Australia Travel Facts

CapitalCanberra
Population~26 million
Area7,692,024 km²
Time ZoneAEST (UTC+10), ACST (UTC+9:30), AWST (UTC+8)
CurrencyAustralian Dollar (AUD)
LanguagesEnglish
Main AirportsSYD (Sydney), MEL (Melbourne), BNE (Brisbane), PER (Perth)
VisaETA (Electronic Travel Authority) for most nationalities (~AUD 20)
Best ForBeaches, wildlife, road trips, diving
Typical Cost LevelMid-range to High

Australia destinations

Stay in the loop

Get the latest deals, new destinations, and travel tips delivered straight to your inbox.

No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Latest Travel Guides

Australia Travel FAQ

Most nationalities need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa to enter Australia. The ETA costs approximately AUD 20 and can be applied for online through the Australian ETA app. It allows stays of up to 90 days for tourism purposes. Citizens of the UK, EU, Canada, and many Asian countries qualify for the ETA, while US citizens can apply through the same system. Processing is usually instant but allow at least 48 hours before travel.

Australia's seasons are reversed from the Northern Hemisphere. The best time to visit Sydney and the southeast is during the Australian spring and autumn - September to November and March to May - when temperatures are mild and crowds are thinner. For the Great Barrier Reef, June to October offers the best visibility. The Australian summer (December to February) is peak season with higher prices, while winter (June to August) is ideal for visiting tropical northern regions like Cairns and Darwin.

Australia is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists. Violent crime against travellers is extremely rare. The main safety concerns are natural - strong ocean rips at beaches, sun exposure, and wildlife in remote areas. Always swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches, wear SPF 50+ sunscreen, and check local warnings before bushwalking. Emergency services are reached by dialling 000.

The Australian Dollar (AUD) is the national currency. Contactless card payments are accepted almost everywhere, including markets and small cafes. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns. Tipping is not expected in Australia, though rounding up at restaurants is appreciated. As of 2026, AUD 1 is roughly equivalent to EUR 0.60.

On Trip1, you can book hotels across Australia and pay with over 50 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDC. Trip1 covers 3 million+ hotels in 190+ countries, making it easy to find and book accommodation with crypto.

Domestic flights are the most practical way to cover long distances in Australia. Airlines like Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia connect all major cities, with flights from Sydney to Melbourne taking about 1.5 hours. Within cities, public transport networks include trains, buses, ferries, and light rail. Renting a campervan is popular for road trips along the east coast or through the outback. Greyhound Australia operates long-distance bus routes for budget travellers.