tour Australia

Australia Travel Information

A leader's perspective...

Australia. The Great Southern Land, a Sunburnt Country, the Land Down Under - Australia is my country and the place Intrepid calls home. Come and discover the world of adventure that is waiting for you. From kangaroos to koalas, oceans to outback, rainforests to rivers, wineries to wombats, didgeridoos to dingos, cowboys to kookaburras, iconic landmarks, islands and of course, icy cold beers. With sun, sand, surf, sailing, sky diving and snorkelling thrown in for good measure, Australia is the trip of a lifetime. Let us take you to all our favourite spots, and introduce you to our friends along the way. What are you waiting for? Come experience the Lucky Country, the Intrepid way.

Trish Shaw - Intrepid Leader

Australia Travel Information

real life experiences...

Cafe latte on Clarks Beach

Byron Bay has all the ingredients for a great traveller hangout – groovy bars, great restaurants and the most magical beach. But if you want to escape the buskers and buzz of the main street then stroll along the beach path to Clarks Beach and you’ll come across a wonderful little cafe with a deck overlooking one of the world’s most sensational sun and surf locations.

Sue Elliot - Intrepid Team

Don't pay the ferryman

Well actually DO pay the ferryman - because in Sydney riding a ferry as the locals do is like taking a harbour cruise, but for a great deal less than hopping on board a tourist boat! The famous Manly Ferry gives you a dolphin-eye view of the Harbour Bridge and iconic Opera House and at the end of it all you get to stop off at one of Australia's great city beaches.

Sue Elliot - Intrepid Team

The Napier Steak Sandwich

Look, the Napier is bloody tops and you can't really pop out of the library any time after 3pm on a glorious Fitzrovial day without popping in for a cleansing ale or two while you peruse your latest borrowings. And when you're still there a couple of hours later you should tuck into a steak sandwhich with your mates. 'Cos it's near on impossible to get through a whole one yourself. Share the potato-cakey love.

Brian Shousey - Intrepid Team

Third Saturday of the month

Community markets brimming with local arts and crafts and delicious food are a common feature of the NSW Mid North Coast. Bellingen Market is a personal favourite, not only because of its meandering setting under tall tropical trees, but because the variety and value is unbeatable. Hand-crafted jewellery, chocolate fudge, locally-grown macadamia nuts, original sculptures, great t-shirts, Australian antiques, the best hamburgers for breakfast thanks to the fundraising Lions Club lads and even Aboriginal didgeridoos. Kids young and old get a kick out of riding the horse and buggy around the rugby oval or for something a little more adventurous you can have a go at spinning about in a high-wire harness circus-style. The top market treat - fresh pineapples picked only hours before arriving at market - requires getting there early, as once Roy's trailer is empty that's it. They're worth it - dripping sweet and cut on the spot if you ask nicely - ah the flavour of sunny Australia!

Sue Elliot - Intrepid Team

Raffles rule

There is a Friday night tradition in New South Wales that revolves around the local club - that could be the Sport and Recreation Club, Rugby Club, Bowls Club, RSL or even Surf Life Saving Club - the mighty meat raffle. Clubs tend to draw a regular crowd, and become an extension of the family lounge room for many, but visitors and new friends are always welcome. Still, here's a few tips to point you in the right direction: sign in at the door, head to the bar and order a 'schooner' (large glass of beer) or offer to 'shout' your friends (buy the first round of drinks), then buy your raffle tickets, being sure to check out the local deal as it's often a dollar a ticket or 6 for $5. Then the fun and games get underway with often over 20 meat trays to give away – when your number is called jump up with a huge grin and go and select your tray of meat treats. Will it be the breakfast tray with sausages, bacon and eggs, rump steak or the Sunday roast?

Sue Elliot - Intrepid Team

Art and Uluru

When I took time out to come travelling in Australia, it was quite a privilege to visit Uluru. I was going back to England to complete a Fine Arts course so it was a wonderful opportunity to get the chance to spend the day being inspired from such an amazing piece of nature. It really was the highlight of my trip. I took my time going round the caves and making detailed sketches in my charcoal and water-coloured pencils. I got plenty of ideas to work with and I even joined in a high school outing doing the same thing. I had at least twenty pictures to take home too add to my portfolio which I was delighted with.

Matthew Dewar - Intrepid Traveller