Whether you’re looking for great surfing places, delicious food, stunning trekking views or wildlife diversity, Australia should definitely be very high on your bucket list. This beautiful country hosts millions of visitors from all around the world every year.
So, if you’re among the lucky ones who are planning the trip to explore this popular destination, you should be well-prepared so you can truly enjoy it. Clearly, there are some things you should know before heading to a country you’ve never been to but once you read the travelling information, you’ll be ready to go!
To make your journey as pleasant as possible, we’ve compiled a top 10 Australia travel tips for all travellers thinking about exploring Australia this year.
#1 Australia is Huge
When you see it on the map, be sure to remember that “looks can be deceiving”. In this case, it’s completely true as Australia is way bigger than it seems on the map. If you only have two weeks of vacation, it could be tiring to travel around the entire country. Instead, stay focused only on its southern or northern part. You will probably land in one of the two most popular Australian destinations, Sydney or Melbourne, so make sure you spend a few days there as these cities have a lot to show you.
From the stunning architecture to exquisite gastronomy scene, none of these gems will leave you indifferent. On the contrary, they are a fantastic introduction to what this country has to offer. Keep in mind to book your Sydney accommodation a bit earlier as it can get booked quickly. After all, it’s the number one tourist destination in Australia.
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#2 Keeping Track of the Seasons
As Australia is in the southern hemisphere, their winter starts when the summer starts in Europe and Northern America. So, if you were planning to lay on the beach every day in July and enjoy your ginger beer, one of the favourite beverage among Australians, you could find yourself very confused once you land in Australia. Actually, you should book your trip to escape the winter and get warm under the hot Australian sun. Those who enjoy other seasons will be happy to hear that Australia is the perfect destination throughout the entire year. Just bring the right clothes and you will have the time of your life!
#3 Learn a Bit of Australian Slang
English-native speakers often get surprised when they come to Australia and they hear some words they’ve never heard before. This country developed a few of its own words that are frequently used in daily communication. Learning some of them will help you make a friend or two while you’re in a restaurant or simply walking around the city.
If you hear the word ‘arvo’, keep in mind it means ‘afternoon’ as you might assume it can mean anything but that. Also, if you meet somebody and they invite you for ‘barbie’, you don’t need to buy Barbie dolls to be welcomed into their home as they’re simply inviting you to a barbeque. To avoid any potential misunderstanding, take some time to learn other words of the Australian slang.
#4 Traveling Around Australia Can Be Exhausting
If you’re still eager to make the most of your Australian trip and wish to see as much as possible in only a week or two, keep in mind that distances are really long here. More importantly, as most people live near the coast, you will be travelling for days. For instance, if you wish to road-trip from Sydney to Brisbane, it will take you at least three days. That’s why many choose to travel the country via plane but if you do it more than once, you risk of missing the opportunity to see glimpses of Australian captivating beauty.
#5 Save Your Tipping For Somewhere Else
You’ll be happy to hear that Australians don’t expect tips from tourists. The bad side of this wonderful discovery is that everything is very expensive in the entire country. From the food in the restaurants to the accommodation, your travel budget will need to be pretty big for this journey. The transportation is also expensive, so make sure you have sufficient amount of money when you’re there.
#6 Book a Multi-City Flight
When you’re booking your flight, consider booking a multi-city one to see more of Australia. For instance, if you arrived in Sydney, see the flight options of departing from Melbourne. Make sure you don’t miss dining in Melbourne as its gastronomy scene will provide you with a truly unique experience. If you choose to book a multi-city flight, you will save time that you would usually spend on travelling from one city to another and spend it on seeing something else.
#7 Bring a Converter
If you’re coming from Europe or Northern America, keep in mind that you will need to bring a voltage converter with you. In Australia, they utilize type C outlets, so if you don’t have the adequate plug adapter, you will need to purchase it there as well.
#8 You Will Need a Visa
Regardless of the number of days you wish to spend in Australia, you will need a valid visa to enter the country. For some visas, you can even apply online but other types will require a bit complicated application process to get your visa. To make sure you find out which is the right option for you, you should check the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs page.
#9 Beware of the Sun
If you’re going on your vacation, you probably don’t want to worry about a thing. However, you should know that the Australian sun is really strong and applying a sun cream should be a part of your daily routine. You can easily get burned in Australia, so ensure your sightseeing and your beach time are as pleasant as possible.
#10 Watch Out For Sharks
Australian coast look so tempting that one minute you’ll be throwing your towel on the beach and the next one, you’ll already be in the water. As much as such spontaneous moments make great memories, you should think twice before jumping in the water in Australia. The west coast is famous for shark attacks, so always ask how safe it is to swim where you’re staying. Also, keep in mind there are box jellyfish and crocodiles along the coastline of the country. When we said wildlife diversity at the beginning of our article, we really meant it!
Conclusion
Visiting Australia will definitely become one of your favourite memories. Make sure you’re well prepared for this trip and you will enjoy every moment of it. Bon voyage!
To read more on topics like this, check out the world travel category.