What’s not to love about Australia! The people here are laid back, fun-loving and super friendly, and the landscapes are, in a word, breathtaking. Think sparkling blue oceans with white sandy beaches, rugged earthy tones of the red centre and verdant green vegetation of ancient tropical rainforests. You’ll be wowed by Australia’s stunning landscapes as well as its unique wildlife, the ancient cultures of its first nations people and the easy-going Aussie lifestyle.
So, come on over and say G’day to Oz, it’s definitely worth the long haul!
Planning Essentials
Best Times to Visit Australia:
The best time to visit Australia is during the shoulder seasons of Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May), offering mild weather and smaller crowds nationwide. For northern tropical areas, May to October is best. N.B. Be aware of school holiday periods which can increase costs and demand.
Australian Time Zones:
Australia’s mainland states and territories are divided into 5 standard time zones, and 3 Daylight Saving Time Zones (DST) – Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland don’t use DST.
View Time Zones in Australia here
Australian Currency:
Australia’s official currency is the Australian dollar (currency code: AUD). Each dollar consists of 100 cents.
Denominations in Circulation:
Coins: 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, and 50¢ (silver); $1 and $2 (gold).
Banknotes: $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Australian banknotes are unique for being made of durable polymer plastic.
Australian Airports:
Australia’s aviation network includes over 150 certified airports, with Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Brisbane (BNE), and Perth (PER) serving as the major international gateways.
Tourism Links:
VISAS/Entry Requirements:
Every traveler visiting Australia needs a valid passport and an appropriate visa to enter the country. You must apply for your visa before traveling. Depending on your nationality, you can apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), an eVisitor visa, or a standard Visitor Visa online.
View info about Entering Australia here
Australian Language:
Australian English is the standard national dialect in Australia. While heavily based on British English (in terms of spelling and grammar), it features a unique pronunciation and a colorful array of slang.
Slang (Strine): Australians are known for abbreviating words and ending them with “-o” or “-ie” (e.g., Maccas for McDonald’s, Avo for avocado, Salvos for the Salvation Army, Arvo for afternoon).
Common Sayings: G’day (hello), fair dinkum (true/genuine), mate (friend), and heaps (a lot).
Destination Focus
Guided Tours – Australia:
Check out these tours from Get Your Guide, our trusted provider of fun, fulfilling, well-organised tours. We love their easy booking system with free cancellation, reserve-now-pay later options, own currency payments, instant confirmation & trusted verified reviews.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you choose to book through them. We only recommend companies that we use and trust and who provide great experiences.
More Australia Travel Inspo:
A Taste of Australia – The Great Southern Land
Defining Australian cuisine is like trying to describe a sunrise while it’s still changing colours—it is vibrant, evolving, and beautifully complex. It is a journey that spans 60,000 years, moving from the ancient “bush tucker” of the First Nations people to the globally-inspired “Mod Oz” (Modern Australian) fusion we see today.
Although we planned to visit many country towns, discover dozens of dinosaurs, climb pristine red sandhills to see stunning sunsets and search the parched ground for elusive Opals, we decided our main goal would be to visit as many old, unique and historic outback pubs as we could in the time, buy a beer or two and help these drought affected communities by sharing our love and some money.
From Shipwreck to Ruin – The Trial Bay Gaol Story
Take a step back in time and soak up the history and beauty of Trial Bay Gaol, just 5km from South West Rocks on the NSW Mid North Coast. Named after a tragic shipwreck, and sitting atop a sun-drenched peninsular overlooking the sparkling Pacific Ocean, the silent and powerful ruin of Trial Bay Gaol stands as testament to a time of ingenuity, courage and survival in Australia’s colonial history.
Goonoo Goonoo Station – from Historic Station to Luxury Destination
Goonoo Goonoo Station is a lovingly curated rural resort of the highest standard, from the exquisite gardens lining the paths and buildings, to the picture perfect rural vistas from each guest’s window. Top this off with a contemporary and architecturally striking fine dining restaurant and you have a winning formula for a unique events destination and a truly unforgettable stay.
Room With A Zoo – On Zoofari at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo
Spend a night under the stars, watching zebra and giraffe saunter by as you sip on your favourite Safari style cocktail, binoculars in place around your neck and the roar of distant lions in the air. You are on Zoofari!
A Taste of Australia – Recipes from Down Under
To understand Australian food is to understand the spirit of Australia itself – a blend of deep ancient roots, a colonial past, and a restless, modern curiosity. It is a cuisine defined not by rigid rules, but by quality, freshness, and a fearless willingness to experiment.
5 Must-Do Activities in Caloundra for Your Next Getaway
Caloundra, just 90 minutes north of Brisbane is one of our favourite places to visit in Queensland and we make it a priority to get there every year for a well deserved long weekend.
Exploring Scenic Rim: Kalbar, Boonah, and Lake Moogerah
The Scenic Rim Region in Southeast Queensland is the perfect weekend getaway. it covers approx. 4,243sq km and showcases World Heritage Listed rainforests, fertile farmland, hiking trails, lakes, waterfalls, local produce, wineries, craft breweries and charming country towns. There’s heaps to explore so we’ve broken it down for you as a series of Weekend Diary instalments.
Pixsell Travels 