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Travelling to the US from Australia: Everything you need to know

If  'Murca' is on the horizon and you haven't been since Covid, there are a few changes you best be aware of.

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If  'Murca' is on the horizon and you haven't been since Covid, there are a few changes you best be aware of.

Do you need a Covid test for the USA?

No but you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 if you're 18 and over and provide proof of vaccination to travel to the US. 

Is the USA safe?

Not as safe as Australia. Give areas where demonstrations and protests are taking place a wide berth. Watch your valuables on public transport and, as much as this pains us to write, ask your hotel about active shooter protocols and familiarise yourself with how to respond by reading the US Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Active Shooter Event guide . 

Do I need travel insurance to go to the USA?

Definitively YES: comprehensive medical insurance. Few countries have higher medical bills for the uninsured and even the simplest medical treatment can end up costing thousands and more.

Is marijuana legal in the USA?

Only 19 states have legalised it and you need to be extremely careful in those that haven’t as strict penalties apply for even small possession. We’re talking mandatory minimum sentences in some cases.

What medications can I take to the USA?

Some prescription and over-the-counter medications readily available in Australia are illegal in the US. It's also illegal to possess prescription medication without a prescription. To be safe, get a note from your doctor detailing what  meds you are taking, the dosage and frequency of use.

What is the legal drinking age in the US?

The federal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21. However, state laws regarding possession and consumption can vary. Many young Aussie travellers have been caught out in this regard.

How do you travel to the USA from Australia if you’re a dual citizen?

While dual citizenship is recognised, it’s important to travel with both passports.

Do you need a visa to travel to the US from Australia on holiday?

If you’re going for less than 90 days, you can apply online for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and be able to enter under the Visa Waiver Program. If you're not eligible, you'll need a visa. Each traveller, including children, must have their own ESTA and visa waiver or visa. ESTA visas last two years.

Can I drive with an Australian licence in the US?

There are some states where you can get away with but you will get getting away with it. To save any hassle, get an International Driving Permit before you leave. You can get it through the NRMA and it costs $42.

What can they ask at US customs?

According to SmartTraveller , “officials may ask to inspect your electronic devices , emails, text messages or social media accounts.” They may also ask to see proof that you have enough money to cover your stay or an onward ticket that doesn't terminate in Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean unless you're a resident of one of those countries.

Can you go to the US unvaccinated?

Technically yes, but it’s a mission. If you're not fully vaccinated but qualify for an exception, you may be required to attest that: You'll be tested with a COVID-19 viral test 3 to 5 days after arrival in the US unless you have documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days; you'll self-quarantine for a full 7 days, even if the test result of the post-arrival viral test is negative, unless you have documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days; and you'll self-isolate if the result of the post-arrival test is positive or if you develop COVID-19 symptoms. 

Wait, there’s more. If you're not fully vaccinated and intend to stay in the US for longer than 60 days, you may also be required to attest that: you agree to be vaccinated against COVID-19; and you have arranged to become fully vaccinated against COVID-19 within 60 days of arriving in the US or as soon thereafter as is medically appropriate.

Do children need to be vaccinated to enter the US?

Children under the age of 18 are excepted from the vaccination requirement .

How long does it take to fly to the US?

A flight from the east coast of Australia to the west coast of the US takes around 14 to 16 hours. Bear in mind that you will arrive on the morning of the day you left!

How much do you tip in the US?

Fifteen per cent if it was average and 20 as a rule if your server helped you enjoy the meal/tour/service.

Before you leave, be sure to check out the latest travel information at Smart Traveller .

20 unforgettable American road trips.

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David divides his time between travelling and stand up comedy. His favourite destinations encompass both and he has performed in London, New York and Las Vegas. Sometimes even on stage. He chafes in polyester, can handle no more than two martinis and his safe word is degustation.

We're only a few minutes into our journey - deliberately attempting America's most dangerous highway - and I'm thinking about our potentially soon-to-be-orphaned children back home in Australia.

Big Sky Country does thermal wellness a little differently. 

Visit Aspen-Snowmass during summer and you’re well advised to bring your own chaps and spurs.

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Sunshine, a car and cool architecture make a fun holiday mix. 

Australia Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Australia

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces.

Ready to travel?

