Australia and New Zealand
Australia and New ZealandAustraliaTravel guide
- Canberra
- Adelaide
- Brisbane
- Cairns
- Darwin
- Hobart
Australia is known for beaches, deserts, wide open spaces and lively cities. Its Indigenous cultures go back more than 65,000 years. Distances are large, so allow plenty of time to travel between places.
Why go
Sydney and its famous harbour.
Beaches, bushland and the remote inland areas known as the Outback.
Indigenous cultures with more than 65,000 years of history.
Cities shaped by immigration from around the world.
Winter snow in the Snowy Mountains and parts of Tasmania.
Best time to go: It depends on the region. December–February is summer and June–August is winter. The tropical north has its dry season in winter, while the south beyond the Great Dividing Range has its dry season in summer.
Getting there
By air
- Flying is the only practical way to arrive for most visitors. The main international airports are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
- Adelaide, Cairns, Darwin and the Gold Coast also have limited international services.
- Many journeys from Europe need a stopover. The source lists a direct London Heathrow–Perth flight taking about 17 hours.
By sea
- International cruises mainly arrive during the November–February cruising season.
- Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean offer cruises to Australia across the Pacific.
Customs
- Declare all food, wooden products, seeds and other animal or plant products, even if they are allowed into Australia. Bags may be scanned or checked by dogs.
- Declaring an item does not lead to punishment, but failing to declare it can lead to a fine or prosecution. Declared items may be returned, kept, destroyed or treated at your expense.
- Some shells, coral and products made from protected species are prohibited.
Getting around
Car
Drive on the left. Distances are shown in kilometres and fuel is sold by the litre. Long drives can take several days. Sydney–Perth is about 4,000 kilometres and Adelaide–Darwin about 3,000 kilometres. Overseas driving licences are generally valid for three months after arrival. If yours is not in English, you also need an International Driving Permit; rules vary by state. Take extra care around wildlife and large trucks, especially at dusk and after dark. Before using remote inland roads, check local advice, weather and road conditions. Carry enough fuel, spare parts, spare tyres, food and water. If your car breaks down in a remote area, stay with it and make yourself visible from the air.
Domestic flights
Flying is widely used because distances are so large. Compare Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar. Busy routes usually have better fares than remote routes. Regional destinations often have fewer flights, higher fares and fewer discounts.
Public transport
Public transport is fairly reliable in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and south-east Queensland. Elsewhere, a car may be preferable or essential. Sydney, Brisbane and Perth include ferries in their public transport systems.
Train
Long-distance trains are usually slower than driving, more expensive than flying and less frequent than buses. Train journeys can offer scenic views. Some services to smaller towns can cost less than flying. The Adelaide–Darwin and Sydney–Perth trains are luxury tourist services that need plenty of time and money. Tasmania has no passenger rail services.
What to see and do
Sydney Harbour
Sydney, Australia's largest city, sits on one of the world's most famous harbours.
The Outback
Australia's remote inland areas are known for deserts and wide open spaces.
Snowy Mountains
These mountains in the southeast receive metres of snow in winter.
Tasmania's central and western mountains
Snowfall is very common in these mountainous areas.
Take a scenic train journey
Trains between cities can reveal different parts of the country, although they often take longer and cost more than other transport.
Visit beaches and city parks
These usually have no entry charge.
Food and drink
Smashed avocado toast
A staple of Australian brunches.
Modern Australian cuisine
Food shaped by local produce and cooking traditions from around the world.
Pies and sausage rolls
Takeaway options starting around A$5 in the source's cost guide.
Hot chips
Freshly deep-fried potatoes. The word "chips" alone can also mean packaged potato crisps.
Flat white
A coffee order mentioned in the source's example of a cafe conversation.
House beer
A 285-millilitre serving costs around A$8 in a lower-priced pub, according to the source's 2024 estimates.
Money
Australian dollar (AUD), written as A$ or $. One dollar equals 100 cents.
- Almost all businesses accept credit and debit cards. Some businesses do not accept cash.
- Cash payments are rounded to the nearest five cents. Card payments use the exact amount.
