Traveling Around Australia in a Short Time

August 05, 2019

Traveling Around Australia in a Short Time - Kangaroo in Australia

Australia is a big country, and it has so much to offer! It’s a popular place to visit for very good reasons. And everyone who visits has something amazing to say when they come home. If you're planning a trip to Australia, you might be wondering how do you go about planning a route around the whole place? And how do you plan and structure your itinerary?

Well, with the tips I’ve collected for you below, you’ll have a much easier time planning out your days. Travelling around Australia isn't as hard as you think, so don't worry, I've got you covered!
Traveling Around Australia in a Short Time - Sea Cliff Bridge, Australia
Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton, Australia

Know the Distance

There’s a lot of ground you’re going to have to cover, even when you’re only visiting one or two cities whilst you’re on vacation in Australia. So, before you jet off and touchdown, it’s important to know just how far you’re going to need to travel. After all, you’ll be much better informed on how many miles you’ll have to cover each day, and the amount of fuel you’ll need for your tank. And that’s if you’re deciding to use a car!

When I was travelling to Australia, I booked a flight from Toronto to Sydney. But after doing more research, I decided to visit Cairns and the Great Barrier Reefs while there in Australia. So I ended up booking another flight from Sydney to Cairns. If I had done my homework properly before booking my airfare, I would have flown from Toronto to Cairns then to Sydney and back home. It would save me some time and money.

If you’re interested, you can take a look at a table of the most common distances people need to travel right here.

Traveling Around Australia in a Short Time - Cape Tribulation, Australia
Got a little taste of what paradise looks like at Cape Tribulation, Australia. A remote headland where the world's oldest rainforest collides with the Great Barrier Reef. Serene beaches, laid-back vibe, small village, I could retire here.
  

Get in a Car

Speaking of using a car - renting out a vehicle for your time in Australia is usually the most cost-effective method to get around the country. If you’re on a time limit, and you can’t waste precious minutes on buses that are late and trains that stop at every single station along the way, you’re going to want to take out a rental.

Thankfully, you’re not short on options, especially in Perth, Western Australia. There’s plenty of car rental companies available around the airport, and you can always get in a car share if you’re not able to take out a vehicle of your own at this time. There’s plenty of options, as long as you know where to look!

Traveling Around Australia in a Short Time - Cape Tribulation, Australia
On our way to Cape Tribulation, a 140 km journey, we drove along one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Australia, the Great Barrier Reef drive.


Stay in the Middle of Town

And finally, the accommodation you book in for definitely matters. After all, the closer you stay to your destination of choice, the less you’re going to need to travel. You might even be able to cover the distance on foot most of the time! Just make sure you pack a couple of water bottles if that’s your plan.

So, if you stay in the town centers, you’re going to be much closer to all of the action. You’re going to be able to use city center transportation to get around, and then there are the convenience stores you’re always going to have access to. And remember, you’ll have plenty of landmarks to act as a reference if you get lost.

Traveling Around Australia in a Short Time - Blue Mountain, Australia
Three Sisters, Blue Mountain, Australia

Travelling around Australia, when you're short on time, doesn’t have to be a struggle. Use tips like these to move around effectively.


Check out my down under travel guide!

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25 comments

  1. I want to travel Australia so bad!! It all looks so pretty. You’ve got some great tips in here!

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  2. I need to come back and read all your posts. How interesting and what great tips about exploring Australia. I only thought of flights but having a car clearly seems like a better idea.

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  3. Australia is quite a big country. Fortunately as an American, I am used to driving long distances when I travel. I think renting a car and exploring would be the perfect way to see Australia.

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  4. Looks like an amazing trip! I’m so surprised you were able to see all you did in a short time!

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  5. LOVE Australia and have been three times. I’d move there if I could. People don’t realize how big it is, it’s about the same size as the US.

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  6. I just came back from Australia last week and looking at your posts makes me missed those memories!

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  7. I live in Australia and I can tell you it's an amazing country.

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  8. Australia is on my travel bucket list! I want to do absomutely everything Australia has to offer. Your article is so helpful to me so I can make a good travel plan!
    -Kaye

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  9. I l be aussi next month. cant wait to visit these places.

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  10. I would love to visit Australia.
    Good tip on knowing the distance in order to plan itinerary accordingly. Sometimes I forget that travel time needs to be accounted for when I'm travelling. I get too over ambitious because I want to see everything!

    And good shout on renting a car. Do you need an international driver's permit prior or can you drive using your own country's licence? Do they drive on the left or right?

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  11. Australia has always been a dream destination for me. :)

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  12. I've been researching travel in Australia as well, and the distances are a bit intimidating. Sydney and Melbourne are ok, but Cairns is really far away and is a time and budget hit.

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  13. The best trip I have ever taken was to Australia (Sydney and Cairn). I would love to go back and also see Melbourne now that I have seen your photos!

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  14. This pretty much sums it all up. Greta guide, easy to read and straight to the point. Thanks for sharing.

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  15. Amazing! Hope you had lots of fun. Liked that hill view.

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  16. Lovely pictures! Thanks for the tips.

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  17. really a bit jealous now. 🙄 Was the barrier reef amazing?

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  18. Australia is one of my dream country to visit Your photos totally beautiful I love it!

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  19. Love the scenery, always wanted to go to Australia. Might be on my travel plans sooner than I think.

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  20. I haven't been to Australia and the Great Barrier Reefs is on the bucketlist! Same things go when traveling to other countries. As much as possible, I stayed at the 'Center' because most things are accessible there but I use public transpo when getting around. Thanks for the tip!

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  21. I definitely think it would be too much to try to see everything in one trip. Picking the big attractions like the GBR is a must for sure.

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  22. Beautiful pics. Very useful information. Will keep it in mind when I visit Australia.

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  23. Sounds like an amazing trip. I would love to visit Australia one day and just check it

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  24. I love this place, everything is so beautiful.

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  25. This December, I will be visiting my boyfriend in Australia and it will be a month long of trips. I am excited to drive to many Australia's famous coasts.

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I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments! Come back soon :)

About Me


About [span]me[/span]
Hello, I'm Lorita. Hoping to inspire you to explore and create things that make life a bit more fun and beautiful.


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