Find flights to australia, find stays in australia, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, dominican republic, netherlands, philippines, puerto rico, switzerland, united arab emirates, united kingdom, know when to go.

Sign up for email alerts as countries begin to open - choose the destinations you're interested in so you're in the know.

Can I travel to Australia from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Australia.

Can I travel to Australia if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Australia without restrictions.

Can I travel to Australia without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Australia without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Australia?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Australia.

Can I travel to Australia without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Australia?

Mask usage in Australia is not required in public spaces.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Australia?

Restaurants in Australia are open. Bars in Australia are .

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Stay safe with the latest travel advice

Everything you need to know before you go

Providing international travel advice for Australians overseas

Learn more about Smartraveller

Travel Advice for Samoa

Samoa’s Ministry of Health has declared a dengue outbreak. Protect yourself against mosquito bites and use insect repellent. See the Australian Government advice on dengue before travel.

Consular assistance

The Consular Services Charter outlines the consular services and assistance provided by the Australian Government to travellers overseas. Read the Charter to understand how we can and can't help. 

Consular Services Charter (PDF 195.79 KB)

Notarial services

Do you need a document legalised, or a Certificate of No Impediment for your upcoming marriage? The Australian Government can provide some notarial services.

Travel insurance

 If you're going overseas, travel insurance is as important as a passport. If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. Read our advice, and download the CHOICE travel insurance guide before you go.

CHOICE travel insurance buying guide 2023 (PDF 3.52 MB)

News and updates

Anzac day 2024.

On 25 April, Anzac Day services will be held in major cities and at international war memorials. If you're travelling to attend a service, be prepared and know what to expect.

• Major events

Sun, sand and surgery: travelling for medical tourism

Planning to go overseas for a medical procedure? Do your research before you commit. Don't decide on cost alone.

Have adventures, not regrets

Recent research found that Smartraveller is a trusted source of advice. But it also found that Australians still take unnecessary risks when they head overseas, especially with travel insurance.

Travelling during Ramadan

Muslim countries around the world will soon be observing Ramadan. If you're visiting a Muslim country during Ramadan, research your destination before you arrive to learn what to expect.

• Middle East

Travel advice explained

Learn what our advice levels mean and how we decide what level to apply to each destination. 

Passport services

With passport demand on the rise, don't leave your application to the last minute.

Allow a minimum of six weeks to get a new passport or renew one.

Coming back to Australia

Know what to do and what expect when you're heading home from your trip overseas. 

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I've lived in Australia for years. Don't make these 8 mistakes when you visit — especially if you're an American like me.

Posted: April 28, 2024 | Last updated: April 28, 2024

• I'm from the United States and I've lived in Australia for a few years.
• Australia has norms US travelers won't be used to — for example, we don't pre-pay for gas here. 
• Australia's shops close earlier than they do in the US, and alcohol is more expensive.

I'm an American from Philadelphia who has spent the better part of four years living in and traveling through Australia .

With its over-$100-billion tourism industry , the country sees millions of visitors each year, many of them from the US like me. Although the US and Australia are similar in many ways, some significant differences could lead to misunderstandings or confusion.

If you choose to become one of these visitors, avoid making these common mistakes — especially if you're an American.

Thinking shops and cafés will be open past 5 p.m.

Although closing times for shops and cafés vary by region, I've found ones in Australia close much earlier than the places I visited in the US.

Here, it's common for retail shops to close by 5 p.m. and coffee shops even earlier, around 2 p.m.

It could be due to the comparably smaller population size reducing the demand for around-the-clock services and a general preference for a healthy work/life balance over excessive materialism.

If you do want to shop at night, you'll have to wait for "late-night shopping day," the one time a week when shops stay open until 9 p.m. instead of 5 p.m.

Expecting alcohol to be the same price as it is in the US

Australia has some of the highest taxes on spirits in the world . It's quite an isolated country, far from the places it imports a lot of its alcoholic products from, and you see that reflected in the prices.

Plus, wine is subject to a wine equalization tax (WET ) — about 29% of the wine's wholesale value — and may also be subject to the goods and services tax (GST).

Although choosing a locally brewed beer or homegrown wine is a more cost-effective option, don't be surprised if you see a bottle of spirits that would retail for $20 in the US being sold for triple the price here.

