From the energetic cities and magical outback, to the relaxed coastal lifestyle and inspiring Aboriginal heritage – Australia is a country of contrast. Sun yourself on the beaches of the Whitsundays, or catch a wave on the Gold Coast.
Trek through the Northern rainforests as old as the dinosaurs or watch the sun set over the Western Desert. Throw back an ice-cold beer in an outback pub or live it up the vibrant cities!
Find out all you need to know and more about travel to Australia with my travel guide. Jam-packed with visa and currency info, top places to visit, best time to go, travel tips, not-to-be-missed events and much more.
Australia Travel Booking Resources
These are my favourite companies to use when I travel.
• Search cheap flights with Skyscanner.
• Find the best deals on hotels on Booking.com.
Australia Facts
Population
20,700,000
Languages spoken
English + around 20 Australian Aboriginal languages.
Currency
AUD Dollar $
Electricity
The electrical current in Australia is 220-240V and the cycle is 50Hz. The Australian three pin power outlet is different from some other countries so you may need an adaptor.
Time Zones
Three different time zones cross Australia:
• Eastern (GMT + 10) for New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland.
• Central (GMT + 9:30) for the Northern Territory and South Australia.
• Western time (GMT + 8) in Western Australia.
Australia also has Daylight Saving where the clocks are put forward one hour. New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and South Australia have daylight saving from the end of October to the beginning of April. In Tasmania they start at the beginning of October to the beginning of April. Western Australia have it too, from the end of October to the end of March. The Northern Territory and Queensland don’t have Daylight Saving.
Country Dialling Code
+61
Weights & Measures
Metric
Weather
Australia has two climatic zones – the tropical zone and the temperate zone. The tropical zone in the north, above the Tropic of Capricorn, encompasses about 40 percent of the country and experiences two seasons – summer (when it’s wet) and winter (characteristically dry). The summer rain brings the lush rainforests of the tropical zone to life. The temperate zone has all four seasons. For up to the minute weather information to go the World Weather website.
Conditions in spring and summer are tropical in the north with high humidity and temperatures ranging between 30 and 50oC. Temperatures in the South sit at around 30oC during the day, with mild temperatures at night.
In autumn and winter Northern and Central Australia have clear warm days and cool nights, with an average temperature of around 20oC. The South has cool days (averaging around 15oC) with occasional rain but still plenty of sun. Drought is becoming more widespread with southeast Queensland, Victoria and South Australia all badly affected.
Best Time to Visit
Fans of the sun, sand and sea won’t want to miss the summer in Australia. Spring and autumn are mild and are the best seasons for bush walks and discovering nature. The Australian winter (June to August) is generally mild, but you will find snow on the fields of the Southern mountain regions. It’s still hot enough to visit the northern states in winter as the temperatures sit at around 24oC.
Getting to Australia
Travel to Australia from almost anywhere is long. London to Brisbane takes about 23.5 hours, to Melbourne is 22.5 hours, to Perth is 20 hours and to Sydney is 22 hours. Its best to break the journey up with stop offs, popular places to go include Dubai and Bangkok. Finding cheap flights to Australia can be a challenge, booking in-advance is essential. You could even consider including Australia, New Zealand and Fiji on a Round the World ticket.
Visa & Requirements
Get all your Australia work & tourist visa info right here! Whether you’re wanting to go on holiday or you’re keen to work you’ll find all you need to know before you go about Australia visa requirements.
Tourism Visa
The citizens of most countries (including the UK) require a visa to travel to Australia. UK citizens who are not planning on working in Australia will need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority System). This is an electronically stored authority to travel to Australia, allowing passengers to be processed quickly on arrival in Australia, with no requirement for a paper visa in the passengers passport. This is a multiple entry visa allowing stays of up to 3 months. Get yours here.
Working Holiday Visa
Want to soak up the true culture of Australia, how about working there! You can apply for the Working Holiday visa for Australia if you are between the ages of 18 and 30 and hold a passport for one of the countries or regions participating with Australia in the Working Holiday Program (the UK is one of these).
Transport and Getting Around
At 7.69 million square kilometres, there is plenty to discover in Australia! If your time in Australia is short the best transport is by plane, allowing you to hop quickly between cities and sites. For longer stays jump on a train, or hire a car or campervan so you can discover the country at your own pace.
