Best in Apr
Australia
Brisbane
Warm
From $100 /day
Australia
Australia is a land of staggering scale and diversity, where ancient landscapes meet vibrant, cosmopolitan cities. From the neon-blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef to the sun-scorched rust-red plains of the Outback, the continent offers a sensory experience unlike any other. You will find a culture that prides itself on being laid-back and welcoming, yet deeply rooted in a history that stretches back over 65,000 years through its Indigenous custodians. Whether you are navigating the sophisticated laneways of Melbourne or watching the sunset over the Sydney Opera House, the country's unique blend of wilderness and urbanity is captivating. It is a destination that invites exploration at every turn, promising encounters with iconic wildlife and some of the world's most pristine coastal environments.
On This Page
We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
4 cities
12 guides
$100 – $194 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Canberra
Languages
English (de facto; no official language federally)
Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
1 $ ≈ 1.42 A$
Plug Type
Type I (230V, 50Hz)
Driving Side
Left
Dial Code
+61
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
AWST (UTC+8), ACST (UTC+9:30), AEST (UTC+10). Daylight saving (Oct–Apr) in NSW/VIC/TAS/ACT: AEDT (UTC+11) and in SA: ACDT (UTC+10:30)
Emergency
000 (also 112 and 106)
Why Visit Australia
Iconic Natural Wonders
Australia is home to some of the planet's most recognizable landmarks, including the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru. These sites offer unparalleled opportunities for diving, snorkeling, and witnessing the profound spiritual significance of the Red Centre.
Unique Wildlife Encounters
The continent’s isolation has resulted in a high number of endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. You can see kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and quokkas in their natural habitats across various national parks and coastal islands.
World-Class Beaches
With over 10,000 beaches, the coastline provides endless stretches of white sand and turquoise water. From the famous surf breaks of Bondi to the tranquil, silica-rich shores of Whitehaven Beach, the seaside lifestyle is central to the Australian identity.
Vibrant Coffee and Dining
Major cities like Melbourne and Sydney boast a sophisticated food scene shaped by global migration. The local coffee culture is world-renowned, focusing on high-quality beans and the perfectly crafted Flat White.
Epic Road Trip Potential
Vast distances and well-maintained coastal roads make Australia a premier destination for self-drive adventures. The Great Ocean Road and the Pacific Coast Drive offer dramatic cliff-side views and access to charming seaside towns.
Rich Indigenous Heritage
Engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures provides deep insight into the world's oldest continuous living civilization. You can experience this through guided tours, rock art sites, and traditional smoking ceremonies.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Australia
Cities & Destinations
Regions
Sydney & New South Wales
Home to the country's most famous harbor, this region combines iconic architecture with world-class surf beaches like Bondi and Manly. Beyond the city, you can explore the rugged Blue Mountains or the lush vineyards of the Hunter Valley.
Melbourne & Victoria
Known as the cultural and sporting capital, Melbourne is famous for its hidden laneways, street art, and European-style cafe culture. The region also features the Great Ocean Road, where the Twelve Apostles rock formations rise dramatically from the Southern Ocean.
Queensland & the Great Barrier Reef
This tropical paradise serves as the gateway to the world's largest coral reef system and the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Popular hubs like Cairns and the Whitsunday Islands offer easy access to sailing, diving, and island-hopping adventures.
The Red Centre & Northern Territory
This is the spiritual heart of Australia, characterized by the massive sandstone monolith of Uluru and the domes of Kata Tjuta. Further north, Darwin and Kakadu National Park offer tropical wetlands and significant Indigenous rock art sites.
Western Australia
Covering one-third of the continent, this region is famous for the Ningaloo Reef, where you can swim with whale sharks, and the Margaret River wine region. Perth offers a relaxed city vibe with stunning sunsets over the Indian Ocean.
Tasmania
An island state separated from the mainland, Tasmania is a haven for hikers and foodies alike. It offers wild, mountainous landscapes in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and a cutting-edge art scene at the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart.
