Discover Australia

The Journal

Answers to the questions everyone asks before a trip to Australia, researched from official sources and updated for 2027.

PlanningRegionsSafetyWildlifeCulture
A forested Whitsunday island ringed by white sand and turquoise water, seen from the air6 min read
Planning · Weather

Best Time to Visit Australia: A Month-by-Month Guide for 2027

Wet and dry seasons in the north, stinger and whale months, school holidays and when the crowds and prices peak.

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Discover Sea Turtles cover
The wildlife series · Coming 2027

Discover Sea Turtles

Everything about Australia's sea turtles: where they live, where they nest and how to see them without disturbing them.

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The Great Barrier Reef seen from the window of a scenic flight7 min read
Great Barrier Reef · Map

Great Barrier Reef Map: Where It Is, How Big It Is and Its Main Regions (2027)

Where the reef lies, how big it is, its four regions and gateway towns, how far offshore it sits, and the Coral Sea.

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Swirling white sand and turquoise water at Whitehaven Beach from above7 min read
Great Barrier Reef · When to go

Best Time to Visit the Great Barrier Reef: Month-by-Month Guide (2027)

Dry season trade-offs, stinger and cyclone months, minke whales, turtles, coral spawning and school holidays, month by month.

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Rainforest-covered ranges and a river valley near Cairns from the air7 min read
Great Barrier Reef · Where to stay

Cairns vs Port Douglas vs Airlie Beach: Best Base for the Great Barrier Reef (2027)

Flights, outer reef boat times, beaches, stingers, the Daintree and prices: which reef town suits your trip.

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Heart Reef on the Great Barrier Reef from the air7 min read
Great Barrier Reef · Islands

The Best Great Barrier Reef Islands to Visit or Stay On (2027)

Coral cays or continental islands? 14 reef islands to stay on or visit, from A$7.75 campsites to Lizard Island.

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An outer reef edge running out towards the open ocean11 min read
Great Barrier Reef · Far North

The Far North Great Barrier Reef: Ribbon Reefs, Cod Hole, Lizard Island & Osprey Reef

Liveaboards to the Ribbon Reefs, Cod Hole and Osprey Reef, minke whale swims, and how to stay or camp on Lizard Island.

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A snorkeller diving down over a shallow coral reef9 min read
Great Barrier Reef · Port Douglas

Port Douglas Reef Guide: Agincourt, Opal Reef, Low Isles & Mackay Reef (2027)

Agincourt, Opal Reef, Low Isles and Mackay Reef from Cape Tribulation: boat times, prices, who each trip suits and when to go.

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A surgeonfish over hard and soft corals in shallow water8 min read
Great Barrier Reef · Cairns

Cairns Reef Guide: Green Island, Fitzroy Island and the Outer Reef (2027)

Green Island, Fitzroy Island, Michaelmas Cay and the outer reef pontoons mapped: which Cairns reef trip suits you, with fares and stinger tips.

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A sea turtle gliding over sand and reef8 min read
Great Barrier Reef · Mission Beach & Townsville

Mission Beach to Townsville: Magnetic Island, the SS Yongala and the Quiet Reef (2027)

Beaver Reef, Orpheus Island, the Coral Greenhouse, Magnetic Island's snorkel trails and the SS Yongala wreck: the quiet reef, mapped.

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Swirling white sand and turquoise shallows at Hill Inlet on Whitsunday Island9 min read
Great Barrier Reef · Whitsundays

The Whitsundays Reef Guide: Heart Reef, Hardy Reef and the Best Snorkel Bays (2027)

Hardy Reef pontoon, Bait Reef's Stepping Stones and the best island snorkel bays: which Whitsundays reef trip suits you.

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A manta ray swimming near the surface, seen from above10 min read
Great Barrier Reef · Southern Reef

The Southern Great Barrier Reef: Lady Elliot, Heron & Lady Musgrave Islands

Fly to Lady Elliot's mantas, ferry to Heron, snorkel Lady Musgrave's lagoon: four southern reef sites mapped, with prices and seasons.

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Hard corals and fish on a shallow Australian reef6 min read
Great Barrier Reef · Bleaching

The 2024 Great Barrier Reef Bleaching Explained, With Maps (2027)

Two heat maps, 2010 vs 2024: how to read them, how 2024 compared with past events, what died and what you see now.

