How long do you need to travel around Australia?
Trying to see Australia in a short period of time is like trying to eat an elephant. There’s simply so much that’s worth seeing and doing. If you have a month or two, it would be possible to take in most of what the country has to offer. You may even be able to feel like a local if you concentrate your time in one of the major cities, such as Sydney or Melbourne. You’ll almost certainly get a three-month tourist visa in your passport, and three months would help you make the most of Australia!
If you have three days or less¦start in Sydney or Melbourne, taking in some of the biggest and most well-known destinations. Sydney has the famous Opera House, while Melbourne is better known for its Museum along with a vibrant arts and culture scene. Try to stick to the public transportation routes to ensure you spend less time being transported and more time seeing the sights.
If you have a week¦you have a choice to make. The first option would be to take in two or three cities that are close by each other. The second option is to focus on a province-sized area. You could easily start in a city like Sydney, then go up the coast to Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Alternatively, spend a few days in Melbourne, then get out of the city and see Victoria province or Tasmania.
If you have ten days¦ now we’re talking! Ten days is safely enough time for two or three of Australia’s cities, with some extra time to see the sights outside the city limits. Ten days is enough time to take in most (or possibly all) of the country’s east coast start from Sydney, head north through Newcastle to Brisbane and the Gold Coast, then further north to Mackay and Townsville before eventually reaching Cairns.
If you have two weeks or more¦the country becomes your oyster. It might be time to throw Perth and the west coast into the picture, or perhaps some of the lesser-traveled islands. Starting from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, you could head south towards Sydney, enjoy the big city for a few days, then continue to Melbourne (and Tasmania, if you like). Take in Flinders Island or King Island, both of which are between Australia and Tasmania, then return to the southern coast and head west to Adelaide. After a few days in Adelaide, you could take a flight to Perth and claim the last sizable Aussie city, or meander around any of the national parks near Adelaide.