- A$100 notes can be difficult to use in shops.
- Restaurant prices must include service and taxes. Clearly advertised weekend and public holiday surcharges may apply.
Tipping: Tipping is not customary or expected, including in taxis and hotels. Restaurant tips are optional, and bartenders are usually not tipped. Do not offer tips to government officials, as this can be treated as bribery.
Typical costs
- A dorm bed in a capital city costs around A$50, with some beds around A$30 in Cairns or cheaper backpacker centres.
- A basic motel double room starts above A$100. A city-centre hotel double room in a capital city starts around A$200.
- Car rental costs around A$65 a day. Public transport daily fare caps range from A$9 to A$20, depending on the city.
- The source's 2024 meal estimates are A$15–20 for a cafe meal and A$25 or more for a restaurant main course.
- A basic takeaway meal costs about A$10. A pie or sausage roll starts around A$5.
- The source's 2024 flight estimates are around A$150 one way between neighbouring eastern capitals and around A$350 across the country with flexible dates and advance booking.
- Beaches and city parks usually have free entry. Some national parks charge A$6–20 per day, per car or per person.
- Museums generally charge around A$10 for entry. Theme parks charge around A$70 per person.
Language
- English is spoken and understood throughout Australia.
- Many languages are spoken in immigrant communities, especially in major cities.
- Indigenous languages and creole languages are spoken in some remote communities and the Torres Strait Islands.
- Auslan means Australian Sign Language and is the standard sign language.
- How ya going?
- A common greeting used before making a request.
- The bush
- Woods or bushland.
- Thongs
- Flip-flop footwear.
- Servo
- A petrol station.
- Footpath
- A sidewalk or pavement.
- Powerpoint
- An electrical outlet.
- Esky
- A cooler box.
- Hotel
- Can mean a bar or pub.
Staying safe
- Take normal precautions against pickpocketing and bag snatching. Some areas can be dangerous at night.
- Lock your parked car and close its windows. Keep phones, bags and navigation devices out of sight.
- Watch for wildlife and large trucks when driving. The risk of hitting animals rises at dusk and after dark.
- Do not expect mobile phone coverage outside national highways and towns in remote inland areas.
Local customs
Do
- Start service conversations with a brief greeting, such as "How ya going?", before making your request.
- Use first names; this is normal even when speaking to someone much older.
- Treat service workers and manual workers as equals.
- Wear at least a shirt and footwear when going beyond the beach area. Cover up more when visiting places of worship.
Don't
- Avoid forcing Australian slang or stereotypical expressions. They can sound mocking or patronising.
- Do not agree when someone makes a joke at their own expense.
- Avoid boasting about your achievements.
- Do not imply that someone's job makes them less worthy of respect.
Staying healthy
- Carry enough water and food when travelling on remote inland roads. Heat and dehydration can be deadly at any time of year.
- Check weather conditions before remote travel. Australia's climate varies greatly between regions.
- Prepare for freezing temperatures in high southern areas, sometimes even in summer. The Snowy Mountains and parts of Tasmania receive winter snow.
Where to stay
- Accommodation is readily available in most cities and tourist destinations. It tends to be expensive by international standards.
- Dorm beds are an option for smaller budgets. The source gives lower prices for Cairns and cheaper backpacker centres than for capital cities.
- Basic motels are found in country areas and capital-city suburbs.
- Hotels in capital-city centres generally cost more than basic motels.
Trips to Australia
Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.
Outdoor adventures in Australia
Australia offers coral reefs, long walking trails, tropical rainforests, snowy mountains and wide beaches. Distances are large, and conditions vary greatly between the tropical north, dry centre and cooler south. Beginners can find guided reef trips, wildlife walks and places to learn to surf.
Great Barrier Reef diving and snorkelling
Scuba divingQueenslandnear Cairns or Port Douglas
Day trips and 2–7-day overnight boat tripsJoin a boat trip from Cairns or Port Douglas. Larger boats often offer easier water access for beginners. Pro Dive Cairns offers courses and overnight trips. Passions of Paradise visits Michaelmas Cay and Breaking Patches. Spirit of Freedom offers routes to Cod Hole and the Ribbon Reefs, or the Coral Sea and Osprey Reef.
