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Travel to Australia: Tips and Information 2024 Guide
Everything you need to know about planning travel to Australia in our epic destination guide.
Australia is a vast and bountiful country that offers beauty, leisure and adventure at every turn.
It consists of not only gorgeous and unique landscapes and wildlife, but also the famous outback culture, quirky small towns and well-developed coastal cities making travel to Australia a must.
Road trips are a great way to see the country. The same vastness that makes a road trip across Australia seem daunting is the very reason to explore it by vehicle.
Wildlife is one of the main reasons to travel to Australia. Approximately 90% of the animals that are native to Australia cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Australia is also known for its world-class beaches . Whether you want to soak in the sun, catch a few waves or snorkel or scuba dive, there is plenty to do along the nearly 40,000 km of coastline!
And, of course, you could spend days or weeks exploring the stunning landscape of the Australian Outback .
In case you couldn’t tell, there are plenty of reasons to travel to Australia.
Now let us help you plan your trip!
There are so many exciting things happening in Australia right now, and it really is one of the biggest bucket list destinations on the planet! If you have any questions about travelling Australia that aren’t answered in this guide feel free to drop us an email.
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25 Amazing Things to Do in Australia (2024 Edition)
Getting around magnetic island – ‘how to’ transportation guide, the ultimate guide to the best magnetic island beaches and bays, travelling in australia: at a glance.
Here are the basics of travel to Australia.
OTHER MAIN CITIES:
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
Australian Dollar. 1 beer = $8-9AUD (See current exchange rates )
ENTRY / VISA:
You will need a visa to travel to Australia unless you are a citizen of New Zealand. Most travellers to Australia will qualify for a free visa entitling them to stay in the country up to one year. Be sure to check this list of these eligible countries to determine if you can apply online for your 3 month travel visa.
Generally speaking Australia is regarded as a very safe country. The crime rates are pretty low and most crime against tourists is petty theft. In big cities such as Sydney and Melbourne you should take the usual precautions.
ELECTRICITY:
The standard voltage is 230V at 50 Hz frequency. Socket Type 1 (Be sure to get your universal travel adapter before you leave)
TRANSPORTATION:
Australia is huge. So you will likely travel by a combination of domestic flights, trains and buses. Although rental cars are great options for exploring Australia.
Important Note! Before you book any international trip, we honestly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know when things will go wrong, and medical bills can add up quickly if you get sick or injure yourself overseas.
Our personal recommendation based on our own experience is World Nomads .
![australia travel guide World Nomads Quote](https://www.nomadasaurus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/World-Nomads-Quote-Image.jpg)
Top 5 Travel Experiences in Australia
With so much to see and do in Australia , it really is hard to pick the top experiences.
However, we think that to truly appreciate Australia you need to plan to add these 5 activities to your itinerary.
Go Snorkelling/ Diving
The underwater world is at its finest in the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you are certified to dive, prefer to snorkel or just want to experience the largest reef in the world by boat, a trip to the Great Barrier Reef should be near the top of your list of things to do when travelling in Australia.
Snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef .
![australia travel guide Cradle Mountain Places To Visit In Tasmania](https://www.nomadasaurus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Cradle-Mountain-Hike-1024x684.jpg)
Hike Incredible Landscapes
Whether taking an excursion to Tasmania or a day trip to one of the many beautiful national parks, there are many great hikes to do throughout Australia.
Hike throughout Tasmania !
![australia travel guide Australia Travel Tips](https://www.nomadasaurus.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Australia-Travel-Tips-1024x783.jpg)
Take an Epic Roadtrip
Australia is ripe for driving expeditions. Whether you are a hardcore overlander, prefer to drive by rental car or want to experience van life at its finest, Australia offers some of the best road trips in the world. Drive along the Great Ocean Road, head inland to Uluru or pick any two towns and drive.
Tour the most famous Australian road trip along the Great Ocean Road .
![australia travel guide Surfing Winter Sydney](https://www.nomadasaurus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Sydney-Surfing-1024x767.jpg)
Catch a Wave
Bondi Beach is world-famous for its picturesque sand and clear blue water. Catch a wave on a surf or bodyboard or simply enjoy the beach for what it is. If you really want an experience world-class waves to surf your way up the Gold Coast.
Take a surf lesson at the famous Bondi Beach:
![australia travel guide Backpacking In Sydney](https://www.nomadasaurus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/australia-1281935_1280-min-1024x768.jpg)
View Sydney from Above
Sydney Harbour is one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Check out the busy city and bustling harbour by climbing to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The views of the city are sure to not disappoint!
See it all in this one-day Sydney itinerary .
Other Things to do in Australia
Swim with whale sharks . The Ningaloo Reef is the best place to swim with the gentle giants of the sea. A trip of this kind is not soon to be forgotten!
Explore the Blue Mountains . Just an hour outside of the busy streets of Sydney and you’ll find yourself surrounded by pristine wilderness .
Head out on a vineyard tour . Australian wine is some of the best in the world and you can sample several as your tour Margaret River .
Go Whale Watching. It is mystical and spiritual to encounter massive whales in the wild. Enjoy an experience from Hervey Bay among others in Australia.
Skydive . Sure you won’t see the entire country. But if you skydive at one of the most popular places in Australia you will see Rottnest Island and the beautiful surrounding waters.
Climb Mount Kosciuszko . This mountain in mainland Australia’s tallest peak at just over 2,200 meters. Add it to the list of continental peaks you have to summit.
Sail around the Whitsunday Islands . These islands are among the most diverse in the world offering rainforest hikes, white sandy beaches and the Great Barrier Reef. Touring these islands is an absolute must.
Take the train across the country . Splurge on a little scenic luxury trip and enjoy the countryside of Australia as you zip around the country, er continent.
Take a tour of Kangaroo Island . The island is Australia’s third-largest and taking a tour will reveal that it is home to a variety of animal species and a vast wilderness to explore .
Visit Wineglass Bay . There are many reasons to visit Tasmania and Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park is among the top. Be sure to give yourself enough time to explore the other great places to see in Tasmania .
Search for pearls in the sea . So you may not find any of your own, but Broome has a thriving pearl industry in its pristine waters and you are welcome to dive into the experience of making the world your oyster.
Hike the Larapinta Trail . This trail is among the top trails in all of the world and traverses the Northern Territory out of Alice Springs. Be sure to hike this trail as it is growing in popularity year after year.
Visit the Sydney Opera House . Perhaps the most iconic image of Australia, aside from a cuddly koala or kangaroo, that you can tour or take photos of from seemingly anywhere in Sydney.
Be Sure to Check Out These Other Amazing Things to do in Australia
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Best Places to Visit in Australia
There are plenty of amazing places to visit in Australia. Depending on your interests, trip duration and time of year you will find plenty of things to do during any length of stay.
Narrowing down the best places to travel in Australia is difficult. From picturesque beaches to arid desert, Australia offers a wide range of places to visit and things to see and do.
Here are our top 5 places to visit in Australia.
Here is where you will find Australia’s most famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera, the Harbour Bridge and its surrounded by plenty of national parks if you want a change from the city scenery.
Be sure to add these things to do in Sydney to your itinerary.
![australia travel guide Great Barrier Reef, Things To Do In Cairns](https://www.nomadasaurus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/great-barrier-reef-261720_1280-1024x768.jpg)
The capital of Queensland and one of Australia’s largest cities, Brisbane is a highly sought after destination for those coming Down Under. The city is rich with history, a vibrant food scene, beautiful views and so much to do.
Start planning with these awesome things to do in Brisbane .
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Uluru is located in the centre of the country and is unique for being very isolated. Known for natural wonders such as the massive monolith Ayers Rock, Uluru is full of spectacular scenery and beautiful landscapes.
See our guide on the top things to do in Uluru .
![australia travel guide Twelve Apostles Adventure Activities In Australia](https://www.nomadasaurus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Twelve-Apostles-on-the-Great-Ocean-Road-1024x683.jpg)
Of all the cities in Australia, Melbourne is seen as the cultural one. It is full of international visitors and residents, which is surely a testament to its attractive vibe. The city is equally adored by patriotic Melbournians; they will be the first to tell you how amazing it is, and they are usually happy to impart details of their favourite spots.
Spend the perfect 3 days in Melbourne with this itinerary.
