Australia Travel Guide | Darren Jonathon

From surfing the life-filled waters of the Gold Coast to admiring surreal sunrises reflected off the dramatic red deserts of the outback, Australia is a destination that promises never-ending adventures through all the untouched wonders hidden between its inviting regions.

A destination so vast it covers three time zones and six distinct climate groups, Australia is like seven countries rolled into one intrepid and picturesque package.

While Queensland and New South Wales tend to be the focus of international fame thanks to their eternal sunshine, pristine beaches, and cosmopolitan cities, they are also only one side of Australia's geological and cultural landscape.

Those who venture beyond the glamour of the east coast are rewarded with a lesser-seen side of Australia that includes unique rock formations, ancient forests, and charming local communities that are home to some of the world's oldest surviving cultures.

Within this travel guide, we will uncover everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Australia, including the best time to visit different regions, the best ways to get around, and other travel tips.

Australia is known for much more than it's big cities

Facts & Information

Size- 7,688,287 km2
Population- 26 million
Official Language- None (although English is the majority language)
Major Airports- Sydney Airport (SYD), Melbourne Airport (MEL), Brisbane Airport (BNE)
Time Zone- Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST); Australian Central Standard Time (ACST); Australian Western Standard Time (AWST)
Nickname- The Land Down Under
Currency- Australian Dollar (AUD)

Australia Destinations

New South Wales- Explore the glamour of Sydney before venturing out to charming coastal towns surrounded by rolling vineyards and the Blue Mountains.
Tasmania- Immerse in Australia's open-air playground, home to lush national parks, pristine beaches, and the famous Tasmanian devil.
Western Australia- Road trip across Australia's largest state with stops at some of the country's top national parks, beaches, and the world's largest fringing reef.
Queensland- Explore the celebrated Gold Coast, venture into the Australian Outback, or snorkel through the Great Barrier Reef.
Northern Territory- Escape to the untouched wonders of the Northern Territory, home to dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the planet's oldest living culture.

Australia offers many varied travel destinations

Click for inspo on each location

Things To Do in Australia

Road Trip the Great Ocean Road- Admire striking landmarks along Australia's most scenic drive from Torquay to Warrnambool in Victoria.

Swim with Exotic Marine Life- From the Great Barrier Reef to Ningaloo Reef, Australia is filled with once-in-a-lifetime swimming experiences.

Hang Out at the Beach- Island hop to the secluded white sands of a hidden beach or join in the fun at a popular coastal hotspot.

Admire the Sunset at Uluru- Marvel as the sun reflects off of the country's most iconic natural landmark in a dramatic blaze of red.

Explore a National Park- Uncover Australia's celebrated biodiversity at 650 national parks scattered throughout its outback, mountains, and forests.

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Best Beaches in Australia

Whitehaven Beach- Escape to a secluded seven-kilometre beach along the picturesque Whitsunday Island
Hyams Beach- Unwind along one of the whitest and cleanest beaches in the world.
Wineglass Bay- Hike to this isolated haven of white sand and sapphire waters along the secluded Tasmanian shores.
Bondi Beach- Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Australia's most famous beach.
Cable Beach- Traverse 22 km of sprawling white sands along the northern shores of Western Australia.

Australia Travel Guide beach recommendations

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Australia Tourist Attractions

Sydney Opera House- Snag a photo or catch a show at the most iconic landmark blessing the Sydney Harbour.
Great Barrier Reef- Uncover exotic wildlife off the Queensland coast in the world's largest barrier reef system.
Uluru- Journey to the Australian outback to marvel at one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the world.
Melbourne- Visit Australia's second-largest city to explore contemporary culture and a thriving culinary scene.
Kangaroo Island- Immerse yourself in the local wildlife on this unspoiled island just off the South Australian coast.

Guides worth a read:

National Parks in Australia

Kakadu National Park- Trek through sprawling wetlands and thundering waterfalls to rock art sites that date back over 40,000 years.
Daintree National Park- Journey to the lush environments of the world's oldest rainforest that has been growing for more than 180 million years.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park- Marvel at 32 impressive rock domes scattered throughout the Australian outback, including the famed Uluru monolith.
Nambung National Park- Wander otherworldly terrains as you explore abundant wildlife and unique rock formations that date back millions of years.
Purnululu National Park- Fly over or drive through one of the most extensive bee-hived shaped karst sandstone formations in the world.

Guides worth a read:

Best Time to Visit

Summer (December - February)- While the climate can differ from north to south, summer generally rewards the best weather conditions for visiting Australia. The tropical northern regions experience their wet season during this time, but most of the country promises plenty of warm sunshine for your holiday.

Autumn (March - May)- With slightly cooler temperatures and fewer tourists than peak summer season, the Autumn is a great time to visit Australia for more affordable flights and fewer crowds.

Winter (June - August)- While the rest of the country experiences cloudy skies and cooler temperatures, winter is the best time to visit Northern Australia and the Great Barrier Reef during its dry season.

Spring (September - November)- The spring shoulder season is another great time to visit before the summer months bring in the tourist crowds and inflated prices.

Best time to visit Australia in the Australia Travel Guide

Getting Here & Around

Airports- There are 13 international airports in Australia and hundreds of domestic airports to get you where you need to go. The most common points of entry by air are in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth.
Ferries- International visitors can also travel to Australia by boat, with several cruise lines featuring stops at many of the country's top coastal cities and tourist destinations.
Trains- Traveling by rail can be an exciting way to experience Australia. While the east coast is well connected, there are only two transcontinental lines connecting Melbourne to Darwin and Sydney to Perth.
Driving- Renting a car is the best way to get around the country. Australia has a great network of well-maintained roads, but you should opt for 4WD if you plan on venturing to national parks, the outback, or remote beaches.
Taxis- Taxi services are widely available within large cities and main tourist areas but can become costly when traversing further distances.
Bus- Public buses are among the most cost-effective ways of getting around Australia. There are both public and tour buses in most cities, along with long-distance buses that connect major tourist areas.
Rideshare- Apps such as Uber are available in Australia. However, these tend to be more expensive than other options and unreliable in less developed areas.
Boat- With the majority of the country's population living within coastal destinations, travelling by boat can be a fun way to explore the shoreline.
Biking- You may not be going cross country, but cycling can be a great way to experience the landscape, with several great biking routes throughout the country.
Walking- With well-maintained footpaths and scenic walkways in main tourist areas, walking can be a fun and cheap way of exploring Australia's city and town hot spots.

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Australia Travel Tips

Apply for your visa in advance- Submit your visa application at least a month before your trip.
Drive on the left side of the road- If renting a car, you may want to familiarize yourself with other local road rules before hitting the streets.
There is no need to tip- Tips for services are welcome but not expected in Australia.
Familiarize yourself with local slang- While English is the unofficial language of Australia, the locals have some unique slang you may want to brush up on.
Prepare a budget- Australia can be an expensive destination. You should plan your travel budget before visiting and stick to it.

Prepare a budget for travelling around Australia before you arrive

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What to Pack

Sunscreen- Pack and apply UV protection, even if the forecast says it's cloudy.
Hiking Shoes- Even when sticking to the cities, you are going to walk a lot. Pack comfortable shoes.
Sandals- Be sure to include sandals for those days you spend at the beach.
Layers- Temperatures can vary in Australia. Accommodate for all climates by packing in layers.
Bug Spray- Australia is famous for its insects. Do yourself a favour and pack lots of bug spray.

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