Planning your first trip Down Under? These essential Australia travel tips will help you feel confident, inspired, and ready to explore two of the country’s most iconic cities—Sydney and Melbourne.
From postcard-worthy coastlines and vibrant laneways to cultural quirks and must-know logistics, there’s a lot to soak in. Whether you’re dreaming of sailing past the Opera House, sipping flat whites in hidden cafés, or simply soaking up Aussie hospitality, this guide has you covered.
I’m sharing what we loved most, what surprised us, and what we wish we’d known before setting off on our own unforgettable adventure. So grab your favorite planning tools—your trip to Australia starts here.
1. Start with the Visa (Key Australia Travel Tip!)
Before you even book your flight, one of the most important Australia travel tips is to check visa requirements. Most travelers from the U.S., U.K., and Canada will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa before arrival. It’s a simple online process—but don’t leave it until the last minute.
- Helpful Resources: Apply online or through the Australia ETA app. Submit your application at least 4 weeks in advance, as processing times can vary, especially if additional checks are needed.
- Be Mindful of Customs: Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity laws in the world. Be honest and thorough on your customs declaration—declare any food, wooden items, or hiking gear. It’s better to over-declare than risk a fine.
2. Pack for All Seasons
Australia’s climate can be famously unpredictable, and the weather varies from city to city. In Sydney, you’ll often find sunny skies and warm temperatures, especially near the coast, but mornings can still start off crisp. Melbourne is known for rapid shifts—locals joke about experiencing “four seasons in one day.” Keep an eye on the forecast and be ready for anything with a few smart layers.
- Bring Layers: Early mornings and evenings can be brisk, even if the afternoons are warm. A light jacket and breathable tops will help you adapt.
- Rain or Shine: A rain jacket is a smart addition—especially in Melbourne, where pop-up showers are common.
- Sun Protection: SPF is a must, even when it’s cloudy. The UV index is strong year-round, and the sun can be surprisingly intense, particularly in Sydney’s coastal areas.
Wondering what I actually use and love when I travel? I’ve pulled together my go-to travel gear in this post.
3. Stay Central in the CBD
One of my best Australia travel tips? Stay in the Central Business District (CBD) of both cities. These areas give you easy access to the best things to see and do without needing to rely heavily on transit.
- In Sydney, you’ll be close to the Harbour, Circular Quay, the Opera House, and The Rocks.
- In Melbourne, you’ll be right in the heart of laneways, cafes, galleries, and shopping streets.
Where We Stayed and Loved:
- Sydney: The Four Seasons — a short walk to everything we wanted to see and incredible hospitality.
- Melbourne: Lanson Place Parliament Gardens — spacious rooms with a washer and dryer, perfect for doing laundry midway through the trip.
4. Get Around Easily: Transportation TIPS
We packed a lot into each day—and luckily, getting around was seamless in both Sydney and Melbourne. Whether we were wandering through art-filled laneways, chasing ocean views, or hopping between attractions, transportation never felt like a hassle.
- Walk Everywhere: We averaged about 25,000 steps a day. The cities are incredibly walkable and full of unexpected moments, from street art to pop-up markets.
- Uber is Easy: Fast and convenient in both cities. We used it for airport transfers, longer distances (like Sydney to Bondi), and spontaneous detours.
- Use Public Transit: Get an Opal Card (Sydney) or Myki Card (Melbourne). In Melbourne, trams in the CBD are completely free. Download TripView (Sydney) or PTV (Melbourne) to stay on track.
- Take the Ferry: In Sydney, ferries are a form of public transport—with views to rival any sightseeing cruise. Try routes to Manly, Taronga Zoo, or Watsons Bay.
5. Book Popular Activities Early
Tours and experiences sell out, especially during peak months. We used Viator and GetYourGuide to compare prices and book ahead.
These Were our Favorite Tours:
- Harbour Sightseeing Cruise (Sydney): Do it your first afternoon. It helped us adjust to the time zone and see the skyline at golden hour.
- Walking Tour of The Rocks (Sydney): Great intro to the city’s history.
- Guided Night-Time Food Walking Tour (Melbourne): Schedule this early in your trip—you’ll get local recommendations that save you hours of restaurant research.
6. Savor the Food Scene
If you love to eat, you’re in for a treat. Australia’s food culture is vibrant, diverse, and a true highlight of any visit—especially in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, where global flavors meet fresh, local ingredients.
Whether you’re a foodie or just someone who loves a good meal, exploring the food scene is one of the most delicious ways to experience Australian culture.
- Sydney: Picture sunny brunches by the harbor, standout seafood caught that morning, and inventive Asian fusion that reflects the city’s rich multicultural influence.
