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The 10 best Australian travel blogs to inspire you

We love to travel!

While there may have been travel restrictions in place since early 2020, Australians have switched their overseas plans and decided on a local adventure exploring our beautiful home country.

And my oh my, there’s so much to experience!

To stay inspired during the restrictions, we decided to step back and live vicariously through some of our favourite travel bloggers from across Australia.

After reading about all the amazing Australian destinations and travel guides, we couldn’t help but share some of the best travel blogs we’ve been following. If you want some travel inspiration and are patiently awaiting your next local adventure, check out these 10 amazing Australian bloggers.

1. West Australian Explorer | Western Australia

West Australian Explorer was created and is managed by an Australian travel blogger, Nina. The blog content is focused around outdoor adventures, beaches, water sports and family-friendly (including pets) fun in unmissable destinations across Western Australia.

Search the website based on your interests or your travel location – West Australian Explorer makes it easy to find the best local travel destinations.

While West Australian Explorer focuses on many rural destinations across WA, it also highlights some of the best day trips from Perth. If you’re located close to Perth, check out the website for trip ideas to places like York, the Swan Valley, Serpentine Falls and more.

Recommend reads:

• Tips for a stress-free pet-friendly holiday
• Perth to Exmouth Road Trip – here’s all you need to know for an awesome drive
• 10 unmissable attractions in the Margaret River Region

2. ZigaZag | Western Australia

The ZigaZag was created by a local West Australian travel blogger, Jo, as a resource to help users find things to do across our vast state.

The Australian travel blog includes a complete list of towns and regions from A to Z so you can research your travel destination by searching the towns name.

Searching for the best restaurants in your area?

ZigaZag also includes a dedicated section on local WA restaurants with reviews so you can grab a coffee or bite to eat before starting your day of travel.

• How to Embrace Winter in Western Australia (Top Tips and Getaways)
• Things to do in Carnarvon – Gateway to the Ningaloo Coast
• Why you should escape The Kimberley in Western Australia

3. Summerstar Tourist Parks | Western Australia

The Summerstar Travel Blog (our very own) provides a resource full of travel guides, travel tips, family-friendly travel ideas and unmissable West Australian holiday destinations.

Updated regularly, you’ll find information on the latest newly-opened tourist destinations, be kept up to date with seasonal events in regional areas and check out the most unique and memorable local tours and experiences.

For the latest travel advice and holiday destination ideas, make sure you follow Summerstar Tourist Parks on Facebook and Instagram .

• Great South West Road Trip – Your Perth to Esperance Itinerary
• How to Find WA’s Best Beach Fishing Destinations
• Coral Coast Road Trip – Your Perth to Kalbarri Itinerary

4. Let Me Be Free Blog | Australia

Anne from the Let Me Be Free blog is an Australian travel blogger who shares her experiences online while travelling and taking road trips through Australia. She travels with her partner and two children, so you’ll find a lot of family-friendly travel ideas and advice on the Let Me Be Free blog.

While the Let Me Be Free blog primarily focuses on travel in Australia, there’s also some travel advice and guides for overseas locations such as New Zealand, Africa, Asia, North America and more.

• Getting off-road with a 4wd club
• Keeping Healthy While Camping
• My favourite things to do in Busselton

5. Dirty Drifters | Australia

Perth locals Adam & Tahnee manage the Dirty Drifters Australian travel blog. They continue to provide insightful travel tips, their top holiday destinations and advice for 4wd enthusiasts as they travel across Australia.

Setting out on a journey of Australia in early 2018, the Dirty Drifters have mapped out their favourite stops along the way as they explore everything that makes Australia such an amazing travel destination. Travelling by 4wd, they also take on more ‘off-the-beaten-track’ type adventures in rural and often remote destinations.

• Keep Calm & Carry on in Karijini, Western Australia
• CREB Track - 4WD Adventure in the Tropical Rainforest
• Camping with Wombats in Australia!

6. Trip In A Van | Australia

“We packed up and sold our home to live the dream!” – Trip In A Van

Justin and Bec took the plunge with their three kids, sold their home, purchased a caravan and set out on an unmissable adventure across Western Australia.

And reading through their blog, they most certainly made the right choice!

If you’re hoping to one day travel Australia by caravan on a budget, then follow along with the Trip In A Van team. With travel advice, must-see destinations and budgeting ideas while travelling, Trip In A Van cover all the bases, providing honest and insightful travel advice.

Travelling in a family unit of five, you’ll also find a bunch of family-friendly focused content.

• Packing Up Your House to Travel Australia – Here’s A Few Tips!!

7. Travelling Australia With Kids | Australia

Planning your next adventure with kids in tow?

Travelling Australia With Kids (TAWK) is the ultimate resource for travel tips, budgeting guides and family-friendly destinations for families looking to explore Australia. The Aussie travel blog has thousands of followers and are often providing amazing advice through their social channels - so be sure to give them a follow.

While you're there, consider signing up and becoming a TAWKer! TAWKers receive discounted accommodation and special offers from local Australian businesses. Check out the Summerstar TAWK page for special offers available at Summerstar Tourist Parks.

• Travel Budget Tips
• Homeschooling In Australia
• The TAWK Pose!

8. Curious Campers Australia | Australia

Based in South Australia, Natalie and Steve live a life of curiosity as they travel around Australia writing and sharing their favourite destinations. Originally travelling in a family unit of four, these Australian travel bloggers are now back on the road travelling as a curious team of two.

As they describe it, “We want to inspire you to see Australia” – and inspire they do!

While you can search the website based on state, we recommend jumping into the ‘Chin Wag’ section for some unique travel advice covering unusual situation you often can’t plan for.

• Karijini – Camping in Nature’s Playground
• Staircase to the Moon Broome
• Chasing Super Pit Blast Times in Kalgoorlie

9. Coasting Australia | Australia

Travelling as a young family team of four, Coasting Australia writes about their adventures exploring amazing Australian destinations.

As a family, Coasting Australia provides handy travel advice for other families looking to keep their kids entertained when travelling long distances.

Where possible, their kelpie-cross fur child Bobby joins along on the adventure, so you can also find some great pet-friendly travel advice – perfect if your four-legged pal likes to join along on your holiday.

• 5 Things to do in Perth Now
• Perth Beaches – The Ultimate Guide
• The Best Perth Picnic Spots with Kids

10. A Big Peachy Adventure | Australia

With an extensive list of caravan tips, useful travel gear and must-see destinations, Natalie and Michael (along with their three kids) provide amazing insight into travelling as a young family by caravan.

While not so active lately, A Big Peachy Adventure also have a family travel podcast with many hours of travel advice for parents dreaming of taking their own family on an outback adventure across Australia.

• 5 Best Options for Drying Clothes in a Caravan [Pros & Cons]
• Caravanning Tips 47 Travelling Families Wish They’d Learned Sooner
• How To Stop Your Caravan From Swaying [6 Simple Tips]

Did these Australian travel blogs inspire you?

Well then, what are you waiting for!

Book your next adventure with Summerstar Tourist Parks . With family-friendly caravan parks located across Western Australia, Summerstar ensures you have a relaxing and hassle-free holiday no matter your destination.

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The PERFECT 1, 2 or 3 Week Australia Itinerary [2024]

• Last Updated: January 30, 2024

Whether you have 1, 2, or 3 weeks in Australia, here are some suggestions for an Australia itinerary that will help you make the most of this huge, diverse, and stunning country!

Planning a trip to Australia can be quite difficult, simply because the country is so huge. 

Lots of its best attractions, cities, and natural landmarks are very spread out, so it’s impossible to see everything in a short amount of time. 

Australia is also an expensive country to visit, so most backpackers and average travellers won’t be able to visit every single point of interest without spending a lot. 

Despite these challenges, planning an epic trip to Australia is definitely possible. 

You just have to be smart about your Australia itinerary, sticking to one or two major areas and picking travel routes that are logical. 

For example, you won’t be able to fit Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, Uluru, Tasmania, and beaches and national parks of Western Australia and the Northern Territory into a 1 week Australia itinerary. 

To see all those incredible places, you’d need at least one month, and even then you’d be rushing to get everywhere. 

What you can do, is pick the areas that appeal to you the most and plan your trip accordingly. 

READ MORE: Check out our comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about travelling in Australia !

So you’d be better off picking either the east coast or the west coast and hanging around there if you only have 1 or 2 weeks in Australia. 

In this article, I’ll provide a few sample Australia travel itineraries. 

Each Australia itinerary will include a few of the country’s best places to visit, while maintaining reasonable travel times.

Whether it’s your first trip to Australia or you’ve been here for a while, there is always something incredible to see!

Table of Contents

How to Get Around Australia

Days 1-2: sydney, days 3-5: brisbane , days 6-7: airlie beach and the whitsundays, days 1-3: sydney, days 3-6: melbourne , day 7-8: the great ocean road, day 9-10: adelaide, day 11: kangaroo island, day 12-14: perth, days 3-4: byron bay, days 5-6: the gold coast, days 7-8: cairns, days 9-10: port douglas and the great barrier reef, days 11-13: cape tribulation and the daintree rainforest, day 14: darwin, days 15-17: kakadu national park, days 18-20: uluru and the red centre, the ultimate australia itinerary travel guide.

Having travelled all around the country, we’re excited to share these epic 1, 2 and 3 week Australian itineraries that’ll cover the best places around.

But first, a tip…

It’s also important to consider how you’ll get around Australia during your visit. 

As I mentioned, the country is huge and public transport like buses or trains is expensive. 

If you’re staying in one area, it’s worth renting a car for a few days so you can explore and do day trips, but driving from one city to the next may take 12+ hours of driving. 

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Catching cheap domestic flights is the best way to jump from one state to the next, and you can take public transport or drive within smaller areas. 

Though every traveller will have their own unique preferences and modify these itineraries as necessary, here are some sample Australia itineraries that will hopefully help you plan your dream trip!

7 Day Australia Itinerary

One week in Australia goes by quickly, but some people can’t afford to take much longer off of work or their other responsibilities. 

You can still manage to experience some of the Aussie culture and natural beauty in one week. 

In this 7 day Australia itinerary, you’ll be sticking to the middle east coast. 

You’ll begin in Sydney, then head up to Queensland to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef. 

This plan is perfect for 7 days in Australia because it doesn’t require huge amounts of travel time. 

READ NEXT: 25 Amazing Things to Do in Australia

After arriving in  Sydney  and getting settled, you have two days to enjoy the city. 

You can spend one day visiting all the popular tourist attractions, like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Tower Eye, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and maybe some of the museums. 

Another day can be spent swimming and sunbathing on one of the city’s main beaches. 

The northern beaches around Manly, or the western beaches around Bondi and Bronte are great options for a fun day in Sydney.

Bondi Beach has a very strong health and fitness scene, so they have lots of incredible healthy cafes where all the locals like to fuel up. 

Visit  Berri Bar Bondi Beach  for a refreshing Acai bowl,  Porch and Parlour  for a healthy breakfast on homemade bread, or  Umu  for some nourishing organic lunch bowls. 

After 2 days in Sydney, you can catch a quick, 1-hour flight up to Brisbane. 

Check out this post on how to spend one day in Sydney if that’s all the time you have.

Brisbane is another incredible city to visit in Australia. 

After 2 days in Sydney, however, you may be sick of the crowded city streets. 

Luckily, Brisbane makes a great gateway for exploring more peaceful areas of Queensland. 

There are tons of amazing day trips from Brisbane that allow you to explore nature and see more of Australia, including:

• Burleigh Heads:  a charming coastal town with a massive beach and national park
• Hervey Bay:  one of the best spots in Australia for whale-watching
• Lamington National Park:  full of hiking trails and waterfalls
• Stradbroke Island:  a beautiful location that’s great for kayaking, paddleboarding, and trying other water sports
• Fraser Island:  the world’s largest sand island

After exploring Brisbane and the surrounding areas, catch another cheap domestic flight from the city up to Airlie Beach. 

Read our list of the best things to do in Brisbane for more inspiration!

Airlie Beach is known as one of Australia’s most stunning beaches, complete with soft white sand and clear turquoise water. 

From here, you can soak in the postcard-worthy views in the Whitsundays Islands and do a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef and the famous Whitehaven Beach. 

Book an  ocean rafting day tour  that include all your snorkelling gear and takes you to Whitehaven Beach and the best locations in the Whitsundays.

BONUS –  Booking ahead of time ensures you won’t miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount code  “NOMADS10”  on the website when checking out, you’ll get $10 off your first booking!

Snorkelling, scuba diving, and sailing through the Great Barrier Reef will make an unforgettable ending to your 7 day Australia itinerary.

At the end of your week in Australia, you can fly from Airlie Beach back to Sydney for your departing flight. 

2 Week Australia Itinerary

Two weeks in Australia allows you a bit more time to see different areas of the country. 

This two week Australia itinerary will start in Sydney, move down to Victoria to explore Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road , and will then curve up to Adelaide in South Australia and end in Perth in Western Australia. 

So with two weeks in Australia, you can still manage to visit 4 states! If you’d prefer to spend more time in one place rather than jumping around so much, you can always modify this. 

For example, you could skip Perth and spend a few more days exploring New South Wales, Victoria, or South Australia. 

But here is a sample two weeks in Australia itinerary. 

Once again, you’ll fly into Sydney and begin your Australian adventure in the capital city of New South Wales. 

In addition to all the touristy stuff like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House and touring a local art gallery, you could spend one of your days in the lush nature surrounding the city. 

Two perfect day trips from Sydney are:

The Blue Mountains:  Full of waterfalls, scenic lookouts and hiking trails, connected to Sydney by train so you don’t even need a car. Here’s what you should do there .

The Royal National Park:  Dramatic coastal scenery with rugged cliffs and secluded beaches. Check out these awesome Royal National Park walks .

After 3 days in Sydney, hop on a plane for a 1-hour flight down to Melbourne.

As one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in Australia,  Melbourne  is a favourite among travellers and locals alike. 

Spend your days in Melbourne visiting street markets, sipping cocktails from rooftop bars, checking out all the cool cafes and restaurants, and experiencing the wild nightlife. 

You can also visit St. Kilda Beach in the south of Melbourne, or head to Brighton Beach to photograph the colourful Brighton Bathing Boxes.

Or take a day trip to Phillip Island or tour the Melbourne Cricket Ground .

After you visit Melbourne, continue on to the famous Great Ocean Road.

One of the highlights of Victoria is the natural wonders of the Great Ocean Road. 

This coastal road runs for 243 kilometers in total and is full of Australian wildlife, quaint little towns, surfing spots, picturesque viewpoints, campgrounds, and overall gorgeous scenery.  

Be sure to see the Twelve Apostles, Split Point Lighthouse, Port Campbell National Park, Apollo Bay, Loch Ard Gorge, and other stunning landscapes along the way.

You can either rent a car from Melbourne and drive the road on your own, or  book a day tour . 

It only takes one day to see all the best spots along the road, but you’ll need to save some time to make your way back to Melbourne and you don’t want to rush. 

You can also stop by the Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay at the start of the Great Ocean Road.

Fly from Melbourne to Adelaide. 

Spend the next days of your two weeks in Australia itinerary soaking in the culture of  Adelaide . 

Enjoy the delicious food, the museums and galleries, and the laid-back charm of South Australia’s capital. 

One of your 2 days in Adelaide should definitely be spent touring a vineyard and wine tasting in the Barossa Valley. 

Again, you can either rent a car in the city and drive yourself around the vineyards (make sure you don’t drink too much!), or you can book a day trip. 

As one of the most unique places in South Australia, Kangaroo Island makes a super fun day trip from Adelaide. 

Take photos of the interesting rock formations in Flinders Chase National Park , stroll along the pristine golden beaches, or search for some local animals like wallabies, koalas, and of course, kangaroos. 

Head back to Adelaide after Kangaroo Island and hop on another quick flight to Perth to finish up this two week Australia trip.

Read next: 8 Amazing Things to Do in Kangaroo Island, Australia

Your last few days of visiting Australia will be well-spent in Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. 

Enjoy the beaches, explore the Fremantle Markets, visit wineries and wildlife parks, and more.

You could also treat yourself to one last epic adventure in Australia by taking a day trip to Rottnest Island . 

This island is full of fun activities, natural wonders, beautiful views, and cute little quokkas, which are small, native Australian marsupials similar to wallabies. 

After a few days in Perth, either catch your departing flight from here or fly back to Sydney if your flight leaves from there. 

You could also consider a day trip to Margaret River , one of the top wine and surfing regions in Western Australia.

It’s a 3 hour drive from Perth to Margaret River, so only make the trek if you feel like you have time.

3 Week Australia Itinerary

3 weeks in Australia allows you to visit some big cities and tourist spots, but it also allows you to venture out to more remote and isolated areas. 

In this 3 week Australia Itinerary, you’ll visit Sydney and Byron Bay at the start. 

Then you’ll head up to The Gold Coast, and tropical north Queensland to the Daintree Rainforest. 

Continue your journey up north by travelling to Darwin and Kakadu National Park, and then venture inland to Uluru (Ayer’s Rock). 

Again, spend your first couple days in Australia checking out Sydney and maybe doing a day trip to the Blue Mountains of the Hunter Valley Wine Region.

Be sure to visit Sydney Harbour, Darling Harbour, and the famous Bondi Beach during your time in Australia’s largest city.

Then fly to Ballina, a small airport 30 minutes away from Byron Bay. 

Check out our Sydney to Brisbane road trip guide if you’d prefer to rent a car and drive up the east coast.

Byron Bay  is a hub for backpackers, and it is a very fun place to experience when you visit Australia. 

From bar crawls and drum circles on the beach, to night markets and street art, to coastal walks and lovely beaches, a couple days in Byron Bay will feel like bliss. 

Even if you aren’t on a strict backpacker budget, Byron Bay has so many great hostels that it’s worth immersing yourself in the backpacker scene. 

Some of the best hostels in Byron Bay include Wake Up! Byron Bay and Byron Bay Beach hostel. 

Both of these have hundreds of great reviews from travellers cost around $30 per night, which is pretty cheap for Australia. 

If you want to meet other cool people and take part in all the fun social activities of Byron Bay, you may want to stay in one of these fun hostels instead of a hotel!

You can choose to hang out in Byron Bay for a few more days, or catch a flight from Ballina to the Gold Coast for a taste of the Sunshine Coast surf vibes. 

The  Gold Coast  is one of the best places to learn how surfing when you visit Australia. 

You can take a surf lesson from an experienced local and ride the waves, or just relax on the beach, eat some great food, and hit the bars and nightclubs in the evening. 

The Gold Coast combines the excitement of the city with the salty air and water sports of a beachside town, so it’s a diverse and fun place to visit. 

Fly from the Gold Coast up to Cairns. 

The next few days of your 3 week Australia Itinerary will take you up along the coast of Tropical North Queensland. 

This corner of Australia is hot, humid, and jam-packed with rich jungles, Aboriginal culture, waterfalls and the marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. 

Keep in mind that during the rainy season, from October to April, you can’t swim in the ocean here because there may be crocodiles and jellyfish. 

Cairns  is the gateway to tropical north Queensland. 

The real beauty lies outside the city, but spend a couple days adjusting to the heat, partying with the many backpackers, shopping at Rusty’s Fruit Market, and swimming in the big public swimming pool called the Lagoon. 

Also check out Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and the nearby Barron Gorge National Park near Kuranda.

Then you’ll take the local bus up to Port Douglas. You can buy your bus ticket from any tourism agency or from the main bus station, and take the Cairns to Cooktown route. 

Only about an hour north of Cairns is Port Douglas, a small, relaxed town with one backpacker hostel, a few amazing restaurants, and a nice park lined with palm trees for viewing the sunset. 

This is one of the best places to book a Great Barrier Reef  snorkelling or diving tour  because up here, the reef isn’t as crowded as near Cairns. A snorkelling reef trip is one of the most popular Australia tours and shouldn’t be missed!

So spend one of your days in Port Douglas swimming in the crisp, blue waters of the reef and seeing some incredible, colourful marine life. 

From here, get back on Cairns to Cooktown bus and continue north up to Cape Tribulation in the Daintree Rainforest. 

Located in the midst of the jungle, Cape Tribulation is the perfect place to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. 

There is only one main road running through the town, if you can even call it a town. 

Cape Tribulation has a few resorts and hostels, a couple tourism companies and about two shops, and that’s it. 

But the powerful presence of the rainforest is more than enough to entertain you for a couple days.

The Daintree is the oldest rainforest in the world, and is one of the true natural wonders of Australia.

Go hiking, ride horses on the beach, book an ATV sightseeing tour, do an exotic fruit tasting at Cape Trib Farm, visit the Daintree Discovery Center, or take a boat cruise on the Daintree River to spot some crocodiles. 

Try to avoid visiting Tropical North Queensland in December through February, however. This is the wet season and many roads may be flooded and tours will be closed.

On your third day, take the bus back to Cairns then fly to Darwin. 

Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory, and it is a convenient starting point for a trip into Central Australia and Ayers Rock, in the south of the state.

Use this day to walk around and sightsee a bit, relax and unwind, and plan your journey into Kakadu National Park. 

Check out our guide for the best things to do in Darwin!

Rent a car in Darwin and spend the next couple days exploring the largest national park in Australia!

You can swim in waterfalls, find ancient Aboriginal rock art, and go hiking through some incredible landscapes. 

If you have a van or a tent, you can camp at one of the park’s campgrounds. Otherwise there is a handful of resorts where you can stay overnight in Kakadu. 

Most of the accommodation in Kakadu is located in Jabiru, the main town of the park. 

You could also  book a guided tour  to Kakadu as a day trip from Darwin. This is a good option for those who want to take a break from planning and driving. A tour will take you right to the best spots in the park, which is handy because the park is so huge.

After exploring the national park, drive back to Darwin and then fly to Alice Springs at the heart of Australia’s Red Centre. 

(Alternatively if you don’t want to keep travelling so much, you could stay in the Northern Territory and explore more natural wonders like Nitmiluk National Park.)

From Alice Springs in the center of the Northern Territory, it’s time to begin your journey to Uluru!

The Red Centre is the central desert area of Australia, consisting of Alice Springs and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park.

Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is a sacred monolith and it one of the most famous places to see on a trip to Australia.

You have two options for getting to Uluru. 

Option 1:  Rent a car in Alice Springs and complete the 5-hour drive on your own. Keep in mind it’s also 5 hours to get back, so that’s a 10 hour road trip in total. You should also have your own camping gear and pack enough food and water for the road trip.

Option 2:  Book a tour from Alice Springs if you are tired of driving. You can  choose a straightforward day trip . It’s a bit pricier to do a guided tour, but it takes away a lot of the effort on your part. 

Either way, watching the sunrise and sunset bathe Uluru in soft, natural hues is a sight you’ll never forget, so the journey is worth it. 

If you are renting a car and doing your own road trip, consider also heading out to Watarrka National Park and Kings Canyon. This amazing spot is a 3 hour drive from Ayers Rock, which is a short drive for the Outback!

READ MORE: Check out all the incredible things to do in Uluru !

Your final day of the 3 week Australia itinerary will mostly be spent travelling. 

Drive back to Alice Springs, then fly back to Sydney for your flight home.

I just want to add that there are many other natural wonders that I didn’t get to mention!

Australia is massive so it’s hard to fit in so many cool places in a short time.

For example, the north of Western Australia is stunning, but it’s very remote and not convenient to add to a few weeks in Australia.

Few Australians even make it out here on holiday.

But riding a camel on Cable Beach , snorkelling with Whale Sharks in Exmouth , or camping in Cape Range National Park are amazing experiences that you can have if you have the time to venture out there.

Tasmania is also one of the most gorgeous places in Australia. The island is home to some of the best hiking and camping in the country , but it requires lots of prior planning and preparation and gear.

You could also road trip around Australia, taking more time to see all the attractions and not having to rush.

But it would take you months or even years to road trip all of Australia!

Regardless of how much time you spend here, don’t stress about seeing everything!

It’s impossible to see everything, and no matter where you go, you’re sure to have an epic time.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Have you got any info/tips about Central Australia? Adelaide, Coober Pedy, Alice Springs to Darwin (Stuart Hwy).

Would like more information on all inclusive 3 wk itinerary for family of about 12.

All the best with your research. Have a great trip.

Terrific article. Thanks so much for the insight!

Thank you so much. Glad the article was helpful 🙂

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29 Australian Travel Blogs You NEED to Follow in 2024

If you’re in the middle of planning your own Aussie Road Trip or Big Lap of Australia , you’ll no doubt be following loads of travelling blogs with a fine-toothed comb. I certainly did before hitting the road!

There are some fantastic Australian Travel Blogs out there who are sharing their adventures, hints, tips and experiences as they go. In this post you’ll find mostly caravan blogs, plus a few motorhome, tent and campers blogs.

When planning a big trip there are so many unknowns and questions to research. You end up becoming like a sponge, soaking up every little tidbit of information that you can find.

I’ve compiled a list (in no particular order) of some top Australia travel blogs, including lots of families, to help inspire you so that you’re able to be as ready as possible for your own travels. Have a browse and don’t forget to follow the ones that really resonate with you.

We are a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to ebay.com and other affiliated sites. We may earn a commission from your purchases at no extra cost to you. For more information, see our disclosures here .

Travel Blogs Australia – CARAVANS

Towns travel oz.

Family Members Bec (37), Wayne (38), Henry (10), Blake (9) and two pups Tyson and Roxy (both 13!).

Travelling Set-up We travel with a Y62 Patrol and a Design RV 22ft caravan. It’s well setup for long term travel and hasn’t let us down in 3 years of full time travel.

2024 Travel Plans We are currently in Exmouth enjoying everything the Ningaloo has to offer and hopefully spending a few months around here and then doing the north of WA in winter.

Follow ‘Towns Travel Oz’ Facebook   | Instagram

Elnick Adventures

Family Members Elenya (28), Nick (28), Lennox (4), Finley (2) and Ollie (1).

Travelling Set-up 2016 Isuzu Dmax with a rooftop Tinnie & 19.9ft Vacationer Rough Rider caravan.

Follow ‘Elnick Adventures’ Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Website | Patreon

The Feel Good Family

Family Members Paul, Katie and Jasper (8).

Travelling Set-up We began our adventures 4.5 years ago in a Toyota Hilux Rugged X and a Windsor Genesis 220MD. In 2022 we upgraded to a Landcruiser 79 series and a Zone RV Sojourn off-road van.

Follow ‘The Feel Good Family’ Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Podcast

Now or Never

Family Members We are Alex (Dad – 37), Erin (Mum – 37), Bella (10) and Toby (8).

Travelling Set-up We are travelling in a 2019 Ford Ranger XLS Sport and a 2021 JB Gator X caravan.

2024 Travel Plans We took off on 8th November 2021 and plan to make it work for as long as we can. This year we’ll be heading north to explore Queensland and the Cape.

Follow ‘Now or Never’ Facebook   | Instagram | YouTube

Life Changing Change

Travelling Tribe Members Kylie, Tyson and two kids, Grace (6) and Jayden (4).

Travelling Set-up We will be travelling in a RAM 1500 and Southern Design RV Mica Series family caravan.

Travel Plans for 2024 We are heading off on an anti-clockwise lap around Australia for about 12 months at this stage, but will see what happens. It may be longer.

Follow ‘Life Changing Change’ Facebook | Instagram

Paul Wheel Drive

Travelling Tribe I’m a solo guy travelling “Trip in a Kilt” across Oz, filming for my YouTube channel “Paul Wheel Drive.” In addition, I maintain my website (link below) with articles providing tips and tricks and ways to stretch your travelling dollar. 

Travelling Set-up My first tow vehicle was a 2012 diesel Prado, towing a 20ft Coromal caravan. My tow vehicle is now a 2015 Ranger Wildtrak, which I bought after my Prado engine blew up due to faulty fuel bought in Kununurra.

Travel Plans for 2024 Currently I am travelling to Tasmania to shoot series 3 for my TV show, Paul Wheel Drive on Channel 31 Melbourne and Channel 44 in Adelaide.

Follow ‘Paul Wheel Drive’ Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Svedos Trippin

Family Members Brett (Dad), Mel (Mum), Kaylee (9) and Owen (7).

Travelling Set-up We are travelling full-time in a 17ft off-road caravan, it’s a VanCruiser family HTO. We tow with a 2017 Mazda BT50, which also carries an awesome little roof top tinny. We are fully set up for off-grid and love taking advantage of free camps when we can.

Travel Plans for 2024 Our plan for 2024 is South West WA for the rest of the summer, up to Ningaloo for winter, followed by the SA coast at the end of the year. We have a new tow rig being built in 2024 that we expect to pick up half way through the year.

Follow ‘Svedos Trippin’ Instagram | YouTube

Overland Exposure

Family Members We are Dan (36), Manda (37) and Aria (6).

Travelling Set-up Our setup is an Iveco Daily 4×4 Truck (set up as a camper in the canopy also) and a 23 ft Retreat Fraser semi-off road caravan. We also have a Sur-Ron Electric Motorbike that comes along for the journey inside the truck for additional transport and off-road exploring.

Travel Plans for 2024 So far, we’ve explored parts of South Australia, Western Australia and some of the Northern Territory. We do like to travel slowly and try to follow the warm weather. 2024 will see us hitting Tasmania, Victoria and more of South Australia.

Follow ‘Overland Exposure’ Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Adams Family Travels

Family Members Dale (50) and Tracey (51).

Travelling Set-up We are travelling in our 300 Series Landcruiser and a 21ft Retreat Daydream full off-road caravan. Our new van allows us to spend more time off-grid with all the creature comforts at our fingertips.

Travel Plans for 2024 We have been travelling full-time since April 2021. This year we plan on exploring Victoria and South Australia, attending the Mundi Mundi Bash and visiting K’Gari (Fraser Island) while organising everything to visit Arnhem Land.

Follow ‘Adams Family Travels’ Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Our Aussie Advantures

Family Members Emily (31), Todd (30), Audrey (6) and Annabelle (4).

Travelling Set-up We have a custom built 2021 Ocean Breeze double bunk caravan towed by a Holden Colorado (with a rooftop tinny).

Travel Plans for 2024 This year we will be exploring Western Australia and Queensland.

Follow ‘Our Aussie Adventures’ Instagram

Our Whittle Adventure

Family Members Mark (Dad – 33), Clem (Mum – 34), Liam (4), Heath (Newborn) Kosta (Black-tan Kelpie) and Curi (Red Kelpie).

Travelling Set-up We are travelling in a 2006 Landcruiser 100 series 1HD-FTE, towing a 2020 21ft New Age – Road Owl Adventurer plus.

Travel Plans for 2024 We have just welcomed another bub to the family so we have been stationary for a while but hoping to be back on the road by April. No drastic changes to our set up, just a few upgrades to make our life a little easier. Better battery monitoring, better storage, more weight availability etc. Getting itchy feet big time!

Follow ‘Our Whittle Adventure’ Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Livin Like Kings

Family Members We are Bianca (43) and Grant (40). We travel with our 2 dogs Frank (French Bulldog x Staffy) and Baxter (Labrador).

Travelling Set-up We’re travelling in our 2007 Ford F350 and 2003 Bushtracker Caravan.

Travel Plans for 2024 We have been travelling full-time since March 2021, documenting our journeys on YouTube. We will be exploring NSW and QLD through 2024.

Follow ‘Livin Like Kings’ Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Lotzys Adventures

Family Members Aaron & Anna Lotz with our son Ethan who is 16. We also have our twin daughters Sienna & Payton who are 19 and our older son Jayden (20) join us from time to time on the road. Keeps things very interesting coordinating with where we will be and arranging to meet up!

Travelling Set-up We have a 2021 Ford Ranger Wildtrak Bi-Turbo with a GVM upgrade and have a touring set-up. Our caravan is a 20.6ft Willow Boab, which has bunks. We love this van as it’s off-road and light weight! We also travel with tents for when we have more than four of us on the road. 

Travel Plans for 2024 We started our lap of Australia in December 2021. We left from the Gold Coast and have travelled quite quickly through NSW & some of VIC. Thankfully, we have now slowed down and are about to start the Great Ocean Road (with 7 of us in tow!). We are planning on doing as much of the lap going clockwise as we can with plans to hit SA, WA, NT and the top of QLD over the next year. We are trying to be flexible in our plans but have quite a few things on our bucket list such as Lucky Bay, Ningaloo, Horizontal Falls, Gibb River Road, Arnhem Land and Cape York. As a very active family we love to get outside and explore!

Follow ‘Lotzys Adventures’ Instagram

Packing Up to Travel Australia

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Lapping Oz

Family Members We are a family of four, originally from Western Sydney. Adam, Mia and our two children Jett (16) & Skye (13).

Travelling Set-up We are touring Australia in a pre-loved 2011 Coromal Magnum Transforma XC450 Off-Road Caravan. It is a similar concept to the Jayco Expanda and a Windsor Rapid. The caravan had a makeover before we left, including new linen curtains and new dining seat upholstery. During 2021, we gave the caravan some fresh lovin’ after living in it for 2.5 years full-time. Our towing vehicle is a 2014 Volkswagen Amarok that we have owned since new. The Amarok hasn’t missed out on the TLC, with a repaint in Raptor Coating. It’s a tough, scratch-resistant paint – perfect for how we live and play with our 4×4!

2024 Travel Plans This year we have permanently relocated to Tropical North Queensland. We plan to visit and explore our new region. We will be doing trips and venturing out in the same van that we did the Big Lap in a few years ago. There is so much to see and experience and we are looking forward to sharing more about our new surroundings throughout the year.

Follow ‘Lapping Oz’ Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Big Oz Explorers

Family Members Chris (36), Sian (36), Jayda (10) and Jack (4).

Travelling Set-up Nissan Patrol S5 Y62 and Zone RV 21ft Sojourn Family.

Travel Plans for 2024 This year is a bit of a shift for us as we transition to the other side of the campfire. We are super excited to be planning and starting up our own camping location for people to come and stay. The whole journey will be shared on our socials and YouTube channel.

Follow ‘Big Oz Expolorers’ Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Travel Around the Country

Family Members Dave, Hayley, Harlan (11) and Keira (10).

Travelling Set-up We have a 2020 Leader Gold 21.6ft Bunk Van and our trusty 100 Series Landcruiser Sahara Turbo Diesel.

Travel Plans for 2024 After doing a full lap in 2011 for our honeymoon, a half lap in 2015 and 4 months in QLD in 2020, we then spent 2022 taking the kids to some of our favourite places around Australia. This year we’re doing smaller trips including some farm stays and and free camps.

Follow ‘Travel Around the Country’ Website

All Around Oz

Family Members Annette and Kevin.

Travelling Set-up We have a 2022 Y62 Patrol and a fully customised Urban X-Terrain off-road dual axel van.

What we plan to tackle in 2024 We are currently in Yandina, heading for Teewah and then the Gold Coast and Iluka. From there we’ll move down to Bendigo and explore SA until the chill sets in and then head up the centre exploring along the way. Flinders Ranges, Coober Pedy, Alice West and East Macs, Uluru, Kings Canyon and up to Darwin. We’ll end up WA and spend most of this year over there, then maybe head back across the Nullarbor.

Follow ‘All Around Oz’ Website | Facebook | Instagram

Curious Campers

Family Members Steve & Natalie

Travelling Set-up Pajero Sport with a renovated Regent Cruiser Caravan & Swags when the adult kids join us.

2024 Travel Plans Our daughter is now working as a Scuba Instructor and Underwater Photographer and is on the move from Cairns to Exmouth and our son is based in Karratha. It will be a great excuse to head to WA this year. We also have trips planned to Sunshine Coast, Northern New South Wales and Yorke Peninsula in SA. As for the second half of the year, we are not sure yet.

Follow ‘Curious Campers’ Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

Adventure By 3

Family Members Stacey (39), Carl (40), Zed (12), Kiki (10) and Roo (9).

Travelling Set-up We have a 2018 New Age Gecko 16BE with triple bunks, towed by a 2021 Toyota Prado GXL.

2024 Travel Plans We will spend this year doing local trips around Tassie and also heading around the South Island of New Zealand in a motorhome.

Follow ‘Adventure by 3’ Website | Facebook | Instagram

Our Wayfaring Life

Family Members Our travelling tribe is made up of my husband Daryl, myself (Emma) and our dog Chika.

