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  Driving Distance Calculator and Driving Directions Australia

Australia Distance Calculator and Driving Distance Between Cities

• Enter the "Distance From" city, village, town, airport or place name from Australia in the first text box.
• Enter the "Distance To" city, village, town, airport or place name from Australia in the second text box.
• You can also enter airport name or code from Australia in above fields.
• This will display the dropdown with suggested places in Australia; Select the desired Address /Place /City /Village /Town /Airport from both the dropdown lists.
• Click the "Get Distance & Directions" button to get the distance between the selected addresses /places /cities /towns /villages /airports in Australia.
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When planning an Australian self-drive holiday or road trip , use our Australian Driving Time and Travel Distance Calculator Below to work out the best route between two towns or cities.  

This calculator will give you average driving time taking into consideration obstacles like mountain passes, winding roads, single lanes etc.  It does not allow time for stops, heavy traffic or the impact of various weather conditions.

We recommend you allow extra time to enjoy your journey with safety.  When travelling between mainland Australia and Tasmania you'll need to catch a ferry or flight.

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Australian distance calculator, route planner, mileage, driving directions and petrol calculator

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Distance between two point in Australia with marked route on map, mileage, driving directions and weather forecast

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Preparing for a road trip? Our distance calculator website will help you to do it very easily and fast!

Welcome to Distance Calculator for Australian cities. If you are wondering where is certain city or how far is it from you, Distance-Calculator.info is the perfect place. Distance between two points is our specialization. Australia is a beuatiful country, there are so many spectacular scenic places that it's your duty to travel around the states and explore. We offer you help with our route planner.

How to find out, e.g. distance from Melbourne to Sydney? It's very simple and we are going to walk you through the main steps:

• Choose your first city (where you start your journey) and type it into the first box above;
• Select your destination (final city) and type it into the second box;
• Press calculate.

This is it. You are going to be redirected to the page with distance information, travel time, mileage, marked map route, weather forecast in destination city and petrol calculator in addition, to make your trip even easier to plan. We hope you will enjoy this service and will continue to use it every time the next road trip appears on the horizon.

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Travel Distances

Between australian major cities..

If you are driving around touring Australia, it is most likely that you will be spending a lot of time in your car. To help you calculate how long, this table lists the distance between many of the major Australia cities. The speed limit on most major country roads is 100 or 110 km/hr. In the Northern Territory, outside of the built up areas there is no maximum speed limit - you are advised to travel at a speed which you feel comfortable with the vehicle you are in. All distances in the table below are in kilometres, with the estimated traveling time in hours also listed.

see also: the great Australia road trip , map of Australia

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Australia Driving Distance Calculator

Road mileage chart of australia.

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Click on any distance in the table below to go to a page with more information.

Tap on a city to see distances to that city. Tap on a distance for more details.

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Enter up to 100 city names or geographic coordinates in this field in the following format: latitude, longitude. Enter each city on a separate line.

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Tips For Driving In Australia As A Tourist

Michela Australia Travel Planning Getting Around Australia 9

Tips for Driving in Australia

There are many ways of travelling around Australia, but if you ask me, I’d say that driving in Australia is easy and the best way to explore the country. Here is a complete guide on what you need to know for driving in Australia as a tourist, and we share our advice. I went on solo road trips around Australia. And I loved them. However, it takes time to get familiar with the idea of driving. This mental block is probably due to driving on the left side of the road. But once you start, you soon realise this is a minor thing. Starting with easy road trips is key. This will help build confidence when driving solo in Australia .

Table of Contents

Driving Licence Requirements for Tourists in Australia

Here are the most common questions you may come up with when you think of driving in Australia on your holidays. 1. Can I drive in Australia as a tourist? The answer is simple: yes, you can.

2 . What side of the road does Australia drive on ? The answer is the left side but forget about this. It’s much easier to drive on the left if you come from a right-side driving country than you may think.

3. Do you need an international driver’s license to drive in Australia?  Yes, you do.

If you don’t have an English driving license, you will need an English translation of a valid driving license for driving a car in Australia. You can get it from the officers who issued your original driving license. The translation cost, a.k.a. The International driving license, varies depending on your home country and is valid for 3-5 years.