- Melbourne: A haven for coffee lovers, creative chefs, and casual diners alike. You’ll find everything from Italian pasta served in cozy laneway trattorias to cutting-edge vegan fare and world-class bakeries. Don’t miss the Queen Victoria Market for local bites and artisanal treats.
- Dietary needs? Most menus are clearly marked with gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-friendly options, and staff are typically knowledgeable and accommodating.
Know Before You Go:
- Tipping is appreciated but not expected. A 10% tip for great service is generous.
- Expect small surcharges for paying by card or dining on holidays/weekends.
- We didn’t use cash once on our trip—contactless payment is the way to go, but if you need an ATM, plenty are available.
7. Know the Etiquette
Aussies are friendly, laid-back, and often up for a chat—don’t be surprised if a local strikes up a conversation while you’re waiting for coffee or exploring a neighborhood market. “Mate” is used often and genuinely, and while humor and sarcasm are common, it’s all in good fun.
We found people in both cities to be some of the warmest and most welcoming we’ve encountered on our travels. A little friendliness goes a long way here—so smile, say hello, and don’t be afraid to ask for a recommendation or two. Some of our favorite spots were thanks to spontaneous chats with locals.
8. Respect the Wildlife
When venturing beyond the cities, stay aware and respectful of local wildlife. Kangaroos, wallabies, and even emus can appear in the most unexpected places, especially in early morning or evening when animals are most active. Keep a safe distance, avoid feeding them, and always follow signage in parks and reserves. Australia takes conservation seriously—and a respectful encounter is part of what makes it so special.
- Pro Tip: The Sydney Wildlife Zoo in Darling Harbour is a compact, urban option if you don’t have time for a full-day excursion to the Taronga Zoo.
9. Be Realistic with Your Time
Australia is massive—roughly the size of the continental U.S.—and it takes time to get from one region to another. Don’t try to squeeze in too many cities or coastlines on your first visit.
Instead, focus on a few key places and savor the experience. Less rushing means more time to connect, relax, and actually enjoy the reason you came.
What Helped Us:
- Study the Map Ahead of Time: Knowing where things were helped us plan smarter days.
- Use Uber for Flexibility: While public transit is excellent, sometimes a quick ride saved time and energy.
- Leave Room for Serendipity: Some of our best experiences weren’t on the itinerary:
- Our Harbour Cruise guide’s offhand tip led us to skip Taronga Zoo and visit the smaller Sydney Wildlife Zoo—it was a perfect fit.
- We added Manly Beach to our day after hearing a rave review from a friendly driver. Worth it.
- Our Melbourne food tour host filled our trip with local-only recommendations—we didn’t Google a dinner spot once.
10. Remember—It’s All Opposite!
Things are flipped in the Southern Hemisphere—literally and figuratively. It might feel a little disorienting at first, but leaning into the novelty is part of the fun.
Whether it’s watching leaves fall in April or instinctively heading to the wrong side of the sidewalk, embracing the differences adds to the charm of traveling in Australia.
- Seasons: April is autumn. It was strange seeing leaves fall while our home was in spring bloom.
- Orientation: Walking and driving on the left takes adjustment. Even escalators move in reverse order.
- Navigation: Use Google Maps to get your bearings—it’s easy to feel turned around at first.
11. Stay Awake on Day One
Most long-haul flights from North America land in the morning, which means you’ll arrive bleary-eyed but with a full day ahead. Fighting jet lag is tough—but so worth it if you can push through. That first day sets the tone for your whole trip, and a little strategy makes all the difference.
How We Managed:
- Freshen Up: Ask to use the hotel gym or spa facilities if your room isn’t ready.
- Plan Something Light: Our late afternoon harbor cruise gave us something to commit to, fresh air, sunshine, and minimal effort.
- Coffee Helps: Australia takes its coffee culture seriously. Our orders: Flat White for me, Long Black for Dan.
A Land Down Under
This isn’t a full checklist—but these Australia travel tips will help you feel ready, relaxed, and open to all the unforgettable experiences Sydney and Melbourne have to offer.
Whether you’re hopping ferries across Sydney Harbour, sipping espresso in Melbourne laneways, or simply soaking in the laid-back Aussie vibe, your first trip is just the beginning. Take it from us: once you’ve had a taste of these two cities, you’ll already be dreaming about exploring more of this land down under.
With joy,
Bri
P.S. You didn’t think we were done, did you? Keep scrolling for FAQs and more Australia Travel TIps!
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Have questions about visiting Sydney or Melbourne, Australia? Here are some common ones!
