Welcome to Australia, truly a land
of contrasts where cosmopolitan cities lie side by side with graceful harbours
and stunning natural landscapes. Discover the vast stillness of our
red outback heart, a landscape of bizarre rock formations steeped in the
mystical creation stories of the Dreamtime. Wander through our National
Parks and wilderness regions and encounter unique native animals and plant
species in the wild. Relax on our endless and uncrowded white-sand beaches
and enjoy diving, sailing or surfing in a pristine sea. Experience the
genuine warmth of Australia's people and become part of our easy going,
relaxed way of life. All the information you need to plan your holiday
is here. Keep up to date with the latest deals and special airfares by
joining our Travel Club. What are you waiting for? Australia has never
been better value or easier to get to. Visit soon and discover one of the
most fascinating continents on earth.
Self Drive - Travellers can discover Australia along extensive road networks. Explore at your own pace.
Major Routes - Itinerary suggestions to help you plan your trip.
Aboriginal Culture - Explore a dreamtime of experiences and learn about aboriginal art and culture.
There are only three things you'll
need to see Australia close-up - a good car, a road map and your sense
of adventure. Car rentals are available at dozens of locations across the
nation and offer you the chance to see Australia your way. From behind
the wheel of a car, four-wheel drive or campervan, in your own time - in
10 days, three weeks or six months. Ahead, just you and the road and the
holiday of your life. Rolling country roads, red ochre tracks of the Outback,
fast freeways from city to city, lazy pit stops beside winding country
streams. The Fact Sheet gives you heaps of tips on driving laws, driving
licences, driving in the Outback, tourist information services, buying
a car, what to do if you have car problems, where to pick up maps and directories,
and many "must see" do-it-yourself itineraries.
| Australian Capital | Canberra |
| Principal Event 2000 | Olympic Games Sydney |
| National Animal | Kangaroo |
| Largest Island | Tasmania |
For more than 50,000 years indigenous
people have lived and dreamed in Austrailia.
They've watched the winds, the rain, the
grasses, trees and flowers and known where to go for food, shelter and
comfort. All the while developing a unique oneness with the land, a knowledge
of their environment,plants and animals rarely seen in the world's history.
This oneness is seen throughout their
culture, in the 'Dreaming', the storytelling and art, the oldest art form
in the world. The rock art, spread across the nation, is a mass of colour,
shape and texture, recording stories, totemic and religious beliefs 50,000
years old.
