Queensland, Australia

You may not be surprised to learn the easiest, cheapest and fastest way to get to Australia is to fly. Currently there are no direct routes from the UK to Queensland but with one change you can enter via Brisbane in the south of the state or Cairns in the north.

Just being on the island itself is enough to make most people’s jaws hang loose, but an absolute must-see is Lake McKenzie. It’s the largest of the island’s freshwater lakes. Another top experience is the view from Indian Head, where you can see plenty of marine life in the waters below.

The best way to get there is to join a tour – this will cover your ferry to and fro, and also ensure you experience all the best stuff once there, and your accommodation (or camping gear, if you want to stay on the beach, and you should).

Yes. Next? Oh, right, you need more info. Okay. If you’re a tourist with no plans to do paid work, you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authority, which you can apply for online – about £15. This will allow you to stay up to three months. If you want to work, you’ll need an Australian Working Holiday Visa.

Compared to the UK, Australia’s seasons are upside down. The best time to visit Queensland is during Australia’s autumn and winter (it’s still very warm, trust us). The spring and summer temperatures are much the same (25-30°C) but with higher humidity and much more rain.

Stick those jeans right back in the wardrobe and dig out the shorts and vests. And flip flops. Which are called thongs in Australia – you’ll be pleased you learnt that here before going. Everything else can be bought there, including sun cream, which is wayyyy cheaper in Australia than the UK.

We strongly recommend you join a tour – this way you won’t have to worry about getting around, as it’ll all be taken care of for you. Other benefits of joining a tour include sharing the experiences with a likeminded group of friendly people, many of whom will become buddies for life.

Queensland has some splendiferous wildlife that upon being spotted will be sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Expect all the classic Aussie creatures – kangaroos, dingoes and crocodiles (give those a wide berth) – and many more, like cassowaries and platypuses.