See what the experts are saying about Western Australia. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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Getting around
Lesson number one: You won't be able to see Uluru (Ayers Rock) from your Sydney hotel room window. It's 2,841km (1,761 miles) away. Possibly the biggest mistake tourists make Down Under (apart from getting horribly sunburned) is failing to co... Continue reading »
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By car
Australia's roads sometimes leave a bit to be desired. The taxes of 19 million people get spread pretty thin when it comes to maintaining roads across a continent. Most highways are two-lane affairs with the occasional rut and pothole, often... Continue reading »
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Money
It's always advisable to bring money in a variety of forms on a vacation: a mix of cash, credit cards, and traveler's checks. You should also exchange enough petty cash to cover airport incidentals, tipping, and transportation to your hotel b... Continue reading »
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Entry requirements
Passports Don't forget that children entering Australia on their parent's passport still need their own visa. For an up-to-date, country-by-country listing of passport requirements around the world, go to the "Foreign Entry Requirement" We... Continue reading »
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The 21st-century traveler
Telephones To call Australia: 1. Dial the international access code: 011 from the U.S.; 00 from the U.K., Ireland, or New Zealand. 2. Dial the country code 61. 3. Dial the city code (drop the 0 from any area code given in this boo... Continue reading »
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Regions in brief
About 84% of Australia's 20 million people huddle in cities around the coast covering a mere 1% of this vast continent. The reason is simple: Much of Australia is harsh Outback country, characterized by savanna land, spectacular rocky outcrop... Continue reading »
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Sustainable travel & ecotourism
Each time you take a flight or drive a car CO2 is released into the atmosphere. You can help neutralize this danger to our planet through "carbon offsetting" -- paying someone to reduce your CO2 emissions by the same amount you've added. Carb... Continue reading »
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Health & safety
Staying Healthy You don't have to worry much about health issues on a trip to Australia. Hygiene standards are high, hospitals are modern, and doctors and dentists are well qualified. Because of the continent's size, you can sometimes be a... Continue reading »
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Insurance
Travel Insurance The cost of travel insurance varies widely, depending on the destination, the cost and length of your trip, your age and health, and the type of trip you're taking, but expect to pay between 5% and 8% of the vacation itsel... Continue reading »
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Tips for families
Australians travel widely with their own kids, so facilities for families, including family passes to attractions, are common. A great accommodations option for families is Australia's huge stock of serviced or unserviced apartments (with... Continue reading »
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Tips for gay and lesbian travelers
Sydney is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world, and across most of Australia, the gay community has a high profile and lots of support services. There are plenty of gay and lesbian bars, and most Saturday nights see a privately op... Continue reading »
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Tips for senior travelers
Seniors -- often called "pensioners" in Australia -- from other countries don't always qualify for the discounted entry prices to tours, attractions, and events that Australian seniors enjoy, but mostly they do. Always inquire about discounts... Continue reading »
