G’day mate! Looks like you’re just about ready to head down to the Great Southern Land. Good freakin’ choice – but hold your horses.
Whilst Oz is an incredible place to visit, there are a few must-know Australia travel tips before you go galivanting across this sunburnt country.
From keeping you safe from “drop bears” to making sure you don’t end up planning a wild itinerary that’ll have you moving quicker than a bogan at a Bunnings Sausage Sizzle… I’m here to make sure you get the absolute most out of your trip down under.
With my extensive experience travelling and living in Australia, I can point you in the right direction when it comes to having a ripper time. Trust me, there’s a right and a wrong way to do Aus – and barracking for Collingwood? That’d be your first mistake.
So let’s give this a red-hot crack and dive into my top Australia travel tips.
Yeah, nah? Or nah, yeah?
So we went with nah yeah then? Too easy! Let’s get cracking on my top travel tips – Australia edition!
1. Australia’s Landscape is so Diverse
When you think of the landscape of Australia, many people get caught up on basically two different colours of sand and the cities… ya know, the beach, the outback (which hardly anyone actually makes the effort to visit, which is a shame) and the capital cities!
Now, whilst the many beaches and the large cities dotted around the coastal regions are must-visit, don’t forget there’s a vast and varied country out there to visit. One of my biggest travelling in Australia tips I tell everyone, is to explore beyond the cities.
From the aforementioned red dirt of the vast and unforgiving, yet beautiful and mesmerising outback to the sweeping vistas of the many mountain ranges, including the Blue Mountains, Great Dividing Range and of course, The Du Cane Range of Tassie.
Then there’s the dense rainforests, roaring waterfalls, winery regions reminiscent of Southern Europe, snow-draped ski slopes, charming regional towns and dramatic coastal cliffs. This massive country has much more to see than just Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Get out and explore it!
Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses whilst in Australia. It’s never going to be super cheap, but I have a few tips if you’re travelling Australia on a budget. But some of my top tips for travelling to Australia revolve around getting the right accommodation for your trip.
Stay in Hostels
The cheapest accommodation in Australia is the Backpackers’ Hostel. They’re not the most comfortable and certainly ain’t glamorous, but they serve a purpose. Most come with a fully equipped kitchen, laundry, and many include free breakfast.
Some also do long-stay discounts, and they’re a good place to meet other backpackers who might also be looking for things like flat shares.
Cheap travel Australia tips – Stay at a classic Backpacker’s hostel! Image: The Roaming Renegades
Stay Outside Major Tourist Hubs
Major cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, for example, are SUPER expensive. Heading out to regional cities and towns, or even the suburbs of large cities, will save you heaps of money on accommodation, and you’ll get a much more authentic experience. Plus, if you’re looking to learn to surf in Australia, then the best spots are outside of the cities for sure.
Use Airbnb
Airbnb is a great option if you’re looking for long stays, as you often get a discount. For example, some places offer up to 50% off for booking a whole month! Plus, you save money by having access to a kitchen and laundry.
It’s even more affordable if you opt to just rent a room in a house, and this way, you get to meet locals. This is the way we met our Aussie friends, turned family! It’s honestly one of my top Australia travel tips because without it, we would have never made these incredible connections and friends.
House Sit or Couch Surf
If you want free accommodation, then hit up either of these sites. Each one offers a different vibe for sure, but no doubt, they’re great for saving money and banking experiences.
House sits allow you to live the Aussie life for a little while and are better for those looking to stay in one place for usually a couple of weeks or even longer. You might even be able to pet sit too, which, for me, is an absolute bonus because I miss my doggo a lot when I’m travelling.
Couch sitting is a different vibe altogether as you’ll be staying WITH locals rather than just looking after their place whilst they’re away. This is the ultimate way to get to know the local culture and make new friends. Most often you’ll stay for less than a week, ya know, so as not to the piss! But who knows if you hit it off!
Now this is a two-for-one! I’ve gone into more details in the transport section further down this post, on campervanning is a great way to combine transport with accommodation to keep costs low. If you’re looking for tips for travelling around Australia on a budget, then seriously look into this.
