Any advice if travelling to Australia???

Question

I'm going...tomorrow actually, and any advice for what to pack or social advice? I'm open for anything! :)

Answer 1

well I live in Australia and it is fine to be yourself and pack what you like if your a tourist, just don't pack any food or organic material because our customs are very strict with that. And when you are here especially in Sydney watch out for taxi drivers that overcharge you, they always do in Sydney. Oh and you have to be conscious about any water you use because we are in a drought. At the beaches there ain't even any showers because we have like no water left in our country. Hope you have a good trip.

Answer 2

If you're travelling to the north (eg. further than Brisbane) pack for summer but if you're gonig there or any further south pack for autumn (fall) weather. (The fashion at the moment is summer clothes with leggings underneath and layers of t-shirts or long sleeved tops underneath.)
Be aware we are in the middle of our worst drought in around 100years so water conservation s really big - use the half flush on the toilets, have short showers if possible (they advertise 3min but the average in my state is 5min). Don't leave the tap on while you brush your teeth (turn it on when it's required then turn it off again don't wait til you finished brushing) Stuff like that is big here at the moment.
Socially, we don't like having our accent picked on because what most people percieve as our accent isn't... We also don't tip on a regular basis. Tipping is always welcome but not required. Say if a meal cost $46.40 but the service was pretty good, just give an even $50 and that's cool here. (If it was extraordinary service, compliment them verbally and leave a decent tip though.)
If you get lost, just ask people, most are pretty nice but if you're in a big city don't worry if you ask a couple of people because they may be from the country or the suburbs and not really now the ins and outs of where you want to go. Saying that, public transport is always really good to use. Sydney is a little confusing to start but it is ok. Melbourne is fairly basic once you get past the confusion of which ticket to buy. Most places will have an information window to ask though.
Next, if you're in Melbourne, don't say how god Sydney is and if you're in Sydney, don't say how good Melbourne is. There is a massive rivalry here. (To the point that our Capital City, Canberra, was purposely built between them to stop the arguement of which should be the capital!!) Both have their strong and weak points but it's best just to stay away from it, haha. (I like to say Melbourne is the place to live, Sydney is the place to party.)

My biggest advice though - take the time to get out of the major cities and when you do pop into a local pub to experience the real Australia. (Pick one that looks nice but not too new and you'll be about right) Just chat to the guys/ gals behind the bar and ask where to go around whatever town you're in and they'll give you priceless information!

Have fun!

Answer 3

I live in Australia, Queensland. At the moment here it is humid. You'll find if your in northern aust you'll need cooler clothes, can be hot. Southern is cooler, might want a jumper and some trackies. How long you staying for? We're in autumn at the moment, so just pack a little for everything. Don't over use water. Be patient, and yes, you are bound to run into slow people here, and make sure you enjoy yourself. It is so nice here. Email me if you have any more questions if you want...

Answer 4

I came for the first time in 1983 and bro. ught too much stuff. Only bring what u absolutely have to carry as weve got it all here mate. Youll have to adapt to being amongst the worlds friendliest for sure and the best place to be is not the big cities as u probably have them where u live. go bush, take a trip up to the cape york penninsula, go to kakadu, go to kalbarri in west aust., and last but not least do leave any attitude u may have about foreigners at home. if youre anything like me youll fall in love with with the place

Answer 5

If you are in the southern half of Australia, Victoria, New South Wales. South Australia you will need some warm clothing. It is early Autumn in Aus. Food is fairly cheap in Australia, although gasoline and air travel is more expensive than the US. Accomodation is slightly cheaper. If your are from the US you will find the US$ increases your spending power. Enjoy your trip

Answer 6

Make sure you pack 1/2 winter clothes like jeans, sweatshirts, underarmer ect. and 1/2 summer capris, tshirts, flip-flops. Make sure you take enough clothes becuase its really hard to do laundry over their!!~

Answer 7

Stay away from all of these things listed at http://www.australianfauna.com/t10dangerous.php.

Otherwise, have a great time!

Answer 8

a bikini for the beach
suntan lotion =]
HAT ; SUNSCREEN; SUNGLASSES
those are a MUST
sun is quite strong here