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Reef fish over coral below sunlit water6 min read
Great Barrier Reef · Reef health

Is the Great Barrier Reef Dying? What the Latest Data Shows (2027)

Not dead, not fine: what AIMS surveys, the 2024-25 bleaching and UNESCO decisions really say about the reef.

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Perth's city skyline seen from above7 min read
Cities · Perth

20 Best Things to Do in Perth: Rottnest, Fremantle and Beaches (2027)

Rottnest quokkas, Fremantle Prison, Kings Park and Cottesloe: 20 things to do in Perth, with ferry fares and a 3-day plan.

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Brisbane's Story Bridge lit up at night over the Brisbane River7 min read
Cities · Queensland

Brisbane and the Gold Coast: Best Things to Do and How to Combine Them (2027)

South Bank, Lone Pine, CityCats, Surfers Paradise, Burleigh and the hinterland, plus 50c trains linking the two.

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Byron Bay's coastline and beaches seen from a headland6 min read
Beaches · Byron Bay

Byron Bay Guide: Cape Byron, Beaches and Things to Do (2027)

Cape Byron lighthouse walk, whale season, which beaches are patrolled, Julian Rocks diving and hinterland day trips.

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The Three Sisters above the Jamison Valley in the Blue Mountains7 min read
Nature · Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney: Three Sisters, Walks and Tips (2027)

Trains to Katoomba, the Three Sisters, Scenic World, walk grades, track closures and when to go for a Blue Mountains day trip.

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A whale shark swimming in open blue water7 min read
Ocean · Ningaloo

Exmouth and Ningaloo Travel Guide: Whale Sharks, Cape Range and Coral Bay (2027)

Flights or the 1,250 km drive, Exmouth vs Coral Bay, whale shark season and prices, Cape Range camping and when to go.

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The striped beehive domes of the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park7 min read
Outback · Kimberley

Broome and the Kimberley: Cable Beach, the Gibb River Road and When to Go (2027)

Cable Beach, Staircase to the Moon, the Gibb River Road and the Bungle Bungles: seasons, 4WD access and what's open.

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Limestone cliffs and turquoise surf on the Kangaroo Island coast7 min read
Regions · South Australia

Adelaide and Kangaroo Island: Wine, Wildlife and a 5-Day Plan (2027)

Adelaide's market and festivals, Barossa and McLaren Vale wine, the Kangaroo Island ferry, Flinders Chase, Seal Bay and a 5-day plan.

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The rocky coast at Yallingup in the Margaret River region6 min read
Regions · Western Australia

Margaret River Region Guide: Wineries, Caves, Surf and Busselton Jetty (2027)

About 100 cellar doors, four show caves, Busselton Jetty, Surfers Point and the Cape to Cape Track, with whale season.

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Red ranges rising above the plains of Central Australia7 min read
Outback · Alice Springs

Alice Springs Guide: Things to Do, West MacDonnell Ranges and Getting to Uluru (2027)

Desert Park, Todd Mall art, West MacDonnell gorges, Parrtjima 2027 and the drives to Kings Canyon and Uluru.

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The 90 Mile Straight road sign on the Eyre Highway across the Nullarbor7 min read
Road trips · Australia

The 10 Best Road Trips in Australia, With Distances and Days Needed (2027)

Ten classic drives with real distances, days needed, best seasons and which ones need a 4WD.

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The Sydney Opera House on the water at Bennelong Point7 min read
Cities · Sydney

25 Best Things to Do in Sydney: A First-Timer's Guide (2027)

Opera House, Manly ferry, Bondi to Coogee and the Blue Mountains: 25 top Sydney sights, free things, Opal fares and a 3-day plan.

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The Twelve Apostles rising from the Southern Ocean7 min read
Road trips · Victoria

Great Ocean Road Guide: Itinerary, Twelve Apostles and Best Stops (2027)

Best stops in order, how many days you need, new Twelve Apostles bookings, day trips from Melbourne and driving tips.

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Uluru rising above golden grassland in the Red Centre7 min read
Outback · Uluru

Best Time to Visit Uluru: Weather, Crowds and Month-by-Month Guide (2027)

Month-by-month weather, heat closures, flies, sunrise spots, park passes and how many days you need at Uluru.

