Australia is a place that everyone dreams of visiting one day. It is a country of astonishing beauty, with Whitsundays beaches and the wilderness of Tasmania, not to mention Cape Le Grand and Kimberly. Endless roads cross it and offer you fascinating landscapes. With so much to see and do, prepare a trip to Australia can be difficult.
When to leave?
The country has four very distinct seasons. However, depending on the region, the weather can vary widely. Know one thing: the north is closer to the equator than the south, which means it is warmer there.
The period from December to February corresponds to summer and high season because everyone wants to stay there to enjoy the good weather. At this time of year, the country is humid and prone to frequent thunderstorms.
Autumn begins from March in May. The climate is generally mild and dry. Also, it will be a lot less crowded, so it's a perfect season. When planning your trip to Australia, don't forget to plan a hike if you are in the North while visiting wineries in the South.
The low season lasts all winter, from June to August. The climate is cool and flights much cheaper. It is a good time for diving if you are visiting the north of the country. On the other hand, if you are passing through the South, take the opportunity to ski in the Australian Alps.
If you are a fan of tropical flora and fauna, go in the spring. If you want to visit national parks, this is also the best time to plan a trip to Australia. To do this, plan your stay between September and November.
Tourist visa
Unless you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, you will need a valid visa to enter the country. New Zealand passport holders can obtain a visa upon arrival. Everyone else must have one before flying. For apply for a visa, it is easier to contact specialized agencies.
The type of visa you need to apply for depends on the length of your stay, your passport and the purpose of your visit:
- The eVisitor: a free visa for multiple visits. It is the ideal solution to prepare your trip to Australia, whether for tourism or business purposes. This visa is valid for a maximum of three months at a time over a 12 month period.
- The Electronic Travel Authority Visa which allows you to visit Australia as many times as you want, for up to one year. You will have the option of staying for three months at each visit.
- Visitor Visa: designed for people who are not eligible for the eVisitor or Electronic Travel Authority visa. This visa allows you to visit the country, for tourism or business purposes, for a maximum of 12 months. It is a good alternative if you are planning your trip to Australia. Find other information on this site.
How long to stay in Australia?
Despite the size of the country and the long flight, a trip to Australia should not be too long. If you don't suffer from jet lag too much, you can see a lot in two weeks. Most tours last between seven days and three weeks. Fourteen days is enough to explore Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, or Sydney, Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef.
In three weeks you can cross from Perth to Darwin, or from Melbourne to Sydney. Five to ten weeks is enough to explore the east or west coast and land across theOutback via Alice Springs.