A family vacation to Australia is something that requires a great destination and a whole host of activities for the family in question. Everyone has different interests, and having a wide variety of things to do will make sure everyone has a good time. Orange, located in New South Wales, offers just such an experience during its autumn season, and should be a first choice for families looking to holiday in Australia.

For the intellectual sort, Orange has a great part of Australia’s culture on display. There’s the Banjo Peterson memorial, near the birthplace of the man who wrote the Australian epic “Waltzing Matilda.” The Orange regional gallery has many of the area’s best artists on display, showcasing gorgeous paintings of every artistic discipline. Alternately, there are musical concerts and theater shows performed at the Orange Regional Conservatorium of Music.

Gourmands and gourmets alike will find plenty to love in Orange, as well. There’s the Orange F.O.O.D. Week for those who want to experience a large festival dedicated entirely to the local and national cuisine. Or there’s the wine fest in October, where guests are given the chance to craft their own signature wines in a truly hands-on experience.

Lovers of beautiful sites will find quite a bit to enjoy in Orange, along with the rest of their family. There are the famous botanical gardens, home to beautiful trees and wildlife, especially the gorgeous regional birds. Federal Falls also offers amazing scenery and waterborne sites, while Lake Canobolas gives people the opportunity to boat or swim in relaxation to their heart’s content

As anyone can see, Orange has something for everyone, which makes it ideal for a family vacation. Visitors can indulge their own unique passions, while also having a chance to experience new delights and excitements and gain an appreciation for what their family members like as well.

Australian travel vacations are one part journey, one part destination. There are so many places in Australia worth going to, and the experience becomes all the better when you can travel there in class and style. Historic vineyards have long been an ideal destination for holidaymakers, and Australia’s Yarra Valley is one such retreat that offers a full package of entertainment, including luxury travel and a location that is simply breathtaking to behold.

First up is the travel arrangements that can be made. The Yarra Valley prides itself on being a first-class tourist attraction, and over time has developed a number of well-appointed luxuries that can be enjoyed while driving through lovely Victoria. For example, guests can arrange to book a classic Chevrolet convertible, a chauffeured limousine or even a horse-drawn carriage for their ride through the countryside. Alternatively there is the genuinely “over the top” option of chartering a luxury hot air balloon for a sunrise trip over the beautiful hillsides of the valley, followed by a champagne breakfast back on the ground.

Of course, the experience doesn’t stop with the journey. Life in the valley has been described as a series of lunches, and it’s definitely true. Gourmet degustation meals with wines selected to match, barbeques at the smaller wineries, and a number of cafe style experiences mean that visitors will have more than enough chance to pair up the world famous Yarra wines with some of the equally-legendary Aussie cuisine. Toward the end of the day, guests can also visit the William Sacketts sanctuary and experience the wonders of native aboriginal art and culture, as local guides explain the origin of the sculptures and the legendary time that the native peoples simply call the Dream.

In short, Yarra Valley is an excellent travel vacation destination full of exciting and comfortable ways to get around, and plenty of delights to enjoy and sample during a stay.

Australia luxury vacations are as much about the experience as they are about the accommodations. Guests to the country want to have a good time, and most importantly they want to have good food. The Tasting Australia festival, running from late March to early April, is a perfect chance to experience the hospitality and world-famous cuisine of South Australia in comfort and delight.

The city most known for its participation in the festival is Adelaide, which has some of Australia’s finest luxury hotels for guests to relax in. Once the facilities are reserved, though, it’s time to hit the streets and do some traveling about.

A lot of the fun in the Tasting Australia event is that the food isn’t just there to be tasted, but experienced fully. For example, many local and world-class chefs set up cooking classes for their guests. Visitors can learn to make Australian specialties, local reinterpretations of international dishes and even how to put an Australian spin on a personal favorite.

Wine has long been a part of the Australian cuisine culture, and the festival takes full advantage of that. South Australia is one of the country’s best wine growing regions, and many of the festival’s events take place in the beautiful wine country of the Barossa Valley. Vacationers can arrange visits to large wine and food tasting events, cellar visits with micro-operations and short classes on which wines go the absolute best with particular dishes.

Of course, it goes without saying that at Tasting Australia, guests have many opportunities to eat. The festival boasts experiences ranging from casual new-Italian-style dining to elaborate eight-course meals that can take the better part of an evening to enjoy. Often, guests are able to take the time provided at these meals to meet new friends, be they fellow guests or staffers, and cement the memories that make festivals such an authentic, joyful Australian experience.

When people think of luxury travel, the Australian Outback probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But Longitude 131 is seeking to change all that. A first-class luxury lodge set against the backdrop of the magnificent Ayers Rock, this is a place to come and enjoy the sheer contrast of luxury vacation living and gorgeous wilderness experiences.

The lodgings are some of the most unique in the world. Again, a tent doesn’t exactly scream “luxury,” does it? However, Longitude 131′s luxury tents are just that. Comfortable beds, climate control — all the appointments that make a hotel experience worthwhile are present and well-implemented. A unique feature is the ability to raise and lower the walls of the tent by remote control, allowing guests to take in the beautiful Uluru sunrises and sunsets. Each tent is named after a famous figure from Australian history, allowing a personal connection with those who have come before.

