oat trip to australia

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The Ultimate 10 Day Trip To Australia

By Will Grice

Considering Australia is the sixth largest country in the world, a 10 day trip Down Under may sound like you won’t have enough time to even scratch the surface of what the country has to offer. But with Elite Traveler’s guide to the ultimate 10-day itinerary you’ll be able to visit two vibrant cities and the Great Barrier Reef, as well as dining in some of the country’s top restaurants taking in some pretty spectacular views along the way.

Day 1: Fly Into Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport

Wherever you’re flying from, Sydney Kingsford Smith is by far the most accessible and reliable airport in the city. Located five miles south of the city center, the Kingsford Smith Airport has three runways suitable for private jets – two designed for light to medium-size jets, and the final capable of handling an aircraft of any size.

Recommended Hotel: Park Hyatt Sydney

Day 2: See Sydney From A Different Perspective

As you will already know, Elite Traveler is a big fan of seeing cities from unusual and breath-taking perspectives, and one of the best ways to see the sights and sounds of Sydney is to cruise along the river on a superyacht. Sydney Harbour Exclusive offer a series of yachts of varying sizes, going from intimate 12-person boats right through to vessels capable of holding well over 100 guests.

After taking a trip past the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House you can stop for lunch at one of Sydney’s many fine-dining spots. One of the city’s top culinary experiences is Bennelong. Run by chef Peter Gilmore, the restaurant sits inside the Sydney Opera House, and offers one of the city’s most eclectic á la carte menus. Some of the stand out dishes from Bennelong’s menu include Wild Cape York barramundi with crisp parsnip, hazelnuts and lemon puree, as well as whole red claw yabby with lemon jam, cultured cream and buckwheat pikelet.

Day 3: Visit The Secluded Waters Of Hawkesbury Bay

Only accessible by boat or seaplane, the Hawkesbury River is one of the most beautiful spots in all of New South Wales. Surrounded with vast woodland and awe-inspiring scenery, elite travelers can fly to the Hawkesbury River by booking the Sydney Seaplanes’ the Berowa Waters Inn trip. Taking guests from central Sydney, the trip takes you over the beautiful landscapes of rural New South Wales before landing in the heart of one of Australia’s oldest national parks – Ku-ring-gai Chase, giving you a birds’ eye view over the northern beaches of Sydney, the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. From here you will be whisked away to the Berowa Waters Inn where you will be treated to a 6-course degustation menu from Brian Geraghty before being flown back to the city later on in the day.

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Day 4: take a super car out for the day.

For the petrol heads amongst us, taking a classic car out for the day and cruising through the beautiful scenery of New South Wales is the thing of dreams. Thanks to the likes of Vintage and Classic Car Hire those dreams can now become a reality. With a huge fleet of vintage motors, guests can take anything from a 1966 Ford Mustang right through to 1980s Ferrari out on the road, with freedom to travel wherever you like. Whether you’re looking to drive through the city or cruise through some of the surrounding national parks, this is the ideal way to be able to take in some of Sydney’s sights in style.

For those looking for something more relaxing you can book a chauffeured drive through the Park Hyatt Sydney or a Swain Destinations expert, with the hotel offering guests the chance to be driven in either a Ferrari 488 GTB or a Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4. Guests can book anything from a 60-minute drive right through to a full day out, with options to visit everywhere from Palm Beach right through to the Royal National Park, as well as chances to book accompanying culinary experiences along the way.

Day 5: Fly To Melbourne

Taking only an hour and a half by commercial plane (and even less by private jet), flying from Sydney to Melbourne is one of the easiest ways to mix up your Aussie holiday experience. Upon landing, travelers will quickly find themselves in the center of chic Melbourne. With a thriving restaurant scene there’s plenty of places to eat and drink, however one of the standout restaurants in the city is Minamishima, a Japanese fine-dining restaurant where head chef Koichi Minamishima prepares the food at counter-side.

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One of the stand out parts of this experience is their wine and sake pairing. With the help of sommelier Randolph Cheung, guests can navigate their way through a global wine list and an almost encyclopedic range of luxury sakes.

Recommended Hotel: Crown Towers Melbourne

Day 6: Travel Back To One Of Australia’s Top Wine Regions via Helicopter

Yarra Valley sits 55 miles east of Melbourne and on top of being one of the most picturesque places in all of Victoria, with its rolling green hills and breathtaking scenery, it is also one the area’s most prominent wine region.

So what could be better than taking a helicopter away to the peaceful vineyards of Yarra Valley? Taking no longer than 30 minutes, guests can enjoy a quick ride over the beautiful sights and sounds of Melbourne before landing in Yarra Valley where you can tour the legendary De Bortoli winery which is the region’s largest producer and owns three different locations across the region.

Day 7: See Some Wildlife With The Phillip Island Penguin Tour  

Sitting just off the southern coast of Melbourne is Phillip Island. With its beautiful golden beaches and vast hill tops, visitors can make the most of the island’s breathtaking views of Seal Rocks (an area of Australia home to some of the largest colonies of Australian fur seals), as well as sitting on the picturesque Summerland Beach as families of Little penguins come ashore as they make their way to their nesting places. Best of all, Phillip Island is only a short boat ride or car journey away from Melbourne’s Central Business District meaning you Phillip Island is an easy day trip.

Day 8: Fly To Hamilton Island

Only a three-hour flight from Melbourne, Hamilton Island is a favorite here at Elite Traveler. Not only is it home to Qualia, which features in our Top 100 Hotels,  but it’s also one of the most scenic places in Australia. Surrounded by beautiful azure, Hamilton Island gives visitors direct access to the Great Barrier Reef and in turn some of the most spectacular scuba diving on the planet. It’s also home to some fantastic restaurants, with fresh fish and foraged vegetables top of the menu.

Recommended Hotel: Qualia

Day 9: Tour The Whitsundays Islands

While Hamilton Island is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Whitsunday Islands, with a size of only three and a bit miles squared it’s safe to say it’s not the most action packed part of Down Under. To make the most of your trip, Elite Traveler would recommend talking to Swain Destinations about the Reef Magic Tours package which will give you a days exploration on a modern catamaran with exclusive access to Marine World activity program including snorkeling in a sheltered coral lagoon, the chance to join marine biologists on a guided snorkel safari, or even the chance to take a helicopter trip over the reefs allowing you to take in all of its natural beauty from a bird’s eye view.

Day 10: Fly Back To Sydney

With a flight time of just over two hours the journey from Hamilton Island to Sydney is an easy one. This offers the perfect chance for travelers to either choose a connecting flight home or stay a final night in Sydney and eat at one of the city’s many fantastic restaurants. If you’re looking for one final celebration before flying home, Elite Traveler recommends booking a table at Sixpenny. Serving modern Aussie cuisine, Sixpenny has cemented itself as one of Sydney’s most exciting restaurants. Winner of two hats in this year’s Good Food guide, Sixpenny serves up traditional Australian dishes cooked with modern techniques. One of the standout dishes is the spanner crab with clam butter and Yarra Valley trout roe, which embodies the restaurant’s dedication to serving the freshest ingredients prepared in the most opulent way possible.

For more information on your perfect trip Down Under visit Swain Destinations .

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*Prices below are per person based on double occupancy and include airline taxes, surcharges and fees of $0, which are subject to change until final payment is made. All tour prices (excluding airline taxes, surcharges, and fees) are guaranteed.

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Exploring Australia & New Zealand

Fall 2024 – winter/spring 2025.

Small group touring and the Lands Down Under – they add up to a perfect combination as we travel from Australia’s sophisticated Sydney, sacred Uluru (Ayers Rock), and the wondrous Great Barrier Reef to New Zealand’s towering Mount Cook and breathtaking Milford Sound, plus Rotorua, Queenstown, and Auckland.

Tour Details

From $10,584

Small Group Highlights

• Sydney touring and harbour cruise
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
• Sunset at Uluru
• Indigenous dot painting experience
• Great Barrier Reef excursion
• Mossman Gorge and Aboriginal Dreamtime experience
• Mount Cook National Park
• Milford Sound cruise
• Geothermal Rotorua
• Maori cultural encounter

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Well-located in the central business and shopping districts of Sydney, the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is only minutes from famous Sydney attractions like the Opera House, Circular Quay, The Rocks, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Amenities of the hotel include a restaurant, bar, café, fitness center, laundry and dry-cleaning services (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, minibar, in-room safe, TV, and phone.

Part of the Voyages Ayers Rock Resort complex, the 228-room Sails in the Desert celebrates Aboriginal heritage and culture through its décor and the on-site Mulgara Gallery of native art and crafts. Hotel amenities include several restaurants and bars, an outdoor pool, spacious grounds, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, and laundry and dry-cleaning services (for a fee), while the greater resort complex offers a host of amenities, from three additional swimming pools and two tennis courts to a shopping complex, hair salon, and visitors’ center. A free shuttle bus operates continuously around the property. Spacious air-conditioned guest rooms have private baths with hair dryer, coffee- and tea-making facilities, private balcony or verandah, minibar, TV, and phone.

With garden balconies overlooking the heart of Cairns, mountain backdrops, or Trinity Bay, the 127-room Pullman Reef Hotel Casino offers three restaurants, a café, and three bars; complimentary Wi-Fi internet access; laundry and dry-cleaning services (for a fee); fitness center with jacuzzi and sauna; massage treatments (for a fee); rooftop swimming pool; jogging track; casino; beauty salon; and gift shop. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, minibar, TV, and phone.

The Rydges Latimer Christchurch sits directly adjacent to Christchurch’s central Latimer Square. Amenities of the 138-room hotel include a restaurant and bar/lounge, laundry and dry-cleaning service (for a fee), fitness center, and sauna. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, in-room safe, tea- and coffee-making facilities, minibar, ironing facilities, TV, and phone.

The “safe keeper of many memories,” this family-owned hotel with a rich, 130-year history is located inside Mount Cook National Park. The Hermitage was built in 1884 and expanded as demand for accommodation increased through the years. The 164-room Hermitage Hotel now offers a range of options for enjoying the park, from hiking to sightseeing. The hotel, which is part of the Aoraki Mount Cook Village, has two restaurants, a café, a bar, and a lounge; complimentary Wi-Fi access; a gift shop featuring native Maori crafts; and laundry facilities (for a fee). Guest rooms have private baths with hair dryer, coffee- and tea-making facilities, private balcony or patio, in-room safe, a TV, and a phone.

Located on a hillside overlooking Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range, the alpine-lodge style 134-room Hotel St. Moritz sits within a few minutes’ walking distance of prime dining and shopping areas. Hotel amenities include a restaurant and bar, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, laundry and dry-cleaning facilities (for a fee), fitness center, sauna, and hot tubs. Guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, coffee- and tea-making facilities, minibar, ironing facilities, TV, and phone.

The Regent of Rotorua is a boutique-style accommodation located in the center of Rotorua, close to the city’s restaurants and pedestrian shopping street. Hotel amenities include a restaurant and bar, mini fitness center and spa, heated outdoor pool, indoor thermal mineral pool, and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Each of the 35 air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, minibar, in-room safe, coffee- and tea-making facilities, microwave, TV, phone, and luxury linens and robes.

