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Australia
If you’re dreaming of a trip to Australia, you’re in for a treat. I’ve spent a ton of time wandering this massive country, soaking up its sun-drenched beaches, spotting kangaroos in the wild, and diving into its laid-back vibe that just screams adventure. Australia’s got it all—buzzing cities, rugged outback, world-class reefs, and a culture that’s as friendly as a barbie on the beach. Whether you’re a beach bum, a wildlife lover, or just chasing that perfect sunset shot, Australia’s cities deliver. Let me take you through my top picks for the best cities to visit, complete with practical tips and a sprinkle of my own adventures to help you plan smart and travel better.
Australia is a country that hits all the senses. From the iconic harbors of Sydney to the tropical reefs off Cairns, every city has its own flavor. I’ve narrowed it down to five must-visit cities that’ll give you a taste of Australia’s diversity: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Cairns. Each one’s got its own charm, and I’ll link you to detailed guides like “Best Places to Visit in Sydney,” “Best Places to Visit in Melbourne,” and so on, so you can dig deeper into what makes them special. Plus, I’ve got you covered with practical stuff like costs, money-saving hacks, and what to expect when you’re wandering Australia’s streets.
Top Cities to Visit in Australia
- Sydney: A vibrant harbor city blending iconic landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge with trendy neighborhoods and golden beaches like Bondi.
- Melbourne: Australia’s cultural capital, packed with hidden laneways, world-class coffee, street art, and events in lively spots like Federation Square.
- Brisbane: A sunny river city with a subtropical vibe, featuring South Bank parklands, adventure activities, and easy access to nearby beaches and islands.
- Perth: A relaxed coastal gem offering pristine beaches, expansive Kings Park, and day trips to wine regions like Swan Valley.
- Cairns: The tropical gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, with rainforests, adventure tours, and a chill vibe perfect for nature lovers.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN AUSTRALIA
Sydney Opera House, Sydney
Story Bridge Adventure Climb, Brisbane
Harbour Bridge Climb, Sydney
Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne
Yarra River Walk, Melbourne
Federation Square, Melbourne
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane
Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth
Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling, Cairns
“Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary”
“Taronga Zoo”
TYPICAL COSTS WHEN TRAVELLING
Accommodation – Mid-range hotels in major cities like Sydney or Melbourne, offering comfort and amenities like private bathrooms and central locations, run about $100–150 USD per night for a double room. Hostels are cheaper, around $30–50 USD for a dorm bed, while budget Airbnb options start at $60–90 USD. For a luxurious stay, boutique hotels or upscale spots can hit $200–300 USD, especially in peak season (December–February). Booking early or visiting in shoulder seasons like spring (September–November) or fall (March–May) can save you a chunk.
Food – Australia’s food scene is a steal if you know where to look. A casual brekkie like avo on toast with coffee costs $10–15 USD in most cities. Pub meals or street food, like a meat pie or fish and chips, run $12–20 USD. In Melbourne, I grabbed a killer flat white and pastry for $5 USD. Fine dining, like seafood in Sydney’s harborside spots, can run $50–100 USD per person, but you don’t need to splurge to eat well—markets offer fresh produce on the cheap.
Transportation – Australia’s trains and buses are reliable for inter-city hops. High-speed trains or flights between Sydney and Melbourne cost $50–100 USD, depending on how early you book. In cities, public transport like trams in Melbourne or ferries in Sydney are $2–5 USD per ride, or grab a day pass for about $10–15 USD. Taxis or Uber run $15–30 USD for short trips. Renting a car? Expect $30–60 USD per day, plus gas (about $5–6/gallon).
Activities – Many attractions are budget-friendly. Entry to the Sydney Opera House tour is about $25 USD, while snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns runs $150–200 USD (including gear). Museums like Melbourne’s National Gallery are often free or $10–20 USD, but some offer free hours. Guided tours or wildlife experiences range from $20–80 USD.
