
Where to Stay in Cairns: A Complete Guide to Areas, Stays and Planning Your Trip
Cairns is one of the easiest places in Australia to use as a base, and one of the easiest places to pick the wrong base for your trip. The city

Cairns is one of the easiest places in Australia to use as a base, and one of the easiest places to pick the wrong base for your trip. The city

If you want one experience that sums up Bundaberg, the Bundaberg Rum Distillery tour is hard to beat. It takes you inside a working distillery where one of Australia’s best

Mon Repos Turtle Centre sits on a quiet beach near Bundaberg in Queensland, and it guards one of the great wildlife shows in Australia. Each summer, endangered loggerhead turtles crawl

Wilsons Promontory sits at the southern tip of mainland Australia, about three hours by road from Melbourne. Locals call it the Prom, and it earns that short name. Granite peaks

Canberra has a reputation for being serious and pricey, all suits and official buildings. That reputation misses the best part. Some of the city’s biggest and most moving experiences cost

Adelaide might be the easiest capital city in Australia to escape from. Within two hours of the city centre you will find world-famous wine regions, a German village in the

Ballarat is one of the best day trips or weekend escapes from Melbourne, and it deserves far more than a passing glance. This gold rush city in regional Victoria still

Sovereign Hill is the closest you will get to time travel in Victoria. This open-air museum in Ballarat recreates an 1850s gold rush town, street by street, and fills it

Sydney has plenty of paid attractions, but the single best thing you can do for free in the city’s east is walk the 6 kilometres of cliff tops between Bondi

Port Stephens is a big, sheltered harbour on the New South Wales coast, roughly two and a half hours north of Sydney and about 45 minutes from Newcastle. It’s one

The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine region, and it sits only about two hours north of Sydney. More than 150 wineries spread across the rolling hills around Pokolbin, Lovedale

Jervis Bay sits about three hours south of Sydney, and it’s one of those places that earns every bit of its reputation. The beaches here have the whitest sand most

Townsville is the kind of city that surprises you. Most travellers drive through North Queensland on their way to Cairns or the Reef, and they miss a city with a

Noosa does holidays differently. There are no theme parks or high-rise beachfront towers here. Instead, a beachside town on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast hands you a national park wrapped around the

Magnetic Island sits just 8 kilometres off the coast of Townsville, and the 20-minute ferry ride is one of the easiest island escapes in Queensland. Locals call it “Maggie”, and

The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth. Scientists estimate it at 135 to 180 million years old, and it runs straight into the Great Barrier Reef, which

The Great Barrier Reef is the one Australian experience people put on their list years before they book the trip. It stretches about 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coast, it

Fraser Island, officially renamed K’gari in 2023, is the largest sand island in the world. And it is like nowhere else in Australia. Rainforest grows straight out of the sand.

Sydney gets all the attention, but some of the best days you’ll have in New South Wales are south of it. The NSW South Coast runs from the Royal National

Sydney is one of those cities that makes a brilliant base. You’ve got the Blue Mountains an easy train ride west, wine country a couple of hours north, and wild

The Great Ocean Road runs 243 kilometres along Victoria‘s southern coast, from Torquay in the east to Allansford near Warrnambool. It was built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932

Sydney to Brisbane is 940 km of coastal highway past beach towns, the Hunter Valley, Byron Bay and the Gold Coast: here is how to drive it in 3, 5,

The Brisbane to Cairns drive is the classic Queensland road trip. Roughly 1,700 kilometres of coast from the capital up to the tropics, passing beach towns, islands, reef ports, and

Melbourne has one of the best museum scenes in Australia. You could spend a rainy week on art, science and history and still miss a couple. Some are free, some

Where you stay on the Gold Coast sets the tone for the whole trip. This is a long coastline of distinct pockets, and each one has its own pace. Pick

Where you stay in Brisbane shapes the whole trip. This is a river city, and the Brisbane River curls through every neighbourhood that matters. Pick a riverside hotel and you

Perth sits on the banks of the Swan River, about as far west as you can go on the Australian mainland. It is one of the most isolated capital cities

