This continent-size country, sitting at the edge of the world, is a perfect place for your next vacation. Why? In addition to having unique flora and fauna, it still has all the advantages of a highly – developed western country. And that is one of the best things about Oceania – it is a mix of urban cities and unspoiled nature. But as the country has a lot to offer, it is best to plan ahead, thus making the trip more memorable and less stressful. Travel and accommodation can be particularly expensive, but also no matter how many days you have to visit the Land Down Under, you will never have enough time to enjoy everything.

Let us tell you more about why you need to explore Australia and how to make the most out of it.

Plan your stay

Before you pack your bags and set sails to Australia, you should better plan your trip. This is the best way to avoid unnecessary stress, save some money, and use your vacation time wisely.

If you make a short list of what you intend to visit, you will be better prepared to see when you should go and where you should go exactly.

For some, seeing the Outback is the primary objective, while for others a bit of surfing is more favourable. The goal here is to make a must-see list and schedule accordingly. This will help you enjoy your trip more and avoid getting overwhelmed.

How to get there

There are two ways to get to Australia, by air or by sea. The plane is the fastest way but it is also the most expensive option. However, if you know exactly where you intend to go and you are also able to get to other destinations from that point, then really you are saving both your money and your time.

Another way to save some money on your plane ticket is to consider coming in off-season time, like spring or autumn.

Another cost-effective and efficient way to see most of Australia is taking a cruise. The ship will stop in major ports but your things will be waiting for you safely inside. The downside, though, is that you don’t have much influence on what you will be visiting during your stay.

Where to stay

Except for the travel, accommodation is the feature you must properly consider to make the most of your journey. Even though it can be pricey at times, Australia can actually give you a range of viable options, if you know where to look. Again, it is important to note where you are going and what you want to see, as some accommodation arrangements make more sense in the city and others outside it.

Though the country has a number of beautiful cities, Sydney seems the place that shouldn’t be missed. It offers a variety of entertainment, from the world-famous Opera House to the beach heaven of Bondi Beach. However, don’t forget that Sydney is huge and if you want to have a short travel distance to one of its beaches or to the downtown, you should look for a place which is close by.

Hotels and motels can differ in prices, so look not only at the price range but also at what is included in the price, like meals or more flexible check-in and check-out times. Hotels and resorts are great options especially if you can find a good deal. It will also allow you to spend more time running around the city taking in the sights.

Then again, if you want to immerse yourself in the city and stay in one of the apartment rentals in Sydney will be your home away from home. Here you can cook your own food when you feel like it and have a comfort you can only have at home.

If the Great Barrier Reef is on your to-see list, then you might want to consider hotels or resorts at the coastline in Queensland or on one of the islands in its proximity. As far as the entertainment goes, think in the lines of eco-friendly tourism and water-fun activities, like snorkelling.

There is something for everyone

Australia has a lot to offer in terms of vacation activities and so everyone can find something that they might enjoy. Outdoor adventurers can set sails into the ocean and explore the Great Barrier Reef,  enjoy whale watching or perhaps scuba dive in Port Douglas, Queensland.

But you can also turn back inland and see more of the Outback, the most famous sight being the majestic Uluru. Furthermore, if you are more interested in Australia’s unique wildlife, you might consider visiting Kangaroo Island in South Australia or dive with the sharks near the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. But don’t be scared as you would be diving in a cage, of course.

While the natural landscapes of Australia are breathtaking, there are always some visitors that prefer busy modern towns and crowded trendy beaches. Vibrant nightlife is present in every bigger city and there is also a variety of celebrations, such as Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Cruises for Boxing Day.

Though you won’t be able to see kangaroos and koalas in the city, except in the zoo, you don’t need to miss out on the wildlife only found in Australia. even if you choose to stay in the city, you can still book excursions to the neighbouring islands. One such popular destination is Phillip Island, which is a short way away from Melbourne. The most noticeable attractions are probably koalas or fur seals.

You should definitely consider Australia as your next holiday destination as it offers so much. Its urban cities can match any city found in Europe or US, but they are also authentic in their landscape and the way of life. Swim, surf, and sunbathe on the most well-known beaches in the world or see the largest living organism in the world – the Great Barrier Reef. You will be able to enjoy the natural world only present on this continent but you won’t need to renounce the comfort you have at home.