Country Guides: Australia Travel Guide

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1) Short stay tourist visa (or ETA): The perfect option if you want to visit Oz for up to three months.

2) Long stay tourist visa: For anyone who wants to travel around Oz for three to six months.

3) Working holiday visa: Very popular with backpackers and gappers! Allows you to work in Australia for up to 12 months (this can be extended to two years under certain circumstances).

4) Student visa: For anyone who is serious about studying in Oz. You’ll need a confirmed place on a course before you can apply.

Getting there

International airports: Darwin, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney.

Land borders: No, don’t be silly.

Ideas and things to do

Australia is vast. The whole of western Europe would fit in just one of its six states, Western Australia. With all the cool things there are to see and do here - and the huge distances between them - Australia will certainly keep you busy.

While most of Australia’s attractions are natural - scarlet rock formations bubbling up from the desert, steaming rainforests, amazing beaches and some truly weird wildlife - the country also boasts some of the World’s most buzzing cities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some top things to visit in Australia

Australia- Uluru, or Ayers Rock

Sydney Harbour (Opera House, Harbour Bridge etc) The Great Barrier Reef Daintree Rainforest The Whitsunday Islands The Neighbours set and studio Kakadu National Park The Blue Mountains The Great Ocean Road Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo Cattle stations and tiny pubs in the Outback Swim with wild dolphins at Monkey Mia Fraser Island And loads, loads more...

Some Popular Events

Australian Tennis Open Australia Day The Big Day Out Australian Grand Prix Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Rip Curl Pro Surfing Melbourne Comedy Festival Voyages Camel Cup Darwin Beer Can Regatta Hervey Bay Whale Festival Henley-On-Todd Regatta Christmas Day Start of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race New Year’s Eve fireworks

Climate advice

The seasons in Australia are the reverse of those in Europe, so spring and summer is during October to March, autumn and winter is between April and September. The south is generally cooler and can experience chilly and rainy days in winter, with snow only common in mountainous regions.

The north is tropical and hot with the wet (summer) and dry (winter) seasons being the only changes weather wise - the temperature is more or less a constant 30 degrees throughout the year. Central Australia can be warm in autumn/winter days, but gets quite cold at night due to the clear skies.

In the summer, inland Oz can be seriously hot - up to and over 40 degrees. Wherever and whenever you go in Australia, I would recommend taking a lightweight cagoule and broad-brimmed Aussie-outback-type hat - both can be useful in keeping the sun and rain off.

Ideas of cost

While there’s never a firm answer to the question ‘how much money will I need?’ it is possible to work out a budget for yourself. Australia represents many and varied opportunities for lightening your wallet, but here’s a rough idea of what to expect.

All price conversions are approximate and prices correct as of 11/7/06

Product / Item to buy

Loaf of sliced, white bread

Price in GBP

£1

Price in AUD

$2.45

 

Product / Item to buy

A ‘glass’ of beer (in a bar)

Price in GBP

£1.20

Price in AUD

$3

 

Product / Item to buy

1 litre of bottled water

Price in GBP

£0.60

 

Price in AUD

$1.50

Product / Item to buy

Bag of pasta (500g)

Price in GBP

£0.27

Price in AUD

$0.66

Product / Item to buy

Shampoo (Pantene ‘classic’ 400ml)

Price in GBP

£3.75

Price in AUD

$9.30

Product / Item to buy

Bus ticket for a 4 hour journey (eg Brisbane to Byron Bay)

Price in GBP

£15

Price in AUD

$37

Product / Item to buy

One day’s car hire (if you’re hiring for under a month)

Price in GBP

£17.45

Price in AUD

$43

Product / Item to buy

Single flight - Sydney to Cairns

Price in GBP

£60.45

Price in AUD

$149

Product / Item to buy

A night in a hostel dorm

Price in GBP

£8.10

Price in AUD

$20

Product / Item to buy

Whitsunday sailing trip - (3 day, 2 night)

Price in GBP

£138.75

Price in AUD

$340

 

 

Product / Item to buy

Uluru, Olgas, King’s Canyon tour (3 ½ days)

Price in GBP

£138.75

Price in AUD

$340

Staying healthy

Protect yourself against mozzies - they can carry dengue fever and Ross River fever in Queensland and the Northern Territory, and Murray Valley encephalitis (which can be fatal) from Western Australia to Queensland.

