Explore Australia

Discover breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities and unforgettable experiences across the stunning Australian continent.

Australia Facts

Location: Australia is a vast country and continent located in the Southern Hemisphere, bordered by the Indian Ocean to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. It comprises six states and two territories, with notable cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. The Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's most famous natural wonders, is located off the northeast coast of Queensland.

Time in Australia: Australia has multiple time zones across its regions. The main zones are Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), which is UTC +10 hours, and Australian Central Standard Time (ACST), which is UTC +9.5 hours. During daylight saving time, which typically runs from the first Sunday in October to the first Sunday in April, clocks are set forward one hour in states that observe it, such as New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.

Currency: The official currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD).

Explore Australia: A 14-Day Journey

14-Day Budget Australia Itinerary: Exploring Sights, Shopping, Food and Adventure

Australia is a vast, diverse country filled with breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities and unique wildlife. A 14-day trip can offer an incredible mix of experiences, from iconic cityscapes to stunning coastlines. This budget-friendly itinerary is designed to help you make the most of Australia’s attractions, food, shopping and activities while keeping costs manageable.

Day 1-3: Sydney - The Iconic Start

Start your adventure in Sydney, one of Australia’s most famous cities.

  • Accommodation: Budget-friendly hostels or Airbnb options in central areas like Surry Hills or Darlinghurst will allow you to stay close to the city’s main attractions.

  • Sights to explore: The Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge are must-sees, and both are free to view from the stunning Circular Quay. Take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden, or hike up to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair for some of the best views of the city.

  • Shopping: Visit Paddy’s Market in Haymarket for affordable souvenirs, clothes, and local goods. If you're a fan of window shopping, stroll through The Rocks Markets for artisanal crafts.

  • Food: Dine on a budget by grabbing delicious and cheap eats in Chinatown or heading to The Grounds of Alexandria for trendy but affordable café fare. Also, food courts in shopping malls like Westfield Sydney offer inexpensive, quality meals.

  • Activities: Take the ferry to Manly Beach for a day of sun and surf, or hop on a Coogee to Bondi Beach coastal walk, which is free and offers spectacular ocean views.

Day 4-6: Melbourne - Culture and Charm

Next, head to Melbourne, the cultural capital of Australia.

  • Accommodation: Opt for budget stays in the CBD or nearby neighborhoods like Fitzroy or St. Kilda. Hostels and budget hotels abound.

  • Sights to explore: Wander the Laneways of Melbourne, famous for street art and cool coffee shops, or visit the National Gallery of Victoria (free entry). Don't miss a walk through Fitzroy Gardens to see Captain Cook’s Cottage.

  • Shopping: Explore Queen Victoria Market for affordable clothing, souvenirs, and fresh produce. Chapel Street in South Yarra also offers a mix of high-end stores and budget options.

  • Food: Melbourne’s diverse culinary scene offers plenty of budget-friendly options. Grab a coffee in Degraves Street, or enjoy a cheap but delicious meal in Lygon Street (known for its Italian food). Don’t miss the food trucks scattered around the city!

  • Activities: Take a day trip to the Great Ocean Road, where carpooling or budget bus tours can make this iconic drive affordable. Alternatively, head to St. Kilda Beach to relax by the shore or watch the fairy penguins at sunset – free of charge!

Day 7-9: Cairns - Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef

Fly to Cairns, the gateway to some of Australia’s most famous natural wonders.

  • Accommodation: Cairns has several budget hostels and motels that cater to backpackers and budget travelers.

  • Sights to explore: Cairns is the perfect place to book a budget tour to explore the Great Barrier Reef (some tours start at AUD 100). You can also visit the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon for a relaxing (and free) day of sunbathing and swimming.

  • Shopping: Visit Rusty’s Market for local produce, handmade crafts, and affordable snacks.

  • Food: Grab budget meals at Cairns Night Markets, where local vendors offer a variety of street food.

  • Activities: Head up to Kuranda on the scenic railway or rent a car to explore nearby waterfalls like Barron Falls and Mossman Gorge. Many hiking trails around Cairns are free, offering incredible views of tropical forests.

Day 10-11: Brisbane - City and River Fun

Next up is Brisbane, a laid-back city offering riverfront parks and art galleries.

  • Accommodation: Stay at hostels in South Bank or Fortitude Valley for budget options with easy access to the city.

  • Sights to explore: Take a walk through South Bank Parklands, home to free swimming lagoons and lush gardens. You can also visit The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), both of which offer free entry.

  • Shopping: Visit Queen Street Mall for high-street shopping, or check out Fortitude Valley Markets for vintage finds.

  • Food: Check out the affordable food scene at Eat Street Northshore, a bustling outdoor market with international street food. Alternatively, explore West End for budget cafes and eclectic eateries.

  • Activities: Walk or rent a bike along the Brisbane River, or take the free CityHopper ferry to explore the sights along the riverbanks.

Day 12-14: Gold Coast - Beaches and Relaxation

End your journey on the famous Gold Coast, where beaches meet skyscrapers.

  • Accommodation: Affordable hostels and budget hotels are available in Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach.

  • Sights to explore: Spend your days lounging on Surfers Paradise Beach or venture to Burleigh Heads for scenic hikes and pristine beaches. The Gold Coast Hinterland offers plenty of free national park walks with waterfalls and wildlife.

  • Shopping: Explore Pacific Fair or Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre for discounted brands.

  • Food: Grab inexpensive eats at Miami Marketta, a lively street food market with a range of international cuisines.

  • Activities: You can enjoy free live music events or explore local art galleries, or if you have room in your budget, consider visiting Dreamworld or Sea World amusement parks.

Australia on a budget is achievable with thoughtful planning. By choosing budget accommodations, taking advantage of free activities and being savvy with food and shopping, you can experience the beauty, adventure and charm of the country - and fall in love!

Festivals Not To Miss in New South Wales

Experience the vibrant culture of New South Wales through its must-see festivals. From lively music events to rich cultural celebrations, these festivals showcase the true spirit of NSW

Byron Bay Blues Fest : New South Wales

Immerse yourself in the soulful rhythms of the Byron Bay Bluesfest, Australia’s premier music festival where world-class blues and rock artists come together for an unforgettable experience.

Sydney Mardi Gras

Celebrate diversity and love at the iconic Sydney Mardi Gras, a dazzling display of pride, color and inclusivity that lights up the city with unforgettable parades and parties.

Vivid : Sydney

Experience the magic of Sydney Vivid Festival, where the city comes alive with dazzling light displays, captivating music performances, and cutting-edge art installations.

Vivid Festival in SydneyVivid Festival in Sydney
Sydney Mardi GrasSydney Mardi Gras
Byron BayByron Bay

Australia's Weather and Seasons

Australia experiences four distinct seasons, each offering unique opportunities for exploration:

Summer (December to February) is warm to hot, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), perfect for beach outings, surfing, and outdoor festivals. However, northern Australia can be humid with tropical storms during this time.

Autumn (March to May) and Spring (September to November) bring mild temperatures between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making them ideal seasons for outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife viewing.

Winter (June to August) in southern Australia sees cooler temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), with opportunities for skiing in the Snowy Mountains.

To determine the best time to visit, consider both the weather and your budget. Summer is peak travel season, especially for coastal regions, leading to higher prices and larger crowds. For a more budget-friendly trip, visit in the shoulder seasons of autumn and spring, when you can still enjoy pleasant weather and fewer tourists. Keep an eye on local weather forecasts and tide charts, especially if you're planning outdoor activities like surfing or exploring national parks.