Australia

The Touratu Guide to

Australia

14 States to Explore in Australia

UPDATED JUNE 11, 2026

Explore Australia Travel Map & Highlights

Australia Brief

Australia is Earth's largest island and smallest continent, spanning diverse landscapes from tropical rainforests to vast deserts and iconic coral reefs. Home to unique wildlife, ancient Aboriginal culture, and cosmopolitan cities, it offers experiences ranging from urban exploration to remote wilderness adventure. Most travelers visit between October and April, avoiding the hot summer and tropical cyclone season. The country requires advance visa planning and operates with good infrastructure, though distances between attractions are substantial.

Capital: Canberra • Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD) • Official Language: English • Main Religion: Christianity (majority), followed by no religion • Best Months: October to April (spring/autumn/early summer) • Average Weather: 15-28°C (60-82°F) depending on region and season • Famous Tourist Cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Cairns, Adelaide • Time Zone: AEST/AWST (multiple zones across states) • Visa Note: Most visitors require an eTA or visa; check requirements by nationality • Popular Experiences: Great Barrier Reef diving, Uluru exploration, Sydney Opera House, Outback road trips, coastal hiking, wildlife encounters

Australia Travel Guide, Tips & Tour Links

Data provided by Touratu - Australia

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Popular Destinations near Australia

Frequently Asked Questions About Australia

Everything you need to know before visiting Australia

Australia is generally very safe with low violent crime rates. Standard precautions apply: avoid displaying valuables, stay aware of surroundings in major cities at night, and use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps. Remote outback travel requires proper planning and communication. Healthcare standards are high. Venomous wildlife rarely poses danger if you follow local guidance.

Budget travelers: AUD 70-100/day (hostels, local food, public transport). Mid-range: AUD 150-250/day (3-star hotels, restaurant meals, activities). Luxury: AUD 300+/day. Prices are higher in major cities (Sydney, Melbourne) and tourist hotspots. Regional areas and self-catering reduce costs. Accommodation and internal flights represent major expenses.

14-21 days works well: Spend 3-4 days in Sydney (Opera House, beaches, Blue Mountains day trip), 3-4 days in Melbourne (culture, food, Great Ocean Road), 2-3 days in Cairns (Great Barrier Reef), and 2-3 days at Uluru. Add extra time for drives between regions. Alternatively, focus on one region to minimize travel time and jet lag.

October to April offers the best weather (spring through early summer). December-February can be hot and humid, particularly in the north where cyclones occur. March-May and September provide warm, dry conditions. Avoid the wet season (November-March) in tropical regions. Peak tourism is December-February and school holidays, making prices higher and attractions busier.

Domestic flights are efficient and affordable between major cities (1-5 hour flights). Long-distance buses and trains exist but are slow for crossing the continent. Car rental suits road trips like the Great Ocean Road or outback exploration. Buses work for connecting regional centers. Budget airlines (Jetstar, AirAsia) offer competitive fares; book ahead.

Respect Aboriginal culture and land, particularly at sacred sites. Australians value directness, humor, and informality. Tipping isn't mandatory; 10% at restaurants is optional. Driving is on the left side. Australians are outdoor-focused and casual. Public behavior expectations align with Western norms. Learn basic Indigenous terms and acknowledge the ongoing significance of Aboriginal heritage.

Fraser Island (world's largest sand island), Kangaroo Island for wildlife, the Grampians National Park, Tasmania's wilderness, Rottnest Island's quokkas, the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, and the Fleurieu Peninsula's wine country. Regional Tasmania and South Australia offer fewer crowds. Northern Territory's Kakadu National Park provides rich Aboriginal culture alongside landscapes.

Great Barrier Reef (marine life), Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in Queensland, and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. For wild encounters, visit Kangaroo Island, Kakadu National Park, and Tasmania. Daintree Rainforest offers tropical species. Many wildlife interactions come naturally during outdoor activities like hiking and coastal exploration.

Two weeks allows meaningful exploration of 2-3 regions without excessive rushing. Three weeks enables a more comprehensive experience including the Great Barrier Reef, Red Centre, and major cities. For in-depth outback or remote travel, plan 3-4 weeks. Shorter trips (3-5 days) work only if focusing on one city or region.

Touratu maps Instagram photos and YouTube travel videos to real destinations, helping you discover authentic locations and experiences shared by actual travelers. Search Australia by region to find trending spots, view user-generated content from real visitors, and identify lesser-known attractions beyond guidebook recommendations. Combine this with practical planning tools for a personalized itinerary.

Australia Travel Guide: Planning Your Visit