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Australia

Australia is a continent-country where each day offers a different setting: opera on the water in Sydney, living coral reef off the coast of Cairns, sacred monolith blazing at sunset in the Outback. A journey like no other.

Region
Australie et Pacifique
Circuits from
2,600 €
Ideal duration
21 days
Best season
April-November
Flight
20-24h

Why Australia

There are destinations that can be explained, and others that are experienced. Australia resolutely belongs to the second category. Continent and country at the same time, it unfolds over 7.7 million square kilometers a succession of scenery that seems to be borrowed from several different planets: Sydney Harbour with its opera house in pearly shells, the translucent waters of the Great Barrier Reef, the absolute silence of the Red Outback under an unprecedented sky of stars, the limestone cliffs of the Twelve Apostles battered by the Southern Ocean. Each region imposes its own temporality.

What makes Australia so special is the coexistence of this wild and extreme nature with metropolises perfectly rehearsed for the traveller. Sydney and Melbourne regularly rank among the most liveable cities in the world, with first-rate culinary, artistic and nightlife scenes. The Australian welcome, relaxed and warm, completes the endowment of this country: the first trip is rarely the last.

The culture of the First Peoples, rich in 60,000 years of history, gives an additional depth to the journey. Uluru, an Anangu sacred site, is not visited like an ordinary monument: you meditate, you listen, you gradually understand that Australia is also a conversation between geological time and human time.

When to go

The seasons are reversed compared to Europe: the Australian summer runs from December to February (hot and humid in the South-East, rainy and cyclonic in the North), the winter from June to August (mild and sunny in Sydney, ideal for the Outback).

Sydney and the East CoastIdeally visited from April to October: pleasant temperatures (17-24°C), moderate rainfall, controlled tourist influx except in July (Australian school holidays). The months of July to September are the golden period: blue skies almost guaranteed, humpback whales migrating along the coast, and the Vivid Sydney festival lights up the city at the end of May-beginning of June.

The Great Barrier Reef and Cairnscan be discovered in the dry season, from May to November: crystal clear water, excellent visibility when diving, absence of dangerous jellyfish. In the austral summer (November to April), tropical Queensland is under the influence of monsoons and cyclones.

Uluru and the Outbackare to be avoided at all costs from November to March: temperatures exceed 45°C. The ideal window is from May to September, with days at 22-28°C and cool nights allowing the observation of the starry sky.

Perth and Western Australiaenjoy a particularly pleasant Mediterranean climate from March to November, with a peak of mildness in September-October (austral spring, wildflowers in bloom).

January★★★☆☆
20°-28°C80 mmShoulder season
Australian Open (tennis, Melbourne, 18 jan. - 1er fév.) · Sydney New Year fireworks (1er jan.)
Été austral : chaleur humide à Sydney (28°C), canicules possibles dans l'Outback et en Victoria. Feux de brousse actifs. Nord tropical en pleine saison des pluies (cyclones).
February★★★☆☆
20°-27°C120 mmShoulder season
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (fév.-mars)
Mois le plus pluvieux à Sydney. Chaleur persistante dans le Centre et le Nord. Risque cyclonique Queensland.
March★★★☆☆
19°-26°C95 mmShoulder season
Australian Grand Prix F1 (Melbourne, 6-8 mars 2026)
April★★★★☆
15°-23°C95 mmHigh season
Anzac Day (25 avril, commémorations nationales)
May★★★★☆
12°-21°C90 mmHigh season
Vivid Sydney - début festival lumières (fin mai)
June★★★★☆
10°-18°C125 mmHigh season
Vivid Sydney festival lumières (jusqu'au 13 juin)
Hiver austral : frais à Sydney et Melbourne (10°C le matin). Parfait pour l'Outback et le Nord tropical (saison sèche).
July★★★★★
9°-18°C70 mmHigh season
Whale watching (Sydney, baleines à bosse en migration)
August★★★★★
9°-19°C65 mmHigh season
Whale watching (baleine à bosse, côte Est)
September★★★★★
12°-22°C60 mmHigh season
Melbourne Fashion Week (septembre)
October★★★★★
14°-24°C55 mmHigh season
Melbourne Cup (premier mardi de novembre, préparatifs en oct.)
November★★★★☆
17°-25°C70 mmShoulder season
Melbourne Cup (premier mardi de novembre)
Début de l'été austral. Risque de feux de brousse croissant. Nord tropical : début de la saison des pluies et des cyclones (Queensland, Territoire du Nord).
December★★★☆☆
18°-26°C65 mmShoulder season
Feux du Nouvel An (Sydney, 31 déc., parmi les plus spectaculaires du monde)
Période de Noël et Nouvel An très chargée, prix en forte hausse. Chaleur en nette progression.
High seasonLow seasonShoulder season

