travel time to australia

Best Time to Visit Australia

What are the best times of the year to travel to australia, answering this question is not as simple as it may seem..

It significantly can be influenced by your interests, your budget and your preferences for what you believe is the ideal climate for you to travel to Australia. Being Australia travel agents helping people travel to Australia since 1999, we’ve gathered the most important factors to consider when deciding the best time to travel to Australia for your vacation.  And if you need inspiration on what to ‘see and do’ for your trip to Australia, we also invite you to browse our popular Australia Vacation packages or contact us directly, we’d love to help you plan your trip. Here are the factors you should consider when you start planning your trip to Australia…

• Australia’s Weather & Climate
• Australian School Terms & Public Holidays
• Seasons for Flight Prices to Australia (low or high season)
• Seasonal Activities
• The Best Time to Travel to Australia

1. Australia’s Weather & Climate

When will the Australian climate be most comfortable for you based on your planned vacation activities?  Here are some useful facts and resources on Australia’s climate Averages, rainfalls and water temperatures to help you decide.

Australian Seasons

• Spring: September – November (lovely)
• Summer: December – February (hot)
• Autumn: March – May (lovely)
• Winter: June – August (cool, but not really cold)

Australian Temperatures

As a starting point, its important to know that the size of Australia compared to the USA is only slightly smaller in land mass – so Australia is huge!  So there are large differences in temperatures across Australia on any day. The further north you travel (closer to the equator) the hotter it gets, which is the opposite for the USA.

 The coldest it gets in Australia’s most visited tourist destinations is around 32F (freezing) in places like Uluru or Canberra during winter nights in July/August. There are not many snowbound cities in Australia, but you might see snow in southern regions of New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.

Weather Averages: Lowest Temperatures (at night) for Popular Australian Tourist Destinations. Measured in Degrees Fahrenheit (F)

The hottest (dry heat) is about 100F at Uluru in the peak of summer in December/January. And with 100% humidity it can reach about 90F in Cairns and Darwin during those same months.

Weather Averages: Highest Temperatures for Popular Australian Tourist Destinations. Measured in Degrees Fahrenheit (F)

For more detailed climate averages for each city in Australia see Weather in Australia , or the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology: http://www.bom.gov.au/.  Other useful statistical information on Australia can be found at the various Official Country and State Australia Tourism websites.

Rainfall (Tropics)

Wet Season: November – May  (Most rainfall occurs in January, February & March.)

Dry Season: June – October

The “Tropics of Australia” is the region north of the “Tropic of Capricorn” (approximately the top third of Australia) and includes cities like Cairns & Darwin.  Rainfall is an important consideration if you want to spend some of your vacation exploring the Outback at Kakadu National Park in Australia’s far north – the “wet season” is not the time to do it.  However if Scuba Diving the Great Barrier Reef is more up your alley, then it won’t matter if you travel in the wet season – either way you’re going to get wet and have fun!

Rainfall Averages (inches) for popular Australian Tourist Destinations

Stinger Season: November – May  (wet season)

Little marine critters and jellyfish that sting are collectively known “Stingers”.  They generally don’t affect the Great Barrier Reef.  Stingers aren’t overly energetic animals and have not caused any problems around the reef and islands but occur mainly around the rivers, creeks and beaches north of, and around, Bundaberg. They are easy to avoid, but cause discomfort if you are stung.  The more serious ones are ‘Box Jellyfish’ which have been known to be lethal. Stinger season is from typically November through May. If there are stingers present there will most likely be signs posted. At these locations you will need to swim inside the stinger enclosures provided or wear a stinger suit. A stinger suit is like a ‘sun suit’ – a long leg, long sleeve, one piece swimsuit typically made from lycra (or similar) .

2. Australian School Terms & Public Holidays

During Australian Public & School Holidays seat availability on flights, tours and accommodation may be limited, unavailable or priced very high due to high demand.  You may like to consider avoiding travel during Australia’s Public & School Holidays.

Australian School Terms & Holidays: https://www.australia.gov.au/school-term-dates

Australian Public Holidays: https://www.australia.gov.au/public-holidays

3. Seasons for Flight prices to Australia (low or high season)

Airfare pricing to Australia is significantly affected by the “Dates” you chose to travel ranging from Basic Season (cheap) to Peak (expensive).

Airline Seasonality:

Basic (Cheap): May – June and July – September

Shoulder: February – April, June – July and September to November

Peak (Expensive): December – January

Read our Airfare Pricing Tips and our Sale Airfares

4.       Activities that are “seasonal”

Seasonality of activities that are your “passion”, or events that you want to attend, may mean that all the other factors above become irrelevant.  For example, if you are a Diver, it may be a highlight of your trip to Dive with the Minke Whales which migrate to the Great Barrier Reef in June. Or maybe you want to attend the Australian Open (Tennis) which then restricts you to dates surrounding that event irrespective of all other factors. Nevertheless, if you are at least aware of all the other factors, it may help you during the planning process to decide whether to spend more time vacationing after the event instead of before.

5.       The Best Time to Travel to Australia

For me, the best time to go to Australia is either Spring (September – November) or Autumn (March – May), not too hot nor too cold. This avoids the busy Summer Break (School Holidays) and the peak Christmas traffic (most expensive flight prices). If traveling up north to the tropics and with no other influencing factors, I’d choose to vacation in Spring, just before the wet season.

However, given I have family in South Australia, the deciding factor for me is to vacation around family events (birthday celebrations & Mothers Day) which are in Autumn.

We hope you’ve found this information useful. If you have any questions, need help or advice on planning your trip to Australia, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly, toll free on 888-359-2877 (M-F, 8.30am – 5pm CT USA) –  we’d love to help you plan your vacation to Australia. Be on the lookout for our special sales on discount trips to Australia !

Veronica Pearce AboutAustralia.com

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Entering or leaving Australia

Australia welcomes millions of overseas visitors each year. Anyone who is not an Australian citizen needs a valid visa to enter the country.

International passenger caps have been removed for all international passenger arrivals into Australia.

All travellers should be aware that: People entering Australia do not need to provide evidence of vaccination status People entering Australia do not need to complete the Digital Passenger Declaration or Maritime Travel Declaration People leaving Australia will not be asked to provide evidence of their vaccination status Unvaccinated visa holders do not ​ need a travel exemption to travel to Australia Mask wearing on international flights to Australia is no longer mandatory . It is important to remember that airlines, vessel operators and other countries may have specific requirements that travellers need to comply with.

Australian Citizens

All Australian citizens must enter and exit Australia on an Australian passport. Your Australian passport must be valid (not expired) on the day of your arrival in Australia. It does not need to have six months remaining validity to enter Australia unless you are passing through a third country that requires it. Citizens are not entitled to a visa, even if you are also a citizen of another country. Please see the  Department of Home Affairs website  for more information. 

Immigration and Visas

All foreign travellers, except New Zealand citizens, must obtain a visa or travel authority before travelling to Australia.

»    Immigration and visas

If you have a specific question, please contact the Department of Home Affairs .

You will also need to know what you can and cannot bring into Australia, knowing the duty-free concession limits and what to experience when travelling through Australian airports and seaports.

Please visit the Department of Home Affairs website for more information.

Plan your trip with  australia.com , the official Tourism Australia website, offering a wide range of travel information and planning tools including over 2000 images, a currency converter, daily weather updates, interactive maps, suggested holiday itineraries, holiday deals, specialist travel agents and more. Available in nine languages.

Tourist Refund Scheme

The  Tourist Refund Scheme  enables you to claim a refund, subject to certain conditions, of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy in Australia.

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The Best Time to Visit Australia for Perfect Weather and Affordable Rates

These are the best times to visit Australia for surfing, hiking, beach hopping, and more.

From golden beaches and tropical rain forests to one-of-a-kind wildlife and rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, Australia has a memorable vacation in store for all types of visitors.

