Australian Travel Hints
Australia is a vast country with an amazing variety of places to see and people to meet. At YHA, we aim to provide you with all of the information you need to make the most of your trip down under. If you’ve never been to Australia and you’re wondering if you’ll need a visa, what the climate is like, what currency we use or who to call in an emergency, you will find the information here. We want to make sure you are safe throughout your travels, so take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with these travel hints. It won’t take long, we promise!
Before You Leave
Give a family member or friend a copy of your itinerary so they can contact you in an emergency.
Weather and Climate
The climate in Australia is different to any other place you might visit. You can expect hot tropical weather in the northern parts of the continent, and cooler weather in the south, sometimes even snow. The seasons in Australia are the opposite to the northern hemisphere with winter from June to August and summer from December to February. While you are in Australia it’s important to cover up with a shirt and hat, and wear SPF30+ sunscreen daily.
Money
The currency in Australia is Australian Dollars (AUD). Currency exchange is available at banks, most hotels and airports. It’s best to take your travel money in different forms:
• Cash for daily expenses
• Travellers cheques, pre-paid travel cards or debit cards for the bulk of your funds
• Credit cards for unexpected or larger expenditures
Emergency Assistance
In the event of an emergency (police, ambulance or fire) dial 000.
Travel Insurance
If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. Although you may be healthy, accidents happen all the time. Without a comprehensive travel insurance policy, ambulances, time in hospital, loss of baggage and last minute cancellations can cost thousands of dollars.
Water Safety
When swimming at any Australian beach, always swim between the red and yellow flags so that the lifesavers can see you, and never swim alone. If you need help from a lifesaver, signal for help by holding one arm up and waving. While you wait for the lifesaver float on your back and stay calm. When in northern Australia, never swim where crocodiles are known to inhabit. Box jellyfish also inhabit the waters in northern Australia during the months of October to April. Remember to wear SPF30+ sunscreen when swimming and reapply after you get out of the water. For more information visit www.safewaters.nsw.gov.au.
Personal Security
Australia is generally a safe destination to visit and has a stable political system with a low crime rate when compared to the rest of the world. However, it is important to still take precautions when travelling away from home and monitor your personal safety and possessions. It is strongly recommended not to hitchhike in Australia; it is unsafe and even illegal in some states. When travelling long distances, always carry plenty of fuel, food and water. Place a sign on the dashboard if you are not used to driving on the left and remember to take a break from driving every two hours.
Bushwalking or Hiking
If you’re planning to bushwalk or hike while in Australia it’s important to research the distance and difficulty of the route before you leave. For the longer, more challenging walks it is recommended a local guide be used. If you decide to go alone, ensure you tell someone where you are going, when you expect to return and the expected route you will be taking. To ensure you return safely with no injuries remember to take a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, wet weather clothing, protective footwear and a detailed topographic map.
