AUS Header 1
AUS header 3
AUS Header 5 1
AUS header 4
AUS Header 1
AUS header 3
AUS Header 5 1
AUS header 4
ENJOY A BESPOKE HOLIDAY in a uniquely local way

Discover Australia

Be captivated by Australia, a country that is incredibly large and diverse. In every corner, there is something else to discover. Be welcomed by the friendly and laid-back locals with a classic ‘G’ day, how are ya goin?’ and immerse yourself in ancient landscapes and compelling culture. A beautiful country with a big heart that is waiting to be discovered.

A big land with a big story

Australia boasts countless beaches, hundreds of national parks, and the oldest culture on earth. Explore the countryside, tropical islands, wineries, coral reefs, vibrant cities, the outback, seaside towns, ancient rainforests, and unique wildlife that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Australia is a world-class destination and is a must to visit.

A journey as unique as you are

Would you like to discover Australia in a uniquely local way? Start your dream journey here. Experience a fully bespoke holiday, created by us and enjoyed by you. Stay with local hosts who warmly welcome you to their homes, at unique and special locations. Visit the places, others didn't know existed.

Take advantage of our local knowledge

We sit down with all of our clients to personally discuss your wants and needs. We plan and organise everything in detail to create your absolute dream holiday. Feel free to contact us to discuss your holiday plans. Or attend one of our live and informative presentations to learn more.

Meet the locals | Australia holiday
Experience genuine Aussie hospitality by staying with our friendly local hosts
Stay in hand-selected accommodation at special locations

Australia holidays

Where to stay?

At TravelEssence, we focus on small-scale accommodation run by local hosts renowned for their Aussie hospitality, because we know this is the greatest way to see Australia.

Experience unique hand-selected accommodation in extraordinary locations
Local Aussie hosts with their dog in The Grampians
Your local host looks forward to sharing their special slice of Australia with you
Aus Waterlilies in Kakadu Darwin NT

Would you like to learn more about Australia?

Join one of our live and informative presentations, hosted by one of our travel specialists. And find out how to travel to Australia in a uniquely local way. There are also plenty of opportunities to ask questions!

Take advantage of our local knowledge

Places to visit

Whether you would like to explore the stunning region surrounding Cairns, take a trip to Uluru, enjoy a cruise on Swan River or discover the hidden secrets of Melbourne. Perhaps you would like to learn how to surf at Bondi Beach, sample wine at Barossa Valley, uncover the Aboriginal culture in North Queensland or snorkel the Barrier Reef? From the more popular destinations such as the Sydney Harbour and Sydney Harbour Bridge to the secluded sandy beaches of Jervis Bay, the possibilities are endless.

Our travel specialists can advise you on the best regions to visit based on your wishes. Contact us for a personal appointment to discuss your dream holiday.

A bespoke journey that is unique as you are

From the iconic city of Sydney, the tropical vibes in Cairns and the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest to the wine regions of Barossa Valley and the Hunter Valley. Discover an assortment of quirky and colourful beach towns, the Pinnacles Desert and the must-see Kangaroo Island.

Visit Melbourne, the world's most livable city, cycle the fruitful vines of Tasmania or watch the sunset over Uluru/ Ayers Rock. Fly over the Whitsundays, conquer the Great Ocean Road or hop onboard the Indian Pacific. Experience the Outback on the world-famous, Ghan and get another vantage point of the vast landscapes.

National Parks

Australia is rich in nature with an abundance of native wildlife. With a galore of national parks, covering millions of hectares of land, there is no shortage of natural treasures. From rugged gorges and winding rivers to tropical rainforests and crocodile-infested waters to ancient rock art, waterfalls, elusive birds, secret swimming holes and a large variety of walks.

Let a local Indigenous guide show you their land. A special experience that will capture your heart. They know the country like no other and will share their special stories with you. Learn about the diverse flora and fauna. Go boating, fishing, hiking, kayaking or hop in a 4WD and discover the country, the Aussie way! There is something for everyone.

Visit the misty Blue Mountains or explore Australia's largest national park, Kakadu. Admire ancient rock art in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and watch the sunset over the iconic Uluru/ Ayers Rock. Take a self-drive tour of Fraser Island or go together with a small group of solo travellers.

Beach Daintree | Australia holiday
Be enchanted by the Daintree, a place where two natural World Heritage Sites meet
Beach Fraser Island | Australia holiday
Discover the untouched beaches of the Great Sandy National Park

"Australia has so many things to offer; wildlife, the outback, Indigenous culture, ocean with coral reef, beaches, rainforest and mountains."

Sylvia, Travel specialist
One-third of Kangaroo Island is made up of national and conservation parks
The pinnacles Nambung National Park | Australia holiday
Within Nambung National Park, discover the limestone formations, The Pinnacles
© Tourism Western Australia

Discover an open-air gallery of rich landscapes

Discover the awe-inspiring Daintree, a world-famous ancient rainforest that is breathtaking. Located in Tropical North Queensland, this place features ancient culture, rare flora and fauna and is World-Heritage-Listed. Estimated to be over 135 million years old, there are many ways to experience the world's oldest tropical lowland rainforest.