Travelling Set-up 2006 Toyota Prado we named Stanley after one of our favourite towns we visited in Tasmania and Josephine our 1990’s Viscount Vogue Pop Top caravan.

Travel Plans This year we are starting in Victoria before heading over to South Australia. Our plan this year is to stretch our travel money by working regular odd jobs as we travel.

Follow ‘Our Wayfaring Life’ Website | Facebook | Instagram

Seeking The Serenity

Family Members Lisa, Rex and Marlee (3).

Travelling Set-up We started our travels in a 100 Series LandCruiser fully set up for free camping so we could ditch the caravan when the need for extra adventure arises (roof top tent, swag, shower, fridge, cookers etc.). 25 foot (we know… it was massive) Spaceland Sydney caravan with ensuite and spare room/ study. We renovated her ourselves to make her a home. But, we have since sold the caravan and bought a boat!

What are our 2024 travel plans 2021 saw us move to an island off East Arnhem Land and basing ourselves from there. Rex is working has a contract as a Primary School Teacher and Lisa is a Nurse. We have decided to stay on our remote islands for another year and base ourselves there, travelling and exploring the islands and surrounds. We are making great friends and learning so much from the amazing people out here. Marlee is learning the local language (she’ll be teaching us soon!). Unfortunately our Rusty Boy (beloved dog) passed away last year, but it’s nice to know we showed him all the best beaches and sticks in the last few years.

Follow ‘Seeking the Serenity’ Facebook | Instagram

Young Adventures Australia

Family Members Jaidyn (23), Maddy (22), Alfie is a 5-year-old Staffy x Bullterrior and Willow is a 2-year-old Labrador x Cattle – possibly Australia’s youngest full-time Nomads!

Travelling Set-up 2004 Trition named “Big stretchy” due to her massive 1m chassis extension done by creative conversions. 2003 Jayco Heritage pop top ensuite caravan.

Our 2024 Travel Plans We will likely head over to South Australia and back up to Queensland at some point. We play things by the ear so to say.

All of my hard work and dedication that I’ve been pouring into AMD Touring is also starting to turn some results becoming a small stream of income. I’ll continue to add more Australian manufacturers and products, as well as growing the affiliate team! AMD Touring is your one-stop-shop for high quality Australian Made 4WD, Camping and Caravanning gear!

Follow ‘Young Adventures Australia’ Facebook | Website

Aussie Road Adventure

Family Members Julie-Ann, Graeme & Coco (the cat) travelling full-time, originally from Brisbane.

Travelling Set-up Jayco Starcraft (JS0875) with a Mitsubishi Challenger (heavily tweaked).

Our Travel Plans We’re spending time in southern Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania. Hoping to find a few house/ pet/ farm sits to help with the travel funds and also have a social media support business. We both ran screaming from the building of our corporate lives and have no regrets!

Follow ‘Aussie Road Adventure’ Facebook

Not Grey Nomads

Family Members We are Frannie (45), Crispy (48) & furbaby Bella, who is about 11 now.

Travelling Set-up Brutus is our 2015 dual cab Holden Colorado with rooftop tent and toolboxes. Then there’s Myrtle, who’s our second hand 22ft 2003 Roadstar Voyager 3000 Caravan.

What are our travel plans for 2024? We will still be travelling and plodding along with the blog, although you’ll mostly find us on Facebook, Insta and YouTube. We’re in Broome working at the moment, setting off again in March to head south in WA. We’re working on getting a new van in 2024 and have a bit of stuff we want to share about living in an older van before then.

Follow ‘Not Grey Nomads’ Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

Keep reading for Australian Camper Travel Blogs!

Off the Trax

Family Members We are a family of four – Ally, Willow & two kids aged 12 and 14.

Travelling Set-up We have a 76 series Landcruiser, which we’ve been slowly modifying to suit our touring needs. We upgraded from a Jayco Swan to an 18ft off-road JB Gator in 2022 and have been taking that to some amazing places ever since.

Our 2024 Travel Plans We just got back from K’gari (Fraser Island) with planning underway for a bigger trip such as the Simpson Desert later in the year. We also have lots of trips planned for South East QLD like Kenilworth, Bribie Island and hopefully get back over to Moreton or Straddie as well.

Follow ‘Off the Trax’ Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Vantastic Aus

Travel Crew Leah and Aidan (both 51)

Travelling Set-up Ram 2500 with Tailgate Camper on rear plus Bushtracker 20ft van.

Travel Plans for 2024 Our 2024 travel plans include as much red dirt exploring as we can! We still do property and station caretaking, plus picking up work on the road as we go.

Follow ‘Vantastic Aus’ Facebook   |  Instagram | YouTube

Caravan Packing List

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Travel Blogs Australia – CAMPERS

Nana on the road.

Travel Members Hi, my name is Gaye, a full-time solo traveller working online 3 days per week.

Travelling Set-up I carry a hard-shell slide-on camper on a 6×4 Dmax spacecab. My slide-on is fully self-contained with solar and a full bathroom. My ute is also set up for remote camping without the slide-on.

2024 Travel Plans I will be leaving in February for an inland loop taking in SA, NT and outback QLD before heading back to Central NSW at the end of the year. This year I have also started a YouTube channel.

Follow ‘Nana on the Road’ Facebook | Instagram   |  YouTube | Website | Buy Me a Coffee

Read on for Motorhome Australia Travel Blogs!

Travel Blogs Australia – MOTORHOMES

Indefinite leave.

Family Members Kevin & Adele Hockey (mid-late 50’s). Travelling Australia since 1 Feb, 2016.

Travelling Set-up 2009 Winnebago Esperance Motorhome – acquired October 2015 and we have been living in it for nearly 4 years. Plus, we now also have a 2015 Mitsubishi Triton 4WD with Canopy which we recently purchased a few months ago and fitted out ourselves.  The addition of the Triton has allowed us to already explore Fraser Island and Moreton Island as well as providing us with a separate vehicle to run around in.

Travel Plans for 2024 This year will see us managing a resort on Fraser Island. So, we will make the most of our time there and explore all that Fraser has to offer… plus fishing. Lots of fishing.

Follow ‘Indefinite Leave’ Facebook | Instagram | Website | YouTube

Keep reading for Tent Australian Travel Blogs!

Travel Blogs Australia – TENTS & SWAGS

Take it ezy.

Travelling Tribe Skye (40) and John (50).

Travelling Set-up We are traveling in a Darche Roof Top Tent. At times we also use swags depending on the location and time away. We drive a 2017 Holden Colorado Z71 and are set up for off-grid.

2024 Travel Plans Travelling to Flinders Ranges, Outback SA, Coorong, Queensland, plus a sneaky trip overseas!

Follow ‘Take It Ezy’ Facebook | Instagram

Travel Planning Tools

35 thoughts on “29 Australian Travel Blogs You NEED to Follow in 2024”

Thank you for compiling such a comprehensive list. I got to learn about other people experience, and it was really useful.

An awesome list Emma. Have been following you (since Julia Creek, six months into your first trip) and a number of these blogs for a while now. Just love the adventure.

Ahh yes, I remember. Were we camped near each other.. or did I meet you at the Walkabout Creek Hotel?

My husband and I have been travelling Australia in our hybrid van for over a year now. We also have a blog – Flannerysfootprints.wordpress.com I love looking at travel blogs especially by seniors like us!

This is such a great list, thanks for putting it together. I love reading about other peoples experiences in Australia! I also run an expat travel and would love for you to check it out! passportdownunder.com.

Travelling Oz Our Way Been on the road fulltime for 12 months

Great to see so many Aussie’s living the dream! Great wrap up Emma! We will join them all next year once our van arrives, can’t wait!

Wahoo, that’s exciting!

A fantastic blog list you have added here. Thanks for all the great sites which I have found on here.

Awesome list! Makes me look forward to when borders reopen and we can explore the Great Southern Land once again!

I’d also recommend the ATAS blog, which is run by the Australian Federation of Travel Agents. Lots of articles about both international and local destinations, in-the-know tips from travel agents and so on.

Goodness what an epic list, for an epic country! I love how you have included so many families as well so you get a diverse range if opinions about what is good to visit.

This makes it looks like travelling for a long time around Aus in some kind of van/RV is the way to go!

Being such a huge country, a caravan, motorhome or camper is the best way to get around.

We’ve been following My Rig Adventures. Just like our 8 years RVibg North America, we would like to do it in Australia, too!

We love reading your stuff as well because we’re keen to do some RVing across the States.

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Sydney for 3 weeks during my college times. Can’t wait to be back to Australia and explore the country beyond Sydney! It’s great that you shared so many useful blogs that I could go back to and refer to when planning my next trip with my husband.

There is so much to explore beyond Sydney, but that definitely gives you a great start. Hopefully you can get back down here one day.

There sure are a lot of travel blogs about Australia! And we’ll make sure to read all these travel blogs before planning our trip to Australia.

It’s a huge thing right now for families and younger people to take off around Australia on ‘The Big Lap.’ So, there are loads of people sharing their experiences for others. It’s great.

Wow, this is such an informative blog post, thank you for sharing! I’ve been to Australia three times now, but the first two times were for work and didn’t allow me much time to explore. Last year we spent a few days in Melbourne and drove the Great Ocean Road which was great! But it’s such a vast country with so many more places to explore so I’m saving this article for future reference 🙂

I can appreciate that work trips really don’t let you explore too much. They’re just a tease really. Funnily enough, we haven’t even done the Great Ocean Road yet, but we’re getting there. Even living here and travelling, the country is just so vast, it all takes time.

Australia is a country I always want to visit, but my fear of snakes won’t really let me at the moment! Maybe reading these bloggers will make me feel a little better about it!

If you visit the big cities you won’t see any snakes, so that’s an option for you.

Wow! This is an amazing list of bloggers and surely all their help and advice would be all anyone needed to help them plan their trip to Australia! So helpful to have so many listed in one place 🙂

It’s a huge collection full of people with loads of experience.

This list is such a great resource! Also, thank you for sharing everyone’s family units. If I’m traveling with kids it is super useful to hear about the experience of others with kids who are around the same general age.

Definitely. It’s always helpful to look at the experiences of those in a similar situation.

Thanks for compiling this helpful list! I’m always really grateful when researching new destinations to find that someone has already done all the leg work and gathered useful information into one place!

Thanks Carly-jo 🙂

Fittingly, a massive list for a massive country. Nice round-up!

Haha massive indeed.

I wish all the best on your journey in Tasmania Annette Dale and the boys

What about Trip in a Van…they have have 40 thousand followers on You tube, Instagram & Facebook. Another one is Sparkys on the Loose – a young couple that alot of people without kids can relate. Thanks.

Yeah everyone knows TIAV. We asked Sparkys if they wanted to be included but they said they’re having a bit of a break to restock the bank balance.

Just started one and hoping to add more content this year getting ready to travel next year hopefully. Recon Adventurers on Facebook , Insta and YouTube.

Wahoo, that’s super exciting!

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Two Weeks in Australia: The Ultimate Itinerary

So you’ve got a trip planned for two weeks in Australia. Now what? Well the good news is you have arrived at the right place. Having grown up in Australia and spending a lot of my life exploring my home country, I’ve got an endless list of suggestions to make your trip a memorable one.

While two weeks isn’t long enough to see it all, it is certainly a good amount of time to see the highlights.

In this post you will find everything you need to know to plan your visit to Australia. This is a highlights tour of the country and will show you how much you can fit in with just two weeks.

If you have more time to spend in Australia, consider some of these great destinations as extensions to your trip.

Two Weeks in Australia

While you could easily spend two months exploring all Australia has to offer, this trip is designed as a highlights itinerary to see the country for the first time.

Days 1-4 in Australia

Sydney (Day trip to the Blue Mountains)

Days 4-7 in Australia

Melbourne (Day trips to Philip Island & Great Ocean Road)

Days 7-10 in Australia

Cairns (Day trips to Great Barrier Reef & Port Douglas)

Days 10-14 in Australia

Alice Springs (Day trips to Uluru and Kata Tjuta)

Arriving in Sydney

The first stop in your itinerary is Sydney, easily Australia’s most iconic city. While it is not the capital (but often confused for it), we could say Sydney is the cultural capital of Australia.

Once you have settled into your accommodation, waste no time in getting to know this city. Make your way down to Sydney’s famous harbour, where you can marvel at the Sydney Opera House and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge .

On your second day in Sydney you might consider an early morning bridge climb to see Sydney from above. This will give you an unforgettable 360-degree panoramas of the city and is best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset for a soft glow over the city.

Day Trip to the Blue Mountains

On the third day of your visit to Australia, take a tour or a rental car out to see the beautiful Blue Mountains. It is less than an hour to drive, so if you have the budget for a car this is the best way to see the mountains on your own agenda.

A trip to the Blue Mountains deserves a day in full. There are some great short hikes to take in the scenery, as well as some great country towns to explore. This is where you will get a real feel for the Australian countryside culture.

As you land in Melbourne after the short 90 minute flight, hop on the Skybus for a quick trip into town. If there are more than two of you, it is often cheaper to jump in an uber but if you’re travelling alone, the SkyBus is a steal.

Once you’ve settled in to your accommodation, be sure to wander around the Colonial city of Melbourne at night. Pop by the Yarra River and you will quickly be enamoured with this city.

On the next day be sure to find Melbourne’s famous coffee scene and if you’re hungry, you’ll get a great brunch in Degraves Street. Melbourne is a city best explored on foot and when you tire of walking, trams in the city centre are completely free.

Read more: The 10 best things to do in Melbourne

Day Trip to Philip Island

After a busy day in the city of Melbourne, it is time for an escape to the wilder side of Australia. Philip Island is a short 1.5 hour drive from Melbourne and is best visited by rental car. Take the Monash Freeway (M1) to the Cranbourne exit, and turn into the South Gippsland Highway (M420). Follow this route to the Bass Highway (A420), through Grantville and Bass, then onto Phillip Island Road (B420) to San Remo, over the bridge onto Phillip Island.

If you can’t rent a car or would prefer not to, there are a few options to get to Philip Island by public transport. You can travel by bus or by combining train + ferry. These options take a lot longer, so you may want to consider joining a day tour from Melbourne to maximise your time on the island.

Day Trip to The Great Ocean Road

On the next day, wake up early and depart Melbourne for another day trip. This time to The Great Ocean Road, one of Australia’s most talked about day trips and an essential trip while staying in Melbourne!

The drive is 2.5 hours from Melbourne and the scenery en route is priceless. On this drive you will get a real feel for the Australian coastline and beach culture.

Of course, you can’t do the drive without finishing at the 12 apostles. This is one of the most photographed locations in the entire country. Believe me when I say it is worth the extra effort!

After your time in Melbourne and surrounds, board a flight from Melbourne to Cairns. The flight will take a little over 3 hours and plant you at the very top of Australia.

Queensland is the quintessential sunny state and Cairns will be your base to explore the Great Barrier Reef. But that’s not all. Cairns is a great starting point to explore some of Australia’s best beaches. Up here in the Northern tropics is where you will experience some of the best weather in Australia.

Once you arrive, take the time to book tours to the reef if you haven’t already done so in advance. Enjoy a relaxing day after all the travel and get ready for a day full of adventure tomorrow!

Day Trip to the Great Barrier Reef

Let me start by saying there are a lot of companies offering tours to the Great Barrier Reef. This is one of the most sought after day trips in the country and reason enough to visit Australia. The tour will take up your entire day, but it is a memory that will last forever.

Check out this page to compare tours and prices .

Day Trip to Port Douglas

For your next day, take a step back from activities and relish in the beach culture of Australia. Port Douglas is a beautiful beach town community with plenty of beaches, cafes and boutiques to explore. Make sure to take it easy today as tomorrow, an adventure to the Australian outback begins!

Alice Springs

Start your day early as there is only one flight connection worth taking. The best flight between Cairns and Alice Springs is with Qantas, departing Cairns at 6:00 am sharp. In a little more than four hours, you will arrive in Alice Springs.

Alice Springs is the gateway to Uluru and Kata Tjuta, the most sacred places for indigenous Australians.

Uluru & Kata Tjuta

From Alice Springs, take a two-day camping trip to the beautiful sights of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. One of my favourite experiences to be had in the country was a night time “sounds of silence” tour. As the name suggests, there is an emphasis placed on connecting to the land through silence.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your Australian adventure today!

This blog post was a request from a reader via Instagram . If you have a post to request, please visit our suggestions page !

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

Find me on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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Australia Travel Blogs

These are all of my australia travel blogs.

From exploring the great barrier reef, to enjoying the most adventurous activities,  find out the best places to travel to in Australia here, in my Australia travel blogs.

Happy exploring!

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Unique things to do in queensland.

Known for its stunning beaches and wildlife, Queensland in Australia is paradise on earth, and packed full of unique things to do. 

Queensland is somewhere that’s been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. It just looks incredible! I mean, those beaches, the underwater life, relaxed days in the sunshine – it looks like one of the dreamiest places on the planet!

Australia’s 2 nd largest state, Queensland is actually seven times the size of Great Britain. So, don’t think this is somewhere you can tick off in a few days. If you want to really explore, give yourself a good amount of time to get around, and mix up beach time with cultural and food spots too.

Flight Centre challenged me to find some truly unique things to do, for my dream trip to the region… so here goes. And while there are a few magical beach adventures, there’s plenty more to this part of Oz too.

Climb To The Top Of The Q1 Building

Ready for one of the ultimate views over the Gold Coast? 270m up, SkyPoint Climb in Surfer’s Paradise is Australia’s highest external building climb. London’s Shard is only 30m higher, which really puts it into perspective for me! I can only imagine that incredible sense of achievement once you reach the top. They also offer twilight and night climbs to see the region lit up by twinkly lights! Not feeling so brave, take the lift to the 77 th floor to the SkyPoint Observation Deck .

Take A Dip In Champagne Pools

What a unique swimming spot! Located on Fraser Island, these natural rock pools get their name from the way the waves crash on the volcanic rock, creating frothy bubbles. As many of the beaches aren’t patrolled in the region, and there are dangers including strong currents and sharks, it’s a great safe place for a swim too.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Australia Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 1, 2024

Australia is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. It’s known as a major backpacking, camping, road tripping, and diving destination.

Backpacking Australia is considered a “must do” for backpackers. It’s a central highlight on the round-the-world trail. I started coming to Australia in 2008 as a backpacker. It hooked me and, since then, I’ve visited over five times and have crisscrossed the country three times. Every single trip I discover something new about this country to love.

But this isn’t just a country for backpackers. Its huge diversity means every traveler can find something they love here.

Australia is filled with incredible natural beauty: Uluru and the Outback, rainforests and pristine white sand beaches, and of course, the Great Barrier Reef. Sydney’s Harbor Bridge and Opera House are iconic man-made wonders, and Melbourne’s café culture will make you feel like you’re relaxing in Europe . You have surfing, hiking, camping, boating, and a ton of other activities available to you. It makes some of the best wine in the world. Australia has it all.

However, the country’s size and limited transportation options, makes it hard to get around. And it’s not the cheapest place to visit, even if the currency is a tad weak right now.

Fortunately, this extensive Australia travel guide will show you how to save money, plan your trip, and make the most of your time Down Under. Because this country is worth taking the time to explore – and doesn’t need to cost a fortune!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Australia

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in australia.

1. See Sydney

Australia’s largest city has a range of activities to keep you busy. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, surf at Bondi Beach, party in King’s Cross, sail across the harbor, visit the Opera House, and take in world-class innovation in Darling Harbor. There’s a ton to see and do here and it’s worth spending a few days here to soak it all in. Other popular beaches nearby include Manly (wide and beautiful), Bronte (small and quiet), Coogee (fun), Palm (chill), and Dee Why (surfing). And, if you’re feeling adventurous, tours that climb the iconic (and massive) harbor bridge cost 250 AUD.

2. Visit Uluru

This beautiful red rock formed over 550 million years ago. Tourists have been visiting the rock since the 1930s and it’s of great spiritual importance to the local Aboriginal peoples. Formerly known as Ayers Rock, the best way to visit is by going as part of a multi-day tour of the area or driving on your own. You’ll be able to walk around the rock, learn about its cultural importance, and watch the rising/setting sun splash against it. Admission is 38 AUD per person and is valid for three days. Note: Climbing on the rock is prohibited.

3. Dive the Great Barrier Reef

Don’t miss diving or snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef. It’s the largest living organism on Earth, spanning some 344,000 square kilometers (133,000 square miles). The reef is brimming with wildlife, including giant clams, manta rays, sharks, turtles, clown fish, and more! Cairns is the most popular jumping-off point for dive trips to the reef. I was blown away by the abundant wildlife and coral. It did not disappoint! Dive trips start around 230 AUD.

4. Explore Melbourne

Melbourne is much more relaxed than Sydney (and, personally, I like it more). This is the place to relax by the river, walk through the city gardens, eat amazing food, enjoy the art, and party in St. Kilda. It’s a fun, chill city with a youthful vibe and a ton of backpackers.

5. Sail the Whitsundays

The Whitsunday Islands are a collection of 74 islands off the central coast of Queensland. They’re one of the most popular destinations in the country. It’s a popular region for sailing trips and since the vast majority of these islands are designated national parks, you’ll find numerous pristine beaches and dive sites here. It’s a postcard-perfect region. Expect to pay between 399-499 AUD per person for a three-day/two-night sailing trip. While expensive, it’s worth doing (I loved my trip).

Other Things to See and Do in Australia

1. explore fraser island.

The world’s largest sand island is a popular spot for camping, swim, hike, and seeing dingoes. You can hire your own 4WD car or take an overnight tour through the island that’s famous for its freshwater lake (and dingoes). The island is beautiful and filled with lakes, hiking paths, and sweeping vistas. Sadly, you can’t go in the water nearby as it’s rough and full of sharks, but there’s plenty of fishing, cool sand dunes, the stunning 75 Mile Beach, and a cool shipwreck for snapping photos. Camping on the island is super cheap too (less than 10 AUD per night!).

2. Visit Cairns

Cairns is Australia’s gateway to northern Queensland. From here you can visit the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree rainforest, the Atherton Tablelands, Cape Tribulation, and much more. Cairns is a pretty typical tropical city and life here focuses on taking the time to smell the roses. With so much to see, the city deserves a very long stay. Plan to visit for a week, which should give you enough time to explore the area and allows some downtime by the city’s awesome pool.

3. Wander Brisbane’s South Bank

Brisbane is a “business city.” Unlike Sydney or Melbourne, there isn’t a lot of “culture” here. But it’s a popular stop on the backpacker trail due to its location. Be sure to explore South Bank, which has some nice restaurants and decent pubs. There’s also an educational koala sanctuary here as well as a relaxing botanical gardens.

4. Hike the Daintree

The world’s oldest rainforest (yes, it’s older than the Amazon) offers hikes that range from easy to challenging, with dense jungles, beautiful mountains, waterfalls, and lots of wildlife. Spend a few days hiking around and getting out of touristy Cairns. If you really want to get off the beaten path, head up to Cape Tribulation and enjoy some real peace and quiet (just watch out for jellyfish when you go swimming). There are all kinds of day and multi-day trips available here with two-day guided trips costing around 350 AUD per person.

5. See Perth

Perth is Australia’s west coast capital and is often overlooked by most travelers. It’s expensive to get out there from the east coast (it’s a 5-hour flight from Sydney) so most travelers avoid it. But I love it. In fact, it’s probably my favorite city in all of Australia. Perth feels more like a large town than a city and is the best place to have a “Sunday Session” (an Aussie tradition of drinking on Sunday afternoons). From the beaches, food, and beer (be sure to take a day trip to Freemantle), Perth is just awesome.

6. Explore the Outback

No trip to Australia is complete without a trip to the Outback to see crocodiles, valleys, lakes, and the red desert. Find your own Crocodile Dundee as you explore the Red Center and Western Australia. And be sure to visit some of the places I love: Karijini National Park, the Kimberleys, Kakadu, and Litchfield National Park. The landscapes are stunning and there are all kinds of epic hikes to enjoy.

7. Surf on the Gold Coast

Australia is famous for its surfing, and one of the best places to learn is on the Gold Coast near Brisbane. You’ll find world-class waves, a wide beach, and lots of available lessons. If you don’t like the Gold Coast , there is always Noosa, Byron Bay, Bondi Beach, Perth, and, well, you get the idea. There’s a lot of surfing in Australia! A two-hour group lesson costs around 75 AUD. If you don’t need lessons and just want to surf, you can rent a board for around 60 AUD per day.

8. Take a wine tour

Whether you go down to Margret River, Hunter Valley, or the Barossa Valley, you will have many chances to taste Aussie wine right from the source. Visiting the wine country should be on your list of things to do. If you rent a car, you can stay longer or you can do guided tours from major cities. I think it’s best to base yourself in the area and spend about 3-5 days in each area tasting as much wine as possible. Day tours with Colorful Trips that visit three wineries in the Hunter Valley cost 199 AUD.

9. Admire the Ningaloo Reef

The Great Barrier Reef gets all the hype, but the Ningaloo Reef on the west coast is a far better reef system. Because it’s less developed and attracts fewer tourists, there are actually more fish and wildlife here — you can even swim with whale sharks . Plus, at some points (like at Coral Bay), the reef comes so close to the shore that you can swim right up to it on your own. Half-day trips start around 120-225 AUD per person.

10. Visit Western Australia

The most overlooked area in the country is the west coast. Here you can escape the crowds of the east coast, explore the Outback, see the Ningaloo Reef, Coral Bay (one of my favorite spots in the world), Broome, Perth, and the Margaret River. It’s much less developed than the east coast but if you take one piece of advice away from this guide, it should be to visit this part of Australia. It’s the version of the country you picture in your head and is an amazing region for road trips, camping, hiking, and enjoying nature.

11. Tour Tasmania

Despite everyone knowing its name, hardly anyone ever makes it down here. (It’s far from the main tourist trail.) Tasmania has amazing hikes, beautiful bays (Wineglass Bay being the most famous), small towns, and excellent people. It’s just a ferry away from Melbourne too. The island is about the size of Ireland (or West Virginia in the USA) yet it’s home to just under 545,000 people. If you have the time, explore this terribly under-visited part of the country. It’s amazing. The ferry from the mainland costs around 100 AUD each way and takes 9-11 hours.

12. Hike the Blue Mountains

Right outside of Sydney , the Blue Mountains are an awesome place to explore. Over millennia, the ancient sandstone of this national park has been weathered into gorges lined by steep cliffs and separated by narrow ridges. The area is free to visit and you can get there by train, which takes around two hours. Spend the day admiring the magnificent rock formation of the Three Sisters (particularly stunning at sunset and under evening floodlights) and hiking along the paths that offer excellent views of the valley, sheer rock walls, tumbling waterfalls, and magnificent forests. For a guided tour, Get Your Guide offers full-day wildlife-spotting tours for 155 AUD.

13. Learn about pearling in Broome

Broome used to be the largest pearling port in the world. Founded around 1880, pearls were an important commodity used for making cutlery, buttons, and jewelry. By 1900, there were 300 ships here, though the industry fell into decline during World War II (and then, after the war, plastic was invented, which diminished the need for pearls). You can learn all about the region’s rich history at the Pearl Lugger Museum (tours for 30 AUD). If you want a more hands-on experience, Willie Creek Pearls also offers a two-hour boat tour for 129 AUD. You’ll learn about the risks and challenges of the industry while also getting to hold and touch all kinds of valuable pearls.

14. Visit the Kimberley

This area is known for its wilderness, so if you love the outdoors and don’t mind things getting rugged, add this to your itinerary. Located near Broome, this outback region is three times bigger than England that’s filled with stunning gorges, beautiful waterfalls, and a vast desert landscape. It was one of the first areas settled in Australia some 65,000 years ago (Europeans didn’t arrive here in the 1830s). There are all kinds of day trips and hikes here that you can do solo, as well as multi-day guided tours. Expect to pay around 1,200 AUD for a three-day guided excursion. If you’re going solo, popular overnight hikes include Piccaninny Gorge and Lurujarri Dreaming Trail.

15. Explore Kakadu National Park

The enormous Kakadu National Park is a biodiverse nature reserve in Australia’s Northern Territory. It encompasses wetlands and rivers and is home to saltwater crocodiles and flatback turtles, as well as many different bird species. Rock paintings (dating back to prehistory) can be viewed at Nourlangie, Nanguluwur, and Ubirr. You can find a lot of tours departing from Darwin. Be sure to spend at least a night in the park! Three-day tours cost around 735 AUD.

For more information on specific cities in Australia, check out these guides:

• Alice Springs Travel Guide
• Brisbane Travel Guide
• Broome Travel Guide
• Cairns Travel Guide
• Fraser Island Travel Guide
• Gold Coast Travel Guide
• Melbourne Travel Guide
• Perth Travel Guide
• Sydney Travel Guide
• Whitsunday Islands Travel Guide

Australia Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels dorms start around 25-30 AUD per night, though they get as high as 40 AUD in the big coastal cities. Private rooms with a double bed and a shared bathroom in hostels range between 65-100 AUD per night, though in larger cities they can be as high as 150 AUD. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and self-catering facilities. Only some hostels include breakfast.

For those traveling with a tent, a basic tent plot without electricity starts around 7 AUD, though most are 10-25 AUD per night.

For budget hotels, expect to spend 100-120 AUD per night for a two-star hotel. Amenities usually include TV, Wi-Fi, and AC. Some hotels have a pool.

Airbnb is available around the country with private rooms starting around 40 AUD (though they average closer to 90 AUD). Entire homes/apartments cost at least 140 (though they are usually double or even triple that price so be sure to book early). Expect to pay about 10-20% more in the coastal cities.

Food – Food in Australia is diverse, with each region having its own specialties. While you can find cuisine of all types here, popular traditional choices include BBQ meat (especially sausages), meat pies, fish and chips, seafood, chicken parmigiana (chicken schnitzel topped with tomato sauce, ham, and melted cheese), and, of course, the infamous vegemite on toast.

Food prices vary per region, but generally, you can expect to pay 20-25 AUD for a meal at a casual restaurant. A fast-food combo from somewhere like McDonald’s costs 13-14 AUD while a pizza costs around 16-20 AUD. Chinese, Thai, and Indian food cost 12-20 AUD for a main dish.

If you want to splash out for something more upscale, a expect to pay around 55-70 AUD, including a drink, per person.

A beer is around 8 AUD, latte or cappuccino costs around 5 AUD, and bottled water between 2-3 AUD.

If you cook your own meals, expect to pay around 75-95 AUD per week for groceries. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Australia Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, you can visit Australia for 70 AUD per day. This assumes you’re staying in a cheap hostel, cooking all of your meals, using public transportation to get around, and doing mostly cheap or free activities like hiking and enjoying the beaches. If you camp, you can lower this budget by around 20 AUD per day. If you plan on drinking, add 10-20 AUD to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 200 AUD per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or hostel room, eat out for a couple of meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, bus between cities, and do more paid activities like taking surf lessons or going diving.

On a “luxury” budget of 385 AUD or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car or camper van to explore, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in AUD.

Australia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Australia can be a very expensive country to visit. If you aren’t careful, you’ll blow through your entire budget in no time as activities, food, and transportation all adds up fast here. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to save too. Here are some ways to save money when you visit Australia:

• Drink goon (box wine) – Goon is infamous on the Australian backpacker hostel trail. This cheap box of wine is the best way to drink, get a buzz, and save a lot of money at the same time. Drink this before you go out and save on spending money at the bar.
• Cook your own meals – The best way to reduce your costs is to cook as many meals as possible. Hostels and Airbnbs usually have kitchens and, while it’s not glamorous, it will save you a ton of money!
• Car share – Australia is a big country that can be expensive to get around. If you are traveling with friends, it’s smart to buy a used car or campervan (or rent a new one from one of the many rental companies in the country) and split the costs of gas. You can also hitch a ride with other travelers using sites like Gumtree, Jayride, or hostel message boards.
• Book tours as a package – This country has a lot of exciting activities and tours that eat into any budget. Booking activities together through a hostel or tour agency can get you a discount and save you hundreds of dollars.
• Work for your room – Many hostels offer travelers the opportunity to work for their accommodation. In exchange for a few hours a day of cleaning, you get a free bed to sleep in. Commitments vary but most hostels ask that you stay for at least a week. Check with the staff when you arrive to see if there are any opportunities available.
• WWOOF – WWOOFing is a program that allows you to work on organic farms in exchange for free room and board. Everyone I’ve met who stays in the country long-term does it for at least one month. It’s a great way to reduce your expenses and can a deeper look into local life.
• Stay with a local – Accommodation in Australia is pricey. If you plan ahead, you can usually find a Couchsurfing host that will host you for free. It’s the best way to connect with a local and get insider tips and advice.
• Camp – Camping is very affordable here, with basic tent plots costing as little as 7 AUD per night!
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water in Australia is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle with you to save money and lower your plastic use. LifeStraw makes a bottle with a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where To Stay in Australia

I’ve been a backpacker here for ages and have accumulated a long list of places to stay. Here are my suggested places to stay in Australia if you’re looking for a hostel:

• Base St. Kilda (Melbourne)
• Space Hotel (Melbourne)
• Wake Up! (Sydney)
• YHA Rocks (Sydney)
• Bunk Brisbane (Brisbane)
• City Backpackers HQ (Brisbane)
• Kimberley Travellers Lodge (Broome)
• The Shiralee Hostel (Perth)
• Aquarius Backpackers (Byron Bay)
• Gilligan’s Backpacker Hotel & Resort Cairns (Cairns)
• Nomads Noosa (Noosa)
• Alice Lodge Backpackers (Alice Springs)

How to Get Around Australia

Public transportation – All of Australia’s cities have reliable, affordable public bus systems. In the bigger, cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth, you’ll even find subways and tram systems. This is the cheapest way to travel the cities. Fares cost between 2.75-4 AUD.

Many cities offer day passes that include unlimited public transportation for under 10 AUD.

Bus – After driving, this is my favorite transportation option in Australia. On the east coast, this will be your cheapest option too. On the west coast, buses are surprisingly expensive as there are not many people moving up and down that coast and there’s limited competition. However, on the east coast, you can find really cheap bus tickets, especially if you book in advance.

The two main bus companies in Australia are:

• Greyhound Australia

Greyhound also offers several bus passes. Their Whimit Passes range from 15-120 days of unlimited travel and are perfect for traveling around on a whim (hence the name). They come in 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120-day passes costing 349-729 AUD.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Backpacker Bus – If you want to party with other backpackers as you travel, book a seat on the Magic Bus . This backpacker bus departs with 25 backpackers aged 18-35 for 3-4 weeks of exploring the country’s national parks, camping, bonfires, and non-stop parties and shenanigans.

Trips go from Perth north to Broome or east to Melbourne each month, so you have to time your trip accordingly to line up with the set departure. The itineraries are always flexible so every trip is unique. They try to keep a balance of 50% men and 50% women, as well as a balance of different nationalities, so there is always a diverse group. Prices vary so contact them for departure dates and ticket prices.

Train – Between city trams, commuter trains, and long-distance and trans-continental trains, Australia can be seen extensively by rail. Train lines exist mostly on the east coast with only two other major lines in the country: one goes north/south from Melbourne to Darwin and another east/east from Sydney to Perth.

For reference, Sydney to Canberra takes 5 hours and is 40-50 AUD while the 11-hour trip from Sydney to Melbourne costs over 200 AUD. Sydney to Brisbane takes 14 hours and costs 100-140 AUD.

Beyond the east coast, trains aren’t as plentiful and long-distance trains can be very expensive.

Flying – With Australia spanning over 7,000,000 square kilometers, it takes a long time to get around the country. Flying is one of the most efficient ways to city hop, but it’s not the cheapest. Australia’s major airlines include:

When booked in advance, flights can be very affordable here. Sydney to Melbourne is just 55 AUD and takes 90 minutes while Sydney to Cairns takes 3 hours and costs around 100 AUD each way. To cross the country, flights last around 5 hours. Sydney to Perth, when booked in advance, can cost as little as 150 AUD each way.

When not booked early, however, flights can easily double or triple these prices.

Rideshares – Every hostel has a bulletin board where travelers post rides and websites like Gumtree have active ridesharing sections where people look for cars or riders. I HIGHLY recommend this way of traveling when in the country. CoSeats is another good resource for finding rides.

