All visitors to Australia must hold a valid passport.
We recommend that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date and has sufficient blank pages for immigration requirements.
British passport holders require a visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before travelling to Australia.
The application process is usually straightforward and can be completed online before departure. Visa requirements can change, so we recommend checking the latest information before you travel.
No compulsory vaccinations are required for travellers arriving from the UK.
Australia has excellent healthcare facilities throughout the country, particularly in major cities and towns.
Travel insurance covering medical expenses, cancellation and personal belongings is essential.
If you are taking prescription medication, ensure it remains in its original packaging and carry a copy of your prescription.
Australia's climate can be extreme in some regions, so stay hydrated, use sunscreen regularly and protect yourself from the sun with a hat and lightweight clothing.
The currency of Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout the country, including in most hotels, restaurants and shops. ATMs are readily available in cities and regional centres, although access may be more limited in remote areas.
English is the official language and is spoken throughout Australia. Visitors should have no difficulty communicating during their trip.
Australia covers several time zones:
- Western Australia: GMT +8
- Northern Territory: GMT +9.5
- South Australia: GMT +9.5
- Queensland: GMT +10
- New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania & ACT: GMT +10
Some states observe daylight saving time between October and April.
Australia is a vast country and most itineraries involve one or more domestic flights. Internal services are generally reliable and offer an efficient way to travel between major regions such as Sydney, Cairns, Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth. Keep all valuables, travel documents, medications, cameras and electronic devices in your hand luggage. We also recommend packing a change of clothes in case of any unforeseen luggage delays. Before travelling, ensure you have: - Passport
- Visa or ETA confirmation
- Travel insurance documents
- Flight tickets and itinerary details
- Hotel confirmations
- Emergency contact information
- Copies of important documents
stored separately from the originals Digital copies stored securely on your phone or cloud storage can also be useful. Australia uses Type I electrical plugs with a standard voltage of 230–240V. UK travellers will need an international travel adaptor. Most hotels, lodges and airports offer Wi-Fi, although connections may be slower or unavailable in remote wilderness areas. International roaming is available throughout much of Australia, although charges can be high. Many travellers prefer to purchase a local Australian SIM card or eSIM on arrival. Mobile coverage is excellent in cities and towns but can be intermittent or unavailable in remote outback and wilderness regions. Australia's climate varies considerably according to region and season. We recommend: - Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light waterproof jacket
- Swimwear
- Insect repellent
- A warm layer for evenings, particularly in Tasmania, South Australia and during winter months
For wildlife holidays and birdwatching, neutral-coloured clothing is often preferable. Bring an adequate supply of any personal medication for the duration of your trip. Keep medicines in their original packaging and carry copies of prescriptions where applicable. A small personal first-aid kit containing pain relief, plasters, antihistamines and motion-sickness remedies can also be useful. Useful items for travelling in Australia include: - Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Camera and spare memory cards
- Travel adaptor
- Reusable water bottle
- Daypack for excursions
- Sun cream with high SPF protection
- Lightweight dry bag for boat trips and snorkelling excursions
Australia offers excellent wildlife, birdwatching and nature experiences. Field guides, wildlife identification books and travel guides can greatly enhance your enjoyment, particularly in national parks and remote regions. Many travellers also download guidebooks and maps to mobile devices before departure. Tap water is safe to drink throughout Australia. Carrying a reusable water bottle is highly recommended, particularly when travelling in warmer climates or undertaking outdoor activities. Staying hydrated is important, especially in tropical and outback regions. Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available in major cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Most accept credit cards, although it is wise to carry a small amount of cash for convenience. Australia is a very safe destination and enjoys a low level of crime compared with many other countries. As with any destination, take normal precautions with valuables and personal belongings. Particular attention should be paid to weather conditions when travelling in remote areas, and visitors should follow local advice regarding swimming, marine activities and wildlife encounters. Tipping is not compulsory in Australia and is generally less common than in North America. However, it is always appreciated for exceptional service. In restaurants, many visitors choose to leave around 10% for particularly good service. Guides, drivers and hotel staff may also be tipped at your discretion.
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