The spectacular, the enchanting, the weird and the wonderful.
This remarkable continent encompasses the spectacular, the enchanting, the weird and the wonderful. It's a land of huge contrasts where one day you might be exploring untouched desert, the next watching the sunrise over mystical Uluru, or shopping in one of the sophisticated cities. Even the place names inspire. Who could resist a visit to the Bungle Bungles, Kangaroo Island or the Devil's Marbles? The country's Australasian and Pacific Rim cuisine is also legendary, with top vineyards supplying the fine accompanying wines. And everywhere there are luxurious resorts and hotels to pamper and cosset after the day's explorations and exertions. A few days by the Great Barrier Reef are a must for those who enjoy snorkelling, diving and sealife, whilst budding botanists will be awed by the primitive flowering plants of the ancient Daintree rainforest. The boutique resorts of Palm Cove and Port Douglas, with its marina are ideal bases from which to explore Tropical North Queensland. In the south of the state, cosmopolitan Brisbane is just an hour's drive from the Gold Coast, home to the famous Surfers Paradise playground.
CLIMATE Australia's seasons are the opposite to the UK - the best months to visit Southern Queensland are November to March. The best time to visit Tropical North Queensland is April to November, when rainfall is at its lowest. STATE CAPITAL Brisbane TIME DIFFERENCE GMT + 10 hours CURRENCY Australian Dollar VISA REQUIREMENTS British passport holders must obtain a visa. HOW TO GET THERE Australia is served by many airlines offering daily flights, including British Airways, Qantas and Emirates. FLYING TIME Brisbane: 19 hours 40 mins
Stay 4 nights, pay for 3 - Sebel Reef House & Spa
Sebel Reef House & Spa, Queensland
Stay 4 nights, pay for 3. Valid 01/12/08 - 31/03/09.
Complimentary Breakfast - Sebel Reef House & Spa
Sebel Reef House & Spa, Queensland
Stay a minimum 5 nights and receive complimentary daily breakfast for 2 persons. Valid 01/04/09-31/03/10
Stay 6 nights, pay for 5 - Sea Temple Resort & Spa
Sea Temple Resort & Spa, Queensland
Stay 6 nights, pay for 5. Valid 01/04/09 - 31/03/10 (Selected room categories only).
Complimentary Breakfast - Sea Temple Resort & Spa
Sea Temple Resort & Spa, Queensland
Stay a minimum 5 nights and receive a complimentary daily breakfast for 2 persons. Valid 01/04/09 - 31/03/10.
Stay 4 nights, pay for 3 - Hayman Island
Hayman Island, Queensland
Stay 4 nights, pay for 3. Valid 01/05/09 - 31/08/09 (Selected room categories only).
Complimentary Room Upgrade - Hayman Island
Hayman Island, Queensland
Stay a minimum 6 nights and receive a complimentary room upgrade to the next category. Valid 07/01/09 - 31/03/09.
Complimentary Transfers, Tours & Breakfast - Thala Beach Lodge
Thala Beach Lodge, Queensland
Book a Eucalypt Bungalow for a minimum 5 nights and receive a choice of either
Daily tropical breakfast for 2 persons, return airport transfers, guided bird and nature walks.
or
Return airport transfers, a full day tour to the Outer Barrier Reef, guided bird and nature walks.
Offers valid year round
Stay 5 nights, pay for 4 - Bedarra Island
Bedarra Island, Queensland
Stay 5 nights, pay for 4 valid for completed stays until 30 Sep 09. Book by 30 Jun 09.
Stay 5 nights, pay for 4 - Lizard Island
Lizard Island, Queensland
Stay 5 nights, pay for 4 valid for completed stays until 30 Sep 09. Book by 30 Jun 09 (excludes Pavilion Rooms).
Stay 3 nights, pay for 2 - Wrotham Park Lodge
Wrotham Park Lodge, Queensland
Stay 3 nights, pay for 2. Valid for completed stays until 31 Oct 09. Book by 30 Jun 09.
Stay 3 nights, pay for 2 - Qualia
Qualia, Queensland
Book a Leeward or Windward Pavilion for 2 nights and receive an addtional night complimentary. Valid until 30/09/09 (excludes 21-29/08/09).
Complimentary Nights - Hayman Island
Hayman Island, Queensland
Stay 4 nights, pay for 3. Valid 01/04/10-30/09/10.
Family Offer - 2nd Room at Half Price - Hayman Island
Hayman Island, Queensland
Receive a 2nd room for children at half price in addition receive 2 complimentary sessions per child per stay at the Hayman Kids Club and Creche. Valid 01/04/10-30/09/10.
Complimentary Breakfast - Hayman Island
Hayman Island, Queensland
Receive complimentary daily breakfast for 2 persons in Azure. Valid 01/04/10-30/09/10.