Australia is one of the most wonderful places you will have ever visited, and if you’re a first timer, good preparation is just as important as actually getting there, no matter where your starting point is! This country is so huge and overwhelming, that you’d need at least a year worth of travel to see it all. That’s why you need to develop a plan that suits your needs and wallet perfectly. Of course, bear in mind Oz is a remote land and you might end up surprised more than once… if you fail to read our tips for first-time travellers to Australia!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
While this should be something you do almost automatically, many travellers brush away the necessity of a travel insurance. But Australia is a place where you’re likely to try out some extreme sports, so better be safe than sorry. And even if it’s not your cup of tea, being protected on your travel is an irreplaceable peace of mind. After all, you’ve probably heard about the dangerous Aussie spiders you don’t want to cross your path with. Purchase the right travel insurance and only then forget about it!
Be Prepared for the Weather
Many people get to the Land Down Under and are surprised by the weather. A common misconception about the weather in Australia is that because it is in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are reversed from the northern hemisphere. This rings true in the south, but not in the north, that belongs to the equatorial climate. But even Sydney can offer incredibly mild winter days where you’ll see people soaking up the sun on one of the city beaches. The sun in Australia is harsh, and summers can be very hot. Bear in mind to have a sunscreen handy at all times, even if you’re visiting in the wintertime. Also, be aware that it’s very hot and humid up north in The Top End all year round, while it can snow in New South Wales, Victoria, and parts of Tasmania.
Know How to Cover the Distances
Australia is huge and you cannot see everything in two or three weeks. Do your research, find out what you want to see and what your priorities are, and then travel accordingly. For major distances, it’s better to fly than to drive, because overall costs will be lower. Plus, you don’t want to spend your whole vacation in transit – and that can happen easily, given how vast and big the country is.
Choose Good Accommodation
If you’re about and about throughout the day, especially if you change places and move around a lot, you’ll need a nice and quiet sanctuary to rest and gain back some energy before you continue exploring in the morning! Attracting a lot of tourists, Australia can cater to a wide range of travellers, be it those on a budget in hostels or those with deep pockets in fancy 5-star hotels. But an option that can be perfect for anybody who values their own privacy and the comfort of a home is an apartment rental. You can find a wide range of short-term rentals in Sydney that will be perfect for your days in the city. It might even prompt you to consider moving down under!
Get a Travel Adapter
Plug sockets in Australia differ from those in Europe, Britain and America. Australia and New Zealand have their own plug sockets, with two flat metal pins forming an inverted V shape, occasionally with a third pin in the centre. The current in Australia is 220-240 volts, AC 50 Hz. So unless you’ve been to New Zealand (which has the same plugs), you’ll need to get an adapter for all your devices – or just your cell phone charger. You can get this at the airport or in any of the appliance stores.
Learn to be OK with Being Offline
Ah, the Internet. In Oz, it’s slow and expensive, making the whole experience a bit painful for those who are self-proclaimed Internet addicts. (Though, aren’t we all?) Wi-Fi will be available in hotels, restaurants and some cafes, and even some public places, but the connection might be worse than you’re used to. Of course, the situation is better in the urban areas than somewhere remote. If you feel that you cannot rely on free Wi-Fi, maybe buy a Telstra Pay As You Go Sim card. This network has the best coverage across the country, so it’s a safe bet.
Bring Your Own
BYO is a concept quite unique to Australia and New Zealand, and yes, it means exactly what it stands for. A lot of restaurants offer the option of bringing your own drinks for a small commission. (They also call it “corkage”, or money you need to pay to have the bottle opened.) Fancy expensive restaurants don’t have this policy, but otherwise, it’s pretty prevalent throughout the country. Drinking out is expensive in general; you can save money by buying some booze in a liquor shop or a supermarket – you can get beer there – and taking it where you’ll be dining!
Don’t Tip (Unless You Really Want to)
Tipping is not a common practice in Australia, and you generally don’t need to do it in restaurant, bars or taxis, nor do you have to add a tip to a hairdresser or hotel staff. If you’re delighted with an excellent service, you can do it, of course, but no one expects it. The minimum wage in Australia is one of the highest in the world – think more than $18 an hour – so no one is relying on tips to make a living. They already earn enough.
If You Love Shopping, This Might Be a Good Place
It’s not cheap, but there’s another reason why you might want to buy electronics or high-quality clothes and accessories. Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10%. If you have spent $300 or more with a single business, you may be able to claim a refund for the GST. So if you’re eyeing a new phone or a laptop, it might be worth getting one there. You can get your refund in the facilities located in the departure area of international terminals.
And now you have it – tips and tricks on how to navigate the gorgeous Land Down Under! Of course, what you will end up seeing depends on your personality, habits and preferences, the time you have and your budget. But whatever you opt for, if you follow our tips, you’re bound to have a great trip. Enjoy!
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