What To Be Wary Of When Visiting Australia for the First Time

Quick answer: When visiting Australia for the first time, be wary of four things: the country’s huge size and long travel times, its bugs and potentially dangerous wildlife, a strong drinking culture, and high day-to-day costs. None should put you off, but knowing about them helps you plan a better trip.

Thinking of heading to Australia in the coming weeks or months? There’s so much to enjoy about the island nation, with a rich culture to dive headfirst into. But it isn’t all rainbows and sunshine, so here are four things to watch out for.

1. Australia Is Massive

Much like the US, Australia is a shockingly large country. It is the sixth largest in the world, and driving from one end to the other can take days. The big distances between cities make travelling the whole Aussie coastline nothing short of a slog.

Even flying from one corner of the country to another can take up to around 6 hours, longer than many flights within Europe. That’s no mean feat for Aussies visiting family on the other side of the nation, so plan your itinerary with travel time in mind.

2. The Bugs and Wildlife

If you’re not a fan of insects, or wild animals in general, Australia may be a challenge. There are plenty of creepy crawlies ready to leap out from beneath a leaf and give you the fright of your life.

It isn’t all chuckles, though, as some of these creatures can cause genuine harm. Australian Geographic provide would-be travellers with a list of 30 of the most potent to watch out for. Keep them in mind when you’re out and about.

3. Australians Like to Drink

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as long as you’re happy to join the party. As 1Cover proudly point out, people from Down Under are more than fond of the odd tipple or two, whatever the time of day.

It might be a consideration if you’re planning a wholesome family trip. That said, Aussies aren’t an uncontrollable wrecking force on a night out; just be prepared to see a few people stumbling about in busier areas in the evening.

4. Australia Is Expensive

Australia costs a lot. Drink, Eat, Travel suggests budgeting for as much as $100-200 a day while you’re there. They also suggest several ways to keep costs down, including:

• Staying in an Airbnb or hostel
• Cooking your own food instead of eating out every night
• Flying and travelling with budget airlines

Keep these tips in mind if you want to avoid forking out a small fortune on your trip to Oz.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I budget per day when visiting Australia?

Drink, Eat, Travel suggests budgeting as much as $100-200 a day, which you can reduce with hostels, self-catering and budget airlines.

Are there dangerous animals in Australia?

Yes. Some insects and animals can cause genuine harm, so check Australian Geographic’s list of the most dangerous ones before you go.

How long does it take to fly across Australia?

Flights from one corner of the country to another can take up to around 6 hours.

Final Thoughts

You should now have a clearer idea of the potential risks of visiting Australia for the first time. Don’t let them put you off, but do use some common sense when you head out there.