Visiting a country so big — complete with three separate time zones and eight different climate zones — requires a degree of planning. To help you get started, keep in mind the following seasons, which apply to most of the continent's tourist hot spots.

• High Season: December to February
• Shoulder Seasons: March to May and September to November
• Low Season: June to August

While city breaks, road trips, and winery visits can be enjoyed year-round, varying regional weather patterns mean that certain highlights — hiking around the iconic monolith of Uluru; snorkeling along the Great Barrier Reef — are best experienced during specific months. No matter what you want to do during your Australia trip, we've got you covered.

Best Times to Visit Australia for Smaller Crowds

Most tourists, especially from the Northern Hemisphere, visit Australia during the country's summer months: December, January, and February. To avoid these crowds, try visiting in winter (Australia's least popular season) or in the spring and fall shoulder seasons.

If you're planning to visit the country's northern coast, opposite rules apply. This region (home to the Great Barrier Reef and the city of Cairns, among other attractions) lies in the tropics. Because of this, the June to August winter months here are warm, dry, and swarming with tourists — both domestic ones on winter vacation and international visitors looking to explore the reef when visibility is at its peak. The summer rainy season, from November to April, is the least crowded time up north.

Best Times to Visit Australia for Good Weather

Every month presents an opportunity to experience a particular region of Australia at its best. If beach hopping is high on your agenda, aim for the warmer months of September to April in New South Wales and southeast Queensland, and November to March in southern states, including the southerly reaches of Western Australia. Summer is also bushfire season, so keep your eye on local alerts during your visit.

While southern states tend to experience four seasons, northern Australia (encompassing the top sections of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland) has just two: wet (November to April) and dry (May to October). With road access often compromised during the wet season, the dry period is generally the best time to visit this region, especially on a road trip. The wet period also corresponds with cyclone and marine stinger seasons, which can make coastal travel a challenge. That said, Great Barrier Reef and rain forest tourism in the Cairns region operate year-round, weather permitting. If you want to swim during stinger season — when certain dangerous species of jellyfish populate northeast Australian waters — you'll just need to don a Lycra stinger suit supplied by your marine activity operator.

If you've got your heart set on an Australian outback adventure, the cooler months from May to August are most comfortable. For outdoor adventures in the island state of Tasmania, which has a cooler climate than the mainland, the warmer months from October to March are ideal. If you packed your skis, the snowfields of New South Wales and Victoria are typically open from June until September.

Best Times to Visit Australia for Lower Prices

Flights are usually one of the biggest cost hurdles on a trip to Australia, but there are ways to save. Airfare tends to be lowest during the Aussie winter — June to August — since that's the least popular season for tourism. At any time of year, though, you can find good deals by opting for flights with a layover instead of direct routes (New Zealand, China, and Singapore are some common stopovers) and by watching for sales. Airlines like Virgin Australia and the low-cost Qantas offshoot Jetstar often advertise great domestic deals.

Accommodation prices, meanwhile, can drop significantly in low and shoulder seasons. City breaks in the south's bustling urban centers tend to be most affordable in the winter off-season, too. Though the beaches may be too chilly for a swim, there's still plenty to see at this time of year. Try visiting in May or June to catch the Vivid Sydney festival, when iconic buildings are illuminated by incredible light installations for several weeks.

Best Times to Go Hiking in Australia

Australia's national parks and wilderness areas are laced with hundreds of spectacular hiking trails, many of which are best tackled at certain times of the year. As the summer months can be unbearably hot in Australia's Red Centre, walks in places like Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park are most comfortably and safely undertaken from April to September.

The opposite can be said for Tasmania, where hiking is more popular during the warmer months, though walkers should be prepared for all types of weather (even snow) throughout the year. Hiking in the lush Gondwana Rainforests of Queensland and New South Wales is typically more comfortable in the drier winter months (particularly June to October), while the best time to wander Western Australia's famed Cape to Cape Track is in the spring (specifically September and October, when wildflowers are in bloom) and autumn (March to May).

Best Times to Go Surfing in Australia

Like in many other destinations around the world, the best months for surfing in Australia don't always coincide with the best months for swimming. If you're just learning how to surf, there's generally no bad time to take a lesson here — though you'll be more comfortable spending hours in the water during the warm summer months of December through February. (This is especially true in Victoria and southern Western Australia.)

For experienced surfers, the offshore winds and more consistent swells of the Australian winter tend to proffer the best conditions, though storms can also generate big waves at any time of year. If you'd rather watch great surfers than join them, try visiting in fall months like March or April — that's when many of the country's biggest surfing competitions, like the Margaret River Pro and Newcastle's Surfest , are held.

Best Times to See Wildlife in Australia

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

One of the best things about visiting Australia between May and November is the opportunity to spot migrating whales. Various species make their way up and down the east and west coasts during those months, with different peak times for each species. The best time to book a whale-watching tour in general is August or September, when humpbacks tend to be most active. If you've always wanted to see an orca on the hunt, aim to be in Western Australia's Bremer Bay between January and April.

When it comes to seeing land-based wildlife, it's more about the time of day than the time of year, with the hours of dusk and dawn typically the best for spotting native animals such as kangaroos and wombats. From lorikeets to cockatoos to the iconic kookaburra, Australia's birds (which can often be seen in cities) also tend to sing their hardest when they come in to roost. And after dozing in gum trees all day, koalas are more active in the evenings, making them easier to spot.

Baby animals of all kinds abound in springtime (September to November) across the country. And while sea turtles can be spotted in Australian waters throughout the year, time your visit to Queensland between November and January to see them come ashore to nest, with their babies hatching from January to April.

Worst Times to Visit Australia

Australia's diverse natural beauty and thriving culture mean that there's no bad time to visit. But, depending on your priorities, some times of year can be better than others.

If avoiding crowds and saving money are your top goals, you may want to skip summertime, when tourist numbers and flight and hotel costs reach their annual peak. For beach hopping, avoid the winter — except on the northern coast, where the beaches of Port Douglas and the Whitsunday Islands are at their best in the dry winter months.

International travelers should also note that Easter is surprisingly busy. Australian schools go on break this time of year, and most locals use that time to travel, whether to see family or go on vacation. Since this drives up prices and increases crowds, Easter may be a time to avoid unless you too are there to visit Australian relatives.

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When is the best time to visit Australia?

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The best time to visit Australia depends on the area you plan to see. A country of two climates, Australia’s northern half is driest and most accessible between April and September. Warm, sunny days show the national parks and beaches at their very best, providing opportunities for swimming and barbecues. The north is humid from October to March, with more rainfall, but this is offset by the active wildlife, and reinvigorated rainforests and wetlands.

In the southern half of Australia, the summer months (December to February) bring hot weather. Fall (March to May) is also a lovely time, with numerous festivals and the busy grape harvest. Winter (June to August) is less busy and generally attracts a temperate climate that’s ideal for hiking, while spring (September to November) often sees more wildlife activity.

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Month-by-month guide for traveling in Australia

Visiting Australia in January - March

Hot and humid conditions and storms bringing tropical rain bursts typify the start of the year in northern Australia. During these months northern Australia experiences its wet season, and can be difficult to get to.

In the south, the days are warm and sunny, and while there can be heavy rain showers, these pass quickly. This is the most popular period for Australians to take time off work, with Australia Day celebrated in January, frequent sports events and numerous festivals.

It can be busy across the southern part of the country and on its beaches. The Great Barrier Reef can be visited, but its weather is temperamental around this period. Ningaloo Reef can also be visited, but please be aware that it has extremely hot weather around this time.

Events & Festivals

• In late January take in the firework displays and lively celebrations around Sydney Harbour, which mark Australia Day.
• Take your seat at one of the many outdoor cinema screenings held throughout the summer.

Visiting Australia in April - May

In the north, the temperatures are pleasant and the crowds of summer have started to disperse. Roads open up across the region, improving access to more remote locations.

