Australia and the United States are both vast countries, but understanding their size difference is crucial, especially when planning travel. It’s a common question for those dreaming of visiting Down Under: just How Big Is Australia Compared To The Us? The answer might surprise you and significantly impact your vacation plans.
In terms of land area, the United States is larger than Australia. The US covers approximately 9.8 million square kilometers (3.8 million square miles), while Australia spans around 7.7 million square kilometers (3 million square miles). While the US is geographically bigger, Australia is still immense – comparable in size to the contiguous United States if you exclude Alaska.
To truly grasp the scale, consider this: traveling across Australia from Sydney to Perth is often compared to journeying from New York to Los Angeles. This east-to-west traverse in Australia covers a distance of about 4,000 kilometers (approximately 2,500 miles), mirroring the transcontinental US trip. This vast distance highlights why you need to be realistic about how much of Australia you can see in one trip.
However, size isn’t everything. Population density plays a significant role in travel infrastructure. Australia’s population is considerably smaller than the US, with around 27 million people compared to over 330 million in the United States. In fact, Australia’s entire population is roughly equivalent to that of Texas alone.
This population difference impacts travel infrastructure. Australia doesn’t have the same density of flights, trains, and buses connecting destinations as the US. This means internal travel can require more planning and longer travel times. Missing a connection, especially for ferries or flights in less populated areas, can significantly disrupt your itinerary.
Therefore, careful and meticulous trip planning is essential when visiting Australia. Understanding the vast distances and the implications of a less dense travel network will ensure you maximize your time and experience the best of Australia without unnecessary complications. If you’re planning a trip from the US to Australia, remember that while it may appear similar in size on a map, the travel experience within Australia requires a different approach due to its unique geography and population distribution.
