Category: Travel guides

Australia has thousands of kilometres of coastline, and the best beach for you depends on the season and who you are travelling with.

Summer (December to February) is peak season on most coasts, so popular towns book out early, especially around Christmas and the January school holidays. Spring and autumn are often quieter, with mild weather and lower prices.

In the tropical north, the wet season runs roughly from November to April. Expect heat, heavy rain and marine stingers; many beaches have stinger nets or advise wearing a stinger suit.

Stay safe in the water

• Swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches.
• Learn to spot rip currents: darker, calmer-looking gaps between breaking waves.
• Read the signs for crocodile warnings in northern Australia.
• Use sunscreen, a hat and shade: the UV index is high even on cloudy days.

Choosing a beach house, holiday park or apartment close to a patrolled beach makes family trips much easier.

A farm stay is a relaxed way to see rural Australia, meet animals and enjoy dark night skies.

Farm stays range from simple cabins on a working property to restored homesteads. Some hosts invite guests to help feed animals or collect eggs; others simply offer quiet and space.

Tips

• Ask the host what activities are included and suitable for children.
• Check road conditions: some farms are on unsealed roads.
• Bring boots, a torch and layers, as country nights can be cold.
• Respect gates, livestock and biosecurity rules (leave gates as you find them).

Always confirm the details, pets policy and cancellation terms directly with the host.

Holiday parks are a classic Australian getaway, with options from powered sites to self-contained cabins.

Many parks have cabins with kitchens and bathrooms, so you do not need your own caravan or tent. Facilities often include playgrounds, pools, camp kitchens and laundries.

• Book early for school holidays and long weekends.
• Check whether linen is included in cabins.
• Ask about quiet hours and pet rules.
• Look up the nearest supermarket and fuel stop before you arrive in remote areas.

Booking direct can save fees, but take a few simple steps to protect yourself.

• Look for a real business website, phone number and address. Search the property name online.
• Where the state requires it, ask for the short-stay registration number and check it on the official register (for example the NSW short-term rental accommodation register).
• Get the price, inclusions, deposit and cancellation terms in writing before you pay.
• Pay by card or another method with buyer protection where possible.
• Never pay by gift card or cryptocurrency, and be wary of last-minute changes to bank details.
• If something seems wrong, report it to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) and use the “Report this listing” button.

Distances in Australia are large. A little planning makes a road trip safer and more enjoyable.

• Plan fuel stops: on outback routes, fuel can be hundreds of kilometres apart.
• Avoid driving at dawn, dusk and night in the country, when wildlife is most active.
• Take a break every two hours.
• Carry water, a first-aid kit and a paper map, as mobile coverage can drop out.
• Check state road condition websites for closures and flooding before you set off.

Breaking the trip with a night in a motel, cabin or farm stay makes long drives far less tiring.

Travelling outside school holidays usually means easier bookings and lower prices.

School holiday dates differ by state, so a quiet week in one state may be busy in another. Check the education department website for each state you plan to visit.

• Mid-week stays are often cheaper than weekends.
• Autumn and spring offer mild weather in the south.
• The dry season (May to October) is the most popular time in the tropical north.
• Ask hosts directly about longer-stay or mid-week rates.