AUSTRALIA
TRAVEL GUIDE
Welcome to the Australia Travel Guide! Discover the diverse landscapes and vibrant cities of this vast and captivating continent. From the iconic Sydney Opera House and Great Barrier Reef to the rugged Outback and pristine beaches, Australia offers endless adventures for every traveler. Dive into rich Indigenous culture, savor world-class cuisine, and explore unique wildlife. Whether you’re seeking urban excitement or natural wonders, this guide will help you plan the ultimate Australian adventure. Start your journey now!
Australia Itineraries
Top Things 5 Things To See & Do In Australia: Australia Travel Guide
Need To Know - Australia Travel Guide
- Australia is BIG, it has the 6th largest country in the world.
- The majority of the Australian population lives on the east coast of the country.
- Australia vast – it takes a long time to get anywhere so give yourself enough time when planning a trip.
- The ‘outback’ and desert regions are beautiful but very unforgiving, if venturing into the remote parts of Australia this needs to be taken very seriously.
- Australia can be quite expensive to travel in with the dsily cost of living high especially in the main cities.
Australia has a diverse climate due to it sheer size.
To simplfy things here it is broken down by state.
Queensland
- Coastal Queensland is semi tropical to tropical with hot humid summers and relatively dry sunny winters. The further north you go the more tropical and humid it becomes.
- Inland Queensland (central and southern west) have extremely hot dry summers and cool to cold winters.
Queensland experiences cyclones every year with the cyclone season running from November to April.
New South Wales
Over half of NSW is arid or semi arid.
- Inland has extremity hot summers and cold to very cold nights.
- Coastal NSW is semitropical with warm to hot humid summers and cool sunny winters.
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT experiences a dry climate with hot to very hot summers and cold winters.
Victoria
Victoria has a varied climate despite its small size. It ranges from semi-arid and hot in the north-west, to temperate and cool along the coast. The Great Dividing Range, produces a cooler, mountain climate in the centre of the state.
Tasmania
Tasmania has a cool climate with mild summers and cold winters. Snow is common in the mountains.
South Australia
South Australia is the driest state in the driest inhabited country on the planet (Antarctica is the driest)
The majority of the state has the arid and semi-arid climates. The southern coastal parts of the state have a Mediterranean climate with mild wet winters and hot dry summers.
Western Australia
Most of Western Australia has a hot arid and semi-arid climate. The south-west corner of the state is heavily forested and has a Mediterranean climate.
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory has two distinctive climate zones.
The northern end, including Darwin, has a tropical with high humidity and two seasons, the wet (October to April) and dry season (May to September).
The rest of the territory lies in the desert centre of the country; it includes Alice Springs and Uluru, and is arid or semi-arid with little rain usually falling during the hottest months from October to March.
Australian Currency is the Australian Dollar.
ATM’s are widely available across the country. Currency exchange can be found at all major airports
Australia has several different types of visas depending on the visitors nationality.
Special Category Visa – (New Zealand)
eVisitor – Online application
The eVisitor is available to citizens of all 27 European Union member states and 9 other European countries.
The eVisitor is issued free of charge and allows the holder to visit Australia for unlimited times, up to 3 months per visit, in a 12-month period for tourism or business purposes.
eVisitor or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) – Online application.
The ETA is available to citizens of 8 countries
The ETA is issued free of charge and allows the holder to visit Australia for unlimited times, up to 3 months per visit, in a 12-month period for tourism or business purposes.
Visa required – Application via Consulate of home country.
| Special Visa | eVisitor | ETA or eVistor | ETA | Visa |
What To Pack
Australia is a huge country and has a diverse range of climates from tropical in the north east, deserts in the central and west of the country to cool and temperate climates in the south.
Clothing
- 2 pants (or if it is hot during the day 1 pants and 2 shorts)
** I threw the second pair of pants in at the last minute and was glad I did as my original pair got wet and it was good to have a second pair.
- 1 pair track pants (or leggings) – can be slept in
- 1 shorts ** see pants
- 1 x singlets – good for layering and sleeping in
- 4 short sleeve tee shirts
- 1 x long sleeve sloppy joe or similar
- 1 x zip-up shell jacket
- 1 x lightweight windproof raincoat
- 3 x socks
- 5 x underpants
- 2 x bra
- 1 x Northface Dipsea (or similar)
- I x warm hat
- 1 x sun hat
Shoes
- 1 x pair walking or hiking shoes.
- 1 x pair flip flops (great for showers)
Toiletries
- Wet Wipes – with no water or showers these are essential
- Hand Sanitiser
- Toilet Paper
- Travel Towel
- Lush Bar Shampoo
- Bar of Soap
- Deodorant
- Brush / Comb
- Hair Ties
Electronics
1 x Earbud headphones. Light and small,
1 x 6S iPhone loaded with music and podcasts
1 x power bank
Photography
- 1 x GoPro Hero 5
- 2 x Spare GoPro Batteries
- 1 x LUMIX TZ80
- Spare micro SD Card
Other Stuff
- 1 x headlight or torch **essential
- 1 x Swiss knife
- 1 x medical kit
- Refillable water bottle
Australia Snapshot: Australia Travel Guide
Travelling to Australia: The Ultimate Guide
Australia Travel Guide – Australia, known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique wildlife, is a dream destination for many travellers. From the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef to the Outback’s vast expanse, Australia offers diverse experiences. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan your trip, get there, get around, and understand the country’s history, food, culture, and safety.
