It’s an odd time to travel Australia. Grocery stores can’t fill their shelves quicker than people are buying. Popular tourist attractions are becoming ghost towns… well, aside from Bondi Beach. And flights in and out of Australia are endlessly cancelled. Despite closed borders, many people are travelling Australia during the coronavirus pandemic.
Some people are even stuck in Australia with visas about to expire and no way to leave the country. Either way, the adventure continues and travelling Australia is still possible.
Since living and travelling the country for a year, I’m sharing tips on travelling Australia during the coronavirus pandemic. These tips are focused on those not required to practise self-isolation.
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Enjoy what you can, while you can
Unlike Australia, many other countries have shutdown and severely limited outdoor access. This includes access to parks, school, work, restaurants or even leaving your home at all. Thankfully for those travelling Australia, the terms are relatively liberal at the moment. Take advantage of this while it still exists.
That also means it’s a privilege to go outdoors compared with other countries. Spend time outdoors while you can, but practise social distancing to prevent spreading coronavirus. Wash your hands regularly and carry hand sanitizer to stop spreading germs.
Stock up on food, but don’t go crazy
Most people travelling Australia in a vehicle or other van are already cooking for themselves. Grocery stores have low stock for many essential items because other people seem to be expecting an apocalypse and are purchasing everything. While travelling I usually go grocery shopping every few days to stock up on fresh items.
However now it often takes going to multiple grocery stores to find essential items. It’s a good idea to stock up on some foods for those days you’re unable to find what you need at the grocery stores. No I don’t mean stocking your van with all the dried pasta possible. But, a few extra pastas and pasta sauce are a good idea, just be reasonable.
For staying on budget while travelling, check out my guide for travelling Australia while eating on a budget or without a fridge on what to buy and eat!
Stick to regional areas instead of cities
There’s no better time than during the coronavirus pandemic to skip the bigger cities for regional areas. Many people on Working Holiday Visas wouldn’t consider regional areas unless for regional work. However, where there’s less people there’s less chance for contracting an ailment, such as coronavirus. Regional areas also have more options for bush walks and other outdoor activities.
Regional areas are also better for saving money, as living costs are lower and free campsites are more abundant. And, many regional towns have more essential items in the grocery stores, such as toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Look for low-cost or free accommodation
Whether you’re travelling in a vehicle or not, searching for low-cost or free accommodation can be beneficial towards any budget and trip. This is especially important for those that have lost employment or cannot find work due to the coronavirus.
Travelling is also expensive, and if you’re dealing with cancelled flights, staying somewhere cheap or free can be the best tool to staying on budget. Options for low-cost or free accommodation include free campgrounds, or working for rent, this could be on a farm, other regional area, in a hostel, or something else.
Travel with health insurance
Getting sick while travelling is very common, almost normal. It adds to why it’s an important time to travel with health insurance and to prevent or reduce unwanted hospital and doctor fees.
I’m under the belief it’s always good to travel with health insurance, but coronavirus is a reminder that getting sick can happen anytime. It’s also a reminder that viruses and diseases effect everyone differently and it’s better have medical insurance than not.
Check out my guide for choosing health insurance while travelling Australia, to find a plan that works for you and your budget.
Follow government guidelines
The final tip for travelling Australia during the coronavirus pandemic is to observe and follow government guidelines while travelling Australia. Currently everyone that has travelled internationally and entered Australia must self-isolate for 14 days to prevent possibly spreading coronavirus. Anyone that is feeling ill, specifically with fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breathe, should also self-isolate.
Along with this it’s important to practise social-distancing and regular hand washing or sanitizing. Washing hands is always better than hand sanitizing, but it’s sanitizing is better than nothing.
The coronavirus pandemic is a good time for a road trip. Check out my road trip guides for Sydney to Melbourne inland, regional Victoria and the weekend guide to the Blue Mountains!
