Australia Tour Packages

In fact, Down Under is such a vast country that you’ll never be able to explore the 2.9 million square miles in one lifetime. At GT Holidays, we offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the continent with our affordable Australia tour packages. Depending on what you’d like to explore, choose from over 2 dozen Australia tour packages, including honeymoon packages and family-friendly trips.

1. About Australia
2. Best Budget Australia Tour Packages
3. Top Reasons To Visit Australia
4. Top Things To Do In Australia
5. Best Time To Visit Australia – For Indians
6. Australia At A Glance
7. Top Cities To Visit In Australia
8. Shopping In Australia
9. Food, Art, Culture, Craft In Australia

It’s surprising how an island that was once planned as a penal colony managed to become one of the most developed countries in the world. The country was first occupied by a 1,000-strong workforce, of which 700 were convicts, led by Arthur Phillip. Although managed by convicts and criminals, the new country was free of slavedom and founded on the principles of egalitarianism. Thanks to the gold rush, the country attracted immigrants who soon set up the Commonwealth of Australia.

Today, the country has moved on from its colonial past, rightly acknowledging its indigenous rights and making reconciliation efforts. It is a wealthy nation and ranked the world’s happiest nation among developed economies. It ranks #12 in terms of racial equality and #8 in terms of raising children.

Aboriginal Australians have inhabited the continent for over 650,000 years. They have their distinctive culture, with over 250 distinct languages, festivals, and food. But Aboriginal Australians are split into two groups – the indigenous people who originally lived in the continent when the British arrived in 1788, and Torres Strait Islanders who inhabited the Torres Strait Island when it was annexed by Australia in 1879.

Australia has a wealth of unique heritage sites that offer a glimpse into the rich Aboriginal culture. Some sites are declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites and must be on every travel bucket list. This includes ancient rocks, paintings and engravings, ancient caves, and ceremonial grounds.

With over 21,000 miles of coastline, Australia is one of the best beach destinations in the world. From hidden enclaves to golden beaches and iconic waves, beaches Down Under are legendary. Within the city, the beaches have dedicated barbecue and play areas, cafes, rental stands where you can rent snorkelling equipment and surfboards, and souvenir shops. If you head out to coastlines in Western Australia, you’ll find remote beaches where you’ll probably find an entire beach to yourself. And it’s not just the turquoise waters and clear sands that make them unique – you could even find kangaroos hopping along the shorelines.

Beaches in New South Wales have a huge surf culture and a great place to spot dolphins and whales. Beaches on Whitsunday Island are some of the most remote and great places to swim alongside sea turtles, manta rays, stingrays, reef sharks, and other aquatic animals on the Great Barrier Reef. Perth has family-friendly beaches with plenty of fish and chips shops and parks. And if you’re in Tasmania, don’t miss the Wineglass Bay within the Freycinet National Park. It’s a great place to spot bottlenose dolphins, quolls, and echinadas. Finally, how can you visit Australia and not swim on the legendary Gold Coast? If you’re visiting the country during the dry season, i.e., from May to October, don’t miss the view of the whale migration from Tumgun Lookout.

Australia is home to iconic modern architecture. The Sydney Opera House is a 20th-century iconic building that went over budget and was ten years behind schedule. The Ian Potter Centre in Melbourne is equally stunning, with over 20 exhibition spaces spread over three floors. You mustn’t miss the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney, which recently underwent an AUD 58 million renovation. The new building looks like a series of stacked boxes overlooking the Harbour.

The Sydney Tower is Sydney’s tallest structure and the second-tallest observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere. The observation deck also hosts a revolving restaurant that serves an all-you-can-eat international buffet. It is also the best place to witness Sydney’s amazing sunrise and sunset.

But modern architecture isn’t the only reason you must visit Australia. There are plenty of colonial buildings that combine different elements, ranging from Gothic to classicism—case in point: The Olderfleet Building on Collins Street, Melbourne.

