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Are you planning a vacation to Australia? Do you have the requisite information before visiting the place? It would be worth mentioning here that your visit to the region down under would be fun and memorable if you had done your homework before boarding the flight.
However, do not fret; find the essential travel tips for visiting Australia below.
Apply For Your Visa in Advance
Most people tend to forget about applying for a visa to Australia. It would not be wrong to suggest that planning a trip to Australia requires an appropriate visa for Australia.
Therefore, consider applying for an eVisitor visa for Australia to reduce the hassle. You do not want to cancel your travel plans before getting on board.
Your visa type will depend on your plans to visit the country. Your length of stay would also be vital for determining your visa.
Planning a longer vacation
Australia is vast. You would need more than a week to explore the country’s mesmerizing beauty. Therefore, when it comes to visiting the country, consider extending your stay for at least three weeks (like I did when I visited Melbourne for the Australian Open Tennis Tournament and stayed one month also to explore the area).
A vacation of around 3-4 weeks should be adequate to visit Australia’s wide range of sights. You may not get to all the marvelous destinations offering scenic tourist attractions.
I advise concentrating on a specific area and taking a few day trips or a multi-day trip.
When I visited the state of Victoria after the tennis tournament was over, I went to Adelaide to try and see sharks while in a cage (exciting experience, but it’s not 100% sure you will see them), then I took a 3 days road trip to the Great Ocean Road, including a helicopter ride and visited Phillip Island to see the penguins 🙂
I spent the rest of the time visiting the beautiful and vibrant city of Melbourne, the wildlife parks, and more. You can do so many things in Australia that your head will spin!
Pack prudently & Wisely
When you consider packing for your vacation down under, be aware of the nation’s weather. Depending on where you come from, if you are from the northern hemisphere (Europe(US/UK, and such), remember that the seasons there are …down under, literally! 🙂
So, if you visit in December / January, be ready for scorching hot temperatures! In any case, never forget to bring something warm because, sometimes, the difference between day and night in certain areas can be massive.
Sunblock is Necessary (Always!)
Do you love the beaches? In Australia, you will come across the world’s finest and most pristine ones. The country is great for the sun and the sand lovers.
If you want to practice water sports, surfing, and outdoor adventures, rest assured Australia is the place to be. Therefore, carry your hats, sun-block lotions, and safe swimwear on the beach.
The geographical location of Australia makes it a very dangerous place to be exposed to UV rays, so please be careful!
Do not drop your guard even on cloudy days. Be prepared to see your skin getting darker by the end of your vacation, as you will be exposed to bright sunlight almost constantly, and despite the sunscreen, you might still get a tan. Stay hydrated to avoid heat strokes.
Observe safety while swimming.
The world-famous coastlines of Australia offer shimmering, white, and sandy beaches to its visitors. Therefore, it would give you many choices to embrace your love for the ocean.
However, always aim to be safe and follow the indications of the flags, and DO NOT swim when they are red and yellow.
It is also worth mentioning that surfing conditions and rip currents are unpredictable. Therefore, adhering to the safety signs is in your best interest.
Regarding wild marine life, please be also aware (if you aren’t already) that there might be very dangerous animals in Australia, like white sharks, deadly jellyfish, and other “nice” creatures.
They are in their natural habitat of course so we are the intruders and can be easily attacked. Do your research beforehand to see if that specific area is dangerous or not.
More Tips About Australian Culture
Unlike most other nations, tipping is not customary in Australia. However, if you appreciate the service, consider tipping the person serving your meals.
It would not be regarded as rude in Australia if you do not. You could always return a smile for their service.
If you find a tip jar near the cash counter in a restaurant or a café, consider dropping a few coins if you feel like it.
- Stick to your budget.
Undoubtedly, a vacation in Australia could burn a significant hole in your pocket quicker than you realize. Therefore, when it comes to saving a few bucks on accommodations, eating out, and taxi rides, consider researching all the possible alternatives before they affect your budget.
- Respect the native culture.
Although the culture and identity of the country’s Aboriginals have been challenged since the European settlers arrived, you should acknowledge their customs. Consider restricting yourself to the designated tracks, respecting the atmosphere, and not intruding while visiting the Aboriginal land in Australia.
- Learning the language
Regarding the language and slang in Australia, rest assured that the natives have a unique vocabulary and (in my opinion) a very cheerful and peculiar accent. Therefore, learning a few essential terms before visiting would be in your best interest.
The Aussie slang is quite different from the usual slang used in other parts of the world. Consider learning a few sentences to converse and have a few laughs with the Australians.
Be realistic in your hopes of seeing wildlife
Be realistic in your hopes of seeing koalas and kangaroos roaming around the streets.
It would be pertinent to mention here that the continuous development of various cities has shifted the wildlife inland. Therefore, visiting a wildlife park is your best bet to see Australian wildlife.
Although I was lucky with Kangaroos (I saw them everywhere on the Great Ocean Road Trip) with the Koalas, I had to go to 2 wildlife parks in Victoria (the region where Melbourne is located). I couldn’t hold one because the temperatures wouldn’t allow it, and the animal would get stressed.
To sum it up
These tips will ensure a great time and a memorable trip to Australia. Have fun, mate! 🙂