Car rental – Car rentals start around 40 AUD per day. You don’t need one to explore any of the cities but if you want to travel the country then a car is best. Just remember that they drive on the left here.

Additionally, you can also purchase a car from backpackers leaving the country or locals selling used cars. You can usually find a used car for under 3,000 AUD. It might seem a lot, but there are always backpackers looking to share rides, which can cut down on our expenses.

When to Go to Australia

Temperatures vary across the country (it’s a huge landmass after all), but generally speaking, average summer temperatures range from 20-37°C (68-99°F). Remember that summer is from December-February here in the southern hemisphere. This is the most popular time to visit so expect big crowds and higher prices.

June-August (winter) is the low season. Prices are lower and there are fewer crowds. The temperature dips as well, hovering around 1°C (52°F) in the south while going as high as 30°C (86°F) in the north.

Spring and fall (March-May and September-October) are the shoulder season and the best time to visit. Crowds aren’t as big and prices aren’t as high and the weather is still enjoyable too, rarely dipping below 17°C (63°F).

Note that October to April is also “jellyfish season,” making waters unsafe for swimming or any other water sport. If you’re planning on enjoying Australia’s coast, this probably isn’t the best time to come. The season lasts from October to April in Northern Australia, and then from November to March elsewhere.

How to Stay Safe in Australia

Australia is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel around. Violent attacks and petty theft are rare here so you’re unlikely to get into trouble.

Most incidents in Australia tend to occur because visitors are not used to the country’s unique climate and wilderness. Be sure you have plenty of sunscreen and stay as hydrated as possible. This is especially true if you’re driving through the Outback. There are long, long distances without any towns in sight, so if you break down, you’ll want to be prepared. Always make sure you have enough gas in your vehicle for long drives.

If you’re hiking, make sure you know what to expect ahead of time. Be on the lookout for snakes and spiders. If you’re bitten, seek immediate care.

If you’re swimming, heed the red and yellow flags. Yellow flags indicate swimming conditions may be dangerous; red flags mean the beach is closed.

Mother Nature in Australia is NOT a force to be reckoned with in this country. Don’t be a hero.

Solo female travelers are generally safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone at night intoxicated, etc.). Consult other solo female travel blogs for specific advice.

If you’re worried about travel scams, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here . There aren’t many in Australia though so I wouldn’t worry too much here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 000 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Australia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. Just enter your departure and arrival destinations and it will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost. It’s one of the best transportation websites out there!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Australia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more information? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Australia travel and continue planning your trip:

The 7 Best Hotels in Sydney

Where to Stay in Brisbane: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hotels in Brisbane

The Best Walking Tours in Melbourne

The Best Walking Tours in Sydney

Where to Stay in Melbourne: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Finding Alexx

| Bucket list adventures around the globe

Australasia , Australia , Bucket list travel · March 25, 2024

Australia travel guide (2024)

Looking for a detailed Australia travel guide to help you plan your upcoming adventure Down Under? I’m going to share with you my top Australia travel tips , as well as must-see destinations, bucket list experiences, all the best places to visit for different types of travellers and loads more.

I’ve been fortunate enough to have visited Australia many times (it’s often the cheapest place to get to from New Zealand, where I’m from!) including many city breaks to Sydney and Melbourne, some summer vacations to the Gold Coast, and a recent 2.5 month solo road trip with Klook , where I drove more than 7,000kms and visited South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. Phew!

Australia is one of those destinations that truly has something for every type of traveller. The country is huge (the sixth-largest in the world in fact) and super varied, so whether you want a beach holiday, an adrenaline-packed adventure or a foodie getaway with a spot of shopping, you’ll find it here.

But with great size comes with endless options… or something like that!

Planning a trip to Australia can be totally overwhelming because it’s hard to know where to even start, especially if it’s your first time.

Hopefully this comprehensive Australia travel guide will make it a bit easier to figure out where to go, when to go, how to get there and things to do while you’re there, plus it’ll give you all the info you need to make the absolute most of your time and money while travelling Australia.

If there’s something you want to know about travelling Australia that I haven’t included in this post then please let me know in the comments below so I can add it, and if you want a more detailed guide for any specific destination you can scroll down to see a bunch of destination-specific blog posts as well as road trip itineraries and activity reviews that I’ve linked for easy access.

And for a behind-the-scenes pass to all my Australia adventures you can see my highlights on Instagram at @findingalexx .

So without further ado, here’s all you need to know before planning your Australia trip!

Australia travel planning: Things to know before you go

Currency: Australian dollars ($). At the time of the last update (March 2024) $1 AUD is equivalent to $0.653 USD, £0.518 GBP, €0.604 and $1.08NZD.

Money & payments: Australia is very card-friendly, I only used cash once in the 2.5 months I was there and that was to do my washing at a hostel. Most shops will take card, the only places you might have a problem will be independent convenience stories or food trucks, mainly in smaller towns.

If you do want to use cash you can find ATMs in all major cities and tourist spots, and expect to pay an additional $3-$5 fee to take out cash using an international card. Australia’s coin denominations are $2, $1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c, and the notes are $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.

Tax: When you see the price for something in Australia, like food on a menu or a bag you’re going to buy, tax is included in the price you see on the tag. There’s no additional sales taxes like in the USA and Canada. And even better, you can even get 11% tax back on some purchases when you leave the country with the Tourist Refund Scheme .

Tipping: Tipping in Australia is not expected and the country has a minimum wage of $23.23 which is much higher than many other countries, so you know that servers and other hospitality staff aren’t relying on tips as their main income. If you visit a fancy restaurant then there will be a tipping option and all tips are obviously appreciated, but it’s not like North America where tipping is part of the culture. Many cafes and restaurants in Australia won’t even have a tip option when you pay by card, they might just have a coin jar at the counter.

Time zone: Because Australia is huge, as I already mentioned, the country has a number of different time zones which can get a bit confusing! Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) is UTC +10 and covers the eastern states (QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC and TAS), Australian Central Standard Time (ACST) is UTC +9.5 and covers South Australia and the Northern Territory, and Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) is UTC +8 and covers Western Australia.

To make things even more confusing, only some states observe daylight savings time, so during daylight savings months (from the first Sunday in October to the first Sunday in April) NSW, VIC, SA, TAS and ACT move their clocks forward an hour, while QLD, WA and the NT stick with their usual time zones.

When flying between states you’ll be updated on the time zone changes by the pilot, but you’ll need to keep it in mind yourself if you’re driving between states, like between Victoria and South Australia year-round or between NSW and QLD during summer.

Plugs & electricity: Australia uses the plug type ‘I’ (that’s an i, not a 1) and the standard voltage is 230V and frequency is 50Hz. If you’re coming from a country that uses a different voltage and/or frequency you might need a voltage adapter too, most appliances and chargers these days offer multi-voltage support but some things like hair straighteners may be an issue. I’d recommend taking a universal travel adapter when you travel to Australia.

Language: English is the main language spoken in Australia. There are also more than 250 Indigenous languages spoken around Australia so if you see words that you don’t recognise or if you see anywhere that uses an English place name and another place name, then it’s likely the language of one of the local Aboriginal communities.

A map of Australia

To understand the scale of Australia, driving from Melbourne to Sydney will take you about nine hours on the inland route, and driving from Adelaide all the way across to Perth would take a whopping 29 hours on the road non-stop.

When is the best time to visit Australia

With a huge range of climates right across the country, it’s pretty easy to find an Australian destination that suits what you’re looking for at the time of year you want to travel.

High season in Australia is from the start of December to around mid-February , this is the middle of summer and it’s when Australia (as well as its neighbours in New Zealand) are on school holidays, so the main cities and tourist spots will be busy, busy, busy, despite the heat and humidity. Prices go up during this time too and you might find it harder to book onto activities that you want to do unless you book at least a few weeks in advance.

If you’re looking for a summer Christmas experience then you could do Sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide during these months but expect high prices and hot weather, or Tasmania is a good option with milder weather but still expensive. Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland (especially Far North Queensland) will be pretty disgusting in summer, stay away unless you enjoy melting.

My personal favourite time to visit Australia, especially places like Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and the Gold Coast, is in the shoulder season just before and after high season. The official shoulder season is really September to November and March to May, but I prefer October/November and mid-Feb to mid-May for the best balance of good weather but with cheaper prices.

For most of Australia the low season is winter (June to August) , when you’ll find much cheaper prices and significantly less tourists, but you’ll also be dealing with winter weather which can mean lots of rain, hail and even snow in the mountains. Yes, Australia gets cold! If you visit Sydney or Melbourne in winter you’ll need a warm coat, some waterproof boots and a beanie or two.

If you’re planning to visit Queensland, Northern Territory or the northern half of Western Australia then your best bet is to visit between April and November , summer in these destinations can bring unbearable heat and humidity plus an increased risk of tropical cyclones. Winter in QLD/NT/WA can get super busy though as other Australians try to escape their wet and cold states, so book in advance to secure the best deals. And as an added bonus, end of May to early November is the best time for swimming in Queensland as there’s less likelihood of jellyfish in the ocean while the weather is cooler.

Events to be aware of in Australia

Now that you understand the seasons in Australia, it’s also important to know what major events are happening so that you can either avoid the high prices or book tickets early to make the most of what’s going on.

• Sydney Fashion Week , 13-17 May 2024
• VIVID Sydney (an incredible light festival with public art installations along Sydney’s waterfront), 24 May to 15 June 2024
• AFL Grand Final (biggest event on Australia’s national sporting calendar), 38 September 2024 in Melbourne
• Melbourne Cup (famous horse race which is celebrated with a public holiday in Victoria), 5 November 2023
• Schoolies is an Australian tradition where highschool leavers celebrate their completion of their school years with a boozy party trip, usually to the Gold Coast from the end of November through to early/mid-December. Avoid these dates at all costs (unless you’re freshly 18 and want to party!).
• Australian Open , 12-26 January 2025 in Melbourne
• Adelaide Fringe Festival , 21 February-23 March 2025

Getting to Australia

Australia has great flight links from all major destinations and most major airlines fly there. If you’re travelling from the other side of the world then you could also consider adding on a stopover on the way here or on the way back, to get a bonus holiday! I love using stopovers to be able to explore another destination, I’ve done this before in Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and Thailand.

If you’re coming to Australia from Europe then it’s a long flight but you’ll have the option of flying via the Middle East (Etihad, Qatar Airways or Emirates are the main operators), Asia (with Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific, Air India) or North America (probably Vancouver or Los Angeles with Air Canada, Air New Zealand or Qantas).

From the Middle East, Asia or North or South America there will likely be direct flight options if you’re happy to pay a premium, or an easy one-stop flight for a cheaper price.

From New Zealand you can get the best deals on Jetstar (Australia’s budget airline), or Air New Zealand or Qantas.

How to travel around Australia

If you’re sticking within one city, the public transport system is probably the best way to get around. Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Perth all have decent public transport networks with affordable tickets and day passes.

If you arrive early and want to explore the city before heading to your hotel you can find convenient bag drop locations in Sydney , Melbourne, Brisbane and more,

If you are wanting to tick off more than one destination in Australia (I don’t blame you, there’s so much to see!) then you’ve got a few different options for inter-city transport.

You could rent a car in Australia to take advantage of the incredible road trips the country has to offer, like the Great Ocean Road or driving up the Queensland Coast. Car rental is expensive but it does give you the freedom to travel the country at your own pace and to detour to lesser-known destinations that public transport won’t reach. I rented a car to get from Melbourne to Adelaide and then again from Sydney to Brisbane.

Travel tip: I used Klook for all my rental car needs in Australia, you can search your travel dates and they pull up all the options from rental companies like Hertz, Sixt, Avis, Budget and more so you know you’re getting the best deal. They also offer free cancellation so you can lock in a good price early on and then cancel or amend it if your plans change.

A campervan is another option which offers maximum freedom, Australia is very campervan-friendly and the van life community over here is huge! You’ll easily find campgrounds and freedom/wild camping spots around the country to keep your travel costs low.

There are loads of campervan companies that service the main cities, like Jucy , Apollo and Britz to name a few. If you’re planning an extended trip for more than just a few months you could even buy a van to use while you’re there and then sell it afterwards, there’s Facebook groups like Backpacker Campervans For Sale for that.

If you want to leave the driving up to someone else you can take trains between some major cities , although the network is nowhere near as good as in Europe. There are regional trains that run between cities along the southern and eastern coasts, or you could go all out with a multi-night luxury train experience. The Indian Pacific runs between Perth, Adelaide and Sydney, and the Ghan between Adelaide and Darwin via Coober Pedy and Alice Springs. These trips book out months in advance though so lock in your plans early.

Buses are the cheapest way to get between destinations but remember that the driving distances in Australia are long. If bus is your chosen form of transport then check out Greyhound, you can buy single tickets or you might be best to purchase a hop-on- hop-off pass to get you right up or down the East Coast.

Inter-city flights are efficient but can be expensive depending on when you book. If you lock in your seats while there’s sales on you can get fares for as low as $80 return between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, but normal prices can range anywhere from $150-$400 return. To get from the eastern cities to Perth you can expect to spend $450-$1000 return.

Safety tips for Australia

Australia is pretty safe to travel as a solo female traveller, but there are two things that pose the most risk: the wildlife and the environment.

Safety with wildlife

From koalas and kangaroos to snakes and spiders, Australia has an incredible variety of animals that call this place home. And while some of them are super cute (I’m looking at you, quokka!), it’s no secret that many of the creatures found here can be pretty dangerous if you get on the wrong side of them. While most Australia’s dangerous animals are very rare to come across, especially in the cities, it’s still super important to be aware of the risks.

Avoid getting into a bad situation with a crocodile by being Crocwise in Queensland, Northern Territory and the northern parts of Western Australia. Swim only where you know it is safe (swim between the flags at patrolled beaches, look for warning signs and speak to locals), don’t swim in murky water or at dawn, dusk or night, and stand more than 5m from the water’s edge.

Snakes are another one to be aware of, and the bad news is that they’re found all around the whole country. There’s good news too though! The majority of snakes in Australia aren’t deadly and for the 12 species that are, there’s anti-venom available as well as a great healthcare system that treats snake bites quickly and effectively. Avoid any unwanted interactions with snakes by wearing covered shoes in the grass, avoid walking away from marked trails, and if you do get bitten it’s important to get help ASAP, stay calm and don’t panic, and apply a pressure bandage to the bite to slow the venom.

Australia has its fair share of disgusting spiders but most of them are totally harmless, and there’s actually only two species of spiders that have caused fatalities in the past (Redback Spiders and funnel-web spiders), with the last fatality in 1979. So while they’re gross, spiders aren’t as much of a risk as everyone makes them out to be.

Other creatures to be aware of are cassowaries (a huge bird found in North Queensland that can be dangerous when threatened), jellyfish (found all along the Queensland coast from November to May) and sharks (swim at patrolled beaches as the lifeguards will keep an eye out for sharks).

And be extra careful when driving at dawn and dusk, this is when many animals (especially kangaroos) are most active and you don’t want to come across one in the middle of the road while taking a corner at speed.

Safety with the environment

In terms of the elements, Australia’s weather can be extreme and unchangeable. If you’re road tripping it’s particularly important to travel with lots of water and non-perishable food in your car as you don’t want to be left without things to eat and drink if you break down on a country road. Always check weather forecasts before heading out for a hike too, and take additional clothing in case the conditions change.

Crime safety

Australia is pretty safe for travellers in terms of crime, violent crime is rare and the most likely thing to happen is petty theft in the cities. As with any major city, avoid unlit streets at night, keep an eye on your drink if you’re out, and wear your bag on both shoulders or across your body to avoid having it snatched (although I’ve never heard of this happening to any of my friends in Australia).

I will say that as a solo female traveller I did experience multiple encounters with groups of young, drunk assholes on the street who tried over and over again to get my attention as I walked past or across the road from them, never enough to make me truly worry for my safety but enough to piss me off because women shouldn’t have to deal with that shit, especially not in the evenings when they’re outnumbered and just trying to get home.

Solo female travel rant: I do find it hilarious when men from Western countries tell me to be careful in countries like Turkey, Jordan and India, as if places like Australia, New Zealand and the UK don’t have a problem with disrespect and harassment towards women. Eye roll.

Travel insurance for Australia

Australia has a fantastic healthcare system that will look after you if anything goes wrong, but it’s still super important to have comprehensive travel insurance in Australia in case of any misadventures. I travel with an annual policy from Covermore NZ who I’ve only ever had good experiences with ( Covermore is in Australia too ), but if you’re not from NZ or Aus then I recommend checking out SafetyWing or World Nomads for comprehensive coverage.

Do I need Australia travel insurance even if I’m just coming from New Zealand? Isn’t healthcare covered over there for me?

Yes, you need insurance even if you’re just travelling over from New Zealand for a weekend! While medically necessary healthcare is covered by a reciprocal healthcare agreement, some things that aren’t covered are ambulance trips, doctor visits, and things like lost luggage or travel delays.

The average ambulance trip in Australia costs $800-$1000, so if you don’t want to risk being out of pocket in an emergency, insurance is essential.

Diversity in Australia

As a white-passing, heterosexual woman (I’m actually Maori but you’d never know because of my pasty skin 😂) I’m not the right person to talk about acceptance and diversity in Australia so I’m going to let some of my followers speak about their lived experiences instead.

“I travelled for nine months in Australia but spent most of my time in Perth and Cairns, absolutely felt safe. No issues or concerns whatsoever, in Perth I felt safer as it had its own LGBTQIA+ community. I did go out in Sydney too, it has a huge nightlife scene with clubs all over. Very much like London but you still have to worry about your safety just like you would as a straight woman, i.e. walking alone at night etc.” – Amy

Women of colour

“As an Indian woman I have experienced some verbal racism in Australia, no different to what I’ve experienced in other Western countries. I feel like the main cities are significantly more accepting of diversity because the cities are so cosmopolitan, but on trips to more remote and rural destinations I have definitely been treated differently to white customers sitting in the same cafes and restaurants as me.” – Anonymous

Working in Australia

Australia is a super common destination for both backpackers on working holidays as well as young professionals moving to take advantage of the high salaries Australia has to offer.

New Zealanders have free access to live and work in Australia without need for a specific visa, so if you’re a Kiwi like me and you’re considering it, it’s as easy as packing your bags, booking a flight and job hunting. Living costs in both Melbourne and Sydney end up evening out to be very similar to Auckland (Auckland average rent is cheaper but food/gas/transport is more expensive) and the salaries in Australia are significantly higher than Auckland with a higher superannuation contribution from employers too, so you’re pretty likely to be in a better financial situation.

If you’re coming from another country and want to live and work in Australia, there’s a great Working Holiday Maker programme that offers work visas to 18-30 year olds (some countries up to 35) from 19 different countries, including Canada, the UK, Ireland, Germany, France and more.

Australia travel inspiration

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Australia is so diverse and there is truly a destination or an experience that will blow your mind, no matter your travel style or budget.

From getting amongst the big city life to exploring the wild and rugged coast to finding hidden gems inland, here’s a bunch of Australia travel inspiration to get you thinking about what to add to your Australia itinerary.

Top destinations to visit in Australia

Australia’s most populous city, Sydney is an absolute must-visit for any Australia trip. It’s not only the country’s business hub, it’s also home to some of the most famous Australia icons and experiences like the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach and loads more. It’s the most expensive city in terms of accommodation (I recommend Wake Up! Hostel for a budget-friendly bed) but it’s well worth splurging for at least a couple of nights.

Melbourne is the cooler, chilled out younger sibling of Sydney, buzzing with world-class cafes, riverfront bars (some of them even float!) and a packed calendar of art, culture and entertainment year-round. If you’re a foodie you’ll want to stay a while, I could honestly name probably 40 eateries that I would highly recommend. I’ll put that blog on my to do list for next month!

A little further afield from the usual East Coast suspects, Adelaide is a buzzing, up-and-coming city with easy access to beaches, wineries and a fantastic range of events on all through the year, including the world-famous Adelaide Fringe in February/March.

I absolutely love the food scene here too, they have one of the largest undercover food markets in the southern hemisphere (Adelaide Central Market) as well as an annual food festival in April called Tasting Australia which showcases the country’s best gastronomic offerings.

You might also like: The perfect three day Adelaide itinerary

Airlie Beach & the Whitsundays

The Whitsunday Islands are a collection of 74 islands off Queensland’s central coast, best accessed from the holiday hub of Airlie Beach. Make sure you’ve charged your camera or have space for loads of photos on your phone, because this might truly be the most stunning part of Australia.

From the picture-perfect swirls of Whitehaven Beach to the Instagram-famous Heart Reef that adorn Australia brochures all over the globe, if you want to splurge on a scenic flight in Australia, this is undoubtedly the best place to do it.

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef isn’t actually a single destination but actually a 2,300km stretch of 3000+ individual reefs, starting at Cape York (the very northern tip of Queensland) and finishing down at Bundaberg. The most popular gateways are Cairns and Airlie Beach but you can also do day and overnight trips out to the reef from Bundaberg, Yeppoon, Townsville and Port Douglas.

The reef has definitely been impacted by climate change and by weather events that cause underwater damage, but it’s still an incredible place to snorkel or scuba dive. Or if you’d prefer to see the underwater life while staying dry, go on a tour that includes a semi-submarine or even spend a night in a Great Barrier Reef underwater hotel room .

The Gold Coast is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Kiwis wanting to visit Australia, you can often score super cheap flights from anywhere as low as $280 return. It’s a classic summer destination, a little bit tacky if you only visit the tourist spots, but there’s world-famous surf breaks, candy floss sunsets, an impressive cafe culture and easy access to Australia’s best theme parks.

You might also like: An honest review of the Klook Gold Coast Pass

Just across the QLD-NSW state border from the Gold Coast is Byron Bay, the hipster capital of New South Wales where you’ll find an endless selection of independent breweries, boutique clothing stores and farm-to-table restaurants. On land you can fill your calendar with yoga classes and kombucha dates, or hit the water with a surf lesson, kayak trip or boat tour.

The main tourist destination in North Queensland, Cairns is known as the best gateway to access the Great Barrier Reef because the reef isn’t as far from land as in the other hubs. Spend at least a few days here if you want to make the most of all the active adventures nearby, from diving trips to waterfall walks to rainforest adventures.

Western Australia

Now into the parts of Australia I haven’t visited personally yet! Western Australia is so high on my Australia bucket list but it’s not really the best destination for a solo traveller. The drives from one tourist spot to the next can be incredibly long and boring, and stories of breakdowns or running out of gas are common, not something I’d be super stoked to deal with by myself! This is one that I’ll put on the backburner until I have a travel buddy to join me.

For lots of Western Australia travel inspo I’d recommend checking out my friend Tessomewhere’s blog , she’s a Perth local and has written all about her WA escapades.

The Red Centre (Uluru, Alice Springs & Kings Canyon)

Another one I haven’t quite made it to yet, the Red Centre refers to the rugged and rocky Australian outback, and it includes landmarks like the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Kings Canyon and Alice Springs.

It’s not particularly easy to get here, flights from Sydney or Melbourne currently cost $700+ return (as of March 2024) and it’s at least 14 hours from any major Australian city by car, but if you have the time and the money this is quintessential Australia that sets the country apart from anywhere else.

Australia hidden gems

Okay so Tasmania is obviously an actual state of Australia so it’s not exactly hidden, but it is far less touristy than other parts of the country, so if you prefer travelling off the beaten track then it’s one of the best places to visit. The outdoor adventures are plentiful, with some of the best hiking trails in the country (Freycinet Peninsula Circuit is a must), and the local produce offerings will make you want to delay your departure for sure.

Byfield, Queensland

Now unless you’ve road tripped through Queensland before I can almost guarantee you wouldn’t have heard of Byfield , which is 30 mins from Yeppoon, an hour from Rockhampton and about six hours from Airlie Beach. This tiny rural village is sandwiched between Byfield State Forest and Byfield National Park, which offer some of the state’s best 4WD tracks and camping opportunities.

Don’t miss Stony Creek for a refreshing dip in a crystal-clear swimming hole (croc-free!) and animal lovers should add Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary to their Byfield itinerary too.

Read more: Why you need to add Byfield to your Queensland bucket list

Mudgee, New South Wales

If you want to escape Sydney’s city chaos and head into country NSW instead, Mudgee is the ideal spot for a weekend retreat. The drive will take 3.5-4 hours but you could easily add on a visit to the Blue Mountains en route if you haven’t been there yet.

The town boasts award-winning wineries, an innovative culinary scene and some magical accommodation options too (I recommend Sierra Escape and Evamor Valley , both absolutely divine).

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Too many tourists that I’ve spoken to when visiting South Australia put Kangaroo Island in the “Too Hard Basket”, which is a huge mistake. Even my best friend’s Adelaidean husband (born and bred!) had never been there, despite living in Adelaide for most of his 32 years!

Taking the 45 minute ferry from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw and spending a couple of nights exploring the island was such a highlight of my big Australia road trip. We spotted koalas in the wild, made cocktails with local spirits, stayed at a super cute seaside motel and watched the sun go down from the edge of Flinders Chase National Park, which is thriving again after a devastating fire destroyed 96% of the park in 2019/2020.

Read more: Reasons to visit Kangaroo Island

Australia road trips to take

Great ocean road from melbourne to warrnambool.

The actual Great Ocean Road runs from Torquay to Allansford, but most people either drive Melbourne to Warrnambool, Melbourne to Port Fairy, or Melbourne to the famous Twelve Apostles and then back to Melbourne.

The Great Ocean Road road trip is known as one of the most scenic drives in the world, and for good reason! You can stop off at panoramic viewpoints perched on top of sheer cliffs, golden beaches with world-famous surf breaks, or lush rainforest walks and hikes, to name a few options.

And once you’re done, release the tension that comes with sitting in the car for hours on end with a relaxing dip in soothing mineral hot springs at Deep Blue Hot Springs in Warrnambool .

Melbourne to Adelaide

If you want to extend your Great Ocean Road trip, there’s plenty to see beyond Warrnambool and over into South Australia too.

If you want to stick close to the coast you could stop at Mount Gambier for out-of-this-world sinkholes (including one filled with tropical plants and one that you can snorkel in !), and Beachport and/or Robe for some of the best beaches along South Australia’s Limestone Coast.

If you’re going inland you could take a bit of a detour north from Warrnambool to tick off the epic lookouts and hikes in Grampians National Park, taste test wine in Coonawarra before sleeping in a bubble tent , and venture underground to explore Naracoorte Caves National Park.

The Legendary Pacific Coast from Sydney to Brisbane

Coming in at almost 1000kms, the drive from Sydney to Brisbane takes you through a huge variety of destinations, from vineyard villages to historic fishing towns to bohemian hot spots. Give yourself at least a week, ideally two, to really make the most of the experiences the Pacific Coast has on offer.

Some of my recommended places to stop between Sydney and Brisbane are the Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, Nambucca Heads, Yamba, Byron Bay and the Gold Coast.

The Pacific Coast Way from the Gold Coast to Cairns

Continuing on from the Legendary Pacific Coast drive is the Pacific Coast Way, which is about 1800kms running from the Gold Coast (just south of Brisbane) to Cairns in Far North Queensland. Sunworshippers, scuba divers and snorkellers will loooove this one, there’s opportunities to 4WD across white sand beaches, dive the Great Barrier Reef, spot wildlife like dolphins, whales and koalas, fly over heart-shaped reefs and the famous Whitehaven Beach and much, much more.

Set aside a decent chunk of time for your Gold Coast to Cairns road trip as there are plenty of destinations that warrant multi-night stops (Noosa, Hervey Bay/Fraser Island and Airlie Beach to name a few), and activities like boat tours, island visits, scenic flights and diving trips do require a bit of flexibility in your itinerary in case of postponement due to weather conditions. I managed to do it over four weeks but an additional week or two would’ve been much more relaxed.

Western Australia: From Esperance to Broome

The next Australia road trip on my bucket list is to make my way all the way up the Western Australia coast from Esperance to Broome, which is a gigantic 3350kms 🤯 plus return time to and from Perth if that’s where you’re picking up a rental car.

I’ve heard of people doing this trip in three weeks but you’d be spending a lot of time on the road and not have much flexibility to spend additional nights at places you loved. Aim for a minimum of six weeks, ideally two or three months to make the most of it.

Some of the most popular stops on any WA road trip between Esperance and Broome are Margaret River, Kalbarri National Park, Exmouth and Karijini National Park.

Australia bucket list experiences

Some countries are just packed to the brim with once-in-a-lifetime activities, and Australia is one of those destinations. Here are some epic experiences to that will take your trip to the absolute next level.

See the Great Barrier Reef from underwater and from the sky

No trip to Queensland would be complete without a trip to the Great Barrier Reef , and for the best GBR experience I highly recommend going on a dive/snorkel trip as well as getting sky high views with a scenic flight .

Spend a night under the stars or under the water at the Great Barrier Reef

Another GBR experience but this one deserves a point of its own because it is by far the best thing I’ve ever done in Australia, and I’ve done a lot of cool stuff!

You can sleep on the top deck of the Reefworld pontoon at the Outer Great Barrier Reef, with access to incredible snorkel spots after daytrippers go home plus all-inclusive meals and drinks, or splurge big time on an actual underwater hotel room and sleep with fish right outside your window.

Spot some wildlife

The wildlife options in Australia are abundant, with chances to see kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, echidnas, wombats, quokkas, platypuses (yes, I just Googled the plural of platypus), whales, sharks, dingoes and more. Phew!

Kangaroos and wallabies are common in many places but some of the other creatures are a bit harder to find, here are some top tips:

• For whale watching you could head to Hervey Bay (I recommend Blue Dolphin tours ), Logan’s Beach in Warrnambool (end of Great Ocean Road) or Byron Bay depending on the season
• For whale sharks your best bet is Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia from mid-March to mid-July
• Platypuses can often be seen on this rainforest tour from Cairns from April to Oct
• Koalas can usually be spotted in Kangaroo Island (we saw a couple on this e-bike tour ), at Kennett River Nature Walk along the GOR, or on the Forts Walk on Magnetic Island in Queensland (where I took the picture below)
• I spotted a wombat while leaving a carpark on Great Ocean Road (quite a rarity apparently) and saw an echidna as well as a bunch of other cute things on Kangaroo Island too

Do a scenic flight

If you think Australia is beautiful from the ground, just imagine what the rugged landscapes look like from the sky.

As I mentioned already my top recommendation for a scenic flight is over the Great Barrier Reef but here are some more specific suggestions on scenic flights in Australia:

• The Ocean Rafting Fly & Raft tour from Airlie Beach goes over the Heart Reef as well as Whitehaven Beach before you transfer to an Ocean Rafting boat for a day tour to Whitehaven and some snorkelling spots, brilliant value and probably the best reef flight available as it shows you the Whitsunday Islands as well. If you use the promocode FINDINGALEXX you’ll get 10% off any Ocean Rafting tours!
• I also did this 40-minute Reef Hopper flight from Cairns which flies over some incredible reefs and sandbanks
• Sydney is always a great scenic flight destination, with Sydney helicopter flights going over the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach views
• Fly over the Flinders Ranges and Lake Eyre in South Australia
• The Twelve Apostles flight is a popular one, I personally think the Great Barrier Reef flights are much more impressive if you can only afford to splurge on one, but if you have the money then the Twelve Apostles heli flight is a worthwhile addition to your Great Ocean Road itinerary
• An Uluru scenic flight is one for the bucket list for sure
• Fly over the Horizontal Falls in Western Australia

Go skydiving

For a scenic flight with a twist, why not jump out of the plane? You can skydive in a number of places across Australia but some of the most popular spots are Cairns , Airlie Beach , Surfers Paradise , Wollongong and the Great Ocean Road .

Spend a night or two on an island

Australia’s mainland is pretty incredible, but there are some islands just offshore that are a brilliant addition to any Australia itinerary.

In South Australia there’s Kangaroo Island , Melbourne has Phillip Island (connected by bridge so easy to get to), and Queensland has a bunch of islands along the coast like Lady Elliot Island which has an incredible eco-resort, Magnetic Island (worth a couple of nights at least) and Fraser Island. On the Western Australia coast the must-do island is Rottnest Island, also known as Rotto, with a bunch of hiking trails and watersports to choose from.

Unique accommodation in Australia

I’m a sucker for a good hotel, hostel or glamping spot, finding epic accommodation is one of my favourite parts of planning a trip. Some of my favourite places to stay in Australia are:

• Evamor Valley and Sierra Escape , both luxurious glamping spots in or near Mudgee
• Hotel Indigo , a super funky boutique hotel in Adelaide
• The bubble tent at Coonawarra Bush Holiday Park
• Kimpton Margot Sydney , a five-star luxury hotel in central Sydney
• Citadines Connect , a brilliant value hotel at Sydney Airport and my go-to for late night arrivals or early departures
• ADGE Apartments , the best value self-contained apartments you’ll find in Sydney
• Ozzie Pozzie YHA , a cheap and cheerful back-to-basics backpacker hostel with a pool and games room
• Surf House Byron Bay , a boutique hostel with stylish rooms, a rooftop bar and unbeatable location
• KOKO Broadbeach , newly-built luxury apartments in the Gold Coast
• Il Mondo Boutique Hotel in Brisbane, a family-owned 4-star hotel in Kangaroo Point with comfortable and very well-priced rooms and apartments
• Bounce Noosa , one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed in, complete with a glass-sided pool
• Habitat Noosa , which has safari tents with wild kangaroos roaming through the campground
• The riverfront glamping tents at Myall River Camp
• Sea Star Apartments in Airlie Beach, the best value apartment in the town (maybe even in Australia!) with an infinity pool. Absolutely incredible views!
• Island View Motel in Townsville, another family-owned spot with basic but very comfortable and spacious units, plus a pool and BBQ for guest use
• Mission Beach Resort , super spacious rooms with multiple pools on site
• Global Backpackers , by far the best hostel location in Cairns, right opposite Cairns lagoon

I’ll continue adding to this list each time I stay somewhere amazing in Australia!

The best places in Australia for…

If your idea of a holiday involves hitting the boutiques and overloading your suitcase, you’ll want to hit the Queen Victoria Building, the Rocks Markets, Westfield and Pitt Street Mall in Sydney; Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne Central, Chapel Street, Chadstone (the biggest mall in Australia) and South Wharf DFO in Melbourne; and Pacific Fair and Harbour Town Outlets in the Gold Coast.

You can find heart-racing adventures all through Australia but if you want an action-packed holiday, Cairns is most likely to fit the bill. Here you’ll be able to bungy jump, skydive, scuba dive, hang glide, zipline, whitewater raft or even go canyoning.

Scuba diving

The best places to dive in Australia are undoubtedly the Great Barrier Reef or Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef, but you can also scuba dive on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia (to see the rare leafy seadragon), in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, on Lord Howe Island and more.

For a super unique scuba dive experience check out Kilsby Sinkhole near the SA-VIC border, it’s a 60m-deep crystal clear sinkhole that offers snorkelling tours (which I did) and intermittent scuba diving tours.

Sightseeing

If you only had time to visit one or two destinations in Australia due to time or budget constraints, my top two recommendations would be Sydney and either Cairns or Airlie Beach.

There are so many things to do in Sydney to keep you busy, from walking tours to tourist landmarks to day trips like the Blue Mountains or Hunter Valley. In Cairns and Airlie you’ll be able to experience the best of the reef as well as visit some beaches, islands and inland spots like the rainforest if that’s your kind of thing.

For some downtime on your Australia holiday, consider spending some extended time in Noosa and the Sunshine Coast, enjoying the wine regions around Adelaide, chilling out at cute cabins in Tasmania, soaking in the hot pools in Warrnambool or kicking back at the beach in Jervis Bay, a few hours south of Sydney.

Food and wine

Australia is one of my favourite food countries in the world, because there’s a brilliant mix of fresh and local produce as well as eateries that serve up dishes from so many different cuisines.

You can’t go past Melbourne if you’re a true foodie, the range of culinary options is one of the best in the world! I love Milk the Cow for cheese and wine nights, Flour Child for pizza (and other Italian treats) and cocktails, Elektra Fitzroy for Himalayan twists on classic dishes, and Southeast Asian-inspired Chin Chin is another favourite.

