Australia Travel Guide

Planning a Trip to Australia

Australia is vast — roughly the size of the continental US — so most trips focus on one or two regions rather than trying to see it all. First-timers usually pick between the east coast cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane), the Great Barrier Reef, and the red centre around Uluru.

Getting Around

Domestic flights are the most practical way to cover long distances between cities. Within the east coast, a road trip or the Greyhound bus network works well for shorter hops like Sydney to Melbourne or along the Gold Coast.

Suggested Itineraries

A 10-day trip works well as Sydney (3 nights), Great Barrier Reef via Cairns (3 nights) and Melbourne (3 nights). With more time, add Uluru or Tasmania for a deeper look at the country's landscapes.

Money and Costs

Australia isn't a budget destination — expect prices similar to or higher than Western Europe or the US, especially for accommodation and dining out. Self-catering and public transport help keep costs down.