Australia travel guide for couples — honest advice on Melbourne, Sydney, Queensland, Tasmania and beyond. Street Eats and Window Seats explores Australian destinations, food experiences, road trips and travel tips for midlife travellers planning their next Australian adventure.
Australia
Big landscapes, great food, and cities unlike anywhere else on earth
We live in a small country town in Victoria Australia. We have barely scratched the surface of our own backyard. Australia is just so big and expensive. From the laneways and coffee culture of Melbourne to the harbour and beaches of Sydney, from the ancient red landscapes of the outback to the tropical reefs of Queensland — each part of the country feels completely different. This page pulls together everything we’ve written about Australia so far.
Australia’s size means the best time to visit depends on where you’re going. March–May and September–November are the best times for most of the country — mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer (December–February) is best for the south but brutal in the north. The tropical north is best visited during the dry season (May–October).
Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa before arriving — both are applied for online and are generally straightforward to obtain. Citizens of New Zealand do not need a visa. Always check the current requirements for your specific nationality on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
Australia is largely card and contactless — you can tap and pay almost everywhere. Cash is still used and accepted everywhere and some places offer a discount for using it. ATMs are widely available. Tipping is not expected in Australia but is appreciated for good service. The Australian Dollar (AUD) is the official currency.
Australia has good mobile coverage in cities and major towns but coverage can be patchy in remote and rural areas. The major carriers are Telstra, Optus and Vodafone — Telstra has the best regional coverage. Tourist SIM cards are available at airports and convenience stores. A Saily eSIM is a convenient option before you arrive.
Australia is a big country and distances between cities are vast. Domestic flights are the most practical way to travel between states — you can pick up cheap flights with Jetstar and Virgin Australia. In capital cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane etc. you will find good public transport options — in smaller towns not so much. Uber operates in all major cities.
Australians are famously friendly and laid back. Sun protection is essential — UV levels are extremely high even on overcast days. Always swim between the flags at patrolled beaches. If venturing into the outback, tell someone your plans. Speed cameras are everywhere — keep an eye on your speed at all times. Tipping is not customary but rounding up is always welcome.