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Experience the Best of Australia This August: Your Ultimate Guide

August is an amazing time to explore Australia. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast, a foodie, or someone who loves soaking in the local culture, there’s something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take you through the top destinations, the coolest events, and some handy tips to help you make the most of your Aussie adventure this month.

Weather and What to Pack 

Australia’s August weather varies by region. In Sydney and Melbourne, it’s winter, with temperatures from 8°C to 17°C, so pack layers and a waterproof jacket. Brisbane is milder, around 11°C to 22°C, but you’ll still want a jacket for cooler evenings. For Tasmania, where temperatures can drop to 2°C, bring thermal wear, hats, and gloves to stay warm.

Top Destinations 

Sydney: 
Sydney is a winter wonderland in August. Imagine strolling along the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk with fewer crowds or warming up with a hot chocolate at the Sydney Winter Festival, which typically will run between 5th July to 21st July in locations like Darling Harbour or Cathedral Square. Expect ice skating, winter markets, and live entertainment, making it a festive experience for all ages. And of course, don’t miss the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge—they’re just as stunning in the winter light!

Melbourne:
Melbourne really comes alive in between 13th August to 31st August, especially if you’re into arts and culture. The National Gallery of Victoria hosts fantastic exhibitions, showcasing both local and international artists. The Melbourne Theatre Company always has something captivating on stage, from classic plays to contemporary productions. For foodies, the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival is an absolute must. Running in late August, it features gourmet experiences, masterclasses, and delicious bites from some of the best chefs in town—making it a culinary celebration you won’t want to miss.

Brisbane:
August is the perfect time to explore Brisbane’s outdoors. Take a scenic river cruise or head to the hinterlands for a day of hiking. The Brisbane Festival, starting from 30th August to 21st September, transforms the city with vibrant music, art installations, and stunning light shows across iconic landmarks, offering a dynamic cultural experience that lasts until mid-September.

Tasmania:
If you’re up for some adventure, Tasmania is where you want to be. The landscapes are breathtaking in winter—imagine snowy peaks and crisp, clear air. A visit to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is a must, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the island’s unique wildlife.

Festivals and Events 

Local Festivals: 
August is festival season in Australia! Up in the Northern Territory, the Darwin Festival, running from 8th August to 25th August, is a vibrant celebration of local arts and culture, featuring live performances, visual arts, and food stalls. If you’re in Melbourne, the International Film Festival, held throughout August, is perfect for movie buffs, offering a diverse lineup of films from around the world—an ideal way to spend a cozy winter’s day indoors.

Cultural Events: 
Sydney doesn’t slowdown in winter, with plenty of events like the Winter at the House series at the Sydney Opera House, where you can catch amazing performances while staying warm indoors. The Sydney Winter Festival, usually held from late July to early August at locations like Darling Harbour, features ice skating, winter markets, and live entertainment, creating a festive atmosphere. And if you’re in Tasmania, the tail end of Dark Mofo, a quirky winter solstice festival, is still worth checking out.

Wildlife and Nature 

Wildlife Viewing: 
August is a fantastic time for whale watching along the Australian coast. Head to Hervey Bay or Sydney’s beaches for a front-row seat to see humpback whales on their migration. And in Tasmania, you can go on a night tour to spot some of the local wildlife—keep your eyes peeled for wombats and possums!

Outdoor Activities:
Winter in Australia offers some great outdoor adventures. The Blue Mountains near Sydney are stunning at this time of year, with misty mornings and dramatic views. Or, if you’re in Victoria, the Great Ocean Road offers some of the best scenic drives in the country. Botanical gardens, like the ones in Melbourne, are also incredibly peaceful during winter—a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.

Accommodation Options

Types of Stays: 
Whether you’re after luxury or something more rustic, Australia has it all. In Sydney, you can stay right in the heart of the city or escape to a cozy cabin in the Blue Mountains. Melbourne offers some fantastic boutique hotels that really capture the city’s unique vibe, while in Brisbane, you can find beautiful riverside hotels with stunning views. 

Seasonal Deals: 
August is a great time to grab some deals on accommodation since it’s not the peak tourist season. Keep an eye out for special packages that might include extras like free breakfasts, guided tours, or discounts on extended stays. 

Australia in August is a mix of cool weather, cultural delights, and natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring the lively streets of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, or taking in the wild landscapes of Tasmania, there’s so much to discover. 

 
If you’re planning to explore Australia this August, we’d love to hear about your adventures! Share your stories, ask any questions you have, and don’t forget—you can reach our 24/7 customer support at 1300 359 463 or visit our website at gauratravel.com.au for more tips and assistance. 

Gaura Travel 
Your Best Way Home.

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

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Australia Celebrates International Travel

Your Toolkit To A Perfect Travel

Australia is on track with its increase in international arrivals during the second week of borders fully opening. Two years have been too long to wait, and travellers are excited to fly down under. Australia has been the most sorted after destination, offering beautiful scenic visuals and tourist-friendly hot spots to please everyone.

