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!

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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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.

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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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After dark: 6 experiences along the Murray lighting up the night

(Credit: Serena Munro)

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
    See the Murray region in an entirely different light by exploring its night-time experiences and attractions.

    By day, the mighty Murray River is a majestic and ever-changing sight, with river red gums and wetlands stretching along 2500 kilometres. But by night, its cities, towns, villages and landscapes totally transform.

    From Albury Wodonga to Mildura, and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a multi-sensory and memorable treat encompassing mesmerising light shows, guided ghost tours and vibrant celebrations that capture the nocturnal magic of the river.

    This is no ordinary nighttime adventure; the region becomes an entirely different world when the sun sets. Discover six must-do activities along the Murray that can only be enjoyed after dark.

    1. Share in ghostly tales

    Port After Dark tour Murray at night
    Hold on to your nerve when learning local ghost stories. (Credit: Campaspe Shire Council)

    If you’re up for something a little more spine-tingling, Port After Dark in Echuca is your best bet. Rumour has it that the Port of Echuca Wharf and the buildings around it have long been home to lingering ghosts and mysterious events – like the vengeful woman said to haunt an old tramway bridge and spirits searching for stolen money through the town centre.

    You can hear all about them on this guided lantern tour, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights after dark. The stories are atmospheric and intriguing – you may even spot a ghost or two yourself. If you’d like a more intimate experience, private tours are also available to groups of 15 or more.

    2. Wander art installations

    Bruce Munroe's Fibre Optic Symphoinic Orchestra Murray at night
    See Bruce Munro’s immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)

    Right near the Perry Sandhills, sits an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Artist Bruce Munro (of Uluru’s Field of Lights fame) has created a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, a network of 80 Hills Hoists illuminated with fibre optic light combined with the sounds of an orchestra. The clotheslines glow and pulse in time to the specially composed score, immersing you in a dreamscape of light and sound.

    For a different light experience, you’ll find stillness at Trail of Lights, also curated by Munro. Located just 30 minutes away on Lock Island in Mildura, thousands of lights stretch over the landscape, spotlighting both the river and a series of Munro’s sculptures. The trail is intended to be a peaceful and meditative setting for wandering and reflecting.

    3. Learn through lasers

    Heartbeat of the Murray at night
    Travel 30 million years into the Murray’s past at Heartbeat of the Murray. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    Discover a fascinating history in this dual act of lights and projections on the banks of the Little Murray River. Legends of the Mallee is a multimedia show in Swan Hill combining lasers and lights, which tells the story of the region’s rich past. Learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Peoples who first inhabited the area, as well as the figures and events that shaped the Mallee of today.

    The river steals the spotlight in the Heartbeat of the Murray, a multimedia spectacle inside the Pioneer Settlement encompassing lights, lasers, sound and special effects against the natural backdrop. Through a sequence of large-scale animated projections, you’ll go back 30 million years to explore the Murray River’s formation before travelling to the present to learn how it supports modern communities.

    4. Light up the lake

    Lake Mulwala Laser Light Show Murray at night
    Watch the lights and lasers of Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Mulwala Water Ski Club)

    Travelling with kids? Head to Yarrawonga Mulwala and nearby Lake Mulwala for the family-friendly Laser Light & Sound Show. Lights and lasers are projected over the lake and onto curtains of fog, creating a colourful and high-energy visual display. The show suits all ages and tastes, set to a mix of songs that everyone knows and loves.

    You can take in the spectacle from either the grassy banks of the lake or book a table at the Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck Cafe, serving pub-style food and refreshing drinks, including excellent classic cocktails. If you’re watching from the foreshore, the show is entirely free, making it a great budget-friendly option.

    5. Be captivated by local culture

    Bullanginya Dreaming Murray at night
    Soak in the culture of the Bangerang People. (Credit: Laser Vision)

    Set aside an evening to explore Bullanginya Dreaming in Cobram Barooga – you’ll want ample time to take in the stories and symbolism of this immersive laser light and sound trail. The 1.8-kilometre trail explores the storytelling and culture of the Bangerang People, who have long cared for the lands around Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga. The trail features 12 activations – each telling a different story – and combines dramatic lights and lasers with water and fire.

    Intertwined with the visual displays are Bangerang narratives, giving you meaningful insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage. It’s designed to be explored over 90 or so minutes, encouraging you to move slowly and thoughtfully.

    6. Discover a winter glow

    winterglow festival
    See the streets of Albury Wodonga come to life after dark. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    Albury Wodonga comes alive as the weather drops, with an annual celebration of the season on Saturday, 15 August. WinterGlow takes over the CBD and features a vibrant program of things to see, do, learn, eat and drink.

    Take part in hands-on workshops that let you try different art forms and crafts. Feast on street food and winter warmers from local eateries. Browse for artisan wares at the night markets. Watch musical acts on the main stage. Or get involved in different activations, including a silent disco and giant maze. Artificial snow will be falling to add to the festive atmosphere.

    Even wandering the streets and laneways and soaking up the late-night energy will leave you feeling enchanted.

    Start planning a day-to-night adventure along the Murray at visitthemurray.com.au.