ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
**Please check your own country's international travel advice as well as the airline requirements before travel.**
US guests please see Travel State website; https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Australia.html
Visas:
U.S., Canadian, Australian, and European citizens can enter Australia for up to 90 days for tourism, but they require a visa, which must be obtained before traveling.
U.S. and Canadian citizens need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). It allows multiple entries, with a maximum stay of 3 months per visit. The ETA is valid for one year and costs AUD $20. Apply at least 72 hours in advance here: ETA Application.
British citizens can apply for an eVisitor visa (free of charge) or an ETA via the iOS/Android app (service fee of AUD $20 may apply).
Other nationalities should check specific visa requirements before departure. You’ll also need proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket.
Passport:
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the period of stay. It is advised to have 1 blank page in your passport. Please be sure to fill out the "Emergency Next of Kin" section in your passport
N.B. Please note, visa and entry requirements, regulations and restrictions can vary on a regular basis. Please ensure you check in good time prior to travel the current requirements applicable to you.
Travel Insurance:
All passengers must have valid travel insurance before traveling, including health and cancellation insurance. Please ensure you have a copy of your insurer’s 24-hour emergency telephone number and your policy number.
Medical Conditions and Personal Medication
Please advise us prior to travel if you have any medical conditions requiring special attention during your trip. If you have a specific medical condition, it is wise to carry the relevant doctor’s prescription with you.
Important:
Pack a sufficient supply of any medications you are taking, copies of the prescriptions and the telephone/fax numbers of your doctor.
Please note, some countries require that prescription drugs be carried in their original container, with the label clearly visible. In the event of you losing your medication, a qualified pharmacist should be able to source a replacement.
Travelling with CPAP or other Medical Machines:
Please inform The Big Journey Company that you are travelling with such a device as early as possible, and well before you travel. This is especially important in places where there may be issues with power supply, such as on safari or smaller cruise ships. Also,
- Check that you have the correct electrical and voltage adapters for the country and accommodation you are visiting;
- Check with your airline that they allow your device to be carried as additional hand luggage and ensure that your device is easily accessible and properly labelled as medical machinery;
- Always carry a letter from your medical practitioner prescribing its use for you;
- Ensure you have details of your machine separately in case of the need to secure repairs/replacements whilst you are travelling;
- Check with your medical practitioner about the use of tap or bottled water in the event that distilled water cannot be sourced in the country you are travelling to.
Please note, if you require distilled or ionised water, you must inform The Big Journey Company of this at least two weeks ahead of travel, so we are able to make preparations with our ground agents. There will be an additional charge for this.
LUGGAGE
What to Pack and Wear:
We would recommend comfortable clothes and shoes for this tour. Feel free to include a smart-casual outfit for dinner if you wish, however there is no pressure to follow a dress code.
The weather should largely be warm and sunny throughout the journey, however it is always good to be prepared for every eventuality, so make sure you pack a light jacket in case of rain and the fact that it may be cooler in the evening. Insect repellent, sunglasses, a sun hat and sun cream are also essential items. Don't forget your camera, with charger/spare batteries and memory cards and why not pack your swimming costume too.
Luggage Allowances
International airlines are often strict about the size and weight of checked in baggage and carry-on luggage. Prior to your departure, please contact your airline or visit their website for specific luggage requirements, as size and weight limitations may vary according to the airline and destination.
N.B. The Australia tours include a number of internal flights in Australia, on varying sizes of aircraft. Please check with The Big Journey Company regarding specific luggage allowances for this flight.
Hand/carry-on baggage restrictions – Please note, carry-on luggage is to be a soft bag not exceeding 30 x 28 x 14cm (12” x 11” x 6”) in order to fit either under the seat or in the small overhead compartment. Bags with wheels or telescopic handles will not fit in the overhead compartments and will therefore not be accepted as carry-on for safety reasons.
LANGUAGE
The main language of Australia is English, though many other European languages are spoken widely across the country by older generation immigrants, as well as some Asian languages by younger immigrants.
WEATHER
Australia is in the southern hemisphere, so it is summer there when it is winter in Europe and North America, from November to February.
Australia experiences temperate weather for most of the year, but the climate can vary due to the size of the continent. In Cairns in the north, it is generally hot and humid with some rain. Temperatures here vary between 23-31°C / 73-87°F. Sydney enjoys a sunny, Mediterranean-style climate all year round, where it is warm to hot with little rainfall and average maximum temperatures around 26°C/78°F. Sydney can also be quite humid given its coastal location. Temperatures drop at night due to the vast open skies. The weather is more changeable by the coast, and famously arid in the interior.
ELECTRICITY
In Australia, the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. You will need a Type I plug adapter, used in Oceania and Argentina and/or converter depending on which electrical appliances you bring with you.
MOBILES & INTERNET COMMUNICATION
Moblie coverage is widely avaliable across Australia, be sure to check with your mobile provider for coverage and rates, as data roaming can be extremely expensive.
MONEY
Currency:
Australia’s currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to carry cash, as ATMs may be scarce in smaller villages. Visa and Mastercard are most commonly accepted, but Diners Club and American Express may not be.
Before traveling, inform your bank to avoid card issues. Note that Australia uses chip-and-pin cards, so magnetic strip cards may not work at some machines. It’s wise to carry extra cash and be prepared to show ID if unable to pay by chip-and-pin.
Gratuities:
After feedback from previous guests, we offer a group tipping package for this tour, more information on this will be shared in the 'Pre-Tour Emails'.
WATER
The tap water in Australian cities is generally of excellent quality and unless otherwise advised, you can drink the local tap water. The quality varies as you travel to more remote areas and it is best to check with the local suppliers. Bottled water can be bought at supermarkets, kiosks and many shops.
SAFETY & SECURITY
As visitors, tourists may be more vulnerable to petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams, so we recommend staying aware and taking simple precautions.
RELIGION
Australia has no official state religion, however around 50% of the population belong to the Christian Church, and 30% say they have no religion.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Australia offers photo opportunities one after another. You will return with many photos that can never be repeated. Remember to pack your camera, along with the charger, spare batteries and a spare memory card!
ARRIVAL IN AUSTRALIA
Please note, standard hotel check-in is around 3pm, so should you arrive earlier than this, your room may not be available upon arrival. For those arriving early morning, we will do everything we can to work with the hotel to get you an earlier check-in subject to availability.
If you have any other questions that we have not covered here; then please send us an e-mail to: info@thebigjourneycompany.com
Disclaimer: The above information is provided as a guideline only. The Big Journey Company assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in this document.
Updated Mar 2025