Zeroing down upon cheap tickets to Australia for one’s holidays is the dream of many travellers. Fabulous cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, and Cairns are packed with tourist trips. Read on for more on these cities and important travel tips.
Date : Monday, June 06, 2011
Australia, a sinfully beautiful travel destination has been generously endowed by nature. Be it satiating shopping and feasting or witnessing a world of natural treasures such as palm fringed sun drenched beaches, huge barren deserts, rugged mountains, captivating rainforests, and vast tracts of bush land - the cost of air tickets to Australia seem to be worth their weight in gold. Get acquainted with some of the most potent tourist magnets of the country and check out handy travel tips.
Melbourne
Billed as the most liveable city in the world by its denizens, Melbourne is a definite must visit place for anyone buying tickets to Australia. Entertainment is a perennial affair in Melbourne. In fact, the city’s electrifying nightlife has earned it the title of live music hub and bar capital of Australia. Melbourne is also a strong contender to the claim of cultural capital of Australia. The dizzying views from Eureka Skydeck 88 and the wonder packed Melbourne Museum leave everlasting imprints on the beholder’s memory. No less awe inspiring are the Royal Botanic Gardens, Phillip Island, Old Melbourne Gaol, and National Gallery of Victoria International.
Sydney
Sydney remains the destination of choice for many of the visitors who buy cheap tickets to Australia year after year. The residents of this beautiful city wholeheartedly fight with the denizens of Melbourne over the claim of most liveable city in the world. Sydney is home to the Opera House, the most lavish building in the country. For beach aficionados, one of the not to be missed places is the overwhelmingly exhilarating Bondi Beach. Travelling back in time at ‘The Rocks’, going on a Kayakaying trip, or just gazing at the scenic Sydney Harbour, the supposedly most beautiful harbour on the planet – a Sydney trip is a rewarding experience indeed.
Canberra
Canberra, the national capital, has also a lot to offer by way of tourist attractions. Rock climbing, fishing, and bushwalking trips are all part of the Canberra charm. The destination is located about midway between Melbourne and Sydney and is well served by many airlines operating cheap flights to Australia. Regal buildings such as the Parliament House and Old Parliament House form part of the intoxicatingly mesmerising landscape. Those looking for some arty delights should check out the works of Von Gogh and other masters tucked away in the National Gallery. A Canberra trip also spells as a wonderful opportunity to witness boomerang throwing, sheep dog shows, and sheep shearing at ‘The Glenloch Sheep Station'.
Cairns
Verdant rainforests, pristine islands, and stunning reefs – Cairns remains an unforgettable destination. Indulging in heart thudding white water rafting, sampling gourmet meals, drinking in the wonders of the Cairns Esplanade, taking a trip to the supposedly oldest tropical rainforest in the world, and snorkelling at the World Heritage Site of Great Barrier Reef are some of the inescapable lures of Cairns.
Australia Travel Tips and Suggestions
- Different types of visas are available for British citizens planning to visit Australia. These include the eVisitor visa and the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). The eVisitor visa is available directly from the Department of Immigration & Citizenship. This visa is free of service fee and visa application charge. The ETA is available through airlines and travel agents and one has to pay a travel fee of A$20. Information concerning other visa categories can be taken from the Australian High Commission in London or Department of Immigration & Citizenship.
- There is no minimum passport validity stipulation for visiting Australia but travellers planning to visit other countries from Australia should ensure that their passports are valid for at least 6 months. Some of the countries do not allow entry if this requirement is not met. This rule also applies to transit passengers going through immigration and entering such countries while travelling to or returning from Australia. Country specific advice is available from the Embassy or High Commission of the particular country in London.
- Travellers who are aged 75 or more are subjected to medical assessment or an Aged Visitors Health Check when they apply for a Visitor visa. The Australian Government nominates a Panel doctor for conducting these tests and the cost has to be borne by the visitor.
- Australia and the UK have Reciprocal healthcare arrangements. Medicare Australia provides limited subsidised health services to British citizens residing in the UK and visiting Australia on a British passport. Pre-existing conditions are not covered under the scheme. Detailed information is available with Medicare Australia.
- Visitors should ensure that their vaccinations are up to date. Advice on general disease prevention and vaccination and health requirements is available at the websites of Scotland’s Fit for Travel and the National Travel Heath Network and Centre NaTHNaC. One can also call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.