Base yourself.
Australia is a big continent. You can't drive from Melbourne to Ayers Rock for lunch, you can't swim on the Gold Coast and see the Olga's that night, and you will never be able to see all of the country. In some parts of Australia you can drive for up to five days and never leave the State. Base yourself in one area and explore the surroundings. A weeks vacation will suffice in any capital city or for any tour--but not both.
Check the weather.
Always check the time of year for travel and then the forecast on a daily basis. The outback should be avoided in the summer, the tropics avoided in the rainy season, and the floodplains after any dry spell. On a daily basis wear layered clothing when venturing out. In one day in Melbourne you may experience driving rain and by mid afternoon blistering heat.
Alway avoid the sunshine between the hours of noon and 3pm. If you must be outside, always wear a hat and sunscreen.
Respect the Environment.
Tourists are injured from copying Australian adventurers every year. Don't cross raging rivers, don't go into bushland alone and don't touch anything. Seven of the worlds most dangerous snakes are the backyard variety for most households.
Accord for the Locals.
Australians are a proud people--but not boastful. They're not interested if you have seen a bigger ranch or Texas or if the crab legs aren't as half that of an Alaskan Crab. They don't care. Comparison comments will do little to enhance yourself among the locals.
Brace yourself.
There are places in Australia that don't have television coverage. There are places in Australia where their is no cell phone coverage. There are places in Australia where the internet and email cannot reach. And there are places in Australia that like it that way.
