An Australia Travel Guide

Wondering why we named Australia our Destination of the Year 2025?

From the world-famous Sydney Opera House to the awe-inspiring beauty of the outback and the sun-soaked beaches on the coast, Australia plays host to an abundance of breathtaking landscapes and iconic landmarks.

Its cities beckon with a fusion of culture, art, and innovation. The Sydney Harbour Bridge offers stunning views of the city and its harbor. Meanwhile, Melbourne’s cutting-edge art galleries offer enriching experiences. Finally, Hobart’s bustling food markets and world-class restaurants showcase Australia’s culinary diversity. 

Australia’s diverse natural beauty is also unmatched. Take Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the Northern Territory, for example. The red sandstone rock formation stands strikingly against the vast bright blue sky. Moreover, the Great Barrier and Ningaloo reefs offer vibrant coral and marine life encounters.

Kakadu National Park, one of the largest national parks in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, houses a wide variety of plants and animals. It also features some of the oldest and most important rock art in the world. Meanwhile, the Twelve Apostles grace the Great Ocean Road, offering a dramatic coastal panorama. And the Blue Mountains, eucalyptus forests, and the iconic Three Sisters rock formation await exploration. 

But it’s not just the scenery that makes Australia our Destination of the Year 2025. It’s also the country's unique wildlife. You cannot find many of its animals anywhere else on earth. This of course includes koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies.

Some of the world's most fascinating species reside here too. Take, for example, the fascinating platypus and the Tasmanian devil, native only to the island state of Tasmania.

With Ker & Downey, exploring Australia becomes effortless and memorable. Consider adding a few of these experiences to your custom journey to the "Land Down Under." 

• Take a harbor cruise to explore Sydney
• Swim with humpback whales and whale sharks in the Ningaloo Reef
• Cruise the Kimberley
• Experience unique wildlife on Kangaroo Island
• Delve into ancient Yolngu culture with a rock art expedition in Arnhem Land
• Explore the flavors of Hobart on a culinary tour
• Pearling in Broome
• Surfing at Bondi Beach and the Iceberg Club
• Heli-fishing for Barramundi in the Kimberley Region
• Explore Lord Howe Island
• Drive along the Great Ocean Road to see the Twelve Apostles
• Walk through Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to see the iconic red rock formations 
• Wine tours through the Barossa Valley
• Discover the wildlife of Daintree Rainforest
• Take a private air safari to Kakadu National Park
• Harvest oysters in Freycinet National Park

We cannot overstate the size and diversity of our Destination of the Year 2025. Australia has an area twice the size of Europe, so you cannot explore its entirety with just one trip. Rather, we highly recommend clustering your journey to a region of Australia. Doing so will allow you to travel deeper in a single region. 

Each of our journeys to Australia are handcrafted by our designers and tailored to your desires and preferences. These sample journeys simply serve as inspiration for your Australia luxury travel dreams. We take your preferences and build out a custom trip using hotels, activities, and adventures suited specifically for you.

• Visa Requirement: If you're traveling to Australia and aren’t an Australian citizen, you will need a valid visa. New Zealand passport holders can apply upon arrival in Australia. However, everyone else must apply for a visa before leaving home—no exceptions!

• ETA for U.S. Citizens: Most U.S. travelers can apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). This quick and easy option costs just 20 AUD. This visa then allows you to visit for up to three months within a year of approval.

• Visitor Visa: Want to stay longer? A Visitor visa might be your best bet. It costs 100 AUD and lets you apply for a stay of up to 12 months. You can complete the application online, by mail, or in person—whichever works best for you!

Start Planning Your Journey to Australia

Just as no two people are alike, no two trips are alike. So, take each of our Australia luxury travel journeys and change them however you like, down to the smallest detail. This personalized service allows us to showcase the best Australia has to offer based on your desires. 

When you're ready to travel to Australia, our Destination of the Year 2025, contact a Ker & Downey designer. For even more travel inspiration, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Video clips courtesy of Luxury Lodges of Australia, Luxury Lodges of Australia - Silky Oaks Lodge, Luxury Lodges of Australia - Longitude 131, Luxury Lodges of Australia - Bullo River Station, Luxury Lodges of Australia - Bamurru Plains, Luxury Lodges of Australia - Saffire Freycinet, Tourism Australia, and istock.