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Things to do in Australia

8 destinations in Australia, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.

Places to visit in Australia

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?

A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.

Brisbane
About $50 a day on a shoestring, about $255 comfortably.
Byron Bay
About $79 a day on a shoestring, about $280 comfortably.
Cairns
About $53 a day on a shoestring, about $303 comfortably.
Gold Coast
About $55 a day on a shoestring, about $290 comfortably.
Melbourne
About $55 a day on a shoestring, about $257 comfortably.
Perth
About $56 a day on a shoestring, about $265 comfortably.
Sydney
About $64 a day on a shoestring, about $282 comfortably.
Uluru
About $80 a day on a shoestring, about $375 comfortably.

Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.

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.

Cheap eats in Australia

  • Jan Powers Farmers Markets (Powerhouse) in Brisbane, Fresh wood-fired pizza and seasonal produce plates from local vendors Plates $8-14
  • The Top Shop in Byron Bay, Fish burger and chips, the legendary local institution Plates $8-14
  • Cairns Night Markets Food Court in Cairns, Laksa or pad thai from the hawker-style stalls Plates $8-12
  • Govinda's Gold Coast in Gold Coast, All-you-can-eat vegetarian thali buffet Plates $12-15
  • Hana Korean BBQ (CBD) in Melbourne, All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ lunch set Plates $12-18
  • Bread in Common (Fremantle) in Perth, Shared plates and house-baked sourdough boards Plates $10-18

More in Oceania

Fiji, French Polynesia, New Zealand

All destinations in Oceania