How to travel Australia in 45-days without missing a thing

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It turns out, there is a perfect amount of time to set aside if you’re interested in exploring this vast, incredible country…

We believe the best way to travel is on a whim, with no restrictions and endless possibilities, and, with over a hundred years of experience on Australia’s roads, it’s safe to say, we know a thing or two about getting around.

 

What we’ve found, is that when it comes to exploring Australia, forty-five days is the perfect amount of time to adventure through the vast landscapes, cities and outback, but to ensure you get the most out of every single day, here are a few tips we’ve picked up along the way.

Plan your ‘travel’ days

You may have been told that Australia is huge, but you won’t truly grasp the magnitude of this statement until you hit the road Down Under. To provide further context, Australia is the sixth largest country in the world, occupying a territory of over six and a half million square kilometres, which is greater than the size of all of the European countries put together!

 

So, what does this mean for you and your travel plans, you might ask? It means you should plan out your ‘travel’ days. Especially the days where you may find yourself in the coach for ten or more hours! How many of these will you be doing? How far will they take you? These are important questions to ask yourself – and making sure you get enough rest so that you’re rejuvenated.

 

TIP: Greyhound Australia offer a number of overnight services which is a great way to tackle these longer journeys. With leather reclining seats and plenty of legroom, you can snooze your way to your next destination, without losing a day to travel!

Be flexible and go with the flow

Without contradicting the above, when it comes to travelling anywhere in the world, it pays to be agile with your travels, as they don’t always go plan. Weather may spoil the sailing trip you’ve been dreaming about doing or, on the way to your next stop, you may come across a beautiful beach town (we have a lot of these) and decide to stay for a night or two. That’s fine – even encouraged!

 

The Greyhound Whimit travel pass , is a pass that gives you unlimited travel in any direction in Australia, providing the ultimate flexibility. It’s a great way to see Australia at your own pace and perfect for those last-minute itinerary changes.

 

TIP:  Take every opportunity as it presents itself and get off the beaten track. You’ll be amazed what incredible places you’ll find in Australia that you’ve never heard of!

Decide on your start and finish destinations

Because Australia is so big, you’ll want to avoid backtracking as much as you can, so choosing where you’ll start and end your adventure is a great way to map out your itinerary.

 

If you’re a beach lover but also want to hit the major cities, Melbourne to Cairns is a popular route as you can tick off the Great Ocean Road, Sydney, Brisbane and all of the stunning beach towns along the East Coast. But, if you are looking for more of a ‘off the beaten track’ adventure, why not try Cairns to Uluru and explore the enchanting rainforests and the famous Australian outback.

Australia can be expensive, but it’s okay

Travelling in general is expensive, but it’s the only form of expense that leaves you richer, right?! When travelling in Australia, you can make it as expensive as you’d like, but, it pays to know where you can save a dollar or two, so you don’t miss out on anything while you’re here.

 

One thing that can help you cut down your costs right from the start is how you travel. A Greyhound Coach pass, such as Whimit , is a flexible and cost-effective way to travel, so you can spend more on all of the amazing experiences that you’ve been planning.

 

TIP: On average, you’ll want to budget for roughly $150 per day. That way you can enjoy Australia’s amazing restaurants, book those wild life experiences, and check out the best Aussie shopping while you’re here.

 

Learn more about the ‘Whimit’ travel pass and make the most of your time in Australia with Greyhound Australia.

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An insider’s guide to Noosa’s best-kept winter secrets

As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach
Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

Where to eat in Noosa

Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter
Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

Where to stay in Noosa

Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa
Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

Things to do on land

There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter
Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

Things to do in the water

Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter
Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.