Public Transport
There are heaps of transport options in the main cities of Australia – trains, buses, ferries, monorail, light rail and trams. From a ferry on the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour or Brisbane River to a tram ride through the elegant streets of Melbourne, you’ll find public transport efficient, clean, reliable and affordable.
Organised Tours
Organised tours, although not the cheapest way to travel, are a great way to see the sites – especially if you’re travelling alone or are a first-time traveller. Lots of local and international operators offers trips throughout the country taking you to see the very best places. Companies I recommend include G Adventures and Contiki who offer lots of amazing trips. Benefits include travelling with a group of like-minded people, getting a hassle free experience and having a lot of fun.
Top Tourist Attractions
Australia is a vast country with endless horizons, amazing natural land formations, stunning beaches, tropical rainforests, coral reefs and fascinating native wildlife. This country really is one of the highlights of Oceania.
Check out my list of places to see/visit in Australia, including tourist attractions and all the best places to go sightseeing. This is just a taste of what this great country has to offer!
Head to Australia’s oldest and biggest city to experience the urban beach lifestyle, pulsing nightlife and fantastic shopping. Catch a wave at Bondi or Palm Beach, climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge with BridgeClimb, catch the ferry to Manly, learn about Australia’s unique animals at Sydney Wildlife World or be inspired by magical performances at the Sydney Opera house.
Melbourne is an exciting blend of old and new as distinctive mid-1800s gold-boom era architecture blends with modern glass skyscrapers. Escape down an alleyway and hunt for a bargain in this well-loved shopping destination, or head to one of over 3,000 restaurants, bars and cafes – you’ll never go hungry. Federation Square is a focal point for the arts, events and entertainment connecting the city with the Yarra River.
Brisbane is famous for its near-perfect weather and offers the best in food, wine, arts, entertainment, and major sporting events. Brisbane is also in the heart of a region renowned for its beach, river, rainforest and mountain experiences. The Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast beaches are major drawcards for visitors and are right on Brisbane’s doorstep.
Built on the banks of the Swan River, Perth is famous for its blue skies, stunning natural setting and friendly people. Go yachting or parasailing on the river, visit the uncrowded beaches or stroll through the parks. Plus transport is free in the city centre, yippee! Perth is the gateway to the rest of western Australia – rugged ancient landforms, unique wildlife and ancient Aboriginal culture.
Visit the festival capital of Australia and be one of thousands of art lovers from across the globe converging on the city for the biennial Adelaide Festival and annual Fringe Festival, biennial Tasting Australia food and wine festival, and major sporting events, the Clipsal 500, Adelaide’s super car race series, and the Tour Down Under, the first pro-tour cycle race outside of Europe.
While tropical Darwin’s population is only 100,000, there are more than 50 nationalities represented. Visit Darwin for festivals, beachside night markets, museums and nightlife or head beyond the city for the wonders for Kakadu National Park, Uluru (also known as Ayres Rock) and Arnhem Land. Over 40,000 years of Aboriginal history is contained in the Northern Territory and is there for you to discover.
Tasmania
The untouched beauty, preserved forests, sprawling vineyards and open spaces that lead directly into the Pacific Ocean have helped Tasmania to earn its unbridled reputation. You can stop along your way to enjoy a dip in the ocean or discover a unique rock formation.
Although this island was once a jail for British outlaws, today it is an off the beaten track backpacking destination. The 19th-century convict heritage of Australia’s second oldest capital city is woven through modern Hobart.
Beyond the waterfront of this port city you’ll find many grand colonial-era homes and workers cottages. The forested Mt Wellington, rising steeply behind Hobart, is a reminder that the state’s vast World Heritage wilderness is just a few hours away.
Whitsundays
This sun-soaked coastal region lies midway along Australia’s Queensland coast in the calm waters of the Coral Sea. Airlie Beach is the gateway to the 74 islands – only eight of which are inhabited. Discover the wonder that is Heart Reef. Sink your feet into the white, silica sands of world-famous Whitehaven Beach. Or jump in a boat and sail at sunset across the crystal-clear waters. It is up to you!
The Great Barrier Reef
As one of the world’s most impressive natural sites, the Great Barrier Reef is an absolute must-see if you’re visiting Australia.
Most people visit on trips from Cairns, and while you can go on boat trips and even fly over it, the only way to truly appreciate its majesty and beauty is to get in the water. Snorkelling is one option, but to get more from the experience you need to scuba dive.
The Barrier Reef is an incredible sight beneath the surface, with colourful corals spreading out as far as the eye can see and a host of vibrant fish flitting in and out of the corals. Turtles, sharks and rays are some of the larger marine animals you can see, too.
