Australia Travel Guide 2025: Visas, Money, Transport, and Itineraries

Plan smarter: seasons, typical costs, safety, and sample routes for first-timers.

Start in Sydney, then head to coasts, deserts, and rainforests.

1) Entry Basics (Visas & Documents)

Important: Visa categories and eligibility vary by nationality. Always check your government site and Australia’s official immigration website before booking.

• Passport validity: Aim for 6+ months remaining.
• Common options: Tourist eVisas/ETAs for eligible passports (online application).
• Proofs sometimes requested: Onward ticket, accommodation, sufficient funds, and travel insurance.

2) When to Go (Seasons)

Opposite seasons to the Northern Hemisphere.

• Summer (Dec–Feb): Hot in many regions; great for beaches, but book early.
• Autumn (Mar–May): Mild temps—ideal for city hopping and road trips.
• Winter (Jun–Aug): Tropical north shines (dry season); skiing in the Alps.
• Spring (Sep–Nov): Wildflowers in the west; excellent city weather.

3) Typical Costs (Per Day)

Style	Budget	What it covers
Backpacker	$70–$110	Hostels, public transport, simple eats
Mid-range	$140–$220	Hotels/apartments, cafes, rideshares, activities
Comfort+	$250–$400	4* hotels, domestic flights, tours

4) Money, Connectivity & Safety

• Cards: Contactless widely accepted; carry a little cash for markets.
• SIM/eSIM: Major carriers (Telstra/Optus/Vodafone) have tourist options.
• Safety: Cities are generally safe—use normal urban precautions; heed beach flags and outback advice.
• Tipping: Not mandatory; rounding up or 5–10% for great service.

5) Getting Around

Road trips are a highlight—drive times are long; plan breaks.

• Domestic flights: Time-savvy for long distances (e.g., Sydney ⇄ Cairns).
• Trains & coaches: Scenic but slower; good for flexible travelers.
• Car rentals: Best for coastal/outback; drive on the left.
• City transit: Tap-on cards (Opal/Go/Myki) for buses, trains, ferries.

6) Sample Itineraries

Classic 10 Days (East Coast)

1. Days 1–3: Sydney (harbour, coastal walks, markets)
2. Days 4–6: Melbourne & Great Ocean Road
3. Days 7–10: Cairns/Port Douglas (Great Barrier Reef, Daintree)

Nature & Outback 12 Days

1. Days 1–3: Perth (Fremantle & Rottnest)
2. Days 4–6: Broome & Kimberley gorges
3. Days 7–9: Red Centre (Uluru, Kata Tjuta)
4. Days 10–12: Adelaide & Kangaroo Island

7) Essential Apps & Tips

• Maps & offline downloads, airline apps, fuel price apps for road trips
• Beach safety: check surf lifesaving resources and swim between red-yellow flags
• Sun protection: UV is strong—SPF 50+, hat, sunglasses, water

FAQs

Do I need a car?

Not for city-only trips. For coastal or outback routes, a rental car adds freedom.

When is the Great Barrier Reef best?

Generally May–Oct (drier and milder in the tropics).