Imagine a place where the planet’s oldest rainforest tumbles straight down to the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns in Queensland, Australia sits in the tropical north, the only spot on Earth where two UNESCO natural sites meet side by side. From the harbour city of Cairns you can reach both of these incredible natural wonders within ninety minutes, which makes it the best possible base for exploring.

Travellers rave about this place, not only for its breathtaking nature but also for that unbelievably laid-back atmosphere you feel at every turn. The locals live at a slower tropical pace, never rushing anywhere unnecessarily, and you’ll probably slip into that rhythm quickly and happily right along with them ☺️. Trust me, once you breathe in the humid air scented with mango and sea salt, you won’t want to head back home.

So we’ve put together 18 tips for what not to miss in and around Cairns — from safe swimming without crocodiles to where to go for a proper rainforest picnic. Together we’ll look at where you can safely swim without the risk of meeting a crocodile, I’ll recommend the best places to stay, and I’ll tell you when the best time to travel to these steamy tropics really is.

TL;DR

• How many days to set aside: To explore the area meaningfully you’ll need at least 4 to 5 days, but for a more relaxed pace I recommend a week.
• Where to stay: Cairns is the cheapest and best for day trips, Palm Cove offers peace by the beach, and Port Douglas has luxury resorts with a family atmosphere.
• Where to swim safely: Only enter the sea at beaches with protective nets, otherwise use the public artificial lagoon or freshwater pools.
• When to travel: The best weather runs from May to October during the so-called dry season, when humidity is lower and the risk of stinging jellyfish is smaller.
• Top tip for visitors: The Daintree Rainforest deserves more than just a day trip — ideally stay at least one night in the Cape Tribulation area.
• How to get around: You’ll definitely need a car for the waterfalls on the Atherton Tablelands, while you can reach the reef and rainforest on organised tours.

When to travel to the tropics

Tropical Queensland basically has just two seasons, and they’ll fundamentally shape what your holiday looks like. The most popular is the so-called dry season, from May to October, when most visitors arrive. During these months the temperatures are very pleasant, the scorching humidity drops significantly and the sea is much calmer for boat trips out to the barrier reef. Another huge advantage is that during this period there’s a lower risk of dangerous stinging jellyfish.

On the other hand, there’s the wet season, or the rainy period from December to April, which brings an enormous amount of rainfall and very high humidity. Although it may sound off-putting, many travellers say this part of the year has its own undeniable charm too. It’s during this time that the rainforest gains a whole new energy — everything is incredibly green and the local waterfalls show up in full force. The famous Barron Falls, for instance, thunder mightily under the rush of water in these months, while in the dry season only a modest trickle remains.

You do have to keep in mind, though, that from November to May there’s the so-called stinger season, when dangerous jellyfish appear in the sea. During this time swimming is possible only at beaches protected by special nets. There’s also a certain risk of cyclones during the rainy season, although direct hits on the coast are rather rare. If you don’t mind the occasional tropical downpour and long to see nature at its most lush, the wet season certainly won’t disappoint you.

Where to stay: Cairns, Palm Cove or Port Douglas?

Choosing the right base is absolutely crucial for a stay in the tropical north, and you’ll most often be deciding between three main locations. The city of Cairns itself is by far the cheapest option and works as the perfect hub for most organised trips. You’ll find great nightlife, plenty of restaurants and markets here, but on the other hand the city lacks a classic natural beach. Staying in Cairns is ideal if you plan to head out on trips every day and basically only come back to the hotel to sleep.

If you’re after a more romantic atmosphere, Palm Cove is exactly the place where you’ll want to stay longer than you planned. This smaller resort lies about half an hour north of Cairns and offers a gorgeous palm-lined beach, excellent cafés and a much more relaxed pace. It’s a great compromise, because you’re still close to the city yet enjoying a proper seaside holiday. Many travellers even recommend a so-called split stay, where you spend a few nights in busier Cairns and relax the rest of your holiday in Palm Cove or further north.

Furthest north lies Port Douglas, a pricier and more luxurious resort popular with families. From this little town it’s absolutely closest to the Daintree Rainforest, and it offers the most beautiful beach resorts. As for specific hotels, in Cairns you can check out the highly rated hostel YHA Cairns Central or the comfortable DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns, or the more upscale Shangri-La The Marina. In Port Douglas, travellers love choosing the gorgeous eco resort Thala Beach Nature Reserve or the popular Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple, which you can easily book through Booking.com.

Where to eat

When you’re starving after a full day of exploring the rainforest or snorkelling, Cairns luckily offers a great food scene. Most restaurants are concentrated around the Esplanade and near the harbour. For the best coffee I recommend heading to the renowned Blackbird Laneway café or Bang & Grind, where they’ll make you an absolutely superb flat white.

For a proper dinner, definitely head to the water. You’ll find great seafood and sunset views at Salt House or at the slightly more relaxed Dundee’s at the Cairns Aquarium. If you’d rather have something quicker and more authentic, the evening Night Markets will land you excellent Asian noodles and fresh spring rolls for a few dollars.

Where you can really swim in the tropics

Swimming in tropical Queensland is the topic that raises the most questions and worries among visitors 😅. Saltwater crocodiles live in the sea along the entire coast, and from November to May there are dangerous stinging jellyfish too. Rule number one is clear: only enter the ocean at beaches fitted with protective stinger nets. You’ll find these nets at beaches such as Palm Cove, Trinity Beach, Yorkeys Knob or Kewarra Beach. Remember that the popular Ellis Beach is definitely not safe outside the marked protective net, so don’t take unnecessary risks there.

You can swim completely safely and worry-free in artificial pools, the best known of which is the enormous Esplanade Lagoon right in the centre of Cairns. Entry to this lagoon is completely free, the water is filtered and it’s watched over by lifeguards. Be careful, though — in the summer of 2026 the lagoon underwent more extensive maintenance and was temporarily closed, so before your trip it’s better to check its current status on the official city website. If it happens to be out of service, the city recently announced the construction of a brand new Ferris wheel that will at least offer you lovely coastal views while you go to cool off elsewhere.

A great and, above all, completely safe alternative to the sea are the freshwater pools hidden deep in the rainforest. Crocodiles don’t live here and the water is wonderfully refreshing. A short drive from the city you’ll find the popular Crystal Cascades, and a bit further out Josephine Falls, where you may only swim in the lower pool. Babinda Boulders are also very popular, but here you must be extremely careful and swim only in the marked pool. The nearby stretch known as Devil’s Pool is strictly off-limits and has claimed dozens of lives because of treacherous undercurrents. The volcanic crater lakes on the nearby Atherton Tablelands also offer beautiful, risk-free swimming.

Car or guided tours?

How you get around northern Queensland depends mainly on how independent and flexible you want to be. If you plan to explore the waterfalls on the Atherton Tablelands, you’ll definitely need a car. This area lies high in the hills, the individual stops are tens of kilometres apart and there’s basically no public transport. Renting a small car gives you enormous freedom to stop at the crater lakes or on farms exactly as you please.

Many people wonder what kind of car you need for the trip into the Daintree Rainforest and to Cape Tribulation. A good sealed road runs all the way to Cape Tribulation itself, so an ordinary two-wheel-drive (2WD) car is perfectly sufficient. You do need to bear in mind that on the Alexandra Range section extensive road repairs after the devastating Cyclone Jasper are running at least until 2027, causing local delays. Only beyond Cape Tribulation does the famous unsealed Bloomfield Track begin, where you definitely won’t get through without a proper 4×4 off-road vehicle.

If you don’t fancy driving or don’t want to deal with car hire, the area offers an incredible number of superbly organised tours with local guides. You can easily reach the little village of Kuranda by historic train and cable car, a boat will of course take you to the Great Barrier Reef, and dozens of comfortable buses run into the Daintree Rainforest every day. For those heading north for just a few days, organised tours are often the least stressful and most comfortable way to see the most important things.

18 Things to See and Do in and Around Cairns

The sheer size of the tropical north can look a little daunting when you’re planning, but once you get your bearings you’ll realise all these gorgeous attractions combine beautifully. From snorkelling on the coral reef to wandering through the ancient rainforest and visiting coffee plantations in the hills, there’s plenty to do here.

For a better overview, we’ve put together a list of places that definitely shouldn’t be missing from your itinerary. You can arrange them exactly according to whether you’d rather relax on the beach with a great cocktail in hand or you’re more drawn to discovering Indigenous culture.

1. Cairns Esplanade and Lagoon

The Cairns Esplanade is unmistakably the beating heart of the whole city, where locals and tourists gather from early morning for laid-back strolls. You’ll find kilometres of neat pathways pleasantly shaded by mature trees, free public barbecues and countless benches with ocean views. It’s exactly the place you head to feet-first after a long flight. Before you know it, you’re sitting on a bench looking out over the ocean and your brain finally stops obsessing over departure times.

The main draw of this sprawling promenade is the enormous public lagoon with filtered seawater. This pool provides safe swimming with no threat of crocodiles or jellyfish, and entry is free. As I mentioned, though, in the summer of 2026 the lagoon underwent more extensive maintenance and was temporarily closed. So it’s best to check its current status on the city website before your trip so you’re not disappointed on the spot.

As you stroll along this beautiful promenade you’ll surely notice a new addition — the giant Ferris wheel announced in 2026. From its glass cabins you’ll get a fantastic view not only of the city itself but also of the forested hills in the background and the boats setting out towards the Great Barrier Reef. Around the promenade you’ll find a huge number of excellent cafés where you can grab a cracking flat white.

2. Night Markets and tropical fruit

As soon as the sun sets in Cairns, the whole city comes alive with a completely new and fascinating energy. Your footsteps should definitely lead you to the popular Night Markets, which open every early evening right in the city centre and offer an absolutely wonderful blend of Asian and Australian culture. These covered markets burst at the seams with stalls selling local souvenirs, handmade jewellery and clothing you won’t easily find elsewhere.

Besides shopping, the night markets are renowned for their great food and enormous choice of fresh treats. Taste the local mango — what they sell here has little in common with the supermarket stuff back home. The juicy mango, sweet papaya or exotic lychee here taste so good you’ll remember them long afterwards. If you love Asian cuisine, you’ll find loads of stalls with excellent vegetarian noodles and fresh spring rolls.

If you’d like to experience the atmosphere of a classic daytime market, head to the famous Rusty’s Markets on the weekend. It’s a huge market of tropical fruit and vegetables where seemingly all the locals do their shopping. Stop at the stalls with freshly pressed sugarcane juice or buy a huge bunch of local bananas for a few dollars for your afternoon outings.

3. Train to Kuranda and cable car back

One of the most iconic experiences of the whole region is the journey to the mountain village of Kuranda, hidden deep in the rainforest above the city. Travellers agree without a doubt that the ride on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway is an absolute must. This old train slowly climbs the steep mountain slopes, passes through dark tunnels and offers utterly breathtaking views of the deep Barron Gorge. A ticket costs around 58 AUD (about €35).