Country Manager for India and Tourism Australia stated, “Our research has consistently shown that there is a huge pent-up demand for travel to Australia amongst Indian travellers.” Confirming the growth of passengers.

It is important to know the latest updates regarding international travel guidelines before passengers arrive in Australia. Gaura has curated a perfect tool kit to ensure all our passengers are well equipped and informed before they board their plane. Stay up to date on the most recent updates for international travel.

We encourage our passengers to be well educated before they travel, to ensure all safety precautions are taken, follow the below checklist and be prepared.

Before departing India, travellers need to provide a:

  • Valid and current visa
  • COVID-19 vaccination certificate with 2 doses (Covishield & Covaxin are recognized by Australia’s Therapeutic Good Administration TGA)
  • Negative rapid antigen test (RAT) under medical supervision which needs to be done 24 hours prior to boarding a plane. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests need to be taken 72 hours before departure.
  • Digital copy of Passenger Declaration is mandatory to be submitted 72 hours before departure.

Upon arrival in Australia:

  • All travellers need to perform a self-monitored Rapid Antigen Test within 24 hours of arrival in Australia. RAT results need to be reported to the respective state authority if the test has resulted positive.
  • Tourists travelling to South Australia will need to undertake a PCR within 24 hours of arriving at SA. Tourists who arrive in Western Australia will need to undertake a RAT within 12 of arrival.
  • Travellers need to comply with the requirements and obligations of the state or territory they arrive in, and any other state or territory they plan to travel to.

Source

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel in this year 2022. Find all available flights options with us.

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

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In Over 2 Years, First Tourist Flights Land in Australia.

It is a great day, smiling faces fill Melbourne’s airport. As families reunite and excited travellers wait to explore Australia. Fully vaccinated travellers have been allowed to set foot in Australia and say G’day.

We made it to the other end Australia! The borders are finally open, marking a significant milestone for the nation. International flights will be increasing as individuals choose to travel Down Under. Australia is delighted to welcome fully vaccinated tourists from Singapore, Phuket, Auckland Delhi, Doha, London, Dubai, and Tokyo.

The tourism and aviation industry has been waiting for this moment for over 2 years and is thoroughly joyed to see flights full of international travellers. Individuals visiting their families overseas couldn’t be happier to see their loved ones in Melbourne airport.

In hopes of jumpstarting international travel, Tourism Australia is investing over $40 million on their campaign ‘Don’t go small, go Australia’ to showcase what tourists can expect when they travel Down Under

“As an industry, we haven’t had the summer period we were hoping for, however, in this industry there is always a point in which things start to turn around and today is that point,” said Ms. Jayne Hrdlicka, CEO of Virgin Australia Group.

Tourism Australia data shows that about 9.5 million international visitors had landed in Australia in 2019 before the border closures which put the tourism and aviation industry at a standstill. The decreased international arrivals since the border closure in March 2020 are expected to increase. “In the next 24 hours some 56 flights are going to touch down in Australia and that number is only going to grow”, a former managing director of Tourism Australia, said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison stated “We are going from COVID cautious to COVID confident when it comes to travel” which is a sign of progression and a breath of relief. Nevertheless, China, one of Australia’s biggest tourism markets will be absent as Chinese travellers are not yet allowed to visit Australia. “That’s why we’re focusing our campaign on those markets that are open to travel to Australia,” Mr. Morrison said.

So far, so good.  Australia has come a long way dealing with snap lockdowns and borders closures, and it is set in stone that we are moving forward in the right direction.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel in this year 2022. Find all available flights options with us.

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

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In nearly two years, Australia has finally opened its borders for international visitors and tourists

Australia has imposed one of the strictest restrictions and travel bans since March 2020 due to COVID-19, but this is all changing today. Prime Minister Scott Morrison celebrates the opening of Australian Borders with a cheerful and optimistic smile. Fully vaccinated travellers and all visa holders can travel down under. The Prime Minister said the condition is you must be double vaccinated to come to Australia,” as he reiterates the rules and expects all travellers to abide by it.

Wait is over for International travellers

This is the perfect opportunity for international families and friends to reunite in Australia as the borders opening is a wonderful news for international families patiently waiting to visit their family. This good news brings forth and opportunity to explore and discover new destinations within Australia, “This is the exciting announcement the aviation sector has been waiting for,” Australian Airports Association (AAA) Chief Executive James Goodwin said.

With the reopening of Australia, international travelers have a few things to look out for, double vaccinated individuals no longer require to quarantine where as unvaccinated passengers are required to complete a 14-day hotel quarantine at their own expense and require a valid travel exemption. Unvaccinated travelers will be subject to state and territory quarantine requirements.

Western Australia opens on 3rd March 2022

Over 50 international planes are scheduled to land on Monday 21st February as all international travellers can enter all Australian states except Western Australia. Western Australia is set to open its borders on the 3rd of March and will require visitors to be vaccinated by the COVID-19 booster shot. Majority of Australian citizens were allowed to fly back since last year, but foreigners and tourists have had to wait the gruelling duration of international travel bans due to the widespread pandemic.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel in this year 2022. Find all available flights options with us.