But the ultimate hack is to check out relocation deals where you can hire a van for literally a few $ day because the company needs to get it back to a location by a certain time. There are a few caveats, such as having set dates, but if you’re cool with that, then they’re ideal for budget backpackers.
Even if you can’t get a relocation deal, campervanning is a great way to combine the costs of accommodation and transport into one.
These, plus hostel notice boards, are the ideal location to find spare beds, sublets, flat shares and both long and short-term rentals at much cheaper rates.
The backpacker community is great for sharing knowledge, and you’ll find some absolute gold on these pages, not just for accommodation, but also general money-saving tips and tricks whilst backpacking in Australia. If you’re looking for travel and work in Australia tips, then this is a great place to start as well.
3. Where the Wild Things Actually Are – Spotting Aussie Critters
One of the things that makes Australia unique is its wildlife. Most visitors are keen to get a look at some of the weird and wonderful creatures that call it home.
Some of them are relatively easy to see if you know when and where to look, while others many Aussies haven’t even seen. I’ve done a rundown of Australia tips for tourists wanting to see some of the most iconic animals.
Let’s take a look at some of the bucket list Aussie animals to spot.
Kangaroos –You’ll probably see these guys without even trying – they’re everywhere outside the cities, especially around sunrise and sunset. If you’re short on time, check out Living Legends Park near Melbourne Airport for a guaranteed sighting. But they’re often found on ovals, golf courses, open paddocks and also in dense bushland during the summer. Don’t get too close! They can be aggressive and dangerous.
Koalas – Cute, sleepy, and pretty hard to find in the wild. Koalas only eat types of gum tree leaves and tend to blend into the branches like furry ninjas. Head to Kennett River on the Great Ocean Road, I’ve seen them there more than once!
Crocodiles – These prehistoric beasts live in Far North Queensland and the Top End. Avoid rivers, creeks, and waterholes during the rainy season unless you fancy becoming a lil snacky snack! For a safe-but-thrilling look, get yourself on a croc-spotting boat tour on the Adelaide River.
Travelling tips for Australia – Don’t get eaten by a croc! Image: The Roaming Renegades
Wombats – Built like a little tank, these cute units are often spotted at dusk or dawn. I’ve not been lucky enough to spot one in the wild (yet), but mates have had luck in Cradle Mountain, Wilson’s Prom, the Grampians, and the Blue Mountains.
Tasmanian Devil – These bitty critters are pretty rare to see in the wild. They can only be found on Tassie, as the name suggests. Check out a sanctuary like Bonorong or Devils@Cradle to support their cause and get a closer look.
Dingo – Wild dogs of the outback. They roam places like Fraser Island (K’gari), and they’re not shy. Keep your distance and don’t leave food around.
Cassowary – Literally living dinosaurs, these massive colourful birds are quite the sight and can be seen on the roads around Mission Beach and Cape Tribulation in Queensland. Be careful, especially if they have chicks, they’re hella dangerous.
My top tips on travelling in Australia when it comes to wildlife, get out there and have a look, you’ll come across something if you give it time… just make sure to keep your distance and be safe.
4. Understanding the Aussie Slang
You might be mistaken for thinking you’ve landed in an English-speaking country until a true blue fair dinkum bloke 10 VBs deep opens his cake hole! Whilst many sayings and slang terms have their roots in working-class English and Irish prisoners, the Aussies have taken them and run with them like a “frog in a sock”!
Let’s take a look at some you might hear often, and a few of my personal favourites just for shits and giggles!
Aussie Slang words you should know before you visit –
Servo – Petrol/ Gas Station
Tinny/ Stubby – Can of beer
Thongs – Flip Flops
Lollies – Sweets/ Candy
Bogan – Aussie redneck
Fair Dinkum – Genuine, true, or honestly
Hooley Dooley – Wow!
Arvo – Afternoon
Dunny – Toilet
Maccas – McDonalds
Chook – Chicken
Bathers/Swimmers – Swimwear
Chips – Crisps
Hot chips – Chips!