Suggested daily budget – $80–120 USD per person. This assumes you’re staying in a mid-range hotel, eating a mix of cafe meals and market finds, using public transport, and hitting a few paid attractions. Want to splurge on a reef dive or fancy dinner? Bump it up to $150–200 USD. Traveling on a shoestring? You can get by on $50–70 USD by cooking, staying in hostels, and sticking to free beaches and parks.
MONEY SAVING TIPS
1
Hit the Markets for Meal
Places like Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne or Fremantle Markets in Perth are goldmines for cheap, fresh eats. I scored a massive brekkie burrito and coffee for under $10 USD in Melbourne—felt like a local without breaking the bank.
2
Use Public Transport or Walk
Cities like Sydney and Brisbane have awesome ferry and train systems, and multi-ride passes save cash. Most spots are walkable too—I strolled along the Yarra River in Melbourne for free and discovered hidden street art along the way.
3
Get City Passes or Apps
Look into passes like the Sydney Explorer Pass or Melbourne’s free tourist shuttle ($30–60 USD for bundles). They cover transport, major sights like the Harbour Bridge, and discounts on tours. I used one in Brisbane and saved about $25 USD on koala cuddles at Lone Pine.
4
Travel Off-Peak and Book Flights Smart
Shoulder seasons mean lower prices everywhere. Fly into smaller airports or use budget airlines like Jetstar for inter-city hops. I snagged a Sydney-to-Melbourne flight for $40 USD by booking mid-week—total win.
My Must-Have Australia City Itineraries
Day-by-day routes to explore Australia’s most iconic and charming cities.
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WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM AUSTRALIA ?
Australia’s got this infectious energy that pulls you in. It’s a place where urban buzz meets wild nature in the best way—think climbing the Harbour Bridge in Sydney one day and snorkeling with turtles off Cairns the next, or sipping wines in Perth’s Swan Valley surrounded by kangaroos. The people are super friendly, always up for a chat over a flat white, and there’s a real sense of mateship that makes you feel welcome right away.
Expect a mix of chill vibes and non-stop adventure. In Sydney, you’ll dodge crowds at Bondi Beach but find quiet coves nearby. Melbourne’s got a creative pulse with its laneways and cafes, feeling like a European city down under. Brisbane’s all about that subtropical sunshine, with riverside parks perfect for picnics. Perth feels remote but rewarding, with endless beaches and a slower pace, while Cairns is your launchpad for reef and rainforest thrills.
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Best Places to Visit in Sydney (Includes Map)
Part of why Sydney appeals to so many people is its effortless blend of urban buzz and natural beauty – think iconic harborside landmarks, world-class beaches, and those hidden bushwalks that make you feel like you've escaped the city without
The weather’s a big draw—summers are hot (80–100°F in January), but spring and fall are ideal (60–80°F). Winters are mild in the north (70°F in Cairns) but cooler down south (50°F in Melbourne, with some rain). Locals are laid-back and speak English (with that awesome Aussie slang—“g’day” and “no worries” will get you far), though in diverse spots like Sydney, you’ll hear a mix of accents. I bungled ordering a “schooner” of beer in a Brisbane pub with my Yank twang, and the bartender ended up sharing local tips over a cold one—those moments make Australia special.
Safety-wise, Australia’s generally safe, even for solo travelers. I’ve hiked trails alone without issue, but watch for pickpockets in busy areas like Sydney’s Circular Quay or Melbourne’s markets. Use sunscreen (the sun’s brutal), stay hydrated, and respect wildlife—don’t pet the crocs! Public transport is efficient, and domestic flights make city-hopping easy. If you’re driving, roads are good, but watch for kangaroos at dusk.
Australia’s culture is its heartbeat. You’ll feel it in the beach barbecues, the passion for sports like AFL in Melbourne or cricket in Sydney, and the outdoor lifestyle that spills into every park and pub. Whether you’re watching the sunset over the reef, exploring Perth’s beaches, or getting lost in Brisbane’s markets, Australia makes you feel alive. So, grab our interactive maps for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Cairns, and start planning your adventure. Explore cities, plan smart, travel better!
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August 24, 2018
