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.
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.
Emergency services in Australia
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!
Exchanging money
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.
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Credit Cards & Travellers Cheques
All the major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are widely accepted. But be prepared for surcharges at some places.
Traveller’s cheques? Not so much. They’re like Tamagotchis – nostalgic but not very useful these days.
Public Holiday/Sunday surcharges
Travelling over a public holiday? Expect a little extra on your bill at cafes and restaurants, usually between 10-20%.
Sometimes even on Sundays. Just another reason to keep an eye on those holiday dates!
Languages
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.
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Legal drinking age in Australia
The legal drinking age is 18. You’ll need to show ID (most places will only accept your passport) when buying alcohol or entering bars and clubs.
Beach safety
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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Medical Information & Travel Insurance
Australia has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with several countries, including the UK, New Zealand, and most of Europe.
This means you can get some subsidised health services. If you’re from the US or Canada, you'll need travel insurance.
Over-the-counter meds are easy to find at chemists, but for anything stronger, you’ll need a prescription.
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.
Electrical plugs
You may need an adapter to plug your appliances into the power sockets in Aus. The adapter required for Australia is Type 1 Australia plug.
The plugs in Australia have two flat metal pins, forming an inverted 'V' shape, and occasionally a third pin in the centre.
The electrical current in Australia is 220 - 240 volts, AC 50Hz.
Staying Connected in Australia
Staying connected while travelling is essential, especially in a vast country like Australia.
Get a local SIM card or an eSIM for your phone to save on international roaming charges and keep your data speeds up. Telstra and Optus offer the best coverage, even in remote areas.
A local SIM will save you from international roaming charges and keep you connected with ease.
Transport Cards
In major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, having a transport card is essential for getting around efficiently.
The Opal card in Sydney, Myki card in Melbourne, and Go card in Brisbane allow you to use public transport seamlessly.
These cards can be topped up online or at various retail locations, and they often offer discounts compared to single-ride tickets.
Plus, they make your travel more convenient, saving you the hassle of buying tickets for each journey. Remember to check if you need to tap on and off, as rules vary between cities.
Finding a job in Australia
For those with working holiday visas, jobs in Australia can be found in many industries, from agriculture to mining to tourism.
There are a number of ways to search for work, including online job boards, Facebook groups and recruitment agencies.
Once you have found a job that interests you, it is important to research the employer and the role before applying.
For more insider tips, our team of seasoned travellers is here to help you plan your perfect Aussie adventure.
Get in touch if you need any more hot tips, Australia travel info, backpacking advice or just fancy a good ol’ chinwag. Chances are, we do too.
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