A Guide to an Inexpensive Australian Vacation From a Native Aussie

Living in the United States has been a wonderful experience for me. As a very proud Australian, I'd now like to share Australia with you, and show you how to get the best vacation you could possibly wish for. Included in this article is useful advice and links to Qantas, Australia's very own international airline, along with some personal tips from myself on where to go and what you will find.

A vacation in Australia may seem like a huge expense. However, considering the distance to the US and the UK, a holiday down under is really not out of reach to the typical vacationing family. First of all, take into account the exchange rate from USD to AUD and already you have extra money. If you now look to the GBP, you can really cash in at the currency exchange counter.

Getting There:

There are always great package deals available to and from the US, so check those out first. If you're not ready to travel just yet, get familiar with the website and take advantage of the following. You will soon know what is a great price, and what is not when comparing airfares from other carriers.

Visit Qantas' web site:

Sign up for handy email updates at E Travel Club for the latest cheap fares. Prices quoted will also include departures foam Canada:
http://www2.qantasusa.com/etravelclub/signup

Now check out the Aussie Air Pass information:
(Right now there are advertised specials as low as $850. 3/14/08)
http://www.qantas.com.au/regions/dyn/us/specials/webDeals215

Finally, another option is Qantas' web Deals where specials are listed for booking until March 31, 2008.( there are a couple expiring later) At that time, new specials will be posted. Most offer optional stopovers, but look closely as some are an additional charge. My recommendation is a direct flight from L.A. The hassle of getting on and off, through security checks and airport traffic is an inconvenience if you're tired and just wanting to get where you're going. Travel time from the west coast US is around 14 hours, so after a meal, a nap and some reading you're already there.
http://www.qantas.com.au/regions/dyn/us/specials/multiCity/index

Qantas has divided the country into three areas for you to select your destinations more easily.Pricing will vary not just according to the time of year, but also according to which of these three Zones you plan to travel to.

Zone 1:

Melbourne, Victoria's capitol and my birthplace.
Adelaide, capitol of South Australia.
Sydney, capitol of New South Wales.
Brisbane, Queensland's capitol, home of the famous Gold Coast

If fine wine and dining is on your list of things to do, this is your No.1 go to area.(specifically from Sydney southward).
*Coolest areas

Zone 2:

Queensland and Northern Territory.
Darwin, capitol of the Northern Territory, Alice Springs, the heart of Australia.
Ayers Rock
Tropical East Coast; Cairns, McKay, Rockhampton,Gladstone.

If you love the heat this is the ultimate place to go!

Zone 2 is the home of the world renowned Great Barrier Reef, although from a booking perspective you will incur a zone 3 airfare.

Cyclones are known to occur in these areas during parts of the year. Please check this before booking your trip.
*Moderately hot and tolerable humidity along the East coast.
Hot, an extremely dry heat toward the center.
Very hot with extreme humidity in Darwin and the North coast.

Zone 3:

Perth, capitol of Western Australia.

Broome, a large but friendly destination on the far North West coast.

With spectacular coastline, Western Australia is the home of the some of the largest mining operations in the world. The rough landscape of the East Kimberly area is also home to the Argyle Diamond Mines and their most famous product, the Pink Argyle Diamonds.
http://www.argylediamonds.com.au/

Please be sure to check the time of year for weather extremes before you leave for this region also, as cyclones are known to occur in the north western coastal areas.
*Hot and dry heat.

Sources:

Qantas. The Spirit Of Australia
http://www.qantas.com.au