Assuming pie is only for dessert

Know that when you utter the word "pie," virtually no Australian is envisioning a decadent sweet treat, but instead a savory meat-based filling encased in a golden, flaky crust.

After all, meat pies and sausage rolls are at the top of the Australian culinary staples list.

Australia without meat pies is like the US without hamburgers or hot dogs. They're delicious, often enjoyed with tomato sauce (ketchup), and are to be eaten with your hands.

Trying to calculate tax

When shopping or dining in the US, it's hard to predict your total cost because sales tax is usually not included in the advertised prices. Plus, sale-tax rates vary widely at the local level.

In Australia, tax is already calculated into the final price on shelves and on restaurant bills. The advertised price is the final price.

Just about all goods and services are taxed at an even 10%. No surprises, and no awkward fumbling around for that extra dollar.

Ordering "regular coffee" and expecting American drip coffee

When you try to order "a regular coffee" or a "black coffee" here, you'll probably just confuse your barista .

"Drip" or brewed coffee is not really a thing in Australia. When you order coffee here, you'll most likely be served espresso-based drinks.

Fortunately, Australia makes some of the best coffee in the world .

You have options like cappuccino, flat white, mocha, etc. If you're craving a drip coffee, the closest you'll get is a long black, which is a shot of espresso in hot water.

Trying to prepay for gas

There are a few ways pumping gas — or "petrol," as Aussies call it — differs from the US.

In the US, I usually either paid at the pump or prepaid inside before pumping gas. But, other than a few Costco locations, I've yet to find any gas station here that allows me to pay with my card at the pump.

In Australia, you pump your gas and then pay. You have to go inside to pay for your gas — perhaps this helps encourage customers to spend more money at the servo (gas station).

This practice is actually common in a number of places around the world, it's just not the norm in the US .

Confusing Australian Target with American Target

Americans are obsessed with Target , and it's only upon visiting Australian Target that I can understand why the phenomenon stirs such confusion here.

Surprisingly, these two separate corporations have nothing to do with each other despite their shared name and remarkable likeness.

Perhaps I'm biased but, in my opinion, Australian Target is underwhelming compared to the department stores we have back home. Unlike the beloved US chain, these Targets don't have a grocery section or mini food court with a Starbucks or Pizza Hut.

Plus, the Aussie versions of Target tend to be tinier with a smaller variety of products. I much prefer Australia's Kmart stores, which are also not related to the American version with the same name.

Not learning Australian slang

Believe it or not, this point is not for non-English speakers. I've found English fluency will not help you much here because there's Aussie slang or abbreviation for just about every word in the English dictionary.

The slang often follows two principles: Shorten the word and make it much more fun to say.

Tons of Australian slang involve shortening a word to its root and ending an -o suffix, like servo, arvo, avo, smoko, and bottle-o. Those were: service station, afternoon, avocado, smoke session, and bottle shop (liquor store).

However, memorizing those principles alone won't be enough to get by. Aussies change McDonald's to Macca's, mosquito to mozzie, breakfast to brekky, cooler to esky, and so on.

I recommend looking up a list of Australian slang words and memorizing the most common ones before you visit. Over time, you'll hopefully get the hang of it.

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Announcing the Hot List Winners of 2024

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: Every spring when we pull together the Hot List , our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants , and cruise ships , a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of traveling the globe—to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech, or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage—it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali. We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List hotel winners for 2024.

Click here to see the entire Hot List for 2024 .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

