Exploring Australia: A Comprehensive Guide To Planning Your Dream Adventure Down Under

Australia is a large country with very different regions and climates, so deciding where to go and how to get there requires some planning. The best option for you will depend on how much time you have, your budget, and the carbon footprint you want to leave behind.

If you're short on time, internal flights are the best way to cover large distances. However, they can be expensive, and competition between airlines is limited. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, travelling by bus or train is a great alternative. Australia has a vast network of well-maintained roads, and road trips are a highlight of a visit to Australia. You can hire a car, 4WD, or campervan, or even buy your own vehicle if you're planning a longer trip.

Before travelling to Australia, it's important to ensure you have a valid visa and are aware of any relevant entry requirements.

Transport options: flights, trains, buses, cars, campervans

Transport options: flights, trains, buses, cars, and campervans

Australia is a large country, but it is easy to get around. The best way to cover large distances in a short time is by flying. Australia's domestic airlines – Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Rex – serve all state capital cities and many regional cities, making it easy to travel between iconic destinations. You can find great-value fares, especially if you book in advance.

If you prefer to travel by road, Australia has a vast network of well-maintained roads and some of the world's most beautiful road trips. You'll find rest stops and service stations at regular intervals when travelling long distances. Car rental companies can be found at major airports and in central city locations, offering cars, 4WDs, and caravans for hire.

Public transport and tourist bus services are also available and inexpensive. In some cities, such as Melbourne, public transport services are completely free. Most buses, metros, trains, and trams can accommodate prams and other access requirements. Australia's national coach operator, Greyhound, offers a range of travel passes for comfortable, efficient, and reasonably priced coach travel.

There are also spectacular rail journeys in Australia, such as the Ghan and Indian Pacific, which sweep across the continent, offering comfort and a sense of nostalgic romance. The Indian Pacific travels between Sydney and Perth, stopping in Adelaide and Broken Hill, while the Ghan travels between Adelaide and Darwin, taking in Australia's Red Centre and the tropical Top End.

Visa and entry requirements

All non-Australian citizens travelling to Australia require a visa or visa waiver issued by the Australian Government. The type of visa you need depends on the length of your stay, your passport, and the purpose of your visit. You can apply for a range of Australian visa types, including tourist visas and working holiday visas.

Tourist Visas

The Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601) allows you to visit Australia as many times as you want for up to a year, and stay for three months each visit. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of countries and regions, who live outside Australia. All ETA-eligible passport holders must apply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is available on the Australian Government website.

The eVisitor (subclass 651) is a free visa for multiple visits to Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three months at a time within a 12-month period. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of European countries and cannot be extended.

The Visitor visa (subclass 600) allows you to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes. It is open to all nationalities. Generally, a period of stay of up to three months is granted, but in certain circumstances, a stay of up to 12 months may be granted. Applicants will have to pay a fee to submit their application.

Working Holiday Visas

Australia's Working Holiday Maker program allows visitors aged under 30 (or 35 in certain cases) who hold a passport from a participating country to travel and work in Australia. Working holiday visas are valid for one year, or up to three years if certain conditions are met.

Passport Requirements

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay in Australia. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least six months of validity remaining on your passport.

Other Requirements

• All details on your application must be correct and all required documents must be provided. Incomplete or incorrect applications can cause delays.
• Submit only one application per person, including children. Submitting multiple applications at the same time can slow the process.
• You may be asked to provide further supporting information.
• You will be notified in writing if your tourist visa is approved and it will be digitally linked to your passport.
• You must meet certain financial and medical requirements, be outside of Australia when applying, and maintain health insurance for the duration of your stay.
• If you are travelling on a valid ePassport (a passport that contains an electronic chip) and are 16 years of age or older, you are eligible to use Australia's automated border processing system, SmartGate, upon arrival in Australia.
• You must have at least one blank passport page required for the entry stamp.