![australia travel guide Mt Field National Park Tasmania](https://www.nomadasaurus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mt-Field-National-park-1024x684.jpg)
Tasmania is especially well known for its natural beauty in breathtaking Freycinet National Park, the Bay of Fires and Cradle Mountain. Simply put, there are so many things to do in Tasmania!
Plan your trip with the best 2-week Tasmania itinerary .
For more information on specific things to do in the top places to visit in Australia, reference our following city travel guides:
* City Guide * Itinerary * Day Trips
* City Guide * Itinerary * Day Trips
* City Guide * Itinerary * Day Trips
* State Guide * Places to Visit * Itinerary * Camping Guide
Gold Coast Adelaide Cairns Byron Bay Broome Noosa Blue Mountains Airlie Beach Kangaroo Island
Hervey Bay Esperance Fraser Island Port Stephens Great Ocean Road Uluru Exmouth Margaret River The Whitsundays Darwin
Be Sure to Check Out These Other Awesome Places to Visit in Australia .
Best Australia Travel Itinerary
Australia is huge and offers so many opportunities to explore its vastness. It would be easy to spend weeks or months in any one part of the country.
So trying to see the whole of Australia might seem overwhelming.
Depending on how long you have to travel to Australia, where you plan to visit and what you plan to do, you have plenty of options.
We’ve put together a few Australia itineraries that are sure to leave you wanting for nothing at the end of your visit.
![australia travel guide Kangaroo Petting Australian Reptile Park](https://www.nomadasaurus.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Alesha-and-Kangaroo.jpg)
2-Week Australia Travel Itinerary Highlights
If you only have 2 weeks you’re going to have to choose which side of Australia to visit and you’re going to miss out on a lot. But that’s OK because you can always plan a return trip!
The more popular side will be New South Wales + Queensland on the eastern shore of the continent. However, there is also plenty to see in Western Australia as well.
3-Weeks to 1 Month Australia Travel Itinerary Highlights
If you have between 3 weeks and a month to explore Australia then you can combine both the New South Wales + Queensland and Western Australia loops with some reasonably priced domestic flights to connect you in the bigger cities.
Additionally consider adding on the following cities/activities:
6 – 8 Weeks + Australia Travel Itinerary Highlights
Most people who travel to Australia will spend approximately 2 months visiting the country.
If you are trying to get a taste of the entire country, the quickest and most thorough way to see the country would be to follow this itinerary.
Australia Trip Planning
Best time to visit australia.
Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere and thus has opposite seasons from most of the world. This can be confusing, so make sure to plan accordingly!
Additionally, the country is so large and offers such varied climates and landscapes that the weather you experience depends on the region and time of year in which you’re travelling.
If you are planning to travel to Australia during summer (December – February), know that this is the most popular time to visit Australia.
But during fall and spring, the tourism and temperatures fall off. This makes this time of year perhaps the most ideal time to visit any place in Australia.
You can still enjoy most of the outdoor activities for which Australia is known without dealing with the large crowds and expenses of the busy tourist season.
This is also an ideal time to explore the Australian Outback or to swim with whale sharks along the western coast.
If you are interested in winter sports, Australia also offers plenty of opportunities to ski and snowboard. You can find yourself in great ski slopes within a few hours of landing at the airport.
So really Australia has it all! Depending on what you would like to see and do, you can plan to travel to Australia at any time of the year!
Australia Travel Budget Guideline
Travelling in Australia is not cheap, and many people are unprepared how expensive Australia really is.
However, if you plan accordingly you can find ways to have an amazing experience while not breaking the bank.
Be prepared with these Australia travel tips so that you do not end up spending more money than you should.
Some of the average costs you can expect in Australia are as follows:
Note that transportation costs will vary by how much you intend to travel and these include budgeting for various domestic flights in addition to standard metro transportation.
![australia travel guide Australia’s Iconic Whitsunday Islands Are Simply Breathtaking.](https://www.nomadasaurus.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Whitsundays-things-to-do-australia.jpg)
Budgeting Tips:
Here are some of our tips for spending less when travelling in Australia:
- Cook as many of your meals as possible
- Use local transport when available
- Couchsurf or look for AirBnB deals ( use our link to get $35 off your first Airbnb stay )
- Seek free wifi in public places
- Get a pre-paid phone plan from a supermarket. Telstra has the best coverage outside of major cities, but they are also the most expensive.
- Work for your room – some hostels let you work a couple of hours daily in exchange for free room
- Drink less (tough, we know!). The average price of a pint in Australia is AUD$8 -$9 and they can quickly add up!
- WWOOF – is a program that connects young travellers with organic farms. You work in exchange for free accommodation and board.
But there are a few things you should know about the different budgets at which you can choose to travel.
Note: Budgets shown as Single Traveller / Couples per day.
Budget Traveller ($60-90 Single / $100+ Couples)
If you’re a backpacker and you stay in hostels, use local transport and cook many of your meals – you could plan to spend around AUD$60-90/per day.
Mid-Range Traveller ($100-200 Single / $150+ Couple)
Couples will share some expenses, such as accommodation, but will also incur more individual expenses.
To stay on a budget you will want to follow the general budgeting tips but also look to possibly purchase a used vehicle or campervan for longer trips to Australia.
This can combine your transportation and accommodation costs.
Luxury Traveller ($350+ Single / $500+ Couple)
You can spend as much as you want to spend when you travel to Australia.
It is likely the biggest difference in your budget will be upgrading your accommodation, adding a few extra drinks with your meals or nights out and catching flights around the country instead of overnight buses.
Getting to and Around Australia
As an island nation, Australia is most accessible from flights arranged from many of the larger cities of Europe, North America, Asia and South Africa.
But depending on where you are travelling from, expect to spend a fair amount on the plane ticket and quite a bit of time in the air.
Our best advice is to do research and buy your ticket as soon as possible. Booking several months in advance will provide you the most consistently lowest fares.
Additionally, major airlines offer seasonal promotions and occasional discounts so stay alert!
One of the best ways to make sure you get the best deal is to sign up for email alerts to receive special offers from airlines such as Qantas, Virgin Australia, United and Delta.
It is also a good idea to browse for flights in incognito mode. Or alternatively, you can clear the cache in your browser periodically.
Many travel sites will charge you higher fares if they know you are visiting their sites frequently to search for flights.
Google Flights also offers some of the best initial research for fares from your destination.
However, be sure to check fares directly with the airline as there may be unspecified fees and regulations not listed in the Google Flights results.
![australia travel guide Karijini Roads Western Australia](https://www.nomadasaurus.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Karijini-Roads-Western-Australia.jpg)
Entry Requirements
You will need a visa to travel to Australia unless you are a citizen of New Zealand.
Most travellers to Australia will qualify for a free visa entitling them to stay in the country up to one year.
Be sure to check this list of eligible countries to determine if you can apply online for your 3-month travel visa.
Getting Around Australia
Transportation in and around Australia is as varied as the country itself.
However, because it is so large you will likely experience a combination of transportation options wherever you plan to travel in Australia.
Australia has a fantastic domestic air network that allows you to connect to points all across the country. Some of the airlines that offer great deals to hop across the continent include:
- Virgin Australia
- Tiger Airways
The wide selection in airlines and routes offers fairly competitive prices especially when it comes to the Sydney-Melbourne leg of travel.
If you’re flying out to a remote destination such as Uluru, Hamilton Island or Darwin – your best bet is to book well in advance. But then still expect fares to be a little pricey.
If you have the time and want a truly unique experience you can cross the country aboard the Indian Pacific railway . Expect some of the best service, food and scenery you can imagine when travelling in Australia by train.
This is the only way to cross the country by train. However, it is very expensive.
Bus is the best way to travel in Australia on a budget. Greyhound buses operate in most of the capital cities and will connect you to pretty much anywhere in the country you would like to go.
The prices for intercity bus travel are modest. Additionally, many companies offer discounts for students.
The bus is also a great way to travel in many of the larger cities.
Not only can you cover a lot of ground by using the public bus system in places like Sydney, Melbourne and Perth but also it will save you quite a bit of money to spend on other things.
Rental Cars
If you’d like to travel in Australia at your own pace, renting a car is your best option .
However, it can be pricey especially if you plan to pick up the vehicle in one city and drop it in another.