This could be the single most important reason to choose an Australian tour package. The Great Barrier Reef makes up about 10% of the world’s coral reef ecosystem and is one of the significant contributors to the Australian economy, attracting 1.6 million tourists every year and supporting around 64,000 full-time jobs. It includes 3000 coral reefs, over 1,000 species of soft corals and sea pens, over 6,000 varieties of molluscs, and over 30 species of whales and dolphins. Some of the animals hiding amidst the coral structures are pre-historic. For instance, the alien-looking nautilus closely resembles a squid and has remained unchanged over the past 500 million years, having survived five major mass extinctions.

The Great Barrier Reef isn’t only important for tourism; researchers have studied these coral reefs to find medicines for asthma, arthritis, heart disease, cancer, and several other life-threatening ailments. Scientists have even used these reefs as a time capsule, tracking climate events over the past millions of years.

Australians are very serious about protecting the Great Barrier Reef and take very seriously anything you might do that’s prescribed as bad for its survival.

From vast wilderness to dense tropical forests and amazing beaches, Australia’s otherworldly landscape provides a plethora of opportunities for adventure seekers. You can go abseiling on Dartmouth Dam, white water river rafting on the Mitta Mitta River, camping in the remote Australian Outbacks, enjoy the best fishing experience in Darwin, or take an epic road trip along the legendary Pacific Coast.

If you’re visiting Queensland, you must try bungee jumping from one of the many lagoons in the jungle or diving into the Great Barrier Reef. In fact, the tropical forests of Northern Australia are one of Sir David Attenborough’s favourites. In Tasmania, don’t miss hiking at the Freycinet National Park. And if you’re on Christmas Island, don’t forget to experience the unique red land carb migration. The Blue Mountains is a great place for canyoning, while the Kimberly Region is famous for its 4WD outback adventures. To learn how to fish like an Aboriginal Australian, visit the Arnhem Land.

Australians are laid back and generally seek experiences with an open heart and friendly smile. As a tourist, you’ll frequently find people talking with you about where to go, what not to miss, etc. Yes, the accent can throw you off a bit, but if you’re sticking to the tourist spots, people in the travel and hospitality industry generally tend to have a neutral accent. Should you choose an off-the-beaten-track, remember that Australian slang is heavy on abbreviations. So, ‘how is it going’ becomes ‘haw ya going, or O is added at the end of commonly shortened words like afternoon, ambulance, relative to become arvo, ambo, and rello, respectively.

Sydney is one of Australia’s most cosmopolitan and multicultural cities, followed by Melbourne and Perth. As with any other place in the world, you’ll likely meet a few rotten eggs, but don’t let them spoil your once-in-a-lifetime vacation. But Australians generally have a dry and ironic sense of humour, which may be rude if you’re from a different culture.

With so many landmarks to visit and things to experience, it’s challenging to stick to a few, but these are some favourite experiences, depending on the type of Australian tour packages you choose.

Road trips are a great way to spend time together as a family. You can enjoy the epic scenery, eat your fill of local food, spot kangaroos, and even stay in one of the many oceanfront camps. Some of the legendary road trips include

The Legendary Pacific Coast Trip – from Sydney to Brisbane

Attractions include the wineries of Hunter Valley, the beaches of Port Stephens, the glitzy lifestyle of the Gold Coast, and a stop at Australia’s legendary water theme park, The Big Banana Fun Park.

The Sunshine Coast Trip – from Melbourne to the Grampians

Attractions include visiting the beaches of Caloundra, wandering through the marine park and wildlife sanctuaries around Mooloolaba, visiting the famous Australia Zoo near Maleny and enjoying the scenic drive along Mary Valley before ending your adventure at Victoria’s Grampians National Park.

Wild West Coast Trip In Tasmania – from Waratah to Cradle Mountain

Attractions include enjoying the Waratah Falls, exploring the old mining settlements of Corinna and kayaking on Savage River, exploring the Montezuma Falls, and ending your trip at the Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park.

The Great Ocean Road Trip – from Torquay to Allansford

Attractions include experiencing the 12 apostles, enjoying the eucalyptus woodlands of the Otways, staying at a hot spring hotel, enjoying an adventure on the many treetops in Otway, and even swim with the seals in Port Phillip Bay.