North Island Okavango

Angama Amboseli

Jannah Lamu

Farasha Farmhouse , Marrakech

Kozo Kigali

Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island — Seychelles

SOUTH AFRICA

Nikkei Cape Town

Molori Mashuma , Mana Pools National Park

Pemako Punakha

Regent Hong Kong

Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur

Naar , Darwa

Papa's , Mumbai

Cap Karoso , Sumba

Further , Bali

Locavore NXT Bali

Le Pristine Tokyo

The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza

Trunk(Hotel) Yoyogi Park , Tokyo

Shinta Mani Mustang - A Bensley Collection , Jomsom

SOUTH KOREA

JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa

Pot Au Phở , Ho Chi Minh

Le Foote , Sydney

Southern Ocean Lodge , Kangaroo Island

Sun Ranch , Byron Bay

MIDDLE EAST

Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain

SAUDI ARABIA

Six Senses Southern Dunes , Umluj

The St. Regis Riyadh

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The Guild , Dubai

SIRO One Za'abeel, Dubai

Soul Kitchen , Dubai

The Lana, Dorchester Collection , Dubai

Koan , Copenhagen

Hotel Maria , Helsinki

1 Place Vendôme , Paris

The Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel , Cannes

Datil , Paris

Hôtel Le Grand Mazarin , Paris

La Nauve Hôtel & Jardin , Cognac

Rosewood Munich

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino

Monument , Athens

One&Only Aesthesis , Athens

Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll

Bulgari Hotel Roma , Rome

Trattoria del Ciumbia , Milan

Hotel La Palma , Capri

La Roqqa , Porto Ercole

Nolinski Venezia , Venice

Palazzo Roma , Rome

Saporium , Florence

Hotel Violino d’Oro , Venice

Mamula Island

NETHERLANDS

De Durgerdam , Amsterdam

Canalha , Lisbon

Andreu Genestra , Mallorca

Barro , Ávila

César Lanzarote , Lanzarote

Hotel Corazón , Mallorca

Grand Hotel Son Net , Mallorca

Palacio Arriluce , Getxo

Son Vell Menorca , Menorca

The Peninsula Istanbul

UNITED KINGDOM

Broadwick Soho , London

Chishuru , London

The Devonshire , London

Chelsea Townhouse, London

Estelle Manor , Cotswolds

Fish Shop , Ballater

Raffles London at The OWO

Colima 71 , Mexico City

Maizajo Mexico City

Maroma, A Belmond Hotel , Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya EDITION

The St. Regis Kanai Resort , Riviera Maya

SOUTH AMERICA

Casa Lucía , Buenos Aires

Trescha , Buenos Aires

Oseille , Rio de Janiero

99 Restaurante, Santiago

Our Habitas Atacama , San Pedro de Atacama

Puqio , Arequipa

THE CARIBBEAN

Silversands Beach House

UNITED STATES

The Celestine , New Orleans

Dawn Ranch , Sonoma, California

The Fifth Avenue Hotel , New York

Fontainebleau Las Vegas

The Georgian , Santa Monica, California

The Global Ambassador , Phoenix

Hotel Bardo, Savannah

Ilis , New York

Kiln , San Francisco

Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort , Kona, Hawaii

Maty's , Miami

Warren Street Hotel , New York

Yess , Los Angeles

World Voyager, Atlas Ocean Voyages

CRUISE SHIPS

Silver Nova , Silversea

Norwegian Viva

Seven Seas Grandeur , Regent Seven Seas Grandeur

Oceania Vista

World Voyager , Atlas Ocean Voyages

Scenic Eclipse II

Emerald Sakara

Celebrity Ascent

Seabourn Pursuit

Icon of the Seas , Royal Caribbean

MSC Euribia

Viking Aton

Resilient Lady , Virgin Voyages

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Visas and Migration

Latest news.

For the latest immigration and citizenship news, see  News - Archive . 

Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)

From 6 April 2022, all ETA-eligible passport holders can ap​​ply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app. For more information, see our Step by step guide .

If you are unable to use the app, you can apply online through ImmiAccount for another visa that suits your needs.

European passport holders may be eligible for an eVisitor (subclass 651) .

At this time, ETA lodgement is only available through the Australian ETA app.​​ To apply you  must  lodge the application via the  ETA app  which you can download for free from the  Apple Store (Apple)  or  Google Play store (Android) .

You can apply for an ETA through the app if:

• you meet all  ETA eligibility requirements , and
• you hold a passport from an  eligible country .

Whether you are visiting Australia for a short period of time or planning to migrate, you must have a valid Australian visa.

Information on visas to Australia can be found on the  Department of Home Affairs website .

Explore visa options  on the department's website to help you find the visa most likely to meet your specific circumstances.

Visa applications, fees & processing times

Most visa applications can be lodged online by creating an  ImmiAccount . This is our preferred method of visa lodgement to helps us process your application faster.

If you are lodging an application in the US, please refer to the following information before submitting your application:

• Processing times
• Visa requirements  (health, character, biometrics)
• Translation of documents not in English

Please note, you should not book flights or make travel commitments until you have a valid visa to travel to Australia. The Department of Home Affairs will not be liable for any financial loss incurred by travellers whose visa application was finalised later than expected, or where an application is not successful.

