travel report australia

Countries, economies and regions

Select a country, economy or region to find embassies, country briefs, economic fact sheets, trade agreements, aid programs, information on sanctions and more.

International relations

Global security.

• Australia and sanctions
• Australian Safeguards and Non-proliferation Office (ASNO)
• Counter-terrorism
• Non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control
• Peacekeeping and peacebuilding

Regional architecture

• Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
• Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
• East Asia Summit (EAS)
• Australia and the Indian Ocean region
• Pacific Islands regional organisations

Global themes

• Child protection
• Climate change
• Cyber affairs and critical technology
• Disability Equity and Rights
• Gender equality
• Human rights
• Indigenous peoples
• People Smuggling, Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery
• Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment
• Australia’s treaty-making process

International organisations

• The Commonwealth of Nations
• United Nations (UN)
• World Trade Organization

Foreign Arrangements Scheme  

Trade and investment, about free trade agreements (ftas).

• The benefits of FTAs
• How to get free trade agreement tariff cuts
• Look up FTA tariffs and services market access - DFAT FTA Portal
• Discussion paper on potential modernisation – DFAT FTA Portal

About foreign investment

• The benefits of foreign investment
• Investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS)
• Australia's bilateral investment treaties
• Australia's foreign investment policy

For Australian business

• Addressing non-tariff trade barriers

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai

Stakeholder engagement.

• Ministerial Council on Trade and Investment
• Trade 2040 Taskforce
• First Nations trade

Australia's free trade agreements (FTAs)

• ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand (AANZFTA)
• Chile (ACLFTA)
• China (ChAFTA)
• Hong Kong ( A-HKFTA & IA)
• India (AI-ECTA)
• Indonesia (IA-CEPA)
• Japan (JAEPA)
• Korea (KAFTA)
• Malaysia (MAFTA)
• New Zealand (ANZCERTA)
• Peru (PAFTA)
• Singapore (SAFTA)
• Thailand (TAFTA)
• United Kingdom (A-UKFTA)
• USA (AUSFTA)
• Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)
• European Union (A-EUFTA)
• India (AI-CECA)
• Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
• Australia-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

Trade and investment data, information and publications

• Fact sheets for countries and regions
• Australia's trade balance
• Trade statistics
• Foreign investment statistics
• Trade and investment publications
• Australia's Trade through Time

WTO, G20, OECD, APEC and IPEF and ITAG

Services and digital trade.

• Service trade policy
• Australia-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement
• Digital trade & the digital economy

Development

Australia’s development program, performance assessment.

• Development evaluation
• Budget and statistical information

Who we work with

• Multilateral organisations
• Non-government organisations (NGOs)
• List of Australian accredited non-government organisations (NGOs)

Development topics

• Development issues
• Development sectors

2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

• Sustainable Development Goals

Where we deliver our Development Program

Humanitarian action.

Where and how Australia provides emergency assistance.

People-to-people

Australia awards.

• Australia Awards Scholarships
• Australia Awards Fellowships

New Colombo Plan

• Scholarship program
• Mobility program

Public diplomacy

• Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program
• Australia now
• UK/Australia Season 2021-22

Foundations, councils and institutes

• Australia-ASEAN Council
• Australia-India Council
• Australia-Indonesia Institute
• Australia-Japan Foundation
• Australia-Korea Foundation
• Council for Australian-Arab Relations (CAAR)
• Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR)

International Labour Mobility

• Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme
• Agriculture Visa

Australian Volunteers Program

Supporting organisations in developing countries by matching them with skilled Australians. 

Sports diplomacy

Australia is a successful global leader and innovator in sport.

A global platform for achievement, innovation, collaboration, and cooperation

About Australia

Australia is a stable, democratic and culturally diverse nation with a highly skilled workforce and one of the strongest performing economies in the world.

Australia in Brief publication

This is the 52nd edition of Australia in Brief, revised and updated in February 2021

Travel advice

To help Australians avoid difficulties overseas, we maintain travel advisories for more than 170 destinations.

• Smartraveller – travel advice

International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate

Prove your COVID-19 vaccinations when you travel overseas.

• Services Australia

The Australian Passport Office and its agents are committed to providing a secure, efficient and responsive passport service for Australia.

• Australian Passport Office

24-hour consular emergency helpline

• Within Australia: 1300 555 135
• Outside Australia: +61 2 6261 3305
• Getting help overseas
• Visas for Australians travelling overseas
• Visas to visit Australia

24-hour emergency consular support

If you're an Australian citizen and you have serious concerns about your welfare or that of another Australian overseas, contact your local Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate, or call our 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on

• 1300 555 135 within Australia
• +61 2 6261 3305 from anywhere in the world.

Read more about getting help overseas on Smartraveller.

We maintain travel advisories on Smartraveller for over 175 destinations, assigning an overall advice level to each. The advice levels reflect the risks for Australian travellers in each destination. We also provide general advice on a range of travel topics.

Visit Smartraveller to explore our travel advice for all destinations .

We continually review and update our travel advice based on credible information. Stay up to date with any changes by subscribing for updates .

Visit the Australian Passport Office for more about passports.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not issue visas for overseas travel or visiting Australia and can’t provide specific information on visas.

Read about visas for Australians travelling overseas .

Find out about visas to visit Australia .

Travel to Australia: Tips and Information 2024 Guide

Everything you need to know about planning travel to Australia in our epic destination guide.

Australia is a vast and bountiful country that offers beauty, leisure and adventure at every turn.

It consists of not only gorgeous and unique landscapes and wildlife, but also the famous outback culture, quirky small towns and well-developed coastal cities making travel to Australia a must. 

Road trips  are a great way to see the country. The same vastness that makes a road trip across Australia seem daunting is the very reason to explore it by vehicle. 

Wildlife  is one of the main reasons to travel to Australia. Approximately 90% of the animals that are native to Australia cannot be found anywhere else in the world. 

Australia is also known for its world-class  beaches . Whether you want to soak in the sun, catch a few waves or snorkel or scuba dive, there is plenty to do along the nearly 40,000 km of coastline!

And, of course, you could spend days or weeks exploring the stunning landscape of the  Australian Outback . 

In case you couldn’t tell, there are plenty of reasons to travel to Australia.

Now let us help you plan your trip!

There are so many exciting things happening in Australia right now, and it really is one of the biggest bucket list destinations on the planet! If you have any questions about travelling Australia that aren’t answered in this guide feel free to drop us an email.

The Perfect One Day In Brisbane Itinerary(2024 Guide)

Brisbane to cairns drive – the perfect road trip itinerary, the ultimate guide on how to spend one day in sydney [2024], travelling in australia: at a glance.

Here are the basics of travel to Australia.

OTHER MAIN CITIES:

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane

Australian Dollar. 1 beer = $8-9AUD (See  current exchange rates )

ENTRY / VISA:

You will need a visa to travel to Australia unless you are a citizen of New Zealand. Most travellers to Australia will qualify for a free visa entitling them to stay in the country up to one year. Be sure to check this list of these  eligible countries  to determine if you can apply online for your 3 month travel visa.

Generally speaking Australia is regarded as a very safe country. The crime rates are pretty low and most crime against tourists is petty theft. In big cities such as Sydney and Melbourne you should take the usual precautions.

ELECTRICITY:

The standard voltage is 230V at 50 Hz frequency. Socket Type 1 (Be sure to get your  universal travel adapter  before you leave)

TRANSPORTATION:

Australia is huge. So you will likely travel by a combination of domestic flights, trains and buses. Although rental cars are great options for exploring Australia.

Important Note!  Before you book any international trip, we honestly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know when things will go wrong, and medical bills can add up quickly if you get sick or injure yourself overseas.

Our personal recommendation based on our own experience is  World Nomads .

Top 5 Travel Experiences in Australia

With so much to see and  do in Australia , it really is hard to pick the top experiences.

However, we think that to truly appreciate Australia you need to plan to add these 5 activities to your itinerary.

Go Snorkelling/ Diving

The underwater world is at its finest in the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you are certified to dive, prefer to snorkel or just want to experience the largest reef in the world by boat, a trip to the Great Barrier Reef should be near the top of your list of things to do when travelling in Australia. 

Snorkel or dive  the Great Barrier Reef .

Hike Incredible Landscapes

Whether taking an excursion to Tasmania or a day trip to one of the many beautiful national parks, there are many great hikes to do throughout Australia.

Hike  throughout Tasmania !

Take an Epic Roadtrip

Australia is ripe for driving expeditions. Whether you are a hardcore overlander, prefer to drive by rental car or want to experience van life at its finest, Australia offers some of the best road trips in the world. Drive along the Great Ocean Road, head inland to Uluru or pick any two towns and drive.

Tour the most famous Australian road trip along  the Great Ocean Road .

Catch a Wave

Bondi Beach is world-famous for its picturesque sand and clear blue water. Catch a wave on a surf or bodyboard or simply enjoy the beach for what it is. If you really want an experience world-class waves to surf your way up the Gold Coast.

Take a surf lesson  at the famous Bondi Beach:

View Sydney from Above

Sydney Harbour is one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Check out the busy city and bustling harbour by climbing to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The views of the city are sure to not disappoint! 

See it all in this  one-day Sydney itinerary .

Other Things to do in Australia

Swim with whale sharks . The Ningaloo Reef is the best place to swim with the gentle giants of the sea. A  trip of this kind  is not soon to be forgotten!

Explore the Blue Mountains . Just an hour outside of the busy streets of Sydney and you’ll find yourself  surrounded by pristine wilderness .

Head out on a vineyard tour . Australian wine is some of the best in the world and you can sample several as your  tour Margaret River .

Go Whale Watching.  It is mystical and spiritual to encounter massive whales in the wild. Enjoy an experience from  Hervey Bay  among others in Australia.

Skydive . Sure you won’t see the entire country. But if you skydive at  one of the most popular places  in Australia you will see Rottnest Island and the beautiful surrounding waters.

Climb Mount Kosciuszko . This mountain in mainland  Australia’s tallest peak  at just over 2,200 meters. Add it to the list of continental peaks you have to summit.

Sail around the Whitsunday Islands . These islands are among the most diverse in the world offering rainforest hikes, white sandy beaches and the Great Barrier Reef.  Touring these islands  is an absolute must.

Take the train across the country . Splurge on a little  scenic luxury trip  and enjoy the countryside of Australia as you zip around the country, er continent.

Take a tour of Kangaroo Island . The island is Australia’s third-largest and taking a tour will reveal that it is home to a variety of  animal species and a vast wilderness to explore .

Visit Wineglass Bay . There are many reasons to visit Tasmania and Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park is among the top. Be sure to give yourself enough time to explore the other  great places to see in Tasmania .

Search for pearls in the sea . So you may not find any of your own, but Broome has a thriving pearl industry in its pristine waters and you are welcome to  dive into the experience  of making the world your oyster.

Hike the Larapinta Trail . This trail is among the top trails in all of the world and traverses the Northern Territory out of Alice Springs. Be sure to  hike this trail  as it is growing in popularity year after year.

Visit the Sydney Opera House . Perhaps the most iconic image of Australia, aside from a cuddly koala or kangaroo, that you can tour or take photos of from seemingly anywhere in Sydney.