If I could only visit a handful of Australia’s national parks, I would pick Kakadu, Uluru-Kata Tjuta and one from the east coast. That trio covers the big icons: ancient

Brisbane has a way of winning people over slowly. It does not shout like Sydney or perform like Melbourne. Instead, Australia’s third-largest city hands you warm weather, a wide river,

If you only ever do one road trip in Australia, make it this one. The Red Centre Way links Alice Springs, the gorges of the West MacDonnell Ranges, the cliffs

Picking the right place to stay can shape your whole trip to the Red Centre. Alice Springs is not a big city. It is a compact outback town, and most

Alice Springs is the outback town most travellers picture when they think of the Red Centre. Red dirt under your boots, gorges glowing orange at sunrise, and a desert sky

Litchfield National Park is the Top End’s easy win. It’s about 90 minutes’ drive south of Darwin, entry is free, and nearly everything worth seeing sits close to a sealed

Darwin doesn’t feel like the rest of Australia. It’s tropical, laid-back, and closer to Asia than to Sydney. Palm trees line the streets, the air stays warm through winter, and

Melbourne is Australia’s capital of culture. No single giant icon like Sydney’s Opera House. Instead: laneways full of street art, world-class museums, a legendary food scene and neighbourhoods with real

Kakadu is Australia’s largest national park. Nearly 20,000 square kilometres of the Northern Territory‘s Top End. (For more big facts about the country, see our Australian geographic facts.) Wetlands, waterfalls,

Uluru is the first thing most people picture when they think of Australia’s Red Centre. This giant sandstone monolith rises straight out of flat desert, visible for miles in every

Discover fun and relaxing things to do in Mudgee, featuring wine tasting, farm experiences, nature trails, and charming cafes in this beautiful NSW region.

Discover top attractions and activities in Silverton, including hiking, sightseeing, and unique experiences in this beautiful mountain town. Your ultimate travel guide awaits.

Explore Dubbo’s top attractions, from iconic zoos and cultural landmarks to relaxing gardens and outdoor activities, offering something for families, couples, and solo travelers visiting this vibrant regional city.

Visit the best museums in Sydney and uncover fascinating stories through art, history, and innovation, making it a must-do experience for anyone interested in culture and learning.

This Sydney to Broken Hill road trip itinerary covers five unforgettable days of scenic landscapes, hidden gems, and iconic attractions across New South Wales, making it perfect for first-time outback

Broken Hill is one of the most interesting places to visit in outback New South Wales. It sits far from the coast, away from the big cities, but it has

Discover the best places to stay in Mudgee, from luxurious vineyard retreats to cozy boutique accommodations. Enjoy relaxing stays, stunning countryside views, and easy access to Mudgee’s famous wineries.

Find the best accommodation in Dubbo, NSW for your next getaway. Compare top hotels, budget motels, and cozy stays close to Dubbo’s main attractions.

Looking for hidden gems in Thirroul? Discover secret spots, beautiful coastal views, local cafes, and unique experiences in this laid-back beach town.

Explore the best things to do in Braidwood, from historic streets and heritage buildings to cosy cafes, local markets, and scenic countryside. It is a charming town perfect for a

Swim with playful fur seals near Narooma at Montague Island. Discover clear waters, rich marine life, and an unforgettable wildlife experience that brings you face to face with Australia’s curious

The Australian Museum is one of Sydney’s most popular attractions. Explore its history, famous dinosaur exhibits, cultural displays, and helpful visitor tips in this easy guide before planning your visit.

Explore the best places to stay in Wagga Wagga with our 2026 travel guide. Find top-rated hotels, cozy motels, and convenient apartments for every type of traveller.

Discover exciting things to do in Wagga Wagga, from riverside adventures and lush gardens to vibrant arts, local markets, and delicious food experiences that make every visit memorable and full

Discover the best things to do in Orange, from award-winning wineries and historic landmarks to scenic parks, vibrant markets, and family-friendly attractions. Explore local food, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures

Discover the best accommodation in Bowral, from elegant boutique hotels to peaceful countryside retreats. Enjoy comfortable stays close to local gardens, wineries, cafes, and the charming town center.