The Grand Millennium Auckland sits in the heart of Auckland’s central business district, just a few minutes’ walk away from the Queen Street shopping district and SkyCity casino. The bright, contemporary hotel features a soaring, light-filled lobby area, two restaurants and a bar, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, laundry and dry-cleaning services (for a fee), and fitness center with indoor pool, sauna, and gym. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, coffee- and tea-making facilities, minibar, TV, and phone.

Tour Price Includes

• Round-trip air transportation from listed cities; all flights within itinerary
• 19 nights’ accommodations in Deluxe, Superior First Class, and First Class hotels
• 34 meals: 19 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 11 dinners
• Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
• Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
• Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
• Luggage handling for one bag per person
• Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
• $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next Odysseys Unlimited tour ($200 after 3 tours; $300 after 10 tours)

Average Daily High by Month (°F )

Average temperature (°f ), dates & prices.

Airline upgrades (subject to availability; pricing subject to change) on round-trip Trans-Pacific flight: Business Class – $7,995 per person from DEN, LAX, SFO, SEA; $9,495 per person from all other cities. Premium Economy – $2,995 per person

An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is required for the Australia portion of this tour.  A New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is required for the New Zealand portion of this tour. Odysseys Unlimited will provide information about entry requirements upon reservation.

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Post-Tour Extension

Auckland – On Your Own

Enjoy additional time in the sparkling “City of Sails,” at your own pace.

Post-Tour Extension Price Includes

• 2 nights’ accommodations at Grand Millennium Auckland (Superior First Class)
• 2 meals: 2 breakfasts
• Transfer to airport

Accommodations

Tour Directors

“Scott went above and beyond to ensure we had the trip of our dreams. His commentary and shared personal experience of the countries visited greatly added to our enjoyment and knowledge.”

Suzann Stamps Colleyville, TX

“We loved Hayley. She went above and beyond what anyone could have expected.”

Monica Moore Saint Louis, MI

“David was fabulous… He was very knowledgeable, personable, attentive to everyone, and had a good sense of humor.  He kept us on time without being overbearing.”

Andrew Lips Pittsfield, MA

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

"She’s a gem! Wonderful sense of humor. Got to know everyone and pointed out things of special interest to one or another."

Barbara Bruhn Chagrin Falls, OH

“Based on our 10+ years of overseas tours, we rate Ms. Fouracres as ‘the best of the best’ because of her capable attention to all tour members.”

Joe & Susan Yea San Jose, CA

“In my 16 trips with Odysseys, the tour directors have been outstanding, but Chas stands out as the best of the best! The breadth and depth of his experience and knowledge was amazing.”

Edythe Holubec Taylor, TX

“Patricia was fabulous in every way. Helpful, friendly, knowledgeable. She went way above the call of duty.”

Carolyn McClurkan Bremerton, WA

“Elizabeth was outstanding in all areas and obviously worked very hard to give us a wonderful and problem-free experience.  She is what an excellent tour director should be!”

George & Cathy Castille Baton Rouge, LA

“ I can’t imagine a more knowledgeable, compassionate, kind human being than John… A combination of his competence and sense of humor kept our group feeling secure and happy.”

Larry & Janet Sheir Moreland Hills, OH

“Allan was a wonderful asset.  Totally knowledgeable and experienced.  Had lots of interesting stories that really added depth to the trip.”

Kathryn Fudge Huntington, NY

“Sharron was outstanding – very thorough and knowledgeable. She was extremely helpful with free time.”

Pat Torres-Smith & Clay Smith Centennial, CO

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Physical Activity Level

• Walk 2-4 miles per day, often on uneven terrain in natural settings
• Steep grades while walking in Sydney, Queenstown, and Auckland
• Several long days of travel using multiple modes of transportation
• Late night flight from Cairns to Christchurch

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Tour Recommendations for Australia

Been on a bunch of Rick Steve tours and thinking about going to Australia next. What is a tour company that has similar itenaries to Australia? Mainly thinking about the east cost of Australia Cairns to Sydney. However, if their is anyone that goes to Melbourne or Uluru I would be down too.

Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) has a 2-week Australia tour that might be of interest - https://www.oattravel.com/trips/land-adventures/south-pacific/ultimate-australia/2021/itineraries .

We used them for Africa this year, but I’ve not yet been to Australia. They also offer ore-trip and post-trip extensions, if you’re interested in adding to the destinations.

Appears Cairns is just a transfer stopover, though.

Odysseys Unlimited has a good reputation, although I have not traveled with them. https://odysseys-unlimited.com/

I traveled to India on one of Gate One’s tours and it was excellent. You might want to stick with their “small group” tours since their other categories of tours can have 40+ people in the group, too many for me, although many people are loyal fans! https://www.gate1travel.com/asia-pacific/australia

I have also heard of Mondumo Small Group Tours which specializes in Australia and New Zealand. It is run by one of Rick Steves former guides. https://mondumo.com/

If it has to be an organized tour then either of the previous suggestions would be good choices. If you're amenable to doing a little of the planning and scheduling yourself then you can probably save money and allow yourself more freedom of movement by booking your own flights to and from Sydney and then using the Qantas low-cost airline Jetstar to travel around the country. There are excellent day trip and tour providers at all of the destinations you mention.

Note that whether you elect to book thru an agent or on your own, you can save time and generally ease your logistics somewhat by specifying an open jaw (or multi-destination) itinerary. There are flights to/from the US from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane FYI.

We have been to Australia twice and did not do one tour for the country. The first time we took a cruise from Perth to Sydney over the top of the country and did excursions from the ship. The second time we visited Melbourne and Sydney and did day tours or multi day tours.

From Sydney, do the Blue Mountains as well as the Hunter Valley wine country north of the city. While in Sydney, there are some great museums to visit, also, do a harbor cruise, climb the tower of the famous bridge and visit the zoo; Bondi Beach and the Botanical Gardens.

From Melbourne, visit the nearby wine country, tour the city, also take the multi day tour to The Great Ocean Highway and see the penguins at Philip Island.

Thanks all for the recommendations.

Looking at the 4 different tours. Plus G-Adventures. Though it looks like Mondumo is not active anymore. Also as solo travel I usually enjoy having a group tour. I know they are more expensive, but its easier to meet people then without one. Also I dislike cruises.

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The PERFECT 1, 2 or 3 Week Australia Itinerary [2024]

• Last Updated: January 30, 2024

Whether you have 1, 2, or 3 weeks in Australia, here are some suggestions for an Australia itinerary that will help you make the most of this huge, diverse, and stunning country!

Planning a trip to Australia can be quite difficult, simply because the country is so huge. 

Lots of its best attractions, cities, and natural landmarks are very spread out, so it’s impossible to see everything in a short amount of time. 

Australia is also an expensive country to visit, so most backpackers and average travellers won’t be able to visit every single point of interest without spending a lot. 

Despite these challenges, planning an epic trip to Australia is definitely possible. 

You just have to be smart about your Australia itinerary, sticking to one or two major areas and picking travel routes that are logical. 

For example, you won’t be able to fit Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, Uluru, Tasmania, and beaches and national parks of Western Australia and the Northern Territory into a 1 week Australia itinerary. 

To see all those incredible places, you’d need at least one month, and even then you’d be rushing to get everywhere. 

What you can do, is pick the areas that appeal to you the most and plan your trip accordingly. 

READ MORE: Check out our comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about travelling in Australia !

So you’d be better off picking either the east coast or the west coast and hanging around there if you only have 1 or 2 weeks in Australia. 

In this article, I’ll provide a few sample Australia travel itineraries. 

Each Australia itinerary will include a few of the country’s best places to visit, while maintaining reasonable travel times.

Whether it’s your first trip to Australia or you’ve been here for a while, there is always something incredible to see!

Table of Contents

How to Get Around Australia

Days 1-2: sydney, days 3-5: brisbane , days 6-7: airlie beach and the whitsundays, days 1-3: sydney, days 3-6: melbourne , day 7-8: the great ocean road, day 9-10: adelaide, day 11: kangaroo island, day 12-14: perth, days 3-4: byron bay, days 5-6: the gold coast, days 7-8: cairns, days 9-10: port douglas and the great barrier reef, days 11-13: cape tribulation and the daintree rainforest, day 14: darwin, days 15-17: kakadu national park, days 18-20: uluru and the red centre, the ultimate australia itinerary travel guide.

Having travelled all around the country, we’re excited to share these epic 1, 2 and 3 week Australian itineraries that’ll cover the best places around.

But first, a tip…

It’s also important to consider how you’ll get around Australia during your visit. 

As I mentioned, the country is huge and public transport like buses or trains is expensive. 

If you’re staying in one area, it’s worth renting a car for a few days so you can explore and do day trips, but driving from one city to the next may take 12+ hours of driving. 

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Catching cheap domestic flights is the best way to jump from one state to the next, and you can take public transport or drive within smaller areas. 

Though every traveller will have their own unique preferences and modify these itineraries as necessary, here are some sample Australia itineraries that will hopefully help you plan your dream trip!

7 Day Australia Itinerary

One week in Australia goes by quickly, but some people can’t afford to take much longer off of work or their other responsibilities. 

You can still manage to experience some of the Aussie culture and natural beauty in one week. 

In this 7 day Australia itinerary, you’ll be sticking to the middle east coast. 

You’ll begin in Sydney, then head up to Queensland to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef. 

This plan is perfect for 7 days in Australia because it doesn’t require huge amounts of travel time. 

READ NEXT: 25 Amazing Things to Do in Australia

After arriving in  Sydney  and getting settled, you have two days to enjoy the city. 

You can spend one day visiting all the popular tourist attractions, like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Tower Eye, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and maybe some of the museums. 

Another day can be spent swimming and sunbathing on one of the city’s main beaches. 

The northern beaches around Manly, or the western beaches around Bondi and Bronte are great options for a fun day in Sydney.

Bondi Beach has a very strong health and fitness scene, so they have lots of incredible healthy cafes where all the locals like to fuel up. 

Visit  Berri Bar Bondi Beach  for a refreshing Acai bowl,  Porch and Parlour  for a healthy breakfast on homemade bread, or  Umu  for some nourishing organic lunch bowls. 

After 2 days in Sydney, you can catch a quick, 1-hour flight up to Brisbane. 

Check out this post on how to spend one day in Sydney if that’s all the time you have.

Brisbane is another incredible city to visit in Australia. 

After 2 days in Sydney, however, you may be sick of the crowded city streets. 

Luckily, Brisbane makes a great gateway for exploring more peaceful areas of Queensland. 

There are tons of amazing day trips from Brisbane that allow you to explore nature and see more of Australia, including:

• Burleigh Heads:  a charming coastal town with a massive beach and national park
• Hervey Bay:  one of the best spots in Australia for whale-watching
• Lamington National Park:  full of hiking trails and waterfalls
• Stradbroke Island:  a beautiful location that’s great for kayaking, paddleboarding, and trying other water sports
• Fraser Island:  the world’s largest sand island

After exploring Brisbane and the surrounding areas, catch another cheap domestic flight from the city up to Airlie Beach. 

