Reykjavik is less a destination than a base camp. Most travellers use it for two or three nights either side of a ring-road or south-coast drive. From Australia it is a long haul, so plan at least ten days in the country to make the flights worth it.
Why go
Iceland delivers landscapes you cannot see anywhere else within a two-hour drive of a small, safe, walkable capital: glacier lagoons, black sand beaches, erupting geysers, waterfalls you can walk behind, and geothermal pools that locals use like cafes. From September to March the aurora is visible on clear nights.
Best time to visit
- June to August — midnight sun, all highland roads open, warmest weather, highest prices. No aurora.
- September to October — first aurora, autumn colour, roads still easy, fewer people. The best compromise.
- November to February — four to five hours of daylight, best aurora odds, ice caves open, some roads closed.
- March to May — lengthening days, aurora still possible into early April, shoulder pricing.
Getting there from Australia
Expect 26 to 32 hours via Singapore, Dubai or Doha then London, Copenhagen or Frankfurt to Keflavik. Keflavik airport is 50 minutes from Reykjavik by Flybus. Many travellers pair Iceland with a few days in London or Copenhagen to break the trip.
Where to stay
- 101 postcode (downtown) — walkable to everything, most restaurants and bars.
- Laugardalur — near the best public thermal pool, quieter, cheaper.
- Near Keflavik — worth one night if you have a pre-dawn departure.
What it costs
Iceland is expensive. Self-catering and a supermarket run at Bonus or Kronan make a real difference.
| Item | Typical cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Mid-range hotel, per night | 260 - 420 |
| Restaurant main | 45 - 70 |
| Beer at a bar | 15 |
| Public geothermal pool entry | 12 |
| Blue Lagoon entry | 130 + |
| Small hire car, per day | 90 - 160 |
| Petrol, per litre | 3.20 |
| Golden Circle coach tour | 130 |
Getting around
Reykjavik itself is walkable. For everything else, hire a car — it is the difference between three stops and ten. Book a 4x4 in winter, check road.is and safetravel.is every morning, and never drive off marked roads. If you would rather not drive in winter, small-group day tours from Reykjavik cover the Golden Circle, the south coast and aurora hunts.
What to do from Reykjavik
Golden Circle (Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss) as a full day. South coast to Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Reynisfjara and Vik as a long day or overnight. Snaefellsnes peninsula as a day trip. Sky Lagoon or the Blue Lagoon for a soak. Whale watching from the old harbour, best May to September.
Safety and practicalities
| Need | Detail |
|---|---|
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Currency | Icelandic krona (ISK) — card accepted almost everywhere |
| Power | Type F, 230V |
| Tap water | Excellent; never buy bottled |
| Road and weather info | road.is and vedur.is, checked daily in winter |
| Visa (Australians) | Visa-free up to 90 days in the Schengen area |
| Main risk | Weather and wind, sneaker waves at Reynisfjara |
The real dangers in Iceland are meteorological, not criminal. Wind can rip car doors off their hinges — hold them. Never turn your back on the ocean at black sand beaches.
Common questions
When can you see the northern lights in Iceland?
From roughly early September to mid-April, on clear nights away from town lights. October, February and March give the best mix of dark skies and drivable roads.
How many days do you need in Iceland?
Five days for Reykjavik, the Golden Circle and the south coast. Eight to ten days for the full ring road.
Do you need a car in Iceland?
For anything beyond Reykjavik, yes — or a series of guided day tours. A 4x4 is strongly advised in winter.
Is Iceland very expensive?
Yes. Budget A$400 to A$550 a day for two people including a hire car, with self-catering breakfasts and one meal out.
Is the Blue Lagoon worth it?
It is the most polished option but also the priciest and busiest. Sky Lagoon is closer to town, and municipal pools cost a tenth as much for the same warm water.