Starting Your Australian Adventure: Tips to Keep in Mind
If you’ve been itching for a big adventure, then Australia is the right choice for your trip. This country is huge and diverse, and you can experience everything from deserts to rainforests and beaches, then hit cities, villages and coastal towns, then go grab the tastiest dinner and cup of coffee you’ve ever had. But, due to its size and extreme weather, Australia requires a lot of planning if you want to have a smooth and safe adventure. Here are a few things to remember that will help you start your adventure on the right note:
Flying out
Even though so remote, Australia is very well connected with the rest of the world. There are non-stop flight options from the States, Hong Kong, Dubai, and New Zealand. It also takes only 17 hours for European tourists to arrive thanks to Qanta’s non-stop flights. And be careful about your arrival destination. If you book a flight to Perth and want to go to Sydney, the distance is huge and you’ll have to fly another 4 hours. Never underestimate the distances in Australia!
Weather
Are you planning a summer Australian vacation or do you maybe want to visit some other time? Summers in Australia are relentless when it comes to heat and you’re guaranteed to be hot and sweaty all the time. Temperatures go over 100F and over 40C, so be mindful of dehydration, heat stroke and sunburns. Shoulder seasons like fall and spring, even winter, are great for all sorts of adventures like city exploration, hiking, and animal watching. The swim and beach season in Australia lasts from September to April, so you have plenty of time to go for a swim and do any water activities. Just be sure to always dress appropriately in the summer with plenty of sun protection and cover. In winter, it’s best to go with layers so you can control the warmth and stay comfy.
Proper accommodation
It’s easy to find accommodation in Australia. This country is a tourist place, so there are many hotels, hostels, Airbnbs and other rentals. If you’re looking to stay somewhere very popular like along the Great Ocean Road, make sure to make your reservations in advance, especially during the peak season. No matter where you want to stay from Torquay to Anglesea on this iconic road, you can find Great Ocean Road accommodation and enjoy top luxury and privacy close to the beach. In many cases, rental homes are more cost-effective, especially for a larger group of people, and they are always so much more comfortable and exciting. Rental homes are available all over Australia, so if you have the opportunity to book one for your stay, don’t hesitate.
Book some water sports
It would be a shame to miss out on water activities when in Australia. It doesn’t matter if you prefer the firm land, water activities in Australia are truly unique, especially the underwater world. No matter if you’re a rookie in snorkeling or a pro diver, the Great Barrier Reef will blow your mind with its variety of underwater flora and fauna. You can book once-in-a-lifetime adventures that include shipwreck exploration or simply go snorkeling with the small tropical fish—you’ll be happy and satisfied either way. If you love adrenaline, you can also book a few surfing classes and try out your balance.
Eat like a pro
Australia has all the most popular fast food joints in the world, but try to skip these as much as you can. It’s such a shame to fill up on Mcdonald’s when you can enjoy authentic Aussie goodies. Australians are famous for great BBQ and seafood, so find an eatery you like and start eating. Every city has at least one festival dedicated to food, beer, wine or coffee, so make sure to use the Aussie love of eating to your advantage and try plenty of new things. And visits to the farmer’s market are a must-do experience where you can try all the best local and seasonal produce.
Take a road trip
Australia is a perfect road trip destination, so try to rent a car once you arrive and go for a ride. Some of the best roads to cruise are the abovementioned Great Ocean Road, but there’s also Gibb River Road in West Australia, Great Alpine Road in Victoria and Pacific Coast in NSW and Queensland. These roads will take you through Australia’s beautiful nature and allow you to contemplate life, soak up the beauty of the land and the ocean and spend quality time with your driving buddies. Don’t hesitate to stop in every interesting spot you see because these little stops are what make your Australian road trip special.
Australia has so much to offer from Perth to Sydney and Melbourne to Cairns. Explore the cities but also give plenty of attention to the outback and especially to the beaches. Feel free to talk to locals who will make your adventure even more special and memorable. Okay, now you’re ready to go!