Reciprocal medical arrangements exist between Australia and the UK, which means that UK nationals may have unforeseen emergency medical treatment under the Australian Medicare scheme. Beware though - the reciprocal agreement has loads of exclusions and won’t cover you for everything.

Immunisation against yellow fever is essential if you’re arriving in Australia within six days of having visited an infected country.

Staying in touch

Staying in touch with people back home is not a problem. Especially in the cities and well-trodden tourist routes there are plenty of internet cafes - most of which are fairly cheap ranging from $3 to $5 an hour. We would recommend joining ClubGossip or something similar. These membership cards double up as a phonecard which you can top up at post offices. It also allows you cheaper internet rates at selected stores and other travelly discounts within Australia.

If you’re going to be in Oz for a while, buy a local SIM card for your phone. If you’re just there for a month or less as part of an around the world trip, it’s worth looking into a global roaming SIM card.

Backpacker tours

The map below is here to give you an idea of what your fellow backpackers like to do when they get downunder. The tours and attractions are generally a long way apart, so it’s useful to plan what you’re going to see.

1. Sydney Harbour

Get great views of the harbour from one of the ferries, do the bridge climb or go on a jet boat.

2. Blue Mountains

A stunningly beautiful range of mountains, turned blue by the eucalyptus. Take a tour from Sydney and make sure you see the Three Sisters.

3. Fraser Island

From your hostel in Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach, arrange a 4x4 tour of the World’s largest sand island.

4. Whitsunday Islands

From Airlie Beach you can arange to live aboard a sailing ship for a few days and cruise around these amazing islands.

5. Reef diving

Go diving or snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef (East Coast) or Ningaloo Reef (West Coast).

6. Australia Zoo

Most hostels between Brisbane and Noosa sell tickets and sort transport to Steve Irwin’s Zoo. Just hope that he’s in!

7. Nimbin

Have a look around this famous hippy commune near Byron Bay. Jim’s Alternative Tours are very good.

8. 4x Factory

If you like beer you’ll love a tour of the Castlemaine factory in Brisbane. Mainly for all the free booze they chuck in at the end...

9. Tasmania

Easilly accessible by budget flight these days, Tassie is a stunning natural wilderness and well worth some of your time downunder.

10. Neighbours Tour

Love it or hate it, you know you wanna go! Don’t look for Erinsborough on a map, just head for Melbourne and ask for Bouncer...

11. Monkey Mia

Near the town of Denham in Western Australia, dolphins come right up to the beach every day. If you’re lucky, the rangers might let you feed one!

12. Red Centre tour

From Darwin or Alice Springs take a tour of the Red Centre’s highlights; Uluru, the Olgas, King’s Canyon and the Devil’s Marbles.

13. Kakadu

A stunning national park in the Northern Territory full of crocodiles of Crocodile Dundee fame. You can tour on land or by helicopter.

14. Daintree River

Usually combined as part of a 2-3 day trip from Cairns to Cape Tribulation, this jungle river promises crocs to those of you not going to Kakadu.

Australia: sightseeing

Australia is a vast continent with more icons, landmarks, activities and tours than you could possibly cover in a year. We’ve put together a map to give you a taste of the top sights to see and an idea of where they all are.

1. Uluru

aka Ayers Rock. It’s big, it’s red and it’s the most obvious symbol of Australia. Remember, it’s about 350km away from Alice Springs.

2. The Olgas

aka Kata Tjuta. Not too far away from Uluru, these are a collection of big, red, stone domes - some of which are taller than Uluru itself

3. King’s Canyon

A stunning canyon in the Northern Territory, with rock walls over 250m tall in places. It’s well worth seeing if you’re heading to Alice Springs to see Uluru anyway.

4. The Pinnacles

Crazy spiky rock formations in the desert in Western Australia. You may have seen Billy Connolly running around them naked. The nearest town is called Cervantes.

5. Fraser Island

The World’s largest sand island. Full of lakes, dingoes and natural beauty. Drive over it in a 4x4 and camp out under the stars.

6. Coober Pedy

An old opal mining town. You should go here to see all the underground buildings, sleep in an underground hostel and ‘fossick’ for opals.

7. The Devil’s Marbles

These are huge, perfectly spherical red rocks that perform a weird balancing act not far off the main road between Alice and Darwin.

8. The Twelve Apostles

Highlight of the Great Ocean Road, these are 12(ish) towering limestone pillars that stick out of the sea near Port Campbell. Particularly stunning at dawn or dusk.