Australia Traffic and Driving Rules

As mentioned above, in Australia, people drive on the left side. And driving on the left can be a bit confusing for first-time visitors from countries like the United States, continental Europe and the rest of the world, where you drive on the right side.

While in cities and populated areas, following the traffic flow, helps get used to it, in the Outback and the rural regions, it does require a bit more attention, though, as it’s easy to go on the wrong side of the road if you are not used to left side driving. So take it easy, drive slowly and possibly only in the daytime. Here below are my best tips and and road trip advice.

• Drive on the left side consistently and on all Australian roads. I have been driving solo on many road trips, and driving on the left was easy to adjust. My advice is to use automatic rental cars. I recommend everyone willing to go on a self-driving trip. That will help you concentrate on the traffic flow and reduce distractions, i.e. getting used to the left-hand side gear.
• Stay on the slow lane , the most left lane on roads, and overtake on the right side. Passing lanes for short stretches of 1.5 km in Australian rural areas helps you let fast drivers pass.
• Give way to the right , also at roundabouts. In some regional Australia, you must beware of road conditions and roadworks. It can be not very clear at crossroads, T-intersections.
• Enter roundabouts clockwise in Australia ; there are many roundabouts in the countryside. By entering roundabouts on the left (clockwise), you give way to the right. However, Australians don’t like to slow down and tend to drive through the roundabouts very fast. So pay attention when approaching roundabouts. Times there are series of roundabouts within short driving distances, and some are real monsters with built-in smaller roundabouts and multiple exits.
• Beware of speed limits in Australia: they are 100-110 km (62-68mph) in most states. Northern Territory has a speed limit of 130 km (80 mph). Speed limit cameras and police checks are everywhere and in scarcely inhabited Outback roads where you wouldn’t expect to have cameras or police checks. The standard city speed limit is 60-50 km h (31-37mph).
• Don’t drink and drive in Australia – 0.05 bac is the blood alcohol driving limit, the same as in Europe. So beware of this because penalties and fines in Australia are high for drunk driving.

Road Signs in Australia

Australia’s natural environment represents the major attraction for travellers, but it is also concealed hazards that are often unknown to most people, especially overseas travellers. Not surprisingly, safety is a major concern of the local authorities across the entire country.

Fatigue has a huge impact on driving performance and is the major cause of all car accidents on Australian roads. Also, the danger of animal crossing the roads requires attention and high concentration while driving at night in Australia. Wildlife crossing the roads is common on Outback roads.

As soon as you drive out of town and more frequently in the Outback areas and nearby natural parks and forests, you will come across the unmistakable yellow warning signs with the black animals’ silhouette that warn you when approaching Australia’s natural parks and wilderness areas. And the number of injured Australian animals on the roadsides is tangible proof of the danger.

You can find plenty of informative material about Australian natural dangers and road hazards everywhere. At beaches, in national parks, on the roads, and in public places dotted with warning road signs.

What to know about Travel Distances in Australia

Here below our best advice and tips for diving adventures in Australia.

Australia is a top country of unique beauty and vastness. Its amazing, varied landscapes make it an ideal destination for road trips . However, it’s not easy to choose the right road trips, mostly because of Australia’s long driving distances and the many road hazards. No matter how you choose your Australian road trip, solo or with a travel companion, you prefer short road trips with exciting things to see along your way and more options for stopovers.

• Make sure you have a map of the travel distances . Calculate the driving route accordingly. Check the above chart of the distances between main cities in Australia.
• Pick a road trip destination with good road conditions . No rain or bad weather conditions. Ask for info and advice about the picked route before leaving for your destination.
• Let someone know about your road trip. No matter where you go. Either the local tourist office, the local police officers or the main road officers.
• Have a travel distance map . Distances are in km, and next to each field, it shows you the average time for driving those distances.
• Plan several breaks on all driving route . Avoid burnout. Planning many stops when driving in Australia is critical. Although traffic is almost unexisting in rural areas, long hours behind the wheel and remoteness make the long-distance drive challenging.
• Never drive if you are tired or feel drowsy . There is car parking on highways, and resting areas, in the Outback. Service stations or Roadhouses are the best places to stop for a cuppa or stay overnight.
• Don’t drive at night, dawn or dusk . When hiring a car, one of the first things that you will need to know of is that you are not allowed to drive at night in Australia. Also travel insurance will not cover you if you drive a rental car at night.
• Have a map of all Services Station . Petrol stations in Australia are called “Servos”, and are all self-service and take credit cards and debit cards. In rural areas and the Outback, there are only a few of them, with long distances in between. Keep your car topped up and fill up at every petrol station. This will give you peace of mind and help you stick to regular breaks from driving.
• Use a driving distance calculator. If you don’t have a printed-out map to help you figure out what to expect and evaluate potential driving routes, you can use a driving distance calculator like Google Maps. This gives you an idea of the route length and difficulty. Another great tool to help you calculate road distances with fuel usage and road conditions is this.
• Be sure your car is prepared. Many solo travellers in Australia feel overwhelmed when it comes to planning a road trip. With the right information and adequate preparation, you can nonetheless have a fantastic experience without having to be an expert driver nor using a four-wheel-drive car. Check car conditions, road and weather conditions. Be sure your car is prepared and in an excellent state for driving the route to your destination.

