G'day Mates! So You Wanna Swap Koalas for Khinkali? How to Get Your Aussie Butt to Georgia
Let's face it, the outback is brilliant, but who wouldn't want to swap a barbie by the beach for a toast with some delicious khinkali (Georgian dumplings) nestled amidst stunning mountains? If you're an adventurous soul with a case of wanderlust set on Georgia, then this guide's for you! Buckle up, because we're about to traverse continents (without a single rogue kangaroo in sight, I promise).
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| How To Get To Georgia From Australia |
Brace Yourself for Takeoff: Flights are Your Best Bet
Forget trying to train a herd of camels across Asia (although, that would be one heck of a story). Flights are the way to go. While there aren't any direct routes from Oz to Georgia, you can snag some pretty sweet connections with airlines like Qatar Airways or Emirates. The journey will take around 20-ish hours, so pack some snacks, whack on your favourite tunes, and get ready to conquer some serious jet lag.
Pro Tip: Be flexible with your travel dates. Airlines love a good shoulder-season tourist (that's you!), so you might score a bargain if you can dodge peak travel times.
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
Landing Zones: Where to Touch Down in Georgia
Georgia has a few international airports, with the most popular being Tbilisi International Airport (TBS). This puts you right in the heart of the capital, Tbilisi, which is a fantastic base for exploring the rest of the country. If you're feeling a little adventurous, you could also consider flying into Batumi (BUS) on the Black Sea coast.
Remember: Do some research on visa requirements for Australians entering Georgia. A little pre-trip planning goes a long way!
Tip: Reading in short bursts can keep focus high.
Hitting the Silk Road (Minus the Silkworms): Onward Travel Options (if you're feeling adventurous)
While flights are the most efficient way to get from Australia to Georgia, if you have extra time and a real hankering for an epic adventure, there are other options (although considerably less comfortable than plane seats).
- Train: Sure, it'll take weeks, but imagine the bragging rights! You could catch a train through Southeast Asia and then hop on the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway. Just pack a good book (or three) and be prepared to make some international train buddies.
- Ship: This might be a bit of a stretch for most travellers, but hey, if you're keen to reenact Matthew Flinders' voyage of discovery (minus the whole "discovering" thing, since Georgia's been around for a while), you could look into cargo ship travel. Just be prepared for a long time at sea with minimal human interaction (unless you count the crew, of course).
Important Note: These overland options are for the truly adventurous and require significant planning and budgeting.
Tip: Skim only after you’ve read fully once.
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FAQ: Your Burning Georgia-Bound Questions Answered
How to pack for Georgia? Pack for all seasons! Georgia has mountains, beaches, and everything in between, so be prepared for anything.
How to get around Georgia? There are buses, trains, and marshrutkas (minibuses) that are all relatively affordable ways to travel around Georgia.
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How much Georgian Lari (GEL) should I exchange? This depends on your travel style, but a good starting point is to exchange $500 AUD for GEL.
How to learn some basic Georgian phrases? "Gamarjoba" (hello) and "Madloba" (thank you) are a great start! There are plenty of apps and online resources to help you pick up a few key phrases.
How long should I spend in Georgia? Two weeks is a good amount of time to see the highlights, but you could easily spend a month or more exploring this beautiful country.
So there you have it, folks! With a little planning and this handy guide, you'll be well on your way to swapping your thongs for some comfy walking shoes and exploring the wonders of Georgia. Now get out there and get your khinkali on!
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