Tips for Travellers to Australia

Australia is a dream destination for many people. Queensland has marvellous beaches and the Great Barrier Reef. In New South Wales is Sydney with its famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge. In the Northern Territory is the Red Centre and Ayers Rock whilst in Western Australia is Karijini National Park and the Golden Outback.

We have put together some tips to help you to get your Australian adventure off to a good start.

Visa - First thing you will need if you are thinking of going to Australia is a visitors visa. For tourists these are usually 3 month visas and you also have to have an onward ticket from Australia. Visas can be obtained from the Australian Embassy or here. If you book your flights with a travel agent they will usually do this for you.

Customs - Do not try to take any fresh food, animals or plants into Australia. You will have to sign a declaration that you have none of these prohibited items with you and the fines are high if you get caught. Even such simple things as a single apple will get you in trouble!

Driving - The good thing about driving in Australia is that they drive on the same side of the road as in UK. Speed limits will differ from state to state but highways are usually 100kph (62 mph)and 50kph (31 mph) in built up areas. The long distances between towns/attractions means many hours of driving, so make sure you stop and rest or get someone else to take a turn driving whilst you rest. Make sure you have enough fuel before you set off to your next destination as in some parts fuel stations are many miles apart. Watch out for animals especially on country roads at night! If you are going through the outback or remote places make sure that you tell someone at your destination when you expect to be there and how many there are in your group. If for any reason you do find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere, make sure you and your passengers stay with the car and do not wander off.

Insurance - Make sure you have travel insurance, especially if you plan on doing any kind of sporting or adventure activities whilst you are there. You will not need any vaccinations unless you have been in an area which has yellow fever.

Shopping/Currency - Most shops in Australia still shut on Sundays, although there will be exceptions especially in major cities. Money can be changed to Australian Dollars at banks or you can withdraw money from the many ATM machines.

Electricity - Australian electricity supply is 240 volts. Adaptors are readily available from electronics stores or from the airport. Make sure that any appliances that you take are compatible and if not you will need an 110v/240v transformer.

Weather - Even in winter the sun is strong with high UV levels in Australia, so make sure you use the right factor sunscreen, even if you are not lounging around on a beach. Wear a wide brimmed hat, to protect your head, sunglasses and protective clothes.

On the beach, only swim if it is patrolled and only swim between flagged areas. If you go to Gladstone or Cairns make sure you look out for the box jellyfish, they are extremely dangerous! They are usually found in shallow water near creeks or river mouths. The stinger season is usually from December to March in Gladstone and October to June in Cairns. Always wear thick soled shoes if you go walking in shallow tropical waters or reef walking. If you happen to tread on a camouflaged stonefish you will be in trouble. It will inject you with its poison which will cause swelling and extreme agony.

Well, after all that I do hope that if you are off to Australia you have a wonderful, safe time.

I am off there myself in a couple of weeks so will let you know what I got up to when I get back!

Do you have any other advice for anyone travelling to Australia?