With plenty of sunshine and much less rain than the summer months, April is one of our most recommended times to visit the south. In May, the south is still bright and sunny, but the temperatures begin to drop a little, triggering a notable change in the landscape as autumn hues appear.

• Between April and June take a boat trip out to see or even swim with the whale sharks near the Ningaloo Reef.

Visiting Australia in June - September

Northern Australia’s 'dry season' (during the Australian winter) is a time of lovely sunny days and warm temperatures, well suited for exploring on land or underwater. The tidal currents around the Great Barrier Reef are gentler, creating good snorkeling conditions.

In the country’s southern regions the weather is more temperate, making for good hiking conditions, although it can be rainy in certain parts. This period is a quieter season in the south, and the comfortable temperatures make it an excellent time to explore some of the rural inland regions, such as the Flinders Ranges , that are best avoided during the very hot summer.

• Take in the unusual Henley-on-Todd Regatta, held on the dry riverbed in August in Alice Springs.
• The Brisbane Festival takes place for three weeks in September with a line-up of music, comedy and theatrical events. Combine this with a wider exploration of Brisbane.
• A vibrant mix of wildflowers dot the landscape in Western Australia in September.

Visiting Australia in October - December

In the north, the temperature and humidity starts to build, causing the odd thunderstorm. This can bring welcome rain, transforming Outback landscapes with wildflowers. Along the coast, high winds can affect access to the reef islands.

In the south, this is the start of spring. Terrific walking and wildlife-spotting opportunities open up in the national parks and coastal regions. As Christmas approaches, Christmas lights and trees appear in towns and cities under blue skies. The year culminates in New Year's Eve celebrations with dazzling firework displays.

• Hike along one of the well-marked trails in October before the summer crowds arrive in the Blue Mountains.
• Explore in November and take in the food and wine festivals in and around the region of the Margaret River.
• Dress up for the 'race that stops the nation' as Australians tune in for the Melbourne Cup horse race in early November.

Australia Climate Guide

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This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the united states to australia departing on 8/27. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to australia.

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Good to know

Faqs - booking australia flights, what other cities are accessible to visitors that arrive at syd airport from the us.

You may quickly fly to Australia from the US using direct flights and then visit a number of other cities close to SYD Airport. It is easy to travel from Sydney Airport to nearby cities, like Botany, Mascot, and Brighton-Le-Sands, using car rentals, taxis, or bus services.

To stay near sporting events in Australia, which airport should I fly into?

When visiting Australia, American sports fans should think about flying into Melbourne Airport (MEL). Numerous athletic facilities, including Keilor Basketball Netball Stadium and Marvel Stadium, are closer to this airport. Visitors from MEL Airport have the opportunity to support their favorite local teams in this stadium, especially on weekends.

Does the USO-AU0 airline route offer any special amenities for pet owners?

Yes. Passengers taking the USO-AU0 airline route ought not to be worried about the safety of their dogs while traveling to Australia. Most US airports, including LAX and SLC Airports, which serve international flights to Australia, have a pet-friendly policy that enables travelers to bring their four-legged friends with them. All pets must be on a leash at all times in the majority of US airports that provide flights to Australia.

How can I get to LAX Airport if they want to take the earliest flight to Australia?

The best method for catching an earlier flight on the LAX-AU0 flight route is to stay at a nearby hotel. LAX Airport is located near several hotels, which enables travelers to arrive at this airport within the shortest time possible. Some of these hotels offer a free airport shuttle.

Should I get a visa for Australia?

Yes, all US citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Australia. The process is done electronically and allows for multiple entries for a maximum of three months per trip and up to a year from the date of issue. Since Australia is a member of the British Commonwealth, citizens of member nations may not require visas but you should check to be sure.

What’s the best airport to visit Tasmania?

Tasmania lies off the southern tip of Australia and is easily reachable from Sydney Airport and Canberra Airport (CBR), but Melbourne Airport (MEL) is much closer. You can also get a flight from any of these into Hobart International Airport (HBA) on Tasmania which should reduce your travel time.

Can I buy Australian dollars at the airports in Australia?

Yes, you can. There is a full-service branch of ANZ Bank at the International Terminal of Sydney Airport while Qudos Bank operates similar services at Melbourne Airport. In addition, agencies like Travelex and Global Exchange are on hand to make simple currency transactions at Brisbane Airport if that is your flight’s destination.

If I want to visit Bondi Beach, which airport is best?

The surfers’ heaven and famous enclave that is Bondi Beach is a section along the coast of New South Wales, a short 30 min drive from Sydney, making Sydney Airport the best choice. You can fly there from either Los Angeles (LAX) via Virgin Australia or Long Beach Airport (LGB) via Hawaiian Airlines. Jetstar also operates flights from Honolulu to Sydney.

How long is the flight to Australia?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to Australia takes 21h 05m, covering a distance of 8736 miles. The most popular route is Los Angeles - Sydney with an average flight time of 14h 55m.

What is the cheapest flight to Australia?

The cheapest ticket to Australia from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $113 one-way, and $274 round-trip. The most popular route is from Los Angeles to Sydney and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $623.

Which airlines fly to Australia?

American Airlines, Qantas Airways & Alaska Airlines fly the most frequently from the United States to Australia.

What are the most popular destinations in Australia?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Sydney (53% of total searches to Australia). The next most popular destinations are Melbourne (26%) and Brisbane (10%). Searches for flights to Perth (3%), to Adelaide (2%) and to Cairns (1%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Australia

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Australia flight deals.
• When flying to Australia, disabled passengers should consider using the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) flight route. Travelers with disabilities, mobility issues, and special needs can receive airport special assistance based on their requests, like baggage assistance, medical and safety assistance, and specially equipped wheelchairs at LAX Airport.
• Airport lounges are typically thought of as one of the best places to unwind for passengers as they wait for their flights. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is the airport of choice for most economic travelers who wish to relax at an affordable lounge before boarding their flights from the US to Australia. Before takeoff, budget travelers can simply and affordably unwind in the Delta Sky Club.
• Parents who want to take their children on vacation to Australia from the US can think about taking a flight on Virgin Australia from Los Angeles (LAX) to Sydney (SYD). This airline offers nonstop service between the airports of LAX and SYD. By using direct flights, you can travel from the US to Australia in the shortest amount of time feasible, lowering the risk that your children will become exhausted before they arrive in Australia.
• If your flight from the US is scheduled to land in Australia at night, think about the possibility of lodging in a closer hotel to SYD Airport. The Aerotel Hotel, located inside the international Terminal 1, is one of the best and nearest places to stay when visitors arrive in Sydney late at night.
• Los Angeles Airport or Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) are two major airport options for those travelers who want to go from the USA to Australia as quickly as possible. These are the main US airports that serve as the bases for airlines that operate direct flights to SYD Airport in Australia.
• The vast southern continent of Australia is served by a series of international airports that link its major regions with the outside world. Perth Airport (PER) and Port Hedland International Airport (PHE) are gateways to the plains of Western Australia, while Darwin International Airport (DRW) unlocks the region of the Northern Territory.
• The more populous southern half of the continent is dominated by the cities of Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne in the east, all of which provide numerous flights from the US to Australia. Virgin Australia offers nonstop service from Los Angeles (LAX) to Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL), while Jetstar provides flights from Honolulu (HNL) to Sydney and Brisbane.
• The eastern territory of Queensland provides the longest uninterrupted stretch of coastland in Australia, anchored by Brisbane Airport (BNE) and its city at the most southern point. Brisbane Airport is a good starting point to explore northern points along the Australian coast of the Coral Sea, or you can stay closer to home after your flight from the US to Australia and discover the legendary Gold Coast.
• There are no major airports that service the interior of the Australian continent, so if you wish to visit, you’ll have to fly from Brisbane Airport into a regional airport like Mt. Isa Airport or Charleville Airport. Both provide access to the Western reaches of Queensland, into the heart of the province of the Northern Territory and the state of South Australia.
• To explore the northern reaches of Australia, it will be necessary to get a flight from Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne into Darwin International Airport (DRW), which is the gateway to the area. From there, you can set your sights on Derby and Wyndham in Western Australia as well as the coastal areas of the Northern Territory and Queensland.