Adelaide’s food scene punches well above its weight along with having many of the best wineries in Australia. The Central Market is a must-visit, and to get the ultimate experience I’d recommend doing a market tour with Aus Food Tours (and use the promocode findingalexx to get 10% off).

Other top food and wine spots are Margaret River in Western Australia, Launceston in Tasmania, and Brisbane and the Gold Coast in Queensland.

Australia budget tips

Travel costs in australia.

Travel costs in Australia will totally depend on your travel style and specific destination, but here are some examples to give you a rough idea of how much you’ll spend.

Accommodation

Dorm rooms start from around $20-$35 for basic backpacker hostels, or $40-$50 in fancier hostels or the major cities. For private rooms in hostels I was paying anywhere from $80 in smaller towns like Port Macquarie to $150 in hot spots like Airlie Beach and Sydney. Motel rooms in less busy destinations usually start from $100-$120, and hotels can run anywhere from $120 upwards.

Rental cars

Rental cars in Australia have shot up in price since Covid, with prices ranging from $50 per day (super cheap) up to $200 per day! If you’re road tripping with friends this could totally be worth it, but for a solo trip it’s a pretty pricey way of getting around (as I found out haha) as you’ll also be paying for gas, any additional insurance and things like one way fees by yourself.

Renting a campervan

As with cars, campervan costs have increased through Covid, potentially due to some companies closing down or retiring/selling their fleet to cover their expenses while no one was travelling. At the time of writing (March 2024) you can expect to spend $100-$350 per day on a campervan or motorhome.

Food and drink

If you’re planning on cooking your own meals while travelling Australia, you can spend as little as $60 a week at the supermarket or local markets. Some of my favourite cheap travel meals to make in hostels are baked potatoes, pesto pasta, stir fry or omelettes.

If you’d like to experience Australia’s impressive culinary culture then you can expect to spend $20-$30 on brunch with a coffee, $25-$40 on a casual lunch or dinner with a drink, or $50-$100 on a fancier dinner. A house beer is usually $8-$12 in a bar, house wine from $10-$15 and cocktails from $15-$20.

You could travel Australia on a tight budget and still see loads of the country without spending a cent on an organised activity, but if you do want to try things like day tours, scenic flights, ferry tickets or watersports then this will be something you’ll want to budget for in advance.

An organised day trip out of a city (like a Great Ocean Road day trip from Melbourne or a rainforest tour from Cairns) will generally be $100-$150 for a seat on a small group tour. For day trips out to sea like whale watching or reef snorkelling, expect to spend $150-$250. Scenic flights generally start from $180-$220 for the shorter 20 minute flights.

In terms of iconic landmarks and activities, you’ll spend $43 on a tour of the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb starts at $248, it’s $89 for entry to Dreamworld in the Gold Coast, a park pass at Uluru is $25 (and valid for three days) and Australia Zoo (made famous by the Irwins) is $59.

Budgeting tips for Australia travel

• Plan any big purchases wisely (clothing, accessories, tech gadgets etc.) so you can claim tax back when you leave Australia
• The cheapest major supermarket is ALDI, with Coles and Woolworths mid-range, and IGA is at the upper end with more local products rather than generic brands
• Look at opportunities to work while travelling (if you have the correct visa), like working at a backpacker hostel in exchange for a room or doing freelance gigs from your laptop to make money while on the road
• Campervanning can save costs big time if you are happy to wild camp/freedom camp, just make sure you use apps like CamperMate to confirm where you’re allowed to park up for the night
• Websites like Klook , Viator and GetYourGuide let you search through loads of the most popular activities in each city so you can cross-check prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal
• You can find last minute deals on travel activities with Bookme

Australia packing tips

Suitcase or backpack.

This one’s always a controversial topic in traveller circles, but I’m Team Suitcase for sure. I travel with lots of camera gear so I’m already carrying 15kgs on my back, there’s no way I could also carry clothing, toiletries and shoes too!

I travel with a Samsonite Cosmolite suitcase which I LOVE and will never switch from, and I also have a PeakDesign camera backpack as my overhead locker cabin bag and a Brevite Jumper to go under the seat.

Most destinations in Australia are suitcase friendly, the roads are well-paved in all major cities and *most* buildings have elevators (except for some older ones in Melbourne and Sydney, in which case hotels/hostels are usually only 2-3 floors).

If you want to use a backpack then it will be easier if you’re taking lots of public transport. My Team Backpack friends always recommend this budget-friendly 35L daypack that meets cabin luggage requirements, this highly-rated 40L Osprey daypack , or this 60L check-in backpack .

Australia travel essentials

Aside from the clothing that suits the weather and climate of wherever you’re going, here are some things you’ll want to add to your Australian packing list:

• Reef-safe sunblock
• Strong insect repellent
• Aloe vera for inevitable sunburn
• A hat with decent coverage, I love the Rider hat from Will & Bear
• A swimsuit or two (or five if you’re like me!)
• A good rain jacket
• Thongs (and by that I mean the footwear, not the underwear)
• Warm clothes if you’re planning on being in the southern half of the country between April and October
• A reusable drink bottle (tap water is safe to drink in Australia)
• A reusable cutlery set
• An eye mask and ear plugs if you’re staying in a hostel
• A quick-dry travel towel
• A universal travel adapter
• A waterproof phone case or GoPro if you’re going to be snorkelling and diving

All Australia blog posts

Things to do

• The ultimate Australia bucket list with 50+ things to do

Itineraries & destination guides

• Three day Great Ocean Road itinerary
• Three days in Adelaide itinerary
• Why Byfield needs to be on your Queensland bucket list
• Why you should add Kangaroo Island to your Adelaide itinerary
• The perfect Sydney to Byron Bay road trip itinerary
• The ultimate Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary

Activity & accommodation reviews

• The best accommodation in Australia (that I’ve stayed at personally)
• Great Barrier Reef underwater hotel: Reefsleep & Reefsuites review
• Klook Pass Gold Coast: Is it worth it?
• Hotel review: Deep Blue Hot Springs & Hotel, Warrnambool
• Hotel review: The Langham, Sydney
• Hotel review: Next Hotel, Melbourne
• Hostel review: The Surf House, Byron Bay
• Motel review: Seaview Motel, Kangaroo Island

Budget travel tips

• Sydney Airport Tax Refund: How to claim tax back when you leave Australia

If you’ve got any other questions about my time in Australia or any suggestions on blogs you want me to write, please let me know! You can leave a comment, message me on Instagram @findingalexx or flick me an email at [email protected] .

Happy travels everyone!

You’ll Also Love

August 10, 2022 at 8:52 am

Hey mate, JP from ‘Escape The Stanway’ here! Just wanted to say this guide is incredible, so much detail and value to go with it. Has certainly set a bench mark as to what a travel blog/guide should look like and I have definitely taken some inspiration from it. So, thank you!

August 18, 2022 at 6:26 am

Ahh this is the nicest comment to receive 🙂 thanks so much man, appreciate your kind words!

May 26, 2023 at 7:12 pm

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the incredible resource you’ve created. Your Australia travel guide has been an absolute game-changer for me and has undoubtedly enhanced my travel experiences in ways I never imagined.

June 7, 2023 at 6:22 pm

Thank you for putting together such a comprehensive guide. I’ll be referring to it constantly as I plan my Australia adventure. Cheers!

June 22, 2023 at 1:29 am

Glad to hear it’s been helpful, hope you have a fantastic time!

June 25, 2023 at 10:12 pm

Thank you for this comprehensive Australia travel guide! As someone who is planning a trip Down Under, I truly appreciate the wealth of information and tips you’ve provided. Your personal experiences and insights make it even more valuable and relatable. I love how you’ve covered various aspects of travel, from must-see destinations to different types of experiences for every kind of traveler. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise!

June 26, 2023 at 3:23 am

I’m so glad it’s been useful 🙂 thanks for reading!

November 7, 2023 at 9:27 am

Love that you mention Adelaide. I’m actually a Qldr but I love Adelaide and it never seems to end up on anyones list. Beaches, food, wine – what’s not to love!

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Why Australia?

There’s just something about the laidback, outdoorsy lifestyle here in Australia that has you sucked right in and ready to change your outbound flight the moment you touch down.

It’s here in Australia that you can embrace all things surfing, acai bowls, golden sand beaches, clear waters, sunset BBQ’s, sunny road trips and the barefoot lifestyle (in Byron Bay anyway). These are just a few of the  best things to do in Australia .

Travelling Australia is a dream in so many ways and most certainly somewhere you must experience in your life be it for a holiday, a working holiday visa , a backpacking experience or… permanent residency.

Planning your trip to Australia can feel overwhelming but luckily for you, I’ve been 6 times and have an abundance of knowledge to share in this Australia travel guide with you.

Search my Australia travel guides by territory using the dropdown below…

explore Australia by destination

• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Western Australia
• South Australia

Bucket list adventures

• background Layer 1 NYE fireworks in Sydney
• background Layer 1 4WD experience on Fraser Island
• background Layer 1 A cruise on the Whitsundays
• background Layer 1 Road trip along the Great Ocean Road
• background Layer 1 Backpacking the East Coast
• background Layer 1 Explore Uluru and the red rock
• background Layer 1 Wild koalas in Noosa National Park

When is the best time to go?

Australia’s seasons are at the opposite times to those in the northern hemisphere, making it a wonderful location to chase the sun in when the European winter descends. 

December to February is summer ; March to May is autumn ; June to August is winter, and  September to November is spring .

Like this Australia travel guide, save it on Pinterest for later!

Global Travellers favourites

Ah I have so many! The lifestyle in Byron Bay is second to none so definitely don’t miss spending a few days there. Get yourself on a boat to explore the Whitsundays , experience the worlds largest sand island ( Fraser Island ) with a 4X4 and kick back to relax in Manly on Sydney ‘s northern beaches.

Oh and then you’ve got to try the coffee in Melbourne and head out on a Great Ocean Road road trip.

Australia travel guides

The Best Things To Do on Kangaroo Island

Top tips for travelling Western Australia

A Guide To Planning Your Western Australia Road Trip

The Pros and Cons of Vanlife: The reality of life on the road

The 9 Best Things To Do In Adelaide

A complete guide to skiing in Perisher

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Privacy Overview

Australia Travel Guide

Last updated on June 24, 2023 by Shannon

Australia has been built for travel and tourism and is thus incredibly popular with travelers all over the world. The backpacker culture is particular well developed because Europeans and Israelis can easily get a year work visa.

Table of Contents

Fast Facts About Australia Travel

Australia is nearly as big as the continental US and has incredibly disparate landscapes; you can participate in nearly any type of adventure and fun activity: world-class diving, climbing, hiking, sky-diving, wine tastings, bush walks, camping and surfing are just a sampling of the sheer diversity in Oz. The culture is super-laid back, locals are friendly, and the backpacker community is warmly embracing of both newbies and old-hat travelers alike.

Vegetarian Friendly? Absolutely. No problem for vegetarians here, Australia even has a deep fried version of a veggie burger that I’ve never had anywhere else (breaded cheese and spinach). Fruit is plentiful and the hostel breakfasts offered throughout the country even have some great protein options to get the day off to a good start: toast with peanut butter or vegemite.  Eating out can get pricey so you’ll be cooking yourself a lot of meals at the well-stocked hostel kitchens anyway!

Internet Accessibility : Australia only gets three out of five because internet was expensive . Like, seriously pricey because of the Telstra monopoly. Many of the tour booking agencies will offer a bit of free internet if you’ve booked with them. McDonalds was also just starting to offer widespread free WIFI as I was leaving – this will be a life-saver since there are still small towns that had no internet access except the local libraries. Many hostels offer it, particularly on the major backpacker route between Cairns and Sydney, but other than that it can be unexpectedly tricky.

Transportation : This is a non-issue in Australia; anywhere you want to go, you can get there easily. The Greyhound bus is a great option. There is a bit of a train network as well in some areas. Also, a lot of backpackers rent vans and travel the country that way so you can frequently just catch a ride between cities if they’re heading in the same direction! It’s reasonably priced and simple – in addition to all of the public options the organized tour industry is incredibly prevalent and that’s a viable route too.

World Travel Planning Tips + Resources

From the best travel gear to how to pick travel insurance—a detailed list of resources, tips, and advice to help you plan an amazing trip.

Pre-Trip Reading Inspiration: Books About Australia

Check out my recommended books, music, and movies to inspire and learn about Australia—why not grab one and read it on the plane?!

Australia (FILM) : Runs toward the typical Hollywood fare, but well acted and again, will show some of the previous conflicts and politics that shaped modern Australia…old told with a romantic Hugh Jackman-y sub-plot and engaging story. .

Rabbit-Proof Fence Novel ( FILM ): Every traveler should see this moving film either before heading to Australia, or while your traveling through the country. The story centers on Australia’s Stolen Generation and the controversial aboriginal policies in the 1930s that took mixed-raced aboriginal children from their parents for “re-education.”

The Harp in the South by  Ruth Parks : An older book that gives a look at a growing and struggling Australia when the country was first being developed. Shows a side of Sydney, and Australia, that is only an echo now.

If you can’t read any of these travel book recommendations then read up on the  history of Australia online before you travel there.

Recommended Guidebook

Considered a backpacker’s bible by many, the Lonely Planet Australia is a beast of a book, but worth its weight in gold if you’re truly exploring the entire country. The transportation sections of the guidebook comes in handy the most on the road, giving you detailed options on how to cross the vast expanses of Australia!

Find more regional fiction and nonfiction  books and long-reads .

Best Things to Do in Australia

Boy is this a hard thing to pin down! There are so many things to do across the continent of Australia that there is no single online guide that is going to share everything you need to know. But, across my more than four months traveling in Australia (two months backpacking and two months “living” there with a friend), I’ve seen and done a whole lot that I am keen to share.

My 5 Favorite Travel Experiences in Australia

Diving with the Fishies on the Great Barrier Reef Fun Melbourne Day Trips Hiking the Giant Staircase in the Blue Mountains Outside of Sydney Holy Kangaroos Batman! First Days sightseeing in Sydney

Cairns is the center of the diving universe in Australia—this the Mecca for divers and snorkelers keen to explore the Great Barrier Reef . There are other cities where you can dive (Port Douglas most notably and the Whitsunday Islands too). The city is vibrant with activity and located in the far north of Queensland.

There is city is generally the end/beginning of the popular Cairns to Sydney backpacker route and with that title has a ton of activities, even though diving and snorkeling take the top honors and focus of tourism in this city. Most of the backpacker and travel activity is built up around the esplanade and huge lagoon swimming pool.

Things to Do in Cairns

• Diving: You have choices. Like, a lot of choices. I used Deep Sea Divers Den and loved them. I originally wanted to use Pro Dive Cairns but they were booked up way ahead of time; both would be a great option. If you’re a dive enthusiast then consider the live-aboard options, you go out further from the shore to slightly less busy spots on the reef. I did a three-day live-aboard—the best I could afford and I got in several amazing dives before they ferried me back to shore. The food is tasty and these dive companies are incredibly well organized—they have options for every budget and every combination of experiences. ** My Great Barrier Reef diving experience
• Rainforest Meets Reef: The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest in the world. Literally. It’s a UNESCO spot and so worth the multi-day excursion from Cairns. There are frogs, rare flowers, and the Mossman Gorge – all totally unique to anywhere else in Australia, and totally unique in the whole world, in fact.
• Rafting, Cultural Tours, Ballooning, etc: There are endless options in addition to diving – Oz is the land of packaged tours so it’s easiest to head to Peter Pan travel booking agency , tell them what you want and they’ll organize the companies and experiences.  I used them a lot and had good success and less stress. Plus they have free internet.

Where to Stay in Cairns

Northern Greenhouse : 117 Grafton Street, Cairns 4870. A great spot, totally walkable to the Esplanade and all of the popular bars and activities. All of the dive shops and tour agencies will pick you up from outside. They have internet, free breakfast, luggage storage and they pick you up from the airport. Fun organized activities (BBQ) but yet not a total party hostel, so you can get a good night’s sleep.

The Woolshed: 24 Shields St, Cairns QLD 4870. They have special fixed price backpacker meals early in the night, then crazy amounts of partying as the evening wears on. A really fun spot to meet other backpackers!

Restaurants

Hostel kitchen: Australia is expensive and most hostels have a kitchen (Northern Greenhouse has a HUGE one) so I cooked my own dinner and saved my dough to go out for beers later in the evenings.

Melbourne is the red-headed stepchild of the cities in Australia; while Sydney is very pretty and yuppy Melbourne has a much edgier and alternative vibe. It has a lot to offer as far as big cities go and is actually a favorite big-city travel spot from all of the cities I’ve visited around the world.

It’s easy to get around on the buses and trams to nearly any part of the city, so transportation, once you’re in Melbourne, is not an issue at all. The Internet can be a problem and expensive, so you have to stay at a hostel with wifi if you need it for work.

Things to Do in Melbourne

I did not rent a campervan or car so day trips were the best way to catch these sites around Melbourne!

• Philips Island : The worlds smallest penguins, fairy penguins, live on Phillip Island – they are incredibly cute and eco-friendly tours leave early in the morning from Melbourne and return in the evening. I loved Go West tours – the groups are of a reasonable size and they plan several activities throughout the day. This is a great tour for animal lovers since you also stop at an animal conversation center with emus, koalas, kangaroos, and more! ** My experience and travel tips for Phillips Island from Melbourne
• Great Ocean Road : Touted as the most scenic drive in Australia, it just might be true. It’s gorgeous. You’ll have a really long day if you take the tour, but the sites are pretty and if you’re a fan of nature and beaches then this is ideal. ** My experience and travel tips for the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne
• Explore the CBD with Coffee : The streets of Melbourne’s Central Business  District are vaguely reminiscent of Europe – they’re tiny and cramped but full of delightful boutiques, street food stalls, and coffee shops with tables spilling into the already thin walking path. It’s a really fun way to explore the city and rub shoulders with the locals, literally. ** My first days exploring Melbourne
• St. Kilda Street Market : This Sunday market on the Upper Esplanade has tons of arts and crafts, vendors, and food and it looks out over the beach. Worth visiting if you’re in town for a Sunday, but don’t extend your stay for it :)

Where to Stay

• Home at the Mansion : On my most recent trip through Melbourne in late 2016 I stayed here and loved it. There are some long-term backpackers living there, but it generally has a great vibe and you just can’t beat the location. They have privates that make for a budget-to-midrange option with convenience if you’re keen too. If you’re on a budget, or keen to see other areas, I stayed at  Melbourne Central YHA  my first time through the area and it’s a spotless hostel that is friendly and welcoming to all, including families. This hostel is quieter than some, which is normal for a YHA hostel, and it’s run more like structured boarding house institution than many nearby hostels.
• Base Backpackers St Kilda : Base Backpacker hostels are offered throughout Australia and Oceania. These hostels can range a bit more expensive, but Base has high standards and a lot of extra amenities. If you’re heading to St. Kilda, you can’t miss with this if you’re looking for a fun, engaged backpacker environment.
• Alto Hotel on Bourke is a gorgeous boutique spot in a very central spot if you want nice-to-midrange.

Melbourne is a huge city. It really depends on where you stay, but head to the CBD for the little cafes popping out into the streets.

St. Kilda also many great vegetarian eats. You’ll be totally covered.

Sydney was my absolute first stop of my round the world trip and I was still taking off my travel training wheels as I explored the city. It’s a pretty city with a huge backpacking community – this is a hub for backpackers with working visas who are trying to save up money to travel around Australia.

That means there is a lively nightlife and all of the hostels have long-term backpackers living right out of the rooms. The transportation is fantastic and can get you all over to anywhere a tourist might possibly want to visit.

Things to Do in Sydney

• Sightsee the Opera House and Harbor: This is a no-brainer because the iconic Sydney Opera House is the first stop for many travelers. I recommend that you walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens and to  Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, then curve along the water’s edge toward the Opera House – it’s a lovely walk and worth the time, plus this is where you get many of those iconic shots of the bridge and Opera House together. ** My first days exploring Sydney
• Hike in the Blue Mountains : My favorite Sydney activity and most important tip – go see the blue mountains that are just a two hour train ride outside of Sydney. The blue haze from the eucalyptus trees give the landscape an ethereal look. Katoomba is the most popular city and worth staying a couple of nights if you’re keen on hiking. ** My Blue Mountain hiking experience
• Toronga Zoo : Boats leave from Sydney’s Circular Quay and ferry over to the Toronga Zoo – this is hands-down the best setting for a zoo in the world, as you hike up the hills and visit the various areas you have unparalleled views of Sydney Harbor and the CBD. I used the zoo as a way to take visual note of the dozens of dangerously venomous spiders and snakes that inhabit Australia.

Where to Stay:

Blue Parrot Hostel : Located in Potts Point, this hostel is just outside of the sketchier area by a block or two, but still close to all of the backpacker action in Kings Cross. There were a lot of people living in the hostel (which makes the rooms stinky) but they had nice community areas and gave great tips and recs for the city.

Australia Travel Stories

My very first round the world trip way back in 2008 started in Sydney, Australia. My travel stories, however span that trip, as well as subsequent trips back to the country to explore areas that I missed the first time around. Each Australia travel story and update was shared in real-time as I travel blogged my way around Oz. Pick up the adventure wherever you fancy:

A Little Story… (Mis)Adventures in Hiking the Giant Staircase in Katoomba

A Little Adjustment… Sightseeing Sydney Safely as a Solo Female Traveler

A Little Confusion… Adventures Hiking Wentworth Falls in Australia’s Blue Mountains

A Little Adventure… Eating Water at Surg Lessons in Byron Bay, Australia

A Little Friendship… Exploring Australia’s Lakes Entrance & Surviving the Storms

A Little Adventure… Driving the Sands and Beaches of Fraser Island

A Little Advice… On Spending Christmas Alone as a Solo Traveler

A Little Different… The Magic of Rainy Waterfalls on Uluru

A Little Adventure… Hiking the Rim of Kings Canyon in Australia

A Little Confession… Facing Fears of Traveling Solo in Southeast Asia

A Little Adventure… On a Mission to Pet Kangaroos in Bateman’s Bay!

A Little Charm… Visiting the Kiama Blowhole, Australia

A Little Relaxing… Hitting My Groove & Sunning on the Beaches of Wollongong

A Little Hunkering… Hiding from the Biggest Storm of the Year

A Little Internet… Why is the Internet So God-Awful in Australia? (And How to Get Connected)

A Little Update… Prepping to Visit Uluru in the Australian Outback

A Little Adventure… Scuba Diving Australia’s Great Barrier Reef

A Little Exploring… How to Visit the Great Ocean Road & Phillip Island

A Little Travel Memory… Goodbye Ye Faithful Apostles

A Little Serenade… Six Songs for a Happy Birthday!

A Little Celebration… Happy New Years from Noosa Beach

A Little Adventure… Sailing Australia’s Whitsunday Islands for Christmas

A Little City… Exploring Trendy, Alternative, Melbourne

1 thought on “australia travel guide”.

Dear Shannon I really like this blog. I find that animals are very special in australia we don’t have those animals here in Chile. Animals like Spiders or serpientes surprised me . I also liked the food, it is quite special and varied , Chile didnt are so varied. I really liked that Australia is so big and that you can never know everything because it has many tourist places. Also that it has so much sea and so many beautiful beaches.I would love to visit this country because it has a very different culture from that of my country and I also love the landscape of Australia. I would like to meet different people. I like your blog. I thank you for the information.

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All Destinations , Australasia , Australia , Road Trip Itineraries

Road trip in australia: an itinerary for the whole country.

G’day mates, I’m here to take you on a 6 month long road trip in Australia.

Well, I’m not actually taking you (although maybe I’ll get the chance to do guided road trips around this beautiful country at some point, watch this space!), but, with this 6 month itinerary for the ultimate Australian road trip, you’ll know exactly where to go and when .

This Australia road trip planner is customizable depending on your wishes, but I’ve added suggested lengths of times in each location. I

’m recommending at least six months to orbit Australia (this Australia road trip itinerary takes you into the centre as well).

Australia is big and some days will consist of just driving.

Also, this itinerary doesn’t include for rest and admin days – so do take that into account when you plan your road trip in Australia.

I’ve also got dozens of more detailed itineraries for different segments of the road trip, as well as city and region itineraries for different parts of the country.

You can click through to them using the links below – all links open in a new window.

So wherever you’re visiting on this island, and whether you’re backpacking in Australia or on a road trip with toddlers , you can use this 6 month itinerary to plan your ultimate Australia road trip.

Shall we begin?

When to take the road trip in Australia?

I recommend that you begin the road trip in Melbourne in March or April.

Of course, you don’t have to begin at this time, or even in Melbourne. Most travellers fly into Melbourne or Sydney, and as Melbourne is the most temperamental weather – wise, I thought it would be nice to give you two chances to see it in its glory.

Plus, Tasmania, which I’ve put on the end of this road trip Australia itinerary, is accessible from Melbourne.

I’d recommend starting your road trip from Melbourne in March or April, as this should give you the best weather everywhere – it’ll be a bit cold in the south at first, but it will quickly warm up.

Then once you’ve returned to Melbourne, you’ll have a summer there!

Of course, if you want to start in Darwin (which is the cheapest place to fly into from Asia), then you could do this loop starting in September or October, skipping the rainy season in the north and arriving back there for the high season.

Bear in mind that some parts of the north, like Kakadu and the Gibb River Road, are inaccessible during the rainy season.

The south is still great during the winter, but may be a bit chilly and it is more rainy. Some rough outback roads all over the country can be closed when it rains.

What to pack for the Australia road trip

I’m going to be writing a full road trip Australia packing list very soon, but here’s some staples you’re not going to want to forget:

• A car or van (just in case you forget!). If you want a car like my Subaru, you can find deals on a Subaru model on KBB, BCP, Edmunds and other huge sites. For my budget, I couldn’t have asked for a better car in Australia. It’s a great vehicle for road tripping, with AWD capacities and a fantastic reputation for reliability – actually, its Outback model is on the Consumer Reports’s best road trip vehicle lists!
• High quality tent if you’re not sleeping in your car/ van
• High quality sleeping bag suitable for both tropical and temperate climates
• Mattress – a blow up, camping mat or full on double inflatable mattress (you might want to opt for the latter if you’re camping for six months).
• An esky – that’s Australian for coolbox, by the way – or a cooler bag .
• A camping stove
• Gas for said stove
• Pots and pans
• High quality torches
• Coolant, oil, jump leads, and a spare fuel tank for the car
• Ask for some of these gifts for campers for Christmas as some extras!
• If you’re planning on doing some serious off-roading and have a 4×4 (only do off-roading in a 4×4!) You might also want some quality 4×4 accessories. Check out Lifestyle 4x4s range here. 

If you haven’t left your home country yet, check out my what to pack for Australia list to check you’ve got all of the essentials covered.

Where to stay during your road trip around Australia

I’m presuming you’ll be camping around most of Australia – download the app WikiCamps to help you find free and paid campsites, and check out my free camping in Australia post to get the basics.

In places where campsites, free or paid, aren’t readily available, I’ve recommended some hostels and hotels.

You can also of course use Airbnb (click here for money off your first booking) and Couchsurfing, depending on your travelling style.

Road Trip Australia Itinerary for 6 Months on the Road

Melbourne: 3 days.

There are so many things to do in Melbourne; it’s been voted the world’s most liveable city time and time again for a reason.

From the wealth of museums to the amazing coffee, to cultural attractions like the AMCI and the Victoria Art Gallery, to the many vintage stores, to the beautiful library, you certainly won’t get bored during your time here!

You might not quite have seven days in the city, but this Melbourne itinerary will help you get to grips with the place.

Oh, and are you conscious of not spending too much at your first stop? I got ya! I had an erm… interesting time in Melbourne where I only had about $14 to my name.

Check out my tips for visiting Melbourne on a budget here.

There aren’t many places to free camp near Melbourne – I stayed at Urban Central Hostel, which is decent (although no free parking). You can book in by clicking here .

Victoria Hotel Backpackers is 5km from the city centre, but does have free parking. Click here to book .

Want to stay somewhere a bit more upscale? The Novotel Melbourne is a good option, close to the centre and with free parking. Click here for rates and to reserve .

Melbourne to Sydney: 1 week

The Melbourne to Sydney road trip is one that’s well-trodden with travelers, but it still isn’t hard to find somewhere that’s a little off the beaten path.

Highlights include Wilson’s Promontory National Park , Lakes Entrance , Eden , camping in a NSW state forest and Jervis Bay .

Once you reach Jervis Bay, if you want, you can take a detour inland to Canberra , the nation’s capital and to the beautiful Blue Mountains National Park – a must-see about 3 hours west of Sydney.

Sydney: 3 days

Sydney’s the most famous city of Australia, and one that all tourists want to visit, but there’s more here than just an opera house. Once you’ve seen the crowning glory from a few different angles – from Darling Harbour, Mrs Macquaries Seat and of course, up close are my favourites – check out some of the other things to do in Sydney.

It’s famous for its beaches of course; Bondi, Glebe and Manly are firm favourites. Click here for my three days in Sydney itinerary. There are some really great hostels in Sydney – although they’re bladdy expensive.

Bounce is really well facilitated, but it’ll set you back around $40 for a dorm room. I also really like YHA Railway Square, where you can stay in dorms in train cabins! Click here to book .

If you want free parking, you’ll need to stay a bit further out. I’ve also stayed in Cambridge Lodge Budget Hostel which is near Newtown – it has cheap dorm rates (for Sydney) and free parking. Click here to book .

If you’re looking for a hotel, Veriu Broadway is in a good location and has free parking. Click here to book .

Sydney to Brisbane: 1 week

The Sydney to Brisbane road trip takes in some amazing nature spots, as well as my favourite place in the world, Byron Bay.

Driving north, you’ll reach Newcastle fun things to do in this town here (check out some ) and Port Macquarie before turning inland towards the Waterfall Way .

This hinterland is beautiful, so give yourself a bit of time to properly absorb it all.

Then head out toward Coffs Harbour and up to Yamba , a chill beach town with some great natural spots.

Then it’s time for Byron Bay and its surrounds – check out these great things to do in Bryon Bay and don’t forget to see its hinterland.

Then you’ll cross into Queensland – the Gold Coast is your first point of call, with Surfer’s Paradise being a place to let your hair down before relaxing on some of the other beaches!

Finally, you’ll arrive into the capital of the sunshine state, Brisbane .

Brisbane: 3 days

Brisbane is often an overlooked Australian city, but it’s well worthy of a spot on your road trip around Australia. It’s a chilled out, breathable place, with lots of attractions to pass a few days in.

Check out the Brisbane Botanical Garden, the Brisbane Museum, the City Beach and the sunset from Kangaroo Point Cliffs.

If you’re already missing nature, head to Stradbroke Island which is very close to the centre and feasible as a day or overnight trip. You could even go camping at Adder Rock if you don’t want to return to the city for accommodation!

City Backpackers HQ is my preferred Brisbane hostel – and it has free parking! It’s reasonably priced and has a bar, a pool, a terrace with city views and $10 nightly dinner deals. Click here to book .

For a hotel option, Ibis Styles is a great option in the middle of the city. Click here for rates and book today .

Brisbane to Cairns: 3 weeks

The most popular one of all the Australian road trips, Brisbane to Cairns is the one where you’ll see the most travellers – and for good reason.

There are tons of amazing spots here, and it’s also the perfect spot to make some friends!

Highlights include Noosa National Park , Fraser Island , surfing at Agnes Water , the Aboriginal cultural centre at Rockhampton , the Whitsunday Islands , Magnetic Island , diving or snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef , and the beautiful Daintree Rainforest .

Cairns is another place you’ll probably be wanting to stay in a hostel – all of the free campsites are quite far out.

Gilligans has free parking, and the rest – it’s a really well facilitated place, with lots going on, but is only for those who are dedicated to partying!

If you want somewhere a bit more chilled, Cairns City Backpackers has free parking as well and has a calm courtyard and good atmosphere. It’s a 15 – 20 minute walk from the centre. Click here for rates and book today .

Want a hotel? Double Tree Hilton Cairns is a great place to relax and unwind! Click here for rates and book today .

You’ll need a four-wheel drive for this segment of the road trip; and it’s somewhere really off the beaten track. Think rainforest, crocodiles, rugged tracks and beautiful beaches, eventually making it to the tip of Australia.

Accommodation on the way will be free camping, and there’s only the odd roadhouse or pub – this is proper off the grid living.

Cape York was a spot I didn’t make it to (and I can’t wait to return to Australia and go!) – here’s a great 7 day itinerary for the trip to the tip .

Cape York to Uluru: 1 week

From the base of Cape York, rejoin the highway and head westwards, towards the Northern Territory border .

You’ll see a really distinct landscape here as the terrain changes, and experience towns like Karumba and Burketown (if you take highway one) or Charters Towers and Mount Isa (if you take the A6).

Either way, it’s a lot of country towns, desolate scenery and hot temperatures! Once you reach the Stuart Highway, turn down and head towards your ultimate destination: Uluru .

You’ll be able to see the attractions on the Stuart Highway on the way back up, but by all means stop at them on the way down as well!

Uluru is an unmissable place in Australia and at least 2 full days should be spent here.

Take some time to walk around the base and see the rock art, do some of the walks in the area to the gorges, and see Katja Tutja on the Valley of the Winds walk.

Uluru to Darwin: 2 weeks

After some time at beautiful Uluru, make your way north. If you have a 4WD or an AWD (or you can do it in a 2WD if you’re daring – do double check road conditions before you head out though!) take on the Red Centre Way .

This is a loop that takes you to King’s Canyon and then to Alice Springs the back way.

You’ll get to check out the West McDonnell Ranges , which are really spectacular, and drive along rough, outback roads. You might see wild ponies and camels!

Then head to Alice Springs for a couple of nights.

Next, head north to Tennant Creek , stopping in Wycliffe Well – the UFO capital of Australia – and at the Devil’s Marbles . You’re approaching the top end now; after Tennant Creek spend a night at Daly Waters , a fantastic pub and campground.

Mataranka has some beautiful springs and sweltering Katherine is your next stop, with the Nitmiluk National Park . Then it’s on to Kakadu National Park and finally, to Darwin .

Darwin: 3 days

I love and hate Darwin at the same time.

It’s a great place to let your hair down and party, if that’s your scene – but the backpacker crowd is typically pretty OTT.

There are some fun things to do in Darwin , however – the Military Museum is a must, as is the Art Gallery and Museum of the Northern Territory.

If you have the funds, a day trip to the Tiwi Islands is a must-do as well.

Plus there’s Charles Darwin National Park and the lagoon which is perfect for a dip on a sweltering Darwin day.

Darwin hostels are… interesting. If you’re there to party and don’t mind sacrificing on sleep and erm a certain standard of cleanliness, Youth Shack is an option – I found the dorms and bathrooms not the cleanest, but there is a really nice pool area. (Have I sold it? Click here if you want to book after my rave review 😉 )

Melaleuca has higher cleanliness, but is even more of a party place (if possible!). Click here for more information .

If you want somewhere chill on a budget in Darwin, I’d recommend staying at a campsite out of the city, finding somewhere on Airbnb – use this link for $44 off your first booking – or Couchsurfing .

I’ve done all of these in Darwin!

The Argus Hotel is modern, comfortable and clean and has a pool and on-site restaurant. Click here for rates and to book .

Darwin to Broome (via the Gibb River Road): 2 weeks

Heading south, your first stop should be Litchfield National Park .

I don’t find it as breathtaking as Kakadu, but it’s worth the stop.

Then head west, towards the border with Western Australia. It’s a long old drive, but once you’ve crossed it, head into Kununurra and check out some of the town’s attractions.

Then it’s time for Lake Argyle – this beautiful spot is perfect for kicking back in for a couple of days. Make sure you stay in the Lake Argyle campsite and enjoy its amazing infinity pool!

If you have a 4WD or AWD (I did it in an AWD, much to a lot of people’s disbelief!), take on the Gibb River Road .

This is my favourite part of Australia – 660 kilometres of gorges, waterfalls, secluded campsites and unmissable nature.

You’ll get off the road at Derby, from which it is a 2-hour drive to Broome.

Broome to Perth: 3 weeks

Spend a few days recharging in beautiful Broome , making sure you don’t miss a sunset!

If you’re there during Staircase to the Moon, it’s well worth checking out.

