Are you planning a trip to Australia and have no idea where to start? Here are some travel tips and destinations we have experienced on our travels around Aus.
Australia is a pretty big place – the U.S.A. can fit easily into the continent – and it’s full on epic things to see and do. And with so many awesome places to explore and activities to fill your days with it can be tough deciding where to kick off your travel plans.
Major Cities
If you’re flying into Australia the chances are that you’re trying to decide on one of the major cities as your start destination.
Like anywhere in the world these cities have their own personalities and draws, so here is a quick run through of what you can expect to experience.
Sydney – Australia’s most iconic city – Sydney is bursting with city life, beaches and travellers. Whether you’re kicking back on Bondi Beach, party in Kings Cross or soaking up the history of the city it’s always a solid option for starting your trip. There are so many things to do and see, so do some research as places are easily reached.
Also consider a trip to our Nation’s Capital, Canberra for museums and a swag of interesting places to visit and stay.
Melbourne – With it’s bustling coffee culture and art scene Melbourne is a favourite with those on working holiday visas and sport fans too. There are natural wonders as well as cosmopolitan ones to experience, so spend some time there and explore.
Brisbane – Halfway up the East Coast Brisbane is another favourite stop for those looking for work. With easy access to spots like Australia Zoo, Noosa, The Gold Coast and even Byron Bay it’s a great base. The hinterland also has wonderful natural treasures to find for the hiker or naturalist and is rugged as well as spectacular.
Cairns – the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Australia’s biggest diving destination Cairns sits near the top of the East Coast, and is the base for exploring north to Cape York, west to the Gulf Country or south to the Gold Coast. A vast state of Australia.
Perth – looking for even more adventure? Western Australia is way more off the beaten path, but has some incredible stops. By far the biggest state, it has countless kilometres to cover between major destinations, but the scenery is wonderful. Head south to Margaret River and the wineries or go north to feed wild dolphins, swim alongside whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef or just hop in a car or 4wd and tackle some of the Aussie outback.
Darwin – is located in the Northern Territory and is another destination for those looking for something different. Head south to visit Katherine, Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge), Litchfield N.P, the Red Centre and Uluru or stay closer to the city and soak up its incredible natural beauty. The Top End can be very hot and humid and has a wet and dry season, so it is important to decide on when the best time to hit each destination is.