9. The Bungle Bungles

aka Purnululu National Park, this is part of the Kimberleys region in North Western Australia and features huge black and orange striped domes of rock.

10. Kakadu National Park

‘Crocodile Dundee Country’. A brilliant wilderness and a great place to see crocodiles, waterfalls and spectacular scenery.

11. Great Barrier Reef

The largest living thing on Earth... Runs most of the way down the East Coast and an extremely popular place to dive. Cairns is a good base for this.

12. Ningaloo Reef

Not as big or as famous as the Great Barrier Reef, but it’s equally beautiful and much less busy. Coral Bay and Exmouth are both good places to start.

13. The Daintree Rainforest

One of the oldest rainforests on the planet. Reassuringly full of weird noises, weirder plants and the super-weird cassowary. Head up to Cape Tribulation and stay in a jungle lodge.

14. The Whitsunday Islands

A group of breathtakingly gorgeous paradise islands off the coast of Airlie Beach in Queensland. The best way to see them is on a three day sailing trip.

States / territories in Australia

New South Wales

Sydney and Blue Mountains

Go there because... you’d be a flaming galah to go to Australia and not visit Sydney. It’s one of the World’s most buzzing cities, with dazzling architecture in a beautiful setting. Get out of town and you’ll find the richly forested Blue Mountains.

Northern Territory

Crocodiles and outback

Go there because... in the north you’ll find the massive Kakadu National Park - watch out for crocodiles! Head south and you enter the ‘Red Centre’, where you’ll really appreciate Australia’s massive scale. Don’t miss the sacred monolith Uluru (formerly known as Ayers Rock.)

Queensland

Heavenly spots and adventure sports

Go there because... gorgeous places, loads to do and great facilities for travellers... backpacker heaven. Dive or snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef, sail around the Whitsunday Islands on a backpacker boat, jump off things at Cairns and drive on Fraser Island.

 

South Australia

Culture and nature

Go there because... you can hang out in cultural Adelaide or spot wildlife on Kangaroo Island. Or why not plunge into the Outback where you’ll find tiny, remote towns, traditional outback pubs, aboriginal history and if you’re lucky an opal or two...

Tasmania

Wilderness and wildlife

Go there because... you’ll find rainforests, mountains, prehistoric plants and animals galore. The island is home to Tasmanian devils, spotted-tail quolls, fairy penguins, wombats, echidnas, platypuses, Australian fur seals and loads more bonkers species.

Victoria

Beautiful coastline and good Neighbours

Go there because... the state boasts one of the World’s most stunning coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road. The road hugs the dramatic coastline for 106km - you might want to bagsy the passenger seat. In Melbourne, visit the Neighbours set and meet the stars.

 

 

Western Australia

Get off the beaten trackx

Go there because... most backpackers miss Australia’s West Coast. We say they’re seriously missing out. With surreal rock formations, endless expanses of beach, friendly dolphins and diving to rival the Barrier Reef, this is Oz’s most underrated state.

Towns and cities to visit in Australia

Adelaide

Galleries and museum

Go there because... you’ll find the picturesque Adelaide hills, beautiful architecture, fine wines, loads of galleries and museums. Be sure not to miss the free Art Gallery of South Australia which boasts a massive collection of aboriginal artefacts.

Airlie Beach

Skydiving and nightlife

Go there because... it’s the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, some of the most beautiful islands and sailing grounds in the World. However, before setting sail, leave time for skydiving and to enjoy the great nightlife of Airlie Beach.

Alice Springs

The real Red Centre

Go there because... it’s the heart of the Red Centre with colourful outback culture, ancient Dreamtime lore and fabulous nature. Take the quick climb up Anzac hill, where there is a good view of Heavytree Gap. Expect loads of desert and blue skies all year round.

Brisbane

Beautiful beaches

Go there because... Brisbane has warm, sunny weather almost all year round, and friendly, easy-going locals. Visit the 155 islands off Moreton Bay, prized for their white sandy beaches and quiet camping spots.

 

 

 

Byron Bay

Chilled out commune

Go there because... it’s a magical place, with great beaches. The unique town of Nimbin, where hemp and hippy communes are a part of everyday life, is known for its chilled-out, ‘alternative’ vibe.

Cairns

Great diving spot

Go there because... it’s the best place to dive from and to see the Great Barrier Reef. Go bush walking through towering rainforest, tropical farmland and swimming in crater lakes and waterfalls.

