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Australia travel guide

Before you travel to Australia, find out what you need to do. Get holiday tips with our handy travel guide.

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Travel to Australia to see the sunset in Sydney with Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House in the background.

For your next holiday destination, travel to Australia! The continent has diverse natural topography, from impressive mountains to sandy deserts and breathtaking coastal landscapes. The island is also home to a multicultural population and a vibrant arts scene.

Australia travel restrictions

From 6 July 2022, travellers will no longer need to provide evidence of vaccination. Unvaccinated travellers will also no longer need a travel exemption for entering Australia. There will also be no declarations required.

However, most states and territories require you to take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of arriving in Australia. Be sure to check the requirements for the state or territory you arrive in and travel to from the government website.

Since the COVID-19 situation is still evolving, you should check the Australian Department of Home Affairs for the most updated information on Singapore to Australia travel restrictions before travelling.

Australia at a glance

Australia has a solid reputation for its natural beauty, but if you prefer to soak in city life’s bustling atmosphere, try cafe hopping.

Thrill-seekers will always have an adventure, from surfing in Sydney or Melbourne to hiking in Katoomba or Byron Bay or even skiing in the Snowy Mountains.

For culture lovers, we highly recommend visiting the impressive art collections at the National Gallery of Victoria, Museum of Contemporary Art, and National Gallery of Australia.

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Top things to see and do in Australia

If you’re travelling to Australia, here are some of the coolest things you can add to your itinerary:

Travel Australia Great Barrier Reef Finder SG

Drive along the Great Barrier Reef

    • One of the world’s 7 natural wonders, this scenic coastal road winds along Australia’s northeast coast.
    • Visit the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to marvel at the variety of marine life or stay in Cairns, then take a cruise to the Whitsunday Islands along the reef.

Explore Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Bridge (Travel Australia)

      • This steel arch bridge that links Sydney Harbour to the shore is one of the most well-recognised views in photographs and postcards. Here, you can visit the Sydney Opera House for world-class performances and indulge in the gastronomic excellence from award-winning restaurants.
      • Scale the bridge to get a bird’s eye view of the city or hop onto a ferry to visit stunning islands, including Cockatoo Island — a UNESCO World Heritage site — or have a picnic at Shark Island.

    Whale watching in Gold Coast

      • Get up close and personal with whales and dolphins by boarding a whale-watching tour in Gold Coast, Queensland. These majestic creatures usually appear between June and October, although they hunt all year round at the coastline of Queensland.
      • Check out our travel deals finder to find promotions for whale watching trips.

    Travel Australia Kangaroo Alice Springs

    Visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs

      • The official national emblem of Australia is the adorable kangaroo. To visit these marsupials and feed them, head over to Alice Springs. The Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs is a wildlife sanctuary for rescued orphans and adult kangaroos.
      • Tour the rugged outback of Alice Springs with an experienced guide after visiting the sanctuary.

    Sandboard in Tasmania

      • Henty Dunes Travel AustraliaThis one is for the daredevils. Tasmania is an island in South Australia where you can try various extreme sports, from diving to caving and even rafting. But we suggest a visit to the Henty Dunes, giant towers of sand amid the rainforests of the west coast.
      • These sand dunes are large enough for sandboarding — simply rent a board and slide to your heart’s content. Nearby, you can also get a tan or enjoy the sunset on Ocean Beach, Tasmania’s longest beach.
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    Best time to visit Australia

    Australia has 4 seasons. Summer runs from December to February, and temperatures can go as high as 40 degrees celsius in the cities. Autumn, from March to May, has a cooler temperature. From June to August, the country experiences Winter, with temperatures dipping to 11 degrees celsius in the South and 30 degrees celsius in the North. September to November sees mild temperatures between 17 and 35 degrees Celsius.

    Usually Australia experiences very low rainfall of 419mm, but there are seasonal rainfall patterns due to the monsoons. So the northern half can have more rain from October to April, whereas the South sees more rain from April to November.