Gantheaume Point is amazing for dinosaur footprints and cliff jumping, and if you have a 4WD Cape Leveque is a great spot to head up to.

Broome town centre has some interesting attractions which nods to its Indigenous heritage and history as a pearling town. If you’re wanting to stay in the heart of Broome or Cable Beach, you’ll need to pay for accommodation.

I spent a month at Cable Beach Backpackers, which is a small hostel with a really nice atmosphere. Click here for more information and to book .

If you want to stay in Broome town Kimberley Klub YHA is a good option. Click here for rates and book today .

For somewhere a bit more private, try Broome Vacation Village. Click here for more information and to book .

Once you hit the road again, your first stop will be 80 Mile Beach and then Port Hedland .

From Port, you can head southwards to Karijini National Park – one of the best in Australia.

Then head out to the west coast to Exmouth and the Ningaloo Reef .

If it is the right time of year, you can go snorkeling with whale sharks here; a bucket list experience.

Diving at the Navy Pier is also incredible. From Exmouth, head south to the country town of Canarvon and then Shark Bay .

Going south more will take you to Kalbarri National Park , Geraldton and then the Coral Coast .

The Indian Ocean Drive here is incredible, as you drive right next to the sea. The Pinnacles, Lancelin and New Norcia round off your west coast itinerary before arriving in Perth.

Perth: 4 days

Perth is my favourite Australian city .

I love the spaciousness, the blue skies, the copious amounts of water. Spend a day in the CBD, seeing the attractions there like Elizabeth Quay and King’s Park.

Day two should be spent in funky Fremantle, a hip suburb with lots of attractions .

On day three, head to the Perth Hills to see another side of the city.

Finally, take a ferry over to Rottnest Island for a slice of island livin’. Billabong Backpackers in Perth offers free parking and also has a pool, a large common area and free breakfast. Click here for more information and to book .

If you’re wanting to stay in Fremantle, the Old Fire Station is the one – check out my review here and book using this link .

OFS does have parking but it’s kind of expensive – I used to park at South Beach and take the free CAT bus there.

For a hotel option, Tribe Perth is clean, contemporary and has free parking. Click here for more information and to book .

Perth to Esperance: 1 week

Once you’ve had your fill of Perth, head back down south (you could stop back into Freo on the way down, I wouldn’t blame you!) toward Margaret River .

This is a beautiful area where you could easily spend a few days. Next on your trip is the karri forests of Pemberton and swing by D’entrecasteaux national park .

There are some amazing beaches around Denmark and Albany , as well as some intriguing natural attractions. Then head to Fitzgerald River National Park and check out the unique biosphere here.

After, it’s time for Esperance , which has a picturesque ocean drive. Head to Cape le Grand National Park after, which has famous white sand beaches and lots of kangaroos.

If you have a 4WD, Cape Arid National Park is worth a visit too, before you head back to Esperance and start the drive north to the Nullarbor Plain.

The Nullarbor: 3 days

The Nullarbor Plain is a place of mystery; it’s a long, arid stretch of road with not much at all to see. But it’s really beautiful, and the feeling of being so in the middle of nowhere is unbeatable.

Take three days to drive it, as you’ll want to take it in properly and avoid driver fatigue. Highlights include Australia’s longest straight road, various quirky road houses and the beautiful Great Australian Bight .

You can free camp near here and watch the sunrise in the morning – it’s a magical experience. At the end of the Nullarbor, the seaside towns of Ceduna and Streaky Bay are worth popping into.

The Eyre Peninsula: 2 days

The Eyre Peninsula juts down at the bottom of South Australia, and is a great destination for 4WDing, beautiful beaches and wild camping.

The terrain varies from what you’ve just experienced on the Nullarbor, and there are a few small towns that are worth checking out around the peninsula.

Port Augusta to Coober Pedy: 4 days

At the top eastern side of the Eyre Peninsula, arriving in Port Augusta will feel like you’ve reached a city. It’s time to head north, up the Stuart Highway, to a town called Coober Pedy.

This is a 550-kilometre detour (plus the return trip) to see a population 3,500 town where everyone lives underground; and I do think it’s worth it.

If you love the weird and wonderful, you’ll find lots of entertaining things to do in Coober Pedy . The drive up there is pretty mesmerizing as well!

Coober Pedy to the Flinders Ranges: 5 days

And the good news is you don’t have to go back the way you came; from Coober Pedy, you can head south east on the Oodnadatta Track – an unsealed but generally in good condition (check before you head out) road connecting the Stuart Highway with the Outback Highway.

You’ll drive around the south side of Lake Eyre (if you have a 4WD and a sense of adventure you might have the chance to go off the track and see it more) and experience even more outback living.

It’s hard to ever get enough, really!

The Flinders Ranges are a beautiful national park that twin mountains and outback – looking otherworldly.

Adelaide: 3 days

From the southern end of the Flinders Ranges, it is about a fiv hour drive to Adelaide (and this is their local national park – told ya Australia was big!).

Adelaide, like Perth, seems to get a reputation for being ‘boring’ but it’s actually a bundle of joy.

The city is really gorgeous, with markets, museums, a great state library and there’s lots of nature around the city, including beaches and vineyards. Make sure you check out the Barossa Valley.

Backpack Oz in Adelaide has a great atmosphere with a bar and organized trips, and is set in a historic building. There isn’t free parking right by the hostel, but there are spots nearby – the hostel staff can advise you. Click here for rates and to book .

If you’re after a hotel, Pullman Adelaide is a good option with free parking. Click here for more information and to book .

Adelaide to Melbourne: 1 week

Between Adelaide to Melbourne, there are a few great attractions, both coastal and inland. Coolong National Park and Mount Gambier are great spots to visit with South Australia, and once you cross over the border, head north towards Gariwerd (The Grampians) National Park .

A couple of hours east from here is the historic city of Ballarat , with attractions geared around its gold-rush history.

From here, zig-zag back down to Warrnambool, where you can enjoy the gorgeous Great Ocean Road. Spend a few days here enjoying the beaches and attractions before completing your loop and reaching Melbourne city once again.

Tasmania: 3 weeks

But your trip doesn’t stop here!

From Melbourne, catch the Spirit of Tasmania over to Devonport .

From here, you can do a circuit of the island state, enjoying attractions like the Bay of Fires, Wineglass Bay, the Tasman Peninsula, the capital Hobart (which is worthy of a few days in itself) and the mighty Cradle Mountain . Make sure you check out the north coast and the beautiful town of Stanley as well.

Three weeks is a great time to see everything properly, although because Tasmania is small compared to the rest of Australia, you can do it in less.

You’ll be able to free camp most of the way around Tasmania, but in Hobart, I recommend staying at Montacute Bunkhouse. It’s a beautiful boutique hostel with lots of features to make a really pleasant night’s stay. Click here for rates and book today .

If you want a bit more space, Riverfront Motel and Villas makes you feel like you’re still in nature while being very close to Hobart city! Click here for rates and to reserve .

Then take the spirit back over to Melbourne and conclude your road trip around Australia!

End: Melbourne, VIC in SEPTEMBER OR OCTOBER

You’ve done it! You’ve circumnavigated Australia, seeing the very best of the country.

If you’re in the country on a year’s working holiday visa, you’ve arrived in Melbourne just as the summer kicks off and the city comes alive. You’ve even got time to do your regional work for another year down under!

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13 thoughts on “ Road Trip in Australia: An Itinerary for the Whole Country! ”

Oh my goodness, this itinerary is AMAZING!!! What an adventure you would have had!! This is a total dream for my husband and I. I’ve stayed at the Urban Hostel in Melbourne, it’s a great little hostel. I wonder did you do much freedom camping? We dream of kitting out a van or minibus but we’ve heard it can be hard to find places to camp free. Will be bookmarking this itinerary to come back to if we’re lucky enough to get to do this trip someday!

I’m glad you enjoyed this Rhiannon! Are you based in Australia currently? It’s a cool spot isn’t it! Yes I did mainly free camping 🙂 Wikicamps has lots of options and I never had any issues – many of them are serviced by pubs or roadhouses so I just spent a little in the establishments. I have an article about free camping in Australia as well! I hope you get to do this trip, it’s not too expensive and it’s the adventure of a lifetime!!

Hi Claire! Going to Australia early in may to do my 3 months of work asap after arrival. Hopefully i will be ready to kick off my roadtrip somewhere in september starting in Southwestern Aus and travelling the country in a –> (N) <– looking route if you can understand what i mean. Doing this because a want the eastcoast summer and will probably stay there for a while. Im guessing this will take me approximately 7 moths to complete, I dont really have a timeline, but would like to get a full year on my second year visa to settle down and work etc.

What do you think about the route, does it make sense to you considering the weather and all or does it sound completely crazy?

Thank you for your inspo, noted many tips from you! 😉

I think it’s a great idea to do your farm work as soon as you get there. You should be able to find something in Southwestern, I’m not sure what the harvest seasons are like in Margaret River but I know it’s a popular spot for farm work.

In September I actually think I’d go the other way. It’ll be warming up by then down south, you’ll get over to the east coast around November and will still be there for summer (although you don’t really need to be there then above Brisbane, I’d say spring/ autumn are better weather, it is rainy season during the summer as well!), and then after summer you’ll get to enjoy the NT and the Kimberleys after the wet season (when waterfalls are at their best).

The other way would work too, but you’d need to rush the west coast/ Kimberleys/ NT to get it done before the wet season starts and they’re not places you want to rush, trust me!

But do whatever you think is best depending on your preferences 🙂 Let me know if you have any more questions and I’m glad the blog helped!

This looks like an awesome trip! I will probably fly to Australia at the end of august/ beginning of september. Not sure where I will be landing yet, keeping my options open for now. If I would want to start this roadtrip , where would you suggest me to start if i would want to start in september?

Your blog is very helpfull btw!

Hi Claire, We are a family of four (kids 3y and 5y) living in Rocky for one year. We are thinking of a roadtrip Rockhampton-Cairns-back to Townsville-Alice springs- Kings canyon- Aderlaide-Melbourne in 1,5-2 months. What do you think about that? We have a 2w car at the moment, would that be enough? Also thinking about getting a camper trailer for this roadtrip, or du you think it would be enough B&B, motels or hostel on the way to be ok? And we are thinking about doing it between May-August sometime. Or is it preferable a 4W car doing that roadtrip? We are just in the beginning of this plan, so I am happy with every advice you can give me. Regards Frida

Amazing! Your itinerary sounds good, although I’m guessing with kids you’ll want to add some time on so I’d definitely go towards 2 months in your case. As far as I know the only way you’d get from Townsville to Alice Springs on a 2WD track is via Tennant Creek, certainly doable but it will take a while. There is the Outback Way that stretches from Queensland all the way to Western Australia via the red centre but that’s 4WD only.

I love camping and would always recommend it, it does save a lot of money as well. If you’re happy to use tents they’re a great option without having to get a camper trailer! If not, you could probably just about get by without (staying at roadhouses and hostels in bigger places) but I wouldn’t want to say 100%.

May – August is a good time! It might be a bit cold in the south, so you might want to opt for some indoor accommodation then, but it’s still beautiful.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Claire, I have been planing a solo Australian cross country driving trip from Sydney to Darwin. What have learned is that car rental in Australia is different then USA. My original plan was to land in Sydney, rent a suv and start driving but it doesn’t seems that easy due to your car rental laws.

That said would you be able to advise the best approach to achieve my goal.

Kind regards Tom K. [email protected]

So I’m actually British but spent a long time in Australia, I bought a car in Melbourne no problem and sold it again 8 months later. I did however rent a car in Australia and didn’t have any issues. What is the problem that you are finding with the car rental? Let me know and hopefully I can help!

Hi Claire, I am planning to do road trip with roughly the same itinerary, and I was wondering wether you think a 4*4 car is necessary or not ? And weather 4 or 5 months would be enough to do it? Thanks, Taís.

Myself, my partner and our 2 yr old son are planning to go from Melbourne to Broome via Perth along the West Coast. Then possibly up to Darwin and back down through Alice Springs to Melbourne. We are taking a caravan with us. Firstly, do you think it’s going to be too long and uncomfortable for a 2 old to cope with being on the road so long. And also is 2 months long enough for this trip?

This is a great itinerary! I’m looking to come to Aus and do a roadtrip of as much of the country as possible without rushing too much. I’ll be there late May-August. How much do you think is doable for 3 months? What would you cut out to squeeze this itinerary down?

Thank you!!

hi lovely! wow your trip looked incredible! what an experience. i have 2 months with hubby and 2 kids to do round trip… any tips? i am using some of your stop off as the base 😀

starting in canberra.. wondering if we should head clockwise or anticlockwise? will be starting in june next year (ideally). driving in a 4wd with pop top tent.

thank you any feedback would be amazing. i have no idea where to start..

love from an amateur

Comments are closed.

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Home » Oceania » Australia » Backpacking Guide

Backpacking Australia Travel Guide (Tips + Secrets • 2024)

When I ask you to think of Australia, what comes to mind? 

Do you dream of hanging out with bouncy kangaroos? Or, driving a van through the outback? Or, maybe your mind takes you to explore the big cities? Or, surfing epic waves along the coast?

All of this and more is possible when you embark on your adventure – backpacking in Australia . 

Whether you want to load up a van and hit the open roads or dive deep into the Great Barrier Reef; there is an Aussie backpacking itinerary that will suit every traveller. You just need to get clear on what you’re after and what this magical land down under has to offer you. 

Australia is absolutely HUGE (like seriously massive) and it is so diverse. From the bustling streets of Sydney to the wild outback; there is so much to see and do when backpacking down under. It can almost feel overwhelming! But I’m here to help you make sense of it all. 

In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know to make the most of your backpacking trip in Australia. From the best itineraries to the boring stuff like travel insurance – I’ve got you covered. 

So, without further ado – it’s time to head down under!

Why Go Backpacking in Australia?

Australia is a huge country with tons of things to do and see! From sailing around the Whitsunday Islands to diving in the Great Barrier Reef to road-tripping just about anywhere, Australia’s got it all.

It’s kinda a rite of passage for any backpacker to visit Australia. We all have that friend who went for a year’s working holiday and ended up staying forever… Why do you think that is?

The country itself is beautiful and there are so many different types of landscapes and wildlife, from croc-infested wetlands to sparse deserts and dense rainforests.

But more than that, Australia has some of the kindest, most welcoming, hilarious people. Anyone who visits Australia feels completely at ease.

There’s a relaxed vibe here. It can’t be described: you just have to go and find out for yourself.

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Australia

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Below is a list of travel itineraries for backpacking Australia. They vary in length and cover the majority of the must-see places in Australia.

When I went backpacking Australia, I had this epic tour planned out. By the time I got to Byron Bay, I fell so madly in love with the people that I’d met in Australia’s amazing hostels that I had to drag myself away after already extending my stop twice. My only regret is planning too much.

I suggest really taking your time. If you like a place, stop for a while! You’ll be pushed for time – even with 3 months – and you’ll encounter places you won’t want to leave. But ride the waves, dude.

Here are some ideas for your itinerary. Just make sure to leave plenty of wiggle room for the enevitable.

10-Day Travel Itinerary for Australia: Tassie

This is the best itinerary for tackling a Tasmanian road trip! You can travel in either direction or pick a city — other than the capital city of Tasmania, Hobart — to begin your route.

Starting in Hobart, the capital of Tasmania. This is the capital city and it’s best known for its port which is the gateway to the Arctic. It’s not a very interesting city, to say the least, so you’ll only want to spend a day or so getting orientated before moving on to the next destination, Freycinet National Park .

What’s most notable about Freycinet is the pink granite peaks, the private bays, and white sand beaches. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy some peaceful nature and wildlife.

Once you have had your fill of Freycinet, head over to St Helens , another big port city known for its deep-sea fishing. If you enjoy fishing, you’ll love it here. It’s also a good spot for diving enthusiasts, or if you just fancy lazing by the beach, the Bay of Fires is pretty epic.

Next up, is Devenport . This city is often overlooked by tourists as it’s just another port city, but because it’s so quiet you can really get a feel for Tasmanian culture.

Then, you’ll want to head to Cradle Mountain , the best place to visit in Tasmania for wildlife. Here you’ll see epic landscapes and also (if you’re lucky) Tasmanian devils, quolls, platypus, echidna, wombats, and the black currawong.

Once you’ve had enough nature, head over to Strahan , the gateway to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and Franklin–Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

Once you’ve had enough of Strahan, head back to Hobart to head home.

2-Week Travel Itinerary for Australia: Sydney to Adelaide

See the best of Australia’s metropolis cities on this 2-week itinerary around the southeast coast! You could start this itinerary off in either ofthe major cities, Sydney or Melbourne . But for the sake of ease, let’s say we’re starting in Sydney .

The fake capital of Australia is home to iconic landmarks: Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Spend a couple of days getting lost in Sydney and enjoying some of the epic beaches of New South Wales.

Then, make your way south towards Melbourne stopping for a visit to Canberra . Canberra is a huge city that is most known for its government offices. Personally, I don’t think you need more than a day, but the journey from Sydney to Melbourne is long so it’s a good place to rest up.

Departing from Melbourne, travel along the sublime Great Ocean Road and earn glimpses of the stunning 13 Apostles and the Great Otway. Ocean Road is simply breathtaking.

It takes a few days to drive Ocean Road to Adelaide, so I suggest breaking it up. I suggest stopping at Port Fairy for a night and getting some rest here – it’s a small seaside town with not much to see.

There’s also a really great fish and chip shop here called Morriss Road Fish Shop and I had a great bacon cheeseburger… It’s the little things.

After spending a few days traveling on this road you’ll get to Adelaide , Australia’s most relegated and unknown big city.

Adelaide is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered! This city is saturated with artists, amazing beaches, and tons of wine. After getting your fill here, grab a plane back to Sydney if you’re flying out from there.

3-Week Travel Itinerary for Australia: The East Coast

This is the best itinerary for tackling an East Coast Australia road trip! Starting in Sydney, you should spend at least 1-2 days exploring. Take a day trip out to see the Blue Mountains National Park and marvel at the Sydney Harbour Bridge (or climb it, if you’re not scared ).

After Sydney, it’s a long road to Byron Bay , the most famous beach in Australia and a hot spot for surfers. Personally, I found the beach itself crowded and underwhelming – but I met amazing people and spent nights laughing harder than I had in years.

I went on to the Gold Coast from here. I stayed with family and it was one of my favourite memories. But unless you are a passionate surfer or love corny beach towns, it’s not a must-see.

Brisbane is a city that doesn’t get enough hype. I loved Brisbane and I cannot explain why. It’s just got a cool vibe and the nearby Gold Coast is simply stunning. I suggest spending 2 days in Brisbane, but no one would blame you if you wanted to stay longer.

Next, don’t miss Noosa , a world-famous surfing destination. If you don’t like surfing, you can also go hiking in the Noosa National Park and rock climb some cliffs. I met up with people I previously met on the road here and it was well worth it.

Next, you’re going to head to Fraser Island . This unspoiled island is a nature reserve and it’s definitely worth staying actually on the island if you can afford it. You’ll also find plenty of yoga retreats in this area.

You can’t swim in the ocean, but I tell you, you won’t want to because you can see whales swimming in the ocean right from the shoreline! Make sure to check out the abandoned shipwreck too.

After 2 days on Fraser Island, head to the Whitsundays , my favourite spot on the East Coast. The Whitsunday islands are untouched nature reserves, and you can only access most beaches by boat. This is a ‘take only photographs, leave only footprints’ kind of beach.

The sand is pure white and the ocean is a dazzling blue. You’ll never see anything like it. You could even look at it from up in the clouds by taking a Whitsundays and Heart Reef 1 hour scenic flight . You’ll see the kaleidoscopic colours of the Great Barrier Reef.

Next up, is Townsville . The actual town isn’t that impressive, but people often stop here to go to Magnetic Island. It’s also a great place to stop if you like diving and want to explore the Great Barrier Reef.

Finally, you’ll get to Cairns . This is one of the coolest cities in Australia, in my opinion. It’s surrounded by rainforests and expansive beaches and has a cool surfer-town vibe. Spend a few days chilling out here and then fly back to Sydney.

3-Month Travel Itinerary for Australia: The Land Down Under

For this epic trip around Oz, this itinerary combines all you’ve seen above, with the addition of a few small-town stops. This route for backpacking Australia is pretty big. If you buy or rent a car , you’ll have complete freedom.

Let’s start by the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns . Make your way down, through Queensland. Surf the Gold Coast , dive Ningaloo Reef , trek Kakadu National Park ; all of this and more is possible on this epic road trip through Australia!

Follow the East Coast itinerary to Brisbane , down to Sydney, then backpacker favourite: Melbourne . 

Adelaide , the most underrated city in Australia is the gateway to the outback. Catch the iconic Ghan train to Darwin. The train takes 24 hours – but not in one hit.

It stops in Alice Springs , a large town in the middle of the red desert. Spend at least 3 days!

If you fall in love, how about spending a month backpacking route for Australia in the Outback ? Visit top destinations like the mighty Uluru , Kimberly , and the Nullarbor !

Then, on to Darwin . Many people don’t know that Darwin has the most incredible sunsets in Australia. This coastal city has a relaxed, hippy-ish vibe and is where to learn about aboriginal history (being the closest spot to Kakadu National Park).

Head over to Broome , a beach resort town, west of Darwin. I recommend at least 3 days in Broome, bathing on the beaches lining the Indian Ocean, including the 22 km-long, white sand beach, Cable Beach. Venture into the wilderness or go looking for dinosaur tracks at Gantheaume Point. There are definitely a lot of cool hostels in Broome and some damn fine food too. 

After that, enjoy Exmouth for pristine beaches and glistening blue waters. Here is the best place to explore the Ningaloo Marine Park – full of thriving coral reefs and migratory whale sharks.

Perth is a huge city with tons of character. It’s a great base to explore nearby beaches and wildlife. It’s worth spending a few days before flying back to Adelaide to finish your trip.

As you can imagine, a country as vast as Australia is full of unique places to visit. Some major cities are spangly and new, like Sydney and Melbourne. Others date back to aboriginal times and feel strikingly different.

There is so much to unpack and discover that I can give you my favourite places to go in Australia. But inevitably, you’ll discover your own hidden gems.

Let’s take a look at the absolute most beautiful places in Australia !

Backpacking the East Coast of Australia

The East Coast of Australia, consisting of the states of New South Wales and Queensland , is the most popular backpacking route in Australia! The East Coast has some of the best infrastructure, greatest thrills, and most beautiful places in Australia. There is so much to do and see on the East Coast of Australia that we at Broke Backpacker had to create a separate East Coast backpacking travel guide to do it justice.

No trip to Australia is complete without a stop in this amazing part of the country.

Traveling 1500 miles from the ever-enchanting Sydney to Cairns affords travelers insane opportunities for adventure. You’ll navigate ancient jungles, go walking in the bush, and (of course) visit Australia’s damn fine beaches.

Some other highlights of backpacking the East Coast of Australia include camping on Fraser Island , sailing among the picturesque Whitsunday Islands , and diving at the Great Barrier Reef .

My top highlight was probably feeling freer than I ever had in my life before. Meeting people who you immediately click with and change your plans for. It’s a remarkable experience.

Those interested in backpacking around this part of Australia should best refer to our informative guide where I break down heaps pertaining to New South Wales, Queensland, and everything in between. This includes the usual subjects like accommodation , itineraries , and how to get around .

Note that this guide will also cover locations that are not bound to the coast including the Atherton Tablelands and the Outback . You gotta see the desert while backpacking Australia even if you intend on being a beach bum 99% of the time.

• Sydney Backpacking Travel Guide
• Byron Bay Backpacking Travel Guide
• Sunshine Coast Backpacking Travel Guide
• Cairns Backpacking Travel Guide

Backpacking Canberra

Canberra is the federal capital of Australia and has a rap for being boring as hell. Famously, one former prime minister wouldn’t even live there when he was in office (though he denied any feeling any revulsion to the place). Truthfully, Canberra really isn’t that bad – so long as you know what you’re getting yourself into.

Canberra is a planned community that was designed to be a “garden city”. For this reason, Canberra has an extensive amount of parkland, national monuments, and cultural centers. At the center of everything is the large and artificial Lake Burley Griffin , which acts as a sort of reference point.

Around the lake are Canberra’s most prominent landmarks including both Parliament Houses (the old and new ones), the hallowed Australian War Memorial, and several museums and galleries. The National Museum of Australia, National Gallery, and National Portrait Gallery are all fine cultural centers worth visiting.

The best way to get around Canberra is by walking or biking. Thanks in part to abundant greenery and lack of traffic, these modes of getting around can be quite enjoyable.

Take note that Canberra is still quite spread out. So getting around on foot is a day’s work in itself.

If you find Canberra’s parklands insufficient, then there are plenty more pastoral sights outside of the city. Namadgi National Park is the northernmost section of the Australian Alps and has lots of outdoor activities. Mountain biking, in particular, is very popular around Namadgi and the highlands of Canberra.

Ultimately, Canberra is a fine city to visit for a weekend . Those backpacking around Australia should come here for the bucolic scenery and small-town lifestyle.

Backpacking Melbourne

Sydney’s greatest rival is the super-dynamic and culturally superior Melbourne . Melbourne is the former federal capital city and, for this reason, was once the center of all things Australian.

Melbourne lead the way in economics, art, sports, you name it, until Sydney rose and began to challenge it. Backpacking Melbourne is a fun and interesting experience.

Melbourne is a huge city with multiple districts. Most of the top things to do in Melbourne are found around the city center – in the CBD and Southbank . The CBD is buzzing constantly with action: here are some of the best cafes, bars, restaurants, and cultural sites in the city.

Flinders Street Station acts as the central nervous system of Melbourne and provides transport to any and all of the metropolitan area. Very close to the CBD are St. Paul’s Cathedral and Collins Street, the latter of which is very fucking cool.

Other notable attractions, like the Shrine of Remembrance, Queen Victoria Market, and Federation Square, are all a short walk away from the CBD.

Further outside of the city center are many more districts that make for great day trips. Carlton is a neighborhood rich with Italian heritage and home to the impressive Museum of Melbourne.

St Kilda is the premier beach hangout and has a nightlife that is comparable to the debaucherous King’s Cross in Sydney. Brighton is where you’ll find the iconic beach huts. Finally, Collingwood and Fitzroy are the favorite hipster hideouts in an already hipster-ass iced-coffee kinda city.

Backpacking Melbourne’s pedigree cannot be understated – this is one of the coolest places in Australia. You just have to visit this city and wander amongst its laneways all the while sampling as much music, food, and drink as possible. Be sure to check out some of the best festivals in Australia right here in Melbourne!

As far as sick hostels in Melbourne go, everyone has their opinions. But my favourite is The Village . Get ready to meet a cool bunch of dirtbags.

Backpacking Adelaide

Backpacking Adelaide has had a somewhat dull and undeserving reputation. Just hearing its nickname, “The City of Churches,” leads your mind to those dreary choir songs that make people wanna go meet Jesus sooner.

Although, this nickname was never a reference to the city’s piety. Conversely, as an ultra-liberal city, Adelaide was a place of many places of worship and ideologies. In lies Adelaide’s true self: a forward-thinking and supremely eclectic city.

Adelaide or Radelaide has quietly been one of the best cities in Australia. Here is an amazing art scene, a thriving nightlife, and some of the best city beaches in Australia.

Oh, and did I mention that this is the wine country of Australia? You can’t throw a boomerang and not hit a winery.

Adelaide is a planned city – the first founded by freemen – and is extremely easy to get around. You can easily walk across the whole city proper in an hour or two.

A tour of Adelaide should definitely include a walk around one of the surrounding parklands, with lovely sights like the River Torres and the Botanic Gardens. For the best food and drink, look around the likes of Rundle Street, South Hutt Street, and O’Connell Street .

Adelaide has some of the best city beaches in Australia. Glenelg is a glitzy beach with lots of clubs and cafes. The most beautiful beaches though are found in the southerly suburbs around Brighton , Port Noarlunga , and Aldinga .

There is wine country everywhere outside of Adelaide. The Clare Valley, McLaren Vale, and Barossa Valley are the most prestigious regions and, between the three of them, produce the majority of Australia’s wine.

Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills is another popular pastoral town, known more for its beer and German heritage.

You could fly, but I reckon a road trip from Melbourne is the best and most rewarding way to get here. Driving on the Great Ocean Road is a must-do while backpacking in Australia!

You’ll see several prominent landmarks and attractions while driving along the 150 miles of the Great Ocean Road. The most famous landmarks here are the Twelves Apostles : a group of limestone sea stacks that rise stunningly out of the ocean.

It’s one of many great Australian road trips . But this is one of my favourites.

Backpacking Kangaroo Island and the Yorke Peninsula

Within a day’s drive from Adelaide are the seaside getaways of the Yorke Peninsula , The Fleurieu Peninsula , and Kangaroo Island . Between the three areas, there are over six hundred miles of coastline. Most of these beaches are hardly visited or even touched by any sort of tourist.

The Yorke Peninsula is north of Adelaide. On a map, the Peninsula is easily recognizable due to its distinct shape – like a large tail, leg… or willy (to some people).

Economically, agriculture – not tourism – is the region’s leading enterprise. This has, for the most part, lead to the development of several small rural communities, which make for great backpacker bases.

Popular activities on the Yorke Peninsula include surfing, diving, fishing, and sampling the local produce. The surfing here, in particular, is some of the best in the state. Must-see locations on the Peninsula are Pondalowie Bay , Innes Australia National Park , and Berry Bay .

Kangaroo Island is a popular holiday spot for South Australians and is fairly unknown outside of the state. Located across from the Fleurieu Peninsula, it’s Australia’s third-largest island and an important refuge for several threatened ecosystems.

With highlands, rugged coastline, and a number of pristine beaches, the natural setting of Kangaroo Island is some of the prettiest in South Australia. Flinders Chase Park , Admirals Arch, and the Remarkable Rocks are among the most splendid sights on the islands – and shouldn’t be missed.

Arriving at Kangaroo Island is a simple matter of taking a short ferry from Cape Jervis . You’ll find most of the hostels in the largest settlement on the island, Kingscote. Local farm stays are becoming increasingly popular and many resemble hostels in their offerings.

Backpacking Uluru and Alice Springs

Smack dab in the “Red Center” of Australia, leagues away from any other city is Alice Springs . Never before has the term “ middle of fucking nowhere ” been more applicable.

Originally an outpost and then a military refuel base, it now serves as a hub for visiting the many desert wonders of the region, including the famous Uluru , previously known as Ayers Rock , changing it back to its aboriginal name.

Uluru is one of the most recognizable sights in Australia: it’s magnificent. Honestly, words don’t do this massive red rock justice – and the pictures do little either. Uluru is meant to be seen and felt in person; only then will you understand its significance.

As one local told me: “you stand there staring at (it) and then it begins to pulse. Uluru is the heartbeat of Australia.”

Thankfully, tourists cannot climb Uluru with the restrictions in place right now. The local Aboriginal peoples, who hold the mountain sacred, adamantly requested and (at least for now) the battle is won. Many white Australians are respecting these wishes and you should too; walking around the base of the rock is still plenty enough.

There are other options that are equally as mystical and amazing like the Uluru Stargazing Astro Tour . You’ll get special access to the national park at night with an epic, unfiltered view of the cosmos.

NOTE:  Uluru isn’t actually very near to Alice Springs. You’ll have to drive 6 hours to reach it… That’s Australia for you.

There are a number of other hikes around Alice Springs aside from Uluru. Kata Tjuta aka the Olgas and Kings Canyon are both definitely worth visiting as well.

The actual city isn’t much to write home about. Those expecting a weathered and rustic outpost in the middle of the harsh Outback will be upset to hear that the Springs is quite developed.

This infrastructure comes with a number of positives and negatives too including plenty of awesome Alice Springs hostels, swimming pools, and rampant racial tension, to name an unrelated few.

Backpacking Darwin

Darwin is the capital and largest city of the vast and empty Northern Territory . In an otherwise desolate place, Darwin exists today thanks to the booming mining industry and the need to create Asian shipping routes.

By most standards, Darwin is a small city with very few areas and attractions. The Wharf Precinct , Bicentennial Park , and/or one of the few museums may be worthwhile – but that’s about all.

If I’m being honest here, my impression of Darwin is that it serves primarily as a weekend getaway for pent-up miners and a base for backpackers trying to find work. The parties are, predictably, over the top in Darwin as both worker and traveler let loose.

It’s also the gateway to Kimberly , a vast and wild section of West Coast Australia that borders the Northern Territory. Many believe that this region contains the best of Australia’s Outback. With an area roughly equivalent to California and a huge array of natural sites, the Kimberly is a grand Australian adventure .

The best part about backpacking Darwin is that it’s very close to some of the Outback’s best locations. Should you journey into the bush, bring excessive amounts of sunscreen and bug repellent: you’ll be miserable without them.

Kakadu National Park is widely considered a staple of the region and is a must-visit for those backpacking Australia. Ubirr , Jim Jim Falls , and the Gunlom Plunge Pool are among the best of Kakadu. Also worth visiting is Litchfield National Park , which is a lovely place full of waterfalls and swimming holes to cool off in.

Further south is the small town of Katherine . Here is the impressive Katherine Gorge , located within the Nitmiluk National Park . Travelers can experience the gorge in many ways from chartering a boat to paddling in a kayak to hiking along the rim of Jatbula Trail. That final option is a 4-5 day one-way hike.

Backpacking Exmouth and the Ningaloo Reef

Of a similar vein to Broome is the small community of Exmouth , located on the remote North West Cape . Here are some stunning beaches, awesomely rugged terrain, and, most importantly, one of the most precious ecosystems in Australia: the Ningaloo Reef .

Like Broome, Exmouth is a quiet beach town that swells in population during the four-month-long tourist season.

There are the usual civilized amenities here i.e. hotels, restaurants, bars, markets, etc. Exmouth also has a couple of city beaches – Town Beach and Mauritius Beach – but these are kind of lackluster. Eager backpackers ought to head directly to Cape Range and the Ningaloo Reef.

Cape Range National Park has some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia as well as some great hiking opportunities. All of the beaches of the Cape Range are seemingly perfect with brilliant white sand and crystal clear waters. Some superlative beaches include Turquoise Bay and Sandy Beach .

Further inland, Cape Range has some wonderful canyons and gorges that make for great trekking spots. For the most popular hiking trails in the area, visit Charlie Knife Canyon, Yardie Creek Gorge, and Mandu Mandu Gorge .

Should you go snorkeling around Cape Range, chances are that you’ll stumble upon the beginnings of the majestic Ningaloo Reef . It’s home to some amazing marine life including whale sharks!

The coolest part about this reef is that it’s very close to the mainland. Unlike the Great Barrier Reef, which is 150 miles from Cairns, you can literally swim (safely) to the Ningaloo Reef from the beach in some places i.e. Coral Bay .

Having a watercraft will, of course, unlock, more of the Ningaloo Reef. There are a number of sailing companies around Exmouth and Coral Bay, though a kayak may be sufficient enough.

Backpacking Perth

Perth ‘s primary claim to fame is that it’s considered one of (if not the most) isolated major cities in the world. It’s probably a good thing though; if Perth were any more accessible then it would definitely be overrun by now. With a booming economy, an extremely pleasant climate, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the whole country, Perth is certainly in the running for the best city to visit in Australia .

Aesthetically, Perth is great for backpacking since it’s a very attractive city. The CBD , with its ever-growing skyscrapers, rises elegantly on the banks of the Swan River. From King’s Park , which is very charming in its own right, the cityscape is totally laid out before you and yours to take in.

Inside the city itself, there are a few tourist sites of note. London Court is a lovely street built in Elizabethan fashion, complete with Tudor-style homes and coat-of-arms on the doors; obviously, not the most authentic of attractions… but pretty nonetheless.

Also worth seeing is the redeveloped Elizabeth Quay , which is Perth’s answer to the Sydney Harbor.

For all its beauty, Perth is worth a weekend visit but, to be honest, the best parts are outside of the city anyways. To the north is Northbridge where you’ll find the best eats and nightlife in Perth.

