EXPERIENCE
AUSTRALIA
Vast, diverse, ready to explore
Australia is vast, diverse, and unlike anywhere else on Earth. For many delegates coming to the Lipedema World Congress, this may be your first visit to the country -and possibly your first time in the Southern Hemisphere.
This page offers a snapshot of Australia’s iconic attractions, the realities of distance and travel, and some practical tips to help you plan an extended trip before or after the congress.
Iconic Australian attractions
Most first-time visitors build their Australia itinerary around a few key regions.
Below are some of the country’s most iconic experiences.
Sydney, New South Wales
Sydney is often combined with Melbourne in a single trip, with frequent flights between the two cities (around 1.5 hours).
Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge
Australia’s most recognisable landmarks, framing one of the world’s great natural harbours
The Rocks
Historic waterfront precinct with markets, galleries, and colonial-era buildings
Bondi Beach & coastal walks
Blue Mountains
Dramatic sandstone cliffs, eucalypt forests, and the Three Sisters rock formation, about 2 hours west of the city
Great Barrier Reef & Tropical North Queensland
This region is a natural add-on for delegates wanting a tropical contrast to Melbourne’s spring weather.
Great Barrier Reef
The world’s largest coral reef system, offering snorkelling and diving among turtles, reef sharks, manta rays, and extraordinary coral formations
Cairns & Port Douglas
Gateway cities to the reef and the Daintree Rainforest, with a mix of adventure tours, relaxed beaches, and rainforest boardwalks
Daintree Rainforest
A UNESCO World Heritage–listed tropical rainforest where the reef meets the rainforest, home to cassowaries, tree kangaroos, and ancient plant species
Whitsunday Islands
Accessible from Airlie Beach, these islands feature white-sand beaches (including Whitehaven Beach), turquoise waters, and sailing opportunities
Uluru & the Red Centre
Uluru is one of Australia’s most spiritually significant places and a powerful counterpoint to the country’s coastal cities
Uluru (Ayers Rock)
A sacred sandstone monolith that glows deep red at sunrise and sunset, with cultural walks and viewing areas led by Anangu Traditional Owners
Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)
A group of massive rock domes with walking tracks through dramatic gorges and desert landscapes
Kings Canyon
Deep sandstone gorges, rim walks, and the famous “Garden of Eden” waterhole, a few hours’ drive from Uluru
Alice Springs & West MacDonnell Ranges
Desert town and mountain ranges with striking gorges, waterholes, and Aboriginal art sites, often combined with rail journeys like The Ghan
Adelaide & surrounds
Adelaide city & cultural precinct
Compact, walkable capital with museums, galleries, festivals, and the Central Market’s food and produce
Barossa Valley & McLaren Vale
World-renowned wine regions within an hour’s drive, known for Shiraz, gourmet food, and cellar-door experiences
Adelaide Hills & Hahndorf
Rolling hills, cool-climate wines, and a historic German village with crafts, restaurants, and seasonal events
Kangaroo Island
Often called a “zoo without fences”, with sea lions, kangaroos, koalas, Remarkable Rocks, and rugged coastline, reachable by ferry or short flight
Perth & surrounds
Perth city & Swan River
Sunny, relaxed capital with riverside parks, Kings Park botanic gardens, and a growing food and bar scene
Rottnest Island
Car-free island known for quokkas, snorkelling trails, pink lakes, and cycling between beaches and bays
Margaret River region
Premier wine area south of Perth, with boutique wineries, surf breaks, caves, and forest walks
Ningaloo Reef
Further north, offering reef snorkelling, turquoise bays, and remote outback-meets-ocean landscapes
Tasmania
Hobart & MONA
Historic waterfront capital and the Museum of Old and New Art, a world-class, provocative gallery on the Derwent River
Cradle Mountain & the Overland Track
Iconic alpine wilderness with ancient rainforest, glacial lakes, and multi-day or day-walk options
Freycinet National Park & Wineglass Bay
Dramatic granite peaks, white-sand beaches, and coastal walks on the east coast
Tamar Valley & northern Tasmania
Cool-climate wines, historic Launceston, Cataract Gorge, access to the rugged north-west and West Coast Wilderness Railway
Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast
Gold Coast beaches & precincts
Iconic surf beaches from Surfers Paradise to Burleigh and Coolangatta, with vibrant dining, shopping, and nightlife along the foreshore
Gold Coast Hinterland
The McPherson Range hinterland, including Springbrook and Lamington National Parks, with ancient rainforest, waterfalls, and scenic lookouts just an hour inland
Sunshine Coast & Noosa
A more relaxed coastal alternative, with Noosa Heads, Mooloolaba, and Caloundra offering beaches and coastal walks, plus Australia Zoo for wildlife encounters and conservation experiences
Theme parks & wildlife
Major attractions such as Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Dreamworld, and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, ideal for families and first-time visitors to Australia
Iconic journeys
Australia is home to some of the world’s great journeys, offering a different perspective on the landscape and a more relaxed pace of travel
The Ghan
Runs between Adelaide, Alice Springs, and Darwin, crossing the heart of the continent.
Passengers experience the shift from southern farmlands to the arid Red Centre and finally the tropical Top End.
Multi-day packages include off-train excursions
Indian Pacific
Connects Sydney and Perth via the Blue Mountains, the Nullarbor Plain (one of the world’s longest straight stretches of railway), and Adelaide.
A true coast-to-coast crossing
Spirit of Tasmania
Why fly from Melbourne to Tasmania when you can take the Spirit?
Connecting Melbourne (Geelong) to Devonport on a daily basis, with daytime and overnight sailings, the Spirit of Tasmania enables you to take your car on board and continue your journey as soon as you dock.