- Permit: Passions of Paradise holds permission for its passengers to visit the beach at Michaelmas Cay.
- Cost: New Horizon Sail and Dive lists trips from AUD 380 for two days or AUD 540 for three days, including equipment.
- Choose a trip suited to your experience.
- Spirit of Freedom requires an Open Water diving qualification before joining.
Ningaloo Reef
SnorkellingWestern Australia
Take a trip to the reef off Western Australia. Exmouth and Coral Bay are nearby places mentioned for exploring Ningaloo Marine Park.
Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park
More to doNorthern Territory
Visit the national park in the Red Centre to see Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa. Access details are not provided.
Blue Mountains National Park
More to doNew South Walesnear Sydney
Visit the park west of Sydney for its lookouts, mountains and plateaus. Detailed transport options are not provided.
- National parks may close during extreme fire danger or a fire.
Kakadu National Park
More to doNorthern Territory
Visit Kakadu for tropical nature activities and Aboriginal culture. Specific routes and transport options are not provided.
Daintree Rainforest
WildlifeQueensland
Visit the rainforest in Daintree National Park. Specific walks and tour arrangements are not provided.
Overland Track
TrekCentral Highlands, Tasmania
Follow the named walking route as a hiking holiday. Starting points and booking arrangements are not provided.
- Snow is common in Tasmania's central and western mountains.
- High areas can fall below freezing, sometimes even in summer.
South Coast Track
TrekTasmania
Follow the South Coast Track as a walking holiday. Access and trip arrangements are not provided.
Bicentennial National Trail
TrekQueensland to Victoria
The trail stretches from Cooktown in northern Queensland to Healesville in Victoria. Detailed access points are not provided.
kunanyi / Mount Wellington
HikeTasmanianear Hobart
Walk up the mountain, drive your own car or join a private tour. The mountain also has cycling opportunities.
- Cost: Free.
- Bring warm clothes.
- The summit is often 10–15°C cooler than Hobart.
Glenelg Beach
SurfingSouth Australianear Adelaide
Visit Glenelg on Adelaide's coast. Some Adelaide beaches have surf schools and board hire, though specific providers are not named.
- Keep surfboards out of the red and yellow swimming flags and use the areas marked for surfcraft.
- Swim between red and yellow flags when lifeguards are patrolling.
West Beach
BeacheSouth Australianear Adelaide
Visit West Beach on Adelaide's coast, near Glenelg and Henley Beach, for walking, swimming or surfing.
- Swim between red and yellow flags when lifeguards are patrolling.
- Check conditions and stay within your depth.
Julian Rocks
SnorkellingNew South Walesnear Byron Bay
Take a trip out to Julian Rocks off Byron Bay. Operators and departure details are not provided.
Bundaberg beach snorkelling
SnorkellingQueenslandnear Bundaberg
Enter the water from the beach to see tropical fish. A specific beach is not named.
- Check conditions before entering the water.
- Do not swim alone.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
WildlifeAustralian Capital Territorynear Canberra
Drive about 40 minutes south of Canberra via Tuggeranong Parkway and Tharwa Drive. Explore the walks or join a ranger-guided walk.
- Watch wildlife from a distance.
Black Mountain Nature Reserve
HikeAustralian Capital Territorynear Canberra
Follow the trail from the Australian National Botanic Gardens towards Black Mountain. Driving to the top is another option.
- Watch wildlife from a distance.
Mount Tennant
HikeAustralian Capital Territorynear Canberra
About 5 hours returnHead south through Tharwa towards Adaminaby. Take the walking trail off Adaminaby Road to the summit.
- National parks may close during extreme fire danger or a fire.
Yankee's Hat, Namadgi National Park
HikeAustralian Capital Territorynear Canberra
Follow the road towards Adaminaby into Namadgi National Park. Take the signed turn about 200 metres after a single-lane bridge. The 4-km access drive is described as suitable for any car. Continue on foot to the Aboriginal art.
- National parks may close during extreme fire danger or a fire.
- Watch wildlife from a distance.
