Traveling to Australia brings with it the promise of exciting adventures and breath-taking landscapes. Filled with interesting wildlife and amazing experiences, Australia offers an abundance of things to see and do. As such, it is important to understand a bit about what to expect so that you can easily enjoy all this great country has to offer while also staying safe, free, and comfortable.
- Visa required
In addition to a valid passport, you will need to obtain a visa to travel to Australia. Furthermore, as there are several types available, it is important to choose the right visa to meet your travel needs.
One of the most common types is the tourism visa. Obtaining a tourism visa online typically takes just a few days. However, as the paperwork can be confusing, you might want to consider enlisting the help of a migration agent. A migration agent can help you choose the right visa for your needs as well as fill out the paperwork and compile the required supporting documentation. To take advantage of this type of invaluable help, you can simply conduct an online search for “migration agent Melbourne” to receive assistance with this process.
- Tipping
Individuals working in the service industry in Australia enjoy a livable minimum wage. As such, they do not rely on tips to make ends meet. Therefore, tipping is not mandatory. That said, tips are always welcome and very much appreciated. In fact, many bars and restaurants have tip jars, and the standard tip ranges between 10 and 15 percent.
- Deceptively large country
Larger than all of the European countries combined, Australia covers just under 3,000,000 square miles. As such, you should do your research and plan exactly what you would like to see and do. Because there are attractions inland as well as along the coast, it is important to keep in mind where each activity or destination is located. If you do not synchronize your activities with a map, your vacation might end up being spread out across this sprawling continent.
- Wildlife
Although Australia is known for kangaroos and koalas, you might actually miss out on viewing these unique animals if you remain in highly populated areas. Fortunately, Australia is replete with national parks and reserves that provide ample opportunities to enjoy these beautiful animals. For instance, Kangaroo Island is chock full of kangaroos as well as koalas, seals, and cockatoos.
If your travels take you to North Queensland, you should be sure to visit the Atherton Tablelands. Once there, you are sure to enjoy the wallabies and platypuses as well as a large variety of birds and reptiles.
Other must-visit areas include the following locations.
– Great Barrier Reef: 400 species of coral, 1,500 varieties of fish, 900 islands
– Daintree Rainforest in Queensland: crocodiles
– Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
- Weather
Australia’s weather can vary quite drastically across different regions. For instance, although known for its harsh summers, New South Wales, Tasmania, and Victoria have distinct snowy seasons.
That said, probably the most important thing to keep in mind regarding the weather is the effects that the sometimes harsh and unrelenting sun can have on your well-being. For instance, dehydration can occur rather quickly if you do not make it a priority to remain hydrated. Additionally, a serious sunburn is a guarantee unless you apply sunscreen regularly–even when it is cloudy.
- Quarantine
It is important to understand Australia’s quarantine laws if you are planning on bringing food, plants, or animal products into the country. Additionally, it is important to understand that each territory or state maintains its own quarantine laws. Familiarizing yourself with Australia’s quarantine laws can help reduce the chance of receiving a hefty fine.
- Budget
As beautiful and awe-inspiring as Australia is, it is also very expensive to visit. For instance, it is recommended that you budget a minimum of $100 to $200 USD each day for activities, food, and lodging. You will also need to consider transportation expenses, which can vary significantly, depending on the type you choose.
However, there are a few ways to reduce your costs. For instance, you can cook your own food using the free public barbecues located in most of the parks. You can also visit the farmer’s markets to avoid the higher costs of grocery stores. If you enjoy imbibing, it is recommended that you bring your own alcohol when enjoying a night of eating out.
Autobiography
Eric Reyes is a passionate thought leader having been featured in 50 distinguished online and offline platforms. His passion and knowledge in Finance and Business made him a sought after contributor providing valuable insights to his readers. You can find him reading a book and discussing current events in his spare time.