Top 5 airlines flying to Australia

All was good, the only thing was it didn't run on time.

The staff and crew on board were excellent. Business class however, was very weird. I thought we would have individual pods, but the way it was set up was unexpected. Not very private and If you wanted to lay down, you had to have an entire bed made up for you by the crew, rather than how Delta one works where you could just lie down whenever you feel like it. It was a 16 hour flight. I chose not to have my bed made, and that turned out to be a good idea because everybody who had their bed made had to wait for the crew to roll up their mattresses. So strange!

They announced food service but then never came around. We also couldn’t land so kept trying to get to runway and then had to come up and go around happened like 3 times and cause the child next to me to start throwing up

The recline on the seat in front of me came back so that I was staring at the top of the man’s head in front of me the whole trip. He refused to bring his seat back up twice every time he was instructed to do so and only relented when he had a tray of good in front of him. And then right back in my lap!!! Horrible man!! I complained to the staff multiple times, but no one would address the issue. Otherwise, it would have been a perfect flight.

There was a snafu with confirming seats at check which left us in limbo for the second leg of our trip. I believe the ANZ app is not well integrated with the systems at the terminal resulting in this disconcerting error.

Carring crew, nice ambiance of the cabin, comfortable beds, good food well served. We liked everything.

The pilot tried to make up for lost time due to delays that were out of her control. She communicated the issues openly and clearly and made every effort to do what she could to alleviate issues.

2 of the 6 economy toilets were out of order. Drinks were not offered often enough - you have to order on-screen, which is often unavailable. Snacks and Milo ran out very early. Crew was fine but I think there was a sticking issue

So here's the rub - my flight was booked through Chatdeal even though I bought it under the Kayak umbrella. All the return flights were theoretically through Air New Zealand, however except for the initial leg from New Zealand, they were all partnered flights. So when I arrived at the airport in New Zealand they could only issue me my ticket to Fiji. Once in Fiji I had to do some serious leg work and finagling to get my ticket to Los Angeles through Fiji Air. This included a monitored covid RAT that I wasn't aware I needed to do. So I gave the score I did because of the complexity and annoyance created in the process of getting a boarding pass for my Nadi-LA flight.

Flight attendants are always pleasant and helpful. Pilot kept us updated.

Business class Seats on the A350 from Nan to YVR were wonderful. The flight crew was okay but could do with better training. Toilets were clean but ran out of paper towels towards the end of the flight. The food/menu and the wine offered really needs considerable improvement. Dinner options were either Bolani, a beef sandwich (even this could be made much better), or paneer butter masala. Unfortunately, if you are not a fan of Fijian food, there isn’t much choice. Dessert was either turmeric ice cream or fruits but unfortunately, they were out of fruit! So the only option was turmeric ice cream. I’m not certain how many passengers like turmeric but I am not one of them. They need to cater to a more diverse group of people. Perhaps they need a new chef? The movies& tv shows were mostly older so I didn’t find that interesting either. It was however, fun to view the plane’s exterior cameras as we take off and land. The best thing about this flight are the business class seats.

Comfortable as one can get in Economy, food was very good, staff were super friendly & efficient.

Really liked the plane and business class seat. Food was ok but could be better. Service was very good.

Better connections, much better cabin crew, much cleaner cabin that Qantas, American and probably other carriers.

Better connections, much better cabin crews, much cleaner aircraft than Qantas, American and probably others.

Fiji left without me because American Airlines was too stupid to get to LAX on time. Fiji should have offered a standby on another flight but they told me tough luck. I will never fly with this company again.

The A350 aircraft business class experience was very good. Comfortable and well appointed pod, and supplemental bed pad available for sleeping. Food was very good.

Business class seats and amenities were excellent, crew very attentive. Slept well. Food good, lounge experience nice. Would fly them again. A350 aircraft excellent, very quiet.

The flight attendants were extremely friendly and helpful. Everything ran on time. I highly recommend Fiji Airways.

The experience was lovely in every respect. The crews were delightful.

The international flight from Sydney to Dallas had great food. I have travelled a lot over the years and this has been the most memorable in my experience so far.

flight delayed, wait in crowded gate. staff inattentive. had to remind them to get my coat from their closet. not many new movies, media choices were limited (nothing compared to Emirates.) Lounge was crowded

flight delayed, wait in crowded gate. staff inattentive. had to remind them to get my coat from their closet. not many new movies, media choices were limited (nothing compared to Emirates.)

Initial flight was cancelled so moved to an alternative flight. As a result, stuck in a middle seat. Flight then place in holding pattern prior to landing resulting in a very late trip home.

There was nothing I didn’t like, prices a little lower would help

Flight delay was informed at the last minute. Food quality is not up to Qantas standard I was unable to book an online boarding pass on any of my 6 flights.

Following a marathon flight riddled by delays and changes from Santiago, Chile, my flight to Melbourne from Sydney was on schedule but I was transferred to the next flight. The reason by ticketing and the floor manager was I missed the entry to flight by one minute! That's right, the emphasised that if I was 1 minute earlier I would be on the flight. I asked what was the point them emphasising 1minute overdue and how that helped me or the situation. They didn't care at all. Replying that if it was one minute earlier they would've done something and smirking delivering the information. Australian's do call Australia home, Qantas calls Australian's suckers.

Rescheduled after ticket purchased and issued, not 2 or 3 times and not a fourth but by 5 times, by Qantas, that's right, 5 changes! Forcing an overnight stay in Chile and need for visa. Qantas can no longer provide basic services as a national or international service provider. Professionalism is extinct and the provider needs to be mentored and educated in perfecting who to operate as an airline. Qantas is the spirit of Australian dissatisfaction.

Amazing! Was put on the earlier flight and I requested for an aisle seat and was given it. Thanks Qantas!

The staff we fantastic and seemed to work very well with each other

Fine. Though no food or entertainment so the survey needs to be updated with those options.

Backpack should NOT allowed put in the flight bin , only put it under the seat. I can't find space put my carry on luggage!!! and I pay for it ! that was very bad experience

Fantastic. Smooth boarding with an infant. Never experienced it with any other carriers.

This was a flight operated by Lufthansa. See me prior comments, which were meant for this experience. The CSA, Ashley, should be reprimanded if not fired for incompetence, being rude, and very, very slow. She was whispering to other CSAs, blaming my flight change on others, unable to give me a seat assignment, telling me could not help without offering any advice (I travel 200,000 miles a year and am a consultant to the airlines, so I know how this gets done PRETTY DAMN WELL). Then, she gave me literally the worst seat on the airline (yes, there were other seats open) - the one right next to the bathroom that was so bad the other PAX next to me left to move to another seat. My seat kept getting rammed (3x) by the crew with their carts (no turbulence to speak of), other passengers grabbing the seat to get in or out of the bathroom, and listening to the bathroom flush all night.

This was a Lufthansa flight, not United. The CSA at the counter, Ashley, was not only incompetent, but quite rude. Me and two other PAX waited over 7 minutes standing in front of her and another CSA and they ignored us. We joked that we must have accidently taken invisibility pills. She could have at least said "I'll be with you in a moment, I'm currently....". I could go on about how rude she and the other CSAs were (whispering, not communicating with me, blaming the situation on others, etc.). She would not work for me. Then, she gave me literally the worst seat on the plane. the worst. My seat kept getting bumped (rammed twice by the crew with their carts and about every 5 minutes by someone using the bathroom), listening to the bathroom all night, crowded seat, etc.

My seat was broken. WiFi didn’t work. Gate crew at HOU were rude and condescending. Treated all the passengers badly. Bad experience, United.

