Australia – Travel Guide
Explore Australia, a land of diverse landscapes and unique wildlife, from the bustling streets of Sydney to the rugged Outback. Delight in authentic cuisine, savoring traditional dishes like meat pies and pavlova, infused with local flavors. Immerse yourself in history at iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Uluru. Marvel at the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient rainforests of Daintree National Park. Experience the laid-back Aussie lifestyle in the coastal towns of Byron Bay and the cultural hubs of Melbourne. Australia invites you to discover its rich heritage and breathtaking scenery, promising an unforgettable journey down under.
All about Australia
Australia FAQ
What is Australia known for?
The expansive and varied terrain of Australia is filled with a variety of locations including the sprawling Outback, gorgeous beaches like Bondi, the arid Red Center desert, mega-metropolis cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth and the mesmerizing Great Barrier Reef. Summer begins in Australia when its wintertime in Europe making it a popular holiday destination to absorb the sand, sun, and sea. There are many famous locations, sights, and attractions spread throughout Australia including natural wonders, famous landmarks, unusual animals, and wineries. Aboriginal culture is a huge part of Australias past and present with guided walks through the massive Mossman Gorge with indigenous guides and Aboriginal rock art found in the fascinating Uluru.
Beaches are abundant and Australia features some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world, Whitehaven Beach is truly mesmerizing with soft white powdery sand and stunning turquoise waters, its a picturesque location. Bondi Beach is a must-see when visiting stunning Sydney for surfing and sunbathing and swimming in the lagoon. Islands are also abundant with spots like Kangaroo Island great for nature lovers and seafood eaters, Fraser Island is the worlds largest sand island boasting freshwater lakes and massive sand dunes. Wildlife in Australia is amazing with cuddly koalas, bounding kangaroos, iconic wallabies and wombats, and whales. Escape to the Mountains at the breathtaking Blue Mountains National Park with soaring cliffs and deep canyons surrounded by lush verdant eucalypt forests. Take winery tours to Margaret River boasting over 150 cellar doors with fine dining and stunning beach views.
What are the best places to visit in Australia?
Sydney is the oldest, largest and most famous harbor city with the iconic Sydney Opera House and its white sails and the Sydney Tower which can be ascended by 1504 steps to the top and a famous climb to up the 442 foot high Harbor Bridge. Visit the mega metropolises multitude of theaters, museums, and art galleries or rock out at the many festivals. Melbourne is a stylish city rich in sports and culture, combining old and new architecture and vibrant street art it`s a great city to see. Melbourne is the gateway to Victoria providing dramatic coastlines, world-class wineries, and vast regional landscapes. Melbourne`s hidden laneways filled with amazing restaurants, rooftop bars, and some of the best shopping and nightlife in Australia. Cairns is an idyllic tropical locations on the Coral Sea and the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the stunning Daintree Rainforest. The city is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches, tropical turquoise waters, secluded private islands, rainforests, and reefs. Scuba diving and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef along with other water sports can be enjoyed in the waters off the coast of Cairns. The Sky rail Rainforest Cableway or the Scenic Railway to Kuranda is an experience everyone must try.
How many days should I spend in Australia?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Australia?
The vast nation of Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world, there are a few ways to travel within the country including internal flights which can be affordable, hiring and driving your own car which will allow you to explore the sprawling outback and remote areas like the famous Red Center, buses can be used for long-distance travel and long-distance trains.
By Car: Hiring your own car when visiting Australia is a great idea providing you the freedom and flexibility to get around the vast nation. Traveling by car will allow the opportunity to explore several states and road trips are a popular way to see the spectacular scenery and experience Australia. The country has a well maintained vast network of roads where some of the best road trips in the world can be enjoyed. Victoria`s Great Ocean Road is a popular route traveling along the stunning southeast coastline, and the Red Center is a fascinating drive across the arid desert. For more information on getting around by car, check out: Driving in Australia
By Train: Australia has long-distance train travel through TrainLink that is convenient, and affordable with services that run between Sydney and the regional centers of New South Wales along the coast to Melbourne, Brisbane, and Canberra. V-Line trains offer connections from Melbourne to other destinations such as Victoria, and then Queensland Rail covers Queensland, TransWA travels through Western Australia. There are some magnificent train journeys worth exploring in Australia including the famous Ghan which travels between Adelaide and Darwin, and the Indian Pacific with stops at major cities like Sydney.
