Known to many as the "Land Down Under", Australia's biggest attraction is its natural beauty.

The sixth largest country in the world, Australia is well known for its varied landscapes from the red deserts of the Outback to the white sand beaches that surround nearly the entire continent.

Just off the QueenslandCoast visitors will find the largest coral reef system on Earth, the Great Barrier Reef, which stretches more than 1,600 miles (2,600 km).

Despite all of Australia's amazing physical features the real beauty of the country can be found in each of its amazing residents.

The Australian people are arguably some of the friendliest people on Earth. With their undeniable love of sport and laid-back "Give it a Go!" attitude, the Australian people are what really give this remarkable country it's reputation as a must see destination.

 Air Mauritius flies to Australia from Mauritius twice weekly and serves the cities of Perth, Melbourne and Sydney. Trip time depending on the city and ranges between 11hrs-and 13 and a half hours.

3 Great Reasons to visit Australia

Australia is a big place full of opportunities for adventure.  The diversity of activities in Australia is matched only by the diversity of its natural wonders and sophisticated cities.

The Aboriginal culture is one of the oldest on Earth, leading to its mystique and uniqueness.  Australia’s Aboriginal people have a continuous history spanning at least 50,000 years. Their living culture is the oldest in the world.

No matter what the time of year, somewhere in Australia the weather is warm and wonderful.  The seasons are reversed so when it is winter in North America, it is summer in Australia.

Geography

Australia is the only nation in the world that is also a continent. Set in the southern hemisphere between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, Australia is one of the largest nations in the world when it comes to land size.

Australia is both the largest island and the smallest, flattest continent on earth.

The name indicates the location: 'Terra Australis' means 'Southern Land'. Australia lies between 10 and 39 degrees South latitude, between the Indian and the Pacific oceans.

Land Area: 7,617,930 sq km.

Lenght of Coastline: 25,760 km

Lowest Point: Lake Eyre -15 m
Highest Point: Mount Kosciuszko 2,229 m

Language and population

Australia’s official language is English. However, being a multicultural nation with a significant migrant population, we also enjoy a tremendous diversity of languages and cultures.

Its population is approximately 20 million people with most people living in the capital and coastal cities

As a nation, Australia embraces a rainbow of religious belief and you’ll find Catholic and Anglican churches, Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist temples, mosques and synagogues lining the streets.

Australian climate

Australia’s climate varies across the continent, from hot and tropical in the far north to cool and even snowy in the south.

The seasons are the opposite to those in the northern hemisphere.

Between December and February is summer for most of the country, and the wet season in the tropical north.

The Australian winter from June to August is generally mild, but offers snow in the southern mountain regions and dry, sunny days in our northern states.

It’s important to protect yourself from the Australian sun with a hat, shirt and SPF30+ sunscreen. For more detailed information go to the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology.

Visas

Unless you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, you will need a visa to enter Australia. New Zealand passport holders can apply for a visa upon arrival in the country.

All other passport holders must apply for a visa before leaving home. You can apply for a range of visas, including tourist visas and working holiday visas, at your nearest Australian Consulate.  For more detailed information go to the Australian government Visas & Immigration website

Customs and quarantine

Australia’s customs laws prevent you from bringing drugs, steroids, weapons, firearms and protected wildlife into Australia. Some common items such as fresh or packaged food, fruit, eggs, meat, plants, seeds, skins and feathers are also prohibited.

There is no limit on currency but you will need to declare amounts over $10,000. For more detailed information go to the Australian government Customs & Quarantine page

Medications

Medicine brought into Australia for personal use is subject to controls and must be declared on your arrival. It is recommended you bring a prescription or letter from your doctor outlining your medical condition and the medicine you are carrying. For more detailed information go to the Medicare Australia website

Vaccinations

You don’t require vaccinations unless you have come from, or have visited a yellow fever infected country within six days of your arrival. Read the Australian Government Yellow fever fact sheets

Currency

Australia’s currency is Australian Dollars (AUD) and currency exchange is available at banks, hotels and international airports.

The most commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, Bankcard, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa, JCB and their affiliates. Try this handy currency converter.

Electricity

The electrical current is 220 – 240 volts, AC 50Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from some other countries, so you may need an adaptor.

Goods and Services Tax

Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10 per cent. You may be able to claim a refund of the GST paid on goods bought here if you have spent AUD$300 or more in one store, no more than 30 days before departing Australia.

Tourist Refund Scheme facilities are located in the departure area of international terminals. For more detailed information see Australian government information on the Tourist Refund Scheme.

