Australia

Been here?

The country is so vast that flying is the standard way to move between cities. Sydney is a glamorous metropolis, Melbourne has a strong café and arts scene, and Perth is far from the eastern cities, so it usually needs its own separate itinerary.

Currency: AUD

Australia currency guide — today's rate & payment tips

Visa and entry rules change often. Check your government's travel advisory or the local embassy before you go.

Average temperature by month

Based on Sydney · 5-year average

23° Jan

22° Feb

21° Mar

18° Apr

14° May

12° Jun

12° Jul

13° Aug

16° Sep

17° Oct

19° Nov

21° Dec

Choose a city

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Sydney

The capital and largest city of Australia's New South Wales, with its downtown spread around Sydney Harbour. As its nickname "Harbour City" suggests, the scenery blending city and port is a major draw.

45 sights 9 guides Sydney Airport (SYD)

Canberra

Canberra is Australia's capital, home to Parliament House and the country's major federal institutions. It is the largest inland city in Australia.

45 sights 9 guides Canberra Airport (CBR)

Melbourne

Melbourne is the capital of Victoria, Australia, and the country's second-largest city after Sydney. Numerous districts spread out around Port Phillip Bay, offering plenty to explore.

45 sights 9 guides Melbourne Airport (MEL)

Perth

Perth is the main city of Western Australia and the country's fourth-largest. It's a great place to explore at a relaxed pace, with attractions like Kings Park, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, and Perth Zoo.

45 sights 9 guides Perth Airport (PER)

Brisbane

Brisbane is the capital of Queensland, Australia, with the Brisbane River flowing through the heart of the city. It's a pleasant place to stroll along the riverside and take in the cityscape.

44 sights 9 guides Brisbane Airport (BNE)

Top sights in Australia

Culture & venues

Sydney Opera House

A performing arts venue set against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour, celebrated as one of the defining buildings of 20th-century architecture for its distinctive design. It's especially popular with travelers hoping to take in the view alongside the Harbour Bridge.

Museums & galleries

National Library of Australia

Australia's largest reference library, located in Parkes, Canberra. It holds an extensive collection of material related to Australia, making it a great place to browse.

Nature

Botany Bay

Botany Bay is a bay in Sydney, Australia, opening onto the Tasman Sea. It lies about 13 km south of the city center, making it an easy spot for a short trip.

Parks & gardens

Royal Exhibition Building

The Royal Exhibition Building is a European-style structure set in Melbourne's Carlton Gardens, ranked among Australia's oldest Western-style buildings. It's now part of Museums Victoria's collection and its largest exhibit, making it well worth visiting together with the museum.

Nature

Port Jackson

Port Jackson is a natural harbour in Sydney, home to landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. As the site of Australia's first European settlement, it also lets you feel the city's history.

Views & landmarks

Eureka Tower

Eureka Tower is a 297-meter skyscraper in central Melbourne, completed in 2006 and now one of the city's defining landmarks. Designed by a local architecture firm, it has become an icon of Melbourne's skyline.

Zoos & aquariums

Carlton Gardens

Carlton Gardens is a garden near central Melbourne, a great place for a relaxed walk in the city. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, it also lets you enjoy landscaping of real historical value.

Museums & galleries

National Gallery of Australia

The National Gallery of Australia in Canberra is the country's largest art museum. Its collection of more than 160,000 works offers visitors a wide range of art to explore.