By Bus:There is an extensive bus network in Australia which offers long-distance journeys around the country. Buses are reliable and affordable with most buses offering comfortable adjustable seats, air conditioning, toilets, and wifi on board. Greyhound is Australia national operator, a well-known name that runs in most states excluding South and Western Australia, they offer hop on, hop off passes for popular routes, short trip passes and flexible passes that cover the number of miles you wish to travel.
By Plane: Flying can be one of the best ways to get long distances in Australia, domestic airlines serve all of the capital cities and some regional cities too. Flights can be cheap and affordable if you book in advance.
What is the currency of Australia?
The Australian dollar (AU$) is the official currency of Australia. Cash can be exchanged at many local banks, hotels, and the airport. ATMs are widespread in the city but may be limited in more remote towns and the Outback.
Best time to visit Australia
Australia’s seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere, with Winter occurring between the months of June through August, Springtime from September to November.
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Summertime runs between December through February and Autumn is from March through May.
Some of the best months to visit the country are between April and August, which is low season, and traveling prices for accommodations and flights are at their lowest, along with comfortable cooler weather patterns.
Temperatures differ from the northern to southern states in Australia, with the north being the driest area, with hotter temperatures and humidity for most of the year, and the southern regions offer warm summers and cool winters.
The wintertime in Oz is the peak tourist season throughout most of the country, especially in the warmer northern regions. Peak season tends to run from Christmas time through to the end of January when accommodations are fully booked months in advance, and the locals are enjoying their Christmas break. The northern states experience high season from June until August when the weather is warmer in the north and southern residents travel to escape the colder temperatures. October through March is the hottest time of the year, along with high humidity and frequent rainstorms. The north is intensely hot during this time of year. However, this time of year is considered to be the country`s low season when travel costs are generally lower and less crowded, if you can stand the heat then traveling during the summer low season is perfect.
Cyclones can occur sometimes in Australia and are more common on the coast and in Cairns between November and May. In the west, cyclones can be more common in January and February.
January – March
When it is winter in the North American and Europe it is summertime in Australia when the country sees average temperatures in the upper 70`s. The northern regions can be very hot and humid during the summer with tropical thunderstorms occurring in the afternoon. The south enjoys pleasant warm days filled with sunshine with periodic afternoon thunderstorms. During this time of year, the country is filled with festivals and outdoor activities including Australia Day which is celebrated in January and many sporting events. The beaches are busy during the summer months and the water is perfect for swimming and diving. January can be extremely hot in most of the regions and summertime also brings peak season with sold out accommodations and busy or fully booked travel, such as airlines and rental cars.
Events and Festivals
-Australia Day – (January) – Nationwide celebration recognizing the First Fleet`s arrival in 1788 with fireworks and festivals.
-Sydney`s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras – (early March) – A huge festival with parades and live entertainment held in Sydney.
-Canberra Festival – (March) – Live music and art exhibits.
April – May
Visiting Australia from April through September is said to be one of the best times to see the country with average daily temperatures ranging from 66F – 88F with barely any rain. The summer crowds start thinning out and the weather is pleasant, making it the perfect time to travel around the country and see the different regions and visit the National Parks. Towards the end of the May, the temperatures in the south begin to drop with highs in the mid to upper 60`s and low 50`s at night. The days are still warm and sunny but the nights get cooler as the autumn colors begin the change. Ningaloo Reef is a great destination between April and June where visitors can take boat trips and swim with whale sharks. The north areas including Darwin and Cairns are still very hot from April to September as well as wet with the monsoon season.
Events and Festivals
-ANZAC Day – (April 25th) – Australia and New Zealand Army Corps Day recognize those who have served the nation during the wars.
-Good Friday – (Friday before Easter) – Observed on the first Friday after the full moon, usually a national holiday.
-Easter Monday – (Day after Easter Sunday) – National Holiday.