Visa and citizenship applications are managed by the Department of Home Affairs. Embassy staff are unable to assist with general visa or citizenship enquiries. 

The Department of Home Affairs website has the most up to date and comprehensive information on applying for visas and citizenship. The website also has useful definitions and tools to help you understand the department’s requirements. Visit the website at Immigration and citizenship .

If you are having trouble locating information on the department’s website, the Home Affairs Digital Assistant may be able to help. The Digital Assistant can help you find information on Australian visas, citizenship and border entry. Visit the  Immigration and citizenship  website and click the Ask a question   Digital Assistant button to get started.

Global Service Centre

If you require additional information, you may telephone the Global Service Centre on +61 2 6196 0196, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm your local time.

International calls may be subject to charges imposed by your local carrier. You may wish to consider using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) provider to avoid potentially high charges.

Using an interpreter

When you call the GSC, select option 6 to engage a Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) interpreter in your language. Option 6 can be selected straight after dialling the GSC number.

Alternatively, a TIS interpreter can also be engaged directly via:

•    TIS website:  Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) or

•    Home Affairs website See:  Family and friends helping with your application .

Compliments, complaints and suggestions

Your feedback is valuable to the Department of Home Affairs. The department uses your feedback to improve services and investigate and respond to any issues of concern. You can find more information on the department’s website at  Compliments, complaints and suggestions .

Allegations related to suspicious border activities

If it doesn’t feel right, flag it anonymously with Border Watch. Border Watch is the single collection point for the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Border Force (ABF) for allegations related to suspicious border activities and is not limited to immigration and citizenship. One small observation could help stop a much larger border crime.  You can report suspicious immigration, customs and border related activity via the  Border Watch Online Report .

Beware of Visa Scams

To avoid being scammed, you can check the Register of Migration Agents on the  OMARA website , to receive the protections of an OMARA registered Migration Agent.

There are Australian registered migration agents working all around the world. These agents are subject to the same Code of Conduct, professional development and regulations as registered migration agents based in Australia. More information about Australia's efforts to ensure the integrity of the migration advice profession is available at:  www.mara.gov.au .

Further information on visa scams is available on the Department of Home Affairs website .

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Tasmania’s 10 best hiking trails

• Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

From cliff-top coastal treks to walks through moss-adorned forests, Tasmania holds an incredibly diverse offering of hiking trails. In fact, out of all the multi-day walks that comprise the Great Walks of Australia, nearly half are found in Tasmania. Compared to the immense size of the Australian mainland, that’s quite a high ratio for the island state. And there are another 334 smaller islands found off the coast of Tasmania, some of which have notable walks of their own. Whether it’s a multi-day sojourn or a shorter path that’s family friendly and wheelchair accessible, here’s a look at the ten best hiking trails in Tasmania to discover on your visit to this wild island.

1. Bay of Fires trek

Found on the northeastern tip of Tasmania, the Bay of Fires trek will take you walking along high cliffs, over soft sandy beaches, and through dense bush trails. Extending from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point, the Bay of Fires coastline stretches 50 km (31 miles). Shining blue seas meet distinctly orange boulders on shore, which is given a fiery hue thanks to lichen.

Accessed via Launceston , you can embark on a multi-day trek along this varied coastline, sojourning a distance of 33 km (20.5 miles) by foot for a duration of four days and three nights. During this moderate-grade walk, you can amble across sand dunes and enjoy a picnic lunch in a sheltered cove. You’d also have the chance to take to the water by kayaking down the Ansons River or go birdwatching in Ansons Bay.

2. Bruny Island

A 30-minute ferry ride from Kettering, just outside the capital of Hobart , Bruny Island is defined by a mix of dry rainforests brimming with fragrant eucalyptus, long sweeps of sandy beaches, lush pasture lands, and craggy cliffs. Look out for Australian fur seals sunning themselves on rocks along the coast, as well as little penguins making landfall on the beach, and dolphins happily cavorting offshore. In the right season (May to July and September to December), you might get a chance to see migrating humpback or southern right whales passing by.

