Australia is a truly magical place, yet full of mystery for those who haven’t yet stepped foot on our shores. Is it always beach weather? Does everything here want to kill you? Is the coffee really that good? And what’s the deal with drop bears?
Set aside your concerns about our creepy-crawlies because Australia is absolutely worth the journey. Our beaches rank among the best in the world, our café culture is second to none, our landmarks speak for themselves, and our accents surely seal the deal.
Have we convinced you yet? To make your trip Down Under that little bit easier, we asked our readers to share their top tips for first-timers travellers in Australia. And don’t let the drop bears scare you – they’re just a bit of Aussie humour (promise!).
1. “Slip, slop, slap.”
2. But, “don’t bother buying sunscreen where you’re from. Buy it in Australia. Our ozone layer is cooked and our sun will cook you.”
3. “Swim only at patrolled beaches and between the flags.”
4. Unless you’re in the Northern Territory, where “even when the signs say there are no crocs and it’s safe to swim…don’t swim.”
5. “Any wildlife should be viewed from a distance – even the small stuff.”
6. And, of course, “beware of the dangerous drop bears” – or so they say.
7. “Don’t be surprised if you have some of the best coffee of your life.”
8. Just remember, “coffee shops close very early.”
9. ...So be an early riser and “see as many sunrises as you can. They’re bloody beautiful and so damn good for the soul.”
10. Not sure how to fill your day after the sun’s up? “Get a local to show you around.”
11. Or “get out of the city and go regional.”
12. If headed rural, “avoid dirt back roads if not in a four-wheel drive.”
13. And “be prepared to see kangaroos as road kill.”
14. “Make sure you have enough spending money. It’s not cheap.”
15. And “give yourself enough time to really see and feel the essence of each place you visit… Australia is the same size as the continent USA. It cannot be experienced in a week or ten days. Give yourself at least a month.”