Australia

Australia travel is a dream destination for many travellers, but planning Australia holidays can be challenging. There are so many Aussie landmarks worth travelling to that it’s impossible to fit them all into one Australia tour. That is unless of course, you’re planning to spend six months in Australia.

This Australia guide is here to help, with Australia travel tips, things you need to know about Australia and the best cities in Australia to visit.

Table of Contents
1 Things to do in Australia
2 How to go to Australia
3 How to travel to Australia
4 How to Travel Around Australia
5 When To Travel to Australia
6 Cities to visit in Australia
7 Sydney Australia Travel Guide
8 Brisbane Australia Travel Guide
9 Melbourne Australia Travel Guide
10 Perth Australia Travel Guide
11 Cairns Australia Travel Guide
12 Darwin Australia Travel Guide
13 Adelaide Australia Travel Guide
14 Australia Travel Advice
15 Why I love Australia
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Things to do in Australia

The first thing to remember when you’re planning to explore Australia is that it’s a vast country. The quickest way of travelling around Aus is by plane as the best places to visit in Australia are spread over thousands of kilometres.

Too many travel days on your Australia vacation can be tiring. From experience, it’s always best to stay a minimum of 3 nights in one place.

There are places in Australia to suit everyone’s travel interests. Beach lovers should head to Northern Queensland where you can relax on Whitehaven Beach which is often listed as one the worlds top 10 most exquisite beaches.

An image of myself at Whitehaven Beach one of places to visit in my Australia travel guide.

You can swim amongst the most beautiful marine life and coral in the world at the Great Barrier Reef, which is one of the Australia tourist attractions not to miss.

Check out this post for more information on the best Great Barrier Tour and the Great Barrier Reef Islands

Image of the Great Barrier Reef from the air

 

Australia sightseeing doesn’t come more prominent than the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

An image of the front view of Sydney Opera House as the ferry sails past.
The front view of Sydney Opera House as the ferry sails past.

Renowned for its historical buildings and famous street art Melbourne is one of the best cities to visit in Australia. If you’re planning a visit to Melbourne, taking a road trip along the Great Ocean Road is a must. Its one of the most beautiful places in Australia and the route is one of the most scenic roads in the world.

An image of me at Loch Ard Gorge, one of the travel sites, Australia that's along the Great Ocean Road

Kangaroo’s and koalas are often on peoples must see Australia list; however, there not as easy to spot in the wild as you might think.

Kangaroo Island is one of the best places to go in Australia to see wild kangaroos. There are hundreds of them, so you stand a good chance of seeing one.

The Kennett River, one of Australias tourist spots along the Great Ocean Road, is excellent for seeing wild Koala’s.

An image of a wild Koala near Kennett River

Australia attractions such as Healesville Sanctuary in Melbourne and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane are the best places to see them if you’re short on time.

 

Image of Aboriginal Art work on stone wall

The best places in Australia to Aboriginal Rock art are Kakadu and the Kimberleys in the Northern Territory or the Grampians National park in Victoria.

How to go to Australia

If you’re going to visit Australia, you’ll need an Australia travel visa. The only exception is for citizens of New Zealand.

Getting a visa is usually straight forward and can you can apply online. Follow the instructions here on the Australian home affairs website.

The site has an Australia visa guide with three simple questions to answer, and then it tells you what options are available. Most tourist visas can be applied for up to 12 months in advance and will either be free or carry an admin fee of AUD 20.

How to travel to Australia

Most people choose to fly to Australia, but it is possible to visit on an around the world cruise.

Don’t let the long flight times put you off as long haul flights are surprisingly easy to manage.

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The best carriers offer an array of inflight entertainment options and excellent airline hospitality, with food and beverages literally on tap. The time goes faster on a long-distance flight, and in many ways, it’s more enjoyable than the short-haul trips we often take on budget airlines.

To break up the journey, you could consider a stopover in Asia or the Middle East. If your planning on flying between states in Australia certain airlines will include discounted or free internal flights.

