Sydney is an eager host for just about anything that puts it on the world stage - from the heralded 2000 Summer Olympics to the 2003 Rugby World Cup. This is a city that thrives on the opportunity to show the world what it has grown into: a vibrant, cosmopolitan city renowned for its international cuisine, stellar architecture and spectacular scenery.

Sydney is the cultural and financial heart of the continent and home to nearly one-quarter of Australia’s residents. This is a city with a bustling vibe, and its residents always seem to be on the go. It’s perhaps more casual than many similarly sized European cities, but Sydney is by no means tame.

Sydneysiders worship their waterfront and put the harbor to good use. They sail, surf, swim and ferry across it - or simply gaze at the bay from one of the many waterfront cafes.

Sydney Opera House

No visit to Sydney would be complete without enjoying a fine opera performance at the Sydney Opera House. Your evening will include drinks and canapés upon arrival, the performance, a program and a one-course supper with wine and coffee in the Bennelong Restaurant.

Kosciusko National Park

The centerpiece of this scenic park in New South Wales is 7,310-ft/2,270-m Mount Kosciusko, Australia’s highest peak. One of the country’s primary ski destinations, the park is open year-round. Chairlifts take you to the summit for spectacular views of the Snowy River, the setting for Banjo Patterson’s most famous poem, “The Man from Snowy River” (from which a film of the same name was made). You can also hike to the top - it will take four to six hours. The country’s highest glacial lake, Cootapatamba, is also visible from Mount Kosciusko. Along the Snowy Mountain range are gum trees and mountain ash, full of highly vocal cockatoos and crows.

The Yarrangobilly Caves and a nearby thermal pool are a few hours’ drive down a winding road (often blocked by sheep) from Thredbo Village, a resort town at the south end of the park that offers luxurious accommodations. Scattered throughout the park are old summer huts available on a first-come, first-served basis from the Kosciusko Huts Association - the most desirable huts in the north end of the park must be reserved months in advance through the Tumut park station. About 150 mi/110 km southwest of Canberra.

Lightning Ridge

The only place in the world where the black opal is found, this town in New South Wales also is the best place to buy this rare gem. (Prices often are half those charged on the east coast.) But don’t spend all your time shopping. As interesting as the opals are, we found that the real attraction is talking with the unexpected mix of people in this mining town - you’ll meet more than a few who went there to make a fortune. The city is best seen as a flying day trip from Sydney. If time permits, extend your stay to swim in the artesian baths, try prospecting and tour the Walk-In Mine. 350 mi/565 km northwest of Sydney.

Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe and neighboring Norfolk Island were both former penal colonies. Located east of Sydney, the islands are part of New South Wales. Lord Howe, 490 mi/790 km northeast of Sydney, boasts the world’s most southerly coral reefs and was awarded a UNESCO World Heritage listing. Attractions include the ruins of the penal colony; pristine beaches; rare collections of plants, birds and marine life; and very friendly people. No cars are permitted on the island, which is a magnet for nature lovers and those who truly want to get away from it all. Norfolk is even more remote - 1,045 mi/1,680 km from Sydney. It once held some of the Bounty mutineers. Rocky, jagged cliffs and beaches run along its coast, with a covering of Norfolk Island pines in the interior. Norfolk’s a great place to go deep-sea fishing or to just hang out and meet some of the island’s 2,000 hardy residents. It is particularly popular with the mature traveler. There are quite a few small- and medium-sized places to stay, but few of them are near the beaches. Both islands can be reached by air from major Australian cities and Auckland, New Zealand.

