General Information and Advice

Security

Australia’s stable political system, well-maintained roads, low crime rate and high standard of health care make it a generally safe and relatively easy country to explore. However it’s important to be aware of potential environmental hazards, such as bushfires, rough surf and extreme desert heat. You’ll need to be thoroughly prepared for outback journeys and long bushwalks or hikes, and take sensible precautions in regards to sharks, crocodiles and poisonous animals. With the following common-sense tips, you can safely enjoy Australia’s unique landscapes – from the vast outback to wild ocean beaches and pristine wilderness tracts.

Visas and Passports

Visas are required for all travel to Australia. British citizens can obtain an eVisitor visa direct from the Department of Immigration & Citizenship. There is no visa application charge or service fee for this (please visit http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/evisitor/ for further details).

On this visa you can stay in Australia for up to three months on each visit within a 12 month period from the date of grant. Information on all other types of visa is available from the Department of Immigration & Citizenship, or from the Australian High Commission in London.

Health

Reciprocal medical arrangements exist between Australia and the UK. Under the reciprocal agreement British nationals may have unforeseen emergency medical treatment under the Australian Medicare scheme. You are entitled to the following for any ill-health or injury requiring treatment while in Australia; free treatment as a public in-patient or outpatient in a public hospital; subsidised medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme; Medicare benefits for out-of-hospital medical treatment provided by doctors through private surgeries and community health centres. For more details please consult http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/public/migrants/visitors/uk.jsp.

Prohibited items

No sharp objects, even penknives or nail scissors, must be taken into the plane cabin. All liquids may also be refused in cabin baggage, unless you can prove, with appropriate certification, that they are for essential use (please check your airline’s documentation for its specific policy on this).

Tourist Information

Tourism Australia has a very good website (http://www.australia.com) that gives plentiful information about things to do in Australia.

Weather and clothing information

Australia’s climate varies across the continent, from hot and tropical in the far north to cool and even snowy in the south. The seasons are the opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. Between December and February is summer for most of the country, and the wet season in the tropical north. The Australian winter from June to August is generally mild, but offers snow in the southern mountain regions and dry, sunny days in the northern states. Even June in southernmost Australia can be far more pleasant than June in the UK. We recommend that you take suitable clothing for all types of wether – it can be very warm during the day time and then be very cold at night. It is advisable to wear layers that you can add to and take off as neccessary.It’s important to protect yourself from the Australian sun with a hat, shirt and SPF30+ sunscreen, even on cloudy days. If spending the whole day outdoors, reapply sunscreen regularly. Stay out of the sun during the middle of the day when the sun is strongest. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Time zones

Australia has three time zones: Eastern Standard Time (EST) for the eastern states, Central Standard Time (CST) for the Northern Territory and South Australia and Western Standard Time (WST) for Western Australia. CST is half an hour behind EST and WST is two hours behind EST. EST is ten hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Bushfires

Australians live with the risk of bushfires. The danger period is from late spring to summer and during this time everyone should observe some simple safety precautions. Before setting out on a journey, inform yourself of bushfire risks through TV, radio and newspaper reports. When camping, use designated fireplaces and comply with road warning signs and total fire bans. If you must light a fire, always extinguish it completely with water.

Swimming between the flags

Australia’s beautiful beaches can hold hidden dangers in the form of strong currents called rips. Avoid them by always swimming between the red and yellow flags – they mark the safest place to swim on the beach. Lifesavers wearing red and yellow uniforms generally patrol beaches during the warmer months of October to April, but some of the most popular beaches are patrolled all year round. Never swim alone, at night, under the influence of alcohol or directly after a meal. Always check water depth before diving in and never run and dive into the water from the beach.

Sharks and crocodiles

Shark attacks in Australia are very rare, however may be fatal. Shark netting on Australian beaches deter sharks, but you can further reduce your risk by always swimming between the flags on patrolled beaches and not swimming at dusk or evening. Avoid swimming alone, a long way offshore, at river mouths or along drop-offs to deeper water. Crocodiles live in rivers and coastal estuaries across northern Australia, often changing habitat via sea. When travelling near crocodile habitats, observe safety signs and don’t swim in rivers, estuaries, tidal rivers, deep pools or mangrove shores. Also seek expert advice about crocodiles before camping, fishing or boating.

The poisonous animals – snakes, spiders, marine stingers

Marine stingers (jellyfish) are present in tropical waters from November to April and can be lethal. During this time you can only swim within stinger-resistant enclosures, which are set up on the most popular beaches. You will also need to wear protective clothing when swimming, snorkeling or diving on the outer Great Barrier Reef. Always observe warning signs. When bushwalking or hiking, you can avoid snake and spider bites by wearing protective footwear and using your common sense. If bitten, seek immediate medical attention. Deaths from snake bites are extremely rare and there have been few deaths from spider bites since anti venoms were made available in 1981.

Bushwalking or hiking in wilderness

When planning a bushwalk or hike, check the length and difficulty of the walk and consider using a local guide for long or challenging walks. If walking without a guide, tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. Wear protective footwear, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent and take wet weather gear, a topographic map and plenty of water. When walking, read maps and signs, stay on the track, behind safety barriers and away from cliff edges. Don’t feed or play with native animals, as you might get scratched or bitten. Plan walking in summer months carefully and avoid challenging hikes when the sun is too intense.

Money

Australia’s currency is Australian Dollars (AUD) and currency exchange is available at banks, hotels and international airports. The most commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, Bankcard, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa, JCB and their affiliates.

Goods and Services Tax

Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10 per cent. You may be able to claim a refund of the GST paid on goods bought here if you have spent AUD$300 or more in one store, no more than 30 days before departing Australia. Tourist Refund Scheme facilities are located in the departure area of international terminals.

Shopping

You’ll find large department stores, arcades, malls, gift and souvenir shops across Australia. Trading hours vary across the country but shops in tourist and city areas are generally open until 1800, with the exception of late night shopping on either Thursdays or Fridays in different states. In Australia you are covered by Australia's consumer protection laws which require businesses to treat you fairly.

Tipping

Hotels and restaurants do not add service charges to your bill. In up-market restaurants, it is usual to tip waiters up to ten per cent of the bill for good service. However, tipping is always your choice.

Smoking

To protect people from the effects of second-hand smoke, smoking in all hospitality venues, including bars, restaurants, cafés and casinos is prohibited in Australia. If you smoke, please remember to smoke outside.