Whether you’re a thrill seeker or looking for a tamer adventure, Australia is one of the most popular destinations to step out of your comfort zone. With over nine million tourists a year, it’s not hard to see why this continental escape is popular amongst visitors. From the Sidney Opera House to the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll find lots of architecture, landscapes and unusual critters to fill your vacation with excitement.

We recommend that you visit the Australia travel advice page on the Government of Canada website prior to booking your trip. Travel insurance is not a requirement for Canadians visiting Australia, however, it’s highly recommended by the Australian Government as it’s infamous for its various venomous creatures. You will want to make sure you’re covered from medical expenses to last-minute interruptions you may not have predicted.

Every traveller and destination has different needs when it comes to insurance protection. Our All Inclusive Package is a great place to get started as it provides coverage for trip cancellation and trip interruption. Additionally, this package includes emergency medical insurance, baggage insurance and 24/7 emergency travel assistance. Remember to review the policy wording for a full list of the terms and conditions of coverage including the covered risks and benefits of the All Inclusive Packages. Most of our insurance plan options are available online; however, additional options may be available through our World Service Centre by calling (866) 648-8422 or by contacting one of our industry partners.

Travel insurance usually ranges between 5-7% of your total trip cost with several factors that come into play when pricing, such as the product selected and the number of travellers in your party. For more information, check out our article on how much travel insurance costs.

Australia is generally a low-risk destination. With a low crime rate, you can feel safe in most areas. Make sure to still follow standard safety advice such as being on the lookout for petty thieves and avoiding isolated areas, especially at night.  Many travellers are more concerned with the animals, spiders and reptiles you may encounter in Australia. While this may not be as big of a concern in cities, be sure to follow all local guidance regarding wildlife no matter where you go. Australia’s beaches can also be dangerous due to strong currents as well as sea life. Don’t travel to isolated beaches and always heed warnings from lifeguards and local officials. Finally, if you head to the outback, only travel with an experienced guide and never go alone. Australia’s more remote areas can have extreme weather conditions and few available resources. It’s important to be well prepared to keep yourself safe. 

Visit the Government of Canada website for up-to-date information on travel advisory levels and safety information for travellers to Australia. 

All Canadian travellers should enroll in the Registration of Canadians Abroad program, a free service offered to Canadian citizens travelling and living abroad. Enrolling in this program allows you to receive important information from the Government of Canada and helps them contact you in an emergency.

Australia’s official currency is the Australian dollar. Visitors can exchange money in all major cities. Debit and credit cards are also commonly used at restaurants, hotels and shopping malls, just be sure to give your bank a heads up before your trip. And if you’re planning an excursion to a less-populated location, remember to bring cash.

English is Australia’s official language and is largely used across the country. You may find some other languages being spoken, but as a former British colony, it’s no surprise that English is the most common language. If English is not your first language, consider downloading a translation app that can be used without Wi-Fi.

Canadians travelling to Australia are not required to obtain a tourist visa for stays less than 90 days. However, even when travelling without a visa, an electronic travel authority (ETA) is required. ETAs are administered by the Australian government and must be:

• Applied for from outside of Australia.
• Accompanied by an eligible passport.

To avoid any confusion, error or delay, make sure you travel with the same passport that you used to apply for the ETA.

The High Commission of Canada is located in Canberra and the Consulate General of Canada is in Sydney. Visit the Government of Canada website for more information and up-to-date details such as phone numbers and addresses.

Depending on the time of year you’re scheduled to visit, you’ll encounter vastly different circumstances. If visiting in the “dry season,” which is from May to October, you can expect clear, sunny days and cool nights with temperatures averaging around 25°C to 33°C. In the “wet season” (November through April) expect wet, rainy days with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 32°C.

If you’re looking to visit Australia, consider visiting in the spring or autumn to avoid the drastic summertime temperatures and the cool winter. Plus, you may find travel costs to be lower during these times of year. If you do plan a springtime trip, be sure to explore the blooming wildflowers across the continent or take in the wonderful reds of the outback during Autumn.

The dial code for Australia is +61, which can be used to call both landlines and mobile phone numbers. To call from Canada, you will need to dial 011 + 61 and then the area code and telephone number you are calling. Remember to add the area code of the city you’re calling and make sure you’re aware of any long-distance charges. Connecting with a landline is often cheaper than a cell phone. If you need to reach someone back at home while you are on your trip in Australia, you will need to dial 0011 + 1 (Canada’s country code) + the area code and telephone number you are calling. For example, to reach our emergency medical assistance team, you would call 0011 + 1 + 416-646-3759.

Plugs and sockets in Australia are type I, which is different from Canadian outlets. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. To make sure you have your bases covered, we recommend a universal adapter and voltage converter that you can bring along on your trip to Australia and other international trips.

Public transit systems in Australia, particularly in populous areas like Sydney, are robust and relatively affordable. Cities and suburbs are well-connected via train, bus and ferry routes. If you’re staying in and around touristy areas like this, travelling without a car is completely viable.

Content provided by Travel Guard Group Canada, Inc. is not intended to be exhaustive. For more information, please call 866-648-8422 or speak with one of our Travel or Insurance Agency partners. For the most up to date safety and travel advice for any destination, please consult the Canadian Government Travel and tourism website at https://travel.gc.ca/.