Airfares vary throughout the year, with Christmas and New Year being one of the most expensive.

The cheapest flights are in the Australian winter months.

Travelling Around Australia

Flights

The easiest way to get around the major tourist destinations in Australia is to fly, and with budget airlines, it is possible to bag a bargain. Budget airlines include Tigerair, Jetstar and BudgetAir. The best way to check prices is on a comparison website like CheapoAir    or Skyscanner.

Car Hire

If you have the time available driving is an excellent way of travelling around and there’s plenty of exciting places in Australia to break the journey particularly along the east coastline.

You can hire cars from all airports or major cities with many one way options also possible. For longer road trips it’s possible to hire a camper van, which is an excellent way of saving on accommodation. Like most things in Australia, the cost of petrol is not cheap and usually hovers around AUD 1.55 per litre.

Public Transport

Getting around cities is usually straightforward. Public transport is clean, safe and efficient. From buses, trains, trams and ferries, there is typically an option that will allow you to explore a city with ease. Transport cards are commonplace and can be purchased easily, so you don’t need to worry about buying tickets.

For longer distances, Greyhound buses offer comfortable and affordable travel and can be a cost-effective way of travelling within Australia on a budget. 12Go is a comparison site is where I always book bus travel for Asia and Oceania.  You can enter the route you’re looking forward and it will provide you with a list of options and allows you to book tickets online in advance.

Long-distance Trains

The best places to see in Australia are well connected by train, and it’s a fantastic way to see much of the country in comfort. Routes such as the Indian Pacific and The Ghan are popular, and cabins range from simple to deluxe. You can book rail travel online through International Rail.

When to travel to Australia

Australia destinations vary considerably in temperature and being in the southern hemisphere summer is December through to January while Winter is from June till August. Depending on when you are going to Australia, may have an impact on which areas you choose to visit.

Northern Territory

Best time to visit – May, June and July

This area of the country has two seasons, the wet and the dry. The dry season is between May and July when temperatures usually vary between 20-30 degrees Celsius although it can get as low as 16 C in the evenings.

In the wet season, the temperatures during the day can be scorching, and as its monsoon season, the downpours can be substantial. Flooding can cause many roads in regions such as Kakadu to close during these months and humidity can get above 80%.

Central Australia

Best time to visit – March, April, May, June, August, September, October, November, December

If you’re planning to visit Uluru, it may come as a surprise that winter temperatures can get as low as 3 degrees Celsius and even drop below 0 during the night.

The best time to visit central Australia is either in the spring, August -December or Autumn February- June. Through these months you can expect warm days and cool evenings.

Queensland

Best time to visit Late February to December

Queensland is one of the best places to go in Australia all year round. The summer months can get hot, but temperatures generally hover around 28C. In winter you can expect blue skies and sunny days that are usually around 20C.

Temperatures further north in Cairns are higher as its a tropical region and humidity can reach 75%. The tropical climate also means that summer is the wet season with December-February seeing the highest rainfall.

Although jellyfish are present in the water all year round the stinger season is between October- May. Most Great Barrier Reef trips will provide stinger suits but its always worth checking. The whale watching season is between August and October.

New South Wales

Best time to visit – August to May

New South Wales, which is home to Sydney, tends to have hot summers and chilly winters. Average temperatures in summer are around 26C while the average in winter is about 16C. June is the wettest month, and July is the coldest.

Melbourne

Best time to visit -March, April, May, September, October, November

Melbournes weather can be unpredictable, and it’s known for having four seasons in one day. The hottest months are January and February when temperatures can get above 30C and October is the wettest month.

Spring and Autumn are generally warm with temperatures between 10 and 20C, but a calm sunny day can turn into a cold and wet one without warning.

If your travelling to Melbourne outside of the summer months its always worth carrying a rain jacket or umbrella, just in case, it rains.

Western Australia

Best to visit – January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, December

Summer months can be hot in Western Australia, although the sea breeze can make temperatures seem cooler. You can expect highs of 30C in December through to February.