You cannot visit Australia and not appreciate one of the oldest living cultures in the world. You can take a guided walk with children, led by an indigenous guide to learn about nature and wildlife, enjoy activities like dot painting, catching a mud crab, etc., with a local, and even go on a food tour with an indigenous to learn more about Australia’s native ingredients. There are plenty of tours that help you understand Aboriginal culture, cuisine, art, history, and wildlife.

Australia is famous for its national parks that are home to the continent’s rare and endemic species. The Kakadu National Park alone is about half the size of Switzerland. Take your children to Kakadu to explore the rock art, supposedly over 20,000 years old, or hike the rugged escarpments. You can also join an animal safari led by an indigenous guide and the day with some bush food cooked especially for you.

The Great Barrier Reef is another marine national park famous for its unique coral formations and rare species of aquatic animals, including rare species of whales, dolphins, giant clams, and rare turtle species.

Sydney is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, with famous sights like the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Royal Botanic Garden, the Sydney Zoo, and iconic beaches like Bondi and Coogee. When in Melbourne, don’t miss the National Gallery of Victoria, the Royal Botanic Garden in Victoria, the Queen Victoria Market, and the Melbourne Skydeck. When in Gold Coast, visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, the SkyPoint Climb, Warner Bros. Studio, the Wet’n’Wild Water Park, Dreamworld Theme Park and Zoo.

From vast swathes of wilderness to breathtaking rainforests, Australia’s otherworldly landscape makes it an excellent place for adventure activities. We’ve listed some for you:

Head to the Nitmiluk National Park to enjoy kayaking on Katherine Gorge. You can choose from the simple self-guided canoe adventure or take an epic 9-hour canoeing expedition exploring the Nitmiluk National Park. And for the true adventure lovers, embark on a 2-day adventure that includes overnight camping at the 5th gorge and sleeping under the stars.

The stunning lakes in the Grampians National Park in Victoria are also great for canoeing. And if you’re in Byron Bay, don’t forget to kayak along with the beautiful bottlenose dolphins.

There can be nothing more thrilling than swimming with aquatic giants that may appear gentle but can be ferocious when they want. If your idea of adventure includes swimming with whale sharks, head to the Ningaloo Reef, the only place in the world where these mammoth creatures swim close to the coast. If you’re not in for an extreme adventure, how about cage diving, where you’ll be inside a steel cage that’s plunged into shark-infested waters?

You can also go for a shark dive on the Great Barrier Reef, where you can swim in close quarters with dwarf minke whales. Some of the other places to enjoy shark diving include the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, Manly Sea Life Sanctuary, and the Underwater World Sea Life Aquarium.

Climbing atop one of Australia’s iconic tourist attractions is on the bucket list of most adventure lovers. The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb offers a 360° view of the harbour, opera house, and the CBD. In fact, on a clear day, you can see as far as the Blue Mountains. Climbing the 440 ft bridge is best done during sunrise or sunset for a beautiful view of the surroundings. The entire adventure includes pre-climb instruction about safety gear, a photo of the summit, and entertaining stories about past climbers and the history of the bridge.

Cairns is the best place for adrenaline lovers! Sign up for a bungee jumping adventure in Australia’s only bungee, where you get to jump from 50m high in the Rainforest canopy, practically falling on the ground. You can choose from 16 jump styles, depending on whether you are a first-time jumper or a seasoned thrill seeker.

If bungee jumping isn’t enough, sign up for combo packages where you can go skydiving and bungee jumping. And if you’re not keen on bungee jumping, sign up for the giant swing where two or three people can face the challenge on a swing that can speed up to 120 kmph.

What better way to enjoy the view of the Great Ocean Road than skydiving from 12,000-15,000 ft above sea level? This experience is a great way to see the world differently. Besides the Great Ocean Road, there are plenty of places where you can enjoy skydiving – from Gold Coast to Wollongong, Sydney. Mission Beach in Queensland is also an excellent place for skydiving.