The cherry on top of a day spent on Bruny Island’s walking trails — which range from easy 5-km (3.1-mile) tracks to challenging 17.6-km (10.9-mile) circuits — is the culinary delights you can enjoy at the end of your walk in this foodie haven. Slurp down fresh oysters, sample artisan cheeses, taste local fennel honey, and wash it all down with a tipple at Bruny Island House of Whisky or a glass of Tasmanian wine.

3. Cataract Gorge in Launceston

A short walk from the quaint riverfront town of Launceston , you’ll find the deep cleft in the earth that is Cataract Gorge. A rushing river runs through the steep valley of the gorge, which is adorned by forests that cascade down from cliff tops above. It’s a remarkable stretch of wilderness, found only steps from the city.

Myriad walking trails run through the forests and grasslands that surround Cataract Gorge. Some are short, like the 1.8-km (1.1-mile) return trip First Basin Loop. But the slightly longer and moderately challenging Duck Reach Trail will take you to some of the sights that the gorge is known for. This 4-km (2.5-mile) return track leads to a historic power station turned museum and a wiry suspension bridge that hovers over the river.

4. Freycinet Walk and Wineglass Bay

From the state capital of Hobart , it’s an easy trip to Freycinet National Park on the east coast. You can take a four-day hike dubbed the Freycinet Experience Walk. This 37-km (23-mile) hike leads you across the Freycinet Peninsula, traipsing past rose-hued granites of the Hazard Mountains before descending to coastal woodlands and pristine stretches of beaches, including Wineglass Bay.

The lofty lookout point above Wineglass Bay shows the curved shape of the beach below framed by a narrow flute of hills. This view, some say, does indeed make it look like a wineglass. But the truth is, this name comes from the heyday of the whaling industry that was once big in Tasmania. If you prefer a shorter walk to this scenic overlook, you can hike to Wineglass Bay in about two hours up a short but fairly steep track.

5. Cradle Mountain

Heading inland to Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park reveals a different side of Tasmania. Here in the Central Highlands of the island, eucalyptus forests open up to rambling grasslands, glacial lakes, and spiky mountains on the horizon. Wildlife is abundant, and it’s not unusual to see a sleepy wombat shuffling over a walking path on your way down to breakfast at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge . Beyond the wallabies and Tasmanian scrubwren that you might see in the wild out on a walk, there’s also a sure chance to get up-close to Tasmanian devils at a designated sanctuary that sits at the base of Cradle Mountain.

The hikes here span from shorter loop trails to multi-day treks. Starting at the glacier-carved Dove Lake and leading through bush comprised of myrtle and King Billy pine, the 6-km (3.7-mile) Dove Lake Circuit is a good introduction to the park. Or for a higher vantage point of the surrounds, you can summit Cradle Mountain, a rough and steep trail that’s advised for only experienced bushwalkers. Meanwhile, the six-day Overland Track gives you unfettered access to this expanse of the UNESCO World Heritage Wilderness area.

6. Maria Island walk

Offshore of Tasmania’s east coast, just a 45-minute ferry ride from Triabunna, is Maria Island National Park . Here you can walk beneath fossilised cliffs, scale lofty peaks, and see animals endemic to Australia, from Forester kangaroos to Tasmanian devils. With no cars on the island nature reserve, the ideal, and indeed only, mode of transport is on your own two feet making it an ideal place for some of the best hikes in Tasmania.

Maria Island can be explored in a three- to four-day hike on easy to moderate trails making it quite accessible. As you walk along the island's wide crescent beaches, look out for dolphins cavorting off the coast, and maybe finish the day with a refreshing dip in the sea.

7. Montezuma Falls

An excellent stop-over on the journey between Strahan to Cradle Mountain is this walk to Montezuma Falls. The remnants of an old tramway track lead up through dewy rainforest to the base of a powerful waterfall befitting of its Aztec emperor namesake. Thundering down from a lofty 104-m (341.2-ft) cliff, Montezuma Falls is Tasmania’s largest single-drop waterfall. Set on the western coast, the waterfall is a bit removed from the typical Tasmania travel routes but worth the visit.

The relatively flat ground and gradual incline of walking trail make it an easy hike for most ages. An 11.5-km (7.1-mile) return path, it takes you about three hours to get there and back. The shady path is bordered by giant tree ferns and ancient leatherwood plants, which bloom into white flowers that release a yellow nectar known for producing strong-tasting Tasmanian leatherwood honey. Once you arrive at Montezuma Falls, you can admire the flowing water from a suspension bridge that straddles the waterfall or by wandering down to the base of the falls itself.

