Tips for Your Australian Vacation

Credit: TV Week

An Australian holiday is less expensive than you might think for long-stay vacations

If you’re looking for a longer holiday this year, consider the many attractions of a visit to Australia


Australia is a gorgeous, diverse destination and it’s easier to get to and far less expensive than most people think — especially for long-stay “snowbird” vacations.


The country has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but the coastal lifestyle is more than just sand and surf; it’s a way of living. The coast is a place where family and friends meet, play a game of cricket or volleyball, throw a frisbee or have a picnic.

With nine coastal World Heritage-listed areas, Australia offers some of the most diverse, least crowded and unspoiled beach experiences in the world.


Australia’s vast wilderness, ancient landscapes and natural beauty are really best expressed in colour, from red sandy deserts and green rainforests to white untouched beaches and rich blue oceans.


The rugged Outback is often referred to as Australia’s heartland, characterized not only by spectacular colours and dramatic landscapes, but also by the spirit and the resilience of its people, communities and lifestyle.


Doesn’t all that sound wonderful? But a little reality check: The flight to Australia is about 16 hours, so for that reason, most people who visit will stay at least two weeks. And as I mentioned earlier, it’s a popular snowbird destination — and why not, when it’s winter here, it’s summer Down Under! 


Things to See and Do in Australia

Australia is high on many people’s travel wish list, so why not make this the year you go? Here are a few travel tips if you plan on going:


• Visit the big cities. From stunning Sydney to fashion-conscious Melbourne, Australia’s major cities showcase their young and free-spirited way of life. Enjoy the outdoor lifestyle, architecture, shops, theatres and bars.

• Eat and drink. Australia’s food and wine is inspired by fresh, natural produce and influenced by its multicultural society. From spectacular seafood to award-winning wines, visitors can enjoy local produce at world-class standards.

• Visit heritage attractions. Learn about Australia’s Aboriginal heritage and historic colonial eras. Places like Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory and the Daintree in Queensland will allow you to discover Aboriginal Australian traditions, which have been passed down for at least 50,000 years.

• Hang ten! Australia’s surf beaches on the Pacific, Indian and Southern oceans have first-class waves for all surfing abilities. Some iconic surf beaches include Bells Beach, Byron Bay in Burleigh Heads, Snapper Rocks and the Limestone Coast.


Golf in the Gold Coast Region

The Gold Coast region of Australia in South East Queensland is a golfer’s paradise with more than 40 courses.


Whether you’re after a world-class championship course designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Arnold Palmer or Graham Marsh — or a scenic driving range where you can practice your swing — you’ll find it on the Gold Coast.


While many of the courses are open to members only, about a dozen are public courses where visitors are free to book a tee time. For more info, check out goldcoastaustralia.com.

Australia has so much to offer, and could be the perfect choice if you’re considering a long-stay vacation this year. For more information visit Australia.com.

Originally published in TV Week. For daily updates, subscribe to the free TV Week e-newsletter, or purchase a subscription to the weekly magazine.