June – September
These months are considered to be Australia`s winter time, however, the northern regions still experience warm sunny days and mild temperatures which are perfect for exploring the beautiful outdoors. The southern temperatures tend to be more temperate during the winter and can be wet in some areas, the temperatures are still comfortable, making outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the rural regions, Uluru and Flinders Ranges perfect, at this time of year. Visiting the Great Barrier Reef in the winter provides perfect conditions for snorkeling with a gentle current. Diving visibility in the Coral Sea is best from June through September. Sydney`s winter weather consists of average temperatures between the mid 60`s to low 40`s, also the low season with plenty of accommodations and low travel costs.
Events and Festivals-Brisbane Festival – (September) – A festival in the city that takes place over a 3 week period with live music, theatre, and entertainment.
-Melbourne International Film Festival – (late July and August) – large film festival with other entertainment.
October – December
During October the temperatures and humidity start to creep back up and bring much-needed rainfall to the country, filling the Outback with stunning wildflowers. The northern regions can be very humid from October until March along with wetter weather. The rainforests and wetlands are spectacular during this time of year and it is the perfect time to be outdoors and see all of the wildlife in the National Park and along the coastal regions. This time of year in the south is great for walking, hiking and spotting wildlife with warm daily temperatures and cooler evenings. This is also a great time of year for visiting the many beautiful beaches along the coast of Australia with popular spots on the Gold Coast at Surfers Paradise and the famous Bondi Beach in Sydney. The Great Barrier Reef provides the best diving conditions from late August until early December. The holiday season brings lots of lights and decorations to the cities and small towns and the spectacular firework shows in the Sydney harbor for New Year`s Eve.
Events and Festivals
-Food and Wine Festival – (November) – A festival filled with food, wine, and festivities held along the Margaret River.
-Melbourne Cup Day – (1st Tuesday in November) – In Melbourne the most famous thoroughbred horse race, the `race that stops the nation` locals get dressed up and attend the races.
-Christmas Day – (December 25th) – Celebrated Nationwide, if Christmas falls on a weekend day the following Monday is declared a public holiday.
-Boxing Day – (December 26th) – Celebrated Nationwide, this British tradition once involved giving gifts. Today celebrated throughout Australia with sporting events, food and drinks.
-New Year`s Eve and New Years Day – (December 31st and January 1st) – Celebrated Nationwide with huge celebrations and fireworks show to ring in the New Year.
Tipping in Australia
This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
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Tipping in Australia
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use Aussie dollars?
The currnecy in Australia is the Australian dollar (referred to as the `Aussie` and abbreviated as `AU$`) US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your US dollars for Australian dollars upon arrival. In our culture we can put everything on credit and debit cards, however, in Australia you will find it useful to always keep a little cash on hand. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
Generally there are no service charges in Australia, but in some restaurants they may add a service charge if it is a national holiday or you are part of a large group. Always be sure to check your bill and determine if you want to leave a tip for good food or exceptional service. Tipping is not mandatory but the staff always appreciates it. Stick to the 10-15% rule, which is considered very generous. They do provide tip jars in some restaurants, cafes and pubs; if you desire, leave some small change in the jar.
Note: The service in Australia is a lot more laid back than in many other countries. Do not compare the service in restaurants to what you would expect in America. The staff is not being rude it is just part of the Aussie characteristics. If you receive bad service you can politely reach out to a manager.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
Tipping in hotels is considered a kind gesture but is not expected. The bellman or porter at your hotel will not expect a tip, but are generally pleased with AU$2 per bag in more expensive hotels. Housekeeping will not accept a tip nor will the concierge.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
Tipping drivers is unusual, but appreciated, especially if they help you with your luggage or provide you with useful information about getting around the city. Most commonly rounding the fare to the nearest dollar or letting the driver `keep the change` is a common courtesy and is also a convenience for both the passenger and driver. If you have hired a private driver you can leave AU$25 – $50. If they went above and beyond you can always tip more.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
Tipping tour guides is very much appreciated but not expected. Common practice is in the range of AU$5 – $10 for a bus guide, AU$25 – $50 for a private guide
Miscellaneous: Is there anyone I should tip that I would not normally?
Other Services: In the event that you are in Australia for a special occasion (wedding, honeymoon, etc) and employ the services of a hairdresser, make-up artist, personal shopper or spa services (which are usually all-inclusive and do not require additional gratuity) use your best judgment in tipping. Factor in the cost and quality of service and, as a general rule, stay in the 10% – 15% range.