Read our list of the best things to do in Brisbane for more inspiration!

Airlie Beach is known as one of Australia’s most stunning beaches, complete with soft white sand and clear turquoise water. 

From here, you can soak in the postcard-worthy views in the Whitsundays Islands and do a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef and the famous Whitehaven Beach. 

Book an  ocean rafting day tour  that include all your snorkelling gear and takes you to Whitehaven Beach and the best locations in the Whitsundays.

BONUS –  Booking ahead of time ensures you won’t miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount code  “NOMADS10”  on the website when checking out, you’ll get $10 off your first booking!

Snorkelling, scuba diving, and sailing through the Great Barrier Reef will make an unforgettable ending to your 7 day Australia itinerary.

At the end of your week in Australia, you can fly from Airlie Beach back to Sydney for your departing flight. 

2 Week Australia Itinerary

Two weeks in Australia allows you a bit more time to see different areas of the country. 

This two week Australia itinerary will start in Sydney, move down to Victoria to explore Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road , and will then curve up to Adelaide in South Australia and end in Perth in Western Australia. 

So with two weeks in Australia, you can still manage to visit 4 states! If you’d prefer to spend more time in one place rather than jumping around so much, you can always modify this. 

For example, you could skip Perth and spend a few more days exploring New South Wales, Victoria, or South Australia. 

But here is a sample two weeks in Australia itinerary. 

Once again, you’ll fly into Sydney and begin your Australian adventure in the capital city of New South Wales. 

In addition to all the touristy stuff like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House and touring a local art gallery, you could spend one of your days in the lush nature surrounding the city. 

Two perfect day trips from Sydney are:

The Blue Mountains:  Full of waterfalls, scenic lookouts and hiking trails, connected to Sydney by train so you don’t even need a car. Here’s what you should do there .

The Royal National Park:  Dramatic coastal scenery with rugged cliffs and secluded beaches. Check out these awesome Royal National Park walks .

After 3 days in Sydney, hop on a plane for a 1-hour flight down to Melbourne.

As one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in Australia,  Melbourne  is a favourite among travellers and locals alike. 

Spend your days in Melbourne visiting street markets, sipping cocktails from rooftop bars, checking out all the cool cafes and restaurants, and experiencing the wild nightlife. 

You can also visit St. Kilda Beach in the south of Melbourne, or head to Brighton Beach to photograph the colourful Brighton Bathing Boxes.

Or take a day trip to Phillip Island or tour the Melbourne Cricket Ground .

After you visit Melbourne, continue on to the famous Great Ocean Road.

One of the highlights of Victoria is the natural wonders of the Great Ocean Road. 

This coastal road runs for 243 kilometers in total and is full of Australian wildlife, quaint little towns, surfing spots, picturesque viewpoints, campgrounds, and overall gorgeous scenery.  

Be sure to see the Twelve Apostles, Split Point Lighthouse, Port Campbell National Park, Apollo Bay, Loch Ard Gorge, and other stunning landscapes along the way.

You can either rent a car from Melbourne and drive the road on your own, or  book a day tour . 

It only takes one day to see all the best spots along the road, but you’ll need to save some time to make your way back to Melbourne and you don’t want to rush. 

You can also stop by the Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay at the start of the Great Ocean Road.

Fly from Melbourne to Adelaide. 

Spend the next days of your two weeks in Australia itinerary soaking in the culture of  Adelaide . 

Enjoy the delicious food, the museums and galleries, and the laid-back charm of South Australia’s capital. 

One of your 2 days in Adelaide should definitely be spent touring a vineyard and wine tasting in the Barossa Valley. 

Again, you can either rent a car in the city and drive yourself around the vineyards (make sure you don’t drink too much!), or you can book a day trip. 

As one of the most unique places in South Australia, Kangaroo Island makes a super fun day trip from Adelaide. 

Take photos of the interesting rock formations in Flinders Chase National Park , stroll along the pristine golden beaches, or search for some local animals like wallabies, koalas, and of course, kangaroos. 

Head back to Adelaide after Kangaroo Island and hop on another quick flight to Perth to finish up this two week Australia trip.

Read next: 8 Amazing Things to Do in Kangaroo Island, Australia

Your last few days of visiting Australia will be well-spent in Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. 

Enjoy the beaches, explore the Fremantle Markets, visit wineries and wildlife parks, and more.

You could also treat yourself to one last epic adventure in Australia by taking a day trip to Rottnest Island . 

This island is full of fun activities, natural wonders, beautiful views, and cute little quokkas, which are small, native Australian marsupials similar to wallabies. 

After a few days in Perth, either catch your departing flight from here or fly back to Sydney if your flight leaves from there. 

You could also consider a day trip to Margaret River , one of the top wine and surfing regions in Western Australia.

It’s a 3 hour drive from Perth to Margaret River, so only make the trek if you feel like you have time.

3 Week Australia Itinerary

3 weeks in Australia allows you to visit some big cities and tourist spots, but it also allows you to venture out to more remote and isolated areas. 

In this 3 week Australia Itinerary, you’ll visit Sydney and Byron Bay at the start. 

Then you’ll head up to The Gold Coast, and tropical north Queensland to the Daintree Rainforest. 

Continue your journey up north by travelling to Darwin and Kakadu National Park, and then venture inland to Uluru (Ayer’s Rock). 

Again, spend your first couple days in Australia checking out Sydney and maybe doing a day trip to the Blue Mountains of the Hunter Valley Wine Region.

Be sure to visit Sydney Harbour, Darling Harbour, and the famous Bondi Beach during your time in Australia’s largest city.

Then fly to Ballina, a small airport 30 minutes away from Byron Bay. 

Check out our Sydney to Brisbane road trip guide if you’d prefer to rent a car and drive up the east coast.

Byron Bay  is a hub for backpackers, and it is a very fun place to experience when you visit Australia. 

From bar crawls and drum circles on the beach, to night markets and street art, to coastal walks and lovely beaches, a couple days in Byron Bay will feel like bliss. 

Even if you aren’t on a strict backpacker budget, Byron Bay has so many great hostels that it’s worth immersing yourself in the backpacker scene. 

Some of the best hostels in Byron Bay include Wake Up! Byron Bay and Byron Bay Beach hostel. 

Both of these have hundreds of great reviews from travellers cost around $30 per night, which is pretty cheap for Australia. 

If you want to meet other cool people and take part in all the fun social activities of Byron Bay, you may want to stay in one of these fun hostels instead of a hotel!

You can choose to hang out in Byron Bay for a few more days, or catch a flight from Ballina to the Gold Coast for a taste of the Sunshine Coast surf vibes. 

The  Gold Coast  is one of the best places to learn how surfing when you visit Australia. 

You can take a surf lesson from an experienced local and ride the waves, or just relax on the beach, eat some great food, and hit the bars and nightclubs in the evening. 

The Gold Coast combines the excitement of the city with the salty air and water sports of a beachside town, so it’s a diverse and fun place to visit. 

Fly from the Gold Coast up to Cairns. 

The next few days of your 3 week Australia Itinerary will take you up along the coast of Tropical North Queensland. 

This corner of Australia is hot, humid, and jam-packed with rich jungles, Aboriginal culture, waterfalls and the marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. 

Keep in mind that during the rainy season, from October to April, you can’t swim in the ocean here because there may be crocodiles and jellyfish. 

Cairns  is the gateway to tropical north Queensland. 

The real beauty lies outside the city, but spend a couple days adjusting to the heat, partying with the many backpackers, shopping at Rusty’s Fruit Market, and swimming in the big public swimming pool called the Lagoon. 

Also check out Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and the nearby Barron Gorge National Park near Kuranda.

Then you’ll take the local bus up to Port Douglas. You can buy your bus ticket from any tourism agency or from the main bus station, and take the Cairns to Cooktown route. 

Only about an hour north of Cairns is Port Douglas, a small, relaxed town with one backpacker hostel, a few amazing restaurants, and a nice park lined with palm trees for viewing the sunset. 

This is one of the best places to book a Great Barrier Reef  snorkelling or diving tour  because up here, the reef isn’t as crowded as near Cairns. A snorkelling reef trip is one of the most popular Australia tours and shouldn’t be missed!

So spend one of your days in Port Douglas swimming in the crisp, blue waters of the reef and seeing some incredible, colourful marine life. 

From here, get back on Cairns to Cooktown bus and continue north up to Cape Tribulation in the Daintree Rainforest. 

Located in the midst of the jungle, Cape Tribulation is the perfect place to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. 

There is only one main road running through the town, if you can even call it a town. 

Cape Tribulation has a few resorts and hostels, a couple tourism companies and about two shops, and that’s it. 

But the powerful presence of the rainforest is more than enough to entertain you for a couple days.

The Daintree is the oldest rainforest in the world, and is one of the true natural wonders of Australia.

Go hiking, ride horses on the beach, book an ATV sightseeing tour, do an exotic fruit tasting at Cape Trib Farm, visit the Daintree Discovery Center, or take a boat cruise on the Daintree River to spot some crocodiles. 

Try to avoid visiting Tropical North Queensland in December through February, however. This is the wet season and many roads may be flooded and tours will be closed.

On your third day, take the bus back to Cairns then fly to Darwin. 

Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory, and it is a convenient starting point for a trip into Central Australia and Ayers Rock, in the south of the state.

Use this day to walk around and sightsee a bit, relax and unwind, and plan your journey into Kakadu National Park. 

Check out our guide for the best things to do in Darwin!

Rent a car in Darwin and spend the next couple days exploring the largest national park in Australia!

You can swim in waterfalls, find ancient Aboriginal rock art, and go hiking through some incredible landscapes. 

If you have a van or a tent, you can camp at one of the park’s campgrounds. Otherwise there is a handful of resorts where you can stay overnight in Kakadu. 

Most of the accommodation in Kakadu is located in Jabiru, the main town of the park. 

You could also  book a guided tour  to Kakadu as a day trip from Darwin. This is a good option for those who want to take a break from planning and driving. A tour will take you right to the best spots in the park, which is handy because the park is so huge.

After exploring the national park, drive back to Darwin and then fly to Alice Springs at the heart of Australia’s Red Centre. 

(Alternatively if you don’t want to keep travelling so much, you could stay in the Northern Territory and explore more natural wonders like Nitmiluk National Park.)

From Alice Springs in the center of the Northern Territory, it’s time to begin your journey to Uluru!

The Red Centre is the central desert area of Australia, consisting of Alice Springs and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park.

Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is a sacred monolith and it one of the most famous places to see on a trip to Australia.

You have two options for getting to Uluru. 

Option 1:  Rent a car in Alice Springs and complete the 5-hour drive on your own. Keep in mind it’s also 5 hours to get back, so that’s a 10 hour road trip in total. You should also have your own camping gear and pack enough food and water for the road trip.

Option 2:  Book a tour from Alice Springs if you are tired of driving. You can  choose a straightforward day trip . It’s a bit pricier to do a guided tour, but it takes away a lot of the effort on your part. 

Either way, watching the sunrise and sunset bathe Uluru in soft, natural hues is a sight you’ll never forget, so the journey is worth it. 