For the journey back down into the valley, definitely plan to take the modern Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. This unique cable car glides you just above the very tops of the rainforest, a view you won’t get anywhere else in the world. During the ride you can get off at two intermediate stations, walk along wooden boardwalks through the forest and hear a little about the region’s unique nature. A cable car ticket costs 74 AUD (roughly €45).

💡 Tip: The very best option is to buy a combined ticket for both attractions, which costs around 145.50 AUD (about €87). In the morning you set out from the city on the romantic train, enjoy the village, and in the afternoon return by scenic cable car — it takes up a big part of the day, but it’s absolutely worth every penny.

4. Kuranda: butterflies, koalas and birds

The village of Kuranda itself was once the centre of the hippie movement and to this day retains a fairly quirky, laid-back atmosphere. You’ll find two different markets full of local products here, but most travellers agree that 2 to 3 hours is plenty to see the village itself. Don’t expect any wilderness — these days it’s a fairly touristy place full of souvenir stalls, cafés and small galleries of Indigenous art.

What you definitely shouldn’t miss in Kuranda, though, are the local sanctuaries and wildlife parks. The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is well worth a visit (by its own account the largest butterfly aviary in the whole Southern Hemisphere). An incredible 1,200 colourful butterflies flutter around here, and entry costs an adult 25 AUD (about €15). Trust me, when a giant blue Ulysses butterfly lands on you, it’s a truly magical experience.

If you love animals, you can also visit Kuranda Koala Gardens, where for an entry fee of 24 AUD (€15) you’ll see plenty of Australian endemics. Right next door is Birdworld with sixty species of exotic birds you can feed straight from your hand. If you plan to visit several of these wildlife attractions at once, it’s worth buying a combined ticket for all three parks, starting at 35.50 AUD (roughly €21).

5. Barron Falls

Once you’re in the Kuranda area, don’t miss the lookout over the majestic Barron Falls. These impressive falls plunge into an incredibly deep, forested gorge and the sight of them is truly stunning. The viewing platforms are completely free to access, both from the national park and directly from the Skyrail cable car and historic train stations. So you can photograph them from several completely different, dramatic angles.

I have to be completely honest with you, though, about exactly what you’ll see on the spot. While during the wet season Barron Falls thunder mightily under the rush of an enormous mass of water, for the rest of the year only a fairly modest trickle remains. In the dry season the water is diverted into a local hydroelectric plant, so if you come in September or October, don’t expect the overwhelming torrents you often see in professional promotional photos.

Despite this, a stop at Barron Falls is clearly worth your time. Just the geology of the deep gorge carving into the world’s oldest rainforest is fascinating in itself. Huge, colourful exotic birds often flit around the lookouts, and from the information boards you’ll learn plenty of interesting facts about the history of building the local railway, which in its day ranked among the engineering marvels.

6. Trip to the Great Barrier Reef

Being in Cairns and not heading out to the Great Barrier Reef would be a huge travel sin. This incredible natural phenomenon is visible even from space, and travellers repeatedly call snorkelling here one of the most powerful experiences in all of Australia. Dozens of different boats set out from the local harbour every day, taking you either to the closer islands or straight to the so-called outer reef, where the corals are in the very best condition.

Choosing the right boat and location can be quite a puzzle, because there really are loads of options and prices vary greatly. If you want specific tour prices, the differences between the islands and the outer reef, and detailed tips on how to pick the right tour for you, check out our separate article The Great Barrier Reef: trips, prices and how to experience it, where we’ve broken it all down in detail.

I’ll just add that if you suffer from seasickness, definitely take some medication before the cruise, because the ocean can sometimes get pretty wild. On the reef you’ll see huge sea turtles, reef sharks and, if you’re lucky, you’ll meet the friendly giant Māori wrasse, nicknamed Wally here. The underwater world experience here is simply unforgettable.

7. Crystal Cascades

When you’ve had enough of the salty sea and long for a proper refresh, head to the popular Crystal Cascades. These gorgeous freshwater pools are located just 15 to 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Cairns and offer completely safe swimming without crocodiles. The locals absolutely love this place, and on weekends whole families come here for picnics and barbecues.

From the large car park a very comfortable, paved path runs alongside the cascades right through the lush rainforest. Along the way you’ll pass several different natural pools and smaller waterfalls where you can cool off as you like. The water flowing down from the mountains is beautifully cold and refreshing even in the middle of the tropical summer, so it’s guaranteed to revive you after a demanding day in the hot city.

💡 Tip: Entry to the pools is completely free and by the car park you’ll find well-maintained public barbecues. I recommend buying fresh cheeses, vegetables and bread at the supermarket beforehand, taking a dip in the crystal-clear water and then having a proper afternoon picnic right in the middle of the rainforest, just the way the locals love to do it.

8. Babinda Boulders

About 60 kilometres south of Cairns lies another fascinating place called Babinda Boulders. It’s a beautiful stretch of river that carves its way through enormous, smoothly polished granite boulders. According to an old Indigenous legend, these giant stones formed from the tears of a heartbroken girl named Oolana, who lost her beloved here. The whole place feels incredibly mystical, and the forest around the river is full of enormous ferns and ancient trees.

Swimming is allowed here, but you must be extremely careful and swim only and exclusively in the main marked pool right at the start of the trail. The water here is calm, crystal-clear and, above all, completely safe from crocodiles. You can swim among the smaller boulders and enjoy the view of the dense forest towering high above your head like a green canopy.

⚠️ Strong warning: About 700 metres downstream is a stretch called Devil’s Pool, where swimming is strictly forbidden. Don’t be tempted by the calm surface of the water — beneath it lurk extremely treacherous currents that will pull you under the rocks. This sinister stretch has already claimed dozens of lives, so only look at it from the safety of the raised viewing platform and under no circumstances climb over the fence.

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Where to stay in Cairns and Daintree

6 accommodations — resorts, hotels and other lodging options

⭐ TOP CHOICE 🏨 Hostel

YHA Cairns Central

Excellently rated hostel in central Cairns, ideal for backpackers.

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DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns

Comfortable hotel in central Cairns, good base for trips.

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Shangri-La The Marina

More luxurious hotel by the marina in Cairns.

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Thala Beach Nature Reserve

Beautiful eco resort in Port Douglas popular with travelers.

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Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple

Popular resort in Port Douglas with a family-friendly atmosphere.

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9. Josephine Falls and the natural water slide

A little further south, roughly 75 kilometres from Cairns, you’ll discover some of the most fun waterfalls in all of Queensland. Josephine Falls are famous for their amazing natural water slide made of smooth granite, down which you can safely slide straight into the refreshing pool below. It’s huge fun not only for kids but for adults too, and you can easily spend several hours here.

Very strict safety rules apply here too. You may only swim in the lower pool, while access to the upper cascades is forbidden because of the strong currents. Local authorities warn against so-called flash floods, when the water level can unexpectedly rise within a few minutes due to heavy rain high in the mountains, even if the sun is shining where you are. The falls are occasionally closed temporarily because of these conditions.

From the car park a leisurely walk through the forest leads to the falls (about 700 metres — you can easily manage it even in flip-flops), so don’t forget to pack plenty of water and insect repellent. And if you take photos, a polarising filter will do a great job here: the contrast of white foam, dark stones and green trees is really rewarding.

10. Waterfall Circuit on the Atherton Tablelands

The Atherton Tablelands area lies high in the hills above the coast and offers a completely different world from the scorching beaches. The area’s biggest draw is the famous Waterfall Circuit, a roughly 17-kilometre loop that takes you past the most beautiful waterfalls in the region. You’ll definitely need a rental car for this trip, but trust me, the investment absolutely pays off.

The crowning jewel of the whole circuit is undoubtedly Millaa Millaa Falls, which plunges from a height of 18.3 metres and is one of the most photographed spots in all of Australia. Swimming is allowed right beneath the waterfall, and it really is a fantastic experience to swim under the falling veil of water. Entry to this and the other waterfalls on the circuit is completely free, which makes it a great full-day trip for people on a tighter budget.

Besides Millaa Millaa, don’t miss the nearby Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls, which aren’t as famous for swimming but offer absolutely wonderful wild nature. The humidity on the Tablelands is a little more pleasant than down on the coast, so it’s much easier to breathe here and walks in the forest are significantly more bearable.

11. Crater lakes, platypuses and the Curtain Fig Tree

Besides waterfalls, the Atherton Tablelands plateau hides other amazing natural wonders connected with ancient volcanic activity. You should definitely stop at the volcanic crater lakes Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine. Because no inflows from surrounding rivers feed these deep lakes, no crocodiles live in them at all, so you can enjoy completely safe and wonderful swimming in the crystal-clear fresh water surrounded by dense forest.

At Lake Barrine I recommend visiting the historic Lake Barrine Teahouse, open daily from 9 am to 3 pm. You can have excellent tea with homemade cakes here and buy a ticket for a scenic cruise on the lake at the same time. Nearby, don’t miss the astonishing Curtain Fig Tree either. It’s an enormous ancient fig tree whose roots fall several dozen metres down to the ground, forming an incredible wooden curtain. Access to it is free via a wooden boardwalk and wheelchair accessible.

If you long to see one of the planet’s strangest animals in the wild, head to the little town of Yungaburra to the viewing platform on Peterson Creek, where you can watch wild platypuses. This lookout is freely accessible for free, and it’s generally recommended to come here either early at dawn or, conversely, just before dusk, when these shy little animals are most active. It’s a bit of a lottery, but when it works out, it’s an unforgettable moment.

12. Paronella Park: a Spanish castle in the rainforest

About an hour and a half’s drive south of Cairns you’ll find a Spanish castle in the middle of the tropical rainforest (and no, you’re not reading that wrong). Paronella Park is an incredible Spanish project built in the middle of the tropical rainforest right next to a roaring waterfall. This dreamlike project was begun by Catalan immigrant José Paronella in the 1930s as a huge public amusement park that included a cinema, a luxurious ballroom and even the first private hydroelectric plant in Queensland.

Unfortunately the whole park was later devastated by fires and floods, but since 1993 it has been undergoing sensitive restoration, and today it’s an absolutely magical place to visit. Basic entry for an adult costs 62 AUD (about €37), and a huge bonus is that this price also includes an amazing night tour. During it, the whole castle and waterfall are lit by electricity from the original historic generator, creating an absolutely goosebump-inducing atmosphere.

The grounds are open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, and for families they offer discounted entry at 182 AUD (about €109), valid until spring 2027. A walk among the moss-covered columns and crumbling staircases in the middle of lush greenery is enormously romantic. It’s a piece of beautiful European history lost in the middle of the Australian wilderness — it would be a sin to miss it.

13. Palm Cove and the northern beaches

About 25 kilometres north of Cairns lies the wonderful resort of Palm Cove, which offers exactly the idyllic beach atmosphere you won’t find in the city centre. The renowned magazine Condé Nast Traveler even named the beach at Palm Cove the best beach in the world for 2024, which speaks for itself. You’ll find the gorgeous Williams Esplanade promenade here, shaded by mature palms and lined with plenty of excellent boutiques and cafés.

