Australia is the land of millions of kangaroos, a relaxed ‘no worries’ culture, and vast coastlines. Traveling through Australia is incredibly diverse, with something for everyone; whether you’re into hiking, snorkeling, wildlife spotting, or visiting cities. Although Australia’s culture is quite similar to ours, things here often work just a bit differently. For a worry-free trip, it’s best to be well-prepared. We took a 5-week road trip along Australia’s east coast, and below we’ve listed 10 practical tips and useful facts to help you make the most of your trip to Australia!

This is the Best Time to Visit the East Coast of Australia

The best time to visit the east coast of Australia depends on which region you’re traveling to. Generally, spring and fall are the best times to visit the east coast. The temperatures are mild, and you travel outside the rainy season in the north. We started our trip in mid-October in Cairns and ended 5 weeks later in Sydney, with mostly great weather! Below we describe the best time to visit each region along the east coast.

How to Survive the Deadly Animals and Plants in Australia

Australia is known for its many deadly plants and animals. Both in the sea and on land, there are creatures, plants, and organisms you need to watch out for. To protect yourself, there’s one simple rule: don’t touch what you don’t know. Most dangerous species won’t harm you if you don’t touch them. So, avoid touching plants, animals, corals, or shells, and the risk of something going wrong is minimal. Some shells may harbor creatures that can sting or bite, so leave the beautiful shells on the beach and in the sea. Also, take warning signs seriously, and don’t enter the water if there are warnings about saltwater crocodiles or deadly jellyfish.

Get Your Visa for Australia Before You Go

You need to apply for a visa before traveling to Australia. Apply well in advance so that any delays don’t affect your travel plans. Read the current rules regarding visas on the official Australian government website. This is also the site to apply for your visa.

Skip the Cuddling and Feeding of Animals

Australia is home to unique animals you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The idea of cuddling a koala or feeding a kangaroo may seem like a magical highlight of your trip, but it’s definitely not. Koalas may look cute and cuddly, but they’re not pets. These solitary animals are not used to physical contact with other animals or humans. They sleep 18 to 22 hours a day, and any form of touching disturbs their rest and causes significant (but invisible) stress. The only ones benefiting from this are you and the organizations making money off these animals. This applies not just to koalas but also to kangaroos and many other animals. Unsure if an activity is animal-friendly? The answer is simple: if you can touch or feed the animal, it’s not in the animal’s best interest. Activities like taking photos with animals in wildlife centers or directly feeding wild animals are unethical and don’t contribute to their wellbeing.

Tips for Tipping and Money Matters in Australia

In Australia, the currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). You can pay with your credit card almost everywhere in Australia using contactless payments, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash as well. Tipping is not common in Australia, and it’s not necessary.

Transportation Tips in Australia

Australia is a vast country, and renting a car or camper is the most ideal way to travel around. If you don’t want or can’t drive, you can also travel by bus in Australia.

Traveling by Own Vehicle in Australia – Renting a car or camper allows you to experience ultimate freedom and visit the most beautiful places in Australia. Plus, driving in Australia is not difficult! It might take some getting used to driving on the left side of the road, but after a few days, it will feel completely natural. Renting an automatic car can help, as you won’t have to shift gears with your left hand. Read our tips for renting a car in Australia.

Traveling by Bus in Australia – If you want to travel by bus in Australia, it’s best to get a bus pass. A bus pass is much cheaper than buying separate tickets for each route. Greyhound Australia is the largest bus company and offers several types of bus passes. You can choose the East Coast Pass, which lets you travel freely between destinations along the east coast. There’s also the hop-on/hop-off pass that lets you travel in one direction and hop on and off wherever you want.

You’ll Need a World Adapter in Australia

In Australia, you’ll need a Type I world adapter. It’s recommended to buy one before you leave since it’s hard to find in Australia. We forgot ours and searched all over Cairns before finally finding one.

Greeting People in Australia Is a Little Different

When you arrive in Australia, you’ll quickly notice that Aussies greet you very warmly. While we simply say ‘hello,’ here, people greet each other with ‘hi, how are ya?’ It’s common to respond to this and ask how the other person is doing. The question is meant as a friendly greeting, rather than a real inquiry about someone’s well-being.

The Sun Is Extra Harmful in Australia

You know you should watch out for the sun, but in Australia, you need to be even more careful. Australia has the highest percentage of skin cancer cases in the world. The ozone layer above Australia is thinner than in many other parts of the world, allowing more UV radiation to reach the surface, significantly increasing the risk of skin damage. Make sure to protect your skin with SPF 50 sunscreen, but it’s even better to avoid the sun, especially during peak hours between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. It’s also a good idea to wear UV-protective sunglasses when the sun is shining. Your eyes can also be harmed by the strong UV rays.

Tip: Wear UV-protective clothing while snorkeling. You burn faster in the water, and using less sunscreen is better for the ocean.

How to Break Up the Long Flight to Australia

Before you can set foot in Australia, you’ll need to prepare for a long flight, as Australia is quite far from most places. There are no direct flights from many countries, so expect to make at least one, but sometimes two, layovers. If it fits into your travel plan, a great option is to stop in Bali for a few days. Bali is conveniently located, so you don’t have to go out of your way, and it breaks up the long journey. Bali also has everything you need for a great start to your trip. There are many luxury accommodations where you can stay for a bargain compared to Australia. You can also adjust to the possible new time zone and warmer climate. Check out our Bali itinerary to choose a destination in Bali for your stopover.

How to Easily Plan Your Trip to Australia

A trip through Australia is very easy to organize on your own, without the help of a travel agency. Even if you have little or no travel experience, it’s a lot of fun to plan it yourself. You can plan your entire trip along the east coast with the help of our tips for Australia. This way, you’ll save a lot of money, have all the freedom, and see the most beautiful places on Australia’s east coast!