Given the recent strengthening of the Singapore dollar against the Australian dollar, we put together some insights into travel trends and hacks for Singaporeans looking to travel to Australia.
We calculated that flight searches from Singapore to Australia increased by 20% in the second quarter of 2015, compared to the same period last year. Searches for flights to Australia increased 32% in June, 23% in July and 10% in August compared to June, July and August 2014, respectively, signalling an increased demand for flights Down Under.
This finding coincides with a decline in the value of the Australian dollar, which has weakened against the Singapore dollar considerably in recent months, dropping below parity against the Sing dollar in July and August this year. The tumbling Aussie dollar offers the perfect opportunity for travellers to experience Australia at a better price point than usual, whether for an adventure in the Outback or a visit to one of the cosmopolitan cities Down Under.
Apart from benefitting from a better exchange rate, which makes goods and services in Australia a better deal, you can also reap savings on airfares to Australia, which dipped 18% on average in August compared to July this year, based on flight prices found on KAYAK.sg.
| Month | Average airfares from Singapore to Australia (SGD) | Price difference (%) |
| May – June | 689 | 3% |
| June – July | 744 | 8% |
| July – Aug | 610 | -18% |
To help you get the most bang out of your travel buck,we put together these tips and suggestions on the best experiences Down Under.
The Gold Coast
Thrill-seek your way around the city’s world-class theme parks or get a little closer to Mother Nature and stroll through the rainforest on the Tree Top Walk. Adrenaline junkies have much to look forward to – from skydiving to extreme jet boating to jet skiing along the coast. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing walk along Main Beach north of Surfers Paradise.
Darwin, Northern Territory
Immerse yourself in the Northern Territory’s world-class natural and cultural attractions such as Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks. If you like living on the wild side, get up close and personal with some of the biggest salt water crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove or take a 45-minute drive down south to The Territory Wildlife Park to catch a glimpse of dingoes and more.
Melbourne, Victoria
Search for exquisite trinkets in Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market, a bustling place to pick up souvenirs or fresh local produce. Learn more about the city’s history and culture by visiting The Shrine of Remembrance to pay tribute to Australian war veterans or St Paul’s Cathedral to witness impressive period architecture. For breathtaking views of the city, take a hot air balloon ride to survey incredible vistas and serene skies. And not to be overlooked, is Melbourne’s impressive world-class dining culture, to be experienced from a myriad of eclectic and traditional restaurants, bistros and laneway bars.
Brisbane
Climb Brisbane’s Story Bridge for an unforgettable view of the Glasshouse Mountains and World Heritage-listed Gold Coast Hinterland. If you’re visiting in summer, cool off by taking a dip in the lagoon at Streets Beach, Australia’s only man-made beach in the heart of a city. For the culturally savvy traveller, spend the day in one of Australia’s premier contemporary art institutions GOMA – the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, which hosts a changing program of world-class international exhibitions including the APT8; a triannual survey of contemporary art from the Asia Pacific region, opening in late November 2015.
Perth, Western Australia
Wander around one of the biggest parks in the world, King’s Park, and take in gorgeous views of the Swan River. About half an hour from the city centre, discover colonial remnants like the Old Court House and Fremantle prison. Thrill-seekers can go on a rally-driving adventure or loop 360 degrees in the air above the Indian Ocean in a high-speed aerobatic flight. Visitors can also take a ferry just one hour from the spectacular WA coastline to Rottnest Island; an idyllic holiday destination in the West with exquisite reefs for snorkeling.
If you are looking to capitalise on the favourable exchange rate need look no further than KAYAK.sg, which offers a wide variety of travel tools to support holidaymakers with their trip planning and management. Happy travels!
Image credits from top to bottom:
Flinders Street train station, Melbourne ©istock.com/JohnnyLye
Treetop walk and suspension bridge ©istock.com/wellyboots
Twin Falls, Kakadu National Park ©istock.com/sburel
Melbourne City Skyline ©istock.com/JohnnyLye
Glasshouse Mountains ©istock.com/ghauriclicks
Rottnest Island ©istock.com/JohnnyLye