Canberra

Drive through the Southern Highlands and sheep district to Canberra, Australia’s Capital. Highlights include guided tours of the National Gallery, New Parliament House, Lake Burley Griffen and panoramic views from Mt. Ainslie.In 1908, the government of Australia picked a spot, named it Canberra and declared that it would be the nation’s capital. Chicago architect Walter Burley was chosen to design the city, and after a few decades of fits and starts, Canberra came into being. Today, the city (pop. 307,000) is filled with lakes, gardens and, of course, government buildings. Don’t miss the dramatic Parliament House (built partly underground), the lakeside Australian National Gallery, Australian War Memorial and National Botanical Gardens. Canberra is best seen as a fly-in day trip (it is easily reached by air from Sydney and Melbourne) or during a long layover on a Sydney-to-Melbourne connection. For a change of pace, visit a sheep station in the hills beyond town and enjoy an Australian bush barbecue. 155 mi/250 km southwest of Sydney.

Broken Hill

This small city on the edge of the Outback was once known as Silver City. Today, it’s visited for its flourishing arts colony. It is in the western portion of New South Wales (near the South Australia border) and is well worth a two-night visit. We recommend a tour of the silver mines, which are in town, and the extravagant buildings that the metal financed. Nearby is the Silverton ghost town. You’ll need another day or two to travel the lonesome roads east of Broken Hill to see the White Cliffs opal fields, rugged scenery, lakes and Outback towns. Also nearby is the Lake Mungo area, where some of Australia’s oldest archaeological treasures have been found (some animal bones date back more than 40,000 years). 265 mi/425 km northeast of Adelaide.

Hunter Valley Wineries

The oldest wine producing district in Australia. The hunter offers green fields, early townships and more than 50 wineries. Cross the Hawkesbury River to visit historic Wollombi and the Old Tavern, then onto Wyndham Estate, the oldest winery in Pokolbin for wine tasting.

Blue Mountain Tour

An air-conditioned 4WD takes you to the Koala Park Wildlife Reserve for a visit with native animals. Continue into the heart of the Blue Mountains for “bush tea”, have lunch in Mt. Victoria, see “Three Sisters” in Katoomba, listen to aboriginal legends, and more.

Australian Wildlife Park

See over 500 animals and birds in their natural surroundings and discover many different species of kangaroo and wallabies. In the kangaroo “walkabout” you can feed and touch them. Wander through the rainforest or enjoy a fascinating walk amongst treetops on the elevated Koala.

Bridge Climb

Climb the world-famous Sydney Harbor Bridge for a 360 view of the world’s most beautiful harbor by day or the magic of Sydney lights by night. Professional Climb leaders give a thorough briefing on safety before your thrilling climb to the summit of 426 feet above sea level.

Caption Cook Cruises

Absolutely the best way to see Sydney Harbor! This popular coffee/tea cruise takes you to the Middle Harbor with views of magnificent homes and parklands. Luncheon cruises offer an international buffet and evening cruises offer Showtime dinners.

Sydney Shopping Spree Tour

Spend the entire day taking in the area’s finest factories and warehouses to see bargains you would never discover on your own. Your driver/guide knows all the hottest spots. Lunch is included if you can tear yourself away.

Olympic Venues Highlights

An afternoon tour featuring wrestling and boxing venues at Darling Harbor, tours of Bicentennial Park and Wetlands, the Aquatic Center, walk along Olympic Blvd., guided tour of Stadium Australia with visits to express galleries and track, and more.

Sydney Harbor by Helicopter

Experience the thrill of a helicopter flight over beautiful Sydney as an expert pilot provides an informative commentary of the area. An opportunity for “once in a lifetime” photos and video. Complimentary hotel pick-up.

Flights

Flight transportation within Australia can take an hour from Sydney to Brisbane or Melbourne, to five hours flying between Sydney and Perth. Routes to destinations like Alice Springs are limited and frequently book up early. Flights between Sydney and Cairns, though frequent, also tend to be busy so be sure to make those arrangements well in advance. We offer many combo packages with Australia and New Zealand and the three hour flights between Auckland, New Zealand, and Sydney have several daily frequencies.

Our Airline Partners Serving Australia:

United Airlines

Qantas Airlines

Air New Zealand

Air Pacific

Passport/Visa Requirements: Citizens of Canada and the U.S. need passports and an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which substitutes for a visa. The ETA is free and available through travel agents and airlines. (Most people get their ETA on the inbound flight.) Contact the nearest Australian embassy for more information.