How much does it cost

Australia is a destination with a clear Northern European budget, even higher in the big cities. Sydney and Melbourne are among the most expensive cities in the world in terms of catering and accommodation.

For independent travel, count between 80 and 150 euros per day and per person while remaining reasonable: accommodation in a hotel or standard Airbnb, a few restaurants, local transport and entrance fees to the sites. The cost of flying is significant: between 800 and 1,800 euros round trip from Paris depending on the season and anticipation, with one or two stopovers (Dubai, Singapore or Hong Kong are the most common hubs).

An organised 15-day East Coast tour starts at around 2,600 euros per person excluding flights, with more complete packages (21 days with Uluru) ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 euros. Car rental is highly recommended for the Great Ocean Road, Margaret River and the Outback: around 50 to 80 euros per day for a standard vehicle, more for a 4x4.

LevelBudget
Budget80 €/day
Mid-range150 €/day
Comfort300 €/day
Australia tour
Organised tour 10–14 days, from
2,600
Local meal: ~15 €Local transport: ~8 €/day

Where to go

Australia imposes choices, because the distances are considerable. Sydney to Cairns is a 3-hour flight. Sydney to Perth is 5 hours. The best thing to do is to structure the trip around one or two regions rather than wanting to see everything.

TheEast Coastconcentrates the majority of travellers: Sydney as the first home port, then Melbourne for culture and the Great Ocean Road, Cairns as a base for the Great Barrier Reef and Brisbane for Queensland.

The Outbackrevolves around Uluru-Kata Tjuta, accessible by plane from Sydney or Melbourne via Alice Springs. The experience is totally different from cities: cosmic silences, breathtaking red colors, Anangu culture to listen to with respect.

Perthand Western Australia form a journey in their own right, ideally combined with the Rottnest Islands, Margaret River and, for the adventurous, the Pinnacles or the stromatolites of Shark Bay.

SydneyTour start

Sydney

3-4 days

Sydney is the royal entrance to the country: the Opera House on the Water, the Harbour Bridge, Bondi and Manly beaches 30 minutes from the centre. The city vibrates with the cosmopolitan energy of the great coastal metropolises, with a culinary and cultural scene that has nothing to envy to the world's capitals. The first stop on any Australian tour.

Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge (view from the Rocks)Bondi Beach and coastal walk to CoogeeDarling Harbour and Surry HillsBondi Icebergs Ocean PoolRoyal Botanic Garden with harbour views
MelbourneTour start

Melbourne

2-3 days

Melbourne claims to be Australia's cultural capital, and it fully embraces it: its streets covered with street art (Hosier Lane), its artisan coffee roasters and its music scene make it a city that is lived rather than visited. Flinders Street Station, the Queen Victoria Market and the F1 circuit in Albert Park complete a unique personality in the country.

Flinders Street Station and Federation SquareHosier Lane (urban street art)Queen Victoria MarketFitzroy District and Specialty CafesAlbert Park (F1 Grand Prix circuit)
Cairns / Grande Barrière de Corail

Cairns / Grande Barrière de Corail

3-4 days

Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first coral reef on the planet. Scuba diving or snorkeling, RIB excursions, helicopter flights: the ways to approach these 2,300 km of living reef are endless. The Daintree rainforest, 2 hours to the north, adds a second exceptional ecosystem.

