Group trips to Australia

If you are a UK citizen, to find out the entry requirements for Australia, you can check this informational page from our partner Sherpa. If you need a visa, you can apply for it through Sherpa. If you are not a UK citizen, you can still use Sherpa by changing the nationality in the 'Passport' section.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Australia – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Australia has multiple time zones, and it can get a bit complex due to daylight saving time.

• Australian Western Standard Time (AWST): If it's 12pm in the UK, it's 7pm in AWST, and if it's 12pm in the USA (Eastern Time), it's 1am the next day in AWST.
• Australian Central Standard Time (ACST): If it's 12pm in the UK, it's 8:30pm in ACST, and if it's 12pm in the USA (Eastern Time), it's 2:30am the next day in ACST.
• Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST): If it's 12pm in the UK, it's 9pm in AEST, and if it's 12pm in the USA (Eastern Time), it's 3am the next day in AEST.

Remember, during daylight saving time (from the first Sunday in October to the first Sunday in April), the clocks go forward one hour in regions observing it (not all do).

Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD). The current exchange rate is approximately 0.52 GBP, 0.64 USD, and 0.61 EUR for 1 AUD. You can exchange currency at airports, banks, or currency exchange offices in major cities. It's a good idea to compare rates to get the best deal.

In Australia, you can pay using credit cards, debit cards, and contactless payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Major cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are widely accepted. Cash is still used, but electronic payments are very common. It's a good idea to inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid issues with your cards being blocked. ATMs are readily available for withdrawing cash if needed.

Tipping in Australia isn't as common as in the USA, but it's appreciated for excellent service. Restaurants and cafes don't expect tips, but leaving 10 percent for outstanding service is kind. In taxis, rounding up the fare is a nice gesture. For hotel staff, tipping a few dollars for helpful service is a good idea. Remember, tipping is discretionary, so go with what feels right for you.

Australia is not in Europe or the Schengen area, so using your home SIM for data might be costly. We suggest you buy a local SIM or an e-SIM data plan for better rates. Popular providers include Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone, which offer good coverage across the country. Wi-Fi is available in most urban areas, hotels, cafes, and airports, but it might be less accessible in remote regions. For constant connectivity, a local SIM is a good option.

In Australia, the official language is English. While you'll find it's generally the same as the English spoken in the UK or the USA, Australians have their own unique expressions. Here are a few you might hear:

• "G'day" - Hello
• "Arvo" - Afternoon
• "Barbie" - Barbecue
• "Fair dinkum" - Genuine or real
• "Mate" - Friend or buddy

These colloquial terms are common, so you'll fit right in by using them!

Australia uses Type I plugs. These plugs have two flat pins in a V-shape as well as a grounding pin. The standard voltage in Australia is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. If you're traveling from the UK, the US, or other European countries, you'll need a universal adapter to use your electronics in Australia. Make sure your devices can handle the 230V voltage to avoid any issues.

Australia is a culturally diverse nation with Christianity being the predominant religion. However, the country is known for its religious tolerance and diversity, with many Australians identifying as having no religion. Important Christian holidays celebrated include Christmas and Easter. Due to Australia's multicultural society, you will also notice celebrations from other religions such as Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

Australia is known for its diverse climate and stunning landscapes, so you'll want to be prepared for anything. Here's a list of essentials to pack in your backpack:

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight t-shirts
  • Shorts
  • Long pants for cooler evenings
  • Swimsuit
  • Light jacket or sweater
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Flip-flops
  • Sandals
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat for sun protection
  • Smartphone and charger
  • Portable power bank
  • Travel adapter (Australia uses Type I plugs)
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Basic toiletries like toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol
  • Motion sickness tablets if needed

Remember, Australia's climate can vary greatly, so check the specific weather conditions for your destination and season.

Australia's weather varies significantly depending on the region and season, so it's great to plan ahead:

• Northern Australia: Tropical climate with a wet season (November to April) and a dry season (May to October). Best time to visit is during the dry season for cooler temperatures and less humidity.
• Southern Australia: Temperate climate with four seasons. Summers (December to February) can be hot, while winters (June to August) are cooler and wetter. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are generally mild and pleasant.
• Central Australia: Desert climate with very hot summers and cooler winters. The best time to visit is during the cooler months from May to September.

Always check the specific region's forecast before you go!