| Just
the facts...
Best
suited for:
Those who are torn between relaxation and exploration.
Couples whose interests are 180 degrees apart.
Those who are comfortable visiting a number
of different locations and don't mind the travel.
When
to go:
There's pleasant weather somewhere in Australia
year-round! For beaches in and around Queensland,
the best weather occurs from May through October.
If you are traveling between November and April,
you may be better off on the West Coast. For
the Outback, stick to the winter months of June
to September. Any month is a good month to be
in Sydney - you'll find warmer summer
temperatures (75-79F / 23-26C) from November
through March, and refreshing winter
temperatures (62-72F / 16-22C) from April through
October.
Accommodations:
Whatever you prefer, Australia's got it. In
the tropics, you will find traditional, full-service
resorts, exclusive private island resorts, and
eco-jungle lodges. The countryside contains
many boutique inns and B&B's. In the cities,
expect hotels of every shape and size. All areas
contain options to meet any style and budget,
from ultra-luxurious, to hyper-trendy, to completely
laid back.
Dining:
The food of Australia, for better or for worse,
traces its roots back to simple English cuisine.
Fortunately, a love for dining out (in the cities,
anyway), the influence of immigrants, and an
abundance of fresh ingredients have raised the
bar in terms of sophistication and creativity.
In places like Sydney and Melbourne, dining
options run the gamut from typical fast food
to pure gourmet. Many of Australia's best chefs
specialize in Contemporary Australian
cuisine, an eclectic mix of influences that
span the world. If you enjoy Californian cuisine
or Pan-Asian restaurants, you'll like Contemporary
Australian cooking. Outside of the major metropolitan
areas, dining choices tend to be sparser. Your
best bets here will likely be in the better
hotels and resorts.
Special
Activities:
Private islands, the Great Barrier Reef, jungle
treks, the outback (and Uluru/Ayers Rock), Aboriginal
culture, world-class cities, fine arts, unique
lodges and resorts.
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