The continent of Australia, with the island state of Tasmania, is approximately equal in area to the United States (excluding Hawaii & Alaska) It has some of the world’s most stunning and unusual landscapes, vibrant cities, beautiful beaches and the vast outback. Australia is divided into 6 states: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania and 2 territories; Northern Territory and the Australia Capital Territory.

Most of the major cities are situated around the coastal areas of Australia, with most of the population clustered into the South East corner and along the coast of Queensland. Sydney is one of the most exciting cities in the world, with the world famous Opera House, Harbour Bridge and superb beaches. The north of Queensland is famous for The Great Barrier Reef, one of the Wonders of the World and offers and some of the best diving on the planet. Queensland is also known for its great weather, beaches and surfing.

Further south is Victoria and the wonderful trammed city of Melbourne home to the great MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) then onto South Australia and the city of Adelaide. From Adelaide you can take the famous Ghan train to Alice Springs, gateway to nearby Uluru (Ayers Rock) or take the full train journey to the lush tropical north and Darwin.
Australia offers visitors a warm welcome, whether its swimming with the mighty Whale Sharks in Western Australia, walking in Tasmania or leaning to surf on Bondi Beach you will find this ‘Land Downunder'  has something for everyone!!

Visitor Information

VISA & PASSPORTS
All UK visitors to Australia require a visa or an
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for a maximum stay of 3 months.
This can be arranged for you Free of Charge when you book your holiday. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date.

HEALTH
No vaccinations are required to enter Australia. There is a reciprocal health-care agreement with the UK which covers UK visitors for necessary medical treatment, but we highly recommend you purchase our fully comprehensive travel insurance.

CURRENCY & CASH
The currency is in dollars and cents where $1 = 100c. ATM cash machines are widespread and all major credit cards are accepted.

TAXES
A Goods and Service Tax (GST) of 10% applies to most purchases. Under the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) tourists can claim a refund at the departure gate for GST (10%) and WET - wine equalisation tax - (14.5%) paid on goods purchased in Australia that you take home. The refund on goods costing $300 or more only applies to items carried as hand luggage.
Tourist Refund Scheme booths are located in the departure areas of international terminals behind passport control.

TIPPING
It is not the custom to tip taxi drivers or airport porters in Australia, though in restaurants you may wish to leave 10% for good service.

SMOKING
It is not permitted to smoke on any public transport including domestic flights, coaches, buses, taxis and inside all Australian airports, nor in any government buildings or enclosed public spaces.

ELECTRICITY
Electrical current is 250 volts AC 50Hz, but sockets differ from the UK, so you¹ll need to take the correct adaptor.

DRIVING
To drive in Australia or New Zealand you will need your full UK driving licence. They drive on the left the same as us and their roads are wide, well signed, well maintained and, out of the cities, extremely quiet. Most cars are Air Conditioned and seat belts are compulsory.

CUSTOMS & ALLOWANCES
Visitors over 18 years can take up to 250 cigarettes and 1125mls of alcohol into Australia duty free, with an extra $400 allowance on goods for gifts.

SUNLIGHT WARNING
Strong sunlight in Australia means you should always cover up or use a high-factor sun screen when outside during the day to protect your skin.

TIME ZONES
There are three time zones in Australia - Eastern Standard Time (WEST) which operates in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland; Central Standard Time (CYST) in South Australia and Northern Territory; and Western Standard Time (WAST) in Western Australia. CYST is one half hour behind WEST, while WAST is two hours behind WEST. Australian States except Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland have daylight saving during the summer months.

Australian Visa Information

Australian Visa Information
An Australian visa, or ETA, is required by all visitors to Australia. Without one you will not be allowed into Australia.

Type of Visa
If your holiday is for less than 3 months, Travel Options Direct can issue you with an Australian visa within 72 hours. This visa will be valid for 12 months from the date of issue for stays up to 3 months in any one visit. This visa doesn't allow you to work in Australia and is not available to those with any criminal convictions.

What you need to get an Australian visa?
All you need is a valid UK or Irish passport. If you hold a passport issued in another country, please contact us and we will advise if you are eligible for the Electronic Visa Program.  Please ensure that you have at least 6 months remaining on your passport on your return from holiday.

Please send a photocopy of the photograph page in your passport along with booking form and deposit.

How much does it cost?
We will be happy to issue our clients Visa’s free of charge when requested in conjunction with booking a holiday.

Journey Times

From	To	Road Distance	Air	Coach	Rail	Sea
		Miles	Hours	Hours	Hours	Hours
Adelaide	Broken Hill	315	1.10	17	7	n/a
Adelaide	Alice Springs	952	2.00	19	20	n/a
Adelaide	Perth	1680	3.10	34	38	n/a
Adelaide	Brisbane	1270	2.45	33	40	n/a
Alice Springs	Uluru	275	0.40	6	n/a	n/a
Brisbane	Sydney	600	1.20	15	15	n/a
Brisbane	Melbourne	1039	2.10	25	25	n/a
Cairns	Brisbane	1065	2.05	28	30	n/a
Canberra	Melbourne	402	1.00	10	9	n/a
Darwin	Alice Springs	924	1.55	19	24	n/a
Darwin	Kakadu	124	n/a	4	n/a	n/a
Melbourne	Hobart	378	1.10	n/a	n/a	n/a
Melbourne	Adelaide	454	1.05	10	12	n/a
Melbourne	Devonport	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	14
Melbourne	Perth	2132	4.00	44	50	n/a
Sydney	Adelaide	877	1.40	22	25	n/a
Sydney	Cairns	1665	3.05	43	45	n/a
Sydney	Canberra	177	0.45	5	4	n/a
Sydney	Melbourne	542	1.10	14	10	n/a
Sydney	Perth	2552	4.00	56	65	n/a