Australia is the largest producer of the world’s best dairy, vegetables, fruits, and wine. It is home to 60% of the world’s organic farmland. Naturally, it is the perfect destination for an epicurean looking for a gourmet food holiday. Some of the things you must not miss as a food lover include:

Don’t miss McLaren Vale to sample the region’s finest wines and a range of local and international dishes. The Vale is famous for its shiraz, chardonnays, Grenaches, and cabernet sauvignons. If you’re in Adelaide, visit Tanunda, famous for its wines.

Visit Kakadu to sample bush tucker – food that’s been foraged from the outback and bursting with flavours you have never tasted before. Some of the traditional bush food you must sample include – wild orange, wild passionfruit, conkerberry, bush banana, quandongs, etc., along with animal meat like magpie geese, witchetty grubs, kangaroo and emu, flavoured with local spices like lemon myrtle and pepper berry.

Australian cities are among the most cosmopolitan and multicultural in the world, with restaurants serving a range of international cuisines, including Thai, Lebanese, Chinese, Indian, and Vietnamese.

Being In the Southern Hemisphere, Australia’s seasons are the exact opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere. While it is hot and humid in India, from June to August, it is officially winter in Australia during these months. Temperatures can range from 15°C to 25°C during these months and a great escape from India’s hot and sultry tropical weather.

But the weather is varied here. For instance, Perth and Adelaide have Mediterranean climates, while Sydney has a subtropical climate where it’s mild to cool in winter and warm to hot in summer. New South Wales is one of Australia’s coldest places, with snowfall during winter.

If you’re from India, June to August is the best season to visit Australia. I know this is contrary to what most travel websites will tell you. But the peak travel season of December to February makes sense for European and North American travellers looking to avoid harsh winters in their country. In India, December to February is pleasant almost throughout – why would you leave the pleasant climate in India for a sweltering summer in Australia? Not to mention, flight tickets and hotel prices are very expensive during this time.

• Snorkelling, diving, and whale watching on the Great Barrier Reef
• Skiing – New South Whales

If you’re looking to escape the heat and humidity in India during the summer months, Australia is your best destination from June to August. September to November is the spring season in Australia and another great time to visit Australia if you’re from India. The days are warm, but nights are relaxed during these months, and it is perfect to explore the Australian Outback. It’s the time when wildflowers and jacarandas are in full bloom.

• Watch Jacaranda Blooms In Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Sydney
• Cover the Wildflower Trail in Western Australia

March to May are autumn and still worth visiting, with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 35°C. The North, i.e., from Broome to Cairns, is dry but not as hot. But Sydney and Melbourne will be cold and pleasant.

• Experience sea turtles hatching on the Great Barrier Reef
• Visit rainforests and wildlife sanctuaries

Should you visit Australia in the summer? The answer depends on what you’re looking to experience. December to February is hot, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 37°C. If you’re looking to enjoy swimming, surfing, or lounging on the beach, this is the best time to choose Australia travel packages. But as earlier explained, if you prefer the Indian winter, this isn’t the ideal time to visit Down Under.

• Visit the Australian Open Tennis in January
• Visit the Fringe Festival in Adelaide

Australian cities are vibrant and abuzz with cool restaurants and bars, museums, green open spaces and iconic buildings. We have listed some of the most visited towns for you:

Cairns is the base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and one of Australia’s top tourist destinations. Besides the Great Barrier Reef, some of the city’s popular attractions include the Cairns Aquarium, Daintree Forest, and the Atherton Tablelands. Don’t miss the Queensland Outback when in Cairns.

This is the third largest city in the country and is blessed with a delightful climate. It was once home to the indigenous people thousands of years ago. Today, the town boasts beautiful promenades, beaches, and outdoor activities for adventure lovers. Some places you must visit here include the Queensland Art Gallery, Mount Coot-tha, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, and the many restaurants and bars along the Brisbane Waterfront.

Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory and has a distinct Southeast influence thanks to its street food, craft shops, etc. You must visit Darwin’s Museum and Art Gallery, Mindil Beach, the Darwin Aviation Heritage Centre, and the Kakadu National Park. When in Darwin, don’t miss the many walking tours that offer a glimpse of the aboriginal life. It’s also a great place to sample indigenous food, including barramundi and the Kakadu plum.

