Australia tours & vacations

Australia is massive, and the best time to visit largely depends on where you want to go and what you want to do. As the sixth largest country, Australia’s climates are as diverse as its landscapes. With everything from desert to coast, farmland to rainforest, it can be scorching hot in some regions and cold and wet in others. The good news is there’s always good weather somewhere.

In the more temperate southern regions, summer (December to February) is hot, with temperatures regularly reaching the high 90s°F. It’s an ideal time to visit coastal areas and major cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, which buzz with festivals, events and outdoor dining. However, in the Northern Territory and tropical Far North Queensland, summer brings the wet season, with higher temperatures and heavy rainfall.

Winter (June to August) is sunny and dry in the north, making it perfect for hiking or exploring national parks in the Top End. Meanwhile, the southern states – especially Victoria and Tasmania – experience cooler, wetter weather with snow at higher elevations.

Spring and autumn are generally considered the best times to visit for a balance of good weather, seasonal activities, affordable prices and manageable crowds.

The summer school holidays (December to January) are a peak travel period for Australians, so expect popular tourist spots to be crowded during this time.

Read more about the best time to visit Australia

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have lived in what is now known as Australia for more than 65,000 years, making them the world's oldest continuing cultures.

The Dutch first sighted Australia in 1606 before Captain Cook and Arthur Phillip charted the East Coast in 1770 and claimed the land for Great Britain. In 1788, Arthur Phillip led the First Fleet to establish a British penal colony in New South Wales.

European colonization had a catastrophic impact on First Nations peoples, including massacres, forced removal of children (Stolen Generation), displacement, dispossession and the spread of introduced diseases. Languages and cultural practices were suppressed, and many were lost as a result. Despite this, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples remain strong, resilient and passionate about keeping their cultures and traditions alive.

Modern Australia is a multicultural nation, shaped by waves of immigration from all over the world. This diversity is evident in the numerous traditions, languages, cuisines and festivals on display, particularly in big cities.

Sport is a unifying activity in Australia, transcending age, race, gender or income. Cricket, soccer and football (Australian rules) are the most popular, with events like the AFL Grand Final, Melbourne Cup Day and Boxing Day Cricket Test drawing massive audiences.

Australians are known to be friendly and laid-back. They cherish public holidays as opportunities to gather with friends and family, often over a barbecue or picnic. A love for the outdoors is also widespread, with camping and bushwalking being popular pastimes across the country.

The continent of Australia is known for being one of the flattest and driest places on earth, yet it's also home to an astonishing variety of environments. While much of the mainland is covered in desert, the country also boasts tropical rainforests, alpine snowfields, dense bushland, beaches, gorges, lakes and rivers. Australia’s beaches are regarded as some of the best in the world, from iconic spots like Bondi and Byron Bay to the stunning Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays, famous for its white silica sand and turquoise waters.

These diverse environments are home to many species of birds and mammals not found anywhere else in the world, including kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, wombats and thorny devils.

Despite Australia’s vast landmass, most people live in urban areas near the coast. Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth hold the bulk of the population, as do regional satellite cities such as Albury, Dubbo, Bunbury, Townsville, Newcastle and Geelong. Outback towns have a unique way of life; things are slower here, and due to smaller populations, space is plentiful, with most locals relying on agriculture for a living.

Top things to try in Australia

1. Fresh seafood

With an impressive coastline, it’s no wonder fresh oysters, prawns, mussels and balmain bugs are devoured by locals and visitors. For those on a budget, fish and chips on the beach always go down a treat.

2. Wine

Australia is home to several world-renowned wine regions known for their full-bodied reds, including Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Top wine regions include South Australia’s Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, Western Australia’s Margaret River and New South Wales’s Hunter Valley.

3. Beer

Whether you’re cooling down with a can of VB in Victoria or sipping micro-brewed ale in Sydney, sharing a beer with mates is a social experience not to be missed when in Australia.

4. Hot pies

An Australian classic – savory meat pies (or plant-based pies for vegetarians) are best eaten with tomato sauce. You’ll find pies everywhere from city cafes to servos (service stations) and country bakeries.

5. Lamingtons

This moreish cake is perfect for morning or afternoon tea. A slab of fluffy sponge cake is slathered in chocolate sauce and rolled in dedicated coconut.

Read more about Australia's must-try foods

1. Uluru

Nothing will prepare you for seeing Australia's most famous landmark for the first time. Uluru is integral to Anangu Creation Time stories and is known to many as the spiritual heart of Australia. This ancient monolith is also a photographer's dream as it changes color with the setting sun.

2. Great Barrier Reef

See the world's largest reef system. So big it can be seen from outer space! This World Heritage site, just off the coast of Queensland, is home to whales, dolphins, turtles, sharks, coral and more than 1500 species of fish. Go scuba diving or snorkelling to explore this incredible underwater world.

3. The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is a winding coastal route of limestone cliffs and rainforest hinterland that stretches all the way from Torquay in the East to Allansford in the West. While the region is famous for its Twelve Apostles, there are plenty of beaches, waterfalls and towns to explore too.

4. Kakadu National Park

Steeped in Creation Time history, Kakadu is a must-visit while in the Northern Territory. Explore gushing waterfalls, deep gorges, shimmering waterholes and rocky outcrops adorned with 20,000-year-old art.

5. Sydney Opera House

Set against the famous bridge that spans the Sydney Harbour, the Opera House is one of Australia's most iconic sights. It hosts thousands of events and performances each year. Catch a show to admire the ornate interior, or take in the spectacular view from a ferry.

6. The Kimberley

Deep gorges, dusty Outback roads and lush billabongs. The Kimberley is truly enchanting. Hike past the 'beehive' domes of the Bungle Bungles, explore underground caves at Tunnel Creek or jump into waterfall-fed pools.

7. Daintree

With tropical rainforest stretching to white sand beaches, the Daintree is nothing short of spectacular. This complex ecosystem in Far North Queensland is home to a prolific amount of wildlife, including frogs, reptiles, bats and butterflies, and the highest concentration of primitive plant species worldwide.

8. Wineglass Bay

With its crystal-clear water and distinct crescent shape, it's easy to see why Wineglass Bay in Tasmania’s Freycinet National Park is often voted as one of the world's top beaches. Hike a trail to the summit overlooking the bay or descend to the beach, perhaps spotting playful dolphins if you're lucky.

9. Clare Valley

This beautiful wine region is famed for its delicious local produce, Riesling Trail and cellar doors. With scenic vineyards, local produce, and warm hospitality, it’s a haven for food and wine enthusiasts.

10. Blue Mountains

Covering over one million hectares, the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains is a playground of dramatic waterfalls, looming forests and abundant wildlife. Greet the iconic Three Sisters and wander the boardwalks to soak up some of the most picturesque Australian bush.

Most establishments accept contactless payments, including major credit cards which are widely used nationwide. Market stalls and other small vendors may only accept cash, so it's a good idea to carry some just in case. 

There are plenty of ATMs in cities and large regional towns, but they can be harder to find in remote areas. If you’re heading to national parks or the Outback, make sure to plan ahead.