What to Pack when Driving in Australia

If you plan to hit the road in Australia, make sure you have all these essential packing items with you:

• A full water tank with at least 10-15 litres of pure water is no. 1 thing you should be packing into your car. Shop for food in the central town to be self-sufficient along your way or at least till your next destination. In rural and Outback areas there are few small shops. At service stations, you can buy some food but don’t expect to find as much as you find in town. It is also expensive to shop.
• Pack essential camping gear like: 1. A blanket, 2. A small gas-fired heater, 3. Headlights, 4. A warm jacket If your car breaks down at night, you will be safe.
• Phone coverage is not something you can take for granted in Australia . In a rural area, the internet is slow. And on long roads of isolated regions, there is no coverage at all. I followed the tip of my Aussie friend years ago, and since then, I only use a prepaid Telstra sim card. It’s the best. Telstra is Australia’s only phone and internet provider that can guarantee decent coverage. But still, don’t expect to have a phone connection in the middle of nowhere. That’s the downside of driving remote regions of Australia.

Tips for Travelling the Australian Outback

Driving in the Australian Outback needs even more attention than on normal roads. And it is by far the most challenging drive for international travellers. The major concern on the Outback roads is the high risk of wildlife crossing the roads, especially at night.

Here below 9 tips for driving safely in the Outback

If you love road-tripping, you will love driving the Australian Outback. This will be the most exciting part of your entire Australian Adventure. Here below, I have compiled a list of simple road safety tips for you to use when preparing to drive the Australian Outback:

• Seek the advice of the local police, tourism office and local national park rangers. Only access the Outback area if conditions allow it. Be sure you have an updated and detailed map.
• Check Road Conditions You can download one from the internet that you can use offline and bring a print-out of the map. Unsealed roads are exposed to high traffic and climate hazards like heavy rains, which cause bog holes, floods, washouts and corrugations.  Here below is a list of the websites where you can find reports about the Australian Road Conditions for each relevant area: Northern Territory and Central Australia Kakadu National Park Western Australia Roadworks Transport South Australia Queensland Road Conditions
• Check the weather conditions in advance and monitor the progress of local hazards like cyclones, fires and floods. Here are sites for you to check: Weather Conditions and Warnings Australia Weather Radar Images
• Ensure your 4WD vehicle is in peak condition. If a breakdown occurs, repair facilities are limited and can be costly. Make sure your vehicle insurance covers you throughout your trip.
• Have cash, not all service stations accept credit cards. Some service stations in the Outback close early at 5.00 pm, and many are not open at night and on Sundays and public holidays. You can download a fuel map to map out where petrol stations are along your driving route.
• Be Self-sufficient Carry a full range of spare parts, a vehicle workshop manual, and a full equipment recovery, first aid kit, communications and camping gear.
• Hire a satellite phone Learn how to use a satellite phone, and remember that mobile phone coverage is mainly limited to towns. Learn primary navigation, take a complete set of maps and GPS and know how to use them.
• Carry plenty of water: Three litres per person/day, food and fuel with you, including at least three days’ emergency supply. Remember that there are mostly no facilities in the outback, and even at the isolated fuel stations, their offer is limited.
• Take frequent breaks Stop and have often rest, and swap the drive. Do not underestimate the long distances. Fatigue from the long driving distances and wildlife on the roads are the most hazardous on the Australian Outback roads.
• Tell someone about your Outback itinerary—a friend or family, where you are heading and your plan.

