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 yourself with your partner on your dream journey in Australia. Are you having a close encounter with a koala? Camping in a ‘swag’ under the stars? Lounging on one of the famous beaches? Walking through national parks with red rocks as far as the eye can see? Savouring traditional Aussie barbecue? Walking hand in hand through Sydney past the famous Opera House? Doing anything your heart desires? The possibilities are limitless.
Experience the laid-back Aussie lifestyle
Be welcomed by a classic 'G'day, how's it goin' and soak up the laid-back Australian lifestyle. Stay in small-scale accommodations that offer the perfect blend of solitude to connect with one another, and the chance to have authentic local experiences. Travel at a relaxed pace and be enchanted by the diverse landscapes and beautiful nature along the way - the perfect backdrop to learn new things about the world, your partner, and yourself in turn.
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
A journey as unique as you are
Your journey to Australia should represent you as a couple. Because we are specialists in the art of travel, you'll experience a bespoke holiday that is significantly yours. Are you ready to travel Australia in a uniquely local way? Let’s put your dreams on paper.
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 your partner 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 and your partner
- Small-scale accommodations in private settings with 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
- Peace of mind with a local network in Australia and a 24/7 emergency number
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.
"Australia is a beautifully diverse country. Discovering the ‘off the beaten track locations’ is one of the nicest things to do together. Cute romantic places to stay, time for yourselves, time to relax or time to be active. Australia is a great escape to reset, to replenish and to rediscover.”
Andrew Morten, Founder of A Journey DownUnder
Australia’s border is now open
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 informationWhere can we stay?
At A Journey DownUnder, we focus on small-scale accommodation and personally know the local hosts renowned for their Aussie hospitality. Wake up with kangaroos on your front lawn, surround yourself with lush colourful gardens in a cosy room in Port Douglas, listen to the tropical sounds from your treehouse in the rainforest.
A unique spot to experience the hidden gems of Australia and meet the locals
Whether you prefer to soak up ocean views in a cute cottage at Airlie Beach, wake up to a homemade brekky in a quirky bed & breakfast in Melbourne, or sleep under the stars in the Outback. Stay in unique accommodations that are an experience in themselves.
What can we see and do?
With the diversity of Australia, you can see and do just about anything your heart desires on your trip. From sipping wine in the Barossa Valley to taking a helicopter ride over Uluru. Discover the hidden gems of Melbourne and Sydney with a local guide or snorkel the sparkling Ningaloo Reef. Explore tropical islands, vineyards, vibrant cities, the Outback, white-pearled beaches, and beyond.
Authentic once-in-a-lifetime experiences with the locals
Don't fall for the tourist traps! Let your travel specialist know your interests and they will advise what is best for you as a couple. There are small-group activities available, ranging from easy-going to adventurous, or private tours for a more intimate experience. We can take care of every detail, so you just have to show up and enjoy an experience to look back on together for years to come.
When is the best travel time?
Every season offers a new adventure, and each region has a unique personality of its own. Would you like to lay on the beach on Fitzroy Island in North Queensland? Hike through Cradle Mountain in Tasmania? Cycle the city of Sydney? Or immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture in the Red Centre?
It is always a great time to visit beautifully diverse Australia
No matter what time of year you visit, there is always a large selection of beautiful destinations waiting to be discovered. Based on your interests and when you would like to go, your travel specialist can advise you on the best time to travel and the best regions to visit.
How long do we 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 we have?".
A great trip comes with enough time to truly reset and get into a new rhythm. Rejuvenate yourself with the fresh air and reawaken your senses in pristine nature. No need to rush from highlight to highlight.
Travel at a relaxed pace
To discover authentic Australia, we recommend travelling at a relaxed pace for a minimum of five weeks. If you have slightly less time, your travel specialist can help you choose the best regions that suit your wishes.
Did you know?
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world. Its land size is 50% bigger than the whole of Europe. However, it has the lowest population density in the world. That's a lot to explore!
Did you know?
If you visited one Australian beach every day, it would take 29 years to see them all. Australia has an astounding 10,685 beaches to explore.
How do we travel around?
Be enchanted by the beautifully diverse landscapes of Australia. From spectacular coastal roads to panoramic rainforest passes, and awe-inspiring wine regions - Australia is best explored by car. Self-driving means you're able to reach places that group trips and campervans cannot.
Take advantage of our special deals and travel comfortably, complete with:
- A spacious SUV
- A navigation system
- Air-conditioning
- Full insurance and low fuel costs
- Hire cars that are less than six months old
- Safe and secure roads
- A route with only a couple of hours between each location
- Discover off the beaten track places that motorhomes often cannot reach
Drive less, see more
At A Journey DownUnder, we know that a relaxed travel pace is the greatest way to see Australia. Your travel specialist will map out a route with short drives of a couple of hours and two or more nights at each location, allowing you to explore each local area and get a true sense of where you are.
If you are thinking of renting a campervan, talk to us now and discover why driving in a rental car is the best way to see Australia.
Get inspired for your dream holiday
Would you like to discover more about Australia? Let Ilona inspire you on a virtual journey through the country and answer all of your questions.
Join Ilona at an online presentation
Great flights and stopovers to Australia
Flying is a fun experience on its own. Nothing else makes you truly feel like you are embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime journey than stepping onto the plane. A comfortable flight makes all the difference, no matter which class you fly.
Take advantage of our first-hand experience and airline connections:
- The best flight schedule
- The most spacious seats in each class
- Guaranteed seats next to each other
- A private HD display
- A good selection of food and drinks for the journey
- The best price
- Carbon neutral flights each time
Take a break and enjoy a stopover
Depending on where you want to explore in Australia, you will fly into one of the main international airports, likely into Sydney or Melbourne. On your way, you can choose a stopover in Asia to break up the journey and add a cultural experience to your holiday. From the tropical vibes in Bali and world-class shopping in Singapore to the friendly locals on the Cook Islands and the cultural mecca of Hong Kong. The possibilities are limitless.
How comfortable would you like to fly?
Sample itineraries
You're unique; your journey to Australia will be too. Take a look at some of our favourite 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.
Travel experiences
Mr and Mrs Lenggenhager in Australia
Dear A Journey DownUnder, We have been Down Under for over 10 days now and are thrilled: starting with an… read more
6 highlights of Western Australia
Western Australia is so immense and diverse that we can hardly imagine it. To give you a small indication: Western… read 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.
Useful facts
Culinary
A journey together, devouring Australia’s most excellent food and wine. Taste local Australian produce. Gastronomic flavours. A modern blend of a mix of international cuisines. World-class wine. Craft beers. Cider and whiskeys. Artisan food from the farmer’s market. Home-grown vegetables and tropical fruits. The world’s best oysters. And more.
Savour fish and chips - Aussie style, by the beach. Sample wine at the world-renowned Barossa Valley. Have brunch at a cafe under the shady trees and sunshine of Saint Kilda. Try a freshly baked spinach roll from the bakery. Enjoy a barbecue in the park. Taste Australia’s finest seafood. Whatever your flavour, Australia has something for you.
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 the name of the main driver.
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!
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, but 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!
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.
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.
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 actionWhy book with us?
When you book with us, your travel specialist has only one goal: to create your dream couples holiday through Australia, and to do it properly. You want someone in touch with the locals, someone with experience, someone well-versed in Australian 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.
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