Living Nomads presents the most comprehensive and concise The ultimate Australia guide for 2026: Top attractions, Best things to do, Tips including information on destinations and delicious Australian food and MORE below.

Melbourne at dusk. source: timeout.com | Australia guide

Australia guide: Overview of Australia Tourism

@vroomvroomvroom.com | Australia guide

Airtrain and Tram Ticket: Brisbane Airport to Surfers Paradise

Australia is one of the most urbanized countries in the world. However, this does not mean it lacks the allure of nature. Australian tourism is not only attractive because of its modern destinations with magnificent structures like Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, but also appeals to those who love natural wonders, vast deserts, pristine beaches, and beautiful islands.

Best Time to Travel to Australia

Sydney Harbour | Australia guide

Sydney Airport Drop-Off Shuttle Transfer

Located in Oceania, Australia has seasons that are completely opposite to those of Vietnam. This interesting climate creates a special attraction.

  • Spring (September – November): Warm, pleasant weather, trees budding and blossoming. This is peak tourist season with many unique festivals and a vibrant atmosphere.
  • Summer (December – February): Sunny weather, crowded beaches, cities full of events, festivals and entertainment activities.
  • Autumn (March – May): Cool and pleasant weather. This is the season when trees change color, creating a romantic and peaceful landscape.
  • Winter (June – August): Cold temperatures, snowfall in some areas, ideal for winter sports such as skiing and mountaineering.
The different seasons in Australia offer different travel experiences.

Suggested travel destinations by region at different times:

  • Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth: Best in spring or autumn. Mild weather, little rain, not too hot or too cold.
  • Cairns, Townsville, Darwin: Visit during the dry season (May – October) to avoid storms and jellyfish. Sunny weather allows you to enjoy the beautiful beaches and coral reefs.
  • Gold Coast: If you love the beach and lively activities, visit in the summer (December – February) when the beaches are bustling and the weather is warm.
  • South Australia: Winter (June – August) is suitable for exploration and winter sports.
| Australia guide

Sydney Opera House Tour and Dining in Sydney

Getting to Australia

sydney-airport-large
Many airlines operate flights to Australia.

Due to its isolated location from other continents, Australia is almost exclusively accessible by air. In Vietnam, many airlines operate flights between Vietnam and Australia, such as Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Vietjet Air, Jetstar, AirAsia, Cathay Pacific, Scoot Air, etc. Travelers can choose direct flights or flights with one layover (in Hong Kong/Singapore/Kuala Lumpur).

Great Opera Hits at the Sydney Opera House

Some airports in Vietnam currently operating flights between Vietnam and Australia include: Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi), Da Nang Airport, Phu Quoc Airport, Phu Bai Airport (Hue)… And popular destinations for arrivals in Australia are usually Sydney Airport, Melbourne Airport, Perth Airport,…

Getting around Australia

sydney train
Sydney subway | Australia guide

When traveling independently in Australia, you have many transportation options thanks to the well-developed public transport system in most major tourist cities. Popular options include trains, light rail, buses, ferries, and the subway… This modern system covers the entire city center and connects to neighboring cities, making travel convenient and fast.

Public transport is a popular choice for tourists traveling in Australia.

You should pay using a smart transport card. Each state in Australia uses its own type of card, with different prices and policies. For example, tourists can use an Opal card to travel by bus, subway, or train. Opal cards are sold at stations and many retail stores, making them convenient to purchase and top up.

Where to go, what to do in Australia

Australia is divided into 6 states and 2 territories: | Australia guide

New South Wales

Sydney

credit: klook.com

Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb

Known as the Harbour City, a source of pride for Australian tourism. Popular attractions here include: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, Sydney Olympic Park, The Rocks historic district, and Parramatta.

Blue Mountains

| Australia guide

Blue Mountains Day Tour

Located west of Sydney, this mountain range boasts stunning scenery, a highlight of Australian tourism. Notable destinations in the Blue Mountains include: Echo Point in Katoomba, Govett’s Leap in Blackheath, Cliff Drive in Katoomba and Leura, Gordon Falls near Leura, Kanangra Walls in Kanangra Boyd National Park, The Scenic Railway in Scenic World – the steepest railway in the world, and Jenolan Caves.

Snowy Mountains

Blue Mountains Scenic World Ticket or Bus Tour

Located in southeastern New South Wales, this is an ideal Australian destination for skiing. Notable cities and towns include Cooma, Jindabyne, Thredbo, Charlotte Pass, and Tumut.

Lord Howe Island

| Australia guide

This island off the east coast of Australia, recognized as a World Heritage site for its beauty and biodiversity, is a fascinating Australian tourist destination.

Victoria

Melbourne

Melbourne is the capital of Victoria.