Australia is a vibrant shopping destination and the perfect place to buy everything, from typical souvenirs to luxury merchandise and handcrafted art. You’ll find a range of shopping outlets throughout the country, including quaint bylanes, sleek boutiques, high-street fashion brands, historic arcades, shopping malls, and large supermarket chains. Here’s a quick guide to shopping in Australia.

Aboriginal art is an essential element of Australian culture and a must-buy souvenir. You can buy them in the Northern Territory, home to a sizeable Aboriginal population. Some indigenous art galleries in Kakadu, Katherine, and Arnhem sell various handicrafts, including tablecloths, clothing, homeware, and handbags.

Stuffed kangaroos and Koalas are symbolic souvenirs that are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. They’re inexpensive and readily available everywhere. Some other typical gifts you can buy for your family include Sydney Harbour Bride coat hangers, Ned Kelly posters, boomerangs, woollen clothes, and gold-plated eucalyptus leaves.

Good quality dry fruits and nuts, trail mixes, etc. are cheaper in Australia than in India. There are plenty of macadamia nut varieties – they’re canned, roasted, coated with chocolate or caramel, spiced, and as butter. You can buy Tim Tams, chocolate chip cookies, jelly beans, flavoured candies, Manuka honey, vegemite, good quality shiraz and other types of wine, Pods, nougats, and coffee beans.

Camphor laurel cutting boards are popular souvenirs favoured for their antimicrobial and antifungal properties. You can also buy Redgum, a native wood crafted into fruit bowls, fountain pens, and sculptures.

Ugg, being an Australian brand, is cheaper in the country than anywhere else. This iconic sheepskin footwear is comfortable and perfect for winter. If you find Ugg boots expensive, look for the ‘made like Ugg’ boots available in the local shops.

Opals are a unique gemstone found in Australia and are valued among people looking to add them to their jewellery collection. But it’s important that you buy them from reputable dealers to ensure authenticity. Look for opals mined from Australia, especially from the Lightning Ridge region. Some of the different opals you can buy include black opals, white opals, and boulder opals.

Some of Australia’s iconic skincare brands, like Aesop and Junique, are loved worldwide for their quality. Lucas’ Pawpaw ointment is also famous for its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It can be applied for minor burns, scalds, insect bites, and rashes.

Coles, Woolworths and Aldi are the large supermarkets where you can buy anything for a bargain. You can purchase quality stationery, wooden toys, Tim Tams, and other sweets for cheap.

Kmart is a low-cost chain of retail stores selling clothes, sports equipment, outdoor stuff, toys, books, games, and electrical items like kettles, rice cookers, steamers, and kitchenware.

Several store chains like Myer, Big W, Target, etc., sell a range of items like women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, footwear, cosmetics, fragrances, electrical items, toys, etc.

• Shops have shorter hours and are open between 8 and 9 but are available up to 10 pm on Thursdays and during Christmas.
• Cash is readily available through ATMs, but shopkeepers prefer online payments.
• When you buy goods over $300 in one place, you can obtain a GST refund if you take the items from Australia within 60 days. You must take a tax receipt for the product and present it at the TRS after immigration when leaving the country.

Some craft activities that developed over the years include glass blowing, ceramics influenced by Japanese pottery, and furniture influenced by indigenous timbers. When in Australia, don’t miss to buy brasswork, wooden carvings, stencilling, and embossed leather products.

Ceremonial Aboriginal dances have been part of Aboriginal culture for thousands of years. They play an essential role in the tribe’s spiritual customs, with each group having its own dance. These dance forms tell stories about the land, animals, and people. Some stories and dances celebrate a person’s initiation into a new stage in life, including weddings and funerals. Some dance ceremonies can be gender specific, with separate traditional dances for men and women.

Some musical instruments used in these dance ceremonies include the didgeridoo and clapping sticks, with elders singing along with the music. You can watch a modern form of these dances at the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts in Brisbane and the Bangarra Dance Theatre. If you’re in Australia, don’t miss watching Aboriginal dance forms like marloo and warran-jara.

You’ll need several lifetimes to explore and experience Australia. For complete information about Australia tourism, visit Tourism Australia Corporate Website.