In winter temperatures hover around 12C and thunderstorms are likely in summer the further north you go. Perth is Australias sunniest city with glorious blue skies on average for 131 days of the year.

Southern Australia

Best to Visit January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, December

Southern Australia has mild winters with temperatures around 16C and warm, dry summers with temperatures of 29C. The summer months have the lowest humidity of any cities in Australia. June is the wettest month and winter evenings can be frosty.

Cities to visit in Australia

Many Australian cities have a similarity about them. More often than not, they reside by the sea, have a river running through the middle and many shiny skyscrapers. However, they are all vibrant places to explore.

It’s unlikely that you’ll get to visit all of them in one trip. Below is a list to help you decide which cities in Australia to visit on your next trip.

Sydney Australia Travel Guide

Sydney is a modern cosmopolitan city with fine dining restaurants, fantastic shops, parks, beaches and the Blue Mountains are only a short distance away. It’s one of those Australia tourist places not to miss.

Sydney Travel Hotspots

The Sydney Opera House is the cities most famous landmark and whether you view it from the Botanical Gardens, the Sydney to Manly Ferry or the Observatory its magnificent. You can book tickets to watch shows and take a guided tour inside.

Sydney Harbour Bridge is an iconic image and for the best views of the city book a Sydney bridge climb experience. The climb is nowhere near as strenuous as you might think, and the experience is magical. If you don’t fancy forking out for the price of the bridge climb, the Pylon Lookout Tower is a much cheaper option.

Image of me climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

The Rocks are the oldest part of the city, and the Discovery Museum is an excellent place to learn about local history and its free to visit. The area has some great cafes and galleries to enjoy, and the atmosphere around town is always buzzing.

Circular Quay is home to several free museums including the Museum of Contemporary Art. Its also where you can take a ferry to nearby islands such as Cockatoo, Goat and Shark Island. A day trip to Manly is a great escape from the city, and you can also catch the boat to Paramatta and Darling Harbour.

If you’re looking for good restaurants on the waterfront, Darling Harbour is the place to go. Its also home to the Sea Life Aquarium and the Wildlife Sydney Zoo. If you love gardens, the Chinese Garden of Friendship, with its pavilions, waterfalls and lakes is well worth visiting.

Bondi Beach is a significant attraction, and it’s often packed with surfers and sunbathers. The million-dollar apartments are worth a peek, and there’s plenty of cliff top walks to explore. The most popular is the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, which goes along the cliff tops and provides some exquisite views across the bay.

Best Day Trip From Sydney

The Blue Mountains National Park is a Unesco world heritage site that has some truly spectacular scenery. There’s excellent bush walks, stunning lookouts and magnificent sights such as the Three Sisters to Admire. One of the best ways to visit the area is from Scenic World. Here you can take a cable car across the valley and ride the steepest passenger railway in the world.

Brisbane Australia Travel Guide

Brisbane is a town built around its river, and there are some hip restaurants to visit. The city is one of the oldest in Australia, and there are some lovely buildings to visit around town. Its close to the tropical rainforests and the nearby island of Moreton Bay provides the unique chance to hand feed wild dolphins.

Brisbane Travel Hotspots

The Old Government House, Parliament House and the Treasury are historical buildings which are worthy of a visit. The entrance is free, and there are some excellent examples of renaissance-style architecture to admire.

Brisbane Powerhouse is a contemporary art centre that you can easily reach on the City Cat Ferry. There are two excellent restaurants here with regular bands performing live music.

South Bank is the Queensland cultural centre, and you’ll find theatre venues, four museums and the Queensland State Library here. There’s also a swimming lagoon, a city beach and the wheel of Brisbane.

Brisbane’s Storey Bridge may not be as iconic as the Sydney Harbour Bridge but if you climb it the views across the city are spectacular. You can also abseil down the bridge for even more of an adrenaline rush.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is one of the best places to see Koalas in Australia. There’s the opportunity to hold one and have a photograph. You can also feed kangaroos and see other Australian animals such as wombats, possums and birds.

