What to do in Australia: beaches, outback and creativity-fueled cities 🌏🇦🇺

It's impossible to get bored in Australia. Between almost infinite beaches, glowing red deserts, millennia-old rainforests and cities with a keen sense of brunch, the continent-country accumulates superlatives without losing its sense of hospitality. This guide helps you build a balanced, smart and easy-to-live trip, with concrete focus on connectivity and good reflexes on site. For practical information, available data offers and an overview, check out our page dedicated to Australia.

Australia is immense. Distances are counted in hours, sometimes days, and climates change quickly from one region to another. Summer (December to February) can be very hot in the south, with bushfire risks, while the wet season hits the tropical north (Cairns, Darwin) between November and April. Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) often offer the best weather balance for combining multiple regions in one trip.

Quick tip

For the Great Barrier Reef and the Top End (Darwin, Kakadu), favor the dry season, from May to October. In the south (Sydney, Melbourne, Tasmania), spring and autumn are ideal for hiking and enjoying cafe culture without heatwaves.

Formality-wise, check visa conditions in advance (ETA or eVisitor depending on your nationality). Driving is on the left, speed checks are frequent and distances deceptive. Finally, the country is very cashless: contactless cards work everywhere, even on buses or for a "flat white" coffee around the corner.

Sydney and New South Wales

Sydney pleases everyone. The Opera House and Harbour Bridge sign the postcard, but the city is lived mostly outdoors. Walk from Bondi to Coogee along the coastal trail at sunrise, take a dip in an ocean pool, climb to Watsons Bay for fish & chips with a view, and head to Manly by ferry for a change of atmosphere. Foodies will fall for the Carriageworks markets and Asian restaurants in Haymarket and Surry Hills neighborhoods.

Outside the city, in two or three days, discover the Blue Mountains (moors, waterfalls, breathtaking panoramas, notably at Wentworth Falls). Further south, the Jervis Bay region unfolds almost fluorescent white sand beaches, perfect for swimming with dolphins in the wild.

Melbourne, Great Ocean Road and cafe culture

In Melbourne, you move from a street art-covered alley to a restaurant table with accents from around the world, then to a stadium to watch footy finals. The city is a creative capital, softer than Sydney, easy to love. Head to Fitzroy for thrift stores and indie scene, St Kilda for sunset, and museums (NGV, ACMI) for a dose of culture.

The queen excursion remains the Great Ocean Road. Rent a car and drive from Anglesea to the Twelve Apostles, accumulating hidden bays, koalas perched in the eucalyptus of Kennett River, and cliffs gilded by the setting sun. If you have time, push to Grampians National Park for hikes and kangaroos at dawn.

Practical tip

Parking at the most popular viewpoints (Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge) fills up quickly. Aim for sunrise or sunset for fewer crowds and perfect light.

Queensland: Great Barrier Reef, Whitsundays and rainforests

In Cairns, Palm Cove or Port Douglas, sea and forest hold hands. Go snorkeling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef with a responsible operator, explore the Daintree Rainforest, the world's oldest tropical forest, and cross the Daintree River to reach Cape Tribulation, where jungle kisses beach.

Further south, the Whitsunday Islands offer surreal panoramas of sandbars and azure waters. Whitehaven Beach is one of the country's most beautiful beaches. Airlie Beach serves as the ideal base for a day cruise or overnight aboard.

Safety note

In the tropical north, "stinger season" (jellyfish) runs roughly from November to May. Wear a light suit (stinger suit) and swim only in supervised areas with nets.

The Red Centre: Uluru, Kata Tjuta and the outback

The red heart of Australia is a world apart. At Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, desert colors change with the rhythm of the sun. Respect sacred sites, walk at the foot of Uluru at dawn, then explore the domes of Kata Tjuta (Valley of the Winds is a must). Starry nights are of rare purity.

From Alice Springs, you can explore West MacDonnell National Park (Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge). Roads are long and sometimes isolated. Always fill your tank and water reserve.

Outback tip

Rent a 4x4 if leaving main routes and inform your accommodation of your itinerary. Avoid driving at night due to wildlife on the road (kangaroos, cattle, camels).

Western Australia: Perth, Rottnest Island and Margaret River wines

Perth lives to the rhythm of the Indian Ocean. Take the ferry to Rottnest Island, rent a bike, and go greet the quokkas, those smiling little marsupials. Translucent water coves follow one another, perfect for snorkeling. To the south, Margaret River marries wild beaches, limestone caves and tastings at warm winegrowers.

If you have more time, the coast between Exmouth and Coral Bay concentrates breathtaking Ningaloo Reef spots, with the possibility of swimming with whale sharks in season (varies by year, often between March and July).

Top End: Darwin, Kakadu and Litchfield

The Northern Territory condenses Australian power: Aboriginal rock art, swamps, giant termite mounds and bird-populated billabongs. Kakadu National Park deserves at least two days. Combine Nourlangie and Ubirr for rock art and sunset, and a cruise on Yellow Water to observe saltwater crocodiles at respectful distance. Litchfield offers waterfalls where swimming is pleasant after a hike.