Diving and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef (UNESCO site)Daintree Rainforest (the oldest in the world)Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to KurandaCairns Esplanade and Open-Air LagoonGreen Island (coral island 45 minutes away by catamaran)
Uluru / Territoire du Nord

Uluru / Territoire du Nord

2-3 days

Uluru is the sacred heart of Australia. This 348-metre-high red sandstone monolith, venerated for 60,000 years by the Anangu people, changes colour every hour of the day, from pale pink to fiery scarlet at sunset. The Kata Tjuta (Olgas) 50 km away complete this timeless experience at the Red Centre. Starry sky without light pollution: unforgettable.

Uluru at sunrise and sunset (changing colours)Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and Valley of the Winds hikeAnangu culture (first peoples, cave art)Outback night sky (no light pollution)Desert Awakenings (Aurora Tour from the Field of Light)
Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road

1-2 days

The Great Ocean Road is one of the most spectacular coastal road trips on the planet. The 240km of limestone cliffs between Torquay and Allansford reveal the Twelve Apostles, the rocky piles battered by the Southern Ocean, the Loch Ard Gorge and the giant fern forests of the Otway Ranges. A day or night from Melbourne, but some spend three days there.

The Twelve Apostles at sunsetLoch Ard Gorge and London ArchOtway National Park (fern forest, wild koalas)Cape Otway Lighthouse (oldest lighthouse on the continent)Aireys Inlet and Lorne Resort
Brisbane / Queensland

Brisbane / Queensland

2-3 days

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland and host of the 2032 Olympic Games, has transformed into a dynamic metropolis without losing its laid-back character. The South Bank, its beaches on the banks of the Brisbane River and the GOMA (Museum of Modern Art) make it a pleasant stopover. Above all, Brisbane is the ideal base for exploring the Gold Coast (surfing beaches) and Fraser Island (sand dunes and perched lakes).

South Bank Parklands and Streets BeachGallery of Modern Art (GOMA)Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (koalas and kangaroos)Gold Coast Excursion (Surfers Paradise, Surf Beaches)Fraser Island / K'gari (UNESCO Site, Lake McKenzie)
Perth / Australie-Occidentale

Perth / Australie-Occidentale

2-3 days

Perth is the most remote major city in the world, 2,700 km from Melbourne, and that's precisely what makes it so unique. Sunshine 300 days a year, pristine beaches 20 minutes from the CBD, Margaret River vineyards 3 hours to the south: Western Australia's capital lives at its own pace. Rottnest Island, reachable in 30 minutes by ferry, is home to quokkas, the world's most smiling animals.

Kings Park and Botanic Gardens (CBD View)Cottesloe Beach and Scarborough BeachRottnest Island (quokkas, turquoise beaches)Fremantle Market and historic portMargaret River (vineyards, cliffs, surfing)

Our itineraries

L'essentiel côte Est : Sydney, reef et Melbourne

15 daysavril-octobre (hiver et printemps australs, idéal côte Est et tropiques)
Sydney
4 nights
Cairns / Grande Barrière de Corail
3 nights
Brisbane / Queensland
2 nights
Great Ocean Road
1 night
Melbourne
3 nights
From ~3,500
Sample itinerary
natureplagevilleplongeedecouverte

Grand Tour Australie : côte Est et Coeur Rouge

22 daysmai-septembre (hiver austral : chaleur supportable à Uluru, sec dans le Nord)
Sydney
4 nights
Cairns / Grande Barrière de Corail
3 nights
Uluru / Territoire du Nord
2 nights
Brisbane / Queensland
2 nights
Great Ocean Road
2 nights
Melbourne
4 nights
From ~5,500
Sample itinerary
aventureculture-aboriginalnatureplongeedecouverte