Along with a current passport valid for the duration of your stay, the Australian government requires a visa from visitors of every nation, except New Zealand, to be issued before you arrive. If you are short-term visitor or business traveler, the process is easy and can be done in a few minutes on the Internet, using the Australian government’s Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). This is an electronic visa that takes the place of a stamp in your passport.

You can apply for an ETA yourself, or have your travel agent or airline do it for you when you book your plane ticket. There is a A$20 (US$13) charge, payable by credit card (Amex, Diners Club, MasterCard, or Visa). Assuming you do not have a criminal conviction and are in good health, your ETA should be approved quickly. You can also apply for the visa at Australian embassies, high commissions, and consulates. Children traveling on their parent’s passport must have their own ETA.

Fees mentioned in this section are in Australian dollars; the exact amount charged by the Australian embassy, consulate, or high commission in your country will depend on the foreign currency exchange rate.

Customs

There are strict laws prohibiting or restricting the entry of drugs, steroids, weapons, firearms, protected wildlife and associated products. If you are unsure about anything declare it to Customs upon arrival.

Tax Free/Duty Free

Each traveller over 18 years of age can bring into Australia 1125ml of alcoholic liquor and 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco products duty/tax free. For other goods, including those intended as gifts, a duty/tax-free allowance of $A400 per person or $A200 per person under 18 is available. These articles must accompany you through Customs and must not be intended for commercial purposes.

Cash and foreign currency

If you bring in or take out of Australia more than $A10,000 cash or the equivalent in foreign currency (travellers cheques excluded), you must declare it to Customs. Failure to do is an offence.

Medications

Medicinal products brought into Australia are subject to strict controls and should be declared on arrival. It is advisable to have a letter or prescription from your doctor describing your medical condition and the medication.

Luggage inspection

Luggage and hand baggage may be inspected before passengers board domestic and international flights. Also upon arrival into Australia all luggage may be inspected. You need to declare all items of a quarantine concern, otherwise you may be fined or prosecuted. For further information please see Department of Immigration & Multicultural Affairs.

Passenger Movement Charge

Australia’s Passenger Movement Charge (departure tax) is $A38 per person and is pre-paid with your international airline ticket. Exemptions apply to children under 12 years and 24 hour transit passengers.

There may be other government, airport and sea taxes and levies applicable which are usually included in your ticket.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun
Average High Temperature	89.0°F 31°C	88.0°F 31°C	89.0°F 31°C	91.0°F 32°C	89.0°F 31°C	87.0°F 30°C
Average Low Temperature	77.0°F 25°C	76.0°F 24°C	76.0°F 24°C	75.0°F 23°C	72.0°F 22°C	68.0°F 20°C
Average Temperature	83.0°F 28°C	83.0°F 28°C	83.0°F 28°C	83.0°F 28°C	81.0°F 27°C	78.0°F 25°C
Average Morning Relative Humidity	88.0 in. 28 cm	89.0 in. 28 cm	90.0 in. 28 cm	86.0 in. 28 cm	78.0 in. 27 cm	73.0 in. 25 cm
Average Evening Relative Humidity	70.0 %	71.0 %	67.0 %	53.0 %	44.0 %	39.0 %
Average Precipitation	16.0 %	13.7 %	12.3 %	3.9 %	0.8 %	0.1 %

	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature	87.0°F 30°C	88.0°F 31°C	90.0°F 32°C	91.0°F 32°C	92.0°F 33°C	91.0°F 32°C
Average Low Temperature	67.0°F 19°C	69.0°F 20°C	74.0°F 23°C	77.0°F 25°C	78.0°F 25°C	77.0°F 25°C
Average Temperature	77.0°F 25°C	79.0°F 26°C	82.0°F 27°C	84.0°F 28°C	85.0°F 29°C	84.0°F 28°C
Average Morning Relative Humidity	73.0 in. 73 cm	80.0 in. 80 cm	84.0 in. 84 cm	84.0 in. 84 cm	84.0 in. 84 cm	86.0 in. 86 cm
Average Evening Relative Humidity	38.0 %	41.0 %	47.0 %	53.0 %	58.0 %	64.0 %
Average Precipitation	0.0 %	0.3 %	0.7 %	2.8 %	5.6 %	9.0 %

