Hi there, I'm planning a 4x4 road trip from Darwin to Broome with a rooftop tent in July 2026. I'd like to know if I need to book overnight stops in advance or if I can just wing it and stop wherever I feel like it? Some evenings, we'd like to stop and make use of campsite facilities (restaurant, shop, showers, toilets). What do you recommend? Do I need a permit?

My rough itinerary looks like this: Darwin - Kakadu Kakadu - Nitmiluk Nitmiluk - Kununurra Kununurra - Purnululu Purnululu - El Questro El Questro - Mt Elizabeth - Bell Gorge - Broome

Do you have any tips or great deals to share?

Thanks

Hi, I'm planning a trip to this region in November. My initial plan was Adelaide-Darwin by van, but I'm worried about those critters. I'm now considering staying in hotels instead, but for the Red Centre, camping is more practical... if we overlook those pests. What do you think? Thanks.

Hi there,

Since I’m not familiar with Australian airlines, I’d appreciate some advice.

I need to book a domestic flight from Adelaide to Sydney quickly, and I see Jetstar, Virgin, and Qantas as options. On paper, Qantas’s schedule and price are less appealing.

Which of the three is the most reliable (fewer flight cancellations, since this is the last flight of the day) and easiest to book on their website?

Thanks!

Has anyone already done the 40-day cruise in Oceania with Holland America? I’d love to hear your thoughts on the ship and the destinations. Thanks

I'm planning a trip to Australia for several months (duration to be determined). I want to rent a vehicle there and take the time to explore this continent-country. I'm looking for someone to join me and share the costs. Best regards, Robert

Is it possible to visit the park for a day by round-trip bus from Darwin without going through a tour operator? Thanks for your answers! Elisabeth

Hi, I’m planning a trip to Australia—Paris to Melbourne. I’m flying with Etihad and have a 1-hour connection in Abu Dhabi. Does that seem doable to you? Thanks for your feedback and experiences!

Hi everyone,

For a combined trip to New Zealand and eastern Australia, which time of year would you pick for photography and videography?

Thanks for your help

Hi there, We’re planning a trip from Darwin to Perth (about 6 weeks) in a campervan. The reviews for the main rental companies (Star RV, Indie Campers, Apollo, Britz—just to name a few) are terrible. What should we make of that? Is it just the unhappy customers who complain? So, who should we go with? Thanks for your help

I'm considering boarding the Costa Serena in Sydney in November 2026 for the Sydney/Santiago de Chile cruise and continuing on to Buenos Aires before finishing in Rio... Anyone else going to be there??? I'd love to connect with you all 😎

Hi everyone, We’re leaving for Australia soon and renting a car for the different legs of our trip. We have our French license plus the international driving permit, but I read in the rental agency’s rules that they require an international permit written in English. However, on the "France Diplomatie" website, it doesn’t mention that the international permit has to be in English.

For those of you who’ve already been to Australia—can you confirm whether our French-language international driving permit is enough, or should I get an urgent translation?

Thanks for your feedback—takeoff is August 20th!🤪

Hi there,

I’ve blocked out 3 weeks at the end of March/beginning of April, arriving in Sydney and departing from Adelaide while following the coast.

Kangaroo Island is a bit of a question mark for me. If I go, I can dedicate 2.5 days to it. Is it worth the time and the cost? I’ve read plenty of travel journals highlighting the landscapes and wildlife, but I’m sure I’ll see plenty of that along my route anyway. I’m not factoring in the financial side (which isn’t negligible for KI), but I’d rather not be disappointed. What are the real added values of KI, especially since the island has been affected by fires? I’ve also come across people online calling it a tourist trap. For example, I ruled out Phillip Island because it felt too organized and structured. Sorry if I’m opening Pandora’s box here!

Thanks for your feedback.

Hi there, Does anyone know how tobacco checks work for luggage in Australia? What’s the allowed quantity? I assume there’s a declaration form to sign for customs. Is there a baggage search afterward, or are sniffer dogs used? What’s the fine if you exceed the allowed amounts? Thanks for sharing your experience!

Hello everyone. Because that’s also what sparks the desire for any traveler (well, for me at least) to set foot on Australian soil: discovering a new continent.

Hi everyone. Because that’s also what sparks the desire in every traveler (well, at least for me) to set foot on Australian soil: discovering a new continent.

