Australia’s official language is English—specifically Australian English, known for its distinctive accent and unique local expressions. Chances are locals will greet you with a friendly “G’day mate!”
Direct flight: No direct flights from Quebec
Connecting flight: 23 to 35 hours (depending on connection times)
Australia time zone: UTC +10
14h ahead of Quebec (EST)
15h ahead of Quebec (EDT)
*Like Canada, Australia spans multiple time zones. The time difference varies depending on the region.
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted across the country, including in restaurants, hotels, shops, and public transportation. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for small businesses, markets, tips, or activities in remote areas.
In Australia, tipping is neither mandatory nor expected, regardless of the service or establishment. It is generally considered a gesture of appreciation for exceptional service. In more upscale restaurants, leaving around 10% of the bill is appreciated but not required.
Australia is a safe destination where basic safety precautions are usually sufficient. In nature, it is important to follow local guidelines and be mindful of wildlife, weather, and terrain. Some beaches may have strong currents or marine wildlife to watch for, such as sharks, crocodiles, or jellyfish, so always follow lifeguards’ advice. We also recommend that you share your itinerary before venturing into the Outback because this remote and arid region has limited cell coverage and services.
Before any foreign trip, visit the Government of Canada’s Australia Travel Advice page to find out about the current situation in the country.
The Whitsunday Islands are made up of 74 paradise islands accessible from Airlie Beach. Visitors will find dream beaches such as Whitehaven Beach, colourful reefs perfect for snorkeling, and scenic walking trails. These islands reveal pristine nature and spectacular tropical landscapes.
Maria Island is a protected natural sanctuary, accessible by ferry from Triabunna. Car-free, it offers hiking, cycling, swimming, and snorkeling, along with diverse wildlife, including kangaroos, wombats, and Tasmanian devils. Explore historic ruins and enjoy breathtaking coastal landscapes.
Purnululu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its unique Bungle Bungle sandstone domes—orange- and grey-striped rock formations. Best explored during the dry season, the park offers 4×4 trails, hiking through spectacular gorges, and an authentic Outback Australia adventure. A must-visit for nature and landscape lovers.
The Kimberley region is one of Australia’s most pristine destinations. Explore red cliffs, gorges, waterfalls, and secluded beaches. Enjoy hiking, 4×4 adventures, cruises, kayaking, or scenic flights. Experience the Outback, Indigenous Australian culture, and its unique tropical biodiversity.
The Whitsunday Islands are made up of 74 paradise islands accessible from Airlie Beach. Visitors will find dream beaches such as Whitehaven Beach, colourful reefs perfect for snorkeling, and scenic walking trails. These islands reveal pristine nature and spectacular tropical landscapes.
Maria Island is a protected natural sanctuary, accessible by ferry from Triabunna. Car-free, it offers hiking, cycling, swimming, and snorkeling, along with diverse wildlife, including kangaroos, wombats, and Tasmanian devils. Explore historic ruins and enjoy breathtaking coastal landscapes.
Purnululu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its unique Bungle Bungle sandstone domes—orange- and grey-striped rock formations. Best explored during the dry season, the park offers 4×4 trails, hiking through spectacular gorges, and an authentic Outback Australia adventure. A must-visit for nature and landscape lovers.
The Kimberley region is one of Australia’s most pristine destinations. Explore red cliffs, gorges, waterfalls, and secluded beaches. Enjoy hiking, 4×4 adventures, cruises, kayaking, or scenic flights. Experience the Outback, Indigenous Australian culture, and its unique tropical biodiversity.
“I had the chance to visit Australia for over a year, discovering its incredible landscapes. From Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef and the desert around Alice Springs, this vast country offers an astonishing variety of scenery. My favourite? The Whitsunday Islands, bordering one of the world’s largest coral reefs, featuring truly breathtaking natural beaches.”
A beloved Australian treat, the meat pie can be enjoyed everywhere—from stadiums to local bakeries. This small, golden, and flaky pastry is filled with minced or diced meat simmered in a rich gravy. Best eaten hot on the go, often with a touch of tomato sauce (ketchup).
Vegemite is a dark brown, savory yeast-extract spread. When spread thinly on toast, it delivers an intense umami flavour. Loved by some and an acquired taste for others, it is a proud symbol of Australian culture.
Impossible to resist, Tim Tams are Australia’s iconic cookies. They consist of two crunchy biscuits sandwiched with a creamy filling and coated in chocolate. Available in many flavours, they are perfect with tea or a good coffee.
The lamington is a classic Australian dessert made of sponge cake cubes coated in a thin layer of chocolate icing and desiccated coconut. The chocolate slightly soaks into the cake, giving it a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that contrasts perfectly with the coconut. A simple yet indulgent Australian favourite.
Barramundi is a popular white fish with firm yet delicate flesh that flakes perfectly. Its subtle flavour works well grilled or pan-fried. Served with seasonal vegetables, it showcases Australian produce’s freshness and richness.
A beloved Australian treat, the meat pie can be enjoyed everywhere—from stadiums to local bakeries. This small, golden, and flaky pastry is filled with minced or diced meat simmered in a rich gravy. Best eaten hot on the go, often with a touch of tomato sauce (ketchup).
Vegemite is a dark brown, savory yeast-extract spread. When spread thinly on toast, it delivers an intense umami flavour. Loved by some and an acquired taste for others, it is a proud symbol of Australian culture.
Impossible to resist, Tim Tams are Australia’s iconic cookies. They consist of two crunchy biscuits sandwiched with a creamy filling and coated in chocolate. Available in many flavours, they are perfect with tea or a good coffee.
The lamington is a classic Australian dessert made of sponge cake cubes coated in a thin layer of chocolate icing and desiccated coconut. The chocolate slightly soaks into the cake, giving it a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that contrasts perfectly with the coconut. A simple yet indulgent Australian favourite.
Barramundi is a popular white fish with firm yet delicate flesh that flakes perfectly. Its subtle flavour works well grilled or pan-fried. Served with seasonal vegetables, it showcases Australian produce’s freshness and richness.
Experience the charm of Australia with this frozen treat featuring the famous Tim Tam® cookies, an Australian favorite since 1964. This swirl pairs the creaminess of homemade vanilla ice cream with the irresistible crunch of dark chocolate. A sweet, decadent, and crunchy escape in every spoonful! (Video in French only)
Overall, the best times to visit Australia are during spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May).
Due to the country’s vast size, the ideal period varies by region. It is best to visit southern cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide in spring or autumn for mild temperatures. Northern areas, including Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Whitsunday Islands, are ideal from May to October during the dry season. To explore the Outback and the famous Uluru, April to September offers the most comfortable desert temperatures. It’s best to visit the West Coast, around Perth, and Tasmania from October to April, with warm, sunny weather.
Due to Australia’s vast size, flying remains the most efficient way to cover long distances between major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth. Car rental is very popular for more freedom to explore and enjoy the country’s spectacular landscapes. Note that driving is on the left, and vehicles have the steering wheel on the right. Finally, buses provide an economical and reliable option for travelling between multiple cities.
2 to 3 weeks.
This is the ideal amount of time to explore multiple cities, embark on road adventures, enjoy the beaches, and discover different regions at a relaxed pace.
Travel in complete peace of mind.
Useful for driving abroad.
Fast, compliant and guaranteed service.
Online application service.
Double-check the rules before you travel.
Suitcases, anti-theft bags, and more!
Create your personalized travel itinerary.
Road guides and road maps.
