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Weather & climate
Weather in Australia
Australia
16°
Overcast
Sat
3°
16°
Sun
3°
17°
Mon
5°
18°
Tue
9°
17°
Wed
12°
15°
Thu
11°
15°
Fri
12°
17°
SPF level in Australia
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Australia
What British travellers need to know
You must have a visa to visit Australia.
Your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay in Australia.
British citizens can get an eVisitor visa with no application charge or an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) through an app, which may have a service fee.
You must fill in an Incoming Passenger Card and declare any risk goods like food, animal products, or plant material or dispose of them at the airport.
British-Australian dual nationals must leave and enter Australia on their Australian passport to avoid difficulties.
Good to know:
You must declare if you have been in contact with farms, farm animals, wilderness areas, or freshwater streams or lakes in the past 30 days on your Incoming Passenger Card.
You need a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter if you are arriving from a country Australia lists as a transmission risk.
Safety in Australia
Tips when travelling
Australia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always swim between the flags and be aware of rip currents at beaches.
Do not leave your bag or luggage unattended in public places.
Carry a driving licence or student ID as accepted proof of age to reduce the need for your passport.
If hiring a car, check your insurance policy as it often does not cover driving on unsurfaced roads.
Be aware that some drinks served in bars can be stronger than those in the UK.
Bonus tips:
When snorkelling or diving, you must by law truthfully complete a medical declaration about any conditions.
If driving in remote outback areas, take a roadworthy vehicle with GPS, extra water, food, fuel and two spare tyres.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Australia
A valid UK driving license is accepted in Australia. An International Driving Permit is not required but can be useful.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Health in Australia
As a British tourist, you are not eligible for Australia's public healthcare system (Medicare). Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, hospital stays, and repatriation. Check your policy's exclusions and ensure it covers any pre-existing conditions or specific activities you plan to undertake.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for personalized advice on vaccinations and health precautions before your trip to Australia. Australia has high-quality medical facilities, particularly in urban areas. Be aware of potential hazards such as sunburn, dehydration, and insect bites. Practice sun safety by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and staying hydrated. Avoid swimming in areas known to have dangerous marine life, such as jellyfish or crocodiles.
Cards & payments
High. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Australia.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1094
Tipping in Australia
Tipping is not mandatory in Australia, and service staff are generally paid a fair wage. However, tipping is appreciated for exceptional service.
Restaurant
5-10% for excellent service.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill is common for good service. No mandatory tip.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated.
Hotel Porter
AUD 2-5 per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
AUD 2-5 per night for excellent service.
Tour Guide
AUD 10-20 per person for a full-day tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Australia. Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card.
Local SIM
50 GB for 50 AUD (~£26)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Australia
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type I
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public libraries.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Internet access is readily available. Many establishments offer free WiFi, but speeds may vary. Mobile data is reliable, particularly in urban centres.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
000
Save 000 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Australia
Country code
+61
To call the British High Commission in Canberra from the UK, you would dial 00 61 2 6270 6666.
The country code for Australia is 61. When calling Australia from abroad, you typically need to dial the exit code of the country you are calling from (00 in the UK), followed by the Australian country code (61), then the area code (without the leading zero), and finally the local number.
Language in Australia
English(primary)
UK Embassy
British High Commission Canberra
Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Airports in Australia
Beaches in Australia
Frequently asked questions
Yes, British citizens typically need a visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia for tourism or business purposes. An ETA can be applied for online and is usually the simplest option for short stays. Check the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date visa requirements.
The best time to visit Australia depends on which part of the country you plan to visit. Generally, spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) offer pleasant temperatures across much of the country. Summer (December-February) can be very hot, especially in the Outback, while winter (June-August) is mild in the north but can be cold in the south.
Swimming in the ocean in Australia can be safe, but it's essential to be aware of potential hazards and take precautions. Always swim at patrolled beaches and follow the advice of lifeguards. Be mindful of strong currents, waves, and marine life such as jellyfish (especially during stinger season) and sharks. Heed any warning signs or flags indicating unsafe conditions.
Like any popular tourist destination, Australia has its share of scams. Be wary of unsolicited offers, particularly those involving money transfers or investments. Avoid purchasing goods from unlicensed vendors and be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering assistance. Protect your personal information and be alert to potential card skimming at ATMs and point-of-sale terminals.
What you pack for your trip to Australia will depend greatly on where you are travelling and the exact time of the year. Generally speaking, sunscreen, insect repellent, layers of clothing, hiking boots if you're planning wilderness adventures and swimwear due to an abundance of beaches are all a good idea.
Tipping is not as ingrained in Australian culture as it is in some other countries. While it's not mandatory, it is appreciated for exceptional service. A tip of around 10% is common in restaurants for good service. Tipping is not expected in taxis or at bars, but you can round up the fare as a gesture of thanks or support.
Yes, tap water in Australia is generally safe to drink. It meets high safety standards and is treated to ensure its potability. However, in some remote areas, it's advisable to check with locals or use bottled water if you are unsure about the water quality.
Australian cuisine is diverse and influenced by various cultures. Try classic dishes like meat pies, Vegemite on toast, and fish and chips. Sample fresh seafood, such as Sydney rock oysters. Explore indigenous ingredients and flavors, such as kangaroo, emu, and bush herbs. Don't forget to indulge in Australian wines and craft beers.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.