Right now, I’ve got some time on my hands—those who follow me know that. A nasty muscle tear (which really doesn’t want to heal) is keeping me grounded for another week, so I’ve decided to open a new travel journal, recounting my recent trip from December 14, 2024, to January 12, 2025, in Australia.

The origins of this trip started last May in Crete, an island I chose for a 10-day break. It’s really lovely, by the way, but that’s not the point… It’s around this time every year that we decide on our next winter destination, and Argentina was at the top of the list—Sydney wasn’t even on the radar… I’d been looking at flights to Buenos Aires for a while, and the prices were shocking… But by the pool one lazy afternoon, scrolling on my iPhone, a promo from Geneva to Sydney caught my eye. The deal ticked two boxes on my traveler’s bucket list: a flight to Australia and a flight with Singapore Airlines, often ranked as the world’s best airline. A quick chat with the missus (well, of course!) and the decision was made: off to the land of kangaroos! Now, once you add luggage and Economy Plus, it still comes to 1600 € per person, but that’s a reasonable price. Either way, we already know what we’re in for—Australia is a budget commitment!



Thanks to 123rf for the image loan 😛

Hi everyone. I’ve got a round-trip ticket to Perth for 4 weeks. Is it better to stay on the west coast the whole time? Or should I grab a round-trip to the east coast? Or even head over to NZ as well? Thanks for your tips.

Hi there!! I’ve already been to Australia twice: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Cairns, Brisbane, Ayers Rock, Alice Springs, Perth, and the surrounding areas. I’d love to see Darwin and other amazing spots in this country!! I’m booking my flight ticket for about three and a half to four weeks max.... I’ll be traveling solo for this trip. I’m planning to leave in mid-May—apparently, the weather’s pretty good then. Any tips you can share? Routes to take? Must-do activities?? Thanks so much for your help!!!!

Hi everyone,

I’m planning and budgeting a trip to Australia for August 2026, lasting 40 days.

Here’s the current itinerary: Arrival at Port Macquarie Airport in New South Wales and return from Cairns Airport in Queensland. - South West Rock - Cap Ridge Park - Springbrook Park - Stradbroke Island - Maleny - Noosa - Rainbow Beach - K’Gari - Gladstone - Heron Island - Airlie Beach - Townsville - Magnetic Island - Cairns - Cape Tribulation

My main issue is transport to cover all of this.

The first leg is already tricky—I haven’t found a way to rent a car in Port Macquarie and drop it off in South West Rock. And if we keep the vehicle until Cleveland (8 days) before taking the ferry to Stradbroke Island, it’s already around 1000 €.

- Are there any systems where we could buy a vehicle in Port Macquarie and be sure it’s bought back at the end of the trip in Cairns?

- Do you know of any Australian online car rental sites?

As for trains, they’re not really an option for our stay in New South Wales. In Queensland, I found the Queensland Rail Travel website with a Brisbane–Cairns line, but trains don’t run every day.

- Do you know of any other train companies in Queensland that connect coastal cities from Brisbane to Cairns?

For flights, I checked Queensland with Qantas, and most routes require a stopover in Brisbane, which wastes a lot of time, and the prices are still high.

Do you know of any low-cost airlines for domestic flights in Australia?

Thanks for your tips!

Hi there,

My wife, our 3-year-old son, and I are planning a trip along Australia’s East Coast, leaving in early October and returning in mid-November. The plan is to do a 4-week road trip in a campervan, then settle down for about ten days.

The question I’m asking myself is: which way should we go? From Sydney to Cairns or the other way around? Despite all the documentation I’ve read, I’m still struggling to decide the best direction based on the climate at that time and swimming conditions.

Up north, the weather will be warmer, and the water too, unlike the south. However, in the north, there are swimming restrictions, especially because of jellyfish, whereas in the south, there seems to be less danger (apart from sharks, maybe). Are there many protected beaches in the north where we can swim safely? Also, I should consider that in the south, the Great Barrier Reef no longer protects the beaches, so I imagine there are fewer calm spots for swimming?

I’d love any tips or advice you can share, and thanks in advance!

A dad keen to make this trip a success

Hello,

I’m 50 years old, passionate about travel, and I’ve already visited quite a few places, but this time I’d love to go on a road trip for a few months to explore this country.

