Australia
Your typical city dwelling Australian likes nothing better than an early morning run or bracing surf to kick start them into life; well that followed by a flat white, obviously. However, move clear of Sydney and Melbourne and you’ll discover the antidote to the fast-paced Aussie lifestyle with national parks, such as Kakadu and Purnululu, providing an inexhaustible supply of inspirational isolation. From aboriginal art etched over ancient rocks in the Northern Territory, to the penguins, vineyards and beach reserves of the south, no trip to Australia is complete without donning your cork hat and letting yourself and your imagination run wild.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Australia depends on the area you plan to see. A country of two climates, Australia’s northern half is driest and most accessible between April and September. Warm, sunny days show the national parks and beaches at their very best, providing opportunities for swimming and barbecues. The north is humid from October to March, with more rainfall, but this is offset by the active wildlife, and reinvigorated rainforests and wetlands.
In the southern half of Australia, the summer months (December to February) bring hot weather. Autumn (March to May) is also a lovely time, with numerous festivals and the busy grape harvest. Winter (June to August) is less busy and generally attracts a temperate climate that’s ideal for hiking, while spring (September to November) often sees more 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
Travel Guides
Below you will find guides on places in Australia, reasons to visit Australia, and how to travel Australia on a budget.
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Top 5 Things to See and Do in Australia
The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system, is a mesmerising underwater spectacle off the coast of Queensland. Spanning over 2,300 kilometres, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to an astounding diversity of marine life, from vibrantly coloured coral gardens to majestic sea turtles. Whether you choose to snorkel, dive, or simply glide over the azure waters in a glass-bottom boat, the reef promises encounters with its myriad inhabitants. The Whitsunday Islands, nestled amidst the reef, offer pristine beaches and turquoise lagoons for an idyllic escape.
Australia’s Outback is a vast, untamed wilderness that captures the essence of the continent’s raw beauty. At its heart stands Uluru (Ayers Rock), a monolithic sandstone formation that holds deep spiritual significance for the local Anangu people. Watching the rock change hues during sunrise or sunset is a soul-stirring experience. Nearby, the Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) formations rise majestically, offering walking trails that reveal tales of ancient geology and indigenous legends.
Sydney, with its iconic skyline, is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends urban charm with coastal beauty. The Sydney Harbour, crowned by the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, is the city’s vibrant heart. Embark on a leisurely ferry ride, climb the bridge for panoramic views, or simply bask in the art and architecture of the Opera House. The adjacent Circular Quay and The Rocks area brim with history, culture, and a pulsating energy that embodies the spirit of Sydney.
4. Road Trip along the Great Ocean Road
Winding its way along Victoria’s dramatic coastline, the Great Ocean Road offers one of the most scenic drives in the world. This coastal route takes travellers past rugged cliffs, lush rainforests, and picturesque beach towns. The Twelve Apostles, limestone stacks that rise majestically from the Southern Ocean, are the undisputed highlight, best viewed during sunrise or sunset. Along the way, koalas, kangaroos, and an array of birdlife offer delightful encounters with Australia’s unique fauna.
5. Experience the Wilderness of Tasmania
Tasmania, Australia’s island state, is a treasure trove of pristine wilderness, rugged mountains, and captivating history. The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, which encompasses vast rainforests, alpine regions, and wild rivers, is a haven for hikers and nature lovers. Port Arthur, with its historic ruins, narrates tales of the island’s convict past. Meanwhile, the bustling markets, art scenes, and gourmet experiences of Hobart, the state’s capital, offer a charming blend of the old and new.