A road trip to Uluru and driving across the Red Centre of Australia is a great way to start exploring the Outback.

Pin these photos for later!

First published in 2017 and last updated in August 2023

Go back to Australia Travel and Rocky Travel

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Michela Fantinel

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Keith Kellett March 26, 2014 @ 7:15 am

Not allowed to drive rentals at night? New one on me! I’ve rented several cars, usually from Hertz (Australia) & they’ve never said anything about that. (although they did say the insurance would be void if I took it offroad)

I would add, though … give roadtrains plenty of space. They take forever to stop, and take no prisoners! 😀

Rocky Travel March 26, 2014 @ 10:49 am

That’s correct, it’s not allowed to drive at night with a rental car! Beware if you do it and have an accident you are bound to pay the entire costs, as no travel insurance will cover you! Thanks for the tip with the roadtrains. 🙂

Keith Kellett December 29, 2015 @ 1:20 pm

I checked with Hertz in Adelaide when I rented a car from them last month. You CAN drive it after dark …. BUT you’re fully liable for any damage caused by hitting any wildlife.

Rocky Travel December 30, 2015 @ 11:16 am

Hi Keith, thanks for this update. I know that some car rentals companies allow you to drive at night, with this clause. I personally wouldn’t take the risk. There is no travel insurance that will cover you, in case of a damage caused. So I think it is silly to take this risk, unless you really have an emergency I wouldn’t drive at night. 🙂

Agness July 20, 2017 @ 2:37 pm

Your tips are very useful and practical! This is an exceptional post!

Art July 22, 2017 @ 6:45 pm

Hey, Michela. Wow, these are very detailed tips. Excellent! These are very helpful, especially for the solo travellers. I would like to add that even if you’re accustomed to driving on the left side, it’s still advisable to be careful because you may encounter other drivers who are not used to it. Also, never forget the first aid kit, tools, and necessary car accessories such as an air compressor.The guys from westcoastsuspension were the ones who helped me with what I needed for my 4WD for our long drive. Hope that helps.

Sam August 26, 2017 @ 3:33 pm

Very useful tips, thank you for the info! 🙂

Linda Ballou June 21, 2018 @ 5:37 pm

I have a california u.s. license. Do I need an international license in addition to rent a car in Austalia? Who do I contact to get an international license? Thanks Linda

Rocky Travel June 21, 2018 @ 6:03 pm

Hi Linda, yes you can drive in Australia with your US driving license, (because it’s in English and regarded as a valid license), however only for three months and as a tourist. You can only drive vehicles that your license allows.

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Australia Route Planner & Australia Mileage Calculator

The distances calculated by this route map tool are shown in miles as well as kilometres (km) and the calculated distances are for as the crow flies / straight line distance as well as the distance by road i.e. the Australian road mileage of the journey between postcodes / cities. This tool was developed using route mapping API and could easily be turned into a delivery cost calculator, Australian route planner or taxi fare calculator etc for visitors to your website to use... if this is of interest then contact Driving Distances.com now.

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Have a look at Australia travel distances on maps.  These will show you major towns and tourist destinations. Its a great way to plan your Australia trip. Be aware that it is a long drive between most Australian cities. Generally, you’ll be spending a lot of time on the road. The distance from Cairns to Perth travelling south then west along Highway 1 is approximately 7,200 kilometres or 4,450 miles. The roads can be long and straight, with very little to see on the way. If you’re in Australia for a short time, the best strategy is to take domestic flights to each major region. Just pick up a rental car in each area and start exploring.  You’ll save so much time and energy.

In most States of Australia, the maximum speed limit on freeways and major highways is 100 kph (approx 62 mph) and local urban limits range from 50 – 80 kph (approx 30 – 45 mph). In the Northern Territory a 110km/h speed limit applies on all rural roads on highways. All speed limits are clearly marked and all States operate sophisticated speed detection equipment including mobile and static speed cameras along with Red light cameras. Any fine incurred in Australia is the responsibility of the driver.

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Should you decide to explore the outback of Australia, do seek out local advice on where you intend to go.  Take plenty of drinking water and let people know of your travel plans. If your vehicle does break down in a remote area, do NOT attempt to walk. Generally people who stay with their vehicles are located quickly and easily. Please note, that some rental suppliers limit the operation of their vehicles in the outback.

