Australia Tourism and Travel Guide

Seasons in Australia are different than the seasons in India or other nations of the Northern Hemisphere. Summer is from December to February and winter season is from June to August.

However, one can explore Australia all round the year, mainly because of the size of the country. The best time to visit Australia thus depends on which places you want to visit and what you want to do there. 

One of the best seasons to travel is spring to summer – between October and March. During this time, most places in Australia experience warm weather with hot days and mild nights. December to February is a good time to explore Southern Australia and it is better to avoid the Northern part of Australia during this time.

Autumn to winter (April to September) is also a good time to explore the northern and central parts of Australia when the days remain clear and warm, and the nights are cooler.

Indians can apply for a Tourist Visa online by paying a fee of Rs 19,000. Those who wish to visit Australia for tourism-related activities such as holidays, recreation, sightseeing, visiting family and friends can get a visa for upto three, six or 12 months. The procedure to get an Australian tourist visa is:

• Select the visa subclass that is appropriate for your purpose of visit. Select Visitor visa (Subclass 600) for vacation and holidays.
  
  
• Fill up the form along with the supporting documents like details of your passport, return tickets,  proposed itinerary in Australia, accommodation, bank statements and employment.
  
  
• Pay the visa fees online and schedule an appointment to the nearest visa application centre.

Currently, VFS is handling all the visa processes for Australia.

Australia is a massive and diverse country and has a lot to offer to its visitors. From extraordinary landscapes, beautiful beaches and national parks to some beautiful wine regions, there are a lot of popular places to visit in Australia. 

Sydney

Australia’s largest city is a mix of natural beauty, unspoilt beaches, public gardens, thriving restaurants and markets and impressive architecture. Sydney boasts of having some of the most iconic landmarks of Australia.

The most popular, of course, is the Sydney Opera House. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a masterpiece of 20th century architecture and is located in Circular Quay. The Sydney Opera House offers opera performances and also hosts concerts and plays. You can explore the place by taking a guided tour.

The next famous attraction of Sydney is the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This is truly Australia’s greatest engineering marvel. You can walk and cycle across the bridge for free, and can book tickets to climb on top of the bridge for unbeatable panoramic views of the city and the sea.

Sydney is also the home to the famous Bondi Beach, one of the most popular attractions of Australia. The beach is known for its clear waters and pristine sand. Also visit the museums and galleries of Sydney to know the country better.

Melbourne

Melbourne, the capital of the Australian state of Victoria is coffee capital of Australia. As per Australia travel guide, Melbourne is a mecca for fine food and shopping. The city has also earned the sobriquet of being the cultural capital of Australia for its bustling markets that sell everything from local produce, art and craft to vintage fashion. You can explore the markets like Queen Victoria Market and South Melbourne Market and shop like a local. Don’t forget to grab a coffee as you roam around

The best way to discover Melbourne is by walking through its laneways. Explore the city’s vibrant art and culture by visiting the galleries and museums. However, a trip to Melbourne cannot be completed without a visit to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) that stands as an epicentre of Victorian sports. MCG is not only the playground for Australian cricket and Australian Football League, but have also hosted several high profile events like 1956 Olympics, 2006 Commonwealth Games and several concerts.

Adelaide

This sleepy city is all set to become the lifestyle capital of Australia. Adelaide is located between the hills and Gulf St. Vincent and is bordered by the famous wine regions of Australia. The 150-year-old Central Market in the city is a favourite attraction with tourists and locals. The market boasts of a large number of stalls, cafes and restaurants showcasing the local and fresh produce of the region. You will get farm-fresh fruit and vegetables, artisan cheeses, smoked meats and seafood at the Central Market. In fact, Adelaide is the perfect destination for foodies. There are fine dining eateries along with numerous pubs, hip bars and even food trucks all along the city.

Adelaide’s North Terrace has the city’s most important cultural institutions. There are art galleries, museums, botanical gardens and zoos in this area. The Art Gallery of South Australia features a collection of more than 38,000 works spanning Australian, Australian aboriginal, European, North American and Asian art. 

You can also head towards the popular beaches of Adelaide such as Henley Beach that has a pristine sandy coastline and a lovely old wooden jetty. Finally, also explore a couple of days in the Adelaide Hills. You can visit some of the region’s best wineries such as Handorf Hill, which is pioneering the Austrian grape varieties of Bläufrankisch, Grüner Veltliner, Zweigelt and St Laurent or Bird in Hand, renowned for its award-winning Shiraz.

Gold Coast

The major attraction is its beaches and the most famous one is the stretch known as Surfers Paradise.  The best thing you can do on the Gold Coast is exploring the endless beaches that stretch across 57km. The Southport Spit, locally known as the Spit and Surfers Paradise are few of the best places to swim and surf in the area. The Wave Break Island lies just off Main Beach and offers fantastic snorkelling and diving options, with more than 50 species of fish.