I need approval from my job, but I have to plan ahead. Before diving into the details and discussing the project, I’d like to know if there are people like me who’d be interested in joining me to make the trip warmer and more humanly enriching.

I’d love to share the beauty of the landscapes and exchange ideas to broaden my horizons.

A maximum of 4 people (men or women, but no ambiguity) would be a good balance.

If the adventure appeals to you, get in touch! Looking forward to it, Florence

Hi there, I’m leaving on March 4th for Australia from Réunion Island, landing in Perth, then a road trip down to Melbourne before flying out to Vietnam on April 15th. I’d like to visit Perth and the surrounding area, then head southwest to Margaret River, Albany, Esperance, and back to Perth to catch a flight to Adelaide. From there, I’ll make my way to Melbourne. 1/ What do you think of this itinerary? 2/ For flights, are there any domestic airlines worth prioritizing for good prices? 3/ I’m planning to rent a car after exploring Perth and the area—I’m traveling solo. Any rental companies you’d recommend, as well as nice hotels, B&Bs, or hostels? 4/ Any tips, good deals, or info are welcome—don’t hesitate to share! Thanks in advance.

We’ll be in Adelaide from February 24th to March 4th and we’d like to spend 3 days and 2 nights on Kangaroo Island. Any recommendations? We always travel with simple accommodations

Hi there! I’m planning my trip for next year in February—5 weeks total: 3 weeks in southern Australia and 2 weeks on New Zealand’s North Island. (We’ve already explored all of New Zealand a few years ago, which is why we’re only spending 15 days on the North Island this time.)

My question is about flights. What’s the most cost-effective and economical route: France → Sydney → Auckland → France, or France → Auckland → Sydney → France? Any airline recommendations? Thanks so much!

Tuesday, December 5, 2023 Melbourne – Lorne

We pick up the car 500 meters away, in a Chinatown parking lot that the hotel has a deal with, then it’s off with a *vroom vroom* while listening to a podcast about the victim of a compulsive mythomaniac—who also happens to be her husband—leading a completely compartmentalized double life. Later, he discovers, after contacting his alter-ego from this parallel universe, that he was actually living a *third* life... and maybe even more? We arrive in Torquay, where we stretch our legs along the Koorie Cultural Walk with a view of Bells Beach...





It’s here, just outside Lorne, that the Great Ocean Road officially begins...

We arrive at our apartment, which is pretty nice—Dom and I are really particular about the quality of our terraces. I’ve never really talked about the practical quirks of daily life in Australia. For example, I could tell you that *every single* power outlet we used on this trip had a switch to turn it on or off. No exceptions, ever! Why? They must find it useful, but for us, it’s a total mystery... And of course, their power outlets require an adapter. Just one of many little peculiarities. Another odd observation: *every* toilet, even the most remote ones hidden deep in the bush, always had a roll of toilet paper available. No shortages here! And then we’re greeted by a big family of cute sparrows...





We spent a long time enjoying their pool before heading out for a walk—all the way to Erskine Falls, about ten kilometers away...

Hi everyone,

So glad to see this forum still so active!

Quick question for those who’ve recently traveled to Australia: I found a Singapore Airlines flight from Marseille/Frankfurt/Singapore/Sydney for 1425 € round-trip (from 11/10 to 12/8).

Do you think that’s a good price??

I checked directly on the Singapore Airlines website, but the price is way higher than on the comparison site.

Thanks for your input!

Sunday, November 26, 2023 Melbourne - Hobart Flawless journey to Hobart. Our stay in the southernmost land we’ve ever visited. And indeed, everything’s different. The climate—14°C, rain that varies in intensity but never stops, the landscapes… It’s a shock! But, apart from the bad weather, Dom is thrilled.











We’ve also downgraded our accommodations. We’ve got a tiny room, and the bathroom—private, at least—is two hallways away… But the price is reasonable (under 100 €) and the location is central.

We cheered ourselves up by dining at *The Drunken Admiral* (reservations are a must—we barely snagged a table for 8 PM!). The decor is straight out of an old ship, complete with cheeky statues in the style of *Pirates of the Caribbean*… We had fun! The food was decent, but pricey. Dom loved it; I was less impressed.



We bailed on the British series *Emma*, based on Jane Austen. We couldn’t take it anymore. The boredom was so intense that the specter of a collective suicide loomed over us. This show, where the world’s most insufferable bourgeoisie—the English nobility—lives out love stories with such improbable naivety that I wanted to scream, is pure torture. Mercy, I surrender! I’ll tell you anything you want, just make it stop! We got rid of it. We’re safe now!