The lodge offers a number of communal amenities as well, allowing guests to get to know their fellow visitors in comfort and splendor. There’s a 24-hour bar for those who like to mix drinks and company, and an outdoor pool for the sort who want to experience warm sun and cool water at the same time. Tours of the area can be arranged in short order for a number of destinations, and there’s even a guest library for those who want to enjoy a classic while relaxing in comfortable chairs.

Dining is given special attention at the lodge, as is true of all the best luxury experiences. Breakfast is provided a la carte, as is lunch. Lunch in particular is a fun treat, as the menu changes with the seasons and is always provided with carefully-selected inclusive drinks. However, it is Table 131 that provides the absolute best dining experience anywhere in the world. A huge table set up for all guests, out under the stars of the Uluru sky, with the finest in Australian foods and wines for the sampling of the guests of the lodge, it is truly an experience rarely had in this world.

The Australian Capital Territory is a great place for an Australian luxury vacation. Full of history and beautiful sights to see, the ACT is not quite as famous as larger destinations such as Sydney, but it holds a unique and special charm that holidaymakers often have found endearing and special in its own right.

Consider the white sands of the beaches in Jervis Bay. As seaside experiences go, it is among the most iconic in the Australian repertoire. Beautiful shoreline, the ability to see or even swim with dolphins, crystal-clear waters for miles around and beachside food resorts all conspire to make it an indulgent, relaxing experience that is sure to rate among the best.

The city of Canberra is a particularly worthwhile stop as vacationers explore the ACT. Full of first-class accommodations, spectacular restaurants and plenty of culture to explore, the city is an excellent place to base an ACT vacation from. In particular, visitors are encouraged to visit the numerous museums and the Old Parliament house, where the history of the Australian government can be explored before a delicious lunchtime visit to a nearby café.

The countryside around Canberra and the rest of the ACT is, of course, worth a visit as well. Luxury vehicles can be had for ease of exploration, making the experience pass in complete comfort and control. Public parks and still more venues to enjoy the local cuisine are abundant, giving many choices in relaxation and indulgence for a visitor to the territory. The Hilltops district is especially recommended, being the ACT’s premier wine country; guests can sample the newest vintages to be bottled, getting a taste of the many reasons that Australia is becoming one of the world’s most respected winemaking power houses. There truly is something for everyone in the environs of the ACT.

The music festival called WOMAdeleide is a perfect chance to have a wonderful Australia family vacation. Australia is famous for its music fests, and Adeleide’s yearly festival is known as one of the best. Every family can find something to do, whether it is attending a concert together or splitting up to enjoy the many differing venues. The whole thing takes place in the beautiful, luxurious Botanical National Park, showcasing the local beauty amid all the comforts the city has to offer.

There really is a diversity of musical choices to be had at WOMAdeleide. The festival organizers proudly seek out representations of every musical tradition they can. Past festivals have hosted local music in the form of home-grown artists and aboriginal performers, as well as international shows featuring Latin jazz, Spanish soul and French hip-hop. Every taste of music will find something satisfying at the show, and performances range from small, in-tent jam sessions to large, open-air concerts.

Of course, the music isn’t the only part of the festival. Travelers need to eat, and there is plenty of food on display at the show. Vendors and chefs offer food both local and international fare throughout the day, from actual sit-down meals to drinks served at concerts. The Taste the World tent is a particular treat, offering an expo of many cultures. Visitors can sample cuisines from many different countries, or try exotic fusion dishes that mingle traditions into unique combinations.

There are even events that get the visitors involved and participating in the show. Dancing classes ranging from swing to salsa, yoga for those who want to listen to the music while relaxing and engaging their mind and body and full-service wine tasting events all combine to provide beautiful and enjoyable complements to the experience of Australia’s most delightful musical event.

The vast wildlife of the bush and the mountains make excellent settings for Australian adventure vacations. These are beautiful places, rich with the local wildlife both in flora and fauna, and full of their own unique histories. Many holidaymakers agree that their vacations to Australia wouldn’t be complete without the chance to explore some of the more exotic locales of the country, so here are three of the more breathtaking places one can visit.

Tasmania’s National Parks

Forty percent of Tasmania has been set aside and protected as national parkland. This means there is always a fresh, nearly completely wild place that can be visited within a short trip’s distance. The local mountains, pristine coastline and rainforests 60 million years old await new discoverers every day. What’s more, local guides are readily available, eager to share the stories and biodiversity of this beautiful island with their visitors.

Hike the Blue Mountains

Less than 100 miles from Sydney, the Blue Mountains have captivated poets, writers and artists for generations. So named because of the distinctive blue-tinged foggy haze that hangs among them, the Blue Mountains are an example of the stark beauty that Australia is famous for. Activities abound in the mountains, including picnicking excursions, mountain bike tours and simple hikes up the various inclines. Whatever one desires, there’s a chance to partake in the Blue Mountains.

