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Australasia

Australia and New Zealand expert travel guides and holiday advice

Australia and New Zealand both offer great views of the Pacific Ocean. Separately though, Australia offers urban energy and is generous in its food and drink offerings. But it's also rich in natural landscapes, including the Great Barrier Reef. Its neighbour, New Zealand offers history and is a great adventure holiday destination. The Independent's travel experts have explored some of the top tourist attractions to visit n both countries. Discover the best of Australian and New Zealand culture and where to stay on your next trip.

Sydney Opera House is still the city's most distinctive piece of architecture
News & Advice

How to fly to Australasia with stopovers in Asia for £680 return

Stopover in Hong Kong, Bali or Bangkok

These elegant overnight options get guests back to nature
Activity & Adventure

These are the most extreme back-to-nature hotels

The campervan near Queenstown, New Zealand
Asia

Around the world with the kids: 10 countries, six months, no to-do-lis

Expert Richard Fitzpatrick thinks there's still hope for the Great Barrier Reef
Australasia & Pacific

This is how the Great Barrier Reef can survive

Australia

From exploring untouched, breathtaking sites of Uluru to embracing the bustling city life and iconic attractions of Sydney, our travel experts have found the best holidays spots across Australia.

<p>Fluffy clouds drift over Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock) in the Outback</p>
Australia

The ultimate Australia travel guide

Cooler than cool cities like Sydney and Melbourne, sublime surfing beaches, the Great Barrier Reef, the Red Centre and the Outback – Australia’s diverse charms make for a trip like no other

Australia

The ultimate Australia travel guide

Cooler than cool cities like Sydney and Melbourne, sublime surfing beaches, the Great Barrier Reef, the Red Centre and the Outback – Australia’s diverse charms make for a trip like no other

<p>Fluffy clouds drift over Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock) in the Outback</p>
Alice Springs is the art capital of the Australian outback
Australia

Alice Springs, the art capital of Australia's Red Centre

Sydney is the ultimate city and beach break destination
Australia

Australia Day 2019: The ultimate guide to Sydney

Australasia & Pacific

This is Australia's new foodie hub

Rock star: the area stretches to the Harbour
Australasia & Pacific

The Rocks, Sydney: A journey from criminal to cultural

Rock star: the area stretches to the Harbour
Australasia & Pacific

The Rocks, Sydney: A journey from criminal to cultural

<p>Smith Street is in the heart of Collingwood, Melbourne</p>
Australia

How to spend a day in Collingwood, Melbourne’s coolest neighbourhood

The city’s rooftops are home to everything from pools to luxurious campsites
Australasia & Pacific

Rooftop living in Melbourne: The best bars, pools and hotels

Australia city guides

Brisbane is finally getting its time in the spotlight
Australia

The ultimate guide to Brisbane

Perth is the west coast’s biggest city
Australia

The ultimate guide to Perth

Exquisite views from Mount Ainslie
Australasia & Pacific

10 reasons to visit perpetually underrated Canberra

The Yarra River runs through the centre of the city
Australia

The ultimate guide to a weekend in Melbourne

<p>Ningaloo Reef Marine Park, Australia</p>
Australasia & Pacific

Australia’s top 10 unmissable experiences

Uluru at sunset
Australasia & Pacific

The most spectacular ways to explore Uluru – without climbing it

A curious Bennett's wallaby in Freycinet National Park
Australasia & Pacific

Wombats and convicts: Adventures off the coast of Tasmania

A kangaroo hits, or rather hops, the beach at Lucky Bay in Western Australia
Australasia & Pacific

Driving Australia’s ‘other Great Ocean Road’

See Australia's Red Centre lit up by Bruce Munro's installation
Australasia & Pacific

6 ways to make the most of the Australian winter

Victoria has the most vineyards of any Australian state
Australasia & Pacific

This is where you’ll find Australia’s best wine

News & Advice

Everything you need to know about the new nonstop flight to Perth

Crocosaurus Cove lowers tourists into a crocodile enclosure
Australasia & Pacific