Be Sure to Check Out These Other Amazing Things to do in Australia

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Best Places to Visit in Australia

There are plenty of amazing places to visit in Australia. Depending on your interests, trip duration and time of year you will find plenty of things to do during any length of stay. 

Narrowing down the best places to travel in Australia is difficult. From picturesque beaches to arid desert, Australia offers a wide range of places to visit and things to see and do. 

Here are our top 5 places to visit in Australia. 

Here is where you will find Australia’s most famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera, the Harbour Bridge and its surrounded by plenty of national parks if you want a change from the city scenery.

Be sure to add these  things to do in Sydney  to your itinerary.

The capital of Queensland and one of Australia’s largest cities, Brisbane is a highly sought after destination for those coming Down Under. The city is rich with history, a vibrant food scene, beautiful views and so much to do.

Start planning with these awesome  things to do in Brisbane .

Uluru is located in the centre of the country and is unique for being very isolated. Known for natural wonders such as the massive monolith Ayers Rock, Uluru is full of spectacular scenery and beautiful landscapes. 

See our guide on the  top things to do in Uluru .

Of all the cities in Australia, Melbourne is seen as the cultural one. It is full of international visitors and residents, which is surely a testament to its attractive vibe. The city is equally adored by patriotic Melbournians; they will be the first to tell you how amazing it is, and they are usually happy to impart details of their favourite spots.

Spend the perfect  3 days in Melbourne  with this itinerary.

Tasmania is especially well known for its natural beauty in breathtaking Freycinet National Park, the Bay of Fires and Cradle Mountain. Simply put, there are so many things to do in Tasmania!

Plan your trip with the best  2-week Tasmania itinerary .

For more information on specific things to do in the top places to visit in Australia, reference our following city travel guides: 

*  City Guide *  Itinerary *  Day Trips

*  City Guide * Itinerary *  Day Trips

*  City Guide * Itinerary * Day Trips

*  State Guide *  Places to Visit *  Itinerary *  Camping Guide

Gold Coast Adelaide Cairns Byron Bay Broome Noosa Blue Mountains Airlie Beach Kangaroo Island

Hervey Bay Esperance Fraser Island Port Stephens Great Ocean Road Uluru Exmouth Margaret River The Whitsundays Darwin

Be Sure to Check Out These Other Awesome Places to Visit in Australia .

Best Australia Travel Itinerary

Australia is huge and offers so many opportunities to explore its vastness. It would be easy to spend weeks or months in any one part of the country.

So trying to see the whole of Australia might seem overwhelming. 

Depending on how long you have to travel to Australia, where you plan to visit and what you plan to do, you have plenty of options.

We’ve put together a few  Australia itineraries  that are sure to leave you wanting for nothing at the end of your visit. 

2-Week Australia Travel Itinerary Highlights

If you only have 2 weeks you’re going to have to choose which side of Australia to visit and you’re going to miss out on a lot. But that’s OK because you can always plan a return trip!

The more popular side will be New South Wales + Queensland on the eastern shore of the continent. However, there is also plenty to see in Western Australia as well.

3-Weeks to 1 Month Australia Travel Itinerary Highlights

If you have between 3 weeks and a month to explore Australia then you can combine both the New South Wales + Queensland and Western Australia loops with some reasonably priced domestic flights to connect you in the bigger cities.

Additionally consider adding on the following cities/activities:

6 – 8 Weeks + Australia Travel Itinerary Highlights

Most people who travel to Australia will spend approximately 2 months visiting the country.

If you are trying to get a taste of the entire country, the quickest and most thorough way to see the country would be to follow this itinerary.

Australia Trip Planning

Best time to visit australia.

Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere and thus has opposite seasons from most of the world. This can be confusing, so make sure to plan accordingly! 

Additionally, the country is so large and offers such varied climates and landscapes that the weather you experience depends on the region and time of year in which you’re travelling.

If you are planning to travel to Australia during summer (December – February), know that this is the most popular time to visit Australia.

But during fall and spring, the tourism and temperatures fall off. This makes this time of year perhaps the most ideal time to visit any place in Australia.

You can still enjoy most of the outdoor activities for which Australia is known without dealing with the large crowds and expenses of the busy tourist season.

This is also an ideal time to explore the Australian Outback or to swim with whale sharks along the western coast. 

If you are interested in winter sports, Australia also offers plenty of opportunities to ski and snowboard. You can find yourself in great ski slopes within a few hours of landing at the airport. 

So really Australia has it all! Depending on what you would like to see and do, you can plan to travel to Australia at any time of the year!

Australia Travel Budget Guideline

Travelling in Australia is not cheap, and many people are unprepared how expensive Australia really is.

However, if you plan accordingly you can find ways to have an amazing experience while not breaking the bank.

Be prepared with these Australia travel tips so that you do not end up spending more money than you should. 

Some of the average costs you can expect in Australia are as follows:

Note that transportation costs will vary by how much you intend to travel and these include budgeting for various domestic flights in addition to standard metro transportation.

Budgeting Tips:

Here are some of our tips for spending less when travelling in Australia:

• Cook as many of your meals as possible 
• Use local transport when available
• Couchsurf or look for AirBnB deals ( use our link to get $35 off your first Airbnb stay )
• Seek free wifi in public places
• Get a pre-paid phone plan from a supermarket. Telstra has the best coverage outside of major cities, but they are also the most expensive.
• Work for your room – some hostels let you work a couple of hours daily in exchange for free room
• Drink less (tough, we know!). The average price of a pint in Australia is AUD$8 -$9 and they can quickly add up!
• WWOOF – is a program that connects young travellers with organic farms. You work in exchange for free accommodation and board.

But there are a few things you should know about the different budgets at which you can choose to travel.

Note: Budgets shown as Single Traveller / Couples per day. 

Budget Traveller ($60-90 Single / $100+ Couples)

If you’re a backpacker and you stay in hostels, use local transport and cook many of your meals – you could plan to spend around AUD$60-90/per day.

Mid-Range Traveller ($100-200 Single / $150+ Couple)

Couples will share some expenses, such as accommodation, but will also incur more individual expenses.

To stay on a budget you will want to follow the general budgeting tips but also look to possibly purchase a used vehicle or campervan for longer trips to Australia.

This can combine your transportation and accommodation costs.

Luxury Traveller ($350+ Single / $500+ Couple)

You can spend as much as you want to spend when you travel to Australia.

It is likely the biggest difference in your budget will be upgrading your accommodation, adding a few extra drinks with your meals or nights out and catching flights around the country instead of overnight buses.

Getting to and Around Australia

As an island nation, Australia is most accessible from flights arranged from many of the larger cities of Europe, North America, Asia and South Africa.

But depending on where you are travelling from, expect to spend a fair amount on the plane ticket and quite a bit of time in the air.

Our best advice is to do research and buy your ticket as soon as possible. Booking several months in advance will provide you the most consistently lowest fares. 

Additionally, major airlines offer seasonal promotions and occasional discounts so stay alert!

One of the best ways to make sure you get the best deal is to sign up for email alerts to receive special offers from airlines such as Qantas, Virgin Australia, United and Delta.

It is also a good idea to browse for flights in incognito mode. Or alternatively, you can clear the cache in your browser periodically.

Many travel sites will charge you higher fares if they know you are visiting their sites frequently to search for flights. 

Google Flights also offers some of the best initial research for fares from your destination.

However, be sure to check fares directly with the airline as there may be unspecified fees and regulations not listed in the Google Flights results. 

Entry Requirements

You will need a visa to travel to Australia unless you are a citizen of New Zealand.

Most travellers to Australia will qualify for a free visa entitling them to stay in the country up to one year. 

Be sure to check  this list of eligible countries  to determine if you can apply online for your 3-month travel visa.

Getting Around Australia

Transportation in and around Australia is as varied as the country itself.

However, because it is so large you will likely experience a combination of transportation options wherever you plan to travel in Australia. 

Australia has a fantastic domestic air network that allows you to connect to points all across the country. Some of the airlines that offer great deals to hop across the continent include:

• Virgin Australia
• Tiger Airways

The wide selection in airlines and routes offers fairly competitive prices especially when it comes to the Sydney-Melbourne leg of travel.

If you’re flying out to a remote destination such as Uluru, Hamilton Island or Darwin – your best bet is to book well in advance. But then still expect fares to be a little pricey. 

If you have the time and want a truly unique experience you can cross the country  aboard the Indian Pacific railway .  Expect some of the best service, food and scenery you can imagine when travelling in Australia by train. 

This is the only way to cross the country by train. However, it is very expensive.

Bus is the best way to travel in Australia on a budget. Greyhound buses operate in most of the capital cities and will connect you to pretty much anywhere in the country you would like to go. 

The prices for intercity bus travel are modest. Additionally, many companies offer discounts for students. 

The bus is also a great way to travel in many of the larger cities.

Not only can you cover a lot of ground by using the public bus system in places like Sydney, Melbourne and Perth but also it will save you quite a bit of money to spend on other things. 

Rental Cars

If you’d like to travel in Australia at your own pace,  renting a car is your best option .

However, it can be pricey especially if you plan to pick up the vehicle in one city and drop it in another. 

But nothing will beat the freedom you have to go to the places you want to see and do them at your own pace. 

If you are really into exploring the country with the most amount of freedom,  consider renting a campervan .

Campervans combine the flexibility of driving at your own pace and itinerary with the freedom to stop and sleep pretty much anywhere along your journey.

Many campervans come fully equipped to be able to prepare your own meals and be self-sustainable for days on end as you explore the country. 

Petrol prices vary, depending on where you are travelling from. For example, they are lower than those in the UK and Europe, but higher than in many places in North and South America.

One thing to keep in mind is that distances between places in Australia are large. So it is very likely that you will be driving long distances while travelling in Australia.

The same vastness that makes a road trip across Australia seem daunting is the very reason to explore it by vehicle. Some of the best attractions are only reachable via car because they are remote and well off the beaten path.

Depending on how much time you are willing to commit to driving across the country, you could take weeks or months to absorb the landscape, wildlife and culture of the Australian people.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend  Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Apps and Technology

Technology can help you stay safe and make the most of your travels to Australia.

Here are a few we think you should definitely acquaint yourself with prior to your travels:

• XE Currency  – Transfer, monitor and calculate currency as the need arises. This app may not be totally necessary as you are typically tied into rates the banks charge for services. But it is handy to have around. 
• Express VPN  – This will protect your sensitive information wherever you travel – not just in Australia. Be sure to have this to keep your online information secure as you travel. 
• The Happiest Hour  – This app helps you find the best drink deals wherever you are travelling in Australia
• BeachSafe  – Search every beach in Australia and know the hazards before you get in the water.
• Uber  – Yep, you know what to use Uber for. Catch rides in any major Australia city for a fraction of taxi fares.

Best Things to Eat in Australia

Australia has a variety of dishes to represent the varied cultural and historical aspects of the country.

While known more for its beer than its food, there are several types of food that you do not want to miss when travelling in Australia. 

