A+

Tourist Popularity

Hotels

A-

Family Friendly

B+

Single Friendly

B+

Senior Friendly

A-

LGBTQ+ Friendly

Weather

Recreation

Nightlife

Restaurants

Crime

InternationalTravel.ai > Australia

Australia

Coastal Beaches

Best Season to Visit: Fall

Best Off-Peak Month to Visit: May

Famous For: Wildlife, Beaches, Outback

Train Access: Yes (nsw trainlink, v/line, queensland rail, transperth trains, adelaide metro, metro trains melbourne, sydney trains, very safe)

Bus Service: Yes (Greyhound Australia, TransLink, Metro Tasmania, Public Transport Victoria, Transport for NSW, relatively safe)

Tourist Visa: Most travelers to Australia, including those from the US, Canada, and the EU, need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or a visitor visa, which typically allows stays up to 90 days per visit. The application process can be completed online, and the ETA is linked electronically to the passport.

Australia offers a diverse and expansive experience, with its unique blend of natural wonders, urban sophistication, and vibrant indigenous culture. From the iconic Sydney Opera House and the bustling laneways of Melbourne to the pristine beaches of the Gold Coast and the Great Barrier Reef's underwater splendor, Australia caters to a wide array of interests. Travelers can immerse themselves in Aboriginal heritage at Uluru, witness the rugged beauty of the Outback, or enjoy the culinary delights of Tasmania's burgeoning food scene. Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in activities like surfing at Bondi Beach, snorkeling in tropical Queensland, or hiking through the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Unique events such as the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and the Melbourne Cup captivate visitors, while the country's wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and wombats, offers unforgettable encounters. Australia's wine regions, like the Barossa Valley and Margaret River, provide exquisite tastings, and the country's multicultural makeup ensures a rich selection of global cuisines. With its laid-back lifestyle and friendly locals, Australia promises an adventure-filled journey for every traveler.

VRBO Vacation Rentals
Learn More

With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, Vrbo connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip. The Vrbo community offers families an array of rental property types such as condos, cabins, lake rentals, beach houses, and more. Discover properties in destinations that everyone dreams of visiting.

VRBO Vacation Rentals

Podcasts

Episode 8: Jake Barber - The Expat Finance Expert Returns

Jake Barber, the Founder and CEO of SJB Global, is a life-long expat and an expert in expat finance. Over the course of Expat Exchange's nearly 30 years online, there are few people we have met with as much lived experience and professional acumen as Jake. We were thrilled to welcome him back to the show and look forward to having him on again!

Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat

Jake Barber is an expat finance expert and the founder and principal of SJB Global. A lifelong expat currently living in Marbella, Spain, Jake has vast experience helping expats from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries manage their finances while living abroad. Get a primer on what you need to know both before and after you move abroad!

Planning Your Trip to Australia

Weather: Australia experiences a variety of climates due to its large size. The northern part of the country has a tropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The southern regions are more temperate, with warm to hot summers and cool winters. Central Australia is mostly arid or semi-arid, with very hot summers and mild to cool winters.

Festivals: The vibrant Sydney Mardi Gras celebrates LGBTQI culture with parades and performances, while the Adelaide Fringe Festival showcases a wide array of arts and entertainment.

Best Destinations for Kids: Queensland's Gold Coast offers thrilling theme parks like Dreamworld and Warner Bros. Movie World, while the Sunshine Coast provides family-friendly beaches and the famous Australia Zoo.

Hidden Gem: The Kimberley region in Western Australia is an underrated destination, known for its dramatic landscapes, ancient rock art, and the stunning Bungle Bungle Range.

Budget-Friendly Advice: Budget-conscious travelers can explore Australia's natural beauty without breaking the bank. Camping and backpacker hostels offer affordable accommodation, with prices starting around $20-$30 per night. National parks like the Blue Mountains provide free hiking trails and breathtaking scenery. Street food markets and food trucks, particularly in cities like Melbourne, offer delicious meals for under $10. Public transportation options, including buses and trains, are available in major cities, with concession fares for students and seniors. Attractions such as Sydney's beaches and Melbourne's street art can be enjoyed for free, and many museums offer free entry or special discount days. Traveling during shoulder seasons, like spring and fall, can also help avoid peak prices.

Accessibility: Australia's major cities are equipped with accessible public transport systems and well-maintained sidewalks, making it relatively easy for older people to navigate. However, some remote areas may have limited facilities.

For the Solo Traveler: Solo travel in Australia is generally safe and highly recommended. The country's well-established backpacker culture and extensive network of hostels provide solo travelers with ample opportunities to meet others. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne have efficient public transport systems and a wealth of activities that cater to individuals. Safety is a priority, with well-lit streets and a strong police presence in urban areas. Solo travelers can join group tours to explore natural landmarks like

Planning a 1 Week Stay: A week in Australia could include exploring Sydney's iconic landmarks, enjoying the culinary scene in Melbourne, and relaxing on the beaches of Byron Bay or the Sunshine Coast.

Planning a 1 Month Stay: For a month-long trip, consider a journey from Sydney's city life to the Great Barrier Reef, the cultural experiences of the Red Centre, and the natural beauty of Tasmania or the Margaret River wine region.

Delving into the Culture

Movies Set: Mad Max, Crocodile Dundee, Australia, Finding Nemo, The Great Gatsby

Popular Foods: Australian cuisine is diverse and influenced by many cultures. Some of the most popular dishes include the meat pie, a handheld pie filled with minced meat and gravy, and the classic Australian barbecue, which often features steak, sausages, and chicken. Seafood is also widely enjoyed, with prawns and barramundi being local favorites. For dessert, the pavlova, a meringue-based dessert topped with fruit and whipped cream, is a national treasure.

Unusual Eats: Vegemite is a dark, savory spread made from yeast extract that Australians love on toast, but its strong, salty flavor can be off-putting to those not accustomed to it. Witchetty grubs, the larvae of a moth, are considered a bush delicacy and can be eaten raw or cooked, offering a nutty taste.

Popular Sports: Australian Rules Football, Cricket, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Soccer, Surfing, Swimming

Popular Teams: Sydney Swans (Australian Rules Football), Melbourne Storm (Rugby League), Sydney Roosters (Rugby League), Australian National Cricket Team

Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: It is considered rude to not observe the custom of a 'shout' where individuals take turns to buy a round of drinks for the group when socializing at a pub or bar. Australians value sincerity, so overly polite or superficial behavior can sometimes be viewed with suspicion. It's also important to show respect for Australia's Indigenous cultures and avoid making assumptions or insensitive comments about their traditions and history.