Swimming with crocodiles at Darwin’s scariest attraction

The dry plains of Uluru
Australasia & Pacific

Three of the best Australian winter trips for Australia Day 2019

Featuring the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Byron Bay

Australasia & Pacific

Three of the best Australian winter trips for Australia Day 2019

Featuring the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Byron Bay

The dry plains of Uluru
All the cool (and sleeved) kids are going vegan at places like Smith & Daughters
Australasia & Pacific

How Melbourne became one of the vegan capitals of the world

Garden variety: the Bootleg Brewery
Australasia & Pacific

Western Australia's microbreweries: Tap into Margaret River

'Gemma' takes David and friends for a walk around Perth
Australasia & Pacific

The new way to see Perth is by camel

<p>The Great Southern train</p>
Travel

Epic rail: Going slow on Australia’s Great Southern train line

<p>The Great Southern train</p>
Travel

Epic rail: Going slow on Australia’s Great Southern train line

Rain is extremely rare at Uluru – but when it comes, it comes in torrents
Australasia & Pacific

The side of Uluru only 1% of people see

Australasia & Pacific

How the Gold Coast went from tacky to foodie hotspot

<p>Guests at Lady Musgrave HQ wake up to unbeatable seascapes</p>
Sustainable living

How this floating hotel is helping to protect the Great Barrier Reef

Hotel Harry is housed in a 1920s building
Hotels

The Sydney hotel where you can pretend you're in the Wild West

The rooftop pool is accompanied by an open-air bar
Hotels

This hotel tells you a lot about gentrification in Sydney

The QT's lobby, with its Shaun Gladwell art installation
Australasia & Pacific

QT Bondi, Sydney: Hotel review

<p>LHI’s peaks provide a challenge in paradise</p>
Travel

Tackling seven peaks on Australia’s answer to the Galapagos

Tourists clamour to capture the perfect Uluru sunset shot
Australasia & Pacific

This is why you shouldn’t climb Ayers Rock

Dirk Hartog Island is the perfect place to play castaway in Western Australia
Australasia & Pacific

Castaway in Shark Bay: Is this Australia’s best desert island?

Hold out for the cheapest fares to Brisbane
News & Advice

When should I book a trip to Queensland for next February?

The Glass House
Australasia & Pacific

How Tasmania became Australia’s newest gourmet hotspot

Gunlom, the idyllic cliff waterfall and pool where Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski first fall for each other
Australasia & Pacific

Visit Australia’s Northern Territory, the land of Crocodile Dundee

William’s Bay, Western Australia
Australasia & Pacific

Western Australia's wildlife: A marine hotspot

A school of fish pass a scuba diver on the Barrier Reef
Australasia & Pacific

The Great Barrier Reef: Diving the reef for the first time

New Zealand

New Zealand boasts some of the world's most incredible natural beauty. From relaxing beach breaks to adventurous ski holidays, our travel experts have compiled guides on the best holidays, hotel reviews and things to do.

Max Patté’s sculpture, ‘Solace in the Wind’, looks out over the harbour
New Zealand

Spend the perfect weekend in Wellington

Explore New Zealand’s capital in the summer sunshine

New Zealand

Spend the perfect weekend in Wellington

Explore New Zealand’s capital in the summer sunshine

Max Patté’s sculpture, ‘Solace in the Wind’, looks out over the harbour
Cardrona is one of four resorts within easy reach of Queenstown
Skiing

Why skiing in New Zealand is worth the journey

An emerging volcano trekking alternative is the Pouakai Crossing. Passing across the face of the arresting Mt Taranaki, the 19km trek finishes with waterfalls, lakes and ancient forest.
Australasia & Pacific

New Zealand, North Island: A land of volcanoes, vineyards and very

Doubtful Sound cruise, New Zealand
Australasia & Pacific

South Island, New Zealand: Dolphin watching, glacier hiking,

Fly-drive: £1,399, Trailfinders
Australasia & Pacific

Winter holiday in New Zealand: Wildlife break, fly-drive, and active

Fly-drive: £1,399, Trailfinders
Australasia & Pacific

Winter holiday in New Zealand: Wildlife break, fly-drive, and active

Ubco e-motorbikes are practically silent
Australasia & Pacific

How to explore New Zealand by bike without working up a sweat

Dusky Sound, Fiordland, New Zealand (Rob Suisted / www.naturespic.com)
Australasia & Pacific

New Zealand: Cruising the sub-Antarctic islands

By bike: Viniculture in action
Australasia & Pacific

From craft beer to wild boar, New Zealand is a Land of Plenty

Don't look down: the 'via ferrata' requires a head for heights
Activity & Adventure

New Zealand now has the world's highest waterfall climbing route

The Eden Project founder spoke about an excess of nitrates in NZ's rivers
News & Advice

New Zealand ‘like a beautiful person with cancer’

The colour purple: French Fields B&B and farm
Australasia & Pacific

Exploring New Zealand’s fragrant lavender farms

Serial hitcher Simon Calder thumbing a ride in Central Economy, Nova Scotia, Canada
News & Advice

Thumbs up: hitchhiker's guide to New Zealand

Tiritiri Matangi's beaches (like Hobbs Beach, seen here) is a wildlife haven
Australasia & Pacific

The tiny island that's New Zealand's secret conservation weapon

<p>Little Kaiteriteri, near the author’s hometown of Nelson, New Zealand </p>
Australasia & Pacific

What New Zealand’s border opening means for one Kiwi expat

Christchurch cathedral after the 2011 earthquake. It has been deemed too damaged to repair
News & Advice

Christchurch: Centre stage in the Battle of Britain

More Australasia guides & latest news

<p>We should be looking to empower everyone with the skills to spot scams and tricks online</p>
Tech

Why it’s time to protect older people online – not just the young

<p>The woman became trapped between the boulders while trying to reach her phone </p>
Australia

Woman gets stuck between boulders after reaching for phone

<p>Mindil Beach, where people clap as the sun sinks below the horizon</p>
Australia

Why you should swap Melbourne for Darwin this autumn

<p>A range of adventures as vast as the country awaits </p>
Australia

Best experience and adventure holidays in Australia

<p>Jonathan Samuels and his family enjoying the majesty of Uluru </p>
Australia

Australia’s ancient monolith: Why you should visit Uluru

Australia

Australia’s ancient monolith: Why you should visit Uluru

<p>Jonathan Samuels and his family enjoying the majesty of Uluru </p>
<p>Port Douglas in the sunshine</p>
Cruise

8 best cruises in Australia for 2024 and 2025

Lifestyle

Discover the delights of an Australian city break

<p>Great Southern Land: The Sydney Opera House</p>
News & Advice

8 tips make your Australia flight quick, cheap, and painless

<p>File: A tourist takes a selfie in front of the Sydney Opera House</p>
News

Australia’s iconic tourist destinations at threat from climate crisis

<p>File: A tourist takes a selfie in front of the Sydney Opera House</p>
News

Australia’s iconic tourist destinations at threat from climate crisis

<p>The Esperance inlet, Lucky Bay, has blinding white sands and a palette of turquoise waters </p>
Australia

The best beaches in Australia

<p>Kangaroos, koalas and echidnas are among the animals now thriving on the South Australia island </p>
Australia

This island was ravaged by fires – here’s what it’s like to go back

<p>Hot sand on toes in Cape Range National Park</p>
Australia

The 6 best Australia holidays to do in your lifetime

<p>North Queensland makes for an unforgettable trip that’s particularly great for families </p>
Australia

Why you should visit North Queensland on a trip to Australia

<p>Sydney is home to some of Australia’s most famous landmarks </p>
Australia

The ultimate guide to Sydney

<p>Peninsula Hot Springs is one of several retreats putting the Mornington Peninsula on the international tourist map </p>
Australia