Here are a few of the best options to explore: 

The Lamington –  This is the national cake of Australia. It is a square-shaped sponge cake that comes with chocolate icing and has coconut sprinkled all over it. Sometimes it has jam in the middle.

Vegemite on toast –  Vegemite is a brown food paste that doesn’t look appetising at all. But Australians swear on it. It is most popularly used like jam on toast.

Grilled Kangaroo –  While many people visit Australia to view wildlife such as kangaroo ,  it is also a pretty popular meal. While it tends to dry out so it’s usually cooked from rare to medium, it is delicious when served with rosemary, plums, oranges, peppers, juniper, garlic and red currant.

Meat pies –  Meat pies are every Australian’s favourite childhood snack. It is nearly always on the menu, whether it be as an appetiser at a restaurant, house party or sporting event. You’ll find meat pies usually served with mashed potatoes and gravy.

Fish & Chips –  One thing is for sure, Australia has plenty of fresh, delicious fish to create this traditional meal. Regardless of what part of the country you visit, it’s likely you’ll find this plate anywhere in Australia to compliment a nice cold beer. 

Places to Stay in Australia

Australia has a variety of types of accommodations for which you will find suitable for most budgets. In general, expect to pay more for a night in Australia than most other countries in the world.

But for what you are searching, it is likely you will find the perfect place and price.

Types of Accommodations

As in nearly all other places in the world, accommodation is Australia is varied and depends on your desires, budget and location.

When travelling in Australia you can find accommodation that ranges from bed and breakfasts to hotels, hostels and homestays. 

Australian Bed & Breakfast & Guesthouses

You can find family-run guesthouses popping up all over Australia. They can vary a lot by style, from converted barns, bungalows to townhouses.

Rates vary as well depending on the location of the guesthouse and facilities offered.

They offer reasonably priced comfortable rooms and you can also enjoy the family feel, the home-cooked dinners and rely on information provided by the owners.

Hostels are the most popular way for budget travellers to find accommodation while travelling in Australia. However, they are no longer just for students and younger people.

Many hostels in the country offer the kind of amenities that attract people from all walks of life. Usually, they offer shared dorms, cooking facilities, communal area with TV, 24-hour reception and laundry facilities. 

Additionally, hostels are a great way to meet people and learn about other places to visit and things to do in Australia. 

Hotels can be considerably expensive in Australia. Even ones that are not deemed as luxury or boutique hotels can carry a pretty heavy cost. 

If you’re looking for maximum comfort then staying in a hotel is the right choice. But be prepared to shell out for that comfort when travelling in Australia. 

Camping & Caravan Parks

One of the most popular ways to see Australia is to travel by camper van.

Rent a camper or a caravan and you can go camping anywhere! Whether it be in national parks or outside of the city limits.

The best thing is that you will be able to experience the country more fully and save money that you’d otherwise spend on accommodation.

Another good option in recent years is AirBnB, and there are more and more amazing places popping up to stay for very affordable prices every day.

As is typical in many destinations where Airbnb accommodations are popping up, you’ll likely find great value and a little more personal space with an Airbnb stay. 

If you’re looking for an awesome place to stay in the area, we personally love using Airbnb. If you’ve never used the platform before,  sign up using this link to get USD$35 off your first booking .

Australia Travel Tips

General australia travel tips.

While there are  many basic travel tips  we suggest you use when travelling to Australia, there is also plenty of Australia-specific tips that will make your visit the best it can be. 

Here are a few we recommend you consider as you plan your trip to visit Australia: 

• Time . One of the most common mistakes that first time travellers make is trying to experience Australia within 2-3 weeks. This is a continent not just a country. It is best to choose just two or three areas to focus on your first visit. Otherwise, you will risk spending most of your holiday in transit.
• Cost . Australia is very expensive, make sure to either cut down your costs or apply one of our tips to get a decently priced accommodation – also make sure to bring twice as much money than how much you originally intended to.
• Tipping . Tipping for services in Australia is not mandatory and most of them are not used to it. Only tip if you exceptionally enjoyed the service.
• Sun Protection . The sun is very harsh – pack a lot of sunscreens!
• Distances . The distances between major cities are bigger than in Europe or the US. Once you’re out of the city you already feel like you’re in the wild!
• Seasons . Australia is in the southern hemisphere which means that all seasons are completely opposite of the northern hemisphere. That’s true for the southern part of the country but not the north. Which in returns means that it’s ideal to visit Sydney from November – April but it’s the exact opposite if they want to visit the Great Barrier Reef!

READ MORE: Our comprehensive list of Australia travel tips to make your journey safer, more enjoyable and more affordable!

Australia Packing List

We always travel with a  core packing list  wherever we go. And when it comes to Australia, many factors will affect what else you need to bring along with you. 

Check out our  travel essentials  and be sure to add any of the other additional items listed below. 

Staying Safe in Australia

Generally speaking, Australia is regarded as a very safe country.

The crime rates are pretty low and if by any chance tourists end up being victims of crime it’s usually a case of pickpocketing.

In big cities such as Sydney and Melbourne you should take the usual precautions:

• Do not walk alone at night in poorly lit areas
• Don’t leave your valuables unattended
• Don’t carry your wallet in your back pocket

The biggest danger when travelling in Australia actually comes from natural hazards and animals.

Every year dozens of tourists drown on one of Australia’s busy beaches because of strong waves and riptides. Wildlife attacks account for a handful more incidents. 

But in general, you should feel very safe when you travel to Australia. 

Medical System in Australia

The public health care system in Australia is called Medicare. Australian hospitals are renowned for world-class medical facilities and the highest standards of care.

The Australian government has Reciprocal Healthcare Agreements with a  couple of countries  which allow travellers access to subsidised health services.

Since there’s always a risk from natural hazards, dangerous animals and simple accidents while exploring the country, it is always advised to buy travel insurance.

Travel insurance  will cover loss, theft, accidents and various medical problems.

It is especially recommended if you plan on doing activities that carry a certain degree of risk such as scuba diving, travelling to remote areas, bushwalking etc.

Staying Connected in Australia

Staying connected in Australia is harder than you think it would be. The country is known for abysmally slow internet.

So if you’re trying to keep up with work while you are on the road, it may be a bit difficult.

But there are definitely economical ways to stay connected while you travel in Australia.

We feel like your money will go a lot further if you consider a few other options. 

Good Idea: Rent a Portable WiFi Device

There are a variety of portable WiFi device rental companies throughout Australia.

Most plans include unlimited data use – although this is typically limited 4G which then reduces to 3G after some small consumption.

Remember that the internet in Australia is notoriously slow so be patient and prepared to spend around $5 -$10 per day for the services.

Reserve your  mobile WiFi device .

Better Idea: Access Free WiFI

One of the best, and certainly the most affordable, ways to stay connected when you travel to Australia is by taking advantage of the many free WiFi hotspots throughout the country.

Of course, these are most commonly found in densely populated cities and at private establishments like McDonald’s.

But if you time your desire to surf the web with the need to grab a bite to eat or a cup of joe then it will still likely work out cheaper than either purchasing a SIM card or renting a mobile WiFi device.

Best Idea: Purchase a SIM Card

SIM Cards make staying connected during international travel much easier. You can purchase prepaid SIM cards in Australia to use in any unlocked mobile device.

These will give you the greatest flexibility in staying connected while you travel.

Purchase a  SIM card today .

Be a Responsible Traveller in Australia

As with most countries, when travelling to Australia there are several things you can do to be a responsible traveller.

Consider the following:

• Mind your use of plastics. This includes straws, bags and bottles. Consider carrying a reusable straw, waterbottle and bags for shopping.
• Buy local. Supporting smaller merchants helps local economies.
• Choose sustainable tour operators. This is especially true for all tours into nature preserves, those that deal with animals, or those that will take you to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef.
• Leave it better than you found it. Pack out any of your waste, mind the local rules, stay on trails and don’t touch or feed the wild animals.
• Avoid activities that involve touching wild animals. If a tour has to. pursue an animal in the wild, it is likely presenting more harm and discomfort to the animal than if you are approached by the animal.

Books to Read About Australia

You’ve seen Crocodile Dundee and think you know everything about Australia? Chances are you don’t!

But even if you are well-read, here are a few suggestions that might be worth your time while you’re on the plane to Australia. 

• The Songlines  (Bruce Chatwin) – Set in the Australian Outback, this novel documents the source of the “Dreaming Tracks” of the Aborigines.  Buy here .
• The Secret River  (Kate Grenville) – Historical fiction about the settlement of New South Wales by an English convict in the early 1800s as part of his sentence.  Buy on Amazon .
• In A Sunburned Country  (Bill Bryson) – Half scientific, half anecdotal account of the famous writer who set out to explore all of the wilderness of life in Australia.  Buy on Amazon .
• The True History of the Kelly Gang  (Peter Carey) – A historical fiction tale about the famous Ned Kelly from the perspective of letters written to his young daughter while he was on the run.  Buy on Amazon .
• The Harp In The South  (Ruth Park) – An Australian classic about life in Sydney during the Great Depression.  Buy on Amazon.

Booking Resources

I know, I know – we’ve already mentioned these resources a bunch in this travel guide.

But here’s the thing… we know you’re going to want and need these resources to help you save money and have a more enjoyable trip! 

DISCLAIMER:  Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Table of Contents

Read our australia posts, atherton tablelands waterfalls – the 10 best cascades to see, 16 best cairns day trips not to be missed [2024 guide], warrumbungles walks – the ultimate hiking guide [2024], grampians walks – ultimate guide to the best hikes [2024], the 18 best lamington national park walks, queensland, the 6 best nsw road trips – epic drive itineraries [2024 edition], 7 day gold coast itinerary (2024 guide), the perfect sydney itinerary for 3-5 days, the ultimate western australia road trip itinerary, mt field national park – travel guide and itinerary [2024], the ultimate travel guide to the tasman peninsula [2024], queensland road trips – 11 best drive itineraries [2024].

Entering or leaving Australia

Australia welcomes millions of overseas visitors each year. Anyone who is not an Australian citizen needs a valid visa to enter the country.

International passenger caps have been removed for all international passenger arrivals into Australia.

All travellers should be aware that: People entering Australia do not need to provide evidence of vaccination status People entering Australia do not need to complete the Digital Passenger Declaration or Maritime Travel Declaration People leaving Australia will not be asked to provide evidence of their vaccination status Unvaccinated visa holders do not ​ need a travel exemption to travel to Australia Mask wearing on international flights to Australia is no longer mandatory . It is important to remember that airlines, vessel operators and other countries may have specific requirements that travellers need to comply with.

Australian Citizens

All Australian citizens must enter and exit Australia on an Australian passport. Your Australian passport must be valid (not expired) on the day of your arrival in Australia. It does not need to have six months remaining validity to enter Australia unless you are passing through a third country that requires it. Citizens are not entitled to a visa, even if you are also a citizen of another country. Please see the  Department of Home Affairs website  for more information. 

Immigration and Visas

All foreign travellers, except New Zealand citizens, must obtain a visa or travel authority before travelling to Australia.

»    Immigration and visas

If you have a specific question, please contact the Department of Home Affairs .

