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Destination:

Australia


Travel Tips & Strategies

topBuilding Your Itinerary

Australia is a big place – nearly the size of the continental United States. Even on a trip of several weeks, there’s only so much you can see, and you don’t want to spend all your time on long cross-country flights. Fortunately, there are incredible destinations all over Australia. If you like snorkeling, for example, the Great Barrier Reef will knock your socks off, but there is also exceptional marine life off the coasts of Western Australia and New South Wales, which might be closer to the other things you want to do.

For your planning purposes, we’ve divided Australia into a number of “Experiences,” so you can build your own itinerary around the places and activities that interest you the most. If your time is limited, you can choose destinations that are relatively close together – we've included a variety of locations for each type of experience, and we will be adding more in the weeks to come.

topStaying Safe

Australia is all about the great outdoors – its incredible wildlife, gorgeous beaches and rugged landscapes are the main reasons to go. Popular legend makes it sound like the country is teeming with deadly creatures, but accidents are rare if precautions are taken. Wear sturdy shoes when bushwalking, carry a flashlight at night and look where you put your hands and feet to avoid snakes and scorpions. Saltwater crocodiles are very dangerous, so keep your distance and be sure to watch for posted warnings before swimming. Box jellyfish are common in the waters off the Northern Queensland beaches during the summer months (Nov-Mar) – they can be life-threatening, so avoid swimming at this time or wear a sting suit. Wear shoes or diving boots when exploring the reefs – keep an eye out for the venomous stonefish and blue-ringed octopus, and avoid stepping on or touching them.

The sun is the biggest health concern in Australia – be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen and wear a hat when you're at the beach or hiking. Swim at patrolled beaches only between the flags to avoid the danger of strong undercurrents and tides.

topCharter Flights

The more remote locations in Australia may require charter flights on private aircraft. These flights often have strict weight requirements, and usually no exceptions are allowed. (On our flight to Lord Howe Island, for example, we are limited to 30 lbs per person.) Be sure to check weight requirements before you leave home, so you're prepared and can pack accordingly.