What to expect

With more than 22,000 miles of glorious coastline and an incredible variety of landscapes ranging from desolate desert wildernesses to stupendous coral reefs, it's no surprise that millions of tourists take holidays in Australia year upon year. The sixth-largest country in the world, and one of the most affluent, Australia was inhabited by indigenous tribes tens of thousands of years ago, although it was not discovered by Europeans until the early-17th century. Land of wide open spaces, kangaroos, Aboriginal legends and exceptional surf spots, Australia is a paradise on the other side of the world. On a trip to Australia, you will have the chance to discover this immense island, away from the clichés.