The sound of the waves, the smell of eucalyptus, and the alluring world of Australia still linger in your mind? Then it’s time to pack your bags! This amazing country awaits you with open arms, offering everything from exotic beaches to exciting adventures. To make your journey comfortable and unforgettable, use our tips to help you avoid surprises and get the most out of your trip to Australia.
The Great Ocean Road from MelbourneCheck Your Visa and Insurance
To avoid unpleasant surprises at the border and during your trip, prepare in advance:
- A properly organised visa is an important step, and it’s best to entrust it to professionals
- Banned items: The rules there are strict, and some souvenirs may be ‘gifted’ to customs officers rather than to friends. The list is regularly updated – check before you fly out. Australian customs will confiscate anything that could harm the local ecosystem, such as a new breed of rabbit, carp, or bark beetle. So you’ll have to leave the wooden souvenir spoons at home. And if you are bringing pets, they will be taken away for a 6-month quarantine!
- Insurance can cover both medical expenses (very expensive!) and loss of luggage
- If you’re planning an extreme holiday like diving or skydiving, make sure your insurance covers this
Dress for the Weather! Hmmm… What Kind?
Australia is a whole continent, and each part has a different climate. The north is hot and humid all year round, the south is dry and hot in the summer and cold and windy in the winter. In Melbourne, you can experience all the seasons in one day! And in the bush, temperature swings from +45 during the day to +20 at night are commonplace!
The sun is very searing everywhere, so don’t forget a hat and sunscreen – it’s sold everywhere. In winter in the north, almost nothing changes; the tropics are the tropics, but in the south, the temperature can drop even below zero. Oh my God! But don’t relax – in that climate, it’s really cold.0
Learn the Local Slang
Be prepared that even in English, you won’t understand much in the first day or two. Australians have developed their own unique style of communication, from pronunciation to word choice.
Here’s a tip: learn a few key phrases so you don’t get confused in Australia. You’re bound to hear:
- «G’day, mate!» – hello mate/brother/brother-in-law!
- «Arvo» – afternoon time
- «Thongs» – flip-flops
People here like to abbreviate words – for example, «Aussie» is «Australian». There are plenty of immigrants too, and they all bring their own nuances to the culture of communication.
Plan Your Adventures
The green continent is so rich in opportunities that you can easily make a list that would be impossible to fit into a schedule! You won’t be able to do it all in one trip, so choose your favourite places carefully:
- The Great Barrier Reef is ideal for diving and snorkelling
- For romantics, take a stroll along Sydney’s Bondi Beach
- Nature lovers and adventurers can wander the Blue Mountains or go quad biking in the bush (the Australian desert, also known as the outback)
- Swim with dolphins and see whales and penguins
And don’t forget to stock up on water – you need it in the bush as well as in the city!
Sort Out Your Currency
Only the Australian dollar (AUD) circulates in the country. You can exchange US dollars or Euros at any bank or currency exchange office. In major cities, some shops and government offices only accept electronic payments.
Cash is accepted almost everywhere, but if you pay a large sum, for example for jewellery, it may arouse suspicion. Tipping is not customary, but you can leave a tip for good service – you are tourists!
Prices for food and goods are quite high, but if you look around and ask locals, you can find bargains.
Give a Koala a Hug!
Kangaroo Country has truly unique wildlife with incredibly beautiful animals and birds. And it’s perfectly feasible to hold a koala, feed a kangaroo (in the many national parks and zoos), or ride a camel.
A ticket to the Australian ZooIn wild corners, you can also come across poisonous jellyfish, sea crocodiles, or spiders – it’s a part of the Australian landscape. By the way, the bigger the spider, the more harmless it is, but the «little ones» can make you sick!
» READ MORE – What to See in Australia: 5 Best Nature Parks
Be Aware of the Time Difference
Australia is huge and lives in several time zones, so be aware of the time difference in different cities. Some states don’t have daylight saving time, while South Australia is only half an hour ahead of its neighbours!
Check what time it really is before you go on a sightseeing trip.
Australia on Wheels? Easy!
If you rent a car, remember that here you drive on the left side of the road. You can and should get used to it, and the sooner the better.
The speed limit throughout the country is 110 kilometres per hour. And it is observed very strictly, and the fines are not small. Off-road vehicles are ideal for travelling around the country, especially in the bush.
Distances between towns are long, as are distances between petrol stations. Your foreign licence is accepted for the first three months in the country.
There will be plenty of temptation to turn off to the side and walk around along the way. However, it’s best not to go into the bush without a guide — he’ll know exactly which river the crocodiles live in and which stream you can drink from.
Try the Local Cuisine
Australia is a country of immigrants, and they have brought here all their most delicious recipes. The peculiarities of growing common fruits and vegetables in the local climate add an inexpressible flavour to any dish. We hope our tips will help you not to miss out on the best culinary discoveries in Australia!
Respect Indigenous Culture and Heritage
Aboriginal people settled the Green Continent around 40,000 years ago! Visit their Uluru shrine or other cultural centres and take time to learn about their traditions and art. It will be very interesting and will not only make your journey more meaningful but also show respect for the land and its original owners.
Relations between Aboriginal people and white invaders were not always pleasant and friendly, so be tactful and respectful when meeting the first inhabitants of the continent.
Australia is waiting for you – so don’t forget our tips, pack your suitcase, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime. To a country that will give you wonderful memories! Enjoy your travels and remember – No worries, mate!
» READ MORE – Sydney’s 21 attractions: What Makes It Special?
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