Along with beaches, Gold Coast is also known for its world class themed parks. You can experience the thrill of freefalling from a height of 12,000 feet at the Gold Coast Skydive, a major attraction of Australia. This ride of a lifetime will allow you to see the enchanting scenery of Gold Coast, its hinterland, white sandy beaches and the blue sea. This is one of the most magical destinations in Australia.

Brisbane

A lively place that sees sunshine throughout the year, the city is popular for its outdoor activities. You can experience the vibe of Brisbane by visiting Riverlife Adventure Center, the gardens of Mount Coot-tha, City Botanic Gardens and the Australia Zoo. Located along the Brisbane River, a cruise ride is also a popular attraction here. Climb on to the Wheels of Brisbane, a 200 feet high ferris wheel to get a panoramic view of the city or take a guided tour of the local brewery – there is no dearth of activities that you can enjoy in Brisbane.

Hobart

Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania, Australia’s smallest state. The second oldest city of Australia, Hobart is a treasure of Victorian and Georgian architecture of Australia tourism. To add to these attractions, Hobart has an exciting food scene too. The local Salamanca Market held every Saturday attracts thousands of visitors all year long. The market has more than 300 stalls of fresh fruit and vegetables and baked goods as well as arts, crafts and wares produced by Tasmanian artisans.

Hobart has a beautiful waterfront for you to visit. If you are looking for some activity, you can climb Mount Wellington, a 30-minute drive from the city. Your visit to Hobart will not be complete unless you explore the culinary delights of the city. Visit the dining options in Salamanca or experience one of the restaurants at the waterfront for a gastronomic delight.

Darwin

Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory and is known for its outdoor adventure activities. The city is closer to many Asian countries on the Indian Ocean and as a result, the place has a visible Asian influence.The major attraction of Darwin is the Crocosaurus Cave, where you can go cage swimming with a crocodile! If you do not want to brave this, you can also join a crocodile cruise. This is an amazing attraction of Australia.The sunsets at Darwin are simply spectacular. Go for a sunset cruise to experience a beautiful sunset on a 50-foot luxury catamaran. Wander around Mindil Beach Sunset Market that has a large collection of international food stalls.

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is Australia’s largest national park and is also a world heritage site. This is one of the most visited places in Australia. Kakadu is home to aboriginal rock art dating back 20,000 years.

Kakadu is also abundant in flora and fauna. The Yellow Water region at Kakadu is said to be the best place to see Australia’s wildlife in their natural habitat. You can take a cruise ride to get an experience of the wilderness.

Blue Mountains National Park

A world heritage site, the place is named after the blue haze emanating from the numerous eucalyptus trees that stretch on. The Blue Mountains can be reached by a two-hour drive from Sydney. There are numerous walking trails you can set out on that are dotted with waterfalls, streams and forested valleys. Three Sisters is one of the most visited sites in Blue Mountains National Park. You can also explore the Jenolan caves and visit the Botanical Gardens.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. It is said that Uluru is a place you need to see and feel for yourself. The ancient ochre coloured desert landscape is a place of great cultural and spiritual significance to the Anangu aboriginal people of Australia. Uluru is recognised by a large rock located right in the middle of the national park. As you gaze in wonder at Uluru, also visit the mesmerizing rock formations of Kata Tijuta. They are equally spectacular.Apart from appreciating the natural beauty of the place, you can also ride a bike or take a walk with a guide to learn about the ancient traditions of the people.

Broom

This coastal escape town located in Western Australia is the gateway to the wild Kimberley region. Beaches are one of the major attractions of Australian Tourism and Broom has them in plenty. Visit the extraordinarily beautiful Cable Beach. This beach has crystal clear sand and is famous for its sunset camel rides. Cruising through Kimberley’s red cliff is another attraction in Broom. Many luxury cruises depart from the coastline of Broom to these ochre cliffs and secluded beaches. Roebuck Bay is known for spotting snubfin dolphins. Visit the Broom Historical Museum to get an overview of the town’s history. It hosts a number of aboriginal artefacts, exhibits on pearl industry and many more.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island. You can reach Fraser Island by taking a ferry ride from Queensland coast. The island has miles of pristine beach that you can explore by a four-wheel drive vehicle. You can visit the freshwater lakes and rainforests on the island. Fraser Island is home to a few interesting wildlife such as dingoes, dugong, manta rays, dolphins, sharks and migrating humpback whales.

1. Scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most remarkable natural wonders and is blessed with the breathtakingly beautiful coral reefs. This is one of the most famous reef systems with spectacular marine life and great diving opportunities.The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the natural world and includes more than three thousand coral reef systems and hundreds of picturesque islands and is one of the major attractions of Australia tourism. You can do scuba diving and snorkelling in the crystal clear water or ride a glass bottom boat to witness this natural wonder and the diverse marine life.

