Arriving in Australia

"Are You Coming to Australia? You Will Be the Envy of Many.
You are going to have just the best time!"

We Will Try and Make it Easier for You RIGHT HERE

Travelling around the world is so much easier these days. More and more people are travelling and moving around the globe, even when times are tough there are a number of people that have been frugal and yet others that only travel when fares are cheap and there are bargains to be had. As the world seems to get smaller with the modern modes of transportation becoming faster and more comfortable getting to Australia is as easy as it comes.

While Australia is below that imaginary line called the equator (I guess that's why they call us the land down under) it is not a line drawn in the sand to stop you from coming! Australian is a magnificent place with much to see and do. We want you to come, shake your hand and get you to stay a while.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS! "Will I go to Australia just for a relaxing HOLIDAY? Or maybe I go and see the country on a GUIDED TOUR? Could I stay a while and find some WORK IN AUSTRALIA? Then again I might BACKPACK AROUND AUSTRALIA - that would be fun!"

Regardless of your decision there are a number of regulations you need to be aware of BEFORE you leave home.

On these pages you will find a number of links that will help and put you in touch with the proper Australian authorities, so that you will be able to bring what you need to legally stay here and have a great time.

The Proper Documents

Passports and Visas In most cases you will need a valid passport and visa or an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) in order to enter into Australia. To check for eligibily on Australian Travel Visas and Passports go to the     Visas and Immigration Website - CLICK HERE and for an ETA go to the      Australian Electronic Travel Authority - CLICK HERE

Start by contacting your nearest Australian embassy or consulate to find out what visas you will need. You can apply electronically by going to
Australian Electronic Travel Authority - CLICK HERE or ask a travel agent to arrange one for you. ETA is free and it allows you stay in Australia for up to three months, and is valid for multiple travel for one year.

Tourist and Working Visas

These are free and valid for three months and can usually remain valid for 12 months. It should be noted that you must be no younger than 18 or older than 30 years to work in Australia. If you intend on staying longer or continue to come back to Australia you will need to apply for an extension, make sure you apply well before the current visa expires.

If you intend on doing a little work or studying you will need to apply for a visa that allows for that. You CAN NOT work in Australia without the correct visa. Australian employers require a tax file number from you just to give you a start. Student Visas can allow you to work part time. A working type Visa allows you to work for a maximum of twelve months, but you can only remain in any one position for three months.

What to pack - What NOT To Pack! "Getting excited, I would hope so" Firstly if you are flying, check you bag limits and weight, as a rule of thumb, two bags up to a maximum of 20 Kgs. You are also allowed some hand luggage which can be an overnight style case or bag usually less than 5 kgs. Check with the NEW RULES about hand luggage and security with the airline before leaving. Most of the airline rest rooms carry toothbrushes, soap etc, but you might like to throw in a few small things to freshen up with, BUT leave out anything sharp. Long flights can knock you about! It is a good idea to carry on a pullover or jacket, for on long trips these will come in handy. Ear plugs are good as are mild sleeping pills and soft shoes. If you can check in on line take a look at the seating and pick a seat you will be comfortable in. "Oh Yes" I know mum said to fold your clothes neatly, but I am going to suggest you ROLL them as they take up less room and there are actually less wrinkles!

Australian Airport Customs Check everything including carry-on luggage. If you have a stop-over on the way and decide to buy a few things remember to declare what you need to on arrival. Do not spoil your visit. Be prepared as Custom inspection arrival lines in Australia can take some time to move through. Check any queries with Aussie Customs

The Weather in Australia The weather changes from state to state so there is the need for a little homework about Australia before you start packing. Start here by checking out our WEATHER PAGES You will find that the southern states are cooler than the Northern, and our seasons are opposite months to the Northern Hemisphere as well. Although predominately a dry country we also have wet seasons that can create floods, so pack a spray jacket and something to keep you warm.

What are people like in Australia? VERY FRIENDLY! See our pages on WHAT ARE AUSSIES LIKE? Read about the INDIGENOUS AUSSIE CULTURE

Carrying Money in Australia

Most people will carry Aussie cash as well as some cash from home, travellers cheques and a credit card. Please, when travelling keep them all separate, then if one is lost you have the other.

OH! And only bring ONE credit card.

For more Frequently Asked Questions about MONEY AND SHOPPING IN AUSTRALIA

Working in Australia

Overseas guests are always welcome and you can obtain work in many fields. Fruit picking in season is popular and many of the back-packer hostels have associations with the local area farmers. Keep an eye on the notice boards or ask the staff. It is hard work but you can pick up good bucks. You can always call into the local government employment office and read the notice boards.

You can buy a membership with WWOOFING before you leave home, it is not that expensive and they place you in touch with their members - they have 1300 listed host farms. It is a world wide organisation for Organic Farming and well worth a look:-
     WWoof International - CLICK HERE

If you have bar or table service experience, the resort hotels and cafes throughout Australia are often looking for casual staff.
What are you like on the phone? Canvassing skills are always needed, if you do not mind talking on the phone, call centres will take you on and they pay OK. Look them up in the "Yellows" -
    Yellow Pages Directory - CLICK HERE

Guys and Girls with Skills Like nursing; the local agencies will able place you. Any hospital can fill you in or 'let your fingers do the walking'.     Yellow Pages Directory - CLICK HERE Work for trades people seems to be always readily available, and computer technicians and electricians can pull work reasonably easily. Hey, if you are over 30 and wish to work you will have a better chance with your visa application if you have a trade, do not be affaid to ask, the word is if you are a bit over age and you ask nicely you could be OK.

There are also a number of internet sites offering jobs throughout the world, TNT magazine - CLICK HERE is one and they have lists of recruitment agencies online.


Now how fit are you? Can you wind-surf, ride a surfboard, bungee jump. Have you been a surf-lifesaver, what about the snow sports? The resorts around Australia are often looking for instructors or people who are able to protect others from injury. Australia has some of the largest properties in the world and are these are always looking for people to work as Jillaroos or Jackaroos. Can you ride a horse? There are a number of rodeos happening as well as travelling shows; all looking for workers.

In many cases if you ask there will be work.

There are also a number of work related websites worth a look while you are planning your trip.
        Work Stay - CLICK HERE

Health Guide On Arrival into Australia it is a great idea to get hold of a Medicare Card; these are obtainable from a Medicare centre. You will need to show your passport and your National Health documents, so be sure to bring them with you. That is if your country has an arrangement with ours. This allows you to visit the public hospitals. BUT travelling in an ambulance or visiting a general practitioner (doctor) or dentist for treatment will have a minimal cost.

You can always pick up health insurance from one of the private institutions like
        NIB, MBF or HBA