The Spinny Index: Australia
Spinny's verdict: unscientific, but built on a lot of travel. 5 wheels = maximum.
The Great Barrier Reef: snorkeling from Cairns and sailing the Whitsundays
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It stretches along the coast of Queensland.
Cairns and the Daintree are a base for reef trips. Nearby, the Daintree Rainforest is where the rainforest meets the reef.
In the Whitsundays, Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island is famous for its pure white silica sand.
Warming seas have caused repeated coral bleaching. Choosing an eco-certified tour operator is one way to help.
Best for: snorkeling, diving, island beaches · Spinny tip: From about November to May, wear a stinger suit in tropical waters. Ask your tour operator for one.
Australians are obsessed with…
Uluru and the wild west: a sacred rock and whale sharks at Ningaloo
In the Red Centre, Uluru rises from the desert. It is sacred to the Anangu, the traditional owners of the land.
Climbing Uluru has been banned since 2019. Walk around its base instead, and watch the rock change color at sunrise and sunset.
Nearby Kata Tjuta is a group of 36 domes, in the same national park and UNESCO World Heritage site.
On the far west coast, Ningaloo Reef is known for seasonal swims with whale sharks.
Best for: desert landscapes, culture, wildlife · Spinny tip: Carry plenty of water on desert walks. Some trails close early on very hot days.
Spinny's food dare
Four words that open doors
| Hello | G'day! | ge-DAJ |
| Thank you | Ta! | TA |
| Cheers! | Cheers! | TSHI-əs |
| Goodbye | See ya! | SI-jə |
Capitals = stressed syllable. ə = a short, neutral vowel.
Sydney and Melbourne: harbor ferries, coffee and laneways
In Sydney and the Blue Mountains, the harbor is the star. The Opera House, designed by Jørn Utzon, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Walk the coastal path from Bondi to Coogee, or take a ferry to Manly. Inland, the Blue Mountains are often said to take their name from a blue haze over the eucalyptus forests.
Melbourne is a city of laneways, and Hosier Lane is its most popular street-art spot.
Melbourne also hosts the Australian Open tennis every January, and the Yarra Valley wine region lies just outside the city.
Best for: city breaks, food, culture · Spinny tip: In Sydney, you can tap on and off public transport with a contactless bank card. No Opal card needed.
Australia in 60 seconds
- 65,000+ years ago People are already living in Australia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures continue today.
- 1770 James Cook charts the east coast and claims it for Britain.
- 1788 The First Fleet arrives at Sydney Cove, and a British penal colony is founded.
- 1901 The colonies unite as the Commonwealth of Australia.
- Today A multicultural country of outdoor living, from beach towns to the outback.
Road trips and wild islands: the Great Ocean Road and Tasmania
The Great Ocean Road runs along Victoria's coast. More than 3,000 returned soldiers helped build it as a memorial to those who served in World War I.
The highlight is the Twelve Apostles, limestone stacks shaped by erosion, just off the coast.
Tasmania is an island state south of the mainland. A large part of it is protected as the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Hike around Cradle Mountain, in the heart of the World Heritage Area, then take the ferry from Hobart to MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art.
Best for: road trips, hiking, nature · Spinny tip: Check park and road alerts before you set off, and allow plenty of time between stops.
Australia: three easy mistakes
Australia by numbers
Myth vs truth
💶 What it costs
Eating out and accommodation cost the most, in the big cities and in remote areas alike. Picnics and free beaches help keep costs down.
🛂 Visa & entry (tourist stays)
- EU/EEA citizens: You need an eVisitor (subclass 651) before you travel. It's free, valid for 12 months, and allows stays of up to 3 months per visit.
- US citizens: You need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) or a visa before you travel. An ETA is valid for 12 months and allows stays of up to 3 months per visit.
- UK citizens: You need permission before you travel: usually a free eVisitor, or an ETA applied for in the AustralianETA app (a service fee may apply). Your passport must be valid for your whole stay.
Other nationalities, longer stays or work: check the official source.
General guidance only, not legal advice. This information is collected automatically and may be incomplete or out of date. SpinYourDestination takes no responsibility for your entry to any country – always check the official source or the embassy before you travel.
