Beginners guide to travelling Australia - Tourism Australia

Uluru Aboriginal Tours, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, NT © Tourism Australia

Beginner's guide to travelling Australia

Are you ready for endless sunshine, beautiful beaches, dramatic deserts and ancient cultures? Start planning your trip with our first-timer's guide to visiting Australia.

Know before you go

Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney, NSW © Destination NSW

Tips to start planning your trip

Kick-start your bucket list and dream up an unforgettable holiday with this step-by-step guide.

Wildflowers, near Hamelin Pool, WA © Tourism Western Australia

When is the best time to visit?

Whether you’re planning your trip around the weather, or want to travel when things are most affordable, here are the things to consider.

Gantheaume Point, Broome, WA © Tourism Australia

How long do I need for my trip?

Can’t decide how long to spend in Australia? The good news is, we have Australian itineraries for every time span.

Find your perfect destination

Sydney Harbour, Sydney, NSW © Destination NSW

Australian states, territories and capital cities

We’re home to eight states and territories – each one with its own unique mix of environments, cultures and rhythms.

InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, Hayman Island, QLD © InterContinental Hayman Island Resort

The complete guide to accommodation and hotels in Australia

Find out more about the different types of accommodation in Australia.

Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, QLD © Tourism Australia

10 Australian destinations you simply can't miss

Not sure where to start? Explore the best places to visit for first time visitors to Australia.

Planning essentials

Azamara, Sydney Harbour, New South Wales © Tim Faircloth

Getting here: USA to Australia flights

Sydney Airport, New South Wales © Sydney Airport

Australian visa and entry requirements FAQs

Cape Tribulation, Tropical North Queensland, QLD © Tourism Australia

Australian budget guide

Bronte Baths, Bronte Beach, Sydney, NSW © Tourism Australia

Facts about Australia

Self-drive, Marrawah, TAS © Tourism Tasmania

Getting around

Experience Australia like a local

Prairie Hotel, Parachilna, SA © South Australian Tourism Commission

Experiences that will make you feel like an Aussie

Do as the Aussies do; there’s no better introduction to Australia.

Great Barrier Reef, QLD © Georges Antoni / Tourism Australia

A handy guide to the Australian lifestyle

Live like an Aussie with this handy guide to understanding the Australian way of life.

Tali Wiru, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory © Tourism Australia

Australia's bucket list food experiences

From the quintessential Aussie BBQ to world-renowned restaurants, there's plenty of ways to dig into Australia's cuisine.

Make a booking

Elysian Retreat, Whitsundays, QLD © Tourism Australia

Deals and travel packages

Deals and travel packages

Kangaroo, Lucky Bay, Esperance, WA © Australia’s Golden Outback

Find a travel agent

Beach House on Wategos Beach, Byron Bay, NSW © Tourism Australia

Find accommodation

Indigenous symbol - Natural Beauty

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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*Product Disclaimer: Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

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