The original Aust Travel was a portal for Australian tours, holidays, campervans, theme park tickets and airport transfers, with handy pages on public and school holidays. We have rebuilt it as an independent travel planner. Every page is written from current official sources, from the Department of Home Affairs to state road authorities and national park managers.
Start with the season
Australia has tropical, desert, Mediterranean and temperate climates, so "summer" means very different things in Darwin, Uluru and Hobart. When it is the perfect time to visit Tasmania, it may be the wet season in Kakadu. Use our season finder below, or read the full guide to the best time to visit.
Sort the paperwork early
Most visitors need a visa before they travel. Depending on your passport, that may be an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), applied for through the official AustralianETA app with a $20 service charge, the free eVisitor for many European passports, or a Visitor visa (subclass 600). Our ETA and visa guide explains the options and how to avoid unofficial websites that charge extra.
Be realistic about distance
Sydney to Perth is a flight of several hours. Driving between capital cities can take days. Most travellers get more from a trip by choosing one or two regions and exploring them properly. Combine domestic flights for the long hops with a hire car or campervan for regional touring. Read our guides to driving in Australia and hiring a campervan.
Watch the holiday calendar
Australian school holidays and long weekends affect prices, crowds and availability, especially at beaches, national parks and theme parks. Each state sets its own school terms. Our holidays hub explains how school and public holidays work, with the 2027 public holidays and links to each state's official school calendar.
Iconic destinations
- Uluru and the Red Centre: a sacred site at the heart of the continent. You need a park pass, and the climb has been permanently closed since October 2019.
- The Great Barrier Reef: the world's largest coral reef system, best reached from gateways such as Cairns, Port Douglas and the Whitsundays.
- Sydney: the harbour, the Opera House, beaches and coastal walks.
- Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road: laneways, food and one of the world's great coastal drives.
- Tasmania: wilderness, walking and food, with Cradle Mountain and the east coast.
- Kakadu and the Top End: wetlands, rock art and waterfalls, best in the dry season.
Browse all our destination guides.
Stay safe
Australia is a safe place to travel, but its natural environment demands respect. Swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches, carry water in the outback, check fire and flood warnings, and follow advice about marine stingers in tropical waters. Travel insurance is strongly recommended for overseas visitors. Read our travel insurance guide.
About Aust Travel
We are independent and not a travel agent. Some pages include clearly labelled affiliate links to booking and tour sites, which help fund the guide at no extra cost to you. Read more about us and our editorial policy.
