OverviewAustralia is a vast continent in the Southern Hemisphere, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia and the only country in the world that occupies its own continent. It covers a range of bio-geographic regions, and offers unique attractions for intrepid travelers. Tourists come to Australia for the surfing, sun and laid-back Aussie culture that is unparalleled elsewhere in the world.
Time FrameBecause of Australia's size and location, travelers often focus on small, manageable areas of the country. With a week, a traveler can experience a small portion of Australia; with a longer time frame, they can visit multiple regions around the country. Flights from the United States to Australia take 14 hours on a non-stop flight from the West Coast, with times increasing for layovers and other departure locations. When planning a trip to Australia, remember to factor in the long travel time. Be sure also to process your visa before you arrive, as all travelers to Australia are required to obtain a visa before entry into the country.
GeographyBounded by the Indian Ocean, the South Pacific Ocean, the Tasman Sea and the Southern Ocean, Australia is a paradise for surfers and sunbathers. With over 16,000 miles of coastline, Australia attracts surfers from around the world. The most popular surf locations are in New South Wales, where surfers flock to Sydney, Lennox and Angourie. For colder surfing, head to Victoria and Melbourne, and be sure to bring a wet suit.
SizeAustralia covers an area of nearly 3 million square miles. At once the world's largest island and smallest continent, Australia offers fertile coastline areas and barren inland plains. Because of its extensive area, most of Australia's 20 million plus population is concentrated in coastline areas.
ConsiderationsWhen traveling in Australia, consider the travel times between destinations. While the railroads are one option, they can consume days of your trip. In-country flights are plentiful, though they may be costly. If your trip is limited to a few weeks, consider focusing on one region to fully experience Australian culture without feeling rushed.
By: Erin Smith
Erin Smith is a professional writer and information designer based in the Midwestern United States. She has traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, Central America and the United States, and is always on the lookout for cheap flights and the next great adventure.Read Next 5 Articles
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