    Spring and autumn are among the most suitable times to travel to Australia. International flights to Australia are more affordable, and the weather is not at extreme highs or lows. In the north, you can experience the dry season without rain — the perfect time to visit the Great Barrier Reef.

    Do I need to apply for a tourist visa to visit Australia?

    Singaporeans travelling to Australia must apply for an Electronic Travel Authority visa for short-term visits for up to 90 days. This visa is valid for a year, and you can visit multiple times.

    Apply by downloading the Australian ETA app from the Apple or Google Play Store.

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    Travelling to Australia

    Australia has several airports, depending on your destination. The most direct way to travel to Australia from Singapore is to travel by flight to Sydney. From there you can travel interstate to several cities.

    Instead of Sydney, you can also travel from Singapore to Perth on a direct flight.

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    Do I need travel insurance for Australia?

    From 1 July 2022, you no longer need mandatory COVID-19 insurance to enter Australia. However, the Australian government still encourages visitors to purchase COVID-19 insurance.

    Do check the updated information on the MySafeTravel site before you travel.

    Travel insurance with COVID-19 benefits ensures that you’d be covered for unexpected COVID-19 medical expenses and reduce your out-of-pocket costs arising from events such as flight delays and luggage theft.

    If you travel to Australia and want to try extreme sports activities, travel insurance ensures that you’d be financially covered for any medical treatment should things go awry.

    Compare Australia travel insurance

    Name Product Medical Cover Cancellation Cover Travel Delay With COVID-19 Coverage?
    Direct Asia Single Trip Plan
    Direct Asia Single Trip Plan
    Up to $1,250,000
    Up to $37,500
    Up to $3,750
    Optional
    Get 40% discount when you purchase either Single or Annual Travel Insurance plan. T&Cs apply.
    Go to site
    View details
    Starr TraveLead Travel Insurance - Single Trip
    Starr TraveLead Travel Insurance - Single Trip
    Up to $1,000,000
    Up to $15,000
    Up to $800
    Yes
    Includes coverage of up to $100,000 for Overseas COVID-19 related medical expenses and up to $1,000 for COVID-19 Trip related cancellation/curtailment.
    Enjoy 35% off for all destinations (Code: FRVTL35).
    Go to site
    View details
    FWD Premium Travel Insurance
    FWD Premium Travel Insurance
    Up to $200,000
    Up to $18,750
    $300
    Optional
    Get 20% discount using promo code FINTRIP20 when you purchase either Single or Annual Travel Insurance plan. T&Cs apply. Ends 31 Aug 2022.
    Go to site
    View details
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    Compare up to 4 providers

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    Where to exchange Australia dollars

    The unit of currency used in Australia is the Australian dollar. The currency code is AUD, and the currency’s symbol is A$.

    Changing a small sum of money is advisable before you travel to Australia. You will be able to find money changers in Australia, but you might need cash while travelling there. A tip is to change money at local money changers in shopping malls in Singapore or Australia. Try not to change at the airport, the bank or the hotel as the rate will be less competitive.

    If you prefer to travel without cash, you should consider a digital, multi-currency wallet or bank account. Read our comparison of YouTrip vs Revolut vs Wise to find the best digital wallet for when you travel.

    Tips to remember when exchanging money in Australia

    • You can order currency online and opt to pick it up from your destination in Australia.
    • Head into the city to exchange money at Sydney Central Business District for the best rate.
    • Find an Australian post office with an American Express Currency Exchange centre to exchange currency.
    • For amounts over $1,000, money changers will request that you provide an identification certification. You can use your passport for this.
    • Tipping is not mandatory in Australia, but encouraged for good service.
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    Top cities to visit in Australia

