Australia is on many people’s bucket lists. It offers a rare chance to see unique wildlife, beautiful scenery, modern cities, along with some of the best beaches in the world. Traveling in this beautiful country is easy. With modern transport options, a friendly English-speaking population, and plenty of online resources. However, all good trips require careful planning.

The city of Melbourne, Australia.

Below we talk through some of the key things you should consider when planning your trip. Prepare to be captivated by Australia and enjoy a trip of a lifetime with these three helpful tips:

Plan Your Route, Destinations and Activities
Australia is a big country and it can take a long time to reach different areas. If you are planning to visit Australia for a vacation, you will most likely only have a week or two, so fitting everything in can be tough. To ensure you have time to enjoy all the destinations and activities you are interested in, it is essential that you do your research and create an itinerary for how you will spend your time. This should also include transport, we recommend looking into options for taking the train across the country and hiring a car. Luckily, there are plenty of resources online for travelers, you could start by checking out some of the travel blogs and websites on this list.

What to Pack
Most of us would assume that the Australian climate is quite a lot hotter than what we are used to. Although this is mostly true, it depends on the locations you are visiting and the time of year, so please do some research into the weather in the locations you are planning on visiting. For most itineraries, the following items are must-haves:
Sunscreen, sunhat, and sunglasses
Waterproof/windproof jacket
Sandals, hiking shoes/boots, trainers
Swimming clothes
Smart/casual outfit (if you are spending time in fashionable cities like Melbourne or Sydney)
Sweater
Insect repellent
Power adaptor.

For a more info consultant this comprehensive list that also includes items needed for traveling Australia in the winter.

Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Australia can depend on your personal preferences and vacation plans, however, there are a few recommended times of year to visit:

March to May and September to November: During spring and autumn flights to Australia are more affordable than in summer, the weather is warming up or cooling down and is more comfortable for those unused to hot climates. The weather is also far dryer, so you don’t have to worry about missing outside activities due to rainstorms.

December to February: This is high-season for tourists which means that things are likely to be a little more expensive. However, you will also be able to enjoy the hottest part of the year – perfect weather for the beach!

June to August: This is the cheaper low season and perfect for those looking to avoid crowds and queues. However, keep in mind the weather will be cooler and with far less sunshine.

Whatever you decide for your vacation in Australia, you are set to have an amazing time. Just make sure you take care of the basics in this list, apply for your visa well in advance, and brace yourself for an amazing adventure in the Land Down Under.