Palm Cove is absolutely ideal for couples and people looking for resort calm without the backpacker crowds. A huge advantage of this beach is that it’s fitted with protective stinger nets from November to May, so you can swim in the sea here relatively safely. The sea is also usually very calm and practically invites you to relax with a book in hand.

If you have a car, definitely drive along the other northern beaches too, such as Trinity Beach or Kewarra Beach. These spots are a little less known than Palm Cove but offer a very similar atmosphere with much more peace and quiet. Along the way you’ll also pass the popular Ellis Beach, which is beautiful to look at and has a nice campground with a barbecue, but remember that swimming outside the marked net here is definitely not safe.

14. Port Douglas: Four Mile Beach and Sunday Markets

If you continue even further north, you’ll reach the beautiful resort of Port Douglas, which serves as the main gateway to the Daintree Rainforest. The town’s greatest jewel is the famous Four Mile Beach, a huge, endlessly long beach lined with coconut palms. On its northern side rises Flagstaff Hill, up which a roughly 1.5-kilometre scenic trail leads. From its summit you’ll get a breathtaking 180-degree view over the whole bay and the nearby Low Isles.

If you can choose when to visit Port Douglas, definitely plan your visit for a Sunday, when the famous Sunday Markets take place here in Anzac Park. These markets run every Sunday from 8 am to 1:30 pm and feature over 150 stalls of local produce. Local artists sell gorgeous handmade souvenirs, jewellery and clothing here, and of course you can buy plenty of fresh treats from local farmers.

Port Douglas is much more intimate, exclusive and expensive than Cairns, but the atmosphere is simply worth it. The town has no tall buildings — under a local ordinance no house may be taller than the tallest palm in town ☺️. You’ll find plenty of luxury restaurants, boutiques and also a harbour from which the best catamarans set out to the Great Barrier Reef.

15. Breakfast with the birds at Wildlife Habitat

For all animal lovers and families, a visit to the Wildlife Habitat park in Port Douglas is an absolute must. It’s not a classic zoo but rather a huge interactive park divided into several ecosystems that you walk through freely. Basic entry costs 50 AUD (€30) for an adult, and a huge benefit is that this ticket is valid for a full five days, so you can return here anytime during your holiday.

The very best experience you can treat yourself to here, according to travellers, is the so-called Breakfast with the Birds & Koalas. For a surcharge you’ll enjoy a rich morning feast right in the open aviary, where dozens of colourful exotic birds fly freely around you. This special morning experience costs roughly 90 AUD (about €54) and you should definitely book it well in advance, as it often sells out.

During your walk through the park you’ll see huge crocodiles, adorable koalas, rare tree kangaroos, and you can hand-feed free-roaming eastern grey kangaroos. The whole park places enormous emphasis on education and protecting endangered species, so the local keepers will tell you plenty of fascinating facts about how these unique animals survive in Australia’s harsh conditions.

16. Mossman Gorge

Right beyond Port Douglas the magical world of the Daintree Rainforest begins, and the first stop you’ll encounter here is the beautiful Mossman Gorge. This area is home to the Indigenous Kuku Yalanji people, and a river runs through it, carving its way through enormous granite boulders surrounded by impenetrable greenery. It’s probably the gentlest and safest entrance into the wild rainforest, ideal even for families with smaller children, because you’ll find superbly maintained wooden boardwalks here.

An eco-friendly shuttle bus takes you into the gorge itself from the modern visitor centre, to minimise car traffic in the forest. Travellers highly recommend paying extra for the special Dreamtime walk with a local Indigenous guide, starting at roughly 105 AUD (€63). During this walk the guide will introduce you to traditional rainforest survival techniques, show you medicinal plants and, at the end, you’ll enjoy a traditional smoking ceremony.

The water in the Mossman River is incredibly clean and refreshing, and in certain marked sections swimming is allowed. Always follow the current instructions at the visitor centre, though, because after heavy rain the currents in the river can be dangerously strong. Definitely bring comfortable shoes and strong repellent here, because the local mosquitoes can be pretty annoying at times.

17. Daintree River: crocodiles and the Discovery Centre

The road further north brings you to the Daintree River itself, known above all for its huge population of wild saltwater crocodiles. The absolute best way to see these prehistoric creatures with your own eyes from a safe distance is to take an organised river cruise. The company Solar Whisper offers eco-friendly cruises on solar-powered boats from roughly 30 AUD (€18) per hour, and the captains have such a trained eye that they’ll surely find crocodiles on the banks for you.

Right beyond the river, definitely stop at the Daintree Discovery Centre. It’s a great introduction to the world of the rainforest, and for those 41 AUD you get a lot. For an entry fee of 41 AUD (about €25) you’ll get an audio guide and can walk along suspended boardwalks high in the treetops. The biggest draw is the massive Canopy Tower lookout, with 112 steps leading to the top, from where you’ll see the forest from a completely different bird’s-eye perspective. For children there’s a great interactive trail with dinosaur models.

💡 Tip: Before you cross the river by ferry further north, don’t forget to fill up your car and buy the food and drink supplies you need. Beyond the Daintree River shopping options are very limited, prices soar and mobile signal starts to become quite unreliable, so downloaded offline maps will definitely come in handy.

18. Cape Tribulation: where the rainforest meets the reef

The final and, at the same time, most adventurous stop on our route is the famous Cape Tribulation. It’s exactly the place where the rainforest giants lean right down to the sand and meet the waters of the Great Barrier Reef. The main beach in this area is the gorgeous Myall Beach, which you reach via forest boardwalks. Swimming in the sea here is unfortunately an absolute no-no, though, because of crocodiles and stingers. Better to just stroll along the sand and hunt for colourful shells.

While you’re here, definitely go for a walk along the wooden Dubuji Boardwalk, which leads you through dark mangrove groves. During the walk keep your eyes peeled, because endangered southern cassowaries live here — huge birds resembling dinosaurs. And don’t forget to stop at the Daintree Ice Cream Company, where for a few dollars you’ll get a cup with four kinds of excellent ice cream made directly from tropical fruit grown in their own orchard.

Most tourists manage to visit Cape Tribulation in one day and rush back to Cairns in the evening. According to the locals, though, that’s a huge shame, and it’s ideal to stay here at least one night. In the evening most of the buses leave, the forest falls incredibly quiet and you can enjoy the sight of a perfectly starry sky without any light pollution. Beyond the cape the rough Bloomfield Track begins, but you may only continue there with a 4×4 vehicle.

For the brave: adrenaline in the tropics

Northern Queensland isn’t only about peaceful rainforest walks — it also serves as the unofficial adrenaline capital of all Australia. If you’ve got nerves of steel, head out for wild rafting on the Tully River. Experienced instructors from the company Raging Thunder will guide you through grade 3 to 4 rapids here. A full-day trip costs roughly from 240 AUD (about €144). For families and beginners the calmer Barron River near Cairns is a better choice, where a half-day trip starts at 165 AUD (€99).

If you prefer heights, a completely unique experience is a hot-air balloon flight over the Mareeba plateau at dawn. A thirty-minute flight costs 450 AUD (or 495 AUD including a morning hotel transfer), and the view of the waking Australian wilderness with kangaroos bouncing below you is simply priceless.

For real thrill-seekers, the city offers the popular Skypark Cairns, hidden in the rainforest. You’ll find the world’s very first tower built specifically for bungee jumping, and a leap into the chasm costs roughly 189 AUD (about €113). And if even that isn’t enough for you, at nearby Mission Beach you can try a tandem skydive landing right on the beach from 385 AUD (€231), with the transfer from central Cairns included in the price.

Where to go next

If you’re planning a wider trip around Australia and wondering where to head next, we’ve prepared more detailed guides for you. Here are the articles that might come in handy for planning your next Down Under adventure:

• Holiday in Australia: 30 most beautiful places + practical tips
• Road trip around Australia: visas, routes, prices
• Sydney, Australia: 31 tips for what to see and do
• Brisbane, Australia: 20 tips for what to see and do

Frequently asked questions

People from Sydney and Melbourne love to poke fun at Adelaide, Australia, teasing it as a sleepy big town. The irony is that those very same people come here for the best shopping, fantastic food, and to taste the finest wine in all of Australia. Adelaide is, after all, the uncrowned capital of festivals, gastronomy, and easygoing living, where nobody is in a rush to get anywhere. On top of that, it is the only place in the southern hemisphere where you can admire giant pandas.

The city is often given the nickname of a “20-minute city” because you can get everywhere incredibly quickly. Locals do argue these days about whether that still holds up in the morning rush hour, but as a visitor you will love how compact everything is. What’s more, the entire centre is wrapped in a beautiful ring of green parks, planned back in the nineteenth century by Colonel Light, which gives the city an incredible sense of calm.

If you are looking for a place where crowds won’t drive you crazy and the queue for coffee lasts two minutes at most, Adelaide is exactly what you’re after. While the rest of Australia occasionally struggles to keep up, South Australia holds on to its own relaxed rhythm, one you’ll fall in love with very easily.

TL;DR

• How many days to set aside: Two to three days at a slower pace are enough for the city itself. But if you also want to explore the famous wine regions or head to the coast, plan for at least five to seven days.
• When to go: The best weather is from March to May and again in autumn from September to November. January tends to be extremely hot, with temperatures topping forty degrees.
• Watch out for Mad March: March is the month of huge festivals. The city has an incredible atmosphere, but accommodation prices soar and you need to book everything many months ahead.
• Where to stay: For a first visit, the city centre (CBD) is best, ideally around the East End. If you want peace and quiet, choose North Adelaide, and for ocean lovers the seaside suburb of Glenelg is the obvious pick.
• What not to miss: A tasting at the Central Market, holding a koala at Cleland Wildlife Park, and a ride on the historic tram to the ocean.
• Getting around: Special buses and trams run completely free within the centre, which saves you a lot of money on tickets.

When to visit Adelaide, South Australia

The local climate is typically Mediterranean, which means hot, dry summers and mild, though occasionally rainy, winters. If you don’t enjoy extreme heat, definitely avoid January and February, when temperatures very commonly climb past thirty-five degrees and sometimes hit an uncomfortable forty. Winters in July and August, on the other hand, are fairly cool, with daytime highs around fifteen degrees, so ocean swimming really isn’t on the cards.

An absolute phenomenon is what locals call Mad March. During this period the city hosts several enormous festivals all at once, including the famous Adelaide Fringe and the musical WOMADelaide. The city pulses with energy at this time, with street performers, food stalls, and thousands of people everywhere. It’s probably the best time to come for culture and entertainment.

During festival season, hotels double or even triple their usual prices, and the best rooms disappear at incredible speed. So if you’re planning to soak up the festival atmosphere, you’ll need to book flights and a room at least two to three months ahead, otherwise you risk getting nothing at all or paying an absolute fortune for accommodation.

How to get around Adelaide

Getting around the centre itself is an absolute dream for every budget traveller. The city runs free City Connector buses numbered 98 and 99, which loop past the main sights and also take you to the North Adelaide suburb. On top of that, tram rides within the central zone are completely free too, so if you base yourself strategically, you won’t spend a cent on public transport inside the city.

