Australia is a wonderful country, known for its pristine beaches, exciting Outback, laid back people, and of course, exotic animals like the koala and kangaroo. There is so much to do and see in this country that it pays to prepare in advance so that you can make the most of whatever time you have there. Here are some tips to help you do just that:
Prepare for a Long Flight
Your flight to Australia is likely to be a long one, so if you don’t want to reach your destination in a bad mood, which will put a dampener on your trip, prepare to make it as comfortable as possible. Pack a few essentials like compression socks (to avoid swollen ankles), a neck pillow and an eye mask. It’s also a good idea to wear comfy loose layers, to maintain your comfort levels. And make an effort to get up and stretch at least once every hour when you’re not sleeping.
Australia is Huge
You need to prepare yourself for the fact that Australia is huge and you probably won’t be able to see everything you want to see and go everywhere you want to go. Trying to cram visits to the Outback, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, and Canberra into a two-week vacation is the equivalent of trying to see Mexico, Las Vegas, New York, Florida and Seattle in the same amount of time. It just isn’t possible. Not if you want to sleep, and actually enjoy some of the sights, anyway.
That means that you’ll have to research the parts of Australia you most want to see – whether that be Ayer’s Rock, Bondi Beach, Sydney Harbour Bridge, or enjoy the winter activities. Concentrate on creating an itinerary that fulfills your top must-sees and plan to come back to see more!
Car hire is pretty affordable in Australia, so traveling around shouldn’t be too difficult. Just don’t try to see too much in one trip.
The Sun is Harsh
In Australia, the sun is pretty harsh, and it’s very easy to burn up after an afternoon on the beach. This is why you should not forget to pack sunblock with good protection. The last thing you want is for your vacation to be ruined by painful burned skin! Sunburn can sneak up on you.
Eat the Seafood
If you’re wondering what is good to eat in Australia, you’ll be pleased to know that they have an abundance of fresh foods there. There is no shortage of cute cafes and chilled out restaurants to choose from. You can also find foods to cater every special diet. But, the best food to sample while you’re in Australia is certainly the seafood. Shrimp, fish, and freshly caught barracuda… They have it all, and it’s fantastic.
Talk to the Locals
One of the best things about Australia is that the locals are such a friendly, relaxed bunch. You absolutely will not regret making an effort to speak to local people. Hang out at beach bars, pubs, and clubs, and you’ll soon have a whole host of new friends willing to show you a good time. Just make sure you know how to handle your beer because the Australians are fond of a cold one or two!
Beware the Animals
Okay, chances are you’re not going to get eaten by a crocodile, bitten by a spider, or speared by a stingray on your Australian adventure, but it still pays to be mindful of the animals. Knowing which animals are dangerous, and which are not will definitely enhance your experience. Things to avoid = sharks, snakes, spiders. Things to enjoy = koalas, wombats, and kangaroos (at a distance).
It’s always best to check out the interesting wildlife in Australia in a safe environment like the Sydney Zoo, where you and the animals are safe. If you want to pet some of the safer wild animals, find a sanctuary where you can do so under supervision. You could make it a memorable experience.
It’s Pretty Expensive
Unfortunately, Australia can be a pretty expensive place to vacation. The cost of food and accommodation, in particular, are higher than many other places in the Western world. So you need to prepare for that if you don’t want to run out of budget a few days before you fly back home.
Things that can cut the cost of vacationing there include staying in Airbnbs instead of hotels and stocking up on food and alcohol at the store.
Australia is a once-in-a-lifetime destination and taking note of the above information should help you better prepare for your time there, so that you can make the most of it and truly have the time of your life.
Have you been to Australia? Which places do you recommend?
A New Life Wandering 
Good tips. That flight seemed endless, but sooo worth it.
I loved Sydney, Ayers Rock, and the Great Ocean Road the most.
LikeLike
🙂 You’ve explored quite a bit.
LikeLike
I worked in Cooma in New South Wales for a year. I could (and did) go skin diving near the town of Eden on one day then go skiing in the Snowy Mountains the next day.
Years later My wife and I with 4 daughters lived in Bunbury in Western Australia- about 2 hours drive south of Perth. When we travel we try to avoid the tourist spots like the Gold Coast near Brisbane. The beaches we frequented near Bunbury were pristine and we felt they were crowded if we could see anyone else on the beach.
LikeLike