If you are renting a car and doing your own road trip, consider also heading out to Watarrka National Park and Kings Canyon. This amazing spot is a 3 hour drive from Ayers Rock, which is a short drive for the Outback!

READ MORE: Check out all the incredible things to do in Uluru !

Your final day of the 3 week Australia itinerary will mostly be spent travelling. 

Drive back to Alice Springs, then fly back to Sydney for your flight home.

I just want to add that there are many other natural wonders that I didn’t get to mention!

Australia is massive so it’s hard to fit in so many cool places in a short time.

For example, the north of Western Australia is stunning, but it’s very remote and not convenient to add to a few weeks in Australia.

Few Australians even make it out here on holiday.

But riding a camel on Cable Beach , snorkelling with Whale Sharks in Exmouth , or camping in Cape Range National Park are amazing experiences that you can have if you have the time to venture out there.

Tasmania is also one of the most gorgeous places in Australia. The island is home to some of the best hiking and camping in the country , but it requires lots of prior planning and preparation and gear.

You could also road trip around Australia, taking more time to see all the attractions and not having to rush.

But it would take you months or even years to road trip all of Australia!

Regardless of how much time you spend here, don’t stress about seeing everything!

It’s impossible to see everything, and no matter where you go, you’re sure to have an epic time.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Have you got any info/tips about Central Australia? Adelaide, Coober Pedy, Alice Springs to Darwin (Stuart Hwy).

Would like more information on all inclusive 3 wk itinerary for family of about 12.

All the best with your research. Have a great trip.

Terrific article. Thanks so much for the insight!

Thank you so much. Glad the article was helpful 🙂

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The Scoop: What to Know About Overseas Adventure Tours (OAT)

This small-group specialist runs tours to all continents..

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• Looking at an Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) tour, but want to know more about this small-group tour company?
• Here’s everything you need to know about the tour company, all updated for 2024.

Overseas Adventure Travel —more commonly referred to as OAT (saying the letters as opposed to naming the grain)—is a small-group tour specialist with tours on all continents. As its name suggests, tours with Overseas Adventure Travel tend to be fairly active, so participants should be comfortable with six to eight hours of activity each day, including walking distances ranging from three to six miles.

OAT has a great reputation for its solo guest focus (more on that below), and offers a generous number of no-additional-cost single spots on its tours. It also has women-exclusive departures on many itineraries.

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On OAT tours, accommodations tend to be less about amenities and more about authenticity. Another thing to note is that airfare is often bundled into the up-front price of the tour (unless you specify that you want to book your own travel). OAT is one of the family of Grand Circle Corp. companies, also including Grand Circle Travel and Grand Circle Cruise Line.

TourScoop Takeaways

• Countries: OAT has tours on every continent 
• Tour Size Average: OAT specializes in small-group trips of no more than 16 people. Its small-ship tours are aboard 50- to 98-passenger ships max out at 25 travelers. 
• Tour Type: Coach, van, small ship, rail, and air

Credibility Check

Overseas Adventure Travel is BBB accredited with a rating of A+. It’s an active member of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA). The OAT website posts verified guest reviews on each tour page (sometimes with hundreds of reviews) so it’s easy to see what past travelers think of each tour. 

Tour Destinations

For 2024, OAT has 80 itineraries that include tours on every continent. Some of the most popular tours are to destinations in Italy, Egypt, and multi-country tours in Africa and around the Adriatic. 

Overseas Adventure Travel gives all its tours an Activity Level Rating that ranks tours from one (easy) to five (strenuous) to help travelers find the right fit. It has both women-only departures and many no-additional-cost single traveler spots on tours. 

There are multi-country and single country tours. On many tours, OAT creates spaces for discussion and learning with its Controversial Topics program that covers topics such as Scottish independence on its Scotland Revealed itinerary and female genital mutilation on its Safari Serengeti: Tanzania Lodge & Tented Safari tour. 

Tour Guides

OAT’s tour guides are called Trip Experience Leaders. All are fluent in English and have a range of skills, certifications, and experience specific to the tour destination and experience. Trip Experience Leaders focus on both the logistical and the experiential, and help connect travelers with destinations by sharing firsthand insight that brings a destination to life. 

Inclusions/Extras

Inclusions are tour-specific (there’s a “What’s Included” section on each tour’s page), but generally include round-trip flights, many (but not all) meals, transportation, accommodations, activities, and gratuities for local guides, porters, etc. As with most tour companies, gratuities for trip experience leaders is separate. 

Typical Travelers

OAT’s guests are mostly American travelers aged 50 and older. In the last few years, Overseas Adventure Travel has seen a major jump in the number of solo travelers—more than half of all OAT guests are now solo travelers, and 80% of these solo travelers are women.

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OAT does right by its strong solo traveler base —in 2024, the company is offering 25,620 single spaces—91% of which are free (the remaining 9% of single spots have what OAT says is the lowest single supplement in the industry). And a number of itineraries also have women-exclusive departures. 

Communication

After booking, travelers have access to all trip details through the “My Planner” section on the website. The section includes details like flight information, destination weather, and itinerary information.

Then, two weeks before departure, travelers receive all their final documents, and are also contacted by their Trip Experience Leader. Any additional questions can be directed to OAT’s customer service email or phone number.

Loyalty Program

OAT’s loyalty program is the Sir Edmund Hillary Club . Membership benefits kick in when travelers reserve their third trip, and increase after traveling with OAT five and ten times. Benefits include credits to use on future trips, travel credits, exclusive gifts, and priority luggage service. 

Private Options

OAT offers Personalized Private Adventures for groups of five to 10 people. These private departures are available using existing itineraries, and include a dedicated Trip Experience Leader. The private group premium amount depends on the number of travelers in a group. Some of the most popular private tours include Ultimate Africa , Sicily’s Ancient Landscapes , and Japan’s Cultural Treasures . 

Sustainability Efforts

OAT is part of Grand Circle, and participates in the Grand Circle Foundation , which supports projects around the world focused on water and sanitation, education, community development, renewable energy, the protection of indigenous cultures, conservation, historic preservation, and disaster relief.

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Health and Safety Practices

On OAT tours that include time onboard a ship, additional precautions include crew trained on best health and hygiene practices to prevent onboard spread of illnesses, nightly electrostatic disinfection of public areas, and disinfection of high-efficiency air filtration systems before each sailing. The OAT website is the place to go to read more about the current health and safety practices for land and ship tours.  

Family Companies

The Grand Circle family of companies includes Overseas Adventure Travel , Grand Circle Cruise Line , and Grand Circle Travel .

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Tour Scoop’s team of travel experts brings you in-depth tour company overviews, tour itinerary reviews, the latest tour news, and travel tips and advice written just for guided tour travelers like you.

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Australia Tours & Trips 2024/2025

Australia is home to the oldest indigenous culture in the world, and some of the best beaches you'll ever lay your eyes on. Fall in love with the hazy sunset over the dusty outback plains , walk through the vibrant alleyways of Melbourne , go swimming with bountiful marine life in the Great Barrier Reef , or enjoy a sensational dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour. With such diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures, combining your Australia adventure with the mountains of New Zealand would make for a remarkable travel adventure to the Lands Down Under.

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250+ australia tour packages with 3,307 reviews.

Couldn't recommend Intro Travel any more! I first used them when I went solo travelling to Oz 2 and a half years ago, and picked the company by pure chance, but it turned out to be the best decision. The daunting element of going away on your own was completely taken away the second we were picked up from the airport. They helped set us all up with absolutely everything we needed (visas, tax codes, bank accounts etc) and all the activities they had planned kept us super busy everyday. It was THE best way to see Sydney before moving onwards, which they also gave us loads of information and support on. I then used Intro Travel for my Bali trip as I loved it that much. Our tour guides were Tom and Colin and they absolutely smashed it!! Thanks for being our parents for the week.

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the Whitsundays

Noddy was a wonderful guide and the tour was amazing. Only thing that could be improved is the transportation from airlie beach to cairns as it was during the day and we missed out on a full day of the tour.

Most of the Coast: Sydney to Cairns

Tour guide made the trip itself even better!

• Hiking & Trekking

Famous 5 - 5 day Tour of Tasmania

This tour was the best holiday that I have ever been on. I made the greatest of friends and experienced exploring Tasmania in the most memorable way. Natalie (our tour guide) was fantastic and full of enthusiasm, ensured everybody was involved. But the group came together so naturally. I would recommend this tour to anybody.

• €65 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Coach / Bus

7 Day Perth to Exmouth Explorer Loop

Der Beste Trip meines Lebens! Wir haben wunderschöne Orte besucht und unvergessliche Momente erlebt. Geoff ist ein toller Guide und Fahrer.

Oz Intro + Work

Had an amazing time with intro travel. They were so friendly, organised and helpful- especially with onward travel plans. Would definitely recommend.

Explorer Six - 6 Day Tour of Tasmania

We had a great time and seen lots of tasmanias most wonderful places and delicious food. Tour guide and bus driving have been amazing, got lots of information. Management of accomodation and telling us where to go next and what time could be better. At some places could calculate more time for the hikes and the lookouts. Surprised the first day has been different people because you could book it as a day trip as well.

Looking for tours beyond just Australia?

Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including Australia.

UltimateOz - Gap Year | ULTIMATE

The whole trip was fantastic, especially the guides who were very friendly!

• €35 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Sydney to Brisbane Adventure (7 Days) (from Byron Bay to Tweed Heads)

6 Day Perth to Exmouth Coral Coaster (One Way)

Great experience and Carla was exceptional.

Brisbane to Cairns Adventure (8 Days) (14 destinations)

• Coastal Walks

6-Day Esperance & Margaret River Adventure Tour

It was an awesome tour, enabling participants to experience the natural and abundant beauty of Western Australia - Perth to Esperance - thanks to countless hike, walk, swim and stargazing opportunities. Alex, our tour guide, was an amazing and passionate driver, chef, storyteller and naturalist who generously shared her knowledge of the land with us. An unforgettable adventure for outdoor lovers!

Learn To Dive (5 Days)

Great dive instructors.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Wine tasting

The Great Ocean Road Melbourne - Adelaide 4 day 3 night Tour

A great tour with a great guide. We saw some beautiful and amazing sights. Jens took good care of us and made sure we all got to do what we wanted. I saw and learned so much, and with a small friendly group of co travellers. The swimming at Port Fairy was the best.

Premium Red Centre & Uluru

What people love about australia tours.

Amazing time, had an absolute blast! I will 100% be doing another tour. Val was a great tour guide, and helped me with every question I had.

The trip was great. However, I didn’t like the hostel in Airlie Beach. It was the worst one in this trip. Overall was great

Really good trip with value for your money. We saw a lot of Australia in such a short time, given how massive Australia really is. Our guide, Tamar, was an absolute sweetheart, knowledgeable, well travelled and very professional. This tour has the right balance of group activities and independent activities if you choose to do so. My only complaint is that some of the accommodations were subpar, which was disappointing given the high cost of this trip.