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Melbourne's skyline and Princes Bridge reflected in the Yarra River at dusk7 min read
Cities · Melbourne

25 Best Things to Do in Melbourne: Laneways, Food and Day Trips (2027)

Laneways, coffee, free galleries, St Kilda's penguins and the best day trips, with prices and a 3-day plan.

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Hill Inlet and the white sand of the Whitsundays from the air7 min read
Islands · Whitsundays

Whitsundays Guide: Whitehaven Beach, Sailing and How to Visit (2027)

Whitehaven and Hill Inlet tides, Airlie vs Hamilton Island, sailing, Heart Reef, island camping and shark safety.

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Wineglass Bay and the Freycinet mountains from above7 min read
Road trips · Tasmania

Tasmania Itinerary: 7, 10 and 14 Days Around the Island (2027)

Three Tasmania road-trip loops for 7, 10 and 14 days, with real drive times, the parks pass and the best season.

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A large saltwater crocodile swimming in Queensland7 min read
Outback · Kakadu

Kakadu National Park Guide: Best Things to Do, Seasons and Safety (2027)

Ubirr, Yellow Water and Gunlom, the six Bininj/Mungguy seasons, park pass prices and staying Crocwise in Kakadu.

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A rainforest creek tumbling over boulders in Daintree National Park7 min read
Nature · Daintree

Daintree Rainforest Guide: Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge and How to Visit (2027)

The river ferry, Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation boardwalks, croc and cassowary safety, and when to go.

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A wongari (dingo) walking along the beach on K'gari7 min read
Islands · K'gari

K'gari (Fraser Island) Guide: 4WD, Lake McKenzie, Dingo Safety and Tours (2027)

Barges, permits, beach driving rules, Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek and dingo safety on the world's largest sand island.

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A long straight highway across the Australian outback7 min read
Planning · Driving

Driving in Australia as a Tourist: Licence, Road Rules and Outback Tips (2027)

State-by-state licence rules, IDPs, road rules, tolls, rental fine print, real distances and outback safety.

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Uluru rising above the grassland of the Red Centre6 min read
Culture · First Nations

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples: An Introduction for Visitors (2027)

Who First Nations peoples are, 65,000+ years on Country, 250+ languages, history since 1788, and how to visit respectfully.

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The red domes of Kata Tjuta rising above golden spinifex grassland6 min read
Culture · The Dreaming

What Is the Dreaming? Aboriginal Dreamtime Stories Explained (2027)

Why many avoid "Dreamtime", what Tjukurpa and songlines mean, who may tell Dreaming stories and where to learn on Country.

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Uluru glowing red above the grasslands of the Red Centre7 min read
Culture · Art

Aboriginal Art: Dot Painting, Rock Art and Where to See It (2027)

Dot painting, x-ray and rock art explained, where to see it from Kakadu to Murujuga, and how to buy it ethically.

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The red domes of Kata Tjuta above the desert in the Northern Territory7 min read
Culture · Experiences

Aboriginal Cultural Tours in Australia: 12 Experiences Led by Traditional Owners (2027)

12 First Nations-led tours from Uluru and Kakadu to Budj Bim and wukalina, with costs and etiquette.

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Tall eucalyptus trees in a Victorian forest6 min read
Culture · Etiquette

Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country Explained (2027)

What a Welcome to Country is, how it differs from an Acknowledgement, where it began, and what visitors should do.

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A row of historic terrace buildings in Sydney7 min read
History · Overview

A Short History of Australia: From 65,000 Years Ago to Today (2027)

From at least 65,000 years of First Nations history to the First Fleet, gold, Federation, the wars and modern Australia.

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The Sydney Harbour Bridge and city lights at night6 min read
History · 1770 and 1788

Captain Cook and the First Fleet: How British Colonisation of Australia Began (2027)

Cook at Kamay in 1770, the First Fleet's 11 ships, 26 January 1788, Eora resistance, Mabo and where to see it all.

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Sandstone ruins at the Port Arthur Historic Site in Tasmania7 min read
History · Convicts

Australia's Convict History: The 11 World Heritage Convict Sites and How to Visit (2027)

Why Britain shipped 166,000 convicts to Australia, what life was like, and how to visit all 11 World Heritage convict sites.