Mount Coot-tha Reserve is home to Brisbane’s botanical gardens. This vast reserve has glorious scenic views from the Mt Cootha lookout, and there’s plenty of trails to follow. There’s also a planetarium and an Aboriginal Art Trail to visit.

Best day trip from Brisbane

Lamington National park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests which is another of Australias Unesco World Heritage sights.

An image of Lamington National Park

There’s a treetop walk you can take to get a birds-eye view of the surrounding flora and fauna. For hikers, the Mount Tamborine visitors centre has information on numerous walking trails.

Melbourne Australia Travel Guide

Melbourne is Australias second-largest City and is renowned for its modern culture, city trams and street art. It’s the cultural centre of Australia, and there’s a wealth of museums, art galleries and vintage shops to visit. It’s on the doorstep of the Great Ocean Road and its famous for food, fun and penguins.

Melbourne Travel Hotspots

Hosier Lane is Melbournes most colourful street, and the artwork changes almost daily. You can wander around yourself or take one of the street art tours and learn more about the history and artists behind this gravity.

Queen Victoria Market has been around since 1878, and both its architecture and food products are stunning. There are food choices from around the world, a meat and fish hall, and a restaurant zone.

Federation Square has several free attractions. These include the Ian potter centre which houses a collection of Australian paintings and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image which celebrates the world of cinema and tv.

The state library, Parliament House, Flanders Street Station and the Royal Shopping Arcade are worth visiting for their exquisite architecture. They are among the oldest buildings in Australia.

The Docklands along the river has a promenade that connects the Crown Casino and Entertainment complex with the National Gallery of Victoria, which has a significant collection of international and local art.

An image of the harbour in St Kilda at sunset

The nearby seaside town of St Kilda is a great place to spot penguins if you haven’t got the time to visit Philip Island. Luna Park is an old fashioned amusement park which has all the joys of a funfair. The St Kilda Pier is beautiful at sunset, which is when the penguins come ashore, and the beach is perfect for chilling out during the afternoon.

Best day trip from Melbourne

The Great Ocean Road is one of the must-see places in Australia. The area is worth exploring on a self-drive road trip over a few days. However, if time is of the essence, you can see the best parts on a day tour from Melbourne.

Perth Australia Travel Guide

Western Australia tourism is booming and Perth has more sunny days than anywhere else in Australia. It may be one of the remotest places to travel in Australia, but with fabulous beaches, quirky towns and magnificent outdoor natural attractions there’s plenty to see.

Perth Travel Hotspots

Kings Park is a great place to take a stroll, it’s one of the largest city parks in the world and there are numerous walks to enjoy.  Spring is an impressive time to visit as the display of wildflowers is beautiful.  The treetop walk is a highlight along the Lotterywest Federation walkway and there’s a glass bridge with magnificent views of the surrounding eucalyptus trees.

The Art Gallery of Western Australia is home to a large collection of indigenous art along with exhibits from contemporary modern Australian artists.

A visit to the unique port town of Freemantle is a must and the historical precinct has some of the best Victorian and Edwardian buildings in Australia. The main sites around town are the Freemantle Prison which is one of Australia’s convict sites on the Unesco world heritage list.  The maritime museum and shipwreck galleries have some of the finest collections including the Batavia, a wreck from 1629.

An image of a Quokka on Rottnest Island

A day trip to Rottnest Island to see the Quokkas is highly recommended and there’s a good chance that you’ll spot seals, dolphins and whales in season. You can hire bikes and snorkel gear easily on the island and there’s excellent visibility underwater.

Best day trip from Perth.

The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park is spectacular. The limestone pillars in the middle of the bright golden desert sand is a sight unlike any other.  You can walk around the formations or drive around a looped road.

With no light pollution, it’s one of the best Aussie tours to take at night.

