Traveling around Australia is one of those trips that feels simple at first, but quickly turns into something much bigger once you actually get there. Do not let this put you off, though, so many people miss out on once-in-a-lifetime trips because they get nervous, but you won’t regret going. The distances are huge, the climates change more than people expect, and every region feels completely different from the last. You might start out thinking you will see everything in a few weeks, then realize pretty quickly that even one coastline can take longer than planned.
Have a Rough Plan, But Keep It Loose
One of the most common things people underestimate is just how big Australia really is. Traveling from Sydney to Cairns along the east coast alone can take weeks if you actually stop to take in the amazing places along the way.
It helps to have a rough idea of where you want to go, even if you do not plan every detail, you don’t want to have to answer to a timetable. Knowing that you want to head up the East Coast, or spend time between Melbourne and Adelaide gives your trip some direction. At the same time, leaving space to change plans makes a big difference. Some places end up being a quick stop, while others keep you there longer than expected.
Pay Attention to the Seasons
Australia’s weather catches a lot of people off guard; most think it is warm all the time, but this is not the case. The north of the country can be humid and intense during the wet season, especially between November and March, while the south can feel much cooler during those same months. If you go South from Perth, it can even snow at this time, it is their winter after all. When the weather does turn for the worse, you could always check out some of the inside attractions like museums or art galleries. Staying in your hostel to hang out with friends can also be a good way to spend these days. If you are in your accommodation on a rainy day, it can be a good time to research matched betting.
A lot of travelers end up chasing the better weather without really planning to. Spending time in places like Melbourne or driving the Great Ocean Road works well during hotter months, while heading north later in the year can be more comfortable. Getting this roughly right makes your trip feel easier without overcomplicating things.
Choose the Right Way to Get Around
Getting around Australia is half of the experience; some people stick to buses, especially along the east coast, where routes are simple and popular with other travelers. Hop-on, hop-off passes are common because you can move at your own pace whilst still using public transport; they are also relatively cheap.
Others prefer to rent a car or campervan, and some people do this with other travelers that they have met along their trip. It gives you more freedom, especially if you want to stop in smaller towns or take detours. Driving also lets you see parts of the country you would otherwise miss, like quiet beaches or roadside stops that are not in any guides. Flights are another option for longer distances, especially if you want to jump between cities without spending days traveling.
Stay in Places That Make It Easy to Meet People
Accommodation can shape your whole experience, from who you meet to evening entertainment. Hostels are still one of the easiest ways to meet people, by far, especially if you are traveling solo. Many of them organize events or simple social nights that help break the ice with other guests early in your stay.
Hostels often offer free breakfast for guests, which is a great place to meet people as well. Just sit down next to someone and ask them what their plans for that day are, people are usually very open and willing to swap ideas and link up on plans. You will find it easy to make friends in most hostels, but check the reviews on HostelWorld before you book.
Not every hostel is a party hostel, which means that there are quieter options, smaller places, and even rural stays that feel completely different. Some travelers mix it up by staying in hostel dorm rooms for a few nights, then switching to private rooms for a night or two when they need a break.
Stay Open to Unexpected Experiences
One of the best things about traveling around Australia is how unpredictable it can be; for example, you might plan to stay somewhere for two days and end up there for a week. You might stop in a place you had never heard of beforehand and have one of the best nights of your trip. That is part of the experience, and you will find that many of the best moments will be those that were not planned at all.
Final Thoughts
Traveling around Australia is not about seeing everything; you would have to be there for years to manage that! But, you can find your own pace and enjoy the experience you have, a lot of things will be brand new to you, which is exciting.
