside a camp fire. The BBQ is an Australian institution and the locals are the finest exponents in its use, your chance to savour prime Australian beef. And the wine … ...best drunk under a canopy of stars that stretch from one outback horizon to the other. Our hosts cater to travellers who expect the best and we are passionate about each vital ingredient that goes into your Australian journey. Take it fast Take it slow Take your time… What's on your agenda? wildlife viewing, a little fishing, bush walking, aerial mustering, glorious beaches, blue skies... the sun! Culture Australia is a multicultural society and as a consequence of this cultural mix Australia's restaurants are renowned for their uniquely diverse cuisine. With a rich artistic heritage and a vibrant contemporary art scene modern Aboriginal art has undergone a revival in the last two decades as artists have explored ways to both preserve their ancient values and share them with a wider community. Time Difference GMT + 10 hrs. Currency Australian dollars. Traveller's Cheque exchange, credit card use and ATMs are widespread. Flights Daily flights from London Heathrow to Sydney with Qantas and British Airways. Flying time approx. 23 hrs including a stop in Singapore.