Cities & Destinations:
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit depends on the region, but the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn offer the best balance of pleasant weather and lower costs nationwide. The tropical north is best visited during the dry season, while the southern cities are most vibrant in the summer.
Peak Season
Dec, Jan, Feb
Summer brings hot, sunny weather with temperatures between 20–37°C (68–99°F) in southern cities. This is the busiest period due to school holidays and major festivals, leading to the highest prices for accommodation and flights.
Shoulder Season
Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
Autumn and spring feature mild temperatures ranging from 17–35°C (63–95°F) and beautiful natural displays like spring wildflowers or autumn foliage. These months are ideal for exploring both the outback and the coast with fewer crowds.
Off-Peak
Jun, Jul, Aug
Winter is the cheapest time for the southern states, with temperatures between 11–20°C (52–68°F). However, this is the peak 'dry season' for the Tropical North (Cairns, Darwin), offering clear skies and warm days.
Getting Around
Australia is vast, making domestic flights practical for long distances. If you hold an ePassport and meet eligibility requirements, you may be able to use SmartGate at major international airports. Major cities offer sophisticated and integrated public transport systems.
Flight
Domestic airlines like Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar provide frequent connections between all major cities and regional hubs.
Train
Metropolitan rail networks use tap-on cards like Opal (Sydney) or Myki (Melbourne). Iconic long-distance trains like The Ghan offer luxury transcontinental journeys.
Car
Car rentals are essential for road trips along the Great Ocean Road or through the outback; remember that driving is on the left and distances are often several hundred kilometers between towns.
Bus
Intercity coaches include Greyhound, plus newer operators such as FlixBus on selected routes; cities also have extensive local bus networks. Melbourne's iconic tram network is free within the central business district.
Food & Drink
Australian cuisine is a melting pot of flavors, blending British colonial roots with significant Mediterranean and Asian influences. The focus is often on fresh, high-quality local ingredients, from premium seafood to grass-fed beef, often enjoyed in an outdoor or 'alfresco' setting.
Must Try
Meat Pie
A quintessential takeaway staple consisting of a flaky pastry filled with minced meat and gravy, traditionally topped with tomato sauce.
Barramundi
A popular native white fish known for its mild, buttery flavor and firm texture, often served grilled or pan-seared in top-tier restaurants.
Pavlova
A beloved meringue-based dessert with a crisp crust and soft, light center, typically topped with whipped cream and fresh seasonal fruits like passionfruit and kiwi.
Lamington
A square of sponge cake dipped in chocolate icing and rolled in desiccated coconut, sometimes featuring a layer of cream or jam in the middle.
Chicken Parmigiana
Commonly referred to as a 'Parma,' this pub favorite features a breaded chicken schnitzel topped with tomato sauce, ham, and melted cheese.
Vegemite
A dark, salty yeast extract spread that is a national icon; it is best enjoyed sparingly on buttered toast for a savory breakfast.
Flat White
The cornerstone of Australian coffee culture, consisting of a double shot of espresso topped with a thin layer of micro-foamed milk.
Anzac Biscuits
Crunchy, sweet biscuits made from rolled oats, golden syrup, and coconut, originally created to be sent to soldiers during World War I.
Money & Costs
Australia is generally an expensive destination. Daily costs vary by travel style and city; keep budgets flexible and price-check for peak seasons.
Tipping
Tipping is optional and not expected; some people round up or tip ~5–10% for exceptional service.
Cards
Card and contactless payments are widely accepted. Most businesses can choose whether to accept cash if the policy is clearly disclosed, but a government cash-acceptance mandate for fuel and grocery retailers is intended to apply from 1 Jan 2026 for in-person transactions up to A$500 / A$708 (with exemptions for small businesses under A$10 / A$14m turnover and other conditions).
