Your Australian
Travel Companion

Australia spans 7.7 million square kilometres across six states and two territories, making it the sixth-largest country by land area. From the tropical rainforests of Far North Queensland to the snow-capped peaks of the Victorian Alps, the red deserts of the Outback to the white-sand coastline stretching over 36,000 km, the diversity of landscape is unmatched. Whether you are driving the Great Ocean Road, exploring the Kimberley, or island-hopping through the Whitsundays, every region delivers a distinct character and set of experiences.

When to Visit

Australia's seasons are reversed compared to the Northern Hemisphere. Summer runs December to February, autumn March to May, winter June to August, and spring September to November. The best time to visit depends on where you are heading. The tropical north (Queensland, Northern Territory, northern Western Australia) is best visited during the dry season from May to October, when humidity drops and roads are passable. Southern states like Victoria, Tasmania, and southern New South Wales are ideal from October to April, when temperatures are warm enough for camping and hiking. The Red Centre around Alice Springs and Uluru is most comfortable between April and September, when daytime temperatures are mild rather than extreme.

Getting Around

Driving is the most popular way to experience Australia, especially for touring and camping holidays. The country has a well-maintained network of sealed highways connecting major cities, plus thousands of kilometres of unsealed roads leading to remote campsites, 4WD tracks, and national parks. Distances between towns can be significant — Sydney to Melbourne is around 880 km, Brisbane to Cairns roughly 1,700 km, and Perth to Broome over 2,200 km. Fuel stops, rest areas, and service centres are spaced along major routes, but planning ahead is essential on remote stretches. Check our state-by-state driving rules before hitting the road, as speed limits, licence requirements, and road rules vary between jurisdictions.

Camping and Caravanning

Australia has one of the strongest camping cultures in the world. With over 9,624 campsites listed on Touringuide — from free bush camps on Crown land to fully powered caravan parks with pools and camp kitchens — there is an option for every budget and comfort level. Dump points for grey and black water are found at most towns and many rest stops, and we list 1,365 across the country. If you are towing a caravan, use our weight calculator to check ATM, GVM, and GCM compliance before you leave, and the Tow Match tool to find the right tow vehicle for your setup.

Hiking and Outdoor Activities

Australia offers over 22,607 walking and hiking trails, ranging from short nature loops in suburban bushland to multi-day treks through wilderness. Iconic long-distance trails include the Overland Track in Tasmania, the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory, and the Great North Walk from Sydney to Newcastle. Beyond hiking, you can explore 939 attractions from wildlife sanctuaries to historic sites, tee off at 1,362 golf courses, visit 1,100 wineries across renowned regions like the Barossa Valley, Margaret River, and Hunter Valley, or find 2,383 playgrounds and family-friendly stops along your route.

Practical Tips

• Sun protection — Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world. Wear SPF 50+ sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses year-round, even on overcast days.
• Water — Carry more water than you think you need, particularly in remote areas. A minimum of 5 litres per person per day is recommended for Outback travel.
• Wildlife on roads — Kangaroos, wombats, and emus are most active at dawn and dusk. Avoid driving in rural areas during these times where possible, and fit a bullbar if travelling remote routes.
• Mobile coverage — Coverage drops off quickly outside cities and major highways. Download offline maps and let someone know your route before heading into remote areas.
• Fire safety — Check fire bans before lighting campfires. Total fire ban days are strictly enforced, with heavy penalties for non-compliance.
• Toilets and facilities — We list 24,367 public toilets across the country, including accessibility information and opening hours where available.

Planning Your Trip

Use our AI-powered trip planner to build a custom itinerary. Add any place from our database as a stop, get suggestions for places you might have missed, and share your route with travel companions. Browse destinations by state to narrow down your options, or read our travel blog for destination guides, gear reviews, and road trip inspiration.