Great Barrier Reef
The largest coral reef in the world, off the coast of Queensland, offers exceptional diving and snorkeling sites teeming with unique marine biodiversity.
Australia
From the Great Barrier Reef to the red expanses of the outback, by way of the urban beaches of Sydney and Melbourne, Australia unfolds landscapes of rare diversity across a continent-sized territory, where each region is best discovered at its own distinct pace.
Why visit Australia?
Australia occupies an almost entirely island continent, where coral reefs, red deserts and rainforests sit side by side. Each region offers a radically different experience, from the lively beaches of the east coast to the wild expanses of the outback and Western Australia.
What to discover in Australia?
The Great Barrier Reef, the largest reef system in the world, stretches across thousands of kilometers off the coast of Queensland and offers some of the most spectacular diving and snorkeling sites on the planet, home to exceptional marine biodiversity. Sydney and Melbourne, the country's two major metropolises, combine urban beaches, a dynamic cultural scene and a relaxed lifestyle, from Sydney's iconic Opera House to Melbourne's street art laneways.
Inland, the outback reveals striking desert landscapes, dominated by the sacred monolith of Uluru and the rock formations of Kata Tjuta, testament to an Aboriginal culture tens of thousands of years old. Further north, the Daintree rainforest ranks among the oldest in the world, while Tasmania, to the south, offers preserved nature and spectacular coastal scenery. This geographic diversity allows for highly varied itineraries, between road trips through the outback, diving on the reef and urban exploration, depending on trip length and chosen regions.
Cities to visit in Australia
Featured destinations appear first.
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Australia in pictures
Highlights
A few essentials to help plan your discovery of Australia.
City of Sydney
The iconic Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the urban beaches of Bondi make Sydney one of the most photogenic coastal cities in the world.
Uluru Rock
A monolith sacred to Aboriginal peoples at the heart of the red outback desert, particularly spectacular at sunrise and sunset.
City of Melbourne
A city renowned for its cultural scene, cafes and street art, with colorful laneways and neighborhoods in constant creative evolution.
Daintree Rainforest
One of the oldest rainforests in the world, in northern Queensland, home to exceptional biodiversity between mountain and reef nearby.
Tasmania Island
A preserved island to the south of the country, known for its national parks, wild coastal scenery and largely untouched nature.
Practical information
- Capital
- Canberra
- Area
- About 7,692,000 km²
- Population
- Over 26 million people
- Language
- English (de facto)
- Currency
- Australian Dollar (AUD)
- Time zone
- From UTC+8 to UTC+10:30 depending on the region
- Climate
- Tropical in the north, arid in the center, temperate in the south
- Best season
- September to November and March to May depending on the region
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Australia?
The shoulder seasons, from September to November and March to May, generally offer pleasant conditions along the east coast, while the southern winter, from June to August, is better suited to exploring the outback and the tropical north.
Do you need a visa to travel to Australia?
Almost all visitors must obtain an electronic travel authorization before departure, even for a short tourist stay, with exact requirements varying depending on the traveler's nationality and current valid passport.
How do you get between Australia's major regions?
Since the country is enormous, flying remains essential for connecting distant regions such as the outback or the tropical north, while a rental car works well for exploring the east coast at your own pace.
Is Australia suited to a road trip?
Yes, the east coast between Sydney and Cairns as well as outback routes offer iconic itineraries, provided long distances and the scarcity of gas stations in some remote regions are properly anticipated.
Which regions are best for a first visit?
Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru offer a representative introduction to the country's diversity, combining a coastal city, diving and the sacred desert in a single multi-week itinerary across the country.
What animals can be seen in Australia?
Kangaroos, koalas and wombats can be easily spotted in national parks and certain reserves, while the Great Barrier Reef allows visitors to observe sea turtles, rays and countless tropical fish species.
Plan your trip to Australia
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