First flight of the day… MINIMUM FUEL! 15 minute landing delay at HOU due to fog turned into a 2+ hour delay! Rather than circle, they had to divert to another city to refuel! Sat on tarmac at Austin to refuel. We ALL missed our connections! The crew, including pilots, were clueless. Crew was really a mess. At HOU, Untied employees were exceedingly rude to all. It was pitiful.

Food wasn’t very good, old business seating configuration on an old A340

An hour and a half late is UNACCEPTABLE. The negative impact to our family is unconscionable. And for the price we were forced to pay...

Standard flight experience, but there is only power at the seat to row 20 on the aircraft, on my initial check in it did not say that was the case

Flight was delayed for almost 3 hours. Communication of gate change was poor. Email and screen said one gate and it was a different gate from that. Gate changed first to 64 B and then to 64 C. Originally it was 68B. 64C was not communicated properly!

This was a red eye return, so I doubt there would be anyway to make it better. Other than adding beds.

Direct nonstop flight was great. Flight was delayed and the crew announced a 2h delay on the sound system. 30 min or so later I hear my name on the sound system for immediate board. Several other passangers were late too. Reason: The crew incorrectly announced a 2h delay when in reality they meant a new boarding time at 2pm.

Plenty of room in the exit row. Sat on the plane an hour before taking off.☹️ Landed late and had to wait for gate availability.

Flight was on time early arrival better entertainment good staff.everything was excellent

Delayed leaving. On arrival we were taken to the airstrip and had to get off onto an over crowed bus, not all that passengers fit. Drove around the airport for 20 + minutes. Taken off the bus told to go upstairs 3 flights then all the passengers had to walk a mile or more , those of us old there was no one to direct us to were to go. I asked several people with no answers. Once I got to baggage claim my bags were not on the right bag claim. Once again asked for help and finally someone found my bags on a different carasel. Very frustrating.

Excellent host on board. Not so friendly check-in staff. Older plane with no food or entertainment due to short flight. Friendly captain and crew.

I don’t think there was entertainment? No mention of it. It was a good flight. Only complaint was my seat cushion was not attached and kept slipping.

They canceled the flight on us very close to the flight date .

It took 66 hours to get from Seattle to Tel Aviv. As a minor, I was left for more than 12 hours in Toronto and Frankfurt without hotel and food vouchers. It took 5 layovers. It was insane and not okay

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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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Travel During Off-Peak Seasons

Different days, different dollars, a package deal, the bottom line.

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When Is It Cheaper to Fly to Australia?

Most travelers find that Australia is well worth the 20-or-so-hour flight from the U.S. And while just getting there can strain any travel budget , there are off-season times of the year—and even days of the week—when you can fly to Australia for less.

Key Takeaways

• May through June is the off-season, but remember that what is summer in the U.S. is winter for Australians.
• Shoulder season—February to April and September to early December—is less expensive than the high season, but more expensive than the off-season.
• Consider a package deal that includes airfare and hotel stays—it often works out to be just a few hundred dollars more than airfare or hotel stay alone.

Airfares from the U.S. to Australia can range from over $1,000 up to $3,000 (especially if you want nonstop flights).

Like most tourist destinations, Australia has different travel seasons. Qantas—Australia’s largest airline by fleet size and the total number of international flights—publishes fares based on three seasons: high, low, and shoulder.

Because the airlines pay close attention to demand in pricing schemes, there are multiple low and shoulder seasons throughout the year. This differs from many tourist destinations that have only three defined periods for low, shoulder, and peak seasons. What would be one long low season during Australia’s winter, for example, is instead interrupted by a pricier shoulder season that coincides with school vacations in the U.S.

So just when are the various seasons? The high (or peak) season , which runs from about the second week of December through January, is when airfare tends to be the priciest because of the heavy holiday-oriented traffic.

This period is Australia’s summer. Remember, the country is in the Southern Hemisphere, so seasons are the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere. Depending on where you are, the weather can be really hot and dry, making the country's beaches a very popular destination.

The shoulder season fits in between the peak and low seasons and runs from:

• Most of April (fall season)
• Late June until about the third week of July (winter, but when schools are out in the U.S.)
• Mid-September through October and then the first week of December (spring)—just before people start traveling for the holidays.

The cheapest airfare tends to be during the low season, which runs from Feb. 1 through the first week of April, from May 1 through late June, from about the third week in July through the third week in September, and again for November.

These periods represent late fall and winter when temperatures are cooler, especially the farther south you are, heading toward Antarctica. Again, this is the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere, where people are used to heading south during the winter to warm up.

For comparison, we looked for the cheapest published fares on expedia.com for 14-day trips, traveling on Wednesdays in both directions during each of the three travel seasons, and flying between Los Angeles and Sydney (prices in U.S. dollars). While the precise prices will vary, these figures represent the typical ratio among the seasons:

If you have some flexibility in your travel dates , you may be able to save money by flying Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and avoiding weekend flights.

A quick peek at the published fares on qantas.com, for example, shows that if you traveled on Saturdays instead of Wednesdays, the fares increase in each season by at least $100 (we looked at the same general dates as above but moved each trip forward a few days to travel on Saturdays in both directions).

A flight with one stop can run $500 to $1,000 cheaper than a non-stop flight and often takes just three to four hours longer.

Depending on your plans, you may be able to save money by purchasing a travel package that includes both airfare and accommodations.

A search on expedia.com , for example, shows a flight-plus-budget hotel deal for $1,687, traveling between Aug. 18 and Sept. 1 (the same dates we searched for low-season fares), which is just about $600 more for the lowest-fare flight alone. Depending on your preferences, you could spend $1,977 for a package that includes a hotel in downtown Sydney.

Or you could splurge and pay $2,442 for a luxe venue like the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, with its swank spa. Without a package deal, a two-week stay there runs $3,726.

What Does a U.S. Citizen Need to Enter Australia?

As a U.S. citizen, you will need a passport and a visa or an approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia.

How Long Does an Australian ETA Take?

An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which is needed to enter Australia, usually takes 30 seconds to be approved and received, though it can take up to 12 hours in some cases. It is on a case-by-case basis and will vary for every individual.

Which U.S. City Is Cheapest to Fly From Australia?

Generally, U.S. cities on the West Coast will be cheaper to fly to Australia as they are much closer in distance than cities in other parts of the country. However, with all flight bookings, there are many variables, such as time, flight route, and time of the year.

Australia is such a diverse country that it takes weeks, if not months, to even begin to explore all that it has to offer. Like other tourist destinations, travel costs change just like the seasons, so it pays to study the dates.

You may be able to shave a few dollars off your airfare if you can travel on different days of the week. Booking your flight and accommodations together, instead of purchasing them separately, may also result in hefty savings.

Qantas Investor Relations. " Company Information: About the Qantas Group ."

About Australia. " Airfare Pricing Tips to Australia & The South Pacific ."

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. " Meteorological and Astronomical Seasons in the Southern Hemisphere ."

CheapAir. " The Best Time to Buy Cheap Flights ."

Travel.State.gov. " Australia ."

CIBT Visas. " Order Your Australia ETA Today ."

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Planning a Trip to Australia? 10 Important Things to Know

M illions of visitors from North America, Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world flock to the land down under in search of their own adventures–whether its for the food, the amazing wildlife, the incredible views, or just the sheer size of the place, Australia is full of surprises! 

Whatever your reason for taking a trip to Australia, let’s talk about some of the things that will help you navigate your Australian experience as smoothly as possible.

Taking a Trip to Australia? What to Know

The seasons.

You might know this already, but since Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are reversed from the Northern Hemisphere. However, it’s not quite as simple as that. There’s a difference from the country’s south versus the north.

The best time to travel to southern Australia (Sydney, for example) is November to April, but that’s different when you’re visiting the north (like the Top End or the Great Barrier Reef) where this time of year is humid and soggy season. 

The bottom line is check out the weather for exactly where you’ll be staying on your trip to Australia and know what weather conditions to expect.

