Travelling Down Under: The Dos And Don’ts

Planning on travelling to Australia? Below are some important dos and don’ts to consider when visiting this country that will help you get the best out of your trip.

Do watch what you bring into the country

Australian airport customs are notoriously strict. There are many items that you cannot bring into the country or must declare upon entry. You can find a list here of the items that are not allowed or must be declared. 

Don’t feel obliged to tip

In some countries like the US, tipping is expected. However, in Australia leaving a tip is not always necessary as servers are paid a lot more. If the service is good feel free to tip, but don’t feel that you have to do it.

Do explore cities other than Sydney

Sydney has a lot going for it including its landmarks, great food, beaches, festivals and the natural wonders on its doorstep (such the The Blue Mountains) – however it’s not the only city worth visiting in Australia. If you’re taking a once in a lifetime trip, consider planning to visit another city while you’re there. For example, visit Melbourne for the coffee and culture, Cairns for the sun and adventure activities and Perth for the wine and sun. 

Don’t underestimate how big the country is

Australia is a huge country in which travelling to places can take up a lot of time. For example, travelling from Sydney to Melbourne by car can take nine hours. When planning out your trip, take into account the time spent travelling. If you’re on a tight schedule, you’re better off flying than travelling by road. 

Do consider hiring a car

While flights can get you around the country faster, there are many cities where it can be beneficial to hire a car to help you visit attractions at your own pace. Look out for trusted companies like Burswood Car Rental to hire a car from. If you’re travelling to Australia for several months, it may even make sense to buy a cheap car while you’re there. 

Don’t drink and drive

Australia has some quite strict road rules. Drink drivers typically lose their licence immediately if caught, and Australian police are quite vigilant with checks. You should also avoid speeding in Australia. Check out this post at Nomad’s World for more information on Australian driving rules. 

Do go swimming in the sea (but stay in between the flags)

Many people are afraid to go in the sea when visiting Australia due to the tales of all the creatures inhabiting the water from sharks to salt water crocs. The truth is that it is generally safe to swim in the sea on many city beaches – provided that you stay between the flags. Avoid swimming in remote beaches away from cities where there may be a higher risk of danger. 

Don’t go hiking in the outback alone

There are some fantastic hiking spots in Australia, however you should avoid travelling to these places alone. Hiking solo anywhere in the world can be very risky – if you get sick or injured, there will be no-one to call for help. The outback is very vast and some places rarely ever get many visitors, so there’s more chance of disaster if you hike alone. All in all, it’s best to get a hiking buddy. 

*This is a collaboration post