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Canberra

Pretty city with polititians

Go there because... it’s the capital of Australia. No, really. This purpose-built city is scattered around a lake with lots of green spaces. You can tour the parliament buildings and visit some impressive memorials and museums.

Coober Pedy

Mine tour and opal hunt

Go there because...This opal mining town is well worth visiting. Enjoy a mine tour, including an opal cutting demonstration, with the chance to try opal fossicking too. The towns around are all ‘wild west’ style, you know... there is clearly an edge to the town, tumble weed blowing around, cowboys hangin’ around in saloons.

Darwin

Aboriginal art and local crafts

Go there because... its home to exotic food stalls, didgeridoo players and local crafts as well as being gateway to ‘Crocodile Dundee’ country. The aboriginal art scene in Darwin is thriving, so stop off to get a real feel for the local history and culture.

Hervey Bay

Gateway to Fraser Island

Go there because...you can book a 4x4 tour of gorgeous Fraser Island, the World’s largest sand island, complete with crystal-clear lagoons, ancient rainforest and vast, snow-white beaches. Hervey Bay is also a great spot for whale-watching.

Jindabyne

Gateway to Fraser Island

Go there because...you can book a 4x4 tour of gorgeous Fraser Island, the World’s largest sand island, complete with crystal-clear lagoons, ancient rainforest and vast, snow-white beaches. Hervey Bay is also a great spot for whale-watching.

 

 

Katherine

Canoeing

Go there because... it’s a truly remarkable place with more bats than a county cricket squad. Millions of them. Also the landscape starts to get pretty cool around here too - spend the afternoon canoeing the stunning Katherine Gorge.

Melbourne

Neighbours set

Go there because... Visit the Neighbours set and meet the stars. Ride the lift to the top of Rialto Towers, the tallest office building in the southern hemisphere, for amazing views.

Perth

City of lights

Go there because... On Oz’s West Coast, Perth got the name ‘City of Lights’ when astronaut John Glenn looked down to see it glowing thousands of miles from any other major city. Perth is the sunniest state capital in Oz and has 19 (count ‘em) beaches.

Sydney

Opera house, beaches and parties

Go there because... This is the party capital of the Southern Hemisphere. There’s a great backpacker scene, golden beaches and stunning architecture including the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Attractions in Australia

Banka Banka

Working cattle station

Go there because... you can chill out with a scenic walk through native flora to a bush watering hole. Also learn about the workings of the local cattle station before relaxing at another type of ‘watering hole’...

Barrington

Rainforest and kayaking

Go there because... Delve into the sub-tropical rainforest, encounter wildlife and waterfalls and go river kayaking. Indulge in a bit of wine-tasting in the nearby Hunter Valley wine region.

Blue Mountains

Great hiking

Go there because... The Blue Mountains - so called because of the blue haze created by the eucalyptus oil in the air above the gum forests - is one of the most spectacular wilderness parks in Australia, with great hikes and views.

Cape Crawford

Lost city rock formations

Go there because... here you’ll find a semi permanent waterhole surrounded by 25 metre sandstone spires, known as ‘lost city’ formations. Also keep an eye out for the ever-present wildlife in this remote region.

Cape Tribulation

Eighth wonder of the world

Go there because... considered to be the eighth wonder of the world, Cape Tribulation is where the rainforest meets the reef. You can walk from the jungle straight onto the sand before heading out for a swim. There are plenty of hikes to do as well some adventure activities like the jungle canopy tour.

Cattle station

Cowboy skills

Go there because... you can discover real outback life. Spend the night at a working cattle station before taking a guided sunset walk, chow down on an Australian outback camp oven dinner and test your cowboy skills by cracking whips and taking a spin on the mechanical bull.

Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy IslandTropical rainforests and snorkelling

Go there because... it’s the third most northerly island in the Barrier Reef. Bushwalk through eucalypt and tropical rainforests, relax on its coral beaches or go diving or snorkelling in its famous reef.

Fraser Island

4x4 fun and frolics

Go there because... it’s the World’s largest sand island. Explore it in a 4x4, camp out under the stars and keep your eyes peeled for some of the last pure bred dingoes in Oz. Take part in a didgeridoo demo and trek to the top of the giant sand dunes at Rainbow beach.

Grampians

National park

Go there because... The magnificent Grampians National Park has lots of great hikes, natural wonders and breathtaking views, including the amazing MacKenzie Falls. Learn about the history of its people at the Brambuks Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

Great Barrier Reef

Amazing underwater world...

