Things to do in Australia

Places to visit in Australia

• Things to do in Brisbane city, beach, relax
• Things to do in Byron Bay beach, relax, nature
• Things to do in Cairns nature, adventure, beach
• Things to do in Gold Coast beach, relax, adventure
• Things to do in Melbourne city, food, culture
• Things to do in Perth city, beach, nature
• Things to do in Sydney city, beach, food
• Things to do in Uluru nature, culture, adventure

Best time to visit Australia

When flights to each destination are cheapest.

Brisbane

The cheapest months to fly to Brisbane are February through early April and late September through October, when fares can run 25-40% lower than the December-January peak school-holiday season. Flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday departures) typically saves an additional $50-120 compared to Friday or Sunday flights.

Byron Bay

Shoulder season (March-May and September-October) offers flights 25-40% cheaper than the peak December-January school holiday rush, with warm weather and far fewer crowds. Flying midweek on Tuesday or Wednesday consistently shaves another 10-20% off domestic Australian airfares.

Cairns

Flying to Cairns is cheapest from February to April (the tail end of wet season), when round-trip fares from US hubs can run 25-35% below peak; avoid July school holidays and December-January when domestic demand spikes prices sharply. Mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently save $40-80 over weekend flights.

Gold Coast

Flying to Gold Coast is cheapest in the Australian winter shoulder months of May and June, when fares from major hubs can be 25-35% lower than the peak December-January summer school holiday season. Mid-week departures (Tuesday and Wednesday) consistently shave another 10-15% off fares compared to Friday and Sunday travel.

Melbourne

Flying to Melbourne in the Australian off-season (June-August, their winter) typically yields the lowest fares and hotel rates, with savings of roughly 20-35% versus the December-January peak summer and Grand Slam tennis period. For flights, Tuesdays and Wednesdays consistently offer the best prices regardless of season.

Perth

Flying to Perth is cheapest in the Australian shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October, with fares from major hubs typically 20-35% lower than the December-January peak summer holiday period. Mid-week departures (Tuesday and Wednesday) consistently show savings of 10-15% over weekend travel.

Sydney

Flying in Australian shoulder seasons, April through June and September through October, can save 20-35% compared to peak December-January summer or school holiday periods. Tuesdays and Wednesdays consistently show lower fares than weekend departures.

Uluru

Flights and accommodation are cheapest in the Australian summer shoulder months of November and February, when desert heat keeps crowds away, with savings of roughly 20-30% versus the peak June-August cool-season period. Flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) on Jetstar from Sydney or Melbourne typically yields the lowest one-way fares to AYQ.

Is Australia expensive?

It depends on the city and how you travel. Open any destination below and set your dates, budget and home airport to get an estimated total for flights, stays and day-to-day spending, rather than a generic average.

Free things to do in Australia

• Brisbane: Streets Beach at South Bank Australia's only man-made inner-city beach, swim and sunbathe for free in the heart of Brisbane.
• Byron Bay: Cape Byron Coastal Walk The 3.7km clifftop loop past the lighthouse delivers some of the best coastal scenery in Australia
• Cairns: Cairns Esplanade Boardwalk Stroll or jog 2.5km along the waterfront with views, public art, and free BBQ areas
• Gold Coast: Coolangatta Beach & Point Danger Watch pro surfers shred waves at one of Australia's most celebrated surf breaks
• Melbourne: Free Tram Zone Exploration The entire CBD is covered by a free tram loop, ride it all day to get your bearings without spending a cent.
• Perth: Scarborough Beach A long stretch of pristine surf beach with free BBQs, grassed areas, and a buzzing esplanade.
• Sydney: Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk A stunning 6 km clifftop trail passing sea pools, rock formations, and pocket beaches.
• Uluru: Talinguru Nyakunytjaku Sunrise Viewing Area The best free vantage point to watch Uluru glow at dawn, included with your park pass.