Find the best Australia Hotels

Aboriginal people lived in Australia at least 40,000 years before Dutch traders became the first Europeans to see this isolated island during the 17th century. Australia became a British colony in 1770. Sydney, Australia's biggest city, was established as the nation's first permanent British settlement in 1788. Despite its remote location 5,600 km south of Bangkok, Australia has become a top tourist destination because of its wide open outback spaces, unusual wildlife, and modern cities. Several non-stop flights are available between Sydney and Bangkok and last around nine hours.

Australia's Southern Hemisphere location means its seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere. Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and the 26 January Australia Day are celebrated in the middle of the country's hot summer and high tourism season. Tropical northern Australia has a December to February rainy season and an April to October dry season, which is the best time for Great Barrier Reef scuba diving.

No other Australian city is as old or as large as Sydney, whose iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House are among the nation's most famous attractions. Australia's cultural capital, however, is Melbourne, whose Victorian-era buildings would not feel out of place in European cities. Sunny Brisbane, Australia's third biggest city, is located halfway between the Sunshine and Gold coasts, two of the country's popular beach holiday getaways. Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory situated in inland New South Wales, is Australia's national capital and is surrounded by cycling trails and nature preserves.

Every major Australian city boasts a large variety of European and Asian restaurants. Australian BYO restaurants allow diners to bring their own beer or wine, while many pubs serve lunch or dinner as well as drinks.

One of the most scenic ways to travel to Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is to drive from Northern Territory capital Alice Springs past King's Canyon. A Great Ocean Road trip takes motorists past some of the Southern Hemisphere's spectacular sea views. Great Barrier Reef scuba diving, Bondi Beach surfing, and bushwalking through Australia's numerous national parks are among the nation's popular outdoor pastimes. Tourists can see uniquely Australian wildlife like koalas and kangaroos in their natural habitat on eco-tours.

Australia is one of the world's most expensive shopping spots. The popular Australian shopping destinations include Sydney's Queen Victoria Buildings and Melbourne's Collins Street. Most cities contain souvenir shops where tourists can stock up on boomerangs, stuffed kangaroos, vegemite, and other uniquely Australian items.