But nothing will beat the freedom you have to go to the places you want to see and do them at your own pace.
If you are really into exploring the country with the most amount of freedom, consider renting a campervan .
Campervans combine the flexibility of driving at your own pace and itinerary with the freedom to stop and sleep pretty much anywhere along your journey.
Many campervans come fully equipped to be able to prepare your own meals and be self-sustainable for days on end as you explore the country.
Petrol prices vary, depending on where you are travelling from. For example, they are lower than those in the UK and Europe, but higher than in many places in North and South America.
One thing to keep in mind is that distances between places in Australia are large. So it is very likely that you will be driving long distances while travelling in Australia.
The same vastness that makes a road trip across Australia seem daunting is the very reason to explore it by vehicle. Some of the best attractions are only reachable via car because they are remote and well off the beaten path.
Depending on how much time you are willing to commit to driving across the country, you could take weeks or months to absorb the landscape, wildlife and culture of the Australian people.
The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.
Apps and Technology
Technology can help you stay safe and make the most of your travels to Australia.
Here are a few we think you should definitely acquaint yourself with prior to your travels:
- XE Currency – Transfer, monitor and calculate currency as the need arises. This app may not be totally necessary as you are typically tied into rates the banks charge for services. But it is handy to have around.
- Express VPN – This will protect your sensitive information wherever you travel – not just in Australia. Be sure to have this to keep your online information secure as you travel.
- The Happiest Hour – This app helps you find the best drink deals wherever you are travelling in Australia
- BeachSafe – Search every beach in Australia and know the hazards before you get in the water.
- Uber – Yep, you know what to use Uber for. Catch rides in any major Australia city for a fraction of taxi fares.
Best Things to Eat in Australia
Australia has a variety of dishes to represent the varied cultural and historical aspects of the country.
While known more for its beer than its food, there are several types of food that you do not want to miss when travelling in Australia.
Here are a few of the best options to explore:
The Lamington – This is the national cake of Australia. It is a square-shaped sponge cake that comes with chocolate icing and has coconut sprinkled all over it. Sometimes it has jam in the middle.
Vegemite on toast – Vegemite is a brown food paste that doesn’t look appetising at all. But Australians swear on it. It is most popularly used like jam on toast.
Grilled Kangaroo – While many people visit Australia to view wildlife such as kangaroo , it is also a pretty popular meal. While it tends to dry out so it’s usually cooked from rare to medium, it is delicious when served with rosemary, plums, oranges, peppers, juniper, garlic and red currant.
Meat pies – Meat pies are every Australian’s favourite childhood snack. It is nearly always on the menu, whether it be as an appetiser at a restaurant, house party or sporting event. You’ll find meat pies usually served with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Fish & Chips – One thing is for sure, Australia has plenty of fresh, delicious fish to create this traditional meal. Regardless of what part of the country you visit, it’s likely you’ll find this plate anywhere in Australia to compliment a nice cold beer.
![australia travel guide Vineyards Outside Adelaide](https://www.nomadasaurus.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Vineyard-Adelaide-Australia-1024x682.jpg)
Places to Stay in Australia
Australia has a variety of types of accommodations for which you will find suitable for most budgets. In general, expect to pay more for a night in Australia than most other countries in the world.
But for what you are searching, it is likely you will find the perfect place and price.
Types of Accommodations
As in nearly all other places in the world, accommodation is Australia is varied and depends on your desires, budget and location.
When travelling in Australia you can find accommodation that ranges from bed and breakfasts to hotels, hostels and homestays.
Australian Bed & Breakfast & Guesthouses
You can find family-run guesthouses popping up all over Australia. They can vary a lot by style, from converted barns, bungalows to townhouses.
Rates vary as well depending on the location of the guesthouse and facilities offered.
They offer reasonably priced comfortable rooms and you can also enjoy the family feel, the home-cooked dinners and rely on information provided by the owners.
Hostels are the most popular way for budget travellers to find accommodation while travelling in Australia. However, they are no longer just for students and younger people.
Many hostels in the country offer the kind of amenities that attract people from all walks of life. Usually, they offer shared dorms, cooking facilities, communal area with TV, 24-hour reception and laundry facilities.
Additionally, hostels are a great way to meet people and learn about other places to visit and things to do in Australia.
Hotels can be considerably expensive in Australia. Even ones that are not deemed as luxury or boutique hotels can carry a pretty heavy cost.
If you’re looking for maximum comfort then staying in a hotel is the right choice. But be prepared to shell out for that comfort when travelling in Australia.
Camping & Caravan Parks
One of the most popular ways to see Australia is to travel by camper van.
Rent a camper or a caravan and you can go camping anywhere! Whether it be in national parks or outside of the city limits.
The best thing is that you will be able to experience the country more fully and save money that you’d otherwise spend on accommodation.
Another good option in recent years is AirBnB, and there are more and more amazing places popping up to stay for very affordable prices every day.
As is typical in many destinations where Airbnb accommodations are popping up, you’ll likely find great value and a little more personal space with an Airbnb stay.
If you’re looking for an awesome place to stay in the area, we personally love using Airbnb. If you’ve never used the platform before, sign up using this link to get USD$35 off your first booking .
Australia Travel Tips
General australia travel tips.
While there are many basic travel tips we suggest you use when travelling to Australia, there is also plenty of Australia-specific tips that will make your visit the best it can be.
Here are a few we recommend you consider as you plan your trip to visit Australia:
- Time . One of the most common mistakes that first time travellers make is trying to experience Australia within 2-3 weeks. This is a continent not just a country. It is best to choose just two or three areas to focus on your first visit. Otherwise, you will risk spending most of your holiday in transit.
- Cost . Australia is very expensive, make sure to either cut down your costs or apply one of our tips to get a decently priced accommodation – also make sure to bring twice as much money than how much you originally intended to.
- Tipping . Tipping for services in Australia is not mandatory and most of them are not used to it. Only tip if you exceptionally enjoyed the service.
- Sun Protection . The sun is very harsh – pack a lot of sunscreens!
- Distances . The distances between major cities are bigger than in Europe or the US. Once you’re out of the city you already feel like you’re in the wild!
- Seasons . Australia is in the southern hemisphere which means that all seasons are completely opposite of the northern hemisphere. That’s true for the southern part of the country but not the north. Which in returns means that it’s ideal to visit Sydney from November – April but it’s the exact opposite if they want to visit the Great Barrier Reef!
READ MORE: Our comprehensive list of Australia travel tips to make your journey safer, more enjoyable and more affordable!
Australia Packing List
We always travel with a core packing list wherever we go. And when it comes to Australia, many factors will affect what else you need to bring along with you.
Check out our travel essentials and be sure to add any of the other additional items listed below.
Staying Safe in Australia
Generally speaking, Australia is regarded as a very safe country.
The crime rates are pretty low and if by any chance tourists end up being victims of crime it’s usually a case of pickpocketing.
In big cities such as Sydney and Melbourne you should take the usual precautions:
- Do not walk alone at night in poorly lit areas
- Don’t leave your valuables unattended
- Don’t carry your wallet in your back pocket
The biggest danger when travelling in Australia actually comes from natural hazards and animals.
Every year dozens of tourists drown on one of Australia’s busy beaches because of strong waves and riptides. Wildlife attacks account for a handful more incidents.
But in general, you should feel very safe when you travel to Australia.
![australia travel guide A Sunset On The Beach Is The Best Ending For A Day In Jervis Bay.](https://www.nomadasaurus.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Jervis-Bay-Sunset-Australia.jpg)
Medical System in Australia
The public health care system in Australia is called Medicare. Australian hospitals are renowned for world-class medical facilities and the highest standards of care.
The Australian government has Reciprocal Healthcare Agreements with a couple of countries which allow travellers access to subsidised health services.
Since there’s always a risk from natural hazards, dangerous animals and simple accidents while exploring the country, it is always advised to buy travel insurance.
Travel insurance will cover loss, theft, accidents and various medical problems.
It is especially recommended if you plan on doing activities that carry a certain degree of risk such as scuba diving, travelling to remote areas, bushwalking etc.
Staying Connected in Australia
Staying connected in Australia is harder than you think it would be. The country is known for abysmally slow internet.
So if you’re trying to keep up with work while you are on the road, it may be a bit difficult.
