My Experiences Traveling in Australia and Its Fascinating Highlights on My Travel Blog
Australia is a wonderfully diverse country. Above all, it's enormous! I traveled for three months on a road trip through South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory, including Arnhem Land. Afterward, I spent several weeks traveling along the East Coast from Cairns to Brisbane. Isa traveled by bus along the East Coast. Tasmania is the next destination on my list.
Traveling to Australia is often a major life dream and promises unforgettable adventures. When people think of Australia, they envision turquoise waters, white beaches, and kangaroos. However, the continent offers so much more. Incredible expanses and distances, an incredibly diverse nature and wildlife, along with pure adventure.
Even though the journey is long, there are few places better suited for a road trip than here! We love Australia; maybe you will too soon?
After several trips across Australia, I'm sharing my best tips, favorite places, travel reports, and experiences here. All the travel tips for Australia that you need to know before your trip, as well as a guide on how to apply for your free visa for Australia.
Enjoy my best travel tips for Australia!
Click through the travel reports for the regions visited and learn more about the highlights of each area.
Australia at a Glance
- Population: Approximately 27.3 million (as of September 2024) - most live on the East Coast around Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
- Currency: The Australian Dollar (AUD) is used. Card payments are widespread, including contactless.
- Language: The official language is English. In many areas, Aboriginal languages are also spoken - originally over 250 different ones.
- Average Temperature: Australia is a huge continent with many climate zones. The average temperature is around 26.7 °C - often hotter in the tropical north, more temperate in the south. Here you can find everything about the best time to visit Australia by region.
- Visa: For tourist visits up to 3 months, you need a free eVisitor tourist visa (Subclass 651), check out my guide.
- View the best attractions in Australia (with map and personal highlights)
States and Territories
Australia is a vast country full of contrasts and is also the smallest continent in the world. Australia has six states and two territories, which are all quite different. Therefore, it is difficult for me to pinpoint the highlights. Everything is diverse and incomparable.
It's no wonder that Australia is such a popular travel destination. Rainforest in the northeast, the red outback off the coasts, and fine sandy beaches along the coast make the heart of any traveler race. I immediately fell in love with this contrasting country.
Australian Capital Territory
The Australian Capital Territory includes the capital Canberra and its suburbs. This territory is the least known because its highlights, including the Parliament House and the National Gallery of Australia, are quite sparse. Almost every second non-Australian would incorrectly answer the question about the Australian capital (many would guess Sydney or Melbourne). Bet? None of us have been in this region yet.
New South Wales
The oldest and most densely populated state in Australia houses nearly one-third of the entire population. The capital city is Sydney, the largest city in Australia. Known for the Sydney Opera House, great beaches, and the Blue Mountains for hiking, New South Wales is a popular travel destination.
Victoria
The second most densely populated state, Victoria, is also the smallest on the mainland. The capital Melbourne is the second-largest city in the country after Sydney. Known as the cultural capital of Australia, it is popular with surfers, as the beach is not far.
Queensland
The second largest state on the east coast boasts Brisbane (the third largest city in Australia) and the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef. With K'Gari (formerly Fraser Island), the Whitsundays, and the Daintree Rainforest, Magnetic Island, and numerous other dream beaches, this state rightfully attracts many visitors.
South Australia
South Australia, with the great city of Adelaide and the fascinating Kangaroo Island, is for me a little insider tip. I was able to explore the Flinders Ranges and other great places in South Australia.
Northern Territory
The northern part of Australia is marked by the Northern Territory. The capital, Darwin, is the northernmost city in the country. Surrounding it are what I consider to be some of the most beautiful national parks, Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park. In the red center of Australia lies the Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Alice Springs, two highlights of any trip to Australia.
Western Australia
The largest state in Australia also offers fascinating places. The capital is Perth, where 75% of the residents of Western Australia live, making it the fourth largest city in Australia. To the east are mainly sandy deserts and the outback. Highlights for me include François Perron National Park, Karijini National Park, the Ningaloo Reef (highly intact), Broome, and in the south, the wine region around Margaret River, as well as the most beautiful beaches in Australia at Esperance.
Tasmania
Tasmania, the smallest state in Australia, is an island. Separated by the strait known as Bass Strait, you can get here by ferry or plane. The capital is Hobart, and the highlights here are primarily the unique nature. Tasmania is at the very top of my "must-see" list for the coming years.
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