First Timer’s Guide to Australia
If you’ve never visited Australia before, the cost of getting here and how long it takes are two of the most commonly asked questions. Here is everything you need to know when it comes to travel and transport within Australia!
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Australia & New Zealand in 19 days
22 Day Australia & New Zealand
Travel time to and from Australia
The length of time it takes to travel to and from Australia varies, depending on where you’re visiting from. A non stop flight from the United States to Melbourne takes around 14 hours. It takes between 3 and 4 hours to travel to Australia from New Zealand, 22 hours from London and 18 hours from Canada.
Cost to fly to Australia
the cost of flying to Australia varies, depending on where you’re going. Prices can start from anywhere from $999 when you get a good special and can go up from there. Like the rest of the world, the cost of traveling to Australia will vary based on the time of year and where you’re flying from. Be sure to book as early as possible, for a better chance of scoring a great deal.
Contact a Travel Team Agent at 1-800-788-0829 for more information or to find flight prices
Australia is a huge country
Australia is the sixth largest country in the world, and is almost as big as the United States. Twenty percent of Australia’s land mass is desert Outback, so embarking on an epic Australian road trip is a big task. Prepare to see tons of red sand, and a whole lot of nothing during your travels.
Australia’s public transport system
In most states across Australia, public transport anything to brag about. You’re much better off catching an Uber or Taxi to get to where you need to be. Uber is relatively well priced in Australia. Major cities tend to be a little more pricey, but generally speaking, this is the best form of transport.
If you’re going to be spending an extended period of time in Australia, consider hiring a car. You will have a lot more freedom, not to mention awesome convenience when it comes to luggage. There are tons of car hire companies in Australia.
An Australian road-trip is the best way to see the country
Australia is one of the best countries in the world for a road-trip. You will see far more than you would traveling by air, and have the freedom to travel and explore at your own pace. Heading off the beaten track and discovering some of Australia’s hidden gems, is all part of the fun on an Australian road-trip. Hiring a camper van is definitely the best way to explore as much of Australia as possible.
Flying Domestically is Perfect for Fast-Paced Travel
If you are short on time and money, flying domestically within Australia is the best option. There are always awesome deals on Australian domestic flights, especially if you book ahead. If you’re not keen on braving the Australian Outback, flying from state to state is the way to go. Most flights are under 4 hours, with the exception of West Coast to East Coast flights, which can be close to 6 hours.
Check out our most popular vacations that include both Australia & New Zealand!
Australia & New Zealand in 19 days
22 Day Australia & New Zealand
Seasons are Opposite to the Northern Hemisphere
If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, keep in mind that seasons are different. Summer in Australia is from December until February, autumn is from March until May, winter is from June until August and spring if from September until November.
The Northern Territory is Always going to be Hotter
If you’re planning a summer trip to Australia, keep in mind that the temperature is going to be higher in the Northern Territory, all year round. Expect highs of over forty degrees celsius in summer, and late twenties to mid thirties for the rest of the year.
Travel During Off-peak times for Less Crowds
Summer is the busiest time to visit Australia. Everyone loves the idea of relaxing on our beautiful beaches, soaking in the sunshine. If you’re hoping for a more relaxing, quieter Australian adventure, book your visit between April and August.
If you are hoping to experience some of Australia’s summer activities, then November through to February are going to be the hottest months in the year. Just keep in mind that it will be quite a bit busier, and there will be a lot more people around, especially at the popular tourist attractions and theme parks across Australia.
Money, Prices & Currency
Visitors to Australia seem to have a lot of questions when it comes to the cost of everyday items in Australia. So much so that I’ve actually published an entire post, dedicated to the cost of traveling to Australia. Here is a brief recap of the most important tips when it comes to money, costs and currency in Australia.
Australia is Expensive
Australia can be an expensive country to visit..
Food can be fairly cheap if you shop at the big brand supermarkets, Coles or Woolworths. Stick to their home brand products, and you can definitely survive on a budget.
Alcohol and cigarettes are the biggest expense, with a carton of beer costing upwards of $70 (Australian dollars) and a bottle of spirits starting at $30.
Australia can be done on a Budget
It is possible to travel in Australia on a budget. Keep an eye out for cheap flights and package deals with hotels, and fly during off-peak season. For the almost cheapest alcohol, head to a big liquor chain like First Choice or Dan Murphy’s for great weekly deals. If you’re doing an Australian road-trip, buy essentials items such as water and snacks in bulk at Coles or Woolworths, so you don’t need to keep re-purchasing them every day or two.
The Currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar
The currency used in Australia is the Australian Dollar. Keep an eye on the exchange rate, and if you have a trip already booked, exchange some cash each time the Dollar is decent. This is the best way ensure you’re getting good value for money, and aren’t losing too much in the conversion.
Tipping Isn’t Required in Australia
Tipping isn’t required in Australia. We don’t need to tip for any service, whether that’s in a restaurant, a Taxi or Uber driver or a hotel employee. The hourly rate in most companies and businesses is very decent, therefore tipping isn’t required.
Australia’s Liquor Laws are very Strict
The legal drinking age in Australia is 18 years old. In all states around Australia, you’ll be asked for ID if you look under 25 years old. In New South Wales, you’ll be asked for ID if you look under 40 years old. If you don’t have the acceptable form of ID, you will not be served.
An acceptable international form of ID can be a Passport or international drivers license (Northern Territory, New South Wales and Queensland only).
Australia has a Wide Range of Food Options
Australia is great for a wide range of cuisines and food choices. Whether you’re a picky eater, meat lover, seafood fan or vegan, there’s something for everyone. Most of the major cities have a seemingly endless amount of international cuisines.
Queensland is Perfect for Theme Park Fans
The Gold Coast in Queensland is home to most of Australia’s major theme parks. It’s basically a thrill seeker’s heaven, and should definitely be included on your itinerary. There are five large theme parks on the Gold Coast: Movie World, Dreamworld, WetnWild, White Water World and Sea World.
Wine Tasting in South Australia
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South Australia is home to some of the best wineries in Australia. Spend a day exploring the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, the Adelaide Hills or Clare Valley, and enjoy a few delicious glasses of wine!
Australia has some of the world’s best beaches
The entire country is surrounded by water. That means, no matter which major capital city you visit, you are always going to be super close to the beach. From Bondi Beach in Sydney, to the almost endless amount of beautiful beaches up and down the coast of Queensland, there’s no shortage of incredible Australian coastline to admire.
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