Highlights - Australia
Aborigine culture, vast swathes of red terrain, wild regions, isolated beaches... The land of the kangaroos is one of the 10 biggest countries in the world as well as one of the most unique. During a cruise around Australia, enjoy stopping off at key locations with cultural discoveries, dynamic cities and enigmatic Mother Nature all putting on a show.
Read more
Essential - Australia
Enjoy our little guide for travellers going to Australia covering topics including etiquette, typical dishes and reading material!
Read more
Highlights - Australia
Aborigine culture, vast swathes of red terrain, wild regions, isolated beaches... The land of the kangaroos is one of the 10 biggest countries in the world as well as one of the most unique. During a cruise around Australia, enjoy stopping off at key locations with cultural discoveries, dynamic cities and enigmatic Mother Nature all putting on a show.
Melbourne
Although vibrant Sydney could put it in the shade, Melbourne has a distinguished side that makes it irresistible. Anchored in the 19th century, this "Paris of the Antipodes" has the charm of yesteryear. To see it for yourself, simple stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens or the elegant Carlton Gardens and admire the Royal Exhibition Building: a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Equally, you may prefer the calm of the Yarra River's banks or enjoy the lively St Kilda Beach with its open-air cinema and hundred-year-old amusement park.
Australia's south coast
From Melbourne to Fremantle, gorgeous wild and craggy expanses spread out all along the Great Ocean Road and around the magnificent open bay of the Great Australian Bight. From the Twelve Apostles cliffs, guarded by rock formations rising up from the waves, to the mysterious caves of the Limestone Coast, the exceptional vineyards of Coonawarra, the dunes of Kangaroo Island and the white sand of Esperance Bay, the south coast is attractive as much for its stunning panoramic landscapes as for the delicious, Mediterranean-accented produce of its local lands: fine wines, seafood, honey, olives, sheep's milk cheese, capers and chestnuts. A surprising and amazing experience
Tasmania
With over a third of the territory made up of nature reserves, national parks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Tasmania is a paradise for nature lovers. It is known as the "natural state". From the charming little village of Beauty Point, it is thus possible to explore the fertile valley of the Tamar River and its famous wine trail, which is classed as one of the 10 best in the world. To the north, out in Bass Strait, lie the wild, untamed shores of King Island, which as well as being a surfers' paradise is also famous for the delicate flavours of its local agricultural produce.
Darwin
The biggest city in northern Australia, Darwin has only existed for a relatively short time, but is cosmopolitan. An estimated 50 ethnic groups live here. On Smith Street, you can find a range of stores selling aborigine art souvenirs. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory is also well worth a visit. This cultural space explains the culture and rituals of these initial Australian inhabitants. Finally, for some relaxation, head to Mindil Beach. This beach loved by locals is the perfect place to swim, watch a colourful sunset or browse the designers' market.
Kimberley
People often say the Kimberley is the wildest part of Australia. From the Bungle Bungle Range with its ochre and grey striped domes to the horizontal waterfalls and twin King George Falls and the open-air aboriginal art galleries, the Kimberley is nothing if not an adventure. Nature here is spectacular and unavoidable.
Essential - Australia
Enjoy our little guide for travellers going to Australia covering topics including etiquette, typical dishes and reading material!
Top tips
Dos. Being sociable is a key part of Australian etiquette. They often call each other "mate". Being snobbish and showing signs of social/hierarchical superiority are frowned upon. In this multiethnic country, respecting other cultures is essential.
Don'ts. Australians like to play by the rules. Visitors should do the same.
Essential phrases
Good morning / Good evening
Good Bye
Welcome
Excuse me / please
Thank you
Yes / No
How are you?
Fine, thank you, and you?
My name is...
Gastronomy
Below are the typical dishes loved by Australians. Together, they make a special menu! When it comes to savoury flavours, barbecues are king. However, some people prefer a meat pie . This British-origin dish is a real favourite, with around 250 million said to be eaten each year. Lamingtons are the sweet treats to try. These traditional cakes are Genoise sponges coated in a chocolate sauce and rolled in desiccated coconut. They are so famous that the National Trust of Queensland has declared them a national symbol and they have their own day: 21 July.
Myths and legends
There are a wide range of aboriginal legends as there are so many tribes and language families (around 400). However, the Dreamtime is one of the most frequent. This is the period before today's world was created. However, it also still exists and allows communication with the spirits. The aborigines have a strong bond with nature and believe each of its components to be a trace left by the beings who created the world.
In the spotlight
Scientists believe that Tasmania, an island off south-eastern Australia, has the world's purest air (despite atmospheric pollution levels rising). This is because it is relatively isolated. To the north, 240 kilometres separate the island from the continent. To the west, Argentina is over 8000 kilometres away. To the south, there is only the Antarctic. This means that the air driven by the Roaring Forties arrives in Tasmania pollution-free.
Culture
Book. Often, the only things people remember about Australia are kangaroos and koalas, dangerous insects, desert-like landscapes, muscular surfers, isolated inhabitants and age-old aborigine culture. But what do we really know? This is the question posed by Bill Bryson in his book Down Under. The author travels the country, tearing apart clichés or confirming they are true. He uses caustic humour which helps highlight aberrations and other serious issues weighing on Australia.
Musique. The didgeridoo is the traditional Australian aborigine instrument. This wind instrument looks like a giant flute carved out of eucalyptus and is between 1 m and 1.6 m long and 5 to 30 cm in diameter. It produces a droning sound which can, for example, imitate animal noises. The didgeridoo is often accompanied by percussion: rhythm sticks and boomerangs hit together.
Film. In 2002, Phillip Noyce adapted Doris Pilkington's autobiographical novel Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence. This poignant narrative about the "stolen generations" immerses the audience in 30s' Australia. At that time, the government had an anti-interbreeding policy. Two sisters, Molly and Gracie, age 14 and 8, and their cousin Daisy, aged 10, are forced to go to a camp where they will be trained to be perfect members of household staff. They find a way to escape and cover the 1600 kilometres separating them from their family. This dangerous journey through the Australian bush is made even more perilous because they are being trailed by the authorities.
Facts and figures
286L’Australie compte des taux énormes d’espèces endémiques : 80% des 286 espèces de mammifères, 90% des insectes et arachnides, 75% des plantes vasculaires.
