Australia State by State Travel Guide

Why The Land Down Under Needs To Be Your Next Getaway

At Constant Travel, we’ve sent countless people on holiday to Australia, and many of our experts dived the Great Barrier Reef, camped under the stars, and traversed the jungle. The one thing every first-timer says is: "I had no idea how massive it is!".

So make yourself comfortable while we dive into our down-to-earth guide to Australia’s incredible states and what each one offers.

But, as the country is the size of Europe – there are so many more wonderful things of each state that we simply cannot fit into one blog. 

How Big is Australia?

Australia is BIG!

You could comfortably fit the entire UK inside just one of its states (Victoria!), which is why trying to plan an Australian holiday by yourself can feel like an overwhelming task.

For those set on chasing waves, then Queensland's coastlines and the Great Barrier Reef will steal your heart.

Want to channel your inner Attenborough? The Northern Territory is filled with ancient landscapes and fossils millions of years old.

Or, if you're looking for dramatic wilderness, then Tasmania is as breathtaking as New Zealand but with its own uniquely Aussie charm.

Australia is a country that fits the bill for everyone. And that’s where our expertise comes in, just tell us the getaway you’re looking for, and we will put together the perfect trip.

New South Wales: City Meets Surf

For many, this is the classic Australian introduction. New South Wales offers the perfect blend of cosmopolitan buzz and coastal bliss. It’s home to the iconic Sydney Opera House, a surfer’s utopia in Byron Bay, and the dramatic Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains.

Think Australia is just sun, sand, and beach? Wrong! This is the state where you can even ski in the Snowy Mountains (mind blown? Ours was too the first time!).

The Vibe: Where a sparkling city harbour meets world-class golden beaches.

Our Insider Tip: Don’t just stop at Sydney’s Opera House and Bondi. Take a short, stunning drive to the beautiful Blue Mountains or unwind in the boutique wine regions. This is a must-see for a vibrant, yet relaxed, start to your Australia trip.

Hidden Gem:  Jervis Bay. You can spot bioluminescence plankton, dolphins, whales, and reef sharks. This is a must-do for those craving adventure.

Best Time to Visit: September – November (Spring) or March – May (Autumn) for comfortable temperatures, perfect beach days, and avoiding the peak summer crowds.

Queensland: Reef, Rainforest, and Roaring Waves. 

Queensland is the iconic view of Australia many of us have. A road trip in Australia is not complete unless you hit this state! It’s the state where you can drive only 30 minutes and see a new beach. Take our word for it, some of the stop-offs on this must do road trip will simply blow your mind.

It includes the Great Barrier Reef, the iridescent Whitsundays, and the oldest rainforest in the world—the Daintree.

It’s also home to late Steve Irwin's legacy – Australia Zoo.

The Vibe: Year-round sunshine and adventures from the ocean to the jungle.

Our Insider Tip: Perfect for snorkelling, sailing, and getting up close with incredible wildlife. If your Australia holiday is all about blue water and green tropics, this is it.

Hidden Gem: The small town of Noosa has sparkling waters and is a smaller version of Byron Bay (think less tourist, more local).

Best Time to Visit: April – September (Dry Season). This is the best time for the tropical north (Cairns/Daintree/Reef) as the weather is sunny, less humid, and there are no marine stingers.

 Victoria: Coffee, Culture, & The Great Ocean Road.

Melbourne is the heart of this region, and it’s a city that lives and breathes art, sport, and amazing coffee. Victoria is the state of the Great Ocean Road, a road trip that sweeps past coastal routes, dramatic cliffs, and waterfalls that look like they belong on a postcard.

Top tip—continue past the Great Ocean Road to make a stop in Mount Gambier (in South Australia) and marvel at the Umpherston Sinkhole believe us, this is a detour well worth it.

The Vibe: Buzzing cultural hubs blended with dramatic natural wonders.

Our Insider Tip:  The Great Ocean Road has to be on your to do list, but also make time for Melbourne’s hidden laneways, world-class dining, and a visit to the charming wine regions.

Hidden Gem:  Wilsons Promontory (Wilsons Prom). Campers and hikers will go mad for this. Think stunning scenery, mountains next to the beach, and a paradise for birdwatching.

Best Time to Visit: November – March (Summer) This state is known as the state of 4 seasons in one day. Summer is your best bet to catch as many rays as possible. 

Western Australia: The Wild Wild West 

Ready to go off-grid and see something truly unique? It would be hard to explain just how much WA has to offer, but we’ll give it a go.

Western Australia is a painter’s muse. You have burnt orange landscapes meeting turquoise waters in Broome, dusty yellow limestone foundations as far as the eye can see in the Pinnacles Desert, and the endless greenery in the pine forests of Margaret River. You also have Pink Lakes that look like you’ve added an Instagram filter across the south of this state. 