Tasmania: raw nature and Australian freshness

Tasmania is a hikers' paradise. Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair and southern rainforests offer a cooler, greener Australia, far from the classic "outback" image. Hobart is a human-sized city, with MONA museum for a singular artistic slap.

Ethical bonus

Learn about Aboriginal cultures and knowledge before your trip. Uluru cliff is no longer climbed (ban in force), and many sites require respectful attire and no photography in certain sacred areas.

Australians cultivate a pronounced taste for "good food" and conviviality. In Sydney as in Melbourne, the cafe scene is at its peak, with latte art, specialty beans and avocado toast served until 3 PM. Asian restaurants (Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean) are of excellent standard. In Perth, Brisbane or Adelaide, the local weekend market is almost always worth the detour.

Wine-wise, Barossa Valley (near Adelaide), Yarra Valley (near Melbourne) and Margaret River (in the west) are dream regions for a day of tasting. Seafood is fresh, meat quality, and veg-friendly options multiply everywhere.

Sustainable memo

Tap water is drinkable in major cities. Bring a reusable bottle and refuse plastic cutlery when possible. National parks have sorting areas: respect them.

Cost of living is generally high, with good surprises in street food, bistronomy and cafes. Supermarkets help balance the budget, as do some ocean-facing picnics.

For getting around, plane remains often the most efficient between regions (e.g. Sydney–Cairns, Melbourne–Alice Springs). Train exists on certain iconic routes (The Ghan, Indian Pacific), but it's expensive and must be planned long in advance. Car is king for exploring coasts and national parks. Rent early, compare insurance and mileage, and check conditions if taking unsealed roads.

In cities, contactless bank card or a local transport card (Opal in Sydney, Myki in Melbourne) facilitate daily life. Safety is generally very good, with usual precautions. On the coast, scrupulously respect swimming flags and follow lifeguards' advice.

Beach safety

Swim between red and yellow flags, where the area is supervised. Rip currents are invisible but powerful: never force against the current, swim parallel to the beach to exit.

Australia is vast, but staying online can be simple. With GoMoWorld, you install a single eSIM for more than 200 destinations and manage everything from the app.

• Installation via app only, without QR code. Even if you buy your plan on the website, you log into the application with the same email to install it in two minutes.
• Plans don't activate automatically upon arrival. You decide when to start, with a simple tap on "Start". Ideal for controlling your dates and budget.
• All plans allow connection sharing (hotspot), practical for a computer or to help out a travel companion.
• Integrated VPN adds a layer of tranquility to secure your connection on hotel or cafe Wi-Fi.
• Unactivated plans never expire. Buy in advance, travel serenely, activate when needed.
• Customer support based in Europe, every day, to give you a hand if necessary.

Data tip

Download your offline maps (Google Maps/Maps.me) and playlists on Wi-Fi before a long journey. And, when you have GoMoWorld network, think hotspot to sync your devices in a flash.

In Australia, you have choice between several volumes and durations, always prepaid, no surprises. For a short stay, the 7-day plan is perfect. For a longer or more data-generous trip, rely on 30-day plans.

• For an express stay, the 7-day plan offers 1.7GB for €3.99, ideal for navigation, messaging and reservations.
• For a two to four-week road trip, three 30-day options exist according to your data profile: 7GB for €10.99, 17GB for €19.99, or 26GB for €29.99 if you stream often and share your connection.
• You can buy these plans on the website or directly in the app. Installation is then done only via the application, and you manually activate the plan when desired.

Remember that the eSIM remains installed for all your future trips. You don't have to reinstall anything to travel to another covered destination.

Exact prices in Australia:

10 days to taste the essentials

Start with three nights in Sydney to tame the city: Opera House, The Rocks, beach at Bondi or Manly, coastal walk and day in the Blue Mountains. Then fly to Cairns or Port Douglas for three nights: Great Barrier Reef for the day, Daintree and Cape Tribulation the next day. Finish with Melbourne for four nights: alleys and cafes, museums, and an escape on the Great Ocean Road.

Data-wise, a 30-day plan of 7GB for €10.99 will suffice if you stay reasonable (navigation, messages, some video calls). If you document a lot in stories, aim for 17GB for €19.99.

2 weeks between cities, ocean and outback

Land in Melbourne (3-4 nights), spend 2 days on the Great Ocean Road, then head to Uluru (2 nights) for sunrises and sunsets on the monolith and the walk to Kata Tjuta. Finish with Sydney (3-4 nights) with a lazy day on the east coast and an excursion to the Blue Mountains. This formula balances culture, nature and icons.

For two weeks, the 30-day 17GB plan for €19.99 is a good compromise. You can activate hotspot to share connection with a computer during the journey without stress.

3 to 4 weeks for a grand tour

Loop a complete itinerary combining Melbourne and Great Ocean Road, the Red Centre (Uluru and West MacDonnell), Queensland (Cairns and Whitsundays) and Sydney. If pushing to Western Australia, add Perth and Rottnest Island to the program. Plane will save you precious time between regions.