Great Ocean Road Tour from Melbourne

The capital of Victoria, and also the cultural center of Australia. Must-see attractions include: Flinders Street Railway Station, Eureka Tower, Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Museum, Chapel Street (a fashion street), Commercial Road (a gay-friendly street), and Gertrude Street (a brightly lit street at night).

Great Ocean Road

| Australia guide

Great Ocean Road: Reverse Tour – Avoid Crowds, More Stops

This is a spectacular 243 km coastal road, notable for the Twelve Apostles rock formation.

Queensland

Brisbane

Fall is the best time to visit Brisbane | Australia guide

Great Barrier Reef Day Tours

A peaceful and friendly city, a popular tourist destination in Australia, located on the east coast. Main attractions include: Brisbane City Hall, King George Square, Museum of Brisbane, the neo-Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Queensland Cultural Center with its many art buildings.

Gold Coast

Gold Coast with its famous coastline

Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation Full Day Tour from Cairns

A famous coastal region of Australian tourism, with around 30 famous beaches with professional lifeguards serving visitors. Surfers Paradise is an ideal beach for surfing. Other beaches include Broadbeach, North Burleigh, Burleigh Heads, Tallebudgeera Creek, Currumbin, Kirra, Greenmount Beach, Rainbow Bay and Snapper Rocks.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is famous for having one of the world’s largest coral reef systems. | Australia guide

The world’s largest coral reef system located off the coast of Queensland. You can take tours to the Great Barrier Reef from coastal towns such as Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas, Cairns, Townsville, Airlie Beach, Mackay or Gladstone. You can also snorkel or scuba dive in these crystal-clear waters to witness firsthand the stunning coral reef system of Australian tourism.

Daintree National Park

North Queensland National Park

Uluru Sunrise and Kata Tjuta Half Day Tour

A national park in North Queensland, with tropical rainforests that satisfy Australian tourists who enjoy exploring nature.

Norfolk Island

| Australia guide

This is a beautiful island off the east coast of Australia.

Torres Strait Islands

Monarto Safari Park Ticket

A group of islands located between northern Australia and Papua New Guinea. The islands attract Australian tourists with their turquoise beaches, tropical environment, and unique indigenous culture.

Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is famous for its long, unspoiled beaches.

3D Tasmanian Highlight Tour: Hobart, Port Arthur, & Bruny Island

A cluster of Australian tourist destinations including beaches and towns located north of Brisbane, including major destinations such as Beerwah, Caloundra, Coolum, Noosa, Montville, Maleny, Mapleton, and Yandina.

South Australia

Adelaide

Adelaide city | Australia guide

Considered the wine capital of the world, Adelaide is a tranquil city with some of the best cafes in Australia. Main attractions include the Glenelg historic district, Montefiore Hill, the Adelaide Hills, Port Adelaide, Adelaide Zoo (home to giant pandas), and Belair National Park.

Barossa Valley

Bruny Island Day Tour from Hobart

Located an hour’s drive from Adelaide is the renowned Barossa Valley. Wineries here are open to Australian tourists for tastings, and also serve food and beer.

Flinders Ranges

Situated on arid lands, a common Australian landscape, the Flinders Ranges are an ideal destination for Australian backpackers who enjoy camping and trekking. Particularly noteworthy is the magnificent natural grandstand, Wilpena Pound.

Kangaroo Island

| Australia guide

Off the southern coast of Australia, Kangaroo Island is an ideal Australian tourist destination to see the iconic Australian kangaroos. In addition, you can also see other flora and fauna in their natural habitat. The most prominent attraction is the Remarkable Rocks, with its unusual rock formations.

Western Australia

Perth

Natural Bridge and Springbrook Waterfalls Tour from Gold Coast

A quiet, peaceful city located on the Indian Ocean coast in Western Australia. Besides the tranquil city landscape, you can also explore the beautiful beaches on the coast and on the islands off the coast of Perth.

Margaret River

| Australia guide

This is a coastal town south of Perth, famous for its wineries, delicious food, and surfing beaches.

Albany

Kangaroo Island Day Tour from Adelaide

A port city located in southwestern Australia with a humid Mediterranean climate. Popular Australian tourist attractions here include Albany Wind Farm, Middleton Beach, and Emu Point Beach.

Broome

A popular Australian tourist city during the dry season, with Cable Beach, Redell Beach, and Town Beach.

Christmas Island

| Australia guide

Famous for its Lily Beach and Dolly Beach.

Tasmania

Hobart

Hobart is one of Australia’s oldest cities.

One of the oldest cities in Australia. Main attractions include Salamanca Market, Battery Point, Botanical Gardens, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. Tasmania also boasts the captivating beauty of Cradle Mountain.

 

Northern Territory

Uluru National Park – Kata Tjuta National Park

Uluru

A UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring two of Australia’s most famous tourist attractions: Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (also known as The Olgas).

