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Australia travel guide

Places to visit, things to do and where to stay in 13 destinations across Australia.

Destinations13 city guides
Flights from$1,265 to Sydney
Things to do627 experiences
Best time to visitJune and August to September
CurrencyAUD · $
CapitalCanberra

About Australia

Australia is in Australia and New Zealand. Its capital is Canberra, the main language is English and the currency is the Australian dollar (AUD). Our guides cover 13 destinations across Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns. The most comfortable time to visit is generally June and August to September.

Cheap flights to Australia

The lowest fares Destina Holidays travellers found to destinations in Australia in the last 30 days.

Prices are per adult in US dollars, last checked 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.

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Must-see sights in Australia

  1. Sydney Opera House

    Sydney Opera House

    Landmark · Sydney

    The world-famous performing arts center with sail-like roofs on Bennelong Point. Take a guided tour of its interior or see a show, and book ahead for popular performances.

  2. Federation Square

    Federation Square

    Landmark · Melbourne

    The city's main public square, with modern architecture, cultural venues and a large screen for events. It is opposite Flinders Street Station, making it an easy starting point for exploring.

  3. Great Barrier Reef

    Great Barrier Reef

    Nature · Cairns

    The world's largest coral reef system, with many outer reef sites reachable on day boats from Cairns. Book a trip that visits the outer reef and wear a stinger suit during the warmer months.

  4. Surfers Paradise

    Surfers Paradise

    Neighborhood · Gold Coast

    The busy heart of the Gold Coast, with high-rise towers right behind a wide surf beach, plus shops, bars, and night markets. Swim between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards patrol.

  5. Museum of Old and New Art

    Museum of Old and New Art

    Museum · Tasmania

    A provocative private museum carved into a riverside cliff, mixing ancient artifacts with challenging contemporary art. Take the ferry from Hobart's waterfront, which is part of the experience, and allow at least half a day.

  6. Adelaide Central Market

    Adelaide Central Market

    Market · Adelaide

    One of the largest covered fresh-produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere, packed with stalls selling local cheese, fruit and baked goods. Come hungry and explore neighboring Chinatown for cheap lunch options.

  7. South Bank Parklands

    South Bank Parklands

    Park · Brisbane

    A riverside park with gardens, restaurants and Streets Beach, a free man-made lagoon with lifeguards. Spend an afternoon there, then walk across to the museums and galleries of the nearby cultural precinct.

  8. Kings Park

    Kings Park

    Park · Perth

    One of the largest inner-city parks in the world, with native bushland, a botanic garden, and wide views of the city and Swan River. Walk the treetop walkway in the spring wildflower season.

Things to do in Australia

627 tours, tickets and experiences you can book across Australia. Pick a type and city to see what is available for your dates.

Best time to visit Australia

Based on recent weather records across 13 destinations, the most comfortable months for sightseeing in Australia are June and August to September. Conditions vary by region, so open a city guide for monthly temperatures, rainfall and a 7-day forecast.

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Know before you go

Currency
Australian dollar (AUD)1 US dollar ≈ $1.43
Language
English
Capital
Canberra
Calling code
+61
Driving
On the left
Time zones
Australia/Brisbane, Australia/Darwin, Australia/Adelaide+5 more

Upcoming public holidays in Australia

  • Christmas Day
  • St. Stephen's DayBoxing Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Australia Day
  • Good Friday
  • Easter Monday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Check visa requirements

Getting to Australia

The closest airports to the most popular destinations in Australia.

  • RSE Rose Bay Water Airport3 mi from Sydney
  • MEB Essendon Airport7 mi from Melbourne
  • CNS Cairns Airport3 mi from Cairns
  • OOL Gold Coast Airport12 mi from Gold Coast
  • HBA Hobart Airport10 mi from Tasmania
  • ADL Adelaide Airport4 mi from Adelaide
  • BNE Brisbane Airport8 mi from Brisbane
  • PER Perth Airport6 mi from Perth
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Australia travel FAQ

What are the best places to visit in Australia?

Popular destinations in Australia include Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns and Gold Coast. Our Australia travel guides cover 13 cities and regions, with places to visit, things to do, where to stay and the best time to go.

When is the best time to visit Australia?

Across our Australia destinations, the most comfortable months to visit are June and August to September. Weather varies by region, so check each city guide for local temperatures and rainfall.

How much are flights to Australia?

The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Australia in the last 30 days was $1,265 to Sydney from New York, travelling 24 Nov – 1 Dec.

Which airports should I fly into for Australia?

Main airports for popular Australia destinations include Rose Bay Water Airport (RSE) for Sydney, Essendon Airport (MEB) for Melbourne, Cairns Airport (CNS) for Cairns and Gold Coast Airport (OOL) for Gold Coast.

What are the top things to do in Australia?

Destina Holidays offers 627 tours and activities across Australia. The most popular types are outdoor activities & adventure (127), day trips & excursions (123), zoo, aquarium & nature (119) and cruise & water tours (105).

What are the must-see sights in Australia?

Highlights include Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Federation Square in Melbourne, Great Barrier Reef in Cairns and Surfers Paradise in Gold Coast.

How many hotels can I book in Australia?

Destina Holidays lists 3,282 properties across our Australia destinations, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.

What currency is used in Australia?

Australia uses the Australian dollar (AUD). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $1.43.

What language is spoken in Australia?

The official language of Australia is English.

What is the capital of Australia?

The capital of Australia is Canberra.

What time zone is Australia in?

Our Australia destinations span 8 time zones, including Australia/Brisbane (UTC+10), Australia/Darwin (UTC+9:30), Australia/Adelaide (UTC+10:30) and Australia/Melbourne (UTC+11).

Which side of the road do they drive on in Australia?

Traffic in Australia drives on the left. The international calling code is +61.

What are the upcoming public holidays in Australia?

Upcoming public holidays include Christmas Day on 25 December 2026, St. Stephen's Day on 28 December 2026 and New Year's Day on 1 January 2027. Flights and hotels often fill up early around holidays.

Do I need a visa to visit Australia?

Visa rules for Australia depend on your nationality, passport and the length and purpose of your trip. Check our visa requirements page or contact our travel experts before you book.

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