Australia Travel Guide:

         Tourism Information

 Special Note   Road Safety and Conditions   Medical Care

Australia: One of the best tourist destinations (three of four globes)

If you thought that the flight to Hawaii was long, wait until you board a plane for Australia: however, the country is a delightful place and well worth the travel time!  The "Land Down Under" is spectacular and the treasures of the continent are its wonderful landscapes ( for example, Ayers Rock, the Great Barrier Reef and the Outback).  Sydney, Melbourne, and other coastal cities offer many attractions and will provide a welcome respite from the rigors of traveling the countryside.  Travel by train or car is equally rewarding but you will need to use air travel if you hope to crisscross  the country during a two-week vacation

1. Australia compounds the difficulty of being located  far away with its large extent, making touring the country difficult for most vacationers.  Flying to Australia (and recovering from it) takes a couple of days (if not more) each way, leaving too little time for most of us to see as much of the country as we would like to explore.  It is likely that you will only have time to see part of Australia during your trip, so be sure to focus your visit on the area or activities that interest you the most.
   •  Australia is a country of "doers" and you will enjoy it most if you get out and mix with the locals.  If you have time, try to walk, hike, scuba, or bicycle  to gain an understanding of why Australia is such an idyllic vacation spot.
   
   
   
2. Australia is a safe destination for independent travel. 



3. The size of Australia often leads travelers to consider joining a tour group to see as much of the country as possible.  If you are considering a tour, read our article on How to evaluate tour operators.



4. ThereArePlaces recommended travel destinations for Australia are located at Australia: Places to Visit



5. Additional information on travel to Australia can be found at the country's official tourism website  www.australia.com . 



6. When planning your travel, be sure to review the ThereArePlaces Travel Planning Guides for insights on how  to "travel well" and "travel safe".

Overall, Australia is a safe travel destination for tourists. 

1. No official health advisories, travel advisories, or specific terrorism warnings have been posted by the U.S. Government at this time.  Before you depart, always check with the Department of State  and CDC to insure that these conditions have not changed.  In addition, the British Government provides excellent travel advisories through its  Foreign & Commonwealth Office .
2. The State Department's Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-202-501-4444 .
3. Australia has instituted an alert system for possible terrorist attacks. The threat levels range from “low” to “high.” The Australian Attorney General’s Office maintains a website with up-to-date information regarding the current assessment of the terrorism threat at http://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au.
   • American citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. Travelers may also contact the Australian National Security Hotline at 61-1-800-123-400.
4. When visiting a foreign country, avoid public demonstrations (whatever the cause) and do not broadcast either your public opinions or your nationality.
5. To call for fire/police/ambulance services throughout Australia dial “000” for urgent assistance: the call is toll free.  Dial 112 if you are using a mobile phone.
6. The U.S. Embassy in Australia  is located in Canberra on Moonah Place, Yarralumla, A.C.T. 2600, telephone (61)(2) 6214-5600, fax (61)(2) 6273-3191, website http://canberra.usembassy.gov . See our article on how U.S. Counsels can help Americans abroad. 
7. See the bottom of this page for a comprehensive list of Consular offices in Australia.
8. When planning your travel, be sure to review the ThereArePlaces Travel Planning Guides for insights on how  to "travel well" and "travel safe".

Passport required.  (If you do not have a passport, see our article on the Ins and Outs of Passports.

Americans must enter with an Australian visa or, if eligible, through the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).

• The ETA replaces a visa and allows a stay of up to three months. It may be obtained for a small service fee at http://www.eta.immi.gov.au. 
• Airlines and many travel agents in the United States are also able to issue ETA's
• Please note that American citizens, who overstay their ETA or visa, even for short periods, may be subject to detention and removal.
• More information about the ETA and entry requirements may be obtained from the Embassy of Australia at 1601 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, telephone (202) 797-3000, via the Australian Embassy home page on the Internet at http://www.austemb.org . All visa inquiries  Visa inquires may be directed to the Australian Visa Information Service at 888-990-8888 or the Australian Embassy in Washington, DC.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child’s travel from the parents or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

DUAL NATIONALITY:  In addition to being subject to all laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on  Australian citizens

In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. Government efforts to provide protection abroad. For additional information, please see the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet home page at
http://travel.state.gov for an explanation of dual nationality issues. U.S. citizens who are also citizens of  any other nation are reminded that U.S. law requires they enter and depart the United States documented as U.S. citizens.

