Welcome to Australia

Travelers have long been lured to Australia for the possibilities for adventure both on land at sea. This is a land where it’s possible to surf the biggest waves, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and search for southern right whales, but also study 20,000-year-old rock art in Kakadu National Park, explore wildlife parks and meet marsupials and set off into rocky remote lands, like Uluru and the Kimberley.

Back in Australia’s welcoming cities, foodies tuck into mouthwatering meals at high-end restaurants in Sydney, check out the art scene in Hobart and shop for the latest fashions in Melbourne. Southern Australia’s Barossa Valley is a must for oenophiles – don’t leave with a tour and tasting at one (or more) of the 150 wineries and 80 cellars. And Tasmania, secure in its remoteness, brims with food and music festivals and outdoor adventure (including seeing that elusive Tasmanian devil after dark).

Unique Facts

• The Australian Alps get more snow than the Swiss Alps.
• The vast majority (90 percent) of Australians live on the coast.
• The air in Tasmania is the cleanest in the world.
• There are more than 60 separate wine regions in Australia. Visit during April, May or early June for the harvest festivals.
• Eighty percent of the wildlife in the country is unique to Australia.

Language

Australia’s official language is English.

When To Go

The seasons in Australia are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere. Summer is December through February and winter is June through August. For the best weather – not too hot and not too cold – visit Australia from September to November and March to May. The best time for beach vacations on the Gold Coast is summer, while the best times for more active vacations are spring or autumn. In general, try to avoid chilly winters in the south and the hot, wet summers of the far north.

Airports

Adelaide Airport
Brisbane Airport
Cairns Airport
Darwin Airport
Gold Coast Airport
Melbourne Airport
Perth Airport
Sydney Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Visa required.

Vaccinations

None

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and F. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Australia dollar.

Getting Around

Traffic operates on the left side of the road and all vehicles use right-hand steering wheels. Use caution when driving and crossing streets.

The country offers an extensive and safe public transportation network comprised of bus lines, streetcars, ferries, trains and subways.

Driver’s License

A valid driver’s license from your country of residence must be accompanied by an international driving permit or an English translation of the overseas license.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Consulate General Sydney
MLC Centre
Level 10
19-29 Martin Place
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
Telephone: +(61) (2) 9373-9200
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(61) (2) 4422-2201
Fax: +(61) (2) 9373-9184
SydneyACS@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Accredited visitor information centers may be found at www.Australia.Com/En-Us/Facts-And-Planning/Book-Your-Trip/Find-Accredited-Visitor-Information-Centres.Html. Locations include Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency (including police, fire and ambulance): 000

Safety and Security

Robberies, burglaries, assault and auto theft are common in Australia’s larger cities. Most petty crime, including pickpocketing and purse snatching, though common in popular tourist areas, can be avoided with common safety precautions. Take care when visiting bars and clubs in the major city’s entertainment areas as “bar brawls” and other assaults occur occasionally.