Sydney opera house at night illuminated by lights

Australia

Your Complete Guide to Exploring the Best of Australia

Australia, a land of diverse landscapes and vibrant cities, captivates with its unique wildlife, stunning beaches, and rich cultural heritage. From the iconic Sydney Opera House to the natural wonder of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia offers a blend of adventure and relaxation. Explore bustling urban centres, enjoy delicious cuisine, and experience the warm Aussie hospitality. The country’s vast outback, lush rainforests, and lively coastal towns make it a top destination for travellers seeking a memorable experience.

When to visit

Temp Range

Currency

Min Budget

Sep – Nov
Mar – May

10 – 35°C
50 – 95°F

Australian Dollar (AUD)

$60-80/day

  1. Your Complete Guide to Exploring the Best of Australia
    1. Top Attractions
    2. Map
    3. Transport
    4. Budget
    5. Seasonality and Weather
    6. Must Try Dishes
    7. Language
    8. Top Cities in Australia
    9. Nearby Destinations
    10. Useful Pages

Top Attractions

See below for a selection of the top attractions in Australia, review the map to see where these are located to help plan your trip.

Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is an architectural masterpiece and cultural hub where visitors can enjoy world-class performances while marvelling at its stunning sail-like design against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour. It’s a symbol of Australia’s creativity and artistic excellence.

Access from – Sydney

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a natural wonder offering unparalleled opportunities for diving, snorkelling, and marine exploration. It spans over 2,300 kilometres and is home to diverse marine species, colourful coral reefs, and breath-taking underwater landscapes.

Access from – Cairns

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park showcases the iconic Uluru monolith, a sacred site of the Anangu people, and the impressive Kata Tjuta rock formations. Visitors can experience the spiritual significance of these natural wonders, hike through stunning landscapes, and learn about Aboriginal culture and traditions.

Access from – Alice Springs

Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road offers breath-taking coastal views, towering limestone cliffs, and natural wonders like the Twelve Apostles rock formations. Visitors can explore lush rainforests in Great Otway National Park, hike to waterfalls, and witness the rugged beauty of Australia’s southern coastline.

Access from – Melbourne

Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is Australia’s most famous stretch of sand, offering surfing, sunbathing, and a lively beachside atmosphere. The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk provides stunning ocean views and access to secluded coves, ocean pools, and vibrant cafes, making it a must-visit destination in Sydney.

Access from – Sydney

Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree Rainforest is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest tropical rainforests on Earth. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems, spot rare wildlife like cassowaries and tree kangaroos, and learn about the rich Aboriginal heritage and traditions preserved within this ancient landscape.

Access from – Cairns

Blue Mountains National Park

The Blue Mountains National Park offers stunning vistas, towering sandstone cliffs, and cascading waterfalls within easy reach of Sydney. Visitors can hike through eucalyptus forests, explore ancient rock formations such as the Three Sisters, and enjoy outdoor activities amidst a backdrop of natural beauty and tranquillity.

Access from – Sydney

Melbourne Laneways

Melbourne’s laneways are a cultural playground featuring eclectic street art, trendy cafes, boutique shops, and hidden bars. Exploring these atmospheric alleys like Hosier Lane and Degraves Street reveals Melbourne’s creative pulse and diverse culinary scene, offering a unique urban experience blending art, culture, and gastronomy.

Access from – Melbourne

Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is a wildlife haven renowned for its diverse ecosystems and pristine landscapes. Visitors can see kangaroos, koalas, and sea lions in their natural habitats, explore unique geological formations like Remarkable Rocks, and relax on secluded beaches surrounded by rugged coastal scenery.

Access from – Adelaide

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring pristine beaches, crystal-clear lakes, and ancient rainforests growing on sand. Visitors can swim in the turquoise waters of Lake McKenzie, drive along sandy tracks, spot dingoes and whales, and experience the island’s natural beauty and Aboriginal heritage.

Access from – Hervey Bay

Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands are a paradise for sailing enthusiasts, offering secluded anchorages, snorkelling opportunities in coral reefs teeming with marine life, and the iconic Whitehaven Beach with its dazzling white silica sands. Exploring these pristine islands and their vibrant underwater world promises unforgettable adventures and relaxation in tropical surroundings.

