Australia: Where the Wild Things Are
Reefs, red deserts, world-class cities. Here’s how to see it all.
Australia doesn’t do anything small. The reef is the world’s biggest. The Outback stretches further than most countries. Even the spiders are oversized. But that’s exactly the point, you come here for scale, for wildness, for the kind of trip that genuinely changes your frame of reference. Sydney and Melbourne are world-class cities with world-class coffee (the flat white was basically invented here). And then you get two hours outside either one and you’re in landscapes so ancient they make Europe feel like a new build. This guide covers all of it.
21–23 hrs
From the UK
Apr – Sep
Best time (North)
English
Main language
AUD
Currency
Best Time To Visit
April to September (think national parks, beaches, swimming, BBQ weather). October to March is hotter, more humid and wetter, but you’ll get lush landscapes and lively wildlife.
Down south, December to February is peak heat. Autumn (March to May) is festival-friendly and harvest season, winter (June to August) is quieter and great for hiking, and spring (September to November) brings a nice boost in wildlife activity.
For a month by month look click here
What To Expect
Capital: Canberra
Language: Australia legally has no official language. However, English is by far the most commonly spoken and has been entrenched as the de facto national language
Currency: The currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar. Check the latest rates here
Credit Cards & ATMs: Most restaurants and retailers in the big and small cities will accept credit cards as payment. If you need to draw cash, you can find ATMs almost everywhere: bank lobbies, on the streets, shopping malls, convenience stores, and petrol stations.
Plugs: The plugs in Australia are type I. The standard voltage is 230V, and the standard frequency is 50 HZ. I recommend buying a universal adapter
Safety: Australia is one of the safest countries in the world. While it has low crime rates, the one thing you do need to look out for is the country’s flora and fauna. Australia is notorious for its poisonous species of spiders and snakes, as well as the deadly jellyfish and sharks that swim along its shores.
Random useful tip: Wear sunblock. Even on a cloudy day. The sun is very strong in Australia and it is easy to get burnt.
Dont’s: Do Not Swim Outside The Yellow And Red Flags
Australia Travel Guides
From Sydney’s harbour to the Outback’s red heart, here’s everything you need to plan your trip.
City Guides
Itineraries + Maps
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do
Best Time to Visit
Travel Tips
Everything Else
How Much Does Australia Cost?
Australia isn’t cheap, but it’s absolutely worth it. Here’s a realistic breakdown so you can plan without surprises.
🎒
Backpacker
~$55 | ~€50 | ~£43/day
• Hostel dorms from £13/night
• Street food & supermarkets
• Public transport & walking
• Free beaches, parks & museums
🍜
Mid-Range
~$135 | ~€125 | ~£107
• Private rooms & budget hotels
• Cafés, restaurants & local spots
• Mix of transport & rental car
• Wildlife parks, boat tours, day trips
🏨
Upscale
~$270+ | ~€250+ | ~£215+
• Boutique hotels & luxury resorts
• Fine dining & premium seafood
• Private tours & helicopter rides
• Hamilton Island, reef retreats
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Budget
- Hostel dorm: £13–27/night
- Campsite: £8–27/night
- Budget hotel: £49–87/night
Mid–Luxury
- Airbnb apartment: £81+/night
- Boutique hotel: £100–200/night
- Luxury resort: £325+/night
City Travel
- Bus/tram/metro: £1.60–3.20
- Transport card daily cap: £4–8
- Uber/rideshare short trip: £8–22
Long Distance
- Intercity bus (Syd–Mel): £27–65
- Domestic flight (Syd–Mel): £55–110
- Car rental per day: £33–65
Eat Cheap
- Fast food / food court: £5–11
- Supermarket meal prep: £3–6
- Coffee (flat white): £2–3
Eating Out
- Mid-range restaurant: £11–27
- Seafood at the harbour: £25–50
- Pint at a pub: £4–7
Budget Fun
- National park entry: £5–16
- Museum/gallery: £8–16
- Surf lesson: £22–54
Big Experiences
- Great Barrier Reef tour: £54–162
- Sydney Harbour Bridge climb: £135–217
- Scenic helicopter ride: £270+
10 Ways to Save Money in Australia
🚰 1 – Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
⛪️ 2 – Take Advantage of Free Attractions
🍕 3 – Cook Your Own Meals
🚌 4 – Use Public Transport Smartly
🏕️ 5 – Stay in Hostels, Airbnbs, or Campsites
🚆 6 – Travel Overnight on Buses or Trains
🚗 7 – Use Rideshare Apps for Long-Distance Travel
⛽️ 8 – Get a Fuel Discount App for Road Trips
🍺 9 – Enjoy Happy Hour & BYO Restaurants
🍂 10 – Visit During the Shoulder Season
Getting Around Australia
Australia is enormous. Like, genuinely enormous. Here’s how to get between the places without losing half your budget or your mind.
