The beauty, variety and pristine quality of Australia's natural landscapes, from exotic coastal areas to lush rainforests and red deserts, make Australia a desirable travel destination. About six million visitors come to Australia each year lured by beautiful beaches, unique flora and fauna, friendly people and a relaxed atmosphere.
Australia has some 9,700 protected nature areas such as national parks, and can offer visitors a vast and diverse array of nature-based tourism opportunities. Indigenous culture is also a unique and growing attraction.
Food and wine tourism is expanding, in line with Australia's growing international reputation as a producer of high-quality wines and a supplier of fresh, regionally-based food products.
To know more about restaurants in Australia, please visit www.agfg.com.au
Tourism is an important industry, contributing more than $42 billion to the Australian economy in 2012–13. The tourism industry directly employs more than 500,000 people and, with 46 cents in every tourism dollar spent in regional areas, tourism is also of considerable importance to Australia's regional communities.
For more information, please visit www.australia.com
Did you know?
Apart from kangaroos there are a number of other species that are unique to Australia, such as the bilby, wallaby, koala, dingo and wallaroo. Also keep an eye out for a platypus which is a semiaquatic mammal found in eastern Australia including Tasmania. When the first platypus found by Europeans was sent back to London, English scientists thought it was three animals sewn together.
Ten things you cannot miss on your holiday to Australia:
1. Sydney Harbour, New South Wales
Applauded as one of the most exciting and innovative buildings of the modern era, the dramatic Sydney Opera House is Sydney’s premier venue for the performing arts. Climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to see the city from a different perspective.
2. Great Ocean Road, Victoria
The Great Ocean Road is considered one of Australia’s greatest road-trip destinations, with picturesque coastal towns and awe inspiring views at every turn. Located just two hours from Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road is well-known for its most popular stop along the way - the world-famous Twelve Apostles - magnificent natural rock structures that are more than 20 million years old.
3. Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Located just 112 km southwest of Adelaide, Kangaroo Island is easily accessible by air and water and is known for its wildlife and pristine beaches. Discover the Remarkable Rocks, sculpted by the wind and wild seas over hundreds of millions of years. Sleep under the stars or spoil yourself at Southern Ocean Lodge, one of Australia’s most prestigious wilderness retreats.
4. Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
Considered one of the wonders of the natural world, the Great Barrier Reef is a rich tapestry of coral reefs, islands and cays. Described as the tropical rainforest of the ocean, this intricate living environment of extraordinary marine diversity is the world’s largest coral reef system, so large that it can be seen from space. One can explore the reef by taking a private helicopter or plane ride or indulging in water activities like diving, snorkeling etc.
5. Uluru, Northern Territory
One of Australia's most iconic symbols of the outback environment is World Heritage-listed Uluru. A perfect way to wind down after an amazing day of discovery is the Sounds of Silence where you dine on an authentically Aussie BBQ under the sparkling stars of the desert night sky.
6. Gold Coast, Queensland
Choose from one of the many action-packed attractions on the Gold Coast that are suitable for children and adults of all ages. Favourites such as Dreamworld, Wet ‘n’ Wild, Warner Bros. Movie World and White Water World make for a fun day out. Visit the world- famous Surfers Paradise beach and try your hand at surfing with learn-to surf classes.
7. Wine Glass Bay, Tasmania
Rugged pink granite mountains, dazzling white sand beaches and sapphire blue waters define the Freycinet Peninsula on Tasmania’s east coast. Consistently rated among the top 10 beaches in the world, Wineglass Bay, shaped, as the name suggests, like a wineglass, is one of Tasmania’s most iconic destinations.
8. Food and Wine in Australia
Food in Australia has an influence of global flavors including Indigenous, Japanese, Thai, Greek, Lebanese, Vietnamese, Indian, Chinese or French cuisine. Australia’s wine regions including Barossa Valley in South Australia, Hunter Valley in New South Wales and Yarra Valley in Melbourne are well known for their laidback atmosphere, world class wines, fresh produce and fine food.
9. Phillip Island, Victoria
Phillip Island is the home of one of Australia’s most popular natural wildlife attraction – the iconic Penguin Parade, along with the Koala Conservation Centre, A Maze’N Things, Panny’s Chocolate Factory and the International Motorcycle Grand Prix circuit. A wildlife cruise will put you right amongst the 16,000 or so fur seals that make their home at the appropriately named Seal Rocks. Clean safe beaches and native wildlife galore is what makes Phillip Island an Australian icon.
10. Cricket Arenas in Australia
Cricket is one of Australia’s best loved sporting pastimes. Ardent followers of the game can visit some of the most well known cricket arenas in the world including the Sydney Cricket Ground and the Melbourne Cricket Ground & National Sports Museum, both of which offer tours of the facilities for visitors. Another must visit for cricket fans is the International Cricket Hall of Fame in Bowral, Sir Donald Bradman’s home town, located less than ninety minutes away from Sydney.