But there are definitely economical ways to stay connected while you travel in Australia.
We feel like your money will go a lot further if you consider a few other options.
Good Idea: Rent a Portable WiFi Device
There are a variety of portable WiFi device rental companies throughout Australia.
Most plans include unlimited data use – although this is typically limited 4G which then reduces to 3G after some small consumption.
Remember that the internet in Australia is notoriously slow so be patient and prepared to spend around $5 -$10 per day for the services.
Reserve your mobile WiFi device .
Better Idea: Access Free WiFI
One of the best, and certainly the most affordable, ways to stay connected when you travel to Australia is by taking advantage of the many free WiFi hotspots throughout the country.
Of course, these are most commonly found in densely populated cities and at private establishments like McDonald’s.
But if you time your desire to surf the web with the need to grab a bite to eat or a cup of joe then it will still likely work out cheaper than either purchasing a SIM card or renting a mobile WiFi device.
Best Idea: Purchase a SIM Card
SIM Cards make staying connected during international travel much easier. You can purchase prepaid SIM cards in Australia to use in any unlocked mobile device.
These will give you the greatest flexibility in staying connected while you travel.
Purchase a SIM card today .
Be a Responsible Traveller in Australia
As with most countries, when travelling to Australia there are several things you can do to be a responsible traveller.
Consider the following:
- Mind your use of plastics. This includes straws, bags and bottles. Consider carrying a reusable straw, waterbottle and bags for shopping.
- Buy local. Supporting smaller merchants helps local economies.
- Choose sustainable tour operators. This is especially true for all tours into nature preserves, those that deal with animals, or those that will take you to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef.
- Leave it better than you found it. Pack out any of your waste, mind the local rules, stay on trails and don’t touch or feed the wild animals.
- Avoid activities that involve touching wild animals. If a tour has to. pursue an animal in the wild, it is likely presenting more harm and discomfort to the animal than if you are approached by the animal.
Books to Read About Australia
You’ve seen Crocodile Dundee and think you know everything about Australia? Chances are you don’t!
But even if you are well-read, here are a few suggestions that might be worth your time while you’re on the plane to Australia.
- The Songlines (Bruce Chatwin) – Set in the Australian Outback, this novel documents the source of the “Dreaming Tracks” of the Aborigines. Buy here .
- The Secret River (Kate Grenville) – Historical fiction about the settlement of New South Wales by an English convict in the early 1800s as part of his sentence. Buy on Amazon .
- In A Sunburned Country (Bill Bryson) – Half scientific, half anecdotal account of the famous writer who set out to explore all of the wilderness of life in Australia. Buy on Amazon .
- The True History of the Kelly Gang (Peter Carey) – A historical fiction tale about the famous Ned Kelly from the perspective of letters written to his young daughter while he was on the run. Buy on Amazon .
- The Harp In The South (Ruth Park) – An Australian classic about life in Sydney during the Great Depression. Buy on Amazon.
Booking Resources
I know, I know – we’ve already mentioned these resources a bunch in this travel guide.
But here’s the thing… we know you’re going to want and need these resources to help you save money and have a more enjoyable trip!
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!
Table of Contents
Read our australia posts, grampians walks – ultimate guide to the best hikes [2024], the 18 best lamington national park walks, queensland, the 6 best nsw road trips – epic drive itineraries [2024 edition], 7 day gold coast itinerary (2024 guide), the perfect sydney itinerary for 3-5 days, the ultimate western australia road trip itinerary, mt field national park – travel guide and itinerary [2024], the ultimate travel guide to the tasman peninsula [2024], queensland road trips – 11 best drive itineraries [2024], the perfect 1, 2 or 3 week australia itinerary [2024], climbing mount kosciuszko – the roof of australia, the ultimate guide to the 10 best kiama beaches.
![Zebedee Springs, The Kimberley, Western Australia © Tourism Australia Zebedee Springs, The Kimberley, Western Australia © Tourism Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/travel-inspiration/australia-recommends-best-places-to-visit/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Australia Recommends 2024
![Sydney, NSW © Tourism Australia Sydney, NSW © Tourism Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/travel-inspiration/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Come and Say G'day
![Uluru, NT Uluru, NT](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/gday-the-short-film/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
G'day, the short film
![Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Victoria © Tourism Australia Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Victoria © Tourism Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/discover-your-australia/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Discover your Australia
![Kangaroo Island, South Australia © Tourism Australia Kangaroo Island, South Australia © Tourism Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/travel-inspiration/australia-travel-videos/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Travel videos
![Elysian Retreat, Whitsundays, QLD © Tourism Australia Elysian Retreat, Whitsundays, QLD © Tourism Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/deals-and-travel-packages/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Deals and offers
![Jacarandas and Sydney Harbour at sunset, Sydney, NSW © Destination NSW Jacarandas and Sydney Harbour at sunset, Sydney, NSW © Destination NSW](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/sydney-and-surrounds/guide-to-sydney/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Australian Capital Territory
![Bondi, Sydney, NSW © Georges Antoni and Ken Butti Bondi, Sydney, NSW © Georges Antoni and Ken Butti](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/new-south-wales/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
New South Wales
![West MacDonnell Ranges, NT © Tourism Australia West MacDonnell Ranges, NT © Tourism Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/northern-territory/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Northern Territory
![Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, QLD © Tourism Australia Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, QLD © Tourism Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/queensland/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
South Australia
![Cradle Mountain, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, TAS © Pierre Destribats Cradle Mountain, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, TAS © Pierre Destribats](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/tasmania/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Western Australia
![Aerial shot of Emily Bay on Norfolk Island © Rose Evans (Norfolk Island Tourism) Aerial shot of Emily Bay on Norfolk Island © Rose Evans (Norfolk Island Tourism)](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/external-territories/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
External Territories
![Bondi Beach, Sydney, NSW © Daniel Tran Bondi Beach, Sydney, NSW © Daniel Tran](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/sydney-and-surrounds/guide-to-bondi/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
The Whitsundays
![Kangaroo, Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park, WA © Tourism Western Australia Kangaroo, Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park, WA © Tourism Western Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/perth-and-surrounds/guide-to-esperance/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Mornington Peninsula
![Paddleboarding, Noosa, QLD © Tourism and Events Queensland Paddleboarding, Noosa, QLD © Tourism and Events Queensland](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/brisbane-and-surrounds/guide-to-noosa/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Port Douglas
![Cape Byron Lighthouse, Byron Bay, NSW © Destination NSW Cape Byron Lighthouse, Byron Bay, NSW © Destination NSW](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/sydney-and-surrounds/guide-to-byron-bay/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Ningaloo Reef
![Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Coast, QLD © Tourism Whitsundays Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Coast, QLD © Tourism Whitsundays](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/whitsundays-and-surrounds/guide-to-airlie-beach/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Airlie Beach
![Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island, South Australia. © South Australian Tourism Commission Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island, South Australia. © South Australian Tourism Commission](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/adelaide-and-surrounds/guide-to-kangaroo-island/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Kangaroo Island
![The Basin, Rottnest Island, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia The Basin, Rottnest Island, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/perth-and-surrounds/guide-to-rottnest-island/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Rottnest Island
![Lake McKenzie, K’gari (Fraser Island), QLD © Tourism & Events Queensland Lake McKenzie, K’gari (Fraser Island), QLD © Tourism & Events Queensland](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/brisbane-and-surrounds/guide-to-kgari/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Hamilton Island
![Lord Howe Island, NSW © Trevor King, Destination New South Wales Lord Howe Island, NSW © Trevor King, Destination New South Wales](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/sydney-and-surrounds/guide-to-lord-howe-island/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Lord Howe Island
![Tiwi Design, Tiwi Islands © Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught Tiwi Design, Tiwi Islands © Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/darwin-and-surrounds/guide-to-the-tiwi-islands/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Tiwi Islands
![Little penguins, Phillip Island Nature Park, VIC © Phillip Island Nature Park Little penguins, Phillip Island Nature Park, VIC © Phillip Island Nature Park](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/melbourne-and-surrounds/guide-to-phillip-island/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Phillip Island
![Bruny Island Paddle, Southern Sea Ventures, Bruny Island, Tasmania © Southern Sea Ventures Bruny Island Paddle, Southern Sea Ventures, Bruny Island, Tasmania © Southern Sea Ventures](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/hobart-and-surrounds/guide-to-bruny-island/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Bruny Island
![Cape Naturaliste, near Dunsborough, WA © Tourism Western Australia Cape Naturaliste, near Dunsborough, WA © Tourism Western Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/perth-and-surrounds/guide-to-margaret-river/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Margaret River