Darwin

Darwin City

SkyFeast at Sydney Tower (previously Sydney Tower Buffet)

A small tropical city with diverse cultures. Here you can find historical landmarks such as Darwin Wharf Precinct, Fannie Bay Gaol, Burnett House at Myilly Point, and Adelaide River War Cemetery.

Famous National Parks:

Majestic waterfalls in Kakadu National Park.

This region boasts several of Australia’s most famous national parks, including Kakadu National Park with Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls, Nitmiluk National Park, and Watarrka National Park with King’s Canyon.

Australian Capital Territory

This region is famous for being the heart of Australia, with the capital city of Canberra. It boasts many iconic landmarks such as Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, and the National Library. Beyond its historical and cultural value, it also offers charming green spaces like Lake Burley Griffin and Namadgi National Park, providing an experience that combines urban exploration with nature.

canberra ballooning australia 2
Canberra, Australia
Aerial view of Canberra Central Business District with sunrise at Lake Burley Griffin | Australia guide
Australian War Memorial credit: https://hotelkurrajong.com.au/

What to eat

Beetroot Hamburger

Beef & Beetroot Burger
Beef & Beetroot Burger

You can find hamburgers everywhere in the world, but Australians will treat you to a special hamburger with a slice of beetroot, creating a unique flavor.

Green Curry Pancakes

A wonderful combination of Thai green curry chicken and Western-style pancakes.

Barramundi Fish

A fish whose name means “large river fish” in the native language, this is a must-try dish when traveling to Australia.

Grilled Kangaroo Meat

I'm Angus Steakhouse kangaroo meat
Grilled kangaroo meat is also a specialty worth trying.

Kangaroo meat has very little fat. Because kangaroo meat tends to dry out easily, it is usually prepared rare like steak.

Cheese & Bacon Roll

Toasted bread with bacon and cheese sprinkled on top.

Lamingtons

Lamington-sydney australia

This is a famous and iconic Australian pastry. Made from a soft, fluffy sponge cake base, topped with a layer of warm, smooth chocolate and a layer of pure white coconut, it’s incredibly delicious and appealing.

Seafood Pizza

sydney18SeafoodPizza

Although originating from Italy, with the abundant fresh seafood in Australia’s coastal regions, the best seafood pizza can only be enjoyed in the bustling food districts of Sydney.

Chicken Parmigina

Chicken Parmigina, imported from Italy, has long been a famous dish in Australia. This dish is made from chicken breast, tomato sauce, Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Diners can enjoy it with spaghetti and salad to enhance the flavor.

Pavlova

pavlova cake sydney.4
Pavlova cake

This dessert consists of a crispy crust, a soft interior, and is covered in cream, often served with fresh fruit such as kiwi, strawberries, and raspberries.

Australian Wine

Australian wine is also one of the drinks you should try.

Australian wines are highly regarded for their purity, elegance, and sophistication, produced using time-honored recipes. They offer a wide variety of flavors and are suitable for pairing with many dishes.

Some hotel suggestions in Australia

Australian tourist visa and some notes

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – Where to see giant crocodiles and explore the world of Australian wildlife. @tourismtown.com

To travel to Australia, Vietnamese tourists are required to apply for a visa, and the most common type of visa is the 600 – Visitor visa. Vietnamese people usually use 3 types of visas: independent tourist visa, tourist visa combined with visiting relatives, and tourist visa combined with business. A tourist visa allows visitors to stay in Australia for 3 to 12 months, depending on the visa type and purpose of travel.

The online application process includes:

Step 1: Check passport validity and undergo a medical examination.

Step 2: Gather all necessary and required documents and have them translated and certified into English.

  • Required documents include: Valid passport, photocopy of citizen identification card, photocopy of birth certificate, photocopy of household registration book (if available), marriage certificate (if available), criminal record certificate, and medical certificate.
  • Required documents include: Proof of financial means, travel itinerary, documents proving your intention to leave Australia after your trip (return or international flight tickets, proof of employment or study in Vietnam, documents proving ties to Australia with property or family, etc.)
Renting a Car in Australia @goget.com.au

Step 3: Access the Australian Department of Home Affairs website (ImmiAccount) and create an account if you don’t already have one, or log in. Then, upload your documents to the system, pay the fee, and schedule an appointment with the Australian Biometric Data Collection Centre to provide your biometric data.

Step 4: Regularly check the system for any additional or revised documents required by the Department of Home Affairs.

Step 5: Receive your results in approximately 1-4 weeks. Remember to bring a copy of your visa when entering Australia.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Sydney you can refer to

4hosier lane australia

Are you looking for more top things to do in Sydney: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out at here. And Sydney travel blog — The fullest Sydney travel guide blog for a great trip to Sydney for the first-timers.