Go High on the Alps

Australia’s Alps are a magnificent contrast to the Blue Mountains. Soaring high above three of Australia’s territories, they are famous for their snow and ice caps. Skiing and snowboarding are all part of the package here, as are comfortably warm lodgings and eating establishments. Alternatively, luxury helicopter tours can be had, a unique way to explore the height and breadth of these majestic mountains — in full comfort — from hundreds of feet in the air.

Part of the fun in an Australian travel vacation is getting to see the exciting places that others have talked about before. Some trips become iconic examples of the Australian experience, and the East Coast Escape in Tasmania is just such an event, sure to create fond memories and offer a delightful tour.

The tour is a five-day drive along the Tasmanian coast. Luxury travel vehicles are readily available for the excursion, meaning it can be enjoyed in peace and comfort. The scenic, beautiful landscape rolls by and the drivers that can be had often are very knowledgeable about the stories of the paths they take. However, the drive isn’t the only attraction for the journey. Each day the trip stops at a wonderful destination, offering attractions of fine food, excellent lodgings and entertaining diversions such as sea kayaking and bushwalking.

The trip begins in southern Tasmania, in the city of Hobart. From there, the route winds up through two national parks as well as the cities of Orford, Swansea and St. Helens, each with its own local flavor and entertaining attractions. On the last day, the trip takes travelers to the exotic Bay of Fires, one of Australia’s hidden treasures of aquatic beauty.

Each trip is a multicultural wonder, showing off the history of Tasmania’s immigrants (which ranged from Chinese traders to the aboriginal peoples who still live near the Bay itself to this day). The bushwalking tours in particular offer travelers a chance to learn about the history and cultural traditions of Tasmania’s native people, as many of the best guides are aboriginals themselves. Like the rest of Australia, Tasmania is a land of immigrants, and each migration has brought a unique piece of society to the place, and all of it is waiting for visitors on the East Coast Escape to explore and learn about.

One way that Australia family vacations really shine is that they can be a great chance to combine family fun and excitement with a surprisingly educational experience. During the midst of the Australian “winter” between May and August, whale watching fills just such a niche. Families from all over the world travel to Australia to get a glimpse of these creatures, sailing with experienced guides who are all too happy to share their expertise on the life habits and unique ecology of these beautiful creatures.

There are several whale species that can be observed during whale watching season in Australia. The first are the humpback whales, known for their distinctive, craggy appearance and mournful whale song. Spotting humpbacks is always a pleasure, particularly if they’re in a playful mood. In such circumstances, the whales frequently slap the water with their giant tails, or even leap out and breach with gigantic splashes. The other common species are the southern right whales, bottlenose dolphins — even the rare and gigantic blue whales.

There are many places along the Australian coast that a family on vacation can enjoy whale watching. Western Australia is very popular around the June-August timeframe, and has seen sightings of every whale type that is popular to watch. Tasmania and New South Wales, on the other hand, tend to offer more opportunities for whale watching earlier in the season, particularly May and June. Meanwhile, Victoria and South Australia are good for the entire season from May to October, and Queensland tends to specialize in sightings toward the latter period of the year.

Whenever one chooses to go, there is plenty to see and learn on a whale watching family vacation. The yachts that can be chartered for these excursions often are at the pinnacle of the luxury vacation experience, offering their own unique shipboard food and entertainment experiences. Alternatively, there are also popular whale-watching cruises for a more big-party experience.

Australia travel vacations are all about seeing the sights, exploring the country and having an adventurous experience while in the comfort of pure luxury. The Northern Territory is one of Australia’s largest states, and holds many unique attractions for the travel-minded vacationer — many of which are accessible by luxury-equipped travel accommodations.

First and foremost is the city of Darwin. Possibly an entire vacation in itself, Darwin is a great place to begin exploring the Northern Territory. A self-described “melting pot of food and culture,” the city has a unique and exciting history to explore, with stories from World War II and beyond. A number of museums and art galleries exist to be explored, as do restaurants ranging from cozy cafes to extravagant establishments.

Ranging outside Darwin are the Northern Territory’s starkly beautiful national parks. Arnhem land in particular is a place of excitement. Owned in totality by local aboriginal people, the park encourages visitors to fish from the cliff side, visit thriving aboriginal communities and learn about the native culture going back to a time the locals simply call the Dream.

There also is the outback community of Alice Springs, a place made for exploration and adventure. First on the list should be a four wheel drive tour, many of which are available with luxury SUVs that make all the difference while exploring the beautiful, vast terrain of the Outback. For those eager for a bit of exercise, bushwalking and even biking tours can also be arranged in order to explore this exciting place.

Perhaps the most iconic portion of the Northern Territory, however, is the vast monument Uluru. Rising nearly 350 meters from the desert floor, this huge rock formation stands at the center of much aboriginal mythology and culture. A native guide is often available to offer a tour of the rocks, sharing stories going back thousands of years and offering an insight into the mystical heritage of Australia.