Australia is vast, diverse, and has some of the best climates in the world. It’s no wonder that this nation attracts millions of visitors every year. Sun-kissed beaches with white sand and blue waters meet lush ancient rainforests, and the land is dotted with bustling modern cities. Travelling the 7.6 million square kilometers of Australia is a dream for many, but before doing so, making a plan is wise to ensure that you are best prepared.
Thanks to its advanced infrastructure, there are several ways to tackle this monstrous nation and travel to all four corners of it. Let’s explore the popular ones.
Bus
One of the most popular ways to travel around Australia, particularly when people are venturing up and down the famous East Coast destinations, is to use the bus system. Greyhound Australia and Premier Motor Service are the most well-known companies and operate extensive networks. While buses are a good, cheap option for backpackers looking to utilise the budget options, they can be extremely long. They often offer hop-on-hop-off passes, which can be good for breaking up the journey and reaching less well-known destinations. Whilst on these buses for hours, it can be hard to find things to keep yourself occupied. There’s only so much reading on your Kindle or episodes of Netflix dramas you can consume. To fill this boredom, an increasing number of people are starting to use online casinos and indulge in the iGaming industry for a chance to win some prizes while curing the boredom. There has been an increasing number of fun online pokies for Australian players being introduced into the market, and these pokies and online casinos can be a great way to pass the time whilst also having a chance at winning something on long bus trips across the bush.
Fly
The vastness of Australia can be off-putting for some people, with hours of travel between the major cities. This means that flying is often the most practical way for people to travel across Australia and tends to be the way Australians get around their own country. Internal domestic flights in Australia are generally affordable, but can be expensive during peak times at holidays. Booking in advance helps with this, and flying cuts the travel time down dramatically.
Road
For those who are looking for the true Aussie experience, then doing a road trip is going to be the favored form of travel in Australia. The country lends itself to long road trips and is famous for specific routes, including the Great Ocean Road, the Nullabor Desert Highway, and the Pacific Coast Touring Route. Renting a car or a campervan gives you the freedom to explore every stop you want throughout the bush and outback. Planning your road trip means you can tap into hidden beaches, less crowded towns, and quiet national parks away from the bustle of the main tourist routes.
However, with freedom comes responsibilities. Knowing the dangers you may face in Australia is important. Making sure you have enough water and fuel in between stops is key with 100s of kilometers in between civilisation at some points. Taking care when driving off-road due to the road surface and the likelihood of wildlife being on the tracks, especially at night, is also important.
Train
Train journeys in Australia can be a comfortable and idyllic way to both experience the scenic landscape of the outback and bush without the dangers associated with driving. The unique views can be enjoyed in a relaxed environment. The Ghan and the Indian Pacific connect the country from North to South and East to West. These trains can be expensive, but more local train networks serving each state can be more affordable and allow you access to destinations all over the country.
Make a Plan
Before beginning to travel in Australia, making a plan of what you want to see and how you are going to do it is advisable. This way, you can have an idea of how long it will take and what to expect. This also allows you to budget accordingly so you don’t miss out on any once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
