Things To Do
in Australia
This guide treats the request "Australia, Cuba" as a travel guide for Cuba — if you meant the country Australia, tell me and I will generate a separate guide. Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean known for its vibrant music, well-preserved colonial architecture and long sandy beaches. The country offers dramatic karst landscapes in Viñales, historic streets of Havana and a deeply musical, social culture centered on live performance and communal life.
Infrastructure and supplies can be limited outside major tourist areas, but visitors are rewarded with welcoming people, strong cultural traditions and striking natural beauty.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at the vibrant town of Australia, Cuba, and take a moment to soak in the warm Caribbean sun. Stroll through the charming streets, lined with pastel-colored colonial buildings and lush greenery. Stop at a local café for a traditional Cuban breakfast of tostadas and café con leche.
Explore the local art scene by visiting the Museo de Arte de Australia, showcasing both contemporary and classical artworks. Later, wander through local markets filled with hand-crafted goods and souvenirs where you can interact with friendly artisans. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant offering fresh seafood dishes.
As the sun sets, head to the waterfront to witness breathtaking views of the bay. Enjoy dinner at a lively eatery, where traditional Cuban music fills the air, and indulge in a flavorful plate of ropa vieja. End the night at a local dance club, dancing the night away to salsa rhythms.
Begin your day with a guided cultural tour that introduces you to the fascinating history of Australia, Cuba. Visit important landmarks and listen to stories from local historians about the fusion of cultures in this vibrant community. Savor a delicious breakfast at a family-run café that highlights local ingredients.
Engage with local artists in a workshop where you can try your hand at painting or crafting traditional Cuban art. Afterward, enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the town's beautiful parks surrounded by lush tropical foliage. Take some time to relax and appreciate the laid-back pace of life in Australia.
As night falls, treat yourself to a sunset cruise along the coast, marveling at the stunning views and perhaps spotting dolphins. Enjoy a gourmet dinner on board, featuring traditional Cuban specialties infused with local flavors. After returning to shore, catch a live performance featuring local musicians in a vibrant plaza.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $1-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $3-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $50-120 |
| 🏝️Day trip / organized tour | $30-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich, living culture with music, dance and impressive local hospitality
- Well-preserved colonial architecture and photogenic cityscapes (Havana, Trinidad)
- Beautiful beaches and good snorkeling/diving options
- Unique historical sites and countryside experiences (Viñales, Sierra Maestra)
- Limited and inconsistent infrastructure and goods outside main tourist centers
- Internet and mobile data access can be slow and expensive
- Currency/payment complexity and restricted card acceptance for some visitors
- Hurricane risk in summer/early autumn
- "Hola / Buenos días" - Hello / Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Soy vegetariano/a" - I am vegetarian
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
Places to Visit in Australia
Visit one of these nice places.
Cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, plazas and vintage cars make for classic, characterful urban shots at golden hour.
A long seaside promenade with dramatic waves, sunset skies and locals socializing — great for environmental portraits and cityscapes.
Karst mogotes, tobacco farms and rural life provide dramatic landscapes and cultural photography opportunities.
Well-preserved colonial streets, pastel facades and nearby sugar-mill valley viewpoints ideal for atmospheric, historic images.
Turquoise water and white-sand beaches for vivid seascapes and underwater photography (snorkel/diving).
Rugged mountain scenery, jungle trails and historical sites allied to Cuba’s mountain freedom fighters — good for dramatic nature photos.
Food in Australia
Australia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Shredded beef in a tomato-pepper sauce often served with rice, black beans and plantains; widely available in mid-range restaurants and paladares.
Must-Try!
Black beans and rice cooked together — a Cuban staple you'll find everywhere as a side dish.
Slow-roasted pork, especially popular at weekend feasts and in rural areas; look for it at local parrilladas (grill stands) and festivals.
Fried green plantains (tostones) and boiled cassava dressed with garlicky citrus mojo — common as snacks or sides.
Ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on Cuban bread — a casual, portable option from cafes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local agricultural markets sell seasonal fruit, vegetables and sometimes street snacks; try fresh mango, guava and coconut or simple empanadas at street stalls.
While known for crafts, the area around the port has cafés and food stalls where you can try local bites and seafood near the artisan market.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Handshakes are common; close friends may greet with a light kiss on the cheek. A polite greeting upon entering shops or small businesses is customary.
Politics can be a sensitive subject; be respectful and avoid confrontational commentary in casual encounters unless invited to discuss.
Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in rural areas or when photographing children.
Dress neatly when visiting churches or formal settings; modest attire is appreciated in religious sites.
Bargaining is common at craft markets — be polite and fair; if buying local food, cash is typically expected.
Safety
Tipping in Australia
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated: small tips for waitstaff (5–10% where card service exists or a few CUC/CUP equivalent), tour guides, porters and drivers; casual musicians and performers also appreciate small tips. Carry small bills or CUP for local tips.
Cuba uses the Cuban Peso (CUP) and stores may require MLC cards or foreign currency for tourist goods; US-issued bank cards often do not work due to restrictions. Cash (euros, Canadian dollars, GBP or USD with possible extra fees) remains important, and ATMs are available in major cities but limited elsewhere — bring enough cash and consider a travel card from a non-US bank if needed.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
June–August are hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; beach and snorkel conditions are excellent but be prepared for humidity and insects. Peak mosquito activity and the start of hurricane season means packing lightweight rain gear and insect repellent.
September–November includes the height of hurricane season risk; early autumn can still be warm and humid with occasional tropical storms, so monitor forecasts and have flexible plans.
December–February are the coolest, driest months with comfortable temperatures ideal for city sightseeing and outdoor activities; nights in central/highland areas can be cool.
March–May bring warm, pleasant weather with less rain than summer — a good window for beach trips and exploring the countryside before the wet season.
Australia at Night
Hiking in Australia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Challenging jungle and mountain treks culminating at Pico Turquino (the highest point in Cuba) with historical Revolutionary sites and rewarding views.
Trails to waterfalls, swimming holes and viewpoints near Trinidad — popular for guided hikes and nature walks.
Shorter hikes and horseback routes among mogotes and tobacco farms with panoramic lookout points.
Moderate hikes to waterfalls, pools and viewpoints; good for combining nature and a visit to colonial Cienfuegos.
Airports
How to reach Australia by plane.
Main international gateway in Havana with flights to Europe, Canada and Latin America; taxis and pre-arranged transfers connect to central Havana (approx. 30–45 minutes depending on traffic).
Serves Varadero resort area with many charter flights; ground transfers to Varadero hotels are typically short.
Located near Santa Clara, useful for exploring central Cuba and connecting to Trinidad/Remedios by road.
Nearest airport for Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo resort keys; serves seasonal charters and domestic flights.
Santiago de Cuba airport for the eastern region, with connections to local destinations and some international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large share of Cubans live in urban areas, with Havana being the most populous, culturally diverse and economically active city.
A substantial portion of the population has African heritage, contributing strongly to music, dance and religious traditions.
Cuba’s population is aging due to low birth rates and emigration; this influences social services and community dynamics.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The national pastime and most popular sport — local games are social events and a great cultural experience.
Boxing is a strong part of Cuba’s sporting history with international success and local training centers.
Volleyball is widely played; soccer has grown in popularity, especially among younger generations.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Australia.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian choices can be limited outside major tourist restaurants, but you can often find rice, beans, salads, fried plantains, and vegetable stews; communicate clearly in Spanish ("soy vegetariano/a").
Vegan options are more challenging; rely on fruit, rice & beans, salads and plantain dishes. Bring supplements or specialty items if you have strict requirements.
Gluten-free awareness is growing but inconsistent; many dishes are naturally gluten-free (rice, beans, grilled meats) but ask about sauces and bread. Carry snacks if needed.
Medical labeling is rare: learn key allergy phrases in Spanish and consider carrying emergency medication and translation cards.