Access from – Airlie Beach

Tasmania’s Wilderness

Tasmania’s wilderness is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring rugged mountain ranges, ancient rainforests, and pristine coastlines. Visitors can hike to the summit of Cradle Mountain, explore charming towns like Hobart and Launceston, and indulge in fresh local produce and gourmet cuisine amidst stunning natural landscapes.

Access from – Tasmania

Barossa Valley

The Barossa Valley is Australia’s premier wine region, famous for its world-class wineries, vineyard tours, and cellar door tastings. Visitors can savour award-winning wines, indulge in gourmet cuisine showcasing local produce, and immerse themselves in the valley’s rich viticultural history and picturesque landscapes.

Access from – Adelaide

Port Douglas

Port Douglas offers a tropical escape with luxury resorts, palm-fringed beaches, and easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Visitors can snorkel among coral gardens, stroll along Four Mile Beach, and embark on rainforest adventures, making it an ideal base for exploring Far North Queensland’s natural wonders.

The Pinnacles

The Pinnacles are mystical limestone formations rising from the desert floor in Nambung National Park. Visitors can wander through these otherworldly spires, formed millions of years ago, and marvel at their natural beauty and surreal landscape, making it a must-see destination in Western Australia’s Coral Coast region.

Access from – Perth

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing diverse ecosystems, Aboriginal rock art dating back thousands of years, and spectacular natural landscapes. Visitors can explore wetlands teeming with wildlife, swim in remote waterfalls, and learn about Aboriginal culture and traditions preserved within this vast and pristine wilderness.

Access from – Darwin

Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb

The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb offers a thrilling adventure with unparalleled views of Sydney’s skyline, Opera House, and harbour. Climbers ascend the bridge’s arches to reach the summit, where they can admire panoramic vistas stretching from the Blue Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, providing a unique perspective of Australia’s most iconic city.

Access from – Sydney

Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is a tranquil getaway off the coast of Perth, known for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and friendly quokkas. Visitors can explore the island by bike, snorkel in secluded bays, and interact with these adorable native marsupials, offering a peaceful retreat amidst natural beauty and marine diversity.

Access from – Perth

Royal Botanic Gardens

Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens are a serene oasis in the heart of the city, featuring diverse plant collections, tranquil lakes, and landscaped lawns. Visitors can explore themed gardens, visit the poignant Shrine of Remembrance, and relax while enjoying sweeping views of Melbourne’s skyline, making it a favourite destination for nature lovers and urban explorers alike.

Access from – Melbourne

Map

See map of Australia to review top attractions. For the best experience save locally to open with google maps/share with your friends to help plan your next adventure! Some locations are hidden behind others, click map to reveal full details:

Transport

In Australia, key transport routes include budget airlines for affordable domestic flights between major cities and popular destinations such as Cairns and Byron Bay. Greyhound Australia offers extensive bus services with flexible passes for travel along the east coast and into the outback. Trains provide scenic journeys for exploring Queensland’s coast. Taxis are available in cities; ride-hailing apps like Uber operate in major urban areas. Campervans are popular among backpackers for flexible travel and camping options, offering freedom to explore remote areas and national parks.

Budget

Traveling in Australia varies widely. Budget travellers spend $60-$80 per day on hostels and cheap eats; mid-range travellers budget $120-$180 for hotels and dining out; luxury travellers may spend $250+ daily on upscale accommodations, fine dining, and exclusive experiences. Costs can be higher in major cities and during peak tourist seasons.

Seasonality and Weather

Australia’s weather varies greatly by region. The northern parts, like Darwin, experience a tropical climate with hot, humid summers (30-35°C, 86-95°F) and wet seasons from November to April. Southern cities such as Sydney and Melbourne have temperate climates with mild winters (10-20°C, 50-68°F) and warm summers (25-30°C, 77-86°F). Inland areas like Alice Springs have arid climates with hot summers (35-40°C, 95-104°F) and cold winters (5-20°C, 41-68°F). The best time to visit depends on the region: spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) offer mild weather ideal for outdoor activities, while winter (June-August) is great for skiing in the southern alpine regions.

Must Try Dishes

BBQ
Meat Pie
Vegemite on Toast

Language

The main language spoken is English.

Useful Pages

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