![St Hugo Wines, Barossa Valley, SA © Tourism Australia St Hugo Wines, Barossa Valley, SA © Tourism Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/adelaide-and-surrounds/guide-to-the-barossa-valley/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Barossa Valley
![Grampians National Park, Victoria © Robert Blackburn, Visit Victoria Grampians National Park, Victoria © Robert Blackburn, Visit Victoria](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/melbourne-and-surrounds/guide-to-the-grampians/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
The Grampians
![Audrey Wilkinson, Hunter Valley, NSW © Audrey Wilkinson Audrey Wilkinson, Hunter Valley, NSW © Audrey Wilkinson](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/sydney-and-surrounds/guide-to-the-hunter-valley/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Hunter Valley
![Sea turtle, Lady Elliot Island, Great Barrier Reef, QLD © Tourism & Events Queensland Sea turtle, Lady Elliot Island, Great Barrier Reef, QLD © Tourism & Events Queensland](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/brisbane-and-surrounds/guide-to-bundaberg/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
McLaren Vale
![Glass House Mountains, Sunshine Coast, QLD © Tourism and Events Queensland Glass House Mountains, Sunshine Coast, QLD © Tourism and Events Queensland](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/brisbane-and-surrounds/guide-to-the-glass-house-mountains/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Glass House Mountains
![Bubble Tents, Capertree, Mudgee Region, NSW © Australian Traveller Bubble Tents, Capertree, Mudgee Region, NSW © Australian Traveller](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/sydney-and-surrounds/guide-to-mudgee/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Alice Springs
![Cable Beach, Broome, Western Australia © Tourism Australia Cable Beach, Broome, Western Australia © Tourism Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/broome-and-surrounds/guide-to-broome/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Uluru and Kata Tjuta
![The Kimberley, WA © Tourism Australia The Kimberley, WA © Tourism Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/broome-and-surrounds/guide-to-the-kimberley/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
The Kimberley
![The Arkaba Walk, Elder Camp, Flinders Ranges National Park, SA © Adam Bruzzone, South Australian Tourism Commission The Arkaba Walk, Elder Camp, Flinders Ranges National Park, SA © Adam Bruzzone, South Australian Tourism Commission](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/adelaide-and-surrounds/guide-to-the-flinders-ranges/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Flinders Ranges
![Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu National Park, NT © Jarrad Seng, all rights reserved Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu National Park, NT © Jarrad Seng, all rights reserved](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/darwin-and-surrounds/guide-to-kakadu-national-park/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Kakadu National Park
![Eyre Peninsula, SA © David Edgar Eyre Peninsula, SA © David Edgar](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/adelaide-and-surrounds/guide-to-the-eyre-peninsula/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Eyre Peninsula
![Hamersley Gorge , Karijini National Park, WA © Tourism Western Australia Hamersley Gorge , Karijini National Park, WA © Tourism Western Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/perth-and-surrounds/guide-to-karijini-national-park/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Karijini National Park
![Monkey Mia, Shark Bay World Heritage Area, WA © Tourism Western Australia Monkey Mia, Shark Bay World Heritage Area, WA © Tourism Western Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/perth-and-surrounds/guide-to-monkey-mia/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Great Barrier Reef
![Blue Mountains, NSW © Destination NSW Blue Mountains, NSW © Destination NSW](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/sydney-and-surrounds/guide-to-the-blue-mountains/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Blue Mountains
![Cassowary in Daintree Rainforest, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland Cassowary in Daintree Rainforest, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/cairns-and-surrounds/guide-to-the-daintree-rainforest/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Daintree Rainforest
![Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, VIC © Greg Snell, Tourism Australia Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, VIC © Greg Snell, Tourism Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/melbourne-and-surrounds/guide-to-the-great-ocean-road/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Great Ocean Road
![Spicers Peak, Scenic Rim, QLD © Tourism and Events Queensland Spicers Peak, Scenic Rim, QLD © Tourism and Events Queensland](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/gold-coast-and-surrounds/guide-to-the-scenic-rim/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Purnululu National Park
![Boat Shed, Lake Dove and Cradle Mountain, Cradle-Mountain Lake St Clare National Park, TAS © Adrian Cook Boat Shed, Lake Dove and Cradle Mountain, Cradle-Mountain Lake St Clare National Park, TAS © Adrian Cook](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/hobart-and-surrounds/guide-to-cradle-mountain-lake-st-clair-national-park/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
![Wangi Falls, Litchfield National Park, NT © Tourism NT, Dan Moore Wangi Falls, Litchfield National Park, NT © Tourism NT, Dan Moore](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/darwin-and-surrounds/guide-to-litchfield-national-park/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Litchfield National Park
![Saffire Signature Experiences, Freycinet Marine Oyster Farm, Coles Bay, Freycinet National Park, TAS © Tourism Tasmania Saffire Signature Experiences, Freycinet Marine Oyster Farm, Coles Bay, Freycinet National Park, TAS © Tourism Tasmania](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/places/hobart-and-surrounds/guide-to-freycinet/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Aboriginal experiences
![National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, VIC © Robert Blackburn, Visit Victoria National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, VIC © Robert Blackburn, Visit Victoria](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/things-to-do/arts-and-culture/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Arts and culture
![WOMADelaide 2019, Adelaide, SA Ⓒ Grant Hancock WOMADelaide 2019, Adelaide, SA Ⓒ Grant Hancock](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/events/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Festivals and events
![Detour Restaurant, Brisbane, QLD © @detourrestaurant and @dine.agency Detour Restaurant, Brisbane, QLD © @detourrestaurant and @dine.agency](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/things-to-do/food-and-drinks/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Food and drink
![Raging Thunder, Tully, QLD © Tourism Australia Raging Thunder, Tully, QLD © Tourism Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/things-to-do/adventure-and-sports/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Adventure and sports
![Three Capes Track, Tasman National Park, TAS © Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service Three Capes Track, Tasman National Park, TAS © Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/things-to-do/walks-and-hikes/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Walks and hikes
![Great Ocean Road, VIC © Tourism Australia Great Ocean Road, VIC © Tourism Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/trips-and-itineraries/self-drive-itineraries/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Road trips and drives
![Waterline Charters, Wessel Islands, NT © Aussie Fly Fisher Waterline Charters, Wessel Islands, NT © Aussie Fly Fisher](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/things-to-do/adventure-and-sports/great-fishing-adventures/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Beaches and islands
![Nature's Window, Kalbarri National Park, WA © Tourism Australia Nature's Window, Kalbarri National Park, WA © Tourism Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/things-to-do/nature-and-national-parks/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Nature and national parks
![Wombat, Symbio Wildlife Park, Helensburgh, NSW © Destination NSW Wombat, Symbio Wildlife Park, Helensburgh, NSW © Destination NSW](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/things-to-do/wildlife/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Eco-friendly travel
![Group of friends participate in a body clay ritual at Peninsula Hot Springs © Peninsula Hot Springs Group of friends participate in a body clay ritual at Peninsula Hot Springs © Peninsula Hot Springs](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/things-to-do/health-and-wellness-experiences/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Health and wellness
![The Dune Pavilion Deck with views of Uluru at Longitude 131 in the Northern Territory © Baillies Longitude 131 The Dune Pavilion Deck with views of Uluru at Longitude 131 in the Northern Territory © Baillies Longitude 131](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/things-to-do/luxury/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Family travel
![Table Cape Tulip Farm, Wynyard, Tasmania © Tourism Australia Table Cape Tulip Farm, Wynyard, Tasmania © Tourism Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/things-to-do/family/top-family-destinations-australia/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Family destinations
![Hellfire Bay, Esperance, Western Australia © Tourism Australia Hellfire Bay, Esperance, Western Australia © Tourism Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/things-to-do/family/best-family-road-trips-in-australia/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Family road trips
![Merewether Baths, Newcastle, NSW © Destination NSW Merewether Baths, Newcastle, NSW © Destination NSW](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/youth-travel/backpacking-in-australia/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Backpacking
![Ellery Creek Big Hole, West MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Salty Aura Ellery Creek Big Hole, West MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Salty Aura](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/youth-travel/work-and-volunteer-in-australia/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Work and holiday
![Sand Dune Adventures at Stockton Beach, Port Stephens, NSW © Tourism Australia Sand Dune Adventures at Stockton Beach, Port Stephens, NSW © Tourism Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/youth-travel/working-holiday-visa/faq/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Beginner's guide
![Man in a wheelchair looking up at the canopy of the Daintree Rainforest in Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland Man in a wheelchair looking up at the canopy of the Daintree Rainforest in Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/facts-and-planning/getting-around/accessible-travel-in-australia/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Accessible travel
![Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney, NSW © Destination NSW Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney, NSW © Destination NSW](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/facts-and-planning/getting-to-australia/australia-trip-planner-tools-and-tips/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Planning tips
![australia travel guide australia travel guide](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/trip-planner/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Trip planner
![Cape Tribulation, Tropical North Queensland, QLD © Tourism Australia Cape Tribulation, Tropical North Queensland, QLD © Tourism Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/facts-and-planning/about-australia/australia-on-budget/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Australian budget guide
![Aerial of car driving through palm trees in Tropical North Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland / Sean Scott. Aerial of car driving through palm trees in Tropical North Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland / Sean Scott.](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/trips-and-itineraries/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Itinerary planner
![Kangaroo, Lucky Bay, Esperance, WA © Australia’s Golden Outback Kangaroo, Lucky Bay, Esperance, WA © Australia’s Golden Outback](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/facts-and-planning/planning-tools/find-a-travel-agent/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Find a travel agent
![Beach House on Wategos Beach, Byron Bay, NSW © Tourism Australia Beach House on Wategos Beach, Byron Bay, NSW © Tourism Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/facts-and-planning/planning-tools/find-accommodation/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Find accommodation
![Indian Pacific, Lake Hart, SA © Andrew Gregory Indian Pacific, Lake Hart, SA © Andrew Gregory](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/facts-and-planning/planning-tools/find-tours/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Find transport
![Snowy region, Jindabyne, NSW © DPIE-Murray Van Der Veer Snowy region, Jindabyne, NSW © DPIE-Murray Van Der Veer](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/facts-and-planning/about-australia/find-accredited-visitor-information-centres/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Visitor information centres
Deals and travel packages
![Sydney Airport, New South Wales © Sydney Airport Sydney Airport, New South Wales © Sydney Airport](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/facts-and-planning/visa-and-customs/australia-visa-and-entry-requirements-faqs/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Visa and entry requirements FAQ
![Passengers using SmartGate © Australian Border Force Passengers using SmartGate © Australian Border Force](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/facts-and-planning/visa-and-customs/australia-customs-and-biosecurity-faqs/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Customs and biosecurity
![Uluru, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, NT © Tourism NT/Matt Cherubino Uluru, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, NT © Tourism NT/Matt Cherubino](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/youth-travel/working-holiday-visa/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Working Holiday Maker visas
![Bronte Baths, Bronte Beach, Sydney, NSW © Tourism Australia Bronte Baths, Bronte Beach, Sydney, NSW © Tourism Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/facts-and-planning/about-australia/key-facts-about-australia/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Facts about Australia
![Prairie Hotel, Parachilna, SA © South Australian Tourism Commission Prairie Hotel, Parachilna, SA © South Australian Tourism Commission](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/facts-and-planning/about-australia/everyday-aussie-things-to-try/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Experiences that will make you feel like an Aussie
![Great Barrier Reef, QLD © Georges Antoni / Tourism Australia Great Barrier Reef, QLD © Georges Antoni / Tourism Australia](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/facts-and-planning/about-australia/the-aussie-way-of-life/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
People and culture
![Castle Hill, Townsville, QLD © Tourism and Events Queensland Castle Hill, Townsville, QLD © Tourism and Events Queensland](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/facts-and-planning/health-and-safety/faq/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Health and safety FAQ
![Sorrento Pier, VIC © Visit Victoria, Ewen Bell Sorrento Pier, VIC © Visit Victoria, Ewen Bell](https://www.australia.com/content/australia/en/facts-and-planning/weather-in-australia/jcr:content/image.adapt.800.HIGH.jpg)
Cities, states & territories
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Iconic places and attractions
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When is the best time to visit Australia?
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Seasonal travel
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Events and festivals
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School holidays
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Public holidays
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How to get to Australia's most iconic cities
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How long do I need for my trip to Australia?
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How to travel around Australia
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Guide to driving in Australia
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How to hire a car or campervan
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How to plan a family road trip
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How to plan an outback road trip
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Start planning your trip to Australia
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First trip to Australia?
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Weather in Australia
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Trips and itineraries
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3 - 6 day itineraries
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7 - 10 day itineraries
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Two-week itineraries
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Road trips and self-drive journeys
Frequently asked questions.
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Plan your trip
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Health and safety information
Make your holiday happen.
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Find transportation
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Getting around
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How to get to Australia's most iconic cities and destinations
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First timers guide to driving in Australia
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How to hire a car, campervan or 4WD in Australia
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How to plan a family road trip in Australia
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How to plan an Australian outback road trip
About australia.
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Why Australia is the best place to visit
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A handy guide to the Australian lifestyle
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Australian states, territories and capital cities
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History of Australia for the curious traveller
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More than most other countries, Australia seizes the imagination. For many visitors its name is synonymous with endless summers where the living is easy. This is where the adventures are as vast as the horizons and the jokes flow as freely as the beer – a country of can-do spirit and laidback friendliness. No wonder Australians call theirs the Lucky Country.
Interesting facts about Australia
Where to go in australia, best places to visit in australia, best time to travel to australia, australian life and culture, the outback, australia’s indigenous people, eccentric australia, gay and lesbian australia, travel ideas for australia, created by local experts.
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12 days / from 2900 USD
Explore Western Australia from Perth to Broome
Western Australia is the country's largest state, covering more than a third of Australia. This self drive itinerary allows you to explore sunny Perth, stunning national parks and waterfalls, the remote wild west outback, empty beaches and much more.
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16 days / from 3300 USD
Explore South Australia and the Northern Territory
Explore South Australia and the Northern Territory on this self-drive adventure. Start in Adelaide and make your way over the Ayers Rock, Kings Canyon, and Alice Springs to the Kakadu National Park and ultimately Darwin.
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23 days / from 4150 USD
Cross Western Australia to Darwin
Western Australia offers wonderfully remote outback experiences: from spectacular national parks to sandy deserts, pristine beaches to working cattle stations. This itinerary allows you to explore the way from Perth to Darwin in depth and at your own pace, in your own rental car.
- With an area of just over 7.5 million square kilometres, Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world.
- Australia’s population is estimated at just over 22 million, of whom some 85 percent live in urban areas. About 92 percent are of European origin, two percent Aboriginal, and around six percent Asian and Middle Eastern.
- Much of Australia is arid and flat. One-third is desert and another third steppe or semi-desert. Only six percent of the country rises above 600m in elevation, and its tallest peak , Mount Kosciuszko, is just 2228m high.
- Australia’s main exports are minerals, metals, fossil fuels, cotton, wool, wine and beef, and its most important trading partners are Japan, China and the USA.
- At 5614km the dingo fence is the longest in the world, stretching from Jimbour to the cliffs of the Nullarbor Plain. It’s around twice the length of the Great Wall of China.
- Australia ranks proudly ranks second in the Human Development Index , which measures a country’s progress by its life expectancy, education and income. Norway comes first.
- Around 22 percent of Australians are descended from convicts .
For visitors, deciding where to go can mean juggling distance, money and time. With an expanse of places to visit, Australia’s tourism means that you could spend months driving around the Outback , exploring the national parks, or hanging out at beaches; or you could take an all-in, two-week “Sydney, Reef and Rock” package, encompassing Australia’s outstanding trinity of must-sees. These are just some of the top places to go in Australia.
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Both options provide thoroughly Australian experiences, but either will leave you with a feeling of having merely scraped the surface of this vast country. Visit Australia and experience the two big natural attractions: the 2000km-long Great Barrier Reef off the Queensland coast, with its complex of islands and underwater splendour, and the brooding monolith of Uluru (Ayers Rock), in the Northern Territory’s Red Centre.
