Australia's cities are dramatic, alive and absorbing; be it the iconic opera house in Sydney or the casual and relaxed atmosphere of North Adelaide, you will want to linger for a while, meet the locals and explore. Perhaps it is the lure of the sea that tempts you; why not try sailing the Whitsundays, lounging on the white beaches of a Barrier Reef island or scuba diving among the rare tropical corals. Or does the adventure and mystique of the Outback attract you? Head out to the red centre, join a cattle drive, explore the aboriginal art of the Mutawinge National Park or ride the rails out to Longreach in the Queensland back country; the choices are endless.

With planning, however, it is a fantastic country to drive across, or travel by train. The colours, landscapes and communities are diverse and dramatic; its climate is harsh and varied; its people are wonderful and accommodating and any journey will be rewarded with memories of The Land Down Under that will last a lifetime.

Attractions
Australia's unique attractions are one of its greatest lures for travellers from around the world. From the magnificent Sydney Harbour, complete with Australian icons such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, to the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kakadu National Park, Australia has a myriad of attractions to please the eye and delight the senses. From the ochre coloured earth of the outback to the bleached white beaches and turquoise waters of the tropics, Australia has something to offer everyone. Australia also boasts over 7,000 beaches - more than any other nation.

Climate
Australia features a wide range of climatic zones, from the tropical northern regions, through to arid expanses of the interior and temperate regions in the south. Australia's winter months are from May to October, with July having the lowest average temperature countrywide. Alpine areas are the coldest, with temperatures averaging between 5 and - 5 degrees Celsius, while the tropics stay in the pluses, recording an average of between 5 and 30 degrees Celsius. During the summer half of the year (November to April), Australia's southern regions experience their highest average temperatures in January and February, while December tends to be the hottest summer month in the north.

What to Wear
In the tropics lightweight (natural fibers) clothing is suitable all year round. In the southern temperate regions, summers (December-February) are warm to hot and lightweight clothes are suitable for daytime, but keep a jacket or sweater handle as nights may be cool. For the southern winters (June-August) sweaters and warmer clothes are advisable. Most of the time just keep it light and comfortable.

Entry Requirements
Anyone who is not an Australian citizen needs a valid visa to enter and spend time in Australia. Visa application forms can be obtained by contacting your closest Australian Consulate, Embassy or High Commission. You can also apply in person, U.S. and Canadian citizens can generally receive a short-stay visa while they wait. By mail you should allow at least 21 working days. Secure and Express Mail (not courier services) are recommended. If you intend to stay in Australia for three months or less, no application processing fee is payable.