8. Needwonnee Aboriginal Walk, Melaleuca

Bordered by wild rivers and mountain peaks, the Southwest National Park represents true wilderness that’s not easily reached. Your Audley Australia specialist can arrange a day tour by plane to this remote region, soaring over rivers, mountains, and a coastline battered by the Southern Ocean that separates Tasmania from Antarctica. Winging down into the tiny settlement of Melaleuca, which can only be reached by plane, boat or on foot, as part of a multi-day South Coast Track or Port Dave Track.

Arriving by plane, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture on the Needwonnee Walk. This short 1.2-km (0.75-mile) boardwalk path is lined by ever-changing sculptural installations. These living sculptures are made from natural materials and each tells a story about the Needwonnee people who lived in southern Tasmania for thousands of years before being displaced by European settlers.

9. Russel Falls in Mount Field National Park

There’s absolutely no bushwalking required for the path that leads to Russell Falls in Mount Field National Park . Water runs down the multi-level falls, descending into a pool framed by mossy green forest. The entire 1.4-km (0.86-mile) return trail takes about 25 minutes roundtrip, giving you plenty of time to rest at the foot of the falls basking in the stillness of the forest. This easily accessible trail is flat with no steps or steep sections, making it suitable for wheelchair users and families with young children. An optional loop trail back might afford visitors a glimpse of an elusive platypus in the creek on the loop trail return.

Along the way, you’ll walk beneath smooth-barked swamp gums, the tallest flowering plants on Earth, growing alongside musk and myrtle. It’s easy to imagine that the glowworms that show themselves in the vegetation when the sun sets here are really fairies flitting among this densely magical forest.

10. Three Capes Track

This four-day trek begins after checking in at the Port Arthur Historic Site on Tasmania’s southeast coast. Unlike the convicts who were once held in this penal settlement, you’ll be free to leave, boarding a boat that takes you to the trailhead at Denmans Cove. With a trail wide enough for two people to walk side by side, the moderately challenging 48-km (29.8-mile) trail was designed to be accessible for a wide range of hiking abilities.

Traipsing over Cape Pillar on the Tasman Peninsula, you’ll be surrounded by water with the sea crashing into coastal headlands and cliffs, known to be the tallest in Tasmania. High cliffs and raging seas below have earned Cape Pillar the nicknames of Desolation Gully and Hurricane Heath. Jutting out from the tip of the cape is a headland aptly dubbed The Blade that offers unrestricted views to little Tasman island, with a thriving fur seal colony, and the deep blue of the Southern Ocean beyond.

Read more about trips to Tasmania

Classic Tasmania self-drive tour

10 days from $3,270pp

Australia's great walks: Tasmania & Western Australia

15 days from $9,220pp

Ultimate luxury tour of Australia

17 days from $38,900pp

Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They’re just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.

Further reading

• What to do in Tasmania: our highlights guide
• Wildlife vacations in Tasmania
• Getting active in Australia: our top 6 experiences
• Top 10 wildlife experiences in Australia
• Australia's top 10 nature experiences

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Massive Amazon sale on travel essentials — 9 deals I’m eyeing, starting at $3

I'm tempted to buy them all for an upcoming trip

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Amazon travel deals.

I used to consider myself something of a traveling pro. Catching a flight or two a month used to be the norm, but in the last few years, I can count the number of times I've arrived at a destination from the air on just one hand. Needless to say, my in-transit routine is a little rusty. And for an upcoming trip, there are still a few last-minute gadgets I'm eyeing to make the going easier. 

Thankfully, nearly everything on my list is on sale at Amazon. I uncovered nine discounted travel essentials to supplement, re-supply, or replace the few items I already have on hand. For instance, while I absolutely adore my check-covered packing cubes from Calpak , they aren't exactly phenomenal at compressing my clothing. That's where these Amazon finds come in handy. 

