Red desert, reef-fringed coast and cities built around the water.
Australia is a continent-sized country where distances shape every plan. Sydney's harbour, Opera House and surf beaches, Melbourne's laneway cafés and galleries, and the Great Barrier Reef off Queensland are the classic first loop. Beyond them lie Uluru and Kata Tjuta in the Red Centre, the wetlands and rock art of Kakadu, Tasmania's wilderness and the long, empty coastline of Western Australia.
Life is outdoorsy and easy-going: coffee culture, barbecues, coastal walks and a brilliant modern food scene that draws on Asian and Mediterranean influences. Domestic flights cover the big hops, and road trips like the Great Ocean Road fill the gaps. Spring and autumn suit most of the country; the tropical north is best in the dry winter, as summer brings heavy rain and cyclones.
Best time to visit Australia
March, April, October, November.
Places to visit in Australia
Sydney: Australia's largest city, set around a spectacular harbour with the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and surf beaches.
Melbourne: Australia's cultural capital, known for its laneway cafés, street art, galleries, food scene and passion for sport.
Great Barrier Reef: The world's largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 kilometres along Queensland's coast, full of marine life.
Uluru: The vast sandstone monolith sacred to the Anangu people, glowing red at sunset in the heart of the Australian outback.
Great Ocean Road: A coastal drive west of Melbourne past surf beaches, rainforest and the limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles.
Whitsunday Islands: Seventy-four tropical islands off Queensland, with the swirling sands of Whitehaven Beach and sailing on turquoise water.
Cairns: A tropical Queensland city and gateway to both the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Daintree Rainforest.
Tasmania: Australia's island state of wild mountains, empty beaches, fine food and the creative capital of Hobart.
Brisbane: Queensland's sunny capital on a winding river, with a lively South Bank, riverside walks and easy trips to islands and coast.
Perth: Western Australia's sunny capital, with a vast city park, Indian Ocean beaches and the quokkas of Rottnest Island.
Blue Mountains: A plateau of sandstone cliffs, deep valleys and eucalyptus forest west of Sydney, famous for the Three Sisters.
Kakadu National Park: One of Australia's largest national parks, with vast wetlands, crocodiles, waterfalls and some of the world's oldest rock art.
Byron Bay: A laid-back coastal town on Australia's most easterly point, known for its surf, lighthouse walk and wellness culture.
K'gari: The largest sand island in the world, with rainforest, freshwater lakes and a beach that doubles as a highway.
Adelaide: South Australia's elegant capital, known for its festivals, Central Market and the wine regions of the Barossa and McLaren Vale.
Gold Coast: A long strip of surf beaches and high-rises in southeast Queensland, with theme parks and a rainforest hinterland.
Essentials
Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
Language: English
Plugs: Type I, 230 V
Driving: Left side
Time zone: UTC+8 to +10:30
Tipping: Not expected; 10% for good restaurant service is appreciated
Getting around: Fly between regions; hire a car for road trips and use trains and trams in the big cities
Entry: Check the official rules for your passport before booking