She’ll be right – Everything will be fine / no worries
Flat out like a lizard drinking – Extremely busy
Bloody oath – Absolutely
Drongo – An Idiot
And before you ask, “G’day” isn’t actually used all that often now outside of say, Daly Waters or some other way outback town!
People tend to greet each other with a “Hey, how ya going?”. It’s a bit like the British “Alright?” in that it doesn’t actually need a proper answer beyond a quick “Yeah, good mate, you?” or “Not bad!” Now, how’s that for the best travel tips for Australia!
Australia might not be known for its innovative gastronomy like the likes of France, Italy and Thailand, but I truly believe that the best way to get to know a country is via its food. Australia is no different, and many staples have their roots in the complex history of the country.
Sure, I’m trying to add some “je ne sais quoi” to a meat pie, but nothing says Australia more than a Four’n Twenty with a healthy dollop of tomato sauce on top! I mean, what would an Australia travel tips post be without mentioning pies!
If you came here looking for some funny travel tips for Australia, then I’ve got you covered mate!
Some must try Aussie delicacies –
Vegemite – Go easy, apply on warm buttered toast, it’s not Nutella!
Four’n Twenty meat pie – Enjoyed classically with tomato sauce on top at the footie.
Avo on toast – Extra points if you can combine it with a flat white or a Magic in Fitzroy!
Beesting – The OG is available only at the Beechworth Bakery in country Victoria.
Lamington – This spongy coconut delight is a staple of a classic Aussie bakery.
Chicken Parma/ Parmi – A pub classic that stumbled home drunk from Italy and ended up in Australia!
Pavlova – Now there’s fierce debate with the Kiwis over this mirangie encased desert sent from the gods, but one thing’s for sure, it’s delicious!
Tim Tams – A classic biccy best enjoyed with a cuppa, give a Tim Tam slam a go if you’re feeling fruity!
Fish and Chips – Alright, so they deffo stole this from us Brits, but fair play, they’ve made it their own. It’s not as good, but they gave it a go!
Bunnings Sausage Sizzle – Usually run by a sports club or community cause to raise money outside Bunnings, nothing says charity like a snag in a folded-over slice of white bread!
Milo – Another bone of contention with the kiwis, this chocolatey, malt powder can be found in just about every household, kids’ club and break room in the country over.
Fairy Bread – I mean, it’s literally a buttered piece of white bread with sprinkles on top, what’s not to love!
Weet-Bix – If you don’t already know, “Aussie kids are Weet-Bix kids”.
VB – Victoria Bitter is an iconic beer bought by the slab, drunk usually in a stubby holder whilst flipping snags on the barbie in ya thongs and boardies!
… and they say Australia has no culture! I mean, what else do you need to know when it comes to travel tips for going to Australia, get a pie and a lamington down ya cake hole and you’re sorted!
Colombia, nah! Italy, move over! Australia is the best place in the world for coffee for sure. Here in the home of the Flat White, you’ll literally find it hard to find a bad coffee. One of my biggest travel tips for Australia would be to sample… and subsequently get addicted to, the coffee here.
Anywhere that stays open beyond the first few months must prove itself to some of the hardest to please customers in the world. Hell, even 7/11 does decent coffee in Aus!
Whilst in Melbourne, be sure to try their speciality coffee, “Magic”, you literally can’t find it anywhere else in the world. It’s a double ristretto topped with steamed milk in a small cup. Undoubtedly, Melbourne is the capital of coffee in Australia (and therefore the world!) and touring the many different cafes is a must-do when you visit.
Some of my favourites are:
Patricia Coffee Brewers – In the heart of the CBD. It’s simple, elegant, and perfect.
Higher Ground – Blends industrial aesthetics with top-tier coffee.
St. ALi – A pioneering South Melbourne establishment, one of the OGs.
Proud Mary – In Collingwood, they focus on sustainable coffee with a personal touch.
Seven Seeds – Celebrating third-wave coffee, their brewing is an artisan craft.
