G’day cobber! Australia has been a big destination for UK backpackers and working holiday makers since before their Federation (1901!) – and after two years in isolation from COVID-19, the borders have thrust back open and Pommies are flooding back into the country (as we’re affectionately referred to…right?) Here’s what you should know about travelling in Australia in 2022.
COVID-19 vaccination status
You will not have to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination nor a negative COVID-19 test to enter or leave Australia. Masks, however, are mandatory on inbound international flights. For more, visit the Department of Health.
Working holidays for UK travellers
If you are between the ages of 18 to 35 you may be eligible for a twelve-month stay in Australia as part of the Working Holiday Maker program. This allows you to work in Australia for a maximum of six months per employer (e.g. you can work for one employer for six months then find another employer.) For more information visit the Home Affairs website.
Planning your Aussie trip
Australia is big, as we’ve said – but if you’ve only got passing familiarity with Australia such as what you’ve gleaned from Neighbours or Home and Away you should see everything that Australia has to offer using the Australia.com Beginner’s Guide to Australia. It’s got road trips, destination planners, a guide to accommodation, and the top ten destinations even Aussies clamour for in all seasons. Give it a whirl (as they say) here.
How to get around
Australia is often referred to as the antipodes and suffering the “tyranny of distance” – that’s within its own borders too. It’s 800-odd km from major city Melbourne to Sydney by road! The fastest way is to fly – but the cheapest way is to take a bus. Greyhound buses cover inter-state trips, while local providers may give you access to regional areas. If you want to go it alone, you can hire a campervan or caravan – and the best part is they drive on the left just like us!
Trains such as the Indian-Pacific and the Ghan are iconic scenic routes by train – but are quite expensive. Regional trains may operate in some states, such as the V-Line in Victoria. For more on getting around, read our post on it here.
Getting the most out of foreign currency exchange
Converting British Pounds into Australian Dollars is straightforward; most banks will accept foreign charge or credit cards and convert on the fly. But you’ll be slugged with a 1%-3% conversion fee at your home bank, the issuing bank, and even worse, likely given the lowest buy/sell rate. That means your 10 quid is about as useful as buying a Louis Vuitton bag at Harrods.It’s best to learn about international money transfers so you can take advantage of low or zero transfer fees, better exchange rates, and other features such as locking in rates or stop loss orders to ensure you get the maximum amount converted from your funds.
