Protecting Wombats in Australia
Key facts
Capital:
CanberraLocation:
Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific OceanCurrency:
Australian dollars (AUD)Area:
7,741,220 sq kmPopulation:
25,809,973 (July 2021 est.)Languages:
English 72.7%, Mandarin 2.5%, Arabic 1.4%, Cantonese 1.2%, Vietnamese 1.2%, Italian 1.2%, Greek 1%, other 14.8%, unspecified 6.5% (2016 est.)Religion:
Protestant 23.1% (Anglican 13.3%, Uniting Church 3.7%, Presbyterian and Reformed 2.3%, Baptist 1.5%, Pentecostal 1.1%, Lutheran .7%, other Protestant .5%), Roman Catholic 22.6%, other Christian 4.2%, Muslim 2.6%, Buddhist 2.4%, Orthodox 2.3% (Eastern Orthodox 2.1%, Oriental Orthodox .2%), Hindu 1.9%, other 1.3%, none 30.1%, unspecified 9.6% (2016 est.)TimeZone:
UTC+11Tel Code:
+61Things to Do
1. Sydney Opera House Tour
Explore one of the most iconic building in the world and learn about its history and architecture.
2. Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling
Experience the incredible marine life of the Great Barrier Reef while snorkeling in its crystal-clear waters.
3. Uluru Sunrise and Sunset
Witness the breathtaking colors of Uluru as the sun rises and sets over this sacred Aboriginal site.
4. Melbourne Street Art Tour
Discover the vibrant street art scene of Melbourne and learn about the city's graffiti culture.
5. Kangaroo Island Wildlife Adventure
Encounter kangaroos, koalas, and other unique Australian wildlife on Kangaroo Island.
6. Blue Mountains Scenic Railway
Ride the world's steepest railway and enjoy breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains.
7. Great Ocean Road Drive
Embark on a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road and marvel at the stunning coastal landscapes.
8. Whitsunday Islands Sailing
Sail through the picturesque Whitsunday Islands and relax on pristine white sandy beaches.
9. Tasmanian Wilderness Hike
Explore the pristine wilderness of Tasmania on a multi-day hiking adventure.
10. Adelaide Central Market Food Tour
Indulge in a culinary journey through Adelaide's vibrant Central Market and taste local delicacies.
Stories
Puff: Wonders of the Reef by Netflix
Weather
Australia is a large country with a varied climate, with different regions having different weather patterns and temperature. In general, the northern part of the country is tropical, with hot and humid weather all year round. The southern part of the country is more temperate, with cooler temperatures and four distinct seasons.
Northern Australia
- The northern part of Australia, including the tropical regions of the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia have a hot and humid climate all year round, with temperatures averaging 30-35 degrees Celsius (86-95 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) at night.
- The rainy season in the north typically lasts from November to April, which can cause some areas to be inaccessible due to flooding.
Southern Australia
- The southern part of Australia, including the states of Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania, have four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
- Summer, which runs from December to February, is the warmest season, with temperatures averaging around 25-35 degrees Celsius (77-95 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day.
- Winter, which runs from June to August, is the coolest season, with temperatures averaging around 10-15 degrees Celsius (50-59 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day.
It's worth noting that the best time to visit Australia depends on what you want to do and see. For example, if you want to explore the Great Barrier Reef, the dry season (May to September) is the best time to visit, while if you want to ski in the Snowy Mountains, the winter (June to August) is the best time. Additionally, the peak tourism season in Australia is during the Christmas and New Year holidays, so it can be more difficult to find accommodation and flights during this time.
Visas
Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:
Passport
Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.
Visa
Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.
Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules
Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.
Travel Insurance
Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.
Customs
Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.
Currency
Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.
Research the country
Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.
Contact Information
Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.
Accommodation
There are a variety of accommodation options available for visitors to Australia, including:
Hotels
From luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, there are hotels available in most major cities and tourist destinations.
Guesthouses
These are a more budget-friendly option and can be found in many smaller towns and villages.
Villas
Many popular tourist destinations, such as Gold Coast, offer a wide range of villa rentals, which can be a great option for families or groups of friends.
Hostels
Hostels are popular in major cities and tourist destinations, and can be a good budget-friendly option for solo travelers or backpackers.
Campsites
Many national parks and other remote areas in Australia have camping facilities for visitors, which can be a great way to experience the natural beauty of the country.
Vacation Rentals
Many popular tourist destinations, such as Sydney and Melbourne, offer vacation rentals such as apartments and houses that can be rented on a short-term basis.
It's important to note that depending on the location and type of accommodation, prices and availability may vary greatly. It's always a good idea to research and book in advance, especially during peak tourism season.
Transportation
Air travel
- Major airports in Australia, such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, offer direct flights to and from international destinations.
- There are also several domestic airlines that offer flights between major cities and regional areas within Australia.
Ground transportation
- Public transportation such as buses, trains, and trams are available in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.
- Rental cars and campervans are popular options for road trips and exploring regional areas.
- Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber are also available in most major cities.
- Uber has a car sharing program available around the country. Great for getting a car for a few hours or a day. Use our code for $50 off your first ride at: https://www.ubercarshare.com/invited/Y8FXPK
Water transportation
Ferries are available for travel between islands and along the coast in areas such as Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef. Some domestic flights also operate between coastal cities and islands.
Other
- Bicycles and e-scooters are available for rent in some cities, such as Sydney.
- Walking and hiking are also popular options for exploring natural areas and national parks.
It's important to note that transportation options and availability may vary depending on the location in Australia. It's a good idea to research and plan transportation in advance, especially if you're planning to visit more remote areas.
Money
Money Tips for Travel
- Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
- Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
- Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
- Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
- Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
- Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
- Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
- Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
- NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
- Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.
ATM and Credit Cards
- Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
- Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
- Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
- Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
- Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
- Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
Exchange Rates
- Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
- Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
- Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
- Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
- Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.
Insurance
Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!
Medical Coverage
Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!
Trip Cancellation and Interruption
Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.
Lost or Stolen Luggage
Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.
Emergency Assistance and Evacuation
Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.
Liability coverage
Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.
Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.
Mobile
When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:
eSIM
Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.
Dual SIM phone
If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.
Extend your home plan
Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.
Keep your primary SIM
With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.
Community
There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:
Facebook groups
There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.
Meetup
Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.
Internations
Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.
Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!
Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.
LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.
At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.