There’s a reason why Australasia became the ultimate home of the backpackers. Here, it’s work hard, play harder. But no matter what your style is, there’s something for you here. Do you love getting lost in the hustle and bustle of city life? Are you a thrill-seeking adrenaline junkie? Or would you rather kick back and take it easy under the golden sunshine? Then Australasia is the place for you.
Despite being the world’s smallest continent, Australasia is still home to no less than 38.8 million people. It spans more than 8 million square kilometres and covers more than 5.3% of the Earth’s land surface. It, therefore, has a variety of different climate patterns, ranging from tropical climates in the northern areas such as northern Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. This means that you can expect hot, wet, humid weather throughout the year. Over in the south of the continent (towards New Zealand), the climate becomes colder. New Zealand’s South Island sometimes experiences winters as chilly as -10 degrees Celsius.
Comprised of Australia, New Zealand, and the beautiful islands of New Guinea and Polynesia (amongst others), Australasia is home to some stunning natural wonders. It is world-famous for its vast mountains, peaceful fjords, pristine beaches and, of course, The Great Barrier Reef. But let’s not forget that Australasia is also home to some of the world’s greatest cities. Melbourne and Sydney are the cities that never sleep. As the two largest cities in Australia, here you’ll find something exciting to do at any hour of the day. And across the pond in New Zealand, the charming city of Christchurch has been voted one of the best cities in the world to live. These cities have a certain vibe – laidback meets excitement – that you can’t find anywhere else.
So what are you waiting for? Australasia is easy to reach by plane from all over the world, though you could be in for a rather long flight. Flights from the USA take around 15 hours, and flights from western and central Europe around 22 hours. Australasia also offers many fantastic domestic flight options, with multiple daily flights between Australia and New Zealand’s major cities, such as Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland, and Christchurch. If you are a citizen of a non-Australasian country, you may need a visa for your trip, depending on how long you intend to stay. You should always make sure that your passport is valid for at least three months longer than your expected turn date. Be sure to check the official travel information websites of your own country for exact information.
There are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter most Australasian countries, though it is always advisable to be up to date on routine vaccinations when travelling abroad. This includes vaccinations like tetanus, diphtheria, and polio. You may also want to get your hepatitis A and B vaccinations. Arranging visas and vaccinations can be a bit of a hassle, but don’t let this get in the way of what will be an unforgettable vacation! Head to the pages at the bottom of this page for more Australasia travel tips.