Almost everyone who moves to Australia or visits on holiday will at some time want to see more of the country. Flights to Australia from the UK are as cheap as they have ever been in real terms, although flights over the Christmas period are always a lot more expensive than in the rest if the year. The major carriers to Australia from the UK are:

• Qantas/British Airways. We have linked the two as Qantas and BA operate a code sharing arrangement out of Heathrow to Australia - meaning that you can book through Qantas and find yourself on a BA aircraft. Therefore if you have a preference between the two, make sure you ask when you are booking. Flights are usually via Singapore or Bangkok.
• Singapore Airlines Singapore Airlines generally gets rave reviews - flights are via Singapore.
• Emirates. We hear good things about Emirates - worth looking at. Flights are via Dubai (normally) and Singapore.
• Malaysia Airlines. Flights are via Kuala Lumpur.

If you are emigrating to Australia note that Qantas will double the economy baggage allowance to 40 kg per person - you should advise the airline when you are booking so your tickets can be marked accordingly. Sight of your permanent residency visa is usually sufficient.

Within Australia the main carriers are Qantas, and Virgin Blue.

It will probably also be worth exploring your options with an online travel agent - Go Matilda is pleased to recommend Travelselect (click on the banner above).

Once you have got to Australia you will almost certainly want to see more than one city - it is truly an amazing place. Two good starting sites for researching the country are the Australian Tourist Commission, and Explore Australia.

Most of the above airlines have links with a car hire company, and if you hold a frequent flyer card you can expect a discount on the normal cost of car hire - it may be worth paying for such a card before you book tickets for this reason alone: contact the airlines to discuss this. The main car hire companies are:

• Hertz
• Avis
• Thrifty
• Budget
• Europcar

Their websites contain details of airline and hotel partner programs, which may help you to decide which car hire company to approach.

You might also want to speak with a travel agent that specialises in Australia - click here for a list.

And don't forget - if you want regular updates on travel information register with us and tick the travel box.

Have a great flight!

Go Matilda - Your Gateway to Australia