Aust Travel
The white silica sand of Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsunday Islands

Destinations

Australian destinations

From red desert to reef and rainforest, here is an overview of Australia's most popular destinations and how to fit them into a trip.

Photo: Slug69, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

By the Aust Travel editorial team · Updated · 3 min read

Every Australian destination has its own best season and its own logistics. This hub gives you a quick overview, with in-depth guides for the places that need the most planning.

Season finder

When is the best time to go?

  1. JanChallenging
  2. FebChallenging
  3. MarChallenging
  4. AprShoulder
  5. MayPleasant
  6. JunPleasant
  7. JulPleasant
  8. AugPleasant
  9. SepPleasant
  10. OctShoulder
  11. NovChallenging
  12. DecChallenging

Tropical: the dry season (roughly May–October) is the main visitor season. The wet season brings heat, humidity, storms and seasonal road and site closures.

A general guide based on typical seasonal patterns described by the Bureau of Meteorology and state tourism bodies. Weather varies year to year: check forecasts, warnings and road conditions before you travel.

Uluru and the Red Centre

Uluru, in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, is a sacred site for its Traditional Owners, the Aṉangu. You need a park pass, and climbing Uluru has been permanently banned since 26 October 2019. The most comfortable months are generally autumn to spring. Read our Uluru guide.

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef stretches along the Queensland coast and is World Heritage listed. Gateways include Cairns, Port Douglas, the Whitsundays and towns further south. Read our Great Barrier Reef guide.

Sydney

Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Bondi and the coastal walks make Sydney the starting point for many trips. The Blue Mountains are an easy day trip by train or car.

Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road

Melbourne is known for its laneways, food, sport and arts. The Great Ocean Road runs along Victoria's south-west coast past the Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell National Park. Allow at least two days to do it justice.

Tasmania

Cradle Mountain rising above Dove Lake in Tasmania
Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake, Tasmania. Photo: BennyG3255, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tasmania packs wilderness, walking tracks, beaches and food into a compact island. Cradle Mountain, Freycinet and Hobart's waterfront are highlights. Summer is the peak season.

Kakadu and the Top End

Kakadu National Park, near Darwin, is known for wetlands, waterfalls, wildlife and Aboriginal rock art. It is best visited in the dry season, when roads and sites are open. A park pass is required.

Perth and Western Australia

Perth is a gateway to the beaches and wineries of the south-west, Rottnest Island and, further north, the Ningaloo Reef and the Kimberley.

Combining destinations

  • East coast classic: Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef and Melbourne.
  • Outback and reef: Uluru and Cairns, connected by flights.
  • Southern road trip: Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road and Adelaide, or Tasmania by campervan.

Planning tips

Allow travel time between regions, and match each destination to its best season. The tropical north and the Red Centre suit the southern winter, while Tasmania and the southern coast are best in the warmer months. Book national park passes, campsites and popular tours ahead in peak periods.

Guides in this section

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book Uluru and reef tours in advance?

In the busy cooler months and school holidays, popular tours, flights and accommodation can sell out, so booking ahead is wise. Outside peak times there is usually more flexibility.

How do I get between destinations?

Domestic flights connect capital cities and major tourist gateways such as Cairns, Ayers Rock Airport and Hobart. Within regions, a hire car, campervan or tour is usually best.

When should I book national park campsites?

For peak seasons and school holidays, book well ahead through the relevant state or national park agency, as popular campgrounds fill quickly.

Can I see Uluru and the reef on one trip?

Yes. Many visitors fly between them, as they are thousands of kilometres apart. Check seasonal conditions for both.

What is the best first trip to Australia?

Many first-time visitors combine Sydney with one nature region, such as the Great Barrier Reef or Uluru, plus Melbourne. Focus on fewer places to avoid spending most of your time in transit.

Do I need a pass for national parks?

Some national parks charge entry fees or require passes, including Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Kakadu. Others are free. Check the park agency before you go.

Is Tasmania worth visiting?

Tasmania is known for wilderness, walking, food and history, and is compact enough to tour by car in a week or two.

Sources and further reading

Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.

  1. Buy your pass — Parks Australia
  2. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority — GBRMPA
  3. Kakadu National Park — Parks Australia
  4. Discover Tasmania — Tourism Tasmania
  5. Great Ocean Road — Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism