G'day, Australia
A whole continent of reef, red desert and sunny cities, one long overnight flight from San Francisco.
A big country that rewards a longer stay
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have lived in Australia for more than 60,000 years, one of the oldest continuous cultures on earth. You'll feel that history most at Uluru in the Red Centre, but also in the art, the place names and the Welcome to Country you'll hear at events across the country. Modern Australia layers on a relaxed, outdoorsy, coffee-loving city life that visitors fall for quickly.
Australia is about the size of the lower 48 states, so it pays to plan around flights. Most first trips combine Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns or Port Douglas, and either Uluru or Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road. With two to three weeks, many of our travelers add New Zealand, just a three-hour flight across the Tasman Sea.
Remember the seasons are reversed: our summer is their winter. Spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) are mild almost everywhere. Northern Queensland is best in its dry season, roughly May to October, and the Outback is cooler and more comfortable outside the summer months. US citizens need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before flying, which we'll remind you to apply for.
Australia at a glance
Our favorite ways to spend your time
Not an exhaustive list, just the things our travelers come home talking about.
Things to do
- Snorkel or dive the Great Barrier ReefDay boats from Cairns and Port Douglas head to the outer reef, with options for first-time snorkelers and certified divers alike.
- Climb the Sydney Harbour BridgeA guided climb to the top of the arch for sweeping views of the Opera House and harbor. Twilight climbs are a favorite.
- Drive the Great Ocean RoadSurf towns, rainforest and the Twelve Apostles on one of the world's great coastal drives. Stay a night along the way.
- Watch sunrise at UluruSee the great rock change color at dawn and dusk, then walk the base with an Aboriginal guide.
- Walk from Bondi to CoogeeA clifftop coastal path linking Sydney's famous beaches, with ocean pools and cafés along the way.
Places to go
- SydneyThe harbor, the Opera House, Bondi Beach and a ferry ride to Manly. The Blue Mountains make an easy day trip.
- Cairns & Port DouglasGateways to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, where two World Heritage sites meet.
- Uluru & the Red CentreThe sacred heart of the country, with Kata Tjuta nearby and starry Outback skies.
- MelbourneLaneway cafés, galleries, sports and food, plus wine country in the Yarra Valley close by.
- The Gold CoastLong surf beaches, theme parks and the rainforest hinterland, with Brisbane about an hour away.
Things to see
- The Sydney Opera HouseTake a backstage tour or, better yet, see a performance under those famous sails.
- The Twelve ApostlesLimestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean, magical at sunset.
- Koalas & kangaroosWildlife sanctuaries near most cities let you see Australia's famous animals up close.
- The Daintree RainforestAn ancient tropical rainforest that runs right down to the beach north of Port Douglas.
- Kata TjutaA cluster of huge red domes near Uluru, with a beautiful walk through the Valley of the Winds.
What to eat in Australia
Dishes to order
- BarramundiAustralia's favorite fish, flaky and mild, often grilled with a squeeze of lemon.
- Meat pieA hand-held pie of minced beef and gravy, the classic snack at a footy match or bakery.
- Moreton Bay bugsNot bugs at all, but a sweet, lobster-like shellfish worth trying on the Queensland coast.
- Pavlova & lamingtonsA meringue topped with cream and fruit, and sponge squares dipped in chocolate and coconut.
Where to eat
- Melbourne's lanewaysTiny cafés and restaurants tucked down narrow alleys, from breakfast spots to late-night dumplings.
- Seafood by the harborSydney Fish Market is an institution for oysters and prawns eaten outdoors by the water.
- The local pubA hearty "counter meal" of chicken parmigiana or steak at a historic corner pub.
What to drink
- Flat whiteAustralians take coffee seriously, and this velvety espresso drink is the everyday order.
- Australian wineShiraz from the Barossa Valley, cool-climate Pinot from the Yarra Valley and much more.
- A cold local beerEvery state has its own favorite brews, best enjoyed on a sunny pub terrace.
Let's plan your Australia trip
Australia is a long way to go, so we'll help you make the most of every day, from flight routing to how many stops to fit in. Tell us when you'd like to travel and we'll come back with options and current pricing.