Australia Destinations

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• Australia Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 4 Week Australia Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

International Versions

• English: Australia Tours & Trips 2024/2025
• Deutsch: Australien Rundreisen
• Français: Circuits et voyages en Australie
• Español: Circuitos y viajes por Australia
• Nederlands: Australië Rondreizen

16 things to know before going to Australia

Nov 3, 2023 • 10 min read

Follow these tips on health, safety, and etiquette for the best travel experience in Australia © John Crux Photography / Getty Images

As an Australian living in New York in my early 20s, I found myself fielding a wide range of questions about my home country.

Some were amusing, others were downright bewildering: “Do you ride kangaroos to school?” “Are there drop bears in the woods?” “Are Australian dollars really called ‘dollarydoos’?” 

Australia can feel like an enigma, particularly for foreign travelers. It's a land filled with myths and misconceptions that could fill volumes, and the idea of Australia being a homogenous country is far from accurate. In reality, it's a diverse mix of cultures and ethnicities, with a rich Indigenous history spanning tens of thousands of years. Australian cities are multicultural hubs and most Australians live in vibrant urban centers – a sharp contrast to the rugged Crocodile Dundee  stereotype.

This abundance of misinformation can make it challenging to prepare for a trip Down Under. To help you separate fact from fiction and ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit, here's a local’s guide to Australia and its people, including top tips on health, safety and etiquette.

1. There is no “right” time to visit Australia

Australia is almost as big as the United States, with everything from lush rainforests to snowy alps. Our weather varies significantly depending on where you are in the country and the time of year. The Northern Territory’s Top End remains hot year-round, with only two distinct seasons (the “wet” season and the “dry” season). In contrast, New South Wales experiences everything from blisteringly hot days during the summer to sub-zero temperatures during the winter. Even the Red Centre’s temperatures range from 3°C (37°F) to over 40°C (104°F) throughout the year.

Each state and region dances to its own climate tune, so think regionally when considering the best time for your visit  and pack accordingly. To catch Uluru at its best, for example, opt for cooler months (between May to September) to avoid walking the base on a scorching day. In Tasmania , coastal heaths bloom from late October to early November, while food festivals are held from March to May. Winter is when Tasmania and the mountainous regions of New South Wales and Victoria experience snowfall. Meanwhile, visitors might find themselves cooling off in ocean waters along the East Coast year-round. 

2. You’ll need to save money for your dream Australian holiday

Australia isn't known for being budget-friendly, particularly in cities such as Melbourne and Sydney. Iconic experiences like four-wheel driving across K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) or snorkeling on the  Great Barrier Reef can be expensive, with tours and experiences costing hundreds of dollars per person.

However, smart planning and a clear budget can help you make the most of your money. Many of Australia's top outdoor attractions are free; from scenic drives along the Great Ocean Road to swimming at Bondi Beach .

3. If you want to see a kangaroo, get out of the city

Kangaroos aren't a common sight on bustling city streets – but you don’t necessarily have to “go bush” to see them. Instead, you'll find them in suburban areas including on golf courses, where they love to congregate on the links.

However, most kangaroo encounters usually happen during hikes or on road trips through regional landscapes, especially at dusk and dusk when they’re most active. Farm stays are also a great option if you want to see more of Australia’s wildlife . (And before you ask: Yes, you can eat kangaroo. It’s delicious.)

4. Australia is home to the oldest continuous living culture in the world

Australia's Indigenous population includes both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders . This population is not a single group, but rather a rich tapestry of  hundreds of distinct groups or “nations,” each with their own languages, histories, and cultural traditions. Translation? Not every group plays the didgeridoo or uses a boomerang.

During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the traditional landowners, with Aboriginal museums and art galleries dotted across the country. Indigenous-led tours – including those that are part of the  Discover Aboriginal Experiences collection – are a great way to learn more.

5. Be prepared to talk to strangers on the train

Aussies are incredibly friendly and enjoy a good chat. You might find someone starting a conversation with you on a train or even stopping you on the street for a quick “chinwag.”

Australians are also known for their courtesy and manners. They'll hold doors open and if you're in their way, they'll step aside. As a visitor, it's important to be mindful of your surroundings and return the favor by holding a door or an elevator – a small gesture that means a lot.

6. The Great Barrier Reef is vulnerable – but it’s not “dead”

The Great Barrier Reef – arguably Australia’s most iconic attraction – made headlines in 2016, when reports claimed it was “dead” following coral bleaching events.

There’s no question that climate change has had an adverse effect on the Great Barrier Reef . In addition to increasing water temperatures, the vulnerable ecosystem has also been impacted by pollution from land run-off and the increasing severity and frequency of cyclones. 

However, the Great Barrier Reef is more resilient than you think. It’s also far from lifeless. If you dive into the water, you may see evidence of bleaching events, but you’re just as likely to see colorful corals teeming with life. Increasingly, visitors can also get involved in reef restoration, including by participating in citizen science surveys such as  Eye on the Reef.

7. Walking around barefoot is normal

Be prepared to see many Aussies strolling around barefoot, even in cities and public places, such as grocery stores, cafes and hardware stores.  

Why? It all comes down to beach culture, which has a way of spilling over into everyday life, whether there’s sand and salt water present or not. 

8. Keep a sense of perspective about crocs, snakes and spiders

Despite the famous belief that all wildlife Down Under is out to get you, a 2017 study conducted by Melbourne University researchers found that horses have caused more deaths in Australia than all the venomous creatures – including snakes and spiders – combined.

The reality is that crocodiles aren't wandering the streets (they’re only found along coastlines and waterholes in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland) and you’re more likely to encounter possums and harmless insects in buildings. Just be cautious of swooping magpies if you're in parks between August and October. This is when they’re breeding and are protecting their eggs or newly hatched chicks. 

9. Restaurant kitchens close between 3pm and 5pm 

Australia's urban and rural areas have their own life rhythm. In cities, restaurants tend to wrap up service by 11pm, but it's as early as 8pm in rural areas. Nightclubs and bars close around 2am.

What catches many travelers off-guard is that there's also a mid-afternoon dead zone between 3pm and 5pm, when the majority of cafes and restaurants are closed. Even the kitchens in pubs may not do food service at this time. If you’re after something to eat between these hours, fast food is your friend.

10. You don't need to tip in Australia

Australia's minimum wage is higher than in many countries. (At the time of writing, the national minimum wage is $23.23 per hour.) As a result, tipping isn’t customary in Australia, as all service charges are already factored into the cost of your meal. However, if you genuinely wish to show appreciation for outstanding service, tipping is at your discretion.

11. Australians speak an entirely different kind of English

Australians are renowned for their own unique take on the English language and you’re going to encounter a lot of slang from locals. Regional variations also exist, so if you meet someone from outback Queensland , they’re going to sound a little different to someone from Brisbane .

“Arvo” (good afternoon) is not to be confused with “avo” (avocado). You buy booze from the “bottle-o” and get “petty” (petrol or gas) from the “servo” (service station). Many words are abbreviated, with an “o” or “ie” added to the end. Endearing terms like “mate” are also common, but phrases you likely won’t hear (from anyone under the age of 60, at least) are “crikey” or “fair dinkum.” 

One thing you will hear? Colorful language. Don’t be surprised or take offense if you catch an Australian dropping a swear word during a chat. It’s normal.

12. Meat pie, Vegemite and chicken salt are must-try foods

Australia lacks a single defining cuisine, but few things are as quintessentially Aussie as tucking into a steaming meat pie, traditionally served in a paper bag with a generous squeeze of tomato sauce (ketchup). It's a deliciously messy experience and an integral part of Australian food culture .

Vegemite is also a must-have experience. Spread a thin layer (thin being very important) on toast for a salty kick. Speaking of salt, chicken salt on hot chips (fries) is a near-obligatory and delightful initiation for newcomers. This seasoning has been a popular add-on to fries since it was launched in Australia in 1979. (By the way, it’s usually vegan. There's no actual chicken in it; just a lot of MSG.)

13. Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef requires covering up

Are you excited about that cute holiday snap snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef? Don’t spend too much time selecting a bathing suit for photo ops as nobody will see it. 

That’s because from May to November, it's stinger (jellyfish) season in tropical north Queensland. You'll need to don a rather stylish stinger suit supplied by your tour boat operator, complete with a hood and mitten-like hand covers. It might look a bit peculiar, but it's your best defense against the venomous and often hard-to-spot irukandji and box jellyfish that lurk in the water. It's much better than the alternative – getting stung.

14. People walk on the left

On sidewalks, trails and stairs, sticking to the left helps maintain a smooth flow of foot traffic and prevents any awkward dance moves with strangers trying to pass. Some train stations have arrows to direct the flow.

This practice also aligns with Australia's left-hand driving tradition. According to the UK’s National Motor Museum, driving on the left may have emerged as a safety measure, particularly when the main road hazard was highway robbery. Travelers would pass oncoming strangers on their right side, keeping their sword arm toward the passer-by. (Don't worry, you won't be jousted in Australia.)

15. The Outback can be unforgiving

Don't underestimate the harshness of the Australian Outback . Although it covers roughly 70% of the Australian continent, only around 5% of the population lives there. For those unprepared for its remote conditions, it can also present danger. A broken-down car, for example, could lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration, or worse.

So, if you're planning an independent outback road trip – to the Nullarbor Plain or  Flinders Ranges , for example – do your homework and prepare for anything and everything. Stock up on water, go slow (especially on gravel roads), and let someone know your plans because the phone signal is spotty at best. For added safety, consider a personal locator beacon to instantly alert emergency services in case of trouble. If that sounds daunting, countless tour operators are pros at taking tourists – safely – through these iconic landscapes.

16. Beware of dangerous currents when swimming in the ocean

The primary danger for swimmers at Australian beaches isn't the wildlife; it's the perilous underwater currents known as “rips.” Rip currents have the potential to pull swimmers out to sea and are typically found in areas with underwater sand banks that obstruct the free flow of water back to the shore.

Not every beach is patrolled by lifeguards, so it's best not to risk it if you're not a confident swimmer. Just dip your ankles in for the same feeling.

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Has anyone taken his trip? We went to africa with oats and it was great. Also, is oct. or nov. a better time to go? Thanks for any info.

Not heard of it..do you have a link?

Is this it sgpater & Mikey??

http://www.oattravel.com/gcc/general/default.aspx?oid=224162&linklocation=search

Not a very good prediction I know. Over the years the birthday parties I've held for the kids at this time of the year have ranged from being in hot weather (30+ C) to cold & wet - every mum's nightmare!

In October you are likely to see more wild flowers in bloom than in November.

On balance, I'd come in October.

thanks..we will look into oct....sounds good.. the link is oattravel.com

Go for it!!!! Judith Rawstern

This post was determined to be inappropriate by the Tripadvisor community and has been removed.

The inland does heat up pretty quickly, well before what we normally consider as summer on the coasts and 100F in October may be an exception and though do get them often, having temps in late October of about the 90F mark or as would say 30+C, even 35C is not to be unexpected October/November.

Fortunately, it is a much drier heat inland and so a little easier to take than the same temps with coastal humidity.

Down south and in west they were still having sub 20C weather.

As said, the weather patterns do vary greatly year to year and within seasons, especially Spring but we do not get the really bitter winters that northern US can get.