Adjacent Fremantle is a separate destination in its own right (see the section below) and definitely somewhere worth checking out. From Fremantle, you can book a ferry to the idyllic Rottnest Island for the chance to see the smiling quokkas and some gorgeous beaches.

Speaking of beaches, Perth has some of the best in Australia. Scarborough and Cottesloe are the city’s most famous strips of sand. Mullaloo Beach and Pinnaroo Point are lesser-known but absolutely breathtaking.

Backpacking Tasmania

Off mainland Australia, Tasmania is Australia’s forgotten state – a bit of an afterthought that only evokes images of Looney Toon characters or barbarous locals it would seem.

This is for the best though as backpacking Tasmania is a true hidden gem. This is a paradise, with fantastic landscapes, eccentric people, and some world-class cuisine. Tasmania is one of the best places in Australia and no one knows about it!

Tasmania is an island state, separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait. The majority of the population (40%) lives in the Greater Hobart precinct, which serves as the state’s capital city.

Despite its separation from the rest of mainland Australia, Hobart is an awesome city carrying a similar vibe to Melbourne. Though not as big, there’s a lively undercurrent of culture to be found in its art and music scenes.

There are also heaps of awesome backpacker hostels in Hobart, and you’ll definitely meet some like-minded travelers for the onward adventures in Tassie.

Other settlements of note include Launceston, Bicheno, and Strahan , among other communes of varying sizes. Outside of these urban areas, Tasmania is mostly pristine wilderness, a good chunk of which is protected parkland or heritage site.

Tasmania is home to some very diverse geography. The interior of the island is very rugged, composed of jagged mountains and thick rainforests.

The coastline doesn’t disappoint either as some stunning beaches and bays here easily rival those of the mainland. So varied and stunning are the landscapes that Tasmania is often referred to as Little New Zealand.

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Australia

There’s a lot of nowhere in Australia, which means that there are lots of opportunities to get off the beaten path. With the proper vehicle and supplies, you’ll be able to make your own expeditions into the lesser-visited places of Australia.

Some off-the-beaten-track locations you must explore are Oz’s most mental national parks : the Mungo National Park , known for its alien rock formations and large dunes, and Lake Eyre , the largest and lowest lake in Australia that changes color depending on the water level and salinity.

The Flinders Ranges are home to the Wilpena Pound , a huge, natural amphitheater that has to be seen to be believed. Coober Pedy is an old mining town that is famous for its swellings called “dugouts.”

The Karijini National Park is where you’ll find elegant gorges and breathtakingly vibrant rock, which makes this one of the most beautiful places in the outback. Speaking of Outback, you’ve heard of Uluru, but Mount Augustus is the real competitor. It’s larger but less prominent.

So as you can see, there are a ton of places to visit outside of the conventional. So get ready for some of the longest, bumpiest rides of your life as you go exploring the Australian nowhere!

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There are so many things to do in Australia that narrowing it down to just ten of the best was no easy task. However, when you visit Australia, these are my top recommendations to leave yourself with some amazing memories to carry with you forever.

1. Visit Australia’s Outback

No backpacking trip to Australia would really be authentic without visiting the Outback. This is one of the harshest, most inhospitable landscapes in the world, and one of the defining features of the nation.

Some of the most beautiful national parks in Australia, like Karijini, are only to be found in the Red Center as well. Rent a 4×4 and go mobbing in the desert!

2. Witness Uluru

Uluru is a true natural wonder and has to be seen in person. Make the long journey to this shrine and feel the power that it emits.

I also recommend taking a camping trip and spending a night sleeping under the stars in a swag bag. Uluru is one of the few places that is not spoilt by city lights and so you’ll see the best night sky of your life.

3. Go Sailing in the Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands are absolutely drop-dead gorgeous and are one of the best places in Australia! Sail around the islands and be sure to visit Whitehaven Beach, which is one of the finest in the world.

Airlie Beach is a popular beach and gateway to the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. I personally struggled to drag myself away from here. It was one of the biggest, happiest memories of my life, smoking a doobie, looking out at the ocean, knowing I’m going to quit my job and travel full-time as soon as I got home.

4. Drink wine in South Australia

Yeeeeahhhh boooooyyy. South Australia is the wine country of Australia and produces some of the country’s most highly regarded vintages.

Visit one of the many wine regions surrounding Adelaide and try as much as you can! Spit or swallow… up to you.

5. Dive in the Great Barrier Reef or Ningaloo Reef

Both the Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo Reef are amongst the most impressive ecosystems known to man. Diving in either one is sure to be an amazing experience. Enter an alien, underwater world, and be sure to have a waterproof camera !

6. Go surfing

Surfing is one of Australia’s favorite pastimes and is practically the national sport! Anyone planning on backpacking around Australia simply has to try and get on board (see what I did there?). There’s a beach for every skill level and plenty of Aussies who love to show you the ropes.

7. Road trip!

Exploring Australia by car is the truest way to really experience the country. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want and sleep wherever you want. As they say in Australia, “ There’s a lot of fuck-all out there ” so go and find it!

I suggest starting with a road trip around Queensland . It’s arguably the most popular route in Australia.

It’s a huge country, so you might not get to see all of it by road trip. Just heading from north to south will take weeks. Choose an area you want to explore the most, whether it’s an east or west-coast road trip, and go and explore!

8. Discover Tasmania

Tasmania is one of the most beautiful places in Australia! This island is far more rugged than the mainland and is full of spectacular mountains, forests, and coastline. Journey here to see a different side of Australia.

9. Hike the beautiful national parks!

There are many incredible national parks around the country. The most notable are the Blue Mountains, Nambung National Park, Karijini National Park, and Kakadu National Park.

Located to the west of Sydney, the New South Wales darling is the epic Blue Mountains National Park. The town of Katoomba is the gateway to the park, and home to the world-famous Echo Point lookout offers panoramic views of Jamison Valley.

Here you get the best view of the iconic rock formation of the Three Sisters, a sacred Aboriginal site. As well as being an area of outstanding natural beauty, the park has several bushland trails and incredible wildlife.

The Nambung National Park is most well known for its impressive rock formations in the desert, plus there are some stunning beaches near Kangaroo Point and Hangover Bay.

Karijini National Park is a vast wilderness in Western Australia, well known for its Weano Gorge, accessible by a hiking trail that leads to Handrail Pool. Kakadu National Park is a huge wetland in Northern Australia and the best place to see crocs in their natural habitat.

10. Have a fling… or a few… 😉

Hey, Australia is FULL of young, sexy, liberated backpackers, trying to figure themselves out. The chances of you stumbling across other backpackers that you think are mighty fine is very high. Sex in hostels in Australia is inevitable!

Be a slag… do whatever you want. Be free, just please be safe too.

Australia is absolutely chalked full of backpacker lodges and hostels ! These are among the best and most entertaining hostels in the entire world. People from every corner of the globe flock to Australia to party and have one of the grandest adventures of their life, be it in a city, on a beach, or in the Outback.

Australian hostels are of very high quality and are often the recipients of numerous backpacking awards. Most organize lots of events from pub crawls to game nights to communal dinners. There are very few hostels in Australia that I can really speak poorly of (feel free to ask me though).

Couchsurfing is, of course, a very legitimate means of staying in Australian cities and is a great way to save some cash. Australians are an extremely welcoming bunch and have no problem inviting you over to their place for chicken parmy and a beer (or ten).

At the end of the day though, the best way to sleep in Australia is by camping, either with a quality backpacking tent or in a campervan. Australia has some of the most pristine and wonderful nature in the world and it needs to be experienced in the purest way possible. There’s nothing like sitting next to a fire in the bush and sleeping under the stars.

The Best Places to Stay in Australia

Not sure where to stay in Australia? Here are a few of my top recommendations!

Traveling to Australia on a budget is doable – if you know a couple of frugal tricks. If you can stick to a regiment, a comfortable backpacker budget in Australia should be around $60-$80 per day . Doing so means sticking to hostels, cooking at home, and drinking goon , amongst other things.

A bunk bed will cost between $15-$30 per night depending on where you are. More popular destinations, like Melbourne and Sydney, are more expensive while most of Queensland and parts of Western Australia will be cheaper. Naturally, solo travel in Australia is often more expensive than when you pick up a travel buddy.

Australian restaurants are usually pretty expensive with the average meal costing around $10-$25 . I strongly advise those that are backpacking around Australia to limit how much they dine out – the food is overpriced as fuck. You’ll save a heap of money if you cook for yourself.

Partying is EXTREMELY expensive in Australia . Seriously, there’s a reason Australians do all the drugs when they travel: they’re too fucking expensive back home.

Cigarette prices are ridiculous and a beer is $7 AUD minimum . If you must drink, buy the cheap and ubiquitous boxed wines AKA goon – these will be your saving grace.

If you plan on participating in any of the classic Australian adventures, like diving at the Great Barrier Reef or sailing in the Whitsunday Islands, you will definitely be paying a pretty penny. The only thing to do is just save up as much as possible and then pick one or two of your favorites to participate in.

A Daily Budget in Australia

So, how much is Australia going to set you back? Here’s a rough estimate…

Money in Australia

The official currency of Australia is the Australian dollar or AUD. As of June 2023, the official conversion rate for the Australian dollar is 1 USD = 1.48 AUD . The value of the Australian dollar has fallen in recent years due to economic changes but the country is still prosperous and expensive by international standards.

ATMs are widely available and pulling out cash via a foreign card is an effortless affair. Most ATMs will charge a withdrawal fee on top of whatever international charges your bank imposes. Best to take out lots of cash at once to avoid paying too much in fees.

If you’re working in Australia, it’s very easy to set up a bank account. All of the major banking corporations – Commonwealth, Westpac, NAB, ANZ – have basic savings accounts that are very convenient and easy to use for those who are on a working holiday visa in Australia.

If you had a job while backpacking Australia, definitely make sure to do your taxes at the end of the fiscal year! Backpackers are usually entitled to a huge tax return (for reasons that are hard to explain) and it would be a real shame to walk away from a big payday.

For all matters of finance and accounting on the road, The Broke Backpacker strongly recommends Wise – The Artist Formerly Known as Transferwise! Our favourite online platform for holding funds, transferring money, and even paying for goods, Wise is a 100% FREE platform with considerably lower fees than Paypal or traditional banks.

But the real question is… is it better than Western Union? Yes, it most certainly is.

Travel Tips – Australia on a Budget

Australia is a country that can really eat into your wallet if you’re not careful, so make sure to follow these travel tips to save money and have even more fun.

• Camp : With plenty of gorgeous spots, Australia is a great place to have the right camping gear . You can also ask to pitch a tent in people’s yards. If you’re feeling really adventurous and want to save some cash, consider picking up a backpacking hammock.
• Cook your own food:  If you are on a tight budget, you can save money by cooking your own food. I recommend bringing a  portable backpacking stove .
• Book your transportation early:  Both plane and train tickets are much cheaper if you purchase them in advance. This rule does not apply to buses, which you can often book within the day or even an hour.
• Couchsurf: Australians are awesome, but always check the reviews anyhow. Couchsurfing to make some real friendships and see this country from the perspective of locals. You can even ask (new) friends, or even friends of friends. This paid off for me plenty.
• Pack a travel water bottle : Save money – and the planet – every day!

Why You Should Travel to Australia with a Water Bottle

Plastic is a problem. It washes up on Australia’s most pristine beaches and wraps itself around its fragile ecosystems.

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you can be part of the solution and not the problem. Being a responsible traveller is getting easier and easier with the support of our incredible network of inspiring individuals and other backpackers.

Plus, buying overpriced bottles of water from supermarkets isn’t fun either. Travel with a filtered water bottle instead, save money and potentially another lovely, little dolphin’s life.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Australia has two distinct climate zones: a tropical one in the north and a more temperate one in the south. There are several microclimates found in each of these zones but, broadly speaking, they are still subject to the same sort of seasons.

Note that Australia is in the southern hemisphere. Australian summer ist from December-February and its winters are from June-August .

The south of Australia – New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and (south) Western Australia – has a more temperate climate and usually has four seasons. In some places, like Perth and Sydney, these seasons can appear very similar to one another as the weather is pleasant year-round.

In other areas, like Melbourne or Tasmania, the weather is more unpredictable and even harsh at times, especially in the mountains. Melbourne famously gets “four seasons in one day.”

The north of Australia, including northern Queensland, Australia’s Northern Territory, and (north) Western Australia tropical and only has two distinct seasons: hot, wet summer and cool, dry winter.

Australian summers – referred to as the big wet – can be oppressively hot and some places receive biblical amounts of rainfall. The deadly box jellyfish also comes closer ashore in the summer resulting in near-complete beach closures.

Summer really isn’t a good time to visit the northern Australia. It’s much better to visit in the winter – referred to as the big dry – when it’s slightly cooler, drier, and devoid of deadly jellies.

Since the north is almost always visited in the winter, demand is very high during this time. Prices will be much higher because of the short supply so be sure to keep this in mind while planning your itinerary.

What to Pack for Australia

If you’re not careful, Australia’s wilderness will smack ya to next Monday. Get your packing for Australia right! On every adventure, there are six things I never go traveling without:

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Australia has a reputation for being full of deadly creatures that are out to get you at every turn: killer snakes, spiders, crocodiles, jellyfish, hell even kangaroos. It’s important to remember though that death at the hands of these animals is very sensationalized. Statistics don’t back up the hysteria.

Believe it or not, the common bee and wasp, not spiders, are actually the number one killers in Australia. The truth is: Australia and its wildlife aren’t nearly as terrifying as you think.

That being said, it is extremely important to take all cautionary advice with the utmost seriousness. If a sign or a local says that an area is dangerous, either because of sharks or crocs or whatever, then, for fuck’s sake, listen to them!

Australians have become day-to-day experts on what can kill you and how to avoid it. At the end of the day, just follow this easy advice: if you don’t see Australians doing it, then don’t do it.

The elements really are your biggest concern while backpacking in Australia. Not to scare you, but drowning is a risk in Australia as ocean currents are very strong.

The water may seem calm but, get caught in a wild rip, and you can quickly get submerged or pushed out to sea. Swim in designated areas and check signs for ocean conditions.

As mentioned before, heat is a major problem in Australia. Temperatures can soar to unthinkable heights and atmospheric radiation is a serious threat here. Forest fires caused by dry conditions are a serious problem as well.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Australia

Australians LOVE to party. At least once, we’ve seen a group of Australians getting blindly drunk and looking to score.

Some observers may have even thought to themselves: “how the hell are they still doing this?” or “for what possible reason would you do that?” Well, there is one, I assure you.

Drugs and alcohol in Australia are astronomically expensive. On average, a pint of beer is $7-$8 and a spirit is a couple of bucks more maybe. Cigarettes cost somewhere in the late teens; and don’t even get me started on the drugs.

These ridiculous prices are why you see Australians partying all the time outside of their country: everything is just so much cheaper abroad and so they go crazy.

Prices are damned though, Australians still like to have a good time in their native land. Many go out in groups and buy rounds or shouts for one another.

If you plan on drinking with the locals while backpacking Australia, it’s very important to keep up with the shouts. Drinking a beer that someone has bought for you and not contributing to the shout is a dick move.

Be careful when drinking and driving as well. Australia has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drunk driving and any BAC over 0.05% will be met with harsh punishment. Random checkpoints are commonly set up at all times of the day to pull over drivers and check their sobriety.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Australia

Traveling without insurance is never a good idea. It’s extremely risky. Check out good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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Getting into and around Australia can be a long and arduous affair. It is a good opportunity to make the most of a layover – many of them being in the Middle East or Asia.

Traveling to Australia from the USA is a 13-hour plane ride and it seems that every Australian city is at least 8 hours drive away from each other; Perth to Adelaide is a 1.5-day journey by car. Should you decide to travel to Australia, you’ll be staring at the back of the seat or an empty road for a while. But the moments in between make the whole trip worthwhile.

Entry Requirements for Australia

There are several different types of tourist visas available to those who wish to go backpacking in Australia. The three primary tourist visa types are:

• Visitor visa (subclass 600)
• Electronic Travel Authority Visa (ETA) (subclass 601)
• eVisitor (subclass 651)

The 601 and 651 visas essentially function in the same way albeit with different application processes. The 600 is for those who want to stay in Australia for longer than 3 months at a time and for those who don’t qualify for either a 601 or 651. The grand majority of nationalities can apply for all of these visas online.

The ETA (601) and eVisitors (651) are the simplest and easiest visas to acquire. Both enable unlimited entries into Australia within the span of a year – the duration of stay cannot exceed 3 months at a time.

The biggest difference between these two types of visas is that they are only available to specific countries. Americans and Canadians, in addition to several other nations, must apply for an ETA. British, as well as most European citizens, must apply for an eVisitors visa.

The Visitor visa (600) is the most expensive of Australian visas but can grant the most time. Applicants can apply for a 3, 6, or 12-month duration at rates that vary from AUD140 to AUD1020. For any nation that doesn’t qualify for a 601 or 651, the 600 visa is the only means of entering Australia.

If you’re thinking of doing a working holiday in Australia , you’ll need to apply for a 462 or subclass 417 visa.

Upon arriving at customs, your visa will be checked and you’ll be subject to search. Australian customs takes declared items very seriously – so you must do so. Also, note that criminal offenses and felonies may bar you from entering the country.

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There are two ways of traveling in Australia and both offer widely different experiences. The first is by public transport i.e buses, trains, and planes and the other is with your own vehicle in the form of a rental car or campervan. The latter option is the vastly superior method.

Using public transport to travel outside and in between the major cities can be a tedious affair. Traveling by bus can be convenient and cheap so long as you’re staying on the East Coast where there are frequent stops.

Bus travel in the bush, which pretty much includes all of South Australia, Australia’s Northern Territory, and Western Australia, can be long and, in turn, pricey.

Greyhound does offer hop-on-hop-off travel passes that can certainly be convenient. Check the rates at the official website and weigh the pros and cons of purchasing a pass.

Train travel is possible but this is a more luxurious form of travel i.e. more expensive. Taking the train in Australia is an experience in itself though and some long-distance routes, like the Ghan Train , can be very rewarding.

Flying is the primary means of getting around Australia due in part to the country’s size. Flights are relatively cheap and actually quite convenient.

Traveling by hitchhiking is a common practice in Australia. Make sure to follow the usual rules of the trade though and, as always, use common sense. Be wary of hitchhiking in the Outback – cars may be far and few in between and you could be in real trouble if you’re stuck out there in the baking sun.

Traveling by Campervan in Australia

By far the best way to get around Australia is by having your own vehicle. There are many car rental companies in Australia that offer long-term contracts. Each has a wide variety of vehicle types from sedans to 4x4s to campervans.

Campervans are definitely the most popular way of getting around Australia as they provide both transport and lodging at the same time. Living out of a campervan can be convenient, fun, and cheaper than conventional travel. By having the ability to sleep anywhere you want, you’ll save money and get more out of your Australian adventure.

Thanks to the plethora of rental companies available, it’s a breeze to hire a campervan while backpacking Australia. Most offer good rates, especially for longer periods of time.

I recommend going with JUCY Campers if you plan on renting a campervan in Australia. Make sure to check the contract though – many rental companies impose certain restrictions on going offroading and over a certain amount of miles per day and charge extra fees for not following these parameters.

If you plan on staying in Australia for a long time (more than 6 months) try buying your own campervan. Doing this will allow you more flexibility and, if you took care of the car, the chance to sell it when you’re done. You can find ads for used campers in many hostels and on online boards like gumtree.com.au.

When buying a camper, be sure to take the vehicle to the shop to get it checked before actually committing. Most auto shops are used to this kind of request and will charge a competitive fee.

Onwards Travel from Australia

Being the world’s largest island and a continent that consists of a single nation, there are not too many ways to get out of the country by land or sea. Luckily, Australia benefits from some very, very cheap international airline routes.

You can continue your backpacking journey in Oceania , but the cheapest and most convenient flights out of Australia are usually bound for Asian destinations. Budget Asian airlines, like AirAsia, in addition to Australia’s own budget airlines – Jetstar and Tiger – make traveling to Asia a breeze.

From any of the major Australian cities, and for as low as $100 sometimes, you can carry on your backpacking adventure in the likes of Indonesia, Japan, India, the Philippines, and even Pakistan! Seriously, you can get just about anywhere in Asia from Australia and for a great price.

Since AirAsia is so ridiculously cheap and popular, you’ll most likely end up connecting in its place of origin: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Malaysia is a pretty cool spot and backpacking around the peninsula or on the island of Borneo is definitely worth trying.

Otherwise, you can get just about anywhere from Kuala Lumpur. If you aren’t connecting in KL, then you’ll most likely end up in Bangkok, Thailand, which certainly has its own reputation.

Asia aside, you can, of course, head across the Tasman to start backpacking in New Zealand . Backpacking around New Zealand is a very similar experience to Australia in that you’ll be paying the same prices and most likely living out of a campervan. Unlike Australia though, New Zealand has a wildly diverse geography and is much more temperate, both in terms of climate and native personality.

If you really want to go somewhere different, why not consider the Soloman Islands ?!

As a popular gap year destination , most backpackers need to earn a bit of money to continue their travels. They usually end up with fruit-picking jobs in Australia.

The work can be hard and life can be boring at times but the cost of living is quite low and those with a 417 visa will earn an extra year on their visa. If you can manage it, this is one of the best ways to have a working holiday in Australia!

Backpackers are so established in the fruit-picking industry and businessmen are in turn so reliant upon them that it’s usually very easy to find a job. There are dozens of online boards with postings for farm jobs in Australia. Some popular websites are:

• Gumtree.com.au
• Backpackerjobboard.com.au
• Taw.com.au .

When you arrive at your farm stay, you’ll probably be surprised. Many of these farms look like hostels complete with bunk rooms, communal areas, and recreations.

You’ll have to pay for a bed but the prices are very cheap. Sometimes you may have to sleep off-premises, in which case a car really comes in handy; otherwise, there’s always the bus.

You can make a decent living working on a farm. Most clear $600/week on average but a hard worker can definitely make more. Make no mistake though: this is difficult work.

Farming in Australia isn’t pretty but it can certainly be rewarding. You’ll become quite close to both the land and your fellow working backpackers.

Farm work isn’t the only means of making money in Australia. Some of the best jobs for a working visa in Australia include serving, nannying, cooking, and cleaning. If you’re really lucky, you may even find a job in mining. If you decide to work in the city, know that the costs of living will be much higher.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Working Holiday Visas in Australia

Several nationalities have the option of applying for an Australian working holiday visa, which authorizes travelers to work legally in the country. This visa is an amazing opportunity for anyone who wants to stay and go backpacking in Australia for a longer term.

There are two types of working holiday visas in Australia:

• A Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)
• A Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)

(If you’re thinking to yourself how stupidly similar these visa titles are, I’m right there with ya.)

Both visas entitle visitors to the ability to work in Australia for a period of 12 months. Note that the possessor of a 417 or 462 can only hold a single job for a period of 6 months. Certain countries can only apply for a 417 or 462 i.e. the British can qualify for a 417 but Americans must apply for a 462.

To apply for either visa, applicants will need to show that they have at least AUD 5,000 in their bank account. Both visas will also require a bill of clean health and a clean criminal record.

Applicants for a 462 visa will need to provide some key additional details. With the exception of the United States, those applying for a 462 must provide a letter of support from their government.

462 applicants will also have to pass a character test in which they’ll need to prove that they’re of good moral quality. Usually, a certificate of excellence, like a diploma or special certification, will suffice for this.

The most important difference between a 417 and 462 is that possessors of the former can apply for a second year visa given they’ve met some criteria. Unfortunately, American citizens and other 462 applicants can only have a working holiday in Australia for up to a year.

If you’re finding all of this a bit complicated, Global Work and Travel can alleviate some of the visa complications for you. They offer working holidays and internship opportunities in many locations throughout Australia, both of which require the working holiday VISA.

In fact, they’ll support you throughout the entire process; from VISA guidance to finding you the perfect placement. You’ve got to be between the ages of 18 to 35 (30 for some countries) though… Apologies if this isn’t you!

Volunteering in Australia

Australia is volunteering gold – there are lots of different volunteer projects you can join whether it be teaching, animal care, agriculture, hospitality, tourism, or pretty much anything!

For finding gigs, you have several options:

• Workaway is crazy popular!
• Or WWOOF Australia is perfect for anyone interested in working on the land. Organic farms and permaculture are their wheelhouse!
• Most alternative sites to Workaway have oodles of options.

And of those alternatives, I have one favorite at The Broke Backpacker: Worldpackers!

Worldpackers like to put focus on community. They connect you with meaningful volunteering opportunities that really help you feel like you’re contributing to local communities. PLUS their platform comes loaded with nifty features for connecting volunteers too!

And for an extra saucy bonus on top, Broke Backpacker readers get a special discount of $10 – 20% of the annual signup fee!

Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER at checkout or follow the button below and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39. Make Down Under your stomping ground. 😉

Australians are some of the most welcoming, exciting, and unabashed people that I’ve ever met. They have so few worries and give so little fucks that life just seems easier in their presence.

Even immediate dangers, like an impending tidal wave or the jaws of a killer croc, are made insignificant by an Australian’s devil-may-care attitude. 100%, these are some of the coolest people that I’ve come across in my travels.

It can be argued that the Australian attitude derives from their inhospitable environment. An Australian is threatened on a near day-to-day basis either from deadly creatures, ridiculous climate patterns, or people that constantly need to remind them of these last two points. After a while, danger itself just becomes commonplace and desensitizing.

The fact that Australia is so geographically remote as well means that hardly any international presence notices – or really holds – Australia accountable. Combine this with the Australian’s grit and you have a population that just does whatever makes them feel good.

To be fair, Australians who live in their home country are a little different from the ones that you see traveling so much . Rooted Australians are still hard workers and seemingly proficient at any trade involving blue-collar work. The country didn’t become so prosperous because they constantly didn’t give a shit.

We mustn’t forget either that Australia is inhabited by more than just white people and immigrants. Aboriginal people, the original Australians, are also present in modern Australian society, though to a smaller degree.

Odds are you won’t encounter many Aboriginal folks while backpacking through Australia; if you do though, just be respectful, open, and treat them the same as any other Ozzie.

Useful Travel Phrases for Australia:  “That’s Not a Knife” Edition

The Australian accent is infamous and has been the subject of a million pop culture references. When asked to impersonate an Australian accent, most foreigners emulate caricatures like Crocodile Dundee or Steve Irwin.

Hate to break it to you, but the way in which many of these icons speak is either over-exaggerated or very demographically specific. Not every Australian yells “G’DAY MATE!” or puts so much twang into their voice when saying things like “like” or “right” or “fight.” These are cultural stereotypes and pretty unfair.

Australians use a lot of slang; so much so that sometimes it can be hard to understand them. You’ll catch on to the colloquialisms fairly quickly but, for a little extra help, I’ve included a list of some popular Australian slang.

• Ta  – thank you
• Arvo  – afternoon
• Bottle-O  – liquor store
• Mozzie  –  mosquito
• Thong – flip-flops (yep, not the G-string)
• Ute  – pickup truck
• Bathers  – swimsuit
• Sheila  – woman
• Chunder  – vomit
• She’ll be right  – everything will be fine
• Stubby  – can of beer
• How ya goin?  – a friendly greeting

What to Eat in Australia

Australian cuisine is heavily influenced by its colonial roots. English, Italian, Asian, and Greek styles are all present in modern-day Australian cooking to varying degrees.

Being a colony of the British Empire, Australian cuisine resembles most that of the English variety. Many staples like fish ‘n’ chips and meat pies are present in both. When dining out in Australia, expect a similar experience as if you were dining out in the UK. Australian food will be hearty, heavy comfort food.

Being a nation of immigrants though, there is plenty more than the usual English fair. Asian cuisines of every shade are present in Australia and are actually some of the best outside of the Asian continent.

Several Mediterranean cultures call Australia home as well and have brought their cuisines with them. Thank the Italians for introducing a strong cafe culture in Australia – coffee in Australia is surprisingly delicious and taken seriously.

Barbecuing is a very important custom in Australia and is perhaps the highlight of the nation’s culinary scene. Aside from the usual BBQ meats, Australians also enjoy the various grilled game.

Kangaroo is healthy and cheap. Other more exotic meats like emu, alligator, and even grubs are available in speciality markets.

Must-Try Dishes in Australia

Below is a list of Australia’s most popular dishes.

• Meat Pie – Pastry, meat… self explanatory
• Chicken Schnitzel – The German fave
• Kangaroo – the dead, cute, bouncy guys
• Vegemite  – a rite of passage – no spoilers
• Pavlova  – the dessert that hits after a BBQ
• Anzac Biscuits  – a little cookie treat for you sweeties
• Lamingtons – the cake you don’t need, but want
• Tim Tams – the old Ozzie classic
• Barramundi  – your new fave fish dish
• Emu – big bird, long neck… you know the guy

A Brief History of Australia

Aboriginal Australians arrived on Australia’s mainland between 40,000 and 70,000 years ago. Their traditions relating to music, art, and spirituality are among the longest surviving in human history. Before the arrival of the British, the number of Aboriginal people living in Australia was between 300,000 and 1 million.

In 1770, Lieutenant James Cook claimed the land for Great Britain, after the Dutch first sighted Australia in 1606. In 1788, a fleet of 11 boats arrived in Botany Bay to establish New South Wales as a Penal Colony.

Furthermore, convicts were sent to all states, but South Australia became a free colony in 1836. More than 162,000 convicts were transported to Australia from Great Britain.

Australia began to look like a desirable location after the discovery of gold and the kickstart of its economy. The Eureka Stockade at Ballarat, in 1854, was a rebellion against taxation. Some see this as a crucial event in the evolution of Australia’s democracy.

Chinese immigration began during this period with 50,000 Chinese establishing roots in Australia.

In 1901, a federation of all of the states, the Commonwealth of Australia was created. The creation of Canberra marked it as the capital city of New South Wales, with a temporary parliament in Melbourne.

The Australian and New Zealand Anzac Corps took part in the World War I Gallipoli Campaign, in 1915. April 25, ANZAC Day, was the same date as the first landing at Gallipoli. Australians remember and pay their respects to the sacrifices of their armed forces on this day.

After World War II and the Vietnam War, an influx of migrants moved to Australia. Between 1949-1974, The Snowy Mountains Scheme employed 100,000 people. 70% of these people were migrants from 30 different nations.

Today, people from all over the world call Australia home. The continent has become known for its equality and lack of clear class distinctions.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

No trip to Australia would be complete without taking on something new and exciting. If you’re tired of the usual tourist trail, consider checking out these unique experiences instead.

Trekking in Australia

Hiking, or bushwalking,  is one of the most popular adventures in Australia! If you plan on going backpacking in Australia, you must go walking in the wilderness for a few days.

Venturing out into the bush in Australia is like taking a walk through the nation’s history. Here is a forbidding land, full of harsh landscapes and bitter elements, the likes of which tested and tortured the original settlers.

Should you decide to brave these wilds, you will gain real insight into the Australian identity. To enter the Australian backcountry you will need to be prepared.

I always suggest getting a sturdy hiking backpack as well, especially so if you intend to venture deep into the wilderness. You’ll want the best you can find and not something that will eventually be held together by duct tape.

Below is a list of some of Australia’s best multi-day trails.

• Australian Alps Track (45-60 days, 406 miles) – Long and arduous hike that is only meant for the experienced or guided. Passes through the highest mountains of Australia. Requires food drops.
• Fraser Island Great Walk (5-7 days, 52 miles) – Walk across the entire length of Fraser Island, which is one of the most beautiful places in Australia.
• Larapinta Trail (16-20 days, 140 miles) – The ultimate Outback adventure! Fairly new trail and already one of the best in the country.
• Cape to Cape Track (6-8 days, 88 miles) – A stunning coastal walk that is conveniently located near Perth. Showcases some of the best scenery in the Margaret River region.
• Overland Track (5-8 days, 46 miles) – A walk through the finest mountain landscapes in Tasmania. Arguably the best trek in Australia.

Surfing in Australia

Surfing is as much a part of the Australian identity as kangaroos or shrimps on the barbie. Australia is extremely passionate when it comes to hanging ten and catching some waves.

Obviously, surfing didn’t develop in Australia by chance either; Australia has some of the finest beaches for surfing in the entire world and these attract thousands of surfers every year. You’ll have heard of the famous Byron Bay and its legendary surfing spots.

There are so many amazing surfing spots in Australia that it would seem more logical to note where you couldn’t actually surf. Everywhere you go there seems to be good breaks and swells.

Of course, you won’t be surfing in the Sydney Harbour or Melbourne Pier. But travel less than an hour and, boom, you’ll be right in the middle of some prime waves.

Below is a list of some of Australia’s top surfing locations. There’s a pretty diverse selection from all over the country. Though the Northern Territory is lacking in this regard.

Diving in Australia

Though the Great Barrier Reef on the East Coast receives the lion’s share of attention, there are plenty more options to go diving in Australia! Sprinkled throughout the Australian coastline are many gorgeous reefs, sunken ships, and sea caves that are just waiting to be explored.

These destinations definitely get far fewer tourists than the Great Barrier Reef and far more diving enthusiasts. You could even charter your own yacht and go snorkeling in several places along the East Coast if you’re more into snorkelling than diving.

If you’re really into diving, then definitely check out any one of these spots (that aren’t the Great Barrier)!

Backpacking the Outback

The Outback . The Bush. The Fuck-all Middle of Straya. The reason why most who want to go backpacking in Australia visit in the first place. Many have little clue though as to how large and how imposing this region actually is.

Few actually comprehend the Outback’s size or its conditions. That scene in the Inbetweeners Movie where Jay pisses on Simon’s face to survive springs to mind.

Though the exact number isn’t agreed upon, the Outback constitutes at least 70% of Australia’s landmass and is around 2-3 million square miles. The whole of India is 1.5 million square miles – that’s a lot of fuck-all!

Water is extremely sparse in the Outback. Temperatures vary widely depending on the season and time of year, from sub-zero to over 110 Fahrenheit. People die out here from exposure all the time. If you plan to venture out into the desert, you must be prepared.

The Outback isn’t a singular destination that you just include in an itinerary – it’s a collection of several desert regions that form an unfathomably large ecosystem. You can visit parts of the Outback but there’s no way that you could visit the whole thing; there are huge swathes of the Outback that haven’t even been charted yet.

A few of the Outback’s top destinations have already been covered in this guide, like Alice Springs, the Kimberly, and the Nullarbor Plain. The last remaining portions of the Outback are relatively accessible. These places are, of course, minuscule in the grand scheme of things.

Join an Organized Tour in Australia

For most countries, when you visit Australia, solo travel is the name of the game. That said, if you are short on time, energy, or just want to be part of an awesome group of travelers, you can opt to join an organized tour.

Joining a tour is a great way to see the majority of the country quickly and without the effort that goes into planning a backpacking trip. However—not all tour operators are created equal—that is for sure.

G Adventures  is a solid down-to-earth tour company catering to backpackers just like you, and their prices and itineraries reflect the interests of the backpacker crowd. You can score some pretty sweet deals on epic trips in Australia for a fraction of the price of what other tour operators charge.

Here are what people usually ask me about backpacking in Australia…

How much money do you need to go backpacking in Australia?

This is largely dependent on where in Australia you go, and for how long. But to be comfortable, I would try to budget for at least $60 USD per day.

Where should I start backpacking in Australia?

Most flights tend to fly into Sydney or Melbourne and both would make a great starting point.

What visa do I need to backpack Australia?

Most tourists who are visiting for less than 3 months will need an Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) or tourist visa.

Is Australia good for backpacking?

Absolutely! It’s one of the most popular backpacking routes in the world and it won’t disappoint.

I bloody love Australians, dude. Who else is happily willing to drink a beer from their sweaty shoe, just for a laugh? What a sick nation of people. 

It would take a lot of effort to really piss off an Australian. Time after time, Australians just roll with the punches (quite literally sometimes), and then proceed to take a piss and forget about whatever may have had a chance of bothering them.

That being said, it’s still important to act like a decent human being and to show respect. No one likes an asshole coming into their country and stirring shit up. 

Backpackers especially have been criticized because of their behavior and causing trouble. Let’s not be one of them dumbasses.

On a different note, be sure to tread lightly when it comes to interacting with Aboriginal Australians. They have been subject to unthinkable horrors in the past and are still treating the racial scars that are leftover. Though some White Australians still wallow in ignorance, Australia as a whole is trying to mend the gap.