You will also need to know what you can and cannot bring into Australia, knowing the duty-free concession limits and what to experience when travelling through Australian airports and seaports.

Please visit the Department of Home Affairs website for more information.

Plan your trip with  australia.com , the official Tourism Australia website, offering a wide range of travel information and planning tools including over 2000 images, a currency converter, daily weather updates, interactive maps, suggested holiday itineraries, holiday deals, specialist travel agents and more. Available in nine languages.

Tourist Refund Scheme

The  Tourist Refund Scheme  enables you to claim a refund, subject to certain conditions, of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy in Australia.

International tourism results

The International Visitor Survey tourism results provide annual and quarterley statistics on how international visitors travel in Australia.

Year ending March 2024

The International Visitor Survey (IVS) results provide statistics on how international visitors travel within Australia. You can find national, state and territory results for the:

• number of trips taken
• nights spent on a trip
• amount spent in Australia
• total amount spent on a trip.

You can also:

• read about the factors influencing international travel to Australia
• see the changes compared over different time frames impacted by COVID-19
• read about the return of international visitors to Australia.

Quarterly snapshot

Attach_money spend in australia.

$10.2 billion 99% of March 2019 levels

person Number of trips

2.1 million 89% of March 2019 levels

clear_night Nights spent in Australia

87.5 million 5% up on March 2019 levels

equal Total spend

$15.1 billion 4% up on March 2019 levels (includes spend outside Australia)

Annual snapshot

$30.9 billion | 1% up on March 2019 levels

7.2 million | 84% of March 2019 levels

266.7 million | 99% of March 2019 levels

$46.8 billion | 6% up on March 2019 levels (includes spend outside Australia)

Notes on the data

• The IVS estimates now include the Philippines and Vietnam as separate markets (previously grouped in Other Asia). Please see the IVS methodology page for more detail. 
• We imputed the Darwin port sample in the March 2024 month due to insufficient interviews being conducted. The imputed estimates did not have a significant impact on the quarterly results.
• the March 2024 quarter to the March quarter 2019
• the year ending March 2024 to the year ending March 2019.
• purchases made overseas such as international connections and stopovers, including airfares
• other pre-travel or post-travel spend in the source market or elsewhere outside Australia on things like luggage, visas, duty-free retail and ground transport. 

International trips and spend key results

International visitation to Australia continues to recover, with 7.2 million trips to Australia recorded in the year ending March 2024. 

The top reasons for travel to Australia in the year ending March 2024 were:

• 75% of March 2019 levels. 
• Spend in Australia was $9.7 billion, 96% of March 2019 levels.
• On par with March 2019 levels. 
• Spend in Australia was $4.8 billion, 15% up on March 2019 levels.
• 74% of March 2019 levels.
• Spend in Australia was $2.1 billion, 93% of March 2019 levels. 
• This was 79% of March 2019 levels.
• Spend in Australia was $11.3 billion, 97% of March 2019 levels.

Top 5 international visitor markets

Australia’s top 5 international markets for the year ending March 2024 were:

• 96% of March 2019 levels. 
• Spend in Australia was $2.1 billion, 28% up on March 2019 levels. 
• 51% of March 2019 levels. 
• Spend in Australia was $7.2 billion, 73% of March 2019 levels. 
• 88% of March 2019 levels.
• Spend in Australia was $2.1 billion, 6% up on March 2019 levels.
• 86% of March 2019 levels.
• Spend in Australia was $2.0 billion, 8% up on March 2019 levels. 
• 14% up on March 2019 levels.
• Spend in Australia was $1.5 billion, 21% up on March 2019 levels. 

Total spend

Total spend in the year ending March 2024 was $46.8 billion. This was 6% up on March 2019 levels. Total spend includes: 

• other pre-travel or post-travel spend in the source market or elsewhere outside Australia on things like luggage, visas, duty-free retail and ground transport.

Download the report

International Visitor Survey results March 2024

Data tables

IVS results for the year ending March 2024 compared to March 2023

IVS results for the year ending March 2024 compared to March 2019

More information

• Explore data from our international and national visitor surveys using TRA online. Find out more on our Services page.
• Read the  International Visitor Survey Methodology .
• Find older data tables and other publications on the  Data and research  page.

Contact TRA

mail   tourism.research@tra.gov.au

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Travel Advisory September 8, 2023

Australia - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with removal of major event information.

Exercise normal precautions in Australia. 

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Australia.

If you decide to travel to Australia:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Australia.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

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One page required for entry stamp

Amounts over AUD 10,000, or equivalent, must be declared

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. consulate general sydney.

Suite 2, 50 Miller Street North Sydney, NSW 2060 Australia Telephone:  +(61) (2) 2 8219-2100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(61) (2) 4422-2201 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Embassy Canberra (The Embassy does not provide consular services.) Moonah Place Yarralumla, ACT 2600 Australia Telephone: +(61) (2) 6214-5600 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(61) (2) 411-424-608 Fax: +(61) (2) 6214-5970

U.S. Consulate General Melbourne 553 St. Kilda Road Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia Telephone: +(61) (3) 9526-5900 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(61) (3) 9389-3601 Fax: +(61) (3) 9526-5968 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Perth 4th Floor 16 St. George's Terrace Perth, WA 6000 Australia Telephone: +(61) (8) 6144-5100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(61) (8) 9476-0081 Fax: +(61) (8) 9325-5914 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.   

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

You must have a valid U.S. passport and a visa or an approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia. Most U.S. passport holders traveling to Australia for tourism or business purposes for less than 90 days can obtain an ETA. The ETA is an electronic label-free visa and can be obtained at the ETA website for a small service fee. Airlines and many travel agents in the United States are also able to apply for ETAs on behalf of travelers.

If you overstay your ETA or any other visa, even for short periods, you may be subject to exclusion, detention, and removal by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

If you are travelling on a valid U.S. ePassport (a passport that contains an electronic chip) and are 16 years of age or older, you are eligible to use Australia’s automated border processing system, SmartGate, upon arrival in Australia (SmartGate kiosks are available only at participating airports). There is no additional enrollment process or fee to use SmartGate. Visit the SmartGate website for more information and for a list of participating airports in Australia.

Visit the Embassy of Australia website for the most current visa information.  

HIV/AIDS restrictions. Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors and foreigners seeking permanent residence in Australia. Depending on the type of visa you apply for, the length of your stay, and your intended activities in Australia, you may be required to undergo a medical examination before the Australian Department of Home Affairs will issue you a visa.

If you are in the application process, and are found to be HIV positive, a decision on the application will be considered on the same grounds as any other pre-existing medical condition (such as tuberculosis or cancer), with the focus on the cost to Australia’s health care and community services.

Additional information about Australian immigration health requirements can be found here.

Please verify this information with the Embassy of Australia in Washington D.C. before you travel. 

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Terrorists have targeted, and could continue to target, Australia.

• Australia has an alert system for possible terrorist attacks. The threat levels range from “not expected” to “certain.” The Australian National Security website has up-to-date information regarding the current terrorism threat level. You may also contact the Australian National Security Hotline at 61-1-800-123-400.
• U.S. citizens in Australia should remain vigilant toward their personal security and exercise caution.
• Australian law protects the right of individuals and groups to engage in peaceful protest and to publicly express their views. Demonstrations and political rallies are generally approved by local authorities and well publicized. However, please be cautious of any possible confrontation that could escalate into violence. You should attempt to avoid the areas of demonstrations and be careful within the vicinity of any demonstrations. You should stay current with media coverage of local events and always be aware of your surroundings.
• You should be aware that robberies, burglaries, assault, and auto theft are common in Australia’s larger cities.
• Foreign visitors in popular tourist areas are targets for pickpockets, purse-snatchers, and petty thieves. Most petty crime can be avoided if basic security precautions are taken.
• Be careful when visiting bars or clubs in the entertainment areas of major cities, as “bar brawls” and other assaults sometimes occur. You should watch out for drink spiking when consuming alcohol with unfamiliar people.

See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime:

• Report crimes to the local police at 000 and contact the U.S. Consulate in your district.
• The local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.
• See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• Help you find appropriate medical care.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms.
• Provide a list of local attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide information about Australian Victim Assistance programs.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. consulate in your district for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated, and rules and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage, and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, imprisoned or deported.

• It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings, such as inside certain areas of Australian airports, near prisons, and at military bases.
• Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Alcohol and Drugs:

• Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy sentences and fines. Please see Australia’s Department of Health webpage for further information. 
• Driving under the influence of alcohol can result in jail time.
• Random breath testing of a driver's blood alcohol level is a common occurrence.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Potential Health Screening: Australian authorities have broad powers to prevent the entry of diseases and other materials into Australia that might pose a threat to its welfare. In the event of a public health emergency involving a communicable disease, passengers arriving in Australia may be subject to strict health screening measures, including testing, monitoring, and assessment for possible quarantine.

Customs: Australian customs authorities enforce very strict regulations concerning the importation from all countries of items such as agricultural goods, including plants and food products, and wood products, as well as very strict quarantine standards for animals and pets. Can you bring it in?

Contact the Embassy of Australia in Washington, D.C., or one of Australia's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements, and visit the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture website for additional information.

Natural Disasters:

Australia experiences a range of natural disasters, including bushfires, floods, and severe storms. These events are difficult to predict and can result in loss of life. You should be aware of conditions around you and monitor local weather and safety reports so you can take appropriate action when needed.

See our webpage for information on storm preparedness and response.

Safety Concerns:

Outdoor Recreation/Adventure

• Be aware that Australian fauna can be dangerous. From jellyfish to crocodiles, sharks, poisonous insects, and snakes, the continent and its waters host wildlife that merit awe and respect in equal doses.
• Visit the Wet Tropics Management Authority visitor information guide for information on Australian wildlife and marine life.
• Take important safety precautions when swimming, such as swimming only between the flags where a lifeguard is present, and never swimming alone.
• Further information on beach safety can be found on the Surf Life Saving website.

Follow recommended precautions when snorkeling and scuba diving and never dive alone. Over the past few years, there have been numerous deaths related to snorkeling and scuba diving incidents.

Faith-Based Travelers : See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Australia. Australian federal law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation.

As of December 9, 2017 Australia defines marriage as “the union between two people.” Australia grants temporary and permanent visas to same-sex partners of Australian citizens.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance

• Australia enforces laws prohibiting discrimination against access to premises, facilities, and accommodation.
• Many of the downtown areas of Australian cities were built in the 1800s. These areas often have narrow sidewalks crowded with pedestrians and tourists.
• Most public transit, parking, streets, and buildings are accessible for disabled travelers.
• Tourist spots at the beach or in the Australian outback can have varying degrees of accessibility.
• Many accommodations and venues provide accessibility information on their websites.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Australia, dial 000.

Ambulance services are widely available.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

• Excellent medical care is available in Australia.
• Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
• Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on overseas insurance coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

Prescriptions:

• If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of  Australia  to ensure the medication is  legal in   Australia .
• Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of hospitals and a link to the Australian National Health Services Directory at Medical Assistance - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Australia (usembassy.gov) . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Australia.

Pharmaceuticals:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.  