Budgeting and costs

Australia is a large country, and travelling around it can be expensive. The best way to get around on a budget depends on how much time you have. If you're short on time, you'll likely need to rely on internal flights to cover large distances. If you have more time, there are cheaper options.

Flying

This is the most expensive way to get around Australia. Limited competition among airlines means that flights are costly. Sydney to Perth, for example, costs at least 450 AUD ($300 USD) round trip. The budget carrier Tiger Airways ceased operations in 2020, leaving Jetstar as the biggest budget carrier. A new low-cost airline, Bonza, began operations in 2023 but currently has only a few planes.

Backpacker Bus

Backpacker buses are great for younger travellers looking to have fun, party, and meet other travellers. Magic Bus is a backpacker/party bus perfect for travellers looking to get rowdy. Trips cost around $250 AUD ($185 USD) per 1,000 kilometres. For a similar but more intimate experience, check out Road2Adventure. It's like a party hostel on wheels, with space for eight people to live and travel. Tours range from 12-19 days and cost 2,195-3,785 AUD per person.

Public Bus

This is one of the cheapest options for getting around Australia, especially on the east coast. Greyhound Australia is the biggest company and sometimes offers $1 fares. Sample fares for popular bus routes include:

• Brisbane – Byron Bay: $23 USD
• Brisbane – Gold Coast: $12 USD
• Cairns – Airlie Beach: $44 USD
• Gold Coast – Byron Bay: $31 USD
• Sydney – Melbourne: $55 USD
• Melbourne – Canberra: $18 USD
• Darwin – Alice Springs: $115 USD

Greyhound also offers Whimit Passes, which provide unlimited travel for 15-365 days. These passes range from 349-749 AUD ($235-505 USD) and are perfect for those who want to travel on a whim.

Trains

Australia's train system is a wonderful way to see the country, but it is very expensive. For example, a one-way ticket from Sydney to Perth (which takes 3 days) is $1,200 AUD ($850 USD). The Ghan, a scenic route between Adelaide and Darwin, costs $3,000 per person.

Car Share

One of the cheapest ways to travel around Australia is to rent a car or campervan and share the costs with others. Websites like Gumtree and Couchsurfing have active ridesharing sections where you can find people looking for cars or riders. You can also look on hostel bulletin boards to see who's looking for people to join their road trip.

Public Transportation

All of Australia's major cities have reliable and affordable public bus systems, as well as subways and tram systems. Fares typically cost between 3-4 AUD. Uber is also available in larger cities and towns and is a cheaper alternative to taxis.

Where to stay: hostels, hotels, campsites

Where to Stay: Hostels, Hotels, and Campsites

When travelling in Australia, there are a variety of accommodation options available, including hostels, hotels, and campsites. Each option caters to different preferences and budgets, so it's important to choose the right type of accommodation for your needs. Here is a guide to help you decide where to stay when exploring Australia:

Hostels

Hostels are a popular choice for travellers on a budget, offering social and vibrant environments that facilitate interactions with fellow travellers. When selecting a hostel, consider factors such as location, price, amenities, and staff friendliness and knowledge. Here are some highly-rated hostels in Australia:

• Nomads St. Kilda in Melbourne: Features a lively bar, weekly events, clean rooms and bathrooms, and beds starting at 60 AUD.
• Wake Up! in Sydney: Located near Central Station, it offers a trendy and clean atmosphere, a large bar for socialising, and beds from 52 AUD.
• Aquarius Backpackers in Byron Bay: Promotes a fun and friendly atmosphere with games, free meals, a pool, and beds from 44 AUD.
• Traveller's Oasis in Cairns: A tranquil and social hostel with a swimming pool, outdoor shower, deck/terrace, and beds from 32 AUD.
• Nomads Noosa: A laid-back hostel located 900 meters from the beach, featuring a tropical garden, communal kitchen, bar, and swimming pool. Beds start at 53 AUD.

