Anyone who starts planning a trip to Australia quickly runs into the same reality: this isn’t a country, it’s a continent. Flying from Sydney to Perth can take longer than flying from New York to Miami. In our documentary we portrayed Australia through a long, slow journey, from waves crashing on the coast to the silence of the red earth and from beach towns to big-city lights. In this guide we tackle the most important question for anyone hoping to make that journey: what to include and what to leave out.
Rule number one: Accept the distances
Because Australia is so big, you can’t see the whole continent even on a two- or three-week trip. The smartest approach is to pick two or three regions and hop between them on domestic flights. Below are the most popular regions and what makes each one special.
Sydney and around
Sydney is most travelers’ first stop. The Opera House and the Harbour Bridge are symbols of the city and the country; the Opera House is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Getting around the harbor by ferry is one of the most enjoyable and affordable ways to see the city. Bondi Beach and the coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee are ideal for soaking up Sydney’s beach culture.
West of Sydney, the Blue Mountains, named for the bluish haze given off by the eucalyptus forests, offer a nature escape of canyons and rock formations as an easy day trip.
Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road
Melbourne, known for art, coffee culture, street art in its laneways and sport, feels more “European” than Sydney.
Starting near Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road winds along the coast and is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. Its best-known stop is the Twelve Apostles, limestone stacks rising out of the ocean. Take your time and drive it over at least two days. Along the way you’ll also pass surf towns and rainforest.
The Great Barrier Reef and Queensland
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The most popular bases for reaching the reef are Cairns and Airlie Beach. Snorkeling and diving tours are the way to see its colorful marine life. To protect the reef, don’t touch the coral, and choose reef-safe sunscreen.
On the nearby Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach, with its brilliant white silica sand, regularly appears on lists of the world’s most beautiful beaches. North of Cairns, the Daintree Rainforest is known as one of the oldest tropical rainforests on Earth.
In North Queensland, venomous jellyfish can appear in the sea during the warmer months; follow the warning signs and wear a protective suit when needed.
The Red Centre: Uluru
The “silence of the red earth” in our documentary comes from Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, in the middle of Australia. Uluru is a huge sandstone monolith rising out of the desert, famous for changing color at sunrise and sunset. The site is sacred to the Aboriginal Anangu people; climbing the rock is now banned, and photography is restricted at some spots. Respecting these rules is an essential part of any visit.
Most people reach Uluru by flying into the nearby airport or by a long drive from Alice Springs. The temperature difference between day and night in the desert can be large.
Tasmania
The island of Tasmania, south of the mainland, stands out for its wild nature, national parks and hiking trails. Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay are its best-known sights.
To compare tours and activities in Australia: tours and things to do in Australia.
Sample itineraries (2–3 weeks)
- Classic east coast: Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands.
- South and center: Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road, Uluru, Sydney.
- Nature-focused: Sydney, Tasmania, Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road.
Seasons: A reversed calendar
Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, so its seasons are the opposite of North America’s and Europe’s. December to February is summer, and June to August is winter. Because the continent is so big, though, the climate varies a lot by region:
- North (Cairns, the reef): The dry season, usually May to October, is the best time; summer brings rain and high humidity.
- South (Melbourne, Tasmania): Mild summers, cool and rainy winters.
- Center (Uluru): Very hot in summer; April to October is more comfortable.
Practical info
- Visas: Nearly all visitors need an ETA, eVisitor or visa depending on their passport (US citizens typically use the ETA; Turkish citizens need a visitor visa). Check current application requirements with official sources.
- Customs: Australia enforces very strict biosecurity rules. You must declare food, plants and animal products; undeclared items can lead to serious penalties.
- Money: The currency is the Australian dollar (AUD). Contactless payment works almost everywhere.
- Driving: Traffic drives on the left. On rural roads, kangaroos and other animals can jump onto the road, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Sun: UV levels in Australia are extremely high; sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses are a must.
- Flights: For flights to Australia: flights to Australia.
- Internet: eSIM options for Australia.
Where to stay
In Sydney, the harbor area and the beach suburbs; in Melbourne, the city center; in Cairns, the waterfront; and at Uluru, the limited number of properties near the national park. Accommodation near Uluru is scarce, so book early: hotels in Australia.
Final word
Australia demands a long journey and careful planning, but in return it offers landscapes you won’t see anywhere else on Earth. Put on our documentary, sit back and decide which corner of this very different world is calling you.
Unusual facts
- Australia is the only place that is both a country and a continent.
- The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system, is big enough to be seen from space.
- The capital isn’t Sydney or Melbourne but Canberra, planned as a compromise between the two cities.
- Uluru is sacred to the Aboriginal Anangu people, and climbing the rock has been banned since 2019.
- Kangaroos are estimated to outnumber people in Australia.
Things to watch out for & tourist traps
- Don’t underestimate distances: traveling between cities usually means flying.
- Swim in the ocean only between the flags at patrolled beaches; rip currents are dangerous.
- The sun is extremely strong; wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses even when it’s cloudy.
- Biosecurity rules are very strict: if you fail to declare food, plants or animal products at the airport, you can face heavy fines.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Australia?
Almost every visitor needs some form of authorization: US and Canadian citizens typically apply for an ETA, many European passport holders for an eVisitor, and others, such as Turkish citizens, for a visitor visa. Check the Australian government’s official website for current requirements.
How many days do I need for Australia?
At least two weeks for the east coast and one inland region; three weeks is ideal for a route covering Sydney, Melbourne, the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru.
When should I go?
Seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere. Spring (September–November) and fall (March–May) work well for most regions; in the tropical north, the dry season runs from May to October.
