It can seem nearly impossible to plan an Australia trip if you’ve never been before, thanks largely in part to the truly massive size of the country. If you are going to visit Australia for the very first time, consider this beginner’s guide that will help you learn more about visiting this truly enormous destination.

Where to Stay

For shorter trips, you will want to stay at city’s along the coastline, which is where most of the population lives. There are large expanses of Australia which are practically empty, so keep this in mind when planning a trip; you won’t want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere! A wide range of hotels, hostels, and rentals are available in all major cities. 

What to Do

With so much to see and do in Australia, you’ll want to check out the “greatest hits” for your first trip or even your first few trips. Some of the most notable activities in Australia include visiting the Great Barrier Reef, which is the largest natural reef in the entire world; snorkeling and diving are popular activities here. If you’re looking for a road trip, consider the popular Great Ocean Road located in Melbourne, highly considered the best road trip experience in the country. If you love all things nature related, check out Brisbane where you can tour a rainforest and experience unique caves filled with glow worms.

Beginner Travel Tips 

Don’t forget these highly useful tips for a beginner’s visit to Australia:

• Limit your trip to 1-2 cities so that you can spend most of your time engaging in activities rather than traveling.
• Consider buying domestic flights rather than flying, as it is cheaper to fly than rent a car
• Know your seasons: avoid visiting certain areas, such as Northern Australia, during the rainy seasons