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The Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide to Australia

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Has it been your long-time dream to snorkel coral reefs, hug koalas and camp under the stars at the end of red dirt roads? If so, then likely you’ve been envisioning a trip to the Land Down Under.

Australia

Kangaroo crossing

Excited to see and experience it all, first-time visitors to Australia don’t realize the sheer size of the country. It can take five-plus hours to fly from one side of it to the other, and driving from popular cities like Melbourne and Sydney can take an entire day, if not longer. That’s why it’s important to plan accordingly. Planning ahead might mean choosing certain activities over others in order to create a fun, ease-filled itinerary which feels achievable. You want to have a great time while on vacation, not feel overwhelmed.

Not sure how to go navigate Australia? Get the most out of your first trip with these tips.

Start in Sydney

What could possibly be a better way to fend off jet lag than sunbathing in the most popular ocean cove in town, Bondi Beach? This stretch of sand attracts both surfers and beach-goers alike who don’t mind taking a break from the sand to have an oceanfront cocktail at the Bucket List, or grab a quick gelato at Messina.

Sydney's a great place for a first-timer to start a trip in Australia.

Sydney’s a great place for a first-timer to start a trip in Australia.

Starting in Sydney gives you time to take it easy while adjusting to the time change. Remember, the city is 19 hours ahead of California and 16 hours ahead of New York.

When you’re ready to escape napping on your towel, get your heart pumping by starting your tour of Sydney with the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. A cliffside path takes you from Bondi Beach past dramatic views of the breaking waves. Along the four-mile path, pause at beach coves like Tamarama or Bronte to either go for a swim, relax in the sun or grab a quick bite to eat.

Sydney, of course, isn’t just a beach town; there are plenty of things to do inland as well. Once you’ve revived your spirits by the sea, spend the next couple of days seeing the iconic sites around town. A full-day tour would take you to such places as the Sydney Opera House and Royal Botanic Gardens, as well as through the Central Business District. For an additional element of wonder, hop on a lunch cruise of Sydney Harbour to enjoy a sumptuous buffet and the best views of the Opera House.

Plan Adventure for Mid-Trip

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef

Now that you’ve had a couple days to recharge from jet lag by taking in Sydney’s relaxing beach vibe and catching a glimpse of the iconic Opera House, it’s adventure time! The most popular things to do in Australia include seeing Uluru and the Outback in the Northern Territory, sipping wine in South Australia, rocking out to live music in Melbourne before driving the Great Ocean Road, and diving the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. Depending on how much time you have to spend in the country, you could probably mark three things off the list; just make sure to give yourself enough time.

For example, from Sydney fly up to Cairns, porthole to the wonders of the Tropical North like the Great Barrier Reef. If you’re eager to hit the water, take a full-day cruise out to a moored pontoon on the reef, which affords you the opportunity to either dive or snorkel at your leisure.

Daintree National Park in Queensland, Australia

Daintree National Park in Queensland, Australia

Beyond the reef, the Tropical North has so much to offer within reasonable distance. Departing Cairns on a day trip through the Daintree Rainforest, experience the wildlife, mountains, sea and rainforest that define the Wet Tropics of Queensland. Start out exploring Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, an eco-park home to creatures like cassowaries, koalas, wallabies and crocodiles. From there, meander to Mossman Gorge for a guided nature walk through the rainforest before ferrying across the Daintree River and heading up to Cape Tribulation — a stunning headland paradise with magnificent beaches bordered by rainforest land.

Make sure to check out Cairns before buzzing over to Ayers Rock, a three-hour flight away. Maximize your time in the Red Centre by taking a three-day tour, which ensures you’ll catch notable sites like Uluru, Alice Springs and Kings Canyon. Enjoy a guided walk into Walpa Gorge before witnessing the sunset over Uluru over a complimentary glass of wine. Wake up to the stillness of the Australian Outback at sunrise, then learn about the area’s culture and history before finishing off the tour in Alice Springs.

Explore Australia

Ayers Rock

Ayers Rock is close to the middle of Australia, so from here you have your choice of flying down to Adelaide and spending a few days in the Barossa Valley, or perhaps getting more adventurous and venturing all the way to Tasmania. Alternatively, head straight to Melbourne to spend a few days checking out its art scene and sipping coffee in a laneway cafe. If you want to experience the Great Ocean Road, you could either rent a car then navigate the coastal drive independently, or if you don’t feel comfortable driving on the other side of the road then you could go on a full-day tour. This ensures you won’t miss sites like the Twelve Apostles, Shipwreck Coast or Kennett River, a well-known stop-off point to see koalas.

Ease Back into It

Jervis Bay

Jervis Bay in New South Wales, Australia

Finish off the trip as you started it: relaxing by the coast. While you could return to the beaches of Sydney, there’s possibly time enough to fit in one more activity, taking a day trip down to Jervis Bay. Known for having some of the most pristine white-sand beaches in the world, the bay offers turquoise waters and incredible views of the South Coast. Plus, you might even spot dolphins on a cruise aboard a triple-deck catamaran. If there’s time, stay longer in the area to enjoy even more of this coastal paradise, or return to Sydney to catch your flight home.

Australia is well worth the distance traveled, but you don’t have to do it all your first go-around because certainly you will return.

Megan Snedden

The Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide to Australia from Australia Things to Do


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