Travel to Australia — everything you need to know
When to go to Australia?
- September – November — Southern spring : Ideal for Sydney and Melbourne (19–24 °C). Spring blooms, before the summer heat. Perfect for road trips.
- April – June — Mild autumn : Excellent time for the south and the big cities. Queensland stays warm and dry. A good period for Uluru.
- June – August — Winter (Tropical North) : Perfect dry season for tropical Queensland (Cairns, Great Barrier Reef). The north is at its best in the southern winter.
Weather in Australia
Check the weather city by city, starting with Canberra.
- Sydney: daytime highs from 18 to 27 °C depending on the season, 96 mm of rain per month on average.
- Cairns: daytime highs from 26 to 32 °C depending on the season, 163 mm of rain per month on average.
- Melbourne: daytime highs from 13 to 27 °C depending on the season, 43 mm of rain per month on average.
- Perth: daytime highs from 19 to 32 °C depending on the season, 60 mm of rain per month on average.
- Brisbane: daytime highs from 22 to 30 °C depending on the season, 88 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Australia?
Australia is a continent in its own right: Sydney and its iconic Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, the sacred rock of Uluru, kangaroos and koalas in the bush, and Melbourne with its foodie scene. A vast country, on the other side of the world, for unforgettable adventures.
Sydney
Australia's most photographed city, with the Sydney Opera House on the harbour, the Harbour Bridge, Bondi and Manly beaches, and a multicultural food scene.
Highlights : Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge — BridgeClimb, Bondi Beach, Royal Botanic Garden.
Great Barrier Reef
The world's largest coral reef, visible from space. Exceptional diving and snorkelling from Cairns or the Whitsunday Islands, with extraordinary marine life.
Highlights : Diving the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven Beach, Cairns — the gateway, Green Island — easy snorkelling.
Uluru & Northern Territory
Uluru, the Anangu people's sacred rock, changes colour at sunrise and sunset. Australia's red spiritual heart, surrounded by the vast Outback.
Highlights : Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunrise, Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), Base Walk hike (10 km).
Melbourne
Australia's cultural capital, Melbourne is renowned for its Victorian-era arcades, world-famous café scene, restaurants and buzzing nightlife.
Highlights : Hosier Lane — street art, Queen Victoria Market, Great Ocean Road — Twelve Apostles, Southbank & Federation Square.
Kimberley & Outback
Australia's wildest region, with the red gorges of Purnululu (Bungle Bungle), Mitchell Falls and remarkable endemic wildlife.
Highlights : Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) — Golden gorges, Mitchell Falls, Windjana Gorge, Lake Argyle — vast man-made lake.
Travel budget for Australia
Australia is an expensive destination for Europeans. The cost of living is high, especially accommodation in the big cities. Plan a solid budget or opt for camping and hostels.
- Backpacker : 80–120 €/j — Camping/hostel + home cooking + budget flights
- Comfort : 180–280 €/j — Comfortable hotel + restaurants + activities
- Luxury : 500 €+/j — 5-star resort + fine dining + premium experiences
Practical tips for travelling to Australia
- Flight from Paris : ~22h with 1 stopover (Singapore, Dubai, Bangkok)
- Visa : eVisitor (ETA) required online (~A$20, instant)
- Currency : Australian dollar (A$) — cards accepted everywhere
- Language : Australian English — no language barrier
- Electricity : Type I — 230V (adapter essential)
- Mobile network : Prepaid SIM (Telstra, Optus) — limited coverage in the Outback
- Tap water : Drinkable in all towns and villages
- Health : No mandatory vaccines — watch out for venomous spiders and snakes!
Compare Australia with other destinations