Australia Travel Guide
Explore the wonders of Australia with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the must-visit attractions, hiking and biking routes, local cuisine, where to stay, and much more.
- Introduction to Australia
- List of Places to Visit in Australia
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Australia
- Best Things to Do in Australia: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Australia
- Food and Drink Scene of Australia
- Where to Stay in Australia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Australia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Australia
- Best Time to Visit Australia
- Do’s and Don’ts of Australia
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Australia: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Australia
- Where to Go Next from Australia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Australia, known as the “Land Down Under,” is an island country located in Oceania. Famous for its beautiful beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cities, Australia has something to offer for everyone. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your trip to Australia and make the most of your visit.
Introduction to Australia
Australia is the world’s largest island and the smallest continent. With a population of around 25 million people, Australia is a multicultural country that welcomes visitors from all over the world. Its capital is Canberra, and its largest city is Sydney.
Australia is a country of contrasts. From the barren deserts of the Outback to the lush rainforests of Queensland, the country offers diverse landscapes. Also, Australia is known for its unique and often dangerous fauna, such as kangaroos, koalas, and crocodiles.
List of Places to Visit in Australia
Australia is a vast country with a wide range of attractions to visit. Here are some of the must-visit places:
- Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge
- Great Barrier Reef
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
- Bondi Beach
- Melbourne City Centre
- Fraser Island
- Blue Mountains National Park
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Australia is a country with a rich cultural and historical heritage. The following are some of the culturally important attractions you can visit:
- National Gallery of Australia
- Australian War Memorial
- Melbourne Museum
- Old Melbourne Gaol
- National Portrait Gallery
Natural Attractions of Australia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Australia is famous for its natural beauty, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Here are some of the natural attractions and outdoor activities:
- Great Ocean Road Drive
- Daintree Rainforest
- Blue Mountains Hiking Trail
- Kangaroo Island Wildlife Tour
- Great Barrier Reef Scuba Diving
Hiking/Biking Routes of Australia
Australia has many excellent hiking and biking paths that offer amazing views. Some of the top hiking and biking routes in Australia include:
- Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory
- Overland Track, Tasmania
- Great Ocean Walk, Victoria
- Munda Biddi Trail, Western Australia
- Cape to Cape Track, Western Australia
Best Things to Do in Australia: Activities and Tours
Besides visiting popular places, there are many exciting and unique things to do in Australia. Here are some of the best things to do:
- Cage diving with great white sharks in South Australia
- Surf lessons at Bondi Beach in Sydney
- Wine tasting in Hunter Valley, New South Wales
- Hot air ballooning over the Yarra Valley, Victoria
- Drive the Great Ocean Road in Victoria
Week-Long Itinerary for Australia
Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary for your trip to Australia:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore Sydney |
| 2 | Visit the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns |
| 3 | Experience Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Alice Springs |
| 4 | Road Trip to The Great Ocean Road, Victoria |
| 5 | Enjoy the Blue Mountains National Park |
| 6 | Discover Melbourne City Centre |
| 7 | Visit Fraser Island, Queensland |
Food and Drink Scene of Australia
Australian cuisine is a mix of both European and Asian influences. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Meat pies
- Vegemite on toast
- Lamingtons
- Chiko Roll
- Fish and chips
Local Beverages
- Bundaberg Ginger Beer
- Victoria Bitter (VB)
- Penfolds
- Coopers Pale Ale
- Australian wine
Where to Stay in Australia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
There are plenty of accommodation options available in Australia, ranging from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Here are some of the best accommodation options:
- The Langham, Melbourne
- Park Hyatt Sydney
- Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
- YHA hostels
- Airbnb
What to Buy in Australia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products you can bring back home from Australia:
- Ugg Boots
- Tim Tams
- Akubra hats
- Australian Opals
- Boomerangs
Local Culture and Customs of Australia
Australia is a multicultural country that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. Aussies are laid-back and friendly, and they have a unique slang called “Strine.” As for customs, shaking hands is the most common form of greeting in Australia.
Best Time to Visit Australia
Australia is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on where you’re going and what you plan to do. The peak season is from December to February, while May to August is the best time for the outback and northern regions.
Do’s and Don’ts of Australia
Do:
- Respect the local culture and customs
- Apply sunscreen and stay hydrated
- Tidy up after yourself
- Carry your ID with you at all times
- Befriend the locals
Don’t:
- Underestimate the power of the sun
- Swim outside of the designated zones
- Ignore warning signs and barriers
- Touch or feed native wildlife
- Litter or dump waste in public places
Safety and Health
Australia is generally a safe country to visit. Here are some safety and health tips to keep in mind:
Safety in Australia
- Be vigilant of your surroundings, especially at night.
- Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas.
- Don’t leave valuables in your car.
- Be cautious of wildlife encounters.
Health in Australia
- Check your required vaccinations before traveling.
- Use insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites.
- Apply sunscreen and wear hats to protect from sunburn.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Getting to Australia: Transportation Options and Logistics
Australia is a vast country, but it’s relatively easy to get around. Here are some transportation options and logistics:
Airports Near Australia
- Sydney Airport (SYD)
- Melbourne Airport (MEL)
- Brisbane Airport (BNE)
- Adelaide Airport (ADL)
- Perth Airport (PER)
Bus Stations Near Australia
- Greyhound Australia
- Premier Motor Service
- Murray’s Coaches
Other Options
- Trains
- Car rentals
How to Get Around in Australia
Australia has an extensive network of public transportation, making it easy to travel around. Here are some of the popular modes of transport:
- Trains: The Countrylink and Queensland Rail are the primary operators.
- Buses: Greyhound Australia and Premier Motor Service are popular bus operators.
- Flights: Domestic flights are available for longer distance travel.
- Car Rentals: Hertz and Avis are popular rental companies.
- Taxis and ride-sharing services are available in major cities.
Where to Go Next from Australia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Australia is situated near some of the best destinations you can explore. Here are some nearby destinations you can go to:
- Indonesia: Bali Island
- Philippines: Palawan Island
- New Caledonia: Nouméa
- New Zealand: Auckland
Conclusion
Australia is an exciting destination to explore, with endless travel options to suit all travel styles and budgets. From its diverse landscapes to lively cities, delicious cuisine, and cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’re now ready to plan your trip and explore Australia like a pro!
Australia Image Gallery
Sydney cityscape at night
The Twelve Apostles
Port Arthur (Tasmania)
Red kangaroos in the Northern Territory
Parliament House in Canberra
Melbourne's Chinatown
Fireworks over Perth to mark Australia Day
A road sign near Broken Hill reminding the time zone difference
Time zones in Australia from GMT
A multilingual road sign in German, Italian, Japanese and Pitjantjatjara. Quite an unusual sight for Australia.
Visa policy of Australia
Two Qantas aircraft at Sydney Airport. Many other international airlines offer flights to Australia.
The Great Ocean Road
Part of the Stuart Highway in Central Australia
Qantas and Jetstar aircraft at Melbourne Airport
Map of the main inter-city rail lines in Australia
Indian Pacific
A suburban train in Sydney
Melbourne is well served by the world's largest tram network
The ''Spirit of Tasmania II'' at Port Melbourne
A koala
A Tasmanian devil
Sydney Opera House, one of Australia's most recognised landmarks
Beauchamp Falls, Great Otway National Park, Victoria
Part of an AFL match between the Hawthorn and Essendon teams
Hunter Stadium in Newcastle
Australia is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world (Bondi Beach pictured)
Surfers Paradise, located in the Gold Coast, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, boasting some of the world's greatest beaches and located near an array of theme parks
A scuba diver looking at a giant clam on the Great Barrier Reef
Horse racing at the Berrigan Cup race meeting in the small New South Wales town of Berrigan
Pitt Street Mall in Sydney is one of Australia's busiest shopping districts
Australian dollar banknotes in a wallet
A sign indicating that a shop is open
A shopping centre in Perth
Outdoor barbecues at Jackadder Lake, Woodlands, Western Australia. Similar facilities can be found in many parks across Australia.
Centre Place in Melbourne's CBD is lined with cafes
Kangaroo fillet at a restaurant in Sydney
A pavlova garnished with cream and raspberries
Smashed Avo in Melbourne
Seafood at the Sydney Fish Markets
The XXXX Brewery in Brisbane
The Birdsville Hotel in far western Queensland
Camping by the Yarrangobilly River, NSW
Bendigo's Shamrock Hotel
The Henty Central Hotel in the New South Wales town of Henty provides bed and breakfast accommodation. Many country towns have similar hotels.
Vineyards in South Australia
Uluru
A lifeguard at Bondi Beach in Sydney
Fire danger signs are located across Australia
Sydney funnel-web spider in a warning posture
Saltwater crocodile
"Sunbaker" from 1937 is one of the most widely recognised of all Australian photographs.
Royal Flying Doctor Service aircraft
A typical Telstra payphone
Express (yellow) and normal (red) Australia Post street posting boxes