Côte Ouest et Outback : Perth, Margaret River, Uluru

14 daysmai-octobre (climat sec et doux à Perth, Outback avant les chaleurs)
Perth / Australie-Occidentale
4 nights
Uluru / Territoire du Nord
3 nights
Sydney
3 nights
Melbourne
2 nights
From ~4,200
Sample itinerary
slow-travelnatureplageculture-aboriginaloenologie

In pictures

Jamie Davies on Unsplash
Jamie Davies on Unsplash
Victor on Unsplash
Victor on Unsplash
Kristin Hoel on Unsplash
Kristin Hoel on Unsplash
Brian McGowan on Unsplash
Brian McGowan on Unsplash
Zac Edmonds on Unsplash
Zac Edmonds on Unsplash
Paul Kapischka on Unsplash
Paul Kapischka on Unsplash
Frank on Unsplash
Frank on Unsplash
Aaron De Wit on Unsplash
Aaron De Wit on Unsplash
The Hung Nguyen on Unsplash
The Hung Nguyen on Unsplash
Dylan Shaw on Unsplash
Dylan Shaw on Unsplash

Practical advice

Formalities

The eVisitor (subclass 651) is essential and must be obtained before boarding. The process is entirely online, free of charge and takes a few hours to 3 days. Please note: the visa does not generate any paper documents, it is electronically linked to your passport. Make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.

Australia's biosecurity system is among the strictest in the world. Always declare any food, plant, medicine or wooden item to customs under penalty of very high fines. Dogs and cats from Europe require a complex procedure of several months.

Getting around

Domestic flights are essential to cover long distances. Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Rex offer frequent connections between all major cities. Book in advance for Sydney-Cairns or Sydney-Uluru (Alice Springs), especially in July and August.

In the cities, the public transport network (metro, bus, tram) works well in Sydney and Melbourne, with a prepaid card (Opal Card in Sydney, Myki in Melbourne). The car is essential for exploring outside the urban axes.

The roads are generally in excellent condition on the main roads. Driving on the left is surprising for the first few kilometres, but the vehicles are mostly automatic. The tracks of the Outback (Outback Highway, Stuart Highway) require preparation and a suitable 4x4 vehicle.

Culture and uses

Australians are known for their relaxed hospitality: the "mate" is immediate and sincere. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in restaurants (10% in case of satisfaction). Service is generally included in the prices.

First Peoples' culture deserves special respect. Before visiting certain sites, find out about local protocols: some areas of Uluru are not to be photographed (ceremonial sites), and rock climbing has been banned since 2019 at the request of the Anangu. The Aboriginal art galleries in Cairns, Alice Springs or Melbourne allow you to deepen the understanding of these thousand-year-old cultures.

The Australian sun is very intense even on cloudy days, especially because of the thinner ozone layer in the Southern Hemisphere. SPF 50 sunscreen, hat and goggles are essential all year round.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a visa to go to Australia when you are French?

Yes, but the process is simple and free. French nationals must obtain an eVisitor (subclass 651), entirely online on the Australian government website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au). The visa is free, processed in a few hours to 3 days, and authorizes stays of up to 3 months per visit over a period of 12 months. No paper is provided: the visa is electronically linked to your passport. To be done at least one week before departure.

https://france.embassy.gov.au/pari/Visas_and_Migration.htmlhttps://www.australianvisaonline.com/visitor-visas/evisitor-visa-subclass-651
When is the best time to visit Australia?

The best compromise for the East Coast (Sydney, Melbourne) is the austral winter and spring: from April to October, with the months of July to September as the golden period (stable weather, moderate heat, active fauna including whales). The Outback (Uluru) is ideally visited from May to September, when daytime temperatures remain bearable (20-25°C) before summer heatwaves (45°C+). The tropical north (Cairns, Great Barrier Reef) is at best in the dry season, from May to October, far from cyclones and jellyfish season.

https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/australia/sydneyhttps://northernterritory.com/us/en/plan/weather-and-seasons
What budget should I plan for a trip to Australia?

