Australia travel guide
Australia is a country of scale and contrast. In one trip you can swim beneath the Sydney Opera House skyline, snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, drive the Great Ocean Road and walk through the rainforest and rock art of the Top End. Few countries pair such varied nature with such confident, relaxed cities. The choice of city shapes the journey. Sydney offers harbour and surf, Melbourne coffee, art and laneways, Brisbane and the Gold Coast sunshine and beaches, Perth the Indian Ocean and wine, and Hobart Tasmania's food and wilderness. Adelaide, Canberra and Darwin add wine country, national museums and the tropical north. The best time to travel depends on the region, with the south at its best in spring and autumn and the tropical north most comfortable in the dry season from roughly May to October. It suits families, couples and independent travellers alike. Plan the itinerary city by city with Zippy Trips.
Capital: Canberra.
Visa for Indian passport holders
E-visa, applied for online before you fly.
Before you go to Australia
- Currency
- AUD $
- Emergency number
- 000
- Plug type
- Type I
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Bargaining
- Not expected
- eSIM
- Available
- Card networks
- Visa, Mastercard, Amex
- ATM fees
- Free at big-four bank ATMs; private ATMs charge AUD 2-3
Cities in Australia
- Sydney The Harbour City — iconic beaches, the Opera House, Blue Mountains, vibrant culture, and world-class dining and nightlife.
- Brisbane The Sunshine City — a vibrant riverside capital known for year-round climate, South Bank Parklands, and laid-back culture.
- Perth The Isolated Jewel — a sunny, spacious city with pristine beaches, wine regions, and aboriginal culture on the Indian Ocean.
- Adelaide The City of Festivals — a sophisticated city known for wine country, food and wine culture, beaches, and friendly locals.
- Cairns Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef — a tropical paradise perfect for reef diving, rainforest adventures, and island hopping.
- Hobart Tasmania's Sophisticated Capital — a waterfront city known for MONA museum, Salamanca markets, and gateway to wilderness.
- Darwin The Frontier City — Northern Territory's capital known for colorful history, tropical climate, and gateway to Kakadu National Park.
- Canberra The Planned Capital — a purpose-built city with world-class museums, parliamentary buildings, and beautiful lake setting.
- Melbourne The Cultural Capital — famous for laneways, coffee culture, street art, arts scene, and sports enthusiasm.
- Gold Coast Australia's Holiday Mecca — famous for endless beaches, theme parks, nightlife, and hinterland rainforest attractions.
- Geelong Victoria's Waterfront City — a charming regional city known for its waterfront, arts scene, and gateway to Great Ocean Road.
- Rockhampton The Beef Capital — a Queensland city known for cattle ranching heritage, local culture, and gateway to Capricorn region.
- Newcastle New South Wales Beach City — a revitalized coastal town with beaches, historic railway heritage, and local culture.
- Wollongong The New South Wales Beachside City — known for coastal scenery, steel heritage, and a relaxed beach town vibe.
- Townsville Gateway to the Reef — North Queensland's largest city, serving as a base for Great Barrier Reef and island adventures.
Frequently asked questions about Australia
- Do Indian citizens need a visa for Australia?
- E-visa, applied for online before you fly.
- What currency is used in Australia?
- The currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar ($). $1 is about ₹67.
- Can I use cards and ATMs in Australia?
- Accepted card networks: Visa, Mastercard, Amex. Typical ATM fees: Free at big-four bank ATMs; private ATMs charge AUD 2-3. Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card machines.
- Should I tip in Australia?
- Tipping in Australia: not expected.
- Is tap water safe to drink in Australia?
- Tap water is safe.
- What plug type does Australia use?
- Australia uses Type I plugs.
- What is the emergency number in Australia?
- Emergency: 000. Police: 000. Ambulance: 000. Tourist helpline: 13 12 30.
- Can I get a SIM or eSIM in Australia?
- SIM and eSIM available in Australia.
- What is the capital of Australia?
- The capital of Australia is Canberra. Time there: IST + 5 h 30 min.