Australia Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel Dorms – 25–50 AUD / £13–27 GBP / $17–34 / €15–31
- Hostel Private Rooms – 70–120 AUD / £38–65 GBP / $48–82 / €43–74
- Budget Hotels – 90–160 AUD / £49–87 GBP / $62–110 / €55–98
- Airbnb Private Rooms – 70–150 AUD / £38–81 GBP / $48–103 / €43–92
- Airbnb Apartments – 150+ AUD / £81+ GBP / $103+ / €92+
- Campsites & Caravan Parks – 15–50 AUD / £8–27 GBP / $10–34 / €9–31
Transportation
- Local Bus, Tram, or Metro Ride – 3–6 AUD / £1.60–3.20 GBP / $2–4.10 / €1.80–3.70
- Opal or Myki Transport Card (Daily Cap) – 8–15 AUD / £4.30–8 GBP / $5.50–10 / €5–9
- Intercity Bus (Sydney to Melbourne) – 50–120 AUD / £27–65 GBP / $34–82 / €31–74
- Taxi (Per km, Metered in Cities) – 2–3 AUD / £1.10–1.60 GBP / $1.40–2.10 / €1.20–2
- Rideshare (Uber, DiDi, Ola – Short Trip) – 15–40 AUD / £8–22 GBP / $10–28 / €9–25
- Car Rental (Per Day) – 60–120 AUD / £33–65 GBP / $41–82 / €37–74
Food
- Budget Meal (Fast Food, Cafés, Food Courts) – 10–20 AUD / £5–11 GBP / $7–14 / €6–12
- Mid-Range Restaurant Meal – 20–50 AUD / £11–27 GBP / $14–34 / €12–31
- Coffee (Flat White, Latte, Cappuccino) – 4–6 AUD / £2.20–3.20 GBP / $2.75–4.10 / €2.50–3.70
- Beer (Pint at a Pub or Bar) – 8–12 AUD / £4.30–6.50 GBP / $5.50–8.20 / €5–7.40
Activities
- National Park Entry – 10–30 AUD / £5–16 GBP / $7–21 / €6–19
- Museum or Gallery Entry (e.g., Sydney Museum, NGV Melbourne) – 15–30 AUD / £8–16 GBP / $10–21 / €9–19
- Guided Tours (City or Wildlife Tours) – 50–150 AUD / £27–81 GBP / $34–103 / €31–92
- Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling/Diving Tours – 100–300 AUD / £54–162 GBP / $68–205 / €62–185
- Surf Lesson (Gold Coast, Bondi Beach, Byron Bay) – 40–100 AUD / £22–54 GBP / $27–68 / €25–62
- Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb – 250–400 AUD / £135–217 GBP / $170–275 / €155–245
Australia Suggested Budgets
🎒 Backpacker – 80 AUD Per Day
💲 ~$55 | ~€50 | ~£43
A backpacking budget in Australia allows you to:
- Stay in hostel dorms or budget campsites (starting at 25 AUD ($17) per night).
- Eat at supermarkets, food courts, and fast food places, where meals cost 10–20 AUD ($7–$14).
- Use public transport, walk, or rent a bike to keep costs low.
- Enjoy free or low-cost activities, such as visiting national parks, city beaches, and free museums.
Extra Costs:
- If drinking, add 10–30 AUD ($7–$20) for beers or cocktails.
- Long-distance bus or budget airline travel can add 40–100 AUD ($27–$68) per trip.
🍜 Midrange – 200 AUD Per Day
💲 ~$135 | ~€125 | ~£107
A midrange budget gives you more comfort and variety:
- Stay in private hostel rooms, budget hotels, or Airbnbs.
- Dine at mid-range restaurants and cafés, trying local seafood, Aussie barbecue, and multicultural cuisine.
- Use a mix of public transport, rental cars, or Uber for convenience.
- Visit wildlife parks, go on boat tours, and take scenic drives.
- Enjoy occasional nightlife or bar hopping.
Extra Costs:
- Domestic flights within Australia can cost 100–300 AUD ($68–$205) depending on the route.
- Full-day excursions, such as a Great Ocean Road tour or a snorkel trip to the Great Barrier Reef, cost 100–250 AUD ($68–$170).
🏨 Upscale – 400+ AUD Per Day
💲 ~$270+ | ~€250+ | ~£215+
A luxury budget ensures a high-end experience in Australia:
- Stay in boutique hotels, luxury resorts, or private Airbnbs.
- Dine at fine-dining restaurants, enjoy premium seafood, and try award-winning Australian wines.
- Use rental cars, private transfers, or domestic flights for seamless travel.
- Join private tours, scenic helicopter rides, or exclusive wildlife encounters.
- Experience Australia’s best entertainment, spas, and high-end shopping.
Extra Costs:
- Luxury island resorts (e.g., Hamilton Island, Lizard Island) start at 600 AUD ($410) per night.
- Scenic helicopter tours or private yacht charters start at 500 AUD ($340).
- Fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants can cost 200 AUD ($135) per person.
Australia Money-Saving Tips
Australia is known for being an expensive travel destination, but with smart planning, you can explore on a budget while still enjoying incredible experiences.
1 – Bring a Reusable Water Bottle – Tap water is safe to drink across Australia, so avoid buying bottled water. A filtered bottle like LifeStraw or Grayl is great for road trips or hikes.
2 – Take Advantage of Free Attractions – Many of Australia’s best experiences are free, including beaches, national parks, city walks, and museums (e.g., NGV Melbourne, Australian Museum in Sydney).
3 – Cook Your Own Meals – Eating out is expensive, so shop at Woolworths, Coles, or ALDI and cook at hostels, Airbnbs, or campsite kitchens. Many public parks also have free BBQ facilities!
4 – Use Public Transport Smartly – Instead of taxis or Ubers, get a transport card (Opal in Sydney, Myki in Melbourne, Go Card in Brisbane) to save on city travel. Some cities offer free trams (Melbourne CBD) or buses (Perth).
5 – Stay in Hostels, Airbnbs, or Campsites – Australia has great budget accommodations, including hostels from Hostelworld (from 25 AUD per night), Airbnbs, and campgrounds (some are even free in national parks). Use Booking.com for hotels.
