Tips for travel to Australia

Australia is a popular holiday destination and rightly so. The country has the open space, long sandy beaches, bush land, deserts and bustling cosmopolitan cities to quench your every holiday desire. Even the animals, Kangaroo and Koala Bear in Australia are famous around the world.
Though it is relatively easy to travel in Australia, it is always good to find some local information before you begin your travel. Here are some useful tips for travel to Australia:

Renting a car in Australia

If you decide to rent a car in Australia, a valid overseas driver’s licence is required. Australians drive on the left hand side of the road and seat belts must be put on at all times. The maximum speed limit in cities and towns is 60km/h and 110km/h for country roads and highways. Overseas drivers are advised to carry both the home licence and international licence when driving.

Electricity connection in Australia

Visitors to Australia must check if their electrical appliances can handle the voltage of 230V 50Hz. For European and other travellers, a plug adapter which has two angled flat blades and a third vertical flat blade for grounding will be sufficient. Likewise, US, Canadian and travellers from countries that uses 60Hz voltage need to check if they need a power adapter or a step down transformer for their electrical appliances.

Customs requirements in Australia

One of the main industries in Australia is agriculture and need to be free from diseases and insects that may destroy the crops as much as possible. Hence there is a strict customs requirement when it comes to bringing in animal and vegetable derived products into the country. No fresh fruits, vegetables, meat or other food products are allowed. Most manufactured, packaged food such as chocolates is usually acceptable. You should always declare your food items to the customs even if it falls under permitted food items.

Sales tax refunds in Australia

If you buy items over $300 at one place at one time you can obtain a refund of the GST if you take the items out of Australia within 30 days. Pack the items in hand luggage, and present the item(s) and the receipt at the TRS, after immigration and security when leaving Australia. Also allow an extra 15 minutes before departure. The refund payment can be made by either cheque, credit to an Australian bank account, or payment to a credit card. There is no refund available for services.

Beaches in Australia

The beaches in Australia may looks inviting, however, care must be taken when deciding to take a dip in the water. Beach goers should only swim when the red and yellow flags in designated patrolled areas are up. Beaches are not patrolled 24-hours a day and if you do choose to swim when the flags aren’t up, be aware of the risks, stay within your depth and don't swim alone.

More travel tips to Australia can be found at Holiday Essentials

A working holiday in Australia?

Wouldn’t be great to work and play at the same time... even if it is short term. Early this year, there was a job opening for the dream job of the world. Yes, it was a six month contract in Australia where the successful applicant will live in an island, take photos, observe wild life and manage the natural environment. The position’s closed now but there is still an opportunity for anyone who want a working holiday in Australia.

"Win an Aussie Working Holiday including flights to Oz and your choice from 6 great month-long, paid job placements"

Cricket, tinnies, Crocodile Dundee and Kylie's hot pants... Think you know Australia? Get real! Get off your sofa and get yourself down to the place where adventure and a laidback lifestyle are right on your doorstep. If you're aged between 18 and 30, with a Working Holiday Visa you can live and travel anywhere in Australia for one year and do any job you like. 'Course, you don't have to work, but it's a great way to get extra cash so you can do more and get to know the real Australia.

Aussie Beaches & Coastal Video: Tourism Australia: Aussie Beaches & Coastal


Get your Aussie working holiday off to a flyer with this cool competition. Win a flight to Oz, and choose one of six great, month-long, paid job placements. It's the perfect way to kick start your Australian adventure.

* Make the ocean your 'office' and dolphins your 'colleagues' by becoming a dive guide near Perth
* Join the team at the award-winning Prairie Hotel in the South Australia outback
* Have a Red Centre adventure serving dinner under the stars at Ayers Rock resort
* Become an event organiser for the stars (celestial bodies that is!) at Sydney Observatory
* Or why not explore the magical Whitsunday Islands as part of a Tall Ship crew
* Or become a local working at a hip hostel in one of Melbourne's coolest areas

So what are you waiting for? Click here to enter: Work in Oz

Shopping in Sydney

Sydney is a major city in Australia. Situated in the state of New South Wales.

For a new visitor to Sydney, I believe one of the best ways to visit the Sydney main shopping district is the use of the Metro Monorail. This single loop monorail runs on 3.6km of track and it connects the major attractions, business district and shopping facilities in the city centre. There are 8 monorail stations and the following are the prominent stops for maximum shopping delight.

City Centre station

The pedestrian only street is flanked with several high street chain stores in shopping centres. There are many well known Australia high street boutiques such as Sports Girl, Dolly, Eight and other specialty shops. A visit to David Jones( which is very much like John Lewis) is a must especially in the start of spring when the store is decorated with an array of fantastic floral arrangements.

Darling Harbour Exhibition and Convention Centre station

If Pitt Street Mall is too busy for you, then Darling Harbour would be a tranquil choice. Darling Harbour is located beside the convention centre and sits at the water edge. The sea view can be easily appreciated from within the glass panelled shopping complex. Explore aboriginal art, photography by Ken Done and marvel at the glistening sparkle of opal shell made into rings, pendant and watch face.
Step outside the building to enjoy the sea breeze and watch boats sail by. Do a little sightseeing by visiting the Chinese Garden of Friendship, a garden modelled after the private gardens of the Ming Dynasty.

Haymarket station

Paddy market comes alive with pedlars of fruit and vegetables in the weekend which start from Thursday to Monday. Here, you get your pick on the seasonal fruits such as mango, lychee, berries, apricot and oranges, usually sold in wholesale price. Be prepared for some pushing and squeezing through the crowds looking for bargains. Saunders down to another section and you will be able to find some cheap Australian souvenirs like koala bear stuff toy, kangaroo bag and the usual type of tourist souvenirs.

When the heat gets unbearable especially in summer, (there is no air-condition in paddy market) , take refuge in Market City Shopping Centre which is above paddy market. Most of the shops in Market City are factory outlets for high street stores like Witchery, Phase Eight and Espirit. Rummage through the piles of clothes, shoes and jeans, it is easy to find something nice and less expensive than the usual retail price.

Park Plaza station

Stop here for the unmissable Queen Victoria Building or QVB as it is called. The majestic building is as iconic to the Sydney landmark as the Opera House. Build in 1898, there 3 level of shops above ground and 2 level lower ground. If you are lucky to get a table in the cafe on the ground level, take time to enjoy the marvel of this Romanesque architectural starting from the centre glass dome at the top to the glorious stained glass windows.

There are huge selections of shop offering products from international brands to local home grown retailers. I enjoyed browsing the lower ground shops which mainly comprises of fashion boutiques and shoes.


You can stay indoor all day shopping in the city as some of the buildings are connected by underground passage and the good news is, it is air conditioned and it has loads of shops.

If you are in Sydney over the weekend, make it a point to visit Paddingtion market. This is an open air Saturday market where artists and craftsmen set up stalls to sell their painting, handmade jewellery, aboriginal art and more. Paddington market is not within the city centre but can be easily accessible by bus or train.
Tired of the city, try Birkenhead Point Shopping Centre, located in Drummoyne.The shopping centre is set in a marina and you can enjoy spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and shopping at the same time. Birkenhead Point is a place where you can get designer labels at up to 70% off regular retail prices.