For many, a trip to the “Land down Under” is the trip of a lifetime. Australia really does offer something for everyone, exciting cities, spectacular scenery, friendly people and some of the most unique wildlife found anywhere in the world. Part of the excitement of a big trip is in the planning and if you are visiting this huge and fascinating country, there are several things you should not overlook.
The most important thing is your passport. Without this vital document, you will not get very far at all as your airline will not board you. Your passport needs to be valid for the length of your visit to Australia and the name on your passport should exactly match the name on your plane ticket. Actually, it is surprising how many travelers put their middle name or nickname on one or the other.
All visitors to Australia, except citizens of neighboring New Zealand, also need to have a visa, or in keeping with today's electronic environment, an electronic travel authority, (ETA) as it's now called. The ETA is easy to obtain, you can apply for it on line, and most airlines and travel agencies will process your application, for a fee. Unless you are in poor health or have a recent criminal record, you should not have any difficulty being granted the ETA.
There are several different types of ETA, depending on the purpose of your trip. If you are vacationing in Australia, you will need a visitor's visa - valid for three, six or twelve months, although extensions are possible. If you intend to work or conduct business in Australia, you will need one of several visas allowing you to work in the country, either on a temporary or permanent basis.
One thing you probably will not need for your trip to Australia is a paper plane ticket. Today, virtually all plane tickets are electronic, and are usually referred to as e-tickets. You may want to carry with you a faxed or e-mailed copy of your itinerary and receipt when you travel, although it is not actually necessary. Also, it's also a good idea to confirm flight times before leaving, just in case of a schedule change.
Electronic tickets offer big advantages to the airlines as well as passengers, they are less expensive to produce and distribute; and they involve less paperwork to keep together. Previously, if you lost your paper ticket, the airline would generally charge you to replace it. With an electronic ticket, there is usually no such problem, your airline will simply re-send it to you at no cost.
Many people drive while in Australia, a driving trip across the famous Outback is absolutely a memorable experience. If you plan to drive, you will need to take your regular driver's license or an International Driver's Permit with you. It is a rule in Australia that you carry your license with you at all times, it must also be written in English or you will need a translation. The minimum driving age is 16 or 17; sometimes 21 to drive a four wheel drive vehicle.
Many people visit Australia to experience the fascinating culture of the country's original inhabitants, the Aborigines. If you intend to travel on Aboriginal land, other than on a designated road, you will need to contact the Land Council in that state to obtain a permit. You can apply for the permit in advance, although the process can take up to six weeks, so you do not want to leave it until the last minute.
Australia is considered to be one of the safest and healthiest places in the world to visit. No vaccinations are necessary unless you have been in a yellow fever danger zone, usually found in Africa or South America. Be sure to take adequate prescription medication with you. By law, Australian pharmacies can only fill a prescription written by an Australian doctor. And it is a good idea to have a spare pair of glasses or contact lenses.
You may not need to take out additional travel insurance; the insurance included on your credit cards may cover you against such things as lost luggage, airline delays and a tour operator ceasing operations. Most health insurance plans will not provide coverage in Australia and it is vital to take out adequate health insurance, especially if you are planning to visit remote areas. Make sure you have signed everything and filled out all forms correctly.
When flying, always carry important documents and paperwork with you in your carry on bag, never in your checked luggage, just in case your bag is one of the few that is lost. It's also a good idea to make copies of any important papers, passport, plane tickets, tour itinerary, driving license and medical documents. Be prepared and enjoy your trip!
We don't want to visit the Queensland Australia zoo; we want to take a 4-wheel-drive vehicle right out into the Australian outback where we can catch a glimpse of wild dingoes and red kangaroos in their natural habitat. To visit Australia is to peer into a rich cultural heritage and experience a more laid-back beach lifestyle, if only for a week or two.
Australia has wildlife! It is one of twelve "megadiverse" countries that accounts for 75% of the world's biodiversity, says the Department of Environment and Climate Change. The existence of Australian animals on the island fascinates biologists, who attribute the tremendous biodiversity to being allowed to proliferate without human interference for so many years. Remember, Australia wasn't even officially declared a country until 1901.
It's not every day that you can see 45 species of kangaroo hopping through the brush, an enormous emu running with its gangly ostrich-like legs, or hear a laughing kookaburra in the tree. Some animals can only be found down under. The Tasmanian devil, for instance, is only found in Australia.
To Australian guides, it may be nothing to see a playful platypus, 100 varieties of poisonous snakes, 56 species of parrots, a koala or a wild dingo, but travelers are always somewhat bewildered by the sudden emergence of animals they had only previously seen on TV or at the zoo. The bush and the Australian outback are unique experiences, so try to arrange a four-wheel-drive tour to catch the wildlife in their natural habitats!
Visit Australia to see natural wonders. The Great Barrier Reef next to the party town of Carins is the best place to dive in the world. Backpackers can take an "introductory dive" with a tour company for $75 AUD per trip. For a more in-depth view that's off-the-beaten-path, you'll need your scuba license or a fair amount of cash to get on a private boat.
Another amazing natural wonder is Uluru, which is also called "Ayers Rock." The Anangu Australian aboriginal people believe this 348-meter, color-changing rock holds sacred power and it is situated right in Kata Tjuta National Park, where you can traverse many different hiking trails. Thirdly, at Monkey Mia you'll have the chance to feed wild dolphins in Shark Bay, a protected World Heritage area.
Also, Queensland's Daintree Rainforest (the oldest in the world) is home to 30% of the nation's frog, marsupial and reptile species, 65% of the bat and butterfly species, and 20% of the country's birds. These are just a few of the natural wonders you will be privy to on an Australian vacation. Australia also boasts some of the best hiking, road trips and a "Little Sahara" desert region.
Visit Australia to experience music. In addition to having thriving jazz and country scenes, Australians love a whole host of rock, but offer up certain distinctive styles. For instance, The Atlantics played surf-oriented rockabilly, much like what was happening in California during the 1950s - 1980s too. The Bee Gees, The Loved Ones, Olivia Newton-John showcased some of the diversity found down under.
Australia is also home to many "pub rock" bands like: Mental As Anything, Midnight Oil, The Angels, Cold Chisel, Icehouse, INXS and Men at Work. In the 90s, AC/DC, Savage Garden, The Living End and Silverchair brought notoriety to sleepy beach towns of Australia.
Today, "pub rock" still thrives as the traditional Aussie sound, with bands like The Vines, Jet, Airbourne and Wolfmother. Australian music is a great reason for any young artist type to embark on an Australian adventure.
Both Craig Elliott & Mike Selvon are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Craig Elliott has sinced written about articles on various topics from Vacation, Bankruptcy Law and Careers and Job Hunting. About Author:Craig Elliott is a freelance writer who writes about topics pertaining to vacations and the travel industry such as