Weather has returned to something a little more 'normal' for the 'moment'.

I'd certainly go in October to miss even greater inland heat possibilities and take the chance with coastal variations.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T. Tours)

18 Trips match your criteria (1 - 18 shown)

Real Affordable Peru

Cusco, Lima, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Urubamba

• Visit Lima’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Visit Lima’s National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History at Bolivar Square
• Enjoyable way to experience the enchanting Andean landscape.
• Enjiy Rafting excursion
• Visit this mysterious sanctuary

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

Japan's Cultural Treasures

Hakone, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Tokyo

• Visit the seventh-century Asakusa Kannon Temple
• The trip to Hakone, located about 50 miles west of Tokyo.
• Hakone is beloved by the Japanese for its hot-spring resorts, mountains, lakes, and historical sites
• Visit Hamamatsuya, a workshop specializing in wooden handcrafts.
• Visit one of the many houses of Kanazawa where the samurai—Japan's famed class of noble warriors—once lived

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys, Religious

Mongolia & the Gobi Desert

Gobi Desert, Ulaanbaatar

• Explore the Mongolia city
• Visit to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
• Explore the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts
• Explore the western shore of Lake Khovsgol
• Experience camel riding in Gobi Desert

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

Untamed Iceland

Blue Lagoon, Lake Myvatn, Reykjavík, Snaefellsnes Peninsula

• Visit a local horse farm to meet affable Icelandic horses first brought to the country by Viking settlers
• Discover some of Iceland's Saga-like history at the Settlement Center in Borgarnes.
• Enjoy views of colorful mountain cliffs, pristine fjords, and fertile valleys where horses graze.
• Visit a museum dedicated to this once-thriving industry before returning to Akureyri.
• Visit the stunning Gullfoss waterfall

Cultural, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

Heart of India

Agra, Agra Fort, Amber Fort, Delhi, Jaipur, Jama Masjid, Khajuraho, Qutab Minar, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Red Fort, Taj Mahal

• Visit Raj Ghat, a beautifully serene monument.
• Visiting the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India
• Enjoy short ride by rickshaw through the crowded lanes of the Chandni Chowk bazaar.
• Visiting Qutab Minar, a spectacular example of Indo-Islamic architecture topped by a 234-foot-high tower.
• Enjoy a bird's-eye view of Jaipur and its surroundings

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Festivals & Special Events, Religious

Northern Greece, Albania & Macedonia: Ancient Lands of Alexander the Great

Gjirokaster, Meteora , Skopje, Thessaloniki

• Explore the picturesque hillside city set along the shores of Lake Ohrid in the Republic of Macedonia
• Visit the National History Museum
• Visit the small village of Dhoksat
• Visit a traditional Albanian village
• Explore the stunning ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

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From Siam to Saigon: Thailand & Vietnam Revealed

Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An

• See the floral market at Pakklong Talad
• Visit the Royal Barge Museum
• Enjoy a tour of Bangkok
• Visit to Bangkok's oldest temple, Wat Pho
• See the colossal statue of the reclining Buddha.

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Religious

Southern Africa: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana

Chobe National Park, Hwange National Park, Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls

• Travel to South Africa with experienced Trip Leaders and driver-guides
• Visit Kruger National Park for wildlife viewing
• Explore the beautiful Victoria Falls
• Stay in cozy lodges and tents, enjoying campfire by night

Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari

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Overseas adventure travel (o.a.t. tours) reviews & ratings.

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Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats explains his practice plan ahead of trip to Final Four

He's got one player who came off the plane in Tuscaloosa in a walking boot. He's got another with a head injury that's still being evaluated, and he's got the biggest game of his career less than a week away.

That's a lot for Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats to balance ahead of the Crimson Tide's first trip to the Final Four. UA will face No. 1 overall seed UConn on Saturday, and it looks as though there's a good chance that sharp-shooting guard Latrell Wrightsell will return to play from his head injury. Center/forward Nick Pringle has been dealing with ongoing pain in his heel this season, an injury that was exacerbated during UA's Elite Eight win over Clemson. Pringle exited Alabama's plane in a walking boot when the team landed in Tuscaloosa on Sunday.

So for Oats, the question is whether the team is more in need of rest after playing its 36th game of the season (25-11), or more in need of practice to ready itself to face the nation's No. 1 team. Oats said he'll have a practice plan fully organized by Monday morning, which will be broken up by the team's mid-week flight to Phoenix, but he's already got an idea of how he wants to handle things.

"We'll make sure Wrightsell doesn't get hurt again in practice, that's a priority. We need to make sure nobody else gets hurt, because we can't afford another injury. But we've got to prep. So it's not going to be a normal week of practice because it's too risky to risk injury," Oats said. "And you've got to practice live some, but we'll do a lot more with the scout end, make sure we keep their conditioning up, make sure we get their skill level back up, keep shooting. We're going to have to make shots. You can't beat Connecticut without making shots at a high level."

In Alabama's 89-82 win over Clemson on Saturday, Wrightsell was unavailable after suffering a head injury during a second-round NCAA Tournament win over Grand Canyon. Pringle played and played well (16 points, 11 rebounds), but was noticeably limping at times. As for the healthy players, they're likely in need of some rest as well. Senior point guard Mark Sears has played 117 of a possible 120 minutes over Alabama's last three games, and won't get much of a breather, if any, against the Huskies.

FOLLOW THE MADNESS: NCAA tournament brackets, scores, schedules, teams and more.

"We'll do a lot of video work to show what the scout (plan) is. We'll probably have more walkthroughs than live stuff," Oats added. "But we're going to throw in a little bit of live, but just controlled enough that we make sure we're not risking further injuries."

Reach Tuscaloosa News columnist Chase Goodbread at [email protected]. Follow on Twitter @chasegoodbread.

HOW IT HAPPENED: Nate Oats' system works in March. Alabama let all naysayers know en route to Final Four

CELEBRATION: Alabama basketball: Photos of Tide celebrating win to get to Final Four

More than 150 rescued from floods in eastern Australia

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Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney; Editing by Josie Kao and Sam Holmes.

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Airline passengers in parts of the United Kingdom and Ireland faced travel disruption at airports on Saturday due to flight cancellations as a storm swept across both countries and left thousands of Irish homes with power outages.

UAE property tycoon withdraws from sanctions-hit Belarus, collaborates with Kushner

The Emirati real estate developer behind Dubai's signature skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa, has initiated the sale of property assets he owns in Belarus, a country targeted by Western sanctions, according to two people familiar with the matter, as he collaborates with Jared Kushner on a possible investment in Serbia.

A woman was killed on Sunday when shrapnel from a downed Ukrainian drone hit a car travelling in Russia's Belgorod region, local governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said.

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Rumors of King Charles Touring Australia amid Cancer Re-Emerge as Source Says Nothing Has Been Ruled Out

The King's nephew recently shared that the monarch is "hugely frustrated" that he "do everything that he wants to be able to do" amid cancer treatment

Stephanie Petit is a Royals Editor, Writer and Reporter at PEOPLE.

ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty

King Charles ' first trip Down Under as monarch is still up in the air amid his cancer treatment .

After Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said last month that the country is "preparing for a possible visit from His Majesty The King to Australia later this year," new reports say the King, 75, is prepping for the visit to occur this fall.

A royal source guides that nothing has been ruled out or in as they look ahead to the fall and planning continues for future engagements, but it is all subject to medical advice and there may be adaptations where necessary at the time. Overseas visits would not and could not be confirmed until nearer the time.

Before news of his cancer diagnosis, King Charles was widely expected to travel to Australia around the time of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which is being held in Samoa and scheduled to kick off on Oct. 24. Since Australia is a Commonwealth realm, they recognize the British monarch as their head of state.

"The King has shown his compassion for Australians affected by recent natural disasters, just as Australians have shown compassion and support for the King following his cancer diagnosis," Albanese said last month. "The King, Queen and members of the royal family are always welcome in Australia. My government is engaging with states and territories on options for a possible royal visit."

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

A royal source recently told PEOPLE that the monarch and his team are thinking about a summer schedule amid "amplified confidence" in light of the sophisticated cancer treatment he is receiving, adding that the King is "positive" and his doctors "are optimistic."

While he's continued to work behind the scenes, King Charles' royal engagements have been restricted to small numbers of people since the palace  revealed his cancer diagnosis  on Feb. 5, However, towards the summer when the risk of airborne illnesses eases, larger events could take place outside – such as  Trooping the Colour , the annual public celebration of the monarch's birthday set for June 15 this year.

"One thing that has been wholly undiminished is his appetite for work," the royal source added.

Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage?  Sign up for our free Royals newsletter  to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Peter Phillips , the King's nephew, recently said the monarch is "very keen to get back to a form of normality."

“I think, ultimately, he's hugely frustrated . He's frustrated that he can't get on and do everything that he wants to be able to do," Princess Anne's son said on Sky News Australia 's  The   Royal Report. “But he is very pragmatic, [and] he understands that there's a period of time that he really needs to focus on himself."

HOLLIE ADAMS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

In a promising sign of his progress, King Charles made his first major public appearance since his cancer news on Easter to attend church with members of the royal family. After the mass at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, the monarch and  Queen Camilla  briefly  greeted members of the public on a surprise walkabout.

"Get well soon, Your Majesty," a woman said in a video shared to  X  by Rebecca English of the  Daily Mail , prompting the King to reply, " I'm doing my best! "

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Sydney weather: intense rain threatens major flooding in NSW as SES issues warnings for drivers

Storm claims a life in Queensland after body of man found by his ute near Logan, while rivers in south of state subject to flood warnings

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Major flooding could threaten parts of Sydney and drivers have been warned to avoid non-essential travel as a deadly storm brings intense rainfall along the eastern seaboard.

An inland low and coastal trough joining forces over New South Wales was forecast to bring heavy localised falls to much of the state on Friday.

Sydney has faced its highest daily rainfall in two years, recording 111mm of rain in the 24 hours to 9am Friday. The city is on track to surpass its average total rainfall for April before the weekend.

“We’ll see the heaviest rain falling overnight, probably from midnight to around 7am to 8am,” Weatherzone meteorologist Angus Konta said.

Authorities warned 24-hour rainfall totals could top 200mm in Sydney and the south coast, with as much as 300mm dumped on the Illawarra escarpment overlooking Wollongong.

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Major flooding was possible along the Hawkesbury-Nepean River bounding Sydney from late Friday, with Penrith likely to cop as much rain in a day as one-and-a-half times the April average.

NSW forecast rainfall: 50mm falls from Coffs to Wollongong for today, but the system will move south tomorrow. Heavy rain in Sydney both days. (via @BOM_au pic.twitter.com/D3xl5pjjst — Luca (@IttimaniL) April 5, 2024

Transport for NSW took the rare step of warning drivers statewide to avoid non-essential travel, while the NSW State Emergency Service warned coastal communities from Sydney to Goulburn to stay indoors.

The SES has already conducted seven flood rescues overnight, six related to people in vehicles, and has responded to more than 550 incidents across the state during the past 24 hours.