In this case, opt for 26GB over 30 days at €29.99, keeping the possibility to buy an additional plan in the app in one click if chaining the following month. Unactivated plans remain valid, so you can store a second one in advance.

Combining Australia with other destinations

On the outbound or return journey, a stopover in Singapore is often convenient: clean, efficient, perfect for recovering from jet lag. Dreaming of temples and street food? Chain with a hop to Thailand. For a contrasted journey mixing futuristic megacities and onsen, head to Japan. And if preparing winter sun in Europe or an exotic city break, slip in a stay in Morocco later. Good news: your GoMoWorld eSIM works in all these countries, without reinstallation.

Accommodations in Australia range from friendly backpacker to luxury ocean-facing cabin. Book early in high season (December to February, and local school holidays). For nature experiences, consider:

• Beach-facing accommodation in Byron Bay, for surf vibes, organic markets and cafes at dawn.
• A farm stay or cottage near Margaret River, for wine and coast.
• An eco-responsible lodge in Port Douglas, for jungles and reefs.
• Accommodation in the park at Uluru (Yulara), to easily reach viewpoints at sunrise.

Choose certified operators for the Great Barrier Reef and learn about their environmental policy. The reef is visited, protected and told with respect.

Trails are well marked, but Australia remains "life-size" nature. Always carry water, a hat and sunscreen. National parks (Kakadu, Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Grampians, Freycinet) sometimes require a pass, purchasable online or at entrance. Surf-wise, legendary spots abound (Bells Beach, Noosa, Bondi, Margaret River). If you're a beginner, take a lesson: lifeguards are there, but the sea is not a trivial playground.

For wildlife, seek kangaroos at sunrise, observe koalas in Victoria's eucalyptus, meet quokkas on Rottnest Island, and watch for dolphins from cliffs or by boat. Always stay at distance, don't feed animals and respect park instructions.

Key to animal respect

No selfie too close, no flash in caves or at night, no human food. A trusting animal is not a tame animal.

Even though Australian networks cover cities and main routes very well, the outback and some coastal areas remain sparser. That's where flexibility of a well-chosen data plan makes the difference. With GoMoWorld, you connect to local partner mobile networks for better stability, and you keep control over consumption.

• Download offline maps of your key regions (Queensland, NT, WA).
• Use hotspot to share connection between your phone and computer during train or van journeys.
• Activate integrated VPN when on public Wi-Fi to secure your banking connections or reservations.

Installation reminder

GoMoWorld eSIM is installed exclusively via the application, without QR code. Once installed, it remains valid for your future trips, in more than 200 destinations, without reinstallation.

• For beach and sea in the south (Sydney, Melbourne): September to April, with summer peak between December and February.
• For Great Barrier Reef: May to October for more stable weather.
• For Top End (Darwin, Kakadu): dry season (May–October), more accessible roads and less humidity.
• For Tasmania: November to March, with cool evenings but top landscapes.
• For Red Centre: April to October to avoid extreme heat.

If you insist on traveling in austral summer, book early and monitor bushfire alerts, frequent in some southeastern regions. Local authorities publish updated information, follow them scrupulously.

• Visa validated and passport in order.
• Driving license (and international if required according to your country).
• Key reservations (Uluru, Whitsundays, Rottnest) secured in advance.
• Sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses, water bottle and comfortable shoes.
• GoMoWorld eSIM added in app, with a plan ready to activate on D-day.

Last smart tip

Buy your data plans in advance: they never expire as long as they're not activated. You save time on arrival, especially after a long flight.

1. Download the app on iOS or Android.
2. Buy your plan on the website or directly in the app. If you bought on the website, log into the app with the same email to find your purchases.
3. Install your eSIM via the app (no QR code). It's guided, clear and fast.
4. Upon arrival, open the app and press "Start" to activate your plan when it suits you.
5. Use hotspot if needed, enjoy integrated VPN for more peace of mind, and recharge in 1 click if your usage evolves.

Thanks to the single eSIM valid in more than 200 destinations, you chain trips without reinstalling anything. Today in Australia, tomorrow in Singapore or Japan: your connectivity follows you.

Australia demands choices, not sacrifices. Accept its immensity, assemble a coherent itinerary (one major region + a nature break, or two regions well connected by plane), and let yourself be carried by local hospitality. Between stylish cafes, hikes with XXL panoramas, coral reefs and lunar deserts, you'll compose a journey in your image.

Connectivity-wise, keep your head light: a GoMoWorld eSIM, simple and transparent plans, integrated VPN to browse peacefully, and hotspot to share connection on the road. Offers in Australia are clear and advantageous, from 1.7GB for €3.99 over 7 days to 26GB for €29.99 over 30 days, with 7GB at €10.99 and 17GB at €19.99 in between. You buy when you want, activate when you decide, and leave with the same eSIM on your next trip, whether to Thailand, Japan or Morocco.

Enjoy, breathe, explore: in Australia, the horizon is always a bit further. And with reliable connection in your pocket, you just have to follow the road. Have a great trip!