Australia offers a range of experiences that are hard to find anywhere else, especially in other western societies. The land down under, is a vast continent full of sandy beaches, incredible landscapes, and vibrant cities. One of the things that makes Australia stand out as a holiday destination is its fantastic sunny weather, which the continent gets for majority of the year – Up to 133 days of sun annually.
The sunny weather can possibly be attributed for the laid back attitude that Australian’s have towards life. That being said the Aussie’s love to have a good time; from music festivals and sports events to art exhibitions, food and wine festivals, there’s always something happening in Australia. So if you are seriously considering a visit down under, I am here to give you a few tips based on my travels there.
Tip #1 – Be mentally prepared for the long journey…There is a reason why Australia is known as ‘down under’, it literally is – down under the rest of the world. And thanks to its location, there are no direct flights from many parts of the world, so majority of flights will have a layover. If planned right this can pose an opportunity to visit another country on your way there, you could book for a longer layover time between flights and spend a day exploring another country. SO effectively having two trips in one!
Tip #2 – Visa & Customs…If you’ve ever watched the Border Security TV show, you’ll know that Australia’s take their entry requirements very seriously. So, make sure you’re well-prepared to ensure a smooth entry into the country. All foreign citizens traveling to Australia require a visa or visa waiver issued by the Australian Government. The eVisitor 651 Visa is FREE and allows you to visit Australia as often as you wish in a 12-month period. Stay up to 3 months each time you enter Australia. Australia has strict customs and border regulations, for a comprehensive list of items you can and can’t bring into the country, you can refer to the Australian Border Force website.
Tip #3 – Choosing a City to Visit…Australian cities each has its own unique appeal. Here are some details about the popularity and appeal of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane.
Perth offers a relaxed lifestyle with beaches & a growing cultural scene
- Sydney is arguably the most famous city in Australia, thanks largely in part to the Opera House. I can tell you from first hand experience that the city is much more than that. It is really beautiful and scenic in the heart of the city and has a lot of cafe’s, restaurants, outdoor activities, museums, night life, shopping & beaches.
- Melbourne is close behind Sydney in terms of popularity, it may not have the sunny days like Sydney or the nearby beaches but its people are super diverse, the city has a lot of cultural heritage and events. A really good art scene, world star coffee and food.
- Perth is the Capital of Western Australia, it is known to be quiet isolated, but it still has its attractions, from beaches, nature & a relaxed lifestyle. It has been nicknamed the ‘sunniest’ capital city in Australia. It is the only city in Australia that has a straight flight to London, United Kingdom, flying over 9,000miles in just 17.5hrs
- Brisbane is the liveliest of the cities, with an large art sector, thriving live music & events scene. There is a lot of things to see and do in Brisbane, from outdoor adventures to alfresco dinning and world-class culture and events. The city is hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Tip #4 – Be Mindful of the Seasons…Australia’s seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. This means when it’s summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s winter in Australia, and vice versa. This particular fact, blew my mind; the seasons are as follows:
- Summer Months: December to February
- Autumn Months: March to May
- Winter Months: June to August
- Spring Months: September to November
It’s important to consider what kind of weather you prefer and plan accordingly, being aware of the seasons will help you make the most of your Australian adventure.
Tip #5 – Health & Safety…Depending on the time of the year that you chose to visit, the high sunshine hours in the summer can pose a serious health risk. When outdoors, use effective sunscreen and sun protection. I highly recommend travelling with a sun hat, loose fitted clothing & dark tinned sunglasses. During peak sun hours it is imperative to stay hydrated and seek shade regularly. Australia’s beaches and waterways are a major draw for tourists but be aware of the risks associated with water activities. Always swim between the flags at patrolled beaches, as its beaches are famous for shark attacks.
It’s recommended to have travel insurance that covers health care and emergency services. Make sure your insurance covers any activities you plan to do, such as diving or hiking. In general Australia is a safe country to visit, if you are travelling alone, travelling as a person of colour or with children. Its major cities such as Sydney & Melbourne are very safe for tourists.
I hope these tips help you plan an unforgettable trip to Australia. If you want to see more of my adventures in Australia, check my travel highlights on Instagram. You can also read about my time living in Sydney by clicking the link below.
Safe travels and enjoy your Australian adventure!
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