Flights booked? Rental car sorted? (Cheers, East Coast 😎) Now it’s time to turn that travel dream into a full-blown adventure. Here’s how to start shaping your perfect Australian escape – with some handy tips to get you moving in the right direction.
1. Map Out Your Must-See Spots
Australia’s a big, beautiful playground – and deciding where to go is half the fun. From laid-back coastal towns to buzzing cities and wild outback adventures, there’s a destination to suit every travel style. Think about your vibe (food? beaches? bushwalks?) and the season you’re visiting. Summer vs winter? School holidays? It all makes a difference.
Image: Tourism Australia
2. Follow @australia for Travel Inspo
Need ideas? Instagram’s a goldmine. Scroll through @australia for real traveler snaps of jaw-dropping views, hidden gems, and bucket list moments. Save your faves to a folder and build a mood board for your trip. You’ll thank yourself later.
Broome, Western Australia. Image: Tourism Australia.
3. Pick Your Timing Wisely
When you visit can shape your whole experience. Want to escape the cold? Head north in winter where it is still 30°C! Prefer fewer crowds? Avoid peak school holidays. Planning around weather and events helps you stretch your budget and make the most of your trip.
Image: Bondi Beach, NSW
4. Plan a Trip That Fits Your Schedule
You don’t need months to explore. Whether you’ve got a long weekend or a full fortnight, there’s an itinerary to match. Short on time? Focus on one region. Got more wiggle room? Think road trip – it’s the ultimate way to see multiple states at your own pace. (We might know a thing or two about road trips… 😉)
Image credit: Melbourne Cricket Ground
5. Tap Into Local Recommendations
Want the good stuff? Go where the locals go. Whether it’s Melbourne’s best flat white or that secret beach your cousin told you about – personal recs are pure gold. Follow Aussie travel creators and dig into firsthand tips from people who’ve been there, done that.
Rick Shores, Burleigh Heads, QLD. Image: Tourism Australia
6. Lock In Your Accommodation
From stylish city stays to nature-based glamping, Australia’s packed with great places to rest your head. Think about location, vibes, and budget – whether you want luxe and leafy or chill and family-friendly. Book early, especially during holiday periods!
7. Set a Budget (and Stick to It)
Australia has something for every price range. Your daily spend depends on your style – think street food vs. fine dining, or hostels vs. boutique hotels. Create a flexible budget so you can splurge where it counts and save where it doesn’t.
Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand. Image: Tourism Australia
8. Get Organised with a Travel App
Keep it together with a planning app like TripIt, Google Docs or Trello. You can track your flights, accommodation, car hire, and even save ideas or packing lists – all without rifling through a folder of papers at the airport.
9. Sort Your Visa Before You Fly
If you’re coming from overseas, you’ll need to apply for a visa before boarding. There are different types depending on your passport and purpose – whether it’s a holiday, working stint, or study break. Make sure you’ve got the right one locked in ahead of time.
Don’t forget to have a pit-stop every 2 hours. Safe travels!