Go there because... this extraordinary coral reef - arguably the World’s best dive site - is as big as Britain and Ireland combined. Dive in warm, crystal-clear waters and wonder at corals of all shapes and colours, as well as countless swimming critters.

Juno Farm

Devil’s marbles

Go there because... nearby are the Mataranka thermal pools where you can go for a dip, the picturesque Mary Anne dam and the Devil’s Marbles - huge great circular boulders left in the middle of nowhere. Camp overnight at the Juno Horse Farm.

Kakadu National Park

Cooling pools and crocodiles

Go there because... stop by Gunlum Falls for a swim in the cooling pools (take note of the crocodile warning), visit the aboriginal rock paintings at Nourlangie Rock and Ubirr (Crocodile Dundee country) Don’t leave without taking a cruise on the Yellow Waters where you’ll see birds, fauna and crocodiles.

Kangaroo Island

Aussie wildlife

Go here because... this wildlife haven boasts kangaroos, koalas, possums, penguins, platypuses, dolphins, seals, wallabies and much more. You also get the chance to go snorkelling, horse riding, diving and cycling if all that species-spotting gets a little tired.

 

Kings Canyon

Massive rock formations

Go there because... Experience the remote outback of the Red Centre in Kings Canyon where you get to climb and explore the impressive formations of the ‘Amphitheatre’, ‘Lost City’, the picturesque ‘Garden of Eden’ and the breathtaking North and South Walls.

Magnetic Island

Koalas and marine life

Go there because... this little island is buzzing and beautiful. Visit koalas in their natural habitat in the afternoon before grabbing your flippers and going snorkelling or diving in crystal clear waters - expect to see some amazing marine life.

Mission Beach

White-water rafting

Go there because... the living is easy - this place is best viewed from a hammock. However, if you are feeling adventurous it’s also the best place in the area to indulge in a spot of white-water rafting. Remember to keep an eye out for Cassowaries along the local bush tracks...

Monkey Mia

Swim with wild dolphins

Go there because... wild bottle-nosed dolphins visit the beach daily, coming right into the shallows to play with humans and accept the odd fish. Turn up at the beach between 8am and 1pm. Then simply chill on the white sands, swim in the aquamarine waters, and wait...

Neighbours Set

NeighboursHang with Harold Bishop

Go there because... you know you want to. Take an official tour, get your photo taken in front of the Neighbours houses, and drive past Erinsborough High and the studio complex. There’s also a chance to hang with the stars at a Neighbours Night.

 

 

Ningaloo Reef

As good as the Great Barrier Reef?

Go there because... covering 5,000 square km, Western Oz’s Ningaloo Reef is just a short swim from the beach in many places, making it an easy place to Scuba dive and snorkel. Swim over stunning corals with whalesharks, dolphins, dugongs, manta rays and turtles.

 

Ocean Road

Amazing views

Go there because...The Great Ocean Road is famous for its amazing views. You will see the Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, The Grotto, London Bridge and Loch Ard Gorge before enjoying sunset over the Twelve Apostles. Experience fishing villages, amazing rock formations, pristine beaches and gorges.

Parachilna

Caves, ruins and gorges

Go there because... Drive through spectacular Parachilna Gorge. Enjoy an Aussie barbecue at Parachilna, including local game. View Aboriginal rock art at Yourambulla Caves and visit the ruins of Kanyaka Homestead.

 

 

Rawnsley Park

Jackaroo experience

Go here because... its home to a working sheep station, set in the scenic Flinders Ranges. Continue this Jackaroo experience by bedding down at the bunkhouse. Yee-ha!

 

 

 

Snowy River

Mountains and wildlife

Go there because... Watch out for Aussie wildlife in this beautiful, mountainous national park. Go on a bush walk, explore the countryside on horseback or fly down a giant zip wire.

Surf Camp

Surf lessons

Go there because... Base yourself at an East Coast surf camp near Byron Bay for a few days. Take surf lessons with some of the best instructors in Oz, or just enjoy the beautiful beaches.

Sydney Harbour

Harbour Bridge, Opera House and more

Go there because... you’ll really know you’re in Australia! Take in the ‘sails’ of Sydney Opera House, the massive Sydney Harbour Bridge, the golden beaches and the wild lorikeets and flying foxes of Sydney Harbour National Park.