Final Thoughts:
Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. This is also true for hotel staff, however if you should encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.
When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.
Driving in Australia
In Australia driving is on the left-hand side of the road and the steering wheel is on the right-hand side, which brings a significant change for travelers.
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Australia is a vast country, as large as the continental USA with plenty of wide-open spaces to explore and many destinations that can be reached by car.
Having your own vehicle here is the ultimate way to see the country and explore the vast outback and natural scenery.
Having your own vehicle when traveling to Australia is a good idea when you plan to explore the major cities. The larger cities such as Sydney and Melbourne offer a vast variety of public transportation, the cities can be heavily congested with traffic, so it is best to rent a car for a period of time where you can travel and visit other destinations outside of the city. However, it is not difficult to drive between cities with the use of Highway 1, which skirts the entire country and connects all the major cities.
Driving in Australia does take a little getting used to, one of the most notable differences being everything is reversed, with driving on the left-hand side. This does make left-hand turns easy, but the right lane in Australia is the fast lane and at roundabouts, you have to give way to the right (not the left).
Documents
Driver`s License
Travelers who are visiting Australia are able to drive with a foreign license for three months, as long as the license is in English, if not then a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) from the country you reside in will need to be obtained.
The laws can be different in every state and territory of Australia, be sure to research the rules for driving and licensing before your visit. Insurance
You also need to have valid insurance and all documents relating to the car (certified copies are OK). You should check with your insurance agent to see if you have coverage while renting a vehicle in Australia. It is also a good idea to check with the credit card company that you are using to pay for the rental car to see if they offer insurance protection at no additional cost. Glasses
People who wear glasses must carry a spare pair in the car at all times. Child Safety Seat
The laws in Australia requires children under the age of 7 to be properly restrained in a child passenger restraint system which meets the federal motor vehicle safety standards. Child seats are available at the airport rental locations and offsite rental locations for an additional daily fee. GPS
GPS Navigation devices are available at airport rental locations and most off-site locations for an additional daily fee. Other
Fire extinguisher (recommended)
First-aid kit (recommended)
The emergency services can be accessed by calling 000.
Parking
If you are driving in the major cities in Australia, parking and driving can be difficult, especially in the CBD (Central Business Districts) and major tourist areas. There are parking garages in the city centers that operate on an hourly basis as well as on-street parking, both with payable fees. Parking is clearly signposted and shows the maximum time you can park there and at what times the fees apply. On street parking might be available in residential areas, you will need to walk to your destination but the parking there might be free. It is always a good idea to leave your car outside of the bustling city centers and hop on public transportation, which is offered in abundance in the major cities.
General Rules
Drinking and Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Australia. The blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.05% in Australia. We recommend not drinking at all if you are driving in Australia, police will conduct random breathalyzer tests on major routes and city streets and drivers can be pulled over for no reason. GPS
It is a good idea to have a GPS navigation system when renting a car in Australia. The vast size of the country and congested roads in the cities can make it difficult for a first-time driver to navigate. A GPS system can also help drivers that are not used to driving on the left-hand side of the road. Cell Phones
It is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone when driving in Australia. Drivers cannot make or receive calls (unless using Bluetooth or hands-free), texting, browsing the web or playing games on a cell phone or any other handheld device. Seat Belts
All drivers and passengers in a vehicle are required by law to wear a seat belt in Australia. It is the driver`s responsibility to ensure all passengers are buckled safely by a seat belt. The driver will be fined ($250 and upwards) if anyone is caught not wearing a seatbelt. Accidents
If you are involved in a minor accident you and the other driver can sort it out yourselves. If you are involved in an accident involving injury or death, the police and appropriate emergency authorities should be contacted. You can reach the emergency services by dialing 000 in Australia, or dial 112, the GSM standard emergency number.
Gas Stations
In Australia, gas is called petrol and it is sold by the liter in both unleaded and lead forms. The price of petrol in major cities can fluctuate on a daily basis and gas stations can be found just about everywhere in the city, and most are self-service (you cannot pay at the pump). In the outback and outside of the major cities petrol stations can be more sparse (none available for over 60 miles) and also have fluctuating hours. There are long stretches of roads in Australia that will not have petrol stations for miles, so it is important to fuel up before taking a trip on a long road, also these service stations may be closed late at night.