2. Visit the wine regions of Australia

South Australia is one of the best wine regions in the world and offers memorable wine tours in natural and beautiful settings. Barossa Valley in South Australia is a must visit place in Australia tourism for wine connoisseurs. This place is known for its bold Shiraz wine that finds its way into the menus of many Michelin-starred restaurants. Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale along the coastline are other famous wine destinations in Australia tourism.

There are a number of wine tours offered through various tour operators of Australia tourism. These tours offer a visit to vineyards, dining, wine tasting and even wine blending sessions. The gourmet in you will definitely have a satisfying time.

3. Enjoy surfing

Surfing is one of the sea sports that you can enjoy immensely and is one of the highlights of Australia tourism. The country has some of the world's best surf spots with waves for beginners as well as seasoned surfers. Bondi Beach in Sydney caters for all surfing levels. While experienced surfers try their skills on the waves, the novices enrol in one of the numerous surfing lessons. Beaches of New South Wales such as Cabarita Beach, Manly, Marouba, Byron Bay are few of the best surfing destinations in Australia. Noosa Heads in Queensland is known for its expansive beaches and is the favourite place for local surfers. Noosa Main Beach is perfect for beginners because of its gentle waves. 

4. Walk among the rare sea lions

Kangaroo Island is a booming destination for wildlife enthusiasts. This is infact one of the best places in Australia tourism to see native wildlife up close. Kangaroo Island is located 30-minutes by place from Adelaide and is brimming with native wildlife that cannot be seen anywhere else. The Seal Bay Conservation Park on Kangaroo Island's south coast is the only place in the world where you can walk among endangered Australian sea lions.

You can also spot koalas, kangaroos and more at Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Take a walk through the wilderness and try to spot a platypus. There are so many things to do on Kangaroo Island.

5. Drive on the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road located along the south-west coast of Victoria is said to be one of the world's most scenic drives. The coastline covers an incredible range of scenery. The 12 Apostles a limestone stack rising majestically from the stunning Southern Ocean, is one of the most famous places in Australia tourism. The major places that you must not miss on this trip are Port Campbell National Park, rainforest at the Great Otway National Park Kennett River Koala Walk to see wild koalas.

6. Hit the ski slopes

While Australia tourism is known more for its beaches, reefs and national parks, skiing is also an  adventure activity to enjoy in Australia. Skiing and snowboarding are available in Australia during the months of June to October. The Great Dividing Range offers some spectacular hiking trails, but you will find some great places to ski towards the southern end of the range. Skiing and snowboarding in Australia is a unique experience. There are a number of ski resorts in the south-eastern states of New South Wales and Victoria. Thredbo, Perisher, Mount Hotham, Falls Creek are some of the best places for skiing and snowboarding.

A place can be best known by its food. Food is an important part of travelling and Australia is no exception. Currently, Australian cuisine is blended with many Asian and Mediterranean cuisines. Here are a few must have dishes when you visit Australia.

Meat pie: This Australian favourite is made of flaky pastry filled with minced meat and gravy. Sometimes a variety of vegetables are also used.

Moreton Bay Bug: This is one of the most popular seafood in Australia. This is like lobster and is said to taste even better. They are usually cut in half and then grilled or barbecued after seasoning.

Kangaroo meat: Yes, you can actually eat a kangaroo! Kangaroo meat is common on most restaurants menus and supermarket shelves in Australia. Kangaroo meat is lean red meat and can be prepared as steaks, burgers, sausages and more.

Emu meat: Yes, emu meat is also common in Australia just like kangaroo meat. Emu meat is used in burgers, pizza toppings and meat pies.

Fish and chips: You cannot ignore the delights of fish and chips in Australia. Fresh fish is lightly fried to crispiness and is paired with French fries. This is the best meal to have on a sunny beach day in Australia.

Barramundi: Barramundi is actually a fried fish with soft meat and crisply fried skin. This is one of the best street food in Australia.

Australia is rather infamous for being an expensive destination, but with careful planning, you can keep a check on your expenses. Typical costs for Australia tourism would be as follows:

Accommodation

Dorm bed in hostel: Rs 800-2000 per night

Budget hotel: Rs 2500-5000 per night

Luxury hotel: Rs 5000+ per night

Food cost

An average meal will cost you between Rs 800 and 1000.

A good meal at a nice restaurant will cost around Rs 2000.

Tours

Day trips can cost you between  Rs 1000 and Rs 15000

Short distance domestic flights will cost around Rs 5000 to Rs 10000 (depending on the time you book the flight)

If you are a backpacker and travelling on a budget, expect to spend around Rs 2800 to Rs 3500 per day for a trip to Australia. Of course, this budget does not cover drinking and any other additional expenses.