Adventure Travel

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel .

Air Quality

Air pollution is a significant problem during certain months in Australia due to bush fires. Consider the impact seasonal bush fire season pollution may have on your health and consult your doctor before traveling.

The air quality varies considerably and changes with the season. It is typically at its worst in the bush fire season. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:

• Infants, children, and teens
• People over 65 years of age
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
• People with heart disease or diabetes
• People who work or are active outdoors

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:

• Traffic operates on the left side of the road, and all vehicles use right-hand drive.
• Use caution when crossing streets and when driving.
• When crossing roads on foot, make sure you look carefully in all directions.
• Seat belt use by drivers and all passengers is mandatory, and fines apply for not wearing them.
• Motorcyclists must wear helmets.
• Speed limits and laws are rigorously enforced. Speed limits vary throughout Australia and are measured in kilometers, not miles. Be aware that speed cameras are everywhere and you will be ticketed for driving over the speed limit.
• Roads and streets are frequently narrower and less graded than U.S. highways.
• Outside major metropolitan areas, most highways are two-lane roads with significant distances between destinations.
• When driving in Australia, exercise caution while passing or merging with adjacent traffic.
• If driving in rural areas, be alert to free-roaming animals, such as kangaroos, and "road-trains" (several semi-truck trailers connected together).
• Passing road-trains is dangerous, and you should pull over to allow on-coming road-trains to pass to avoid being sideswiped.
• If you have no experience with a 4-wheel drive vehicle, you should exercise common-sense when driving in the Australian outback.

Traffic Laws:

• Each state/territory has different rules about using a foreign driver’s license and the conditions under which a visitor might have to get an international driver’s license. More information about  driving rules and regulations is available by state .
• Texting or holding your phone while driving is against the law in Australia, but you can use a hands-free system to communicate while driving.
• For specific information concerning Australian driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, mandatory insurance, and the rental and operation of motor vehicles in Australia, visit the  Australian Tourist Commission website.

Public Transportation:  Australia has an extensive and safe public transportation network consisting of buses, streetcars, ferries, trains, and subways. Metered taxis and ride sharing services are also prevalent. Use common sense safety practices, such as guarding valuables and remaining aware of your surroundings, on all public transportation.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Australia’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Australia’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Australia should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warnings website  portal select “broadcast warnings”.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") and Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Australia .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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8 of the best places to visit in Australia

Dec 3, 2023 • 8 min read

Narrow down the places you want to go with this guide to Australia © Nigel Killeen / Getty Images

Being tasked with choosing the best places to visit in Australia  is no easy assignment.

There is no shortage of spectacular places that could make the potential shortlist, from culturally diverse cities with rich Aboriginal history dating back tens of thousands of years, to the Great Barrier Reef and the raw outback landscapes in between.

Unless you’ve got months – or even years – to spare, the country’s immense scale and the sheer diversity of experiences on offer means it’s impossible to do it all in one trip. That’s why we’ve rounded up just eight of Australia’s best places to go to help you make your own shortlist – and maybe even give you reasons to visit more than once.

1. The Red Centre, Northern Territory

Australia’s most iconic outback experience

Nothing will take your breath away like a trip to the red heart of Australia in the Northern Territory . Here you can watch the sunset over Uluru – arguably the world’s most famous monolith, and spiritually significant site to the Anangu people – or be inspired by the sheer size of the 36 red domes at nearby Kata Tjuta, within the same national park. The desert’s natural beauty is only further enhanced by  immersive art installations , like the new Wintjiri Wiru experience at Uluru (which tells part of an Anangu sacred story using more than 1100 drones), Bruce Munro’s Field of Light and the Light-Towers at King’s Canyon. 

While there are plenty of adventure activities, like scenic flights and camel riding, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the world’s oldest continuously living culture. Walking tours and art lessons led by First Nations guides can be found near Uluru and Watarrka National Park.

Planning tip: Accommodation in the Red Centre, including campsites, is limited during the peak visitor season of June to September. Book ahead for tours and to secure accommodation.

2. Northern Rivers region, New South Wales

Best for exploring back roads

Bohemian Byron Bay – which has become a favorite destination for celebrities and backpackers alike – is probably the best known destination in northern New South Wales. But it’s just a small part of the Northern Rivers region. Head inland towards the hinterlands and you’ll find quaint villages and laid-back towns equally worth exploring. You can swim in Killen Falls, wander through the charming community of Newrybar, or sample the goods at the surrounding macadamia plantations and from farmgate stalls.

One experience not to miss is the Tweed section of Northern Rivers Rail Trail , which opened in 2023. The 24km (15-mile) abandoned railway corridor connects the region’s historic villages, best explored by bike.

Planning tip: Visit Mullumbimby Farmers Market on a Friday morning. Held at the showgrounds, you’ll be supporting micro-farmers and rubbing shoulders with locals.

3. Sydney, New South Wales

Australia’s best city for outdoor activities

Sydney  is rightfully considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities, where the natural splendor of  cityside beaches collides with incredible urban architecture, including the Opera House . It owes much of its good looks to its massive natural harbor, which is surrounded by a blend of skyscrapers, national parks and multimillion dollar homes.

During the summer, you can cool off at one of the eastern beaches (such as perennial favorite, Bondi ) or in one of the harbor’s 20 sheltered swimming spots. Try Marrinawi Cove, a new terraced sandstone swimming spot. Since opening in 2023 at  Barangaroo , it’s been widely embraced by nearby office workers on their lunch breaks.

In the winter, don’t miss seeing the harbor lit up for Vivid Festival . The foreshore is transformed into a canvas for light installations and projections. The cooler daytime temperatures also make this the perfect time of year to take on the Sydney Loop walk, which covers 26km (16 miles) of Harbour foreshore.

Planning tip: Don’t miss a journey to  Manly  from Circular Quay on the ferry . It's an incredibly budget-friendly way to explore the harbor, taking in Parliament House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. 

4. K'gari, Queensland 

Best for off-grid adventuring 

With a return to its traditional name in 2023, K’gari – the world’s largest sand island – has seen a surge of visitors keen to connect with Indigenous Butchulla culture. Formerly known as Fraser Island, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is rich in history and culture, but it’s also one of Australia’s best 4WD adventures.

Abounding in natural attractions, this is where you can swim in the crystal clear waters of Boorangoora/Lake McKenzie, spot dingos playing on the beach, or relax in a natural ocean spa at the Champagne Pools. Visitors can camp, stay in one of the island’s resorts or even walk nearly the full length of the island on the 90km (56 mile) K’gari Great Walk . Whatever option you choose, you’ll soon understand why “K’gari” translates to “paradise.”

Planning tip: Always carry a list of tide times, as access to some of K’gari’s most popular spots is tide dependent. The sand on the island is deep and soft, so if you’re not familiar with driving a 4WD, it may be best to book a tour with a local operator.

5. Melbourne

Best Australian city for nightlife

Melbourne is a 24-hour city, and come nightfall, the party gets started. Hit the laneway bars for drinks and bites, and don’t miss a live show: iconic St Kilda  music venue the Espy offers three stages for live acts. Meanwhile over in Collingwood, the Tote is so beloved that locals crowdfunded to keep it open.

Melbourne is also famous for its comedy clubs. Check out Spleen Bar  or  Basement Comedy Club , or time your visit to coincide with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival , held every autumn (March to April).

When the gigs are done, settle in for a drink at one of Melbourne’s signature late-night bars like Nick & Nora's and Cherry Bar , or if you’re feeling hungry, fill up at Stalactites .

Planning tip: Melbourne has a specific set of Night Network trains, trams and buses , which operate on Friday and Saturday nights to make sure you can get from bar to bar safely and back home again with ease.

6. Margaret River, Western Australia

Best for wineries and adventure

From New South Wales to South Australia , Australia is spoiled for wine regions. What sets Western Australia’s  Margaret River apart is that its food and wine offerings are complemented by incredible natural attractions. Located just south of Perth , this corner of Australia is considered one the world’s biodiversity hot spots. It has a high concentration of endemic species, including numbats (a marsupial with behavior similar to a meerkat), Western ringtail possums and around 8000 species of vascular plants, 80% of which are found nowhere else on earth. 

The wine is just as notable, with roughly 95 wineries producing award-winning sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, semillon and chardonnay. And when you need to work off all the food and drink, you can paddle out in the legendary southwesterly swell at some of state’s best surf beaches, go deep underground on a tour of the region’s limestone cave systems, or walk a portion of the 123km (76-mile) Cape to Cape track along the coast.

Planning tip: Learn more about the traditional owners of the land, the Wadandi (Saltwater) people at Koomal Dreaming , which offers guided walks and food experiences.

7. Kangaroo Island

The best place for an Australian wildlife safari

Just across the water from Adelaide is Kangaroo Island (KI), a haven for wildlife, including its namesake kangaroos alongside wallabies, koalas, echidnas and platypus. You can watch the island’s little penguins waddle to their dens at Penneshaw and see (and smell) the world’s third-largest sea lion colony lounge amongst the limestone cliffs at Seal Bay Conservation Area . If you’re lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of the endangered glossy black cockatoo with their red tails, or the exceptionally shy Kangaroo Island dunnart, a type of tiny marsupial endemic to the island. 

KI isn’t just a refuge for wild things; though. It’s also home to countless local producers , including distilleries, wineries and beekeepers, the latter of whom produce honey made from the only purebred Ligurian bee colony left in the world. Needless to say, there’s a reason we named it one of the best places to visit in 2024 .

Planning tip: Many of Kangaroo Island’s native species, including kangaroos, are more active at night. As such, it’s advisable to avoid driving at this time.

8. Tasmania

Best for igniting all the senses 

Home to a thriving festival scene, a world-class art gallery and an unbridled wilderness adored by nature lovers, Tasmania is one of Australia’s most diverse destinations, capable of stimulating all your senses.

Here, you can taste whisky at Lark Distillery , Australia’s first carbon-neutral distillery on Hobart ’s waterfront, eat freshly shucked oysters on Bruny Island , or dine at restaurants like Stillwater in Launceston , a UNESCO City of Gastronomy (one of only roughly 50 world cities to earn this accolade).

You can see weird and wonderful art at the controversial Mona (Museum of Old and New Art). You can hear international music at the popular Dark Mofo and Mona Foma winter and summer festival. You can feel the ground beneath your feet as you explore one of the state’s hiking trails. And you can smell the fresh sea air while on a boat tour around some of the world’s highest sea cliffs . 

Planning tip: Renting a car can be tricky during Tasmania’s busy summer season, so it pays to book ahead. Likewise, if you plan to take the car ferry from the mainland , the route often sells out. Bookings may be made up to 11 months in advance.

This article was first published Jun 17, 2021 and updated Dec 3, 2023.

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Visitor Arrivals - Calendar year - 2020

Statistics on international travel, including tourism trips, arriving in and departing from Australia. Focusing on short-term trips (less than 1 year)

Compares annual international travel arrivals over time by source country, by state and territory, by age and sex, by main reason for journey and by median duration of trip. All analysis in this section is done on short-term trips (less than 1 year).

