Why Australia?
Why travel domestically when the wider world is beckoning? But most Australians have only scratched the surface when it comes to travelling this wide brown land.
Australia is so much more than its cities and eastern seaboard. There are a wealth of adventures to enjoy in the outback, regional towns and around the 25,000 kilometres of coastline. Whether you choose to travel by plane, coach, local bus, train or self-drive, read on for our top five activities as well as information on getting around, affordable accommodation, seniors discounts and unforgettable foodie experiences.
For those new to Australia, as well as those who have travelled the country extensively, YourLifeChoices brings you the best deals, tells you how to get the best discounts using your seniors card and lets you know the places which shouldn’t be missed. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious train journey, or keeping it affordable through house-sitting or camping, we have information which may help to keep your travel safe, fun and affordable.
Top five must-visit attractions
Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne
Wander around the huge variety of food stalls, snacking as you go.
Daintree Forest, Far North Queensland
Relax and enjoy the tropical nature of Australia in this World Heritage site.
Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
While you may not make it across the whole 20,000km of this unique national park, the experience will leave you wanting more.
Ningaloo Reef, WA
Perhaps not as famous as it’s eastern-seaboard counterpart, the Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo offers 260km of untouched coral reef.
Historic Hobart, Tasmania
Cascades Female Factory, thankfully no longer operational, allows you to step back in time and experience for yourself what it was like for the poor unfortunate women convicts.
Australia for seniors
Seniors Card
In most instances, Seniors Cards are available to Australians over 60 who no longer work full time. However, as Seniors Cards are issued by states and territories, eligibility criteria can differ. One of the main benefits of holding a Seniors Card is the discounts offered by local businesses and attractions and of course, the travel concessions which are now available to those travelling interstate. Why not find out how to get a Seniors Card and where it can be used.
Getting around
Flights
There are many airlines and price levels when flying around Australia. Choosing an airline comes down to comfort, price and destination. These airline links take you straight to the route map.
Jetstar
Qantas
Rex
Skywest
Tiger Airways
Virgin Australia
Self-drive
YourLifeChoices website members automatically receive a 30 per cent discount off standard rates, or 2.5 per cent off promotional rates with Avis. Combine your travel with your accommodation in a campervan or recreational vehicle. You can often find one-way relocation deals for as little as $1 a day.
Great tours
There are a so many wonderful tour experiences, it is best to explore the many options by going to the state page. But to nominate one standout Australian tour, we have chosen a $345 Uluru Red Centre special as quintessential Australian touring.
Accommodation
Hotels
Best Western hotel chain guarantees a discount of 10 per cent for guests aged 55 or older, worldwide.
Choice Hotels represent 35 Comfort, Quality Clarion and Econolodge hotels. Ask for a 5-10 per cent discount using your seniors card
Accor Hotels have 35 hotels offering many levels of accommodation in every Australian state. Ask for a seniors discount—some properties will offer one.
Novotel Hotels offers free beds for grandchildren travelling with their grandparents.
Bed and breakfast
Bed and Breakfast accommodation Australia
Oz Bed & Breakfast has 1800 listings nationally, with a useful hot deals function.
Camping
Camps Australia Wide, find a camp or caravan park across Australia.
Hostels
Hostelworld, listing 300+ hostels with guest ratings.
Youth Hostels Australia, become a member and use hostels across Australia and the rest of the world.
Foodie experiences
For an English-speaking country, Australia has a vast range of foodie experiences, with superb local ingredients, fresh meat and seafood, and a broad multi-cultural influence. So where to start sampling and cooking our fabulous cuisine? No better place that the local markets, so click through to our State pages for one near you. Meanwhile here’s a link to that unbeatable Aussie snack, Damper.
Hottest deals and discounts
No matter whether you are traveling on a budget or living it up a little, getting a great deal is always a bonus. These deals and discounts will help to make any trip good value for money.
Great Southern Rail seniors’ discount
Greyhound Australia bus discounts, with over 1100 destinations, a discount bus ride is a great way for senior travellers with spare time get around Australia
Entertainment Book – If you like to eat out while sticking to your budget, why not invest in an entertainment book, which offers substantial discounts on many fine restaurants?
Australia for free
National Wine Centre of Adelaide, corner Botanic and Hackney Roads, Adelaide
Rarely does the word ‘unique’ apply in travel – but the Henley-On-Todd Dry River Boat Regatta is a fine exception. It’s free to attend and $15 if you wish to enter your boat!
Town of 1770 beach-combing
Voted one of the best beaches in Australia, it is possible to spend hours wandering the main beaches and smaller bays in 1770 and nearby Agnes Waters. The local caravan park offers affordable accommodation for those lucky enough to visit this iconic beach.
Blue Mountains, NSW
Bushwalking in the blue Mountains and strolling the streets of the historic town of Leura costs absolutely nothing. If you pack a picnic, you’ll just need your fare there and back, and perhaps enough for a coffee in front of a log fire in one of the cafes in the main street.
Cascade Brewery, Hobart
Cascade Brewery visitors’ centre and garden is free to visit. Those who wish to add on the Brewery Tour and enjoy a beer tasting (three tokens) must pay $22, but seniors receive a discount and pay $17.
The grand splurge
As soon as you step aboard the Orion, you know that it is going to be a special journey. The Orion is a small cruise ship with a maximum of 106 passengers and 75 crew, ensuring a personal, friendly atmosphere. Why not make your travels in Australia memorable for all the right reasons with a cruise through the Kimberleys?
Cruising in the Kimberleys with Orion
City secrets
Adelaide
North Terrace walking tour—a very do-able mile stroll viewing some of Australia’s finest colonial buildings, Adelaide’s oldest church and much more.
Darwin
Dinner at the Sailing Club. Enjoy what is arguably the best view in town, a stunning location with affordable meals where you can watch palm trees silhouetted against the sunset—amazing.
Perth
Kings Park and the Botanic Garden in Perth offer 400 hectares of fun. There are multiple activities and free guided walks with experienced guides—a great day out.
Brisbane
The original Botanic Gardens on Brisbane river offer sculptures, a boardwalk and scenic lilly ponds.
Alice Springs
The mid-winter Beanie Festival is community creativity at its best.
Sydney
A Sydney Heritage Fleet day sail is a memorable way to experience the beauty of this magnificent harbour city aboard the historic square rig James Craig.
Launceston
Cataract Gorge is Launceston’s famous river gorge and is a popular tourist attraction in the city of just over 100,000 people.
Melbourne
Walk Marvellous Melbourne’s golden mile, tours leaving Federation Square daily, taking in architectural and cultural history with a professional guide. Seniors discounts apply.
International visitors
Ever since Paul Hogan threw a shrimp on the Barbie, Australians have gained a reputation as a friendly bunch to visit. So if you are an international traveller and thinking of including downunder in your itinerary, visit our special page welcoming all overseas guests and sharing the best information on visas, travel options and discounts during your stay.
