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Exploring Australia after you arrive

This article is for people moving to Australia, travelling to Australia for work, or planning to experience more of the country while they are here.

Australia has many unique places to visit, from beaches and cities to national parks, road trips, regional towns, and cultural landmarks.

While work is important, exploring Australia can also be a valuable part of your experience. Travelling can help you:

  • experience Australian culture

  • meet new people

  • visit iconic destinations

  • create memories outside of work

  • understand different regions and lifestyles

  • make the most of your time in Australia

A helpful way to start is by creating a bucket list before you arrive.


Create an Australia bucket list

Before you travel, think about the places and experiences you would like to include in your trip.

Your list may include:

Experience

Example

City experiences

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin, Canberra

Beach trips

Bondi Beach, Byron Bay, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Western Australia beaches

Road trips

East Coast road trip, Great Ocean Road, West Coast road trip

Nature and wildlife

National parks, beaches, rainforests, wildlife parks

Cultural landmarks

Uluru and the Red Centre

Adventure activities

Surfing, hiking, snorkelling, diving, camping

Regional travel

Country towns, wine regions, coastal towns, outback areas

Your bucket list does not need to be final. It can change as you learn more about Australia and meet other travellers.


Popular places to explore in Australia

Some popular travel ideas include:

East Coast Australia

The East Coast is popular with travellers and working holiday makers.

It may include destinations such as:

  • Sydney

  • Byron Bay

  • Gold Coast

  • Brisbane

  • Sunshine Coast

  • Noosa

  • Airlie Beach

  • Whitsundays

  • Cairns

This route is popular for beaches, nightlife, backpacker communities, reef trips, and coastal travel.

Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most well-known road trips.

It is located in Victoria and is popular for coastal views, beaches, small towns, and landmarks such as the Twelve Apostles.

Uluru and the Red Centre

Uluru is one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks and is located in the Northern Territory.

If you visit Uluru, make sure you respect local cultural guidelines and check travel requirements before going.

West Coast Australia

Western Australia offers beaches, national parks, coastal towns, road trips, and unique landscapes.

Popular travel areas may include:

  • Perth

  • Rottnest Island

  • Margaret River

  • Broome

  • Exmouth

  • Ningaloo Reef

  • Coral Bay

The West Coast is often less crowded than the East Coast but may require more planning due to longer travel distances.


Travel safety tips

Before travelling, it is a good idea to:

  • tell someone where you are going

  • check travel distances before driving

  • check weather conditions

  • carry enough water, especially in remote areas

  • understand beach safety and swim between the flags

  • check road rules before hiring a car

  • make sure your phone has coverage or offline maps

  • keep emergency contacts saved

  • check cancellation policies before booking

  • keep copies of important documents

Australia is a large country, and travel times can be longer than expected. Always plan ahead, especially when travelling regionally or remotely.


Important

Workinitiatives does not arrange, book, pay for, or manage travel plans, tours, accommodation, flights, or personal itineraries.

If you choose to use a travel provider, you are responsible for reviewing the provider, understanding the costs, and deciding whether the service is right for you.


Related articles

  • Where to Live in Australia

  • How to find communities when you arrive in Australia

  • How to find temporary or long-term accommodation in Australia

  • Travel Insurance

  • Health insurance for visitors and migrants in Australia

  • Working Holiday visas for Australia

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