Effects of COVID-19 outbreak

The World Health Organisation (WHO) commenced daily situation reports of the COVID-19 outbreak on 21 January 2020 and identified it as an international health emergency on 30 January. This was less than a month after suspected cases were reported in Wuhan, China. Initially the Australian Government placed travel restrictions on those travelling to Australia from mainland China commencing 1 February 2020. Restrictions on other countries soon followed. From 20 March 2020, all overseas travel was banned, with few exceptions. The pandemic has continued to disrupt international travel. For more information, see the Prime Minister's  media release on border restrictions  or the Smartraveller page from the  Australian government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade  website.

Key findings

Note: 97% of visitor arrivals in 2020 occurred prior to travel restrictions implemented by the Australian Government on 20 March 2020.

Visitors arriving in Australia in 2020.

• There were 1.8 million visitor arrivals, down 80.7% on the previous year and the lowest since 1987
• New Zealand was the largest source country, accounting for 242,500 visitors nationally
• There were more visits by women than men. Ten years earlier, the opposite was true
• The main reason for travel was 'holiday' (43.2%)
• Nationally, the median duration of stay in Australia was 14 days.

Annual visitor arrivals

There were 1.8 million visitor arrivals in 2020. This was down 80.7% on the previous year with 7.6 million fewer arrivals. This was the lowest annual number of visitors since 1987.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in substantial declines in travel movements since the introduction of border restrictions in March 2020.

(a) Percentage change when compared to the same period of the previous year.

Visitor arrivals to Australia have generally been increasing over recent decades, with a strong continuous increase over the past ten years (as seen in graph 13.2 below).

• Peaks were seen during the Brisbane Expo in 1988 and the Sydney Olympics in 2000
• Decreases were experienced during the Asian financial crisis in 1998, after the 2001 September 11 attacks in the USA, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003 and the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) in 2008.

However, due to the impact of COVID-19, a substantial decline has been observed from February 2020 onwards. Prior to the pandemic, there were a record 9.5 million visitors to Australia in the year ending January 2020.

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• 2001 Sept 11 attacks
• Asian financial crisis

Events impacting short-term visitor arrivals include:

• 1988: Brisbane Expo
• 1998: Asian financial crisis
• 2000: Sydney Olympics
• 2001: September 11 attacks
• 2003: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak
• 2008: Global Financial Crisis (GFC)

2020: COVID-19 outbreak from February onwards

Source countries

Travel restrictions have resulted in a change in the source countries of visitors to Australia.

• Short-term visitor arrivals for all top 5 source countries fell from early 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
• New Zealand (242,500 visits) was the largest source country for visitor arrivals
• China (207,700) was the second largest.

In 2019, the reverse was true when China was the largest and New Zealand the second largest.

(a) Top 5 source countries based on year ending December 2020. (b) Excludes SARs and Taiwan. (c) Includes United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man.

Among the top 10 source countries, there was strong growth from Asian countries over the last decade. Recent declines for these countries are due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

(a) Top 10 source countries based on year ending December 2020. (b) Excludes SARs and Taiwan. (c) Includes United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man.

State or territory of stay

All travellers are asked their intended address in Australia upon arrival.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of state borders were closed to international visitors at different times, as were a number of airports. 

In July 2020 National Cabinet agreed that all international passenger flight arrivals would be coordinated by the Commonwealth Government. This meant that the number of arrivals at each international airport was subject to caps agreed upon between federal and state and territory governments. For example, as part of this national coordinated approach, all international passenger flights into Victoria were cancelled from this time until 7 December 2020.

The proportion of short-term visitor arrivals by intended state or territory in 2020 were as follows:

• NSW (36.6% of all short-term visitors)
• Vic. (27.6%)
• Qld (19.2%)
• Tas. (1.3%)
• ACT (1.2%). 

In 2010 this pattern was slightly different, with more visitors intending to stay in Qld than in Vic.

All states recorded growth in international visitors in the ten year period up to early 2020. In comparison, the territories experienced fluctuations in visitor numbers, particularly the Northern Territory. All states and territories observed a significant drop in visitor numbers from March 2020.

At the state and territory level, the mix of source countries varies from that at the national level.

During 2020:

• The USA was the leading source country for NSW and the NT
• China provided the most visitors for Vic. and the ACT
• New Zealand provided the most visitors for Qld and Tas.
• The UK provided the most visitors for SA and WA.

Ten years earlier in 2010, New Zealand was the leading source country for NSW, Vic., Qld, SA, and Tas. However, the UK was the leading source country for WA, and the USA for the NT and the ACT.

Age and sex

There were more visits to Australia by women than men in 2020 (935,500 women compared with 892,200 men). The opposite was true in 2010 (3.0 million men and 2.8 million women). 

In 2020, both men and women visiting Australia had a median age of 40 years. The largest group of visitor arrivals was aged between 25 and 29 years, with the largest source country for this age group being China. 

Main reason for journey

The majority of arrivals (97%) in 2020 occurred prior to travel restrictions implemented by the Australian Government on 20 March 2020.

In 2020, the most frequently stated main reason for journey by short-term visitors to Australia was:

• Holiday (43.2%)
• Visiting friends and relatives (30.2%)
• Education (9.9%)
• Business (6.6%).

(a) As a percentage of all arrivals.

Female visitors were more likely than males to record their main reason for journey as:

• Visiting friends or relatives

Male visitors were more likely than females to record their main reason for journey as:

• Convention/conference.

Duration of stay

Visitors are asked their intended duration in Australia upon arrival.

During 2020, the median duration of stay in Australia was 14 days. However, this varied between the states and territories and between the numerous source countries. It also varied depending on a traveller's main reason for journey.

In 2020, the median duration of days for those visiting the ACT was 30 days, whereas for Qld it was 11 days. Those from India (with a median duration of stay of 84 days) stated their intention to stay longer than most others, but this also varied between the states and territories. Those from Japan only visited for 6 days on average.

(a) Top 10 source countries have been calculated at the Australia level. (b) Includes Other Territories. (c) Includes United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. (d) Excludes SARs and Taiwan.

The median duration of stay of short-term visitors to Australia varied according to reason for journey:

• Those travelling for education (174 days) and employment (123 days) stayed the longest
• Visiting friends and relatives (20 days)
• Holiday (10 days)
• Business travellers and those attending conventions/conferences stayed the shortest (7 days each).

Coming to Australia to visit

Getting a visa and what you can bring, tips when you visit, thank you for your feedback.

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• South Pacific

The most popular holiday destinations in Australia, according to our readers

By Kristine Tarbert | 4 days ago

9Travel and Today 's Aussie Travel Trends Index surveyed Nine audiences across TV, digital, print and radio, to find out your favourite travel destinations. Here are the results.

From sand and tropical rainforests to deserts and wide-open plains, Australia is home to some of the most stunning holiday destinations in the world.

But where do Aussies like to travel the most? We set out to determine which holiday destinations in the country were our favourite, asking our Nine audience to vote in our inaugural 9Travel survey the Aussie Travel Trends Index.

And while the number one destination was rather predictable, there were a few unexpected places filling the top spots.

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Our survey showed that people are travelling to various destinations across Australia, although eastern seaboard locations are the most popular.

As such, Far North Queensland was voted as the number one favourite holiday destination in Australia by our readers.

FNQ, of course, includes the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, as well as stunning coastal locations like Cairns and Cape York, the northern-most point of Australia.

All up, 32 per cent of respondents said Queensland was their favourite destination, but only slightly behind at 31 per cent, Melbourne came in a surprise second place.

READ MORE: 'I stayed in one of the most unique holiday home rentals in the NSW wine region'

The Victorian capital was a far way ahead of its east coast rival Sydney, which came in sixth spot overall with only 22 per cent of respondents choosing it as their favourite holiday destination.

Third place went to another Queensland location, with the Sunshine Coast (home to Noosa) getting 26 per cent of votes.

Tasmania's capital Hobart, the ideal starting point for a trip around the beautiful state, came in fourth place. And the Great Ocean Road, a popular road trip in Victoria rounded out the top five.

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Other popular destinations included the Gold Coast in Queensland, the Blue Mountains in NSW, and the Margaret River region in Western Australia, proving Australians are keen to explore the whole country.

Outside of the top ten, destinations including Perth, Uluru, Kakadu and Byron Bay received on average 10-12 per cent of the votes.

Adelaide and the Barossa were also popular, receiving 13 and 14 per cent.

People were allowed to choose multiple options, but still there were 13 per cent of respondents who said they didn't have a favourite.

Stay tuned for more from our Aussie Travel Trends Index , brought to you by 9Travel and Today .

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Travel advice explained.

When travelling overseas, it's your responsibility to take care of your safety and wellbeing. Our travel advice will help you understand the risks and what you can do to avoid or handle difficulties.

This page explains:

• our travel advisories for destinations and our general advice
• how we develop and update our travel advisories
• what each advice level means in travel advisories .

Don't expect the Australian Government to be able to get you out of trouble during your travels. Read the Consular Services Charter for what we can and can't do to help you overseas.

Smartraveller travel advice

Australians love to travel internationally, and many of us live abroad. To help Australians avoid difficulties overseas, we offer advice on a variety of travel-related topics.

This includes publishing official travel advisories and advice to help you avoid problems while overseas. Our travel advice helps Australian travellers make informed decisions.

Travel advisories

We maintain travel advisories for 178 destinations, assigning an overall advice level to each. The advice levels reflect the risks for Australian travellers in each destination.

We continually review and update our travel advice based on credible information. Each travel advisory provides destination-specific information about:

• local contacts.

It's your responsibility to be informed about all the destinations you're visiting, including those you’re transiting through. This includes understanding risks and planning for your safety . It's also your responsibility to stay informed throughout your travels in case circumstances change.

Travel advice for other destinations

We don't publish travel advisories for countries and territories with very few Australian travellers and/or where the risks are low.

We regularly review whether travel advisories are needed for these destinations. Our consular partners in Canada , the United Kingdom or the United States also publish destination travel advice that you may wish to read.

General travel advice

We prepare and publish general advice on a range of travel topics. Our advice helps Australians to be informed and prepared before they go. It also helps Australians to stay safe while overseas.

See our general advice for before you go and while you're away . Also see our advice on what to do if you're overseas and things go wrong .

How we develop travel advisories

We frequently review our travel advisories. However, we don't change them for all issues and incidents.

We update travel advisories if there are new or increased risks to Australians. This can be in response to new developments, such as credible intelligence reporting, major protests or unrest , new entry requirements or a natural disaster .

Our advisories are an objective assessment of the risks Australians face overseas. They're not influenced by diplomatic, political or commercial considerations. In our travel advice, we adhere to the principle that there is no difference in information about security and other risks provided to Australian travellers and Australian government employees.

Sometimes advisories are updated with new information without changing the level of advice. If we judge that the risk for Australians hasn't changed, we won't change the advice level.

If we change the advice level, it's usually because of a specific event or changes to local circumstances. When we change it, we'll state this in the 'Latest update' section at the top of the travel advisory page.

