Australia is home to more than 50,000 kilometres of coastline and over 10,000 beaches, many of which are ranked among the best in the world. But beaches are only part of what this country has to offer.
From the outback to bustling cities with a vibrant nightlife, Australia has something for every type of traveler. In this Australia travel guide, we'll show you the top things to do, the best time to visit and itineraries to make your trip unforgettable.
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Top 5 Things to Do in Australia
1. Visit the Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is an icon of Australia. Perched on Bennelong Point along the edge of Sydney Harbor, the Opera House's white sails draw visitors from around the world every year.
Along with being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Opera House is among the world's busiest performing art centers, hosting over a thousand performances across ballet, opera, theatre, music and more.
Tour the halls. Dine at the Opera Bar. Walk the promenade.
If it interests you, see a show. If not, just enjoy the views. You won't be disappointed either way.
2. Visit the Many Beaches
Vibrant blue waters. Soft white sand. These are just a few of the reasons why Australia's beaches are among the best in the world.
Whether you just want to soak up the sun or surf, there are beaches for everyone. Dreaming of a destination wedding along the coast? Australia is a top destination for beach weddings.
Must-see stops include:
- Vivonne Bay Beach. Situated on Kangaroo Island, this beach offers seclusion, crystal-clear waters and unspoiled views.
- Bells Beach. A must-see if you're in Victoria. Bells Beach is one of the region's best surf beaches and is home to the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach competition.
- Bondi Beach. You can't visit Sydney without making a stop at Bondi Beach. Try a surf lesson. Take a dip in the Icebergs ocean pool, or spend the afternoon shopping at the many boutiques in the area.
- Cable Beach. Situated on the northern border of Western Australia in Broome, Cable Beach is famous for its soft white sand and calm blue waters. Make your visit unforgettable by booking a camel ride at sunset.
- Lucky Bay. Want to hang out with laid-back camels and soak up the sun? Head to Lucky Bay. This stunning beach offers white sand and turquoise water in Cape Le Grand National Park.
There's no shortage of beaches to see in Australia, and none will disappoint.
3. Do a Wine Tasting in the Yarra Valley
Renowned for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the Yarra Valley is the perfect destination for wine lovers. It sits just an hour from Melbourne, making it an excellent day trip option.
The area's Italian winemaking influence dates back to the 19th century, when Italian families brought their expertise to the region.
Take a wine tour to experience multiple wineries and avoid the stress of figuring out transportation.
4. Go Whale Watching on the Gold Coast
If you're visiting Australia to celebrate a milestone like a birthday, graduation or anniversary, whale watching should be at the top of your list.
The Gold Coast offers some of the best opportunities for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The months between April and October are best for whale watching, when Humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to Australia.
If you can't make it to the Gold Coast, try Sydney, Jervis Bay or Hervey Bay.
5. Stargaze in the Australian Outback
Thanks to zero light pollution, the Australian Outback is one of the top destinations for stargazing in the world.
Book a tour if you want a stress-free experience and some education along the way. Or plan a road trip to the Outback if you prefer to follow your own path.
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Melbourne vs Sydney: What to Know When Booking Your Trip
Melbourne and Sydney are two cities that top most travelers' itineraries, and for good reason. But both have different personalities. Knowing which one suits you is key.
- Sydney is a postcard. You can visit the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach and other iconic sites. It's a city best enjoyed outdoors, but its geography means that you will spend a lot of time in transit between neighborhoods.
- Melbourne is Australia's cultural capital. It's a foodie's paradise. Independent galleries and rooftop bars dot the city, making it easy to find something special around every corner. The city is easier to navigate via tram or on foot.
Both cities are worth a visit if you have the time and budget. Each brings something different to the table.
When is the Best Time to Visit Australia?
The shoulder seasons are the best times to visit Australia:
- March through May (autumn)
- September to November (spring)
These months offer comfortable, mild weather while helping you avoid peak tourist crowds.