Sat on a crate down a laneway is the only way to drink Melbourne coffee! Image: The Roaming Renegades
7. There Is No Need To Tip, Though!
Unlike in the US where you’ll be guilt tripped by the ipad of shame into tipping someone 50% of the price of a burnt, piss weak, overpriced, black coffee for literally pouring it into a cup, in Australia, they actually pay their staff proper wages.
Here tips are actually what they should be – a bonus for good service! Plus, your coffee is also probably gonna be worth the tip here!
Australia is generally one of the safest places to visit in the world. But as with every country, there are a few important things to know when it comes to keeping yourself safe. I’ll cover some of the dos and don’ts when travelling to Australia.
Here are my top tips on travel safety in Australia.
1. Be Sun-Safe (Even on Cloudy Days)
The sun is no joke in Australia, and UV levels can be extremely high, even on cloudy days. Most Australian travel tips you’ll hear from locals will be about staying sun-safe.
Even in winter, the sun isn’t to be taken lightly, especially if you’re travelling in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia.
Follow the classic Aussie slogan “slip, slap, slop”
Slip – On some clothing. Reduce the amount of bare skin on show and consider UV-rated clothing.
Slop- On factor SPF 50 or higher water-resistant sunscreen and regularly reapply.
Slap – On a wide-brimmed hat which shades your face, nose, ears and neck.
Recently, it’ been expanded to also include these additional tips:
Seek – Out shade and stay out of the direct sun.
Slide – On sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Another tip is to avoid the peak hours of UV, which are usually around 10 am–3 pm.
Hitting the beach in Aus is a perfect way to cool down on a stinking hot day. Plus, it’s an essential part of Aussie culture.
But the beaches here can be dangerous, and whilst that inviting stretch of empty beach might look idyllic, there might also be a reason no one is swimming there! The biggest travel safety tips for Australia I have are based around respecting the ocean down under.
Most public beaches will have areas which are patrolled by lifeguards between certain hours, depending on the time of year (always do your research beforehand to check).
They set up an area “between the flags” where you’ll be out of the way of killer riptides and also more protected from dangerous sea creatures.
Look out for flags made up of both RED AND YELLOW for areas that are safe to swim.
Some beaches in the Top End and Far North Queensland even have stinger nets set up, as these beaches are even more dangerous than those further south.
If you see SOLID RED FLAGS, then do not swim in that area. Solid yellow flags also indicate that additional caution should be exercised when swimming.
One of the main things not to do in Australia is to take the ocean lightly, because here it’s one of the most dangerous things you’ll come across.
What not to do in Australia – Swim outside of the flags.
3. Know Australia’s Emergency Service Phone Number
Before you visit any country, it’s always a good idea to familiarise yourself with its emergency number. This is especially important in Australia, given the many hazards and the remote nature of some areas.
The emergency number in Australia is 000.
This is the Australian equivalent of 999, 911, 112, or 111 in other countries.
Our Favourite Backpacks
Osprey Farpoint/ Fairview
We’ve used the Osprey Farpoint/ Fairview for all our backpacking adventures over the past 5 years and highly recommend them!
The main area of the pack opens like a suitcase, which is great for using packing cubes to keep everything organised and they even come with a detachable day pack!
4. Be Cautious During Bushfire Season in Australia
Many areas around the country can be very susceptible to wildfires, especially during the hot and dry summer months (though they can strike at any time of year). Things can often get out of control quickly.
Always check for Bushfire alerts before driving or hiking through rural forested regions and follow instructions from local authorities. It’s one of my most important Australia travel tips, because if you don’t, then the consequences can be tragic.
Do not take chances when it comes to bushfires, even with controlled burns can get out of control in minutes. If you are told to evacuate, do so straight away.
Be sure to do your part in preventing fires and observe fire bans, and be careful when cooking by using designated areas or those far away from the bush.
Yes. But… Australia’s drinking water is highly regulated and is safe to drink in cities and most towns. However, in more remote and rural locations, you should bear in mind these additional factors:
Tank Water – If you’re staying somewhere with rainwater tanks, be sure to confirm whether it’s drinkable.
