Australia Travel Information Guide

From coral reefs to red deserts, Australia offers breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. Discover essential travel info, top destinations, and insider tips to plan your ultimate Australian adventure.

00:00:00|Local time in Canberra - Australia

Key Travel Facts & Essential Country Information

Country: Australia

Continent / Region: Oceania

Capital City: Canberra

Government Type: Federal Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy

Population: Approx. 26 million

Official Language(s): English

Percentage of Population Who Speak English: ~95%

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)

Time Zone (GMT): Ranges from GMT+8 to GMT+11

Driving Side: Left

Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type I – 230V

Adapter Needed: UK travellers require a plug adapter

Emergency Numbers: 000 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)


Travel Information

Travel Time from the UK (London): 20–24 hours (1–2 stops)

Best Time/Months to Travel: September–November and March–May (mild seasons)

Main International Airports:

  • Sydney (SYD)
  • Melbourne (MEL)
  • Brisbane (BNE)
  • Perth (PER)
  • Adelaide (ADL)
  • Gold Coast (OOL)

- Visa Requirements: Mandatory for all visitors

- Visa Needed for UK Citizens: eVisitor visa (subclass 651)

- Visa Duration / Cost: 3 months per visit; free

- Vaccinations Needed: Routine vaccines recommended; check requirements for rural travel

Embassy Information (UK Embassy in Australia):

Average Daily Costs: £70 / £140 / £280+

Tipping Culture: Not mandatory; 10% appreciated in restaurants

Public Transport Options: Trains, trams, buses, ferries (city-dependent)

Approx. Cost of Single Fare: AUD $3–$5 (city transport)

Internet / SIM Availability: Excellent 4G/5G; Telstra, Optus, Vodafone


Geography & Climate

Main Climate Type: Ranges from tropical north to temperate south

Average Temperature: 10–20°C in winter; 20–35°C in summer

Major Cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra

Natural Attractions: Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, Daintree Rainforest, Blue Mountains, Great Ocean Road

Popular Destinations: Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Cairns, Perth, Tasmania


Culture & Society

Main Religions: Christianity; diverse multicultural population

Cultural Etiquette / Customs:

  • Casual and friendly social customs
  • Respect Indigenous cultures and sacred sites
  • Queuing and politeness expected
  • Tipping is optional

Cuisine Highlights: BBQ, meat pies, seafood, lamingtons, pavlova, multicultural food influences

Local Festivals:

  • Sydney New Year’s Eve
  • Melbourne Cup
  • Vivid Sydney
  • Woodford Folk Festival

Famous Landmarks: Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Uluru, Twelve Apostles, Bondi Beach, Rottnest Island


Safety & Health

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Common Scams: Rare; occasional travel-booking scams online

Health Risks: Sun exposure, marine stingers (north), dehydration in outback

Recommended Clinics: International hospitals in major cities

Insurance Recommendation: Comprehensive travel insurance essential


Communication

Internet Speed: Excellent 4G/5G; Wi-Fi widely available

Useful Phrases:

  • Hello – G’day
  • Thank you – Cheers / Thank you
  • How much? – How much is it?
  • Where is…? – Where’s…?

Top Experiences & Things To Do

Must-See Attractions: Sydney Harbour, Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, Great Ocean Road, Daintree Rainforest, Whitsundays, Blue Mountains

Unique Experiences: Snorkelling the Reef, Aboriginal cultural tours, wildlife encounters, outback road trips, surf lessons

Hidden Gems: Rottnest Island, Kangaroo Island, Cradle Mountain, Lord Howe Island, Broome’s Cable Beach


Accommodation Overview

Popular Areas to Stay: Sydney CBD, Melbourne CBD, Brisbane South Bank, Perth Waterfront, Cairns Esplanade

Average Hotel Prices: £60 / £120 / £250+

Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.


Nightlife & Entertainment

Nightlife Areas: Sydney Darling Harbour, Melbourne Fitzroy, Brisbane Fortitude Valley

Local Drinks: Craft beer, Australian wines, Bundaberg rum

Entertainment: Beach bars, live music venues, rooftop lounges, cultural festivals


Getting Around

Car Rental: Widely available; essential for regional exploration

Domestic Flights: Frequent and affordable

Trains: City networks; long-distance routes limited

Taxi / Rideshare Costs: Uber widely available; AUD $2–$3 per km


Shopping & Souvenirs

Best Markets: Queen Victoria Market (Melbourne), The Rocks Market (Sydney), Eumundi Markets (Queensland)

Popular Souvenirs: Tim Tams, Aboriginal art, opals, UGG boots, wine, macadamia nuts


Practical Tips

Local SIM Card Providers: Telstra, Optus, Vodafone

Typical Business Hours: 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (Mon–Fri)

Tap Water Safety: Safe nationwide

Local Apps to Download:

  • Uber
  • Opal Travel (Sydney transport)
  • Myki (Melbourne transport)
  • Google Maps
  • BOM Weather

Quick Facts & Trivia

Did You Know?

Australia is home to more kangaroos than people — with an estimated 40–50 million kangaroos across the country.