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.

Ultimate Journey from London to Sydney by Private Jet

A truly rare opportunity to travel in luxury of the private jet without the need of owning your aircraft. Journey across the world with other like minded travellers in comfort of private jet's plush leather interior with stops in the world's most interesting destinations. View full itinerary of the ultimate journey from London to Sydney.

Here are just a few highlights you will get to experience while you journey to Australia by private jet.

Explore the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik, with marble streets and baroque buildings that exude a pearly light in the Adriatic sun. 

Discover Udaipur, the medieval town considered one of India’s most beautiful places set around a patchwork of lakes, and ringed by low hills.










Relax in the stunning Oberoi in Lombok, a hideaway with acres of tropical gardens, shimmering ocean and golden sands along a private beach.









 
Visit the Orangutan Sanctuary where captive orangutans are reintroduced into the wild. You will be able to observe them at their feeding stations in the rainforest

See some of Australia’s most iconic destinations including Cable Beach, Broome, Ayers Rock and Sydney




View full list of experiences of this ultimate journey from London to Sydney by Private Jet

Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia is a place reserved for the fortunate few

Little wonder this island consistently makes the Top 10 Hotels of the World list. The beaches of this Great Barrier Reef island resort are plentiful, 24 in all, with fine powdery white sand, undisturbed but for the occasional footprints.

Queensland nature photographer Adam Gormley gives a snapshot of the beauty of Lizard Island, through his amazing images and experiences exploring the area.

  The tropical paradise, secluded from the rest of the world. Lizard Island is the Northern most beach resort in Australia, and boy it is fantastic!











Can you think of a better place to sit, relax and watch the beauty of nature as the full moon sets? Yes I know, this is too early in the morning for most people, but it's well worth getting up early on a full moon, especially when you’re in a paradise like Lizard Island

Mermaid Cove, Lizard Island

It has to be the most fitting name for this beautiful cove beach on Lizard Island. If you do visit Lizard Island, do yourself a favour and order a packed picnic lunch, jump on a tinnie and it's a 20 minute trip. You'll most probably have the whole cove to yourself, with nothing but the coral sea on the horizon.


  
This amazing juvenile Barramundi Cod was photographed just off Lizard Island, in Watsons Bay. They call this area the Giant Clam fields, and there are hundreds of the clams










Let us know if you would like to explore this part of Great Barrier Reef and we will help you to customize your trip to Australia.

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

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.

7 Great Walks of Australia

Australia is a world-class walking destination. The collection of great walks located in stunning settings includes seven high-end Australian walking journeys:

The Arkaba Walk in South Australia  

Traversing the ancient Flinders Ranges in outback South Australia is an experience that immerses you in the story of the land. 600-million years of geological history echo through the stratified layers of Wilpena Pound and the Elder Range. Large numbers of Red and Western Grey kangaroos, wallaroos and emus are regular sightings along the walk, and the country is littered with the stories, and often heroic failures, of early pioneers who tried to eke a living from the harsh but beautiful country.  

Bay of Fires Lodge Walk in Tasmania

At the edge of Mt William National Park in north-eastern Tasmania, the magnificent coastline known as the Bay of Fires provides dramatic landscapes, ecology, and wildlife. Immerse yourself in one of the most pristine environments that Tasmania has to offer; walk the soft sandy beaches, explore coves, kayak the Ansons River and enjoy the uncomplicated luxury of our accommodation at the Forester Beach Camp and award winning Bay of Fires Lodge.


Freycinet Experience Walk in Tasmania

The Freycinet Experience is the original guided walk on Tasmania’s east coast, taking you through the pink granite Hazard Mountains and rich coastal forests, and the purest of white-sand beaches including the world-renowned Wineglass Bay.









The Great Ocean Walk in Victoria 
Discover beautiful Victoria on the striking Great Ocean Walk coordinated by the good people at bothfeet. Stroll through the seaside village of Apollo Bay, continue on through cool-climate rainforest, remote beaches and coastal cliff tops, concluding with a Twelve Apostles scenic helicopter flight. 







Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory

Soak up the ethereal scenery of vast flood plains, razorback rocky outcrops and the glorious scale of this ancient land, walking the high ridgelines of the West MacDonnell Range, led by your guides at World Expedition.









Maria Island Walk in Tasmania 

Maria Island is a delightful blend of rare wildlife, convict heritage, and elegant accommodation. On the multi-award winning Maria Island Walk, you’ll enjoy gentle walking by day and candlelit gourmet dining at night.









Cradle Mountain Huts Walk in Tasmania

Discover one of Australia’s most spectacular World Heritage Areas while trekking the world famous Overland Track in the peaceful and exquisite terrain of Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania.








 
Source: http://greatwalksofaustralia.com.au/

The full glory of earth’s total solar eclipse, only in Australia

Around 25,000 tourists from all over the world are expected to descend upon northern Australia next month, in readiness for what will be just the second solar eclipse of the year.

The total eclipse will only be visible from Northeast Australia © PiLensPhoto - Fotolia.com

This time round, Australia is the only populated landmass in the world that will be treated to a total eclipse of the sun – and even then, only the smallest sliver of its northernmost coastline will be in for the treat, hence, Australia is where it’s at for thousands of astronomically-inspired tourists.

Authorities are getting ready for a massive influx of visitors, with more than 50,000 visitors expected to arrive to see the magical event, roughly half of whom will travel from overseas. As well as the eclipse itself, tourists will be treated to a wide program of events to mark the occasion, including the world’s first ever Total Solar Eclipse Marathon, and hot air balloon rides for an even more magical experience.

The majority of tourists are expected to head to Cairns and Port Douglas in Australia’s northeast, which are the only two cities that will get to enjoy the full two minutes of the moon fully obscuring the sun. A partial eclipse will be visible from much of the South Pacific howver, including Australia and New Zealand, southern South America and parts of Antarctica.

Organizers will be offering a unique perspective of the eclipse, from a hot air balloon © Dmytro Shevchenko - Fotolia.com

The number of eclipses varies, with anywhere from two to five visible each year. This year’s only other eclipse took place back in May, and even then it was only a partial event. Previously, in 2011, there were four partial eclipses. Only very rarely are we treated to five eclipses in one year – the last time this occurred was in 1935, and it won’t happen again until 2206.

Source: http://www.argophilia.com/