Speed Limits
In Australia, distance and speed are measured using kilometers on the metric system. Speed limits are clearly signposted on Australian roads and strictly enforced. Generally, the speed limit in urban areas is 50km/h (30 mph) and on dual carriageways, the speed limit is 110km/h (68mph). Exceeding the speed limit by any amount in Australia will bring hefty fines to the driver. There are speed cameras and police everywhere. Special limits apply in school and hospital zones and speed limits vary between different states.
All of the states and territories in Australia use speed cameras, some of which are hidden. The city of Victoria is one of the strictest states for speeding. Speed cameras can be installed in unmarked vehicles or fixed overhead locations and point to point fixed cameras on the Hume Freeway north of Melbourne. If you incur a speeding violation while driving a rental car in Australia, these notices are sent to overseas addresses. The rental car companies may also charge an additional fee if speeding fines are incurred.
More to Know
Traffic Signals
Turning left on a red light is illegal in Australia unless a sigh specifically permits the turn. It is also illegal to make a U-turn at a traffic signal unless signage permits it. Parking and speed limit signs are clearly posted in English and pedestrians have the right of way.Tolls
There are toll roads found in most of the major cities in Australia such as Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. The major motorways around the cities along with tunnels and bridges are normally toll roads where you need to pay a toll to use them. Some of the tolls can be paid with cash or a pre-paid pass, toll roads are clearly signposted, be sure to ask your rental car agency about a prepaid transponder for your vehicle.Overtaking
On Australia`s multi-lane roads, highways and freeways, overtaking (passing) are only permitted on the right-hand side, unless driving on a multi-lane road where overtaking can be safely done in a marked lane to the left of the vehicle. Some of the rural highways occasionally feature a third lane in the center, which is safe for overtaking, this will be indicated by a yellow diamond sign and black arrows marking which direction has priority for overtaking in this lane. Do not overtake when there are continuous double lines marked in the center of the road, you can only overtake if there is a single broken line marked in the center.Roundabouts
Traffic on roundabouts in Australia goes clockwise when approaching a roundabout in Australia, drivers should give way to vehicles already on the roundabout that will be approaching from the right. Make sure you indicate as you prepare to turn onto the roundabout and when you are exiting.Melbourne Trams
The city of Melbourne features a unique tram system (streetcars) in the CBD. There are some rules to follow when driving in the CBD on the tram lanes. Look out for yellow lane markers which indicate the tram lanes in the city, a broken yellow marker means that cars are permitted to drive in the tram lane, a solid yellow marker means that cars are not permitted to drive in the tram lane.
Watch out for tram passengers who have the right of way when crossing the road to and from the trams, always stop behind the tram when the doors on the tram are open.
Rural Driving
Much of the driving in Australia is on rural roads through very remote areas. Drivers should use caution and awareness as conditions on these types of roads can be more dangerous than the freeways. These two-lane (one in each direction) roads don’t feature any type of barrier or division from oncoming traffic, making driving conditions dangerous especially at night. There are vast distances between destinations in the outback region without anyplace to stop for gas or other supplies. If you do break down on these roads, do not walk away from your vehicle to look or help. Also, watch out for wildlife in these areas especially at night as many animals here are nocturnal.
Driving Distances
If you are planning a self-drive visit to Australia, be aware of the distances when driving. Australia is a massive country and driving from one city to another can be a very long way to get from point A to point B. For example to get from Sydney to Melbourne along a four-lane freeway will take drivers at least 10 hours, even with breaks. Some general advice for traveling long distances in a car is to rest every few hours `Stop, Revive, Survive` is the trick on the long stretches of road. Always be aware of your gas/petrol levels when making these long road trips as there may not be a petrol station or roadhouse for over miles. Watch out for `road trains` (semi’s towing up to three trailers) which travel along these roads and take up quite a bit of room, especially if attempting to (safely) pass this type of vehicle. The temperatures in the interior of the country can be quite drastic with scorching hot temperatures well into the triple digits (113F) during the day and extremely cold (even freezing) temperatures at night. Be prepared with plenty of amounts of food, water, and warm blankets.
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What to expect while traveling