Visa & Entry Requirements for Australia
Most visitors need to arrange entry authorization before they fly. Travelers from the US, UK, Canada, Japan and several other countries can apply online for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), while citizens of EU member countries use the eVisitor visa. Both are typically valid for stays of up to three months at a time. New Zealand citizens are the main exception and can enter without applying in advance. Always confirm current requirements on the official Australian government website before booking.
Getting Around Australia
Australia is vast, so domestic flights are usually the most practical way to cover long distances between cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Cairns. For shorter regional trips, hiring a car gives you the freedom to drive routes like the Great Ocean Road at your own pace, and scenic rail journeys such as The Ghan offer a slower, more immersive way to see the interior. Within cities, trams, trains and rideshare make it easy to get around without a car.
Australia Itinerary 1 Week
Days 1-3 Sydney. Start at the Opera House and walk the harbour to the Bridge. Spend the next morning at Bondi and try the coastal walk to Coogee. Day three, explore the neighborhoods of Surrey Hills, Newton or The Rocks.
Days 4-5 Melbourne. Fly down and spend your time on foot exploring the city. Check out the laneways (Centre Place, Hosier Lane), grab a coffee, and enjoy the street art and foodie scene. The next day, hire a car and drive the Great Ocean Road to the Twelve Apostles.
Days 6-7 Uluru. Fly to Ayers Rock Airport to see this iconic site. Stay on-site and book a sunrise and sunset viewing. The rock changes color dramatically in different light.
Australia Itinerary 2 Weeks
Days 1-3 Sydney. Visit the harbour icons (Opera House, Bridge) on arrival. Spend day two at Bondi Beach and the Coogee coastal walk. Day three, explore the neighborhoods: Surrey Hills for dinner and Newton for lunch.
Day 4 Blue Mountains. A 90-minute drive west of Sydney. See the Three Sisters lookout at Katoomba. Walk in the valley below to explore the eucalyptus forest and waterfalls. Spend the night watching the landscape change at dusk.
Days 5-7 Melbourne. Fly down to spend two days in the city. Explore the laneways, galleries, coffee and food markets. Hire a car on day 7 to drive the Great Ocean Road to the Twelve Apostles.
Days 8-10 Whitsundays. Fly to Airlie Beach and book an overnight sailing trip to see the islands.
Days 11-12 Uluru. Fly into Ayers Rock Airport. Book sunrise and sunset viewings to see the rock in different lights.
Days 13-14 Perth and Margaret River. Finish on the west coast. Check out Margaret River's surf beaches, wineries and ancient cave systems.
How Much Does a Trip to Australia Cost?
Australia has options for virtually any budget, from $60 USD to $475 USD per day and even higher.
Like with any trip, costs all depend on your travel style.
Full-day tours can cost $140 USD. Tickets for activities can range from $50 USD and upward. Food and accommodation are often quite affordable, but you can also find luxury stays that will tend to your every need.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Australia
What is the best time to visit Australia?
The shoulder seasons, March through May (autumn) and September through November (spring), offer mild weather and smaller crowds across most of the country. For beaches and the Great Barrier Reef, the December to February summer is warmest but busiest, while May to October is the dry season in the tropical north.
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Australia?
Yes. US travelers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) online before arrival. It is usually valid for stays of up to three months at a time within a 12-month period.
How many days do you need in Australia?
One week is enough to combine Sydney, Melbourne and one iconic site like Uluru. Two weeks lets you add the Blue Mountains, the Whitsundays and the west coast for a fuller trip.
How much does a trip to Australia cost?
Daily costs range from around $60 USD for budget travelers to $475 USD or more for luxury, not including international flights, which typically run $1,000 to $2,200 round trip from the US.
What is the best way to get around Australia?
Domestic flights are best for long distances between cities, while hiring a car or taking a scenic train works well for regional travel and road trips.
Is Australia expensive to visit?
Australia is a mid-to-high-range destination, but the favorable USD-to-AUD exchange rate helps, and affordable food and accommodation options exist alongside luxury stays.