Australia

Australia is a gigantic country by our standards. The area is almost 7,7 million kilometer and there are 3 time zones. In spite of this the country has only 18,5 million inhabitants,who for the greater part live in the southeast and close to the coast. Australia is a country of extremes, not only because of its seize but also as far as nature and animal life are concerned. Beyond that there are two different cultures: the European/British one and the culture of the original people, the Aborigines.

The main centres of Aborigine culture are Ayers Rock and Alice Springs in the red heart of Australia and up in the north with the fantastic nature areas of Kakadu and Litchfield. The west coast has quite a number of highlights like the beautiful city of Perth, the charming village of Margaret River and up in the north the magnificent Kimberleys and “pearl city” Broome. Australia has so much to offer that one has to make choices, the more so when you have limited time. We will be happy to give you proper advice.

The Aborigines form 1% of the total population. The majority of them live in het western and northern parts of the country. They know the country like no one else and see themselves as keepers of natures secrets. They often act as guides making outsiders familiar with the history of the country and its old legends, songs, dances and other forms of culture. In the past the Aborigines were often treated as second class citizens, but nowadays their rights are being respected more and more and much has already been done to improve their status.

Australia has quite a number of beautiful, dynamic and pleasant cities, but nature is the overall attraction. There is a tremendous choice of impressive mountain areas, tropical rainforest, endless deserts, lovely hill country, roaring rivers and paradise like beaches. Apart from that there are lots of romantic or rugged islands plus a unique underwater world with the Great Barrier Reef as the absolute top. In the many nature areas you’ll find, depending on the season, all kinds of animals like kangoeroes and koalas, crocodiles, pinguins and seals and the seas are full of big and small fishes.

Travelling on this largest island in the world and at the same time smallest continent is easy. A trip along the east coast from Cairns to Sydney or vice versa is an interesting option. Endless beaches, magnificent islands and unique coral reefs are there to enjoy. You can go diving or snorkeling at the world famous Barrier Reef or go sailing around the Whitsunday Islands. Close to Sydney there is this amazing nature area of the Blue Mountains and you’ll find much more outstanding nature further on to the west along the Great Ocean Road and on the beautiful island of Tasmania. Here, apart from enjoying nature, you can visit many remains of its eventful history.