Hotels

If you're looking for more privacy and amenities, hotels in Australia offer a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some recommended hotels in popular destinations:

• Metro Residences Darling Harbour in Sydney: A three-star hotel located in the CBD, close to attractions like the Maritime Museum and Aquarium.
• The Victoria Hotel in Melbourne: Located next to Melbourne Town Hall, offering family rooms and an on-site bar serving delicious food.
• Airlie Beach Hotel in Whitsundays: Boasts a central location, rooms with private balconies, and an on-site restaurant serving wood-fired pizzas.
• The Island Gold Coast in Surfer's Paradise: A boutique-style hotel with a rooftop bar, offering mountain, sea, or pool views from the rooms.
• Marion Hotel in Adelaide: Known for its comfortable beds and contemporary design, this hotel is popular with couples and features an on-site bistro.

Campsites

For those seeking a more immersive experience in nature, camping is a fantastic option. Australia has thousands of free camping spots across the country, often located near beaches and within national parks. Here are some tips for camping in Australia:

• Head to national parks: Free camping is commonly found in or near national parks. Check national park websites or stop by local tourist offices for information.
• Community campsites and roadside rest areas: In some cases, it is legal to camp overnight for 24 hours at larger rest stops along highways without setting up a tent.
• Free campsite apps: Utilise apps like Travellers Autobarn and state national park apps to locate free and paid campsites and their amenities.
• Facilities: Free campsites typically have more basic facilities, and you may need to pay for a campsite every 3-4 nights to access amenities like hot showers and power for electrical devices.

What to do: nature, cities, road trips, festivals

Australia is a nature lover's dream, with its towering waterfalls, bubble-gum pink lakes, and the Great Barrier Reef. Here are some ideas for what to do in Australia, focusing on nature, cities, road trips, and festivals.

Nature

The Great Barrier Reef is a must-see, with its colourful coral and diverse marine life. It is the world's largest coral reef system and a popular spot for snorkelling and diving. Uluru and Kata Tjuta, in the heart of the Red Centre, offer impressive rock formations and a rich spiritual history for the indigenous Anangu people. The Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts impressive rock formations, quaint villages, and epic wilderness. For a unique perspective, take a scenic flight over Kati Thandi-Lake Eyre in South Australia, known for its beautiful pastel pink hue. The Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park features orange and black striped domes, a result of twenty million years of erosion.

Cities

Sydney, Australia's largest city, is a must-visit, with its iconic Opera House, photogenic harbour, lively entertainment scene, and world-class restaurants. Melbourne, the country's second-largest city, offers cultural and architectural highlights, including the National Gallery of Victoria, and stunning natural getaways like Port Campbell National Park. Perth, a favourite among beachgoers, boasts sunny weather and is known for its nearby beaches, like Trigg Beach. Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, has a beach right in the heart of the city and serves as a gateway to popular Gold Coast beaches and other natural attractions. Cairns is another tropical destination, known for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

Road Trips

Australia is famous for its scenic road trips. The Great Ocean Road in Victoria stretches along the south-eastern coast, showcasing lush rainforests, surf breaks, and breathtaking mountain formations. The Legendary Pacific Coast Drive takes you on a 900-kilometre journey from Sydney to Brisbane, passing through stunning beaches and picturesque seaside towns. For a shorter trip, try the Grand Pacific Drive, a three-hour coastal drive from Sydney to the pristine white sand beaches of the South Coast. If you're up for an off-road adventure, the Gipp River Road in Western Australia offers a 700-kilometre 4WD track through the famous gorges and cattle stations of the Kimberlies region.

Festivals

Australia is brimming with festivals and celebrations all year round. Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks display is a famous spectacle, with fireworks launched from the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. The city also hosts the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, a three-week celebration of love and pride that culminates in a colourful parade. Melbourne hosts the Australian Open, one of the country's biggest sporting events, attracting the world's best tennis players and hundreds of thousands of spectators. Adelaide Fringe is the largest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere, showcasing comedy, theatre, music, and more. For a flower-filled celebration, head to Canberra in September-October for Floriade, featuring over a million blooms and a programme of music and entertainment.

Frequently asked questions