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The Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne at golden hour7 min read
History · ANZAC

ANZAC Day Explained: Gallipoli, the Dawn Service and What Visitors Should Know (2027)

What ANZAC Day marks, what happened at Gallipoli, what to expect at a dawn service and where visitors can attend.

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The Aboriginal and Australian flags flying above the Sydney Opera House7 min read
History · 26 January

Why Is Australia Day on 26 January? History, Debate and What Happens on the Day (2027)

Why 26 January, the 1938 Day of Mourning, Invasion Day and Survival Day, what polls show and what visitors see on the day.

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Limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road7 min read
Planning · Visas

Do You Need a Visa for Australia? ETA vs eVisitor Explained (2027)

ETA or eVisitor? Who needs which, how to apply, the A$20 ETA charge, 3-month stays, work rules and scam sites to avoid.

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The Gold Coast skyline above a busy surf beach6 min read
Planning · Budget

How Much Does a Trip to Australia Cost? A 2027 Budget Guide

Daily budgets in A$, plus real prices for transport, park passes, reef trips, visas, GST refunds and tipping.

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A saltwater crocodile resting on a sandy riverbank in the Daintree7 min read
Safety · Wildlife

Dangerous Animals in Australia: The Real Risks and How to Stay Safe (2027)

Crocodiles, stingers, sharks, snakes and spiders: the real risks, where they live, and official first aid to know.

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A koala climbing between eucalyptus trunks6 min read
Wildlife · Koalas

Where to See Koalas in Australia: Wild Spots and Ethical Sanctuaries (2027)

Kennett River, Magnetic Island, Lone Pine and Port Stephens: where to see wild koalas, the best sanctuaries and the rules.

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Reef fish over coral below sunlit water7 min read
Ocean · Reef trips

How to Choose a Great Barrier Reef Tour: Outer Reef, Islands and Liveaboards (2027)

Outer reef, island or liveaboard? Where to go from, pontoon vs boat, intro dives, stinger season, prices and what to ask.

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A surfer riding a wave at Bondi Beach6 min read
Ocean · Surf guide

Where to Surf in Australia: 32 Breaks for Beginners to Experts

Bells Beach, Snapper Rocks, Noosa, Byron Bay and Margaret River: 32 breaks by level and season, plus the best beginner waves.

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White silica sand and turquoise water at Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays5 min read
Beaches · Beach guide

The Best Beaches in Australia: Whitehaven, Bondi, Cable Beach and More

Whitehaven, Bondi, Noosa, Cable Beach and Wineglass Bay: the best beaches, which are patrolled, and which to only look at.

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Swimmers between the flags at Palm Beach5 min read
Beaches · Family travel

The Safest Beaches in Australia for Families and Kids

Calm patrolled beaches, ocean pools and netted swimming spots for kids, the beaches to avoid, and the golden rules.

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Cradle Mountain above Dove Lake and its old boatshed7 min read
Nature · Hiking maps

Tasmania Hiking Trails: the Overland Track, Cradle Mountain and 14 Top Walks

The Overland Track, Dove Lake, Wineglass Bay and the Three Capes: 14 Tasmanian walks with grades, bookings and fees.

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Bondi Icebergs ocean pool from the air, with waves breaking over the wall6 min read
Nature · Hiking maps

Sydney Coastal Walks: Bondi to Coogee, the Blue Mountains and 12 Top Trails

Bondi to Coogee, Spit to Manly, the Three Sisters and the Royal National Park: 12 walks in and around Sydney.

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Rainforest-covered ranges and a river valley near Cairns from the air7 min read
Nature · Hiking maps

Queensland Rainforest Walks: Mossman Gorge, Lamington and 14 Trails, Daintree to K'gari

Mossman Gorge, the Daintree, Lamington and K'gari: 14 rainforest and island walks, from short boardwalks to multi-day treks.

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The red domes of Kata Tjuta rising above golden spinifex grassland6 min read
Nature · Hiking maps

Red Centre Walks: Uluru, Kings Canyon, the Larapinta and 14 Top Trails

The Uluru base walk, Valley of the Winds, the Kings Canyon Rim and the Larapinta: 14 walks, with heat rules and passes.

