Australia in one minute
Australia is a continent, not a city break. Distances are huge, seasons are reversed from the northern hemisphere, and the best trip focuses on one or two regions rather than the whole country.
Go if you want
- Reef, outback, beaches and big cities on one trip
- Wildlife you will not see elsewhere
- Easy travel in English with excellent roads and tours
Think twice if you want
- A short city break: distances are huge
- A cheap trip: costs are high, especially in summer
- Driving between cities: it takes days, fly instead
Our ratings
Odali editorial scores out of 5.
When to go
Seasons are reversed: summer is December to February, winter June to August. The south is best in spring and autumn. The Great Barrier Reef and the tropical north are best in the dry season, roughly May to October. The red centre is best in the cooler months.
Day-by-day plans
Pick your length. Each plan covers two regions and flies between them.
Where to stay
Stay central in each city and near the water on the coast. Book early for December and January.
Hostel or motel
Hostels with private rooms and roadside motels give the best value in a costly country.
Compare budget staysCentral hotel
A central hotel saves time and transport costs in each city. Book early in December and January.
Compare city hotelsReef or harbour resort
Resorts near the reef and the Whitsundays suit couples and families who want a beach holiday.
See reef resortsOur advice
Fly between regions and stay three or four nights in each. Check current rates and cancellation terms before booking.
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Put your service in front of people planning their days.
Promote your businessThings to do
Prices are indicative ranges. Confirm with the operator.
Sydney harbour and beaches
Harbour, beaches, wine country and the Blue Mountains. Ferries are the best-value way to see the harbour.
Compare Sydney toursBlue Mountains
Cliffs, eucalyptus forest and lookouts less than two hours from Sydney.
Compare day tripsMelbourne and the Great Ocean Road
Food, culture and the Great Ocean Road. Rent a car for flexibility, or join a day tour.
Compare Great Ocean Road toursGreat Barrier Reef
Reef trips leave from Cairns and Port Douglas. Choose a smaller boat and check conditions.
Compare reef tripsWhitsunday Islands
White sand, clear water and sailing between islands. Best in the dry season.
Compare Whitsunday tripsUluru and the red centre
Uluru and Kata Tjuta in the red centre. Go in the cooler months and book tours ahead.
Compare Uluru toursWhere to eat
Eat well in Melbourne and Sydney, try seafood on the coast, and take a pie on any road trip.
Cafes and brunch
Australian coffee culture is strong, especially in Melbourne and Sydney. Brunch is a serious meal.
Fish and chips on the water
A cheap seaside classic, best eaten on the beach.
Harbour dinner
Restaurants around Sydney harbour and Melbourne's river fill up early. Book ahead.
What to order
- Flat white: the local coffee
- Meat pie: the road trip snack
- Barramundi: a northern fish, grilled
- Lamington: sponge cake with chocolate and coconut
What it costs
Build your own estimate. Ranges are indicative and exclude flights.
Includes rooms, local meals and the activities you picked. Open-ended prices are shown as a starting price.
Check live pricesBefore you go
Fly between regions
Driving between cities takes days.
Check your entry rules
Most visitors need a visa or electronic travel authority in advance. Check the official government site for your passport.
Take sun protection seriously
The sun is strong all year, with hat, sunscreen and water.
Take care on remote roads
Rent a car for the Great Ocean Road, the coast and the outback, with extra care on long remote roads.
Mind the seasons
Summer is December to February, winter June to August.
Swim between the flags
Beaches are patrolled, and currents are strong.
How many days do I need in Australia?
At least 10 to 14 days for two regions.
When is the best time to go?
It depends on the region. Spring and autumn suit the south, the dry season May to October suits the reef and north.
Do I need a visa?
Most visitors need a visa or electronic travel authority in advance. Check the official government site.
Do I need a car?
For the Great Ocean Road and the coast, yes. Cities work without one.
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Prices and schedules change: confirm with airlines, ferries, operators and hotels before booking. Rules and prices change. Confirm with official sources and providers before booking.