Australia

Planning a trip to Australia

What this page covers

This page collects travel stories about Australia and its cities, including Sydney, from news publishers and travel blogs: airline and route news, road trips, national parks and guides to each state and territory.

Before you go

Almost all visitors need a visa or an electronic travel authority arranged before they travel. Check the Australian government's official guidance for your passport. Biosecurity rules at arrival are strict: declare food, plant material and animal products, because undeclared items can bring heavy fines.

Distances

Australia is roughly the size of the mainland United States, and its cities are far apart. Domestic flights are the practical way to cover long distances, and road trips work best when they focus on one region. In the outback, fuel stops can be very far apart, so carry water and plan each leg before you set off.

Seasons run the other way

Seasons are the reverse of the northern hemisphere, with summer around Christmas. The tropical north has a wet season and a dry season rather than four seasons, and the dry season is the usual time to visit. The southern states are cooler, and winter there can be genuinely cold.

Sun, sea and wildlife

The sun is strong, so use sun protection even on cloudy days. Swim at patrolled beaches between the flags, and follow local warnings about currents, jellyfish and crocodiles in the north. Wildlife on rural roads is a real hazard around dawn and dusk.

Choosing a region

Rather than trying to see the whole country, most visitors pick a few areas: Sydney and the coast of New South Wales, Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road, the reef and rainforest of Queensland, the Red Centre, or the southwest. Tasmania is a separate island state with its own wilderness and a cooler climate.