The state of South Australia offers friendly locals, superb wines, wildlife in abundance, and large tracts of the Outback. Come and join us for an “Authentic� Australian experience.

Adelaide, the state’s “Festival City,� hugs the shoreline of the Southern Ocean, and is a perfect starting point to set out on an exploration of the wine regions, mountain ranges, the Outback, and the spectacular animal sanctuaries on its doorstep.

Immigrants from the wine-growing regions of Germany have added a romantic twist to the vineyards within easy reach of Adelaide. Pretty hamlets complete with Lutheran churches, fine restaurants and cellar-door tastings can be found in the Barossa Valley and the Adelaide Hills.

Wildlife abounds in South Australia, but Kangaroo Island off the coast of Adelaide is the most remarkable sanctuary of them all. Kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, birdlife, penguins, seals and sea lions, as well as other native creatures and impressive scenery make the island one of the top destinations in Australia.

Also just stone’s throw from Adelaide lies the South Australian Outback. Here, desert, salt pans and sand hills roamed by camels and kangaroos are made all the more dramatic by the craggy hills of the Flinders Ranges, ghost towns, and the region’s pioneering history.

After dark Down Under Catch a live band or chill out at an all-night pub, risk a few dollars on the poker machines, play pool until sunrise, listen to Jennifer Lopez or Dean Martin on the jukebox and then leap into the surf.

It’s not all music. Comedy shows and live theatre (amateur and professional) stand ready to entertain. The range of nightlife depends on the size of the town – you’re unlikely to run into world-shattering talent in a small outback bar, though you might get lucky.

In Australia’s big cities, seasoned clubbers will discover that venues run all night, with top UK and New York DJs alternating with their Aussie counterparts. Nights of frenetic dancing may be followed by a ‘recovery party’ at a local pub. These can start from about 6am or 7am, allowing revellers to lurch, stagger or stroll from nightclub to pub without missing a beat.

Traditional English fare has given way to more cosmopolitan cuisine, particularly in the country’s larger cities. Visitors can thank the post-World War II waves of immigrants from southern Europe and, more recently, from Asia who brought with them spices, garlic and a variety of recipes. Fresh local produce and seafood (no longer coated in a heavy batter) are being served almost everywhere. We liked the crayfish (lobster), prawns, Sydney rock oysters (raw with a touch of lemon and black pepper), Moreton Bay bugs (a type of lobster), coral trout, coral cod, barramundi (wrapped in plantain leaves), bream, trevally, Tasmanian salmon, mud crabs, mussels and scallops.

The once-maligned “bush tucker� (a stew made of native specialties) is occasionally featured on menus in trendy restaurants in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Crocodile, buffalo, kangaroo (usually kangaroo-tail soup), witchetty grubs (large white insects) and damper (campfire-cooked bread) sometimes crop up on Outback/tourist-type menus. Do try Vegemite, a yeast spread that has the same standing that peanut butter has in North American cuisine. But it’s best to start with a small taste (and we mean small).

You’ll still find a definite British influence in the heart of blue-collar Australia, however. Steaks (beef) and chops (lamb) are popular and often cooked on a “barbie� (barbecue grill). The national dish remains the meat pie, a pastry shaped like a small pie and filled with mysterious meat in a dark gravy. (It is best eaten with “sauce,� which is the Australian word for ketchup.)

