Onward Travel From Australia
If you are planning a trip to Australia, you’ve probably already worked out that it’s a long way from anywhere else! It also takes a long time to get here especially if you are travelling from Europe or the US. So, most try to combine a trip to Australia with a few other places just to make the most of being in the southern hemisphere and in this part of the world.
Unless you are coming here for more than 3 weeks, I’d limit your onward travel and not try to do too much. Australia is huge and you need at least 3 weeks to do it justice. In fact, you’ll only be able to see a small part of this amazing country with 3 weeks.
So a stop off is a good idea and many choose to take a few days in Asia. It’s a good option as most of the flights from Europe stop to refuel in Asia so there is generally a very limited cost to including a stop off to your flight. It is also a great way to get you over the jet lag and break up the flight. See below for my stop off recommendations:
Bangkok and Thailand
A great destination for travel from Australia, as there are a few flight operators which keeps prices low. Once you are there, prices are still reasonable cheap too.
Whilst in Bangkok, here are some suggestive activities:
1) Grand Palace. is high up on most tourists agendas. It is where the King of Thailand used to live but now it is just used for special occasions. Whilst you can’t actually go inside the buildings, the outside is beautiful enough to admire.
2) Wat Sai floating market – take a barge tour from outside the Grand Palace (Make sure you bargain) and pick one that takes in the Royal Barges museum too. Here you can see the beautiful boats that were used for the King’s processions
3) If shopping is your thing then head to Chatuchak Weekend Market . It’s easy to get lost here as the place is so large. It’s also a great place to eat as there are lots of restaurants. The market opens at 7am and I suggest you get there early to avoid the crowds and the heat.
4) If you’d like to see the hidden gems of Bangkok and want to be a bit different then take a Segway Tours These are a two wheeled electronic device and are easy to use. A great way to see this city.
5) No trip to Thailand is complete without experiencing the Bangkok nightlife. Head to the city and take in a lady boy show or just enjoy a few drinks and watch the world go by.
If a beach holiday is more your thing then head to Phuket in Thailand. Jet Star flies directly to Phuket from Australia and you can usually find cheap flights if you wait for a sale or book well in advance.
Phuket itself is a major tourist destination and as a result it is full of touristy stalls, restaurants and heaps of bars. This is not the place if you are wanting a quiet beach holiday. It’s more like going to Ibiza but in Asia! The surrounding area however is lovely and offers more tranquil resorts. Phi Phi Island is a favourite day tour and great place to actually stay (It’s near where they filmed “The Beach.”)
Unfortunately there isn’t room in this article to tell you about all the stop off places. i would also consider Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Fiji is another great destination, particularly if you are travelling from the US. This is a very idyllic set of islands, the perfect relaxing getaway.
If your trip to Australia is more than 3 weeks then I’d seriously consider a trip to New Zealand or even the tropical island of Bali. The flight times from Australia are reasonable.
Jennifer Schellington has nearly half a decade of experience in travelling Australia and has recently become a new Mum. Her website, www.realaustraliatravel.com offers practical information for planning your visit to Australia as well as what to do and where to go. Click here for more information on Stop off destinations and travel from Australia
