Australia & South Pacific

Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock, Kakadu National Park – these terms are inextricably linked with the smallest of all continents, which constitutes, at the same time, the largest “island” and the sixth largest state on earth. Only 21,000 people, called “Aussies”, live primarily in the southern and southeastern coast regions of this part of the world, surrounded by the Indian and the Pacific Ocean.

The inland of Australia is dry, rocky and for the most part uninhabited. The offshore islands of Tasmania and further small islands and island groups with wonderful sandy beacher are also part of Australia. The sun shines approximately 2500 hours per year, which makes Australia one of the sunniest regions in the world – the best time for traveling to the south is the Australian winter between December and February – the tropical north, however, is better avoided during that time due to extreme heat.

Travelers from all over the world appreciate the numerous possibilities which... the land “down under” has to offer. The Australian beaches offer perfect conditions for surfers and sunbathers, but snow is no foreign concept either: in the high mountains of Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales, even winter sports enthusiasts will get their money’s worth. The worldwide largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef in the northeast of Australia, is a real divers’ paradise, families prefer to spend their holidays on the Whitsunday Islands with their fantastic resorts and white sandy beaches; the cities of Sydney and Melbourne lures shopping fans and night owls alike.
Those who would like to learn more about the Australian flora and fauna, has the chance to do so in several hundred national parks, such as Kakadu or Kata-Tjuta National Park with the legendary Ayers Rock. Moreover, a drive on the Great Ocean Road, leading about 300 km from Torquay to Warrnambol along the east coast and crossing Port Campbell National Park with its bizarre rock formations, promises to be an adventure.

The typical Australian easy-going way of life can be felt especially in cities like Brisbane, Canberra and Melborunge; the countless museums, theaters, festivals and galleries are an unbeaten eldorado for culture fans. A tour through the outback in the north, west and center of Australia offers a clear insight into a life away from all civilization. The town Alice Springs is also located here, the only larger urban center in the Australian outback. Pure nature, wildlife, seemingly endless distances, paradisical beaches, and vibrant cities - this is Australia, a continent that is always worth a journey. more