Want to travel to Australia? Even though Australia is full of beauty, there are certain things you need to know before traveling to the country.
However, there are a few things you should know about Australia before coming. These will help you prepare for the harsh climate and culture of Down Under!
Things to know before going to Australia
1. There is no “right” time to visit Australia
Australia is nearly as large as the United States, with everything from lush jungles to the alpine Alps. The weather changes greatly depending on where you are in the nation and what time of year. The Northern Territory’s Top End is hot all year, with just two distinct seasons (the “wet” and “dry” seasons).
2. Sydney is not the Capital of Australia
People often mistake Australia capital city to be Sydney because of how well known it is. Well, the capital of Australia is Canberra.
Australia became an independent nation in 1901, and Melbourne was first designated as the country’s national capital; however, in 1927, it was determined that Canberra would become Australia’s national city, and it has remained thus since.
3. Australians are very friendly and talkative.
Aussies (as they identify themselves) are a kind and optimistic culture. Expect to have many spontaneous discussions with people in shops, pubs, and on the streets. Australians like traveling, and they welcome guests.
4. Common Languages Spoken In Australia
The common language spoken in Australia is English, but the accent and vocabulary are different. According to the most recent data, Australia speaks over 200 languages in addition to English, with Mandarin being the most widely spoken non-English language.
Coming from China, Australian pricing was rather startling. In major cities, an 8-bed dorm room can cost over $40, a single drink can cost up to $15, and dinners out can cost up to $50. It’s difficult to visit major cities such as Sydney or Melbourne on a limited budget.
They consume kangaroo meat!? YES. This may surprise, or even disturb, some people, but eating kangaroo meat is very common in Australia. Kangaroo meat can be found in almost every supermarket, alongside beef and chicken.
Be prepared to converse with strangers on the train. Australians are sociable and like a good conversation. Someone could strike up a conversation with you on the subway or even stop you on the street for a short “chinwag.”
Australians are also renowned for their courtesy and manners. They’ll hold doors open, and if you get in their way, they’ll move aside. As a visitor, you should be aware of your surroundings and return the favor by holding a door or an elevator—it’s a small gesture that means a lot.
6. Alcoholic beverages in Australia.
A “Bottle-O” is an Australian term for any store that sells alcohol. Consuming beer has always been a part of traditional Australian culture. A regular 6-pack of beer will cost roughly $15, whereas foreign beer will cost $20 or more.
The word “goon wine” refers to a 5-liter packet of wine wrapped in a box with a tap attached. The legal drinking age is 18, so if you order any alcoholic beverages, you will be asked for proof of age. Anyone found drinking under the legal age will be fined in penalty units.
7. Traveling Around Australia is a Never-ending Story
The most convenient way to travel in Australia is by plane, which allows you to cover great distances in a short amount of time, but plane tickets may be expensive.
There are alternative methods to travel across Australia; for example, taking a bus is pleasant and comes with a variety of conveniences, like air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, to name a few.
Greyhound is Australia’s national bus operator. If traveling by bus is not your thing, there are vehicle rental firms that may help. Getting about by train is the most convenient and cost-effective method to ensure that you enjoy every second of your trip; there are several rail routes that go through cities and provide spectacular experiences.
8. Weather in Australia: Summer is in winter.
The weather in each of Australia’s eight states varies. Summer lasts from December to February, making these the ideal months to visit Australia if you want to experience the wonderful warm-weather activities on offer. The sun’s rays are quite powerful; therefore, always carry protective sunscreen with you. It will be winter from June to August, with snow falling regularly in the state of Victoria, so if skiing is something you like, these months are ideal for a trip to Australia.
Temperatures range from a high of 36 degrees to a low of 9 degrees, depending on the state you choose to visit.
9. Australia has the oldest continuous living civilization in the world.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up Australia’s Indigenous population. This population is not a single entity but rather a diverse patchwork of hundreds of unique groups or “nations,” each with its own language, history, and cultural traditions. That means not every tribe plays the didgeridoo or throws a boomerang.
During your tour, you’ll be able to discover more about traditional landowners at Aboriginal museums and art galleries around the nation.
If you know a few strategies, it’s quite easy to live inexpensively. However, it is feasible to travel across Australia on a budget. Wikicamps is an excellent program for locating free campgrounds, which are abundant in Australia. Camping is quite practical in this nation due to the mainly warm climate and little rain.
Supermarket food can be cheaper or more expensive than European prices, but many ‘budget-friendly’ meals can be prepared. Coles and Woolworths are Australia’s major chains, and more Aldi stores are opening up. If you intend to remortgage your home, only buy groceries from IGAs.
The famed goon costs $7 to $12 for 3-5 liters of boxed wine. It’s disgusting, but it may be blended with lemonade or Coke to improve the flavor and still function as a drink. Bottled wine can be bought for as little as $5, too.
Many attractions in Australia are also free, such as national parks on the East Coast, art galleries, and towns with natural and manmade wonders.
If you know what you’re doing, you can save money in Australia.
10. Road tripping in Australia is the finest way to see the nation
So, how do you view all this nature? On a road trip, of course! Road trips in Australia are a fun, distinctive, and cost-effective way to explore the nation. The distances are long, but there are always hidden jewels to discover along the way. You can rent or buy a vehicle or van.
As previously said, you may take advantage of Wikicamps for free lodging, pack your car with tins, and drive along countless country roads and seaside trails for an amazing trip.
If you plan to travel for more than two months, I recommend purchasing your vehicle and selling it later. If you decide to buy a car and want to be covered, ROLLiN’s comprehensive auto insurance is an excellent choice. Check out Turo’s blog for the most recent Australia road trip insights for 2024, which include important ideas and advice to make your travel even more memorable.
Australia is one of the most secure countries where you may have a safe vacation experience; however, there are a few things you should know. It is recommended that you purchase travel insurance that covers theft, accidents, and medical emergencies, and keep those details with you at all times. Medicare is Australia’s public healthcare system.
You can be confident that Australian hospitals have top-tier medical facilities. The Australian government has Health Care Agreements with several nations that provide tourists with discounted health services; nonetheless, it is always a good idea to check with your travel insurance to see what you are insured for when visiting Australia.
Crime is extremely minimal in Australia; however, it is highly recommended that you take the same care with your belongings as you would in your own country.
What do I need to know before I travel to Australia?
To enter Australia,
You must have a valid passport
A visa or approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).
What do I need to declare when travelling to Australia?
To avoid penalties, you must first determine what you can and cannot bring into Australia. Many goods must be declared on your Incoming Passenger Arrival Card when you arrive in Australia, including all food, plant material, and animal products. Firearms, weapons, and ammunition.
How much money do you need to enter Australia?
The required bank balance varies according to the duration of your stay, dependents, and purpose. Typically, you will require AUD $5,000-$10,000 to cover travel expenditures, daily living costs (AUD $100-$150 each day), and optional emergency savings.
What do I need if I go to Australia?
If you are coming to Australia as a tourist, you will only need your passport (with your Tourist Visa attached) and your incoming passenger card, which must be correctly and honestly filled out and signed.