Bore Water – This is usually safe to drink, but isn’t as clean as water found in most cities. It might need additional filtering or boiling.
Rivers or Waterholes with Cattle Run-Off: If you’re swimming in rivers or waterholes, be cautious. They can sometimes be contaminated with runoff from livestock or other agricultural sources. Having said that, jumping into a refreshing river on a hot day one of the best things to do when travelling Australia.
Wild swimming in Australia is wonderful, but do it in safe places. Image: The Roaming Renegades
6. All About Australia’s Dangerous Animals
Whilst it’s true that Australia does have some pretty dangerous critters roaming its sunburnt pastures, it’s unlikely you’ll come across any of them. In fact, the running joke is that the most dangerous creature in Australia is in fact a magpie in spring! Trust me, you’ll never forget a swooping!
But in all seriousness, whilst it’s more than likely you’ll never come across anything too scary, it’s always best to be aware of certain things when visiting Australia.
Spiders – In cities, they’re not overly common beyond the more harmless variants. However, if you keep your shoes outside, it’s always good practice to bang them before putting them on!
Snakes – Almost unheard of in most big cities. In the outback or when bushwalking, even in the suburbs, you should be cautious and wear closed-toe shoes, long pants and stamp when walking through long grass. Often the most bland looking – i.e, a Brown Snake… which yes, I’ve seen twice, but in very rural locations.
Crocodiles – Only in Far North Queensland, Northern Territory and Northern Western Australia. Always exercise caution in these areas when you’re close to rivers, waterholes, billabongs, and the sea, especially in the rainy season. Always check with rangers and park notice boards if swimming holes are safe and open to use – BE CROCWISE!
Kangaroos – Probably one of the only legitimately dangerous animals you will have a chance of coming across. The larger males are particularly territorial, and they can do some serious damage. Be extra wary of them whilst driving in rural and suburban areas.
7. Know Your Customs Laws Before Flying to Australia
Don’t end up starring in Australia’s ‘Border Security’! Man, I used to watch this show at my Grandparents’ house after school every night and think, “those people are stupid!”. Then fast forward 16 years, and I’m standing looking at the landing card, second-guessing everything I’ve packed!
Unlike swanning into the UK with dirty boots and a backpack full of shells, wooden carvings and whatever the hell that was you bought from that dodgy market in Delhi, Aus takes biosecurity a LOT more seriously.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt from those Border Force marathons, it’s to always tick YES if you’re unsure.
It’s not the ordeal you might think it is to declare something at the border. Most of the time, they’ll just wave you through after taking a quick look at the offending item, or you can just chuck it instead. But when you’re planning a trip to Australia, it’s always best to check beforehand what you can and can’t bring in.
If you do try to sneak something in and get caught, the inconvenience, fines and potential legal trouble far outweigh the simple procedure of declaring something.
Just make sure you know what’s in your bags before tackling old mate at customs! Image: The Roaming Renegades
8. Be Careful When Driving
Whilst Aussie roads might just look like they’re long, straight, wide and simple enough to negotiate, there are a few things to keep in mind whilst driving here.
Firstly, Australia drives on the LEFT. Take extra care to remember which side you’re on and make adjustments like giving way to your right at roundabouts.
Secondly, Kangaroos can be a massive hazard at dusk, dawn and nighttime on rural or suburban roads. Be aware that with some rental vehicles, you might not be covered for nighttime rural driving.
Thirdly, driver fatigue is a massive issue in Australia due to the large distances covered and in some places (like the outback), monotonous, continual scenery. So follow the “stop, revive, survive” protocol and take regular breaks.
With hindsight, this probably wasn’t a good idea if we wanted our deposit back! Image: The Roaming Renegades
9. Make sure you take out Travel Insurance!
Australia is an expensive place to visit, and healthcare is no different. Their set-up here is a kinda hybrid of public and private care, and although they do have reciprocal healthcare agreements with a few countries (the UK being one of them, the USA not being one), this only allows limited access to Medicare and doesn’t include things like ambulance fees or rescue.