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

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International Border Closures to Finally End, Complete Reopening on February 21st

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has just announced that international borders will reopen for all visa holders who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Australian borders have been slowly reopening since min December 2021, ensuring that family members of citizens, permanent residents and international students the first to return.

After new medical advice, Scott Morrison has said the new border rules would come into place on 21st February, “The condition is you must be double vaccinated to come to Australia,” he said.

Along with the reopening of Australian borders comes good news for the tourism sector since the past two years have been nothing but drought for the tourism businesses during the border closures.

“Over the next two weeks they’ll get the opportunity both for visitors to be coming and for them to be gearing up to welcome international visitors back to Australia,” Mr Morrison said.

Fully Vaccinated, Travel Easy

Since the borders are reopening this February 21st, the mandate has been to be fully vaccinated which means that you have successfully received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccination. Individuals who have not received two doses of COVID-19 vaccination will need to apply for an exemption to travel into Australia, “If you’re double vaccinated, we look forward to welcoming you back to Australia,” Morrison said during a media briefing.

The decision to relax the Australian Borders was taken as Australia has already been riddled by the new variant Omicron therefore the double vaccinated travellers do not pose extra risks.

Double vaccinated travellers still need to get a negative result on the PCR test three days before travel or perform a supervised Rapid Antigen test 24 hours before travel to ensure exemption from quarantine.

Western Australia is still abiding by the Covid zero strategy and is expected to keep in place the rule of 14 day quarantine and arrival caps which will prevent a large number of international tourists from entering the state.

Strict border rules and snap lockdowns have helped Australia keep coronavirus cases far lower than other comparable countries, in saying that cases have hit a record break height fuelled the new variant Omicron.

Find LIVE updates on:

The Age:

https://www.theage.com.au/national/australia-news-live-barnaby-joyce-text-fallout-continues-nation-s-total-covid-19-cases-continue-to-grow-20220207-p59u9d.html?post=p53bhl#p53bhl

ABC News:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-07/international-covid-borders-to-reopen-scott-morrison/100810580

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel in this year 2022. Find all available flights options with us.

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

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Ticked off these 4 destinations from your Bucket List?

Book your day trips now.

Ever wondered why domestic travel within Australia scores on top of everyone’s bucket list?

It is a land of colours and contrasts: from the red dusty outback to green lushy landscapes, from tropical rainforests to alpine mountain ranges, from vineyards to the most breath taking beaches in the world -the ultimate land of dreams awaits you.

And its time to holiday here, this year!!

With our special day tours, explore some of the country’s most epic destinations and discover your most relaxing vacation yet.

Blue Mountains

Ever wondered if the blue mountains are actually blue? Oh yes, they are!

One of the most popular and iconic day trips from Sydney, the Blue Mountains are a spectacular display of natural New South Wales at its finest.

Leave the concrete jungles behind and breathe in the fresh air and awe-inspiring blue views. Covered with picturesque lookouts, it is a perfect combination of towering forests and dramatic cliffs. Stretching over a million acres of wondrous adventures, you can always count on the blue mountains for a good time.  

Blessed with the sights of Three Sisters and Scenic World, as well as the wildlife at Sydney Zoo, Blue Mountains is a trip you will never forget. So what are you waiting for? Let’s witness pure heaven on earth and dive into the blues.

Great Ocean Road

Is it even possible to travel within Australia and not visit the Great Ocean Road?

One of the world’s most spectacular drives, Great Ocean Road winds past pristine beaches, lush rainforests and the iconic Twelve Apostles. Along the drive are some incredibly popular attractions, small coastal towns and an abundance of wildlife.  The Great Ocean Road has a plethora of hidden gems, that you can explore time and time again.

Phillip Island

Planning to wind down after a long week? There’s no place other than Phillip Island you’d rather visit. Located around 140kms from Melbourne CBD in southern Victoria, Phillip Island has something special to offer to everyone. Be it the immaculate beaches or the exciting Penguin Parade, the island’s natural beauty is an obvious standout! The stunning beaches, cliffside, wetland and pasture are all jaw-droppingly beautiful. From the nature parks to the hikes, surfing to cycling, there are a lot of wonderful things to do on Phillip Island that involve the outdoors.

Mount Buller

The snow season is upon us which means it’s time to get excited for an incredible day out in the Winter Wonderland, Mt Buller! You’ll always remember your excursion to the most picturesque and adventurous mountains in Australia. You and those magical snowflakes make for a terrific combination! Added to that, skiing and snowboarding down the best slopes, roasting marshmallows in the town fire pits while tuning in to unrecorded music, and a wide range of food and drinks.

If you haven’t been to any of these places, now is the time to tick them off your Bucket List!

Don’t forget to send us photos from your trips.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel in this year 2022. Find all available flights options with us.

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/