Australia is an expensive destination, comparable to Northern Europe. Count between 80 and 150 euros per day all inclusive for independent travel (budget/intermediate accommodation, meals, local transport). A 15-day organized tour starts at around 2,600 euros per person (excluding flights). A Paris-Sydney return flight with a stopover varies between 800 euros in low season and 1,800 euros in high season (Australian school holidays, austral summer). A meal in a restaurant costs between 15 and 25 euros; a coffee 3 to 4 euros.

https://www.tourdumondiste.com/budget-voyage-australiehttps://www.havas-voyages.fr/rid_circuit-australie/cir-AU-0-0-0-0.htmlhttps://www.kayak.fr/vols/Paris-PAR/Sydney-Kingsford-Smith-SYD
How long does the flight from Paris to Sydney take?

There are no direct flights between Paris and Australia. With a stopover (Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi or Doha depending on the company), the total Paris-Sydney journey takes between 20 and 24 hours. The fastest connection is around 8 p.m. The main airlines operating the route from Paris include Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways and Air France (codeshare).

https://www.kayak.fr/vols/Paris-PAR/Sydney-Kingsford-Smith-SYDhttps://flights.cathaypacific.com/destinations/fr_FR/vols-de-paris-vers-sydney
Is Australia dangerous for tourists?

Australia is classified as on normal vigilance by the Quai d'Orsay, one of the lowest levels. The country is generally very safe. The specific risks to be aware of are natural: venomous animals (snakes, spiders) in rural areas, jellyfish box jellyfish and irukandji in the tropical waters of the North from October to May (do not swim without a stinger suit), crocodiles in fresh and salt water in the Northern Territory and Queensland. Frequent bushfires in the austral summer (November to March). The sun is particularly intense: high-protection sunscreen is essential.

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/australie/
How many days does it take to visit Australia?

The reasonable minimum is 15 days to cover the East Coast (Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne). Three weeks allow you to add the Outback (Uluru) or Brisbane/Queensland. One month is ideal for a grand tour including Perth and Western Australia. Given the cost and duration of the flight (20 hours +), it would be a shame to limit yourself to less than 2 weeks. Many travelers combine with New Zealand (3 hours flight) or Bali.

https://www.sejoursvoyages.com/358-circuits-australie.htmlhttps://www.tourdumondiste.com/budget-voyage-australie
What currency to use in Australia?

The currency is the Australian dollar (AUD). 1 euro is worth approximately 1.64 AUD (August 2026, i.e. 1 AUD = 0.61 EUR). Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted everywhere, even for small amounts. ATMs are available in all cities and airports. There is no need to change cash before departure: the fees are more advantageous on site or via card without exchange fees.

https://www.exchange-rates.org/exchange-rate-history/aud-eur-2026
Do I need vaccines to go to Australia?

No vaccinations are required to enter Australia. The recommended vaccines are: DTP up to date, hepatitis A and B according to your profile. Measles is on the rise globally in 2026: check your vaccination status. No risk of malaria on the continent. Australian biosecurity is very strict: declare all food, plant or wooden products to customs, under penalty of a severe fine.

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/australie/
Can you drive in Australia with your French license?

Yes, the French driver's license is valid in Australia for tourists, usually accompanied by an official translation (IDP, international license). Driving is done on the left. The distances are immense: Sydney-Melbourne by road is 900 km. The national roads are in excellent condition but the Outback tracks require a 4x4. Watch out for wild animals on the roads at dusk and dawn, especially kangaroos.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_transport_in_Australia
Is the Great Barrier Reef still visible?

Yes. Despite bleaching episodes due to global warming, the Great Barrier Reef remains one of the most biodiverse reefs in the world. The northern areas (Cairns, Port Douglas) and the outer reefs show the best preserved corals. The months of May to November offer the best visibility conditions (clear water, mild temperature). Choose an Eco Tourism certified operator to contribute to the preservation of the reef.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Barrier_Reefhttps://northernterritory.com/us/en/plan/weather-and-seasons
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