Australia

Australia

Australia is a country on an epic scale - 50 per cent larger than Europe but with only two people per square kilometre.

Its sites have become world famous as symbols of ancient and modern ways of life and it is these layers of civilisations that make the country so fascinating.

Where else can you experience cutting edge architecture, dense wild rainforests, parched desert and palm-fringed beaches. Welcome to the land of plenty.

The longest stretch of straight railway track in the world crosses the Nullarbor Plain. From Nurina in Western Australia to near Watson in South Australia, the track is dead straight for 478 kilometres.

Ayers Rock (Ulura) is the world's most famous natural monolith and of great spiritual significance for Aboriginal people. As a consequence tourists are asked not to climb the rock although many still do!

The sacred site is Australia's biggest attraction and provides glimpses of the native Australian's past through cave paintings.

A small town has sprung up in the surrounding outback to provide accommodation for visitors and essential supplies for travellers.

• Australia has 3 time zones.
• British passport holders require a visa to visit Australia.
• If you're touring Australia and using internal flights it is wiser to pre-book these
• Jet-lag can seriously disrupt you travel plans. See our Health Guide for tips of how to reduce the effects.
• From November to February the coast off northern Australia is popular with stinging jellyfish and swimming is not advisable.

Outback Warning:

Great care should be taken when travelling through the outback at all times, especially when conditions are extreme.

There have been many deaths in recent years, even in these days of mobile phones because people haven't been properly prepared.

Travellers should be aware of the extreme heat and isolated nature of the many routes across the outback.

• Always notify someone of your travel plans.
• Always carry enough fuel, water and provisions for several days - be prepared to look after yourself.
• Distances between towns are often large - check carefully on a good map before setting off.
• Water can damage roads quickly. If you come across water on the road, gauge the depth with a stick before proceeding.
• Watch out for animals crossing the roads, especially at night. Birds of prey feeding on carcasses at dawn have been known to cause many accidents.

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