Parkes is one of those towns that keeps giving the more time you spend in it. From the cosmic wonder of The Dish to the sequined sparkle of Elvis culture,

Enjoy a relaxing stay in Orange with comfortable hotels, vineyard retreats, and stylish apartments. Stay close to wineries, local restaurants, parks, and the lively town center for a memorable trip.

Newcastle offers a variety of accommodation options. Some old buildings are now modern apartments, and old pubs have comfortable rooms. The Honeysuckle area near the water is a popular spot.

Discover comfortable and affordable accommodation in Parkes, from modern hotels to cozy motels. Enjoy convenient locations near local attractions, dining spots, and the iconic Parkes Radio Telescope.

Explore the best things to do in Southern Highlands, from beautiful gardens and wineries to scenic drives and charming villages. Enjoy relaxing countryside views, local markets, and peaceful nature escapes.

Discover the best things to do in Canowindra, from famous hot air balloon rides and local wineries to historic museums and scenic countryside views in this complete and easy travel

Planning a trip to the Blue Mountains? Discover the best towns, scenic lodges, cozy cabins, and stylish hotels for a relaxing and memorable stay surrounded by breathtaking views and fresh

Discover the best things to do in the Blue Mountains, from scenic lookouts and waterfalls to hiking trails and charming villages. Enjoy nature, adventure, and relaxing escapes just outside Sydney.

Melbourne covers a huge area with many different neighbourhoods. Each area has its own personality and special features. Where to stay in Melbourne depends on what you want to do

If you stay in Sydney for the first time, the Central Business District is your best choice. This area sits right in the middle of everything. You can easily reach

Explore top places to stay in Cobar NSW with updated details on comfort, value, and guest services. Find suitable options for families, solo travelers, and business visitors in one simple

From the bustling town centre to quiet Suffolk Park, Byron Bay has neighbourhoods for every travel style. The best accommodation in Byron Bay depends on what you want. You may

Explore the best things to do in Narooma with this detailed Australia city guide. Discover beautiful beaches, scenic coastal walks, wildlife experiences, local food spots, and relaxing attractions for every

Drive from Melbourne to Sydney with confidence using this complete guide. Discover the best route options, scenic stops, travel time details, and practical tips for a smooth journey.

Planning a visit? Explore top attractions in Cobar including mining heritage sites, local art, nature spots, and authentic Australian outback adventures.

Australia’s geography is as vast as it is diverse—from ancient deserts and tropical rainforests to rugged coastlines, mountain ranges, and world-famous natural landmarks. This guide breaks down the key geographic

Australia has given the world incredible innovations that shape daily life. From medical breakthroughs to everyday essentials these 12 plus inventions highlight Aussie creativity and ingenuity that continue to impact

From snakes and spiders to sharks and jellyfish, learn about the most deadly animals in Australia, their behaviors, and how to stay safe while exploring this wild and fascinating country.

Australian history is filled with bold explorers who pushed beyond the unknown. From crossing harsh deserts to mapping coastlines their greatest feats shaped the nation and opened new paths for

Australia hides many beautiful spots beyond the usual travel routes. From quiet beaches to untouched national parks these secret places offer peaceful views local charm and unforgettable experiences that most

Australia has many hidden gems far from crowded attractions. From secret waterfalls to quiet towns these lesser known places offer raw beauty calm moments and local stories you will not

Discover typical Aussie food and local favourites, from classic meat pies to iconic barbecues and sweet treats, with this simple guide to Australia’s most loved flavours and everyday eats.

Explore the best fishing spots in New South Wales, perfect for weekend trips, offering great catches, scenic locations, and options for beginners and experienced anglers alike.

Explore Bowral’s best local cafes, from cosy coffee spots to hidden gems serving fresh pastries and brunch favourites—perfect for locals looking to enjoy great food, quality coffee, and a relaxed

Discover the best local markets in Illawarra, featuring fresh produce, handmade goods, local food stalls, and a lively community vibe, perfect for a relaxed day of shopping and exploring.

