UK FCDO travel advice: Exercise normal precautions when travelling to Australia. Some areas may have increased risk — check conditions for the specific regions you plan to visit.
Discover
Top Attractions in Australia
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
Sydney Opera House
One of the 20th century's most distinctive buildings, this multi-venue performing arts centre sits dramatically on Bennelong Point in Sydney Harbour.
Great Barrier Reef
The world's largest coral reef system stretches over 2,300 km and is home to thousands of species of marine life. Snorkelling and diving here is extraordinary.
Uluru (Ayers Rock)
A sacred sandstone monolith rising 348 m from the desert floor in the Northern Territory. Particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset when it glows deep red and orange.
The Twelve Apostles
Dramatic limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria — a breathtaking coastal drive.
Bondi Beach
Arguably Australia's most famous beach, Bondi is a vibrant stretch of golden sand just 7 km from Sydney's CBD, backed by excellent cafés, bars, and the iconic coastal walk.
Daintree Rainforest
One of the oldest rainforests on Earth, in tropical north Queensland. Explore ancient ecosystems, spot rare wildlife, and cruise the Daintree River.
Where to Go
Top Cities to Visit in Australia
Sydney
The Harbour City — beaches, opera, and a vibrant dining scene
Melbourne
Coffee, culture, laneways, and world-class sport
Cairns
Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest
Gold Coast
Sun-soaked beaches, theme parks, and surf culture
Brisbane
Sunny, riverside, and increasingly cosmopolitan
Hobart
Wilderness, MONA museum, and convict history in one compact city
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Australia
Most visitors require either an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601), an eVisitor visa (subclass 651), or a Tourist visa (subclass 600) before travelling to Australia. Citizens of many countries can apply for an ETA or eVisitor online within minutes. Check your specific passport nationality using the Yoogo visa checker.
The ETA and eVisitor visas allow stays of up to 3 months per visit, while a Tourist visa can grant up to 12 months. Most travellers on standard visitor authorisations are admitted for 3 months.
You need a valid passport with at least 6 months' validity, a valid Australian visa or ETA, a completed Incoming Passenger Card (provided on the flight), and evidence of sufficient funds and a return or onward ticket.
Australia is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists. Crime rates are low by international standards. The main hazards are natural — extreme heat, UV radiation, jellyfish, and some venomous wildlife. Standard travel precautions apply.
The Australian Dollar (AUD, symbol A$) is the official currency. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including contactless tap payments.
English is the official and dominant language of Australia. A small number of indigenous languages are also spoken. Australian English has its own distinctive accent and slang.
Australia is a large continent with varied climates. Generally, September to November (spring) and March to May (autumn) offer comfortable temperatures across most regions. Avoid the tropical north during the wet season (November–April). Sydney and Melbourne are best in summer (December–February).
Snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef, watch the sunrise at Uluru, walk the Bondi to Coogee coastal path, explore the Daintree Rainforest, take the scenic Great Ocean Road drive, visit Sydney Opera House, spot kangaroos and koalas in the wild, and explore Melbourne's world-famous laneways.
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) handles the most international traffic. Melbourne Airport (MEL), Brisbane Airport (BNE), and Perth Airport (PER) are also major international gateways.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Australia has high medical costs for non-residents, and many adventure activities require specific cover. The Australian government cannot pay your medical bills overseas, and Medicare is not available to most tourists.
No vaccinations are legally required for entry unless you are arriving from or have recently travelled through a yellow fever zone. However, standard travel vaccinations — including hepatitis A, tetanus, and diphtheria — are advisable.
Yes. Foreign visitors can drive in Australia using a valid driver's licence from their home country, provided it is in English or accompanied by an official translation. An International Driving Permit is useful but not always required.
Australia has extremely strict biosecurity laws. You must declare all food, plant material, and animal products. Failure to declare items can result in significant fines. Prohibited items include fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat.
Tipping is not obligatory in Australia and wages are higher than in many tourist countries. Rounding up at a restaurant or leaving a small tip for excellent service is appreciated but never expected.
Yes. Tap water in Australian cities and towns is treated and safe to drink. In remote areas or smaller communities, it is advisable to check local advice.
Australia uses Type I outlets (three flat pins in a V-shape) at 230V / 50Hz. If your devices use a different plug type, you will need an adapter. Many electronics are dual-voltage and only need an adapter, not a converter.
000 is the universal emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire. From a mobile phone, you can also dial 112 which works internationally.
Australia is generally free from significant travel advisories. Most governments rate it as a safe travel destination with no heightened warnings. Standard precautions for petty theft and road safety apply. Always check your government's official travel advisory before departure.