A guide to the Mornington Peninsula and Australia’s hot springs

<p>There are incredible astrotourism experiences to be had in New Zealand, and to see the beauty of the Milky Way so clearly is certainly one of them </p>
New Zealand

Myth and meaning: Discovering New Zealand’s newest dark sky reserve

<p>Many cities in Australia make great year-round destinations </p>
Australia

The best Australian cities to visit and when to go

<p>Sydney is one of Oz’s best-known cities </p>
Australia

The ultimate Australia travel guide

<p>Accessible beach mats are opening up beaches like Mooloolaba to wheelchair users</p>
Australia

Introducing Australia’s new wave of accessible beaches

News

Watch: New Zealand MP performs haka before making oath to King Charles

News

Watch: New Zealand MP performs haka before making oath to King Charles

<p>Here’s how to head experience Australia for less in 2024</p>
Australia

Best luxury Australia holiday deals 2024

SPONSORED

Explore the Culture of New Zealand

<p>This lesser-known part of Australia is 745 miles north of Perth </p>
Australia

Why you should book a holiday to Australia’s other reef, Ningaloo

SPONSORED

Explore Auckland’s Exciting Food Scene

SPONSORED

Explore Auckland’s Exciting Food Scene

<p> Sydney Opera House celebrates 50th birthday with fireworks and laser show.</p>
Lifestyle

Sydney Opera House celebrates 50th birthday with stunning display

<p>Sophisticated with a hipster edge, Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world’s best places to live</p>
Melbourne

The best things to do in Melbourne, Australia’s capital of cool

Australasia

Urgent rescue mission launched to save researcher in Antarctic

News

German Shepherd becomes dad to group of abandoned ducklings

<p>Henry Dunn is still recovering after losing an arm in an accident on a farm in Australia</p>
Home News

British backpacker loses arm in horrific Australian farm accident

<p>Melbourne is become Australia’s most populous city</p>
Australasia

Melbourne is officially Australia’s biggest city

Australasia

Fears over crocodiles swimming into homes as flooding hits Australia

<p>Rymill Park and Adelaide’s skyscrapers </p>
Australia

The ultimate guide to Adelaide, Australia

<p>Melbourne is become Australia’s most populous city</p>
Australasia

Melbourne is officially Australia’s biggest city

Australasia

Fears over crocodiles swimming into homes as flooding hits Australia

<p>Rymill Park and Adelaide’s skyscrapers </p>
Australia

The ultimate guide to Adelaide, Australia

<p>Welcome back: the first passengers to arrive in Sydney after the travel ban lifted in February 2022 were showered with local gifts</p>
Australia

Australia down 40% on pre-Covid visitors

<p>The Air New Zealand flight was eight hours in when it turned around</p>
New Zealand

Onboard Air New Zealand’s 16-hour flight to nowhere

<p>A Singapore Airlines flight from Singapore to Auckland was in the air the longest </p>
New Zealand

Skies filled with ‘flights to nowhere’ amid Auckland cyclone

<p>Erchana Murray-Bartlett has set a new world record most consecutive daily marathons by a woman </p>
Australia

Australian woman eyes world record for most daily marathons

<p>Bondi is perhaps best known on social media for its Iceberg pools</p>
Australia

How to spend a day in Bondi, Sydney’s glossy beachfront neighbourhood

<p>The alliance began with a deal to help replace Australia’s current submarine fleet, but will include a number of althoug areas </p>
UK Politics

Aukus allies push on towards hypersonic weapons and AI technology

<p>China’s president Xi Jinping</p>
World

Jacinda Ardern raises concerns with China over Taiwan and North Korea

<p>Cheng Lei, a Chinese-born Australian journalist for CGTN, the English-language channel of China Central Television, attends a public event in Beijing </p>
World

Australia asks China to allow detained journalist to meet her children

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