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Say G’day to Australia…A First-Timer’s Guide

Home » Blog » Say G’day to Australia…A First-Timer’s Guide

12 December 2025

photo © SouthAustralia.com koala

Thinking about your first trip Down Under? Let us show you why Australia is one of the world’s most unforgettable destinations.

From its ancient landscapes to its laid-back beach towns, Australia is packed with unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Marvel at the majesty of Uluru rising from the heart of the Outback. Dive into the vibrant underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef or encounter wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Whether you’re chasing adventure, natural beauty or cultural discovery, there’s no better time to say G’Day to Australia.

Some Australian Highlights:

Uluru & the Red Centre

Discover Australia’s spiritual heart. Uluru rises dramatically from the Outback and glows at sunrise and sunset. Learn ancient Aboriginal stories and explore nearby Kata Tjuta for a deeper cultural connection.

Great Barrier Reef

Dive into one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Snorkel vibrant coral reefs, swim with sea turtles, or cruise crystal-clear waters off the Queensland coast — it’s paradise, underwater.

Sydney & the Iconic Harbour

Photo © Unsplash Tyler Duston Sydney Opera House

Explore Australia’s most famous city. Snap a selfie at the Opera House, cruise under the Harbour Bridge, relax on Bondi Beach, and soak up the vibrant food and culture scene.

Best time to visit
Unsure when to visit Australia? Our travel experts will share the best times to go depending on your interests.

Where to go
There’s so much to see and do in Australia. From the fascinating culture of Uluru to the city lights of famous Sydney.
See Australia’s regions>

Travel advice
Find out everything you need to know before you travel including language, money, the latest government advice and more.
Learn key tips and advice>

You will be sure to love your time in Australia, there is so much to take in, in this vast country. From the natural beauty, fascinating culture to the spectacular landscapes and vibrant cities.

photo © south australia

Passports & Visas:
• You will need to apply for a Visa to visit Australia, unless you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen. All other passport holders need to apply before leaving home, you can apply for a visa here.
• Visas vary in costs and restrictions depending on the type of holiday you wish to take to Australia, please visit the Australian government website for advice.

Language & Culture:
• English is the official language of Australia, although the country is a multicultural nation, so it will be common to hear a range of languages.
• The Aboriginal culture is very important to Australia and this can be discovered in Northern Territory.

Food & Drink in Australia:
• With a world-class food and drink scene, Australia has a lot to offer, from its gastronomy, regional markets and food festivals. Regions like Barossa Valley and Margaret River are famous for the wine, while there is an ever-growing craft beer scene.
• Some Australian specialities include Sydney rock oysters, macadamia nuts and kangaroo.
• Hotels and restaurants do not add service charges to your bill, and tipping is always your choice. In upmarket restaurants, it is common to tip waiters 10 per cent of the bill for good service.

Money & Expenses:
• Major credit cards are widely accepted but use may in restricted in smaller towns and the outback.
• A Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% is in place in Australia, you may be able to claim a refund for the GST paid on goods if you have spent AUD$300 or more with a single business, no more than 60 days before departing Australia.

Government Travel Advice for Australia:
• For the latest information on the country’s safety, visit the official government website here

Kangaroo photo © unsplash Ashish Upadhyay

Time Zones
Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) (GMT +10)
Queensland, NSW, Victoria & Tasmania
Australian Central Standard Time (ACST) (GMT +9.5)
South Australia, Northern Territory and the town of Broken Hill in western NSW
Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) (GMT +8)
Western Australia

Flight Time:
From 17 hours to 22+ hours (depending on the region you visit)

Currency:
Australian Dollar $

Recommended Airlines:
Singapore Airlines
Cathay Pacific
Qantas
Emirates

Choose your Region:

WESTERN AUSTRALIA  – where you can explore spectacular landscapes

NORTHERN TERRITORY – where you can explore fascinating culture

QUEENSLAND – where you can explore natural beauty

NEW SOUTH WALES – where you can explore Sydney

TASMANIA – where you can explore outdoor adventures

VICTORIA – where you can explore spectacular cities

SOUTH AUSTRALIA – where you can explore world renowned vineyards

 

Spirit of Australia, 20 Days
Independent Tour

£5,449 per person from most UK airports on 1st May 2026

• Return flights from the UK based on economy

• All internal flights as stated

• 16 nights’ accommodation

• Transfers throughout

• Morning Laneways & City Tour Melbourne

• Entrance to Desert Park Alice Springs

• Afternoon Tour Alice Springs

• Evening Uluru Sunset Tour

• Uluru Sacred Sites & Sunset with BBQ Dinner

• Morning Uluru Sunrise & Field of Light

• Full Day Low Isles Great Barrier Reef Cruise

• Full Day Kuranda Rail & Skyrail Day Tour

 

Published: 12 December 2025 Posted Under: Blog

Using our service is as easy as ABC
Appointments can be arranged to speak to one of our wildlife holiday experts by telephone or video/zoom meeting. Once we have found out more about you and listened to your expectations and aspirations, we will create a suggested itinerary for you.
Book your wildlife holiday based on the itinerary provided or make a few tweaks/changes to get everything exactly as you want it. We tailor-make all of our itineraries based on your specifications, but we will always make recommendations to give you the very best wildlife experience.
Confirm your wildlife holiday once you are happy with the final itinerary. At this stage a deposit will be required to secure your holiday and full terms and conditions will be forwarded with your paperwork including when the balance payment is due.

Make An Enquiry

Call our experts on tel 01394 547074 or send an enquiry to start planning your trip

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