Planning a Trip to Australia: The Ultimate Guide

Yearning for the ultimate vacation? With its amazing wildlife, endless coastline, and beautiful cities, Australia is the most rewarding place for you to go on vacation. With so much to do and see, planning a trip to Australia can be stressful. You may be taken aback by the sheer size of the country and worry that your travel won’t be cheap or easy.

For these reasons, here is a guide to exciting things to do in Australia during your vacation.

Northern Territory of Australia

With its stark red deserts, outstanding rock formations, and remarkable wilderness, the Northern Territory gives you a taste of the Australian Outback. Fly into Darwin and soak up sights like the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Market, the Stokes Hill Wharf, or the Museum and Art Gallery. If you’re more of a thrill-seeker, you can cage-dive with saltwater crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove.

From Darwin, you can head out to Kakadu National Park—Australia’s largest national park—and take in the breathtaking wilderness areas. You can then drive to Nitmiluk National Park and get a view of 13 spectacular steep-walled gorges.

From the nearby town of Katherine, you can take a flight to Alice Springs in Australia’s Red Centre and visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park—one of Australia’s top tourist attractions that rises 348 meters above the red-hued desert.

If you have time, you can explore the dome-shaped rocks called Kata Tjuta, the Kings Canyon Rim Walk hiking trails, and the Watarrka National Park.

East Coast of Australia

The East Coast itinerary highlights Sydney, Daintree Rainforest, Blue Mountains National Park, Kuranda, Port Douglas, and the Great Barrier Reef. You can start your trip in Sydney and enjoy the iconic Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, and the Rocks.

From Sydney, head out to Cairns to Australia’s top tropical attractions, including the picturesque rainforest village of Kuranda, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Daintree Rainforest. It’s here that you’ll witness the spectacular merge of the blue reefs and the green rainforest. If you want to enjoy a more relaxed tropical reef with friendly locals, take a 60-minute drive to Port Douglas.

Western Australia

About a five-hour flight from the east coast of Australia, Western Australia offers you a wonderland of wilderness and wildlife, coral reefs, and stunning beaches. Often overlooked due to its distance, this is one of the best places in Australia to vacation if you don’t like crowds.

From appealing day trips in Perth to cruising up the winding Swan River to the Swan Valley, or downriver to Fremantle, there is so much this southwestern city has to offer.

You can also spend a day or two at Margaret River—a prime grape-growing district—and have surf breaks, scenic coastal hikes, and tasty artisan foods. If you have more time, you can go sightseeing at Ningaloo Reef, Broome, the Kimberley, and Cape Range National Park.

South Australia

The southern territory offers the sophisticated yet pleasingly slow-paced Adelaide. You can spend your time in the state exploring the museums, galleries, and gardens. You can take about an hour’s drive to the beautiful Barossa Valley and the Clare Valley and explore the fertile grape-growing regions. This is also one of the best foodie destinations due to the ample fresh produce.

The south also offers the golden beaches in Fleurieu Peninsula, the abundant wildlife in Kangaroo Island, and the awe-striking shades of shifting light on the dry landscapes of Flinders Ranges National Park.

Queensland

If you love the sun, sea, sand, and sailing, a tour through the Southeast and Central Queensland should top your itinerary. While you’re here, you can hike through Noosa National Park and look for koalas or go swimming, surfing, or sunning in Main Beach. So don’t forget to pack the essential items for the trip.

For a luxury island hideaway, you can head out to Daydream Island, Hamilton Island, Long Island, or Hook Island.

Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road

Fly into Melbourne and enjoy the fantastic museums, galleries, and restaurants in the vibrant capital of Victoria. You can also indulge in a breathtaking scenic drive along The Great Ocean Road. Gape at the Twelve Apostles and the wind-sculpted rock formations rising from the thrashing surf in Port Campbell National Park.

If you’re down for hiking, you can venture to the Great Ocean Walk or the Grampians National Park. In Torquay, you can ride the famous waves of Bells Beach or spend time at the Australian National Surfing Museum.

Tasmania

Known as the Nirvana for nature lovers, the island of Tasmania is Australia’s smallest state, where you can take a self-drive tour. You can enjoy spectacular national parks, World Heritage Areas, and succulent seafood.

How to Visit Australia Like a Pro

While traveling to a new place is exciting, it can get a little stressful if you are not well prepared. If you are planning a trip to Australia, here top things you should know.

Know What You Enjoy

Australia has many destination spots, and you can easily get lost in the choices. The success of your trip will depend on focusing on things that you and your family love doing. It makes it easy for you to plan and budget for the vacation.

Consider Your Transportation

To get the most out of your vacation in Australia, you should plan for transportation. You can opt for a car rental, public transit, or train. But if you want to see more than one city, you should consider booking flights.

Don’t Forget About the Weather

Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, meaning their seasons are quite different. You should always know what season it is before you take a trip to the country. It helps you pack the right clothing and gear.

Save As Much As You Can

Knowing that Australia is big, it can be expensive to vacation there. But you can save a few bucks through travel hacking. It involves following the rules set up by airlines, credit cards, and hotels, so you can earn free flights, lodgings, or other upgrades.

Visiting Australia Should Be On Your Travel Bucket List

Planning a vacation?

Aussieland should be one of your go-to destinations. Whether it’s winter or summer, there are a lot of things to do when you take a trip to Australia.

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