Getting from the airport to the centre is completely hassle-free and very cheap. The best option is the JetExpress buses run by Adelaide Metro, which come roughly every fifteen minutes and take twenty to thirty minutes. A ticket costs you just a few dollars, usually around 4.55 AUD (about €2.60), which is peanuts compared to Sydney or Melbourne. If you have a lot of luggage, you can take a regular taxi, which costs around twenty to thirty Australian dollars to the centre.

Things get a little trickier once you want to head out of town to the famous vineyards. Public transport to the wine regions is unfortunately very limited and slow, so you can’t really rely on it. The ideal solution is to rent a car for a few days, as all three main wine regions lie within an hour’s drive of the centre. If you’d rather not drive, you’ll need to rely on organised trips and tours that pick you up right at your hotel.

Where to stay in Adelaide

💡 Tip for accommodation and experiences: We prefer to look for accommodation on Booking.com, where the cancellation terms tend to be the best. It’s then worth comparing and booking tickets, tours, and activities through GetYourGuide.

Choosing the right neighbourhood mainly depends on the type of holiday you prefer and how much time you’ll spend here. For a first visit, the central business district (CBD) is absolutely the best, as you can comfortably walk to most sights from there. I’d recommend looking for hotels around the East End, which is full of great cafés and boutiques. In the evening, on the other hand, it’s better to avoid Hindley Street, the hub of wild nightlife that can get rather rowdy.

If you’re after something a bit quieter but still within walking distance, take a look at North Adelaide. You’ll find beautiful historic houses, wide tree-lined streets, and plenty of excellent restaurants with a much more local feel. For beach lovers and families with kids, the coastal suburb of Glenelg is the obvious choice, reachable from the centre by historic tram and offering gorgeous sunsets over the ocean.

As for specific hotels, travellers rave about the luxurious Eos by SkyCity, right by the railway station on Festival Drive. A night here starts at around 352 AUD (about €200) and gets you a beautiful view and a huge, comfy bed. A great middle option is the Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets on Market Street, right next to the famous market, where rooms go from 199 AUD (around €115). Very affordable and strategically located in the East End is the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel, offering spacious rooms from 202 AUD (roughly €115). All of these hotels can be booked very easily through Booking.

Where to eat in Adelaide

Adelaide is literally a paradise for every foodie, whether you’re after a fine-dining dinner or just a quick coffee with a perfect pastry. The dining scene here benefits from the proximity of the ocean and the fertile wine valleys, so there’s certainly no shortage of fresh ingredients.

If you’re looking for a great breakfast or brunch, head to Peter Rabbit, a cosy café tucked away in a garden on Hindley Street. For fans of modern Asian fusion, the restaurant Shōbōsho is a fantastic choice, serving up brilliant dishes cooked over an open fire. And vegetarians should definitely not miss Staazi & Co, a legendary vegan Greek bistro on Grenfell Street, whose pita yiros and perfectly crispy chips leave travellers full of praise.

Let’s not forget dinner with atmosphere either. I recommend Osteria Oggi, which will instantly transport you to Italy for a while with its pasta and gorgeous interior. And for the best burger or a slice of pizza on the go, head back to the Central Market, where there’s always something tasty to be found.

18 best things to see and do in Adelaide, Australia

So let’s get to it. Adelaide has more to offer than you might think at first glance.

1. Adelaide Central Market

If you love good food, your first steps absolutely must lead to this culinary shrine. This historic market has operated on its original site since 1869, making it a real one-of-a-kind in all of Australia. You’ll find more than seventy different stalls under one roof, where the scents of freshly roasted coffee, ripe fruit, and exotic spices all blend together. It’s a place where locals don’t just spend time shopping, but mainly chatting and hunting for the best cheese from Smelly Cheese Co. or the fresh bread they’ve been waiting for all week.

The market is an absolute paradise for vegetarians and cheese lovers. Be sure to stop by stall number 44, home of the legendary Smelly Cheese Co., and let them recommend the finest local cheeses from South Australia. Besides that, you’ll discover plenty of small bakeries with fresh bread and stalls with excellent meat-free food. Friday evenings tend to be a bit calmer than the hectic Saturday rush, so if you want to enjoy the market in peace, ideally go before the weekend.

Before you start planning your visit, pay close attention to the opening hours. The market is completely closed every Sunday and Monday, which has caught out many unprepared travellers. It’s open Tuesday to Saturday, closing as late as nine in the evening on Fridays, but already at three in the afternoon on Saturdays. 💡 Tip: Combine your market visit with a late breakfast at one of the nearby cafés, and only then head off to explore the rest of the city.

2. North Terrace: gallery, museum, and library for free

This wide, tree-lined boulevard is the cultural heart of all South Australia. You’ll find three absolutely essential institutions here, all with free admission year-round, which is great news for your travel budget. Your first stop should be the Art Gallery of South Australia, open daily from ten to five and home to an incredible forty-seven thousand works of art from around the world and by local artists.

Right next door is the South Australian Museum, which you definitely shouldn’t miss. It houses one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Aboriginal culture in the world, numbering an impressive thirty thousand objects. Walking through the exhibitions that map the history and culture of the First Nations peoples is an incredibly powerful and eye-opening experience. The museum is open every day and offers plenty of interactive elements too, so you can easily spend a whole afternoon here.

The trio is completed by the State Library, specifically its historic wing known as the Mortlock Wing. This gorgeous space with wrought-iron balconies and antique clocks is often ranked among the most beautiful libraries in the world. It looks exactly like something out of the Harry Potter films, with a wonderful, reverent silence. It’s an ideal spot to hide from the summer heat for a while and simply admire the stunning Victorian architecture.

3. Adelaide Botanic Garden and the giant water lily

A short walk from the busy centre lies a huge oasis of greenery, where locals come to escape the bustle of the city. Entry to the Botanic Garden is completely free and you’ll find a vast number of themed sections, from rose gardens to dense fern forests. The garden is enormous, so you can easily wander for hours, constantly discovering new corners full of exotic and local plants.

The architectural gem of the whole garden is the historic Palm House from 1875. This greenhouse was shipped all the way from Bremen in Germany, and since 2024 it has also been decorated with a stunning glass chandelier by the famous glass artist Dale Chihuly. Right nearby stands the Museum of Economic Botany, open daily from ten to four and reportedly the last museum of its kind in the world. Inside you can view fascinating historic models of fruit and plants made from papier-mâché.

But for many visitors the biggest draw is the special Amazon Waterlily Pavilion. Here, from September to April, the majestic giant Amazon water lily blooms, its enormous leaves reaching up to 165 centimetres in diameter. Each flower blooms for just forty-eight hours, so seeing it in full glory is a little botanical miracle. 💡 Tip: Bring a blanket and something tasty to eat, as this is probably the most beautiful picnic spot in the whole city.

4. Adelaide Oval and the Bradman Collection

This stadium isn’t just an ordinary sports ground but a true shrine for every fan of cricket and Australian rules football. Even if you have no interest in sport at all, the beautiful architecture of the stadium set among greenery is sure to impress you. If you want a look behind the scenes, you can pay for a guided tour for around 17 AUD (about €10), which takes you into the historic dressing rooms and up to the iconic old scoreboard, still operated by hand.

For real adrenaline lovers there’s an experience called RoofClimb. You’ll be kitted out in special suits and set off to walk along the stadium roof, fifty metres above the pitch. From up there you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view over the whole city and the nearby coast. Prices vary by time of day, so it’s best to check the current offer directly on the official website of the attraction.

Inside the stadium there’s also a museum dedicated to the greatest legend of Australian cricket, Sir Donald Bradman. Entry to the Bradman Collection is completely free and you’ll find a huge collection of historic photographs, trophies, and personal items. The exhibition is done in a very modern and engaging way, so even if you don’t know the rules of cricket, you’ll easily understand why this sport is almost religiously important to Australians.

5. Popeye boats and Elder Park

The River Torrens, which lazily flows past the edge of the centre, is an ideal spot for a slow afternoon. One of the most popular traditions is a cruise on the historic Popeye boats, which have been carrying tourists here since 1935. This fleet of adorable little vessels is so bound up with the city that even Queen Elizabeth II herself took a ride during her visit in 1977. You’ll find the current ticket prices on their website.

If you prefer your own power, hire a pedal boat right on the bank; they’ve been running since the sixties and are great fun for kids as well as for those looking for a touch of romance. The calm surface of the river, the modern skyline, and the surrounding parks together make for a surprisingly soothing experience.

All these watery pursuits start at the popular Elder Park. This sprawling park from 1882, with its typical historic rotunda, serves as a favourite meeting spot for locals. Various outdoor concerts, festivals, and community events are often held here. 💡 Tip: Stop at a nearby café, grab a coffee to go, and sit on the grass in the park watching the boats pass by; it’s the perfect way to relax.

6. Rundle Mall: bronze pigs and Haigh’s chocolate

This pedestrian zone is the main shopping artery of the whole city and a place that’s always buzzing. Its biggest symbol is a quartet of bronze pigs named Horatio, Truffles, Augusta, and Oliver, which you’ll find casually “rummaging” through the bins right in the middle of the street. A short walk from them stands another iconic sculpture by Bert Flugelman, which locals only ever call “Mall’s Balls” and which serves as a popular meeting point.

As you stroll along the street, don’t miss the beautiful historic Adelaide Arcade from 1885. It was the very first retail building in all of Australia to be lit by electricity, and it has kept its refined Victorian charm to this day. 💡 Tip: On the upper level of this arcade hides the fantastic retro spot Two-Bit Villains, which makes absolutely perfect vegetarian and vegan burgers that even die-hard meat eaters will love.

On the corner of the pedestrian zone, known as Beehive Corner, you’ll find the flagship store of the famous Haigh’s Chocolates. This company has been making top-quality chocolate since 1915 and locals swear by it. Be sure to buy a few pralines for the road. If you’d like to see how the chocolate is made, the company offers free tours of its factory, but be careful, because these take place at the visitor centre in the Parkside suburb, not here in the centre.

7. Adelaide Zoo and the only pandas in the southern hemisphere

A short walk from the Botanic Garden lies the zoo, which isn’t among the largest in the world but definitely has plenty to offer. Its absolute biggest draw is undoubtedly the new pair of giant pandas, named Xing Qiu and Yi Lan. These gorgeous animals arrived here from China in 2024 and are the only pandas you can see in the entire southern hemisphere, which makes visiting them a truly exclusive experience.

The zoo is fairly compact, beautifully shaded by mature trees, and designed so you can get really close to many of the animals. Adult admission costs 49.50 AUD (roughly €29), but if you’re travelling with kids, a family ticket from 124 AUD (about €73) is worth it. Children under four also don’t pay anything at all, which will certainly please plenty of parents.

Besides pandas, you’ll of course find plenty of typical Australian animals here too, from kangaroos to colourful parrots. The zoo puts great emphasis on conservation of endangered species, so you leave with photos and with an understanding of why pandas keep eating bamboo and remain endangered anyway (spoiler: it’s complicated). 💡 Tip: Try to time your visit so you catch the commentated panda feeding; it’s an incredibly cute spectacle.