Should you encounter an Aboriginal Australian and they’re open to conversation, be mindful of their customs and do your research on their terminology. Don’t take pictures or enter Aboriginal land without asking first. Be sure to speak using respectful language as well.

Other than that, have fun! Australia is a huge and diverse country with so much to explore and enjoy. No matter who you are or what you’re into, you’ll have a blast down under.

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And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Australia travel blog — the fullest australia travel guide for a great budget trip for first-timers.

Australia is always on the list of the most attractive destinations in the world. Besides buying tours to visit Australia, you can also choose to travel solo to have more interesting experiences. If you are visiting this land of Kangaroo for the first time, don’t forget to check out the super detailed self-sufficient Australia travel guide below! So, what to do and how to plan a budget perfect trip to Australia for the first-time? Let’s check out our Australia travel blog (Australia blog) with the fullest Australia travel guide (Australia guide, Australia tourist guide, Australia visitor guide) from how to get, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

• What to buy in Australia 2024? — 21+ top gifts & best things to buy in Australia
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• Australia itinerary 10 days — What to do & how to spend 10 days in Australia perfectly?
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• 1 day in Melbourne — How to spend 24 hours in Melbourne & Explore the best of Melbourne in a day perfectly?

Australia is a developed country, with a high standard of living, but Australia’s unspoiled natural beauty is what attracts visitors to traveling here. Traveling to Australia, in addition to experiencing the attraction from nature, you also admire many architectural masterpieces and an unique and diverse culture.

Australia travel blog: Overview of Australia

Australia is one of the most ethnically diverse and culturally rich countries in the world with an area of ​​nearly 7.7 million square kilometers, including 6 states (New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania , Western Australia) and 2 territories (Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory).

With a large territory and rich natural resources, the population in Australia is quite small. That is why this is one of the countries with the lowest population density in the world.

Although most of Australia’s territory is drought, but this is still a place recognized as having superior biodiversity with such environments as deserts, alpine mountains, rainforests, islands, bays … That vastness that make Australia has many different climates varies by different regions.

Australia blog: When should I travel to Australia?

With an area of ​​7.69 million square kilometers, Australia is the 6th largest country in the world by area. Although the area is spread over a large area, the Australia climate does not have many clear differences between regions. One third of Australia has a tropical climate, the other two thirds are temperate, and 80% of the population living in coastal areas with mild, cool weather.

Located in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons in Australia are opposite with other countries in the Northern Hemisphere (Such as Vietnam). When you are preparing to go swimming in Danang, the people in Australia receive very cold snow (June).

As mentioned at the beginning of the article, with such a large territory, the climate in Australia depends on each region that is different from each other. However, in general, Australia is similar to the countries in the Southern Hemisphere with 4 distinct seasons and opposite with countries in the Northern Hemisphere.

Summer (December – February)

Bright golden sunshine along with crowded and bustling beaches are the ideal destinations for you to participate in outdoor activities; maybe swimmng in the cool blue waters of the beaches, try windsurfing or a picnic at the Overland Track (Tasamania). Please note that the rainy season in Australia will start from December to March.

Fall (March – May)

Romantic Australia with vibrant red coniferous forests Melbourne, Canberra. The weather is also quite cool and pleasant at this time. If you travel to Australia in late fall, you have the opportunity to see the magical first snowfalls of the season.

Winter (June – August)

The season to conquer the snow-covered Alps or watch the flock of whales migrate across the Atlantic Ocean, or conquer the vast Simpson Desert with mountain bikes, …

Spring (September – November)

Australia’s Spring Valse can melt any visitor’s heart. This is th best time for you to visit the colorful Floriade flower festival in Melbourne, participate in the outdoor weekend markets in Darwin…

Spring and autumn are the good times chosen by many tourists due to the cool and pleasant weather.

Depending on the destinations or regions that you intend to travel to, there will be a suitable time for that area, for example:

The best time to go to Sydney and Melbourne is from September to November and from March to May. At this time the temperature is not too high and the number of tourists is less crowded, so roomrates and flight tickets are also cheap compare with the peak season.

From December to February is the time when students in Australia are off, so the beaches are often full, domestic fares as well as hotel room price will be higher than normal. So this is the time when tourists are advised not to come to Australia if they do not like the crowded.

Don’t go to southern Australia in winter and northern Australia in summer if you don’t like its cold or hot.

Prepare clothing

Depending on when you are planning to travel to Australia and the regions you will be visit, dressing preparation may vary. However, Australia also has 4 seasons like Vietnam, only different in the time of season, so before you go you need to prepare seasonal clothes in Australia, not season in Vietnam. In general the outfit should be comfortable and convenient for your move.

Australia travel guide: How to get?

To getting to Australia, airline is the best choice for you. From Vietnam you can find flights to Australia offers by Vietnam Airlines or Pacific departing from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. In addition to the two domestic airlines mentioned above, you can also buy air tickets to fly to Australia from international airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Thai Ariways, Cathay Pacific, Jetstar … with prices from about USD 400-2.000/round-trip. Try searching cheap tickets on reputable websites like skyscanner.com , momondo.com or edreams.com or Google Flights . Note: It takes about 15 hours on average to fly from Vietnam to Australia.

Australia currently has about 607 airports operating in the passenger transport sector. In which, there are 5 largest airports that are Kingsford Smith International Airport – Sydney; Melbourne Airport; Brisbane Airport; Adelaide Airport; Perth Airport. All airports in Australia offers taxi, bus, limousine or airport shuttle services that always available for passengers. Australia is extremely large because moving between cities is quite time consuming. For example, if you land at Sydney Airport and want to go to Melbourne, it will take you about 10 hours riding by car. Another option to save time is take domestic flights or trains.

Note: To have cheap tickets, you should book at least 1 to 2 months before departure date. It should also be noted that after obtaining an Australian tourist visa, you can book tickets to avoid losing money if you do not get a Visa unfortunately.

Australia travel blog: Transportation in Australia

To getting from the airport to your hotel in Australia you can use the airport bus service with a payment method via an Opal Card. To buy an Opal card you can visit https://transportnsw.info/opal-retailers/ to find the nearest buying point. Note that this card is also available at Australian airports.

In Australia, there are 4 popular types of public transport: Bus, Tram, Metro and Taxi. For buses, trains and subways, you need an Opal card when getting on and off and this is also the most economical way to traveling in Australia.

With Taxi, when traveling by this type, you need to note that taxi fees in Australia are quite expensive, so you should go with a group to share the cost instead of going alone. In addition, evening taxis in Australia will have higher rates than daytime. If you go out late with friends, this way will be more convenient because you will be transferred to your hotel.

Australia travel blog: Where to go and what to do?

Depending on the territory, regions and states or cities of Australia you are going to, we will recommend some attractive tourist destinations that many tourists visit as follows:

New South Wales and Sydney – The Port City and surrounding areas

The state of New South Wales is Australia’s most popular tourist state, with the famous capital city of Sydney and is best-known for its iconic images of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Departing from the city, you can go to the surrounding suburbs to explore the small fields in the Hunter valley and the misty eucalyptus forests in Blue Mountains. Alternatively, you can take short courses on how to surf in the Byron Bay, even to get rid of the noise of city life, you should visit the Lord Howe Island, this is a peaceful land just 373 miles to the east of the New South Wales coast.

South Queensland and Brisbane – The sunny state

This place is exactly a resting paradise for tourists with long sandy beaches and tropical forests, the south of Queensland is a region full of sunshine. Visitors will always feel excited about a comfortable, vibrant life with delicious food and nightlife venues. To explore the entire region, you should take the vibrant city of Brisbane as the central point, from there you can travel to other surrounding areas. On the way to the north, you should drop by the National Zoo & Aquarium before reaching Hervey Bay, the gateway area to Fraser Island – the largest sand island in the world.

The state of Victoria and Melbourne – Australia’s longest roadway

While traveling in the region, take a few days to explore the amusements of Melbourne, including a trip to the coastal suburb of St Kilda and visiting penguins on Phillip Island. Leaving Melbourne , riding along the Great Ocean Road , which stretches 150 miles from Torquay in the east to Warrnambool in western Australia, you can also visit the many scenic spots along the area including Great Otway National Park and Gulf of the Twelve Apostles.

Tasmania – Wild land

This is a beautiful island of hills, snow-capped mountains and blue lakes, stunning hiking trails. Tasmania is also famous for its ancient villages, historic sites and rich wildlife world. On your journey, start walking around the world-class museum Mona – Museum of Old and New Art in the state capital Hobart , stopping by on Cradle Mountain in the Lake St Clair National Park area and discover the history of the Port Arthur.

Northern Territory and Uluru

Uluru is famous for its vast desert landscape, red sands, and giant sandstone blocks. Set foot in this land, visitors should participate in outdoor activities including canoeing through Katherine Gorge and and hike to discover Aboriginal life in Kakadu National Park. In addition, when coming to Alice Springs, you can also take adventure trips to visit many areas including Uluru, Kings Canyon and the arched rocks of Kata Tjuta, then take the Ghan train to Darwin, from where you can easy access to Kakadu and Katherine Gorge.

South Australia and Adelaide – Welcome to the wine region

South Australia’s warm and sunny climate has made the beautiful vineyards of the Clare and Barossa valleys famous, so don’t forget to enjoy the finest wines here. From Adelaide you can take a tram to the coastal suburb of Glenelg, where the dolphin Bottlenose is raised. In addition, to learn more about wildlife life, pay attention to the Koala and the wallabies, the lovely animals featured on Kangaroo Island.

Rottnest Island – Western Australia and Perth

The area attracts less tourists than the other regions of the country, however, Western Australia is home to the coastal cities of Perth and Fremantle, and the ruby coler of Margaret River wines ​​and dolphins Monkey Mia. Cable beach is also considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Tropical North Queensland and The Whitsundays

This region is a famous land for those who want to vacation and participate in exciting entertainment activities such as: Sightseeing, exploring the ancient Daintree rainforest; scuba diving to explore the world famous Great Barrier Reef; Down further to the south of this land, you can head to Whitsundays Island and stop to explore the rainforests and waterfalls of Atherton Tablelands.

Australian Capital Territory

Located between Sydney and Melbourne, this territory is where the capital of Canberra is located. Wouldn’t it be flawed if you went to Australia but you didn’t go to their capital, right?

• Explore the capital, Canberra (dubbed “bush capital”).
• Learn about Australian history through museums such as: National Museum of Australia , Canberra Museum and Gallery , National Gallery of Australia ..
• Visit Namadgi National Park, one of the top favorite attractions of visitors here. You can drive or walk on the trails here and explore nature with a wide variety of wildlife. Note: You not allow to bring dogs into the park or throw garbage.

Australia travel blog: Suggest some interesting experiences you should try

For each traveler, they will have very interesting personal experiences. Here I will suggest some interesting experiences when coming to Australia.

• Learn to surf at the beaches.
• Enjoy Australian wine and cuisine.
• Observe and feeding wild animals in the wild.
• Sightseeing and snorkeling at the Great Barrier reef.
• Take part in a cultural festival in Australia.
• Buy some authentic Australian souvenirs to bring back.

Australia travel guide: Staying

Hotels in Australia are also quite diverse and throughout the country, especially in tourist destinations, you can easily book through the websites of Agoda.com , Booking.com and to really saving, you can choose to stay in a homestay which is much cheaper and get to interact with friendly locals here.

Australia travel blog: What should I try to eat in Australia?

For a country made up of many cultures and races around the world, the richness of Australian Cuisine will not make you disappoint. There are specialties in Australia that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. In addition, Australians love the warm sun and sea so BBQs are very popular here, you can easily see it when going to beaches and parks across Australia. All are free-offer with barbecue grill.

Australian wine

As a country with large vine farms, the wines in Australia are handcrafted with age-old secrets. Passing through each of the Australian territories, you can see the vinyards and wineries, so the taste of wine in Australia is very diverse in each region.

Bush Tucker

Bush Tucker bush food is an ancient dish of indigenous tribes in Australia. This dish includes flowers, wild fruits and insects for you to enjoy the taste of nature most directly (if you can, of course).

Kangaroo meat

It sounds ridiculous but very convincing in Australia. Kangaroo meat is not commonly used in Australian menus, but dishes made from Kangaroo meat can be enjoyed at some restaurants, especially grilled meat Kangaroo.

With most major cities located on the coast, using seafood is a specialty of Australians. You can try seafood dishes from raw to cooked throughout Australia’s coastal cities and especially on Tasmania Island.

Pavlova Cake

This is a dessert topped with fruit and whipped cream on the outside. This cake is extremely attractive from appearance to taste, its name is named after a Russian balle actor.

If you learn about Australian culture, you will not be surprised to see that the people here are often organizing outdoor BBQ parties. The popular BBQ meats here include Australian beef, crocodile meat and Kangaroo meat as well.

Australia travel blog: What to buy in Australia?

For a good trip, a souvenir with bold Australian identity is indispensable thing when you return. You can easily find cute koala teddy bears of various sizes for sale in souvenir shops across Australia or you can choose from Aboriginal artworks – unique Australian cultural features like boomerang, handkerchief, wooden statue, … Here are some things you should buy as gifts to bring back home:

• Australian Aboriginal handicrafts such as Boomerang, jewelry.
• Opal gemstone: Need to research carefully before buying.
• Akubra Hat: The wide-brimmed hat is quite stylish.
• Kangaroo leather products such as wallets, bags, belts …
• Macadamia: Australia is the home of the macadamia nuts.
• UGG Shoes: Suede suede shoe, extremely warm for a winter season.

Of course this list is just some of the typical Australian souvenir items, there are many more things you can buy besides them.

Some famous shopping places in Australia

Shopping locations in sydney.

• Queen Victoria Building : With more than 180 high-end stores. Here you can buy clothes, jewelry, accessories or home appliances. (Address: 455 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia / Hours: 9AM–5PM/Friday: Closed).
• The Rocks Market : Located near the Sydney Harbor area, The Rock is a bustling open-air market with shops selling clothes, souvenirs, handicrafts. Also, coming here you can enjoy street food too. (Address: George St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia / Hours: 10AM–5PM).
• Pitt Street Mall : Located on a pedestrian-only street. This is one of the most famous shopping malls in Australia with famous brands in the world. (Address: 182 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia / Hours: 9AM–8PM).

Shopping locations in Melbourne

• Emporium Melbourne : If you are a fan of brands, this is the place you need to go. Emporium is one of Australia’s most luxurious shopping places with famous brands in fashion, jewelry, cosmetics and other goods. (Address: 287 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia / Hours: 10AM–7PM).
• Chadstone – The Fashion Capital : This is one of the largest shopping malls in Australia. For tourists this is an ideal shopping destination because there are tax incentives for visitors. (Address: 1341 Dandenong Rd, Chadstone VIC 3148, Australia / Chadstone is open from 9AM – 6PM (or 9AM-10PM depends on weekdays)).

Australia blog: Things to know before you go?

It is very important to know that a checklist of things not allow to bring to Australia is included on the Australian immigration form. Australian customs is very strict on immigration matters so it’s best to honestly declare it because if not, detection dogs will find out and you will be fined up to $66,000, be prosecuted or will be forced to return to Vietnam before entering Australia. Here are a few things that you cannot bring with you when entering Australia:

• Non-canned meat products such as fresh meat, dried meat
• Fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, seeds
• Herbal and Traditional Medicinal Materials.
• Items on body such as clothes or hats with feathers on you should absolutely avoid
• Egg and milk products.

Australia travel blog: Frequently asked questions when traveling to Australia

Should i travel to australia.

Yes, if financial conditions and time allow. Australia is stable and safe country, the nature is beautiful, the weather is quite nice, you can visit all year round, there are many vibrant festivals and rich cuisine.

Where to go?

For those who are traveling to Australia for the first time, you should visit Sydney and Melbourne first. Because there are many famous tourist destinations for you to explore.

How much money can I bring to Australia?

You can bring up to USD 5.000 USD or AUD 6.600 in cash to Australia. If you need to spend more, prepare your international payment cards to use when you come to Australia.

How much does it cost to travel to Australia?

Excluding the cost of shopping and spending outside the tour, each Australian tour costs about USD 1.800 – 2.900 for 1 adult depending on the travel time, air tickets, hotel, itinerary.

Self-sufficient

The cost of eating, drinking, and buying souvenirs ranges from USD 400 – 500.

Most places to visit in 2 major cities Melbourne and Sydney are free admission. So you only spend for pocket money, food and drink. Depending on the needs of each person, the amount will be different. But the cost of food in Australia is quite high and expensive. A budget meal costs 10 AUD – 15 AUD, in a day you can spend about $30 – $50 for eating.

A smart way to save on food costs is to take advantage of meals at hotels, guesthouses or buy a convenience store breakfast for a few AUD. If you travel to Australia alone, you can buy ready-meals at convenience stores, bring to your dorm room to eat for 1-2 meals because 1 serving is quite large.

In short, how much money for a self-sufficient trip to Australia? Total minimum cost for a 10-day trip in Australia is about $1.500 – $1.600. This amount is for backpackers, hunt for cheap flights, use public transport and spend the night at dorm. You can base on the information shared above to add costs if you choose to stay at the hotel and eat according to your needs.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Sydney you can refer to

• Shared Sydney Airport Transfers (SYD) for Sydney
• Private Sydney Airport (SYD) Transfers for Sydney CBD
• {Unp by AM}Shared Sydney Airport Transfers (SYD) for Sydney
• Sydney in a Day
• Canberra Capital City Day Tour
• Spectacular Sydney Tour
• Blue Mountains Day Tour with Parramatta River Cruise from Sydney
• Blue Mountains and Wildlife Day Tour from Sydney
• Blue Mountains All-Inclusive Day Tour from Sydney
• Bondi Beach & Sydney Sights Half Day Tour
• Manly and Beyond Half Day Tour
• The Sydney Explorer Pass
• iVenture Sydney Flexi Attractions Pass
• Sydney Attractions Combo Ticket (Bar Code Direct Entry)
• iVenture Sydney Unlimited Attractions Pass
• Sydney Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tours (Open-Top)
• Sydney Hop-On Hop-Off Harbor Cruise and Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Combo
• Sydney Hop On Hop Off Cruise 2 Day Pass by Captain Cook
• Sydney Harbour Highlights Cruise

Are you looking for more Australia travel guide. Read more: The fullest Sydney city guide blog for a great trip to Sydney for the first-timers. Or Melbourne guide , Perth guide , Brisbane guide , Adelaide guide , Tasmania guide , Gold Coast guide , Canberra guide .

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AUSTRALIA TRAVEL BLOG

Australia is our home country. It is a great country to visit and happens to be a destination that offers some truly unique experiences.  

An Australian holiday is great for couples, friends, or families. You can read all our best posts in this Australia travel blog section.

Australia with Kids

Australia is an easy country to travel to with kids.  

Australia is a really safe country and transportation is efficient and easy to organize. A lot of the cities and towns are pretty flat and great for stroller access.  

Restaurants almost always have high chairs available.  

Many of the best attractions in Australia are outdoors which can make things much easier for traveling families.

There is a wide range of gorgeous family-oriented hotels in Australia; most of which offer swimming pools and kids’ clubs.

Best accommodation in Australia

If you are looking for the best accommodation in Australia, check out our guide to the best choices:

• Sydney’s Best Luxury Hotels
• Hotels in Sydney hotels in Circular Quay
• Brilliant hotels located close to the Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Where to stay in Tasmania
• Best Luxury Resorts in Hervey Bay, QLD

Australia Packing Guides:

• What to pack for your holiday in Tasmania

Australia Travel Guides

You can read our guides on what to do in Australia below:

• Queensland Travel Blog Posts
• New South Wales Travel Blog Posts
• Tasmania Travel Blog Posts
• Western Australia Travel Blog Posts
• Victoria Travel Blog Posts

Planning a massive trip around Australia? Here is an Australian bucket list post containing over 100 ideas of what you should do, see & experience on your trip.

Find all of our Australia Travel Blog Posts Below

6 Best Beaches in Queensland for Your Next Family Vacation

When choosing the best places to visit during your vacation in Australia, Queensland should be at the top of your list. With a 7000 km … CONTINUE READING

7 Best Moreton Island Tours in 2024 (For Nature & Adventure)

Have you been wondering best Moreton Island tours? I’ve got you covered! Welcome to the captivating world of Moreton Island tours! Discover the hidden treasures … CONTINUE READING

Nomad eSIM Review (Best eSIM for Australia Travel for 2024)

Are you looking for a reliable Nomad eSIM review that can make your vacation planning a breeze? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with … CONTINUE READING

Tangalooma Island Resort Review | The Good and the Bad

Who doesn’t love the idea of exploring the third largest sand island in the world, snorkelling around the shipwrecks and enjoying the relaxation that only … CONTINUE READING

What to do on the Sunshine Coast with Kids

Are you trying to figure out what to do on the Sunshine Coast? Plan out your amazing Sunshine Coast holiday and discover all the best … CONTINUE READING

Hayman Island vs. Hamilton Island vs. Daydream Island

When deciding which of the Whitsunday Islands to visit, it really depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. Hamilton Island is a … CONTINUE READING

10 of The Best National Parks in Western Australia

Western Australia is the largest of all the states and territories, and nestled within this vast stretch of land, are an assortment of National Parks … CONTINUE READING

10 Most Luxurious 5-Star Hotels Sydney Has on Offer!

When staying in Sydney, you simply MUST choose to stay in one of these luxurious Sydney 5-star hotels! Trust me, the five-star hotels in Sydney are … CONTINUE READING

What To Do In Melbourne With Kids

Melbourne is such a beautiful culture-filled city in Australia to experience. There is plenty of fun things to do for kids. From a fun zoo … CONTINUE READING

Day Trip From Hamilton Island To Whitehaven Beach

Known as the best beach in the world, Whitehaven Beach is ideal for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities. … CONTINUE READING

Complete Guide To Catseye Beach On Hamilton Island

As the saying goes, “a family that smiles together stays together.” And Catseye Beach provides the right setting for any family to be in each … CONTINUE READING

Top 10 Best Things To Do In Hamilton Island

Nestled at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island in Australia offers an experience like no other. Whether your idea of a holiday … CONTINUE READING

Mantra Sirocco Mooloolaba Review | The Good and The Bad

Basking in the sun and listening to ocean waves- that’s what we call the perfect holiday combo! And if you agree, it is time to … CONTINUE READING

5 Of The Best Hamilton Island Day Trips

Nestled in the corner of Queensland, Hamilton Island is one of the last spots still untouched by humans. As such, you can explore the pristine … CONTINUE READING

Verve On Cotton Tree Apartment 702 Review

The accommodation you choose in a new city can either make or break your travel experience. While there are dozens of beautiful homestays, villas, rented … CONTINUE READING

Lagoon 104 Hamilton Island Whitsundays Review

We agree – there’s no place like home! And the time spent away from home makes you miss it even more. So, how about getting … CONTINUE READING

5 Best Gold Coast Beaches For Families (Family-Friendly & Safe)

As you probably already know, Gold Coast is one of those places in Australia where you find not only great beaches but a tonne of … CONTINUE READING

Top 4 Best Gold Coast Vegetarian Restaurants For Lunch

Are you searching for the best vegetarian and vegan food in Gold Coast for lunch? We got you covered with our recommendations of the five … CONTINUE READING

Private Holiday Apartment and the Peppers Soul Gold Coast Review

Are you after an ocean view accommodation for your next vacation with your family at the Gold Coast, then you came to the right place! … CONTINUE READING

Tingirana Noosa Review | Time for Relaxation to the MAX!

I remember the days when we used to stroll down the Noosa main beach staring at the happy people occupying the luxurious beach resorts with … CONTINUE READING

8 Things To Do In Noosa For Families (Affordable Activities)!

Are you looking for the best list of things to do in Noosa with kids? We love living on the Sunshine Coast and one of … CONTINUE READING

Sensational Day at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary with Kids

The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a world-famous heritage site on the Australian Gold Coast. We’d heard how the sanctuary (which started in 1947) is famous … CONTINUE READING

ULTIQA Air On Broadbeach Review

Spending a few days on the Australian Gold Coast had been on our cards for a long time. So, when the chance came, we didn’t … CONTINUE READING

On The Beach Noosa Resort Review

What do you imagine when thinking of the words “luxury beach vacation?” Sun-kissed nose and sandy toes? Yes, you can definitely consider On The Beach … CONTINUE READING

Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort Review | Our Personal Experience

The Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort is a stay that’s tough to top. We found it to be even more special, given that it’s on its … CONTINUE READING

Top Ten Things to do in Victoria with Kids

Victoria is one of the smallest states in the Australian mainland but it provides some of the best sceneries fit for family fun activities all … CONTINUE READING

5 Best 5-Star Hotels Near Sydney Opera House in Sydney

If you want to stay in the best location in Sydney, you need to book yourself into one of these 5 hotels near the Sydney … CONTINUE READING

Daydream Island Resort and Spa Review | The Good and Bad

Let’s be clear from the beginning. If you are looking for positive Daydream Island Resort and Spa reviews then you came to the wrong place. … CONTINUE READING

5 Dream Vacation Destinations in Australia

When people discuss dream vacation destinations, Australia never comes up. The reason isn’t that hard to understand. The country just doesn’t seem exotic enough. If … CONTINUE READING

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Sydney, Australia

So you finally took the plunge and decided to make the trek to the land down under, and chances are you’ve flown into beautiful Sydney. … CONTINUE READING

5 Bucket List Things To Do In Melbourne

Melbourne is considered by many to be Australia’s cultural heart, and there is just so much to see and do in this great southern city. … CONTINUE READING

Bay of Fires, Tasmania – Australia’s Hidden Gem

The name itself, Bay of Fires, has always sparked my interest and my imagination takes me to a wonderland of pictures, feelings, and colors whenever … CONTINUE READING

Top 10 Things to do in Port Arthur, Tasmania

Looking for the top things to do in Port Arthur, Tasmania? Here is a list of the top Tasman Peninsula activities that you simply cannot … CONTINUE READING

13 of the Best Beaches in NSW, Australia | Discover World-Class Beaches!

When you think of the perfect beach, what comes to mind? Is it crystal clear water, white sand or just having plenty of shade and … CONTINUE READING

6 of the Best Kid-Friendly Pubs in Melbourne with Playgrounds & More!

There are times when you just need a cold beer or a nice glass of wine. Maybe it’s 35 degrees outside and you’ve been running … CONTINUE READING

Visit the Extraordinary Landmark of Stanley The Nut, Tasmania!

Welcome to Stanley The Nut, Tasmania at “The Edge of the World”. Check out everything there is to know about the famous Stanley The Nut, … CONTINUE READING

What To Do In Cradle Mountain In Tasmania!

Are you looking for the best things to do in Cradle Mountain? In this post, you will find everything you need to know. This is … CONTINUE READING

4 Australian Road Trip Tips That Will Help You Prepare For The Trip

Have you always dreamt of taking an epic road trip across Australia? There are many memorable and exciting places to see in Australia. It is … CONTINUE READING

What To Do At Hervey Bay, Queensland (11 Awesome Ideas)

Hervey Bay, QLD (Australia) is well renown for its tourist attractions such as the glorious whale watching tours or even for an easy hop and skip … CONTINUE READING

4 Best Places To Visit In Queensland, Australia!

They say that one of the best ways to see the world is through traveling. By going places, you get to realize that there is … CONTINUE READING

One Of The Best Blue Mountain Day Trips From Sydney

Are you sick of sitting on the couch, watching TV and dreaming of an adventure in nature? Why not get off the couch and head … CONTINUE READING

The Absolute Best Places to Visit on the East Coast of Tasmania

Tasmania must be one of our favourite states to visit in Australia!!  Whilst there are loads of gorgeous places to explore in Tasmania; and you … CONTINUE READING

A Review Of Our 2-Day Moreton Island Tour

Want to go on a Moreton Island Tour to the third largest sand island in the world? Have you ever wanted to 4 wheel drive … CONTINUE READING

5 Best Accommodation Near The Sydney Harbour Bridge

– When staying in Sydney, you simply MUST choose a hotel near Sydney Harbour Bridge!!   Trust me, you will understand why, once you have … CONTINUE READING

5 Super Fun Things to do in Brisbane with Kids

– Are you trying to scout out some super fun things to do in Brisbane with kids? Don’t worry, we have you covered!  As locals, … CONTINUE READING

5 Of The Best Hotels In Circular Quay, Sydney

If you want to be right in the middle of the most incredible atmosphere in Sydney, you want to book yourself into a Circular Quay … CONTINUE READING

Complete Guide To The Bondi Beach To Coogee Walk

A total jaw-droppingly beautiful cliff top Sydney coastal walk that bends and winds itself around some of the most beautiful ocean-side scenery that you will … CONTINUE READING

Sydney to Kiama Drive, Including the Glorious Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout!

The Grand Pacific Drive happens to be one of the best short drives from Sydney! It is a truly spectacular road trip, with various fascinating … CONTINUE READING

Things to do in Darling Harbour for Kids & Adults

Darling Harbour is one of the coolest places in Sydney and has a permanent, very soft and cushy, spot in my heart.  Haha… I love this … CONTINUE READING

The Top 3 Must-See Famous Sydney Landmarks

Sydney in Australia is an amazing city! There are so many beautiful places to see, however on this journey we specifically wanted to visit and … CONTINUE READING

6 of the Absolute Best Melbourne Kids Attractions

When I think of Melbourne, three things pop out into my mind! The sensational cafe culture & the bright colourful streets adorned with graffiti and … CONTINUE READING

What to do at Rottnest Island In WA, Australia!

Recently we visited Western Australia.  We based ourselves in Perth with our kids, and spent a few lovely nights at the beautiful Novotel Perth Langley. … CONTINUE READING

Best Luxury Accommodation in Hervey Bay, Austalia

Hervey Bay is a magical place!  I love it so much, that I have been there at least half a dozen times.  It is a … CONTINUE READING

5 Stunning Coastal Walks On The Sunshine Coast

Being locals to the Sunshine Coast for many many years, we have some awesome insider knowledge about the beautiful hidden secrets of the gorgeous coastal … CONTINUE READING

6-Day Road Trip Itinerary For The Brisbane to Cairns Drive

Queensland is one of those Australian states which is laced with plenty of stunning attractions that offer breathtaking holidaying experiences to travelers from across the … CONTINUE READING

6 Things To Do In Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

Ah, Tasmania! So much natural beauty everywhere you look.  Perfectly crafted colourful landscapes as far as the eye can see.  From flower covered hills to … CONTINUE READING

Best Walks In Girraween National Park (From Easy to Hard)

As we entered the Girraween National Park, we were struck with an overwhelming feeling of being teleported to the Flintstone Era.  Giant granite boulders scattered … CONTINUE READING

Our Review Of First Class Glamping at Alure Stanthorpe

Are you looking for a perfect Valentine’s Day romantic escape for you and that special someone?  No need to look any further than this unique … CONTINUE READING

Where To Stay In Tasmania During Your Road-Trip

We recently had a blast on a very busy but enjoyable road-trip through Tasmania.  Lots of planning went in to the road-trip prior to departure!  … CONTINUE READING

What To Pack For Tasmania: A Handy Tassie Packing List

We recently had an incredible road trip around Tasmania. The scenery, nature, the wildlife there will truly blow you away. It really is a destination … CONTINUE READING

Our Review Of The Port Arthur Cruise With Pennicott Cruises in Tasmania

Have you ever been on a cruise boat? How about a Port Arthur cruise along the Tasman Peninsula which happens to have the highest cliffs … CONTINUE READING

Visiting Port Arthur Historic Sites | Everything You Should Know

Port Arthur Historic Sites is a place you simply have to visit whilst traveling through Tasmania!  Not only does this place have national and international … CONTINUE READING

What To See On Your 75 Mile Beach Drive On Fraser Island, Queensland

As soon as the wheels of our 4WD touched the sand, something inside us changed. Its like we were given a chance to see something, that … CONTINUE READING

Discover The Top 5 Things To Do On The Inland Fraser Island tracks

Recently we explored one of the most incredible places on earth, Fraser Island. Not only incredible in what iconic natural treasures it holds, but also … CONTINUE READING

Your Guide To Climbing Mt Coolum To The Summit Lookout

Mount Coolum is an isolated volcanic dome situated in the Mount Coolum National Park on the Sunshine Coast in QLD Australia. The scenery, the Mt Coolum … CONTINUE READING

Your Ultimate Guide To The Mt Ngungun Hike In The Glasshouse Mountains!

If you are visiting the Sunshine Coast, make sure to add ‘Climbing Mt Ngungun’ to your list of things you simply have to do.  This … CONTINUE READING

Top 5 Best Sunshine Coast Lookouts That is Worth Checking Out!

Sunshine Coast is one of the best holiday destinations in Australia. Visited and admired by the tourists from all around the world and Australians from … CONTINUE READING

A Family Day out to visit Carlo Sandblow & see the Rainbow Beach Coloured Sands

There is a fascinating story that lies behind the massive, majestic coloured sand hills that makes the Rainbow beach so unique, the legend and myth … CONTINUE READING

Top 5 Things to do in Coffs Harbour For Free!

Coffs Harbour is a beautiful coastal resort town on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales, in amazing Australia. It is located in a perfect … CONTINUE READING

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• Travel blogs on Australia

Here you will find all my travel blogs on Australia

Australia! What a country, so vast, so beautiful. But also, so much variety, different animals and different types of landscape! We travelled to Australia twice. The first time we only saw Cairns (for diving to the Great Barrier Reef) and Sydney. And that first time tasted like more and so now we go to Australia for a second time! This time we will stay a lot longer and travel from Brisbane to Melbourne in seven weeks*: a road trip to explore the east coast of Australia.

We share all our experiences, knowledge and impressions in blogs about Australia. Blogs with tips, travel guides, nice hotels and possible itineraries for Australia! But also personal diary blogs about this beautiful country.

The ultimate itinerary for the east coast of Australi a

Below you will find the ultimate itinerary for a road trip of the east coast in Australië! This itinerary is for six weeks, but can be shortened into two or four weeks in Australia!

The six-weeks itinerary for Australia is as follows: Brisbane – Fraser Island – Noosa -Gold Coast – Byron Bay – Sydney – Great Ocean Road- Melbourne

All of our blogs on Australia

The most popular Australia blogs:

• Australia travel budget : How expensive is a road trip through Australia?
• Australia east coast itinerary : the ultimate guide for a roadtrip along the east coast of Australia!
• The ultimate travel guide Byron Bay !
• Must do: a self-drive road trip through Fraser Island!

Facts about traveling through Australia

Best p eriod:  November till March How long:   2 weeks to 6 months Favourite hotels:  click here for an overview of the best hotels in Australia !  

Flight deals: click here  for the most actual flight deals to Australia! Type of trip:  backpacking, road trip, couple, family trip

Get a 20% discount on a Spaceships campervan for your last minute vacation in Australia! Book & travel before the 20th of Decem ber and have the same pick up and delivery location !  Click here for the deal and more information!

All of our blogs on Australia:

Hotel guide australia: the best hotels on the east coast of australia, budget australia and prices: what does a road trip in australia cost, travel guide brisbane, australia: 12 things to do in 3 days in hotspot brisbane, things to do in byron bay australia: 9 hotspots and the best beaches, fraser island 4x4 self drive: a 3 day itinerary to this famous island in australia, diary blog australia: brisbane, fraser island, noosa and the fear of the coronavirus, itineraries east coast australia: ultimate road trips for 2 to 6 weeks traveling along the coast, diary blog | the impact of the coronavirus on our world trip: immediately going home, noosa australia: 6 cool things to do in and around noosa at the sunshine coast.

* Unfortunately, the coronavirus threw a spanner in the works and we had to return home after three weeks Australia. As a result, we were only able to visit the north of the east coast.

Australia travel tips & the world

• Accommodations
• Budget tips Read here all our budget tips!
• Excursions All blogs about our experience with excursions
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13 Sensational Islands in Australia for Your Next Getaway

W hen you think of Australia, your mind might be conjuring up images of white-sand beaches, expansive Great Barrier Reef, and Aussie’s riding the best surf in the world. Australia is a huge country, but for sun-worshippers and nature lovers, Australia’s coast is the place to be.

