Last Updated on 2 years by Claudia Bastos
So, you are planning to travel to Australia for the first time…? Congrats, you are in for a great time! We have yet to meet someone who didn’t love traveling in Australia! Though Australia is pretty unique in almost all aspects, it has a few things you should address! And that’s why we created these Australia first-timers travel tips!
First of all, have you ever noticed how freakin’ huge Australia is? Australia is the 6th largest country in the world, almost the size of the US and much bigger than the EU. Besides the size, Australia is very little populated and the driest inhabited continent on earth, with more than half of the territory being a desert.
The other thing you must be aware of is that Australia is a highly developed country and a very expensive one! If you are planning a long trip to Australia, you need to be aware that you’ll spend a lot more than in most of the world. And the longer the trip, the “worse”… Look at this comparison between the cost of living in the US and Australia.
Nevertheless, don’t let these aspects prevent you from going to Australia! With our 10 excellent tips for Australia first-timers, you can address them and have the time of your life!
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10 tips for traveling to Australia for the first time
#1 A Road trip is the best way to see Australia truly
If you want to see Australia’s amazing nature and many off-the-beaten-track destinations, a road trip is the way to go! Plus, a road trip to Australia is lots of fun! Again, note that the distances are enormous and will take a long time, but it’s really worth it if you have it!
If you don’t, you should still do a few regions of Australia. Furthermore, you can use the free campsites to have free accommodation, fill your car with food and ingredients, chase down Australia’s roads and beaches, and ultimately have an unforgettable experience.
When going on a road trip, you must remember the distances and fuel costs. For example, Byron Bay seems right on the outskirts of Brisbane, but it’s more than 150 km away. It may also seem fairly close to Sydney, but it’s more than 750 km away!
#2 Don’t try to do all of Australia in 2 weeks
Well, this seems pretty obvious now that you know how big it is! We understand that the temptation of trying to see it all is big, but this isn’t a good idea. Would you even dream of doing all of the US in two weeks? Or Europe?
If your time is limited, we strongly suggest you focus on one or two regions of Australia. It’s a much more relaxing experience, and you’ll save time and money on transportation. If you are planning several months, maybe you can cover a big part of it…
#3 Be prepared to go offline
Due to its massive size and large, unpopulated regions, mobile phone and internet signals can be dodgy outside the main areas. Prepare beforehand, let people know that you may be uncontactable, and write down the most important information. Plus, you may not have a GPS signal, so bring a printed map.
#4 Consider buying your car
This one is a tip only for those traveling slowly and staying a long time in Australia. It doesn’t make sense to buy a car for 2 weeks, right? 🙂 You can choose between renting a car/campervan or buying one yourself.
Although, if you’re planning a longer (let’s say 3 months) road trip in Australia, then we recommend you consider buying your vehicle and selling it at the end of the trip. Many sites on the internet allow you to do this, but gumtree is the biggest Australian site to buy and sell used goods and naturally has a big selection of fused cars/vans/4×4.
#5 Try Camping
When renting a car, consider the possibility of camping either in a tent or a campervan. It’s possible to have an Australian road trip on a budget, and the answer is camping or renting/buying an RV. This will make you save on accommodation which tends to be extremely expensive in Australia, and in food because you will be able to cook easier.
Note that sleeping in your car or camping in public spaces is illegal in most of Australia, and the corresponding fine is heavy! However, many apps will help you find great free camping sites close to some of Australia’s greatest views.
And even the ones that aren’t free are usually budget-friendly. And it’s definitely cheaper than staying in hotels and motels.
#6 Cook yourself
There are many great restaurants, but Australia isn’t southeast Asia or Mexico, where local food is incredible and cheap! Even if you don’t have an RV, free public BBQs are available in most parks all over Australia.
That’s a local experience right there! Food and ingredients bought in supermarkets often aren’t more expensive than in Europe or the US; thus, you can make a lot of budget-friendly meals. Buy your food where the locals do: at supermarkets.
Instead of paying for a hotel or restaurant breakfast, buy fresh bread, cheese and meat, save it for a morning meal and enjoy an excellent cheap breakfast!
#7 Enjoy Australia’s nature – it’s free!
Some of Australia’s biggest cities are amazing! You have Sydney, Melbourne, Perth… And you should spend at least three days in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth; they are all great!
But what really takes Australia to the next level is the outdoor fun! From the fantastic rainforests and pristine beaches to the dramatic cliffs and outback, you can find all of this in Australia.
And then there’s Tasmania, which is a little harder to get to but incredibly rewarding! Hike, swim, explore, make friends and freely explore some of the most untouched places on the planet. Plus, it’s free!
#8 Be mindful of wildlife
Be aware that Australian wildlife is everywhere, particularly at night! When it gets dark, animals are attracted to the lights and jump on purpose onto the road!
We strongly suggest you start early (but not too early when it’s still dawn), find a comfortable parking spot before it gets dark, and enjoy the stars. Please avoid driving at night for your and the animals’ safety.
It would be best if you also were careful with the wild animals that want to kill you 🙂 From venomous snakes, spiders, and jellyfish to sharks and crocodiles or even ants, centipedes, and octopuses… There are plenty of deadly animals in Australia!
Although, if you follow advice and signs, it is unlikely you will get into any trouble. Nevertheless, find out what’s in the water before diving in…
#9 Take sunscreen and insect repellent
Australia’s sun is harsh, even when it doesn’t seem that hot or fierce! Australia has a thinner ozone layer; thus, it not only heats up quickly but is more dangerous. A few minutes under the sun without protection, and you may be in for a big sunburn that lasts weeks and a potential blister.
In the long turn, Australia has one of the highest melanoma rates in the world. Thus, protect yourself and always wear 50+ SPF sunscreen! We also strongly suggest you buy one that is water resistant because, let’s face it, you won’t go to Australia and avoid diving into the oceans, lakes, rivers, waterfalls…
You should also pack insect repellent, which should help you deter bugs but also keep you safe from insect bites. Additionally, you can also take insect-repellent clothes, which would give an extra layer of protection!
Australia’s small animals are everywhere, from house flies to bush flies, mozzies, and some creepier stuff.
#10 Draft your journey and keep a good attitude
A journey through Australia, particularly a long one, will always be an adventure. Though as exciting as a new adventure, particularly such a free one, can be, always act with caution and be smart! You should have at least a draft of your trip on your mind and try to follow it.
Australia is too big to keep changing your mind about where you are going and how you are going; you will lose time and money. Be aware of your limits, both monetarily and in the distance. If you get any setbacks, act calm, don’t panic, and act wise. After all, the adventure is half the fun, right?
An Australia trip has everything to be an exciting journey and one that you will fondly remember for the rest of your life and maybe even do it again.
* Cover photo by cloudia via Depositphotos