Domestic Flights
Best for long distances. Australia’s cities are spread out — flying saves days.
✅ Fast, frequent routes
✅ Budget airlines from £55
❌ Adds up if not booked early
Car & Campervan
Best for road trips and national parks. Absolute freedom — and you can sleep in it.
✅ Total flexibility
✅ Access to remote areas
❌ Fuel is expensive over long distances
Public Transport
Best for getting around within cities. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane — all well connected.
✅ Cheap with a transport card
✅ Some cities have free zones
❌ Not useful between cities
Intercity Rail
Best for scenic journeys — The Ghan and Indian Pacific are bucket-list train trips.
✅ Scenic and relaxed
✅ Overnight = saves accommodation
❌ Slow. Very slow.
Intercity Bus
Best for budget travel between cities. Takes longer but costs a fraction of flying.
✅ Cheapest option from £17
✅ Overnight buses save hotel costs
❌ Sydney to Melbourne is 12 hours. Bring snacks.
Ferries & Boat Travel
Best for island hopping and city harbour routes. Sydney’s ferries are genuinely scenic.
✅ Scenic way to see harbour cities
✅ Connects islands like Rottnest, Manly, Whitsundays
❌ Limited routes outside main cities
Which Is Right For You?
Exploring one city
Use the public transport card
Hitting multiple cities
Fly between them, bus for short hops
National parks & coastal roads
Rent a car or campervan
Tight budget, long distance
Overnight bus or budget airline
Quick Tips
📅
Book Flights Early
Prices jump fast on popular routes – 6–8 weeks out is the sweet spot
💳
Use Transport Cards
Opal, Myki, Go Card – always cheaper than single tickets
🌙
Travel Overnight
Overnight buses and trains = you save a night’s accommodation
🚕
Skip Airport Taxis
Public transport from Australian airports is almost always cheaper and barely slower
Travel Resources
FAQs
Do I need a visa to visit Australia?
Yes. Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa before arriving — you can’t just turn up. UK, EU, and US passport holders can apply online in minutes through the Australian Government’s ImmiAccount portal. It’s usually approved within 24 hours and costs around AUD $20. Always check the official site for current requirements before you travel
Is Australia safe for tourists?
Generally yes — it consistently ranks as one of the safer countries in the world. Petty crime is low and violent crime against tourists is rare. The bigger risks are environmental: strong surf, UV radiation, and wildlife. Always swim between the flags, wear sunscreen even on cloudy days, and pay attention to warning signs in national parks. The animals are not joking around.
How long do I need in Australia?
What's the best way to get around Australia?
It depends entirely on your itinerary. For city to city, domestic flights are the most practical — distances are huge. For exploring regions, a rental car or campervan gives you the most freedom. Within cities, public transport cards (Opal in Sydney, Myki in Melbourne) are cheap and reliable. See our full getting around breakdown above.
Is Australia expensive to visit?
It’s not cheap — but it’s not as brutal as people fear if you plan smart. Budget travellers can get by on around £43/day staying in hostels and cooking some meals. Mid-range travellers typically spend £100–130/day with private accommodation and eating out. The big costs to plan for are domestic flights, car rental, and major experiences like the Great Barrier Reef. See our full cost breakdown above.
When is the best time to visit Australia?
It genuinely depends on where you’re going. The north (Cairns, Darwin, Kakadu) is best April–September — dry season, accessible, stunning. The south (Sydney, Melbourne, Great Ocean Road) works well year round but peaks December–February for summer. The Outback is best visited April–October when temperatures are survivable. For a month-by-month breakdown, check our full best time to visit guide.
Do I need travel insurance for Australia?
Yes — and don’t skip this one. Australia has no reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK or most other countries, which means medical bills hit you at full price. A hospital stay can run into tens of thousands of pounds. Good travel insurance is non-negotiable here. Compare policies and find our recommended options in the Travel Resources section.
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