Beer still reigns as the national beverage. Every state has its name-brand beer (Swan Lager in Western Australia, Boags and Cascade in Tasmania, etc.) and its loyal drinkers. But wine, once called “plonk,� has mounted a strong challenge to beer. Wines from the Hunter Valley, Mudgee, Barossa Valley, Yarra Valley and Swan River Valley are very good, sometimes great. You’ll find all the familiar varietals, plus one - shiraz - not often produced outside Australia.

There are a wide variety of quality products on offer in Australia at very competitive prices. When shopping, sightseeing or visiting theme parks on tours, remember you have a choice of where and when to shop. Shop around and compare prices and quality before you buy. This will help you get the great bargains that are available across a range of stores in Australia.

As in other countries, some Australian businesses pay commissions to tour operators and tour guides to bring tour groups to their stores. These costs are often passed on to you, the customer, through higher prices for products and services. If you are on a tour, do not feel you have to buy ONLY from the stores you are taken to. You should have an opportunity to visit and buy from other stores so check your itinerary for free shopping time.

While you are in Australia you are covered by Australia’s consumer protection laws, which require businesses to treat you fairly. All stores must obey these laws. Industry and governments are also working together to introduce standards of professionalism, with these to be embodied in a set of Tourism Export Code of Conduct standards for industry to follow. Your country also has similar laws that protect your consumer rights and govern the professional standards of travel wholesalers and retailers. If you are not satisfied with what you have purchased from them, contact the relevant government authority for travel and tourism in your home country.

In Australia many stores sell duty-free and tax-free products and services. Make sure you keep originals or copies of your passport and travel ticket with you to take advantage of these discounts. If you buy an item and it does not work properly, you have the right to a refund or to have the item replaced or repaired. Also ask about the store’s policy on repairing or returning their products in your home country (keep your receipts). Before buying watches and cameras, check that they have an international warranty valid in your country. Always compare prices and itineraries for optional sightseeing and theme park tours. Restaurants usually have prices on a menu/noticeboard. Check before you order. You are not obliged to give your tour guide a tip.

Sydney is an eager host for just about anything that puts it on the world stage - from the heralded 2000 Summer Olympics to the 2003 Rugby World Cup. This is a city that thrives on the opportunity to show the world what it has grown into: a vibrant, cosmopolitan city renowned for its international cuisine, stellar architecture and spectacular scenery.

Sydney is the cultural and financial heart of the continent and home to nearly one-quarter of Australia’s residents. This is a city with a bustling vibe, and its residents always seem to be on the go. It’s perhaps more casual than many similarly sized European cities, but Sydney is by no means tame.

Sydneysiders worship their waterfront and put the harbor to good use. They sail, surf, swim and ferry across it - or simply gaze at the bay from one of the many waterfront cafes.

Sydney Opera House

No visit to Sydney would be complete without enjoying a fine opera performance at the Sydney Opera House. Your evening will include drinks and canapés upon arrival, the performance, a program and a one-course supper with wine and coffee in the Bennelong Restaurant.

Kosciusko National Park

The centerpiece of this scenic park in New South Wales is 7,310-ft/2,270-m Mount Kosciusko, Australia’s highest peak. One of the country’s primary ski destinations, the park is open year-round. Chairlifts take you to the summit for spectacular views of the Snowy River, the setting for Banjo Patterson’s most famous poem, “The Man from Snowy River” (from which a film of the same name was made). You can also hike to the top - it will take four to six hours. The country’s highest glacial lake, Cootapatamba, is also visible from Mount Kosciusko. Along the Snowy Mountain range are gum trees and mountain ash, full of highly vocal cockatoos and crows.

The Yarrangobilly Caves and a nearby thermal pool are a few hours’ drive down a winding road (often blocked by sheep) from Thredbo Village, a resort town at the south end of the park that offers luxurious accommodations. Scattered throughout the park are old summer huts available on a first-come, first-served basis from the Kosciusko Huts Association - the most desirable huts in the north end of the park must be reserved months in advance through the Tumut park station. About 150 mi/110 km southwest of Canberra.