We use a range of information sources in our travel advisories. These include:

• Australian diplomatic missions overseas
• threat assessments produced by ASIO's National Threat Assessment Centre
• analysis of common problems Australians experience overseas
• intelligence from our consular partners in the US, UK, NZ and Canada
• information from other government agencies, such as the Department of Health
• media and open-source reporting
• feedback from travellers.

If a travel advisory hasn't been updated for several months, it's not out of date. There's just been no need to update it.

What does 'advice level' mean?

We assign each destination an official advice level of 1, 2, 3 or 4. These levels reflect the risk for average Australian travellers to this country. For each level, we provide advice to help Australians avoid or reduce the risks.

A higher advice level means higher risk. The levels are:

• Level 1 - Exercise normal safety precautions
• Level 2 - Exercise a high degree of caution
• Level 3 - Reconsider your need to travel
• Level 4 - Do not travel .

It's important to read and understand the advice level for each country you're travelling to or through. The advice level can affect your safety and your travel insurance .

Where to find the advice level for your destination

Every travel advisory displays an overall advice level for the country. The advice level is shown on the bar at the top of the travel advisory . The advice level is also shown by the colour on the country map.

Sometimes regions or cities within the country have different levels. This can be because of specific risks or safety concerns. We publish this in the travel advisory on the page and on the map.

Changes to advice levels

It's your responsibility to keep informed about any changes to the advice level. If it increases, take extra precautions and consider the advice carefully.

• Subscribe to get an email when we update the travel advice for your destinations. You can also subscribe for news updates.
• Follow Smartraveller on Facebook , X and Instagram to get updates on social media. You can also follow the social media accounts of your nearest Australian mission for local information and advice.

Read our information for each advice level to understand the risks. Take the right precautions before you go and while you're away .

Travel insurance and advice levels

Before booking travel and purchasing travel insurance , ensure you're aware of and comfortable with the advice level for your destination . Some policies will only allow you to cancel for safety reasons if the advice level increases after you've bought your policy.

If the advice level hasn't changed, most travel insurers won't cover your cancellation costs if you decide not to go for safety reasons.

If the travel advice level is raised to ' Level 3: Reconsider your need to travel ' or ' Level 4: Do not travel ' and you want to cancel your trip, contact your insurer. Find out if you can make a claim to cover cancellation costs or changes to your itineraries.

Each travel insurance company will be different. Check with yours directly.

Check the inclusions carefully before you purchase.

Level 1: Exercise normal safety precautions

Use common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour, as you would in Australia.

At level 1, the security environment is similar to that of a large Australian city.

This doesn't mean the local situation will be the same as in Australia. Laws and social customs could differ significantly. You could face terrorist attacks , civil unrest , violent crime or unique health threats. But overall, the risks are not greater than those you'd face in an Australian city.

If you travel to a location with an advice level of 1, it's your responsibility to:

• monitor the media and other sources for changes to local travelling conditions, safety, health situation and security concerns
• be aware of local differences and, as appropriate, take similar precautions to those you would take in Australia
• check entry requirements before you travel.

Keep in mind that being in an unfamiliar location without your support mechanisms always creates additional challenges, even if the local environment is similar to Australia.

Level 2: Exercise a high degree of caution

Pay close attention to your personal security and the current health situation. Monitor the media for new and existing risks.

At level 2, there are more or higher risks than what you would typically find in a large Australian city. We're not saying 'don't go' to this location. But you should do your research and take extra precautions.

The level may reflect a weak law-and-order system, where violent crime is common. The destination may lack some key public services, such as a responsive police force.

In some cases, there may be a risk that the security environment could change with little warning. This level may also reflect a passing event, such as political unrest or a short-term increase in a location's domestic terrorism level.

If you travel to a location with an advice level of 2, it's your responsibility to follow all the advice for level 1, as well as the following.

Before you go

• Understand the basics of the political and security situation.
• any dangerous areas of a city
• types of crimes
• risky modes of transport
• specific precautions for women or LGBTQIA+ travellers
• any behaviour that may offend or break the law.
• Check your travel insurance policy and coverage, particularly if there is a travel disruption or a change in travel advice.
• Research the health situation and services available for your destination.

While you're away

• Stay in contact with your airline operator or travel provider for changes and updates.
• Be aware of religious holidays or days of national significance. Terrorists have launched attacks on these occasions.
• Understand the safety of public transport options.
• Plan your daily movements and vary your routines and travel routes.
• Avoid known flashpoints, including protest areas.
• Don't wander into unknown areas.
• Avoid or minimise your time at places that terrorists may target.
• Leave an area at the first sign of unrest or if you feel uneasy.
• Be aware of building exits and always know the safe places you can access if you feel threatened.
• Take notice of the people around you and their behaviour. Be aware that you may misinterpret some behaviour in an unfamiliar cultural setting.
• When discussing your plans, avoid sharing details that others may overhear.
• Be cautious about the information you share on social media.
• Refuse unexpected packages or offers.
• Monitor the health risks in your location. 

Level 3: Reconsider your need to travel

Avoid non-essential travel. Do your research and check that your insurer will cover you. If you do travel, take extra precautions to protect yourself from security and health risks.

At level 3, there are serious and potentially life-threatening risks. This can make the destination unsafe for tourism and unsuitable for most travellers. This could be due to:

• an ongoing threat of terrorism or kidnapping
• travel disruptions
• frequent incidents of violent crime
• ongoing civil unrest
• widespread infectious disease
• other safety risks.

Think seriously about your need to travel to these places. This may mean postponing non-essential travel or choosing a less risky destination.

If you decide to travel, it's your responsibility to reduce your risks and stay safe. The Australian Government is limited in how and when it can help if you get into trouble. Conditions may change at any time. Be prepared for an extended stay or significant disruptions to travel.

These countries often have an unpredictable security environment. We may temporarily assign this advice level when there's been a major incident. This could include a natural disaster , terrorist attack , civil unrest or global pandemic that has made the destination too risky for most travellers.

Our advice levels also apply to Australian officials travelling overseas. Officials must undertake a detailed security risk assessment before travelling to these areas. They may have to adopt specific protective security measures.

If travelling to a destination with an advice level of 3, follow all the advice for levels 1 and 2, as well as the following before you go and when you get there.

• Research the political and security situation from a variety of sources before booking. Understand the risks. Check the news and social media and understand what's going on.
• Check your travel insurance policy carefully. It may not cover travel to 'reconsider your need to travel' destinations.
• Understand the health situation and risks for your destination.
• Research the health services available. Services may be strained and not be the same as you would receive in Australia.
• Pre-book accommodation in safe areas with appropriate security.
• Get local advice on your itinerary. Follow advice on areas to avoid.
• Minimise time spent in airports by scheduling direct flights if possible. Avoid stopovers in high-risk airports.
• Stay as short a time as possible. Eliminate unnecessary activities .
• Think carefully about your security at your hotel and getting around. Organise tailored security arrangements and prepare contingency plans.
• Ask your tour operator about their safety record and security arrangements. This includes safety equipment, extra security, emergency plans and evacuation procedures.
• Regularly review your security arrangements. The threat environment could change at short notice.
• Have an up-to-date will and enduring power of attorney in case you die . Designate appropriate insurance and beneficiaries.
• Be aware of the health risks for your location. 
• Pre-plan your travel routes. Have contingency plans in place.
• Be prepared to change your plans in response to evolving threats.
• Avoid potential terrorism targets. Know what to do in the event of a terrorist attack .
• Stay alert and always be aware of your environment. Look out for suspicious activity or items, and report anything of concern to local authorities.
• Don't discuss travel plans with strangers. Never share personal information with people asking questions without good reason.
• Don't discuss your plans or risk management strategies where they might be overheard by others.
• Don't share information about your travel arrangements on social media.

How to minimise your exposure to risks

• Avoid travelling alone, especially after dark and on long trips.
• Minimise travelling by foot. Be vigilant in public areas.
• Before getting into a vehicle, check it for anything suspicious.
• Make sure any vehicles you use are in good working order and have enough fuel to get you out of unexpected trouble.
• When driving , keep your car doors locked and your windows up.
• Watch for people following you. Be ready to take evasive action.
• Avoid using public transport. Only use trusted private transport.
• Check the safety record of your travel service providers. Always use available safety equipment, even if others don't.
• Never take something across a border for someone else. You could be arrested or jailed if it contains something illegal, such as drugs .
• Don't meet strangers in your hotel room or unknown or remote places.

Make contingency arrangements

• Wherever you are, have a plan of action in case the environment becomes unsafe.
• Be prepared to change your plans at short notice. This could include changing meetings or activities to less prominent areas or less dangerous days.
• Always carry a charged phone. Save local emergency contact details in it.
• Tell a trusted person where you're going and when you plan to return. Discuss and agree on what action they should take if you don't return at the planned time.
• Maintain contingency kits. Include medical supplies, food, water and fuel. This can help sustain you through any period of heightened unrest.
• Carry provisions with you when getting around .

In the event of a crisis , departure options may be severely limited. You're responsible for ensuring you can depart independently and that your travel documentation is up to date. Don't expect the Australian Government to organise your departure. See the Consular Services Charter to understand how and when we can help.

Level 4: Do not travel

If you're already in this location, you should consider leaving if it's safe to do so. If you do travel, get professional security advice. Your travel insurance policy might be void. The Australian Government may not be able to help you.

At level 4, your health and safety are at extreme risk. This may be because of a high threat of terrorist attack , conflict, violent social unres t, widespread infectious disease or critical levels of violent crime. It could be a combination of risks.

If you travel to this location, you're at a high risk of death , imprisonment , kidnapping or serious injury.

If you get into trouble, the Australian Government may be unable to help. In most cases, our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations is extremely limited.

Any travel by Australian officials to 'Do not travel' locations is subject to high-level approval and is based on a rigorous risk assessment.

You should not travel to this location. If you travel to this location despite our advice, you should note that you may be unable to leave the location quickly if your circumstances change. If you're already in a 'Do not travel' area, consider leaving if it's safe to do so. If, despite our advice, you decide to travel to a location with a travel advice level of 4, it's your responsibility to follow all the advice for levels 1, 2 and 3, as well as the following.

• Check your travel insurance . Most standard policies won't cover you for 'Do not travel' destinations.
• Consider your security. Get independent, professional security advice. You may need to hire personal protection.
• Have robust risk management measures in place. This includes a detailed emergency management plan.
• Understand that you could die . Make sure you have an up to date will and enduring power of attorney. Designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries.

It's your responsibility to take care of your security. The Australian Government can't provide security assistance or advice.

• Exercise extreme caution.
• Follow the advice of your personal protection service.

If you die overseas in a 'do not travel' destination, it's unlikely your travel insurance will cover you. Your family will be left to deal with your death. This includes organising your funeral and bringing back your remains. They may also have to resolve legal or financial issues in the destination and in Australia.

• Read the travel advice for all the destinations you're travelling to, and through.
• Read our general travel advice and tips before you go .
• Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• Contact the Consular Emergency Centre if you're overseas and need urgent help .
• Read the guides for travellers , including the travel insurance buying guide (CHOICE).