6 – Travel Overnight on Buses or Trains – If covering long distances, overnight buses (Greyhound, Premier Motor Service) or trains can save a night’s accommodation while getting you to your next destination.
7 – Use Rideshare Apps for Long-Distance Travel – Instead of renting a car alone, use rideshare apps like Coseats or Facebook backpacker groups to split fuel costs.
8 – Get a Fuel Discount App for Road Trips – If renting a car or van, apps like Fuel Map Australia or Petrol Spy help find the cheapest fuel prices along your route.
9 – Enjoy Happy Hour & BYO Restaurants – Alcohol in bars is pricey, so look for happy hour deals (often 4–6 PM). Many restaurants allow BYO (Bring Your Own) alcohol, saving you money on drinks.
10 – Visit During the Shoulder Season – Avoid peak tourist months (December–February) to save on flights, accommodation, and tours. Travel in spring (September–November) or autumn (March–May) for cheaper rates and fewer crowds.
How to Get Around in Australia
Australian cities are pedestrian-friendly, with well-maintained sidewalks and scenic routes. Walkable areas include Sydney’s Harbour Foreshore, Melbourne’s laneways, Brisbane’s South Bank, and Perth’s Elizabeth Quay. However, due to long distances, walking is not practical for intercity travel.
🚌 Public Transportation (City Travel)
- Buses, Trams & Metro – All major cities have reliable public transport, with systems like Opal (Sydney), Myki (Melbourne), Go Card (Brisbane), and SmartRider (Perth). Fares range from 3–6 AUD ($2–$4.10) per ride.
- Free Public Transport – Some cities offer free services, such as Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone and Perth’s CAT Buses.
- Transport Cards – Using a reloadable card (Opal, Myki, Go Card, etc.) is cheaper than single tickets and offers daily fare caps.
✈️ Domestic Flights
- Australia’s major cities are spread out, so domestic flights are often the fastest way to travel long distances.
- Budget airlines like Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Rex offer cheap flights between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, starting at 100–300 AUD ($68–$205) when booked in advance.
- Sydney to Melbourne – 1.5 hours, from 120 AUD ($82).
- Perth to Brisbane – 5 hours, from 300 AUD ($205).
- Use Trip.com for discounted flights!
🚆 Trains & Intercity Rail
- Australia’s train network is limited compared to Europe or Japan, but scenic routes like The Ghan (Adelaide to Darwin) and the Indian Pacific (Sydney to Perth) offer luxury train journeys.
- Sydney to Melbourne Train – 11 hours, from 75 AUD ($51) (cheaper than flying but much slower).
- Brisbane to Cairns Train – 24 hours, from 150 AUD ($102).
🚖 Taxis & Rideshare Apps
- Taxis are expensive, with metered fares starting at 2–3 AUD ($1.40–$2) per km.
- Uber, DiDi, and Ola operate in all major cities and are generally cheaper than taxis.
- Budget Tip – Avoid taxis from airports—use public transport or airport shuttle buses instead.
🚌 Intercity Buses (Budget Travel Option)
- Greyhound, Premier Motor Service, and Firefly Express operate long-distance buses between cities.
- Sydney to Melbourne Bus – 12 hours, from 50 AUD ($34).
- Cairns to Brisbane Bus – 24 hours, from 180 AUD ($123).
- Overnight buses help save on accommodation costs.
🚗 Car & Campervan Rental
- Renting a car is the best way to explore Australia’s national parks, beaches, and road trip routes.
- Rentals start at 60–120 AUD ($41–$82) per day, plus fuel.
- Popular road trips:
- Great Ocean Road (Victoria) – 3–5 days.
- Sydney to Brisbane (Pacific Coast) – 7–10 days.
- Perth to Broome (West Coast) – 10–14 days.
- Recommended Car Rental: DiscoverCars Australia
🚲 Cycling
- Cycling is a great way to explore Australian cities, with bike-friendly paths in Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Canberra.
- Bike rentals cost 20–40 AUD ($14–$28) per day.
🛳️ Ferries & Boat Travel
- Sydney Ferries – Affordable and scenic transport to Manly Beach, Taronga Zoo, and Parramatta (fares from 7 AUD ($5)).
- Tasmania Ferry (Spirit of Tasmania) – A 10-hour ferry from Melbourne to Devonport, costing 100–300 AUD ($68–$205) for foot passengers.
- Island Ferries – Ferries connect Fraser Island, Rottnest Island, and the Whitsundays (fares vary by location).
🚀 Final Travel Tips
- Book domestic flights early to get the best deals.
- Use transport cards (Opal, Myki, Go Card) for cheaper fares.
- Consider a campervan rental for road trips to save on accommodation.
- Avoid taxis from airports—public transport is much cheaper.
- Check free public transport options in each city.
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