The Vibe: Untouched beaches, rugged outback, and a feeling of immense scale.

Our Insider Tip: Swim with whale sharks (truly unforgettable!), marvel at the pink lakes, and discover the premium wineries near Perth. It’s wonderfully different and offers spectacular nature.

Hidden Gem: Make a stop in Coral Bay, on the Ningaloo reef and walk up the beach a little to spot baby sharks call their nursery—you can even get in the water with them (they’re not dangerous yet!). The spot is called Bill’s Bay, but let’s keep this secret place a secret a little longer.

Best Time to Visit: Perth and the south are lovely, and it’s a perfect time for swimming with whale sharks on the Ningaloo Reef.

South Australia: Wine, Wildlife, and Wide-Open Spaces

South Australia is sophisticated, relaxed, and a haven for wine lovers and animal enthusiasts. You have winery after winery, and they are so easy to get to.

South Australia is also famous for driving along the beach, spotting Koalas in their natural habitat and the must visit Kangaroo Island. 

The Vibe: World-class wineries and abundant, protected wildlife.

Our Insider Tip: Make sure to include Kangaroo Island on your trip—it’s a wildlife sanctuary where you can see animals in their natural habitat.

Hidden Gem: Wine isn’t the only treat from this state. It is also home to Oyster Bay—and believe us, they are some of the most mouth-watering Oysters we have ever tasted!

Best Time to Visit: October – April. This season avoids the colder months and is perfect for exploring the vineyards, visiting Kangaroo Island, and enjoying the city of Adelaide.

Tasmania: Wilderness That Rivals New Zealand

A small island with a huge personality! Tasmania is a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and those just brave enough to conquer Cradle Mountain. One of our agents did this and quote, "it’s not for the faint-hearted."

The state is full of national parks, check out the views at Wineglass Bay, the colourful rocks at Bay of Fires, or the wombats at Maria Island. This state may be tiny, but it’s mighty.

The Vibe: Dramatic national parks, pristine coastlines, and incredible local produce.

Our Insider Tip: Perfect for travellers who love hiking, boutique stays, and a true farm-to-table dining experience. It feels wild, yet utterly welcoming.

Hidden Gem: In the north of the island lies the town of Stanley. This is not on the typical tourist road trip, but this town has a history and a culture that steals your heart. It was also the filming spot for The Light Between Oceans.

Best Time to Visit: November – February (Summer) for the best hiking weather, or if you are looking for snow, this place transforms in June-September.

Northern Territory: Channel Your Inner Attenborough

This is the place to connect with the ancient Indigenous culture and the powerful, rugged landscapes of the Outback.

Look out for the rock with the fossil of the now-extinct Tasmanian tiger in Kakadu National Park, see crocs in their natural habitat, and rock art full of long-standing Indigenous stories. This is also the territory of the central heart of Australia—Uluru. Now, when we say it glows at sunset, this is not a metaphor, trust us, you have to see it to believe it. The light hits the rock in such a way that it changes from an almost boring brown to a very vibrant red.

The Vibe: Red desert landscapes and profound natural icons.

Our Insider Tip: Visits to Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kakadu National Park are essential. This is Australia at its most powerful and humbling.

Hidden Gem: Mataranka Thermal Pool and Hot Springs. Looking for a dip not to cool off but to feel like you are in a natural spa? Well, this is for you. Beware of the time of the year; you cannot enter these springs in the wet season as crocs like to call this place home!

Best Time to Visit: May – September (Dry Season). Believe us, you do not want to be here during the 'build-up' or the wet season (though the lightning strikes are so impressive, a lot of your trip will be delayed). 

Australian Capital Territory (Canberra): Relaxed Capital

Often overlooked, but always a pleasant surprise. Canberra is a compact, easy-to-explore city packed with national treasures. It’s the smallest state in Australia but is the political centre.

The Vibe: Culture, museums, and a relaxed, cool-climate city experience.

Our Insider Tip: It’s home to national galleries and Parliament House, plus cool-climate wineries and easy access to nature trails. A great place to pause and absorb the history and culture.

Hidden Gem: Corin Forest if you are here in Winter, this is the spot to ski or sled.

Best Time to Visit: March – May (Autumn) or September – November (Spring). Both seasons offer mild weather, beautiful colours, and are perfect for exploring the galleries and museums.

Our Takeaway

Planning a holiday to Australia isn't about ticking off every state; it's about choosing the right two or three regions that align with your travel dreams and giving yourself enough time to enjoy them.

That’s what we do best at Constant Travel. We cut through the confusion and use our insight to craft a personalised Australia itinerary that feels human, not rushed.



Ready to start planning your perfect Australian adventure?