Great Southern Rail
Runs between Brisbane and Adelaide, passing through the Hunter Valley, Sydney, Canberra, and the Grampians, with optional extensions to Melbourne
Understanding distance
One of the most important things for first-time visitors to understand is scale. Australia is BIG.
- Australia’s landmass is roughly the size of the contiguous United States or twice the size of Europe.
- Our population is only around 28 million people, concentrated mainly in coastal cities.
This means:
Distances between major destinations are huge.
- Melbourne to Sydney: ~880 km (about 1.5 hours by air, 9+ hours by car)
- Melbourne to Cairns: ~2,600 km (about 3.5 hours by air)
- Melbourne to Uluru: ~1,900 km (about 3 hours by air)
- Sydney to Perth: ~3,300 km (about 5 hours by air)
Flying is the default for interstate travel. Domestic airlines are reliable, frequent, and often competitively priced if booked in advance.
Road trips are fantastic but time-consuming. A “short” drive on a map can easily become a full day or more behind the wheel.
As a rule of thumb:
- For a coherent highlights itinerary, plan at least 10–14 days in Australia if you want to combine Melbourne with one or two other regions.
- 21 days allows a more relaxed pace and the chance to see multiple regions without feeling rushed.
Handy Tips & Information for Travellers
Money, cards, and tipping
- Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD).
- Cashless society: Cards (including contactless Visa/Mastercard/Amex) are accepted almost everywhere, including cafés, taxis, and small shops.
- ATMs: Widely available in cities and major towns; check with your bank about overseas withdrawal fees.
- Tipping: Not expected or mandatory. It’s common to round up or leave 5–10% in sit-down restaurants for excellent service, but there’s no obligation.
Sun safety and health
- UV levels: Very high, even on cool or cloudy days. Use SPF 30+ (ideally 50+) sunscreen, a broad-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
- Hydration: Carry a water bottle; tap water is safe to drink in all major cities and most towns.
- Medical care: In an emergency, dial 000 (police, fire, ambulance). For non-urgent health advice, call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
- Travel insurance: Strongly recommended for all international visitors.
Mobile Data & eSIMs
- Coverage: Excellent in cities and major regional centres; more limited in remote and outback areas.
- SIM options: Visitors can buy prepaid SIMs at airports, phone shops, and supermarkets, or use an eSIM if your phone supports it.
- Wi‑Fi: Widely available in hotels, cafés, and many public areas; quality varies, so a local SIM is useful for maps and transport apps.
Shopping, GST, and refunds
- GST: A 10% Goods and Services Tax is included in most prices.
- Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS): If you spend AUD 300 or more (including GST) at a single business within 60 days of departure, you may be able to claim back the GST on eligible goods at the airport. Keep your tax invoices.
Domestic flight tips
- Baggage allowances vary by airline and fare. Always check your specific allowance when booking.
- Melbourne & Sydney each have two airports. Always check which airport you're selecting when booking flights to/from these cities.
- Carry-on: Typically 7–14 kg total, with size limits for the main bag. Budget airlines are strict on weight and size and some charge to stow a bag overhead.
- Arrive early: For domestic flights, aim to be at the airport at least 60–90 minutes before departure, especially in peak periods.
Getting Around
Domestic Flights
- Best for: Covering long distances quickly (e.g., Melbourne to Sydney, Cairns, Uluru, Perth).
- Airlines: Major carriers include Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Rex. Regional airlines serve smaller centres.
- Frequency: Multiple daily flights between major cities; fewer options to regional destinations, so booking in advance is wise.
Tips:
- Compare fares across airlines and fare types (some include checked baggage, others don’t).
- Check baggage allowances carefully, especially on budget carriers.
- Domestic terminals are often separate from international terminals; allow extra time for transfers.
Trains
- Best for: Scenic, relaxed travel and specific city-to-city routes.
Key services:
- Sydney–Melbourne (XPT): Around 11 hours; scenic but slower than flying.
- Sydney–Brisbane (XPT): Long-distance coastal route.
- Adelaide–Melbourne (Overland): Classic intercity service.
- Great Southern, The Ghan, Indian Pacific: Iconic long-distance journeys (see “Iconic journeys” section).
Tips:
- Book early for better fares and cabin choices.
- Overnight trains can save on a night’s accommodation but take significantly longer than flying.
- Regional trains (e.g., V/Line in Victoria, NSW TrainLink) are useful for day trips from major cities.
Car Hire
- Best for: Regional exploration at your own pace (e.g., Great Ocean Road, Tasmania, wine regions, coastal drives).
- Driving side: Left-hand side of the road.
- Licences: International visitors can generally drive on a valid overseas licence for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended if your licence is not in English.
Tips:
- Automatic transmission is common, but specify your preference when booking.
- Fuel is sold by the litre; major chains include Coles Express, Shell, BP, and United.
- In remote areas, plan fuel stops carefully and carry extra water and supplies.
- Toll roads exist in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane; many rental companies offer electronic toll passes—ask about fees and options.
- Australian wildlife is often on the move at dusk and dawn - be careful driving at these times.
Public Transport
- Best for: Getting around within major cities without the hassle of parking.
- Melbourne: Extensive tram network (including a Free Tram Zone in the CBD), plus trains and buses.
- Sydney: Trains, buses, ferries, and light rail;
- Other capitals: Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra all have train and/or bus networks; ferries are important in Sydney and Brisbane.
Tips:
- Most cities use contactless smartcard or tap-on/tap-off payment; check local systems before you travel.
- Apps like Google Maps, TransLink (QLD), Transport for NSW, and PTV (Vic) provide real-time journey planning.
- For short stays in Melbourne, consider a myki Explore pack; in Sydney, just use your contactless card.