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Annual multi-trip travel insurance

Year-round cover for multiple holidays# with 15% off for RACV Members

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RACV Travel Insurance $20K giveaway

You could win a share of $20,000 in prepaid gift cards with RACV Travel Insurance. Purchase a new policy by 30 September 2024 and you'll automatically go into the draw for a chance to win. Terms and conditions apply.

Year-round travel insurance for multiple holidays

• Annual travel insurance policy for unlimited trips within a 12-month period.
• Cover for overseas trips or travel within Australia more than 250km from home.
• International plans include medical, hospital and dental cover#.
• Choose your total trip duration — from 30, 45 or 60 max days per trip.
• Policy available for those aged 75 or under.

#Limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for full details .

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• Assistance when overseas

Your annual multi-trip policy includes

Overseas medical, hospital and dental.

All overseas trips include unlimited^^ cover for overseas medical and hospital#.

Emergency expenses

Unlimited** cover for emergency expenses. Up to $5000 for death, injury or illness of your relative or travelling companion#.

Cancellation and lost deposits

• unlimited^^ cover for unforeseen circumstances#
• Up to $4,000 for travel agent fees#.

Rental car excess

Up to $8,000 for any excess payable on your rental car, if you’re involved in an incident while travelling#.

Lost or stolen luggage and personal items

Up to $15,000 total benefit for lost or stolen luggage and personal items#. 

Cameras and other personal items

Luggage and personal items includes up to $3,000 for cameras and video cameras, laptops and tablets, golf clubs or medical devices#.

Smart phones and other personal items

Luggage and personal items includes up to $1,000 for smart phones, dental prothesis or other items#.

Why consider RACV Travel Insurance

24/7 emergency assistance.

Get overseas emergency assistance 24-hours a day. Make a claim online any time. 

Overseas medical cover

Cover for overseas medical and hospital on international travel insurance policies # , if you fall ill or sustain injuries while travelling.

Cancellation fees and luggage

With the Annual Multi-trip plan, you can claim for missing luggage, cancellations and lost deposits#.

RACV Members save 15%

Already a Member with us? You’ll save 15% on all travel insurance policies. Check if you’re a member .

Kids included for free

Your annual plan covers dependents (children or grandchildren) for free when they travel with you and are listed on your policy¹.

Frequent travellers

Reliable year-round cover for frequent travellers. Once each trip is complete, your sum insured will be automatically reinstated. Benefits, excesses and limits apply for each trip.

Things you should know

^^$unlimited means that generally there is no cap on the maximum dollar amount which may be paid out for this benefit, subject to the specific terms and conditions, sub-limits and exclusions that apply to this benefit.

**$unlimited means that generally there is no cap on the maximum dollar amount which may be paid out for this benefit, subject to the specific terms and conditions, sub-limits and exclusions that apply to this benefit. This benefit covers reasonable overseas medical and hospital costs as a result of an injury (including arising from a Terrorist Act) or illness occurring which first shows itself during Your Period of Insurance. Benefits may be paid up to 12 months from the time You received treatment for the injury or illness, but only for reasonable expenses incurred during that time. All medical treatments must be provided by Your Treating Doctor or Our Consulting Medical Officer. You must notify Us as soon as practicable of Your admittance to hospital.

¹Dependents such as children, grandchildren, stepchildren, and foster children aged 25 or under at no extra cost provided they are travelling with you the whole time, are financially dependent on their parents or grandparents, not working full time and do not require a medical assessment.

Options and add-ons for your policy

No 2 trips are the same. With RACV Travel Insurance, you can choose policy options and add-ons.

Trip duration options

For each holiday you can choose from 30, 45 or 60 maximum days trip duration per policy. 

Excess options

You can choose your excess of $0, $100 or $250. The excess amount you choose will increase or reduce your premium+.

Ski and winter sports cover

Planning on hitting the slopes? Add-on Ski and Winter Sports cover to cover you for winter sports activities. This cover is not available for those over 85.

+Some cover benefit limits or sublimits may be less than your chosen excess and therefore the insurer may not contribute anything to your claim.

Other types of cover

Ocean cruise cover

Going on an ocean cruise for more than one night? Choose the Cruise option when buying your policy. International river cruising is already covered.

Sports and activities

Planning an adventure-filled holiday with sports and activities. Check which ones are covered.

International travel insurance

Explore single-trip policies to suit a range of overseas destinations, from Bali to Europe.

Save on airport parking for your next trip

RACV Members save up to 10% on airport parking and transfer services with our partners.

Assistance and support

Emergency assistance while overseas.

The team of experts are available to provide emergency support 24-hours a day. Reverse charges are accepted.

Call as soon as practical if you are receiving medical care and the total cost is likely to exceed $2,000.

• Call +61 2 8055 1699

Travel alerts

Check travel status before you plan your trip and again before you leave.

RACV Travel Insurance won't cover you for destinations with a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade "Do Not Travel" status.

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Medical conditions and things to consider

Medical conditions.

Find out if your medical condition is covered.

• Find out more

Medical tips to prepare for a trip

Stay healthy and happy while you're travelling at home and abroad.

The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations . For copies, visit racv.com.au. RACV Travel Insurance issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548. Terms & conditions apply, refer to the PDS. Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) Ltd AR 001243563 is an authorised representative of the issuer and receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. 

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Thredbo shut down ski field for season following challenging weather and snow conditions

One of Australia’s most popular ski fields has announced a major decision following a string of weather events on the east coast this year.

Remote Arctic island hides ‘doomsday vault’

Iconic Aussie festival won’t go ahead in 2025

26yo Expat shocked by Aussie coffee norm

One of Australia’s most popular ski fields has made the difficult decision to switch off the lifts and shut down the runs, after “challenging weather and snow conditions” plagued the tail end of the season.

Much of Australia’s southeast has been gripped by unseasonal heat, gale force winds and wild weather, resulting in a second year of unfavourable conditions.

The east coast’s recent weather patterns have been so unpredictable for this time of year, Victoria’s Mt Buller resort was forced to cease operations on the first day of spring.

Now, Thredbo has announced it will follow suit, citing unfavourable conditions to continue the season any further.

In a statement, Thredbo General Manager Stuart Diver said despite the early closure, the winter season was still a success.

“While we may be finishing earlier than expected, we also had some of the resort’s best-ever months this season with many big wins to celebrate,” he said.

Earlier this month, a spokesperson at Mt Buller said the decision to close the Victorian field followed not one but two challenging snow seasons in a row. Despite the warm and windy conditions, he was “proud everyone kept striving” throughout the winter period.

“I would like to thank everyone in our team who has tried valiantly to keep us sliding for as long as possible,” he said.

The closure of the Buller’s field this year happened even sooner than last year, which saw the field shut up shop on September 17 while nearby Baw Baw closed earlier than expected on September 3.

Speaking on ABC Radio at the time, Mount Buller spokeswoman Rhylla Morgan explained it was the winds that were the real problem.

“It has a lot more of an impact than temperature or rain, so those really strong winds have just made the snow literally disappear in front of our eyes,” she said.

“It’s a very difficult thing for us to protect ourselves against and right across Australia when you look at all the alpine areas, unfortunately we’re all in a similar situation. It’s really been a bit of a rollercoaster ride this year.”

Along with Mt Buller and now Thredbo ending, Selwyn Ski Resort in NSW’s Snow Mountains closed up the field before September even arrived.

The season, while some weeks provided significant downfalls, started with relatively dire conditions.

With the ski season officially starting on June 8 this year, running alongside the King’s Birthday long weekend, only light snowfalls were measured which quickly melted away after settling on the ground.

However Mr Diver said the season overall had seen many “big wins”, with the newly opened Alpine Coaster proving to be a big win over the winter period.

A secluded island nestled in the Arctic Ocean is the home to a dangerous apex predator and a “doomsday” vault.

Organisers of an iconic Aussie music festival have made a huge announcement after more than a decade of successful events.

A young expat has revealed what has surprised her the most since moving to Australia, including a tradie norm she didn’t see coming.

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Australian Visa and Entry Requirements FAQs

Learn about visa requirements for entry to Australia for tourism purposes with this list of frequently asked questions. 

Please note this page is intended to provide general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Tourism Australia is not the Australian government visa granting authority. For information on visas to enter Australia, visitors should seek the most up-to-date information from Australian Government Department of Home Affairs .*

Ready to plan your trip? We're ready to welcome you! Here are some helpful tips for getting your visa sorted: 

• Be sure to secure the appropriate visa before travelling to Australia. Use the Visa Finder to explore your options.
• Ensure all details are correct and provide all required documents when you apply. An incomplete or incorrect application can delay your visa.
• Submitting multiple applications at the same time can slow the process. For visitor visas, submit one application per person, including children. 
• Questions? The Australian Government's Global Service Centre can help.

Australian Visa Information

Unless you are an Australian citizen, you will need a valid Australian visa to enter the country. New Zealand passport holders can apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. All other passport holders, regardless of age, must apply for a visa before leaving home. You can apply for a range of Australian visa types, including tourist visas and working holiday visas, via the ETA app or on the  Department of Home Affairs website.

There are different Australian visa types available for travellers to Australia. Knowing which Australian visa to apply for depends on the length of your stay, your passport and the purpose of your visit. You’ll also need to meet certain financial and medical requirements, be outside of Australia when applying and maintain health insurance for the duration of your stay. 

Electronic Travel Authority visa  (subclass 601) This visa allows you to visit Australia as many times as you want, for up to a year, and stay for three months each visit. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of countries and regions, who live outside Australia. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is  here .

All ETA-eligible passport holders must apply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app. Agents can assist you in the application process, but you must be physically present as a live facial image is required.

eVisitor  (subclass 651) This is a free visa for multiple visits to Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three months at a time within a 12-month period. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of European countries and it cannot be extended.

Visitor visa  (subclass 600) The Visitor visa allows you to visit Australia, either for tourism or business purposes. It is open to all nationalities. Generally, a period of stay of up to three months is granted, but up to 12 months may be granted in certain circumstances. Applicants will have to pay a fee to submit their application.

The application process may differ depending on which visa you need.

You can only apply for the  Electronic Travel Authority visa  (subclass 601) through the Australian ETA app. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is located  here .

For other visas, you can apply online by creating an ImmiAccount and completing the application process. Be sure to submit your application well in advance of your travel date to allow enough time for processing. You may be asked to provide further supporting information. You will be notified in writing if your tourist visa is approved and it will be digitally linked to your passport. For more information on different visa types, and Australian visa requirements including how to apply for an Australian visa, visit the  Department of Home Affairs  website.

If you are already in Australia and hold a valid Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601) you can extend your stay by applying for another visa, such as a Visitor visa (subclass 600). An eVisitor (subclass 651) cannot be extended.

See the Department of Home Affairs website for details.

Working Holiday Visas

Australia's Working Holiday Maker program allows visitors aged under 30 (or 35 in certain cases) who hold a passport from a participating country to travel and work in Australia. Working holiday visas are valid for one year, or up to three years if you meet certain conditions.

Find out more about working holiday visas here .

*Australian visa regulations (including visa application charges) change from time to time. The information provided here is valid at the time of publication, but visitors should check this information is still current by visiting the Australian Department of Home Affairs .

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