Updated 2026
Answer Capsule
Australasia covers Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands. It's remote, expensive, and offers unique wildlife and landscapes. Most RTWers spend 6-8 weeks combining Australia and New Zealand, with budgets of $60-100+ daily.
Why Visit Australasia
Australasia is worth the effort because it's completely different from everywhere else. Unique animals, stunning wilderness, friendly people, and excellent infrastructure make it a highlight for most RTWers. It's not cheap, but the value is there.
Australia
Australia is vast - you cannot see it all in one trip. Most RTWers focus on:
- East Coast (Sydney, Melbourne, Great Barrier Reef, Cairns): Most popular, most touristy
- South (Adelaide, Melbourne, wine country)
- West Coast (Perth, Exmouth) - rewarding but remote
- Outback (Uluru, Ayers Rock) - stunning but desolate
Airfare between coastal cities is cheap ($80-150). Driving inland is long and slow. Budget $60-100 daily for backpackers. Working holiday visas (if eligible) let you work and offset costs.
New Zealand
New Zealand is dramatic - mountains, fjords, forests, and adventure sports. South Island (Queenstown, Milford Sound) is spectacular but expensive. North Island (Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington) is more relaxed. Budget $70-120 daily. New Zealand works well as 2-3 weeks after Australia.
Pacific Islands
Fiji, Samoa, and Vanuatu offer tropical beaches and relaxation. They're remote and pricey ($80-150+ daily). Budget Pacific hops are possible if you island-hop rather than resort-hopping.
Getting Around Australasia
Flights dominate - distances are vast and driving is slow. Domestic flights are affordable when booked in advance. Ferries connect some regions (New Zealand's Cook Strait). No overland border crossings - you must fly between countries.
What NOT to Do
Don't try to see all of Australia in one trip. Pick a region - East Coast or a specific direction - and explore it thoroughly. Australia is larger than continental USA.
Don't skip New Zealand thinking it's similar to Australia. NZ is far greener, more adventure-focused, and dramatically different. If you have time, do both.
Don't underestimate costs. Australia and NZ are expensive developed countries. Budget accordingly and expect to spend $60-100+ daily.
The Bottom Line
Australasia is a major highlight for most RTWers. The remote location means it's usually visited mid-trip or near the end. Spend 6-8 weeks combining Australia and New Zealand. The Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, Milford Sound, and unique wildlife are once-in-a-lifetime experiences.