Australia Travel Guide

What is Australia known for?

Australia is known for its expansive and varied landscapes, including the Outback, the Red Centre, major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, beautiful beaches and the Great Barrier Reef.

Aboriginal culture is an important part of Australia’s past and present. The country is also known for distinctive wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, wallabies and wombats, along with national parks, tropical rainforests, islands and wine regions.

What are the best places to visit in Australia?

The best destinations depend on the amount of time available and whether the itinerary prioritizes major cities, beaches, reefs, wildlife, road trips or Outback landscapes.

• Sydney for its harbor, Opera House, Harbour Bridge and beaches
• Melbourne for culture, restaurants, street art and the Great Ocean Road
• Cairns for the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest
• Uluru for Red Centre landscapes and Aboriginal cultural heritage
• Blue Mountains for dramatic cliffs, forests and outdoor scenery
• Margaret River for wine, food, beaches and regional touring

How many days should I spend in Australia?

Approximately 7-10 days can work for a focused itinerary combining several major destinations. Because Australia is extremely large, longer trips are advisable when combining cities on different coasts, tropical Queensland and the Red Centre.

Tripmasters itineraries are customizable, allowing travelers to select the number of nights, hotels, transportation and activities included in each destination.

What is the best way to get around Australia?

Australia’s large geographic size makes transportation an important part of itinerary planning. Domestic flights are practical for long distances, while trains, buses and rental cars provide alternatives for regional travel.

What should I know about driving in Australia?

Australia drives on the left-hand side of the road and vehicles normally have the steering wheel on the right-hand side. Driving can be useful outside the major cities, particularly for scenic routes and regional areas.

• Drive on the left-hand side of the road
• Distances are measured in kilometers
• Major cities can have traffic, toll roads and expensive parking
• Remote routes require careful fuel, food and water planning
• Wildlife can be a hazard on rural roads, especially around dawn and dusk
• Emergency services can be reached by dialing 000

What currency is used in Australia?

The Australian dollar, abbreviated AU$, is the official currency of Australia. ATMs are widespread in major cities but can be more limited in remote towns and Outback regions.

When is the best time to visit Australia?

Australia’s seasons are opposite those in the Northern Hemisphere, with summer from December through February, autumn from March through May, winter from June through August and spring from September through November.

Conditions vary considerably between the tropical north, southern cities, coastal regions and the interior, so the best travel period depends on which destinations are included in the itinerary.

Is tipping customary in Australia?

Tipping is not mandatory in Australia. Travelers may voluntarily leave a gratuity when they receive particularly good service, but it should generally be treated as optional.

Should I use U.S. dollars or Australian dollars?

Australia uses the Australian dollar, abbreviated AU$. Travelers should normally pay in Australian dollars or by payment card rather than expecting U.S. dollars to be accepted.

It is perfectly acceptable not to leave a tip. Gratuities should be treated as optional recognition of good service rather than an obligation.