When it comes to traveling and wanting to see more of the world the possibilities and destinations are seemingly endless. Unless you have a destination that has captured your heart and imagination or is high on your bucket list, choosing somewhere new to explore can seem like an impossible task.
So what do you do when you want to explore everywhere? How do you narrow down your decision to and plan your itinerary to make sure you see and do everything you need to when the wanderlust sets in? Whether you are planning a short vacation to one destination or an around the world trip to satisfy your desire to travel and explore pastures new, there certainly isn’t a shortage of stunning destination around the globe worthy of a visit. One place that is worthy of consideration is Australia.
Photo by Liam Pozz on Unsplash
Exploring Australia.
Australia is a beautiful country that basks in the sunshine more than most other continents in the world. Whilst Australia isn’t as big as say the United States when it comes to size, it is the 6th largest country in the world and it certainly isn’t lacking in anything. It is a great destination to visit for a vacation, honeymoon or as part of your world travels.
From exploring Sydney and visiting the magnificent Sydney Opera House, to taking in the 19th-century architecture in Melbourne to the stunning 75-mile beach at Fraser Island and so much more, you will certainly never be short of places to visit or destinations in Oz to help make the most of your trip and explore as much as possible.
But before you go make sure you have the correct visa. If you are planning on working during your stay then you will need the appropriate visa for your trip. For those visiting for a short break from the USA, you will need an Electronic Travel Authority which you can apply for online. For those wishing to work their way around Australia, you will need to make sure you apply for the correct type of visa to allow you to do this.
Do your research before you set foot off the plane. Visiting a new country for the first time, whilst exciting can be a shock so knowing what to expect before you arrive will help you make the most of your trip.
- It Takes Time – Australia is huge. Travelling around the whole country will take you a long time. If you really want to explore allow yourself around 6 months to get around.
- Know Your Seasons – Whilst November to April is the best time to visit Sydney, if you wanted to visit the Great Barrier Reef during those months it is likely to wet and soggy.
- It Is Expensive – Australia isn’t cheap and you need to be savvy when it comes to travelling around. Either in cities and towns or travelling to different parts. Did you know there are public BBQ parks in Australia? This is a great way to keep food costs down and save you from eating out.
- Tipping Isn’t The Norm – Whilst a tip won’t be refused, workers in Australia don’t rely on them as they do in some industries in America. That being said, it is still a good way of showing your appreciation for good service.
- Kangeroo’s Aren’t Everywhere! – Sure you can still see them in the wild, they are a lot bigger than you may expect them to be, but contrary to what you may think, they aren’t everywhere in Australia!
Traveling in Australia.
Once you have made plans and settled on visiting the land down under, you need to decide on where you are spending your time and your accommodation in the country. Whilst this is relatively simple when booking a short break, staying for a longer period of time can open up more options for not only traveling around the beautiful country but also where you will be staying.
Flights to different cities can be costly meaning this won’t always be a viable option financially, especially if this is something you will be doing on a budget. However, if you are planning on city hopping, flying is the quickest and easiest way to get to different places. It makes sense to want to visit as many parts of the country as you can, so looking at different travel options and knowing in advance how you are getting from place to place will be a huge advantage.
If you are staying for a while, it would make sense to invest in a caravan or campervan for your travels. You can choose to buy your own if you are staying for a while, or rent one for the duration of your visit.
Photo by Brina Blum on Unsplash
This will cut out your need to look for accommodation as you travel and leave you free to move on as and when you like. It is a home from home and an amazing way to explore Australia. As mentioned, it can be a long drive between cities so having somewhere to rest your head on your journey makes sense.
Check out established caravan parks, free sites and National Parks where you can pitch up for the night or a few days along your route. This is is the easiest way to make sure you and your caravan are safe when you stop for a rest. It will also provide you with the perfect opportunity to explore some more as you stretch your legs!
With that in mind, you will want to take in to account other factors such as the legalities of towing a caravan around Australia, fuel consumption and any repairs your vehicle or caravan may require along the way. Undertaking routine caravan checks and maintenance is of utmost importance and will keep you safe on your journey for longer.
Alternatively, if caravanning isn’t for you, you can make your way from city to city, from a thriving built up metropolis to the calm and serene outback via public transport or by car. Booking into hotels, hostels and B&B’s may well be more up your street especially if you prefer a little bit more luxury and easy access to modern amenities.
Whether you choose to book as you travel from place to place or you want to plan ahead and know exactly where you will be staying, you can tailor your trip exactly how you want it on your terms. Are you thinking of traveling around Australia? What tips do you have for those considering it?
Leave a Reply