Updated:16 April 2025

  Entry requirements are strict. US authorities have broad powers to decide if you're eligible to enter and may determine that you are inadmissible for any reason under US law.
  Check US entry, registration, transit and exit requirements.
  Whether you're travelling on a visa or under the Visa Waiver Program, ensure you understand all relevant terms and conditions before attempting to enter the United States.

  Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

  Australian citizens can now apply for the Global Entry program direct through US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP). The Global Entry program is a US Government program that allows faster border clearance entering the United States for some Australians subject to strict eligibility criteria.

  If you're visiting the United States for less than 90 days, you may be eligible to:
    apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and
    then enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
  Otherwise, you'll need to get a visa before you travel.

I have no argument with the return ticket. Most countries insist that you have a return flight as a condition of entering.

But having hotel reservations for the entire duration is just ludicrous.

I often travel to places for which I have a reservation at the destination for a couple of nights and then take it from there.

Going to Japan for almost a month with a 3 week JR rail pass makes it just about unthinkable to have the entire journey planned.

So, I guess, no more US for me. Not that I'm currently tempted.

The reason given was that he took an "unusual route" from Australia via Asia. He mentions here that he took a premium economy fare that was cheapest with Cathay Pacific, hence the Asia stopover: https://archive.is/mCW2f