How to Find Luxury Hotels in Australia

Australia is home to kangaroos, koalas and crocodiles. But it's also a place of history and culture, with an incredible landscape. Settled over 60,000 years ago by ancient aboriginal tribes, Australia became a British territory in the late 1700s. Over time, an influx of immigrants from Europe and Asia changed the demographics of the country, giving it a fascinating cultural picture. From incredible natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef to man-made landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, Australia's breathtaking sites are well worth exploring.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Passport
• Computer

Get to Know Australia

1. Discover the charms of the big cities. Sydney, Perth, Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane all have a wide variety of attractions for visitors to enjoy. Museums highlight local histories and cultures, while outdoor markets provide travelers with authentic Australian foods and goods.

2. Take time to explore the mountains and deserts. Australia isn't all sand and water. In fact, some of the most startling scenery in the country can be found hundreds of miles away from the ocean. In particular, Western and South Australia are known for their handsome rock formations and spectacular mountain views.

3. Spend at least half of your trip in the water. With such celebrated locations as the Great Barrier Reef, Australia's clear blue waters are ideal for snorkelers and scuba divers. You won't want to miss the incredible marine life found in the waters surrounding the continent.

Find Luxury Accommodations in Australia

4. Look in major cities for upscale international chains. Luxury accommodations are easy to find in big city centers. You'll pay for the convenience and the views, however. The average price for a superior room in a major city is $300, but it can go as high as $1,000. To book accommodations, contact Tourism Australia at 011 ([phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources, below).

5. Search for smaller hotels that cater to discerning visitors. With an average nightly room rate of $200, these hotels offer the same luxury accommodations as the big chains at a fraction of the cost.

6. Think outside the box. Tree houses, underground caves and quaint cottages dot the less populated regions of Australia. For between $150 and $300 a night, you can have unforgettable accommodations in unconventional hotels.

Tips & Warnings

• Book your accommodations early if your hotel has a very limited number of rooms. The relatively low price and the personalized service in these luxury hotels make them extremely attractive to tourists.
• All phone numbers include the international prefix "011." When calling internationally but not from the United States or Canada, substitute that "011" with "00." All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.
• When planning your trip, remember that Australia is located in the southern hemisphere. When it is summer in North America, Australia is in its winter season.