Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Australia

Discover Australia

Discover Australia

Why visit Australia?
Australia offers big-sky landscapes, relaxed coastal cities, and a rich blend of cultures. You can balance vibrant urban life with easy access to beaches, national parks, and wildlife.
What to expect
From Sydney and Melbourne to Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Cairns, and Darwin, each city reveals a different side of the country. Expect world-class arts, sport, and coastal living alongside outback adventures and tropical escapes.
Plan your trip
Use Australia as your base to explore its diverse regions, from wine country to reef and desert. With strong domestic connections, you can build an itinerary that moves smoothly between cities and nature.

Top experiences in Australia

Harbour icons in Sydney

Stroll around Sydney Harbour to see the Opera House, cross the Harbour Bridge, and enjoy waterfront walks and dining.

Laneways and culture in Melbourne

Wander Melbourne's laneways for street art, galleries, coffee bars, and theatres close to the Yarra River.

Beaches and river life in Brisbane

Explore Brisbane's riverside precincts, city-fringe beaches, and easy access to the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.

Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef

From Cairns, join reef cruises, snorkelling trips, and rainforest excursions into the Wet Tropics.

Wine and coastal trails near Adelaide

Use Adelaide as a base for day trips to nearby wine regions and quiet coastal towns.

Sunsets and outback flavours in Darwin

Experience Darwin's tropical waterfront, vivid sunsets, and access to nearby national parks.

Indian Ocean lifestyle in Perth

Relax on Perth's beaches, enjoy riverside parks, and explore nearby islands and wine valleys.

Experience Australia's way of life

Getting around
Australia's major cities are linked by frequent domestic flights, making it easy to cover long distances quickly. Within cities, you can rely on trains, trams, buses, and rideshares, with scenic drives as an option for shorter regional journeys.
Local life & culture
Life in Australia moves at a relaxed but energetic pace, shaped by the outdoors, sport, and the arts. Each city has its own character, from beach-focused living in Brisbane and Perth to creative neighbourhoods in Melbourne and historic quarters in Sydney and Adelaide.
Where to unwind
You will find calm spaces in city parks, botanical gardens, coastal walks, and nearby national parks. Whether you prefer quiet beaches near Perth and Cairns or riverside paths in Brisbane and Melbourne, it is easy to add downtime to your itinerary.

A taste of Australia

National dishes & specialties
Australian dining blends local produce, coastal seafood, and influences from many migrant communities. Classic flavours can be found in coastal cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, as well as regional hubs such as Adelaide and Cairns.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You will see relaxed cafés, neighbourhood bistros, and modern eateries across all major cities. Each region brings its own twist, from rooftop bars in Brisbane to laneway cafés in Melbourne and waterfront spots in Sydney, Perth, and Darwin.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, look for restaurants with harbour, river, or ocean views in cities like Sydney and Perth. Wine regions near Adelaide and Melbourne offer vineyard dining, while Cairns and Darwin highlight tropical settings and open-air venues.

Retail therapy in Australia

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Australia's largest cities feature modern malls and lifestyle precincts that combine international labels with local brands. You can browse major centres in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, often close to central business districts.
Markets & local crafts
Open-air markets and local boutiques showcase handmade crafts, art, and regional goods. Look for creative districts and weekend markets in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, as well as smaller artisan hubs in Adelaide and Darwin.
Evening retail scene
After dark, key shopping streets in cities like Sydney and Melbourne stay lively with late-opening stores and nearby dining. In warmer destinations such as Brisbane, Cairns, and Darwin, night markets and waterfront promenades create a relaxed evening shopping atmosphere.

Best time to visit Australia

Peak season: December to February is summer in most of Australia, with average temperatures around 20–30°C (68–86°F) in the southern cities. Coastal areas are popular for beach holidays and outdoor festivals.
Shoulder season: March to May and September to November bring mild conditions, typically 15–25°C (59–77°F) in many cities. These months suit city exploration, wine regions, and inland trips with fewer crowds.
Low season: June to August is winter in southern Australia, with averages of 8–18°C (46–64°F), while northern areas like Darwin and Cairns stay warmer, often 20–26°C (68–79°F). This is a quieter time in some cities but ideal for tropical and outback travel.

Frequently Asked Questions