Australia has far more than the stereotypical sandy beaches and endless outback to offer. These features, in themselves reason enough to visit, provide a stunning setting for an amazing array of natural, historical and cultural attractions. Inhabited more than 42000 years ago by the indigenous aborigines, this country has grown to embrace a rich history of settlement and discovery, and is now divided into 6 states.

The largest of these territories is Western Australia. This region is a true example of the diversity to be found throughout the country. From the Golden Outback area, which offers aboriginal cave paintings and dramatic landscapes, to the Coral Coast, whose protected beaches display dazzling blue seas populated by an exotic array of marine life. The capital of this region, Perth, is also well worth visiting for its own beaches, nightlife and markets.
The Northern Territories provides yet more geographical variety, including Australia’s most famous natural landmark, Ayres Rock. Also known as Uluru, this 380m high sandstone rock formation not only presents a wealth of cultural beliefs to be explored, but an opportunity for exploration on foot with many walking trails to suit any level of fitness. For those that enjoy this active life, the Northern Territories also affords the opportunity for sporting adventures at Katherine Gorge, or exploring the region’s waterfalls, rainforests and escarpments. As well as all this dramatic beauty, it contains the site of Australia’s last gold rush and the historic town of Alice Springs.

Known as the Sunshine State, Queensland is the home of yet another of Australia’s major attractions, the Great Barrier Reef. This 2300km reef which provides some of the world’s best scuba diving and snorkelling is set amongst the stunning Whitsunday Islands and is just one of five of this state’s World Heritage listed sites.

New South Wales not only boasts Australia’s highest mountain, but is also home to Sydney, the country’s largest city. Aside from the obvious attraction of the iconic Sydney Opera House, this city has a world-renowned nightlife and an endless variety of culinary and cultural delights to be discovered. Although Sydney is the most well known of Australia’s cities, the true capital is Canberra, a purpose built city that lies in the diminutive Australia Capital Territory, over half of which is classified as National Park or Nature Reserve. This is surrounded by the state of Victoria, which is home to around 55 of the worlds leading wineries as well as a diverse selection of flora and fauna, including whales, penguins and koalas.

The sixth state is that of South Australia, of which Adelaide is the capital. Here you need only travel 20 minutes from the city centre to enjoy a swim with dolphins. Further inland it also provides many more of Australia’s signature wine growing regions such as the Clare Valley.
With all this to offer, Australia has been classified as a megadiverse country, as defined by the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre. This natural abundance, combined with an intricate history and fun loving populace, makes Australia a country that everyone will enjoy discovering.

Depending on where you’re flying to flights to Australia are available through Cheap Flights for around £550 from Heathrow to Sydney, £570 to Melbourne and £635 to Adelaide.  You can also find bargain deals on holidays in Australia on Travel zoo.