The feeling of being in the middle of nowhere

The gaps between major cities are incredibly far in Australia. Not only are they farther in the United States or Europe, there are also typically far fewer towns between them.

Once you’re out of any major city, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. Rather than an hour or two between cities or towns, it could be several, so plan accordingly, and keep a full tank of gas and any emergency supplies you’ll need in case your car breaks down.

The amazing natural areas

Australia is known for it’s natural beauty and for plant and animal species that are found nowhere else in the world.

As these plants and animals have become threatened by extreme weather events and humans encroaching into their habitats, Australia has made the decision to set aside at least 30% of its land mass for conservation in a bid to protect them.

There are literally thousands of national parks and conservation reserves in the country, so no matter where you are in Australia, exploring the country’s incredible landscapes should be easy.

Electric outlets are not like ours

It might seem like a small thing, but as you’re packing for a trip to Australia, it’s something you’ll need to keep in mind. The country uses differently-shaped electric outlets. They’re not like the British ones, nor are they American or European either.

Australia has their own special electric plug sockets, so, if you’re taking any small appliances, like curling irons, etc., just remember to buy electric outlet converters before your vacation.

Kangaroos, koalas, and other animals unique to Australia

Australia is home to animals found nowhere else on earth, including the koala, kangaroo, wombat, platypus, echidna, and others.

You may spot them in the wild, but it’s more likely that you’ll need to venture out to a reserve or nature park away from the city to see them.

Of course, there’s always a chance to spot a kangaroo or koala in any area outside the city.

Tipping isn’t a common practice

Hospitality workers in Australia are paid a whole lot better than in the US and many other parts of the world, so workers don’t necessarily expect tips and don’t rely on them to make a decent living.

That said, tipping is, of course, appreciated. If your budget allows, you can tip up to 10% of the bill , especially when in a group setting where more items are ordered and extra service is required.

Beer connoisseur? Go local

If you’re heading out to a bar in Australia, it’s best to go local when it comes to your choice of beer. Australia has a ton of great local brands as well as micro-breweries that are definitely worth trying. 

If you’re unsure about what to try or where to go, there’s no shortage of award-winning micro-breweries to choose from!

Mind the sun

You may know this already, but the sun is REALLY STRONG in Australia, so stock up on sunscreen, and respect the fact that you’ll probably get sunburned a lot quicker than you would back home. In fact, a sunburn can occur in as little as 15 minutes in the hot Aussie sun.

A high-SPF sunscreen, sun hat, and clothing and beach wear that protects your skin is your best bet if you plan to hit the beach—or spend any time outdoors. Don’t let a painful sunburn ruin your trip when it’s relatively easy to prevent.

The distances between every location

Many people make the mistake of trying to explore the entirety of Australia in a couple of weeks, not realizing that it’s a vast continent as well as a country.

Instead, it’s a better idea to choose two or three areas to travel extensively, and check them off your travel list. If you don’t, much of your visit will be spent traveling, not enjoying everything the country has to offer.  For example, did you know that it takes nine hours to drive from Sydney to Melbourne?

Driving in Australia 

Speaking of driving, Australians drive on the left side of the road, so if you’re coming from the United States, this is something you’ll have to get used to quickly.

Here are some other things to know about driving down under :

• Australia uses the metric system of distances and speeds.
• Australian cars are right-hand drive vehicles.
• In Australia, you can drive with a foreign (English language) license for up to three months. 
• Seat belts are required for all of a vehicle’s occupants, and these laws are strictly enforced. Children and babies must be restrained in an approved safety or booster seat, in some states up to seven years old.
• The blood alcohol limit is .05% throughout Australia, with zero limits for learners and drivers with provisional licenses in some states.
• In case of an accident involving injury or death, the police must be contacted, and the driver is legally required to render assistance. The penalties for leaving an accident scene can be severe. 
• Speed limits are clearly posted. A default 50km/hour speed limit applies in urban areas with street lights in the rare event that there is no other signposted limit.
• Speed cameras are used in all states and territories of Australia, with some states using hidden cameras. Point-to-point speed checks (over a certain distance) or aerial speed checks are also used in some places. There is no defined margin of tolerance for speeding. 
• Rental vehicle companies may ask you to take a short road rules test focused towards tourist requirements.
• Permits can be necessary to travel through aboriginal  communities and towns in certain remote areas. 
• As mentioned, drivers need to be prepared and self-sufficient before travelling through remote areas. Even on major regional roads, service stations may not be open overnight, so plan ahead when it comes to getting fuel.
• Many accidents occur at night due to the presence of native animals which become more active in the evenings, for this reason some car rental companies impose a curfew on driving after sunset in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

There you have it! Ten things to keep in mind before and during your trip to Australia. Is Australia on your wish list of places you’d like to visit–or may-be even live someday? Leave us a comment.

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Travel time from Manila to Sydney

How long does it really take to fly from Manila to Sydney? Here's a sample itinerary for a commercial flight plan. If you want to know the total travel time to reach Sydney, you need to include time at the airports. Eventually, you'll be able to customize this itinerary to select other nearby airports and choose your preferred airline.

Tuesday, 7:14 am :  start in Manila drive for about 21 minutes most airlines recommend you get to the airport at least 60 minutes before your flight, so arrive by 8:00 am at the latest

7:50 am :  get your boarding pass and go through TSA security allow enough time for long security lines during busy travel seasons or holidays, and prepare for the wait time

8:20 am :  arrive at the gate once you're ready to board, you can get something to eat in the airport or just relax near the gate

8:35 am :  prepare for boarding check your boarding pass for your group number or listen to the gate agent as they announce boarding, some airlines require you to be in the boarding area 10-15 minutes before departure or risk losing your seat

8:50 am :  board Philippine Airlines Inc. flight you can scroll down to view other airlines that fly this route

9:00 am :  this is your scheduled departure time but remember flights can be delayed, so take that into account it takes the plane an average of 15 minutes to taxi to the runway

9:15 am :  wheels up! take-off from MNL fly for about 8.5 hours in the air

7:31 pm (local time) :   Sydney International (SYD) Sydney is 2 hours ahead of Manila so the time in Manila is actually 5:31 pm taxi on the runway for an average of 15 minutes to the gate

7:46 pm (local time) :  arrive at the gate at SYD deboard the plane, and claim any baggage if you're renting a car, check if you need to take a shuttle to car rental agency, otherwise you can ride in a cab, limo, or Uber for about 15 minutes to your destination

8:01 pm (local time) :  arrive in Sydney

Total travel time: 11 hours

How far is Sydney from Manila? Here's the quick answer if you have a private jet and you can fly in the fastest possible straight line.

Flight distance: 3,884 miles or 6251 km

Flight time: 8 hours, 16 minutes

Compare this to a whole day of commercial travel with the airports and waiting in line for security, which ends up taking a total of 10 hours, 47 minutes .

Flying private is roughly 1.3x faster , and saves you about 3 hours in your total travel time.

Because of the curvature of the Earth, the shortest distance is actually the "great circle" distance, or "as the crow flies" which is calculated using an iterative Vincenty formula. For a long distance, this appears as a curve on the map, and this is often the route that commercial airlines will take so it's a good estimate of the frequent flyer miles you'll accumulate as well.

This is a fairly long flight, so unless you have a Gulfstream G650 or your own Boeing or Airbus, you might be booking a commercial flight. In that case, your travel time would really need to include how many minutes to get to your local airport, wait for security, board and taxi on the runway, land at the other airport, and get to your destination. The flight itinerary at the top of the page takes into account all these factors to get a more accurate estimate of your actual flight time .

• Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport

We picked Philippine Airlines Inc. for your main flight, but there are other airlines that you should check if you're looking for the cheapest flight, or you need a different schedule. Check the websites of these airlines:

• Philippine Airlines Inc. (PR)
• Qantas Airways Ltd. (QF)

Trippy has a ton of information that can help you plan your trip to Sydney, Australia. Start by reading the Trippy page on where to stay in Sydney . If you're looking for a place to stay, you might want to check out Park Hyatt Sydney . A great place to eat might be Cafe Sydney . Trippy members can suggest things to do in Sydney like Sydney Opera House . Check out some of the questions people have asked about Sydney like Should I rent a car in Sydney or is the transit good enough to get around? Click the button below to explore Sydney in detail.

