Travelling to Australia
Australia is a continent of contrasts — glittering harbour cities, world-famous reefs, vast red deserts and a relaxed outdoor lifestyle that Britons find instantly welcoming.
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Why you should travel to Australia
- Iconic sights — the Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru in one trip.
- Outdoor-first lifestyle — beaches, barbecue culture and endless blue skies.
- Welcoming for Britons — no language barrier, familiar culture and a shared sense of humour.
- Epic road trips — the Great Ocean Road and coastal drives rank among the world's best.
Where to go & things to do
The places worth your time when you fly out to Australia.
Sydney
Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach and the ferry ride across the harbour.
Melbourne
Laneway cafés, street art, sport culture and the Great Ocean Road gateway.
Great Barrier Reef
Snorkel and dive the world's largest reef system from Cairns or the Whitsundays.
Uluru & the Outback
The sacred red monolith and desert landscapes best seen at sunrise and sunset.
Brisbane & the Gold Coast
Sunshine state beaches, theme parks and family-friendly national parks.
Life in Australia
- The pace is relaxed with a strong work-life balance — the weekend begins on Friday at the beach.
- The cost of living is generally higher than the UK, especially for housing in Sydney and Melbourne.
- Distances are huge; domestic flights and overnight coach trips are part of everyday travel.
- Australians are famously friendly and direct — tipping is less expected than in the US, and service is warm.
Popular flights
Frequently asked questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Australia?
Yes. British citizens need an Australian visa before travel. Most tourists apply for the eVisitor visa (subclass 651), which is free and processed online, allowing stays up to three months.
How long is the flight from London to Sydney?
Flights from London to Sydney take around 22–24 hours. There are no direct services; most itineraries connect through Doha, Dubai or Singapore, and a stopover helps break up the journey.
When is the best time to visit Australia?
September–November and March–May offer mild weather across the south and are ideal all-round. December–February is hot and holiday-busy; winter (June–August) is great year for the Reef and the tropics.
What currency is used in Australia?
The Australian dollar (AUD). Card and contactless payments are used almost everywhere, and cash is rarely essential.