8. Himeji Japanese Garden and the parklands ring

On the southern edge of the centre lies a small and often overlooked gem that you really shouldn’t miss. The Himeji Japanese Garden was gifted to the city in 1982 by its sister city in Japan, and it’s an incredibly peaceful place designed for quiet contemplation. The garden is laid out in the traditional kare-sansui style, that is, a dry garden with carefully raked sand, stones, and miniature ponds.

The garden really is tiny and you can walk through the whole thing in ten to fifteen minutes, but its magic lies precisely in that intimacy and silence it invites: entry is free, water bubbles over the stones, the trees cast pleasant shade, and the noise of the city barely reaches you, even though you’re still just a short walk from the main roads.

A visit to the garden is best combined with a longer walk through the so-called parklands. This enormous ring of greenery, which completely encircles the whole centre, is listed on the national heritage register. It was designed back in 1837 by the aforementioned Colonel Light, and thanks to it Adelaide is one of the greenest cities in the world. If you want to see the city from above, head to the Light’s Vision lookout on Montefiore Hill.

9. By tram to the beach at Glenelg

A trip on the historic tram to the ocean is an absolute classic that no visitor should miss. The original tram line has been running here since 1873, when steam cars operated, and in 1929 it was fully electrified. It’s actually the only tram line that survived the mass closures of the fifties, and today it’s a proud symbol of the city’s transport.

Boarding in the city centre is very simple, as the trams pass right through Victoria Square. While travel within the centre and along Jetty Road in Glenelg is free, the main stretch between the city and the beach is paid. The journey takes about half an hour and costs a standard fare (you’ll find the exact amounts on the Adelaide Metro website). Tickets can be paid simply with a contactless card right on board, so you don’t have to look for any machines.

As soon as you get off at the final stop, you find yourself right by a beautiful sandy beach and a long jetty. The main street, Jetty Road, is full of great cafés, ice-cream parlours, and small shops, where you can spend money quite pleasantly. 💡 Tip: Stop here for dinner and enjoy the most beautiful sunset over the ocean, which turns the whole sky incredible shades of pink and orange.

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to stay in Adelaide

4 accommodations — hotels, wellness hotels and other accommodation options

⭐ TOP CHOICE ⭐ Luxury

Eos by SkyCity

Luxury hotel near the station on Festival Drive with stunning views and comfortable beds.

★★★★ from 352 AUD/night (approx. €115)

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Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets

Great mid-range option on Market Street, right next to the famous Central Market.

★★★★ from 199 AUD/night (approx. €65)

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Majestic Roof Garden Hotel

Affordable hotel strategically located in the East End with spacious rooms.

★★★★ from 202 AUD/night (approx. €67)

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View all accommodations in Adelaide

Explore all available accommodation options in Adelaide and find the best one according to your preferences and budget.

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10. Swimming with wild dolphins from Glenelg

Once you’re in the Glenelg suburb, you definitely have to head out to the animals that live in the local coastal waters. The local company Temptation Sailing runs fantastic cruises to see wild dolphins, which rank among the very best experiences in all of South Australia. This is no pool or enclosed bay; the animals live completely freely in the open ocean here and only come up to the boat when they want to.

You can choose between two types of tickets depending on how brave you are. The basic cruise with dolphin watching from the deck starts at 92 AUD (roughly €54), while if you want to swim with them in the water, budget around 154 AUD (about €90). The whole trip lasts about four hours and the crew does everything possible to avoid disturbing the animals and to respect their natural environment.

If you go for the swim, you’ll get a wetsuit and a snorkel and you’ll hold onto a special rope at the back of the boat. Dolphins are naturally very curious and often swim incredibly close to swimmers, so you’ll get unforgettable eye contact with them. And even if you decide to stay dry on deck, watching these gorgeous animals leaping in the boat’s bow wave is simply magic.

11. Port Adelaide: dolphin sanctuary and street art

The harbour district of Port Adelaide has an incredibly raw and authentic atmosphere, completely different from the polished centre. The biggest attraction here is the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, the very first urban dolphin sanctuary in the world. It was established in 2005, and over an area of more than one hundred and eighteen square kilometres a permanent population of dolphins lives here, which you can watch straight from the shore or from the deck of a cruise boat.

If you want to get out on the water, I recommend the services of Port River Cruises, where a ticket costs you around 55 AUD (about €32). During the cruise you’ll not only see dolphins at play, but you’ll also sail past a fascinating ships’ graveyard, where the rusty wrecks of old vessels jut out of the water, giving it an almost mysterious, slightly post-apocalyptic atmosphere that’s wonderfully photogenic.

Once you’re back on land, be sure to spend some time exploring the town itself. The old industrial buildings and warehouses here are decorated with huge, gorgeous murals from the Wonderwalls street art festival. Also worth a visit is the local South Australian Maritime Museum, with adult admission of 23.50 AUD (roughly €14), where you’ll learn all about the region’s maritime history and the harsh lives of the first settlers who arrived here from Europe.

12. Mount Lofty and the hike from Waterfall Gully

If you want a bit of a workout and to see the city from a bird’s-eye view at the same time, you have to head up to Mount Lofty. This peak rises to a height of seven hundred and ten metres, and on a clear day you can see across the whole city all the way to distant Kangaroo Island. Locals love coming here so much, though, that on weekends you have to elbow your way through the crowds. Access to the lookout itself is completely free, and it’s one of the most popular spots where locals come to clear their heads.

The biggest challenge, though, is the walk up to the summit, which starts in Waterfall Gully. The route is roughly four kilometres there and back, climbing about 470 metres in elevation, and takes you about an hour and a half to three hours, depending on your fitness. The trail is fairly steep and you’ll work up a proper sweat, but the feeling when you reach the top and look down into the valley is absolutely worth the effort.

On the way up you’ll also pass several smaller waterfalls and gorgeous nature full of old eucalyptus trees. 💡 Tip: Set off on the hike early in the morning or avoid weekends. The trail is hugely popular with local fitness enthusiasts, and on Saturday mornings endless lines of people sometimes form here, which slightly spoils that true sense of wild nature.

13. Cleland Wildlife Park: this is where you hold a koala

This is an absolutely key tip for anyone who dreams of cuddling a koala in Australia. Unlike Sydney or Melbourne, where holding koalas is strictly prohibited by law, in South Australia it’s still legal. Given that the famous Lone Pine park in Brisbane stopped this practice in 2024, Cleland is currently probably the most accessible place in the country where you can actually make this big dream come true.

The experience itself, called “Hold a Koala”, costs you 89.50 AUD (roughly €53) on top of the regular admission, which is 35.80 AUD for an adult and 20 AUD for a child. Capacity is extremely limited, though; the holding takes place only on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2:30 pm and only four people over the age of thirteen can take part. You have to book it many weeks in advance, and be very careful: you must complete check-in at the ticket office no later than 2:00 pm, otherwise your ticket lapses without any refund!

If that seems expensive or hard to get, don’t despair. As part of the basic admission, the park offers a “Koala Close-up” experience every day between eleven and twelve, where you can at least see a koala up close and pet it. (This option is only cancelled on days when temperatures exceed thirty-two degrees.) In the huge park, which spans thirty-five hectares, you can also wander freely among hopping kangaroos and emus. The animals live wonderfully here and the visit is incredibly hands-on.

14. The German town of Hahndorf

Just twenty-five minutes by car from the centre, you find yourself in a completely different world, one that resembles old Europe more than wild Australia. Hahndorf is the oldest surviving German settlement in the entire country, founded in 1839 by Prussian Lutherans under the leadership of the sea captain Hahn. The main street is lined with beautiful historic stone and brick houses, shaded by century-old trees, and there’s a very relaxed, almost festive atmosphere.

For art lovers, a visit to The Cedars estate, where the famous painter Hans Heysen lived, is an absolute must. Admission to this historic house from 1912 costs 25 AUD (about €15), and from summer 2026 a brand-new gallery, Heysen: A Shared Legacy, operates here. Walking through the artist’s original studio and the gardens that inspired him his whole life is a wonderfully poetic experience, one that even those who otherwise aren’t big on visual art will appreciate.

And what would a German village be without proper food. Most visitors praise the huge local meat specialities and sausages, but vegetarians will find plenty to enjoy here too. The local bakeries offer fantastic traditional pastries and an absolutely perfect apple strudel, which people come from far and wide to taste. Stop at one of the cafés, order a coffee and a warm strudel, and enjoy that lovely contrast between German tradition and Australian sunshine.

15. Barossa Valley and hundred-year-old wine

If any region is synonymous with Australian winemaking, it’s without a doubt the Barossa Valley, fifty minutes away. This region is world-famous above all for its heavy, full-bodied red wines, ruled by the Shiraz grape. The rolling hills covered in neat rows of vines look a bit like a Tuscan calendar in the morning light, except that instead of chianti you get Shiraz in your glass, fuller and darker than you’d expect. 💡 Tip: Stop at the Mengler Hill Lookout, where you’ll have the whole valley spread out before you.

By far the most unique experience here is offered by the historic Seppeltsfield winery and its Centennial Cellar from 1878. You can pay for the so-called A Taste of History Tour, during which you get to taste the Para Tawny fortified wine that aged in the barrel for exactly one hundred years. This half-hour experience costs you 185 AUD (roughly €108), but tasting a drink that was made a whole century ago is something you won’t easily manage anywhere else.

After all that tasting, you’re sure to work up an appetite. Travellers warmly recommend a stop at Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, open daily from ten to half past four. Here you can buy various local jams, pâtés, and sauces, or simply sit down by the lake and enjoy a light picnic of local ingredients. You couldn’t wish for a better end to a day full of tastings.

16. McLaren Vale and the d’Arenberg Cube

South of the city, just under forty minutes away, lies another famous wine region with a somewhat more modern and playful atmosphere. In recent years the symbol of all McLaren Vale has become the stunning d’Arenberg Cube building, which looks like a giant Rubik’s Cube tossed right in the middle of the vineyards. The building, from 2017, cost an incredible fifteen million dollars, and besides tasting rooms it also houses a crazy museum of optical illusions. It’s best to check the admission on their official website before you go.

The region is hugely popular and gets quite busy on weekends. 💡 Tip: If you have the chance, head out for wine tastings on a weekday morning, when you’ll have much more peace and quiet and the staff at the wineries will have time to look after you personally and tell you stories about how the individual vintages came to be.

The area takes on a completely special atmosphere on weekends thanks to the farmers’ markets. If you come on a Saturday morning (careful, there’s no market on Sundays!), be sure to stop at the famous Willunga Farmers Market. Here you can buy absolutely fantastic fresh vegetables, cheeses, bread, and artisan products directly from local farmers. The atmosphere is wonderfully communal, and a breakfast made from what you’ve bought tastes simply divine.