The majority of calls have related to leaking roofs, sky lights and gutters, but chief superintendent Dallas Burnes said the service was preparing for flash flooding and riverine rises.

Storms have led to 92 flights being cancelled or delayed at Sydney Airport, mostly across the domestic network, and the city’s train network is experiencing widespread delays.

Nine schools across NSW have shut down amid the severe weather, six of which are in the state’s north-east. The shutdowns are affecting seven public schools and two independent schools.

Almost every river in eastern NSW and numerous rivers in southern Queensland are subject to a flood watches or warnings, as heavy rain and possible flash flooding hit both states.

“What we’ve got is a trough along the NSW coast and it’s extending right up into Queensland, so it’s dragging quite a bit of subtropical moisture down,” Konta said.

The trough is deepening and interacting with an upper-level low over NSW, which is further boosting the moisture level in the atmosphere, he said.

Storms have already claimed a life in Queensland after the body of a man was found by his ute near Logan, while a 30-minute wave of rain in northern NSW flooded enclosures at a wildlife sanctuary on Thursday.

“Due to the amount of water dumped into the park, we have relocated our animals and the hospital [has been] relocated to a higher position,” the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary said.

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With the catastrophic 2022 Northern Rivers floods fresh in minds, the SES said the silver lining for Friday’s system was that it was moving.

“If we go back to those northern river floods, it didn’t move as forecast,” the NSW SES commissioner, Carlene York, said.

“It stayed there, it kept dumping the rain and that’s obviously had the big impact.”

Volunteers had proactively deployed vehicles and vessels into danger areas.

Residents in such areas should clear gutters and tie down loose items ahead of time, SES metro zone commander Allison Flaxman said.

Severe weather is expected to gradually shift overnight to centre on NSW’s south coast, before easing throughout Saturday as the trough moves east to the Tasman Sea.

But persistent showers over the weekend will likely push Australia’s largest urban water supply dam to overflow on Monday.

Warragamba Dam, on Sydney’s south-western fringe, sat at 96% capacity as Friday’s storm approached.

“We require about 90mm of rain to fill Warragamba Dam … we’re expecting 100mm to 150mm,” Water NSW’s chief executive, Andrew George, told AAP.

“The spill will occur likely when the rainfall event has moved on, so it is very important that the community remain vigilant,” he said.

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Devastation in Gaza as Israel wages war on Hamas

By Heather Chen , Sophie Tanno, Adrienne Vogt , Tori B. Powell and Matt Meyer , CNN

Hamas delegation will travel to Cairo Sunday to reinforce previous demands in hostage-ceasefire talks

From CNN's Sarah El Sirgany and Niamh Kennedy

A Hamas delegation said it will reiterate its previous demands when it travels to Cairo on Sunday for further negotiations on the release of hostages in return for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The delegation, headed by senior Hamas official Khalil Al-Hayya, will "stick to the stance presented on March 14," the group said in a statement published Saturday. 

These demands include, according to the statement:

• a call for a permanent ceasefire
• a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza
• the return of internally displaced Palestinians to their homes
• the free movement of people throughout the enclave
• a "proper" prisoner-hostage swap deal

Hamas turned down Israel’s latest counterproposal from earlier this week, a diplomat familiar with the discussions said Friday.

Israel’s top political and military officials have previously called Hamas’ demands “delusional” and stated that the elimination of the group remains the permanent goal of the Gaza offensive.

It comes as two sources told CNN Friday that the CIA director and the heads of Israel's intelligence agencies will also head to Egypt this weekend for talks. CIA Director Bill Burns, Israel’s Mossad Director David Barnea and Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar all attended the previous round of talks with mediators in Doha, Qatar, which failed to yield a significant breakthrough. 

CNN’s Michael Callahan, Eugenia Ugrinovich, Mostafa Salem and Becky Anderson contributed previous reporting to this post.

Top Iranian general vows Israeli strike "won't remain unanswered" as he attends funeral for commander

From CNN's Niamh Kennedy

The top Iranian general attended the funeral procession of military officer Mohammed Reza Zahedi on Saturday, vowing Iran will respond to the strike on its embassy consulate in Damascus that killed killed top figures from its Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Iran has pinned the blame for the attack on Israel, and Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri said Saturday that it "won’t remain unanswered” by Iran, according to Iran's semi-official news outlet Tasnim.

Bagheri, who is the country's highest ranking military commander, said it will be up to Iran to decide how and when to respond to attack, according to the Tasnim report. 

He also issued a warning to the US, saying the "main responsibility" for the Damascus attack lies with the US, according to Tasnim.

Bagheri's remarks on Saturday were heard by a huge crowd gathered in the western city of Isfahan for Zahedi's funeral procession. Video from news agencies and state media shows mourners thronging the streets to catch a glimpse of the officer's coffin, which travelled in a highly-decorated open cortege. 

Many mourners could be seen waving Iranian and Palestinian flags.

Some context: Israel has intensified its military campaign against both Iran and its proxy groups in the region  since the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, which is backed by Tehran, and the subsequent war in Gaza.

The US is on high alert and actively preparing for a “significant” attack that could come as soon as within the next week by Iran targeting Israeli or American assets in retaliation for the Damascus strike, a senior administration official told CNN on Friday.

Gunfire and explosions heard near the Erez crossing ahead of anticipated reopening

The sound of fighting can be heard near the Erez land crossing on Saturday, according to a CNN team on the ground, as Israel prepares to reopen the crossing for the first time since Hamas' October 7 attacks.

CNN's Nic Robertson reported near the border between Israel and northern Gaza, saying Israel Defense Forces troops had moved the team from another location, where they said CNN could not broadcast.

"It's still a tense situation around here," Robertson said. "We can hear gunfire from the other side of the border." "That's Gaza on the hilltop behind me there," he continued. "You can hear explosions still."

Israel's decision to allow aid deliveries through the Erez crossing came shortly after US President Joe Biden pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to do more to address the spiraling humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

But Robertson said it remains difficult to imagine aid trucks rolling safely through Erez while the sounds of fighting remain so close by.

Watch Robertson's report below:

Body of Israeli hostage returned to family after being rescued overnight, Israel says 

From CNN's Eugenia Ugrinovich and Radina Gigova

The body of an Israeli hostage, who was killed while held captive by the terrorist group Islamic Jihad, has been returned to the family, the Israeli military said Saturday. 

The body of Elad Katzir was rescued overnight from the city of Khan Younis in Gaza and returned to his family in Israel following identification procedures, according to a joint statement by the Israel Defense Forces and the Israeli Security Agency. 

Katzir was abducted by Islamic Jihad from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the attacks on October 7, according to the statement. His mother, Hanna, was also abducted by the terrorist group and released on November 24 as part of the agreement for the release of hostages. His father, Avraham, was killed in the kibbutz, the statement said. 

"We received bad news. Elad was brought to Israel tonight (last night), after he was murdered in captivity," Katzir's sister Carmit said in a Facebook post Saturday. "This is not how your story and ours should have ended. Sorry we couldn't save you."

She also lashed out at the Israeli leadershi, saying they did not do enough to bring the hostages home. 

"He could have been saved if a deal had been made in time. Our leadership is cowardly and driven by political considerations and that is why it did not happen," she said. 

Following Katzir's return, a total of 133 hostages remain held in Gaza, according to Israeli authorities. Of that number, 129 hostages are from the October 7 attack, and 99 of them are believed to be alive.

Report: Israeli doctor describes "deplorable" conditions and "routine" amputations for Palestinian detainees

From CNN's Lauren Kent

A doctor at a field hospital for detained Palestinians at Israel's Sde Teiman army base has described "deplorable" conditions , with amputations being carried out on prisoners with handcuff injuries on a "routine" basis, according to an exclusive report from the newspaper  Haaretz . 

In a letter to Israel's attorney general and defense and health ministers obtained by Haaretz, the doctor said the conditions at Sde Teiman field hospital compromise inmates' health and violate medical ethics. 

Haaretz reported that the doctor said "inmates are fed through straws, defecate in diapers and are held (in) constant restraints, which violate medical ethics and the law."

"Just this week, two prisoners had their legs amputated due to handcuff injuries, which unfortunately is a routine event," the doctor said in the letter. It is not clear when they wrote the letter.

CNN spoke to a source who has a medical background and previously visited the Sde Teiman field hospital. They confirmed seeing detainees held in constant restraints.

In a written statement to CNN responding to the claims, an Israel Defense Forces spokesperson said: "The IDF operates according to the law and within the framework of the law when it comes to the treatment of detainees. Every procedure is documented and supervised, and is done with extreme care for the human dignity of the detainees, in accordance with the principles of Israeli and international law."

Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi joins calls to halt US arms sales to Israel

From CNN's Sophie Tanno

Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has joined House Democrat calls to halt US arms sales to Israel, citing the recent strike against aid workers and the spiraling humanitarian situation.

In a letter to President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Pelosi and dozens of other congressional Democrats expressed their "shared concern and outrage" over the Israeli airstrike that killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers.

"In light of this incident, we strongly urge you to reconsider your recent decision to authorize the transfer of a new arms package to Israel, and to withhold this and any future offensive arms transfers until a full investigation into the airstrike is completed," it reads.

The letter acknowledges the Biden administration's recent efforts to increase the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza, but warns they are not sufficient to meet the needs of civilians on the ground.

US Sen. Bernie Sanders has also been calling for a halt in military aid.

“The bottom line is, we are looking at one of the worst humanitarian disasters we’ve seen in a very long time," he told CNN's The Lead. “To my mind, Israel should not be getting another nickel in military aid until these policies are fundamentally changed."

Australia says it hasn't received "sufficient information" on death of aid worker despite Israeli probe

From CNN's Angus Watson in Sydney 

Australia has "not yet received sufficient information" about the death of citizen Laizawmi "Zomi" Frankcom, its foreign ministry said, after she was killed along with six other aid workers from the World Central Kitchen (WCK) non-profit in an Israeli military strike.

Speaking during a press briefing in Adelaide, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she had conveyed the message during a verbal briefing with Israel, in which she told them: "We have not yet received sufficient information to satisfy our expectations."

Frankcom and the other workers were killed in an Israeli military strike in Gaza on Monday. She had worked with WCK since 2019, most recently as a senior manager of its operations in Asia.

"This is someone who volunteered in Australia to help people during the bush fires. This is someone who was volunteering overseas to provide aid through this charity for people who are suffering tremendous deprivation in Gaza," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

Wong said she had written to Israeli counterparts following the deaths this week to reiterate expectations about consequences for those who carried out the strikes.

More background: Israel said it made a "grave mistake" in its preliminary findings over the incident, and fired two senior officers.

But the WCK and some Western leaders have called for an independent, third-party investigation into the strike, and the Palestinian ambassador to the UN has  accused Israel  of deliberately targeting the workers.

US preparing for significant Iran attack on US or Israeli assets in the region as soon as next week

From CNN's MJ Lee and Jennifer Hansler

The US is on high alert and actively preparing for a “significant” attack that could come as soon as within the next week by Iran targeting Israeli or American assets in the region  in response to Monday’s Israeli strike in Damascus that killed top Iranian commanders, a senior administration official tells CNN.

