Australia is a country that has something for really every kind of traveler. Beach vacationers, urban explorers, wildlife enthusiasts, and avid road-trippers... did you align with one of these qualifiers? Then traveling in Australia could be for you! (And on top of that, because of the size of the country, you can always find a destination in its best weather, no matter what time of year you choose to visit.)
A Beach Vacation
Beach vacations are an amazing way to decompress, relax, escape, and refresh yourself. And there's no better place to do it than on the eastern coast of Australia near Brisbane. You can either hide away in a quaint beach town or immerse yourself in the unique city and beach life of the Gold Coast. And if you want to combine your beach vacation with some beautiful coastal sites, then consider driving along the Great Ocean Road near Melbourne.
Destination
Brisbane area (including the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast) and the Great Ocean Road near Melbourne
When to Visit
Brisbane Area: March - May. During this time, the weather is not as sweltering and the crowds have diminished from the summer holidays.
Great Ocean Road: March-April or September-November
Top things to do
Check out the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, with everything from cities on the expansive beaches to small boutique coastal towns with secluded beaches. If you are feeling adventurous, try your hand at surfing lessons or other water sports. And on the Great Ocean Road, you can visit some beautiful coastlines and rock formations.
Brisbane Area - The Gold Coast
A view down the large beach of the Gold Coast. Here there are large high-rises along the coast that provide a combination of cosmopolitan comfort with a beach vacation vibe.
Great Ocean Road
The rock formations along the coast of the Great Ocean Road are quite amazing, especially during sunrise and sunset.
The cities of Australia are world class urban jungles. Smaller and more approachable than others around the world, these cities are fun places to explore the unique Australian culture. If your looking for an international city, head to Melbourne where you will find a mix of Asian and European influence in a gritty city flair. And if you want an iconic city with a coastal vibe, then make your way to Sydney, where you can walk along the coast and hop into ocean pools with an impressive skyline behind you.
Destination
Sydney and Melbourne
When to Visit
Sydney: December - February
Melbourne: September-November or March-May
Top things to do
Stay in Sydney to discover the iconic opera house, harbor bridge, and walk the beautiful coastline while hopping into the ocean and ocean-fed pools. It's truly a coastal city unlike any others. Head to Melbourne for the culture, food, drinks, and art. The urban museum of graffiti throughout the city center is an easy place to wander through, checking out the restaurants and bars that can be found in the alleys. It's also the place to go to a concert or check out the local sports.
Sydney
Sydney is know for it's iconic harbor and opera house, but it is its coastal areas with beautiful beaches and coastal pools that adds to its culture and personality.
Melbourne
Melbourne is full of street art, international food, and vibrant culture, which is why it is a great city to visit for those who want to experience a vibrant mix.
Australia is infamous for its wildlife, which can range from animals that are deadly to humans to cuddly and soft harmless creatures. If you want to see amazingly large crocodiles, make your way to Darwin. And if you want to cuddle with koalas and feed kangaroos, consider heading to Kangaroo Island. And finally, if you want to step off land and explore the magical Great Barrier Reef, then consider exploring Cairns.
Destination
Kangaroo Island, Darwin, or Cairns
When to Visit
Kangaroo Island: March-May or September-November
Darwin: May - October (dry season)
Cairns: May - October (dry season)
Top things to do
Driving around Kangaroo Island will get you close to different passive wildlife, such as kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. And you can check out the local sanctuary to see the efforts they have done to protect the local wildlife, especially after a devastating fire. Darwin is the place to go to see the power of the enormous saltwater crocodile (from the safety of a boat of course). And you can discover amazing landscapes in Kakadu National Park and others around the Darwin area. And if you want to discover the amazing Great Barrier Reef, head to Cairns where over a day trip or multi-day adventure, you can snorkel or scuba dive right above one of the most important ecosystems of the world.
kANGAROO iSLAND
Feeding animals in Kangaroo Island's wildlife sanctuary and rehabilitation center is a true highlight to get close to animals that will never be able to be released.
dARWIN
Seeing a crocodile in the wild following your boat and ready for the chase is a thrilling encounter. Keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all time!
cairns - Great Barrier Reef
The beautiful coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef can be visited and enjoyed with snorkeling or scuba diving.
Because Australia is so big, it's a great country to road trip to see the vast landscapes. If you want to see some stark desert landscapes, then consider visiting Uluru either independently or through a group tour road trip. And if you prefer the mountains, head to Tasmania for some winding drives and beautiful hikes to various peaks and valleys.
Destination
Tasmania or Uluru
When to Visit
Uluru: May - September
Tasmania: October - March
Top things to do
In the Uluru area, you can drive to some different rock formations, hike through canyons, and learn about local aboriginal communities who have inhabited the area for over 60,000 years. In Tasmania, you can drive through small towns, hike up mountains, and visit coastal landscapes all in a few days!
uLURU
The rock of Uluru at sunset is a true highlight of a trip to the Red Center of Australia.
tASMANIA
Hiking through the mountains of Tasmania is truly breathtaking. The air is pure, the landscapes are raw, and the hikes are not overly challenging!
