Explore Australia

Discover Australia's Major Cities

Sydney

Sydney is famous for its harbour, beaches, iconic landmarks, restaurants and vibrant cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach and surrounding coastal areas.

Melbourne

Melbourne is known for its laneways, arts and culture, sporting events, food, coffee and diverse neighbourhoods. It is also an excellent starting point for exploring regional Victoria and the Great Ocean Road.

Brisbane

Brisbane offers a relaxed subtropical atmosphere with riverfront attractions, cultural venues, parks and easy access to destinations across Queensland.

Perth

Perth combines a modern city lifestyle with beautiful beaches, outdoor experiences and access to Western Australia's diverse landscapes.

Adelaide

Adelaide is known for its food and wine experiences, festivals, cultural attractions and proximity to some of South Australia's most popular destinations.

Canberra

Australia's capital city offers national museums, galleries, monuments, cultural attractions and opportunities to learn more about Australia's history and government.

Hobart

Hobart provides access to Tasmania's unique food, culture, heritage and natural landscapes.

Darwin

Darwin is an ideal base for discovering Australia's tropical Top End, including Aboriginal culture, national parks and unique wildlife.

Tourism Australia currently lists Australia's eight capital cities as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart and Darwin.

Australia's Beaches and Islands

Australia is home to spectacular beaches and island destinations. Travellers can enjoy swimming, surfing, snorkelling, diving, boating and relaxing beside the coast.

Popular destinations and experiences include:

• Bondi Beach
• The Whitsundays
• Great Barrier Reef
• Ningaloo Reef
• Kangaroo Island
• Rottnest Island
• K'gari
• Mornington Peninsula
• Esperance
• Port Douglas

Australia's coastline and islands offer experiences ranging from tropical reef adventures to peaceful beach holidays.

Explore Australia's Natural Wonders

Australia has exceptionally diverse landscapes, including tropical rainforests, coral reefs, deserts, mountains, beaches and national parks.

Some well-known natural attractions include:

• Great Barrier Reef
• Uluru and Kata Tjuta
• Daintree Rainforest
• Great Ocean Road
• Blue Mountains
• Kakadu National Park
• Ningaloo Reef
• Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
• Freycinet National Park
• Purnululu National Park

From tropical Queensland to the red landscapes of Central Australia, each region offers a different experience.

Experience Australian Wildlife

Australia is well known for its unique wildlife. Depending on where you travel, you may have opportunities to see kangaroos, koalas, wombats, wallabies, echidnas, penguins and many native bird species.

Wildlife experiences should always be approached responsibly, with visitors following local rules and maintaining appropriate distances from animals.

Discover Aboriginal Australia

Australia has one of the world's oldest continuing living cultures. Visitors can learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through guided experiences, art, storytelling, cultural sites and connections to Country.

Cultural experiences can provide a deeper understanding of Australia's history, traditions and connection to land and community.

Food, Wine and Australian Culture

Australia's cities and regions offer a diverse food and drink scene influenced by cultures from around the world.

Visitors can explore:

• Modern Australian cuisine
• Local produce
• Seafood
• Coffee and cafés
• Farmers' markets
• Regional food experiences
• Wine regions
• Cultural festivals
• Indigenous food and cultural experiences

Melbourne, Adelaide and regional wine destinations are among the many places known for distinctive food and cultural experiences.

Adventure and Outdoor Activities

For travellers looking for adventure, Australia provides many opportunities for outdoor activities, including:

• Surfing
• Snorkelling
• Scuba diving
• Hiking
• Cycling
• Camping
• Wildlife experiences
• Road trips
• Sailing
• Kayaking
• Scenic drives

Australia also offers a wide range of walking trails, national parks and road-trip routes for travellers who want to experience the country beyond its major cities.

Plan Your Australian Trip

Before travelling to Australia, consider:

1. Choose your destinations based on your interests and available travel time.
2. Check the season and weather for the regions you plan to visit.
3. Plan your accommodation and transport in advance where appropriate.
4. Check Australian visa and entry requirements before travelling.
5. Understand your visa conditions and make sure your visa matches your purpose of travel.
6. Check Australian biosecurity requirements before packing food, plants, animal products or other restricted items.
7. Plan your travel budget, including accommodation, transport, activities and meals.

Tourism Australia recommends considering destinations, travel timing, trip length, transport and visa requirements when planning an Australian holiday.

Australian Visa and Entry Requirements

If you are travelling to Australia, choosing the correct visa is an important part of your planning.

Most overseas passport holders need an appropriate Australian visa before travelling. The visa you need depends on your purpose of travel, circumstances and intended activities in Australia.

For visitors, possible options can include the Visitor visa (subclass 600) and other visitor-related arrangements depending on nationality and circumstances.

A Visitor visa generally requires applicants to demonstrate that they are genuine visitors and comply with the conditions attached to their visa. Visitor visa holders cannot work, and study or training is generally limited to up to three months.

Before submitting an application, make sure your passport details, travel purpose, supporting documents and proposed activities are accurately provided. Home Affairs recommends submitting a complete, decision-ready application with the information and documents required for the relevant visa.

Explore Australia With Confidence

From Sydney's harbour and Melbourne's laneways to tropical Queensland, Western Australia's beaches, Tasmania's wilderness and the landscapes of the Red Centre, Australia offers a remarkable variety of travel experiences.

Whether you are planning a short holiday or a longer Australian adventure, understanding your destination, travel arrangements and visa requirements can help you prepare for your journey.

Need help understanding your Australian visa options? Contact The Visa for professional guidance based on your circumstances.