All the things you love
and none of the things you don't
Our local knowledge makes the difference for your bespoke holiday through New Zealand or Australia. Your Journey Down Under starts here.
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.
Meet Ilona, your Australia travel specialist
"I lived in Australia for several years and I love to share my local knowledge and experiences. I am looking forward to getting to know you better and making your dream holiday to Australia a reality!"
Contact Ilona
Your holiday is protected by ATOL
Book with confidence: A Journey DownUnder is affiliated with Air Travel Organiser Licensing - licence No. 11760. Your holiday with us is fully protected by the ATOL scheme under the trading name - Little Travel UK LTD.
Book now - and stay flexible
If you book a holiday to Australia and New Zealand and it is cancelled due to COVID-19, you can reschedule free of charge at any time, or if you prefer, you will receive a full refund with a cancellation. If, when it comes time to go on your holiday, you are not confident that you will have a good time due to current COVID-19 restrictions in your destination country, you can postpone your holiday free of charge. Take advantage of the A Journey DownUnder flexibility guarantee.
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.
Good to know
From the moment you are leaving for the airport to the moment you arrive back home after your holiday - we have your trip organised. Flights, car rental, transfers, activities, accommodations, meals and stopovers. We can design your personal holiday, so you don’t have to worry about anything in Australia.
Did you know?
A Journey Down Under is the United Kingdom arm of TravelEssence - a New Zealand and Australia travel specialist that was launched in 2006 by New Zealander, Andrew Morten. Starting in the Netherlands, TravelEssence has become a leading Australia and New Zealand travel specialist for bespoke journeys.
Australia holidays
Roam beyond the ordinary
Feel like a local on your solo journey through Australia
Close your eyes and picture your dream solo travel to Australia. Are you having a close encounter with a koala?… read more
Create new memories on the other side of the world
Discover the hidden secrets of Australia together
Close your eyes and picture yourself with your partner on your dream journey in Australia. Are you having a close… read more
Reconnect in wide open spaces
Discover Australia's local gems on a care-free family holiday
Close your eyes and picture your perfect family holiday to Australia. Are the kids hand-feeding kangaroos?… read more
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… read more
Where to stay?
At A Journey DownUnder, 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.
Small scale and unique
Accommodation in Australia for solo travellers
Enjoy unique accommodations where you feel welcomed and cared for. A place where our local hosts provide you with… read more
small scale and unique
Accommodation in Australia for couples
Accommodation that is unique as you are. Would you like to experience the real and authentic Australia? A… read more
Small scale and unique
Accommodation in Australia for families
We will ensure your accommodation has all the comforts of home. We have hand-selected a range of great places to… read more
Small scale and unique
Accommodation in Australia for friends
We have thoroughly searched throughout Australia to find the best of the best. Be welcomed with a friendly ‘G’day,… read more
Did you know?
At A Journey DownUnder, we have personally selected over 2000 small-scale suppliers throughout Australia and New Zealand. We are in direct contact with each and every one of them. By continuously building strong relationships and paying your host before you arrive, we have also built trust. Our product team, Down Under visits our suppliers frequently and are always searching for the best unique small-scale accommodations and activities for you to enjoy.
Good to know
Depending on your wishes, it is also possible to mix up your accommodation style. You can choose to stay in a variation of accommodation ranging from comfortable to luxury. From sleeping in a 'swag' under the stars and glamping in the Aussie bush. To a luxury wilderness resort in an absolute natural wonderland. Would you like a holiday with a little bit of everything?
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 knowledgePlaces 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.
States and Territories
Where should you visit in Australia?
With an area of 7.692 square million kilometres, Australia is divided into 8 states and 2 territories. There is an… read more
Discover the highlights of Australia
Would you like to conquer the highlights of Australia? From the Sydney Opera House, the spectacular Barrier Reef,… read more
Top 5 undiscovered places in Australia
During a journey through Australia, there are plenty of amazing highlights that should not be missed. Sydney, the… read more
A guide to 10 of the best Aussie road trips
With every turn of the road, Australia’s landscape changes. A dramatic array of diverse landscapes that you won’t… read more
One of the world's greatest natural wonders
Discover the Great Barrier Reef
Be mesmerised by 600 types of coral, over 2900 individual reefs, and 900 tropical islands. A wonderland that… read more
A land of diversity and extremes
Regions of Australia
From the Tropical North to the heart of the Outback. There are so many places to visit. Are you a wine lover? Then… read more
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.
"Australia has so many things to offer; wildlife, the outback, Indigenous culture, ocean with coral reef, beaches, rainforest and mountains."
Sylvia, Travel specialist
Discover an open-air gallery of rich landscapes
Discover the awe-inspiring Daintree, a world-famous ancient rainforest that is breath-taking. 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.
Cities
Things to do and see
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 tell 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 to 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.
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.
Start your journey here
Find out about things to do, places to stay, best travel time, flights and suggested journeys through Australia and New Zealand.
Start discovering
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
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.
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.
Stopovers to Australia from the UK
Client reviews
Discover more
Experience a land of diversity
When is the best time to travel to Australia?
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
Get inspired
The possibilities are at your fingertips
Take a virtual journey through Australia with your partner
Australia, at a glance. Are you considering a holiday to Australia with your partner? With a country as vast as… read more
Destination days
Get inspired for your trip to Australia or New Zealand
Get to know Australia and/or New Zealand through beautiful photos, personal experiences and all kinds of practical… read more
More information
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
All the things you love
and none of the things you don't
Our local knowledge makes the difference for your bespoke holiday through New Zealand or Australia. Your Journey Down Under starts here.
Contact us
We would love to discuss your dream journey