Explore the best markets in the Southern Highlands, offering fresh local produce, handmade crafts, gourmet treats, and a charming country atmosphere—perfect for a relaxed weekend outing and local discoveries.

Discover the best things to do at Blenheim Beach, from swimming and picnics to coastal walks and wildlife spotting—perfect for a relaxed day by the sea with family or friends.

Explore the best things to do in Gerringong this weekend, including beach walks, scenic lookouts, local cafes, markets, and relaxing coastal experiences perfect for a quick getaway or day trip.

Discover the best waterfalls near Brisbane, perfect for a refreshing nature escape, scenic hikes, swimming spots, and peaceful surroundings—ideal for weekend adventures and reconnecting with the outdoors.

Discover the best waterfalls in the Gold Coast to visit in 2026, featuring scenic walks, refreshing swimming spots, and stunning natural views—perfect for nature lovers and unforgettable outdoor adventures.

Explore the most beautiful waterfalls on the Sunshine Coast, featuring lush rainforest walks, crystal-clear swimming holes, and breathtaking scenery—perfect for nature lovers seeking peaceful escapes and memorable outdoor adventures.

Discover the best waterfalls in Queensland, offering lush rainforests, scenic walks, and refreshing swimming spots—perfect for a peaceful nature escape and unforgettable outdoor adventures across the state.

Discover hidden waterfalls in New South Wales, featuring quiet bushwalks, secluded swimming spots, and stunning natural beauty—perfect for adventurous travellers seeking peaceful, off-the-beaten-path nature escapes.

Explore Australia’s most beautiful waterfalls, from towering cascades to hidden rainforest gems, offering breathtaking scenery, refreshing swims, and unforgettable nature experiences across the country.

Discover the best things to do in Bright Beach, from nature trails and scenic views to local eateries and fresh coastal flavours—perfect for outdoor lovers and foodies alike.

Discover the top things to do during summer and winter including outdoor adventures seaside relaxation family friendly spots and seasonal experiences that make this coastal destination enjoyable no matter the

A trip to Avoca Beach is all about relaxation. Discover simple pleasures like sunrise walks coastal views swimming spots and laid back cafes that make this destination ideal for anyone

Hyams Beach is ideal for a relaxing coastal escape. Enjoy peaceful walks on white sands gentle swimming crystal clear waters and scenic views. This guide shares the top things to

Caves Beach is known for its stunning coastline and unique sea caves. Visitors can enjoy beach walks swimming exploring caves at low tide surfing nearby breaks and relaxing with ocean

Coolum Beach offers a perfect mix of coastal beauty and relaxed activities. From scenic beach walks and swimming to local cafes and coastal lookouts this guide covers the top attractions

Bondi Beach offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. From coastal walks and ocean swims to local cafes and shopping this guide covers the best things to do for

Rainbow Beach is a great destination for first time visitors. From colourful sand cliffs and beach walks to swimming spots and local cafes this guide highlights the best things to

Discover the top places to eat in Port Douglas, from beachfront dining to local favourites, offering fresh seafood, diverse cuisines, and memorable food experiences for every type of food lover.

Explore Newcastle’s best places to eat, from trendy cafes and waterfront restaurants to local favourites, serving fresh produce, diverse cuisines, and unforgettable dining experiences across the city.

Busselton is a fantastic destination for a relaxing and fun filled getaway. From the famous jetty and calm beaches to local cafes and family friendly attractions this guide covers the

Discover the best restaurants in Cairns, from waterfront dining to hidden local gems, offering fresh seafood, tropical flavours, and diverse cuisines for unforgettable meals every food lover will enjoy.

Is pepper spray legal in Australia? Mostly no — except WA with conditions. Our 2026 guide covers state laws, penalties and legal alternatives.
Lorem ipsum amet elit morbi dolor tortor. Vivamus eget mollis nostra ullam corper torquent auctor semper metus felis.