Wednesday, November 15, 2023 Flight Cairns – Sydney Okay, let’s recap. We’ve traveled through Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland, and tonight we’ll be in New South Wales. We’ll even lose an extra hour—and a bunch of degrees! We’re on a flawless journey so far. One of our suitcases is almost two kilos overweight. The guy checking us in gives us a nice smile and decides to overlook the excess baggage fee.

A flight, for once, without a hitch, no delay (just half an hour…). Taxi… We discover our… room… We’ve got a suite like never before on this trip. It’s a posh apartment on the 7th floor—on cloud nine, really! We can’t believe it. 113.26 € per night! The Meriton Suites Mascot Central if you ever find yourself in this city… We even have a washing machine (and it works!). Such a change from the cabins in the west!



We don’t linger, though. We take the metro. Why? Well, yeah, we’re still kids at heart—off to the Opera House, of course!









Restaurant prices have doubled. Even tripled. We reluctantly settle for a pizzeria because that T-bone for 155 AUD (100 €)…

We know how to handle ourselves. There’s a Woolworths right downstairs. And we’ve got a kitchen, remember! And a terrace! We even have huge bats to brighten up our skies!

Hi everyone,

We’re just back from a nearly 6-week trip to Western Australia. 4x4 style. Lots of accommodation and a few nights under canvas. Highlights of the trip: The Bungle Bungles, The Gibb River Road, Karinjini NP, Mt Augustus NP, Millstream NP, The Ningaloo Reef, Kalbarri, The Pinnacles... For anyone thinking of a trip to this part of the world—or just curious—here are the links to my two recent travel journals:

First part of the trip https://www.myatlas.com/anneclaire95/symphonie-de-couleurs-en-australie-occidentale

Second part of the trip https://www.myatlas.com/anneclaire95/symphonie-de-couleurs-en-australie-occidentale-2

Happy reading! 🙂

Thursday, November 9, 2023 Cairns

TV scriptwriters are a funny bunch. As soon as their ordinary mug starts becoming recognizable on the street thanks to success, their egos start swelling. They walk on clouds. So, one of the guys who worked on the script for our trip—the one who specifically came up with the bit about the SD card being ejected into the great beyond—has built himself a nice little reputation. The kind that can sometimes launch a real career. Then, inevitably, they just can’t stop. That’s how this guy had the poor idea of adding one last twist to the sequence that made him a one-day star. An idea that’s basically about squeezing the lemon until the very last drop, if you know what I mean. The little bag I take everywhere with my essentials—car keys, camera, phone—has also hosted a bunch of secondary items over time. Tissues, a book, city maps... whatever. It became a mess! So I finally decided to sort it out. I empty it onto a table. And there, stunned, I find the memory card that Dom and I desperately searched for on all fours on Cahill’s Crossing walkway, remember? Under the shocked gaze of a little Australian girl. It had ejected straight into my bag! What do you think? Should we fire the scriptwriter? It’s way too improbable! Stuff like that doesn’t happen in real life, right?

We head out to explore Cairns. The city is mostly about the waterfront, the Esplanade. You’ll find tons of bronze plaques there, most of them in memory of a deceased loved one. All you have to do is shell out a few hundred euros, and one day, a bewildered tourist will read your prose, charmed by your lovely turns of phrase. Vanity is a thriving business!

It makes for some reading... We spot our parakeets again... What were they called? Oh right, in abundance! Everywhere, banyan fig trees provide shade from a sun that never seems to tire. Parks... Here, kids are king. Luxury hotels with their infinity pools...

You don’t know where to look first... You’ve got to go all out. Google... Where can we rent bikes? When we finally track down the only operator in town, we find the place closed. A bit further on, a Visitor’s Center might find us an alternative? We meet a charming young guy, super dynamic and a great communicator. We leave without bikes but with a full snorkeling package for the day after tomorrow! I call the shop that let us down... Well done! The owner was at the doctor’s; he’s back now, and we can make a deal!

- Oh, Dominique, where are you off to like that, so proudly and at full speed? - Me? To the Botanic Garden, of course! It’s huge and free!

They’ve recycled oil tanks into art galleries!