Cairns Australia Travel Guide

Cairns is an international resort full of bars and restaurants and one of the top places to visit in Australia. Its the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and there’s plenty of day excursions to nearby islands where snorkelling and diving are the most popular activities.

Cairns Travel Hotspots

The Great Barrier Reef is worth visiting at least once. Even if you don’t wish to get in the water, you should take a ride on a glass-bottom boat to see the worlds most extensive coral garden below.

Cairns Forshore and Lagoon is the area sunbathers flock to as cairns doesn’t have a beach. This humanmade saltwater lagoon is spectacular, and lifeguards patrol it during the day.

Take a stroll along the waterfront, the promenade stretches for approximately 3km, and several playgrounds line the shore. There are free BBQ sites along the way, where locals often stop for picnics.

Crystal Cascades just outside the city is a beautiful set of waterfalls where you can safely swim. There’s also a walking trail through the rainforest which takes you to Lake Morris. It’s strenuous in places but an enjoyable walk.

Best Day Trip from Cairns

Other than the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Forest on the edge of Cairns is the worlds oldest rainforest. Its part of the wet tropics of Queensland Unesco World Heritage site and there’s plenty of activities to enjoy. You can zip-line through the trees for exhilarating views over the treetops, take a cruise down the river and spot crocodiles or visit the Daintree Village which is full of the reef and aboriginal culture.

Darwin Australia Travel Guide

Darwin Travel Hotspots

The waterfront in Darwin is a new modern development with boutique restaurants and shops. There’s a sky bridge, and an elevated walkway for fabulous views over the harbour and the wave lagoon is a popular recreational pool.

The Fannie Art Gallery has the best display of aboriginal artwork in Australia with original carvings from the Tiwi Islands. There’s also an interesting collection of stuffed animals which includes an enormous crocodile.

On the outskirts of town, Crocodylus Park is one of the most popular attractions with hundreds of crocodiles and a few other animals. You can watch the keepers feed these dangerous animals, and there’s a museum with lots of interesting crocodile facts.

Take an afternoon stroll along the boardwalks at East point reserve. The mangrove surrounds are attractive, particularly at sunset.

One of the best ways to appreciate the stunning harbour is on a cruise. Sunset and full dinner cruises are popular between April and October, or you can take a day trip to Tiwis where you can interact with the local community.

Best day trip from Darwin

I highly recommend a tour to Kakadu National Park. It’s one of the best places to see Aboriginal Rock Art in the country. The wildlife on a Yellow water river cruise is incredible. Not only will you see plenty of crocodiles birds are abundant, including the white-breasted sea eagles.

Adelaide Australia Travel Guide

If you love wine, Adelaide should be top of your list of best places to travel in Australia. There’s no shortage of established and emerging vineyards. The city also has some fantastic museums and a unique food culture. There’s plenty of cultural events throughout the year, and with its bohemian feel, it’s a relaxed city to visit.

Adelaide Travel Hotspots

The Art Gallery of South Australia is free to visit and has a fantastic collection of international and local art. As well as the permanent collections the basement has temporary exhibitions and lunchtime talks.

The South Australian Museum is full of natural history exhibits including a section on whales and the Antarctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson. The worlds most extensive collection of aboriginal artefacts are on display, and temporary exhibitions regularly run alongside resident displays.

The National Wine Centre of Australia is a free exhibition where you can learn about the production of wine. At the end of the visit, for a small fee, you can enjoy some wine tasting afterwards.

Take a day trip to the Adelaide Hills region and visit some of the best vineyards. The shiraz trail in McLaren Vale is well known. The red wine is superb at Barossa Valley, and lovers of Riesling wine should head to Clare Valley.

An image of a vineyard in Adelaide Australia

Best day trip from Adelaide

Wildlife lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will love Kangaroo island. It’s a bit of a trek from Adelaide and worth spending a couple of days there but you can visit on a day trip from the city. It’s one of the best places to spot wild kangaroos and wallabies in the country. You can also go snorkelling where you’re likely to be entertained by the sea lions.