Before you travel, read our articles on Pickpockets, Con Artists, and ATM safety in the ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Personal Safety for travelers.  .

Weapons are increasingly used in such crimes, which also may be associated with drug trafficking and usage. Foreign visitors are sometimes targets for pickpockets, purse-snatchers, and petty thieves. Appropriate, common sense precautions should be taken, especially at night, to avoid becoming a target of opportunity.

The loss or theft of a U.S. passport overseas should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members of friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution for the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney

While in Australia, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Australia is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance:

Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good

Remember, traffic operates on the left side of the road, and all vehicles use right-hand drive. Visitors should use caution when crossing streets and when driving.

• When crossing roads, pedestrians are reminded to look carefully in all directions. Seat belts are mandatory. Speed limits and laws regarding driving while intoxicated are rigorously enforced.
• Roads and streets are frequently narrower and less graded than U.S. highways. Outside the major metropolitan areas, most highways are two-lane roads with significant distances between destinations.
•  Drivers are urged to exercise caution while passing or merging with adjacent traffic.
  • When driving in rural areas, particularly in the Northern Territory where there are no speed limits, drivers should be cautious of free-roaming animals and "road-trains" (several semi-truck trailers hooked together).
  • It is dangerous to pass road-trains, and it is advisable to pull over and allow on-coming road-trains to pass to avoid being sideswiped.
  • A number of fatalities have occurred in the Northern Territory when vehicles, driven at high rates of speed, have skidded and overturned after hitting the loose gravel shoulder of the road.
  • All drivers, especially those inexperienced with 4-wheel drive vehicles, should exercise common-sense judgment when driving in outback Australia.

To call for fire/police/ambulance services throughout Australia dial “000” for urgent assistance.

Tourists driving rented vehicles should pay close attention to the provisions of their rental contracts.  Failure to do so could result in fines or confiscation of the car during your travels.  Make sure that you are familiar with the terms, restrictions and costs related to your car rental (see our article on Rental Car Costs).

Speed Limits in Australia:

1. Residential areas and school zones - 40/50 km/h
2. Built up areas - 50/60 km/h
3. Freeways and Motorways - 100/110 km/h

Our information on speed limits is as current as possible. Always confirm the speed limits with your rental car agent and observe the posted speeds limits whenever and wherever you drive.

ThereArePlaces recommends that you do not drink and drive. See our article on drinking and driving in foreign countries  for more information.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html.

For specific information concerning Australian driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, mandatory insurance and the rental and operation of motor vehicles in Australia, contact the Australian Tourist Commission via the Internet at http://www.australia.com. 

Excellent medical care is available in Australia. 

We strongly urge you to consult your medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.

Most medical insurance coverage plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States, unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States.

• Purchasing medical insurance while in Australia can be cost-prohibitive.
• Many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, you should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing medical service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your departure, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur.

Your existing medical insurance carrier may cover "customary and reasonable" medical care while you are abroad. Usually, if reimbursement is provided, it is paid at a reduced rate (due to the use of an "out of system" provider). Check with your insurance carrier before you depart to determine the type and amount of coverage that may be provided. If coverage is provided, be sure to ask how claims should be filed and ask them to send some claim forms, in case you require any medical treatment while on vacation.

Read our article on  travel insurance to learn the factors that you should consider before you purchase or decline to purchase a travel related insurance policy.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure  “Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,” available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page. 

ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Health contains valuable health related advice for the traveler considering a trip abroad.