Travelling in Australia
Australia’s unique landscape offers all visitors amazing contrasts - from the stunning islands, beaches and rainforests to arid deserts and snow-capped mountains. All this on one island!
Add to that the indigenous wildlife, unique to Australia; the modern, vibrant cities; great food and some of the friendliest, most laid-back people you’re ever likely to come across – it doesn’t take long to work out why over ninety percent of the round the world trips we sell include a stop in Australia.
Some Australian Highlights
• Top of most peoples list is a visit to the Great Barrier Reef - one of the natural wonders of the world.
• Uluru – rising almost 350 metres out of the desert sand, it is the world’s largest monolith and the centrepiece of the Aboriginal ‘dreamtime’.
• Sydney – A city of Australian icons. The Opera House,The Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach.
• Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, a landscape steeped in Aboriginal history.
• Daintree Rainforest, Queensland / World Heritage listed national park.
Australia and round the world tickets
It’s easy to include Australia on any round the world ticket. It’s location and connections lend itself to being a convenient hub for other destinations such as Asia, Africa, North and South America. Flying via Australia not only gives you the opportunity to explore this fabulous country, it also tends to keep the price of your round the world ticket lower…bonus!
See some great round the world options that take you via Australia - more
How best to get around
If time is not an issue, undoubtedly the best way to experience true Australia is at ground level. Every corner of the country is serviced by bus and coach services. Trains can connect you to all the major cities and Oz Experience operate multi-stop, backpacker passes that include sightseeing and activities too (link) . Whichever of these options you choose, be prepared for some long stretches. Australia is vast!
However, if your time is limited or you just don’t fancy sitting on a bus for a couple of days, then flying is now a very affordable option. There are several budget airlines that have forced all the established airlines to drop their fares and you will also discover that most round the world tickets offer some great free stops in Australia as well. Don’t worry if your round the world ticket doesn’t include any domestic flights in Australia, you can purchase separate flights on these budget airlines very cheaply between most of the major cities and sights.
Tours and Passes
For details on some great tour options within Australia, take a look at our round the world travel essentials section - more
Money
Overall the general cost of living is lower than the UK and the entire country is very suitable for budget and mid-range travellers. Hostels, activities and restaurants can be great value and the VIP discount card can save you money during your stay.
UK debit and credit cards are accepted everywhere and can be used at the ATMs nationwide.
Top 3 activities
• 4WD driving on Fraser Island…this is not Blackpool beach ,the dunes are BIG.
• Take a look at Sydney from a unique viewpoint, join the daily Sydney Harbour Bridge climb.
• Diving/snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef…it’s legendary.
Top 3 overland routes
• The Great Ocean Road between Melbourne and Adelaide, simply stunning.
• The Queensland coast between Brisbane and Cairns. There are some great stopover points, the surf can get big and the parties last all night.
• The south western corner of Australia. You’ll enjoy the drop in pace in comparison to the craziness of the east coast
Top 3 nights out
• The Woolshed Pub, Cairns.
• Bondi Beach party, Sydney.
• Aboriginal ‘dreamtime’ story-telling around the campfire, under the stars in the Outback.
Top 3 sunsets
• Watching the red ball drop behind Uluru…you know you’re somewhere very special.
• Cable Beach, Broome…a cold beer is a great companion.
• Gordon River, Strahan, Tasmania. A fantastic location to soak up the last rays of the day.
Do’s and don’ts
Do
• Learn the Aussie lingo. Yes, they really do say “G’day” and “no worries”!
• Slap on plenty of sunscreen and a hat, UV rays are much stronger than in Europe
• Get suitable travel insurance - more
• Travel responsibly - more
Don’t
• Forget that every nationality needs a visa to visit Australia - more
• Rush it. It takes time to see Australia properly – you can always return
• Take on any Aussie that lives in the centre at a drinking game…they’ve had a lifetime of practise!