If the climate in the Northern Hemisphere is getting you down, there's a very simple solution. Head Down Under! Although the Australian summer is the inverse of ours, from November through February, the weather is still mostly very pleasant, whilst if you head up to the tropical North you're guaranteed warm weather anyway.
So where are the best places to go? Assuming you have a limited amount of time available, you will want to get the most out of your Aussie holiday. Making selections is not easy, especially with a country so jam-packed with must-see destinations. Many people make the trip more than once, sometimes in the space of a year. In these cases it makes sense to opt for annual multi trip travel insurance which also allows you to take advantage of the many last minute deals that may come up during the course of the year.
Perhaps the best known destination is Sydney. There is a good chance that you will fly into there anyway, but even if you don't, a visit to Australia would not be complete without a visit to Sydney. The pride of New South Wales has so much to offer. Starting with the harbour and the world-famous bridge, the much-loved 'old coat hanger' offers a range of site-seeing tours including a bridge climb – not for the faint-hearted and possibly outside of the scope of some annual multi trip travel insurance policies! For the more culturally-inclined, the equally iconic Opera House awaits. Darling Harbour offers a superb marine aquarium, plus museums and shopping. Bondi and Manly beaches are not to be missed, nor is Taronga Zoo. For sightseers, Sydney Tower offers the best views of the city. As if all this is not enough, Sydney has some of continent's liveliest nightlife.
Cairns cannot rival Sydney for night life, but it is nevertheless a great base for taking in world class attractions such as the Great Barrier Reef. At Kuranda you can take a cable car over the rainforest and watch the waterfalls. Port Douglas and Daintree National Park are also worth a visit, the latter being notable as having the greatest variety of plants per square metre on earth.
The Gold Coast offers excellent beaches, especially if you're into surfing although if you are planning to take to your board, do check that your annual multi trip travel insurance offers suitable sports cover and of course cover for your gear. There are also theme parks and a busy night life at Surfers' Paradise. The surrounding mountains and national parks are not to be missed, with their abundance of waterfalls and wildlife.
For a change of gear, you may want to try Fraser Island. Tracks on the sand make it a paradise for fans of 4 Wheel Drive vehicles, whilst everybody can enjoy the crystal clear lagoons and natural wonders. Located on the nearby Sunshine Coast, Noosa is another fascinating destination, as is Brisbane, the capital of Queensland. As well as being a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Townsville offers the amazing Magnetic Island, with its fantastic beaches, plus colonies of koalas and kangaroos. Another paradise for nautical sports, Whitsundays also boasts excellent nightlife and gourmet restaurants.
Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock, is a perennial favourite. Located near Alice Springs in the very heart of Australia, it is the biggest rock monolith in the world and a sacred place to the Aborigines. Of course, Melbourne in Victoria is widely seen as the sporting and artistic capital of Australia and offers a vibrant cafe society and multicultural atmosphere. Perhaps it's because over half the population has a parent born overseas. The city's multiethnic make-up contributes enormously to the whole experience and you can dine authentically on every cuisine on the planet. The live music adds to the atmosphere as well. Football at the MCG is a must, too. And when in Melbourne, make sure you take the Great Ocean Road for an unforgettable drive amongst coast and mountains. Erosion has created giant monoliths of rock called The 12 Apostles, even though only 8 remain standing.
Close to Darwin, Kakadu National Park is one of the most beautiful in Australia with plenty of native flora and fauna. Last but by no means least there's Tasmania. Stunning scenery, with majestic mountains and exotic lagoons, pleasant towns and beautiful beaches make it a must-see. There's also the interesting fact that this island was once Britain's biggest prison and the evidence makes it a fascinating destination for the historically-minded tourist.
Clearly there is plenty down under to cater for just about any taste. Given the distance from the UK, it is particularly important to consider annual multi trip travel insurance. Even with the best planned holidays, things can go wrong and it's important to have the right cover.