Sydney is the jewel in Australia’s navel. Famous as one of the world’s great gay cities, it attracts LGBTQ visitors from around the world. Melbourne closely follows, but there are scenes in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and to a lesser extent in Perth, Adelaide, Hobart and Darwin.
Away from the cities, things get more discreet, but a lot of country areas do have friendly local scenes – impossible to pinpoint, but easy to stumble across. However, Outback mainstays of mining and cattle ranching are not famed for their tolerance of homosexuality, so tread carefully in remote destinations.
Discover more places in Australia
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- Outback Queensland Travel Guide
- South Australia Travel Guide
- Sydney Travel Guide
- Tasmania Travel Guide
- Victoria Travel Guide
- Western Australia
Blue Mountains (New South Wales)
World Heritage-listed, the Blue Mountains are a wonderland of ancient forests, deep valleys and lookouts from sheer cliffs, all just an hour or so from Sydney.
Travel advice for Australia
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Australia
- Eating and drinking in Australia
- Getting around Australia: Transportation Tips
- Travel Health Australia
- Sports and Outdoor activities in Australia
- How to get to Australia
- Travel Tips Australia for planning and on the go
- Travelling with children in Australia
- Best time to visit Australia
Tall Timber Country (Western Australia)
These primeval karri forests are one of WA’s greatest natural sights. Get a bird’s-eye view from the Tree Top Walk.
Wilpena Pound (Southern Australia)
There are some fantastic hikes in the Flinders Ranges National Park but few top the spectacular scenery at the elevated basin of Wilpena Pound.
Sport at the MCG (Victoria)
Taking in a game of cricket or, better still, Aussie Rules football at the venerable Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is a must for any sports fan.
Fraser Island (Queensland)
The giant dunes and freshwater lakes of the world’s largest sand island form the backdrop to popular 4WD safaris.
Sydney harbour (New South Wales)
Scale the bridge, take a harbour ferry to Manly or just marvel at the Opera House sails at the most iconic location in Sydney, a shorthand for Australia itself.
Atherton Tablelands
With its rainforest, crater lakes and abundant wildlife, you could spend days exploring the Atherton Tablelands.
You’ll find reliably warm summers at the coast with regular, but brief, heatwaves in excess of 40°C. Head inland, and the temperatures rise further. Winters, on the other hand, can be miserable, particularly in Victoria , where the short days add to the gloom. The best time to travel to Tasmania is year-round: while weather in the highlands is unpredictable at all times, summer is the best time of year to visit Tasmania to explore the island’s outdoor attractions.
Every aspect of Australian life and culture, whether its matey attitudes or its truly great outdoors, is a product of the country’s scale and population – or lack of it. Australia rivals the USA in size, but is home to only 24 million people, giving it one of the lowest population densities on earth. The energy of its contemporary culture is in contrast to a landscape that is ancient and often looks it: much of central and western Australia – the bulk of the country – is overwhelmingly arid and flat. In contrast, its cities, most founded as recently as the mid-nineteenth century, burst with a vibrant, youthful energy.
The most iconic scenery is the Outback, the vast fabled desert that spreads west of the Great Dividing Range into the country’s epic interior. Here, vivid blue skies, cinnamon-red earth, deserted gorges and geological features as bizarre as the wildlife comprise a unique ecology, one that has played host to the oldest surviving human culture for up to 70,000 years (just 10,000 years after Homo sapiens is thought to have emerged from Africa).
This harsh interior has forced modern Australia to become a coastal country. Most of the population lives within 20km of the ocean, the majority of these occupying a suburban, southeastern arc that extends from southern Queensland to Adelaide. Urban Australians celebrate the typical New World values of material self-improvement through hard work and hard play, with an easy-going vitality that visitors, especially Europeans, often find refreshingly hedonistic. A sunny climate also contributes to this exuberance, with an outdoor life in which a thriving beach culture and the congenial backyard “barbie” are central.
Although visitors might eventually find this low-key, suburban lifestyle rather prosaic, there are opportunities – particularly in the Northern Territory – to experience Australia’s indigenous peoples and their culture through visiting ancient art sites, taking tours and, less easily, making personal contact. Many Aboriginal people – especially in central Australia – have managed to maintain a traditional lifestyle (albeit with modern amenities), speaking their own languages and living by their own laws. Conversely, most Aboriginal people in cities and country towns are trapped in a destructive cycle of racism, poverty and lack of meaningful employment opportunities, often resulting in health problems and substance abuse. To give just one example, life expectancy rates for Aboriginal Australians are ten years lower than those of the rest of the population. There’s still a long way to go before black and white people in Australia can exist on genuinely equal terms.
Aboriginal art
Aboriginal art has grown into a million-dollar industry since the first canvas dot paintings of the central deserts emerged in the 1970s. Though seemingly abstract, early canvases are said to replicate ceremonial sand paintings – temporary “maps” fleetingly revealed to depict sacred knowledge. In the tropics, figurative bark and cave paintings are less enigmatic but much older, though until recently they were ceremonially repainted. The unusual X-ray style found in the Top End details the internal structure of animals. The Northern Territory – and Alice Springs, in particular – are the best places to look.
It could be part of the Australian psyche that celebrates renegades. Perhaps it is just the standard set by such utterly odd wildlife as the platypus. Whatever the cause, Australia enjoys eccentricity like few other first-world nations, even down to the playful rough-and-tumble of its slang, Strine. The further you go from the big cities, the quirkier Australia gets. You could base an entire visit around a tour of kitsch sights like the Big Banana at Coffs Harbour, the Big Pineapple at Nambour or the Big Prawn at Ballina; for more inspiration see wilmap.com.au/bigstuff. Country and especially Outback pubs are often reliable outposts of the weird and wonderful. Yet for true glorious weirdness head to small festivals like the World Cockroach Races staged in Brisbane every Australia Day, or Darwin’s riotous Beer Can Regatta in July, with boat races in craft made entirely from beer cans.
Australia is a fixture on the Queer map thanks to its great climate and laidback lifestyle. Sydney is Australia’s gay-friendly capital, especially in March when hundreds of thousands of people pour in for the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. Despite its reputation as a macho culture, the country revels in a large and active scene: you’ll find an air of confidence and a sense of community that is often missing in other parts of the world.
Sydney is the jewel in Australia’s navel. Famous as one of the world’s great gay cities, it attracts lesbian and gay visitors from around the world. Melbourne closely follows, but there are scenes in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and to a lesser extent Perth, Adelaide, Hobart and Darwin.
Gay and lesbian contacts
- Pinkboard pinkboard.com.au . Popular, long-running website with useful “Graffiti Walls” full of parties, personal ads and classifieds sections with everything from house-shares, party tickets for sale, employment, and a help and advice section. Posting ads is free.
- The Pink Directory thepinkdirectory.com.au . Online directory of gay and lesbian business and community information.
- DNA dnamagazine.com.au . The nation’s best-selling Queer title, an upmarket lifestyle magazine for gay men.
Tourist services and travel agents
- GALTA (Gay and Lesbian Tourism Australia) galta.com.au . An online resource and nonprofit organization that promotes the gay and lesbian tourism industry with good links.
- Gay Travel gaytravel.com . Online travel agent, concentrating mostly on accommodation.
- International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association iglta.org. Trade group with lists of gay-owned or gay-friendly travel businesses.
The Rough Guides to Australia and related travel guides
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8 of the best places to visit in Australia
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Narrow down the places you want to go with this guide to Australia © Nigel Killeen / Getty Images
Being tasked with choosing the best places to visit in Australia is no easy assignment.
There is no shortage of spectacular places that could make the potential shortlist, from culturally diverse cities with rich Aboriginal history dating back tens of thousands of years, to the Great Barrier Reef and the raw outback landscapes in between.
Unless you’ve got months – or even years – to spare, the country’s immense scale and the sheer diversity of experiences on offer means it’s impossible to do it all in one trip. That’s why we’ve rounded up just eight of Australia’s best places to go to help you make your own shortlist – and maybe even give you reasons to visit more than once.