To ensure you’re fully covered for your Aussie adventure, make sure to take out comprehensive travel insurance.
Important Things to Know Before Planning a Trip to Australia
Alright, so we’ve covered some of the scary stuff, now for some more practical Australia travel tips.
Almost Everybody Needs a Visa for Australia
Every country other than New Zealand requires a visa to enter Australia. Always check beforehand which one you’ll need and give yourself plenty of time to apply.
Australia has several visa classes for tourists, depending on where you’re from and how long you want to stay.
For those from the UK, most of the EU and EEA/ Switzerland can get a free eVisitor visa (subclass 651) which is valid for 12 months and allows visits of up to 3 months.
Other countries, such as the USA, Japan, Singapore, Canada, etc, can apply for the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) – subclass 601. Also valid for 12 months and allows visits of up to 3 months. It must be done via the app, which incurs a $20 processing fee.
Australia is far from a cheap country to visit, and good budgeting and planning ahead are needed to keep things in check. Whilst there are heaps of ways to keep costs low, you’ll definitely notice the extra hit to the wallet if you’ve been travelling around Southeast Asia beforehand. Here I’ll give you some money travel tips for Australia.
$1 USD is roughly A$1.55
£1 GBP is roughly A$2.07
Many establishments, especially in major cities, use card payments, and some don’t even accept cash any more.
In more rural places, it can be a mixed bag. Supermarkets and servos are likely to accept card payments, but places like bakeries or fish and chip shops might only accept cash.
ATMS are widely available in major cities and towns. Many small towns might only have one working cash machine, so always carry cash when travelling through the outback and regional areas.
Most ATMS are free to use, but be aware you’ll likely encounter charges from your own bank for withdrawals and card payments. Avoid those by using an international card.
Transfer Your Money Abroad Or Grab An International Card
Wise (The Artist Formerly Known as TransferWise)
In the early days of travel we would get a stack of money out and carry it with us… It wasn’t the best way to avoid a disaster really, but getting constantly stung by ATM fees wasn’t much better,
Now we have Wise and, phew, things have CHANGED!! With our Wise account we can keep money in multiple currencies as well as withdrawing cash and paying by card without paying transaction fees. Plus, if you work online like we do, then it’s a fantastic platform for payments.
Domestic flights (Sydney to Melbourne): $80 - $150
Long-distance trains (Sydney to Brisbane): $60 - $100
Buses (Melbourne to Adelaide): $50 - $90
Ferries (e.g. to Tasmania): $100 - $300 (depending on seat vs cabin)
Local public transport: $3 - $5 per trip
Entertainment/Activities
Surf lesson: $50 - $80
Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour: $150 - $250
Museum entry: $10 - $25
National park entry: $0 - $15
Wildlife sanctuary: $25 - $40
Staying Connected in Australia: SIMS, Data, and WiFi
Whilst in Australia, you’re gonna need to show off all those beach selfies to the folks back home, so you’ll need to stay connected. There are a few different options, and I’m going to run through them as part of my Australia travel tips guide.
Wifi –
Free WiFi is common in major cities – available at airports, libraries, cafes, McDonald’s, and shopping centres.
The general standard of Wifi you’ll find in accommodation across Australia is good in cities and towns across the country.
However, once you venture into the Outback, you might find it’s either unavailable, a paid extra or simply unusable… or a mix of all three! So when it comes to tips for travelling to Australia, you’re going to have to be sure to download everything you need before heading off into rural locations.
Some higher-end campsites have limited Wifi, but don’t expect to be backing up your entire SD card at a $15 a night sports ground camp! In rural areas, I’ve found libraries to be the best source of at least half-decent Wifi.
The wifi signal might drop out by the pool but at least it has coconuts! Image: The Roaming Renegades
SIM Cards –
If you’re going to be in the country for any length of time, getting a local SIM card is a great idea. This will provide you with a local number, data and the ability to make calls to numbers not on WhatsApp.
Major mobile networks include Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. Telstra generally has the best coverage, especially in rural/outback areas, but it is the most expensive.