Uluru

Base walk at sunrise

Go there because... Get up before dawn to experience an Uluru sunrise and either an optional climb or base walk, exploring the mysterious rock formations and Aboriginal Art sites. A not-to-be-missed experience!

 

Whitsunday Islands

Visit paradise by sailboat

Go there because... this long chain of islands is one of the most beautiful places for sailing in the World. Enjoy a barbie on the deck, watch dolphins in the azure water, snorkel or dive, camp under the stars and marvel at the snow-white sands of Whitehaven Beach.

Wilsons Promontory

Emus and wombats

Go there because... The Wilsons Promontory National Park has spectacular granite rock formations, native wildlife including emus and wombats, and gorgeous golden beaches. Watch the ocean of Bass Strait pound onto the Australian mainland’s most southerly point.

Australia: what’s on

1. Australian Tennis Open

Head to Melbourne in Jan if you like tennis. Head there a little earlier if you like tennis-related casual work.

2. Australia Day

Parties across the country to celebrate the founding of the nation. Wear your Aussie gold with honorary pride.

3. The Big Day Out

Australia’s eight-stage touring mega-festival takes place in Sydney on Australia Day. You can also catch it in Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and the Gold Coast over the next few weeks.

4. Australian Grand Prix

The Australian Grand Prix event period is the time to be in Melbourne if you like Formula One or Formula One-related casual work.

5. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

One of the world’s biggest gay pride events, the centrepiece of which is the huge street parade.

6. Rip Curl Pro Surfing

One of the major events on the surfing calendar, this takes place on Bell’s Beach in Victoria.

7. Melbourne Comedy Festival

This festival features some of the world’s finest stand-up comedy.

8. Voyages Camel Cup

Held on Mindil Beach, it’s a great party atmosphere with plenty of live music. Oh, and boats made entirely out of used ‘tinnies’.

9. Darwin Beer Can Regatta

Easilly accessible by budget flight these days, Tassie is a stunning natural wilderness and well worth some of your time downunder.

10. Hervey Bay Whale Festival

A week of events celebrating the arrival of the migratory humpback whales to the area around Fraser Island. Whale season lasts until October.

11. Henley-On-Todd Regatta

A boat race in Alice Springs? On dry land? A very popular and slightly unusual event held every September for over 40 years now.

12. Christmas Day

Bondi Beach and Byron Bay are the most popular spots for a festive barbie on the beach. Book now to avoid disappointment.

13. Start of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

One of the most glamorous and exciting boat races in the World sets off from Sydney Harbour every Boxing Day.

14. New Year’s Eve fireworks

Sydney Harbour does one of the best New Year’s displays on the planet. The Botanic Gardens are a great, free viewpoint.

 

Other events in Australia

WOMAD Festival

Adelaide, Australia

WOMAD stands for World Of Music And Dance. Expect three days of blistering performances by artists from around the globe at this massive world music festival. There are also crafts from all over the World and a mouth-watering array of food. WOMAD is famous for its chilled and friendly vibe, so come along and join the party.

Bluesfest

Byron Bay, Australia

Australia’s largest blues festival is held in stunning Byron Bay over the Easter long weekend. Contrary to the name, expect jazz, reggae, folk and soft rock performances too. Past acts include David Gray, Jamie Cullum, Damien Marley and India Arie, so Bluesfest certainly attracts some top quality talent. If you’re in Byron over Easter, what better way to spend a Bank Holiday?

Splendour in the Grass Festival

Byron Bay, Australia

Every July the beautiful Belongil Fields of Byron Bay are taken over by scores of music fans looking forward to baking in the sunshine whilst listening to the best in Oz and global musical talent. Previous acts include The Zutons, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Scissor Sisters, Snow Patrol and Wolfmother...

Fact File

Government type: federal parliamentary democracy

Capital: Canberra

Geography:

Location: Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean

Climate: generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north

Terrain: mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast

Lowest point: Lake Eyre - 15m

Highest point: Mount Kosciuszko 2,229m

People:

Population: 20,434,176

Nationality: noun: Australian(s) adjective: Australian

Ethnic groups: white 92%, Asian 7%, aboriginal and other 1%

Religions: Catholic 26.4%, Anglican 20.5%, other Christian 20.5%, Buddhist 1.9%, Muslim 1.5%, other 1.2%, unspecified 12.7%, none 15.3% (2001 Census)

Languages: English 79.1%, Chinese 2.1%, Italian 1.9%, other 11.1%, unspecified 5.8% (2001 Census)

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