17. Victor Harbor and the horse-drawn tram to Granite Island

Once you’ve had your fill of wine and the city, head south to the ocean and the popular resort of Victor Harbor. The main attraction of this coastal town is the historic horse-drawn tram, which takes you across a long wooden causeway to nearby Granite Island. It’s one of the last trams of its kind in the world still in regular service. The draught horses are huge, gorgeous, and visibly well cared for, so a ride with them is a beautiful trip back in time (check the ticket price in advance on the website).

Granite Island is known for its dramatic rock formations, against which the ocean’s wild waves crash. But I have to honestly warn you about one thing: older guidebooks will lure you here with a colony of little penguins, but sadly they’re almost gone now. While in the nineties over five thousand of them lived here, today only about twenty-five individuals remain, so the chance of seeing them is absolutely minimal and it makes no sense to come here for them.

Instead of penguins, though, you can look forward to much larger marine residents. If you come here during the Australian winter (roughly from June to September), you have a huge chance of seeing southern right whales. These majestic cetaceans come to the warm waters to raise their calves, and you can often watch them with binoculars right from the cliffs along the coast, without having to pay for an expensive boat cruise.

18. Mad March: Adelaide Fringe and friends

As we already mentioned in the intro, the end of February and March transform this peaceful city beyond recognition. The biggest star of this period is undoubtedly the Adelaide Fringe festival, the second-largest festival of its kind in the world, right after Edinburgh in Scotland. Over the course of several weeks, thousands of performances are held across the city, from stand-up comedy through theatre to breathtaking acrobatics and magic shows.

The whole city dresses up for this month. Huge tents, temporary bars made from shipping containers, and light installations spring up in the parks. Right after the Fringe comes the WOMADelaide music festival, which brings artists from all over the world and takes place in the gorgeous setting of the Botanic Garden. On top of that, the prestigious Adelaide Festival runs in the same period, focusing more on classical music and opera.

The atmosphere in the streets at this time is simply magical, and everyone is incredibly friendly and relaxed. In short, if peace and calm normally bore you within three days, March in Adelaide will convince you that there’s a laid-back atmosphere that simply can’t get boring. If you don’t mind higher accommodation prices and crowds of people, a visit during Mad March is the best experience you can take away from here.

Where to go next from Adelaide

Once you’ve explored the city and its immediate surroundings, South Australia still has a few more aces up its sleeve. The best-known trip is without a doubt untouched Kangaroo Island, a paradise for lovers of wild nature. Day trips are often organised here, but I have to tell you honestly that such a trip means a sixteen-hour marathon on a bus that will leave you utterly exhausted. The island is huge, and if you really want to enjoy it, set aside at least two to three days and rent a car.

If you have more time and the wild Outback tempts you, head north. Worth a visit is the fascinating underground town of Coober Pedy, where opals are mined and people live in caves because of the extreme heat. A short way from it you’ll then find the dramatic Flinders Ranges, offering amazing treks and scenery millions of years old.

If you’re planning a wider trip around Australia, read our other guides too:

• For an all-Australia overview, see the article Holiday in Australia: 30 most beautiful places + practical tips
• The nearest big city: Melbourne, Australia: 23 tips on what to see and do
• Sydney, Australia: 31 tips on what to see and do
• Perth, Australia: 18 tips on what to see and do
• Western Australia: a road trip itinerary
• A road trip around Australia: visas, routes, prices
• Holiday in Singapore: 21 tips on what to see and do

Frequently asked questions

If you’re heading to Adelaide for the first time, you probably have a lot of questions running through your head. It’s no ordinary destination, after all, and planning a trip requires plenty of information.

That’s why we’ve put together answers to the most common questions, to help you decide and make your preparations easier. From transport through safety to animals – here you’ll find everything nicely in one place. 😉

Australia is a continent almost the size of all of Europe, and the biggest mistake when planning is trying to see the whole thing in a fortnight. The distances here are utterly relentless. To give you an idea, a flight from Sydney to Cairns in the far north takes as long as the trip from London to Moscow. Instead of endless hours behind the wheel, it pays off far more to pick two or three regions, fly between them, and rent a car locally each time. This guide to an unforgettable Australia holiday will show you how.

If you’re thinking about a trip Down Under, you’re surely wondering how to make it all work in practice. This guide introduces thirty places worth seeing, from coral reefs and the red outback to rolling wine country. Plus you’ll learn how the reversed seasons work, what you’ll realistically pay, and how to sort out your visa for free.

Australia really is another planet (in the best possible way). Red sand in the middle of the desert, rainforests older than the Amazon, reefs visible from space, and animals you won’t see anywhere else. Let’s take a look at what to choose from it all.

TL;DR

• How much time you need: Three weeks is the ideal minimum, but a fortnight is enough for a basic taste of two regions.
• When to go: There’s no single perfect time. The south is best from December to February, while the tropical north shines from May to October. The best compromise for the whole country is April–May or September–October.
• Budget: A mid-range couple should reckon on €160 to €245 per person per day, excluding international flights.
• Visas: Many nationalities qualify for the eVisitor visa, which is completely free and sorted out online — check your own eligibility.
• Getting around: Combine domestic flights with a rental car. The distances for a classic road trip across the whole country are simply too enormous.
• Top icons to see: Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, sacred Uluru, and the iconic Great Ocean Road.

Before you go: distances, flights and visas

As I hinted in the intro, Australian distances are deceptive. Just driving from Sydney to Melbourne eats up around nine hours of actual driving time, and the journey up the east coast from Brisbane to Cairns can easily swallow twenty-two hours of non-stop driving. It makes far more sense to combine domestic flights with a rental car. Low-cost airlines like Jetstar and regional Rex offer one-way fares between major cities for often under €40, saving you days of exhausting travel.

The journey from Europe is long and always involves at least one connection. Flights are usually operated by Qatar Airways via Doha or Emirates via Dubai, with total travel time ranging from 22 to 32 hours. Singapore Airlines via Singapore is another popular choice. A return economy ticket costs roughly €700 to €1,400, and you’ll snag the best prices by booking three to four months in advance from major European hubs.

A visa is an absolute must for entering the country, but for many travellers this is no obstacle at all. A large number of nationalities qualify for the eVisitor visa (subclass 651), which is completely free. The application is submitted exclusively online through the official Australian government portal and is usually approved within a few days. It’s valid for a full twelve months and lets you stay up to 90 days per entry. Always check whether your own passport qualifies, and watch out for scam agencies that charge absurd fees for processing this free visa.

When to go to Australia

The seasons Down Under are exactly the opposite of the northern hemisphere. While it’s freezing back home, Australians are spending Christmas on the beach. But there’s no universally best time to visit the whole continent. While January brings sunny summer to the south, the tropical north of Queensland is battling monsoon rains and cyclone threats in the very same month.

If you’re planning to combine the southern cities with the tropical north and the red centre, the best compromise is the Australian autumn or spring — the months of April–May or September–October. During these periods you’ll avoid both the extreme outback heat and the northern monsoons, while the south offers pleasant temperatures for exploring the cities. Pay special attention to the so-called stinger season in the north, when dangerous jellyfish appear in the ocean and swimming is only possible in special stinger suits.

Where to stay in Australia

💡 Tip for accommodation and experiences: We prefer to look for accommodation on Booking.com, which tends to have the best cancellation terms. For tickets, tours and activities, it’s worth comparing and booking through GetYourGuide.

Australia is by no means a cheap destination. Accommodation will unpleasantly surprise you, especially if you’re travelling as a couple and want your own room. Travellers love the YHA hostel network, which offers a great standard across the whole country. Prices vary hugely by season, but an average mid-range double room runs roughly €100 to €165 per night. Booking through the classic Booking.com works absolutely reliably, and it’s wise to sort it well in advance. Below you’ll find a few specific, highly rated places worth checking out.

Where to stay strategically in Sydney: For backpackers and travellers on a smaller budget, the legendary choice is YHA Sydney Harbour, boasting an unbeatable location right in The Rocks, with the famous Opera House visible from its rooftop terrace. If you’re after a stylish mid-range stay in a historic building, travellers warmly recommend Harbour Rocks by Ode Hotels. And for lovers of absolute luxury, there’s Park Hyatt Sydney, which offers quite possibly the best Opera House view in the entire world.

Where to rest your head in Melbourne: A great base right in the centre with excellent value for money is Space Hotel. If you want to soak up the true atmosphere of Melbourne’s café-lined laneways, explore the boutique Laneways by Ovolo, which reviewers praise for its huge personality. For a touch of luxury on the south bank of the river, there’s the five-star Crown Towers Melbourne with a gorgeous indoor pool.

Where to sleep in the tropical north in Cairns: An affordable safe bet right opposite the famous lagoon is YHA Cairns Central. The golden middle ground, with comfortable beds and large balconies, is DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns. If you long for something special and closer to nature, just outside town towards Port Douglas you’ll find Thala Beach Nature Reserve, a stunning eco-resort with a private beach tucked right into the rainforest.

Where to stay near sacred Uluru: This area is an absolute monopoly, and the only base is the Ayers Rock Resort complex in the village of Yulara. For families and mid-range budgets, the top-rated choice is Emu Walk Apartments, which offer their own kitchenette. A more luxurious option is Sails in the Desert, though expect very high prices matching the remoteness of the location. More modest travellers are served by Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge.

Where to eat in Australia

When it comes to food, Australia offers an absolutely fantastic mix of world cuisines. Thanks to strong Asian immigration, you’ll find authentic Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese restaurants here, which are often among the most affordable. The food scene is simply alive, from upscale waterfront establishments to tiny hipster cafés in tucked-away alleys. I guarantee you’ll eat well.

Specific tips for the big cities

In Sydney it’s worth stopping for lunch near the water. A huge draw is the Sydney Fish Market, where you’ll find the freshest fish and seafood for miles around. If you prefer modern Asian fusion, the city centre has plenty of spots serving top-notch cuisine in amazing interiors.

In Melbourne everything revolves around breakfast and perfect coffee. Among the famous spots is the café Seven Seeds, where people from across the city gather for brunch. If you have a soft spot for sweet pastries, don’t miss the legendary Lune Croissanterie. Their famous croissants often draw queues from early morning, but the wait is more than worth it.

Sydney and New South Wales: where Australia begins

Let’s dive straight into the first region, which for most travellers serves as the gateway to the country. New South Wales offers the perfect mix of a world-class metropolis, blue-tinged mountains and surf beaches.

1. Sydney

Sydney is a city people say you’ll fall in love with at first sight. The biggest draw is, of course, the famous Opera House and the giant steel Harbour Bridge. While walking across the bridge is completely free, the adrenaline-fuelled climb to its arch will set you back more than AUD 400 (around €245). The city is also famous for its beaches, especially the celebrated Bondi Beach.

Travellers rave about the gorgeous coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee beach, which stretches about six kilometres and offers breathtaking views of the cliffs and ocean. Getting around the city is completely hassle-free — you simply tap your payment card on the reader and you’re done. The system automatically caps your daily spending, which works out at roughly AUD 18 (around €11) per day.

2. Blue Mountains

Just about two hours by train from Sydney lies the Blue Mountains National Park, whose name comes from the bluish haze that rises from the endless eucalyptus forests. Trains run here very frequently, and if you set a daily cap on your card (the same system as in Sydney), the journey costs just a few dollars. The park’s icon is the Three Sisters rock formation, tied to an ancient Aboriginal legend.