The distance is the same either way if you're flying a straight line. But for a real trip, there can be plenty of differences so go ahead and check the reverse flight itinerary to fly from Sydney to Manila , or go to the main page to calculate other flight times .

If you happen to know Manila, don't forget to help other travelers and answer some questions about Manila!

Your checklist for travelling overseas this year

Are you dreaming of an overseas holiday?

Or dreading the admin involved?

Travelling can be a bit of a headache in 2022, with all the considerations involved like vaccine passports, travel insurance and health concerns.

And when trying to research what's required, the real answer is almost always "it depends".

Rules and restrictions vary from country to country, and they'll even change from day to day.

You'll want to thoroughly research your dream destination before you head off.

But to answer some of your questions, we chatted with Adelaide-based travel agent Holly Velardo and CHOICE travel expert Jodi Bird about what to keep in mind when travelling internationally this year.

Don't forget the basics

It's been a while since any of us travelled, so Holly says the first thing you should check is if your passport is due to expire.

She says the renewal process is taking much longer these days, and in some cases, you could be waiting up to six weeks — so get organised early.

It's best to be fully vaccinated

Holly says Australia's major vaccines  AstraZeneca , Pfizer and Moderna, are recognised in most countries, as long as you're double vaccinated. At this point, countries aren't requiring you to be triple vaxxed.

She says while some destinations are also doing away with vaccine requirements altogether, "generally we recommend that everybody is double vaccinated before they leave".

You'll need an international vaccine certificate

Holly says you "absolutely cannot" just use the usual vax certificate you've been using at home.

Instead, she says it's easy to apply for an International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC) through the myGov or Medicare app. You can download it on your phone, but she recommends printing a copy too, in case of technology failures.

You may need additional vaccine documentation

While your ICVC will get you into the country, some locations, including many places in Europe, require proof of vaccination to do things like enter a museum, sit in a café or use public transport.

Some places can accept a printout of your Australian-issued ICVC, while at others, you may run into issues. In some countries, you can apply for a local COVID certificate using your ICVC.

Head to SmartTraveller for up-to-date information about what documentation you'll need for the country you're visiting.

You may need to get tested to travel

Testing requirements will also vary between countries.

At some, you'll need to stay at an approved hotel while awaiting a PCR test result.

Others have done away with testing requirements for international arrivals altogether, or are just requiring a rapid test rather than a PCR.

However, even if your destination doesn't require a negative result, many airlines will still require a negative PCR test within 72 hours of boarding.

You'll need to research the requirements of any stopover countries too

If you're travelling to London via Singapore, you'll also need to make sure you're abiding by Singapore's restrictions.

"Anytime we're booking anyone, we look at the stopover destinations first. And if they're too restrictive, then we will look at going via somewhere else," Holly says.

"But there's different rules for transiting and different rules stopping over. So if you're only transiting in that country, the rules are generally much more relaxed."

You may also like to check if you're covered by insurance during your stopover.

You won't need to isolate on return, if you're fully vaxxed

Restrictions around returning to Australia will depend on which state you're returning to, and they often change.

For most states at the time of writing, if you're fully vaccinated, you can do a rapid test on your return and won't have to isolate.

If you're unvaccinated, many states will still require you to isolate for seven or 14 days when you return to Australia, either at home or in hotel quarantine.

Travel insurance is highly recommended

SmartTraveller highly recommends securing travel insurance, and notes it has "never been more important than in this current environment."

Many countries will also require you to have a minimum level of medical cover just to enter the country. For example, Singapore requires you to have a minimum of $30,000 Singapore dollars of COVID medical cover.

CHOICE's Mr Bird says while not all insurers will cover COVID, an increasing number are, given most consumers aren't interested in a policy without COVID cover. CHOICE have a list of the insurers with COVID cover on their website.

You should check if your insurance covers:

The country you're visiting.

Your insurer may not cover travel to destinations SmartTraveller has listed as "do not travel" or "reconsider your need to travel," so you'll need to check it covers the country you're visiting.

Hospitalisation

When an insurer says they have COVID cover, Mr Bird says "at a minimum" that should include medical, hospitalisation and repatriation costs if you get COVID.

He says most policies will provide unlimited cover for medical expenses, however some might limit your cover to a certain amount.

Quarantine and cancellation

While Mr Bird says quite a few insurers also cover isolation and cancellation costs, this is where the exclusions and sub limits come in.

"You can't just buy a travel insurance policy and presume you're going to be covered to cancel for any reason related to COVID," he says.

"You need to have a look at the policy and understand what cover you're going to get."

If you contract COVID and need to isolate, he says some insurers will cover the cost of your hotel quarantine, as well as refund you for any tours or bookings you may have missed.

However, some insurers will only cover you for a small amount.

"We've seen some insurers that might only cover up to $2500 per person. If you had to cancel a trip or pay for seven days or 14 days of quarantine, that's probably [not going to cover it]," Mr Bird says.

He adds that some policies will cover you if you contract COVID-19, including if you get sick before you leave Australia, but won't cover you if you're a close contact and need to isolate.

Some of them also have a cooling off period.

"If you bought the policy the day before you leave, and you caught COVID the next day, they might not cover that," he explains.

"So you really want to buy the travel insurance cover as soon as you've booked your airplane ticket."

Lockdowns and border closures

If Australia or your destination country closes its borders or goes into lockdown due to COVID, most insurers won't cover you. However Mr Bird says some might allow you to cancel your insurance cover, or move it to a later date.

You should check refund policies when booking too

In addition to travel insurance, it's a good idea to check the refund policies of everything you're booking — whether that's flights, accommodation, or tours.

Many will offer you a full or partial refund if you cancel before a certain date, which could be a lot simpler than going through insurance.

If you've read through the terms and conditions, or emailed a travel provider to confirm a cancellation policy, Mr Bird recommends saving a copy as evidence, in case you need to refer to it later.

This is general advice only. Travel restrictions and requirements will differ between countries, and the time you're travelling. For up to date information, head to  SmartTraveller .

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A major change in the way millions of Chinese people are behaving is creating a $12 billion problem for Australia.

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Half the number of Chinese travellers are coming to Australia than before the pandemic.

The stark figures are a major concern for the tourism industry, given Chinese visitors injected more than $12 billion into the Australian economy in 2019.

Qantas announced last week it would be scrapping its Sydney to Shanghai route because of low demand, despite Shanghai being the top region in China that travellers are visiting Australia from, according to Tourism Research Australia.

The Aussie national carrier only resumed its Sydney-Shanghai service in October last year but Qantas International chief executive Cam Wallace said their planes were often half-full.

“Since Covid, the demand for travel between Australia and China has not recovered as strongly as expected,” he explained.

Chinese visitors were slow to return to Australia despite aviation capacity increasing, Tourism and Transport Forum Australia CEO Margy Osmond told news.com.au

“This has had a significant impact on the tourism industry, given China was one of our largest source markets for international tourism before the pandemic,” she said, explaining China is currently our fourth largest source country for international visitors.

“We’re also seeing an increase in domestic tourism within China.

“But we’re working hard to try and entice more Chinese visitors to come to Australia and we hope to see more Chinese visitors return to our shores.”

The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics released last week shows in March this year, Chinese short-term visitor arrivals were only at 47 per cent of pre-Covid levels, when comparing with March 2019.

As for Australian residents travelling to China, the data shows those numbers are at 85 per cent of pre-Covid levels for March 2024, compared with March 2019.

The loss of Chinese travellers is of particular concern because of how much they spend when visiting Australia.