Things to do and see

A yellow sign in Nullarbor Plain
Uncover the lesser-known and conquer the Nullarbor!
© Tourism Australia
Take a trip through the rainforest on the Skyrail to Kuranda
© Tourism and Events Queensland

Connect with the oldest living culture on the planet

Immerse yourself in a fascinating culture. Europeans have lived in Australia for merely 200 years. Indigenous Australians are the oldest living culture on earth, dating back over 50,000 years. Embark on a journey with a local guide. Listen to their stories, admire their art, and learn about their history. Watch their traditional dances and listen to their song. Taste the food and grasp their spirituality.

Aboriginal people across Australia are waiting to welcome you. And look forward to telling you their stories. In each corner of the country, with their own traits and traditions, it is a truly unique experience. The Aboriginal people of Australia have always lived in close connection with their country. And their ancient creation myths still play a vital role in their culture today. This is evident throughout the country.

More than 10,000 beaches

With over 25,760 kilometres of coastline, Australia is jam-packed with spectacular beaches. Approximately 85% of the population lives along the coastline which means many Aussies enjoy a beach lifestyle. Yes, there are beaches throughout Europe and the rest of the world, but Australian beaches are some of the best on the planet.

Noosa is a local favourite for a beach holiday
© Tourism and Events Queensland
A couple dining out in Queensland with a beautiful white sandy beach in the background
Soak up the Aussie lifestyle by the beach
© Tourism and Events Queensland

The perfect beach holiday destination

Why? Wide-stretched, as far as the eye can see, Australia is ideal for a beach holiday. Pearled-white squeaky sand and the bluest water. With no one else in sight, it is nature in its purest form. With endless beaches to choose from, some of the country’s finest are Noosa Heads in sunny Queensland, Bay of Fires in Tasmania, Manly Beach in Sydney, and Ned’s Beach on Lord Howe’s Island. Visit the most eastern point of Australia, Byron Bay or soak up the beach vibes at Bondi.

Marvel at the white-sand and ocean views at Margaret River
Sydney has more than 100 beaches to explore
© Tourism Australia

Flora and fauna that cannot be found anywhere else in the world

Australia is a natural wonderland that features one million different native species. Mammals, frogs, reptiles and flowering plants of which 80% are unique to Australia. With 379 different species of mammals including kangaroos, koalas, echidna, wallabies, wombat, platypus and dingo. There is no shortage of weird and wonderful creatures to learn about.

"If you would like to see koala's in the wild, I would strongly recommend visiting, Magnetic Island."

Judi, Travel specialist
Did you know? Koalas sleep up to 20 hours per day
© David clode
A large kangaroo laying on the ground
Say G'day to kangaroos
© Meg Jerrard

Are you a keen bird watcher?

Australia has approximately 828 species of birds. Half of them cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Or do reptiles interest you? With approximately 300 species of lizards, 140 species of snakes and two species of crocodiles, Australia is a reptile paradise.

Keep an eye out for the rainbow lorikeet!
© Unsplash | Chris Charles
If you're lucky, you may see the elusive cassowary

Have close encounters with marine wildlife

Off land, the marine environment of Australia is extremely special. With over 4000 species of fish, 1700 species of coral and 50 marine animals, it is a place like no other. Many of the marine species found in the southern waters of Australia are also not found anywhere else in the world.

Snorkel with whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef
Go swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo
© TravelEssence
Prefer to stay dry? Take a trip in a semi-submersible tour or glass bottom boat
© Tourism and Events Queensland
A few people snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef
Port Douglas and Cairns provide a great base to discover the Great Barrier Reef for snorkellers
© Tourism and Events Queensland
A smiling quokka with a baby in its pouch
Take a trip off the coast of Perth and meet the quokka on Rottnest

Discover more

With an area of almost 7,700,000 square kilometres, it is no wonder that Australia’s climate is as diverse as the… read more

The ultimate road trip

Car hire in Australia

Australia features some of the best scenic drives in the world. And that is why we recommend travelling through… read more

The adventure begins

Flights to Australia

Sit back and relax, tomorrow you'll be in Australia Flights to Australia take less than a day from the UK. There… read more

Australian travel guide

Practical information

Are you searching for practical information about travel to Australia? It's maybe not the most exciting part of… read more

Let's design your holiday together

We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.

What do you get from us?

  • A well-designed holiday, just for you
  • Small-scale accommodations run by friendly local hosts
  • Carefully recommended activities based on your interests
  • A travel tempo and driving distances that match your needs
  • Ingrained sustainability in all facets of your holiday
  • 30 years of experience in travel to Australia

Ready for the holiday of a lifetime?

Discover a world beyond ordinary

At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.