Back packing your way around Australia?
You are the envy of many.
You are going to have just the best time!
"You Will Find Everything About Back-Packing
in Australia RIGHT HERE"
Have you ever back-packed before? If you have that is great and if not that is good too because all you ever wanted to know is listed right
here and you have so much to look forward to. Even if you are an experienced back-packer you might pick up a trick or two.
"TIPS AND TRICKS"
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.
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What to pack - WHAT NOT TO PACK
"Getting excited, I would hope so"
The experienced back-packer knows to travel light unless of course you have an Aussie base where you can leave things and send for them as your need arises.
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 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!
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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
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The Weather in Austraila
The weather changes from state to state. Do a little homework about Australia before you start packing.
Start here by checking out
our Weather Pages
It stands to reason that the southern states are cooler than the Northern, as opposed to the Northern Hemisphere ranges. We also have wet seasons that can create floods, so pack a spray jacket and something to keep you warm.
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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 - CLICK HERE
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
There are also a number of Back-Packing websites worth a look while you are planning your trip.
Work Stay - 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
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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.
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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.
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.
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You can always pick up health insurance from one of the private institutions like NIB,
MBF or HBA |
Australia has no real disease problems, but we do have crocodiles, snakes, spiders and other toxic wildlife. So if you are staying a while grab
a free Medicare Card.
Taking medication? Remember to take adequate amounts with you and bring prescriptions, plus a letter from your doctor stating why you require
that medication.
"HEY MATE THERE IS MUCH MORE!"
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