How to Plan a Trip to Australia: Australia Travel Guide
Planning a trip to Australia involves several steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Start by deciding which regions you want to visit, such as the vibrant city life in Sydney and Melbourne, the tropical allure of Queensland, or the rugged beauty of the Outback.
Travel Documents: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. Most travellers will need a visa to enter Australia. Apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or an eVisitor visa online before you travel.
Vaccinations and Health: Check with your healthcare provider for any recommended vaccinations or health precautions. Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover medical emergencies and trip cancellations.
Budget and Accommodation: Determine your budget and book accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Australia offers a wide range of lodging options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels and camping sites.
Getting to Australia: Australia Travel Guide
Australia is well-connected to the world with several major international airports serving as gateways.
- By Air: The most common way to enter Australia is by flying into one of its major international airports. Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Brisbane (BNE), and Perth (PER) are among the busiest and most accessible. Direct flights are available from major cities worldwide.
Getting Around Australia: Australia Travel Guide
Once in Australia, there are various transportation options to explore the country:
Domestic Flights: Due to the vast distances between cities, domestic flights are a popular and efficient way to travel. Airlines like Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar offer extensive routes.
Trains: Australia’s rail network includes long-distance services like the Indian Pacific (Sydney to Perth) and The Ghan (Adelaide to Darwin). Trains are a scenic but slower option for cross-country travel.
Buses: Bus services like Greyhound Australia provide a cost-effective way to travel between cities and regional areas. Buses are well-maintained and comfortable.
Car Rental: Renting a car offers the freedom to explore at your own pace, especially for road trips along the Great Ocean Road or through the Outback. Ensure you have a valid driver’s license and familiarise yourself with local driving laws.
Public Transportation: In cities, public transportation includes buses, trains, trams, and ferries. Purchase a travel card like the Opal card in Sydney or the Myki card in Melbourne for convenience.
When to Travel to Australia: Australia Travel Guide
Australia’s climate varies significantly across its regions, so the best time to visit depends on your destination:
Summer (December to February): Ideal for beach destinations like the Gold Coast and Great Barrier Reef. However, it can be very hot in the Outback and Northern Australia.
Autumn (March to May): A great time to visit most regions with mild temperatures and fewer tourists.
Winter (June to August): Best for visiting the northern regions and the Outback. It’s also ski season in the Australian Alps.
Spring (September to November): Perfect for outdoor activities and exploring cities, with pleasant weather across the country.
Australia’s History: Australia Travel Guide
Australia’s history is rich and diverse, shaped by its Indigenous cultures and European settlement.
Indigenous History: Indigenous Australians have inhabited the continent for over 65,000 years, with rich cultural traditions and deep connections to the land. Sacred sites like Uluru hold significant cultural importance.
European Settlement: British settlers arrived in 1788, establishing a penal colony in Sydney. The colonisation led to significant changes and challenges for Indigenous populations. Australia became a federation in 1901.
Modern Era: Australia has grown into a multicultural nation with a robust economy. Its history is celebrated through museums, heritage sites, and cultural events.
Australian Food: Australia Travel Guide
Australian cuisine reflects its multicultural population and abundant natural resources:
BBQ: A quintessential Australian experience, BBQs feature grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables. Enjoy a “sausage sizzle” at a local market or beach.
Seafood: Australia boasts some of the freshest seafood. Try prawns, oysters, barramundi, and Moreton Bay bugs.
Meat Pies: A popular snack, meat pies are filled with minced meat and gravy, often enjoyed with tomato sauce.
Vegemite: A uniquely Australian spread made from yeast extract, typically spread on toast or crackers.
Asian Influence: Australia’s food scene is heavily influenced by Asian cuisines, with an abundance of Thai, Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese restaurants.
Australia’s Culture and Religion: Australia Travel Guide
Australia’s culture is a vibrant mix of Indigenous traditions and immigrant influences:
Festivals and Celebrations: Australia hosts numerous festivals, including Australia Day, Sydney Festival, and Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Indigenous cultural events like NAIDOC Week celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Art and Music: Australia has a thriving arts scene, from Indigenous rock art to contemporary galleries. Music festivals like Splendour in the Grass and Laneway Festival showcase local and international talent.
Religion: Australia is a secular country with diverse religious practices. Christianity is the largest religion, followed by Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and a growing number of people identifying as non-religious.
Australia’s Safety and Dangers: Australia Travel Guide
While Australia is generally safe for travelers, it’s important to be aware of potential risks:
Wildlife: Australia is home to various dangerous animals, including snakes, spiders, and marine creatures like jellyfish and sharks. Always follow safety guidelines and be aware of your surroundings.
Natural Disasters: Australia can experience bushfires, floods, and cyclones. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed any warnings.
Health Precautions: Use sunscreen and stay hydrated, especially in hot climates. Be cautious with swimming in unfamiliar waters, and always swim between the flags at patrolled beaches.
Personal Safety: Exercise common travel precautions, such as keeping valuables secure, avoiding isolated areas at night, and using reputable transportation services.
Conclusion
Australia is a land of contrasts and adventures, offering something for every traveler. From its bustling cities and serene beaches to its ancient landscapes and rich cultural heritage, there’s no shortage of experiences to be had. By planning your trip carefully and staying informed about the best ways to travel and stay safe, you can ensure a memorable and enriching journey through the Land Down Under.