Australia Travel Advice

Food and Drink

Australia’s restaurants are plentiful and offer cuisines from all around the world so if you don’t fancy the local Kangaroo steak you’ll be ok.

Eating out in Australia is expensive especially near tourist attractions. Apartment hotels are an excellent choice as you can save money by preparing your meals.

For an alternative picnic, you will find public bbq’s are easy to find. In popular locations, head out early in the day as these are a hotspot with locals, particularly at the weekend.

Money

The local currency is the Australian Dollar, and you’ll need plenty of them. Australia is not a cheap destination, so it pays to think about your budget well in advance. Food, drink, accommodation and excursions will eat away your dollars quickly. Transport costs, car hire and petrol, are more reasonable.

Electricity

Mains voltage in Australia is 230 Volts 50 Hz. Plug sockets have two flat pins shaped like a V, and some may contain a third flat pin in the centre. If you have multiple devices to charge, consider getting an adapter with a least one USB connector and a plug.

You can purchase an adapter for USA plugs here, and Uk plugs here.

Shops

In cities, shops are generally confined to modern malls and have usually branded stores. David Jones is the equivalent to John Lewis or M&S.

Souvenir shops selling boomerangs, didgeridoos and aboriginal paintings are easy to stumble across.

The leading supermarkets are Woolworths and Coles, although Aldi is becoming increasingly popular. You can purchase alcohol in Liquor stores, which are quite often situated next to supermarkets.

Mobile Phones

The network coverage in major cities is fine, but in remote areas, it’s worth checking with the service provider. To save on data roaming costs, many people prefer to buy a local sim card on arrival.

Wildlife

With so many endemic species, Australia’s wildlife has much to offer. Kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, possums and Kookaburras are to name but a few. Its one of the best places to see whales on their migration route and whale watching in Hervey Bay is renouned around the globe.

It is, however, home to more deadly creatures than anywhere else in the world. Sharks, crocodiles spiders, snakes and jellyfish can all end your life swiftly. Ensure that you listen to local advice seriously and take precautions when necessary.

Sharks – I think it’s important to point out that shark attacks are rare although I appreciate they do happen. Therefore follow the advice of the locals and only swim in areas where shark nets are present.

Swimming Safety

Many of Australia’s beaches are patrolled by lifeguards and its advisable not to swim in unsupervised waters. The Rip currents can sweep even the most active swimmers out to sea. On average lifeguards rescue approximately 15,000 people, so remember to always swim between the flags.

Always swim between the flags and with a friend. If you get into trouble, try and remain calm and wave your hands in the air to signal that you need help.

Sun Safety

Australias UV levels are much higher than in Europe, so protecting yourself from the suns rays is essential during your Aussie trip.

If you’re snorkelling or swimming, its best to wear a swim top with UV protection to prevent sunburn. Its also best to apply suntan lotion, even if it’s cloudy as the sun can still do damage.  Wearing a hat is also sensible throughout you ‘re Australia stay.

My experience in Australia and why its a country I love

I’ve been fascinated with this country from a young age. My grandma used to write regular letters to her sister in law, and I remember quite clearly the blue airmail thin paper that she would use. She would tell us how expensive it was to send letters across the world and that this blue, almost transparent paper was the only affordable way to write. She made several trips there in the 1980s and returned with stories that further enticed my need to visit.

My first visit to Australia was when I was 15. I had just finished my GCSE’s, and my parents bought me a return flight ticket to celebrate. I travelled as an unaccompanied minor on Singapore Airlines. In the early ’90s, this must have been rare as the air hostesses put in first class to ensure that I was safe and they could look after me. I spent six weeks in Brisbane with family before flying to Sydney to stay with some friends of a friend. When I think about this now, I’m amazed at how confident and independent I must have been.

I’ve made a further six visits to Australia, and although I’ve seen a lot of the country, there’s still plenty left for my next Aussie trip.

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