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Distance calculator. Distance between cities of Australia

Distances between australian cities, australian travel distances:, road distance between cities of australia by car.

Distance calculator with driving directions map of Australia is an everyday helper. Distance calculator is an online tool fro finding best driving directions between cities of Australia. These distances are displayed in kilometers and miles. You can calculate estimate distance between office and home. Speed distance will be calculated by formula, and travel route will be built between two points on map which you choose. Australia-map.com can calculate shortest route and find distance to city in Australia from other city.

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Build a distance map is very simple. For this, select the starting point and the destination city. If you are travelling to a new city, map will help you find the shortest distance, and not to get lost on the way. Road calculator will show more info which you need to know.

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Travel time is one of most important factors in journey. Plan the trip a lot easier if you know the time on the road from one city to another. Especially useful time calculator for business trips. Or, to calculate the exact time of arrival at the airport. Travel time calculator helps you find the best hotels, and see what tot do in Australian city. Spend each hour of journey usefully, do not waste your time in vain.

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If you want to calculate how far from home to office, driving distance calculator will help you find this length in kilometers and miles. You can also find where is first city and another. Just select two cities, and find out how far is your city by road by map and by air. Map distance calculator will help you not only find best distance, you will find how far you can drive in your trip.

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Planning a Trip to Australia? 10 Important Things to Know

M illions of visitors from North America, Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world flock to the land down under in search of their own adventures–whether its for the food, the amazing wildlife, the incredible views, or just the sheer size of the place, Australia is full of surprises! 

Whatever your reason for taking a trip to Australia, let’s talk about some of the things that will help you navigate your Australian experience as smoothly as possible.

Taking a Trip to Australia? What to Know

The seasons.

You might know this already, but since Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are reversed from the Northern Hemisphere. However, it’s not quite as simple as that. There’s a difference from the country’s south versus the north.

The best time to travel to southern Australia (Sydney, for example) is November to April, but that’s different when you’re visiting the north (like the Top End or the Great Barrier Reef) where this time of year is humid and soggy season. 

The bottom line is check out the weather for exactly where you’ll be staying on your trip to Australia and know what weather conditions to expect.

The feeling of being in the middle of nowhere

The gaps between major cities are incredibly far in Australia. Not only are they farther in the United States or Europe, there are also typically far fewer towns between them.

Once you’re out of any major city, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. Rather than an hour or two between cities or towns, it could be several, so plan accordingly, and keep a full tank of gas and any emergency supplies you’ll need in case your car breaks down.

The amazing natural areas

Australia is known for it’s natural beauty and for plant and animal species that are found nowhere else in the world.

As these plants and animals have become threatened by extreme weather events and humans encroaching into their habitats, Australia has made the decision to set aside at least 30% of its land mass for conservation in a bid to protect them.

There are literally thousands of national parks and conservation reserves in the country, so no matter where you are in Australia, exploring the country’s incredible landscapes should be easy.

Electric outlets are not like ours

It might seem like a small thing, but as you’re packing for a trip to Australia, it’s something you’ll need to keep in mind. The country uses differently-shaped electric outlets. They’re not like the British ones, nor are they American or European either.

Australia has their own special electric plug sockets, so, if you’re taking any small appliances, like curling irons, etc., just remember to buy electric outlet converters before your vacation.

Kangaroos, koalas, and other animals unique to Australia

Australia is home to animals found nowhere else on earth, including the koala, kangaroo, wombat, platypus, echidna, and others.

You may spot them in the wild, but it’s more likely that you’ll need to venture out to a reserve or nature park away from the city to see them.

Of course, there’s always a chance to spot a kangaroo or koala in any area outside the city.

Tipping isn’t a common practice

Hospitality workers in Australia are paid a whole lot better than in the US and many other parts of the world, so workers don’t necessarily expect tips and don’t rely on them to make a decent living.

That said, tipping is, of course, appreciated. If your budget allows, you can tip up to 10% of the bill , especially when in a group setting where more items are ordered and extra service is required.

Beer connoisseur? Go local

If you’re heading out to a bar in Australia, it’s best to go local when it comes to your choice of beer. Australia has a ton of great local brands as well as micro-breweries that are definitely worth trying. 