If you want to avoid the crowds at the main Echo Point lookout, I recommend heading instead to the quieter Cahill’s Lookout. Also worth a visit is the Scenic World complex with the steepest passenger railway in the world. 💡 Tip: Don’t forget to pack warm clothes. Even when it’s hot in Sydney, it tends to be noticeably cooler in the mountains, and in winter temperatures drop close to zero.

3. Byron Bay

This once-sleepy hippie town has transformed into one of the country’s most sought-after surf hubs. You’ll find the easternmost point of mainland Australia here, with the beautiful Cape Byron Lighthouse that has been shining since 1901. The waters around the lighthouse are ideal for spotting dolphins and whales.

Byron Bay is a paradise for surfers of all levels, from the gentler waves at Wategos Beach to the long rides at The Pass. But be prepared for the fact that prices here have skyrocketed in recent years, and parking in the centre on summer weekends is a near-superhuman feat. The safety of surfers and swimmers is looked after by modern drones that monitor shark movements.

4. Mount Kosciuszko

Few people know that in Australia you can fairly easily hike to the highest mountain on the entire continent. Mount Kosciuszko stands at 2,228 metres, and the hike to the summit is surprisingly undemanding — even families with children can manage it without any trouble. The mountain was named in 1840 by a Polish explorer after his national hero.

You can set off either from Charlotte Pass, from where a roughly eighteen-kilometre return loop awaits, or make it easier with the chairlift from the village of Thredbo. 💡 Tip: The weather at the summit can change within minutes. Even in the height of summer, always keep a windproof layer and a warm jumper in your backpack.

Queensland: beaches, islands and the Great Barrier Reef

Queensland is nicknamed the Sunshine State, and it’s exactly the place most people picture when they think of the perfect tropical holiday. It offers an incredible eight thousand kilometres of coastline packed with wonders.

5. Brisbane

Queensland’s capital offers a fantastic relaxed atmosphere and pleasant weather year-round. A unique feature is the South Bank district, where in the middle of the city lies a huge man-made beach with white sand and skyscraper views, free to enter and constantly watched by lifeguards.

Just outside the city lies the famous Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where you can get up close with the local wildlife. If you long for a photo holding a koala, this is where it’s possible for a special fee, although capacity is very limited due to strict animal protection laws. 💡 Tip: Head to the sanctuary first thing after it opens, when the animals are most active.

We’ve written up Brisbane in detail in a separate guide: Brisbane, Australia: 20 things to see and do.

6. Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise

The Gold Coast is synonymous with tall skyscrapers rising right above long surf beaches. The heart of the area is bustling Surfers Paradise, where you can swim safely under lifeguard supervision between the red-and-yellow flags. The landmark is the Q1 tower with its SkyPoint observation deck on an incredible 77th floor.

The area is a huge draw for families thanks to numerous theme parks like Dreamworld and Sea World. Admission usually runs around AUD 100 (roughly €60), but you can grab good-value combo tickets. 💡 Tip: Head up to the SkyPoint lookout around three in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds that pour in for sunset itself.

7. Noosa and the Sunshine Coast

North of Brisbane lies the much calmer and more elegant Sunshine Coast. The jewel of this area is Noosa National Park, which with more than a million visitors a year is the most visited in all of Australia. The main highlight is the over five-kilometre coastal trail full of beautiful bays and wild koalas.

On the walk you have a huge chance of spotting koalas dozing high in the eucalyptus canopy. Nearby you’ll also find the legendary Australia Zoo, made famous by crocodile hunter Steve Irwin. ⚠️ Warning: Many beaches within the national park are unpatrolled and have very strong, dangerous ocean currents.

8. K’gari (formerly Fraser Island)

This UNESCO-listed island is the largest sand island in the entire world. Very recently it was officially returned to its original Aboriginal name, K’gari. Instead of asphalt roads, cars here use the enormous sand beach of 75 Mile Beach, which also doubles as a landing strip for small planes.

You can only get here with a four-wheel-drive vehicle and a valid permit. Swimming in the ocean is dangerous here, but it’s all made up for by Lake McKenzie, whose silica sand is so fine you can use it to clean jewellery. ⚠️ Warning: The island is home to the purest population of wild dingoes. Feeding them is strictly forbidden and you must keep a safe distance — fines for breaking the rules climb to astronomical amounts.

9. Whitsundays and Whitehaven Beach

The Whitsundays archipelago is the embodiment of paradise on Earth. The main starting point is the town of Airlie Beach, from where dozens of boats set sail daily to one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. The brilliant white sand at Whitehaven Beach doesn’t absorb heat, so you can walk on it barefoot even in the fiercest midday sun.

When choosing a trip, make sure the itinerary includes the Hill Inlet lookout. From there you get that famous view of turquoise water blending with the dazzling sand. 💡 Tip: The most beautiful spectacle happens roughly during the two hours around low tide, a key detail when picking the right boat tour operator.

10. Cairns

Cairns is the main base for exploring the tropical north and trips to the coral reef. Interestingly, the sea right by Cairns isn’t suitable for swimming because of the muddy bottom, jellyfish and the occasional crocodile. Instead, the city built a huge public lagoon on the Esplanade, where you can safely and freely cool off from morning until evening.

Besides the reef, a popular trip is riding the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, which takes you through the rainforest across fifteen tunnels to Barron Falls. You can then return to town on the fascinating Skyrail cableway, which glides right over the crowns of the rainforest giants.

11. The Great Barrier Reef

This is without doubt one of the main reasons people fly to Australia. A full-day boat trip from Cairns or Port Douglas to the outer reef costs roughly AUD 260 to 340 (about €160 to €205) and usually includes snorkelling gear, lunch and commentary from a marine biologist. An extra AUD 8 (around €5) is charged as an eco-fee that goes directly towards protecting this endangered wonder.

Plenty of catastrophic reports are written about the reef’s condition, but according to the latest data from 2026, the reef is still alive and fighting. After recent bleaching episodes, the northern and central sections show encouraging signs of recovery. What’s more, tourism helps fund research and conservation. You’ll get the best underwater visibility from June to October, when there’s no danger of jellyfish.

12. Daintree and Cape Tribulation

Picture a rainforest far older than the famous Amazon, one that remembers the age of the dinosaurs. Daintree National Park is the only place in the world where the rainforest meets the coral reef directly. You can walk through Mossman Gorge with a local Aboriginal guide and soak up the ancient culture of the Kuku Yalanji people.

The area is known for its prehistoric-looking cassowaries, giant flightless birds with a blue neck and a bony crest on their heads. ⚠️ Warning: Cassowaries are strictly protected and must not be fed. Likewise, swimming in the Daintree River and its estuary is strictly forbidden due to the presence of dangerous saltwater crocodiles.

Melbourne and Victoria

The state of Victoria may not be as enormous as the others, but it offers an incredible concentration of experiences, from top-class cuisine to a dramatic coastline lashed by the ocean.

13. Melbourne

Melbourne is a city that lives for art, sport and, above all, unbelievably good coffee. Travellers often call it the coffee capital of the world. The local café culture is absolutely phenomenal, and tasting the local classic known as a flat white, which will cost you about AUD 5 (roughly €3), is simply a must. And be sure to have a traditional Aussie brunch too — avocado toast in one of the hidden laneways is one of those rituals without which Melbourne just isn’t Melbourne.

These narrow alleys, known as laneways, are famous for their graffiti and street art, especially the iconic Hosier Lane, where the murals seem to change almost daily. A great experience is also a visit to Queen Victoria Market, the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, where you can buy everything from fresh fruit to souvenirs.

And if Melbourne tempts you more, we’ve got a complete guide for you: Melbourne, Australia: 23 things to see and do.

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to Stay in Australia

6 accommodations — hotels, wellness hotels and other lodging options

⭐ TOP CHOICE 🏨 Hotel

YHA Sydney Harbour

Legendary hostel in The Rocks with an unbeatable location, rooftop terrace with direct views of the Opera House.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Harbour Rocks by Ode Hotels

Stylish mid-range hotel in a historic building, warmly recommended by travelers.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability ⭐ Luxury

Park Hyatt Sydney

Absolute luxury with the best Opera House views in the world.

★★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Space Hotel

Great base right in the center of Melbourne with excellent value for money.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Laneways by Ovolo

Boutique hotel in Melbourne’s laneways full of cafes, reviewers praise its enormous personality.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability ⭐ Luxury

Crown Towers Melbourne

Five-star luxury on the south bank of the river with a stunning indoor pool.

★★★★★ Check prices

Check availability

14. Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles

This 243-kilometre coastal road is considered one of the most beautiful road trips in the world. It was built after the First World War by returning soldiers and serves as the world’s largest war memorial. The main highlight is the limestone cliffs of the Twelve Apostles, which rise dramatically from the churning ocean.

The truth is there haven’t been twelve Apostles for a long time — thanks to relentless erosion, only seven or eight still stand today, and the sea nibbles away a few more centimetres every year. Entry to the lookouts is completely free. 💡 Tip: During the day the place is packed with coach crowds, so head to the lookouts early in the morning for sunrise, when the light is utterly magical and you’ll have the place almost to yourself.

15. Phillip Island

A short drive from Melbourne lies an island that turns into the stage for an incredibly adorable show every evening after sunset. Hundreds of wild little penguins emerge from the sea onto the beach, returning after a hard day to their burrows in the sand dunes.

The famous Penguin Parade is a strictly protected attraction with grandstands, and admission for an adult costs around AUD 34 (roughly €21). 💡 Tip: Demand for tickets is huge, and on weekends they can sell out months ahead. Book your tickets ideally several months in advance and don’t forget to dress warmly, because a cold wind blows off the ocean even in the middle of summer.

South Australia: wine, kangaroos and an underground town

This state is a little unfairly overlooked, yet it hides the finest wineries, a perfect island retreat, and a town where people live underground.

16. Adelaide

This peaceful city full of parks and old colonial architecture will slow you down instantly. Its heart is the historic Central Market, running since 1869, where you’ll find dozens of stalls with local cheeses, baked goods and other treats. You’ll experience the best atmosphere here on a Friday evening, while on Sundays and Mondays it’s usually closed.

Just outside the city, tucked into the Adelaide Hills, is Hahndorf, the oldest surviving German settlement in Australia. You can stroll among the picturesque half-timbered houses built by Lutheran immigrants in the nineteenth century. Public transport into the hills is trickier, so it’s worth heading here with a rental car.

We’ve written up all of Adelaide, including wine trips, right here: Adelaide, Australia: 18 things to see and do.

17. Barossa Valley

If you love wine, the Barossa Valley is absolute paradise. It’s the country’s most famous wine region and the domain of the Shiraz grape. You’ll find legendary wineries here with histories reaching back to the nineteenth century. Some even offer tastings of hundred-year-old vintage wine straight from the barrels.

