Australia: A Quick and Handy Travel Guide

With its gorgeous landscapes, natural wonders, urban opulence and rich wildlife, Australia is a paradise for travellers who seeks diversity. From luxurious beaches to magnificent coral reefs, from wildlife safaris to fast-paced nightlife – you will be left craving for more here. Thus, we bring to you the ultimate travel guide for Australia, to enjoy the best of what this destination has to offer.

Don’t leave Australia before you

See:

Fraser Island – Listed as a World Heritage Site, Fraser Island, just off the coast of Queensland, is the largest sand island in the world. There’s plenty to see at this Island – marvel at the distinctively coloured sand-cliffs or hike through rainforests to see the panoramic views. Popular swimming sites in the region include Lake Wabby, Lake McKenzie and various freshwater pools.

Jenolan Caves – One of the oldest cave networks in the world, the Jenolan Caves are located in the Jenovan Karst Conservation Reserve, about 175 kilometres from Sydney. These magnificent limestone caves are unmatched in their beauty and complexity, and are open to tourists every day.

Uluru – At the heart of the Red Centre desert, Northern Territory, lies Uluru, or Ayer’s Rock – a massive sandstone monolith, seeming to rise out of nowhere. Considered to be more than 700 million years old, and sacred for the aboriginals in the area, Uluru is a sight you can’t miss. Between sunrise and sunset, the formation also appears to change colour, from brown through red, orange and grey.

The Twelve Apostles – Rising majestically from the Southern Ocean, these magnificent limestone stacks are situated off the shore of Victoria’s coastline, and is one of the top places to visit in Australia. They are situated around 275 km from Melbourne: the perfect opportunity for you to take a 4-hour drive along the scenic Great Ocean Road!

Read more: 7 Hotels in Australia for the Perfect Honeymoon

Do:

Diving and Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef – A full-day tour on a speedboat is the perfect way to make the most of your visit to the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef has some exceptional spots to witness the beauty of its rare aquatic species and marine life. Try scuba diving and snorkelling at one of these spots for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Trek in Tasmania – Tasmania, the island state off Australia’s south coast, is the perfect place to explore the many wonders of the country on foot. From short walks through temperate rainforests to multi-day walking trails, Tasmania is a dream-come-true for every hiking enthusiast. Try bush-walking, which covers a wide range of walking experiences through forest reserves, national parks and long trails. You can choose from independent walks and guided tours, as per your interests.

Brisbane Whale Watching – There aren’t many places around the world that offers a whale-watching experience. So, when you’re in Australia head over to Brisbane to witness these magnificent beauties. You could spot them on the beach, but try taking a cruise to get up, close and personal with them. Between July and November is the best time to visit, since many humpback whales migrate towards the coast of Queensland around this time.

Meet Koalas and Kangaroos – Australia is home to multiple koala and kangaroo parks, where you not only get to meet these animals, but also interact with them in their natural habitat. On personalized tours, you can feed and play with these animals, to experience something unique to Australia. Some popular koala and kangaroo parks include Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Featherdale Wildlife Park and Cohunu Koala Park.

Eat:

Roast Lamb with Apricots – Considered as Australia’s national dish, this dish is a must-try when you’re in the country. Pair it with Australia’s quintessential shiraz, and you’re in heaven!

Crocodile-meat dishes – Uniquely Australian, Crocodile-meat dishes are extremely popular in Australia. The succulent white Crocodile meat will be your best choice if you have an appetite for exotic food. Stewed Alligator in Creole Sauce, Crocodile Larrikin-style and Shrimp & Alligator Cheesecake are some popular options for the adventurous foodie.

Chocolate Pavlova – Meringue is the most popular choice for desserts ‘down under’. It’s layered with fruit and whipped cream to create a pavlova. The cocoa-rich version of this dessert will be an ideal choice for a romantic night, perfect for all chocoholics.

Read more: Beachside hotels in Australia

Here are some more details to help you plan your holiday in Australia...

When to Go: 

June to August –  In the Southern hemisphere, winter is in June, July and August. Aussie winter is the peak season in most cities in Australia. June, July and August are the busiest months, and it’s better to book tours and accommodations in advance.

September to March – In the summer season, you can visit most cities, apart from the Northern Territory. It’s cool enough to visit Uluru and warm enough to explore some beaches. By late October, temperatures start rising.

Getting There: 

By Air – Since Australia is a long way from most countries in the world, air travel is the only practical way to enter the country. Major cities like Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney are well connected to airports in numerous cities around the world. There are also flights to Adelaide, Darwin, Cairns, Christmas Island and Gold Coast. But, most of these are restricted to flights from Southeast Asia, Oceania and New Zealand.

By Ship – About 10 ships arrive in Australia between November and February. You can take a cheap cruise to Australia to gain entry, and fly back home.

Getting Around:

Car and Camper Rental – Australia has a very wide network of well-maintained roads, and some of the most scenic routes in the world. Motorbikes, caravans, 4WDs or luxury cars are all easily available on hire. There are many rental companies at central city locations and at major airports.

Train and Motorail – Travelling via train is a scenic, affordable and convenient way to explore the country. Intrastate and interstate services connect regional centers and cities. You can also board a cross-country train to explore the sheer size and diversity in Australia. VLine trains, Countrylink trains, TransWA and Traveltrain are popular services connecting various cities.

Bus – Bus services in Australia are affordable, efficient and frequent. Most companies operate luxury buses on multiple routes. The national coach operator, Greyhound, offers short and long journey passes to suit every budget.

Read more: Super 7 Adventure Activities in Australia

What to Pack: 

1. Pack cotton clothes for summer and rain jackets for the occasional showers. Remember to carry some sturdy lace-up shoes if you’re planning to trek.
2. Carry a swimsuit for the beaches. Hats, sunscreen and sunglasses are also a must.
3. Spare batteries for your camera and medical supplies are necessary additions.
4. Carry a power adapter to make sure your appliances and devices run in Australia.

Whether you want a peaceful beach vacation, an adventurous trek on long, unending trails or encounters with koalas and kangaroos, Australia promises to give you memories that will last forever.

Book Your Australia Holiday Now!