How to book a trip to Australia

Making your dream trip a reality

Step 0 - Plan your trip!

Australia is an absolutely VAST country with a wealth of natural beauty, rich history and some of the most vibrant and culturally diverse cities on the planet. Whether you want to explore the Red Centre, cruise the Whitsunday Islands, or discover the hidden laneways of Melbourne, there’s something for everyone in the Land Down Under.

Remember to check all COVID updates for the state/territory you’re thinking of visiting – Australia is made up of 8 states and territories and each are in independent control of their borders. KEEP CHECKING in the lead up to your trip!

Step 1 - Get a Visa

Everyone planning to visit Australia needs a visa of some kind. Depending on your nationality, visas for the purposes of tourism are either very cheap or free and will usually be processed within a week of applying.

New Zealand passport holders are exempt from needing to apply for a visa in advance and will be given a Special Category Visa (SVC) upon arrival in Australia. Non-NZ passport holders might need to apply for the below tourism visas.

If you are intending to work & travel in Australia - you can apply for a Working Holiday Visa (subclasses 417 & 462) - click here for details.

* 19th January 2022: Read the latest news for the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program here.

eVisitor (subclass 651)
Free. For multiple visits to Australia for tourism (up to three months at a time) inside a 12-month period. Available to: Passport holders from various European countries.

Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601)
$20AUD service charge (for online applications). For multiple visits to Australia for tourism (up to three months at a time) inside a 12-month period. Available to: Passport holders from various countries (not confined to Europe).

Visitor Visa (subclass 600)
$370AUD+. Allows multiple visits to Australia for tourism (up to three months at a time) inside a 12-month period. Available to: Everyone else not eligible for the above visas.

Step 2 - Book your trip!

The main things you'll need to book are: Flights, activities/tours, accommodation and transport.

Flights - When booking flights, it's a good idea to make sure everything is refundable so you can stay flexible. But it's important to read the fine print on your ticket carefully if circumstances change your plans! 

Activities/Tours - There's tons of options for tours and experiences, and YHA has a bunch of sweet deals to hook you up with! From a guided walk through the historical city centre all the way to an epic overland journey through the outback, there's sure to be something to tickle your fancy. Prefer to chart your own path? Check out some of the amazing experiences available in your area. Remember - be sure to book any multi-day tours BEFORE finalising your accommodation, because many of them include overnight stays in the overall cost.

Accommodation - With clean, affordable rooms in spectacular locations all across Australia, YHA should be your go-to when picking out your lodgings Down Under. See our full list of properties here - just be sure to book well in advance to avoid disappointment! Good to know is that accommodation providers like YHA allow full or near-full refunds up to the day prior arrival, so you can travel with peace of mind. Check out our refund policy here.

Note: Right after booking everything is when you should pick up any travel insurance you'll be purchasing (strongly recommended). Also make sure to let a family member or friend know your itinerary so they can contact you in an emergency.

Step 3 - Fill out your travel declaration

Before departing for Australia, you must complete a Australia Travel Declaration (at least 72 hours prior). 

Step 4 - Depart for your Aussie adventure

Now for the exciting bit - lift off! 

BUT WAIT! Here's a few things you MUST do or know before departure and on arrival:

• be fully vaccinated (TGA approved or recognised vaccine) and provide proof of vaccination 
• hold a valid eligible visa
• present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 3 days of your departure
• depending on what state/territory you arrive into or travel onto, you may be required to complete a period of mandatory hotel quarantine.

YHA encourages all travellers to Australia to check Government pages for the most up-to-date information - click here.

Congratulations! You're now in the air and on your way to Australia! An untamed land nearly the size of Europe is waiting for you, so as soon as you land, get out there and explore what this vast country has to offer! And wear sunscreen!

Information last updated 9 Feb 2022

While every effort has been made to ensure correct information, YHA Australia does not take responsibility for any errors or omissions or any loss or inconvenience suffered by any person resulting from information published on this page.