Australia Travel Essentials

Whether you are a first time traveller to Australia, or a frequent visitor down under -what the Australian's refer to as a 'boomerang traveller', there are things you need to know when planning your holiday, arrangements you need to make, and articles you need to remember to pack!

Entry Requirements for Australia

Everyone requires a visa to be permitted entry into Australia, with the only exception being people from New Zealand. A visa or ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) is valid for trips of up to 3 months within a one year period. 3 month visas are ideal for holidays and business trips, but different visas are needed if you are planning to work and live in Australia. You will not be granted a visa if you have a criminal conviction.

The only other compulsory requirement is a valid passport!

Australian Currency

Australia's currency is the Australian dollar (AU$ or A$) where 1 dollar represents 100 cents. The average exchange rate means that £0.42 is equivalent to A$1. Australian dollar notes are available in 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100.

check our online currency converter for the latest exchange rates

Getting to Australia and travel within Oz

Twenty-five airlines fly to Australia from all over the world, so now it is easier than ever before to reach Oz. Due to the adverse side effects of jet lag due to time differences, and the threat of deep-vein thrombosis from long-haul flights, it is recommended that passengers pre-arrange a stopover to shorten their flight. Spend a night or a few days' break in destinations such as Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpur before flying out to Australia. Flying to Australia is a lengthy journey, for example, the journey from London to Sydney takes 22 and a half hours without stopping! Not only would a stopover be advisable for health reasons, it also enables you to incorporate a short stay in a fascinating Asian country, or even Los Angeles, on your journey down under.

Many people don't appreciate just how huge Australia is. Brisbane and Cairns are both situated in Queensland, but travel between the two cities by coach takes 28 hours on the road. Many first time travellers are unaware of the distances, and may decide to travel in their campervan between these destinations, when an internal flight would only take approximately 2 hours. A knowledgeable tour operator can advise you of the best way to travel to your desired destinations in Oz.

If you are considering a self-drive holiday to Australia then take a look at our driving distances chart for more information

The Australian Climate

Australia's seasons are the opposite of the UK's so it may seem a little odd to celebrate Christmas at the height of summer, or to experience slightly more chilly weather in June. Despite this, Australia's climate is generally sunny and bright with most areas of the continent receiving 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, and the average summer temperature reaching a scorching 29°C. The average winter temperature down under is 13 °C, which is hotter than most British summers! Although some parts of Oz have wet seasons (such as the rainforest areas in Tropical North Queensland), wherever and whenever you choose to travel you can be sure of a sunny trip.

Health Care

Australia and New Zealand have a reciprocal health agreement with the UK meaning that emergency hospital treatment is free. All other health services may prove very expensive, so it advisable to take out adequate travel insurance to cover yourself in the event of illness or injury. Many first-time travellers to Australia are concerned about any inoculations they might need - visitors can rest assured that there are currently no compulsory or necessary vaccinations for travel to Australia and New Zealand.

Customs Allowance

As with most countries there are restrictions on the amount of goods that you can take home from Australia. Travellers over the age of 18 can take 2250ml of alcohol, 250 cigarettes, and 250 grams of tobacco products through customs. All other purchases are restricted to a total cost of $A900 per adult visitor, and $A450 for children.

Taxes

Australia operates a Goods and Tax Service (GST) of 10 per cent on all purchases made. Everything that you buy in Australia already accounts for GST within the price. The price that you are quoted for your Australian holiday in your home country is GST free. On your return back home from Oz you may be able to claim a refund for the GST and WET (Wine Equalisation Tax) that you have paid on all your purchases down under. This claim-back service is only available for goods totalling $A300 or more. The TRS (Tourist Refund Scheme) facilities can be found at international airports and refund will only given upon production of a valid passport, boarding pass, tax invoice, receipt of purchase and the purchases themselves.

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