Duty Free shopping

You can go duty free shopping once you’ve purchased your airline ticket. There is a limit on how much you can bring into the country including the quantities of alcohol and cigarettes. You’ll need to declare goods exceeding this limit at Customs. 

Also be aware of restrictions on the quantity of fluid you can take on board. For more detailed information go to the Australian Customs website

Daylight Saving

Most Australian states wind their clocks forward an hour during the Daylight Saving period. New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia do this from the beginning of October to the beginning of April.

In Western Australia, Daylight Saving lasts from the end of October to end of March. The Northern Territory and Queensland don’t have Daylight Saving.

Surf and water safety

Australia’s popular beaches are usually patrolled by volunteer lifesavers from October to April and red and yellow flags mark the safest area for swimming.

Across the top of northern Australia, box jellyfish prohibit swimming in the sea from around October until April.  For information about marine stingers and crocodile safety read the Queensland Government website.

  Australian culture

Today Australia defines itself by its Aboriginal heritage, vibrant mix of cultures, innovative ideas and a thriving arts scene

 Over 20 per cent of Australians are foreign born and more than 40 per cent are of mixed cultural origin. In homes the Australians speak 226 languages - after English, the most popular are Italian, Greek, Cantonese and Arabic.

Air Mauritius Destinations

Perth

Perth is  Australia’s westernmost capital city, and sits on the Swan River, framed by Indian Ocean beaches and Swan Valley vineyards.

Enjoy  the sunshine in Perth’s alfresco restaurants, friendly pubs and clean and uncrowded beaches.

Cruise the Swan River past parks and skyscrapers to Swan Valley vineyards or the Perth Zoo.

Explore the bushland, landscaped gardens, lakes and lookouts of huge Kings Park. Try then seafood and soak up the carnival atmosphere in historic Fremantle.

Swim, surf, fish, windsurf and sail at Cottlesloe or Scarborough Beach, then skip between the boardwalks, beaches and marinas of the Sunset Coast.

 For more information please click here

 Sydney New South Wales

You’ll love Sydney’s spectacular harbour, seductive outdoor lifestyle and great natural beauty.

See a performance of opera, ballet or theatre at the world famous Opera House. Wander the cobblestone streets of The Rocks, the harbourside quarter where modern Australian settlement began.

Kayak under the Harbour Bridge, walk the winding, sea-sculpted cliffs from Bondi to Bronte or visit Manly’s beaches, bars and restaurants by ferry.

Sydney also offers fabulous fusion food, world-class shopping and a lively nightlife.

For a day trip, the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley vineyards lie just beyond the city fringes.

 For more information please click here

Melbourne boasts famous shopping precincts, a passion for food and wine and a fabulous arts scene.

In the maze of hidden laneways, you’ll find cute cafes, swanky bars, secret art spaces and off-the-beaten-track boutiques.

Shop till you drop from Chapel to Brunswick Streets, watch the sun set over the St Kilda promenade and dance till dawn in Fitzroy. 

Soak up the aroma of good coffee in the gothic cobblestone  laneways and visit  the city’s landmark cultural space of Federation Square. Then hit the sporting grounds and savour a multicultural cosmos of cuisines.

For more information click here

Things to see and destinations

Australia’s destinations are many. You can start with tje most well known  such as the Red Centre, Kakadu National Park and the Great Barrier Reef.

But there are more natural treasures which cover a breathtaking diversity of landscapes, from the mountainous Australian Alps to Fraser Islands sand dunes, rainforest and lakes, all waiting to be discovered by the visitor!

Just as distinct are Australia’s cities, where the  laidback lifestyle and cosmopolitan culture meet.

From beach-fringed Sydney to elegant Adelaide, you’ll find a melting pot of cultures and a medley of theatre, restaurants, nightlife and events. Come, stay and celebrate, then spring into the rest of your Australian holiday.

Australia has so much for you to explore, whether you want nature, wildlife, outback adventure, islands, rainforest or reef.

To  find out more about all these Australian destinations and much more click here

Something not to be missed - Cross Australia from North to South on the " Ghan"

This a train ride not to be missed.It is a transcontinental adventure which  offers an unsurpassed view of Australia - North to South over three unforgettable days.

Travel by rail between Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin and you are embarking on one of the great train journeys of the world.

Optional tours are available which offer you the chance to visit the Red Centre of Australia and the tropical north.

For more information on this increadible train journey click here

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