If you’re unsure about what to try or where to go, there’s no shortage of award-winning micro-breweries to choose from!

Mind the sun

You may know this already, but the sun is REALLY STRONG in Australia, so stock up on sunscreen, and respect the fact that you’ll probably get sunburned a lot quicker than you would back home. In fact, a sunburn can occur in as little as 15 minutes in the hot Aussie sun.

A high-SPF sunscreen, sun hat, and clothing and beach wear that protects your skin is your best bet if you plan to hit the beach—or spend any time outdoors. Don’t let a painful sunburn ruin your trip when it’s relatively easy to prevent.

The distances between every location

Many people make the mistake of trying to explore the entirety of Australia in a couple of weeks, not realizing that it’s a vast continent as well as a country.

Instead, it’s a better idea to choose two or three areas to travel extensively, and check them off your travel list. If you don’t, much of your visit will be spent traveling, not enjoying everything the country has to offer.  For example, did you know that it takes nine hours to drive from Sydney to Melbourne?

Driving in Australia 

Speaking of driving, Australians drive on the left side of the road, so if you’re coming from the United States, this is something you’ll have to get used to quickly.

Here are some other things to know about driving down under :

• Australia uses the metric system of distances and speeds.
• Australian cars are right-hand drive vehicles.
• In Australia, you can drive with a foreign (English language) license for up to three months. 
• Seat belts are required for all of a vehicle’s occupants, and these laws are strictly enforced. Children and babies must be restrained in an approved safety or booster seat, in some states up to seven years old.
• The blood alcohol limit is .05% throughout Australia, with zero limits for learners and drivers with provisional licenses in some states.
• In case of an accident involving injury or death, the police must be contacted, and the driver is legally required to render assistance. The penalties for leaving an accident scene can be severe. 
• Speed limits are clearly posted. A default 50km/hour speed limit applies in urban areas with street lights in the rare event that there is no other signposted limit.
• Speed cameras are used in all states and territories of Australia, with some states using hidden cameras. Point-to-point speed checks (over a certain distance) or aerial speed checks are also used in some places. There is no defined margin of tolerance for speeding. 
• Rental vehicle companies may ask you to take a short road rules test focused towards tourist requirements.
• Permits can be necessary to travel through aboriginal  communities and towns in certain remote areas. 
• As mentioned, drivers need to be prepared and self-sufficient before travelling through remote areas. Even on major regional roads, service stations may not be open overnight, so plan ahead when it comes to getting fuel.
• Many accidents occur at night due to the presence of native animals which become more active in the evenings, for this reason some car rental companies impose a curfew on driving after sunset in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

There you have it! Ten things to keep in mind before and during your trip to Australia. Is Australia on your wish list of places you’d like to visit–or may-be even live someday? Leave us a comment.

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16 things to know before going to Australia

Nov 3, 2023 • 10 min read

Follow these tips on health, safety, and etiquette for the best travel experience in Australia © John Crux Photography / Getty Images

As an Australian living in New York in my early 20s, I found myself fielding a wide range of questions about my home country.

Some were amusing, others were downright bewildering: “Do you ride kangaroos to school?” “Are there drop bears in the woods?” “Are Australian dollars really called ‘dollarydoos’?” 

Australia can feel like an enigma, particularly for foreign travelers. It's a land filled with myths and misconceptions that could fill volumes, and the idea of Australia being a homogenous country is far from accurate. In reality, it's a diverse mix of cultures and ethnicities, with a rich Indigenous history spanning tens of thousands of years. Australian cities are multicultural hubs and most Australians live in vibrant urban centers – a sharp contrast to the rugged Crocodile Dundee  stereotype.

This abundance of misinformation can make it challenging to prepare for a trip Down Under. To help you separate fact from fiction and ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit, here's a local’s guide to Australia and its people, including top tips on health, safety and etiquette.

1. There is no “right” time to visit Australia

Australia is almost as big as the United States, with everything from lush rainforests to snowy alps. Our weather varies significantly depending on where you are in the country and the time of year. The Northern Territory’s Top End remains hot year-round, with only two distinct seasons (the “wet” season and the “dry” season). In contrast, New South Wales experiences everything from blisteringly hot days during the summer to sub-zero temperatures during the winter. Even the Red Centre’s temperatures range from 3°C (37°F) to over 40°C (104°F) throughout the year.

