Australia is a vast and diverse country, renowned for its stunning landscapes, including the iconic Outback, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests. From the bustling cities to the remote wilderness, Australia offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty for visitors and residents alike.
Is Australia worth visiting? Absolutely yes! We are both originally from Ireland and have lived here for 11 years. We could not recommend it more. We hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Australia with ease.
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Geography
Australia, the world's sixth-largest country, is located in the southern hemisphere and comprises the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. Australia is situated between the Pacific and Indian Oceans and is surrounded by the Timor Sea, the Arafura Sea, the Coral Sea, and the Tasman Sea.
States and Territories
Australia is divided into six states and two territories:
States: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania.
Territories: Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and the Northern Territory.
Visa and Documentation
Ensure you have the appropriate visa for your stay. Tourist visas are common and can be applied for online. Make sure you apply official sites, otherwise you will pay much more than you need to.
Climate and Weather
Seasonal variations are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere, with summer occurring from December to February and winter from June to August. Australia's climate varies across regions. Check the weather for the specific areas you plan to visit. Pack accordingly, including sunscreen, sunglasses, swimmers and a hat to protect your face from the sun. Australia is in general is an outdoorsy destination, so pack accordingly. The UV is very high across the continent, even during winter, so always be sun protected.
Currency and payment methods
The official currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash for remote areas.
Transportation
Domestic flights are common for covering large distances between cities. Public transportation, such as trains and buses are reliable in urban areas. Renting a car is a great option for exploring remote regions like the Outback. Flying domestically is very easy too with a lot of the regional areas having small airports that are service by regional and larger airlines.
Accommodation
Australia offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
See here to review and compare accomodation prices
Health and Safety
Australia has high health and safety standards. No vaccinations are required unless you're arriving from a yellow fever zone. Stay hydrated, especially in warmer regions.
Wildlife
Respect Australia's unique wildlife. Be cautious of animals like snakes and spiders in certain regions. Visit wildlife sanctuaries and national parks to see native animals like kangaroos, koalas, and platypuses. We promise it isn't as scary as the media makes out. Seeing snakes and dangerous spiders in the wild, especially in areas like Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane is extremely rare.
Cultural Etiquette
Australians are generally friendly and laid-back. Respect local customs and be open to the friendly Aussie way of life. Tipping is not as common as in some other countries, but it is appreciated for exceptional service, especially post lock down periods.
Must-Visit Destinations
Explore the vibrant cities of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Experience the unique landscapes of the Outback, the Great Barrier Reef, and the rugged beauty of the Blue Mountains. Discover the cultural richness of cities like Adelaide and Perth.
See here for our deep dive into some of Australia's most visited destinations.
Activities
Engage in water sports along the coast, such as surfing or snorkeling. Hike in national parks like Kakadu or the Grampians. Attend events and festivals to experience Australia's lively arts and cultural scene.
See here for a list of activities and tours available in Australia
Practical information
Time Zones: Australia spans multiple time zones. Be aware of the time difference when planning flights and activities.
Internet connection: Australia has reliable internet and mobile phone coverage in most areas. Purchase a local SIM card for cost-effective communication.
Paying for transport: Each state has different requirements for tapping on and off transport. For example, in Sydney you can use your credit or debit card. In Melbourne you must have a specific Myki card. Check your destination.
5 fun facts about Australia
Australia is a continent and a country
Canberra is the capital
The great barrier reef in Australia is the biggest reef system in the world
Indigenous Australians have lived on the continent for over 65000 years
Kangaroos only exist in Australia
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