Australia is huge. It's roughly the size of the mainland United States, with a fraction of the people. That means two things for your trip: you'll want to pick your regions wisely, and you'll spend some time on planes and long, beautiful roads. Do it right (the official Tourism Australia site is great for ideas) and you get harbour cities, the world's largest coral reef, ancient red desert and wildlife you won't see anywhere else.
- Capital
- Canberra
- Currency
- Australian dollar (AUD). Cards and tap-to-pay work almost everywhere
- Visa
- Most visitors need an ETA or a free eVisitor. Apply before you fly
- Plugs
- Type I (three flat pins), 230V
- Time zones
- UTC+8 (Perth) to UTC+10 (Sydney), with daylight saving in some states
- Emergency number
- 000
- Driving
- on the left
- Tipping
- not expected (rounding up is a nice extra)
Where to go in Australia
Sydney
Most trips start here, and Sydney makes a spectacular first impression. Tour (or just admire) the Opera House, climb or walk across the Harbour Bridge, then do the cliff-top Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, about 6 km of beaches, rock pools and ocean views. Take the ferry to Manly for the best harbour views for the price of a commuter ticket. The Blue Mountains make an easy day trip, about two hours west.
Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road
Melbourne is Australia's culture and coffee capital: street-art laneways, markets, galleries and serious brunch. From here, the Great Ocean Road winds along the coast to the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks and Loch Ard Gorge. Do it over two days if you can, and keep an eye out for wild koalas in the trees around Kennett River. Down on Phillip Island, little penguins waddle ashore at sunset.
The Great Barrier Reef and the tropical north
The reef stretches for more than 2,000 km along the Queensland coast. Cairns and Port Douglas are the classic bases for snorkelling and diving trips to the outer reef. Nearby, the ancient Daintree Rainforest meets the sea. Further south, the Whitsunday Islands are home to Whitehaven Beach and its famously white silica sand.
Uluru and the Red Centre
In the middle of the country, Uluru rises from the desert in Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park. It's sacred to the Anangu, the area's Traditional Owners, and climbing it has been banned since 2019. Instead, walk the base, watch it glow at sunrise and sunset, and hike the Valley of the Winds at nearby Kata Tjuta. A guided Indigenous cultural tour adds a lot of meaning.
Tip: Two or three nights is enough for Uluru. Fly in and out, as it's a very long way by road from anywhere.
Tasmania
Australia's island state packs wild mountains, empty beaches and great food into a road-trip-friendly size. Highlights include Cradle Mountain, the perfect curve of Wineglass Bay, and the gloriously odd MONA museum in Hobart.
Western Australia
Laid-back Perth is the gateway to Rottnest Island, home of the famously smiley quokka. Further north along the coast, Ningaloo Reef offers seasonal swimming with whale sharks, close to shore. It's remote, but unforgettable.
Australia itineraries
One week: the highlights
7 days: Sydney + the reef
- Days 1–3SydneyOpera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi to Coogee walk, ferry to Manly
- Day 4Blue MountainsDay trip for lookouts, waterfalls and bushwalks
- Days 5–7Cairns & the Great Barrier ReefOuter reef snorkelling trip, then a day in the Daintree Rainforest
Two weeks: the classic loop
14 days: cities, coast, reef and desert
- Days 1–4SydneyThe harbour, beaches, coastal walks and a Blue Mountains day trip
- Days 5–8Melbourne & Great Ocean RoadLaneways and food, then two days on the coast road to the Twelve Apostles
- Days 9–11Cairns & the reefSnorkel or dive the outer reef, explore the Daintree
- Days 12–13UluruSunrise and sunset at Uluru, hike Kata Tjuta's Valley of the Winds
- Day 14Fly homeConnect via Sydney or Melbourne
Three weeks or more
Add Tasmania, the wineries around Adelaide, or the Whitsundays. If you've been before, try a west coast trip from Perth up to Ningaloo.
Getting around
- Fly between regions. Distances are vast. Sydney to Perth is about a five-hour flight, so domestic flights save days. Book ahead for better prices.
- Road trips are worth it on routes like the Great Ocean Road, the East Coast or Tasmania. Australians drive on the left. In rural areas, avoid driving at dawn and dusk, when kangaroos are most active.
- Campervans are a classic way to do the East Coast, with plenty of campsites along the way.
- City transport is good. In Sydney and several other cities you can tap on with a contactless bank card or your phone.
How much does Australia cost?
Australia isn't a budget destination, but you can control costs. As a rough guide per person per day:
| Travel style | Rough daily budget (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Backpacker: hostels, self-catering, public transport | ~120 |
| Mid-range: hotels, eating out, some tours | ~250 |
| Comfortable: nice hotels, tours, dining | 500+ |
Big-ticket extras like reef trips, scenic flights and Uluru tours add up, so budget for the ones you care about most.
Staying safe
- The sun is fierce. Use SPF 50+, wear a hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of water, especially in the outback.
- Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches.
- Stinger season: in the tropical north, dangerous jellyfish are around in the warmer months (roughly November to May). Swim in stinger nets or wear a stinger suit.
- Crocodiles live in rivers and estuaries in the far north. Always obey warning signs.
- Heading into the outback? Carry extra water, and tell someone your route.
Staying connected in Australia
Mobile coverage is excellent in cities and along the main coastal routes. Out in the Red Centre and on long outback drives, it can drop away completely between towns. Get an Australia eSIM before you fly (setup takes a minute) so you're online the moment you land, and download offline maps for any road trip.
Tip: Adding New Zealand to the trip? An Oceania eSIM covers both on one plan, or grab a New Zealand eSIM on its own.
When to visit
Remember, the seasons are flipped: Christmas is summer.
- Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May): the sweet spot for most of the country, with warm days and fewer crowds.
- Summer (December to February): beach season in the south, and peak prices. The tropical north is hot, humid and in its wet season.
- Winter (June to August): the best time for the tropical north, Uluru and the reef, with dry, sunny days. Cool in the south, and cheaper.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Australia?
Almost everyone does, except New Zealand citizens. Many nationalities can apply for an ETA through the official Australian ETA app, which costs AUD 20. EU and UK passport holders can apply for a free eVisitor online. Check the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for your passport, and apply before you book flights.
How long do I need in Australia?
Two to three weeks is ideal for a first trip covering a few regions. With one week, stick to one or two areas, such as Sydney plus the reef.
Is Australia expensive?
It's one of the pricier places to travel, especially for eating out, alcohol and tours. Hostels, self-catering and public transport keep costs down.
Will my phone work in Australia?
Most unlocked phones from 2019 onwards support eSIM and work on Australian networks. Check yours on our compatible phones page. Expect gaps in coverage in the remote outback.