• Lysol Disinfecting Wipes To-Go 2-Pack: was $4 now $3
• ProCase Travel Jewelry Box: was $17 now $9
• Packism 3-Pack Clear Toiletry Bags: was $13 now $11 
• Anker Nano Power Bank: was $29 now $18
• Hyted Travel Adapter and Converter: was $39 now $29
• Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes: was $42 now $39
• Mee Audio Wireless Audio Transmitter: was $49 now $42
• Apple Air Tag 4-Pack: was $99 now $79
• Nori Press Travel Steam Iron: was $120 now $106

Lysol Disinfecting Wipes To-Go 2-Pack: was $4 now $3 I wipe down everything on a flight — the tray, seat, buckle, you name it. A small pack of disinfectant wipes is the best, but it is often an overpriced buy at the airport. I recommend grabbing this discounted multi-pack before even heading out the door. 

ProCase Travel Jewelry Box: was $17 now $9 @ Amazon For some reason, I've never invested in a travel-sized organizer for my jewels. Instead, I have a bad habit of stuffing gems and baubles in the pockets of my toiletry bag. This ingenious, shell-shaped leather box, however, offers a multitude of ways to securely store everything I'm planning to wear (and then some!) with a top lid partition and removable clapboard. It's just 4 inches wide and 2 inches tall but can carry up to 5 necklaces, 20 earrings, 7 rings, and 8 bracelets. But the best part? The black option is currently 44% off.  

Packism 3-Pack Clear Toiletry Bags: was $13 now $11 @ Amazon Truthfully, I've never had an issue with packing too many skincare and makeup items. But armed with the knowledge that London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports are notorious for being strict, I'm not taking my chances with the 100ml liquid limit (a rule that, although due to be lifted, still stands). Sturdier and more leakproof than Ziplock, I'll be tapping one of these see-through, waterproof baggies instead. 

Anker Nano Power Bank: was $29 now $18 @ Amazon If you, like me, swiftly drain your phone's battery, snapping a thousand photos during the day, a portable battery pack is a must. But after a trip to Ireland earlier around the new year, the one I currently own is too big and bulky to carry around, and limits use with a cord. Anker's miniature, USB-C version is far more compact and won't interfere with my picture-taking. Reviewers say its quick, convenient and extremely lightweight. It's also 37% off right now. 

Hyted Travel Adapter and Converter: was $49 now $37 @ Amazon After realizing the travel plug adapter (a must-have when venturing outside of the U.S.) I purchased for a long weekend in Ireland actually wouldn't safely support my hair styling tools, I started searching for a fairly priced converter. This particular unit, albeit a bit of an eyesore, is 24% off and converts 220V to 110V. 

Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes: was $42 now $39 @ Amazon After watching these packing cubes compress down in action on TikTok, I dreaded having to replace my current set but knew it'd likely be worth the swap. Even a few inches of spare room — especially in my super slim, ultra-light July carry-on —would be welcomed. This 6-pack is backed by 8,800-plus positive reviews, which note the quality zippers and fabric, range of size options, and pack down. 

Mee Audio Wireless Audio Transmitter: was $49 now $42 @ Amazon We've all probably heard of Twelve South's AirFly ($54), but I hate paying full price for anything, and this brand alternative is $12 less. This pick, in particular, supports up to two AirPods, handy when not traveling solo, to share music or tune into the same film. One reviewer even writes, "The audio quality is fantastic. I was initially skeptical about using a wireless audio transmitter, fearing that it might compromise the sound, but I'm happy to report that the sound remains crisp and clear." 

Apple Air Tag 4-Pack: was $99 now $79 @ Amazon Nothing stresses me out more than having to check luggage, but with a 9-day vacation coming up, I won't be able to fit everything (or the souvenirs I bring back) in my carry-on. An Apple Air Tag, however, would at least enable me to keep tabs on where my suitcase ends up. It's only $5 short of the lowest price we've ever seen for a 4-pack.

Nori Press Travel Steam Iron: was $120 now $106 @ Amazon Not every hotel I stay at always has an ironing board on hand, but I've also never splurged on a travel-friendly steamer. Luckily, Nori's Press is 10% off and can fit in my luggage much like a hair straightener would, but means I don't have to worry about bent collars or wrinkly tops. 

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As a deals writer for Tom's Guide, Morgan is set on scouring the web for the lowest prices, weekly sales worth shopping, rare brand discounts, and more. For five-plus years, she's covered all things home, from floor covering and furniture to splurge-worthy pillows and budget-friendly bedding. Her work has also appeared on Domino and Saveur. 

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