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Clear blue water over a shallow reef, seen from the air5 min read
Ocean · Ocean swims

The Rottnest Channel Swim: 19.7 km from Cottesloe to Rottnest

19.7 km from Cottesloe to Rottnest: the history, the records, why it is so tough, and more famous Australian ocean swims.

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Heart Reef on the Great Barrier Reef seen from the air6 min read
Ocean · Dive & snorkel maps

Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling and Diving: Yongala and 17 Sites Mapped

The outer reef, the Whitsundays, Lady Elliot, the Cod Hole and the SS Yongala: where to snorkel and dive on the reef.

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A snorkeller swimming alongside a whale shark in deep blue water6 min read
Ocean · Dive & snorkel maps

Ningaloo Reef Snorkelling and Diving: Whale Sharks and 14 Sites Mapped

Whale sharks, mantas, Turquoise Bay and Coral Bay: the best Ningaloo snorkel and dive sites, with the season for each.

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The Great Barrier Reef seen from the window of a scenic flight5 min read
Ocean · Coral reefs

The Great Barrier Reef and Mass Bleaching: What Happened and How to Help

How marine heatwaves bleached the Great Barrier Reef, what the surveys found, and how visitors can help it recover.

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Heart Reef and the surrounding coral of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park from the air5 min read
Ocean · Conservation

Where the Ocean Is Protected: Australia's Marine Parks Explained

Green zones, sanctuary zones and marine parks: where fishing is limited, what the rules mean, and why the best reefs are inside.

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Uluru rising above the grassland and red earth of the Red Centre5 min read
Nature · Outback

One Rock, Many Stories: Uluru, Kata Tjuta and the Red Centre Explained

How Uluru and Kata Tjuta formed, what Tjukurpa means to Anangu, why the climb closed, and how to plan your visit.

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A diver descending beside a reef wall with sunlight breaking through the surface6 min read
Ocean · Dive & snorkel maps

Sydney Snorkelling and Diving: 15 Best Sites on One Map

Shelly Beach, Gordons Bay, Bare Island and Fish Rock: the best snorkel and dive sites around Sydney and the NSW coast.

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An eagle ray gliding over a sandy seabed6 min read
Ocean · Dive & snorkel maps

Tasmania Snorkelling and Diving: 18 Sites Mapped, Plus the Kent Group

Kelp forests, weedy seadragons and the Bicheno reefs: the best cold-water snorkel and dive sites in Tasmania.

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Turquoise water and white sand at Hill Inlet in the Whitsundays6 min read
Planning · Regions

Where Should You Go in Australia? NSW vs Queensland vs the NT vs WA

NSW, Queensland, the Outback, Tasmania or the West? How each region feels, who it suits and how to combine two.

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The 90 Mile Straight sign on the Eyre Highway across the Nullarbor6 min read
Planning · Itineraries

How Many Days Do You Need in Australia? Sample Itineraries for 10 Days, 2 Weeks and 3 Weeks

Region-by-region minimums, sample 10-day, 2-week and 3-week itineraries, real distances and the bookings to make before you fly.

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The Twelve Apostles limestone stacks along the Great Ocean Road6 min read
Planning · Reservations

Australia Bookings: The Places and Permits You Must Book Ahead (2027)

The Overland Track, BridgeClimb, Uluru tours and reef trips: the things that sell out, where to book and how far ahead.

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A patrolled surf beach on the Gold Coast with the city skyline behind6 min read
Safety · Ocean

Is It Safe to Swim in Australia? Ocean Safety for Visitors

Red and yellow flags, rip currents, stingers, sharks and crocodiles: the official ocean safety basics every visitor should know.

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A green sea turtle swimming in clear blue water6 min read
Wildlife · Sea turtles

Where to See Sea Turtles in Australia (and How to Do It Right)

Mon Repos, Lady Elliot, Heron Island and Ningaloo: where to see turtles, when they nest, and the rules that keep them safe.

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Uluru rising above the grassland and red earth of the Red Centre6 min read
Culture · Etiquette

Visiting Australia Respectfully: Culture, Country and the Rules Visitors Should Know

Country, sacred sites, Uluru, wildlife and biosecurity: the cultural basics and rules every visitor to Australia should know.

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