G’day! Here’s some helpful information about your ultimate Australian holiday

With the exception of Australian and New Zealand passport holders, all international visitors need a visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia. It's essential to apply for the visa before arriving in the country. The type of visa required depends on the length and purpose of your visit.

Most passport holders can apply for a short stay (up to 3 months) holiday visa or ETA online HERE

For entry into and exit from Australia, all visitors must have a passport valid up to 6 months after your departure date from Australia.

To help safeguard Australia’s unique environment, there are customs regulations and prohibitions on certain items such as foods, plants, animal products, weapons, and drugs. It is recommended to review www.abf.gov.au for more details before attempting to bring any of these items into Australia.

No specific health certificates or vaccinations are required to enter Australia, unless travellers are coming from, or have recently been to, a country with yellow fever cases within six days before arriving in Australia.

Australia's geographical isolation, strict quarantine laws and excellent healthcare contribute to its status as a healthy travel destination.

For medical needs, citizens of certain countries (such as the UK, Ireland, NZ, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Finland) can access subsidised health services for necessary treatment under the Medicare reciprocal healthcare agreement. Further information is available at www.humanservices.gov.au.

Food hygiene standards and water quality are high, making it generally safe to eat and drink tap water.

If bringing personal medication into Australia, carrying the prescribing doctor's prescription or a letter detailing the medicines is advised. Any additional prescribed medication required while in Australia must be prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Special precautions:

Use high SPF sunscreen, wear a hat, sunglasses, and limit sun exposure during midday.

Abide by safety signs and swimming restrictions.

Only swim between the red & yellow flags at patrolled surf beaches.

Insect repellent is advisable, especially for those visiting tropical areas of Australia.

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.

Please ensure your luggage is clearly named with your contact details.

Luggage limits often vary between airlines, classes of travel and due to other factors such as airline memberships. The standard economy class luggage limit on Qantas, Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand domestic flights is one piece of checked baggage - 23kg (50 lbs) plus 7kg (15 lbs) for a small cabin bag. Please note that Jetstar and some smaller regional airlines often have reduced luggage limits.

For all international flight passengers, including those transiting in Australia and those on domestic legs of international flights within the country, there are specific hand luggage restrictions.

Liquid, aerosol, or gel items (including toiletries) should be in containers of 100 mls or less (approximately 100 grams). These containers must be placed in a single transparent, resealable plastic bag, not exceeding 20cm x 20cm or 15cm x 25cm. Containers larger than 100 mls, even if partly filled, won't be permitted through security screening.

Prescription and non-prescription medicines, medical items, and baby products are exceptions to the 100 ml limit. However, they must be presented separately during airport security screening, accompanied by relevant documents (like prescriptions or medical certificates matching the passenger's name on the boarding pass). Their allowance is subject to the security officer's discretion.

Prohibited items for hand luggage encompass weapons, explosives, flammable substances, corrosive materials, and items with sharp edges or points that could cause harm. Any banned items or excessive liquids, aerosols, or gels will be confiscated during security checks at the airport.

Valuables such as laptops, cell phones, and cameras are permitted as cabin luggage but will undergo security screening procedures.

Australia is home to huge variety of spectacular land and marine wildlife.

Most is completely harmless and a joy to witness however some snakes, spiders & marine stingers are venomous and potentially dangerous.

Simply avoid using common sense & caution in natural environments.

Exercise care when swimming in tropical waters (north of Bundaberg in Queensland, Broome in Western Australia, and all of the Northern Territory), especially during "stinger season" (end of October to early May).

The beaches and waters of tropical northern Australia are both spectacular and inviting however some marine stingers are potentially very dangerous such as the 'Box Jellyfish' and 'Irukandji Jellyfish'. While these creatures aren't a major threat, it's crucial to be cautious and minimise risks.

Safety measures include:

Using stinger-resistant netted enclosures in patrolled beach areas.

Following beach safety signs.

Wearing a Lycra body suit or wetsuit when swimming in unprotected waters (often provided by tour operators).

If stung, cleanse the sting area with household vinegar (usually available on affected beaches) and seek medical assistance.

For more details, visit www.marinestingers.com.au.

Australia is famous for its blue skies and sunshine. The country can be divided into two main climate zones.

In the tropical north (Far North Queensland, Top End, Kimberley), there are two seasons. The 'wet' season from November to April has heavy rainfall, especially in January-March. It's 24-33°C (75-91°F) with high humidity.

The 'dry' season (May to October) is clear and sunny, averaging 16-26°C (61-79°F), making it a comfortable time for tropical exploration.

Southern states have a temperate Mediterranean climate. Summers are warm, winters cool, without extreme temperatures. As you move south, the four seasons become more distinct. The southernmost areas and highlands can experience frost and snow in winter.

Any time is good to visit due to Australia's diverse geography and climate. Enjoy beach summers in Sydney, clear skies in Kakadu during winter, spring flowers in Western Australia or autumn colours around Canberra.

December and January is prime for the Aussie summer celebration and a popular time for local travel, especially along the east coast.

Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are ideal for exploring both northern and southern parts.

For further information, please click HERE.

In tropical areas, lightweight and casual clothing works year-round. In temperate regions down south, layers are best for varying temperatures. Smart casual is most common. Pack warm clothes if you visit southern states from May to September.

Essentials to pack: comfortable shoes, swimsuit, hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen, a cardigan or jumper (evenings can be cool), and your camera.

Remember, some regional flights (like Cairns to Lizard Island) may have luggage restrictions. Bring a small bag for this part of your trip. Usually, you can store extra luggage at the departing regional airports.

Annual national public holiday observed are as follows;

New Year’s Day: 1st January

Australia Day: 26th January

Easter: Good Friday and Easter Monday

ANZAC Day: 25th April

Queen’s Birthday (except WA): Second Monday in June

Christmas and Boxing Day: 25th and 26th December

Please note that if these holidays fall on a weekend, they are usually observed on the following Monday.

The states and territories also have their own additional public holidays.

In Australia, the electrical current is 230–240 volts (AC 50Hz). The power outlets are different to Europe and the USA so visitors should have an adaptor for their electrical devices if required.

Most major hotels provide hair dryers and have universal outlets for shavers at 240v or 110v.