Australia Travel Guide

Notable Places

Discover Australia

Use the map to explore this vast country, and start with our 2-days in Sydney itinerary

Australia Quick Guide

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
Language: English
Emergency Number: 000
Tipping: Not required, but 10% is common in restaurants for good service
Fun Fact #1: Australia is home to more kangaroos than people
Fun Fact #2: The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on Earth
Fun Fact #3: Australia has over 10,000 beaches—more than any other country

Where to Stay in Australia

Australia offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxury resorts and city hotels to coastal B&Bs, hostels, and eco-lodges. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth are top city hubs, while popular nature-based stays can be found near the Great Ocean Road, Uluru, the Outback, and along the eastern coastline.

Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays.

CHECK BOOKING.COM

How to Get Around Australia

Due to its vast size, flying is the most efficient way to travel between major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. Domestic airlines offer frequent, affordable routes. For regional travel, long-distance trains (like The Ghan and Indian Pacific) offer scenic journeys, though they take time. Intercity buses and coaches connect smaller towns and are budget-friendly.

Renting a car or campervan is ideal for road trips along iconic routes like the Great Ocean Road, Red Centre Way, or the East Coast. In cities, public transport is reliable, Sydney has ferries, trains, and buses, while Melbourne is famous for its tram network. Taxis and ride-shares (Uber, DiDi) are widely available. Be mindful of remote areas with limited fuel or facilities; always check distances, road conditions, and weather before heading out into the Outback or bush.

SEARCH FOR A RENTAL CAR

Must-Visit Places in Australia

Sydney – Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and Bondi Beach
Great Barrier Reef – Snorkeling, diving, and marine biodiversity
Uluru (Ayers Rock) – Sacred monolith in the Red Centre
Melbourne – Laneways, coffee culture, and art scene
Tasmania – Wild landscapes, historic towns, and wildlife
Great Ocean Road – Stunning coastal drive and Twelve Apostles
Daintree Rainforest – One of the oldest tropical rainforests on Earth
Whitsunday Islands – Sailing, white-sand beaches, and reef access
Blue Mountains – Hiking, waterfalls, and panoramic views
Kakadu National Park – Aboriginal rock art and wetlands

Stay Connected

Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.

🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.

Find the cheapest eSIM

Australian Food to Try

Australia’s cuisine is a blend of Indigenous, British, Mediterranean, and Asian influences:

Barramundi – Native fish, often grilled or pan-fried
Meat pie – A savoury pastry filled with minced meat and gravy
Kangaroo – Lean, gamey meat served grilled or in gourmet dishes
Lamingtons – Sponge cake squares coated in chocolate and coconut
Pavlova – Meringue-based dessert topped with fresh fruit
Vegemite on toast – A salty, savory Aussie breakfast staple
Damper – Traditional soda bread baked in campfires
Tim Tams – Iconic chocolate biscuits (don’t skip the “Tim Tam slam”!)
Chiko Roll – Deep-fried snack inspired by Chinese spring rolls
Bush tucker – Indigenous foods like wattleseed, bush tomatoes, and finger lime

Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip

Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.

Top Day Tours to Discover Australia

Rottnest Island: Catch a ferry, via Perth or Fremantle, to Rottnest Island for a breezy island escape. Ride past Wadjemup Lighthouse, Cathedral Rocks, and Henrietta Rocks, explore pristine beaches, cycle secluded bays, and meet the ever‑smiling quokkas, the cutest locals, before relaxing at your leisure.
Great Barrier Reef: Set sail from Cairns for a day at the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO‑listed marine wonder. Snorkel or dive amid vibrant coral gardens teeming with turtles, reef sharks, and tropical fish. Relax on board spacious catamarans, and soak in one of Earth’s most breathtaking aquatic landscapes.
Blue Mountains: Escape Sydney for a scenic day trip into the UNESCO‑listed Blue Mountains. Ride the steepest railway, skyway, and cableway at Scenic World for aerial rainforest views. Discover the iconic Three Sisters via Echo Point, hand‑feed wildlife at Featherdale, explore charming Leura village, then cruise home along the Parramatta River.
Great Ocean Road: Hit the road from Melbourne and journey along the National Heritage-listed Great Ocean Road to witness the dramatic limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles rising from the Southern Ocean at Port Campbell National Park. Climb down the Gibson Steps for a rare close‑up of these coastal cliffs, explore evocative sites like Loch Ard Gorge and The Grotto steeped in both beauty and history. Rugged scenery, iconic photo ops, and geological wonder await on this majestic coastal escape.