Travel to Australia

Australia, a continent-nation, offers an unparalleled blend of breathtaking natural beauty and laid-back urban sophistication. It's a place where you can dive the Great Barrier Reef in the morning and explore bustling city markets in the afternoon. The pace of travel here often leans towards longer stays, especially if you're considering a road trip to truly appreciate the vast distances. While the coastal cities are the main draw for many, the interior's unique Outback offers a starkly different, yet equally compelling, experience. Generally, Australia offers good value once you're there, but getting around can be a significant cost, so factor that into your budget.

Cities to explore in Australia

Pively covers multiple cities in Australia. Click a card for the full guide — flights, hotels, budget and multi-destination itineraries.

Which city to pick

For first-timers, Sydney is almost non-negotiable with its iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, offering a quintessential Australian city experience. If your heart beats for culture, food, and hidden laneways, Melbourne is your undisputed champion, a city that rewards slow exploration. Nature enthusiasts will find their paradise in Cairns, the jumping-off point for the Great Barrier Reef and ancient rainforests. While not a Pively city, Perth offers a more relaxed, sun-drenched vibe with stunning beaches and proximity to world-class wineries in the nearby Margaret River region. Choose Sydney for the postcard views and iconic landmarks, Melbourne for its bohemian spirit and culinary scene, and Cairns for unparalleled access to natural wonders.

Regions to know

New South Wales

Home to Sydney, this diverse state boasts stunning beaches, the dramatic Blue Mountains, and the fertile wine regions of the Hunter Valley. Coastal drives are a highlight. Sydney is the main gateway, offering urban exploration and access to national parks. Recommended duration for a good taste: 5-7 days, focusing on Sydney and a day trip.

Victoria

Victoria is characterized by Melbourne's vibrant arts and food scene, the scenic Great Ocean Road, and the alpine regions. It offers a mix of culture, nature, and adventure. Melbourne is your Pively hub here. Consider the Yarra Valley for wineries and Phillip Island for penguins. Recommended duration: 4-6 days, centered around Melbourne and a coastal drive.

Queensland

This tropical northern state is famous for the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, and the sunny beaches of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. It's a haven for nature lovers and beachgoers. Cairns is the gateway to the Reef. Recommended duration: 7-10 days to explore the reef and rainforest.

Western Australia

Vast and relatively wild, Western Australia offers dramatic coastlines like the Margaret River wine region, the unique Pinnacles Desert, and the Ningaloo Reef for whale shark encounters. Perth is the capital. Recommended duration: 7-14 days if focusing on a road trip from Perth.

Suggested itineraries

7j — Sydney & Blue Mountains Explorer

Begin in Sydney (4 days) exploring the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, and The Rocks. Utilize public transport. Then, take a day tour or rent a car for a 3-day excursion to the Blue Mountains, staying in Katoomba to hike trails like the Three Sisters and visit scenic lookouts. Return to Sydney for departure.

10j — Melbourne Culture & Great Ocean Road

Spend 5 days in Melbourne immersing yourself in its laneway cafes, street art, and museums. Use trams extensively. Rent a car for a 5-day road trip along the Great Ocean Road, stopping at Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay, and the Twelve Apostles. Consider an overnight stay in Port Fairy before returning to Melbourne.

14j — East Coast Highlights: Sydney to Cairns

Start with 4 days in Sydney. Fly to Brisbane (1 day travel/transit), then head to the Gold Coast (2 days) for beaches. Fly to Cairns (1 day travel/transit). Spend 4 days exploring the Great Barrier Reef (diving/snorkelling) and the Daintree Rainforest. Depart from Cairns. This itinerary involves significant flight time.

Best time to go

Australia's vastness means 'best time' varies greatly by region. For Sydney and Melbourne, spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) offer pleasant temperatures (15-25°C) and fewer crowds than summer. Summer (December-February) is hot and busy, ideal for beach holidays but potentially uncomfortable inland. Winter (June-August) is mild in the north (e.g., Cairns, 20-26°C) but cool and sometimes rainy in the south. The tropical north (Queensland) experiences a wet season from November to April, with high humidity and potential cyclones, making the dry season (May-October) preferable. Major events include the Melbourne Cup in November and Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks.

Practical tips

Visa: Most EU, UK, and US passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 90 days via an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa, applied for online. Other nationalities must check specific visa requirements with the Australian Department of Home Affairs or their local embassy.
Currency: The currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Currently, 1 AUD is roughly 0.60 EUR / 0.65 USD. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities; cash is useful for smaller purchases or markets. ATMs are common, but check your bank's foreign transaction fees.
Language: English is the official language. English proficiency is very high, especially in tourist areas. Downloading an offline translation app like Google Translate can be helpful for specific terms or regional dialects.
Transport: Domestic flights are often the most practical way to cover long distances between major cities due to Australia's size. Trains exist but are less extensive for inter-city travel. Coaches (buses) are a budget option. Renting a car is ideal for exploring regions like the Great Ocean Road or wine country, but be prepared for long drives and different road rules. PTV app for Melbourne trams, Opal card for Sydney transport.
SIM / eSIM: Consider an eSIM from providers like Airalo for convenience. Local SIM cards are available from Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone. Expect to pay around AUD $30-50 for 20-50GB of data, valid for 28-30 days.

Culture & etiquette

Tipping isn't customary or expected in Australia; service staff are paid a living wage. You might round up a bill or leave a small tip for exceptional service, but it's not obligatory. When dining, wait to be seated and don't place your elbows on the table. Australians are generally casual, but smart casual is appropriate for nicer restaurants. 'No worries' is a common phrase. Public intoxication is frowned upon. Avoid feeding wildlife and always follow park signage regarding environmental protection. Respect Indigenous culture and history; acknowledge traditional owners where appropriate.

Daily budget

Australia can be pricey, especially accommodation and dining out. Budget travellers might aim for AUD $100-150/day (hostel dorms, supermarket meals, free activities). Mid-range travellers (standard hotel, casual restaurants, one paid attraction) should budget AUD $200-300/day. Comfort travellers (4-star hotels, good restaurants, multiple tours) could spend AUD $400+/day. A standard meal might be AUD $25, a city tram ticket $5, and a museum entry $20.