Discover what friendship is all about

Take the road less travelled with your friends in Australia

Close your eyes and picture you and your friends on an adventure in Australia. Are you camping in a ‘swag’ under the Milky Way? Surfing Australia’s famous waves? Exploring iconic cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane? Hiking through national parks with red rocks as far as the eye can see? Savouring traditional Aussie barbecue? Swimming with dolphins? Doing anything your heart desires? The possibilities are limitless.

Experience the laid-back Aussie lifestyle

Be welcomed by a classic 'G'day, how's it goin' and soak up the laid-back Australian lifestyle. Stay in small-scale accommodations that offer the perfect blend of genuine Aussie hospitality and authentic local experiences other tourists don't know about. Short drives and mapped-out routes make sure you hit all your bucket-list items while travelling at a relaxed pace. Surrounding nature provides the perfect backdrop to learn new things about the world, your friends, and yourself in turn.

A journey as unique as you are

Your journey to Australia should represent you and your friends - and everything you like to do together. Because we are specialists in the art of travel, you'll experience a bespoke holiday that is significantly yours. Are you ready to travel Australia in a uniquely local way? Let’s put your dreams on paper and map out your adventure.

Three people snorkelling in Australia
Explore weird and wonderful places together with your friends
Experience the Aussie lifestyle, away from the mainstream

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 - and always at the best value for your money. 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 your friends and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.

What do you get from us?

"At TravelEssence we don’t just plan your dream holiday to Australia. We are with you every step of the way, from the moment you leave your front door to the moment you arrive home a changed person. We take care of every detail so you can focus on having the journey of a lifetime.”

Andrew Morten, Founder of TravelEssence

Where can we stay?

At TravelEssence we focus on small-scale accommodation and personally know the local hosts renowned for their Aussie hospitality. From a cosy cottage surrounded by lush colourful gardens, to a treehouse in a tropical rainforest, and waking up with kangaroos in your backyard. Escape the ordinary and experience the natural wonders of Australia.

A unique spot to unwind and connect with your friends and the locals

Enjoy a barbecue together on the veranda at sunset, sit around the fire and share stories with your friends and fellow travellers. These accommodations are an experience in themselves and the greatest way to discover the hidden gems in Australia.

Australian BBQ in Barossa Valley | Australia holiday
Enjoy a barbecue, Aussie-style in your backyard

What can we see and do?

With the diversity of Australia, you can see and do just about anything your heart desires on your trip. From sipping wine in the Barossa Valley to taking a helicopter ride over Uluru. Discover the hidden gems of Melbourne and Sydney with a local guide or snorkel the sparkling Ningaloo Reef. Explore tropical islands, vineyards, vibrant cities, the Outback, white-pearled beaches, and beyond.

Authentic once-in-a-lifetime experiences with the locals

Don't fall for the tourist traps! Let your travel specialist know your interests and they will advise what is best for you as a group or individually. There are private tours available as well as small group tours which offer a great chance to meet other travellers. We can take care of every detail, so you just have to show up and have fun.

Cycle with a local guide and find the hidden gems of the city
Experience Australia's nature on a wild water adventure

When is the best travel time?

Every season offers a new adventure, and each region has a unique personality of its own. Do you want to lay on the beach on Fitzroy Island in North Queensland? Hike through Cradle Mountain in Tasmania? Cycle the city of Sydney? Or immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture in the Red Centre?

It is always a great time to visit beautifully diverse Australia

No matter what time of year you visit, there is always a large selection of beautiful destinations waiting to be discovered. Based on your interests and when you would like to go, your travel specialist can advise you on the best time to travel and the best regions to visit.

Experience Red Center | Australia holiday
Your travel specialist knows the best destinations to visit and when and go

How long do we need in Australia?

Australia is one of the biggest countries in the world. You could spend months travelling the ever-changing landscape and not see the same place twice. For your holiday, the question becomes, "How long do we have?".

