Australia Travel Guide: Visas, Seasons, Distances and Costs

This Australia travel guide covers the practical side of a trip: which visa or ETA you need, when to visit each region, how big the distances really are, how to get around and what to expect with money and safety. It is written for first-time visitors who already know roughly where they want to go and now need the trip to work.

Australia is a continent-sized country of about 7.7 million square kilometers, with a population concentrated in a handful of coastal cities. Getting the basics right, from entry permission to the season in each region, makes the difference between a smooth trip and one spent in airport queues and bad weather.

Australia Visa and ETA Requirements

Everyone except Australian and New Zealand citizens needs a visa or electronic authority before boarding a flight to Australia. For tourism, most visitors use one of three options. Always check the current rules with the Department of Home Affairs before you book, because eligibility depends on your passport.

Apply only through the official app or website; third-party sites may charge extra fees for the same permission. Your passport should be valid for the whole stay.

Biosecurity and customs on arrival

Australia has strict biosecurity rules to protect its agriculture and wildlife. You must declare certain food, plant material and animal products on arrival, including many items you might carry as snacks. If you are unsure, declare it: undeclared goods can lead to fines, while declared items are simply inspected. The Department of Agriculture lists what you can and cannot bring.

Best Time to Visit Australia by Region

Seasons in Australia are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere: summer runs from December to February and winter from June to August. The south has four seasons, while the tropical north has a wet season from November to April and a dry season from May to October, as Tourism Australia explains.

If you want help choosing a region to match your month, our guide to the best holiday destinations in Australia by travel style and season goes into more detail.

Distances and Time Zones

Distances are the biggest planning trap. Tourism Australia gives these typical flight times and road distances:

Mainland Australia uses three standard time zones: Eastern (Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT), Central (South Australia and the Northern Territory) and Western (Western Australia). Tasmania follows Eastern time. Some states use daylight saving time in summer and others, including Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, do not, so time differences change during the year.

Getting Around Australia

Domestic flights

Flying is the standard way to cover long distances. Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar connect the capital cities and major tourist hubs such as Cairns and Ayers Rock, and regional airlines serve smaller towns. Check baggage allowances, since budget fares often exclude checked bags.

Long-distance trains and ferries

Australia’s great train journeys are experiences rather than transport: the Indian Pacific crosses the continent between Sydney and Perth via Adelaide, and the Ghan runs between Adelaide and Darwin through Alice Springs. The Spirit of Tasmania ferry links Geelong in Victoria with Devonport in Tasmania and carries cars. Tourism Australia’s getting around guide lists the main routes.

Driving and car hire

A car is the best way to explore regions such as the Great Ocean Road, Tasmania or southwest Western Australia. Keep these rules in mind:

• Australians drive on the left.
• If your license is not in English, carry an International Driving Permit together with your home license.
• Avoid driving at dawn, dusk and night in rural areas, when kangaroos and other animals are most active.
• Fill up whenever you can on remote highways; roadhouses can be hundreds of kilometers apart.
• Check whether your rental agreement allows unsealed roads before heading off the bitumen.

Money and Costs in Australia

The currency is the Australian dollar (AUD). Cards, including contactless payments, are accepted almost everywhere, and some businesses add a small surcharge for card payments. Prices displayed in shops and restaurants already include the 10 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST).

• Accommodation is usually the largest cost, and prices rise sharply during school holidays and major events. Book early for Uluru, the Whitsundays and summer beach towns.
• Eating out ranges from affordable cafés and food courts to fine dining; see our guide to Australia’s finest restaurants for splurge options.
• Tipping is not expected, because service staff are paid a minimum wage, but rounding up or leaving around 10 percent for excellent restaurant service is appreciated.
• Park fees: several national parks, including Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Kakadu, require a park pass, and some states charge vehicle entry fees.
• Tourist Refund Scheme: you may claim back GST on goods bought within 60 days of departure if you spend at least AUD 300 with one business, and present the goods and tax invoice when you leave.

Health and Safety Tips

Australia is a safe destination, but its nature needs respect. Most problems visitors have come from the sun, the sea and the distances.

• Use strong sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, even on cloudy days; UV levels are high.
• Swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags, which mark the area watched by lifesavers.
• In the tropics, wear a stinger suit in the warmer months and obey crocodile warning signs.
• Carry plenty of water in the outback and tell someone your plans before remote walks or drives.
• In summer, check bushfire warnings for the areas you plan to visit.
• The emergency number for police, fire and ambulance is 000.
• Buy travel insurance that covers medical care; Australia has reciprocal health arrangements with only some countries.

Where to Start Planning Your Route

Once the practical side is clear, choose your route. Our first-trip bucket list and itinerary turns the classic highlights into two- and three-week plans, our roundup of Australia’s natural wonders covers Uluru, Kakadu and the reef, and our guide to Queensland beyond the Gold Coast helps if the tropics are your focus.

Australia Travel FAQ