![australia travel guide A dirt path leads towards a vast flat-topped mountain](https://lp-cms-production.imgix.net/2021-06/6.%20Ryan%20Jones.jpg?auto=format&q=75&w=1920)
1. The Red Centre, Northern Territory
Australia’s most iconic outback experience
Nothing will take your breath away like a trip to the red heart of Australia in the Northern Territory . Here you can watch the sunset over Uluru – arguably the world’s most famous monolith, and spiritually significant site to the Anangu people – or be inspired by the sheer size of the 36 red domes at nearby Kata Tjuta, within the same national park. The desert’s natural beauty is only further enhanced by immersive art installations , like the new Wintjiri Wiru experience at Uluru (which tells part of an Anangu sacred story using more than 1100 drones), Bruce Munro’s Field of Light and the Light-Towers at King’s Canyon.
While there are plenty of adventure activities, like scenic flights and camel riding, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the world’s oldest continuously living culture. Walking tours and art lessons led by First Nations guides can be found near Uluru and Watarrka National Park.
Planning tip: Accommodation in the Red Centre, including campsites, is limited during the peak visitor season of June to September. Book ahead for tours and to secure accommodation.
2. Northern Rivers region, New South Wales
Best for exploring back roads
Bohemian Byron Bay – which has become a favorite destination for celebrities and backpackers alike – is probably the best known destination in northern New South Wales. But it’s just a small part of the Northern Rivers region. Head inland towards the hinterlands and you’ll find quaint villages and laid-back towns equally worth exploring. You can swim in Killen Falls, wander through the charming community of Newrybar, or sample the goods at the surrounding macadamia plantations and from farmgate stalls.
One experience not to miss is the Tweed section of Northern Rivers Rail Trail , which opened in 2023. The 24km (15-mile) abandoned railway corridor connects the region’s historic villages, best explored by bike.
Planning tip: Visit Mullumbimby Farmers Market on a Friday morning. Held at the showgrounds, you’ll be supporting micro-farmers and rubbing shoulders with locals.
![australia travel guide Two girls sit on a rock and look out over an iconic harbor, with a white opera house and a large bridge](https://lp-cms-production.imgix.net/2023-11/GettyImages-1491114191.jpg?auto=format&q=75&w=1920)
3. Sydney, New South Wales
Australia’s best city for outdoor activities
Sydney is rightfully considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities, where the natural splendor of cityside beaches collides with incredible urban architecture, including the Opera House . It owes much of its good looks to its massive natural harbor, which is surrounded by a blend of skyscrapers, national parks and multimillion dollar homes.
During the summer, you can cool off at one of the eastern beaches (such as perennial favorite, Bondi ) or in one of the harbor’s 20 sheltered swimming spots. Try Marrinawi Cove, a new terraced sandstone swimming spot. Since opening in 2023 at Barangaroo , it’s been widely embraced by nearby office workers on their lunch breaks.
In the winter, don’t miss seeing the harbor lit up for Vivid Festival . The foreshore is transformed into a canvas for light installations and projections. The cooler daytime temperatures also make this the perfect time of year to take on the Sydney Loop walk, which covers 26km (16 miles) of Harbour foreshore.
Planning tip: Don’t miss a journey to Manly from Circular Quay on the ferry . It's an incredibly budget-friendly way to explore the harbor, taking in Parliament House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
4. K'gari, Queensland
Best for off-grid adventuring
With a return to its traditional name in 2023, K’gari – the world’s largest sand island – has seen a surge of visitors keen to connect with Indigenous Butchulla culture. Formerly known as Fraser Island, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is rich in history and culture, but it’s also one of Australia’s best 4WD adventures.
Abounding in natural attractions, this is where you can swim in the crystal clear waters of Boorangoora/Lake McKenzie, spot dingos playing on the beach, or relax in a natural ocean spa at the Champagne Pools. Visitors can camp, stay in one of the island’s resorts or even walk nearly the full length of the island on the 90km (56 mile) K’gari Great Walk . Whatever option you choose, you’ll soon understand why “K’gari” translates to “paradise.”
Planning tip: Always carry a list of tide times, as access to some of K’gari’s most popular spots is tide dependent. The sand on the island is deep and soft, so if you’re not familiar with driving a 4WD, it may be best to book a tour with a local operator.
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5. Melbourne
Best Australian city for nightlife
Melbourne is a 24-hour city, and come nightfall, the party gets started. Hit the laneway bars for drinks and bites, and don’t miss a live show: iconic St Kilda music venue the Espy offers three stages for live acts. Meanwhile over in Collingwood, the Tote is so beloved that locals crowdfunded to keep it open.
Melbourne is also famous for its comedy clubs. Check out Spleen Bar or Basement Comedy Club , or time your visit to coincide with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival , held every autumn (March to April).
When the gigs are done, settle in for a drink at one of Melbourne’s signature late-night bars like Nick & Nora's and Cherry Bar , or if you’re feeling hungry, fill up at Stalactites .
Planning tip: Melbourne has a specific set of Night Network trains, trams and buses , which operate on Friday and Saturday nights to make sure you can get from bar to bar safely and back home again with ease.
6. Margaret River, Western Australia
Best for wineries and adventure
From New South Wales to South Australia , Australia is spoiled for wine regions. What sets Western Australia’s Margaret River apart is that its food and wine offerings are complemented by incredible natural attractions. Located just south of Perth , this corner of Australia is considered one the world’s biodiversity hot spots. It has a high concentration of endemic species, including numbats (a marsupial with behavior similar to a meerkat), Western ringtail possums and around 8000 species of vascular plants, 80% of which are found nowhere else on earth.
The wine is just as notable, with roughly 95 wineries producing award-winning sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, semillon and chardonnay. And when you need to work off all the food and drink, you can paddle out in the legendary southwesterly swell at some of state’s best surf beaches, go deep underground on a tour of the region’s limestone cave systems, or walk a portion of the 123km (76-mile) Cape to Cape track along the coast.
Planning tip: Learn more about the traditional owners of the land, the Wadandi (Saltwater) people at Koomal Dreaming , which offers guided walks and food experiences.
![australia travel guide A group seal lions play and lounge and squabble on the beach](https://lp-cms-production.imgix.net/2023-11/shutterstockRF569142784.jpg?auto=format&q=75&w=1920)
7. Kangaroo Island
The best place for an Australian wildlife safari
Just across the water from Adelaide is Kangaroo Island (KI), a haven for wildlife, including its namesake kangaroos alongside wallabies, koalas, echidnas and platypus. You can watch the island’s little penguins waddle to their dens at Penneshaw and see (and smell) the world’s third-largest sea lion colony lounge amongst the limestone cliffs at Seal Bay Conservation Area . If you’re lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of the endangered glossy black cockatoo with their red tails, or the exceptionally shy Kangaroo Island dunnart, a type of tiny marsupial endemic to the island.
KI isn’t just a refuge for wild things; though. It’s also home to countless local producers , including distilleries, wineries and beekeepers, the latter of whom produce honey made from the only purebred Ligurian bee colony left in the world. Needless to say, there’s a reason we named it one of the best places to visit in 2024 .
Planning tip: Many of Kangaroo Island’s native species, including kangaroos, are more active at night. As such, it’s advisable to avoid driving at this time.
8. Tasmania
Best for igniting all the senses
Home to a thriving festival scene, a world-class art gallery and an unbridled wilderness adored by nature lovers, Tasmania is one of Australia’s most diverse destinations, capable of stimulating all your senses.
Here, you can taste whisky at Lark Distillery , Australia’s first carbon-neutral distillery on Hobart ’s waterfront, eat freshly shucked oysters on Bruny Island , or dine at restaurants like Stillwater in Launceston , a UNESCO City of Gastronomy (one of only roughly 50 world cities to earn this accolade).
You can see weird and wonderful art at the controversial Mona (Museum of Old and New Art). You can hear international music at the popular Dark Mofo and Mona Foma winter and summer festival. You can feel the ground beneath your feet as you explore one of the state’s hiking trails. And you can smell the fresh sea air while on a boat tour around some of the world’s highest sea cliffs .
Planning tip: Renting a car can be tricky during Tasmania’s busy summer season, so it pays to book ahead. Likewise, if you plan to take the car ferry from the mainland , the route often sells out. Bookings may be made up to 11 months in advance.
This article was first published Jun 17, 2021 and updated Dec 3, 2023.
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1. The Red Centre, Northern Territory. Australia’s most iconic outback experience. Nothing will take your breath away like a trip to the red heart of Australia in the Northern Territory.