Your complete guide
Things to Do
in Australia
From the red-dust heart of the outback to the cool kelp forests of Tasmania — eight states, endless adventures, one essential guide.
Australia is vast, ancient, and wildly diverse. No two states share the same character — Sydney's harbour glamour bears no resemblance to the raw ochre landscapes of the Northern Territory. Use this guide to explore each region on its own terms.
Australia's Best Experiences, State by State
Planning a trip to Australia and wondering where to start? Whether you're searching for the best things to do in New South Wales, chasing wildlife in Queensland, or heading into the ancient red heart of the Northern Territory, this guide covers every corner of the country.
Australia spans seven climate zones across 7.7 million square kilometres — each state offering a completely distinct character. The tropical north is defined by monsoonal rainforests and endless coastline. The south balances alpine snowfields with world-class food and wine regions. The east coast serves up surf beaches, vibrant city laneways, and one of the world's great natural wonders. And Western Australia — the big, beautiful, often overlooked state — rewards travellers willing to venture its vast distances with landscapes unlike anything else on earth.
Use the state cards below to explore each region in detail, or jump to our quick-find index to filter by activity type.
Browse by Region
Choose Your
State of Adventure
Each state page covers the best attractions, outdoor experiences, local cuisine, and hidden gems.
Sydney & Beyond
Melbourne & The Ranges
Sunshine State
Wild West
Wine & Wilderness
The Wild Island
The Red Heart
Capital Culture
Before You Go
Travelling
Smart
Australia's seasons, distances, and sheer scale can catch first-time visitors off guard. A little planning goes a long way when your next attraction is 600 km down a dirt road.
Seasons Are Inverted
Summer runs Dec–Feb; the wet season in the north can close roads for months.
Distances Are Real
Perth to Sydney is further than London to Moscow. Budget extra days for road trips.
Wildlife Is Wild
Never drive outback roads at dusk — kangaroos are a serious collision risk.
Swim Between the Flags
Always swim at patrolled beaches between the red-and-yellow flags, no exceptions.
Quick Navigation
Find It Fast
Jump straight to the attraction type you're planning for.
Common Questions
Australia Travel FAQs
It depends on the region. The south — Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, and Tasmania — is best in spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) when temperatures are mild and crowds are thinner. The tropical north, including Queensland's far north and the Northern Territory, should be visited during the dry season (May–October) — the wet season brings extreme rainfall and can close roads for months. Western Australia's south-west is lovely year-round, with summers dry and warm. Ski fields in the Snowy Mountains and Victorian Alps operate June–September.
Australia has six states — New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania — plus two major self-governing territories: the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), home to the nation's capital, Canberra. Each has its own distinct culture, landscape, and bucket-list attractions.
Australia's iconic experiences span the entire country. Top highlights include Uluru–Kata Tjuta (Northern Territory), the Great Barrier Reef (Queensland), the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge (NSW), the Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles (Victoria), Kangaroo Island (South Australia), Cradle Mountain (Tasmania), the Kimberley and Ningaloo Reef (Western Australia), and Canberra's world-class National Gallery and War Memorial (ACT).
Most international visitors require a visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia. Citizens of many countries — including the UK, USA, Canada, and EU nations — can apply for an ETA (subclass 601) online, often approved instantly. New Zealand citizens can visit without a visa under a special category. Always check the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date requirements for your nationality.
Yes — if you follow the rules. Always swim between the red-and-yellow flags at patrolled beaches; these mark the safest zone and are monitored by surf lifesavers. Rip currents are the biggest hazard — if caught in one, float and swim parallel to shore rather than against it. In tropical northern Queensland (roughly November–May), stinger nets protect swimmers from box jellyfish at many beaches. Crocodiles inhabit rivers and some coastal areas in the north — always observe warning signs.