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.
Close your eyes and picture your dream journey in Australia. Are you having a close encounter with a koala? Meeting new local friends? Camping in a ‘swag’ under the stars? Swimming with dolphins? Surfing Australia’s famous waves? Hiking through national parks with red rocks as far as the eye can see? Savouring traditional Aussie barbecue? Doing anything your heart desires? The possibilities are limitless.
Experience Australia like a local.
Your well-organised holiday to Australia should represent you and you alone - that's why it's custom-made. 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, and yourself in turn. Let’s put your dreams on paper.
Australia’s borders are opening early 2022.
We have entered a new era of travel. How can you make sure you're prepared? What will the border experience be like? Will covid impact your holiday? Everything you need to know is found here.
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. Then 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.
"At A Journey DownUnder, 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 A Journey DownUnder
What do you get from us?
- A well-organised holiday, designed just for you
- Small-scale accommodations with local hosts who can help with anything
- Carefully recommended activities and experiences based on your interests
- A travel tempo and driving distances that match your needs
- Ingrained sustainability in all facets of your holiday, so you know you're taking care of the environment along the way
- The benefit of 30 years of experience in travel to Australia with a focus on quality, and the advantages of an owner-operated travel company with no middlemen
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 actionWhen is the best travel time?
Australia is a beautifully diverse country that is great for travel at any time of the year. Every season offers a new adventure, and each region has a unique personality of its own. North Queensland is a tropical paradise is bursting with beauty. Sydney oozes with multiculturalism. The Red Centre is the beating heart of Australia.
Based on your interests, we can advise you on the best time to travel and the best regions to visit. Do you want to surf? Explore the cities? Discover the outback? Since the options are endless, click below to get a glimpse of five of the best regions to visit as a solo traveller.
How long do I 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 I have?". The more time you have means the more you'll be able to see.
To truly experience the essence of Australia, we recommend travelling at a relaxed pace for a minimum of three weeks. Or, if you have slightly less time, you can visit a few places in-depth and come back again one day.
What can I see and do?
With the diversity of Australia, you can see and do just about anything your heart desires - from the mysterious and remote Outback to the tropical Top End. Explore remote islands, vineyards, vibrant cities, white-pearled beaches, and beyond. Snorkel the sparkling Ningaloo Reef, through coral gardens home to turtles, clown fish, and the occasional baby reef shark. Take a helicopter ride over rugged outback regions forbidden from the ground.
Your options are endless, with personally selected private or small-group local activities, ranging from easy-going to adventurous. Let us know your interests and discover what is best for you. We can schedule all your activities and take care of every detail, so you just have to show up and have fun.
Where can I stay?
Trust us, you don't want to spend your holiday in a stuffy hotel room with cheap wooden furniture and mass-produced paisley carpets. We know the places you're envisioning, because they are our vision too. A unique spot to experience the natural wonders of Australia. A place that feels welcoming; like home. Where you can truly unwind, and sink into the couch a little bit deeper. Staying in small-scale accommodations with local hosts and renowned Aussie hospitality is the greatest way to see Australia.
From a cosy room surrounded by lush colourful gardens, to a treehouse in a tropical rainforest, and waking up with kangaroos on your front lawn, experience what these unique places have in store for you. Click below to get a glimpse of the best accommodations for solo travellers, from comfortable to luxurious.
Ask Ilona, a semi-local
Interested in more information about your journey DownUnder? Ilona, a semi-local Australian, is happy to answer any questions that you may have.
Visit a destination day
How do I travel around?
From coastal roads, to panoramic rainforest passes, and awe-inspiring desert landscapes, Australia is best explored by car. Australians drive on the left side of the road - the same as you. The roads are safe and the views from your car are often magnificent.
Driving yourself means you're able to reach places that group trips and public transport cannot. You can go at your own pace and stop when necessary. With only a couple of hours between each location, you'll have more time to relax and explore, which is what you should be doing on your holiday.
Flying to Australia
A comfortable flight makes all the difference, no matter which class you fly. At A Journey DownUnder, our hard work and connections with airlines ensure you the best flight schedule, the most spacious seats in each class, a private HD display, delicious food and drinks for the journey, and of course, the best price. All of your flights are carbon neutral.
How comfortable would you like to fly?
Sample itineraries
You're unique; your journey to Australia will be too. 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.
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.
Why book with us?
When you book with us, your travel specialist has only one goal: to create your dream holiday through Australia, and to do it properly. You want someone local, someone with experience, someone well-versed in expertise and service. You want a travel nerd that believes small details lead to big differences. That's us! Get in touch to experience the difference.
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Frequently asked questions
Safety and ease of travel in Australia
Is Australia a safe country to travel? Yes, overall it’s a safe destination to visit. Australia has a low crime rate and generally, Australians live a safe lifestyle. And Aussies are renowned for being friendly. But, we still recommend using your common sense as you would if you were at home. Most cities and towns are safe at night. However, in some places, it's better to call a cab for a short distance than walk the streets alone. If you are unsure, please ask your hosts for more information about the local area.
Culinary
Australia’s culinary scene is bursting with gastronomic flavours. Bountiful produce. Featuring some of the world’s top chefs and dining experiences. Are you a foodie? A wine lover? Or both? Australia serves a modern blend of international cuisines. A fusion of some of the world’s most exquisite flavours.
Would you like to try some traditional bush food? Our local guides would love to meet you and give you an insight into traditional Indigenous cuisine. Learn about the oldest culture in the world and their way of life. Or would you like to learn how to make ‘damper’ (traditional Australian soda bread)? Sitting by the campfire under the outback stars, make and share a ‘damper’ with your new travel friends.
Travel Guide
No matter what your level of travel experience is - Even if you have never travelled outside of Europe, we will provide you with everything you need. All the information, resources and guidance to ensure you have a fantastic holiday to New Zealand and Australia. We will adapt to your needs and travel experience accordingly. That’s one less thing to worry about!
Ask the locals
Aussies are renowned for being very friendly. However, they are also very helpful. Whether you need directions or if you're having trouble deciding where to go. So, if you ever need help along the way, just ask a local Aussie. They are more than happy to help. And of course, they love to share a story (or three) too!
Your hosts are local experts with an abundance of information about the area to share with you. Ask them, they know their home better than anyone else. And they love to share their local knowledge with you so you can make the most of your time DownUnder.
Visa and passports
Before you travel to Australia, you will need to apply for a visa. This is free of charge and can be done easily online. The visa is called eVisitor 651.
The processing time is generally around 4 days. We recommend that you bring a printed copy of your visa confirmation with you to Australia. You will also be required to have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months, to travel to Australia.
If you prefer, you can also apply for a visa at your local Australian Embassy. If you require any help, we can assist you. We have done this before! You will also need to bring a valid driver’s license, international driver’s licence and credit card in your name.
Language and money
The official language in Australia is Australian English. Similar to British English, you will have no trouble communicating with the locals, who love to share a story or three! Ask your hosts to teach you some Aussie slang words too. There are definitely a few quirky phrases to learn.
The Australian currency is the Australian dollar - AUD. Most standard credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard can be used throughout the country. The banks are usually open from 9.30 am-4 pm Monday to Thursday. And until 5 pm on Friday. However, it's best to check with each branch directly. Some branches are open on Saturday mornings, generally until 1 pm.
Australian notes and coins are colourful and unique. They often have a range of Australian animals on them. The famous Australian (or Commonwealth) Coat of arms features an emu and a kangaroo. This can be found on various coins, including the 50 cent coin. Please note: Aussie coins can be typically heavy, especially if you have a collection in your pocket!
More 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.
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