Each state and region dances to its own climate tune, so think regionally when considering the best time for your visit  and pack accordingly. To catch Uluru at its best, for example, opt for cooler months (between May to September) to avoid walking the base on a scorching day. In Tasmania , coastal heaths bloom from late October to early November, while food festivals are held from March to May. Winter is when Tasmania and the mountainous regions of New South Wales and Victoria experience snowfall. Meanwhile, visitors might find themselves cooling off in ocean waters along the East Coast year-round. 

2. You’ll need to save money for your dream Australian holiday

Australia isn't known for being budget-friendly, particularly in cities such as Melbourne and Sydney. Iconic experiences like four-wheel driving across K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) or snorkeling on the  Great Barrier Reef can be expensive, with tours and experiences costing hundreds of dollars per person.

However, smart planning and a clear budget can help you make the most of your money. Many of Australia's top outdoor attractions are free; from scenic drives along the Great Ocean Road to swimming at Bondi Beach .

3. If you want to see a kangaroo, get out of the city

Kangaroos aren't a common sight on bustling city streets – but you don’t necessarily have to “go bush” to see them. Instead, you'll find them in suburban areas including on golf courses, where they love to congregate on the links.

However, most kangaroo encounters usually happen during hikes or on road trips through regional landscapes, especially at dusk and dusk when they’re most active. Farm stays are also a great option if you want to see more of Australia’s wildlife . (And before you ask: Yes, you can eat kangaroo. It’s delicious.)

4. Australia is home to the oldest continuous living culture in the world

Australia's Indigenous population includes both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders . This population is not a single group, but rather a rich tapestry of  hundreds of distinct groups or “nations,” each with their own languages, histories, and cultural traditions. Translation? Not every group plays the didgeridoo or uses a boomerang.

During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the traditional landowners, with Aboriginal museums and art galleries dotted across the country. Indigenous-led tours – including those that are part of the  Discover Aboriginal Experiences collection – are a great way to learn more.

5. Be prepared to talk to strangers on the train

Aussies are incredibly friendly and enjoy a good chat. You might find someone starting a conversation with you on a train or even stopping you on the street for a quick “chinwag.”

Australians are also known for their courtesy and manners. They'll hold doors open and if you're in their way, they'll step aside. As a visitor, it's important to be mindful of your surroundings and return the favor by holding a door or an elevator – a small gesture that means a lot.

6. The Great Barrier Reef is vulnerable – but it’s not “dead”

The Great Barrier Reef – arguably Australia’s most iconic attraction – made headlines in 2016, when reports claimed it was “dead” following coral bleaching events.

There’s no question that climate change has had an adverse effect on the Great Barrier Reef . In addition to increasing water temperatures, the vulnerable ecosystem has also been impacted by pollution from land run-off and the increasing severity and frequency of cyclones. 

However, the Great Barrier Reef is more resilient than you think. It’s also far from lifeless. If you dive into the water, you may see evidence of bleaching events, but you’re just as likely to see colorful corals teeming with life. Increasingly, visitors can also get involved in reef restoration, including by participating in citizen science surveys such as  Eye on the Reef.

7. Walking around barefoot is normal

Be prepared to see many Aussies strolling around barefoot, even in cities and public places, such as grocery stores, cafes and hardware stores.  

Why? It all comes down to beach culture, which has a way of spilling over into everyday life, whether there’s sand and salt water present or not. 

8. Keep a sense of perspective about crocs, snakes and spiders

Despite the famous belief that all wildlife Down Under is out to get you, a 2017 study conducted by Melbourne University researchers found that horses have caused more deaths in Australia than all the venomous creatures – including snakes and spiders – combined.

The reality is that crocodiles aren't wandering the streets (they’re only found along coastlines and waterholes in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland) and you’re more likely to encounter possums and harmless insects in buildings. Just be cautious of swooping magpies if you're in parks between August and October. This is when they’re breeding and are protecting their eggs or newly hatched chicks. 

9. Restaurant kitchens close between 3pm and 5pm 

Australia's urban and rural areas have their own life rhythm. In cities, restaurants tend to wrap up service by 11pm, but it's as early as 8pm in rural areas. Nightclubs and bars close around 2am.

