Joanna James
As one of the world's most popular tourist hotspots, Australia is a dream destination for travellers across the globe. Blessed with diverse landscapes that include beach hubs, the outback and cosmopolitan cities, a trip Down Under offers visitors the chance to experience an array of environments. From finding the right base locations to exploring lesser-known highlights, here are some tips on making your vacation in Australia a memorable journey.
Regardless of the parts of the country that you hope to explore, Australia is idyllic for a holiday during specific times of the year. Unlike Europe or even the Americas, the four seasons take place during different months of the year with summer weather lasting from December to February when it is wintertime in most of the world. As a rule of thumb, the spring and fall seasons are perfect for a trip as the weather is both pleasant and sunny. The months from March to May are considered the autumn period in Australia and temperatures fluctuate between 17 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius. The spring season, in contrast, lasts from September to November while the temperatures are identical to that of autumn. Avoid visiting Australia during the sweltering summer months and the cold winters as most outdoor experiences will be off limits or highly uncomfortable.
Those who are heading to Australia for the first time must make sure that they have at least a week or more in the country as this is really not the destination of a weekend getaway. Australia is a vast and vibrant vacation hub that warrants weeks not days, so make sure that your stay Down Under is not too short to enjoy the best of what the country has to offer. It is also necessary to factor in the travel time from state to state, even if you intend to fly when planning a multi-city tour.
One of the main reasons why most tourists do not make the most of their getaway in Australia is the lack of diversity in their travel itinerary. Depending on your budget, it is crucial to pick at least two or three major cities for your first tour of Australia as spending your entire holiday in a single destination will only offer you a limited perspective. Whether you choose to spend most of your time in Melbourne and Sydney or Perth and Port Douglas, make sure these destinations align with your holiday goals. This means that those who wish to engage in water sports must select beach towns and water sports hubs while culture buffs must include Sydney with its iconic opera house and other landmarks.
The types of activities you sign up for can make or break your vacation in Australia as the country truly is a heartland for adventurers and active tourists. Avid water sports lovers and marine species fanatics must go scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef while beachgoers can also go island hopping on Whitsundays. Signing up for a cruise in Kimberly and a cultural tour of Brisbane are just some of the most exciting ways to spend your time in Australia.
Unless you are planning on visiting Australia during the winter months, there's no need to bring along any hefty jackets or gloves. Keep your casual outfits light and breezy with cotton fabrics and sundresses while footwear can also be limited to sneakers and hiking boots. Those who reserve accommodation at Minor Hotels or any one of the other major hotel chains in the country will find that basic toiletries are provided although one must bring moisturiser, hand sanitiser and other beauty products that cater to specific needs. Don't assume you can purchase prescription medication in Australia as medical supplies can be costly while a good suntan lotion is also a must.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