Cheaper options include Amaysim, ALDI Mobile, Boost Mobile, and Lebara, though these have limited coverage in remote areas.
eSIMs –
For those who don’t need to make mobile calls and can survive on data only (remember, this includes WhatsApp calls and messages), an eSIM is the perfect solution.
These are easy to set up before you even land, so you’ve got no messing about trying to connect to spotty airport Wifi or panicking over which SIM card to buy after a long flight. With an eSIM, you’re good to go from the off.
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Being one of the largest countries in the world, Australia has different climates and seasons depending on where you visit.
Whilst many think it’s perpetually hot (which for those of us from the North of England is relative!), it can in fact be pretty cold in some areas, whilst there are in fact other parts of Australia that are pretty warm year-round.
One of my biggest tips for travelling to Australia for the first time is to pick out an area to visit rather than bouncing around, so you’ll need to know which spots are the best depending on when you plan to visit.
I’ve broken down each region to give you an idea ofthe best times to visit.
Region
Best Time to Visit
Why It’s the Best Time
East Coast(Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Byron Bay)
Sept–Nov (Spring)Mar–May (Autumn)
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, great for road trips and sightseeing
Far North Queensland(Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree)
Avoid extreme summer heat, best for hiking and desert exploration
Southern Australia(Melbourne, Adelaide, Tasmania)
Nov–Apr
Warm sunny weather, ideal for festivals, coastal drives, and exploring wine regions
Western Australia – North(Broome, Kimberley)
Apr–Oct
Dry and warm, great for beaches, gorges, and nature adventures
Western Australia – South(Perth, Margaret River)
Oct–Apr
Best for surfing, wine tours, and wildflower season
Northern Territory(Darwin, Kakadu, Litchfield)
May–Oct (Dry Season)
Cooler temperatures, dry weather, most areas are accessible
This is worth waiting for the right time of year to visit! Image: The Roaming Renegades
Best Overall Times to Visit Australia
September to November (Spring): Warm weather, fewer crowds, excellent across most regions.
March to May (Autumn): Great temperatures and good conditions for both city breaks and outdoor adventures.
What to Pack For Travelling to Australia
Australia does indeed have shops, well, I’m not sure you can buy some budgie smugglers in Larimah, but you get the idea. So, of course, you can buy a lot of stuff here, but it’s expensive and you don’t want to waste precious exploration time shopping now, do ya!
Important for remote areas where pharmacies may be scarce
Documents
Passport, visa printout (if required), travel insurance, driver’s licence (for car hire), International driver’s licence in English
Keep both digital and hard copies just in case
Tips on Travelling Around Australia: The Best Ways to Get Around
Being a large country, there are various methods of transport you can utilise for travelling around Australia. When it comes to transport tips for travellers going to Australia, it’s all about preplanning and breaking the country down into manageable chunks.
Planes
Flying domestically is the usual way for most people to travel around Australia when you’re hopping from city to city across the country. It’s pretty much going to be your only option if you’re planning on hitting all the highlights over just a few short weeks.
Internal flights can be pricy for the distance travelled compared to the budget options available in Europe, but they are still pretty affordable and cut down on massive travel times.
Long-distance buses between major cities and tourist hubs are widely available, and many are aimed at the backpacker market. These are a lot more affordable than flights, though still not super cheap, and some of the travel times are pretty punishing. When it comes to tips for cheap travel in Australia, the bus is going to be your best bet.
But if you’re a hardcore frugal traveller, then they are worth the extra pennies saved. Plus, many have onboard Wifi, toilets and comfortable reclining seats.
Some of the major companies are:
Greyhound Australia – the most extensive long-distance network, covering cities and remote towns. Offers flexible hop-on-hop-off passes popular with backpackers.
Premier Motor Service – cheaper than Greyhound but with limited routes, mostly along the east coast.
Integrity Coach Lines – best for Western Australia, covering the long stretch from Perth up to Broome.
Booking in advance is important as many routes do sell out at peak times. Consider buying hop-on/hop-off tickets.