What catches many travelers off-guard is that there's also a mid-afternoon dead zone between 3pm and 5pm, when the majority of cafes and restaurants are closed. Even the kitchens in pubs may not do food service at this time. If you’re after something to eat between these hours, fast food is your friend.

10. You don't need to tip in Australia

Australia's minimum wage is higher than in many countries. (At the time of writing, the national minimum wage is $23.23 per hour.) As a result, tipping isn’t customary in Australia, as all service charges are already factored into the cost of your meal. However, if you genuinely wish to show appreciation for outstanding service, tipping is at your discretion.

11. Australians speak an entirely different kind of English

Australians are renowned for their own unique take on the English language and you’re going to encounter a lot of slang from locals. Regional variations also exist, so if you meet someone from outback Queensland , they’re going to sound a little different to someone from Brisbane .

“Arvo” (good afternoon) is not to be confused with “avo” (avocado). You buy booze from the “bottle-o” and get “petty” (petrol or gas) from the “servo” (service station). Many words are abbreviated, with an “o” or “ie” added to the end. Endearing terms like “mate” are also common, but phrases you likely won’t hear (from anyone under the age of 60, at least) are “crikey” or “fair dinkum.” 

One thing you will hear? Colorful language. Don’t be surprised or take offense if you catch an Australian dropping a swear word during a chat. It’s normal.

12. Meat pie, Vegemite and chicken salt are must-try foods

Australia lacks a single defining cuisine, but few things are as quintessentially Aussie as tucking into a steaming meat pie, traditionally served in a paper bag with a generous squeeze of tomato sauce (ketchup). It's a deliciously messy experience and an integral part of Australian food culture .

Vegemite is also a must-have experience. Spread a thin layer (thin being very important) on toast for a salty kick. Speaking of salt, chicken salt on hot chips (fries) is a near-obligatory and delightful initiation for newcomers. This seasoning has been a popular add-on to fries since it was launched in Australia in 1979. (By the way, it’s usually vegan. There's no actual chicken in it; just a lot of MSG.)

13. Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef requires covering up

Are you excited about that cute holiday snap snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef? Don’t spend too much time selecting a bathing suit for photo ops as nobody will see it. 

That’s because from May to November, it's stinger (jellyfish) season in tropical north Queensland. You'll need to don a rather stylish stinger suit supplied by your tour boat operator, complete with a hood and mitten-like hand covers. It might look a bit peculiar, but it's your best defense against the venomous and often hard-to-spot irukandji and box jellyfish that lurk in the water. It's much better than the alternative – getting stung.

14. People walk on the left

On sidewalks, trails and stairs, sticking to the left helps maintain a smooth flow of foot traffic and prevents any awkward dance moves with strangers trying to pass. Some train stations have arrows to direct the flow.

This practice also aligns with Australia's left-hand driving tradition. According to the UK’s National Motor Museum, driving on the left may have emerged as a safety measure, particularly when the main road hazard was highway robbery. Travelers would pass oncoming strangers on their right side, keeping their sword arm toward the passer-by. (Don't worry, you won't be jousted in Australia.)

15. The Outback can be unforgiving

Don't underestimate the harshness of the Australian Outback . Although it covers roughly 70% of the Australian continent, only around 5% of the population lives there. For those unprepared for its remote conditions, it can also present danger. A broken-down car, for example, could lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration, or worse.

So, if you're planning an independent outback road trip – to the Nullarbor Plain or  Flinders Ranges , for example – do your homework and prepare for anything and everything. Stock up on water, go slow (especially on gravel roads), and let someone know your plans because the phone signal is spotty at best. For added safety, consider a personal locator beacon to instantly alert emergency services in case of trouble. If that sounds daunting, countless tour operators are pros at taking tourists – safely – through these iconic landscapes.

16. Beware of dangerous currents when swimming in the ocean

The primary danger for swimmers at Australian beaches isn't the wildlife; it's the perilous underwater currents known as “rips.” Rip currents have the potential to pull swimmers out to sea and are typically found in areas with underwater sand banks that obstruct the free flow of water back to the shore.

Not every beach is patrolled by lifeguards, so it's best not to risk it if you're not a confident swimmer. Just dip your ankles in for the same feeling.

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