True Australian experience - get cuddly with an Australian favourite: koala

Have you ever touched a koala? If you plan to travel to Australia, to pat a koala seems on par with  having a Vegemite sandwich, spotting a kangaroo in the wild or getting a sunburn.

One of the places in Australia to cuddle a koala is at Port Macquarie’s Koala Hospital – a renowned koala hotspot on the NSW mid-north coast. This hospital is the only one of its kind in the world dedicated solely to the care of wild koalas as well as being the world’s leading koala research centre.

You can also join the stunning 9km coastal walk that stretches south along the wild, windswept coast to the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre. Pass through a string of white sandy beaches punctuated by rocky outcrops linked by wooden walkways and staircases. It takes about an hour but the scenery is so breathtaking that you will hardly notice any time has passed as you arrive at Sea Acres, the second largest coastal rainforest reserve in the state. There is a good chance of spotting koalas, along with flying foxes, ospreys and other creatures in the rainforest.

Travel to Billabong Koala and Wildlife Park for one of three daily koala talks, where you get a chance to have your photo taken with – and pat! – the cuddly marsupials.
The park, which in recent years has expanded its menagerie to include spider monkeys, a crocodile, reptiles, albino kangaroos, snow leopards and more, also functions as a koala breeding centre. Owner Mark Stone holds 20 koalas at any given time, passing them on to zoos throughout NSW, Victoria and Queensland to enhance their breeding programs.
This Australian experience is sure to make you feel just like the creatures –warm, fuzzy and, most importantly, like a true-blue Aussie.

Walk & Talk tours at the Koala Hospital are free, 3pm daily. Macquarie Nature Reserve, Lord Street, (02) 6584 1522, koalahospital.org.au.

Guided tours at Sea Acres Rainforest Centre are included in the boardwalk entry price: adults $8, children $4, open 9am-4.30pm daily. Pacific Drive, (02) 6582 3355, nationalparks.nsw.gov.au.

Koala shows at Billabong Koala and Wildlife Park are included in the entry price: adults $22.50, children $13, daily at 10.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm. The park is open 9am-5pm daily. 61 Billabong Drive, (02) 6585 1060, billabongkoala.com.au.

Iconic Australia in photos

If you are planning a trip to Australia or already decided to go to Australia, here are some photos to inspire you to see and experience this amazing country.
 
"Ta-da!" | Uluru, Northern Territory, Australia



 "Well, it has been a very long week" | Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia


 
Only in Australia.... | Birdsville, Queensland, Australia



Sydney Skyline | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia


 
"The coast is clear!" | Kings Canyon, Northern Territory, Australia
 
 

Sydney Harbour Lights Up | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia


 
Simply stunning |  Bunker Bay, Western Australia


 
"Road-trip time!" | Going across the Nullarbor on the Eyre Highway, Western Australia



"Come on Mum, let me out!" | Cleland Wildlife Park, South Australia

Explore Australia | Fan Photos

What else can we say - wow! | Cape Hillsborough, QLD



Anyone for a dip? | Perth, WA



Uluru in the rain - a very special sight to see! | Uluru, NT



"Oh, it's you again!" | Baird Bay, SA

 

The beach is waiting for you. | Rottnest Island, WA



Just another day on Flinders Street..... | Melbourne, VIC



Tamarama, Sydney, NSW


 
"Say cheese!" | Baird Bay, SA
 


 Crazy clouds.....| Lord Howe Island, NSW

Changing face of Lake Eyre, Australia

Going to Australia? Consider visiting South Australia and view Lake Eyre from the air.

Have a glimpse at this remote part of Australia and see this magical place through low level aerial pictures with their astonishing detail.

Award-winning Australian artist Peter Elfes has been documenting the Lake Eyre and the encompassing desert for the last four years.

'Silcrete Island' - Lake Eyre, SA, Australia

Water coloured by pink algae surrounds an island in Lake Eyre. This rare transition in water colour only occurs once the water has been present in the Lake for several seasons - Peter Elfes.

'Lake Eyre Reflections' - Lake Eyre, SA, Australia

Clouds reflect off the surface of Lake Eyre at the beginning of a rain period - Peter Elfes

Travel to Australia during the Winter in Europe and US

Top Winter Sun Destination: GO TO AUSTRALIA

Getaway to somewhere warm and sunny. Somewhere you don't have to worry about wrapping up in layers of thermal cloths to stay warm. 
 Somewhere safe and friendly where you can forget about the hassle and bustle of your everyday life. Well at least for a few weeks.


With the winter season in Europe and North America in full gear, we're dreaming of warm destinations that suit the sun-seeker in all of us. Whether you're looking to lounge poolside in sunny Queensland or sip champagne in some of the best wine region in the world you'll find it Australia.

In the land down under the seasons are opposite to those in Europe and North America. It means that from November to April it's the hottest and most sunny in the Southern Hemisphere which makes it perfect holiday destination to travel to. So instead of visiting exotic destinations when it's summer in Europe, save up your annual leave to energize and reinvigorate in the sun and experience

A visit to Australia and New Zealand is always the answer. Both countries are the number one holiday destination on many people’s wish lists and with increased number of flights and new connections appearing on horizon almost every day, it has never been easier to make your dream a reality.

All you have to do is pack and we can take care of the rest.

Going to Australia: What to Pack

What to pack and what to wear on your holidays in Australia?

You basically want to create a small yet versatile capsule wardrobe. On holiday less is always more so make sure you take only the clothes you really love to wear. And keep it casual. 

1. You are likely to be exposed to intense sunlight wherever you go in Australia, therefore remember to pack sunglasses, a sunscreen with an SPF of 30+, a broad-brimmed hat and long-sleeved shirts with higher neckline to prevent burning. And a good moisturizer will be a nice relief after a day in the outdoors. 

2. It is very casual in Australia and you can even wear jeans to casinos but if you plan to visit restaurants, smart casual attire is the winner. If you plan on experiencing the nightlife of Australia's major cities, also pack some evening wear and dress shoes, as many clubs and bars have dress codes and will turn away if wearing sneakers or thongs.

3. For women, a little summer dress comes in handy in the evening. For a smarter look for sightseeing or shopping during the day, take a lightweight jacket.


4. Natural fibres will work better in the heat (for me linen is always a winner) and it is worth popping in a lightweight cardigan and a scarf for cooler weather or overly fierce air conditioning. 

5. Complete with Accessories. Take a few nice statement pieces of jewellery which you can throw on in the evening to feel a little bit more dressed up but it's not wise to take anything too valuable - suitcases have a tendency to go missing.

6. For men again the word is casual and calf-length shorts/ board shorts and casual shoes will be perfect. But in the evening a jacket, long pants and covered shoes 

7. Packing a rain jacket, ideally with a detachable lining, is also a good idea. 

8. Outside of the main cities, do not bother with dressy wardrobe.

9. Take comfortable, lace-up footwear for all the walking, thongs for the beach and sandals for going out.

10. You can buy all your toiletries here and best shopping malls to do that are David Jones and Myer but beware as you might find that they are cheaper in your country

11. And don't forget your swimsuit if you plan to spend some time on the beach. You might even consider learning to surf when visiting Bondi Beach

When arriving in Australia make  sure you are NOT carrying food of any description in your suitcases or hand luggage. The dogs at the airport have a very sensitive sense of smell and they will find it and you may be fined, which is not a great way to start your trip.