The train network in Australia is actually shockingly limited for a country so developed and so large. It’s pretty inconsistent across the country, with large areas of the East Coast being pretty well connected and offering reasonably cheap options, whilst other areas are only covered by super expensive luxury train travel experiences.
Hiring a car is an ideal way to see Australia and is perfect for covering long distances between cities at your own pace or taking day trips to places like the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne.
Whilst hiring a car, it’s easy and practical to stop in many of the motels across Australia or Airbnb’s outside of the cities. City centre/ CBD parking can, however, be tricky, limited and expensive.
But if you’re wondering what to do when visiting Australia when it comes to transport, having your own wheels is the absolute best way to see the country properly.
Renting a campervan and road tripping across Australia is the ultimate way to travel down under. Whether you go for an all-singing, all-dancing RV or a backpacking-friendly van, there are heaps of different options for everyone’s budget. There are also relocation deals for the super frugal travellers.
There are heaps of free camps or super cheap DOC or sports ground campsites out there to keep costs low.
With a campervan, I recommend splitting the country up into areas you’d like to visit and doing each one as a trip in its own right… unless you’ve got a LOT of time on your hands (like a working holiday visa or a long stay visa).
You could also break your trip down into a few areas and rent a different campervan out in each one and fly between.
Classic trips include Melbourne to Sydney, Brisbane to Cairns and Adelaide to Darwin.
Wicked campervans come with a bit of a love-hate relationship! Image: The Roaming Renegades
The Final Australia Travel Tip: Say G’day to a New Way of Life!
Annnnd breathe! Ok, I’ve come to the end of this bumper Australia travel tips post, and honestly, it’s got me pumped for another return trip, and I’ve spent a month there already this year!
For me, Australia is like a second home, and I’ve even picked up a bogan Aussie family along the way, too! It’s just one of those places that keeps calling me back, and the more I explore, the more I realise I’ve still got to see.
For example, we just spent February in rural NSW on the Murray River with Gav and Jane. An area we’d never been before they moved back up that way. We had the most incredible time fishing, swimming in the river, exploring all the little towns, looking after chooks, and even learning to shoot. It’s a totally different world from what we experienced living in Melbourne or even road tripping through QLD and the outback.
Take it slowly, spend time in the country, get to know the wonderful people that call this place home, explore all the quirky and fascinating nooks and crannies of this Great Southern Land… because I can guarantee you one trip won’t be enough!
Let me know if you have any other useful tips for travelling to Australia.
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Everyone other than Kiwis needs a visa. They’re simple and easy to get for most countries if you’re planning on staying for 3 months or less. For many countries, they are free (UK, for example), but some will need to pay a $20 admin charge (USA, for example). For longer stays, there are tourist visas available for up to 12 months.
Some packing tips for traveling to Australia include: An Australia-specific adapter, good sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, lightweight walking pants, a waterproof jacket and a good sense of humour.
Yes! Don’t worry about all the scary animals, you’re mega unlikely to come across them and with some common sense, it’s easy to stay safe. The biggest things to be aware of are sun and sea safety. Oh, and magpies in spring!
How long do you need in Australia, well that depends on how long you’ve got! Australia needs at least a few months to even scratch the surface as it’s so big. If you’re limited on time then break it into regions and explore one on each trip. I’d recommend at least a month for each visit.
Mate, it’s incredible! Australia is like nowhere else and it’s an amazing place for travellers who want a mix of bustling cities, charming towns, scenic mountain ranges, pristine beaches, diverse food and super friendly locals.
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I’m an adventure (and halloumi) obsessed traveller with a passion for hiking mountains, exploring cities, watching Arsenal win, moshing out to Rammstein in random European fields and getting hopelessly lost on a motorbike somewhere in Asia!
I’ve explored over 70 countries, lived in Australia and New Zealand, and spent months wandering Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe all while trying to avoid growing up!
Did it work, I dunno, but my back hurts and I still collect Pokemon cards! Who wants in?!
If you’re looking for the best romantic European city breaks for you and your partner, then I’ve put together this EPIC list for the perfect trip away.