If you’re dreaming of a sun-filled getaway, then you might want to consider one of Australia’s islands.

Australia actually has 8,222 islands, and it’s not possible to see them all (well, you can try!), so if you’re not sure what are some of the best islands in Australia that you should consider for your next getaway, then you’re in the right place.

We have visited our fair share of the islands around Australia, and have picked our favorites based on our personal experience, so you can decide which one is right for you. We’ve picked ones that cater to every type of travel experience, and for every budget, so there should be an island for everyone on this list.

The Best Islands In Australia To Visit

So without further ado, here are my top island escapes in Australia that make a great getaway destination or even just a day trip!

1. Rottnest Island, WA

Rottnest Island, or “Rotto” as the locals call it, is just spectacular. I would rank it as one of our top 3 favourite islands in Australia.

Located 18 kilometres off the coast of Perth, it has over 60 picturesque beaches and bays. It’s one of the top spots for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, swimming and fishing – a true island paradise.

The best way to explore is by hiring a bicycle (there are no cars on the island) and go exploring. Don’t forget your snorkelling gear, as you’ll want to stop off at some of the beaches to see the thriving marine life that shares the waters here.

Because Rottnest Island is so small, it can be seen as a day trip, but we recommend you stay over a weekend to really relax and unwind.

You’ll be sure to meet lots of the true locals getting around, the QUOKKA . The Quokka is a small macropod (rat-like animal) about the size of a domestic cat. They are so cute and friendly.

Read more: Why Rottnest should be on your Australia bucket list

2. Fraser Island, Queensland

As the world’s largest sand island, stretching 123 km long and 23 km wide, Fraser Island is a mecca for 4WD enthusiasts.

Driving along the 75 Mile Beach, which is also the island’s only highway, in a four-wheel drive jeep is a thrill like no other. It extends for the entire eastern side of the island and offers coastal views. You may see some humpback whales breaching from the shore, and watch out for the island’s native dingos.

Fraser Island also offers so much more than 75 Mile beach. You can drive along the sand tracks through towering rainforest, swim in one of the many freshwater lakes like Lake Mackenzie, or take a dip at Champagne Pools or float down Eli Creek.

Visit the famous shipwreck, spot whales migrating, and wake up to sunrise at Eurong Beach – the list of things to do on Fraser Island is endless. Here’s some insights on how you can visit Fraser Island on a day trip . We also recommend staying at Kingfisher Bay Resort.

3. Phillip Island, Victoria

We thought Phillip Island was all about the penguins and the Grand Prix Motor Cycle Race, but after spending a relaxing eight days on the island, we can assure you it offers much more!

The main town of Cowes Beach is a good place to base yourself and has a decent cafe and restaurant scene. The beach here is family friendly with gentle waves and clean sands. If you prefer scenic beaches, don’t miss Smiths Beach.

When you take in the Penguin Parade Experience , get there early and explore The Nobbies, which has spectacular views over Bass Straight – it will be windy though!

Phillip Island is one of the best getaways from Melbourne for those who want to escape the honking and chaos of the city for a few days. It’s only a 90-minute drive from Melbourne.

Other things to do on Phillip Island that’s worth exploring are The Koala Conservation Centre, Chocolate Factory, A Maze N Things Theme Park, and the Grand Prix circuit.

4. Daydream Island, Queensland

Looking for a family-friendly island getaway in the Whitsundays ? Then Daydream Island has got you covered!

The small island is exactly what it says on the tin – a dream! The island is one big family-friendly resort, and has kayaks, SUPs, and other watersport equipment you can rent.

There’s plenty of water activities for all members of the family, including snorkeling, wind surfing and more.

Alternatively, you can laze around one of the pools with a cocktail in hand or watch the sunset with a sundowner.

It’s also easily accessed from Airlie Beach by ferry, making it a really accessible weekend destination from the mainland of Australia.

5. Moreton Island, Queensland

Moreton Island was one of our biggest surprises from travelling around Australia, and after spending a fun filled three days exploring the island, I’m happy to say that it’s well worthy of this list.

It’s like a mini Fraser Island, but with easier to access from Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

You’ve got the four-wheel driving action, camping, fishing, sand boarding, freshwater lakes, a lighthouse, and even a shipwreck!

One of the unique experiences you can do here is feed the dolphins at Tangalooma or go snorkelling or kayaking around the Tangalooma Wrecks.

6. Bruny Island, Tasmania

We only spent a few hours on Bruny Island , but it left a lasting impression and was a highlight of our month long trip around Tasmania. 

Bruny is an easy day trip from Hobart , from where you can jump on a tour. Alternatively, you can self-drive (like we did) and catch the vehicle ferry over from Kettering.

Bruny is home to rugged coastline, rock formations and sea caves. It also has a colony of fur seals, fairy penguins, an abundance of bird life. If you time your trip right the opportunity to see migrating whales.

The best way to see Bruny Island is on a 3-hour cruise with  Rob Pennicott Wilderness Journeys – he’s a legend down there!

7. Great Keppel Island, Queensland

Queensland does island getaways better than most, but there aren’t too many islands in the Great Barrier Reef where you can escape the crowds.

If you’re thinking of a more romantic island getaway, then you can get your own beach bungalow for a reasonable price on the Great Keppel Island !

Just a short 30-minute ferry ride from Yeppoon gets you to Keppel and the Southern End of the Great Barrier Reef.

Here you’ll find pristine and healthy coral teeming with brightly coloured fish and marine life like star fish and turtles.

Great Keppel has charm – no cars or high-rise buildings, just beach bungalows that look like they belong on a chilled island beach. Perfect for an island getaway that won’t break the bank.

8. Magnetic Island, Queensland

Slip into a hammock between palm trees and you’re experiencing a little “Maggie Time” off the coast of Townsville in North Queensland.

Magnetic Island is that chilled out island that’s good for a day trip or an extended getaway when you just need to switch off from life and breathe a sight of release. We actually spent a week in Maggie time, because the soothing atmosphere was too hard to say Googbye to!

You can lay on a beach, take a dip in one of the picturesque bays, go on a hike and see koalas in the wild, take in a snorkeling or fishing trip around the island, feed the rock wallabies, zip around the island in a mini moke.

Whatever you plan to do, make sure to finish off with sunset drinks at Horseshoe Bay. It’s the perfect sunset spot to end a day at.

9. Hamilton Island, Whitsunday Islands, Queensland

I mentioned The Whitsundays earlier, it’s where Daydream Island is located, but did you know it’s actually made up of a group of 74 islands surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef?

If you’re looking for an island to base yourself at to explore more of these other island, then Hamilton Island is the go-to choice.

It’s a bit more developed than Daydream Island, which is essentially just one resort, and so it has more options available to you for tours and boat trips.

The island still has a relaxing atmosphere though, with a car-free ethos and much of its rugged bushland untouched. As well as being a base for island hopping, it’s also home to native animals such as koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and kookaburras.

But of course, the reason you go to Hamilton Island is to get out on the water. Imagine sipping champagne on your sailing boat, eating the freshest seafood imaginable, dropping anchor in picturesque bays and diving over board to swim in the warm tranquil waters and digging my toes into the white powdery sand on some of the most amazing beaches in Australia…

You can do all that and more. Just make sure you don’t miss our favourite beach in Australia, the world famous Whitehaven Beach !

10. Hayman Island, Queensland

Looking for a luxurious island getaway in The Whitsundays? Hayman Island will blow your mind!

Only 8 of the 74 islands are inhabited, with the northernmost of those being Hayman. This seclusion makes it perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and dip into luxury.

It’s also where you’ll find Australia’s premier luxury nature resort the Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort .

The moment you set foot on Hayman after being picked up via private boat or helicopter, you know you’ve landed in paradise.

If it’s tranquillity and natural beauty, and a little piece of Aussie paradise you’re after, look no further than Hayman!

11. Cockatoo Island, Sydney

Cockatoo Island is a short day trip from Sydney and is known for being the place used to house convicts in the colonial era. The island is being somewhat reclaimed as it’s covered with red gums and frequented by the sulphur-crested cockatoos, which gave the island its name.

It’s now a World Heritage Site that is home to historic buildings, an old navy shipbuilding yard, and a campground right on the edge of the harbour.

Imagine waking up to magnificent views of one of the world’s best harbours, from your tent site, at budget prices?

Even if just for a day trip, jump on the short ferry ride from Circular Quay and take in the amazing Sydney skyline along the way.

12. Tasmania

Ok, I know Tasmania is a state, and it’s far from being a tropical island getaway. However, I love Tasmania as an island destination and it’s small enough to explore in a relatively short period of time, so I’m adding it to this list.

Before visiting Tassie, I knew it had the history, but I didn’t know the food and wine scene was so incredible.

It has some of the best, freshest produce we’ve had anywhere – and well, the scenery, the beaches, the wildlife, and the hiking is something else too!

Do yourself a favour and incorporate a Tassie island getaway into the mix.

Read more: Places to Visit in Tasmania

Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island off the coast of South Australia is a lessor-known island renowned for its stunning landscapes from beaches to sand dunes and forests to rolling farmlands.

Not only that, it’s often called Australia’s Galapagos Island because of its wild array of Australian animals – dolphins, kangaroos , koalas, seals and more. The food and wine is also incredible here. Use our 4 day Kangaroo Island road trip guide to help you plan.

More Australia Travel Tips

Need more inspiration for a trip to Australia? Here are some other helpful guides…

• 9 ways to experience the magic of Uluru
• 25 Outstanding National Parks in Australia
• 14 Best Road Trips in Australia
• 50 Stunning and Adventures Things to do in Queensland
• 50 Amazing Things to do in Western Australia
• 20 Places to Put on your Australian Bucket List
• 45 Things to know before visiting Australia
• How to visit the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
• How to Explore Kakadu National Park in the NT
• Road Trip from Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation
• 28 Sensational Things to do in Broome, WA

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Can you suggest any islands in Australia for a getaway? Please share in the comments below!

• Travel blog
• Top 10 winter activities in South Australia

Top winter activities in South Australia

24 APR 2024

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Forget binging on Netflix this winter. Binge on adventure. 

From hiking ancient landscapes in the outback , to discovering underwater worlds and hunting ghosts on the Limestone Coast , there’s no need to hibernate in South Australia come cool weather. Warm up with our top once-in-a-lifetime South Australian adventures best experienced on a crisp winter’s day.  

1. Swim with giant cuttlefish, Yorke Peninsula 

Discover the 'chameleons of the sea' on an underwater adventure like no other. Each year between May and August, hundreds of giant Australian cuttlefish migrate along the coast of the Eyre Peninsula, creating a one-of-a-kind natural spectacle in the waters surrounding Whyalla . These extraordinary creatures are famous for their ability to change colour and pattern as they swim, creating an underwater light show like no other. Swim alongside these gentle giants on a snorkelling tour , or observe the gentle giants on a glass-bottomed boat tour.

2. Heli-camping Experience, Flinders Ranges and Outback

Imagine being flown to your own secluded campsite perched above the Flinders Ranges . Discover the beauty of the outback from the air with an epic overnight Heli Camping experience with Rawnsley Park Station . Jump into the passenger seat of your own private helicopter and enjoy views over Rawnsley Bluff and Wilpena Pound before landing at your camp spot on the Chace Range. Watch the setting sun and marvel at the constellations above, before tucking into a two-course meal around the campfire and falling asleep under a blanket of stars.

3. Shark cage diving, Eyre Peninsula 

Only in South Australia could you come face-to-tooth with one of the world’s most impressive apex predators. The turquoise waters off the Eyre Peninsula  are the only place in Australia you can (safely) dive into the deep with Great White Sharks. The most iconic shark species in the world, Great Whites can grow up to seven metres long, weigh more than 3000 kilograms and reach speeds of up to 32kph, making for unforgettable encounters… from the safety of an impenetrable steel cage!

In fact, it was in South Australia that the very first shark cage expedition took place when shark attack survivor-turned-researcher Rodney Fox was recruited in 1976 by the producers of JAWS to use his custom-built cage to film live footage for the movie. Now, the pristine waters off the coast of  Port Lincoln  are one of only two places in the world you can shark cage dive with Great Whites. Jump on board a full day boat charter from Port Lincoln with  Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions  or  Calypso Star Charters  and explore locations otherwise inaccessible, where Great Whites are abundant. Wildlife lovers will also appreciate that each operators is eco-certified.

4. River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve, Murray River Lakes and Coorong

A sea of stars will welcome you to the darkest, clearest skies in South Australia at the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve. Tucked just 90 minutes’ drive from Adelaide on the banks of the Murray River, starry solitude awaits stargazers with low rainfall, clear skies and virtually no light pollution creating the perfect conditions to explore the cosmos. The only official Dark Sky Reserve in Australia and one of only 15 worldwide, you won’t find a better place to settle in for a slumber party with the stars. The best way to understand what part of the universe you are actually marveling at is to jump in a chauffeured vehicle with  Juggle House Tours  or book a  dark sky night tour  with Big Bend. Alternatively, take a self-guided stargazing tour. Head out before sunset and drive towards the quaint riverside town of  Swan Reach. The road is dotted with a number of parking areas and viewpoints that you can pull up at, set up your blanket on the hood of your car and catch the night show. Check out our guide to the best places to go stargazing in South Australia .

5. ARKAROOLA RIDGETOP TOUR, FLINDERS RANGES AND OUTBACK

Wander off the beaten path and explore ancient Arkaroola in an open-top four-wheel drive on a Ridgetop Tour. Uncover some of the most breathtaking rugged country on earth as you traverse  Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary  where granite mountains and golden Spinifex-covered hillsides give way to a breathtaking view across the Freeling Heights, Lake Frome and desert beyond. Stop for morning tea with a view on Streitberg Ridge and soak in the 360-degree panorama of the outback. Not your average commute.

6. ARKABA WALK, FLINDERS RANGES AND OUTBACK

Swap your ugg boots for hiking boots and experience the rugged beauty of the Flinders Ranges on a three-day walking tour through some of Australia’s most breathtaking bushland. Traversing Wilpena Pound and 60,000 acres of private wildlife conservancy,  the Arkaba Walk  takes in some of the most spectacular scenery from rugged mountain ranges, to dramatic gorges and of course the ancient ramparts of Wilpena Pound. Learn about the ancient indigenous culture of the area and the unique geology, flora and fauna of the outback. Fall asleep under the stars in your cosy swag camp and wake up to jaw-dropping views. Kick back in luxury on the final night at the beautifully restored Arkaba homestead.

7. Ghost Mushroom Lane, Limestone Coast

It’s the most exclusive lightshow in South Australia and fungi are the headline act. Rug up, grab your torch and go ghost hunting on the Limestone Coast as the unearthly green glow of Ghost Mushrooms illuminate Glencoe pine forest. A result of a chemical reaction between fungal enzymes and oxygen, Ghost Mushrooms typically emerge after late autumn rains, with the glow in the dark phenomena lasting for just a few magical weeks a year, generally during May and June. Best of all? Access to Ghost Mushroom Lane, about 16km outside of Mount Gambier, is totally free. 

8. Dalhousie Springs, Witjira National Park

South Australia's version of an outback oasis. Watch the steam and mist mingle and rise from the glassy surface of this desert swimming pool - located 900 kilometres north west of Port Augusta. Sitting flush on the edge of the Simpson Desert is Witjira National Park, that boasts over 120 mound springs - including the National Heritage listed Dalhousie Springs . The springs have been used for thousands of years by the traditional owners of the land as a source of food, shelter and medicine. No matter what time of year it is, the springs remain a balmy 37 degrees - with the main pool open to swimmers. 

9. Arkaroola Astronomy Tour, Flinders Ranges and Outback

Deep in the South Australian desert lays Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary: a fully accredited ecotourism hot spot known for its incredible stargazing and astronomy tours. Famed as having some of the Southern Hemisphere’s clearest skies and home to one of Australia’s largest privately owned Astronomical Observatories, Arkaroola has front row seats to the most spectacular lightshow on earth. Jump on a tour at the observatory for a close-up look at distant galaxies using impressive professional telescopes. Winter makes for the best star gazing with longer nights and mostly cloud free conditions, so rug up and prepare to marvel at the Milky Way.

10. Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens, Adelaide Hills

From waterfalls to wildlife, the cooler months are the perfect time to head for the Adelaide Hills and explore Mount Lofty Botanic Garden ’s 97 hectares of lush, green paradise. With meandering paths through some of South Australia’s most beautiful and diverse plant-life, flowing streams and camellias in full bloom, you’ll be walking in a winter wonderland bursting with the colours of autumn. 

11. Kilsby Sinkhole, Limestone Coast

Tucked away beneath a rural farming property 15 minutes outside Mount Gambier lies a magical underwater world. The Limestone Coast’s Kilsby Sinkhole is world-renowned as one of the best sinkhole dive sites, with crystal clear water and breathtaking visibility. Jump on a scuba diving, snorkelling or site tour and explore this serene underwater wonder with a qualified guide. While you’re there, be sure to taste the other local miracle, Sinkhole Gin, produced from crystal clear limestone-filtered water and local native botanicals.

See more of South Australia this winter...

Embrace the best winter activities and experiences South Australia has to offer and check out our tips for the comfiest winter hideaways .

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News Center > Thought Leadership

Nielsen data reveals australia’s top travel trends and the brands spending big to attract aussie tourists, 4 minute read | april 2024.

• Industry’s biggest ad spenders revealed as travel marketing budgets jump 8% quarter-on-quarter
• Top local and overseas destinations revealed
• Most popular Aussie travel websites
• The winners and losers of the frequent flyer war

Sydney – April 30 , 2024 – As many Australians return from a much-needed retreat over the recent school holiday break, millions are already planning their next getaway, embracing travel rewards schemes, while being wooed by travel brands spending millions to get their business.

Nielsen Consumer & Media View (CMV) data shows that 76% of Aussies plan on travelling domestically in the next 12 months, while more than half (52%) have their eye on an overseas destination.

Top domestic destinations

Younger Aussies (25 to 39) are the most likely to be bitten by the domestic travel bug, with 78% planning to holiday locally in the next 12 months. Sydney narrowly beats Melbourne as the preferred place to visit, followed by The Gold Coast, Regional NSW, then Brisbane.

Top overseas destinations

The even younger 18 to 24 age group are the most likely to travel overseas, with 58% planning to travel abroad in the coming year. The UK tops the list of desired OS destinations, followed by New Zealand, Japan, The USA and Indonesia.

While most Aussies are looking for a beach getaway when it comes to staying close to home, they prefer a trip involving plenty of sightseeing, followed by some rest and relaxation, once they leave the country.

Top travel websites

Data from Nielsen Digital Content Ratings (DCR) saw Qantas claim top spot when it comes to travel websites, followed by Trip Advisor with 5.82 million and 5.02 million users respectively in Q1 of this year. Booking Holdings Network was the third-largest platform in terms of users with 2.5 million.

Average user engagement time on most travel platforms was also consistent from Q4 2023 to Q1 2024, although Royal Caribbean Cruises and  Anytrip.com.au  led the pack. On average, Royal Caribbean users spent roughly 29 minutes interacting with the platform, while Anytrip users spent almost 27 minutes on the platform.

Top frequent flyer programs

The number of Australians who are members of a frequent flyer program also increased, with 57% of all Australian consumers now part of some sort of travel rewards scheme. Qantas remains the market leader with a 45% share of the market, followed by Virgin (31%), and other smaller players making up the remaining 24%.

Top travel advertisers

In addition, Nielsen Ad Intel data also shows that the travel and tourism industry spent more than $153 million on advertising in Australia in Q1, 2024 – an increase of 8% from the previous quarter, with TripADeal the biggest spender, followed by Virgin Australia, then the Flight Centre-owned Ignite Travel. 

Nielsen Ad Intel’s Australia Commercial Lead, Rose Lopreiato, said: “Australians’ love of travel continues to defy cost of living pressures, as shown by an 8% jump in travel ad spend this quarter. You can’t get a stronger indicator than that when it comes to how marketers and advertisers are spending in order to maximise ROI, forge lasting connections with brands and consumers, and do so in the most economical way possible. From competitive ad spend analysis, to knowing what your competitors are saying in market and the deals and offers you’re up against, Ad Intel helps you understand which ads are driving your competitors spend and where”.

Glenn Channel, Nielsen’s Pacific Head of Advanced Analytics added: “More than ever, brands need data that gives them the edge on their competition. That means going above standard demographic information, and understanding consumers, in this case travellers, as unique groups, who are motivated by more than just the urge to get away. Nielsen CMV enables brands to see consumers through an advanced audience lens, delivering a more holistic picture of behaviours and preferences with surprising linkages and purchase triggers that other consumer insight providers can’t match.”

About Nielsen

Nielsen shapes the world’s media and content as a global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics. Through our understanding of people and their behaviours across all channels and platforms, we empower our clients with independent and actionable intelligence so they can connect and engage with their audiences – now and into the future. Nielsen operates around the world in more than 55 countries. 

Learn more at www.nielsen.com and connect with us on social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram). 

Media Contact

Dan Chapman Assoc. Director, Communications, Nielsen APAC [email protected] +61 404 088 462

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Australia urges Israel and Iran to avoid ‘spiral of violence’; Dfat issues Middle East travel advice – as it happened

This blog is now closed.

• Australia ‘extremely concerned’ after Israeli airstrikes on Iran confirmed by US
• Nine-year-old among four killed in car crash in Western Australia
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails , free app or daily news podcast
• 19 Apr 2024 What we learned, Friday 19 April
• 19 Apr 2024 Australia urges Israel and Iran to 'step back'
• 19 Apr 2024 Dfat issues travel advice amid reports of explosions across the Middle East
• 19 Apr 2024 Fire ants spotted near tip of Murray Darling Basin
• 19 Apr 2024 Stocks, Aussie dollar sink after reports of explosions in Iran
• 19 Apr 2024 Greens on Israeli missiles launched at Iran: ‘This must not become our next war beside the US’
• 19 Apr 2024 Non-citizens may prefer prison to immigration detention – ombudsman
• 19 Apr 2024 Boy, aged 9, among four killed in WA car crash
• 19 Apr 2024 Greens yet to take position on bill banning non-prescription vapes
• 19 Apr 2024 Samantha Ratnam to step down as leader of Victorian Greens for federal tilt
• 19 Apr 2024 Disability and mental health check for accused terror teenager
• 19 Apr 2024 Opposition leader says Palestinian state alongside Israel not ‘conceivable’ until Hamas defeated
• 19 Apr 2024 Youth on welfare ‘pushed’ into homelessness, report shows
• 19 Apr 2024 Young people concerned government isn't planning for the long-term, thinktank says
• 19 Apr 2024 Canavan declares ‘king coal’s reign continues’ as climate crisis continues to worsen
• 19 Apr 2024 Civil liberties council ‘concerned’ by push for tougher penalties on parents if children found with knives
• 19 Apr 2024 AFP commissioner outlines facts of Wakeley stabbing case, calls for unity
• 19 Apr 2024 Shorten suggests ‘more soldiers and police officers’ should be patrolling shopping centres
• 18 Apr 2024 Planned surgery wait times longest on record, medical association says
• 18 Apr 2024 Joint Jewish, Muslim and Christian statement released following recent tensions and violence
• 18 Apr 2024 Alleged offender in Wakeley church stabbing to face bedside court
• 18 Apr 2024 Violence against women a ‘scourge’ that is ‘perpetrated by men’, attorney-general says
• 18 Apr 2024 First navy officers assigned to US Virginia class submarines
• 18 Apr 2024 Good morning
• 18 Apr 2024 Bondi Junction Westfield to reopen for trade after stabbings
• 18 Apr 2024 Welcome

Australia urges Israel and Iran to 'step back'

The Australian government has urged Iran and Israel to “exercise restraint and step back to avoid a further spiral of violence”.

In response for a request for comment on Israel’s reported retaliatory military actions against Iran, the acting foreign minister, Katy Gallagher , said:

Australia remains extremely concerned about the potential for miscalculation and further escalation of conflict in the region. This is in no one’s interests. We urge all parties to exercise restraint and step back to avoid a further spiral of violence . Australia will continue working with partners to try to reduce tensions and prevent further regional spillover.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade had earlier updated travel advice for the region.

What we learned, Friday 19 April

And with that, we are going to put the blog to bed. Before we go, let’s recap some of the big headlines.

Bondi Junction Westfield will reopen for trade after last weekend’s stabbings

The first Australian navy officers have been assigned to US Virginia class submarines

Violence against women is a ‘scourge’ that is ‘perpetrated by men’, the attorney general, Mark Dreyfus , said

The alleged offender in the Wakeley church stabbing faced a bedside court hearing

Jewish, Muslim and Christian leaders released a joint statement following recent tensions and violence

Planned surgery wait times in public hospitals are now the longest on record, according to new data from the Australian Medical Association

Bill Shorten suggested ‘more soldiers and police officers’ should be patrolling shopping centres

The AFP commissioner, Reece Kershaw, outlined the facts of the Wakeley stabbing case and called for unity

The civil liberties council is ‘concerned’ by a push for tougher penalties on parents whose children are found with knives

Nationals senator Matt Canavan declared ‘king coal’s reign continues’ as the climate crisis continues to worsen

A think tank says young are people concerned government isn’t planning for the long term

Teenagers who rely on welfare to pay rent are being pushed towards homelessness, a new report shows

Peter Dutton has given a speech saying the idea of a Palestinian state alongside Israel “isn’t even conceivable” until after Hamas is defeated

The 16-year-old alleged Wakeley terrorist has shown behaviour consistent with mental illness or intellectual disability , his lawyer told a court today

Samantha Ratnam will step down as the leader of the Victorian Greens to run for the federal seat of Wills

The Greens say they are yet to take position on a bill banning non-prescription vapes

A boy, aged 9, was among four killed in a car crash in the WA Wheatbelt

The commonwealth ombudsman has warned non-citizens may prefer prison to immigration detention

The Greens say Israeli missiles launched at Iran ‘must not become our next war beside the US’

Stocks and the Aussie dollar sank after reports of explosions in Iran

Fire ants were spotted near the tip of the Murray Darling Basin

Dfat issues travel advice amid reports of explosions across the Middle East

Thank you for spending part of your day with us. We will be back tomorrow to do it all again!

Traditional owners welcome plan to stop visitors walking on Kathi Thanda-Lake Eyre without permission

Visitors will no longer be able to set foot on one of Australia’s premier tourist destinations under a proposed plan to protect its cultural significance for traditional owners, AAP has reported.

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is the continent’s largest lake. Swimming, driving, boating and landing aircraft on the lake are already banned, but the new plan would prevent visitors from setting foot on its bed without permission.

It is a sacred site for the Arabana people, who have lived in the region for millennia and are the lake’s native title holders.

The Arabana Aboriginal Corporation chairwoman, Bronwyn Dodd, said her people were proud to share Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre but urged visitors to respect their Ularaka (stories), lore and culture:

We have a responsibility to look after the lake and in turn, it looks after us. Preservation of this lake is also the preservation of our culture.

Attorney general calls on men to ‘step up’ against family violence

Echoing the words of anti-family violence campaigner Rosie Batty , the attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, has called on men in Australia to “step up” and stamp out attacks on women, AAP has reported.

In a speech to the family violence symposium held by the federal circuit and family court in Melbourne on Friday, Dreyfus likened the death of more than 25 women this year to an epidemic.

Dreyfus noted the event was being held against the backdrop of “shocking acts of violence against women” just days after five women were stabbed to death at a Bondi Junction shopping centre, and several women were killed in Ballarat in two months. More than 25 women have been killed in Australia so far this year.

“It’s time for men to step up,” he said. “It’s our responsibility to educate ourselves, our sons, our colleagues and our friends.”

New TikTok Notes app to be banned on Australian government devices

Federal government employees will not be allowed to install the new TikTok app that is the Chinese-owned company’s answer to Instagram, with the existing ban extended to Notes.

On Thursday, TikTok launched Notes , an app dedicated to still images and text in Australia and Canada for initial testing before a wider rollout.

It came a year after the Australian government banned the main TikTok app from government devices, saying the app “poses significant security and privacy risks to non-corporate Commonwealth entities arising from extensive collection of user data and exposure to extrajudicial directions from a foreign government that conflict with Australian law”.

On Friday, the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that the existing ban would also apply to Notes.

A spokesperson said:

Protective Security Policy Framework Direction 001-2023 addresses the significant security and privacy risks arising from the TikTok application’s extensive collection of user data and its exposure to extra-judicial directives by a foreign government that conflict with Australian law. The direction extends to TikTok accounts and features subsequently added to the TikTok application, including the photo-sharing capability of TikTok Notes.

Broken Hill newspaper the Barrier Truth announces shock closure

Broken Hill’s independently owned newspaper, the Barrier Truth , has announced its shock closure, AAP has reported.

After almost 130 years in operation, the Truth’s board announced to staff the union-run bi-weekly paper would be shut down as its final edition went to press.

The Barrier Industrial Council president and newspaper board chair, Roslyn Ferry, told AAP the masthead had closed until further notice.

The board planned to seek legal and financial support following the closure, she said.

“It probably comes as no surprise that maintaining operations, particularly over the past 12 months, has been extremely challenging,” Ms Ferry said in a statement.

Woodside revenue falls 31% in first quarter due to sluggish production and falling prices

Sluggish production and falling fossil fuel prices have slashed revenues at Australia’s largest oil and gas producer, Woodside , by almost a third, AAP has reported.

The Perth-based company’s revenue for the first quarter fell 31% compared with the previous year to $US2.97 billion ($A4.66 billion), it announced on Friday.

Over the same period, production dropped by 4% while gas and oil prices slumped by 25%.

Despite the lacklustre result, the chief executive, Meg O’Neill , said significant progress had been made on Woodside’s three major growth projects – Sangomar in Senegal, Scarborough in WA and Trion in the Gulf of Mexico.

Sangomar is now 96% complete, with first oil targeted by mid-2024, O’Neill said.

Electric cars must generate artificial noises under new laws

Electric cars sold in Australia will have to generate artificial noises when driving slowly in carparks and driveways, to aid pedestrian safety around the otherwise quieter vehicles, as part of design requirements unveiled by the Albanese government on Friday.

Acoustic vehicle alerting systems (Avas) will be required in new electric, hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell cars, trucks and buses from November 2025, under the new Australian design rule that brings the country into line with similar requirements in the United States and Europe.

When an electric car travels above 30km/h, it sounds much the same as a petrol-driven vehicle, as the noise is emitted from the tyres vibrating against the road rather than the engine. But below that speed, it becomes barely audible.

This can make encountering the vehicles more dangerous for pedestrians, particularly people with low vision. The new design rules are expected to prevent 68 fatalities and 2,675 serious injuries by 2060.

Vision Australia ’s manager of advocacy Chris Edwards said the group had been calling for Avas to be made mandatory in EVs in Australia since 2018.

Edwards said:

All pedestrians should have the right to feel safe and confident when navigating public spaces and today’s announcement is a significant step towards protecting that for people who are blind or have low vision. There is no doubt that this is an announcement that will save lives.

Manufacturers will ultimately get to decide what artificial noises they will feature. BMW has previously hired Hans Zimmer to help score their electric car sound. My colleague Jordyn Beazley has previously covered the question of what electric vehicles should sound like here:

$60m digital passenger declaration app experienced delays, end product ‘inflexible’, home affairs tells inquiry

The department’s acting chief information officer, Matt Jones , added the digital passenger declaration app – which was supposed to be the first step toward overhauling and digitising Australia’s travel and visa system – was also inflexible.

Labor chair, Julian Hill , asked what the department received from Accenture over its $60m contract before it was terminated prematurely: “So, [Accenture] built an app?”

Jones responded:

“Yeah, and a very hard-wired app, so if we wanted to change questions around, for example, health status, it was going to take weeks and weeks and weeks whereas our expectations and the requirements in the tender was that it was supposed to be configurable.”

Home affairs grilled over Covid-era passenger declaration app that operated for only 3 months

Officials from the home affairs department have been grilled by a parliamentary joint committee over their contract with IT company, Accenture , to build a $60m digital passenger declaration app for border re-openings that operated for just three months.

The department’s involvement in signing the contract with the IT firm back in September 2021 was the subject of a scathing report from the Australian national audit office , which found the department undermined its attempts to achieve value for money and did not adequately deal with conflict of interest issues.

The app, which asked incoming passengers to Australia for their health and vaccination status, launched in March 2022 but was ultimately dumped in July 2022 by home affairs minister, Clare O’Neil , after Labor took up government.

First assistant secretary, Claire Roennfeldt , told the hearing the contract with Accenture was “mutually” terminated due to a change in biosecurity laws but also spoke at length of how the IT firm failed to deliver on expectations and experienced ongoing delays.

Few women among election candidates in Solomon Islands as counting continues

Which 50 Solomon Islanders will make up the next government remains in doubt, but one thing is clear: few will be women.

The Pacific nation, where rapidly deepening ties with China have grabbed international headlines, held its biggest election day on Wednesday, with 1200 candidates running for seats in national and local parliaments.

Counting is expected to continue in earnest on Friday with a few surprises among the early results already declared.

Martin Fini, the pro-China leader of the country’s most populous province, was confirmed to have lost his seat a year after coming to power in Malaita in controversial circumstances .

But few victors across the country will be women, having made up a paltry 5% of candidates in the joint elections.

WA police call for witnesses after fatal Clackline crash

Police have asked anyone who might have seen the car to get in contact:

What I will ask is if anyone was on the road in the early hours or late evening yesterday or the early hours of this morning, if they did witness anything or did see a silver Nissan Navara utility travelling down that road, or have dashcam, if they could please contact Crime Stoppers. It’s really important that I remind people of the fundamentals of driving on our roads, particularly in regional WA. Do not drive tired, do not drink and drive or use drugs and drive. If you’re driving particularly long distances in the dark, in remote locations, you take suitable rest periods and respite periods, wear your seatbelt, and please do not touch your phones at all.

‘Three brothers and their family friend’ killed in Wheatbelt car crash, police confirm

A WA police spokesperson is speaking to media now:

When you lose three young men, three brothers and their family friend in one crash, this is a heartbreaking incident for WA. I attended the scene this morning and as you can imagine, it was a very confronting scene for first responders, to attend and, investigate.

He said the 21-year-old man was the driver, his two brothers aged 19 and 9 were in the back seat and their family friend, 45, was in the passenger seat.

All four occupants sustained critical injuries and they died at the scene. Major crash investigations have attended and they are conducting an investigation surrounding the circumstances of that death.

Police in Perth will give an update on the fatal crash soon . I will bring you that when it comes.

Many thanks for your company on the blog today. The lovely Cait Kelly will be here to take you through the rest of our rolling coverage. Take care, and enjoy your weekend.

The Bureau of Meteorology has shared a national weather forecast for the weekend ahead. Heads up for those on the east coast: don’t forget your umbrellas!

Here's what to expect across Australia over the weekend, including rain & thunderstorms in south-east #Qld & parts of #NSW , but mostly settled conditions elsewhere. Video current as of 12:30 pm AEST, Friday 19 April 2024. Latest: https://t.co/jlOoTZLz8d pic.twitter.com/d1WSSXiUqc — Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) April 19, 2024

Ahpra survey shows culture of bullying in trainee doctors

Non-binary and women medical trainees around the nation have reported higher experiences of bullying and mistreatment, AAP reports.

Serious concerns about the culture of medicine were raised by trainee doctors of all genders in the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency survey of more than 23,000 doctors in training in 2023.

Those who identify as non-binary reported the most instances of bullying, harassment, discrimination and/or racism.

16% of non-binary respondents disagreed that bullying, harassment and discrimination is not tolerated by anyone in the workplace.

Some 32% of female respondents witnessed bullying, harassment, discrimination or racism in the past year, while 58% of non-binary respondents said the same.

Female trainees also reported more workplace bullying and mistreatment than their male counterparts.

The Ahpra board chair said the culture of medical training needed ongoing attention. Anne Tonkin said in the December 2023 report:

In such a complex system of shared accountabilities and responsibilities, there is no quick fix. The urgent need for ongoing commitment to building a culture of respect in medicine and medical training remains.

More than 18,000 participants answered a question about their gender, with more than 9000 trainees identifying as female, 8000 as male and 67 as non-binary.

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