Updated December 2024 with the latest information, tips and tricks for every journey!
Alright, folks, if you're dreaming about an Aussie adventure, there's a bit to think about.
Deciding between the east or west coast, picking the best city to fly into, and planning your route through this massive, gorgeous country can feel like solving a Rubik's Cube with your eyes closed.
With iconic coastlines, sprawling deserts, buzzing cities, and plenty of friendly locals, Australia has something for every traveller. But getting the most out of your trip means being prepared.
But don’t worry! We’ve got all the must-know tips (and the more boring ones that often get overlooked) to get you prepped for your epic Australian journey. From emergency contacts to currency tips, here’s your ultimate guide to make sure you’re set for an unforgettable trip Down Under.
Let's start with the serious stuff. In case of an emergency (which we hope you won't have), the magic number is 000.
This will connect you to the police, ambulance, and fire brigade. Only use it if it's a real emergency, though – no prank calls, please!
It’s also handy to know that some areas in Australia can be remote, so keeping a basic first-aid kit and familiarising yourself with local emergency contact points is a smart idea, especially if you’re venturing off the beaten track.
While ATMs are widely available and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, you might want some cash on hand for smaller or remote areas.
You can exchange your currency at banks, hotels, and international airports.
But really, do people still even carry cash? If you’re one of the people that don’t - get yourself a currency card. Multi-currency cards get you heaps better rates than withdrawing cash or paying with your local card.
Check out Wise to avoid those hefty-wefty exchange fees.
However, keep in mind that although you can tap, tap, tap your way with your phone in the big cities you might need some cash handy for those smaller remote areas.
ATMs are everywhere, but watch out for fees.
Commonwealth Bank ATMs (the yellow ones) are your best bet as they don't slap you with extra charges. The ComBank app will help you locate the nearest ATM. And don't stress – EFTPOS is widely available for those card payments.
All the major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are widely accepted. But be prepared for surcharges at some places.
While credit cards are the go-to, traveller’s cheques? Not so much. They’re like Tamagotchis – nostalgic but not very useful these days.
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Travelling over a public holiday? Expect a little extra on your bill if you’re dining out at cafes and restaurants, usually between 10-20%.
Sometimes even on Sundays. Just another reason to keep an eye on those holiday dates!
Australia's official language is English. However, Australia is a multicultural nation with a significant migrant population, so it's common to hear a diverse range of languages in Australia's cities and towns.
Australia is incredibly multicultural, so don’t be surprised if you hear Mandarin, Italian, Greek, or Arabic spoken alongside English in bustling city centres.
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The legal drinking age in Australia is 18. Carry your passport as ID, as most venues don’t accept international driver’s licences. Major cities have vibrant nightlife scenes, but always have your ID ready when ordering a drink or entering clubs and bars.
Australia is famous for its incredibly beautiful beaches, particularly those on the east coast. But there's important information you need to know before you enter the water!
Australia's popular beaches are usually patrolled by volunteer lifesavers from October to April and red and yellow flags mark the safest area for swimming only - sorry surfers! For the surfers, stick in between the yellow and red and black and white flags.
Take note of the beach report that is usually on the foreshore between the swimming flags
This will inform swimmers of the current conditions and what they need to be aware of before they head into the water. For information about marine stingers and crocodile safety in Far North Queensland, visit the Queensland Government website.
Australia is not called the sunburnt country for no reason. It is the melanoma capital of the world and while it is good to get a tan on your holidays, be cautious of the Australian sun! Use at least SPF 30+ whenever you are exposed to the sun and invest in a good hat and sunglasses, you'll need them!
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Australia has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with several countries (like the UK, New Zealand, and most of Europe), offering some subsidised health services. If you’re from the US or Canada, travel insurance is essential to cover medical expenses.
For general needs, chemists (pharmacies) are readily available for over the counter (OTC) meds, but remember that you’ll need a prescription for stronger medications.
Don’t skimp on travel insurance. It’s 2024, and while the world is more predictable, (let’s not talk about 2020, shall we?) surprises still happen. Comprehensive travel insurance is a lifesaver if you face unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations, theft or natural disasters.
Make sure your insurance covers all potential mishaps, including extreme sports if you're planning on activities like surfing or skydiving. It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Australia uses Type 1 plugs, with two flat metal pins in a “V” shape and sometimes a third grounding pin. The voltage is 220-240 volts, AC 50Hz.
Remember to bring an adapter if you’re travelling from a country with a different plug type, or pick one up locally - most convenience stores stock them.
Staying connected while travelling is essential, especially in a vast country like Australia, and is easy with a local SIM card or eSIM.
Telstra and Optus offer the best coverage, even in remote areas, though prices vary.
Grabbing a local SIM not only saves you from international roaming fees but also ensures you’re not left without coverage on the road. Wi-Fi is common in cities and most hostels, but be prepared for patchier service in rural areas.
Australia’s major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, have convenient public transport systems, and having a transport card is essential for getting around efficiently.
Grab an Opal card in Sydney, Myki card in Melbourne, or Go card in Brisbane to access trains, trams, and buses seamlessly. You can top them up online or at designated points, and these cards often offer discounts compared to single-ride tickets.
Just remember to tap on and off as you travel, and check each city’s specific rules to avoid extra charges.
If you’re on a working holiday visa, Australia has plenty of job opportunities, from farm work and hospitality to tourism and construction. Use online job boards, Facebook groups, and recruitment agencies to help with your search. Farm work in rural areas can be a good way to extend your visa while exploring parts of Australia that are off the tourist track.
Pro Tip: Research employers and roles beforehand, and consider taking a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course if you’re interested in bar work.
Australia is full of surprises, and these final tips will help you dive even deeper:
Weather: Australia’s climate varies greatly between regions, so pack accordingly. It’s warm year-round in Queensland, but winter in Tasmania can be chilly.
Driving: If you plan to rent a car, remember that Australians drive on the left. A valid licence is usually enough, but check each rental provider’s rules.
Eco-conscious Travel: Many regions have strict rules about waste disposal and respecting nature, especially in national parks and coastal areas. Do your part to keep Australia’s landscapes beautiful!
Whether you're hitting the bustling city streets, catching a surf, or venturing into the Outback, Australia has something for every traveller. For insider tips and must-do activities, Backpackers World Travel has curated tours and itineraries that make it easy to see the best of Oz without missing a beat. Check out ourAustralia travel packages and let us help you plan the adventure of a lifetime.
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