In the 2019 calendar year, Chinese visitors spent an average of $9336 per trip amounting to $12.4 billion.

In the same year, other top international markets spent significantly less.

New Zealanders spent $2004 on average per trip (totalling $2.6b), Brits spent $4999 (totalling $3.4b), and those travelling from the United States spent $5130 (totalling $3.9b), according to the International Visitor Survey from Tourism Research Australia.

What has turned Chinese tourists away

Three experts told news.com.au it was interesting Chinese visitor arrivals had not picked up the way they had from New Zealand, the US, UK and India when borders reopened.

Last year, as Chinese tourists came back to Australia, the number of Chinese visitor arrivals was only 38 per cent of the 2019 level. Their total spend in Australia was $5.8 billion.

Dr Maneka Jayasinghe from Charles Darwin University, and Professor Saroja Selvanathan and Professor Selva Selvanathan from Griffith University are co-authors of a 2022 study published in the Tourism Economics journal about deteriorating Australia-China relations and the impact on our tourism industry.

“The latest international visitor figures indicate that visitor arrivals from China is increasing but at a much slower rate than arrivals from other similar markets and it may take years to reach the pre-pandemic level,” they told news.com.au this week.

Some factors that may be keeping Chinese tourists away are political and trade tension, costly airfares, and the fact China’s economy is “not doing that well”.

“Travel to Australia (return airfare and accommodation) has become more expensive for the middle class Chinese population,” the researchers said.

“Tourists who have become more sensitive to processes during the pandemic with general cost of living-related hardships, may look for domestic travel or cheaper visa-free destinations in the Southeast Asian region.”

They also said after the pandemic, universities were offering fully online degrees meaning there was no need for those students to come to Australia.

“Pre-Covid when students came in large numbers to study in Australia, their families and friends also visited Australia in large numbers,” Dr Jayasinghe, Prof Selvanathan and Prof Selvanathan explained.

The experts warned that if the tourism industry does not bounce back to pre-pandemic levels within the next two to three years, “tourism operators, especially the regional and small scale tourism operators will continue to suffer”.

“The labour force in the tourism sector, may suffer from unemployment or be forced to look for employment opportunities in other sectors,” they said.

“It is important to look for alternative tourism markets if the visitor arrivals from traditional markets continue to show slow growth to keep the industry afloat.”

Tourism a ‘highly political phenomenon’

The academics’ 2022 paper explained the number of visitors from China to Australia increased by about 15 per cent a year from 2009 to 2018 – then the growth rate reduced drastically in 2018 and 2019.

“The growth rate drastically reduced even before the Covid-19 pandemic, to be almost stagnant,” Dr Jayasinghe said at the time the research was published.

This, they said, was because political and trade relations between the two countries began to deteriorate from 2018.

The paper warned the current state of Australia-China relations could have “serious and adverse implications” on the Australian tourism industry.

It said tourism was a “highly political phenomenon”.

“On the one hand, international tourism is a catalyst for reducing political tension and promoting world peace,” the paper read. “On the other hand, governments can exert political pressure through tourism to either promote tourism with friendly countries or restrict tourism with hostile countries.”

But the researchers told news.com.au fortunately relations between China and Australia “have improved substantially” since the Labor Government came into power in May 2022.

Tourism Australia ‘confident’ about recovery

Tourism Australia, the Australian Government agency responsible for attracting international visitors to Australia, is optimistic.

“Whilst travel with China reopened a year later than other markets, we are confident about its recovery as the market continues to steadily rebuild,” a spokesman told news.com.au.

Australia reopened its international border for tourists in February 2022, but at the time, Chinese nationals still had to complete 14 days of quarantine at a designated hotel or facility when they returned home.

China withdrew its advisory to citizens against foreign travel in January last year, and reopened its borders to foreign tourists a few months later in March. It wasn’t until August last year that it lifted its ban on group tours to Australia.

As for whether something needed to change to lure Chinese travellers back faster, Tourism Australia said it had remained active in China “even during the pause in travel”.

“And in June last year we launched the global ‘Come and Say G’day’ campaign to encourage Chinese travellers to plan and book an Australian holiday,” the spokesman said.

“Importantly, our partners on the ground, such as Ctrip, tell us that demand for Australia remains strong and that Australia is consistently the number one destination for long haul travel in China.”

It is understood there are 119 flights per week between China and Australia, and Qantas only made up five of those flights.

Dr Jayasinghe, Prof Selvanathan and Prof Selvanathan agreed the ‘Come and Say G’day’ campaign, launched in China in 2023, would have helped rebuild the tourism market, and advised further strengthening of promotional activities like this would help increase Chinese visitor numbers.

They also suggested a more simplified visa process and periodical visa fee waivers or discounts to help boost visitor arrivals.

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“While taking steps to re-establish the Chinese market, it may be worthwhile exploring opportunities to re-establish the links with some of the traditional tourism markets, such as Japan, which was a major tourism market in the early 1990s but gradually declined thereafter,” they said.

“In addition, countries with a rapidly growing middle-class, such as India could have high potential to grow as reliable tourism markets.

“Due to their proximity to Australia, some of the Southeast Asian countries, such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, South Korea and Thailand could also be attractive tourism source markets for Australia.”

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The bust airline was back in court on Monday as administrators desperately try to find a buyer.

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Genshin-like action-RPG Wuthering Waves has been out for one day, but players have already managed to access unreleased content via virtual time travel

You don't need a time machine to skip ahead into the future of Wuthering Waves

Kuro Games' new Genshin Impact-like action-RPG, Wuthering Waves, has been out for just one day, but curious players have already figured out how to force themselves into the future to access unreleased content, all by simply changing the date on their devices. 

It really is the oldest trick in the book, and players are baffled that it even works. As showcased in a video on Bilibili , moving the date on your system to virtually time travel into the future apparently lets you play Yinlin's trial – giving you access to a character who isn't meant to be out until next month. The user in the video pulls up their PC settings during the demonstration, showing that they'd set their date to June 23 in order to access the content. 

Those who've tried this themselves claim that when you move your system date forward, you can't actually roll for Yinlin on Wuthering Waves' gacha banner, as it just doesn't show up. So, it doesn't seem that anyone will be able to add her to their ranks early, but they can seemingly test her out ahead of her launch.

Over on Reddit, some find the bug hilarious, with one user questioning if we're collectively "back in 2010." However, others find it more concerning than anything else, with one stating that "you can't even defend this."

Wuthering Waves hasn't exactly had the smoothest start since its launch yesterday. Kuro Games has already released a statement acknowledging the performance issues that the action-RPG released with, which saw some players experience lag, frame-rate drops, crashes, and even device overheating. An "emergency patch" that aimed to fix the worst of these problems has already been rolled out, but Kuro Games says further performance optimization is on the way.

"Please rest assured that we are dedicated to providing the best possible experience for our players, and we take performance concerns seriously," the developer says.

You can find even more games to play without spending a thing with our roundup of the 25 best free games .

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I'm one of GamesRadar+'s news writers, who works alongside the rest of the news team to deliver cool gaming stories that we love. After spending more hours than I can count filling The University of Sheffield's student newspaper with Pokemon and indie game content, and picking up a degree in Journalism Studies, I started my career at GAMINGbible where I worked as a journalist for over a year and a half. I then became TechRadar Gaming's news writer, where I sourced stories and wrote about all sorts of intriguing topics. In my spare time, you're sure to find me on my Nintendo Switch or PS5 playing through story-driven RPGs like Xenoblade Chronicles and Persona 5 Royal, nuzlocking old Pokemon games, or going for a Victory Royale in Fortnite.

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• 3 Doctor Who season 1 episode 3 review: "Steven Moffat’s return with 'Boom' is an instant classic"
• 4 Demon Slayer season 4, episode 1 review: "Comes perilously close to the dreaded f-word – filler – at times"
• 5 Orphan Black: Echoes review - Krysten Ritter and co try their best in unimaginative sci-fi spin-off