ATMs
ATMs dispense Australian dollar (AUD) notes (commonly A$20 / A$28/A$50 / A$71; availability varies). Fees depend on the ATM operator and your bank; the machine should disclose any operator fee before you confirm.
Culture & Etiquette
Australians generally value egalitarianism, directness, and a relaxed 'no worries' attitude toward life. While social interactions are informal, there is a strong emphasis on community safety, environmental preservation, and respect for local traditions.
✓
Always swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches to stay safe from dangerous rip currents.
✓
Stand to the left on escalators and walk on the left side of the path to allow others to pass easily.
✕
Do not litter, especially cigarette butts, as Australia has strict environmental laws and a high risk of bushfires.
✓
Apply high-SPF sunscreen frequently, as the UV radiation is extremely intense even on cloudy or cooler days.
✕
Don't feel obligated to use 'G'day mate' excessively; a simple 'hello' or 'hi' is perfectly appropriate for visitors.
✓
Be punctual for appointments and social gatherings, as tardiness is often viewed as disrespectful of others' time.
✕
Do not ignore the 'Acknowledgment of Country' at events, as it is an important mark of respect for the Traditional Owners of the land.
✓
Contribute your share during social drinks by participating in a 'round' or 'shout' rather than only buying for yourself.
Safety & Health
Australia is a very safe destination with low crime rates. The primary risks for tourists are natural, including intense UV radiation, strong ocean rip currents, and seasonal bushfires.
Tap Water
Safe to drink
Vaccinations
No routine vaccinations required for entry in general, but yellow fever requirements can apply if arriving from a yellow fever risk country/area.
Common Scams
- ⚠ Photography Scam: Locals in tourist areas like Sydney Harbor ask you to take their photo, then drop the camera and demand payment for 'damages'.
- ⚠ Taxi ATM Scam: Some drivers claim their card reader is broken and take you to an ATM where they may try to snatch your cash.
- ⚠ Phishing Scams: Digital scams impersonating social media platforms or government bodies following the social media age-limit regulations (implemented Dec 2025).
- ⚠ Fake Event Tickets: Scammers selling fraudulent tickets for high-demand sporting matches or music festivals online.
Healthcare is high quality but can be costly for visitors. Some travellers may be eligible for limited Medicare cover under Reciprocal Health Care Agreements; comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Language
Australia has no official language at the federal level; English is the de facto national language and is widely spoken. Australian English is known for its informal tone and unique slang, which often involves shortening words or adding an 'o' or 'ie' to the end.
English Spoken: Widely spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | G'day | guh-DAY |
| No problem / You're welcome | No worries | no WUH-rees |
| Thank you / Goodbye | Cheers | cheerz |
| Afternoon | Arvo | AR-voh |
| Barbecue | Barbie | BAR-bee |
| How are you? | How ya goin'? | how-ya-GO-in |
| Breakfast | Brekkie | BREK-ee |
| Toilet | Dunny | DUN-nee |
Visa & Entry
Most travellers need a visa before travel. Many passports are eligible for an ETA (subclass 601) or eVisitor (subclass 651); others may need a Visitor visa (subclass 600). Visas are digitally linked to your passport.
Max Stay
ETA/eVisitor: up to 3 months per visit within a 12-month period; Visitor visa: commonly up to 3 months, but up to 12 months may be granted in certain circumstances.
Passport Validity
Passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay; airlines or transit countries may apply a 6-month validity rule.
Visa-free for
Eligible passports can use ETA (subclass 601) or eVisitor (subclass 651); other nationalities generally apply for Visitor visa (subclass 600).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Australia safe for solo travelers?
How expensive is a trip to Australia?
When is the best time to visit Australia?
Do I need a visa for Australia?
Is English widely spoken in Australia?
What is the best way to get around Australia?
Can I drink the tap water in Australia?
Are there many dangerous animals in Australia?
What food should I try in Australia?
How do I see the Great Barrier Reef?
Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
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