Australia

A tour of Australia offers fascinating landscapes, each one different from the last, and remarkable plant life. No other country is as diverse and full of contrasts as the 5th continent. Australia stretches between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and Australians also call their continent ‘Down Under’. Australia can be visited all year round – but take note! When planning your trip to Australia, it is important to choose the right region for the season. Because the distances are so vast, we recommend that you get in touch with us so that we can put all our Australia expertise at your disposal.

Travel with us ‘Down Under’ and discover the country for the first time – or perhaps even for a second time. Australia is so vast that it is impossible to see all of its highlights on a single trip. The endlessly beautiful outback and the many national parks contrast with the dynamic cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide, where most of the population lives. Alongside fascinating landscapes and vibrant cities, the unique wildlife is the unbeatable argument for choosing Australia as your next destination. Koalas and kangaroos are probably the most photographed animals of all, as they are found nowhere else in the world.

Australia’s most famous natural wonder is Uluru (Ayers Rock), which rises majestically into the outback sky. The imposing rock domes of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and the colourful Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park make a trip to the Red Centre a truly unique experience. The Northern Territory is the most sparsely populated region on Earth. Alice Springs, the nearest outpost of civilisation, lies some 500 kilometres north-east of Uluru. In the far north is Kakadu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the treasures of Aboriginal culture are to be found. Accompanied by a local Aboriginal guide, you will experience Australia even more intensely. As one of the oldest and most diverse cultures in the world, Australia’s Indigenous communities have inhabited the continent for more than 40,000 to 60,000 years.

On the road in Australia

On a journey through Australia, you can choose between various ways of getting around. The world-famous Great Ocean Road offers breathtaking views of ever-changing landscapes, and the region also boasts a superb walking trail. The rest of the continent offers countless hiking routes too.

Experience Extraordinary – Western Australia has countless experiences to offer! In Australia’s largest state, 60 times the size of Switzerland and a third of the continent, the choice could not be more varied! Discover the turquoise waters of the 12,500-kilometre coastline and the red rocks of the outback, swim with dolphins, whale sharks and manta rays, or marvel at the starry desert sky. The vibrant city of Perth can be reached from Europe in 17 hours’ flying time and is the ideal starting point for exploring Western Australia. Thanks to two climate zones – the tropical north and the temperate south-west – the region is an ideal holiday destination all year round. Endless open spaces, fascinating nature and Aboriginal culture promise real adventure and authentic Australian experiences.

Would you like to stay independent and flexible? Then simply take your hotel room with you! Camping in Australia is not just for families, but for anyone who loves to travel freely and independently. The dense network of good campsites is ideal for a motorhome holiday. Remember that Australians drive on the left. Motorhomes of all sizes and comfort levels are available. Click here for our motorhome guide from A to Z.

The other way to get from A to B in Australia is by hire car. Renting a car in Australia is easy. For outback adventurers we recommend a 4x4, which lets you explore routes off the beaten track that hold many a surprise.

voyageplan also offers a wide choice of guided tours in Australia with professional, multilingual tour guides.

Here are the answers to the five most frequently asked questions about a trip to Australia:

1. How long is the flight from Switzerland to Australia?

With a stopover in Dubai or Singapore, the flight to Perth (Western Australia) takes around 20 hours. If you fly a little further to Australia’s east coast, for example to Sydney, the flight time is around 23 hours.

2. When is the best time to travel to Australia?

Australia can be visited all year round; you simply need to bear in mind the climate of each region. As the country is divided into several climate zones, there is always an ideal time to travel. North of the Tropic of Capricorn lies the tropical zone, with heavy rainfall during the Australian summer (our winter months). The hot, humid north contrasts with the warm, temperate south-east and south-west, which see cool rain during the Australian winter (our summer months). In the interior, daytime temperatures range between 20°C and 40°C all year round. Somewhere in Australia, travel conditions are always ideal, while in other regions you will have to make compromises. voyageplan will be happy to give you detailed information on the different regions and their weather conditions.

3. What is the best route for a tour of Australia?

Australia is larger than Europe both from east to west and from north to south. By plane you can get from A to B quickly. If you travel by hire car, you should allow more time, but in return you will gain a unique insight into the country and its people. Tell us how long you would like to travel and what you would like to see, and we will be happy to put together a suitable itinerary for you.

4. How much time should you allow for a trip to Australia?

For a trip to Australia, we recommend a stay of at least three weeks. If you would like to travel for longer than three months, you will need to think about a visa. Tourist visas are available for stays of 3, 6 or 12 months.

5. Can you climb Uluru (Ayers Rock)?

No. Climbing Uluru (Ayers Rock) has been prohibited since 26 October 2019. The rock is sacred to Aboriginal people.