How to Travel Smart in Australia
There is a lot to think about when planning your travels. Once the essentials like flights and visas are out of the way, there are still numerous things to think about. This blog will give you some smart travel tips from Aussie locals about everything from what to pack to interstate travel restrictions.
Packing
An essential part of any trip is the packing, something that some of us will procrastinate and others will complete a week in advance! To help get you through the task we’ve found a fantastic checklist you can refer too:
https://www.scti.com.au/travel-advice/ultimate-travel-packing-checklist/
Luggage Tip!
Having portable luggage scales can really help put your mind at ease when travelling on different airlines between various locations. If you don’t have them or are still unsure, look out for some scales at the airport, they often have some accessible to anyone which can allow you to do some last minute shuffling.
Packing Tip!
Rolling clothes really works for saving space in your suitcase, if you haven’t already, try it!
Australian Customs
It’s important to be aware that Australian biosecurity is quite strict and quite sophisticated. Here you can read about what you can and can’t bring into the country:
https://says.com/my/lifestyle/items-you-can-or-cannot-bring-into-australia
Customs Tip!
Err on the side of caution, often what you declare won’t need to be checked but it’s best to leave that decision to the customs official.
Timezones
Be informed about the various time zones within Australia and when you might time your calls home:
https://www.australia.com/en/facts-and-planning/useful-tips/time-zones.html
For a more visual representation:
https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/meeting.html
Timezone Tip!
Not all Australian states observe Daylight Savings so keep that in mind when travelling interstate.
Weather
Australia is a large country and while the weather is generally on the warmer side, the temperature and weather systems across the country can differ significantly. To get an idea of what to expect, take a look here:
https://www.australia.com/en/facts-and-planning/weather-in-australia.html
SunSmart Tip!
You might find the Australian sun feels different to what you are used to, to protect your skin remember to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide. That’s slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on some sunnies. As an educator you will be expected to model SunSmart behaviours in school. In Term 1 & 4 all students will be required to wear a hat in order to play outside. Read more here:
Beaches
Being a land ‘girt by sea’, Australia has a lot of coastline and a lot of beaches. While time at the beach is pretty essential to travelling in Australia, it’s not the best idea to jump in the water at the first place you find. Check out this article on what to watch out for and how to stay safe:
https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/oceania/australia/australia-beach-and-sun-safety
Rip Tip!
If you ever get caught in a rip, firstly, stay calm. The best thing you can do is float, raise your arm if possible, and call for help. The rip may simply bring you back around to another part of the shore or dissipate. If you are a strong swimmer you can try swimming parallel to the beach towards breaking waves, but if it’s not working, go back to floating. Floating conserves your energy, and gives more time for help to arrive; the number one danger is exhausting yourself before help arrives. Remember, a rip will never pull you underwater, so remaining calm and conserving energy can save you.
https://www.smh.com.au/interactive/2018/how-to-spot-a-rip/
Covid-19 Updates
The situation with Covid-19 is always changing within Australia and across the Global. It is important to be up to date with the relevant guidance & restrictions
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/COVID-19
COVID-19 Case numbers & statistics https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-case-numbers-and-statistics
Interstate travel requirements/restrictions – fruit fly & food and animal prohibitions
https://www.interstatequarantine.org.au/travellers/interstate-quarantine/
Ie; You are prohibited from taking honey from the mainland to Australia from to Kangaroo Island
https://www.landscape.sa.gov.au/ki/plants-and-animals/Biosecurity
Key Dates – School terms & Public holidays
School holidays and even some Public Holidays differ state to state. If unsure, always check before making plans or you might find yourself surrounded by holidaying families or unable to do an activity because of a public holiday.
https://info.australia.gov.au/about-australia/special-dates-and-events/school-term-dates
https://info.australia.gov.au/about-australia/special-dates-and-events/public-holidays
Connecting to Country
Engage with Australia’s rich history and discover ways to learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Look for tours and experiences led by Traditional Custodians.
https://www.australia.com/en/things-to-do/aboriginal-australia.html /
Welcome to Country: A Travel Guide to Indigenous Australia
https://www.booktopia.com.au/welcome-to-country-marcia-langton/book/9781741175431.html
Further tips and ideas
You can find lots of other useful information by exploring these sites:
https://www.australia-backpackersguide.com/category/travel-tips/
https://www.australia.com/en/facts-and-planning/useful-tips.html
https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/oceania/australia
https://www.scti.com.au/travel-advice/
