Planning your trip to Australia: where to start

When you plan to travel Australia, the country’s vastness and diversity can feel overwhelming at first. With distances comparable to an entire continent, it’s essential to consider your time frame, interests, and the best season for each region. Whether you want to explore tropical coasts, red deserts or dynamic cities, thoughtful preparation will make your trip more enjoyable and efficient.

Choosing your route: coastal, outback or a mix?

Australia offers several classic travel routes. The east coast route—from Sydney to Cairns—is ideal for beach lovers, divers, and first-time visitors. It combines urban highlights, the Great Barrier Reef, and rainforest adventures. The south coast, including Melbourne, Adelaide, and Tasmania, is known for its culture, nature, and wine regions. The Red Centre, with landmarks like Uluru and Alice Springs, offers insight into the country’s Indigenous heritage and outback landscapes.

City experiences and local life

Australia’s cities are vibrant, safe, and easy to navigate. Sydney impresses with its harbour, cultural scene and beaches. Melbourne attracts food lovers, creatives, and sports fans. Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide each offer a distinct regional character and easy access to nearby national parks or coastlines. While the cities are worth visiting, Australia’s heart often lies outside urban areas—in small towns, nature reserves, and along quiet coastal roads.

Wildlife and natural encounters

Australia is home to some of the world’s most unique wildlife. Encounters with kangaroos, koalas, wombats or even cassowaries are common in national parks or wildlife sanctuaries. Marine life is just as diverse, with opportunities to snorkel with sea turtles, dive with reef sharks or spot dolphins from the shore. Conservation efforts are visible in many regions, making responsible travel both rewarding and impactful.

Travel tips for long distances

Due to Australia’s size, travel time between destinations can be considerable. Domestic flights help bridge gaps between major cities or remote areas. If you plan to drive, prepare for long distances, sparse fuel stations in the outback, and variable road conditions. Campervans are popular among independent travelers, offering both transport and accommodation in one.

When to go: seasonality matters

The best time to visit depends on where you go. Northern Australia is tropical and best visited during the dry season (May to October), while the southern cities are most pleasant between October and April. Inland regions can be very hot in summer, so autumn or winter may be better for exploring the outback.

A diverse, unforgettable journey

To travel Australia is to engage with a land of contrasts—remote and cosmopolitan, ancient and modern. Every region offers something unique. With good planning and an open mindset, your journey through Australia can be one of discovery, connection and lifelong memories.