Corin Forest snowplay and tobogganing
More to doAustralian Capital Territorynear Canberra
Winter for snowplay and tobogganing; summer for the bobsled rideVisit the alpine recreation facility on Tourist Drive 5. Listed opening times are weekends, ACT school holidays and public holidays, 10am–4pm.
- Cost: Free entry; rides from AUD 7; all-day pass AUD 35.
- Check that the road is open before travelling.
- Check that there is snow before a winter visit.
Canberra mountain bike trails
CyclingAustralian Capital Territorynear Canberra
Use Canberra Off Road Cyclists to find riding locations around Canberra.
Mount Coot-tha
HikeQueenslandnear Brisbane
Just before dawn or dusk for the changing viewsHike the marked trail from the foot of the mountain. You can also drive through the reserve to the summit, where parking is available.
- Some forest walking tracks are difficult.
Mount Field National Park
SkiingTasmania
Visit Mount Field for skiing, other snow sports or accessible mountain scenery. Transport and equipment arrangements are not provided.
- Snow is common in Tasmania's central and western mountains.
Ben Lomond National Park
SkiingTasmania
Visit the national park for skiing and other snow sports. Access, lessons and equipment arrangements are not provided.
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
WildlifeTasmanianear Hobart
Visit the sanctuary at 593 Briggs Road. Join one of the daily tours or book a private tour.
- Cost: Adults AUD 25; children AUD 11; under 3 free. Daily tours included; private tours AUD 149–179.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
WildlifeQueenslandnear Brisbane
Drive to 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket. Alternatively, take bus 445 or 430 from the city, or the Mirimar boat cruise from South Bank.
Airports, metros and trains in Australia
Airports with scheduled flights
- ADLAdelaide International AirportAdelaideMain international airport
- BNEBrisbane International AirportBrisbaneMain international airport
- BMEBroome International AirportBroomeMain international airport
- CNSCairns International AirportCairnsMain international airport
- DRWDarwin International Airport / RAAF DarwinDarwinMain international airport
- OOLGold Coast AirportGold CoastMain international airport
Metro and subway
- SydneySydney Metro31 stations66 kmsince 2019
Trains
- Rail network
- 32,924 km
- Electrified
- 3,448 km
People and safety in Australia
Religion
No single faith is a majority. Very mixed.
- Christian44%
- No religion39%
- Muslim3%
- Hindu3%
- Buddhist2%
- Folk religions1%
- Other<1%
LGBT+ travellers
Legal and protected
- Same-sex couples can marry.
- Legal gender change is not recognised.
- Laws protect against discrimination.
Women travellers
Ranked #11 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.
52% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 46 of 198 countries can visit Australia easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required1
- eTA required45
- eVisa62
- Visa required88
- Admission restricted1
- Admission refused1
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Europe36 of 46 countries
- Asia7 of 50 countries
- Oceania1 of 13 countries
- Americas2 of 35 countries
- Africa0 of 54 countries
Questions
Which territories belong to Australia?
Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands and Norfolk Island.
Do I need a separate visa for Australia's territories?
Often yes. Territories such as Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands Heard Island and McDonald Islands, and 1 more can have their own entry rules, so check each one before you travel.
When is summer in Australia?
Summer is December–February and winter is June–August. The tropical north has its dry season in winter.
Can I pay by card?
Almost all businesses accept credit and debit cards. Some businesses do not accept cash.
Do I need to tip?
No. Tipping is not customary or expected, though you can choose to leave a restaurant tip for excellent service.
Should I fly or drive between cities?
Distances can be very large, so flying is often more practical. Sydney–Perth is about 4,000 kilometres by road.
Which side of the road do people drive on?
Drive on the left. Take extra care if you normally drive on the right, including on quiet country roads.
Do I need to declare food when I arrive?
Yes. Declare all food and other animal or plant products, even if you believe they are allowed.
Will I manage without English?
Communication can be difficult without basic English. Some tour companies offer language guides, but availability varies by language.
Is accommodation easy to find?
Accommodation is readily available in most cities and tourist destinations. It is generally expensive by international standards.
Reviewed by @snuck