Australia Travel Tips
When planning a vacation to Australia, there are some handy tips that will make your trip go smoothly. Remember, it’s an island the size of continental U.S.A. It is wider across than the distance from New York to Los Angeles but has a population of only 23 million people. Read these helpful travel tips and get ready for an amazing vacation!
Check out our most popular vacations that include both Australia & New Zealand!
Australia & New Zealand in 19 days
22 Day Australia & New Zealand
Passports and Visas
All travelers to Australia must carry a passport valid for six months beyond your intended stay.
A valid visa is required for all people wishing to travel to Australia. Visitors of all nationalities (except Australian and New Zealand passport holders) must obtain a visa prior to arrival. Please contact a travel team agent at 1-800-788-0829 for further details.
Currency
The Australian unit of currency is the Australian dollar.
Credit Cards & Currency Exchange
You can find money exchange locations at all international airports. You can also exchange foreign currency at banks and even large hotels. The normal banking hours in Australia are from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday thru Friday, but these can change at any time. All major credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, banks and most stores.
Goods and Services Tax
Most goods and services are subject to a Goods and Services Tax (GST), and are already included in the displayed price.
Electricity
The electric current used in Australia is 240 volts AC, 50 hertz. Sockets take two or three flat, not rounded, prongs. North Americans and Europeans will need to buy a converter before they leave home. It isn’t recommended to wait until you arrive in Australia to buy these as Aussie stores are likely to only carry converters to fit American and European outlets. Power does not start automatically when you plug in an appliance; you need to flick the switch located beside the socket to the “on” position.
Driving in Australia
Tourists may drive in Australia on a valid overseas driver’s license if it’s legible in English. If not, you will need to get an international driving permit and you must always carry your original license with you. Only drive on the left-hand side of the road. Please contact a travel team agent at 1-800-788-0829 for further details.
Fine Food and Wine
If you love fine food and wine, you’ll fall in love with Australia. Australia is a multi-cultural nation with many different types of food throughout the country. Australia has local wines, whiskeys and a growing microbrewery scene as well.
Tipping
Tips are not typically expected for normal service, even in restaurants and bars. However, tipping in appreciation is at your discretion.
What to Pack
Australian lifestyle is usually quite informal and it is typical to dress for comfort. Make sure to pack sunscreen and a hat, lightweight, comfortable clothes and shoes, and if you are visiting during winter, leave space for a jacket or sweater. If you are planning a special occasion you may want to bring a more formal outfit.
Check out our most popular vacations that include both Australia & New Zealand!
Australia & New Zealand in 19 days
22 Day Australia & New Zealand
Climate
Australia is fairly temperate for most of the year, although climate can vary due to the sheer size of the continent. The northern states typically experience tropical warm weather much of the time; the southern states have cooler winters. Australia is also one of the driest continents on earth, the annual rainfall is less than 23 inches! Australia’s seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. December to February is summer; March to May is autumn; June to August is winter; and September to November is spring.
Major Holidays
Australia has many public holidays, some which change annually and sometimes they are different in each state or territory. Here is a list of a few major holidays which are celebrated nationwide.
| January 1 | New Year’s Day |
| January 26 | Australia Day |
| April 25 | Anzac Day |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
| December 26 | Boxing Day |
Ready to plan your dream vacation to Australia or anywhere else in the world? Call a Travel Team Agent today at 1-800-788-0829
Don’t forget to check out our website and Like us on Facebook for the latest travel deals, news & tips!
