Australia holidays

Visitors to Australia can expect to encounter a country of contrasts - endless miles of unspoilt beaches, tropical rain forests and awe-inspiring mountain ranges. There's a wealth of natural wonders - from wildlife and native flora to heritage wonders and aboriginal art. Why not explore the rainforests of Queensland with an Aboriginal guide or see one of the world's greatest treasures - the Great Barrier Reef?

Australian cities are all about lifestyle - great shopping, food and entertainment, natural surroundings and cosmopolitan fun. Sunny and sophisticated Sydney has much more on offer besides the stunning Sydney Opera house and Harbour Bridge. Visitors can experience fabulous fusion foods, golden beaches and cutting-edge nightclubs. Scenic Perth is Western Australia's capital. It boasts Swan Valley (Australia's oldest wine growing region), Perth Art Gallery, the 'Sunset Coast' and Rottnest Island.

Its high rise centre faces the Indian Ocean, making it famous for its fabulous sunsets. Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, is a city of style, architecture, trams, theatres and the arts. Sports-mad, it is also home to world famous events such as horse racing's Melbourne Cup and the Australian Open tennis tournament. No visit to Australia would be complete without a trip to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Hire a car and head deep into the Australian outback to experience the magic of this natural wonder.

The Australian summer runs from December to March whilst the winter season spans June to September. The north of the country tends to receive more rain and has higher humidity during the summer months compared to the south of the country which tends to be drier. Darwin is a northern city which lies in the monsoon belt, therefore flooding is not unknown during the wet summer season. In the vast Australian outback the temperature can range from scorching heat during the daylight hours to below freezing point at night. The spring and autumn months are often more comfortable, being cooler and drier.