A great trip comes with enough time to truly reset and get into a new rhythm. Rejuvenate yourself with the fresh air and reawaken your senses in pristine nature. No need to rush from highlight to highlight.

Travel at a relaxed pace

To discover authentic Australia, we recommend travelling at a relaxed pace for a minimum of five weeks. If you have slightly less time, your travel specialist can help you choose the best regions that suit your wishes.

Drinks wine on the beach | Australia holiday
With over 10,000 beaches, there are plenty of outdoor opportunities
Our local Indigenous guides love to show you their way of life

How do we travel around?

Be enchanted by the beautifully diverse landscapes of Australia. From spectacular coastal roads to panoramic rainforest passes, and awe-inspiring wine regions - Australia is best explored by car. Self-driving means you're able to reach places that group trips and campervans cannot.

Take advantage of our special deals and travel comfortably, complete with:

  • A spacious SUV
  • A navigation system
  • Air-conditioning
  • Full insurance and low fuel costs
  • Hire cars that are less than six months old
  • Safe and secure roads
  • Plenty of space for your luggage
  • A route with only a couple of hours between each location
  • Discover the off the beaten track places that motorhomes often cannot reach

Drive less, see more

At TravelEssence we know that a relaxed travel pace is the greatest way to see Australia. Your travel specialist will map out a route with short drives of a couple of hours and two or more nights at each location, allowing you to explore each local area and get a true sense of where you are.

If you are thinking of renting a campervan, talk to us now and discover why driving in a rental car is the best way to see Australia.

Four cars parked on the beach in Australia
Uncover the local treasures of Fraser Island

Great flights and stopovers to Australia

Flying is a fun experience on its own. Nothing else makes you truly feel like you are embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime journey than stepping onto the plane. A comfortable flight makes all the difference, no matter which class you fly.

Take advantage of our first-hand experience and airline connections:

  • The best flight schedule
  • The most spacious seats in each class
  • Guaranteed seats next to each other
  • A private HD display
  • A good selection of food and drinks for the journey
  • The best price
  • Carbon neutral flights each time

Take a break and enjoy a stopover

Depending on where you want to explore in Australia, you will fly into one of the main international airports, likely into Sydney or Melbourne. On your way, you can choose a stopover in Asia to break up the journey and add a cultural experience to your holiday. From the tropical vibes in Bali and world-class shopping in Singapore to the friendly locals on the Cook Islands and the cultural mecca of Hong Kong. The possibilities are limitless.

Premium Economy flight | New Zealand holiday
Relax and revive on your way to your destination
© TravelEssence

Sample itineraries

Your journey to Australia represents you and your friends - and everything you like to do together. Take a look at some favourite past trips to get inspired for your own journey. With holidays ranging from three to seven weeks based on various themes, you can change comfort levels, and add activities, rental cars, and flights to sense the possibilities that await.

Start your dream journey here

Bring your ideas to us, take advantage of our local knowledge, and together we will create your unique, personalised holiday that is yours and yours alone. Get in touch with us here.

Aus qld brisbane north stradbroke island north gorge walk

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Frequently asked questions

Specialist knowledge means the details that need specific attention are always taken care of - you don't have to worry about anything. But of course, you may have a lot of questions right now as you get an idea of the possibilities that await you. Find the answers to common questions here.

Two woman on surf boards surfing in Byron Bay
Learn how to surf together with our local guides

Useful facts

Fiordland 17

Tourism can be great for the environment. With us, you make a positive difference.

Let's accentuate the positive, reduce the negative, and offset what's left.

Sustainability in action

Why book with us?

When you book your trip with us, your travel specialist has only one goal: to create your dream holiday through Australia and to do it properly. Make the most of your time Down Under by choosing a travel specialist that has local experience and knows Australia like the back of their hand. We are travel nerds and from our first-hand experience believe that small details lead to big differences. Get in touch to make your holiday dream a reality.

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.