Discover Tailor-Made Australia Vacations

Sydney and Melbourne are arguably Australia’s best summer destinations, Australia’s summer running from December to February. At this time of year, the locals are relaxed, both cities are in the full swing of festival season, and some of their greatest cultural events (such as Chinese New Year celebrations in Sydney or the Australian Open in Melbourne) take place. 

Summer is also the best time to visit the beaches of the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, the Great Barrier Reef and the rugged landscapes of Tasmania.

Of course, summer is also peak tourist season, so nature enthusiasts seeking both milder climates and quieter trails and coastlines should consider travelling in autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November). These shoulder seasons are also less expensive throughout the country. 

The most affordable time to visit is from June to August, during the country’s winter. It is also the perfect time weather-wise to visit Australia’s north, including Queensland, the Northern Territory and the northern parts of Western Australia.

Whatever your interests, keep in mind when making your plans that Australia’s location in the Southern Hemisphere means that its seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. For more details, read our guide on the best times to visit Australia. And when you’re ready, contact our experts to plan your trip at the perfect time of year.

Its laid-back rhythm, love of the outdoors, and devotion to art and community give travellers a warm invitation to experience the real Australia—authentic, open, and deeply connected to its land and stories.

Visitors quickly learn that respect, humour, and friendliness are central to daily life. A cheerful greeting or a small gesture—like bringing a bottle of wine to a barbecue—goes a long way. Australians prize equality and good manners, whether sharing a drink, thanking another driver with a friendly wave, or joining in a neighbourhood gathering.

Australia’s Indigenous cultures, among the oldest in the world, remain at the heart of its national story. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, from dot paintings to dreamtime storytelling, offers profound insight into spiritual connection and history. Meanwhile, the Sydney Opera House, vibrant theatre scenes, and film talents like Cate Blanchett and Hugh Jackman highlight the country’s creative pulse.

From sunlit Christmas barbecues to the national pride of Australia Day and ANZAC Day, traditions here reflect both history and unity. Social life thrives around shared meals, sport, and celebration—whether cheering at the Australian Open or chatting over coffee in Melbourne. English is spoken everywhere, though local slang adds a playful twist. For travellers, Australia’s culture offers not just sights to see, but genuine moments of connection in a land that values warmth, humour, and community.

Whether savouring smoky barbecues under the open sky or sampling inventive bush tucker in a modern restaurant, dining in Australia is as diverse as its landscapes and people.

The beloved Australian “barbie” embodies a national pastime, with lamb, beef, and seafood grilled to perfection in social gatherings that capture the relaxed local spirit. Indigenous ingredients like finger lime, quandong, and kangaroo lend a distinctive flair to contemporary menus, while comfort staples such as meat pies and Vegemite toast remain enduring favourites. Food tours across the country—from Sydney’s coastal eateries to Tasmania’s seafood trails—offer travellers a true taste of regional identity.

Australian dining etiquette reflects the nation’s easy-going character: meals are often shared, politeness is expected, and punctuality shows respect. While tipping isn’t customary, gratitude is always appreciated. Drinks play an essential role in social life, with vineyard tours in Barossa Valley or Margaret River, thriving craft breweries, and a thriving coffee culture where the flat white reigns supreme.

Travellers with dietary restrictions will find Australia refreshingly accommodating, particularly in major cities like Melbourne and Brisbane, where vegan, halal, kosher, and gluten-free choices are readily available. Meal costs vary, but good food is accessible across all budgets. Whether you’re exploring the outback or the urban heart of Sydney, Australia’s culinary scene offers a delicious reflection of its vibrant, multicultural story.

Distinct from a tourist visa, which is easily acquired, an Electronic Travel Authority (eTA) enables stays of up to three months, so take advantage of this alternative if you want to explore this massive country in full.

The country’s transport infrastructure, including roadways, air connections and bus and rail links, ranks among the world’s best, making internal travel easy. Just remember that people drive on the left side of the road in Australia, a fact to keep in mind when renting or operating a vehicle there.

It is okay to drink tap water throughout Australia, although water quality standards may vary in more rural areas of the country, so verify sources there before you imbibe.

While English is the universal language in Australia, local idioms may confound. Keep in mind, for instance, that “mate” means friend, “bloke” means man, “footy” means football and “dunny” is slang for toilet.

Australia has one of the most unique ecosystems in the world, so animals and live plants are prohibited from entering the country in an unofficial capacity, as are counterfeit goods and fireworks. Do not attempt to bring them in.

The country has some of the harshest sunlight in the world, so be prepared to heavily apply sunscreen and wear a hat when outdoors, especially along the coasts and in the Red Centre.

For a more detailed primer on Australian dos, don’ts and etiquette, visit our Insider Travel Tips page.

In broad terms, the history of the continent can be divided into three eras: the Indigenous period, the age of European colonization and modern Australia. All three periods are vibrantly evident in the country’s cities and landscapes today.

Sacred sites such as Uluru in the Australian desert, for instance, have a palpable mysticism and should be experienced under the guidance of an Aboriginal expert. The country’s British and other immigrant influences can be seen in the handsome colonial architecture of Melbourne, Sydney’s bustling Chinatown or the European-inflected vineyards of the country’s various wine regions. 

Australia’s many world-class museums also offer illuminating windows into both its past and present. Try not to miss the Australian Museum in Sydney, the National Museum of Australia in Canberra and the Melbourne Museum. An especially intriguing newcomer is the decade-old Museum of Old and New Art (aka MONA) in Tasmania, which is also home to Port Arthur, a World Heritage Site that was once a significant penal colony for the British Empire. 

For a fuller description, read our story of Australia’s intriguing history. And for a history-packed itinerary ideal for you, consult one of our many Destination Specialists.