    DestinationDescription
    Sydney, New South WalesSydney’s beautiful, culturally diverse city is home to the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. Apart from that, there are plenty of restaurants, art galleries and shopping to experience. A visit to Bondi Beach for sun, sand and surf is also a must!
    Melbourne, VictoriaLaid-back Melbourne is popular for whale watching. You can also visit the National Gallery of Victoria, which has a vast Australian and Indigenous art collection. If you like unique, handcrafted items, check out Queen Victoria Market’s 7 hectares of shopping paradise. And don’t forget to stop and try Melbourne’s famous coffee!
    Brisbane, QueenslandBrisbane’s claim to fame is the world-famous Australia Zoo, opened by the late Steve Irwin’s parents. Over here, you can visit over 1,200 animals and learn more about their conversation projects. The sunny state also has an underground opera house and plenty of shopping or dining options.Travel Australia brisbane
    Perth, Western AustraliaCheck out Perth’s sandy beaches, feed the swans on the picturesque riverside at Kings Park, or stroll through the Botanic Gardens. You can also catch an opera at the famous Perth Cultural Centre.

    Also, Margaret River, a favourite spot with many wineries, is only a 2-hour drive away.

    Adelaide, South AustraliaCoffeehouses, street markets and cute cafes are littered all over Adelaide. Visit the Art Gallery of South Australia, which showcases an expansive Indigenous art collection.

    If you’re up for a wine tour, take a short 20-minute drive to Adelaide Hills, one of Australia’s most well-known wine regions.

    		Adelaide Travel Australia
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    Australia food guide

    Here are some of the most delectable Australian dishes you should try!

    Travel Australia

    Emu meat

    Emus are native to Australia, so emu meat is often on the menu. It’s served either as a meal by itself or in a pie.
    Travel Australia

    Fish and chips

    You can find fish and chips served with John Dory fillets near the coastlines, including Sydney Harbour. This is an extremely popular dish, so try it when you travel to Australia.
    Travel Australia

    Barbecued snags

    Having a barbecue in Australia is a national pastime. Indulge in a restaurant’s juiciest barbecued sausages and ribs. If you hear the Australians asking you to “put some snags on the barbie”, that’s slang for sausages on the barbecue.
    Travel Australia

    Balmain bugs

    This slipper lobster is a dining delicacy offered in many seafood restaurants in Australia. The meat is medium-flavoured and oozes flavours of the sea.

    Travel Australia

    Vegemite on toast

    While not unfamiliar to Singapore, Vegemite in Australia is supposedly more savoury. Buy it at the supermarkets and try it for breakfast.

    Travel Australia

    Kangaroo steak

    Yes, you can eat the national animal in Australia. In some terrains, kangaroo infestation is a problem and hence harvested for its tender meat.
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    Australia shopping guide

    Australia has plenty of shopping malls and open-air markets for those who travel to Australia to shop. Here are our recommended shopping spots:

    • Glebe Market. This street market in Sydney only opens on Saturdays, but you’ll want to visit for the creative wares on sale. Up-and-coming designers often come here to display their latest works.
    • Paddy’s Markets. One of the oldest markets in the city, Sydney’s Paddy’s Markets stocks everything from produce to fast fashion to souvenirs. It’s open throughout the week, and there are eateries within the market too.
    • Carillon City. If you are in Perth, drop by Carillon City. There are plenty of outlets selling everything from clothes to souvenirs.
    • Rundle Mall. Rundle Mall in Adelaide is a popular destination for those who want to shop and take beautiful photos simultaneously. Most buildings have been kept in their original 19th-century state so that you can admire the high ceilings and intricately patterned floors.
    • Queen Victoria Market. This Melbourne market has over 600 small businesses selling everything from Australian fruits to handmade souvenirs.
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    How to stay safe in Australia

    Australians are generally very friendly, especially in the outer suburbs. So don’t be surprised if someone starts chatting to you while waiting in line for the bus. Generally, it is a safe country to visit. However, be alert and practice common sense by not flaunting your valuables and using exact change at the markets. Petty crime on public transport is still an issue, as in most major cities.

    Travel insurance is necessary to protect you against unexpected medical expenses from accidents or illness. It can also offer emergency travel money if you encounter scams, pickpockets or loss of valuable items.

    Check the travel advisory if you intend to travel to Australia for the latest updates before entering the country.

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    Images: Getty Images

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