Once you’ve taken the plunge here once, you’ll certainly want more – doing a night dive on the reef is an exciting and wonderful experience if you’re spending a few days on one of the larger dive boats.
Australia Travel Tips
Have an awesome time while on your trip but remember to respect the local culture in Australia. Here are a few Australia travel tips & advice to help you with any possible culture shock!
Aboriginal Culutre
While you’re in Australia make sure you get to attend an Aboriginal music and dance performance. It’s a great opportunity to hear the low-pitched drone of the didgeridoo, a wind instrument made from a small hollow tree trunk.
Beaches
Australia has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and you can find some many to visit all around the country. View my guide to the best surfing beaches in Australia.
Vegemite
Try some! It’s a yeast spread which that has the same standing that peanut butter has in North America. But it’s best to start with a small taste (and we mean small).
Barbie (bbq) Etiquette
If an Aussie invites you over for a barbie you’ll be expected to bring your own wine or beer, and probably your own meat as well. The general stereotype is that Aussie ‘blokes’ stand around the bbq with a beer, while the ‘sheila’s’ (Aussie women) gossip and prepare salads. The dress code is casual.
Croc Safety
There are two types of crocodiles in Australia – the freshwater and saltwater varieties. The more-dangerous saltwater crocs can be found in tidal estuaries but can travel to freshwater areas, sometimes as far as 300 km upstream. Make sure you read the local warning signs and take extra care in tidal estuaries. Avoid swimming, paddling or camping near water in crocodile infested areas, and if in a boat avoid leaning out of it.
Sunscreen
No matter where you are in Australia or what season it is, always remember your sunscreen. The sun in the southern hemisphere is much stronger than in the northern hemisphere and burn time can be as quick as 8 minutes. It’s best to wear a shirt and put on a hat while enjoying the great outdoors. Sunscreen containing SPF30+ coverage is recommended and buying it down under is probably best so you get the strong stuff!
Budget
Australia’s currency is the dollar, and the exchange rate is approximately $2.54 = £1.
Sample Prices
It is always a good idea to budget for a trip so you don’t run out of money. Here are a few sample prices so you have plenty of dosh for your Aussie holiday:
• 1 fosters beer = $5
• 1 pair of thongs = $10
• 1 souvenir boomerang = $10
• 1 Aussie cork hat (to keep away the flies) = $12
• 2 hour surfing lesson on the gold coast = $50
• Average room prices = you’ll pay around $40 for cheap accommodation, $80 – $150 for something mid-range, and $180 and upward if you’re going all out.
• Average meal prices = $5 for a cheap dish, $15 at a mid-range restaurant, and $25 and upwards if you go somewhere swanky.
These prices are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change.
Tipping
Tipping isn’t essential in Australia but if you’ve experienced great service in a restaurant then 10% seems to be the usual figure. Australians only tend to do this in expensive restaurants. Note that tips are often pooled and shared between all staff. You’re also not expected to tip in bars and taxis but many people will leave some coins on the bar after picking up their drink, or tell the cabbie to keep the change.
Banking
Banks are generally open 9am to 4 pm, Monday through Thursday and from 9 pm to 5 pm on Fridays. In some states selected branches are open on Saturday morning. American Express, Bankcard, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in Australia.
Health & Safety
There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK, in emergencies only, which allows residents from the UK free treatment in hospitals. Prescribed medicines, ambulances and treatment at some doctors’ surgeries must be paid for. Travel insurance for illness and accidents is highly recommended for all visitors, including UK nationals. If you’re travelling in the outback it pays to take a first aid kit with you.
Below are a few hints and tips to ensure you have a hassle-free holiday in Australia:
• Be careful with personal possessions and travel documents in the cities and other popular tourist destinations, as you would at home.
• Tropical cyclones can occur between November and April in northwest Australia (between Exmouth and Broome), in Western Australia and in northeast Queensland (between Port Douglas and Maryborough). Bush/forest fires are common during the summer months from November to February.
• When in the desert areas make sure you have enough water, and are able to shelter yourself from the sun. The locals can advise you what best to take. It is advisable that you register your route details and expected date of return with a friend, or with the relevant tourist authorities.
• Take care when swimming as rip currents can pull you out to sea. You also need to be wary of sharks (even at popular beach spots) and of crocodiles. Make sure you read and follow any signs at the beach or swimming areas.