Senior US officials currently believe that an attack by Iran is “inevitable” – a view shared by their Israeli counterparts, that official said.

The two governments are working to get in position ahead of what is to come, as they anticipate that Iran’s attack could unfold in a number of different ways – and that both US and Israeli assets and personnel are at risk of being targeted.

A forthcoming Iranian attack was a major topic of discussion on President Joe Biden’s phone  call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu  on Thursday. As of Friday, the two governments did not know when or how Iran planned to strike back, the official said.

A direct strike on Israel by Iran is one of the worst-case scenarios that the Biden administration is bracing for, as it would guarantee rapid escalation of an already tumultuous situation in the Middle East. Such a strike could lead to the Israel-Hamas war broadening into a wider, regional conflict – something Biden has long sought to avoid.

US reviewing Israel's report on airstrike that killed 7 aid workers. Here's what you should know

From CNN staff

The US received  Israel’s report on the deadly strike  on a World Central Kitchen (WCK) convoy in Gaza and is “ reviewing it very carefully ,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday.

There are "no plans" for the US to conduct an independent or separate investigation, according to National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby.

The Israel Defense Forces fired two of its officers and reprimanded others for their involvement in the strikes, but the WCK charity said Israel could not be trusted to investigate its own errors in Gaza.

Here are other headlines you should know:

• More on the WCK convoy attack: UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that while Israel had admitted mistakes  in the killing of the WCK workers, there must be independent investigations and “meaningful” change on the ground. John Kelly, the appointed US representative to the UN, also highlighted the urgent need to protect humanitarian personnel in conflict zones. And the Palestinian ambassador to the UN accused Israel of deliberately targeting the  WCK staff . "It took the deaths of foreigners" for the international community to acknowledge the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza over the past 180 days, Ambassador Riyad Mansour said.
• Humanitarian crisis: The International Rescue Committee has  issued a warning about the grim situation facing pregnant women and mothers in Gaza. These vulnerable groups are struggling to survive, confronting acute shortages of food, water, and medical care, along with the looming threat of famine, it said. Amid the crisis, the World Health Organization said it completed a “ highly complex mission ” delivering medical aid to hospitals in northern Gaza on Thursday.
• Potential Iranian attack: The US is on high alert and actively preparing for a “significant” attack that could come as soon as within the next week by Iran targeting Israeli or American assets in the region  in response to Monday’s Israeli strike in Damascus  that killed top Iranian commanders, a senior administration official told CNN. The United States has warned Iran not to use the Israeli strike as “a pretext to attack US personnel and facilities."
• Pressure on Israel: German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock urged Israel’s government to “ quickly implement ” its plans to  reopen the Erez land crossing  and port of Ashdod to allow more aid into Gaza, saying there are “no more excuses.” And Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide told CNN of the “frustration” felt within NATO that Israel is “ going too far ” in Gaza after  this week's attack  on a WCK aid workers.
• AI in war: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed concerns over  reports of  Israel's use of artificial intelligence during its war in Gaza.

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Travel Insurance For Indonesia: Everything You Need To Know

Updated: Apr 4, 2024, 12:32pm

Table of Contents

Travel insurance for indonesia, what does travel insurance for indonesia cover, does travel for indonesia cover all emergencies, will an insurer cover me if i have a medical condition, cost of travel insurance for indonesia, how do i compare travel insurance for indonesia, frequently asked questions (faqs).

While Indonesia may be most famous for its tourist hub, Bali , the archipelago, as a whole, has grown in popularity in recent months. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported Indonesia replacing New Zealand as the top destination for short-term trips overseas by Australians last year—the first time since the Bureau started collecting travel records nearly 50 years ago.

Roughly 1.37 million Australians visited Indonesia in 2023. While some 86% took a holiday there, 7% visited friends or relatives. Whatever your reason for visiting the country, you’ll want to make sure you’re safeguarded against common mishaps that can arise while away, and even in the lead up to your holiday. Travel insurance for Indonesia can provide this protection, paying out should you fall ill or get injured and need treatment during your stay, if you lose your baggage or belongings or need to cancel your trip. Find out exactly how travel insurance for Indonesia works, what it covers and does not cover below.

If you’re sticking solely to Bali and its associated islands, then you can read more in our guide to travel insurance for the island of the gods.

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If you’re planning to visit Indonesia, you’ll need travel insurance specifically for the destination. There are three main types to choose from:

• Single trip: for a one-off trip in the space of 12 months to Indonesia
• Annual multi-trip: for more than one trip in the space of 12 months to Indonesia or various destinations. This type of cover can work out more cost-effective than buying multiple single trip policies but not always so it’s best to compare both types of cover.
• Long-stay/backpacker: for an extended stay in Indonesia, of typically 60 or 90 days, or 12 or 18 months. Cover for 24 months may be available, from certain providers.

Depending on the insurer, and the type of policy you choose, you may have the option to take out cover for Indonesia alone, Asia or worldwide destinations. Note that insurers usually offer worldwide policies that include the US and destinations such as Canada, Greenland Mexico and the Caribbean, and worldwide policies that exclude them, depending on where you’re going, as medical costs are extremely high in this part of the world.

A good travel insurance policy will cover emergency medical costs should you fall ill or injure yourself while away. This may also extend to medical rescue, and repatriation costs, for severe cases where you need transporting to a hospital or back to Australia.

Cover for personal liability should you injure someone or damage another person’s property, and trip cancellation for reasons such as falling ill before the trip or suffering a bereavement should also be included as standard. You should also be able to claim for loss or theft of your luggage and belongings. Note that there’s typically a total limit on the amount you can claim for your possessions, as well as an individual limit for each type of item.

A policy may additionally include a number of other forms of cover, such as:

• Personal money: the amount that can be claimed if your money is lost or stolen
• Missed departure: covers the cost of additional accommodation and travel should an emergency cause the policyholder to miss their journey
• Travel delay: pays out if your scheduled transport is late by typically a least 12 hours
• Company insolvency: compensates you if your airline or hotel goes bust
• Personal accident: pays out if an injury causes permanent disability or death

Insurers usually offer basic policies with few benefits and low cover levels and comprehensive policies that provide their widest range of cover and higher cover levels. They may also have one or more mid-level policies for anything in between.

Shopping around will allow you to find the best policy to suit your needs and budget. For help with finding a comprehensive policy, we’ve conducted in-depth research to find what we believe are the top 10 available .

It may be impossible for travel insurance for Indonesia to cover everything that can go wrong with a holiday, but it can cover a wide range of common scenarios, particularly if you opt for comprehensive cover. A policy’s product disclosure statement (PDS) sets out the specifics of what it does and does not cover. You should be able to access this on the insurer’s website, and read it before making a decision on whether it’s right for you.

Bear in mind that most insurers won’t cover a holiday where you’ve travelled to parts of Indonesia that the government’s Smartraveller website has on its “do not travel” list. To avoid this type of problem, it’s best to check the website for updates on Indonesia before purchasing a policy, and before departure. Smarttraveller will also advise if you should travel with caution, warning of risks, such as acts of terrorism, civil and political unrest and natural disasters.

Insurers will also likely reject claims resulting from intoxication from alcohol or drugs, and disorderly behaviour. If you’ve partaken in any sports and activities while away, it’s likely an insurer will only accept related injury claims if you wore the appropriate safety gear, such as a helmet, or harness.

Having a medical condition won’t necessarily hinder your chances of finding suitable cover for Indonesia, but you may find you’ll have to shop around a little more.

Only some insurers provide cover for what they term “pre-existing medical conditions”. These are conditions that you had before taking out the policy. Those that do provide this type of cover usually raise their premiums to do so, owing to the heightened risk that you’ll make a medical-related claim while away. The policy premium—the price of the policy—will often rise with the severity of a condition. This means cover for a heart condition will be more expensive than for diabetes, for example.

When running quotes on the sites of insurers that provide pre-existing medical cover, you’ll be taken to a medical screening section of the application. Make sure to state what conditions you have and answer the questions about them. This ranges from whether, and how often you take medication, to when you last saw a practitioner concerning your condition. If you later make a claim relating to a condition that you did not declare or detailed inaccurately, an insurer could refuse it.

Insurers refer to a number of factors when calculating how much you must pay for cover. This includes the number of people travelling, and the holiday destination and duration.

More mature travellers and those with pre-existing conditions will likely be charged more than younger travellers and those without conditions, as insurers deem them as high-risk travellers that will likely need to claim while away.

We used the profile of a family of four, aged 42, 40, 14 and 12, spending 13 to 26 May in Indonesia, and assumed they have no pre-existing conditions, (although these providers do offer cover for pre-existing conditions should you need it).

We found basic cover ranged from around $106 to $241, while comprehensive cover started at around $226, with the most expensive policy costing just under $324.

Running quotes on travel insurer websites will allow you to make side-by-side comparisons of their policies based on the types of cover they offer, the various cover levels and prices. Looking through the offerings of a number of insurers can help with finding a deal on the cover you need.

When running a quote you will need to enter details about yourself, anyone else travelling with you and your trip. This includes your name, the age of all travellers, your holiday destination and duration. If pre-existing cover is available, you will also be taken through a medical screening, so the insurer can build a medical profile on each traveller.

Is travel insurance mandatory for Indonesia?

Travel insurance is not a legal requirement for travelling to Indonesia. However, it is recommended by Smartraveller, which advises taking out a comprehensive policy that covers all emergency medical costs, including emergency treatment and medical evacuation. Without it, you could be faced with bills for thousands of dollars, which the Australian government will not pay.

What is required to enter Indonesia from Australia?

Australians visiting or transiting through Indonesia should apply for an e-Visa on arrival , at least 48 hours before travelling. You can alternatively get a Visa on Arrival at some international airports, seaports or land crossings.

To apply for an e-Visa on arrival or the Visa on arrival, you need to have an ordinary (non-emergency) passport that will remain valid at least six months after your arrival in Indonesia. Smarttraveller also advises ensuring your passport has a minimum six months validity from your departure from Indonesia, to avoid any issues with leaving the country or with an onward or return flight. You’ll also need to complete an e-customs declaration within three days of departure to Indonesia.

The Bali Provincial Government has introduced a tourist levy of IDR 150,000 ($14.56 AUD) per person for foreign tourists visiting Bali. The levy is separate from the e-Visa on Arrival or the Visa on Arrival. You can pay the levy online before you travel or on arrival at a designated payment counter at Bali’s airport and seaport. Further detail can be found on the Bali Provincial Government’s website .

What is ‘excess’ in travel insurance?

An excess is a set amount you’ll be expected to pay on each approved claim. It’s usually levied per person on the policy, per event, per claim, but you can check the PDS for the specifics concerning your insurer. You usually can pick from a range of excess amounts, from $50 – $250 on average, when taking out a policy.

The more you choose to pay in excess, the lower your policy premium typically will be, while paying less in excess will raise the cost. An excess is usually deducted from a claim amount, so you won’t need to pay for it out of pocket. However, it’s still crucial that you ensure you can afford it. Some insurers may also offer an excess waiver if you pay an extra premium.

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