You can move between the more than one hundred and fifty cellars by car, but the police here crack down very strictly on drink-driving. 💡 Tip: The local landscape is fairly flat, so renting a bike is a great alternative. That way you can enjoy a pleasant ride between tastings without worrying about driving.

18. Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is nicknamed the Australian Galápagos, and in our view it thoroughly deserves it. After the devastating fires of 2019–2020, nature is recovering wonderfully and the island is once again full of life. On Seal Bay beach you can walk right up close to the third-largest colony of Australian sea lions in the world, always accompanied by an experienced ranger.

On the western tip of the island lies Flinders Chase National Park with the bizarre granite boulders of Remarkable Rocks and the rock arch of Admirals Arch, beneath which fur seals frolic. ⚠️ Warning: At dusk there’s an enormous amount of wildlife on the island, so drive with extreme care and slow down to avoid a collision with kangaroos.

19. Coober Pedy

This place in the middle of a parched wasteland is the opal capital. Most of the world’s production of these gemstones is mined here, but surface temperatures in summer routinely exceed forty degrees. So the locals came up with an ingenious solution and built almost the entire town underground, where a pleasant twenty degrees holds year-round.

Below the surface you’ll find not just ordinary homes but also hotels, museums and even a Serbian Orthodox church. The local golf course is entirely grassless and, just to be safe, is played at night with glowing balls. ⚠️ Warning: Never stray from the marked paths — the area around town is dotted with thousands of unmarked and unsecured mine shafts.

The Red Centre and the tropical north

The Northern Territory is rugged, mystical and full of Aboriginal history. This is where you’ll experience the real Australian outback.

20. Uluru and Kata Tjuta

The sacred red monolith of Uluru is undeniably the spiritual heart of all Australia. A three-day pass to the national park costs an adult AUD 38 (roughly €23). Since 2019, climbing the rock itself has been permanently and strictly forbidden out of respect for the traditional owners, the Anangu people. Instead, you can set off on the over ten-kilometre walking trail around the base of the rock.

In the evening, the desert around Uluru transforms into a work of art thanks to the Field of Light installation, made up of fifty thousand glass spheres glowing in the dark. 💡 Tip: Set off on the base walk as early in the morning as possible. That way you’ll avoid not only the enormous midday heat but also the ever-present and very annoying flies.

21. Kings Canyon

The beautiful Watarrka canyon with its sheer sandstone walls lies about halfway between Uluru and Alice Springs. The biggest experience is the six-kilometre rim walk, which begins with a very steep climb aptly named Heart Attack Hill.

Your reward for the effort is stunning views into the chasm and a visit to a green oasis called the Garden of Eden. ⚠️ Warning: There’s almost no shade on the canyon rim, so every hiker must carry at least three litres of water, and in extreme heat the entire trail is closed as early as mid-morning for safety reasons.

22. Alice Springs and the West MacDonnell Ranges

The gold-rush town of Alice Springs is the historic heart of the outback. Be sure not to miss the Royal Flying Doctor Service visitor centre, where you’ll learn how the aerial medical service works, providing care to people on remote farms hundreds of kilometres from civilisation.

From the town stretch the beautiful West MacDonnell Ranges, full of deep gorges and natural waterholes such as Simpsons Gap and Ormiston Gorge. Travellers rave about the amazing red scenery with the white trunks of ghost gum eucalyptus.

23. Kakadu and Darwin

Kakadu National Park in the far north of the country is an enormous treasure trove of Aboriginal culture. On the Ubirr rocks you’ll find paintings up to twenty thousand years old, and from the same spot there’s a fantastic view over the floodplains at sunset. The area is essentially only accessible during the dry season from May to October.

In 2026, some of the famous waterfalls like Jim Jim Falls are unfortunately closed for safety reasons, so always check the current situation before your trip at the visitor centre. ⚠️ Warning: The local rivers and wetlands are the natural habitat of enormous saltwater crocodiles. Never swim outside the explicitly permitted, safe waterholes.

Tasmania: a wild island at the end of the world

Australia’s southernmost state feels more like New Zealand. It’s a paradise for lovers of untouched nature, mountains and first-class local produce.

24. Hobart and MONA

Tasmania’s capital breathes history at every turn. Every Saturday it hosts the legendary Salamanca Market, where more than three hundred stallholders offer local crafts, cheeses and fresh fruit. From the harbour you can then hop on a ferry and head to the most bizarre museum in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Museum of Old and New Art, known as MONA, is carved into the sandstone rock underground and offers exhibits that are often very provocative and dark. It’s an unforgettable experience. Admission costs just under AUD 40 (roughly €24), and the ride itself on the special ferry from Hobart is an experience in its own right.

25. Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain National Park, with its sharp peaks and deep glacial lakes, is among the most beautiful the Tasmanian wilderness has to offer. The most popular route is the easy two-to-three-hour loop around Dove Lake, reached from the visitor centre by the compulsory park shuttle bus.

If you’re lucky, you’ll encounter wombats or echidnas in the wild here. 💡 Tip: During the summer season the park is in huge demand. Catch the very first morning bus so you can enjoy the crystal-clear reflection of the mountain on the lake’s surface before the main crowds arrive.

26. Wineglass Bay and Freycinet

Freycinet National Park on the island’s east coast hides a beach that regularly appears in rankings of the world’s most beautiful. Wineglass Bay has the perfect shape of a wine glass and is framed by pink granite cliffs and turquoise water.

A roughly one-hour hike along a well-maintained trail leads to the lookout above the bay. If you long to sink your feet into the pristine white sand, get ready for a further descent, which extends the whole trip to about three hours. 💡 Tip: The car park at the trailhead has limited capacity, so in high season it’s best to arrive before nine in the morning.

Western Australia: the other end of the continent

This state takes up a third of the continent and is so enormous it could fill an entire long holiday on its own. Here you’ll find the most beautiful sunsets and a pristine coral reef.

27. Perth

Australia’s sunniest capital is an oasis of calm and ease. Its greatest pride is the huge Kings Park with its botanic garden, which is actually larger than New York’s famous Central Park. From the lookouts you get a gorgeous view of the modern skyscrapers rising along the lazily flowing Swan River.

Perth is a great starting point for exploring the west coast. I recommend a look at the historic port of Fremantle with its colonial architecture and famous weekend markets. You’ll find more detailed tips in our separate Perth guide in the “Where to go next” section.

28. Rottnest Island

From Perth or the port of Fremantle, a ferry gets you in under an hour to a small island made famous by the happiest creatures on the planet. Rottnest Island is home to the adorable quokkas, small marsupials who love to smile for the cameras.

No private cars run on the island, so the best way to discover its pristine white beaches is to rent a bike and explore it at your own pace. ⚠️ Warning: Quokkas are incredibly trusting, but feeding them human food or touching them is strictly forbidden, with very high on-the-spot fines.

29. Ningaloo Reef

While the Great Barrier Reef lies far offshore, the western Ningaloo Reef starts just a few metres from the beach. You can pop on a snorkel and swim straight from the white sand out over the beautiful coral gardens. Roughly from March to August, gigantic but gentle whale sharks gather here.

Swimming with these giants, which grow to over ten metres long, is an absolute experience of a lifetime. A full-day boat trip from the town of Exmouth does cost around AUD 400 (roughly €245), but operators often guarantee a successful encounter, or else offer you a replacement trip for free.

30. Broome and Cable Beach

In the northwest of the continent lies the town of Broome, once the world’s centre of pearl diving. Today it’s made famous above all by the stunning twenty-two-kilometre Cable Beach, which is made for watching gorgeous sunsets.

The biggest icon of this place is the evening camel ride along the wide sandy beach as the sun sinks into the waters of the Indian Ocean. It’s an incredibly romantic experience that perfectly rounds off any visit to the west coast.

How much does a holiday in Australia cost

Australia is often said to be one of the most expensive countries in the world, and unfortunately that’s largely true. You can save on the road by cooking with groceries you buy and sleeping in hostels, but if you want to enjoy your holiday without constantly counting every euro, set aside a more generous budget.

The currency is the Australian dollar (AUD), worth around €0.60 in 2026. You can pay by card absolutely everywhere here, and you’ll really only need cash on rare occasions. Interestingly, tipping isn’t expected or obligatory in Australia, because hospitality workers have a fairly high guaranteed minimum wage.

Rough daily budgets per person (excluding international flights):

• Backpacker: €55 to €120 (hostels, cheap food, bus transfers).
• Mid-range couple: €160 to €245 (hotel room, rental car, a mix of cooking and restaurants, entry fees to sights).

How much everyday items cost in Australia:

• Coffee (flat white) at a café: AUD 5–6 (approx. €3–4)
• Main dish at an average restaurant: AUD 25–40 (approx. €15–24)
• A meal in a food court: AUD 15–25 (approx. €9–15)
• A litre of petrol: roughly AUD 1.80–2.00 (approx. €1.10–1.20, pricier in the outback)
• Budget car rental: from AUD 35 to 65 per day outside high season

💡 Tip: If you want to save on food, head to the Asian districts in the big cities or to the food courts in shopping centres mentioned above, where you can eat pretty well for reasonable money. Tap water is another big saving — it’s completely safe in all the big cities, and restaurants will bring it to you for free.

How to plan your route: 2, 3 or 4 weeks

When planning your route, don’t forget the time difference and jet lag — on your first day after arrival you won’t be up for anything too demanding. Here are three sample models for laying out your trip:

• For 2 weeks (Basic taster): Fly into Sydney, where you’ll spend three days. Then fly to Cairns (three days for the reef and rainforest). Another flight takes you to Uluru (two days for the Red Centre). Next comes a flight to Melbourne, from where you rent a car for the Great Ocean Road and fly home after three days.
• For 3 weeks (Classic loop): Add more time on the east coast. From Sydney head towards Brisbane or the Gold Coast, then set off for K’gari and sail to the Whitsundays. After that, fly from the Airlie Beach area to Uluru and then on to Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road.
• For 4 weeks (For the advanced): You can afford to explore even more remote corners. To the three-week loop, add either a ferry crossing to Tasmania to explore its national parks, or fly over to the west coast to Perth and set off in search of whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef.

Where to go next

If Australia and Asia tempt you, we’ve got more detailed guides ready to help you with planning and practical matters.

• Discover the city of festivals and wine in Adelaide, Australia: 18 things to see and do
• Explore the cultural metropolis in the guide Melbourne, Australia: 23 things to see and do
• Sunny Queensland starts in Brisbane, Australia: 20 things to see and do
• Check out our detailed guide Sydney, Australia: 31 things to see and do
• Curious about the west? Read Perth, Australia: 18 things to see and do
• If you dream of driving in the wilderness, take a look at Western Australia: 7 tips for the most beautiful places + a road trip itinerary
• Thinking of combining trips? Singapore Holiday: 21 things to see and do will help
• Get ready for the long flight with What you can take on a plane

Frequently asked questions

Planning a trip to Australia usually comes with plenty of practical questions. It is, after all, an enormous country on the other side of the world, where many things simply work differently than in Europe. To make your preparations as easy as possible, I’ve gathered the answers to the most common questions right here in the article.