Lightning Ridge

The only place in the world where the black opal is found, this town in New South Wales also is the best place to buy this rare gem. (Prices often are half those charged on the east coast.) But don’t spend all your time shopping. As interesting as the opals are, we found that the real attraction is talking with the unexpected mix of people in this mining town - you’ll meet more than a few who went there to make a fortune. The city is best seen as a flying day trip from Sydney. If time permits, extend your stay to swim in the artesian baths, try prospecting and tour the Walk-In Mine. 350 mi/565 km northwest of Sydney.

Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe and neighboring Norfolk Island were both former penal colonies. Located east of Sydney, the islands are part of New South Wales. Lord Howe, 490 mi/790 km northeast of Sydney, boasts the world’s most southerly coral reefs and was awarded a UNESCO World Heritage listing. Attractions include the ruins of the penal colony; pristine beaches; rare collections of plants, birds and marine life; and very friendly people. No cars are permitted on the island, which is a magnet for nature lovers and those who truly want to get away from it all. Norfolk is even more remote - 1,045 mi/1,680 km from Sydney. It once held some of the Bounty mutineers. Rocky, jagged cliffs and beaches run along its coast, with a covering of Norfolk Island pines in the interior. Norfolk’s a great place to go deep-sea fishing or to just hang out and meet some of the island’s 2,000 hardy residents. It is particularly popular with the mature traveler. There are quite a few small- and medium-sized places to stay, but few of them are near the beaches. Both islands can be reached by air from major Australian cities and Auckland, New Zealand.

Canberra

Drive through the Southern Highlands and sheep district to Canberra, Australia’s Capital. Highlights include guided tours of the National Gallery, New Parliament House, Lake Burley Griffen and panoramic views from Mt. Ainslie.In 1908, the government of Australia picked a spot, named it Canberra and declared that it would be the nation’s capital. Chicago architect Walter Burley was chosen to design the city, and after a few decades of fits and starts, Canberra came into being. Today, the city (pop. 307,000) is filled with lakes, gardens and, of course, government buildings. Don’t miss the dramatic Parliament House (built partly underground), the lakeside Australian National Gallery, Australian War Memorial and National Botanical Gardens. Canberra is best seen as a fly-in day trip (it is easily reached by air from Sydney and Melbourne) or during a long layover on a Sydney-to-Melbourne connection. For a change of pace, visit a sheep station in the hills beyond town and enjoy an Australian bush barbecue. 155 mi/250 km southwest of Sydney.

Broken Hill

This small city on the edge of the Outback was once known as Silver City. Today, it’s visited for its flourishing arts colony. It is in the western portion of New South Wales (near the South Australia border) and is well worth a two-night visit. We recommend a tour of the silver mines, which are in town, and the extravagant buildings that the metal financed. Nearby is the Silverton ghost town. You’ll need another day or two to travel the lonesome roads east of Broken Hill to see the White Cliffs opal fields, rugged scenery, lakes and Outback towns. Also nearby is the Lake Mungo area, where some of Australia’s oldest archaeological treasures have been found (some animal bones date back more than 40,000 years). 265 mi/425 km northeast of Adelaide.

Hunter Valley Wineries

The oldest wine producing district in Australia. The hunter offers green fields, early townships and more than 50 wineries. Cross the Hawkesbury River to visit historic Wollombi and the Old Tavern, then onto Wyndham Estate, the oldest winery in Pokolbin for wine tasting.

Blue Mountain Tour

An air-conditioned 4WD takes you to the Koala Park Wildlife Reserve for a visit with native animals. Continue into the heart of the Blue Mountains for “bush tea”, have lunch in Mt. Victoria, see “Three Sisters” in Katoomba, listen to aboriginal legends, and more.

Australian Wildlife Park

See over 500 animals and birds in their natural surroundings and discover many different species of kangaroo and wallabies. In the kangaroo “walkabout” you can feed and touch them. Wander through the rainforest or enjoy a fascinating walk amongst treetops on the elevated Koala.